Earth Day Events, Drug Take Back Day, and More!

April 25, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you are doing well. Earth Day was on Tuesday. On this day, we’re not just celebrating our planet - we’re taking action to protect it. From expanding clean energy to investing in climate resilience, Connecticut is committed to a sustainable future for all.

The City of Norwalk will celebrate its 4th Annual Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 26 from 11:00 to 3:00 PM on the historic Norwalk Green — rain or shine!

This free, family-friendly festival is a joyful, community-powered event that brings together music, environmental education, sustainability activities, food, and fun for all ages. The festival will feature:

  • Live musical performances by the CUkes ukulele band and guitarist, Glenn Roth
  • 85+ exhibitors and vendors, including 8 food trucks
  • A picnic grove, lawn games, and face painting
  • Tree planting
  • Children’s author live reading
  • Climate Hope Talk by David Pogue, CBS Correspondent & Author

Please read below for information on the Westport Youth Commission, funding for Westport, and more! 

ConneCTed Communities Grant Program

Broadband saves lives!  From telehealth and emergency alerts to remote learning and mental health support, reliable internet access is a lifeline for millions. I’m proud to announce another step toward closing the digital divide.

Round two of funding for the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program will support the build-out of broadband infrastructure in 44 cities and towns, including 10 Distressed Municipalities. This will ensure that more than 3,800 additional homes and small businesses can access speeds of at least 100 megabits per second for both upload and download.

Westport Youth Commission is Accepting Applications

The Westport Youth Commission is currently seeking 9th-12th grade students and adult members for the 2025-2026 school year! The Commission is comprised of 30 individuals (15 high school students/15 adults) who are recommended by the Commission's Board Development Committee and appointed by the First Selectwoman. 

The Westport Youth Commission will discuss interests and needs of young people in Westport and will help  develop resources to respond to these needs.

If you are interested in discussing youth issues on a monthly basis while making a difference in the community and would like to be considered for appointment, click here to apply. 

The deadline is May 2. 

 CT DoAg Grant Awarded in Westport

Great news! The Westport Farmers Market was one of the recipients of a 2025 Agricultural Enhancements Grant. They were awarded $9,000 for the creation of a virtual map and brochure of all farmers markets, a display for nutrition benefit information on SNAP and FMNP and three professional development sessions for market managers. Click here to learn more.

Drug Take Back Day Event 

This Saturday is National Drug Take Back Day. The Westport Police Department will accept unwanted and expired drugs from 10 AM - 2 PM at the Westport Senior Center. Residents can bring tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs to the Senior Center. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container.

Do NOT bring syringes, sharps and illicit drugs. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

If you are unable to make the event on Saturday, Westport Police also offer a year-round collection bin in the lobby of the headquarters building on Jesup Road. There is a supply of medication disposal bags in the lobby, to dispose of liquid and pill medications in your regular garbage.

STAR Lighting the Way's "Walk & Roll"

The annual STAR Lighting the Way's "Walk & Roll" event will be held on May 4 at Sherwood Island Park.  The event brings together families, friends, supporters and businesses to celebrate individuals of all abilities, and raise needed funds for STAR's programs and services, aiding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

As always, the public is invited to walk, roll, volunteer or cheer from the sidelines. Click here to donate, register to walk or roll, or become a sponsor.

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk Nominated for USA Today’s “10 Best” List – Vote Today!

A local institution is receiving national acclaim. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk was one of twenty aquariums across the country to be nominated for USA Today’s “10 Best” list in their 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards. The top ten will be decided through an online vote.

Click here to cast a vote for the Maritime Aquarium. You are able to vote once a day, every day, through Monday, May 12. 

Upcoming Library Events 

The Norwalk Public Library will hold several events over the next few weeks. If you want more information, click on the corresponding flyer or visit the Norwalk Public Library website. 

Westport Public Library also has a robust lineup of programing. Please visit their website to learn more. 

ICYMI

NorWALK for Mental Health: Walk + Wellness Fair

The Norwalk Partnership will hold their 4th annual NorWALK for Mental Health: Walk + Wellness Fair on May 3 from 9 AM - 12 PM on the Norwalk Town Green. This event will feature fun activities for all ages, as well as resources for those who may be struggling with their mental health or substance abuse. Click here to learn more. 

Climate Action Plan Survey

Southwest Connecticut is developing a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, and enhance climate resilience. They are looking for input from people in the community. The survey, which will take no longer than 10 minutes, will have a direct impact on how Southwest Connecticut towns and cities invest in transportation, energy, buildings, waste management, and climate resilience. Click here to access the survey. The survey will be open through April 30. 

Norwalk Resident Beach Parking Pass

Attention Norwalk residents -  beach season is right around the corner. You can now confirm that your license plate is on the Grand List for your 2025 Norwalk Resident parking pass. This pass provides parking access to:

  • Calf Pasture & Shady Beach
  • Veterans Park
  • Cranbury Park
  • Taylor Farm Dog Park

Your car registration must list Norwalk as your tax town to qualify for a resident pass.

Click here to verify your plate. If you are not on the list, send a photo of your car registration to the following email address -  residentpass@norwalkct.gov.

Poster Competition for CT Schools

The CT Coalition for Climate Action is pleased to announce the second annual Climate Change Student Poster Contest! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to engage creatively with important environmental issues and raise awareness about the impact of climate change on our planet.

Students and finalists are invited to the judging at the Capitol on May 28th between 12–2:30pm. Semi-Finalists will be displayed at the state Capitol and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place posters will receive a scholarship this year.

The deadline for submissions is May 1 and submissions can be emailed to CTClimateActionCoalition@gmail.com.

Please contact Lisa Winkler at 860-614-6102, lisa@grassrootsct.com or Tricia Dinneen Priebe at 203-464-3793, tricia@grassrootsct.com if you have any questions or need any additional information. You may also visit the Coalition website at www.climateactionct.org.
 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585.

Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative

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