Westport Human Services Receives Honor, Fire Safety Prevention Week, and More!

October 10, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you had a wonderful week. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Survivors deserve systems that believe them and policies that protect them. I remain committed to preventing abuse, ensuring accountability, and prioritizing survivor-centered support. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.

Organizations like CTSafeConnect and DVCC offer free, confidential support 24/7/365.
You are not alone. Give them a call at 888-774-2900  or visit their website for more information. 

Please read below for information on an upcoming walk and talk event, Fire Safety Prevention Week, and more! 

Walk and Talk With Norwalk Recreation and Parks 

Norwalk Recreation and Parks is inviting the community to a nature Walk & Talk on Tuesday, October 14th at 11:00 AM, starting at 165 Fillow Street.

The event will be hosted by Friends of Oak Hills Park and will feature a guided tour by Sarah Cruz, the City’s arborist. The guided walk will include the woodland trails, where Sarah will be identifying plants and trees and pointing out invasive species. She will share best practices on ways to manage them. Check out the flyer below for more information. 

Westport Department of Human Services Receives Recognition 

Great news! Westport's Department of Human Services has been distinguished as a Community Focal Point by the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging.

This award recognizes Westport’s Center for Senior Activities—a vital Human Services program—as a trusted hub where residents of all ages and abilities can find support, resources, and connection.

Congratulations to the Human Services and Senior Center staff - your hard work and kindness has not gone unnoticed. 

Fire Safety Prevention Week

This week is Fire Safety Prevention Week, and this year's campaign theme is "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home".

Many of the electronics we use in our homes every day, including smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, headphones, and toys, are powered by lithium-ion batteries. If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode. To reduce these risks, take note of which devices in your home are powered by them and take this week to go over tips to understand how you and your family can safely buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries to ensure you are prepared for an emergency when it happens.

The National Fire Prevention Association has put together a 3-step plan to safely use lithium-ion batteries:

  1. Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
  2. Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
  3. Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you. 

For more information, and additional tips and tools for fire safety in your home, visit https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week.

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 programming. Please visit their website to learn more. 

ICYMI

Chili Cook Off

VFW Post 399 is collaborating with American Legion Post 63 for a Chili Cook-Off. Attendees will be able to try several types of chili and vote on their favorite. The event will be held on October 18th from 6 PM - 8 PM. Please see the flyer below for more information. 

Free Nature Walk

Join Norwalk Recreation and Parks for a FREE Nature Walk at Cranbury Park on Saturday, October 25.  Explore native plants, identify trees, and spot local wildlife with expert arborist Sarah Cruz and the Recreation & Parks staff. There will be two sessions - the first will run from 10 AM - 10:45 AM and the second will run from 11 AM - 11:45 AM.

Please see the flyer below for more information. 

Flu Shot Clinic 

The Norwalk Health Department is host weekly flu shot clinics. The flu shot is a safe and easy way to protect yourself this season. Click here or on the graphic below to make an appointment. 

Optimum’s 18th Annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest

Optimum’s 18th Annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest is now accepting entries. Interested applicants must write an essay about their connection to Hispanic culture in 500 words or less. The contest is open to middle and high school students.
 
Essays must be submitted by October 31. Click here to learn more. 

Fair season is in full swing in Connecticut. Get your fill of fantastic food, fun rides and other great entertainment. Many also showcase local businesses and organizations, crafts, exhibits, local oysters and craft beers, and other things unique to our great state!

The American Legion Fall Festival will be held tomorrow, October 11. Click here to learn more.

Click here for a list of upcoming fairs in the state. 
 

Monday is Indigenous People's Day. On this day, we recognize the deep roots and ongoing contributions of Indigenous communities in Connecticut. Our history stretches back more than 12,000 years, with nations like the Pequot, Mohegan, Paugussett, Schaghticoke, Quinnipiac, and many others stewarding this land.
 
Let’s use this day to learn more, support Indigenous voices, and commit to honoring Connecticut’s Indigenous history and future.

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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