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Issue No. 2 · Oct. 26 – Nov. 8, 2026 · Wellness, community resources & support · Online only
Every other Sunday evening, CT Info Press brings you wellness, community resources and support, plus local news and things to do: where to get help with health and wellness, health coverage, food, jobs and more. Built in eastern CT, with two weeks of help and things to do in every issue. The next issue comes out Sunday, Nov. 8.
CT Info Press is digital only. There is no print edition and no email edition. Read every story free, right here at jtnweb.com.
Community Health Spotlight · Generations Family Health Center
Generations Family Health Center has served eastern Connecticut since 1984 with medical, dental and behavioral health care in Danielson, Norwich, Putnam and Willimantic. Its Support Services team helps anyone, patient or not, with HUSKY, insurance, SNAP, rides and paperwork, at no cost.
Support Services: 860-456-6263
Walk-ins welcome · Call 860-450-7471, option 2, or email mobilehealth@genhealth.org
Schedule from genhealth.org; it can change. Check before you go.
Local business? Reach readers in all 169 Connecticut towns from $25 a week
Letter from the editor
To everyone who has found their way to our pages: thank you.
We're new, and we're just getting started. Our mission is simple: to bring health, wellness, and community connection together in one place. Think of us as your one-stop source for the information, resources, and local services that help you live well and stay connected.
Whether you're looking for wellness tips, community events, volunteer opportunities, or services close to home, our goal is to put it all at your fingertips, so you can spend less time searching and more time living.
As we launch, we're reaching out to every reader who has already visited. Your support means everything. Read us, share us with friends and neighbors, and tell us what you'd like to see. We're building this for you.
Together, we'll bring the news and information that matters to residents across Connecticut.
With gratitude,Kevin, Editor-in-Chief
November is American Diabetes Month, National Family Caregivers Month, Alzheimer's Awareness Month, Lung Cancer Awareness Month and National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. Here's what's on the calendar these two weeks, with one simple thing you can do for each.
Through Sat., Oct. 31
The nation's drug-prevention week. This year's theme, "Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.", was created by a middle school student from Griswold.
Do this: Talk with your kids about medicines and vaping. Free help: call 2-1-1.
Thu., Oct. 29
Every minute counts during a stroke. Learn the signs: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech trouble, Time to call 911.
Do this: Get your blood pressure checked. Many pharmacies do it free.
Sat., Oct. 31 · Sun., Nov. 1–2
Trick-or-treat safely: bright costumes or a flashlight, an adult with young kids, and check candy before eating.
Do this: Drive slowly in neighborhoods from 5 to 9 p.m. on Halloween.
Sun., Nov. 1, 2 a.m.
Clocks go back one hour. Darker evenings can affect sleep and mood.
Do this: Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when you change your clocks, and get outside in the morning light.
Nov. 1–7
Part of American Diabetes Month. Many people with prediabetes don't know they have it, and small changes can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.
Do this: Ask your doctor about an A1C test. Connecticut's Diabetes Prevention and Control Program: 860-509-7737.
Tue., Nov. 3
Polls are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Governor, state offices, all five U.S. House seats and every seat in the state legislature are on the ballot. Early voting runs daily through Sun., Nov. 1, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) on Tue., Oct. 27 and Thu., Oct. 29.
Do this: Not registered? Connecticut offers same-day registration during early voting and on Election Day. Ask your town clerk where.
Wed., Nov. 4
Stress Awareness Week runs Nov. 2–6. Long-term stress can raise blood pressure and disrupt sleep.
Do this: Take a 10-minute walk or call a friend. In a crisis, call or text 988.
All November
If you care for a parent, partner or neighbor, you don't have to do it alone.
Do this: Connecticut's caregiver support program and free CHOICES Medicare counseling: 1-800-994-9422. Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900.
All November
Screening can find lung cancer early, when it's easier to treat. Current and former smokers may qualify for a yearly low-dose CT scan.
Do this: Take the quiz at SavedByTheScan.org. Ready to quit? CT Quitline, free and 24/7: 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Sun., Nov. 8
The festival of lights. Celebrating with candles and diyas? Keep flames away from curtains and decorations, and never leave them burning unattended.
Do this: Keep a fire extinguisher or a bowl of water nearby.
Coming up next issue: Veterans Day (Wed., Nov. 11), World Kindness Day (Nov. 13), World Diabetes Day (Nov. 14), World Prematurity Day (Nov. 17) and the Great American Smokeout (Thu., Nov. 19). Flu shots are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Ask your doctor or pharmacist. This section is general information, not medical advice.
Health · Open enrollment is open now
Access Health CT opened enrollment for 2027 coverage on Oct. 23, a week earlier than usual. You have until Dec. 15 to sign up for coverage that starts Jan. 1. Community health centers and community action agencies across eastern Connecticut can walk you through it at no cost.
NORWICH, Conn. — Open enrollment through Access Health CT, the state's official health insurance marketplace, opened Friday, Oct. 23, and runs through Jan. 15. In recent years the window opened Nov. 1, so residents got an extra week this fall. There are 51 days left to sign up for coverage that starts Jan. 1.
Mind the Dec. 15 date. Sign up on or before Dec. 15 and your plan starts Jan. 1, 2027. Sign up between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15 and coverage begins Feb. 1.
New federal rules had pushed marketplaces to shorten enrollment to nine weeks ending Dec. 31. That change is being challenged in court, and Connecticut's exchange has kept its mid-January close for now.
You don't have to figure it out alone. Access Health CT partners with navigators, community organizations that offer free help all year. In eastern Connecticut, that navigator is UCFS in Norwich. The exchange also runs a mobile enrollment team that meets people at libraries and community centers, holds enrollment fairs on evenings and weekends, and lists free certified brokers.
Community health centers have trained staff called certified application counselors who help people compare plans and apply for HUSKY, private marketplace plans and the Covered CT program. Community action agencies can connect families with the right resources too, from enrollment help to heating and food assistance.
Hours and locations can change. Call before you go, and bring ID, Social Security numbers and income information for everyone in your household.
Norwich · Local government
A Nov. 3 ballot question asks voters to approve borrowing to turn the city-owned former Chelsea Groton Bank building at 300 Main St. into police headquarters. Officers say their current quarters are cramped and aging, and the city plans to seek state, federal and grant money to offset the cost. Early voting is at City Hall, Room 335, 100 Broadway.
Mansfield · Election
Mansfield voters can cast early ballots on the bookstore's second floor or at Town Hall, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Nov. 1, with 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. hours on Tue., Oct. 27 and Thu., Oct. 29.
Storrs · UConn
UConn trustees approved a 20-year, $32.5 million partnership with M&T Bank that includes naming rights to the arena, which is in the middle of a $99 million renovation.
Groton · Energy
Speaking at an event in the Mystic and Groton area, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff said he will file a bill to pause new data centers until Connecticut sets rules on their power use, effect on electric bills and the environment. Gov. Ned Lamont said the state has not allowed large AI data centers.
Medicare Advantage CutsYour health · Your money
ConnectiCare, CarePartners of Connecticut and HealthSpring have no Connecticut Medicare Advantage plans listed for 2027. If you're in one of their plans, you'll need to choose new coverage.
Insurers across the country are cutting Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, and Connecticut is among the states hit hardest by the pullback. According to an analysis of federal Medicare (CMS) plan data by MyMedicarePlans.org, 17 of the Medicare Advantage plans sold in Connecticut this year will not return in 2027. Another 9 are changing their premium, drug deductible, plan type or name. The number of insurers selling these plans in the state drops from eight to six.
| County | Leaving | Changing |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfield | 14 | 5 |
| Hartford | 16 | 8 |
| Litchfield | 16 | 8 |
| Middlesex | 16 | 8 |
| New Haven | 16 | 8 |
| New London | 16 | 7 |
| Tolland | 14 | 7 |
| Windham | 14 | 8 |
The county numbers add up to more than the statewide total because one plan can be sold in several counties. Source: MyMedicarePlans.org analysis of CMS plan data.
Plan counts come from MyMedicarePlans.org, a commercial site that analyzes CMS plan files. Confirm what's available at your address on Medicare.gov or with a CHOICES counselor.
Safe Medicine DisposalYour health · Your family's safety
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day was Saturday, Oct. 24. The next one is expected in late April 2027, but 120 drop boxes in police stations and pharmacies across Connecticut take medications free and anonymously all year.
On Saturday, Oct. 24, police departments and community partners across the country collected unwanted and expired prescription drugs for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, at more than 4,400 collection sites nationwide. If you missed it, you don't have to wait for the next one. Connecticut's year-round drop boxes, listed by county below, are just as free and anonymous.
The program works. Americans turned in 642,410 pounds of medication at the April 2026 Take Back Day alone, and the DEA has collected more than 21 million pounds since the event began in 2010. Pills left over after a surgery, an illness or a loved one's death can be taken by mistake, stolen or misused. Children and pets can be poisoned by medication within reach. Getting rid of what you don't need is one of the simplest ways to protect your household.
Connecticut has made real progress. The state recorded 836 confirmed overdose deaths in 2025, its fourth straight year of decline and 45.5% fewer than at the 2021 peak, according to Department of Public Health figures reported by WTNH. But the danger hasn't passed. Carfentanil, an opioid far stronger than fentanyl, contributed to 31 deaths in 2025, three times as many as the year before. The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services says Connecticut has lost more than 10,000 people to overdoses in the past decade.
"Drug Take Back Day is a great reminder to take the time to clean out your medicine cabinets and dispose of unwanted medications, the right way," state Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli said ahead of a Take Back Day last year.
Drop box list from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection's official data, updated October 2026. Hours vary. Most boxes don't accept needles, liquids or inhalers. Call the police department or pharmacy before you go. Saturday sites are from local announcements. Use the DEA locator for a complete list.
Black Maternal Health & WICHealthy moms, healthy babies
Most pregnancy-related deaths in Connecticut can be prevented. HUSKY now pays for doulas, WIC covers food and nutrition support until a child turns 5, and community programs run by and for Black women are growing.
Connecticut has one of the lowest maternal death rates in the country, but it ranks 35th for severe maternal morbidity, the life-threatening complications such as hemorrhage, organ failure or emergency hysterectomy that can happen around childbirth. According to the Connecticut Health Foundation, the burden falls hardest on Black women. In state health department data for 2018–2020, Black mothers had a severe complication rate of 141.9 per 10,000 births, about twice the rate for white mothers (68.4).
WIC (Women, Infants and Children) gives healthy foods, infant formula, breastfeeding help and nutrition advice. It's open to people who are pregnant, recently had a baby or are breastfeeding, and to infants and children under 5. Dads, grandparents, guardians and foster parents can sign up children too. You don't need to be a U.S. citizen. If you get SNAP, HUSKY or Temporary Family Assistance, you automatically meet the income rules. Otherwise the limit is 185% of the federal poverty level, and an unborn baby counts in your family size.
Ten local WIC agencies run 23 full-time offices and 35 part-time sites that serve all 169 towns. Call the office nearest you, or start online at portal.ct.gov/dph/wic. Bring ID, proof of address and income, and a form from your doctor. If you're not sure which office serves your town, call the state WIC line at 1-800-741-2142.
Office details are from the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Hours and part-time sites vary, so call before you go. This information is not medical advice. Talk with your health care provider about your pregnancy.
Lost SNAP? Get $300Your money · Food help
About 25,000 residents who lost food benefits under H.R. 1 can get a one-time $300 card from their local community action agency. Apply by Nov. 30.
The federal budget law known as H.R. 1 expanded SNAP work requirements. Many adults ages 18 to 64 without young children now have to work, volunteer or train at least 80 hours a month to keep their food benefits. Groups that used to be exempt, including veterans, people experiencing homelessness, young adults leaving foster care and parents whose youngest child is 14 or older, are now covered by the rule. About 35,000 Connecticut residents have lost SNAP since July 2025, CT Mirror reported. That includes nearly 18,900 children, and only about 5,000 people have re-enrolled.
Community Action AgenciesKnow where to turn
Every town in Connecticut is served by a local community action agency. These nonprofits help residents with low or moderate incomes, and most services are free.
Community action agencies were created in the 1960s as part of the federal War on Poverty. Today Connecticut's nine agencies cover all 169 towns. They run a long list of programs: heating help through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, Head Start and child care, food pantries and meals for seniors, emergency rent help, free tax preparation, job training and more.
| County | Agencies |
|---|---|
| Fairfield | Alliance for Community Empowerment; CAAWC; TEAM (Shelton) |
| Hartford | CRT; HRA of New Britain; New Opportunities (Berlin, Southington); Access (Suffield) |
| Litchfield | New Opportunities; CAAWC; HRA (Plymouth) |
| Middlesex | CRT |
| New Haven | CAA of New Haven; TEAM; New Opportunities; CRT (Branford, Guilford, Madison, North Branford) |
| New London | TVCCA |
| Tolland | Access |
| Windham | Access |
Check the town lists below. Some counties are split between agencies.
Agency addresses, phone numbers, services and town assignments are from the Connecticut Association for Community Action and the agencies' own websites. Leaders are as listed in recent agency, state and news sources. Many agencies list an email for only some programs and otherwise use a contact form on their website. Program hours and locations change, so call before you go.
Every town in Connecticut is served by one of nine community action agencies. Find your town, your agency's phone number and address in our full directory below.
30+ years of keeping kids off the street
For more than 30 years, this Meriden nonprofit has given young people somewhere to go after school, and a reason to keep coming back.
MERIDEN, Conn. — Beat The Street Community Center has spent more than three decades on one mission: keeping kids off the street and engaged in positive, character-building activities. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit serves inner-city youth and young adults, building physical strength, endurance, education and self-esteem so the pull of the street loses its grip.
Your mind matters
Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Connecticut's Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services funds a local mental health authority for every town.
From the DMHAS directory of Local Mental Health Authorities, October 2026. Call before you go; hours and services vary. This is general information, not medical advice.
Stay warm, stay safe
Under Connecticut's No Freeze policy, shelters add beds through the winter so people aren't turned away on cold nights. Every shelter bed in the state is reached through one number: 2-1-1.
A full town-by-town list of shelters is coming in the next issue (Sun., Nov. 8). Shelter space changes nightly, so 2-1-1 is always the fastest way to find an open bed.
Food InsecurityHunger in Connecticut
Hunger is rising in one of the country's wealthiest states. Most pantries ask for very little, and many ask for nothing at all.
More than 560,000 people in Connecticut, about 15.3% of residents, were food insecure in the latest Feeding America estimates, released this year by Connecticut Foodshare. That rate rose 7% in a single year. More than 137,000 of those people are children, roughly one in five kids statewide.
| People | Up to | People | Up to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $46,950 | 5 | $112,950 |
| 2 | $63,450 | 6 | $129,450 |
| 3 | $79,950 | 7 | $145,950 |
| 4 | $96,450 | 8 | $162,450 |
Add $16,500 for each additional person. That's 300% of the federal poverty level.
Not listed here? Connecticut has hundreds of pantries. Call 2-1-1 or use ctfoodshare.org/find-food for the ones closest to you.
Immigration Legal HelpKnow your options
Nonprofit lawyers and accredited advocates help with green cards, citizenship, DACA, asylum, work permits and court cases at little or no cost.
Immigration paperwork is complicated, and mistakes can be costly. Several Connecticut nonprofits offer legal help for free or at a reduced cost, and some serve clients regardless of income. Below is where to start, with eastern Connecticut options first.
Services, fees and eligibility vary by organization and can change. Call ahead, and ask whether there is a fee before your appointment.
Sponsored event
–
Braata Productions brings a Caribbean Christmas to Queens (Fri., Dec. 4), Brooklyn (Sat., Dec. 5) and the Bronx (Sun., Dec. 6). Expect Kimiela "Candy" Isaacs, Andrew Clarke, the Braata Singers, a Jonkanoo parade and holiday vendors.
Presold tickets $30 until Dec. 3; adults $35, children and seniors $25, market access only $10.
Get ticketsLineup, tickets and details for this Caribbean Christmas celebration
Decorate a traditional Catrina mask for Día de los Muertos in this two-hour hands-on class from Groton Parks & Recreation.
Groton · register at grotonct.myrec.com
Bring the kids downtown, then stop by the city's booth to share ideas for Torrington's new Plan of Conservation and Development.
City Hall lot, 140 Main St., Torrington
Local makers sell handmade crafts and gifts, just in time to start holiday shopping. Hosted by Groton's Thrive55+ Active Living Center.
Groton · details at grotonct.myrec.com
A free program for adults with crafts, music and snacks to mark the festival of lights.
Manchester Public Library, 1041 Main St., Manchester
The farmers market moves indoors for the winter, with local vendors from 11 am to 2 pm on the second Sunday of each month through March.
Municipal Building auditorium, 295 Meridian St., Groton
A free 90-minute class for ages 15 and up on budgeting, saving and handling money. Registration is required.
Groton Community Center, 61 Fort Hill Rd. · register
Music director Toshiyuki Shimada conducts the orchestra's next concert.
Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London
The Huskies take on the only team ranked ahead of them in the preseason AP poll, in the Hall of Fame Women's Showcase.
Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville
Santa arrives by tugboat at 2 pm, the Mystic River Park tree lights up at 6 pm and the 22nd lighted boat parade follows at 6:15 pm.
Downtown Mystic
The City of Groton's first holiday parade, with Santa on a fire truck and a 6:30 pm tree lighting. Free; bring canned food or a toy. Rain date Dec. 6.
Ends at the Municipal Building, 295 Meridian St., Groton
The holiday classic, set in an 1850s New London seaport.
Garde Arts Center, New London
For hikes, concerts and family outings through Nov. 8, see Things To Do. Hosting a special event? Send the date, time, place and a short description to marketing@jtnweb.com by Friday at 12 noon before each issue, with a JPEG or PNG flyer or a Word document. Confirm times and prices with organizers before you go.
TravelLate fall in Connecticut
The leaves are almost done inland, but the lower Connecticut River holds its color into early November. Here's how to spend both weekends of this issue outdoors, with history, stargazing and a head start on holiday shopping.
The Last Green Valley's Walktober, the region's two-month season of guided walks and outdoor programs, ends Sunday, Nov. 8. That gives you two more weekends of free and low-cost outings across the Quiet Corner and beyond. Remember that clocks fall back on Sunday, Nov. 1, so it gets dark about an hour earlier. Plan hikes for the morning or early afternoon and bring a flashlight.
Before you drive, check the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's interactive fall foliage map for current conditions. It's linked from ctvisit.com.
Halloween weekend · Oct. 31 – Nov. 1
Weekend of Nov. 6 – 8
Any day: the river and the shore
Event times and prices change. Confirm with each organizer before you go, and find more Walktober walks at thelastgreenvalley.org.
Cruises & Travel AbroadPlan ahead for 2027
From Alaska glaciers to Japan's ports and polar expeditions, advisors say now is the time to lock in next year's big trip, and to check your passport.
Americans can't get enough of cruising. AAA expects a record 22.4 million Americans to sail in 2027, up 3.6% from this year and the fifth record year in a row. The Caribbean still draws about 71% of U.S. cruise passengers, though shorter sailings of six nights or fewer are gaining ground.
Adventure
Culture
Food lovers
Families
Luxury
Itineraries, prices and perks change. Confirm details with your advisor and cruise line before booking.
Election
Gov. Ned Lamont (D) and state Sen. Ryan Fazio (R) held their first televised debate Oct. 22, focused on taxes, electric rates and immigration enforcement. Their final debate is Tue., Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. on WTNH. Election Day is Tue., Nov. 3, with polls open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and same-day registration available.
Energy
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program benefits range from $355 to $705. Households on SNAP or SSI, or earning up to 60% of state median income ($63,703 for two people), may qualify. Shut-off protection runs Nov. 1 to May 1. Apply by May 31 through your community action agency.
Disaster help
Homeowners, renters and businesses in Fairfield, New Haven and Litchfield counties hit by the Sept. 13 flash flood can apply for low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans for physical damage through Dec. 1.
County pages: Fairfield Hartford Litchfield Middlesex New Haven New London Tolland Windham
Windham County towns, ZIP codes, food pantries and local help
Energy
On Oct. 22, President Trump used the Defense Production Act to fund more domestic oil production, refining and logistics, as the conflict with Iran keeps oil prices high.
Jordan
Nine people were killed in an attack on a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak governorate on Oct. 23, according to the latest reports. Jordan declared three days of mourning.
Brazil
Brazilians voted Sunday, Oct. 25, in a runoff between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro. Final polls showed a statistical tie.
Your money
Insurers proposed a median 15% premium increase nationally for 2027 marketplace plans, and enhanced federal subsidies have ended. HealthCare.gov opens Nov. 1. Connecticut residents enroll through Access Health CT, which is already open. Get free local help.
MLB
Milwaukee won Game 1, 3–2, and rallied from a 4–0 hole to take Game 2, 5–4. The series moves to Tampa Bay for Game 3 on Mon., Oct. 26, and Game 4 on Tue., Oct. 27, with Game 5 Wed., Oct. 28, if needed. All games are at 8 p.m. on FOX. Neither team has ever won a World Series.
UConn men
The Huskies start against Gardner-Webb on Mon., Nov. 2, at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford. Only Florida, Duke and Illinois are ranked higher.
UConn women
The women open against Cornell on Mon., Nov. 2, at 5 p.m. at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, on Peacock. They host Iowa at Gampel Pavilion on Sun., Nov. 8, at 2 p.m., and meet South Carolina Nov. 24 at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Countdown
6
days until Halloween, and 14 days until Walktober's last walk on Nov. 8.
Local fact
The giant frogs perched on thread spools on the Thread City Crossing honor a 1754 legend: townspeople woke to terrible night noises they feared were an attack. It was bullfrogs fighting over a drying pond.
Riddle
The clocks! They fall back one hour on Sunday, Nov. 1. (The leaves are a close second.)
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