2/4/21 Newsletter

BHM
February 4, 2021
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 
February is Black History Month.

For the past 45 years, Black History Month has served as a time to recognize and honor the achievements and contributions of Black Americans in our nation's history. It is a time to highlight and celebrate their many and varied roles in our country’s history.

They are stories which too often get left out or forgotten.

This year, the ongoing pandemic cancelled many annual events and exhibits celebrating Black History Month. However, you can still celebrate and reflect right from your home by:

While we should take time this month to remember all of the activists, politicians, athletes, inventors, business leaders, and performers who have left such a valuable legacy, this past year has also been a reminder that there is still work to do when it comes to combatting the racial injustice and inequalities that continue to befall Black Americans.

During this month of reflection, let us renew our commitment to ensuring that our society actively advances racial equality and justice, both today and in the future. 
Now is the time to do better. 
 
FAIRFIELD BINGO 
It’s “game-on” to help bring even more love to our small businesses this February!  Together with the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce and more than 45 local businesses, the Town of Fairfield’s Department of Community & Economic Development is pleased to launch Love Local BINGO. 
 
LOVE LOCAL BINGO is easy to play!  To take part, download your BINGO game boards at ExperienceFairfieldCT.org/Bingo or pick up a game board at participating Fairfield restaurants or stores.  You may choose to play either or both cards.  Visit and make a purchase at one of the participating Fairfield business establishments during the month of February to make BINGO.  Keep your receipts.  Once you have BINGO, take and upload a picture of your winning game card and your receipts via the link at ExperienceFairfieldCT.org/Bingo and complete the on-line entry form for a chance to win great prizes. 
 
One winner from each board will be chosen at random from among all qualified entries to win a $250 Shop Fairfield Love Local Community eGift Card.  Other prizes will be awarded similarly from among all qualified entries submitted by the deadline of March 5th.  Enter as many times as you like to increase your chances to win, but only one winner per household.  A list of participating businesses and complete contest rules are posted at ExperienceFairfieldCT.org/BINGO. 
 
 
VIRTUAL SESSION TESTIMONY 
As we all begin to navigate the upcoming virtual session, I want to provide you with the resources to ensure your voice is heard. A silver-lining of a largely virtual session, is that it will be easier than ever before to submit testimony and watch public hearings as you will not need to take an entire day off and drive up to Hartford. You can still testify and participate in public hearings from your home.

Below you will find a video on how to virtually view public hearings, and how to testify virtually: 
Virtual Hearing 
Virtual Testimony  
 
LEGISLATIVE SURVEY 
The 2021 Legislative Session began on January 6th. During this time, I will face many tough choices which is why it is so important for me to get feedback from you about the most pressing issues facing Fairfield and Southport. I hope you will take a few minutes to complete this survey and help me better represent our district at the state capitol. 
Click Here
 
COVID UPDATE 
The following is a summary of the day-to-day newly reported data on cases, deaths, and tests in Connecticut. It is important to note that these newly reported updates include data that occurred over the last several days to a week. All data in this report are preliminary, and data for previous dates will be updated as new reports are received and data errors are corrected.
Vaccination Efforts:

Currently, residents 75 and older can get the COVID-19 vaccine.

 Health officials expect to start scheduling appointments for people between the ages of 65 and 74 in early February. To monitor the rollout phase schedule and eligibility criteria, as well as to schedule an appointment, please visit the link below.   
Click Here to Schedule