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| OUT N' ABOUT IN THE 41ST DISTRICT |
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| Excited to celebrate the Tidal Build LLC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Mystic this evening! Maxx, Luke, and Matt—founders and principals—are lifelong community members, and I’m proud to see young people leading the way in this innovative, sustainable business. |
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| I recently had the privilege of visiting the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department, where Congressman Joe Courtney announced a significant grant award from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.
The department received nearly $198,000 in federal funding, supplemented by a district match, to procure vital life-safety equipment, including new Rapid Intervention Team packs, SCBAs, masks, and personnel training.
It was a great opportunity to see firsthand the impact of this funding on our local fire department. I also had the chance to view some of the American Rescue Plan-funded electric bicycles, which were allocated by the Groton Town Council during my tenure as a town councilor.
These federal funds ensure that the PBFD remains equipped with the most advanced tools necessary to protect both its members and our community. The collaborative efforts of Captain DeGaetano, the technical committee, and the support from our elected officials, including Congressman Courtney, Senator Blumenthal, and Senator Murphy, played a critical role in securing this award.
As the equipment and training provided by this grant will also enable the department to assist other area firefighters as a crucial Rapid Intervention Team, it’s clear that this award is not just a win for the department, but for the broader Groton community and beyond.
It was an honor to be present and witness the dedication of those involved in ensuring the safety and preparedness of our firefighters. Thank you, Chief Rheaume for the invitation to attend and participate. |
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| MYSTIC SEAPORT AWARDED A GRANT FOR OVER $399K |
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| Mystic Seaport has been awarded a federal grant of $399,199 from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
This project, managed by CT Humanities’ Board Member Akeia de Barros Gomes, encompasses the implementation of a traveling exhibition called Stoked! on the history of surfing from its Indigenous origins through the impact of colonization to today.
Mystic Seaport’s exhibit will touch upon a wide range of humanities themes including indigenous skills and belief systems, colonization, community, recreation, and environmental stewardship. |
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| GROTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPDATE |
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| Welcome back, students! I hope you have a great 2024-25 school year. Please click on the image below for an update from Groton Public Schools. |
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| MODEL PROGRAM: GROTON'S TRANSITIONAL
KINDERGARTEN |
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Groton's Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program continues to set the standard for early childhood education, particularly in light of the new kindergarten-age requirement. The program has garnered attention from districts across the state for its innovative approach and successful implementation.
Recently, TK teachers Meg Walker and Hilary Baude, along with Superintendent Susan Austin, were featured in an interview with Luke Hajdasz from WFSB - Channel 3 Eyewitness News to discuss the program’s impact and success.
Their insights are helping to shape the future of early childhood education in Connecticut! Watch the video below. |
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| A NORTHERN FUR SEAL PUP IS BORN IN MYSTIC |
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| (Shutterstock via Patch)
This week, Mystic Aquarium announced its first northern fur seal pup birth in 20 years. Check out the story by clicking on the image below. |
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The Connecticut Department Of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing right lane closures on I-95 Northbound Gold Star Memorial Bridge in New London and Groton starting on Monday for the rehabilitation project that began in February and will consist of strengthening the truss approach spans of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge. The project is expected to be completed in June 2025.
The Bridge will be closed daily between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday – Thursday. This will reduce the Bridge traffic configuration to three lanes. The lane closures will be maintained with a combination of construction signs, traffic drums, and other traffic control devices.
Motorists are advised to use caution and maintain a safe speed when driving through work zones.
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| CT YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM |
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| The Connecticut Youth Employment Program is an initiative designed to help young people ages 14 to 24 explore careers by providing opportunities to work alongside professionals who assist them in building career networks and receive on-the-job training while also covering participant salaries and other job-related expenses, such as uniforms and transportation to and from work.
The YWCA Hartford Region is one of the many partners statewide hiring youths under the program, overseen by the Connecticut Department of Labor, and administered by the state’s five Workforce Development Boards.
The Connecticut Youth Employment Program runs year-round. Youths who want to enroll can contact their region's Workforce Development Board by clicking HERE. More information can be found on the Connecticut Youth Employment Program webpage HERE. |
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| APPLY: 2025 LEGISLATIVE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM |
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| If your college student is interested in getting hands-on experience with our state government, apply now for the 2025 Legislative Internship Program! The program allows students to get college credit while meeting face-to-face with legislators, learn how the legislative process works, participate in a mock session in the House of Representatives, and so much more. |
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Some of the requirements include:
- 18 years of age or older by program start
- Enrolled in a Connecticut college or university
- Registered for a campus-based course to receive credit for the internship
- Minimum 20 credits completed by program start
- Minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA
The application deadline is Friday, November 1. You can learn more about the program HERE. You can learn how to apply HERE. |
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| REMINDER: FREE SWIM LESSONS AT GROTON YMCA |
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| I am proud to have secured $15,000 in our last state budget so Groton kids can get free swim lessons! |
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| THRIVE 55+ DROP-IN PROGRAMS AND MORE |
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| A lot is going on at Thrive 55+. Check it out! |
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| TAKE BILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY SURVEY |
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| Please consider taking the survey to help plan the future at Bill Memorial Library by using the QR code below or clicking on the image below to access the survey. |
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| TAKE BLUFF POINT STATE PARK SURVEY |
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Have you ever visited Bluff Point State Park? If so, please consider taking a survey. The Connecticut Reserve, SLR Consulting, and Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) State Parks have received funds from the Long Island Sound Futures Fund to conduct a restoration and improvement plan for Bluff Point State Park.
As part of the plan, a Visitor Use survey is being conducted to collect information about how visitors use Bluff Point State Park, what challenges they encounter, and how they feel the Park could be improved. If you visit Bluff Point State Park and would like to take a 16-question survey, please click on the image below. |
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| Have you seen the City of Groton's History in the Making 2024 promotional video? It is, in a word, outstanding! If you haven't seen it, you can take a look at it below. |
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| "WELCOME TO CONNECTICUT" SIGNS ARE UP |
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| Seven "Welcome to Connecticut" signs were raised at key points along Connecticut borders today with each sign displaying a unique aspect of the state's identity and opportunities available. Click HERE for more details. |
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| COMMUNITY EVENTS AND NOTICES |
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| Do not hesitate to contact me with any thoughts or concerns you may have at Aundre.Bumgardner@cga.ct.gov or 1-800-842-8267.
Sincerely,
Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative |
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