| The fire danger remains extreme in the 114th District and across Connecticut without much rain in the forecast. I'll break down why local firefighters continue to urge everyone to avoid all outdoor burning.
After three years of hard work, the revitalized Derby-Shelton Bridge is open for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike! Please keep scrolling to see pictures of the bridge and to learn why this project means so much to the Valley.
There is still time to apply for financial assistance after historic floods caused damage over the summer. Keep scrolling to see how you can apply for help before the deadline.
The community came together to thank our veterans over the holiday weekend. As the sister of three combat veterans, this day holds deep personal significance for me. Honoring their service and the sacrifices all veterans have made reminds us of the strength and resilience they bring to our nation.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- No Open Burning Allowed
- Derby-Shelton Bridge Reopening
- Thanking Our Veterans
- Apply Now for Assistance After Floods
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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Public safety officials in Derby, Hamden, Orange, and Woodbridge remind everyone to stop burning any items outside. Open burning is banned due to the dangerously dry weather. The risk for extreme fire danger is real, and this week Governor Ned Lamont declared a Stage 2 Drought Advisory across Connecticut due to an incredibly small amount of rain over the past two months.
As a reminder, this ban means you cannot use:
- outdoor grills
- firepits
- campfires
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| The Orange Volunteer Fire Department has been incredibly busy fighting brush fires and handling unauthorized burning. Fire officials across the 114th District warn that if you are caught open burning, you will face consequences, including fines or possible arrest. Please be a good neighbor and follow the rules to keep our community safe. |
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| Thank you to our first responders across the region for responding today and always. The community appreciates your public service! |
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| Derby-Shelton Bridge Reopening |
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| My colleagues and I gathered on Tuesday to celebrate the completion and reopening of the Derby-Shelton Bridge. It symbolizes a major milestone, connecting the downtown areas of Derby and Shelton while opening new opportunities for growth and collaboration between the two cities. |
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| The revitalized bridge is expected to become a catalyst for economic development, attracting businesses, residents, and visitors alike. Wider sidewalks, a dedicated bike lane, and pedestrian walkway on the bridge link the Housatonic Riverwalk and the Naugatuck River Greenway. |
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| The bridge masterfully combines historic charm with modern innovation, creating a unique fusion of the past and present. By preserving its historic roots, the bridge features period-style lighting that reflects its traditional aesthetic, honoring the architectural legacy of the area. At the same time, crews are installing state-of-the-art LED lights beneath the structure, adding a contemporary touch that illuminates the bridge in a vibrant way. |
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| I would like to thank the Lamont Administration for continuing to invest in the Naugatuck Valley as well as the Connecticut Department of Transportation for three years of hard work completing this invaluable project. This bridge will stand as a testament to what we can accomplish when we invest in our communities and work together. |
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| I joined the community in honoring and thanking our heroes over Veterans Day Weekend. It’s important to show veterans that we will always respect their invaluable service to our country and recognize the millions of men and women who have served in the U.S. military. |
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| Their dedication, courage, and sacrifice have protected our freedoms and upheld the values we hold dear. We are profoundly grateful to each veteran for their unwavering commitment to our nation. Those who live in freedom will always pay tribute to those who helped preserve it. |
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| Apply Now for Assistance After Floods |
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Time is running out for homeowners, renters, and business owners affected by August flooding to apply for federal disaster assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are accepting applications to support recovery for uninsured or underinsured property damage.
The deadline to apply is Tuesday. This assistance is made possible by the major disaster declaration President Joe Biden approved in September for New Haven, Fairfield, and Litchfield Counties. The state urges storm victims to file insurance claims for property damage before applying for assistance. |
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There are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance:
- In-person at the Disaster Recovery Center at Southbury Town Hall (501 Main Street, Southbury). It is open Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Saturdays from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., and is closed on Sundays.
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA mobile app.
- Via telephone through the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. (If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service, or others, give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline operators are available from 7:00 a.m. to midnight daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.)
There are several ways to apply for SBA assistance:
- In-person at the Business Recovery Center located at Oxford Town Hall (486 Oxford Road, Oxford). It is open Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and is closed on Sundays.
- Online at SBA.gov/disaster.
- Via telephone through the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 1-800-877-8339.
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| Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar in Derby. |
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| Try some great food for only $15 per person at Chili Night at St. Mary's Church on Saturday. The menu includes chili & cheese, elbow macaroni, cornbread, pasta, rice, baked potato, dessert, beer, wine, seltzer, and soda. |
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| Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday from 2:15 PM - 3:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Make sure to bring a bag so you can bring food home. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Take a look at the fliers and other upcoming events below. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| This playdate is on Saturday for kids aged 16 months to 4+ years. This is an outdoor event, so dress for farm fun! Please call LeeAnn at (203) 253-4567 to save your spot. $5 per Person/Child. All proceeds go to feeding the animals. |
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| The all outdoor event on Thursday, November 21 at High Plains Community Center will contain craft and farm vendors, holiday music, selfies with Santa, food trucks, and much more. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the flier and community calendar in Woodbridge below. |
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| Come and learn about heat pumps with the help of Massaro Community Farm on Saturday at 3:00 P.M. at the Woodbridge Town Library Meeting Room. |
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