Rosh Hashanah Blessings, Sticks for Soldiers, and more

October 4, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,
Happy Friday!

I want to start off by saying Shanah Tovah Umetukah! Wishing all who are celebrating a joyous Rosh Hashanah.
As the Jewish people celebrate a new year, it is happening in the context of a year of war for Israel and a frightening rise in antisemitism here. With the one-year anniversary of Oct. 7th just around the corner, it’s important to reflect on the pain this year has brought. The people of Israel were violently attacked by the terrorist regime Hamas, over 1,100 people were murdered, thousands more were injured, and communities were destroyed. Nearly 100 hostages are still being held by Hamas and we continue to pray for their release and an end to this war.

October 7 was an unfathomable event, and in its wake a previously unimaginable level of antisemitism here in this country has been unleashed. According to the Anti-Defamation League, in just the 3 months following Oct. 7, Antisemitic Incidents skyrocketed 360%. Rises in antisemitism historically happen in conjunction with violence in the middle east, around the high holidays, and national elections. We are currently in the midst of all three of these and we must all be vigilant against antisemitism together.
 
I send my deepest wishes for a peaceful year ahead; Shanah Tovah.
In this week's eblast, you can read about the upcoming Sticks for Soldiers fundraiser, Fairfield Restaurant Week, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Honoring the strength of survivors, supporting those currently fighting, and remembering those we’ve lost. 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. As your representative, I’m committed to advocating for access to early detection, treatment, research funding, and community support for those fighting breast cancer. Because of medical advancements in early detection and treatment, breast cancer survival rates have significantly increased in recent years, and there are currently over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, I’m thinking of my friends and all the families in our community who have been affected by this disease.
 
Sticks for Soldiers
Young Americans too often come back from foreign wars with life-changing wounds. As we carry on with our lives, they struggle for the rest of theirs.

To help ease that struggle, the Fairfield Ludlowe High School boys & girls lacrosse programs are hosting the 17th Annual Sticks for Soldiers Thanksgiving Lacrosse Classic on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

In 2023, 32 boys and girls teams, including over 500 high school athletes, raised over $60,000. In 17 years, over $1.2 million has been donated locally to wounded servicemen and women and their families.

When it can be easy to forget, this event raises awareness. For high school athletes, the chance to compete and raise money for wounded men and women just a few years older than themselves is impactful and unforgettable.

I hope you will consider attending this wonderful community event. To donate to this incredible cause, please click here.
 
Discussion on Universal Home Visitation Program in Bridgeport
It was really inspiring to join Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani of the Department of Public Health, Commissioner Dr. Deridre Gifford of the Office of Healthcare Strategy, Commissionner Beth Bye of the Department of Early Childhood, and representatives from the Departments of Social Services and Child and Families to talk about the overwhelming data from the universal home visitation pilot program in Bridgeport through LifeBridge Community Services. The healthcare professionals conducting the home visitations and a mother also spoke with us about their experiences in this program and how the work provides a lifeline to new mothers at the most vulnerable and challenging time of their lives. 

This program ensures mothers, babies, and families receive the care they need during this precious and vulnerable time. I'm eager to continuing the work to expand this program across the state!
 
Pequot Library's 135th Anniversary
It was such a delight to attend the ribbon cutting to celebrate the 135th anniversary of our beloved Pequot Library this week!
The beautiful Pequot Library has been a beacon in our community, from its incredible collections, engaging programs, and ability to foster a love of reading and learning in children and adults alike. Looking at this wall of photographs helped me reflect on all of the lives this library has touched over the past 135 years, and all the lives it will touch moving forward. I encourage you to go and check out the history that is on exhibit now.
 
Fairfield Restaurant Week
Fairfield Restaurant Week is back! And this year, it's TWO weeks! From Oct. 21 to Nov. 3, you can visit the more than two dozen participating restaurants to enjoy special prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at some of the best restaurants Fairfield has to offer. Click here to learn more about the event, and stay tuned for a list of all the participating restaurants!
 
Halloween on the Green
A classic Fairfield tradition is just around the corner! The 8th annual Halloween on the Green event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 27 from noon-4pm at the Museum Commons.

Join for a fun-filled day of trick-or-treating, giveaways, displays at the historic buildings, food vendors, a bounce house, and much more. Read more about this great free event here!

 
Experience Fairfield's October Calendar of Events

Experience Fairfield has released their October calendar of events, which includes crafts, theater performances, and some exciting ice hockey games. There's something for everyone in this calendar, so I hope you'll take a look.
 
I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leeper
State Representative
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