| I hope this email finds you well. We delivered on our promise to invest in our children by making another large contribution into a fund that will provide some no-cost early childhood education opportunities. Please read below to learn more about the program. |
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Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
- Early Child Care Funding Secured
- $1 Million to Strengthen Public Safety
- Recognizing Outstanding Service
- Upgrades to High Plains Community Center
- Celebrating Pride Month
- CT Open House Day on June 13
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Early Child Care Funding Secured |
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As Chair of the Early Childhood Caucus, I am proud to join Governor Ned Lamont in announcing an additional investment of approximately $320 million into Connecticut’s Early Childhood Education Endowment.
Established in 2025 through Public Act 25-93, the endowment serves as a permanent funding source dedicated to strengthening Connecticut’s early childhood education system. This new investment, combined with last year’s initial $300 million commitment, positions Connecticut as a national leader in creating sustainable, long-term solutions that support children, families, educators, and providers. |
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Beginning in July 2027, eligible families are expected to benefit from no-cost or reduced-cost early childhood education opportunities funded through the endowment. Families enrolled in state-funded child care spaces through the Early Start CT program who earn up to $100,000 annually will be eligible for child care at no cost. For families with incomes above that threshold, out-of-pocket child care expenses will be capped at no more than 7% of household income.
This historic investment reflects Connecticut’s commitment to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality early learning opportunities while providing meaningful financial relief for working families and strengthening the early childhood workforce for generations to come. |
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| $1 Million to Strengthen Public Safety |
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The federal government has awarded the Town of Woodbridge approximately $1 million to renovate and modernize our Emergency Operations Center. This investment will strengthen public safety and emergency preparedness for years to come.
The upgraded facility will enhance coordination between police, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and local officials during severe weather, public safety threats, and other emergencies. By improving communication, the new center will help ensure faster and more effective responses when residents need them the most. |
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I am tremendously grateful to U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro for securing the funding and for her continued support to Woodbridge. These federal dollars will allow the town to address long-overdue needs at its current operations center, which is housed in a repurposed former elementary school building.
This investment will provide first responders with the modern tools and facilities they need to protect our community and keep residents safe. |
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| Recognizing Outstanding Service |
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| It was an honor to celebrate this year’s Living Treasure recipients and recognize their outstanding dedication to the Town of Orange. Carla Birmingham, Francis “Joey” Davis, James Ewen, and Ken Lenz have each devoted countless hours to serving our community, making a lasting impact. |
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The Living Treasure Award is a fitting tribute to those who embody the spirit of service and community pride. Orange is a stronger and more vibrant town because of their efforts, and we are all grateful for the difference they have made in the lives of so many residents.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees, and thank you for your remarkable service to our community! |
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| Upgrades to High Plains Community Center |
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I am happy to share some exciting improvements at the High Plains Community Center in Orange.
The basketball courts recently received a major upgrade, with new surfaces after years of use. The improvements will provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for residents during the busy summer months ahead. |
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In addition, the Town is pleased to announce the new electric vehicle (EV) charging station is now open. Located in the front parking lot along Orange Center Road, the station expands access to charging infrastructure and supports the growing number of residents and visitors who drive electric vehicles.
Thank you to the Public Works Department, the Board of Selectmen, and the First Selectman's Office for their teamwork and dedication in bringing these valuable improvements to our community. |
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June is Pride Month! Let’s celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirm our commitment to equality, dignity, and opportunity for all.
During the 2026 legislative session, we strengthened protections against hate crimes and expanded access to fertility care for LGBTQ+ couples and individuals. |
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Connecticut continues to protect access to care, defend against discrimination, and ensure that everyone can live, love, work, and raise a family with the freedom and respect they deserve.
In Connecticut, we celebrate the rights of everyone to be themselves and live openly, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. |
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| CT Open House Day on June 13 |
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| Mark your calendar for Connecticut Open House Day on Saturday, June 13! More than 200 attractions across the state, including museums, arts and cultural venues, historic sites, farms, and restaurants, will offer free or discounted admission and special promotions. |
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| The Osborne Homestead Museum will host a quest for the Giant Golden Chalice from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will learn about history, art, and more with a map and clues that will lead you to the hidden treasure! |
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| The Amity and Woodbridge Historical Society will hold a Witness Stones plaque-laying ceremony at 2 p.m. honoring the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked at the Darling Farmstead and History Museum. |
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| This is a wonderful opportunity to discover new destinations and celebrate the rich experiences that make Connecticut such a great and fun place to explore. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below. |
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The Kellogg Environmental Center is hosting a program to explain how you can take part in research and conservation of monarchs. The Monarch Larvae Monitoring Project will be held on Saturday, June 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The event is not well suited for very young children. Click here to sign up, or call (203) 734-2513 for more details. |
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Derby Public Library is hosting a variety of events in June for the entire family. On Wednesday, June 10, teens are invited to play Nintendo Wii and tabletop games from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, June 17, there will be a forum for teens to share ideas to improve the library from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
On Monday, June 22 at 4:00 p.m., the library kicks off its Teen Summer Club with a cookout! |
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| Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, June 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 your own bag for the food. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Look at the flyers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden. |
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The Hamden Police Department is offering FREE car seat installations on Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on the top level of the parking garage. No appointments needed.
The police department looks forward to helping keep your children safe! |
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| Residents are invited to support Hamden high school seniors and community programs at the annual Dinner & Karaoke Book Award Fundraiser. Tickets are $50 for the event from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9 at Lymon's Restaurant and Bar. |
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| Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| The Pickle Spot is hosting its second annual Hello Summer Tournament on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7. You can register for a variety of events including women's and mixed doubles. CLICK HERE to sign up! |
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| Residents in Orange are invited to join Cub Scout Pack 922’s pancake fundraiser. Meals will be held at 4:45 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9 at Chip's Family Restaurant at 321 Boston Post Road. For $15, your order includes two pancakes, two bacon strips or sausages, two eggs, plus a coffee or fountain drink. CLICK HERE to register. |
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| Join the community for a fruity treat with your family, friends, and community at the Strawberry Festival. The High Plains Fairgrounds will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13 where you can grab a hotdog or hamburger along with your strawberry shortcake and enjoy live music and fun activities for kids. Learn more here. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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Take a look at the upcoming events to see what’s happening in Woodbridge.
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| The Woodbridge Fire Department welcomes the community to the Spring Fling fundraiser, featuring dueling pianos. The event will be held on Saturday, June 6 at 7 p.m. at the firehouse. CLICK HERE to buy tickets. |
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| The JCC of Greater New Haven will host a Touch-a-Truck event on Sunday, June 7 from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Beckerman/Lender Jewish Community Building. The interactive, hands-on-event allows children to climb on, explore, and discover their favorite trucks and vehicles, including fire engines, police cars and construction trucks. |
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