Dear Neighbor,

I will be hosting "Coffee with Aundre" at the Ditty Bag tomorrow, beginning at 10 a.m. These have been so worthwhile. I get to share the latest legislative news with you, and I hear from you regarding your concerns, which helps shape how I represent you in Hartford.

I view these coffee hours as a win-win. I look forward to continuing with them. This week's newsletter is packed again, with good information, updates, and resources that I hope you find useful. Topics include:

• Around the 41st District
• Join me for Coffee @ The Ditty Bag Tomorrow
• State Funding Authorized for WIC
• Food Insecurity Resources
• Early Voting Information
• It's Fire Prevention Week
• National Disability Employment Awareness Month
• Reminder: Leaf Collection in Groton Begins on Oct. 22
• CT Department of Transportation News
• Veterans Resources & Updates
• Indigenous Peoples Day is Monday
• 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.

Sincerely,

Aundré Bumgardner
State Representative

 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to any of the resources below if you need help.

• 211ct.org
• SNAP
• WIC
• Connecticut Foodshare

*Also, please consider donating, if you can, to your local pantry or Connecticut Foodshare.

• The early voting location in Groton is the Community Center Classroom/ROV Office, located at 61 Fort Hill Road.
• The early voting location in Stonington is the Town Hall - Meeting Room, located at 152 Elm Street.

Please note: Absentee Ballots must be received by 8 p.m., before closing on Nov. 4, Election Day.  Please mail your ballot early so it's received before polls close on Nov. 4. 

The National Fire Prevention Association has put together a 3-step plan to safely use lithium-ion batteries:

1. Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
2. Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
3. Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you. 

For more information, and additional tips and tools for fire safety in your home, please click HERE.

The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services plays a crucial role in helping individuals with disabilities find, maintain, and advance in meaningful employment. The department helps ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the workplace. Assistance for job seekers with disabilities is available virtually and in person.

Please see the links to services below:

• Department of Aging and Disability Services: information on employment and other services available to people with disabilities
• Department of Developmental Services: resources and job information for individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Visit one of the Connecticut Department of Labor’s American Job Centers (appointments are recommended)
• CTHires: serves as a one-stop resource to search for jobs, create a resume, and find training
• Attend one of several job fairs that are scheduled across the state

As we celebrate this month, let’s continue working together to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

The City of Groton's leaf collection dates are now available. A quick look is 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.

Nighttime Repairs on the Gold Star Bridge Along I-95 North and Southbound in New London/Groton

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that bridge work will be performed on Bridges 03819 and 02514A along I-95 north and southbound (Gold Star Bridge in New London/Groton. This project is scheduled to occur on Monday, September 8, and be completed today. This project ensures the bridges remain in a state of good repair.

LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO

There will be nighttime lane closures on I-95 north and southbound from Monday, September 8, to Friday, October 3, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Monday-Thursday. No work will be performed on Columbus Day. Traffic control signing patterns and crash units will guide motorists through the work zone.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.