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| OUT N' ABOUT IN THE 41ST DISTRICT |
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I had the solemn honor of participating in the Mystic Fire Department’s “Day of Remembrance” ceremony, held to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
We gathered to remember and pay tribute to the courageous first responders who gave their lives that day, and to ensure that we never forget their sacrifice. The words “Never Forget Means Never Forgetting” resonate deeply in our hearts, reminding us of our collective responsibility to honor their bravery and service.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Mystic Fire Department, Stonington Borough FD, and all emergency service personnel who continue to protect and serve our communities with dedication and courage. Your commitment embodies the very spirit of those we honor today.
We will never forget. |
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| I enjoyed the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival's Welcoming Reception and Ceremony at Fort Trumbull! Cooking up with community members and legislative colleagues aboard the USCGC Barque Eagle was a pleasure. Thank you to Captain Rozzi-Ochs and your crew for your hospitality and, more importantly, your dedicated service to our country! |
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We also attended the opening ceremony, where my good friends Kevin Cavanaugh and David Crocker were honored for their volunteerism and commitment to the OpSail Connecticut Inc. board. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong was present to offer a proclamation in recognition of their continued dedication to the maritime heritage festival year after year.
Events like this are a great reminder of our region’s rich maritime heritage and the incredible people who help keep it alive. I’m proud to showcase our corner of the state and look forward to continuing the celebration! |
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| I had a blast volunteering with Ann Marie, Lisa, and Nolan at Eastern Point Beach's 4th Annual Groton City Brew Run! Big thanks to the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and Groton Utilities for sponsoring this fantastic event filled with community, music, and fun! |
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| Congratulations to Dan and his team at Haring's Marine for their grand opening. Wonderful to attend and see many friends and neighbors! |
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| SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH |
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| September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Sunday kicked off National Suicide Prevention Week.
We can all help reduce the risk of suicide in our community by knowing the signs and reaching out. Talking to a loved one about getting help can be hard, but it can make a big difference.
Listen without judgment and speak with kindness. Remember that it takes a lot of strength for some to open up about the challenges they are faced with, and it may take many conversations before they get help. |
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Ask open-ended questions
- Open-ended questions mean that the person has to reply with more than a “yes” or “no.” Usually, open-ended questions start with how, what, or where.
Be supportive
- During your conversation, comment on their strengths. It can be easy to tell them all the things they’re doing wrong, but it can close them off to asking for help. Thank them for being willing to speak with you.
Show you're listening
- Listen carefully to what they’re saying. When it’s your turn to talk, repeat back what you heard them say. This helps them to feel understood and corrects any misunderstandings. You can do this by saying, “I heard you say____.
Bring it all together
- These conversations can be about many different feelings and plans. At the end of your talk, give a summary of what you heard them say and any actions they want to take. If they want to get help, ask how you can support them. Also, ask if you can follow up with them to check on them.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. |
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GIZMO SAYS TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
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| You can take care of your mental health. Hear what Gizmo, CT's therapy dog has to say about it by clicking on the video below. |
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| CT STAND DOWN SET FOR FRIDAY SEPT. 20TH |
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The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is preparing for its annual STAND DOWN event which will be held at six regional locations, including:
- Bridgeport - University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Ave.
- Bristol - St. Gregory CCD Center, 1043 Stafford Ave.
- Danbury - Danbury War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive
- Norwich - Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Ave.
- Rocky Hill - CT DVA main campus 287 West Street
- Stamford - UCONN, One University Plaza
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| The DVA continues our commitment to serving Connecticut’s Veterans, Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve military personnel, and their immediate families by providing this “one-stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, Veterans organizations, and community-based non-profits at these regional sites across the State.
A list of confirmed service providers and transportation schedules is now available. You can check updated information
HERE.
For any additional information please contact:
860-616-3772 or email: standdown@ct.gov |
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| The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is developing a Resilience Improvement Plan (RIP) to help identify climate-related vulnerabilities and prioritize solutions across the agency’s multi-modal transportation network.
The RIP uses federal formula funds allocated for resilience-related planning activities under the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) program created under the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA).
By developing the RIP and incorporating it into the state’s Long-Range Transportation Plan, Connecticut will be eligible to reduce its federal/state cost share on transportation projects. The process also prepares the state for the continued operation and rapid recovery of surface transportation systems affected by major weather events, including natural disasters and changing climate conditions.
The plan will be conducted in two phases. Phase one will conduct a risk-based vulnerability assessment that draws on existing and future climate data to rank the vulnerability of state-owned assets. In the second phase, CTDOT will develop an implementation plan identifying potential projects, timelines, and cost estimates.
A survey is open to the public to provide feedback on what types of projects CTDOT should consider to improve resiliency across the state. To complete the survey, please click HERE.
For additional information, including a video overview of Connecticut’s statewide Resilience Improvement Plan, please click HERE. |
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| SLOW DOWN, OBEY THE ORANGE |
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| So many men and women put their lives on the line working on Connecticut roads to help keep us safe. Let's return the favor. Obey The Orange. Slow down, and pay attention to your surroundings before entering work zones. |
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| E-BIKE VOUCHER PROGRAM BEGINS TUESDAY |
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| DEEP is launching Round 2 of its E-bike voucher program on Tuesday, Sept. 17th at noon. This round will remain open until October 1, 2024. DEEP’s eBike Incentive Program provides Point-of-Sale (POS) incentives to Connecticut residents who purchase a new qualifying eBike from a participating "brick and mortar" Connecticut eBike retailer.
The eBike incentive, which must be applied for online and obtained before purchasing an eligible eBike, is intended to provide additional electrified transportation options and improve air quality, especially within EJ (Environmental Justice) and disadvantaged communities.
There are two voucher amounts: the Standard Voucher is $500 and the enhanced “Voucher+” is $750. The vouchers are ‘stackable’ so income-qualified Connecticut residents and residents in EJ or disadvantaged communities will be eligible for a $1,250 incentive. |
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(electric bike paradise)
- New this year, a lottery system will be established to prioritize vouchers for income-qualified applicants, followed by residents of an Environmental Justice or Distressed Municipality. Vouchers will be awarded within each tier until funding is exceeded and then a lottery will be utilized to distribute vouchers through each successive Tier until all vouchers are issued.
- Vouchers will be available for 240 days from the date of issuance to provide consumers adequate time to shop for the best eBike price and for bike shops to order an eBike if necessary.
- If you received an eBike voucher last year, you are not eligible to participate in this Round.
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| PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS |
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| September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. This is the month to spread knowledge and support those affected by prostate cancer. Please click on the image below to learn more about the month and this curable disease - if detected early - that affects about 1 in 8 men in their lifetime. |
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| REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE ON CAMPUS |
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In 2023, the Connecticut General Assembly passed Public Act 23-41, which requires the development and implementation of a plan for residential campuses to provide access for students who live on said residential campuses to reproductive health services from a healthcare provider licensed to provide such services.
As the plan becomes finalized for implementation, the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity (CWCSEO) is hosting a day-long event on Wednesday, October 2nd from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capital Ave., in Hartford, convening of collaboration and learning around reproductive health care on our college campuses with students around the state, medical personnel, staff, administrators, elected officials, policy experts, and campus and community advocates.
For more information and to register for this free event, please see the flyer below. |
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| REMINDER: 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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| 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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