Halloween Safety Tips, Norwalk Reads Day and More!

October 24, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you had a wonderful week. This Sunday is the Day of the Deployed. Join me in honoring those deployed far from home and the families who serve alongside them. From every corner of Connecticut, we send our gratitude. 

Please read below for information on early voting, Norwalk Reads Day, and more! 

SNAP Benefits Update

With the uncertainty surrounding the federal government's shutdown, including its impact on SNAP benefits and Access Health premiums, the United Way of Connecticut’s 211 has published a new resource to help provide up-to-date information.

This resource, which can be found here, outlines the current status of federal programs and provides direct links to state and community resources for those affected.

I encourage you all to not only use the resource, but to share it with those you believe can use it.

FYI: 211 is not directly impacted by the federal government shutdown and continues to operate 24/7/365. 

The Connecticut Department of Social Services has created an FAQ about SNAP and the impact of the federal government shutdown. Click here to access the resource. 

Early Voting 

Early voting for Norwalk's municipal election is now underway.  Voters can cast their ballot in person through November 2. Norwalk's early voting location is the City Hall Community Room. Westport's location is the Town Hall auditorium. The early voting polling hours are as follows: 

  • Friday, October 24, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Saturday, October 25, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Sunday, October 26, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Monday, October 27, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  • Wednesday, October 29, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Thursday, October 30, 2025 – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  • Friday, October 31, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Saturday, November 1, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Sunday, November 2, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Please visit the Secretary of the State's website if you have any additional questions. 

Norwalk Reads Day

Norwalk Reads Day will be held next Saturday, November 1 from 10:00 AM - 1 PM at the Norwalk Public Schools Family Center. This event is free and open to all families! Attendees will receive free books. Check out the flyer below for more information. 

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is next Friday. As you put the finishing touches on your costume, please double check that it passes the safety test:

  •  Is the costume flame-resistant?
  • Did you test the costume makeup on your child's arm for any signs of irritation?
  • For dark-colored costumes, did you add reflective tape for better visibility?
  • If there's a mask, does it fit well and provides adequate ventilation? Does it obstruct your child's vision?
  • Is this loose material that might be a tripping hazard?

Click here for more safety tips. 

Scam Alert From the Secretary of the State

A malicious spoof email is circulating statewide, made to look like it’s from the CT Secretary of the State’s Business Registry. Please do not click any links! This phishing scam is designed to steal your credentials and compromise your devices. As a general rule of thumb, always verify the sender —  business.ct.gov is the only official site for filings and transactions.

Click here to learn more. 

The Gathering: Pop Up

Thrown Stone is partnering with the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and the Norwalk Arts & Culture Commission for an event called The Gathering: POP UP on Thursday, November 6th, at the Crystal Theatre.

This event will bring together artists, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders from across the region for an evening of live performances, art, networking, and connection.
 
The event is free, but registration is required. Click here to learn more. 

DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day 

The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place tomorrow, October 25 from 10 AM - 2 PM. On this day, residents will be able to safely and securely dispose of unused or expired medications. Click here to find a drop-off site near you. 

If you are unable to attend on October 25, or if you're  looking for convenient disposal options throughout the year, MyOldMeds.com is a valuable resource. They offer a free, easy-to-use locator tool that connects residents to the 354 disposal sites across Connecticut.  

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

Free Nature Walk

Join Norwalk Recreation and Parks for a FREE Nature Walk at Cranbury Park on Saturday, October 25.  Explore native plants, identify trees, and spot local wildlife with expert arborist Sarah Cruz and the Recreation & Parks staff. There will be two sessions - the first will run from 10 AM - 10:45 AM and the second will run from 11 AM - 11:45 AM.

Please see the flyer below for more information. 

Optimum’s 18th Annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest

Optimum’s 18th Annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest is now accepting entries. Interested applicants must write an essay about their connection to Hispanic culture in 500 words or less. The contest is open to middle and high school students.
 
Essays must be submitted by October 31. Click here to learn more. 
 

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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