The Community Connections Centers

“Getting Prepared – to Attend a Job Fair!” Diana Preece – Reference Librarian @ Milford Public Library Thursday – March 28th, 2024 @ 6:30 pm Margaret S. Egan Center, 35 Mathew St, Milford, CT, 06460 " She will be delivering a short presentation discussing ways to get the most out of job fair events – including the one that is taking place at the Milford Public Library on April 3rd! She will also take some time to cover all of the readily accessible resources that are currently available at the library, to all job seekers." Brought to you by the mtg. of Housatonic River Job Network - Job Fair Prep! E-mail alexy56@hotmail.com for further information

Let's Go on a Safari! In-Person Ages 0-5 with a caregiver Enjoy an evening of exploration as families go on a safari throughout the library using play-based activities and stories connected to our theme. Family activities will align with the SPARKLER app, an incredible collection of stories and resources for busy families. Safari goodie bags will be distributed to all participants as a thank you for participating. This program is brought to you thanks to the partnership of the Milford Public Library and the Milford Public Schools. Please register each child individually starting April 1st. https://milford-pl.libcal.com/event/12197574

When: Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 1 PM Where: The heart of Downtown Milford, CT Dive into a sea of green and join the revelry at Milford's most awaited event of the year, the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade! This is not just a parade; it's a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and spirited fun that paints Downtown Milford in hues of Irish pride and joy.

Sunday, March 10th from 12-2pm- More Parade Fun!!! Free children's entertainment, a petting zoo, children's activities, and giveaways from New Haven Reads, the Discovery Museum, the Hartford Yard Goats, The New Haven Town Green District and more! There will be food trucks, a bistro dining area, family bathrooms, stroller parking, and a family friendly parade viewing area. The parade starts at the top of the parade route at 1:30 pm and gets to the FFZ area by 2:15-2:30 so the FFZ is a great place to keep kids engaged and entertained until the parade makes its way down.

Does your child have an IEP and you would like more information? Favor is running an online informational session on understanding your child's Individual Education Plan. February 15th at 12:30pm to 2:00pm. Registration required.

Mental Health First Aid sessions are open. See attached flyer for dates and times.

Parents K-5 join us for a special night at JFK elementary school on February 8th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm! Learn all about saving for college.

OPEN HOUSE TONIGHT! Here’s a great option if you’re looking for a formal program for your young ones! The Foran High School Child Learning Center accepts students ages 3 or 4 (by Sept. 1, 2024) and you are invited to come and see what the program is all about! The program provides a dual purpose – young children can interact and develop social skills while engaged in Intentional Play AND our high school students who are enrolled in the Child Development course can gain real-life experience working with our ‘youngest students.’ The Open House will run from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. rpangu@milforded.org 203-783-3502

It will be very cold this weekend! If you or a neighbor needs support with heat please contact Keeping Milford Warm! https://www.keepingmilfordwarm.com/ (203) 876-7289

Parent University for Middle School Parents! January 25th At West Shore Middle School from 6pm to 8:30pm/ Dinner served Keynote: Dr. Yann Poncin Yale Professor Break out sessions on: Belonging Youth Mental Health Teens and Tech Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth

Hope all our Milford families can enjoy this snowy day! Check out this article from the CDC on safety tips for outside fun to things you can check in you home and car! From the CDC. gov "Winter storms and cold temperatures can be dangerous. Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead. Prepare your home and vehicles. Prepare for power outages and outdoor activity. Check on young children, older adults, and the chronically ill". https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/winterweather/index.html

Access Health Open Enrollment Fair Jan. 13th 10am -1pm at Jonathan Law High School. We are hosting free in person events to help with enrolling. If you are new to Access Health CT and have questions on enrolling and whether you are eligible, you can sign up for this event to get free in-person help. If you are a customer of Access Health CT, we can review your information and help you update your application at this event. To get a free ticket and learn what you should bring with you go to this website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/milford-open-enrollment-fair-tickets-722998988437

Warming Centers save lives! Please see the current information from Milford's Beth-El shelter. Sharing this information helps all our community. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to the Beth-El shelter or the Community Connections Centers.

Calling all Preschool and Kindergarten families for a night of fun and learning! On Tuesday, January 9th from 5:00pm to 7:30pm at Pumpkin Delight elementary school we will learn and explore the Sparkler app. Registration is requested, please reach out to the Milford Family Resource Center or the Community Connection Centers for questions and registration.

If your family needs support this holiday season please contact the Community Connections Centers for more resources. Attached is the food support guide from Beth-el for the month of December.

By TEAM.INC and UI Thursday, December 7, 2023 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Ansonia Senior Center 65 Main St., Ansonia, CT 06401 ABOUT THE EVENT • Speak one-on-one with a member of our UI and SCG Customer Care Teams and enroll in any available assistance programs or payment arrangements you may be eligible for. • Apply in person for CEAP (Connecticut Energy Assistance Program) through Community Action Agency – TEAM. LEARN ABOUT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS • Winter Protection Program – Available to all residential customers who qualify. If you are eligible, we will not turn off your electricity between November 1 and May 1. • Low-Income Discount Rate (LIDR) (UI Only) – This rate may be able to help you lower your electric bill. If you qualify, you will receive a 10% (Tier 1) or 50% (Tier 2) discount on your current monthly charges. For example, if your current monthly charges totaled $100, you would receive a $10 or $50 discount on your bill. • Matching Payment Program (MPP) – Available to residential customers, this program is designed to help lower energy bills for those who can demonstrate financial hardship. We will match every dollar paid by you or on your behalf up to a zero balance. • Bill Forgiveness Program (BFP) (UI Only) – Available to residential customers who can demonstrate financial hardship and have a balance of at least $100 that is 60 days or more overdue. If you qualify, you will be placed on a budget plan for up to 36 months and we will match payments as they are made. • Flexible Payment Arrangements – Available to all residential customers, regardless of financial status. You can pay your past-due balance over a period of up to 18 months. Current payment arrangements may be renegotiated due to a change in financial circumstances per Conn. Agencies Regs. § 16-3-100(b)(3)(A). Please visit us at: uinet.com/HelpWithBill for more information about these UI programs and soconngas.com/HelpWithBill for more information about these SCG programs. ENROLL To apply for financial hardship and qualifying programs at this event, please bring your electric/gas bills, account number, and any documentation that applies to your situation. Programs – Documents needed are budget sheet/benefits letter Income – Documents needed are budget sheet/benefits letter, pay stubs We look forward to working together to find the best program for your needs.

Meals available on Thanksgiving from Dockside and Mary Taylor Church

Kindergarten registration will open early this year on Nov 13th. For more information on changes made by legislation and Dr. Cutaia's letter to parents, go to milforded.org on the main page shared Nov.3rd. Below is a snap shot of some key things upcoming kindergarten families will want to know. From Dr. Cutaia's letter to parents, "Kindergarten registration will be open November 13 through November 27 (while registration will be open throughout the year, we encourage all families to register in this window so that we can have the most accurate enrollment). A follow-up letter will be sent with specific registration instructions. Parents of Milford Public Schools Preschool or Milford Ready to Learn students WILL need to complete a special online kindergarten registration form. Specific information will be provided directly to those families. During the registration process, parents of children born between September 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019 will be able to indicate that they are seeking a waiver for admittance in September 2024. "

From the Milford Patch for today! VOTE!! MILFORD, CT — On Nov. 7, Milford residents cast their votes for several key municipal positions. Contested races include: the town council and school board. Polls in Connecticut are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can use the Secretary of State’s website to find your polling place. Voters who are in line by 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote. Connecticut also allows for Election Day registration at designated centers in each town. People must be registered by 8 p.m. in order to vote using Election Day registration. To receive your absentee ballot, complete and sign an application and return it to your Town Clerk, or you can request an absentee ballot online.

There are still a few spots available in the Jonathan Law HS Child Development program! This is FREE Program! Please reach out to Ms. McCoy at 203-783-3574 ext. 6571 or bmccoy@milforded.org with any questions. Use this link for more information. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oZmqJGQFNaJkgxTT2i0H6a-VlbGNd192_JyNdyFM8uw/edit?usp=sharing