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For the fourth time this year, Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol has been activated.
The protocol is in effect through 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14. During this time, temperatures on the heat index are expected to exceed 100 degrees.
In Norwalk, residents can seek relief at the following cooling centers:
- The Norwalk Police Department Community Room (1 Monroe St.)
- Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Norwalk Library- Main Branch (1 Belden Ave.)
- Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m.
- Monday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- South Norwalk Library Branch (10 Washington St.)
- Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m.
- Monday, Noon – 8 p.m.
- Tuesday, Noon – 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
You can find other cooling centers by visiting 211ct.org or by calling 2-1-1.
Also, please check on your neighbors who may need assistance, and stay safe.
Additionally, the city recommends that people without air-conditioning should also consider going to non-official City cooling centers, such as visiting their friends or family's homes or going to the movies. SoNo Collection Mall and other community spaces also have air conditioning.
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The Norwalk Police Department’s annual Norwalk Night Out us tonight (Wednesday, Aug. 13) from 5 to 8 p.m. in front of police headquarters at 1 Monroe St.
This free, family-friendly event celebrates community partnership and public safety.
Attendees can enjoy:
• A touch-a-truck area featuring city and state vehicles
• Face painting, a magic show, and kid-friendly activities
• A bike raffle for children
• Food and drinks donated by local businesses, served by Norwalk Police Officers
• Numerous local vendors and community organizations on-site
Meet the officers who serve your neighborhoods, enjoy a night of entertainment, and learn more about the many programs and services available in Norwalk.
Questions or interested in participating? Contact Sergeant Ryan Evarts at revarts@norwalkct.gov. |
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Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, Aug. 17, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 23. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.
Highlights of Sales Tax-Free Week
- Sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax.
- Sales Tax-Free Week applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
- This special exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers.
This is Connecticut's 26th Sales Tax Free Week.
A list of exempt and taxable items during Sales Tax-Free Week can be found here.
A list of FAQs can be found here.
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| South Norwalk School Set to Open! |
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The countdown has begun!
The South Norwalk Elementary School, the community's first neighborhood school in over 40 years, will welcome students on Aug. 25!
It's been a long and, sometimes, arduous process. But the end result is a school and surrounding infrastructure and amenities that the entire city -- South Norwalk in particular -- can be incredibly proud of. |
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| Stew Leonard Jr.'s Eventful August |
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A huge shoutout to my good friend Stew Leonard Jr., who received much deserved recognition for saving the life of a television journalist on Aug. 1.
Seeing the TV staffer choking, Stew sprang into action and performed the Heimlich maneuver.
Stew's heroics received attention from New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who declared Aug. 8 "Stew Leonard Jr. Day."
The accolades didn't stop there. Last night, Stew threw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium before the Yankees took on the Minnesota Twins (a 9-1 Yankee win, I might add).
Staying true to his Norwalk roots, Stew used the parking lot at the city's Stew Leonard's grocery store on Aug. 11 to bone up on his mechanics. Current and former players on the Norwalk High baseball team and Norwalk Little League, and Mayor Harry W. Rilling were on hand to provide support and a little coaching.
Congrats Stew! |
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| Put Your 2 Cents in on the Arts and Culture |
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From the city of Norwalk's website:
The city is developing its first-ever Arts & Cultural Plan — and leaders want your input.
Whether you’re an artist, performer, creative entrepreneur, or passionate audience member, take a quick survey and share your ideas for a more vibrant, creative Norwalk.
 TAKE THE SURVEY
English version: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8391543/NorwalkArtsDistrict
Spanish version: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8391543/792d63fac69f
 Open to all residents, artists, visitors & businesses
 Deadline: Sept. 5
In October 2024, Norwalk became the first large city to receive a state Arts and Cultural District designation (for the area around Norwalk's downtown areas, Wall Street and South Norwalk neighborhoods).
The designation reflects the city's commitment to fostering creativity, community, engagement, and economic growth in walkable and vibrant neighborhoods.
The survey is a key step in the development of Norwalk's first comprehensive Arts & Cultural Plan, a community-driven roadmap to support creativity, culture, and artistic expression throughout the city's downtown areas. The plan will guide investment, programming, partnerships, and public art strategies over the next decade.
The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and is available in English and Spanish. Responses will directly inform the plan's priorities, helping ensure that Norwalk's arts and culture ecosystem is vibrant and sustainable. |
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| Hazardous Waste Collection Event |
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The City of Norwalk’s FREE Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. This event will be held at Ponus Ridge Middle School (21 Hunter Lane).
The following hazardous materials will be accepted: oil, lighter fluid, poisons, insecticides, pesticides, fluorescent lightbulbs and more.
Here is how you can safely transport your hazardous materials:
  Leave materials in original labeled containers. Tighten caps & lids.
Pack containers in sturdy upright boxes and pad with newspapers.
Sort & pack separately: paint, pesticides, household cleaners, etc.
Pack your car and drive directly to the HHW event.
Do NOT mix chemicals!
Have your driver’s license, vehicle registration or Norwalk Disposal Pass available.
Residents ONLY = NO Commercial or Business loads accepted.
Latex Paint is NOT Hazardous Waste but will be collected on HHW Day. Residents can dry Latex Paint completely and dispose as regular trash, once completely dry and solid!
To view acceptable and unacceptable waste for the 2025 Household Hazardous Waste Collection, please visit https://norwalkct.gov/503/Household-Hazardous-Waste. For any questions regarding the HHW collection, please contact the Customer Service Center at CustomerService@norwalkct.gov or 203-854-3200. |
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| Norwalk Receives Key State Bonding |
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| The State Bond Commission recently approved $24.67 million in state aid for two major Norwalk projects: a $22 million renovation at CT State Norwalk, and a $2.5 million investment in the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium's "An Aquarium Without Walls" strategic plan, which aims to deepen the community's connection with Long Island Sound. |
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The announcement of significant bonding for Norwalk is a testament to our commitment to enhancing educational and cultural opportunities for all residents.
The funding for CT State Norwalk Community College will help ensure that our students have access to modern, efficient spaces that support their academic and career goals, while also addressing essential infrastructure needs. Additionally, the investment in the Maritime Aquarium’s "An Aquarium Without Walls" strategic plan is an exciting step forward in strengthening our community’s educational and tourism assets. These investments will have a lasting impact on both current and future generations, improving quality of life in Norwalk and bolstering our local economy. |
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As always, feel free to call me at 1-800-842-8267 or email me at Travis.Simms@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please like my official Facebook Page for regular updates.
Sincerely,
Travis Simms
State Representative
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