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You can vote early now in the general election. Please keep scrolling to find the polling location in your community.
I'm holding community office hours to listen, learn, and better understand your priorities and concerns. Read below to learn when and where you can take part in that conversation.
Criminals are trying to con victims by pretending to be members of the Orange Police Department. I'll break down how the scam works and what to do if you get a bogus phone call.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
- Early Voting is Under Way
- Meet Me In Person Over Coffee
- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
- Federal Funding for Historic Flood Repairs
- Beware of Police Warrant Scam
- Sidewalk Safety Improvements in Woodbridge
- Progress on Sleeping Giant Welcome Center
- Spooky Orange Writing Contest
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Early Voting is Under Way |
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| Early voting is underway across the state and continues through Sunday, November 2. |
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Polls will be open on Election Day (Tuesday, November 4) from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. across Connecticut.
Same-Day Registration (SDR) is available at a designated location in each town during that time frame and during the hours of early voting. You will register and vote at the designated SDR location in your town. |
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| Meet Me In Person Over Coffee |
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| Please join me for Community Office Hours on Monday, November 11 from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Valley Diner. This is an opportunity for you to learn what new policy we're working on, share your feedback on local and state issues, and ask questions. Your voice matters and provides valuable insight as your state representative. Please stop by for a cup of coffee and come be part of the conversation! |
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| National Prescription Drug Take Back Day |
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Police across the 114th District are participating in the National Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 25. Bring any unused or expired medication, including pet prescriptions for safe and anonymous disposal. No questions asked.
This event helps prevent medication misuse and protects our environment from improper disposal. Let’s work together to keep our community safe! |
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Here are the closest drop off locations:
- DERBY: Bradley School, 155 David Humphreys Road
- HAMDEN: Hamden Police Department, 2900 Dixwell Avenue
- ORANGE: High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road
- WOODBRIDGE: Woodbridge Police Department, 4 Meetinghouse Lane
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| Federal Funding for Historic Flood Repairs |
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| The federal government reimbursed the state of Connecticut another $25 million to cover emergency repairs following historic flooding in August 2024. The state applied for the funding after making significant repairs to dozens of roads and bridges in the Valley that were washed out and damaged in the storm. |
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| The funding comes in addition to $3 million in “quick release” emergency relief funds the feds approved last year, bringing the total federal emergency relief funds to $28 million. The total cost of the repairs is estimated to be about $40 million. CLICK HERE for more information. |
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| Beware of Police Warrant Scam |
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The Orange Police Department is warning everyone that criminals are trying to use their phone number as part of a new scam! Here's how it works:
Scammers claim they're the police and have a warrant for an arrest for the victim or a loved one. Then, they threaten to take legal action if you don't pay immediately.
Orange Police will never ask for money over the phone, especially via gift cards, payment apps, or cryptocurrency. Just hang up and report the call to local police. |
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| Sidewalk Safety Improvements in Woodbridge |
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Crews have nearly finished sidewalk and pedestrian safety improvements in Woodbridge. The project is aimed at protecting anyone walking in the Woodbridge Town Center, especially for Amity High School students. The Connecticut Department of Transportation Community Connectivity Grant Program help fund the construction.
As you can see in this picture, members of the Building Maintenance Department set up seasonal banners this week on newly installed lamp posts lining new and existing sidewalks. This is a nice touch and really helps Woodbridge embrace the fall season!
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| Progress on Sleeping Giant Welcome Center |
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| Construction is moving on along on the new welcome center at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden. As you can see, the walls are up! The building will eventually serve as a hub for park visitors to learn about the Giant, programs, and community events. The welcome center is expected to open in early 2026. |
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| Spooky Orange Writing Contest |
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| Are you interested in crafting a spooky story and entering it in a Halloween writing contest? Case Memorial Library invites all residents in Orange to submit their work in the inaugural Spooky Orange! |
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Submissions must be:
- Set anywhere in Connecticut – past, present, or future
- A minimum of two sentences and a maximum of 10 pages
- PG-13 or less (limited foul language and gore)
- Original works: no AI-generated content (incl. ChatGPT or similar tools)
The deadline to submit your spooky story is October 31.
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below. |
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| You are invited to join the Derby Historical Society for a lantern lit walking tour of the Ansonia Historic District. Tours depart at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 24 from General David Humphrey's House at 37 Elm Street. Learn more. |
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| Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, November 4 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. |
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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 Sleeping Giant Park Association invites you to explore the fall foliage of the park. The hike will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 26 and starts at the park's main parking area. A retired U.S. Forest Service staffer will explain the science behind the trees’ miraculous transformation.
All hikers should bring water and have proper clothing and footwear. Children must be 8 or older. Sorry, no pets. CLICK HERE to register. |
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| Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| The Orange Volunteer Fire Department has turned the firehouse into your worst nightmare — but all in good fun! The kids can enjoy winding corridors, eerie sounds, and creatures waiting around every corner on Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. |
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| As you get ready for the cooler weather, be sure to recycle any unwanted clothing and/or household goods! Drop them off from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 25 at the High Plains Community Center Pavilion. Your donations help support Orange Community Women's service projects within our community. |
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| You're invited to visit the historic Stone-Otis House on Sunday, November 2 and every other Sunday through December. Tours are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at 615 Orange Center Road. This is a special opportunity to step inside one of our town’s most treasured landmarks and learn the history of the families who lived there. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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Check out the event and community calendar below.
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Join the fun on the Woodbridge Town Green for Spooktacular Outdoor Movies! The next showing is tonight, Thursday, October 23 at 6:15 p.m. where guests will watch "Hotel Transylvania." Drinks are provided but please bring a chair or blanket.
Final showing:
- Thursday, Oct. 30 at 6:15 p.m.: "Hocus Pocus"
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The Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater New Haven is hosting three days of books, games, and community fun at a Scholastic Book Fair & Family Game Night. The events will be held at the Beverly Levy Early Learning Center in the JCC Auditorium.
Book Fair Dates:
- Wednesday, Oct. 29: Open all day
- Thursday, Oct. 30: Open all day / Family Game Night from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 31: Open until 4 p.m.
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