Dozens of new laws are now in effect, and I'll break down how they are saving you money, improving our election security, and increasing our online privacy.
The state just announced the release of more than $2 million dollars in funding to support summer mental health at school and camps. Please keep reading to find out how the 114th district is getting financial support for our kids.
A local athlete is bound for the Olympics in Paris! Keep scrolling to learn more about Hamden's Alexis Holmes and her journey to the summer games.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- New Laws Effective July 1st
- Summer Reading Challenge
- Summer Mental Health Funding for Derby Schools
- Beware on Walking Trails
- Beloved Firefighter Gone Too Soon
- Hamden Star Qualifies for Olympic Games!
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| New Laws Effective July 1st |
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Several new laws that address many issues aimed at improving our great state became effective on July 1st.
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New laws include mandatory video cameras at absentee drop boxes as part of sweeping legislation to ensure election security, allowing firearm sellers access to the arrest records of potential buyers under 21, prohibiting the selling of a person's health data without their consent, and requiring the departments of Social Services and Public Health to post a reporting tool on their websites that use a five-star system to compare nursing homes.
Additional laws include requiring social media companies to comply following a request to unpublish and delete accounts held by minors. The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) will have a mobile crisis-response vehicle available 24-7.
We also held a special session to tighten up a few loopholes, including one that avoids a motor vehicle tax increase for commercial vehicles. You can access the new laws that will go into effect on July 1st by clicking the button below.
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Lastly, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings. They had a direct influence on these new laws. I encourage you to continue sharing your views and make your voice heard during the legislative process.
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The 2024 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge is underway, encouraging children from kindergarten through 12th grade to read books over the summer. This year’s theme is “Read, Renew, Repeat.”
This initiative motivates libraries to attract kids to their facilities and engage with books. It grants every child an opportunity to unlock their infinite possibilities for a successful future. The 2024 summer reading program also supports community initiatives run by local public libraries and recognizes outstanding public library-school partnerships.
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The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge Program recognizes schools with the highest student participation in summer reading activities including Derby’s very own Irving Elementary School! Congratulations and keep up the good work!
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| Summer Mental Health Funding for Derby Schools |
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Derby Public Schools will receive more than $65,500 in funding for mental health programming for students during the summer months over the next two years. This investment will create a safer, more nurturing environment for our youth. It will also enhance existing programs and creating new initiatives tailored to our district’s specific needs.
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The Derby School District is one of 36 recipients of the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Summer Mental Health Supports Grant program. In total, more than $2 million is going to support mental health at public schools and summer camps across the state.
Funding children's mental health services is essential for enhancing academic success and social development. Mental health directly affects a child's ability to learn, focus, and interact positively with peers and educators. By integrating mental health support into schools and communities, we foster their cognitive and emotional growth.
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Woodbridge Police remind everyone to be aware of wild animals when going for a walk. Witnesses spotted a bear and a coyote on Tuesday morning near a walking path at the former Woodbridge County Club, located at 50 Woodfield Road.
Use caution if using the property's walking trails, and take a look at the tips below in case you see a coyote outside.
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| Beloved Firefighter Gone Too Soon |
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| Our community morns the loss of Kenneth Mitchell, a firefighter who dedicated more than 50 years to public service. A past captain with the Orange Volunteer Fire Department, Mitchell passed away last week at the age of 71 after suffering a medical emergency while driving his car on Route 1 in Orange. |
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| The state recently recognized Mitchell for his dedication, and I presented him with a citation recognizing his service to the community. In my short time with him, Mitchell showed compassion, empathy, and kindness which he demonstrated to the public for half a century.
CLICK HERE to learn about Mitchell’s impressive career and accomplishments. |
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| Hamden Star Qualifies for Olympic Games! |
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| Congratulations to Hamden’s own Alexis Holmes for qualifying for the 2024 USA Track and Field Olympic Team in the Women’s 400 meters! We’re so proud of her incredible accomplishments and can’t wait to cheer her on as she competes for the GOLD!
The Olympic opening ceremony will be held on July 26 in Paris. The Women’s 400M event starts on August 5. |
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| Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar. |
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| Come join expert fishing coaches and learn how to get started fishing safely, legally, and successfully! The event will be held Wednesday, July 17 from 4:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at O’Sullivan’s Island Fishing Pier, Derby Greenway (1 Caroline Street). Register here! |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Take a look at the fliers below to learn more about upcoming events. Make sure to click on the button at the bottom of this section. |
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| Check out the flier and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church presents "Treasures 'n Junque in July," a giant indoor three-day tag sale, on July 12, 13, and 14. Come shop in St. Barbara's spacious Grand Hall, transformed into a spectacular, expansive bazaar that offers something for everyone. Find electronics, housewares, gift items, collectibles, linens, framed art, books, vinyl records, CDs, toys, seasonal treasures, furniture, and more. Many items are new or barely used. Parking is free. |
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| Case Memorial Library will host a concert on Saturday, July 13 from 2:00 - 3:00 P.M. Marc Berger & Ride bring a well-choreographed mix of deep country folk songs with touches of bluegrass, roots, Americana, a little spicy cajun, and even a little indie with an effects laced lead acoustic guitar. CLICK HERE to register. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the events below, and access the Woodbridge community calendar by clicking on the button at the bottom. |
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| Massero Community Farm will host a beekeeping workshop on Saturday, July 13 at 9:00 A.M. Participants will perform routine hive inspections ensuring strong health as varroa mites tend to peak. CLICK HERE to register. |
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| Enjoy some live music at the Gazebo on the Green on Tuesday, July 16 from 6 P.M. - 8 P.M. The Bernadettes will perform R&B, Funk, and Soul Music. |
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| An extra virgin olive oil tasting event and quick exploration of Mediterranean flavors at Massero Community Farm on Thursday, July 18 at 6 P.M. Learn how to properly taste olive oil, distinguish quality oils from defective ones, and start exploring pairing options. Tickets are $25. Get yours here! |
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