9/11 Never Forget, CT Veterans Affairs Stand Down 2025, and Become a VITA Volunteer

September 12, 2025


 


I hope this email finds you and your family well. Yesterday marked 24 years since nearly 3,000 lives were lost on September 11, 2001. Thousands have died since due to exposure to toxic chemicals, and countless lives have been forever changed. May we never forget those who perished through this act of terror, and the courage of the first responders, construction crews, service members, and everyday citizens who ran toward danger to save others, and who worked tirelessly in the days and years that followed to help our country rebuild.

Though we move further away from that fateful day each year, we must continue to honor those Americans we lost and never stop the fight against terror and for peace.

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on: 

  • CT Veterans Affairs Stand Down 2025
  • Become a VITA Volunteer
  • Clean Energy Incentives Expiring
  • Community Events

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at any time.

 

On September 19, from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) will host its annual Stand Down event. It’s a commitment to serving Connecticut’s veterans, military personnel, and their immediate families by providing “one-stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, veterans organizations, and community-based nonprofits at regional sites across the state.

A formal ceremony will be held at the Rocky Hill location at 9:30 A.M.; however, you're welcome to attend any of the six Stand Down locations. They include:

  • Southington: Southington Armory, 600 Woodruff Street, Southington
  • Rocky Hill: Connecticut Veterans Affairs campus, 287 West Street, Rocky Hill
  • Danbury: Danbury War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive, Danbury
  • Norwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Avenue, Norwich
  • Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Avenue, Bridgeport
  • Stamford: UConn at Stamford, 1 University Plaza

Click here for more information.
 

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is a free tax preparation program for individuals and families earning up to $69,000 annually. Volunteers helped provide more than $28 million in refunds and credits last year.

Despite the help, individuals and families in Hartford, Tolland, and Windham Counties are still struggling to make ends meet.

If you’re interested in serving your community, click here to register to become a VITA volunteer. If you have any questions, take a look at the graphics below and feel free to contact Taniqua Huguley at THuguley@unitedwayinc.org or 860-420-2141. 
 

If you’ve been thinking about going solar, buying an electric vehicle, or upgrading your home with cleaner, more affordable energy — now is the time to act! 

Thousands of dollars in clean energy incentives are about to expire. Here's how you can still utilize them.
 

Electric Vehicle (EV) Credits:

Find out which new and used EVs still qualify for federal tax credits of up to $7,500 until September 30, 2025.

Residential Clean Energy Credits:

Claim 30% of the total cost of solar panels, battery storage, and geothermal systems if you buy by December 31, 2025. 

Energy Efficient Home Upgrade Credits:

Make home energy upgrades, like insulation, windows, or efficient electric appliances, by December 31, 2025, to claim the credit.

Click here to view the full credit timeline of tax credits. 
 

To apply or learn more, contact the City of Bristol Human Resources Department at 860-584-6175 or via E-Mail: hr@bristolct.gov
 
 

The most anticipated game of the year, The Mum Festival Bingo! Each year this Bingo sells out. Great prizes, beautiful basket raffles and a 50/50 raffle!

The Exchange Club of Bristol will be running the kitchen, so expect some great food!!
 

Experience the magic of fall at the farm while developing your horsemanship skills. Participate in small group classes, guided by professional staff and equine friends. To reserve a spot, email Emily at program@shepardmeadows.org or call 860-314-0007 x102.