State Capitol update for the week of November 18

November 22, 2019

This is my State Capitol update for the week of November18. If you would rather watch than read, check out the link at the bottom of the page.

 

Thanking Sharon Town Clerk Linda Amerighi
 
Yesterday I had the privilege of honoring Sharon Town Clerk Linda Amerighi for her thirty years (and counting) of service. Linda and I first got to know each other when, during the campaign, I mistakenly parked my car so that it blocked the sidewalk on Upper Main Street near the library in Sharon.  Linda, an avid dog walker and guardian of those sidewalks, spotted my car (at the time it had my name plastered all over it) and decided to take this aspiring elected official to task by posting a photo of it on Facebook. She was right, and I told her so, and we’ve been friends ever since.  Congratulations, Linda, and thanks for all you do for the people of Sharon, and their sidewalks. 

Scorecard from the CT League of Conservation Voters

The CT League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) does a scorecard each year based on each legislator’s voting record and advocacy on energy and environmental bills.  Their 2019 scorecard was just released, and I’m proud to report I got a 97%.  You can check out the official scorecard if you have any additional questions.

Sharing With Neighbors in Need
 
Whether you and your family need a little extra help with the cold weather and holidays on the way, or whether you’re looking for the chance to give back yourself, there are many opportunities in our community. 
 

  • November 23, at 10:00 am FISH (Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwestern CT) is holding their fifth annual rally to End Hunger and Homelessness in the Northwest Corner.  This event, as with all FISH does, aims to help families, individuals and veterans in need. The event kicked off last weekend with a cardboard box sleep-out, when Executive Director Deirdre Houlihan DiCara brought FISH NWCT Shelter residents and "grads" to speak to  young people around a campfire.
    • 10:00 am: Annual Rally photo at the Gathering Place parking lot at 21 Prospect Street in Torrington. Following the photo, tour FISH NWCT Homeless Shelter and Food Pantry, the Gathering Place and Operation Overflow until noon.
    • 12:00 pm: Free pasta lunch and coat give-away will at St. Peter's Hall (107 East Main Street).  While coats are being distributed, speakers from area agencies will present information about their programs.  In past years, about 900 coats were distributed.
    • If you have any questions, reach out to Deirdre at atddicara@fishnwct.org, or 860-482-7300.
  • Community Kitchen of Torrington will be putting baskets of food together the week of Thanksgiving.  You can reach them at (860) 482-0130, or email George Craig at geocandace@yahoo.com
  •  Military Families Recognition Month. Created by the Armed Services YMCA, it provides many services for military families, including: a free Sesame Street for Military Families App, which addresses deployments, homecoming, self-expression and injuries; Operation Kid Comfort, which gives kids a free custom made photo transfer, quilt or pillow; free YMCA membership for eligible military families; gift cards from Sears Heroes at Home Registry; and a 10% discount at Home Depot for those with a valid military ID. You can also honor a military spouse with a care package of books, batteries, DVDs, aspirin, decorations, laundry soap, pre-paid phone card, sheets and blankets, T-shirts and more. To learn more about how to recognize military families:  http://bit.ly/MilitaryFamMonth  To adopt a soldier for the holidays: https://militarybenefits.info/adopt-a-soldier-for-the-holidays/
  • There are many other ways to give back to your community this season.  From Operation Hope and Open Door Shelter, to the CT Children’s Medical Center and the Danbury Animal Welfare society, there are many ways to give back. Click here to learn more about other volunteer opportunities. Click here to find a food bank in your area.
  • If you are unsure about what to donate, CT Food Bank has provided a helpful  list of the types of food that they will be accepting.

 
A few Recent Events
 
As I mentioned in the video, there are so many events and meetings now I can’t possibly list them all.  Topics ranged from tourism in the NW Corner, how vocational-agricultural education is funded throughout the state, regional broadband deficiencies and how to address them, celebrating the 35th anniversary of Valerie Manor in Torrington and the 100th anniversary of CT’s Farm Bureau, to a task force on habeas corpus reform.

Upcoming Events:

  • Saturday November 23 is National Adoption Day. This holiday was created to raise the awareness of the more than 123,000 children waiting to be adopted.  Click here to learn about Connecticut’s Foster & Adoption Services.  Click here to learn about the Connecticut Council on Adoption.   
  • Sunday November 24 commemorates the publication of “On the Origin of the Species” by Charles Darwin. As a strong believer in science, which needs our support these days, I thought this was an opportunity for us to celebrate the enormous benefits that scientific knowledge, acquired through human curiosity and ingenuity, has contributed to the advancement of humanity. Click here to learn more.  
  • Tuesday, November 26: at 2:30, Torrington Coalition to Reduce Youth Substance Use will meet at Torrington High School.
  • Saturday, November 30 is Small Business Saturday. Throughout Connecticut, the Chambers of Commerce are holding events from Saturday, November 30th through the holidays to make the season brighter. Click here will help you find events throughout the state
  • Wednesday, December 4: Veteran’s Breakfast at Oliver Walcott Technical High School
  • Friday December 6:  Night of Stars is a celebration of individuals who have helped improve the Litchfield County community. The event will be held in the Nancy Marine Studio at the Warner Theater. Sweet and savory treats will be provided

I wish you all a warm and happy Thanksgiving next week.  As empty-nesters, my husband and I are looking forward to gathering our three kids back home for a few days of family time, and hosting other family members for the holiday (It helps that they’re all good cooks: I suggested recently that perhaps, given everyone’s busy schedules, I might order pies from a local bakery, but that suggestion was roundly rejected). Because of the holiday, and because my fabulous aides Noemi and Marc also deserve some down-time, I won’t be putting out a newsletter next week.  You can email me at maria.horn@cga.ct.gov or call me at (860)-240-8585. Thanks for reading, and I wish you a safe weekend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfQcZSFu6eU&feature=youtu.be