March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, DOT Update for Westport, and More!

March 21, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! Hope you have had a great week. March Madness is finally here! The women and men's tournaments both kicked off earlier this week, meaning there will be great basketball to watch around the clock. The UConn Women's team will face off against Arkansas State tomorrow at 1 PM. Best of luck!

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign to promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services for problem gamblers.

This year's theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition.
 
The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates about 2 million people in the U.S. meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, while another 4 million to 6 million people experience mild or moderate issues. The cost to the country -- $14 billion annually – is incredibly steep. Yet the ability to place a sports-related bet has never been easier – in most cases just a few clicks on a smartphone.
 
The lower barriers to place bets and the removal of the social stigma on gambling has had devastating consequences for some. Indeed, one of the most vulnerable demographics to problem gambling are youths. The NCPG and Responsible Play CT cite data that shows more than 75% of college students have gambled in the last year.
 
There are state and national resources for help.

  • Responsible Play CT offers information and a toolkit on problem gambling.
  • The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling offers trained helpline specialists who connect callers to free, immediate support & treatment options in Connecticut. Its number is 888-789-7777.
  • The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (860-344-2244) offers problem gambling services.
  • The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
  • The NCPG's problem gambling toolkit can be found by clicking here.

Please read below for information on a poster competition for CT students, a road closure in Norwalk, and more!

DOT Update for Westport

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT announced that survey operations will be performed on I-95 in Westport. This project is scheduled to occur on Saturday, March 22. The project consists of Pavement Rehab, Guiderail and Roadside Safety Upgrades. 
 
 
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be a moving traffic protection pattern on I-95 from Exit 17 to Exit 19 Saturday, March 22, from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Traffic control signing and Traffic control signing patterns, CTDOT Crash Trucks will guide motorists through the work zone.
 
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.

 

Public Safety Complex: Walkthrough of Potential Site

Attention Westport residents - the town is inviting residents to participate in a walkthrough of the potential site of the Sherwood Island Connector and proposed Public Safety Complex. Attendees will be able to review site maps and tour the potential location, as well as provide feedback. 

The walkthrough will be held on April 3 at 1:00 PM. Please see the flyer below for more information. 

Unite to Fight 5K

Join Filling in the Blanks on April 6 at the Seventh Annual Unite to Fight 5K! The race will take place at Waveny Park located in New Canaan, CT with check in beginning at 7:45am, Kids Fun Run at 8:15am and the 5K walk/run beginning at 8:45am. Show your support, register as a fundraiser, walker, or runner, and spread community awareness of Filling in the Blanks’ mission of fighting childhood hunger by providing children in need with meals on the weekends. There will be prizes, t-shirts and food. To register, see the attached flyer. 

Click here to register. 

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, 2025 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.

Strawberry Hill Avenue Closure 

Attention Norwalk residents - the portion of Strawberry Hill Avenue that runs underneath the Strawberry Hill Avenue Railroad Bridge between Fitch and Winfield Streets will be closed. All local businesses and residents will be permitted access. Pedestrians, bikes and scooters to use pedestrian shed and follow signs. Detour route to Fitch Street/East Avenue for southbound and Winfield Street to East Avenue for northbound traffic.

Osborne Avenue will be re-opened on March 28/29.

Follow www.walkbridgect.com for updates and also link to socials for updates.

ICYMI

Pizza and Policy (And Basketball)

Next month, I will host a Pizza and Policy Office Hour and Women's NCAA Basketball championship watch party event at Riko's Pizza in Westport. If you have a question for me, want to share a concern, or just want to eat pizza and (hopefully) watch UConn win another championship, please stop by!

Kevin M. Eidt Memorial Scholarship Fund to Announce 2025 Recipient

The 29th recipient the Kevin M. Eidt Memorial Scholarship, awarded to the most outstanding senior in the Norwalk High School class of 2025, will be announced at the Fund's annual Scholarship Presentation and Benefit Dinner Dance on April 5th at The Waters Edge in Darien.

The $130,000 scholarship will be awarded to the most outstanding senior the Norwalk High School Class of 2025 for demonstrated involvements and accomplishments across the spectrum of academics, athletics, arts, and community and religious service.

The Norwalk High School scholarship is one of 17 scholarship supported by the Fund in 2025. Since the Fund’s inception, almost $3.1 million gifts of education have been awarded to 252 recipients demonstrating achievements in the areas in which Kevin participated and excelled.

Information regarding event tickets, event sponsorship, or silent auction donations can be obtained by contacting the Fund at KevinsFund@aol.com or 203-846-9718. Additional information regarding Kevin and the scholarship fund can be found on the fund's website www.kevinsfund.org.

Route 1 Public Workshop

The city of Norwalk is looking for your feedback on the future of Route 1 Connecticut.

Join the City’s Transportation, Mobility, and Parking Team, along with the Western Connecticut Council of Governments, and FHI Studios (now IMEG), for a public information meeting on Monday, March 24th, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Jefferson Elementary School, located at 75 Van Buren Avenue, as part of the Route 1 Corridor Master Plan Study.

During the public meeting, the community will have the opportunity to participate in a break-out session to view proposed conceptual plans at key locations along the Route 1 Corridor, provide valuable feedback, and engage directly with the project team in a collaborative, 1-on-1 setting. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make your voice heard and help shape the future of Route 1.

Click here to learn more. 

Public Information Meeting Regarding Traffic Control Signal Replacements in Southwest Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will conduct a virtual public information meeting concerning traffic control signal replacements in Southwest Connecticut (District 3) on Tuesday, March 25, at 6:00 p.m. 
 
The public information meeting is being held to provide the public and local community the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions regarding the proposed project. The meeting will take place on Zoom, and registration is required. A question and answer (Q&A) session will immediately follow the presentation, which will be recorded. For instructions on accessing the meeting and ways to provide comments and ask questions, please click here.

Right-of-way impacts are expected to be minimal around new signal equipment and sidewalks at some project intersections. 
 
Construction is expected to begin winter 2026. The estimated cost is $16 million, with 100% state funds.
 
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (877) 853-5257 and enter Meeting ID 854 7788 3366. Individuals with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Individuals with limited internet access may also request that project information be mailed to them within one week by contacting Kaethe Podgorski at DOTSignalReplacements@ct.gov or (860) 594-2189.
 
Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least five business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance. 
 
This meeting will also be livestreamed on the CTDOT YouTube channel; no registration is required. Non-English language closed captioning will be available on Zoom and YouTube. The recording will also be posted immediately following the meeting in the list of CTDOT virtual public meetings at portal.ct.gov/ctdotVPIMarchive.
 
Members of the public can submit comments and questions during the two-week public comment period following the meeting. Please submit comments and questions by Tuesday, April 8 to DOTSignalReplacements@ct.gov or (860) 594-2189. Please reference State Project No. 0173-0542 in the email or voicemail.
 

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.

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative

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