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Dear Neighbor,
It's that time again! Coffee with me at the Ditty Bag in Mystic! We'll be gathering to talk about the issues and whatever else you want to discuss, including the upcoming special session. Food assistance, heating assistance, and housing will be at the top of the list when we convene in a few days.
I've added food assistance resources in this week's newsletter. There is a mobile food opportunity coming up in Groton on Monday. Scroll down for more details.
Heating Bill assistance is available through Generation Power. See below for more details.
Here's an early shout-out to our veterans: Thank you for your service. Veterans Health and Wellness Events are taking place on Monday at The Place for Community Wellbeing, 74 Garfield Ave., in New London. Please see the information below and sign up!
This week's newsletter topics include:
- Join me for Coffee @ The Ditty Bag on Saturday
- Government Shutdown Resources
- Groton Mobile Food Pantry Available Monday
- Heating Bill Assistance
- It's Alzheimer's Awareness Month
- Office of Early Childhood Survey
- Gen Z Virtual Listening Session
- Leaf Collection in Groton Reminder
- 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 hope you can join me for coffee at the Ditty Bag in Mystic tomorrow, from 10 a.m. to noon. |
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| The gatherings have been well-attended and productive. I hope to see you there! |
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| The United Way of Connecticut has published a list of resources to help. Please click here. |
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You can find a pantry or mobile pantry at Connecticut Foodshare’s website here.
Please see the Connecticut Foodshare Program partners in Groton and Stonington below, including:
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- FHM (Fellowship House Ministries) Services, Inc.
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- Husky Harvest - UConn Avery Point, Groton
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And in Stonington...
- Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center
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| The Gemma E. Moran United Way / Labor Food Center, supported by the Town of Groton, will be hosting a Mobile Food Pantry on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Thrive 55+ Active Living Center, 102 Newtown Rd. |
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The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses.
Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.
All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill.
For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when they are most in need. GPCT has two Energy Assistance Application Cycles coming up, including Nov. 2-10 and March 2-10, 2026.
To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, please click HERE. |
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November is newly proclaimed Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Connecticut.
Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects about 90,000 Connecticut residents, and for every person living with the disease, there are countless family members, friends, and care partners who are providing ongoing support.
During the 2025 session, we passed legislation to ensure insurance coverage of biomarker testing starting next year and established the Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Task Force to examine needs and review available services, and also developed a State Alzheimer’s Plan. |
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The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is seeking parents and caregivers of children between the ages of 0-5 to help improve programs and early childhood services.
Take the quick survey and share your needs for childcare, experiences with early childhood services, challenges faced when accessing care, and what matters the most when it comes to childcare.
You can use the QR code on the flyer below, click HERE, or click the graphic below for the survey. For questions, call 860-249-1551. |
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The Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO) is hosting a special VIRTUAL listening session for those who identify as GEN Z - high schoolers, college students, young adults.
November 16, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Please come ready to share about issues impacting you and your community. The information you share will be used to inform policymakers and CWCSEO's work and ensure that the voice of Connecticut residents is the commission's central focus and priority.
Register HERE. To learn more about CWCSEO, please click HERE.
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The City of Groton's leaf collection dates are now available. Please see below.
- 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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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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