Connecticut Department of Transportation

Madison has earned the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s 2026 Vision Zero Program of Distinction for Schools. The statewide initiative recognizes educational communities that cultivate a culture of street safety through hands-on education, infrastructure improvements, and grassroots advocacy.
Madison Public Schools was formally presented with the award on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at CTDOT headquarters in Newington. Madison Superintendent of Schools Dr. Craig Cooke and Madison Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) member Jessica Joseff accepted the honor on behalf of the district and community.
Reflecting on the milestone, Joseff emphasized both the collective effort and the journey ahead:
"The Madison School systems, BPAC, and the CT DOT Safe Routes to School (SRTS) have worked hard to ensure our students are educated on bicycle and pedestrian safety," said Joseff. "There is still work to be done, especially sidewalks needed to safely connect our neighborhood schools. For now, I am honored to represent all the hard work so many have contributed to earn the Vision Zero Distinction Award."
Dr. Cooke echoed that gratitude:
"I am grateful for the acknowledgement and the opportunity our great schools provide for our students," added Dr. Cooke. "I'd like to thank Jes Joseff and our team of parents for spearheading these great opportunities. Also, thank you to the Madison Police and school administrators and staff for their work with these events."
<h3>School-Wide Momentum on Foot and Wheels</h3>
Following an energetic 2025–2026 school year, Madison Public Schools earned distinction through high-participation events, interdepartmental collaboration, and ongoing infrastructure advocacy.
The district coordinated three successful "Walk and Bike to School" events—one at Brown Elementary and two at Neck River Elementary. Brown Elementary kicked off the momentum in autumn 2025, where Principal Spooner and Brown PTO board member Seth Lee guided students and families along a scenic local trail. Neck River drew more than 400 participants in fall 2025 and nearly 250 in spring 2026, transforming neighborhood routes into lively corridors of helmets, running shoes, and school spirit.
Active transportation extends across all grade levels. Polson Middle School engages runners through its co-ed cross country team, while Daniel Hand High School promotes outdoor transit and athletics through its Trail Club, track team, and cross country programs.
<h3>Creative Community Partnerships</h3>
Madison’s street safety achievements reflect close teamwork among schools, municipal leaders, and law enforcement:
<ul><li>"Scoops for Safety": BPAC partnered with the Madison Police Department to reward kids spotted practicing safe walking and riding habits with gift cards for Ashley's Ice Cream.</li><li>"Bike Bash": A community-wide safety day where youth practiced road navigation, bike handling, and helmet fitting. BPAC coordinated the event alongside Safe Routes to School (SRTS) coordinator Bridget Moriarty and local community partners.</li></ul>
<h3>Grant Dollars Put Directly to Work</h3>
A targeted micro-grant secured by BPAC and Neck River Elementary has delivered tangible safety upgrades to town families:
<ul><li>New bike racks ordered for Neck River Elementary School</li><li>A heavy-duty public bike repair station and air pump installed at the Surf Club</li><li>Safety and educational yard signs reminding motorists to share the road</li><li>Free safety gear (certified helmets, bells, mirrors, locks) and a youth bicycle raffle at the Bauer Park Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 17</li></ul>
<h3>The Advocacy Behind the Award</h3>
Much of Madison’s success stems from BPAC's tireless grassroots advocacy. Working alongside public schools, public works, youth services, Bauer Park, CT DOT SRTS, and first responders, BPAC has driven community education and a three-year campaign for dedicated pedestrian infrastructure.
A central priority remains securing continuous, safe pedestrian and cycling corridors connecting Madison’s school cluster: Daniel Hand High School, Walter C. Polson Middle School, and Neck River Elementary School. State officials noted that Madison’s holistic model—combining classroom education, town hall cooperation, enforcement partnerships, and youth engagement—serves as a blueprint for communities across Connecticut.
Support safer walking and biking routes in Madison by signing up here: <a target="_blank" href="https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019dfdb2352072a79b13ab71dc9c1499" rel="nofollow noopener">https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019dfdb2352072a79b13ab71dc9c1499</a>
Photo (left to right): Bridget Moriarty (CT DOT Safe Routes to School Coordinator), Jessica Joseff (Madison BPAC Member), Dr. Craig Cooke (Madison Superintendent), and Garrett T. Eucalitto (Commissioner of CTDOT).

Local Event: State Honors Madison Public Schools with 2026 Vision Zero Award

New Haven County

Madison

Connecticut

State Honors Madison Public Schools with 2026...

Madison has earned the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s 2026 Vision Zero Program of Distinction for Schools. The...

State Honors Madison Public Schools with 2026 Vision Zero Award

jes joseff

Alfred Branch

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Richard Kaufman

Guilford

Middlesex County

Rich Kirby

Clinton

Essex-Chester-Deep River

North Branford

Ellyn Santiago

Branford

The Haddams-Killingworth

Durham-Middlefield

Vincent Salzo

North Haven

Wallingford

East Haven

Car cruise sponsored by Knights of Columbus St. Lawrence Council 10657. Sunday October 4th 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. Touch a fire truck, DJ, Toys for Tots, hamburgers, hot dogs, refreshments, badminton and corn hole

Local Event: Second Annual Car Cruise 

New Haven

Second Annual Car Cruise 

Car cruise sponsored by Knights of Columbus St. Lawrence Council 10657. Sunday October 4th 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. Touch a fire...

Soundview Family YMCA

Kidsafe Youth Programs CT LLC- Give your child (ages 5-17) the skills and confidence to stay safe! Kidsafe's Youth Self-Defense and Safety Awareness Program focuses on self-discipline, confidence, coordination, fitness and practical youth self-defense skills in a positive, non-aggressive fun environment. New students excepted up to Oct 26th. Kidsafe offers a&nbsp;low cost, quality program.&nbsp;
For more information, please contact us by phone 203-446-1995
email-kidsafeyouthporgramsct@gmail.com 
Website-www.kidsafekaratect.com 
&nbsp;
"Instilling Confidence in Today's Youth for Tomorrow's Endeavors"!

Local Event: Youth Self-Defense & Safety Awareness

Youth Self-Defense & Safety Awareness

Kidsafe Youth Programs CT LLC- Give your child (ages 5-17) the skills and confidence to stay safe! Kidsafe's Youth Self-Defense...

Nathanael B. Greene Community Center

Will address the laws, issues, concerns on voting rights
Deputy Secretary of State Barahona
Jerald Lentini, Lawyer CT Human Rights Commission
Dr. Gaylle Alberda, Professor Fairfield University
Barbara RichardsonCrouch, President of CT Registrar of Voters

Local Event: Expert Panel On Voting Rights

Expert Panel On Voting Rights

Will address the laws, issues, concerns on voting rights
Deputy Secretary of State Barahona
Jerald Lentini, Lawyer CT Human...

The League of Women Voters of the East Shore invites the public to attend a nonpartisan debate with the candidates for the 12th State Senate District seat. Christine Cohen (D) and Lisa Deane (R) will discuss issues relevant to our everyday lives. Your suggested topics or questions may be sent to eastshoreleague@yahoo.com.BCTV&nbsp;will record the debate for rebroadcast via BCTV's Vimeo and the LWVES YouTube channel.

Local Event: 12th Senate Candidates' Debate

12th Senate Candidates' Debate

The League of Women Voters of the East Shore invites the public to attend a nonpartisan debate with the candidates for the 12th...

Madison Senior Center

<h3>MARK YOUR CALENDAR!</h3>
Come out, meet and connect with trusted local businesses and service providers!
Learn about the people and organizations providing services and resources throughout our community from:
Medical • Fitness &amp; Nutrition • Financial &amp; Insurance • Legal &amp; Estate Planning &amp; More
It’s a great opportunity to meet, ask questions and get to know the people you’re working with while discovering new local resources that may be helpful to you and your family.
PLUS: FREE ON-SITE FLU CLINIC Flu shots provided by a member of the Walgreens pharmacy team. Please bring your medical card/ID.
FREE TO ATTEND • ALL ARE WELCOME
MADISON HEALTH &amp; WELLNESS EXPO Wednesday, October 7 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM Madison Senior Center | 29 Bradley Road

 Presented by the Madison Chamber of Commerce

Local Event: Health & Wellness Expo

Health & Wellness Expo

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Come out, meet and connect with trusted local businesses and service providers!
Learn about the people and...

Online Event

During this presentation we’ll discuss three important areas of tax planning for retirement. We’ll look at possible sources of income, explain the tax control triangle, and dive into some tax strategies you can implement to help increase the likelihood you’re in a better position from a tax perspective as you enter retirement.You must RSVP to receive access credentials for this event or seminar.Presented by: Amanda Willey, CFP®, APMA®, Private Wealth Advisor - R. Miller &amp; Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial LLC
Hosted by: R. Miller &amp; Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial LLC
To reserve a spot: call us at <a href="tel:6176073366">617.607.3366 Ext. 250</a> or email us at <a href="mailto:christina.cobas@ampf.com?subject=Preparing%20for%20taxes%20in%20retirement">christina.cobas@ampf.com</a>

Local Event: Complimentary Presentation - Preparing for Taxes in Retirement

Fairfield County

Shelton-Derby

Complimentary Presentation - Preparing for...

During this presentation we’ll discuss three important areas of tax planning for retirement. We’ll look at possible sources of...

Complimentary Presentation - Preparing for Taxes in Retirement

Martin-Bishop Field

Been to an Oktoberfest already this year? There's always room for one more! Saturday, October 10 · 12–7 PM · Martin-Bishop (Fireman's) Field, Guilford
Edelweiss Lodge No. 31 (Order of Hermann Sons) invites you to an afternoon of German-Austrian-Tyrolean music, dancing, games and German-style beer, and every ticket supports Guilford VFW Post 7666 and our local veterans. 
12–2 PM: Strolling accordionist Richard Cartier 2–7 PM: The Austrian Boys, live on stage All day: Schuhplattler dancing by H.S.V. Bavaria, who have performed at the Oktoberfest in Munich All day: Games with prizes: Maßkrugstemmen (stein holding), Nageln (hammer striking), best Dirndl &amp; Lederhosen, Oktoberfest trivia Kids &amp; families: coloring and activity tables, kids' costume contest, swings and slide, horseshoes, basketball and volleyball Beer sponsor: East Rock Brewing Company
ADMISSION Adults 21+: $20. Buy in advance and your first drink is FREE (gate price $20, no free drink) Ages 15–20: $5 · Under 15: FREE
Tickets: <a href="https://ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/EdelweissLodgeOktoberfest" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/EdelweissLodgeOktoberfest</a> More info: <a href="https://edelweisslodge.org/oktoberfest/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">edelweisslodge.org/oktoberfest/</a>
Rain or shine · Cards accepted · No pets · No outside alcohol

Local Event: Oktoberfest: A Fundraiser for Guilford VFW Post 7666

Oktoberfest: A Fundraiser for Guilford VFW Post...

Been to an Oktoberfest already this year? There's always room for one more!  Saturday, October 10 · 12–7 PM · Martin-Bishop...

Oktoberfest: A Fundraiser for Guilford VFW Post 7666

Canine Cancer Alliance  - A NonProfit 501c3

Join us &nbsp;for the 2nd Annual Wag, Love, Life Walk to support a cure for canine cancers.&nbsp; registration and details below. Thank you!&nbsp;

Local Event: " Buddy's Walk for Canine Cancer" 

" Buddy's Walk for Canine Cancer" 

Join us  for the 2nd Annual Wag, Love, Life Walk to support a cure for canine cancers.  registration and details below. Thank...

Notre Dame High School, 1 Notre Dame Way, West Haven, CT, 06516

Fall Open House - 10:00amDiscover all that Notre Dame High School has to offer at our Fall Open House. Meet students, faculty, coaches, administrators, parents, and alumni while experiencing firsthand what makes Notre Dame exceptional. Engage in interactive activities, visit academic departments, explore extracurricular programs, learn about athletics and the arts, and connect with members of our school community. Fall Open House is the perfect opportunity to experience the energy, opportunities, and spirit of Notre Dame firsthand and discover what it means to be a Green Knight.Learn more and <a href="https://www.notredamehs.com/admissions/visit-nd/fall-2026-open-house-registration" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Register</a> here.

Local Event: Fall Open House - Notre Dame High School

West Haven

Fall Open House - Notre Dame High School

Fall Open House - 10:00amDiscover all that Notre Dame High School has to offer at our Fall Open House. Meet students, faculty,...

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