Session Day Next Week, Mobile Food Pantry Schedule, and More!
February 20, 2026
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Dear Neighbor,
Happy Friday!
The House will be back in session on February 26th. As always, you can follow along at CT-N.com.
Please read below for information on the Norwalk Mobile Food Pantry, a DOT Update for Westport, and more!
Norwalk Food Pantry Schedule
Filling in the Blanks, a Norwalk based non-profit, will host a monthly mobile food pantry on the second Saturday of the month from 6:30 AM - 9:00 AM. Please visit the Filling in the Blanks website for more information.
Latincolors Magazine Launch Event
Latincolors, a Fairfield County based magazine, will hold a launch event for their 33rd edition on March 1 at the UConn Stamford Campus.
Click here for more information.
Wheels2U Expands
Wheels 2 U, an on-demand transportation service, has partnered with Norwalk Community Health Center to bring patients with transportation challenges to Norwalk Community Health Center’s medical mobile unit at Jesup Green every Tuesday, from 9 AM to 12 PM.
Residents needing rides can use Wheels2U’s app, or call 475-258-7893.
The fare is $2 -- and new users get their first 5 rides free.
For information, on Wheels2U, click here. Email rmpay@norwalktransit.com, or call 203-299-5180 if you have any additional questions.
DOT Update for Westport
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will hold virtual public information meeting about the replacement of balancing substations at Sasco Creek, Westport and East Portchester, Greenwich on Wednesday, February 24 at 5:00 p.m.
The purpose of this meeting is to give the community the opportunity to voice their opinion on the project. The meeting will take place on Zoom, and registration is required. Click here to learn more.
Homes with Hope's Affordable Housing Council
Earlier this month, I attended a meeting of Homes with Hope’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council. We discussed HB 8002, the omnibus housing bill that was passed during last year's special session.
It was very beneficial to sit in on this incredibly important conversation featuring Francis Pickering, Executive Director of the Western Connecticut Council of Governments, Westport’s State Senator Ceci Maher, and with the strong participation of local leaders, including Westport First Selectman Kevin Christie, Planning and Zoning Commissioner Craig Schiavone, Michelle Perillie, Westport’s Planning and Zoning Director, Elaine Daignault, Westport’s Director of Human Services, Lee Goldstein and Abby Tolan from the Board of Education, Amanda Sayegh of the Westport Housing Authority, as well as Ralph Yearwood and Kate Weber from the Town of Westport’s Affordable Housing Committee.
It was a very collaborative conversation and I want to thank Homes with Hope for convening us all together!
Upcoming Library Events
The Norwalk Public Library will hold several events over the next few weeks. If you want more information, click on the corresponding flyer or visit the Norwalk Public Library website.
Westport Public Library also has a robust lineup of programming. Please visit their website to learn more.
ICYMI
Norwalk Recreation & Parks are looking for camp counselors for this summer. If you have a lot of energy and enjoy working with kids, this position is for you. Click here to apply for a position.
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 4. For more information, please click here.
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Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585.
Sincerely,
Dominique Johnson
State Representative
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