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Dear Neighbor,
Many folks have taken advantage of the early voting period! You can, too. I've added information below, including polling locations. Early voting runs through Nov. 2 for the Nov. 4 municipal elections. Your vote matters.
Saturday is Drug Take Back Day. This is a great opportunity to return unused, unwanted, or expired prescriptions, where they can be disposed of safely.
A special session has been called for November 12. Tune in if you can. There is plenty to peruse in this week's newsletter. Topics include:
- Around the 41st District
- Important SNAP Update
- Early Voting is Underway
- Saturday is Drug Take Back Day
- Teen Safe Driving Contest
- Leaf Collection in Groton Reminder
- National Day of the Deployed is Sunday
- 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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I joined Governor Ned Lamont, state officials, and educators at Ella T. Grasso Technical High School in Groton to highlight a statewide partnership between Veolia and the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System, preparing students for high-demand careers in water and wastewater management.
Veolia CEO Karine Rougé and Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani were on hand, along with Stonington First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough, WPCA Director Daniel Smith, New London Mayor Mike Passero, and State Representative Dan Gaiewski, underscoring the collaboration driving this effort.
Grasso Tech’s Bioscience and Environmental Technology program gives students hands-on experience through internships at wastewater facilities in Stonington and New London and the chance to earn state operator licenses before graduation.
Graduates such as Nolan Nanson and Seth Deming are already working locally to keep our waterways clean and our infrastructure strong.
This program comes at a pivotal time as Connecticut faces a “silver tsunami” of retirements in the water workforce. After pandemic-related license extensions, only 20 percent of operators renewed their certifications in 2023 — a clear call to train the next generation of skilled professionals.
Grasso created a model that has since expanded statewide, now adopted by every Connecticut technical high school to provide students a direct pathway into environmental science and infrastructure careers.
My district is home to Grasso Tech, and I met with Scott Beeney of Veolia and Christopher McVeigh last year to discuss how the state could help expand this work. Now, as Vice Chair of the Environment Committee, I’m collaborating with partners across education, industry, and government to meet the evolving needs of Connecticut’s workforce.
Governor Lamont highlighted that students entering this field will be central to modernizing Connecticut’s infrastructure — replacing aging pipes, upgrading treatment facilities, and tackling PFAS and other emerging contaminants.
Together, initiatives like this strengthen both our economy and our environment, ensuring southeastern Connecticut continues to lead in innovation, workforce readiness, and environmental stewardship. |
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I joined Governor Ned Lamont, Congressman Joe Courtney, and local officials for General Dynamics Electric Boat’s announcement that it has acquired the Crystal Mall property in Waterford — expanding the company’s footprint and supporting efforts to accelerate submarine production.
As the State Representative for Groton — home to Electric Boat’s primary shipyard and the heart of our submarine industrial base — I’m encouraged by EB’s continued commitment to its home base even as it grows to meet unprecedented demand.
The acquisition includes the entire mall property, excluding the former Sears location, and follows Electric Boat’s June purchase of the former Macy’s site. The new space will allow EB to consolidate support functions and strengthen its capacity to meet national defense needs.
This continued investment highlights southeastern Connecticut’s vital role in the nation’s defense manufacturing ecosystem and the thousands of skilled workers who power it. |
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All 50 states have been notified that if the federal government shutdown continues into November, funding for SNAP will not be issued for the month and perhaps beyond.
Nearly 1 in 10 people in CT utilize these funds to pay for groceries, and grocery stores count on these dollars as part of their profit. So not having SNAP will drive grocery prices even higher. |
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Nearly 1 in 10 people in CT utilize these funds to pay for groceries, and grocery stores count on these dollars as part of their profit. So not having SNAP will drive grocery prices even higher.
For every dollar of SNAP, $1.54 to $1.80 is generated in economic activity. That generation supports farmers, local grocery stores, and the rest of the supply chain.
Any SNAP benefits loaded onto your EBT card will be good through 10/31, but most likely, not beyond that until further guidance is received and/or the shutdown ends.
United Way of Connecticut has published a list of resources to help HERE. You can find a pantry or mobile pantry on Connecticut Foodshare's website HERE. |
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| Early voting has begun, and so far, over 45,000 state residents have done so - or voted absentee. You still have until Nov.2 to vote early for the Nov. 4 municipal elections. |
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Hours are daily (Sunday through Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Tuesday, Oct. 28, and Thursday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Same-day registration will be available during early voting hours and on Election Day.
- The early voting location in Groton is the Community Center Classroom / ROV Office at 61 Fort Hill Road.
- In Stonington, it's the Town Hall Meeting Room, 152 Elm Street, Stonington.
Please see the guide below for more voting information.
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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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Unused medications can be dangerous if left at home or thrown in the trash. Clean out your medicine cabinet and safely dispose of them this Saturday on Drug Take-Back Day - no questions asked!
Find the nearest collection site HERE. |
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Create a brief standout video to promote safe driving and enter the Connecticut DMV-Travelers Teen Safe Driving Video Contest!
High school students ages 14 to 18 enrolled in a public or private high school located in Connecticut, or students ages 14 to 18 who are home-schooled in Connecticut. You and your team can win prizes and statewide recognition.
The contest deadline is February 2026.
Click on the image below for more details. |
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The City of Groton's leaf collection dates are now available. Please see below.
- 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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| Please join me in honoring those deployed far from home and the families who serve alongside them. We send our gratitude from every corner of Connecticut. |
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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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