By Mary Welander
State Rep., D-119
Mary Welander
This past Sept. 11 I participated in the memorial service held in Derby, joined by my older daughter who is in eighth grade at Amity Middle School Orange. Her social studies class was doing a unit on 9/11 and I thought this would be a good way for her to gain a better understanding of the impact of that day, especially on first responders.
As we listened to the speakers there was a consistent theme behind all of their words: service, sacrifice, unity. The stories and history shared all pointed to thinking and acting beyond yourself in both times of crisis and in everyday actions.
We are incredibly fortunate in our community to have dedicated and skilled heroes who serve as first responders. The dangers and challenges they frequently face continue to demonstrate service, sacrifice and unity. The majority of those making sacrifices in our communities are volunteers. I encourage anyone who would like more information on how to be part of the Orange Volunteer Fire Department to visit orangevfd.org/join/.
Now that the weather is beginning to change, many of us are preparing for winter. Knowing that the past couple of years have been hard on many residents, Connecticut has expanded its fuel assistance program to ensure that people can be safe and warm. You can find more information on this program, and others, at portal.ct.gov/heatinghelp/Connecticut-Energy-Assistance-Program-CEAP?language=en_US.
If you have any trouble with the forms or questions about the process, please reach out to me at mary.welander@cga.ct.gov or call 860-240-8354. I would be happy to help.
Another concern for many residents is food security. It may come as a surprise to some, but according to the 2020 report from the United Way, 23 percent of Orange residents are living at or below the ALICE threshold. ALICE stands for asset limited, income constrained, employed; households that earn more than the federal poverty level but less than the cost of living for the area, and that are struggling to afford basic needs.
Knowing this, and that our winter months are often more challenging, I will be organizing an event to support our local food bank before Thanksgiving. I will share the details and the items most needed as we get closer. My weekly newsletter will have the most up to date information. Sign up at housedems.ct.gov/Welander.
Finally, I hope you will join me and many others on Oct. 1 (rain date Oct. 2), at 4 p.m. on the baseball field at High Plains Community Center for a good-natured Republican versus Democrat kickball game. Both town committees are coming together to raise money for a great cause: the Orange Community Assistance Fund fuel bank. The event costs $10 per spectator; food and drink will be provided. We will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Orange Food Bank. Come for a great time and support our community. It is up to us to continue these unified community-led efforts to offer assistance and resources to those who need it most.