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Dear Neighbor,
We'll return to our regularly scheduled newsletter next week, but I wanted to take a moment to say that I am thankful for you and grateful for your support! |
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By now, you've probably heard about the passing of State Representative Kevin Ryan, my friend and colleague, for the 139th District, which includes parts of Montville, Norwich, and Ledyard.
Kevin was a steady, compassionate, and deeply principled public servant — the kind of person whose work often didn’t make headlines, but whose impact was felt in countless lives across Eastern Connecticut.
Kevin dedicated decades of his life to serving our communities with humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment. He was a mentor to many, a bridge-builder during difficult moments, and a voice of quiet strength when it mattered most. Whether he was working on legislation, advocating for families, or simply offering a kind word in the hallway, Kevin carried himself with generosity and grace.
What I will remember most is his kindness — his ability to make people feel seen, respected, and valued.
In a world that can pull us in so many directions, Kevin never lost sight of what mattered: family, service, and treating others with dignity.
Over the course of his 32 years in the CT House of Representatives, he served as Deputy Speaker and as a respected voice on our beloved Environment Committee, the Appropriations Committee, Public Health Committee, and Regulations Review Committee. He championed issues ranging from worker protections to early childhood health, always with a deep sense of duty to the families he represented.
Beyond the titles, Kevin was a mentor to many. And anyone who knew Kevin knows this: just when you least expected it, he would drop an absolutely diabolical joke — perfectly timed, perfectly directed, perfectly delivered — that could break tension and bring real laughter into even the hardest days.
After a deeply personal and painful moment in my own life this year, Kevin showed me a level of empathy and loyalty that I will never forget. Despite his own health challenges, he reached out to me with the kind of unwavering support that defined who he was.
My thoughts are with Kevin’s loved ones, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. CT has lost a devoted public servant.
May he eternally rest in peace. |
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Small Business Saturday shines a spotlight on locally owned businesses. It encourages folks to shop small and support their communities during the busy holiday shopping season.
By participating, you can find unique, personalized gifts while contributing to the local economy by keeping money within your community. Small Business Saturday fosters a sense of connection, strengthening neighborhoods and ensuring that local businesses, which are often the heart of their communities, continue to thrive.
You can find local businesses participating in Small Business Saturday by clicking HERE.
If you have questions, or ever need any help, please don't hesitate to reach out by phone, (800) 842-8267 or email, Aundre.Bumgardner@cga.ct.gov
Sincerely,
 Aundré Bumgardner
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