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Dear Neighbor,
Thanks to all who attended the Coffee Hour at the Ditty Bag on Saturday. I have said this before, but these gatherings really are a way for me to connect with you and vice versa.
They keep getting better because of you, though, because your ideas, concerns, and suggestions help shape how I represent you in Hartford, and it is greatly appreciated.
These monthly conversations are a reminder of how much people care about keeping our District connected and moving forward together. I am already looking forward to our meeting next month.
This week's newsletter is robust! Topics include:
- Early Voting Begins Monday
- Leaf Collection in Groton Begins Wednesday
- Access Health CT Open Enrollment Period Begins Nov.1
- Now Hiring: Stonington Police Department
- It's National Mammography Day
- Meet Laurel, The DSS Chatbot
- CT Town Profiles
- CT Department of Transportation News
- Veterans Resources & Updates
- Community Events
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.
Have a great weekend,
Sincerely,
Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative
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In September, I invited partners from state agencies — DEEP, OPM, and the Governor’s Office for a visit — along with representatives from the CT Port Authority and the offices of Sen. Chris Murphy and Congressman Joe Courtney, to the Stonington Town Docks for a briefing on harbor infrastructure, climate resilience, and the future of Connecticut’s last major commercial fishing fleet.
Grateful to First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough and the Stonington Harbor Management Commission for hosting the visit and leading thoughtful discussions on the condition of the North and South Piers — and to the Stonington Fishing Fleet, SNEFLA, and Empire Fisheries for showing how this fleet continues to anchor our regional economy and coastal identity.
The fleet supports over 100 fishermen and two seafood processing companies, supplying restaurants and markets across CT and Rhode Island. In a time when 98% of U.S. seafood is imported (NOAA Fisheries), these docks represent one of the few places where fish are still landed, processed, and distributed locally — sustaining jobs, food security, and our state’s maritime heritage.
Construction is now underway on Phase 1 of the North Pier Rehabilitation Project, restoring 142 feet of the 344-foot pier — roughly 40% of its total length — and replacing 65 structural pilings with support from a $900,000 federal grant secured by Rep. Courtney and a $400,000 local contingency approved by the Town’s Board of Finance.
According to engineering estimates, the remaining 60% of the pier, along with the entire 344-foot seawall, still requires restoration. I’m continuing to work closely with the Governor’s Office, along with Senator Somers, to secure state bond funding to complete this work and protect the harbor for generations to come.
This project isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about safeguarding a 200-year-old working waterfront that has weathered hurricanes and brutal storms.
The pier also serves as an evacuation point for Fishers Island residents in the event of a Millstone emergency. With sea levels projected to rise by about one foot by 2050 (CIRCA), these investments are vital to ensuring that our coastal communities remain safe, resilient, and prosperous.
When complete, the full rehabilitation of the North Pier and seawall will protect an estimated $7–10 million in annual economic activity and keep Stonington’s harbor thriving well into the next century. |
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I met with members of the Stonington High School Environmental Club this week to talk about composting, phasing out polystyrene foodware, boosting recycling, improving water quality, and protecting coral reefs.
It’s always inspiring to meet young people who are passionate about protecting our planet. Let’s not forget—we’re merely stewards of this Earth, and it’s their generation that will inherit and shape its future. That’s why I’ll always lean in and listen to young voices on how best to tackle climate change.
Many of these students have joined my community coffee hours at the Ditty Bag over the past year, and now, the club has agreed to launch a letter-writing campaign on the environmental issues that matter most to them.
As Vice Chair of the Environment Committee, I’m committed to helping move these priorities across the finish line. Thank you to club president Sophie and faculty advisor Ms. Ellis for your invitation to meet with the club this morning! Stay tuned! |
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Groton’s new bike park and pump track is officially open in Poquonnock Bridge!
It was wonderful to see so many families, kids, and neighbors come together today to celebrate the opening of this new Pump Track at Poquonnock River Walkway Park.
This space gives young people a fun and safe place to ride, explore, and stay active — and it’s another great example of how the Town of Groton is investing in outdoor recreation and opportunities for kids to play and connect.
This project shows what’s possible when partnerships come together. Bike Groton raised $100,000 in private donations, the Town of Groton contributed $80,000, and over the past three years, I’ve secured $20,000 in the state budget for Bike Groton to support programming and bicycle equipment that will help make this space thrive. Together, these investments are turning vision into reality — creating a place that brings people together and encourages active, healthy living.
Parks like this make our community stronger, healthier, and more connected. Huge thanks to Town of Groton Parks & Recreation, Bike Groton, the Complete Streets Committee, and all the volunteers who helped make this project possible! |
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Thank you to everyone who joined this month’s Coffee Hour at The Ditty Bag!
It’s always great to spend time with neighbors and hear directly what’s on your mind — from local updates to ideas that make our community stronger. |
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- The early voting location in Groton is the Voter Registration Office/Groton Community Center at 61 Fort Hill Road.
- In Stonington, it's the Police Department, Community Room, 173 South Broad Street, Pawcatuck.
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The City of Groton's leaf collection dates are now available. Please see below.
- Wednesday, October 22, 2025
- Wednesday, October 29, 2025
- Wednesday, November 5, 2025
- Wednesday, November 12, 2025
- Wednesday, November 19, 2025
- Wednesday, November 26, 2025 – NO LEAF COLLECTION
- Wednesday, December 3, 2025 (Final Leaf Collection for Fall)
Of note:
- Place leaves only in biodegradable paper bags, trash cans, or cardboard boxes not larger than thirty-five (35) gallons.
- Do not use plastic bags - leaves will not be collected.
- Grass clippings will not be collected. Compost or mulch on your lawn. Do not blow into the street.
- Do not sweep leaves into the street. Leaves accumulate in the catch basins and clog them up creating drainage problems.
- Place tree twigs or hedge trimmings in with regular trash.
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The Access Health CT Open Enrollment Period for 2026 health and dental insurance coverage begins November 1, 2025.
You can enroll anytime if you:
Need help?
- For General Questions & Application Help: Call us at 1-855-805-4325 (TTY at 1-855-789-2428)
- Live Chat available at AccessHealthCT.com
- Visit one of our Enrollment Locations
- Find a Broker or CAC near you
Call center hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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| The Stonington Police Department is looking to hire entry-level police officers. Please see the flyer below for more details. |
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| Early detection is the best protection. |
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| Breast cancer treatment is most effective when caught early. If you’re a Connecticut resident aged 40–64 and uninsured or underinsured, you may qualify for free or low-cost mammograms through the CT Early Detection & Prevention Program. To learn more and find a screening location near you, please click HERE. |
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| The Department of Social Services (DSS) is actively working to be more accessible for people receiving services or those applying in other ways besides waiting on the phone or having to physically go to physically visit their office. |
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The Connecticut Town Profiles are two-page reports of demographic and economic information for Connecticut's municipalities, regions, and the state as a whole.
They consist of data regarding population, major employers, education, fiscal information, labor force, housing, and quality of life. For Groton and Stonington-specific information, statewide, too, please click on the image below. |
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Temporary Signalization on Route 215 in Groton
A temporary signal was implemented on Route 215 in Groton on Monday, June 9th. It will be de-energized in November 2025. Project No. 0058-0338 consists of replacing the culvert headwalls and relining the existing culvert pipe under Route 215 at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be continuous single-lane closure on Route 215 from June 9 to November 2025. Traffic control signing, temporary pavement markings, and the temporary signal will guide motorists through the work zone in an alternating one-way manner.
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.
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Culvert Replacement on Route 215 in Groton
A culvert replacement at Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove will be performed on Route 215 in Groton. Minor construction and utility work have already commenced.
This project is scheduled to typically occur on Mondays through Fridays with anticipated completion on November 22, 2025.
The project will address the deterioration of the existing headwalls and the separation of the culvert sections spanning Anderson Marsh and Beebe Cove on Route 215 in Groton, Connecticut. The project is scheduled to be completed on November 22, 2025.
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| This project is to be completed on Friday, August 22, 2026. At applicable locations, pedestrian control features, such as countdown pedestrian indications, accessible pushbuttons, and sidewalk ramps, will be upgraded to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety. |
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As the State Representative for Groton, Mystic, and Stonington, home to a strong military community and the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, I am committed to ensuring Veterans, active-duty service members, and military families have access to the latest updates, resources, and opportunities.
Below are important events, legislative updates, and benefit programs that may be of interest to our district’s Veterans. |
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Upcoming Events for VeteransWreaths Across America – Start Sponsoring Now!Every year, we strive to place a wreath on all requested graves at the Connecticut Veterans Cemetery and Col. Gates Cemetery. You can sponsor early to help us reach our goal. Sponsor HereLegislative & Policy Updates
2025 Connecticut General Assembly Session Opened January 8Veterans can track bills related to military benefits, tax relief, and more using the General Assembly’s Bill Tracking Tool: Track Bills HereHow to Get a Copy of Your DD 214
- Your DD 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is critical for accessing VA benefits. Here’s how to obtain a copy:
- Check with your Town Clerk – Many Veterans file their DD 214 with their local town clerk.
- Contact CT Veterans Affairs – They have an archive of 130,000 DD 214s. Email oaa.dva@ct.gov for assistance.
- Submit a Request to the National Archives – The fastest way is online: Request Here
- If Needed for Burial or Military Honors – Funeral directors have priority retrieval access.
Applying for a Discharge UpgradeVeterans with less than honorable discharges due to PTSD, TBI, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), or sexual orientation (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell) may be eligible for an upgrade. Learn more and apply online: Discharge Upgrade InstructionsMunicipal Veterans Representative ProgramEach town must appoint a Veterans Representative to help Veterans access services. Find your local VetRep here: Locate Your Rep2025 Veterans Benefits Guide Available for DownloadThe latest edition of the VA’s "Veterans Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers" is now available: Download Here
Stay Connected & Get Involved
I encourage all Veterans, military families, and community members to stay informed and engaged. You can sign up for the Connecticut DVA Newsletter to receive future updates: Subscribe Here.For those looking to connect with fellow Veterans, share stories, and access important resources, consider attending a Veterans Coffeehouse near you. These gatherings provide a welcoming space for Veterans to socialize and receive information about benefits and services:
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- Groton – 2nd & 4th Friday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Groton Public Library – 52 Newtown Road
- Mystic – 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Mystic Congregational Church – 43 East Main Street
- Pawcatuck – 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month, 9 AM – 11 AM
- Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center – 27 Chase Street
For more locations and information, contact:
Gina King, Director, Senior Volunteer Services
gking@tvcca.org | 860-425-6617
If you have any issues, concerns, or ideas related to Veteran services, military families, or legislative priorities, please feel free to reach out to my office. Your service and sacrifices deserve to be honored with the best support possible.
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