Michelle L. Cook

If you received your July electric bill, it may have caused some shock and confusion. In this week's e-newsletter, I want to share with you how we got here, what actions have been taken in the past few years, what you can do, and what programs are available that might be able to help you. Energy is a complicated issue and there's no quick or easy fix to the problem.

I recently took a tour of Torrington's Yankee Pedlar Inn, which is now in city receivership. Below you'll find photos of the current state of the building and what the next steps are. 

Read the newsletter closely, as some of the events I've been sharing with you over the last few weeks have been postponed, due to the potential of Tropical Storm Debby remnants heading this way. 

I hope you have a great weekend!

• Why Are Electric Bills So High?
• Sales Tax-Free Week is Coming August 18-24
• DPH Launches "Lead Free CT" Program
• Stand Down 2024 is September 20
• Touring Torrington's Yankee Pedlar Inn
• Torrington's National Night Out
• Construction Updates
• Sign Up for Torrington Little League & Softball 2024
• Upcoming Events at Torrington Library
• Friendly Hands Kicks 4 Kids is August 18
• Updates from The Warner Theatre
• Torringford VFD Car Show Postponed to August 16
• And More

While supply rates for electricity have dropped, the public benefits portion of the bill saw a sharp increase, and since supply and public benefits now make up nearly 60% of a total electricity bill, what does this mean for you and how did we get here?

Republican-led Millstone Deal
Supply rates and public benefits are extremely volatile and are not subject to control by utility companies like Eversource and United Illuminating. The rise in the public benefits portion of the bill, however, mostly has to do with a 2017 Republican-led deal that requires Eversource and UI to purchase power from the Millstone power plant. Millstone accounts for nearly 80% of the increase consumers are seeing on the public benefit side. The rate at which the utilities purchase power is set to adjust periodically and the resulting public benefits charge is reviewed by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). Utilities can phase in new charges to reduce the monthly cost to consumers as PURA suggested, but they decided to do it all at once. The 10-month cost spike will be in place through May 2025.

During the October 2017 Special Session, I voted against the Millstone bill, along with 65 other House members. The final vote was 75-66, with 10 members absent or not voting.  

Dan Haar with Hearst CT Media wrote a good explanation. You can read it HERE. 

Taking Action
While we intend to evaluate the public benefits charge during the next legislative session that begins in January 2025, previous action to control electricity costs is just coming online. We passed the Take Back Our Grid Act in 2021, which contained some significant reforms, including strengthening PURA's ability to scrutinize and review rate increases and performance-based regulation. In 2023, PA 23-102 became law, and it is robust pro-consumer legislation that provides predictability and transparency for ratepayers and prohibits utility companies from using electric rates to pay for their lobbying, marketing, and travel/lodging for company executives.

At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Energy has also selected the Power Up New England proposal submitted by Connecticut and its neighboring New England states to receive an award of up to $389 million through the second round of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s competitive Grid Innovation Program (GIP). Power Up features significant investments in regional electric infrastructure that will provide the New England region with access to thousands of megawatts of offshore wind, greater resource diversity, and increased reliability while lowering consumer costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Checking Your Rates
Third-party electricity suppliers can potentially lower costs through reduced rates at EnergizeCT.com. Additionally, the Office of Consumer Counsel offers a guide to understanding the line items on your electricity bill here.

Available Programs
If you are struggling financially, call your power supplier before missing a payment if possible. Programs are available, including financial hardship designations that provide access to a Low-Income Discount Rate and payment arrangements for customers in need; energy assistance through the state Department of Social Services; negotiated flexible payment arrangements for non-financial hardship customers; and energy efficiency programs offered by utilities to evaluate customers' homes and provide rebates and discounts on needed improvements.

Additionally, the Appropriations, Energy and Technology and Human Services Committees will have a public hearing on Tuesday, August 13 at 11 a.m. to review the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Allocation Plan for the federal fiscal year 2025. LIHEAP provides funding for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which helps residents afford heat for their homes. 

Please click on the links below if you wish to:

Register to Speak
Submit Written Testimony
Watch Tuesday's Public Hearing

While CEAP applications are not yet open, if you anticipate needing help with your utility bills, Operation Fuel provides emergency energy and utility assistance to households in Connecticut facing financial crisis. You can learn more at operationfuel.org/gethelp.

During this tax holiday, most clothing and footwear items priced less than $100 are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax. The exemption applies to each eligible item costing less than $100, regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer in the same transaction. It applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.

Shop smart – and locally whenever possible to support small businesses – to save during Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week!

Connecticut artists must be the primary creators of original works of art.

Grants are awarded in three designations and grant amounts:
•    Artistic Excellence grants: $5,000
•    Artist Fellowship grants: $3,000
•    Emerging Recognition grants: $1,000 

The deadline to apply is on or before September 20.

Some eligibility restrictions apply, so please review the program webpage before applying at bit.ly/466gXzs or contact the COA program manager by email at tamara.dimitri@ct.gov with any questions. 

Now, any high school graduate and legal resident of Connecticut, even those with past college experience, can benefit.

How to Qualify in 2024-2025:

• CT Resident
  Be a resident of the State of Connecticut
• High School Graduate
  Be a high school graduate (GED and home-schooled students qualify)
• Completed FAFSA
  Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), with an official Student Aid Index, which is used to package federal, state, and often institutional aid and accept all awards
• Complete All Requirements
  Students must satisfy all financial aid requirements
• Part-Time or Full-Time
  Attend community college part- or full-time (6+ credits/semester)
• Degree or Certificate Program
  Enroll in a degree or credit-bearing certificate program
• Good Academic Standing
  Once enrolled, remain in good academic standing

You can learn more HERE.

Key objectives of the program include:

• Making older homes where children or pregnant people live lead safe
• Collecting information on all known lead service water lines in Connecticut
• Replacing lead pipes that bring water to homes, childcare centers, and schools
• Supporting families who find lead in their home or water
• Offering funding to get Connecticut communities lead-free
• Having all Connecticut children tested for lead
• Raising awareness of lead testing and safety among parents
• Educating communities, contractors, and landlords on lead laws and safety

To learn more, click HERE. 

The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is preparing for its annual STAND DOWN event which will be held at five regional locations.

FIVE REGIONAL LOCATIONS

• 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

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 schedule will be released soon.

For any additional information please contact:

Call: 860-616-3772 or Email: standdown@ct.gov

Late last month, State Superior Court Judge Ann E. Lynch granted the City of Torrington's request to become a receiver of the property. In her ruling posted to the judicial website on July 23, she said "The court appoints the Torrington Development Corporation as the receiver for the property known as the Yankee Pedlar Inn."

The photos below show the current state of the building, which was previously owned by Jayson Hospitality. The city had hoped the owners would renovate and re-open the historic building. The city will now work on a report on the condition of the building including needed abatements, and who might be tenants of a renovated building. That report needs to be filed within three months of the judge's ruling, then the judge has one month to review the report and make a decision. 

To read more in the Torrington Register-Citizen, click HERE. 

National Night Out is typically celebrated on the first Tuesday in August. The goal is to enhance relationships between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. It also provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. 

Thank you to everyone who participated, including Torrington Police Department.

My busy weekend included a visit to the Watermelon Festival. Thank you to Ed Cannata and everyone responsible for making the event happen.

Prospect Street gas line replacement is taking place along with Riverview Parking Lot construction. For the next few days, Prospect Street is open to traffic in and out of the Riverview Parking Lot at the Water Street intersection; along with inward traffic from Daycoeton Place.

Please do not exit through Daycoeton Place; it is one-way and exiting will cause potential traffic accidents!

A police officer is stationed at Water Street and will allow incoming and outgoing traffic. Please drive slowly and be respectful of workers and officers issuing directions.

Can you help the clients at the Susan B. Anthony Project? There is an urgent need for toiletry items, such as shampoo and conditioner, soap and body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, tampons, and baby wipes. Many victims of interpersonal violence face financial hardships, whether they are starting anew after escaping an unsafe environment, acting as the sole provider for their families, or dealing with various other challenges.

Your donations will directly benefit these individuals, ensuring they have access to essential products for themselves and their families. If you can donate, items can be dropped off at 179 Water Street in Torrington, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note that only new and unused products will be accepted. 

Visit www.torringtonpal.org to sign up now.

Participants will be provided t-shirts and water. There will also be a food truck.

Scan the QR codes in the flyer or go to www.torringtonpal.org to register your team now before it is too late!

To register, go to: www.torringtonlittleleague.com

Any player that is 6-15 is welcome to register for fall ball, which is a travel league organized by District 6. Player ages are based on the 2024 Little League Age Chart.

There will be 2 divisions of players for baseball and softball with instructional being co-ed:

• Instructional for players Age 6 -7 - coach pitch with an emphasis on more development
• Little League for players Ages 8-12
• Seniors for players League Age 13-15

Teams will be assigned based on registration numbers as well as the number of towns in the area participating.

THE DEADLINE for Registration is August 25 at 11:59 p.m. 

Games are on Saturdays and Sundays. There will be 1-2 practices per week. The season will run from early September through the last week of October (weather permitting). The cost is $125 for Little League & Seniors and $70 for Instructional (t-shirt included) and must be paid online at the time of registration.

Please note: if your child has never participated in Torrington Little League before, you will need to submit a copy of their birth certificate as well as three proofs of residency at time of registration.

If you have any questions about this program, contact TLL President Joe McCoy at tllpres@gmail.com. Any questions about the website or online registration can be sent to ttownlittleleague@gmail.com.

Local artist and author Nancy Roman will lead attendees through creating watercolor selfies at the library on August 15.

Participants will need to bring a printed 5"x7" selfie portrait to participate, and with Nancy's guidance through the 2-hour program, they will leave with their very own painted portrait.

Selfies are terrific because there is no pressure to please someone else, but of course photos of other people/loved ones are welcome.

Space is limited for this program, so be sure to reserve your spot ASAP!

• Over 1,000 pairs of shoes
• Over 1,000 backpacks
• Clothes for kids & adults
• Games prizes & free food

That means there are only 3 chances left to blow the roof off and tickets are flying! Don’t miss out on Stage @ The Warner’s epic production of School of Rock: The Musical this weekend! Grab your tickets now! 

Photos: Luke Haughwout and Mandi Martini

Auditions are August 25 and 26, with callbacks on August 27. 

Check out the auditions page for more information on the roles available and book your audition slot now.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Sal Vulcano at The Warner Theatre on November 21 is moving to February 27, 2025. All previously purchased tickets will be honored on the new date, and refunds will be provided upon request until August 31.

For more information, please contact the Box Office at 860-489-7180 x1.

AARP Connecticut invites nonprofit organizations and municipalities across the state to apply for the 2024 Livable Communities Grant Program. Now in its seventh year, the grant program dedicated to funding “quick-action” projects in Connecticut communities, aims to help the state’s neighborhoods, towns and cities be great places to live for people of all ages. The application deadline is Friday, August 16, at 5 p.m.

The AARP Connecticut Livable Communities Grant Program is open to incorporated organizations that are 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofits and Connecticut municipalities who seek to make improvements in their neighborhood or community in Connecticut.

Grants can range from small, short-term activities to larger, permanent solutions, but the maximum amount of any single grant will be $5,000. All applications should be for a project of $5,000 or less. AARP Connecticut has funded 38 projects since the inception of the Livable Communities Grant Program in 2018.

Grant applications should be for projects in Connecticut that are focused on improving the lives of those 50+ and make a positive impact within one of the following 8 Domains of Livability:

• Outdoor spaces and buildings
• Transportation
• Housing
• Social Participation
• Respect and Social Inclusion
• Work and Civic Engagement
• Communication and Information
• Community and Health Services

Comprehensive details about the program and applications can be found on www.aarp.org/ct. All proposals must be submitted to CTLivable@aarp.org by 5 p.m. ET, August 16, 2024, and all projects must be completed within 12 months from the day grant funding is received. 

Please email questions to CTLivable@aarp.org.

Mesmerizing Matt Szat, NYC Magician & Mentalist
Coming to us from New York City, Matt Szat (ZAT) is one of the most sought-after magicians and mentalists in the country. He is the go-to performer for some of the biggest companies in the world like Google, Pepsi, Spotify and Facebook, has worked on shows off-Broadway and at the prestigious Carnegie Hall, and is the only magician in the world to do half of a magic trick on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE (and he did it twice). Matt is also regularly hired for private events for celebrities and dignitaries such as former NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Oscar-nominated Director M. Night Shyamalan, NYSNC’s Joey Fatone, and St. Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
 
Your jaws will hurt from laughing and smiling as Matt takes you on a one-of-a-kind adventure that’s equal parts amazing and hilarious. He’ll pluck thoughts straight from your brain, bring you back in time, and even make impossible magic happen with his laundry.

Johnny Irion, Singer-Songwriter 
Enjoy the soulful tunes of Johnny Irion, the acclaimed singer-songwriter whose heartfelt performances have earned praise from the likes of Rolling Stone.
Johnny’s music blends Americana, rock, and folk, creating a unique sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh– known for his captivating performances at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Newport Folk Festival. “Lovingly crafted songs…” – Rolling Stone. 

Gourmet Catering by Emily's
Indulge in the culinary delights provided by Emily’s Catering Group, known for their exceptional service and delicious food. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, dinner stations, and desserts.

For Information, please contact Kelly Baxter Spitz, Director of Development, at 860-489-0931 Ext. 1008 or kbaxterspitz@chwctorr.org​.​

Please RSVP by August 19. Tickets, which are $200 each, can be purchased HERE.