Early Voting Begins Monday, Free Breast Cancer Screenings, and More!

October 17, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you had a wonderful week. The past few months have been jam packed with events in our community and beyond:



I was part of a delegation that represented Connecticut at the Eastern Leadership Academy of the Council of State Governments in Philadelphia...




...got my flu shot (if you are interested, there is more information about Norwalk's weekly flu shot clinic in the ICYMI section)....



...and attended the topping off ceremony of the new Norwalk High and P-Tech building (pictured on the left), as well as the ribbon cutting of the new South Norwalk Elementary School.

In addition, I attended a Connecticut Sun game, supported our nonprofits at Norwalk Community Day, our small businesses in the community at their new initiative launches, and enjoyed live music at the Levitt Pavilion.

Finally, I attended a Banned Books Week press conference with Lt. Governor Bysiewicz and Hartford Public Library CEO Bridget Quinn. Click here or below to watch my remarks. Click here to watch the full press conference. 
 

Please read below for information on early voting, yard waste collection and more! 

Early Voting 

Time is running out to register to vote in the upcoming November 4th municipal election.
 
First, are you eligible to vote? Check HERE.
 
Registration can be done in a few ways:
 
By mail: Applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the Registrar's Office by October 17th. 
 
OR
 
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 20th, through Sunday, November 2), from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

There are extended hours on October 28th, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. It can also be done at the designated Early Voting location in your town, which you can find HERE.

Halloween Nightfair 

Norwalk's annual Halloween Nightfair will be held next Saturday, October 25 from 2 PM to 10 PM. This event will have fun activities for all ages, including: 

  • Paint a Pumpkin
  • The Trick or Treat Trail filled with sweets
  • Face Painting
  • Goblin Grove Games

For more information, click here or the flyer below. 

3rd Annual CT Government Market Outlook 2026

On October 30, I will join HAYVN for a discussion about Connecticut's sustainability efforts and policies shaping a greener future. This event will provide valuable insights into the state’s progress, best practices, and resources for achieving environmental goals.

Click here or the image below to learn more. 

Yard Waste Collection 

Norwalk’s 2025 Curbside Yard Waste Collection begins on  Monday, November 3rd for residents who routinely receive City garbage and recycling services on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Please have your waste at the curb by 6:00 AM on the Monday of your collection week and it will be collected sometime during that week.

As a reminder 

  • Do Not mix Yard Waste with Garbage.
  • Leaves must be in paper bags or garbage cans without lids.
  • Leaves will not be collected if they are in plastic bags.
  • Only brush under 4 feet that is bundled will be collected.
  • Loose leaves, logs, stumps, rocks, soil, mulch, and lumber will not be collected.


For more information about the Yard Waste Site, please visit https://norwalkct.gov/498/Yard-Waste-Site and for any questions, please contact our Customer Service Center at CustomerService@norwalkct.gov or (203) 854-3200.

Westport residents -  please click here for the more information about the town's yard waste facility.  

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.

Free Breast Cancer Screenings

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 to those with low income and limited or no health insurance, with services provided at various locations across the state.

Click here for more information on if you qualify for free screenings, if you need assistance accessing a mammogram, or for other available resources. The Department of Public Health can also be contacted directly at 860-509-7804 for more information.

DOT Update for Norwalk

The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced that a gas main inspection will be performed on I-95 north and southbound from Exits 15 to 13 in Norwalk. This project is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 20 and be completed on Wednesday, October 22.

During the duration of the project, there will be lane closures on I-95 north and southbound in Norwalk from Exit 15 to 13  from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Click here to learn more. 

DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day 

The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on 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

Chili Cook Off

VFW Post 399 is collaborating with American Legion Post 63 for a Chili Cook-Off. Attendees will be able to try several types of chili and vote on their favorite. The event will be held on October 18th from 6 PM - 8 PM. Please see the flyer below for more information. 

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. 

Flu Shot Clinic 

The Norwalk Health Department is host weekly flu shot clinics. The flu shot is a safe and easy way to protect yourself this season. Click here or on the graphic below to make an appointment. 

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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