Hot Weather Protocol & Celebrating Juneteenth and Eid al-Adha

June 17, 2024

The state is about to launch the extreme hot weather protocol for the first time this year. I'll explain how this measure will help folks who do not have air conditioning before the brutal heat arrives.

The nation will celebrate Juneteenth on Wednesday, which marks the end of slavery in the United States. Please keep scrolling to see where you can join a local celebration this week. 

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Hot Weather Protocol
  • Celebrating Juneteenth
  • Eid al-Adha
 
Hot Weather Protocol
Cooling centers, pools, and splash parks will be open as we approach the start of our first extreme hot weather protocol. It will be a brutally hot and humid stretch of weather from Tuesday through the rest of the week, and we all want to ensure that our most vulnerable are protected. The protocol begins Tuesday at 12 P.M. and will remain in effect through Sunday at 12 P.M.
Call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org if you do not have air conditioning or a cool place to stay. State agencies, municipalities, and other partners coordinate with the United Way 211 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location to get some relief. 
Click here for more information including tips on staying safe in extreme heat
 
Celebrating Juneteenth

On Wednesday, we will celebrate Juneteenth, a federal and state holiday commemorating the end of slavery and honoring the incredible contributions the Black community. June 19, 1865, marks the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state were free.

Juneteenth is important because it reminds us of what African Americans had to go endure. The holiday also allows each generation to reflect on what more there is to do in order to progress and develop as a country. Juneteenth should be a rallying call for all of us to think about the meaning of freedom. 

The 42nd district is hosting a couple of events in honor of Juneteenth. The Wilton community is invited to attend a celebration at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church on Danbury Road. The Apostolate of Black Catholics will host the event on Wednesday, June 19, at 6:30 P.M.

The program will include gospel music, refreshments, and commentary from Our Lady of Fatima Pastor Fr. Reggie Norman, who is the president of the National Association of Black Catholics Administrators.

You’re also welcome to join the third annual Juneteenth Community Celebration in New Canaan. The event will be held on Wednesday, June 19 from 3 P.M. – 7 P.M. on the lawn at The New Canaan Museum & Historical Society. Be prepared to be wowed by local band, The Misfits, devour super yummy soul food from Miss Thelma’s, VeganEats, and ZLicious Caribbean Food, and participate in creating a community art piece with featured mixed media artist, Sharon Smalls Walton.

Parking will be available at St. Mark’s Church, which is next door. New Canaan’s Service League of Boys has generously volunteered to help direct traffic to the church parking lot.
Click here to register
 
Eid al-Adha
Eid is all about sharing what we have and caring for those in need. May all who are celebrating have a wonderful Eid al-Adha this year!