Amity Students Work on Teen Social Media Bill

February 14, 2025


The entire nation is celebrating Black History Month, a time when we honor the many achievements and contributions of individuals from the Black diaspora. Please read below to see how the 114th District is playing an active role in recognizing cultural heritage of the Black community.

Two local students are working with the legislature to pass a new bill that would protect teens on social media. Keep scrolling to learn how this proposal affects your children.

I'm sure some of you have received W-2s and other forms, which means it's time to start working on your taxes. There are several reputable services offering help for free. I'll break down who is eligible. 

Strangers worked together to help an injured owl in Woodbridge! Make sure to check out pictures of the rescue below.

Here are the sections in this week's email:

  • Black History Month
  • Amity Students Work on Teen Social Media Bill
  • Free Resources to File Your Taxes
  • Owl Rescue in Woodbridge
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 
Black History Month
This February, let's unite in celebration of Black History Month by recognizing the invaluable contributions, groundbreaking achievements, and profound cultural heritage of the Black community. It's a time to reflect on the resilience, innovation, and leadership that have shaped our society and continue to inspire future generations.
Speaking of leadership, Assistant Fire Chief Shelly Carter is serving as a role model in our community after she became the first woman to hold a leadership position at the Hamden Fire Department last year. Carter recently shared her story with Channel 8 about the path she took to achieve her dreams. CLICK HERE to learn more about that and how she is trying to inspire girls to follow in her footsteps.
The Town of Hamden invites the community for a Black History Month celebration on Friday, February 28 at 6 p.m. Let's honor the past, celebrate the present, and commit to a future of inclusivity, equity, and progress.
 
Amity Students Work on Teen Social Media Bill
The community is so proud of two Amity High School students, who are working collaboratively with the legislature on a bill that would expand protections for teens on social media. Dan Mowerman and Mike Audie recently spoke to Dennis House on “This Week in Connecticut” about their legislative proposal.
Amity High School students discuss bill they're
working on affecting teens and social media.
House Bill 5474 would ban social media platforms from using addictive algorithms for users who are 16 or younger. The proposal would also require social media platforms to obtain parental consent for anyone 16 and under. The aim is for parents play a bigger role in the decision process when it comes to their child’s social media use.

I will monitor this bill during the legislative session and keep you posted on any new developments. Congratulations to Dan and Mike for all your hard work!
 
Free Resources to File Your Taxes
There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.

You can use the IRS Direct File Tool, which is a new option for anyone who lived and earned all their income in Connecticut last year.
Click here for more information on IRS Direct File Tool

The federal government is also offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers. Here is some of the eligibility date for VITA:

  • Household income less than $68,000
  • If self-employed, business expenses should be less than $35,000
  • No income from a rental property
You can schedule an appointment at TEAM, Inc. at 30 Elizabeth Street in Derby, Spring Glen Church at 1825 Whitney Avenue in Hamden, or many other locations.
 
CLICK HERE to book your appointment now!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save money when filing your taxes!
 
Owl Rescue in Woodbridge
It took an entire team of strangers to help an injured barred owl that was likely struck by a car in Woodbridge. Two drivers stayed on the scene last week when Sergeant Brian Pedalino of the Woodbridge Police Department responded to the emergency. An animal control officer with Woodbridge Regional Animal Control eventually managed to get the owl into a wildlife rescue to be evaluated.
I would like to thank everyone involved for your wonderful work to save this amazing owl!
 
Derby Events Calendar
Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar in Derby.
Enjoy a nature walk with the community every Friday from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in the meadow at Kellogg Environmental Center. Registration is required.
Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look at the flyers and other upcoming events below.
Stop by Hamden Public Library on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. to learn about common computer and phone security terminology, attacks, and best practices to protect yourself and your devices. CLICK HERE to register.
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events Calendar
Check out the event and community calendar in Orange below.
Go on adventures! Fight monsters! Save the world at a teen Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) events as Case Memorial Library. The free event will take place on Saturday from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Drop-ins are welcome. Minimal knowledge of D&D gameplay is required for this session. CLICK HERE to register.
Orange Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
Check out the flyer and community calendar in Woodbridge below.
Woodbridge Town Library invites you to join a Zoom with an author of a book called "Pizza in New Haven." The book studies the culmination of over 140 years of Italian cultural and culinary influence in New Haven. Colin Caplan captures a legendary past of immigration and factory work, and the bonds created through family recipes.

The Zoom will take place on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. You must register to receive the Zoom link about 24 hours prior to the event. CLICK HERE to reserve your spot.
Woodbridge Community Calendar