Celebrating the Bristol Boys & Girls Club award honorees and bringing recognition to Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March 13, 2026


I hope this email finds you and your family well. After “springing forward” last weekend, we were treated to a welcome taste of spring and some longer, brighter days ahead.

One of the highlights of my week was attending the Boys & Girls Club Award Ceremony, where I had the privilege of helping recognize some truly outstanding young people in our community. It was inspiring to see so many students celebrated for their leadership, perseverance, and commitment to making a positive difference. I was honored to be part of such a meaningful celebration and look forward to seeing all that these young leaders will accomplish in the years ahead.

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on:

  • Boys & Girls Club Award Ceremony
  • Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
  • March 16-20: National Agriculture Week
  • Save the date: CT Wartime Service Medal
  • Community Events

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at any time.

I had the pleasure of attending the Bristol Boys & Girls Club Junior Youth and Youth of the Year Award Ceremony, an inspiring event that celebrated two remarkable young people who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to personal growth and making a positive difference in their community.

This year’s honorees, Victor G., the Junior Youth of the Year, and Josephine K., the Youth of the Year, shared powerful and heartfelt reflections about their journeys. Both spoke candidly about the challenges they have faced in their lives and the ways in which the Boys & Girls Club has supported and guided them through those experiences.

Their stories highlighted how the Club provides far more than after-school activities. For many young people, it offers a safe, welcoming environment where they can truly be themselves, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to succeed in school, relationships, and future careers. Victor and Josephine described how the Club helped them step outside of their comfort zones, encouraging them to find their voices, embrace leadership opportunities, and believe in their own potential.

It was especially inspiring to hear how the support of mentors, staff, and peers at the Club played a pivotal role in their personal transformations, helping them grow from quiet, uncertain young people into confident leaders who now serve as role models for others.

Events like this are a powerful reminder of the lasting impact organizations like the Boys & Girls Club have on the lives of young people. By providing encouragement, structure, and opportunity, they help shape the next generation of leaders and strengthen our entire community.

Congratulations to Victor and Josephine on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to everyone at the Bristol Boys & Girls Club who continues to invest in and uplift the youth of our community.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize the strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities while also raising awareness about the challenges they may face.

There are many ways to show support during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. You can:

• engage in meaningful conversations
• share stories and experiences
• amplify the voices of people with lived experience
• help break down stereotypes and misconceptions
You can also show your support by wearing orange, the official color of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, symbolizing energy and positivity.

Supporting local organizations, advocating for inclusive policies, and ensuring that schools and workplaces are welcoming to people of all abilities are also important steps. By working together, we can build a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, is valued, respected, and empowered.

Connecticut may be a small state, but its agricultural impact is significant. More than 5,000 farms operate across 372,000 acres, and the state’s agricultural industry contributes approximately $4 billion annually to Connecticut’s economy. In addition to food production, the industry supports a broad network of related activities, including processing, distribution, and agribusiness. Altogether, agriculture provides around 30,000 jobs statewide, making it an important source of employment and economic stability.

Connecticut residents also benefit from year-round access to fresh, locally grown food. With more than 100 farmers markets operating across the state, consumers have many opportunities to connect directly with local farmers and producers. Choosing locally grown foods not only supports farmers and strengthens the state’s economy, but also promotes healthier communities by increasing access to fresh, nutritious products.

Celebrate National Agriculture Week by supporting local farms. Click here to explore all things Connecticut Grown, from fresh local foods to farms and farmers markets across the state!

The Bristol Bazaar is home to over 75 local makers, unique gifts, creative workshops, and Yellow King Bristol.

Shop small, support local and explore thousands of handmade treasures in our one-of-a-kind indoor market space. Open 6 days a week (67 Race Street), click here for more information.