Jennifer Leeper

Voter Registration, Halloween Events, and more

View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, Happy Friday! While we are still basking in the joy of our Siting Council victory, I want to share a few other updates from this week. I joined representatives from Comcast to announce a $15,000 grant to the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club of Fairfield and Bridgeport to advance digital literacy and expand access to essential technology! The grant will go toward the Club's Digital Futures Program, which "provides hands-on digital literacy classes, workforce training, and creative technology experiences, such as coding, game design and visual arts." Digital proficiency is an essential skill in today's workforce, and this grant will give Club members a major head start!  While digital literacy is an essential skill for our kids, more time in person is also important and part of what made this event extra special was their partnership with Feed. Fish. Hunt. From the Sportsman Channel. They made a homecooked meal using venison offering a free family meal and board games for the community. It was a really lovely evening.  In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about voter registration, local events, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections. Voter Registration Information and Deadlines Early Detection of Breast Cancer Free Oral Health Services for Veterans DSS Launches Laurel Chatbot Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety Halloween Season in Fairfield! Voter Registration Information and Deadlines  Time is running out to register to vote in the upcoming November 4th municipal election. First, are you eligible to vote? Check HERE.   While the option to register by mail has passed, registration can be done online by using the Connecticut Online Voter Registration System (CVRS), which you can find HERE.   Same-Day Registration (SDR) is also available during the early voting period (Monday, October 20, through Sunday, November 2), from 10am-6pm. Early Voting will be available for this year’s regular municipal election from Oct. 20- Nov. 2 at the Fairfield University Bookstore, 1499 Post Rd, on the second floor. Covered parking is available in the garage off of Sherman Street and there is elevator access. Early voting hours are 10AM-6PM with extended hours on Oct. 28 and Oct. 30 from 8AM - 8PM. Same Day Registration is also available during all days of early voting. PLEASE NOTE: There is no early voting on Monday, November 3. And on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th, voting will be held at your normal polling locations.   Early Detection of Breast Cancer  In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the governor's office and public health officials are reinforcing the critical importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer. Regular mammograms remain the most effective method for identifying breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages. For Connecticut residents who may not be able to afford regular mammograms, the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Early Detection and Prevention Program offers free breast cancer screenings. This program is available for low income residents and those with limited or no health insurance. Services will be available at various locations across the state. Click here for more information to find out if you qualify for free screenings, if you need assistance accessing a mammogram, or for other available resources. You can also contact the Department of Public Health at 860-509-7804 for more information. Free Oral Health Services for Veterans  The Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI) has received a $25,000 grant to provide free dental services for Veterans in need. They’re partnering with UConn Health Center and Tunxis Dental Hygiene School, which will be delivering the care. The program is open to Veterans living in the Greater Hartford area, though COHI is flexible about the region as long as participants are willing to travel to Farmington. You can sign up for these free dental services here! DSS Launches Laurel Chatbot  We’re making government work faster for you! The Connecticut Department of Social Services just launched Laurel, a new chatbot that cuts wait times and gives residents instant, 24/7 access to benefit information and resources. DSS is actively working to be more accessible for people receiving services or those applying for in other ways beside waiting on the phone or having to physically go to physically visit their office.    Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety  The National Fire Prevention Association is raising awareness about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries because they can overheat, start a fire, or explode if damaged or not used correctly. This is concerning because lithium-ion batteries power many of the electronics we use in our homes every day, including smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, headphones, and toys. You can take action and improve your safety by knowing where lithium-ion batteries are located in your home and going over tips to safely buy, charge, and recycle those batteries to ensure you are prepared for an emergency when it happens. The National Fire Prevention Association has put together a 3-step plan to safely use lithium-ion batteries: 1. Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards. 2. Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged. 3. Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you. Click here for more information, and additional tips and tools for fire safety in your home. Halloween Season in Fairfield! Halloween Drive-In Movie: Coco Friday, Oct. 24, 7pm Read more here Halloween on the Green Fairfield Museum (370 Beach Rd., Fairfield) Sunday Oct. 26, noon-4pm Read more here Lantern Tours Oak Lawn Cemetery & Arboretum (1530 Bronson Rd., Fairfield) Saturday, Oct. 26, 10am or noon Read more here Haunted Candy House Workshop Fairfield Museum (370 Beach Rd., Fairfield) Saturday, Oct. 26, 10am, noon, 2pm 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 Website Email Facebook Instagram Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences