Mary Welander

Time is running out to sign up for health care with Access Health CT. Please read below to learn more about the upcoming deadlines.

The state is adding 1,000 new spaces in January for early childhood education. Keep scrolling for a breakdown on why this is a win-win for kids, providers, and staff. 

My colleagues and I are mourning the loss of one of our own. State Representative Kevin Ryan passed away before Thanksgiving. I'll explain how he made a difference at the Capitol and beyond.

Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:

• Dangerous Cold -- Stay Indoors
• Access Health CT Plans
• More Early Childhood Opportunities Coming
• Remembering State Rep. Kevin Ryan
• Roof Added to Sleeping Giant Welcome Center
• Local School Project Leads to Honor in Hollywood
• Derby Events Calendar
• Upcoming Events in Hamden
• Orange Events Calendar
• Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

 

Dangerous Cold -- Stay Indoors

Due to dangerously frigid weather, the state's severe cold weather protocol is in effect until 12 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9. Temperatures are expected to average 10 – 20 degrees below normal. This is the first time the state has activated the protocol this season.   If you need shelter or a warming center, call 2-1-1 or go to 211ct.org to find nearby locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

Click here to learn more

Access Health CT Plans

Open enrollment for Access Health CT's (AHCT) health and dental insurance is in full swing, and staff is ready to help residents understand their health care options. If residents enroll in a plan on or before December 15, their coverage will begin January 1, 2026. If they enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2026, their coverage will begin February 1, 2026.

Access Health CT (AHCT) will hold several enrollment fairs in December to help residents renew, shop, compare, and enroll in its plans. Enrollment fairs are one-day events for customers to get in-person help from experts.  If you’re looking for in-person help, the closest enrollment fair to the 114th District will be held at:    📍Hamden Sunday, December 14 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Mount Zion Church 335 Putnam Avenue 👉 Register here AHCT also offers free, expert assistance over the phone at 1-855-805-4325 to guide customers through the enrolling process. Help is available in more than 100 languages.

More Early Childhood Opportunities Coming

Connecticut is adding up to 1,000 new spaces to the state’s Early Start CT program beginning in January, opening the door for more children to access high-quality early learning and child care. These additional slots stem from legislation we passed in 2025, which will deliver the largest expansion of early childhood education in our state's history.

To further strengthen the program, the state is also increasing provider payments by 8%, helping child care providers cover rising operational costs and offer more competitive wages to staff who play such a vital role in children's development.  This expansion is funded through the Connecticut Early Childhood Education Endowment, which supports income-eligible families with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. Click here for more information on Early Start CT.

Remembering State Rep. Kevin Ryan

We mourn the passing of my colleague, Representative Kevin Ryan. For more than 30 years, Kevin dedicated his life to the people of Montville, Ledyard, and Norwich while wanting the best for all of Connecticut.

Kevin’s service extended far beyond our state’s borders. Through his distinguished leadership with the Council of State Governments, including his past chairmanship, he elevated Connecticut’s voice on the national stage and helped strengthen legislatures across the country. At the Capitol, Kevin was a constant presence with a steady hand on the dais, a trusted mentor, and a loyal friend. His humor, warmth, and unmistakable eastern Connecticut accent always brought us a smile.

His jokes with staff and colleagues reminded us of the humanity at the heart of this work. The Capitol will feel emptier without him, but the impact he made on his community, on this institution, and on me will endure. Rest in peace, Kevin.

Roof Added to Sleeping Giant Welcome Center

Crews are making progress on the new Sleeping Giant Welcome Center shape near the start of the tower path. The frame is up, and the roof is starting to get installed. The welcome center is expected to open in early 2026.

Local School Project Leads to Honor in Hollywood

An Amity Middle School student's powerful message is making a tremendous impact 3,000 miles from home. As part of a school project, Eniola Taiwo wrote a heartfelt essay praising the Los Angeles Fire Department for their bravery in battling huge wildfires. In her piece, Eniola argued that these firefighters deserve the same recognition as celebrities on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Her words resonated with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and found the essay so inspiring that it will unveil an Award of Excellence Star honoring Los Angeles firefighters – a tribute that will stand alongside the Walk Of Fame. Eniola and her teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Marganski, will attend the ceremony next Friday. Congratulations to Eniola for her outstanding essay and for offering up such a thoughtful idea. I would also like to thank Mrs. Marganski for fostering creativity in the classroom. Having had three children go through Amity Middle School, I know just how fortunate we are to have educators like her who inspire our kids to reach for the stars.

Read Channel 8's story here

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.

Kids aged 9-17 are welcome to learn how to cook dishes from different parts of the world. The event will be held Thursday, December 11 at 4 p.m. at Derby Public Library. Click here to sign up!

You do not want to miss "A Christmas Carol" at the Kellogg Estate in Derby from Friday, December 12 – Sunday, December 14. In addition to the performance, you can celebrate the 350th anniversary of the founding of Derby with a tour of the Osborne Homestead Museum, decorated for the winter season featuring the history of Derby in each room. Click here to register!

Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, December 16 from 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Organizers will hand out tickets at 2 p.m. to everyone in line. Make sure to bring a bag so you can bring the food home.

Derby Community Calendar

Upcoming Events in Hamden

Look at the flyers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden.

Join a Holiday Hike & Party on Sunday, December 7 from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Sleeping Giant State Park (200 Mt. Carmel Avenue). Hikers will enjoy the winter wonder of the park and the joy of the season. There will also be a Pop-Up Trading Post where you can buy Sleeping Giant merchandise. Learn more here.

More Hamden Events

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.

Celebrate the season with one of the most unique parades in Connecticut! This year's Lighted Tractor Parade and Tree Lighting Festival will take place on Saturday, December 6 from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the Orange Town Green.

Keep an eye out for me riding with Santa's sleigh and some special elves! It's going to be a good time, so make sure to join the holiday party!

Orange Community Calendar

Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

Take a look at the upcoming event and community calendar below to see what’s happening in Woodbridge.

The community is invited to the JCC of Greater New Haven's Craft and Gift Fair on Sunday, December 7 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event is free and will feature unique handmade gifts, artisan crafts, a Kids Craft Corner, and food from the on-site café. Free gift wrapping will be available, and babysitting will be provided from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Woodbridge Community Calendar