Tuesday is Veterans Day, Coat Drive in Westport, and More!

November 7, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you had a wonderful week. Next Tuesday is Veterans Day.  I am very grateful to the brave Americans who have helped preserve our freedom. Thank you for your service.

Norwalk and Westport will both hold Veterans Day ceremonies on Tuesday.

Norwalk's will be held in the Concert Hall at City Hall at 10:30 a.m.

Westport officials and VFW Post 399 will host  their Veterans Day service at 11 a.m. in the Westport Town Hall auditorium. 

Thank you to Norwalk Exchange Club and Frank C. Godfrey American Legion Post 12 for their work on the Field of Flags display.  500 American flags will be on display at Veterans Park through November 16. 

Last but not least, there will be free luncheon for all veterans next Thursday, November 13 at VFW Post 399 in Westport. If you are interested, please send your RSVP to vfw399ct@gmail.com. 

Please read below for information on a coat drive, a Gen Z listening session, and more!

SNAP Update 

Great news! full November SNAP benefits will be available very soon.

The federal government has announced that it will fund full SNAP benefits to all eligible households in every state. Connecticut is directing our vendor to load full benefits for November onto cards as soon as federal funding is released and made available.

This means:

  • All eligible households will receive their full monthly SNAP benefits
  • Benefits will be automatically loaded to EBT cards and will be available immediately for use at authorized retailers

Please check your benefit balance at MyDSS.ct.gov or call 1-888-328-2666 before you go to the store.

Thank you to all of the food banks and pantries that rose to the occasion to ensure that our residents did not go hungry. And thank you to all neighbors who gave what they can – it all makes a difference!

Earlier this week, I visited with Food Rescue at their partnership with the Community Health Center in Norwalk for their Fridge the Gap community fridge initiative. The Westport delegation also visited Homes with Hope to learn about their innovative responses and increased operation needs over the last few weeks, and how we can remain in support of their critical work for our communities.

Celebrating State Funds for Norwalk 

Last week, I joined the members of the Norwalk delegation and Mayor Harry Rilling for a press conference to celebrate the nearly $74 million in total state aid that has been delivered to Norwalk and the region in 2025. 

2025 has been a successful year for Norwalk! Our delegation has worked tirelessly to secure funding for several diverse projects all over the City. These investments not only support and benefit current residents of Norwalk, but will also build on our foundation for a bright future. I am grateful that the Norwalk delegation is united in the fight to make our community as great as possible. 

The projects that received funding include: 

  • Norwalk Community College, $22,171,630 for renovations to classrooms, HVAC, electrical, & other repairs
  • Norwalk Maritime Aquarium, $2,500,000, "An Aquarium Without Walls" Strategic Plan
  • Veterans Park Marina, $3,528,000   
  • Norwalk River Valley Trail, $1,500,000 for the Glover Avenue Spur
  • Open Door Shelter, $250,000 for a Campus Expansion Project

Please see the graphic below for the complete list. 

Special Session Next Week

The House will be in special session Wednesday November 12th. Stay tuned for updates on key issues we’ll be tackling.
 

Energy Assistance Program is Now Open

The Generation Power CT Energy Assistance program is now open for eligible Connecticut households.
 
Applications are open through Monday, November 10th. Click here to learn more and apply.

Milling and Resurfacing of the Westport Commuter Lot off Allen Raymond Lane

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that a milling and resurfacing project will be performed on the Westport Commuter Lot off Allen Raymond Lane. This project is scheduled to be completed on Monday November 10. Construction will take place from 7:00 PM - 5:00 AM. 
 
Motorists can expect closure of the Westport Commuter Lot off Allen Raymond Lane. Variable message sign boards will be posted at the commuter lot sight at least 72 hours before the closure of the lot.

Click here to learn more. 

"Share the Warmth" Coat Drive

The Westport Fire Department is partnering with  with Bridgeport Rescue Mission for the 3rd annual “Share the Warmth” Coat Drive.

Donations of new or gently used (and clean) winter coats, hats, mittens/gloves, and snow suits will be accepted through November 30th at the following locations:

Click here to learn more. 

Westport Human Services Launches “Westport READY”

The Westport Department of Human Services, in partnership with the Westport Police and Fire Departments, has launched Westport READY, a unified emergency registry designed to assist vulnerable residents during crises.

Westport READY replaces and consolidates two prior registries:

  • Westport Emergency Registry – formerly used by Human Services to check on seniors living alone with medical needs during storms or other emergencies.
  • Voluntary Registry for People with Disabilities – previously managed with the Police Department to aid first responders in understanding unique needs during 911 calls.

By merging these systems, Westport READY provides one streamlined database for seniors living alone, individuals with disabilities, and residents who may need extra assistance in an emergency. The unified approach ensures that emergency personnel and social services have critical information when every second counts.

Eligible residents are encouraged to register today and help build a safer, more resilient Westport.

Click here to register. 

Gen Z Listening Session 

The Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO) is hosting a special virtual listening session for those who identify as GEN Z - high schoolers, college students, young adults on November 16 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Please come ready to share about issues impacting you and your community. The information you share will be used to inform policymakers and CWCSEO's work and ensure that the voice of Connecticut residents is the commission's central focus and priority.

Click here to register. 

OEC Survey

The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is seeking parents and caregivers of children between the ages of 0-5 to help improve programs and early childhood services. Take the quick survey and share your needs for childcare, experiences with early childhood services, challenges faced when accessing care, and what matters the most when it comes to childcare. 

You can use the QR code below, click here, or click the graphic below for the survey. For questions, call 860-249-1551.

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
 

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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