Travis Simms

This week, our community mourns the passing of Ernie Dumas -- a devoted community activist, former Common Council member, and a tireless advocate for fairness, justice, and the people of Norwalk.

Ernie (pictured below at right) was more than a public servant. He was a truth-teller, a fighter for equity, and someone who never shied away from standing up for what he believed was right - especially when it came to protecting working families, seniors, and those whose voices too often go unheard.

For more than two decades, Ernie embodied what it meant to give back beyond words. Year after year, he personally deep-fried turkeys and fed families throughout the holiday season, ensuring that no one felt forgotten. He also organized toy drives and coat drives, bringing warmth, dignity, and joy to children and families who needed it most. These acts of service weren’t for recognition -- they were simply who Ernie was.

As a member of the Common Council, Ernie brought passion, conviction, and a deep sense of responsibility to the role. He understood that leadership was not about position, but about service … showing up consistently, especially when it mattered most.

On a personal level, Ernie was a friend. Someone who cared deeply about this city and its future, and who believed that progress only happens when people are willing to do the hard work together.

His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the meals he shared, the coats he helped place on a child’s shoulders, and the hope he gave so many families. Norwalk is better because of Ernie Dumas.

Please keep his family, loved ones, and all who were impacted by his life and service in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Rest in power, my friend. Your work mattered and it will not be forgotten.

There is still time to apply for the Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program January cycle, now open through January 10th! This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses. 
 
Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.
 
All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill. For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need. After the January application period, GPCT has one remaining Energy Assistance Application Cycle this season:

• March 2nd-10th 

To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, go to: gpct.org/gethelp/

Access Health CT is working with state officials on a plan to implement the new state subsidy program that will lower costs for eligible Connecticut residents who purchase their health insurance through the exchange.

Some customers might qualify for new state subsidies or other low- or no-cost coverage options, including the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

To learn more about the enrollment process and to find the plan that is right for you, visit Access Health CT's website.

The multi-event celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will take place on Jan. 19. 

A community breakfast will be served from 8 to 10 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church, located at 17 West Ave. in Norwalk, in the Church Hall. Breakfast is $15. Tickets for the community breakfast can be ordered by calling 203-838-3176. All proceeds will benefit the MLK Scholarship Fund.

The Norwalk Public School Student and Staff Program will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Norwalk High School in the auditorium. Norwalk Mayor Barbara Smyth will serve as the keynote speaker. The free program will also include NPS student performances and artwork as well as presentations of the Dr. King Service Award to high school seniors.

The celebration will conclude with a free evening program at Norwalk City Hall, starting at 5 p.m. Dannel P. Malloy, the Chancellor of the University of Maine System, will deliver the keynote address.

Details in the graphic below.