Climate & Environment
Because of you, CCAG has one of the best track records in Connecticut for fighting and winning on environmental and climate justice issues. Thank you!
May 24th - Rally for Climate at the Annual Travelers Shareholder Meeting
Join CCAG and the Insure Our Future campaign for a protest outside Travelers shareholder meeting at the Hartford Marriott on Columbus Blvd. We will be calling on them to #InsureOurFuture not fossil fuels!
We have very exciting news about this Wednesday's rally at Travelers shareholder meeting
Leadership from the Gwich'in Steering Committee will travel over 4,300 miles from Alaska to CT to protect sacred land from oil and gas.
Please join @OurArcticRefuge in support of Executive Director Bernadette Demientieff, who will deliver a statement at the AGM. Members of the GSC Youth Council will be joining the rally as well.
Background
On May 24th, Travelers Insurance will hold their annual shareholder meeting in Hartford.
This year, investors will vote on shareholder resolutions calling on the insurance company to:
1. phase out underwriting of new fossil fuel projects,
2. to align its underwriting and investments portfolio 1.5ºC,
3. conduct a racial equity audit that incorporates considerations of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent
Travelers is one of the top 3 oil and gas insurers in the world and must be held accountable for their role in the climate crisis.
RSVP & find more info here to rally for climate action at the Travelers Insurance annual shareholder meeting!
We have very exciting news about this Wednesday's rally at Travelers shareholder meeting
Leadership from the Gwich'in Steering Committee will travel over 4,300 miles from Alaska to CT to protect sacred land from oil and gas.
Please join @OurArcticRefuge in support of Executive Director Bernadette Demientieff, who will deliver a statement at the AGM. Members of the GSC Youth Council will be joining the rally as well.
Background
On May 24th, Travelers Insurance will hold their annual shareholder meeting in Hartford.
This year, investors will vote on shareholder resolutions calling on the insurance company to:
1. phase out underwriting of new fossil fuel projects,
2. to align its underwriting and investments portfolio 1.5ºC,
3. conduct a racial equity audit that incorporates considerations of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent
Travelers is one of the top 3 oil and gas insurers in the world and must be held accountable for their role in the climate crisis.
RSVP & find more info here to rally for climate action at the Travelers Insurance annual shareholder meeting!
SB 4 Lobby Day 5/17
Join us for a day of action then stay after for the grand finale at 6pm.
Senate Bill 4 is a comprehensive housing bill that increases protections for tenants, increases the availability of affordable housing, and makes a meaningful investment in improved efficiency and clean energy in communities that need it most.
Happening Wednesday, May 17 at the Legislative Office Building for a lobby day to urge lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 4. At this event, you'll hear about the bill from advocates and the lawmakers who are championing it. You'll learn how to talk to lawmakers about the bill, and then we'll talk to lawmakers!
RSVP today!
You can also click here to tell your lawmakers to support SB4!
After this action, join us for the grand finale! Scroll down for details.
Senate Bill 4 is a comprehensive housing bill that increases protections for tenants, increases the availability of affordable housing, and makes a meaningful investment in improved efficiency and clean energy in communities that need it most.
Happening Wednesday, May 17 at the Legislative Office Building for a lobby day to urge lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 4. At this event, you'll hear about the bill from advocates and the lawmakers who are championing it. You'll learn how to talk to lawmakers about the bill, and then we'll talk to lawmakers!
RSVP today!
You can also click here to tell your lawmakers to support SB4!
After this action, join us for the grand finale! Scroll down for details.
Earth Day is our Birthday! April 22nd
Since its inception in 1970 on the First Earth Day as Earth Action, then incorporated as CT Citizen Action Group (CCAG) in 1971, the CCAG continues to take action on the issues you care about. You can read more about this year's environmental agenda here.
If you are not a current donor, we are asking those who are able, to help us remain the longest standing Citizen Action Group in the nation! If you can, please consider an Earth Day birthday gift of $5, $10, $20 or more for those who can’t.
Stay safe, stay informed, take care of each other. CCAG now more than ever!
Values that drive our work: We are based on the belief:
Through its history CCAG has utilized a variety of strategies towards this end. It has included community organizing, mass canvasses, legislative advocacy, direct action, political endorsements, trainings, research, and coalition building. This experience can not be matched in Connecticut or arguably in any other state. The staff and leaders who have participated in these efforts continue to play significant roles in Connecticut and across the country in the fight to build a more just and sustainable society. Please consider a donation to support this work today.
If you are not a current donor, we are asking those who are able, to help us remain the longest standing Citizen Action Group in the nation! If you can, please consider an Earth Day birthday gift of $5, $10, $20 or more for those who can’t.
Stay safe, stay informed, take care of each other. CCAG now more than ever!
Values that drive our work: We are based on the belief:
- that democracy is not a spectator sport and that an accountable government plays a vital role in any just society;
- that it is imperative for people to be willing to challenge powerful interests;
- that all people deserve an equal opportunity and to achieve this we must overcome our legacy of discrimination based upon race, gender, sexuality and ability;
- that as a society we must work to end poverty and exploitation, guarantee health security for all of families and equal access to a quality public education, and
- that we have a responsibility to leave future generations with a more sustainable and just place to live.
Through its history CCAG has utilized a variety of strategies towards this end. It has included community organizing, mass canvasses, legislative advocacy, direct action, political endorsements, trainings, research, and coalition building. This experience can not be matched in Connecticut or arguably in any other state. The staff and leaders who have participated in these efforts continue to play significant roles in Connecticut and across the country in the fight to build a more just and sustainable society. Please consider a donation to support this work today.
This shareholder meeting season - it's time fight for climate justice!
Shareholder season is the time of year when every publicly-traded company in America has their Annual General Meeting (AGM). At AGMs, investors vote on a variety of proposals introduced by fellow shareholders.
CCAG has a history of getting involved in these AGMs and pushing investors to to do the right thing. This year we are looking to our State Treasurer to join in the fight.
This April and May, investors in Wall Street banks and insurance companies will vote on at least four shareholder proposals related to climate justice and Indigenous rights.
Sign the petition to demand that State Treasurers and public pensions vote YES on critical climate justice and Indigenous rights resolutions this spring. Then send this petition to your networks and help spread the word!T Let's make sure Connecticut's voices are heard!
Thanks for all you do and stay tuned for more AGM season updates and actions coming soon!
CCAG has a history of getting involved in these AGMs and pushing investors to to do the right thing. This year we are looking to our State Treasurer to join in the fight.
This April and May, investors in Wall Street banks and insurance companies will vote on at least four shareholder proposals related to climate justice and Indigenous rights.
- A resolution calling for a time-bound phase-out of financing or insurance for companies engaged in fossil fuel expansion.
- A resolution demanding that big banks & insurance companies report on how they respect internationally-recognized human rights standards for Indigenous Peoples.
- An anti-greenwashing resolution that would push banks to adopt real climate targets.
- A resolution calling on big banks and insurance companies to publish a comprehensive plan to transition away from fossil fuels.
Sign the petition to demand that State Treasurers and public pensions vote YES on critical climate justice and Indigenous rights resolutions this spring. Then send this petition to your networks and help spread the word!T Let's make sure Connecticut's voices are heard!
Thanks for all you do and stay tuned for more AGM season updates and actions coming soon!
April 4th is National Healthy Schools Day
Join us as we celebrate this national day of action with our Breathe Better: Healthy Schools Forum.
WHO: Connecticut Foundation for Environmentally Safe Schools (ConnFESS), CEA, CT Coalition for Healthy Air in Schools
WHAT: Breathing Better: Healthy Schools Forum
WHERE: Legislative Office Building, Hearing Room 1C
WHEN: Tuesday, April 4th, 2023, 11 am
We will also be commemorating the 20th anniversary of Connecticut’s landmark 2003 School IAQ law and discussing opportunities for continued advocacy. We hope you will join us for this informative program.
Click HERE to Register Today!
The forum is sponsored by The Connecticut Foundation for Environmentally Safe Schools (ConnFESS), CEA, AFL-CIO, AFT Connecticut, CCAG, ConnectiCOSH, and the national Healthy Schools Network.
We hope you’ll join us and share this flyer with your members!
WHO: Connecticut Foundation for Environmentally Safe Schools (ConnFESS), CEA, CT Coalition for Healthy Air in Schools
WHAT: Breathing Better: Healthy Schools Forum
WHERE: Legislative Office Building, Hearing Room 1C
WHEN: Tuesday, April 4th, 2023, 11 am
We will also be commemorating the 20th anniversary of Connecticut’s landmark 2003 School IAQ law and discussing opportunities for continued advocacy. We hope you will join us for this informative program.
Click HERE to Register Today!
The forum is sponsored by The Connecticut Foundation for Environmentally Safe Schools (ConnFESS), CEA, AFL-CIO, AFT Connecticut, CCAG, ConnectiCOSH, and the national Healthy Schools Network.
We hope you’ll join us and share this flyer with your members!
Third Act Demands Bank of America and Chase Stop Funding Climate Disaster
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Seniors and activists rallied in West Hartford Center and in Norwalk March 22 as part of a national day of action to pressure the major banks to stop financing the expansion of the fossil fuel industry. Activists cut up credit cards and delivered letters demanding an end to banks’ contributions to climate disaster.
The Connecticut actions were among more than 90 events in more than half US states across the country. The day was organized by Third Act, a new group of climate activists over the age of 60, with more than 50 local and national partners, working with the CT Citizen Action Group for the Hartford area action. This national day of action against banks over climate change comes ahead of investor resolutions at their annual general meetings next month to pressure them to stop funding climate chaos. The top four fossil fuel financing banks are JP Morgan Chase, Citi, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, pumping over one quarter of the $4.6 trillion total financing for fossil fuels by the top 60 global banks between 2016 and 2021. Thousands of customers and potential customers have pledged to move their money out of these banks if the banks won’t move their investments out of fossil fuels. Click here for the Press Advisory, |
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Legislative Climate Updates 2/27/23
Low-income and Environmental Justice Communities. This is an historic opportunity to invest in clean energy, reduce bills, improve indoor health, and create job opportunities for our most vulnerable communities.
The Housing Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. in Room 1A of the LOB and via Zoom. The deadline to register to testify/submit testimony is Monday, February 27th at 3:00 PM.
Individuals who wish to testify in-person or via Zoom must register using the On-line Testimony Registration Form. Please submit written testimony using the On-line Testimony Submission Form.
Need help? Find sample testimony & talking points Here.
Skyrocketing energy prices are disproportionately harming Connecticut's most vulnerable communities, and this bill will help to reduce bills through energy efficiency and improved housing. You can make a difference! Please consider testifying in person, via zoom or submitting written testimony today!
The Housing Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. in Room 1A of the LOB and via Zoom. The deadline to register to testify/submit testimony is Monday, February 27th at 3:00 PM.
Individuals who wish to testify in-person or via Zoom must register using the On-line Testimony Registration Form. Please submit written testimony using the On-line Testimony Submission Form.
Need help? Find sample testimony & talking points Here.
Skyrocketing energy prices are disproportionately harming Connecticut's most vulnerable communities, and this bill will help to reduce bills through energy efficiency and improved housing. You can make a difference! Please consider testifying in person, via zoom or submitting written testimony today!
Climate & Environment 2022
Indigenous leaders joined by local activists to urge Travelers Insurance to act to protect the Arctic Refuge
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Press Release Hartford, CT –
On Thursday November 10, 2022, Gwich’in and Indigenous leaders and local activists gathered in downtown Hartford to support efforts to defend the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from drilling. Organizers delivered more than 64,000 petition signatures urging the CEO of Travelers Insurance, Alan Schnitzer, to join other insurance companies across the globe in committing to not underwrite or insure oil and gas exploration in the Arctic Refuge. In a letter delivered to Travelers with the petitions, Gwich’in Steering Committee Executive Director Bernadette Demientieff said: “The Arctic Refuge is known to the Gwich’in people as “Izhik Gwatsan Goodnaii Goodlit”(The Sacred Place Where Life Begins). The Gwich’in culture is intertwined with the Porcupine Caribou Herd, and we have been advocating not just for the caribou but for our lands and ways of life, which are all interconnected.” Since the Arctic Refuge was opened to drilling in the 2017 Tax Act, these groups have been working to convince major banks and insurance companies to make commitments and issue policies that they will not finance or insure drilling in the refuge. The Gwich’in and their allies have met with and convinced six of the largest banks in the United States, the five largest banks in Canada, and 18 other international banks to issue policies against financing drilling in the Arctic Refuge. The event was organized by a coalition led by the Gwich’in Steering Committee including Connecticut-based organizations Sierra Club Connecticut, Connecticut Citizen Action Group and Environment Connecticut. Read the full article here. |
Protect the Arctic Refuge
Join CCAG, Sierra Club Connecticut and Arctic Refuge Defense Campaign partners on November 10 to tell Travelers Insurance: Take a stand and cut ties with the companies drilling in the Arctic!
When projects are too inherently damaging and risky to ecosystems and humankind -- like plans to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge -- no insurance company should be involved.
And when insurance backs out, companies cannot drill.
We've been putting pressure on Travelers all year, with actions at their headquarters, letters, and social media. Now, join us in delivering the thousands of petitions that have been collected to their CEO calling on them not to underwrite oil and gas drilling in the Arctic.
Sign up and receive details here.
We'll hear from speakers working on this campaign, then deliver the petitions. Dress warmly!
QUESTIONS: Helen Humphreys- helendhumphreys@gmail.com
Coalition Partners Include: Gwich'in Steering Committee, Environment America and Environment Connecticut, Seeding Sovereignty, Connecticut Citizen Action Group, The Wilderness Society, First Peoples Worldwide, Insure our Future, Rainforest Action Network, and the Alaska Wilderness League.
When projects are too inherently damaging and risky to ecosystems and humankind -- like plans to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge -- no insurance company should be involved.
And when insurance backs out, companies cannot drill.
We've been putting pressure on Travelers all year, with actions at their headquarters, letters, and social media. Now, join us in delivering the thousands of petitions that have been collected to their CEO calling on them not to underwrite oil and gas drilling in the Arctic.
Sign up and receive details here.
We'll hear from speakers working on this campaign, then deliver the petitions. Dress warmly!
QUESTIONS: Helen Humphreys- helendhumphreys@gmail.com
Coalition Partners Include: Gwich'in Steering Committee, Environment America and Environment Connecticut, Seeding Sovereignty, Connecticut Citizen Action Group, The Wilderness Society, First Peoples Worldwide, Insure our Future, Rainforest Action Network, and the Alaska Wilderness League.
IOF Report Includes Harford and Travelers in Top 30 Fossil Fuel Insurers
The Insure Our Future campaign launched its 6th annual Scorecard on Insurance, Fossil Fuels and the Climate Emergency ranking the top 30 global fossil fuel insurers.
Spoiler alert: CT-based companies, Travelers & The Hartford, did not rank well. Travelers ranked 19 out of 30, and The Hartford fell from 12th place in 2020, to 17th.
Spoiler alert: CT-based companies, Travelers & The Hartford, did not rank well. Travelers ranked 19 out of 30, and The Hartford fell from 12th place in 2020, to 17th.
- The Hartford has a policy to limit coal and tar sands, and has announced a commitment to net zero emissions, but shared no credible plan to get there. The climate emergency demands that the company takes ambitious near-term action, starting with critical steps such as ending support for harmful fossil fuel activities in the Arctic.
- Travelers has a very limited policy on coal and tar sands, and needs to step up urgently on improving its current policies, as well as taking bolder climate action and adopting human rights frameworks like requiring the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent from Indigenous communities impacted by projects.
- View or download your copy of this year's IOF Scorecard here.
Panel Discussion on Protecting the Arctic
Sept. 7th, 6pm. This panel discussion will feature community leaders and advocates working to protect sacred land and spotlight Gwich’in leadership and allies who are working to protect the sacred coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from destructive and unwanted oil and gas development. RSVP
Join us to talk about the issues, stakes, and action to take to stand with the Gwich’in.
This is a free and family friendly event.
Join us to talk about the issues, stakes, and action to take to stand with the Gwich’in.
This is a free and family friendly event.
Week of Travelers Actions
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CCAG and allies have been extremely busy with actions targeting Travelers, calling out its role in climate change with its investments in and insurance of fossil fuel. Click here for a summary video of actions so far! |
- In May, we sent several activists inside Travelers' annual shareholder meeting, while protesting outside. Then in late June...
- Monday we marched alongside the Travelers Gold Tournament with the Hartford Pride Drum Cops and dancers.
- Tuesday, we did a banner drop inside Hartford's convention center during the annual Insurance Capital Summit.
- Wednesday, Sunrise activists and UConn students called out Travelers VP Andy Bessette's troubling ties to fossil fuels at his induction to the UConn Board of Trustees Golf Hall of Fame.
- Sunday we returned to the golf tournament with T-shirts reminding people that Travelers Underwrites Climate Change.
For current actions visit this page often or sign up on our email list. Questions or comments contact Helen Humphreys
Rally For Climate: Travelers Company Annual Shareholder Meeting 5/25/22
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Travelers claims to be a climate leader but it is one of the biggest oil & gas insurers in the world.
Thank you to everyone who joined CCAG, CT Sierra Club, Insure our Future CT Coalition and more at the Travelers annual shareholder meeting on May 25th in Hartford with activists outside and inside the meeting urging the company to stop greenwashing & take real action! |
The results are in!
Learn more about Travelers Current policies here.
#InsureOurFuture
- The first resolution asking Travelers to report on its underwriting and investment emissions passed with 55% of the vote!
- The second resolution proposing to end underwriting of all new fossil fuels unfortunately failed, but received 13% of the vote.
Learn more about Travelers Current policies here.
#InsureOurFuture
Earth Day Climate Strike 4/22/22 |
As the climate crisis accelerates we need to see action at every level of government that is at the scale of the crisis we face, and centers around our state’s most vulnerable communities.
Thank you to everyone who participated on Earth Day! We demanded that Governor Lamont direct the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to immediately stop permitting all new fossil fuel power plants.
We demanded he support the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation as they raise the following climate change concerns about shifts in suitable habitat for culturally significant species due to climate change; Climate change effects on culturally relevant species more broadly; Climate change effects on traditional food sources (Ex. through water chemistry and temperature changes); Climate change effects on traditional reliance and understanding from changing phenology; Climate change effects of higher temperatures on the health of the community, especially for members of the community with greater vulnerability; and mental health effects from ecological and cultural changes associated with climate change.
For more information about this and CCAG's other climate work, contact: Angel Serrano
Thank you to everyone who participated on Earth Day! We demanded that Governor Lamont direct the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to immediately stop permitting all new fossil fuel power plants.
We demanded he support the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation as they raise the following climate change concerns about shifts in suitable habitat for culturally significant species due to climate change; Climate change effects on culturally relevant species more broadly; Climate change effects on traditional food sources (Ex. through water chemistry and temperature changes); Climate change effects on traditional reliance and understanding from changing phenology; Climate change effects of higher temperatures on the health of the community, especially for members of the community with greater vulnerability; and mental health effects from ecological and cultural changes associated with climate change.
For more information about this and CCAG's other climate work, contact: Angel Serrano
CT Climate Justice March
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Thank you to everyone who participated in the CT Climate Justice March on February 8th, 2022.
Climate disruption is disproportionately harming our most vulnerable communities and stealing the future from our youth. Yet, the Connecticut government and corporations are failing us on climate action. Hundreds of us marched in Hartford to amplify the voices of the most vulnerable communities and urge Connecticut to Lead on Climate. The March was led by drummers with stops at Eversource (CT's largest utility), Travelers (the worst insurer for climate in the world), DEEP, and finishing at the State Capitol where the Governor and legislators kicked off the 2022 legislative session. Our legislative demands can be found here. |
Coalitions
CCAG, in partnership with our friends and allies, continue to make important advances in the fight against climate change. Coalitions include:
CT Renews
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Three crises - mass unemployment, climate change, and the coronavirus pandemic - disproportionately harm frontline and vulnerable communities including Black, Indigenous and Communities of Color. We can address these issues most effectively through regional coordination with other New England states. CT Renews, the Connecticut chapter of the Renew New England Alliance, is focused on environmental justice, food justice and ending our dependence on fossil fuels. More than 40 statewide advocacy organizations are actively engaged in CT Renews, with CCAG leading the work on holding community visioning events and organizing legislative meetings and actions. Contact Angel.SerranoCCAG@gmail.com for details. |
Insure Our Future
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The Insure Our Future campaign is a part of an international coalition called “Stop the Money Pipeline” coalition, which is over 200 organizations strong.
Connecticut is a leader on climate action, yet our insurance industry is failing to take the action necessary to avoid climate catastrophe. Instead, the top insurers in our state are investing billions in fossil fuels, and insuring an untold number of fossil fuel projects. Through the Insure Our Future campaign & Stop the Money Pipeline, we are putting public pressure on decision makers at insurance companies to eliminate investments in fossil fuel projects, and instead focus on the movement towards a global transition to a low carbon economy. Together, in Connectictut, we've led actions against Travelers, WR Berkley and The Hartford, which all currently have billion-dollar policies with fossil fuel companies, such as coal and tar sands plants. Because of actions and support of members like yourself, the insurance industry is listening and we are winning on this issue. If you have not already, please sign-up to be a part of our Climate Justice work, either through CT Renews or the Insure Our Future Campaign |
Stop the Money Pipeline
The Stop the Money Pipeline is a coalition, which is over 200 organizations strong and includes CCAG and Insure Our Future.
Together we continue to put public pressure on decision makers at insurance companies to eliminate investments in fossil fuel projects, and instead focus on the movement towards a global transition to a low carbon economy.
If you have not already, please sign-up to be a part of our Climate Justice work, either through CT Renews or the Insure Our Future Campaign
Together we continue to put public pressure on decision makers at insurance companies to eliminate investments in fossil fuel projects, and instead focus on the movement towards a global transition to a low carbon economy.
If you have not already, please sign-up to be a part of our Climate Justice work, either through CT Renews or the Insure Our Future Campaign
The Fun Stuff!
Our Very First Cycle4CT Bike Challenge 2020
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When COVID-19 hit in 2020, we found ourselves without our usual Annual BBQ and other get togethers we rely on to fund momentum and community building.
So we decided to try a virtual Cycle for CT challenge to fight climate change one revolution at a time. It was a fun and beautiful success which continues to this day. Thank you to all Challengers, T-shirt sponsors and supporters! |
Cycle4CT Bike Challenge 2
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Thank you to everyone who participated in and supported the 2021 Cycle4CT ride to fight climate change!
Enjoy the photos sent in from challengers who participated in Connecticut and from as far away as Maine & Omaha. Watch this page for exciting updates & info for the 2022 challenge, scheduled for Oct. 15th & 16th! Together we can save our planet one revolution at a time! |
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CCAG builds and works with strong coalitions of activists and organizations to achieve climate justice. The 2021 Cycle4CT Challenge raised funds to strengthen our organizing capacity in Connecticut - and make significant progress towards a Zero Carbon Future.
Thank you to all of the 2021 Cycle4CT Sponsors! Together we can win on climate change. Join our email list for updates into 2022.
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Connecticut Citizen Action Group, 30 Arbor Street Ste 107, Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 233-2181 - action@ccag.net
(860) 233-2181 - action@ccag.net