Happy Holidays & State Funding for JCC

December 18, 2025


I would like to wish our neighbors in Derby, Hamden, Orange, Woodbridge, and beyond a joyful season filled with warmth, gratitude, and community. As we reflect on the year behind us, thank you for all you do to make our towns such special places to live!

I helped secure state funds for the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven. Please read below to find out how the JCC plans to use the money.

Access Health CT extended its deadline to sign up for insurance due to an outage. I'll let you know how much time you have left to get coverage in the new year.

The state is taking action because of a looming and unprecedented federal cuts. I'll let you know how we are supporting those in need with food, health care, homelessness, and much more.

Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:

  • State Funding for JCC Upgrades
  • Woodbridge Town Hall Closed
  • Meet Me In Person Over Coffee
  • New Access Health Enrollment Deadline
  • Emergency Response Fund Put To Good Use
  • New Derby Snow Parking Rules
  • Updated Winter Safety Fleet in Orange
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 

State Funding for JCC Upgrades

The Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater New Haven will receive approximately $554,000 in state funds to replace the aging HVAC system. The upgrades will ensure safe, reliable, and energy-efficient heating, cooling, and air circulation at the JCC in Woodbridge.

The need for the HVAC upgrade became clear in the summer of 2024, when the JCC was forced to close for five days after its air conditioning system unexpectedly stopped working, disrupting programs and services during a period of extreme heat.

The HVAC replacement will keep the JCC's high-quality programs running smoothly while ensuring healthy indoor air quality and proper ventilation. These long-overdue upgrades will make a real difference for thousands of children, families, seniors, and community members who rely on this outstanding facility each week.

Thank you to Governor Ned Lamont, the State Bond Commission, House Speaker Matt Ritter, and Majority Leader Jason Rojas for recognizing Woodbridge's needs and investing in our community. I am also grateful for Senator James Maroney's and Senator Jorge Cabrera's support and advocacy.
 

Woodbridge Town Hall Closed

Woodbridge Town Hall is closed until further notice after a pipe burst in the building. Crews are carrying out repairs and assessing the full extent of the damage. The hope is to reopen by the end of the week. I will share updates as more information becomes available.
 

Meet Me In Person Over Coffee

While it feels like everyone is preparing for the holidays, I am also gearing up for the new legislative session in 2026. This is why I am hosting community office hours on Tuesday, January 13 from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Valley Diner in Derby.
 
I invite you to stop by to grab a coffee, share your priorities, provide feedback, and have a conversation on how we can improve our communities. Hearing directly from you ensures that I can better serve as your voice at the Capitol. I look forward to seeing you at Valley Diner in the new year.
 

New Access Health Enrollment Deadline

Due to a system outage, Access Health CT (AHCT) is extending its deadline to enroll in health and dental plans until Saturday, December 20 at 3 p.m. to ensure you have coverage starting in the new year. You must contact the call center at 1-855-805-4325. The call center is open:

  • Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

If you complete an application on the AHCT website, your coverage will begin on February 1, 2026.
 
AHCT appreciates your patience and understanding as it works through this unexpected system outage.
 

Emergency Response Fund Put To Good Use

We passed a $500 million emergency response fund during November's special session to support residents facing harmful federal cutbacks from the Trump administration. Now, Governor Ned Lamont is putting a plan in motion to put that fund to use. His proposal calls for committing:

  • Tens of millions to offset cuts to Affordable Care Act subsidies
  • $24.5 million to support community food banks and pantries
  • Nearly $7 million to combat homelessness
  • $4.7 million for 2-1-1 to increase call volume and Community Action Agencies to support outreach and assistance for SNAP recipients

CLICK HERE to see the entire proposal, which still needs approval from legislative leaders.
 

New Derby Snow Parking Rules

The City of Derby is changing its winter parking rules to improve snow removal and public safety during the winter. Here is the revised snow parking ban:

  • The mayor will declare a snow parking ban when snow is forecast
  • During a ban all cars must park on the EVEN-numbered side of the street
  • The parking ban will remain in effect for 36 hours after the storm ends
  • Fines start at $50 and vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense
  • Contact Derby Police at (203) 735-7811 to find your vehicle after towing

Residents can find out if a snow parking Ban is in effect by:

  • Following the Derby Police Department or City of Derby, CT on Facebook
  • Receiving alerts through Derby’s CodeRED emergency notification system
  • Receiving alerts through the Derby Public Schools notification system

Derby residents are encouraged to register for CodeRED to receive timely information about snow parking bans and other important public safety notifications.
 

Updated Winter Safety Fleet in Orange

The Orange Highway Department (OHD) has three new vehicles including a bucket truck and two dump trucks. The bucket truck will be used for:

  • traffic light repair
  • hanging banners at High Plains, the Country Fair, and the OVFD Carnival
  • tree trimming

The two stainless-steel mason dump trucks replace 21-year-old vehicles.

Thank you to the OHD for always doing a fantastic job keeping our road safe.
 

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.

Teens are invited to paint their own wooden nutcracker at Derby Neck Library on Sunday, December 21 at 2:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Call (203) 734-1492 to sign up!
Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, December 30 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.

Celebrate the new year in glamorous and festive clothes as Derby Public Library counts down to noon on Wednesday, December 31 starting at 11:00 a.m. There will be a live piano performance and refreshments. CLICK HERE to register, call (203) 736-1482, or email dplreference@biblio.org.
Derby Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Hamden

Look at the flyers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden.

On Saturday, December 20, Santa is coming to the Hamden Mart at 10:30 a.m. collecting toys with the Hamden High School Hockey Team and CERT. Please consider donating a gift to ensure every child has a Merry Christmas.
More Hamden Events
 

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.

Mr. Donald's Farm is dressed up for the holidays​ with lots of decorations and music on Sunday, December 21 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Bring your toddlers, kids, and the whole family for outdoor fun and hands‑on experiences.​

You're invited to test your skills at a holiday round robin on Sunday, December 21 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Pickle Spot! All skill levels are welcome. It costs $29 for members and $34 for non-members. CLICK HERE to sign up.
Orange Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

Take a look at the upcoming event and community calendar below to see what’s happening in Woodbridge.

You can get in the holiday spirit by watching "A Christmas Carol" performed as a one man show on Saturday, December 20 at 2 p.m. at Woodbridge Town Library. There will be hot cocoa and cookies. CLICK HERE to register.
Woodbridge Community Calendar