MLK Jr. Day, One Book, One Town, and more

January 16, 2026



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to celebrate a life dedicated to service, courage, and hope. In these days where there is tremendous turmoil in our country, and people can often feel hopeless, I like to think of Martin Luther King Jr’s wise words, "If you can't fly, then run; if you can't run, then walk; if you can't walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward," Even in the face of significant obstacles, we must continue working for the world we want for our children. As we remember Dr. King’s powerful vision of equality and peace, we are called to carry his legacy forward through acts of kindness, justice, and community engagement.

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about the upcoming housing forum, Fairfield's One Book, One Town event, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 

Upcoming Housing Forum & Legislative Town Hall 

A reminder to please join me, Reps. McCarthy Vahey and Keitt, and state and local leaders on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7pm in the BOE Conference Room (501 Kings Hwy E, Fairfield) for a housing forum to discuss the impact and implementation of An Act Concerning Housing Growth. 

This is an important bill that I truly believe will benefit our community, and I'd love to have a conversation with you about it. You can join us either in person or online. I hope to see you there!

In addition, the Fairfield House delegation will be hosting a legislative town hall Thursday, Feb. 5 from 6:30-8pm at the Egan School of Nursing Second Floor at Fairfield University (1073 N. Benson Rd., Fairfield).

We will discuss the upcoming legislative session, our priorities, and the issues that matter most to you. You can use this link to RSVP. I hope to see you there!
 

Birth to Three Informational Forum 

Today at the State Capitol, members of the Education Committee were joined by the Office of Early Childhood Commissioner, her Birth to Three (B23) staff, and the State Department of Education's B23 representative for an informational forum on the B23 program. The B23 program is a collection of community-based programs designed to support children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families to enhance their development and provide support from their birth to age three.

We discussed the program, services, eligibility, funding, and the transition from B23 to public special education preschool and beyond. It was an extremely informative conversation and the first step in our work this session to streamline B23 into our PreK-12 public education system and conversations around funding to ensure that eligible children receive the service hours they require to address any identified delays. 
 

Fairfield's One Book, One Town Event 

The Fairfield Public Library has announced their pick for this year's One Book One Town event: "Culpability" by Bruce Holsinger! 

As described by the publisher, this novel "explores a world newly shaped by chatbots, autonomous cars, drones, and other nonhuman forces in ways that are thrilling, challenging, and unimaginably provocative. "

If you have read this book or are interested in reading it, you're in for a treat!

On Wednesday, March 4 from 7-8:30pm at SHU Community Theatre (1420 Post Rd, Fairfield), Holsinger will visit to discuss his wonderful book. Registration for this amazing annual event opens Monday, Feb. 2.

Click here for more information about Holsinger's novel!
 

AARP Community Challenge Grant Program 

AARP CT is inviting eligible local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. This initiative funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable by enhancing public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more. 

This year, AARP will award over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live, especially for residents age 50 and older. All project application must be consistent with AARP's mission to serve the needs of people 50 and over and meet other eligibility criteria. The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

This application cycle, AARP has three different grant opportunities:

  • Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.
  • Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.
  • Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4th, 2026. Learn more and apply here.
 

Education Initiatives in Connecticut 

From the development of the Early Childhood Education Endowment to the influx of Special Education funding, 2026 is looking BRIGHT for the future of education in Connecticut. You can read more about these initiatives in the graphics below.
 

Connecticut Content Creator Collaborative 

This week, Governor Lamont announced the launch of the Connecticut Content Creator Collaborative, or C4. This is a new digital platform designed to connect businesses, organizations, and agencies with content creators and influencers who authentically represent Connecticut.

C4 serves as a centralized, searchable database where content creators can list their profiles at no cost, and where businesses can easily discover, filter, and connect with creators based on industry focus, geography, audience demographics, and content specialty, from lifestyle and culinary to travel, culture, family, and entrepreneurship.

Users can explore creators by:

  • Content category (culinary, lifestyle, travel, family, culture, business)
  • Geographic focus
  • Audience demographics
  • Platform reach and specialties

C4 is free for creators to join, boosting visibility, credibility, and access to new opportunities while giving businesses a trusted, efficient way to find partners who bring stories to life.

Click here to explore what C4 has to offer.
 

Upcoming Local Events 
Fairfield Restaurant Week - Winter Edition
Jan. 26 - Feb. 8
Read more here
Community Day of Service
Fairfield Museum (370 Beach Rd., Fairfield)
Monday, Jan. 19 - Feb. 8
Read more here
Indoor Sidewalk Sale
Fairfield University Store, Second Story (1499 Post Rd., Fairfield)
Saturday, Jan. 24, 10am-4pm
Read more here
 

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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