Fundraiser slated Sept. 11 for CT flood victims at music venue in Hamden

On Aug. 18, in the middle of the day, residents of the Naugatuck Valley and surrounding areas received weather advisory warnings on their cell phones. 

Within hours, many found themselves standing inside their homes in several feet of water, forced to move to higher ground. Those on the roads were trapped, unable to drive, as floodwaters from surrounding waterways quickly inundated roads and homes. 

Tragically, lives were lost, and countless homes have been condemned or severely damaged. Many families are now facing the overwhelming loss of household items, rapid mold growth, and the trauma of displacement. Some, despite the severe damage, have no choice but to remain in their homes. 

Compounding these challenges, many do not have flood insurance because they do not live in designated flood zones. The flood has also left many residents homeless, exacerbating food insecurity and other vulnerabilities in our community. 

We come together today to raise funds to support those affected by this disaster, to help them rebuild their lives, and to ensure that no one faces this crisis alone.

100% of the proceeds from a fundraiser at Space Ballroom in Hamden will go to TEAM, Inc., a non-profit human services agency whose mission is to strengthen our communities by educating, supporting, and empowering individuals and families. 

The event will run from 7:30-11 p.m. Sept. 11 with the collaboration and support of Rev. Tammy Theis and Seymour Congregational Church.

In addition, we will also be running a food drive to benefit the Seymour Oxford Food Bank and collecting items at the door.

Get your tickets   here 

https://www.eventbrite.com/.../a-benefit-for-ct-storm... 

This is shared from Seymour Congregational Church Facebook page. 

 

Shelton Police arrest 2 juveniles Sunday in stolen vehicle

SHELTON - Police said this morning that at approximately 2:15 a.m. Sunday they were advised a vehicle was just stolen from a driveway in Shelton.

Officers on patrol were able to locate the stolen vehicle and another vehicle that appeared to be connected with the stolen vehicle. Officers attempted to stop the vehicles, but the vehicles fled and police disengaged.

Officers were then advised that the vehicle following the stolen car crashed and that the operator was fleeing on foot. Police headed towards the crash and located the stolen vehicle as well.

The stolen vehicle attempted to flee and struck a police vehicle. Three people then fled the stolen vehicle on foot. Two of the three individuals were apprehended by police following a foot chase.

Both individuals arrested were 14-year old juveniles from Hamden. They were charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, engaging in pursuit, reckless driving, interfering, and operating a MV without a license. Both were released to a parent.

One arrestee was wearing an ankle bracelet and his probation officer was notified as well.

It was reported to police that the stolen vehicle was unlocked and the keys were left in the vehicle.

Police again are reminding residents to lock their vehicles and take the keys inside.

***The charges in the press release are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.***

Cabrera votes to extend cost-savings measures, including heating assistance

HARTFORD - State Sen. Jorge Cabrera, D-Hamden, Monday joined the state Senate in special session as it extended important cost-saving measures first approved this spring that will provide more than $200 million in financial benefits and savings to state residents in coming months. 

Senators voted to keep the state's gas tax exemption, saving motorists $90 million through May 1; extend free bus fare through next spring, saving riders $10.8 million; allocate $75 million to a state program aiding essential workers who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic; and invest $30 million to programs aiding residents who need assistance with high energy costs. 

The bill passed 33-0 and now heads to Gov. Ned Lamont.

 

"Cutting the gas tax and making public bus rides free have been a success and it just makes sense to keep these going through spring of next year," said Cabrera. "The additional funding for energy assistance should also help during the winter. I know for many; costs are still too high, and bills are piling up. I've experienced the same in my life and I know these cost-saving measures will provide some relief, as will the bump in funding for hero pay. These frontline workers embody the spirit of Connecticut and community and I'm proud to vote yes on a funding increase to the essential worker fund."

 

Most prominently, the Senate voted to retain the state's holiday on the gas tax, which has saved residents 25 cents per gallon purchased since April 1 amid fluctuating fuel costs. 

That gas tax holiday will be phased out gradually, avoiding a financial cliff and allowing for residents to acclimate to shifts in price. Under the current proposal, the tax will see 5 cents removed from the exemption each month from Jan. 1 (25 cents per gallon to 20 cents per gallon) through May 1 (5 cents to 0 cents). Without action, the gas tax would have resumed in full on Thursday, Dec. 1.

 

Additionally, the Senate voted to keep free bus fare available to state residents through April 1. Free bus fare was initially introduced alongside the gas tax earlier this year to allow for residents without personal vehicles to enjoy financial savings on transportation as well. Since then, reports indicate bus ridership is at an all-time high. A resident traveling to work, or to purchase groceries, pick up a prescription, see a doctor or any number of other everyday tasks, currently saves up to $3 on each leg of their journey. The April 1 ending date is due to federal regulation; the extension will cost a total of $10.8 million for those four months.

 

Further measures passed today by the Senate included two allocations of funding to bolster programs aiding state residents. These include $75 million added to the pandemic worker bonus fund, which will pay out bonuses of up to $1,000 to more than 130,000 residents who worked in essential in-person roles during the pandemic. That fund, initially budgeted at $35 million, will see its allocation swell to $105 million to ensure workers receive bonuses they were promised. Funding will be sourced through unexpended funds from the CT Essential Worker Program and projected lapsing appropriations in the general fund. Payments will be reorganized by income brackets; workers earning under $50,000 will receive $1,000, with bonus amounts reduced gradually among increasing income brackets.

 

The Senate also acted to invest $30 million into the state's heating oil assistance programs, in particular the Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program, as a contingency in the event federal funding cannot support program costs. 

This adds to $97 million in state and federal aid already dedicated to helping Connecticut residents struggling to pay for heating costs. On the heels of EverSource and United Illuminating filing rate increases increasing electricity bills by up to 40%, and with already-high numbers of individuals seeking aid continuing to increase amid financial challenges for many, this allocation is vital in helping countless Connecticut families stay warm without sacrificing other important needs.

 

Additional actions taken Monday include a requirement that 95% of proceeds from fines administered by PURA in fiscal years 2023 and 2024 will go toward Operation Fuel and a requirement that nonprofits submit annual reports to PURA regarding use of proceeds. This will ensure additional financial support in these programs. 

The Senate also voted to ensure retailers' existing inventories of beverage containers not marked for recycling can continue to be sold after Jan. 1, when new bottle laws take effect in the state.

Cabrera represents the 17th District.

This is a press release from Cabrera's office.

 

Area legislators to hold in-person event at Valley Diner in Derby

DERBY - State Rep. Kara Rochelle, D- Ansonia, Derby, and state Sen. Jorge Cabrera, D-Hamden, will hold an in-person Office Hours and Listening Session event Friday, March 18 from 8-9 a.m. in the back room of the Valley Diner, 636 New Haven Ave.

During the event, residents will be able to connect with Rochelle and Cabrera to discuss their thoughts, concerns, questions, and feedback on state issues, and share their ideas for legislation.

"No matter how busy the legislative session gets, I want to be available to hear from you about your thoughts, concerns, and questions you may have on the issues you care about  most,"  Rochelle said. “Your voice matters and our legislative process is stronger when you share your ideas with us. Please join us for this opportunity to connect on the issues that matter most to you and ask questions about the 2022 legislative session."

 

For immediate assistance, residents can call Rochelle's office at 860-240-8585 or email her at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov.

 

 

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

 

Legislators to hold coffee hour Friday at Valley Diner in Derby

DERBY - State Sen. Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden), state Reps. Kara Rochelle (D- Ansonia, Derby) and Mary Welander (D-Orange, Woodbridge, Derby) will hold an in-person Legislative Coffee Update from 8-9 a.m. Friday. at The Valley Diner, 636 New Haven Ave.

Residents will be able to connect with the legislators in an approachable and relaxed setting to discuss their thoughts, concerns, and questions on the issues that matter most.

 

This is part of a monthly series of coffee hour events that Cabrera, Rochelle, and Welander hold to connect with Ansonia and Derby residents to learn more about the issues they care about and provide an update on what they are working on in Hartford.

 

Residents who would like more information about the event should contact Rochelle by emailing her at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov. If they need immediate assistance, residents can call her office at 860-240-8585.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Cabrera, Rochelle to hold office hours at Copper City Bar & Grill in Ansonia

ANSONIA - State Sen. Jorge Cabrera, D-Hamden, and state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D- Ansonia, Derby, will hold in-person Legislative Office Hours from 6 -7 p.m. Aug. 16 on the back patio of Copper City Bar & Grill, 82-84 Main St.

 

Residents will be able to connect with the legislators in an approachable and relaxed setting to discuss their thoughts, concerns, and questions on the issues that matter most.

 

This is part of Rochelle's twice-monthly coffee hour series to connect with residents of Ansonia and Derby to provide an update on what she is working on in Hartford and converse about the issues that matter most to people in the community.

 

Residents who would like more information about the event should contact Rochelle by emailing her at Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov. 

For immediate assistance, residents can call her office at 860-240-8585.

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

 

Cabrera, Rochelle welcome $350K for nonprofits in Valley, Hamden

State Rep. Kara Rochelle

HARTFORD - State Sen. Jorge Cabrera, D-Hamden, and state Rep. Kara Rochelle, D-Ansonia, Derby today welcomed $350,000 in state funding over the next two years for local community organizations and nonprofits.

The funds will be used to support youth development, prevent youth violence, and assist fathers in the region. 

These funds, secured by Cabrera and authorized under the biennial state budget passed earlier this month, are an important investment in the well-being of the Valley community, according to Cabrera.

"Nonprofits are vital to our communities and I am proud to secure these funds for organizations doing great work across the Valley," said Cabrera. 

"From Valley Save Our Youth providing our young people with safe opportunities to engage with their peers, to TEAM offering many crucial human services people rely on, to Hamden Fixing Fathers, an exciting new nonprofit helping fathers, specializing in supporting dads and keeping families strong and connected, these nonprofits and community organizations will be able to continue to benefit those they serve in ways they have come to expect and appreciate thanks to these additional funds. I am deeply grateful for all these organizations do for our community."

Rochelle said these funds will help secure positive futures for the Valley’s next generation.

“This new funding will touch lives and shape futures. Fostering a strong future begins with building up our children and ensuring they have enriching programming and the supports necessary to set them up for success," said Rochelle. "TEAM and Valley Save Our Youth both have strong track records of meeting the needs of our residents, families, and children. I am so grateful for all these organizations do for the Valley and to be able to assist them in our common mission to support our children."

Valley Save Our Youth will receive $75,000 in the 2022 and the 2023 fiscal years for Youth Services Prevention.

TEAM, based in Derby, will receive $50,000 in both the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years. 

Hamden Fixing Fathers will receive $50,000 in both the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years. The 2022 fiscal year starts on July 1, 2021. 

Throughout the summer and fall, the state will begin releasing funding for these youth development and youth violence prevention programs.

Valley Save Our Youth is a nonprofit organization that provides programs to keep children active and involved in their communities.

TEAM is a human services agency that seeks to strengthen the Valley community through education, support and empowerment. 

It provides economically disadvantaged residents with basic needs and case management, employment, and training support, elderly services, and Meals on Wheels, Early Childhood and Head Start and more. 

Hamden Fixing Fathers, which will receive a total of $100,000 over the next two years, specializes in helping fathers strengthen their bond with their children and their families while educating them on the importance of their role in their family. 

They provide programs to assist fathers in breaking through past personal trauma, navigating parenthood and staying involved while co-parenting.

This is a press release from the lawmakers' offices.

Rochelle, Cabrera hail $1M in Brownfield Remediation Program funds for Ansonia

Former Farrel Foundry and Machine Co. site 

ANSONIA - State Rep. Kara Rochelle (D-Ansonia/Derby) and state Sen. Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) welcome $1 million in state funds through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development's Brownfield Remediation Program for the assessment, demolition, and remediation of the former Farrel Foundry and Machine Co. site at 35 North Main St.

"I'm so very proud to help bring this state money back to our community for economic revitalization. Ansonia's future is tied to securing funds like this to transform our downtown. I'm grateful for the teamwork amongst state and local officials to secure these funds. Step by step, we are making real progress for our future and our residents," said Rochelle. "I am incredibly thankful to have such strong partners in Governor Ned Lamont, DECD Commissioner David Lehman, State Senator Jorge Cabrera, Ansonia Economic Development Director Sheila O'Malley, and the DECD team for always making themselves available for our efforts."

This is a press release from Rochelle's office.

Logan to host coffee hour at Three Brothers Diner in Hamden

 

Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.

Logan to host coffee hour at Acropolis Diner in Hamden

Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.

Logan to host coffee hour at Barbara's Restaurant in Hamden

Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.

Sorority at Quinnipiac University to hold virtual walk Sunday to benefit BHcare

Sharing this post from My Sister's Place Facebook page: 

 "Looking for a way to move around and make a difference during these difficult times? Check out Virtual Walk A Mile. 
"The amazing women at Alpha Chi Omega at Quinnipiac University have turned lemons into lemonade and are hosting their annual Walk A Mile in Her Shoes virtually! 
"Each year they raise awareness and funds for the The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services. 
"And this year, you can help from the comfort of your own home (or yard). Thank you, AXO, for your dedication and commitment! 
"More info at the link below, or check out the event page. https://alphachiomega.crowdchange.co/13808

"Alpha Chi Omega Iota Phi will be hosting our annual spring philanthropy event, Walk A Mile in Her Shoes on April 5, 2020 at 12:00 pm. The event will be held virtually on Zoom due to the COVID-19 crisis where we will hear from a representative at our philanthropic partner, BHCare. 

"Once the speech has concluded all participants should strap their high heels on and take their own symbolic walk. We encourage a $3 participation donation but it is not required and  we inspire all, men and women, to partake in our event and quite literally, walk in her shoes. 

"Alpha Chi Omega Iota Phi is a sorority at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Our philanthropy is Domestic Violence Awareness and we raise money for a local shelter: BHCare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services." 

Logan to host coffee hour at Three Brothers Diner in Hamden

Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District. 

Logan to host coffee hour at Barbara's Restaurant in Hamden

 Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.

Logan to hold coffee hour at Three Brothers Diner in Hamden

Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.

Logan to hold coffee hour at Three Brothers Diner in Hamden

Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.

Logan to host coffee hour at Barbara's Restaurant in Hamden

Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.

Logan to host coffee hour at Acropolis Diner in Hamden

Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.

Tunnel light repair to close lanes in Woodbridge, New Haven, Hamden

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that an illumination repair project will be performed on Route 15 (Wilbur Cross Parkway) in Woodbridge and New Haven Saturday, Oct. 5.

The project consists of replacing the lighting in the West Rock Tunnel on Route 15 in Woodbridge and New Haven.

LANE CLOSURE INFO
Motorists can expect lane closures to occur on Route 15 in Woodbridge, New Haven, and Hamden between Exit 58 (Route 34, Derby Turnpike) and Exit 60 (Route 10, Dixwell Avenue). Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone.

The southbound side of the tunnel will have alternating traffic proceeding through while the northbound side of the tunnel will be closed to traffic.
The regular work schedule for this project is from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule might become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions.
Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity.

Logan to host coffee hour at Three Brothers Diner in Hamden

Logan, R-Ansonia, represents the 17th District.