The Fall season, one of my favorites, is officially here. You have to get out and see some of the foliage that makes Connecticut stand out. This may not be the best weekend to do that, but you will have plenty of opportunities.
In the meantime, you can catch up on some news I would like to share below, including Governor Lamont's authorization of state funds to support WIC, and available food resources if you need help. One in seven state residents in Connecticut is food insecure, and 1 are 6 children. That's heartbreaking. Even more so, under this administration, federal government shutdown or not, it won't be much help in improving those numbers.
Connecticut has to take care of Connecticut.
Early voting begins on October 20. I have included deadline information for those who have yet to register but would like to vote in the November election.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Lastly, I wanted to send a special shoutout to Stamford's Christina Derevjanik, a million-dollar prize winner on Wheel of Fortune! More details below. I hope you enjoy this week's newsletter.
Have a great weekend!
As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at Corey.Paris@cga.ct.gov or call 860-240-8585.
Governor Lamont, this week, authorized the use of state funding to support the continuation of the state's WIC program during the federal shutdown. More than 52,000 state residents, including 30,000 children, receive assistance from the program.
Over the last several years, hunger in Connecticut has been on the rise. According to Feeding America, 516,640, or one in seven residents, are food insecure, and 122,660, or one in six, are children.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to any of the resources below if you need help.
Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 20, through Sunday, Nov. 2. Hours are daily (Sunday through Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Tuesday, Oct. 28, and Thursday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Same-day registration will be available during early voting hours and on Election Day.
Please note that the last day to register for the November 4 election by mail at the Department of Motor Vehicles (end of day), online (by 11:59 p.m.), or in person (by 8 p.m.) is October 17th.
The early voting locationin Stamford is the Government Center Cafeteria, located at 888 Washington Boulevard.
Please note: Absentee Ballots must be received by 8 p.m., before closing on Nov. 4, Election Day. Please mail your ballot early so it's received before polls close on Nov. 4.
I stand in support of survivors and honor the many that we’ve lost. The fight for a cure continues.
Survivors deserve systems that believe them and policies that protect them. I remain committed to preventing abuse, ensuring accountability, and prioritizing survivor-centered support. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.
Organizations like CTSafeConnect offer free, confidential support 24/7/365.
You are not alone.
The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services plays a crucial role in helping individuals with disabilities find, maintain, and advance in meaningful employment. The department helps ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the workplace. Assistance for job seekers with disabilities is available virtually and in person.
Governor Lamont has issued executive orders to ensure that Connecticut residents have access to COVID-19 vaccines during the upcoming respiratory virus season. For decades, vaccines have been proven to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death, and patients and their doctors should be able to decide what is the best course of treatment.
The Department of Public Health recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older
Pharmacists and providers can keep giving vaccines under the latest CDC guidance
State law requires most insurance plans to continue covering COVID-19 vaccines
These steps make sure Connecticut residents can stay protected. Please click HERE for more details.
Hate crimes have been rising in Connecticut since 2021.
The Hate Crimes Investigative Unit of the CT State Police has created a resource with tips on recognizing, reporting, and preventing hate crimes.
The unit's goal is to ensure every community is equipped with the necessary resources to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all residents. The flyers below feature a detailed breakdown of how to identify hate crimes, the steps to take if you or someone you know is a victim, and the support services available.
Please visit the Hate Crimes Advisory Council website for more information. Click on the button below to review Connecticut's hate crime laws.
I'm sure you know by now that Christina Derevjanik of Stamford, a Sacred Heart University alum, made Wheel of Fortune history by winning the game show's million-dollar prize - the first winner since 2014.
The Farmers Market, located at Veterans Memorial Park, 130 Atlantic Street, is in business from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through Oct. 25th.
In addition to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers, you will also find breads, jams, baked goods, cheeses, oils, and more straight.
WIC & SNAP are accepted.
Activities (weather permitting) • 9 a.m.: Yoga with Dew Yoga (free class, no pre-registration required, bring your own mat) • 10:30am-12:30pm: Live music
Vendors: • Amelia’s florist and farm market • Anderson + Joy* • Balta’s Bakery • Biscuit and Bones LLC • DoughCo Bagels • Elizabeth’s Vegan Bakery • Fairgate Farms* • Fifth State Distillery • Jackie’s Empanadas • Cooks Nook Knife Sharpening* • Mad Kneady • On The Brew Coffee Company • Penny Cha • Saint X Foods • Pickles Olives Etc • Waterview Farm
And...
the Stamford Museum & Nature Center's Sunday Farm Market is going through November 2nd, and as always, admission is free! Check it out each Sunday and pick up some great products and produce to support local agriculture. Our favorite vendors have returned, along with some new friends.
More information, including who you'll see as vendors in 2025, can be found HERE.
Please note: The market may move to the Farmhouse & Plaza during inclement weather and for fall festivals. The market may also close at 1 p.m. in inclement weather. Market admission is still free; simply let the gate staff know that you are here for the market!
