Mary Welander

On Tuesday, voters across our towns participated in municipal elections. I want to extend my sincere congratulations to all of the winners and thanks to every candidate who put themselves forward to serve. Win or lose, your willingness to engage in public service strengthens our democracy. And to all the voters in the 114th District: thank you for showing up, making your voices heard, and demonstrating your commitment to our communities.

We all have an opportunity to thank our veterans in the coming days. Please read below to see when and where you can honor our heroes in your hometown.

I invite you to join me for a coffee at my community office hours. I'll let you know when and where we can talk about your ideas to improve our state.

The weather is getting colder, and an emergency energy assistance program is now taking applications. Below, I will break down how it works and who is eligible.

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

• Thanking Our Veterans
• Meet Me In Person Over Coffee
• Emergency Energy Assistance Program
• $8 Million to Repair Homes in Hamden
• Funding To Help Reduce Waste Sustainably
• Indoor Soccer Facility Opens in Hamden
• In The News
• Derby Events Calendar
• Upcoming Events in Hamden
• Orange Events Calendar
• Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

 

Thanking Our Veterans

The community has several opportunities to honor and thank our heroes for Veterans Day. It’s important that we continue to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and recognize their lasting contributions to our nation.  Their dedication, courage, and sacrifice have protected our freedoms and upheld the values that define our country. We are profoundly grateful for their service and unwavering commitment. May we always remember that those who live in freedom owe a debt of gratitude to those who fought to protect it. Please take a look at the graphic below to see where you can thank our veterans in the coming days.

Meet Me In Person Over Coffee

I’ll be at the Valley Diner in Derby on Monday, November 11, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to hear about the latest policy initiatives, share your thoughts on local and state issues, and ask questions about the topics that matter most to you. Your input helps shape the work I do on your behalf at the State Capitol. Come by, grab a cup of coffee, and be part of the conversation. I look forward to seeing you there!

Emergency Energy Assistance Program

You can apply for assistance through the Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program, formerly known as Operation Fuel, now through Monday, November 10. This program offers a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households cover electric, gas, or heating fuel expenses.  Households with up to 75% of the State Median Income (SMI) may qualify. Approved applicants can apply their grant toward a future fuel delivery or use it to pay down a past-due utility bill.

To make the most of this once-per-year grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply when energy assistance is needed most.    Remaining application cycles this winter:  November 2-10, 2025 January 2-10, 2026 March 2-10, 2026   These cycles give residents multiple occasions to receive help as energy costs rise. Gather your documents early and apply as soon as the windows open. 👉 Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

$8 Million to Repair Homes in Hamden

The Town of Hamden will receive $8 million through the Newhall Foundations Repair Fund to help residents make critical repairs to their homes. Nearly 300 properties in the Newhall neighborhood have been affected by sinking foundations, structural damage, and water intrusion stemming from historic environmental injustices.

This funding provides vital relief to homeowners who could not otherwise afford these costly repairs. This investment represents a significant step forward, helping stabilize housing, strengthen the neighborhood, and support Hamden's efforts to move beyond its legacy toward a more resilient future. Thank you to the Community Investment Fund for allocating $8 million to this project. The state will officially release the funds once the State Bond Commission approves the plan.

Funding To Help Reduce Waste Sustainably

The town of Woodbridge will receive approximately $215,000 in state funding to help reduce waste and promote more sustainable disposal practices.

Here's what the funding will support: A transfer station-based, unit-based pricing system. Instead of paying a flat fee for waste collection, residents will pay based on the amount of trash they throw away. The new system will be managed at the town's transfer station and is designed to encourage residents to reduce waste and recycle more. A food scraps recycling program. This composting initiative will give residents the option to separate their food waste, such as fruit and vegetable scraps or coffee grounds, so it can be composted or processed for reuse rather than sent to a landfill or incinerator. This project is one of 18 the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) as part of the second round of its Sustainable Materials Management Grant Program.

Indoor Soccer Facility Opens in Hamden

Socceroof, an indoor soccer facility, officially opened last week on Sherman Avenue in Hamden. The facility transformed what was once The Arena, into a state-of-the-art soccer destination with new turf, upgraded fields, and new amenities for players of all ages. CLICK HERE to learn more about Socceroof.

In The News

Milford-Orange Times: "Keeping Our Kids Safe" New Haven Independent: "Let Those Foundation-Fixing Funds Flow"

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.

You are invited to participate in a walk to learn about the lives and legacies of those laid to rest in Oak Cliff Cemetery, one of the area’s oldest cemeteries. The tour will take place Saturday, November 8 at 3 p.m. Click here to get tickets.

Derby Public Library will host a presentation about tavern life in early Connecticut on Monday, November 10 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. You will learn how taverns played an essential part of every Connecticut town's story. Click here to register.

Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, November 18 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.

Derby Community Calendar

Upcoming Events in Hamden

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

You're invited to stop by Miller Memorial Library on Saturday, November 8 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. to play some card and board games. You can either bring your own or borrow the library's games.

More Hamden Events

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.

The Amity Chamber of Commerce is launching “Amity EATS Week!” from Friday, November 7 through Saturday, November 15. More than a dozen restaurants will offer a variety of delectable food and beverages for free or at a significant discount. Click here to learn more!

You're invited to visit the historic Stone-Otis House on Sunday, November 16 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.

Orange Community Calendar

Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

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

Learn how to make sourdough bread on Thursday, November 6 at 6 p.m. at Woodbridge Town Library! Enjoy fresh-baked bread and dough to demonstrate different levels of proofing. Participants will get a recipe and enough starter to bake their own loaf. Click here to register.

You will get to enjoy grilled cheese, fresh salad, savory soups, and apple cider donuts while looking at the night sky on Saturday, November 15 from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Massero Community Farm. The Savor the Stars event will allow you to relax while listening to live acoustic music. When the stars come out, take a peek through telescopes that will guide you through constellations and cosmic sights above. Bring a blanket and dress warmly. Tickets cost $65 per person.

Woodbridge Community Calendar