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| Panel Discussion on Travel/Immigration |
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Earlier this week I was honored to join a panel including Melvette Hill, the Executive Director of CT’s Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, and CT Immigration Attorney Dana Bucin, partner at Harris, Beach and Murtha, at the Mark Twain Library, cosponsored by the League of Women Voters to address the current landscape of immigration, customs, the border, and the key things/changes a traveler should know about re-entry into the U.S. when traveling abroad.
ICE, which is typically a civil law enforcement agency -- not criminal, such as the FBI or local police forces -- is conducting shock raids and disappearing people off our streets, while Custom Border Protection officers are detaining lawful residents and neighbors upon reentry at our US International Airports, even after travelling to US territories like the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or US Samoan territories.
Re-entry back into the U.S. is supposed to be a protected right for U.S. citizens, but it is not guaranteed, or assured without delays, interrogations, or possible confiscation of your mobile phone, laptop or electronic devices under this administration.
Some important information shared during the panel discussion included: Ensure your passport is current beyond 6 months of traveling: if it expires within 6 months, you could be denied entry at other countries; travel with a passport even to US territories; carry a passport card in your day-to-day activities, if you fear being approached by ICE. When traveling out of the country, Dana recommended carrying a burner phone, not your personal phone, with only key contacts, and using a password that only you enter, rather than biometrics or face recognition that can be used to trace contacts, or flag suspicion for further interrogation, or confiscated. If you are flagged or detained, ask the officer if you are free to go. If you are a US citizen, you have the right to re-entry your country that is home. |
Even lawful citizens, including green card holders have rights to be here, but there are growing reports of unlawful detention of US and those with legal status in raids and at the borders. Those whose status is at risk should be consult with reputable immigration attorney (like the firm Dana works at), to protect yourself and your family from these federally-sanctioned harms. The whole panel will be viewable on the Mark Twain/Redding League of Women Voters website for you to watch later this month.
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| Dental Services for Veterans |
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The Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI) has received a $25,000 grant to provide free dental services for veterans in need.
The program is open to veterans living in the Greater Hartford area, but there is flexiblity as long as participants are willing to travel to Farmington.
Click here for more information and to register.
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I'm hosting a community conversation with Treasurer Erick Russell at the Weston Library Community Room on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
We’ll discuss Connecticut’s economic outlook, answer your questions, and take a look at how federal policies and the shutdown impact the state. We'll also discuss how we are protecting your resources and retirement, and closing the economic disparity here in Connecticut. You’re invited, join us!
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Early voting will start on Monday, Oct. 20, and end Sunday, Nov. 2. Hours are daily (Sunday through Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Tuesday, Oct. 28 and Thursday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Same-day registration will be available during early voting hours and on Election Day.
- The early voting location in Easton is the Library Community Room on Morehouse Road.
- The early voting location in Weston is Weston Town Hall Meeting Room and same-day voter registration available during days and times of early voting.
- The early voting location for Redding is the Redding Community Center (37 Lonetown Road).
Absentee Ballots must be received by 8 p.m., before closing on Nov. 4, Election Day. Please mail your ballot early so it's received before polls close on Nov. 4.
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| The Easton Senior Center will offer flu (either dose), Covid, RSV, tetanus, shingles, and pneumonia vaccines on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 7:30 a.m. until noon. |
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This year's fourth annual Free Spirit Festival and Chasing the Legend 5K Walk and Run in Easton will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25.
There will be various fall activities for kids and adults, and a fun run and shuttle run for kids 12 and under.
Costumes encouraged! For more info, click here.
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The Easton Annual Halloween Trunk or Treat & Bonfire on Friday, Oct. 31.
Join the Lions Club, Park & Rec, Easton Volunteer Fire Department, and EMS on Halloween night for the Annual Trunk or Treat.
There will be music, snacks, and The Knights of Gore Show will provide entertainment. There will also be a photo booth and a pumpkin smash.
- Trunk or Treat: 5:30 p.m. for Trick-or-Treating (4:30-5:30 p.m. Trunk set-up time).
- Knights of Gore: 5:30 p.m.
- Costume Contest & Bonfire: 6 p.m. Location: Samuel Staples Elementary School/Morehouse Fields (next to SSES).
- Cost: Free.
Candy donations are accepted at the Park & Recreation office or the Extended Day Program (Room 139 @ SSES) through Oct. 30. Donations can also be brought that evening to the concierge’s trunk. Email eastontrunkortreat@gmail.com today to sign up your car for TRUNK OR TREAT on Friday, Oct. 31.
For more info, click here.
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The Redding Hiking Club's Autumn Hike is Saturday, Oct. 18, at Great Ledge, Redding, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
*Registration will close for this hike on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 4 p.m.
Parking/Gathering Location: Details will be emailed to all registered participants several days before the hike
Start Time: Hike will begin promptly at 11 a.m. — arrive at least 10 minutes early
Hike Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Hike Difficulty: Moderately challenging hike with a few steep and rocky sections
Guide: Tom Hamilton, Redding Land Trust Trustee
Hiking group size: Limited to 20
Destination Website: reddingctlandtrust.org
Things to Know Before You Go: Dress appropriately and review these hiking tips.
By registering for this event you give permission to the Mark Twain Library to share your contact information with the Redding Land Trust, our co-sponsor for this event.
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| Weston Ghouls & Pool Party |
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The Weston Parks & Recreation Dept. is hosting a Ghouls and Pools event at Weston Middle School on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Enjoy fall crafts, games, activities, candy  (1–2 p.m.), and a Halloween-themed family swim (2–3 p.m.)!
 $5 per child (ages 1–15) — registration required.
 Sign up at westonct.gov/parksandrec |
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As always, please feel free to contact my office at 800-842-8267 or by email at anne.hughes@cga.ct.gov. And "Like" and follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.
Peace,
Anne Hughes
State Representative |
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