National Influenza Vaccination Week, Remembering Pearl Harbor, and More!

December 8, 2023


 
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Dear Neighbor,

Did you know that getting the flu shot can reduce your chances of severe illness and can potentially help you prevent a cardiac incident related to the flu? I got mine at a pharmacy in the District and it was quick, easy, painless, and I got to meet some great people during the short wait time. Please get yours today to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Women’s Legislative Breakfast at the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County
This past week I joined fellow legislators in a nonpartisan meeting and conversation with the women of the Executive Committee of the Board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County. We discussed the rise in antisemitism and how to better support our communities, especially youth and college students who are witnessing and experiencing an increase in antisemitism. I was concerned that morning when I saw the posters displaying Israeli hostages on our Norwalk Green strewn on the ground. An especially timely conversation, I am grateful for the information we gained during our visit to their offices.
 
Did you know that the only Holocaust Memorial center in Fairfield County is in their offices and it just opened this year? It was created by volunteers including high school students who met with survivors to create testaments to them and their experiences. It was very meaningful to be able to visit this space during my time at the Federation.
 
I also had to stop for a picture by the poster of Harvey Milk prominently displayed in their offices, whose thoughts on hope guide me to this day. One of my favorite quotes of his is very relevant for our world today: “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness."
First Apprenticeship Program for Home-Based Child Care Jobs
Connecticut has created its first home-based childcare apprenticeship program, which is providing a new class of expert instructors. The program will be a guide for those looking for a high-demand job in home-based child care.

The apprenticeship is designed to support everyone including aspiring caregivers and children of different cultures and who speak different languages, especially Spanish. This is vital for our diverse community. The program will also improve the quality of early care and education with coursework in child development.

Do not forget that you can earn while you learn! The workforce training program is federally backed and requires a minimum of 2,000 hours working on the job and hundreds of hours of classroom learning. Once a participant completes the program, that person receives credentials, which in turn raises wages and improves the quality of home-based care. To apply, please click HERE.
Beware of Phishing Scheme Targeting Job Seekers
If you’re looking for a new job, beware of scammers trying to get your personal information! The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) says criminals are asking victims for banking, credit card, and social security information while pretending to work at the state’s job bank, CTHires.

If you are in any of the following scenarios while applying for a job, hang up immediately:
  • You’re asked to pay a fee to apply or to be considered
  • You’re asked for your social security number, bank account number, or credit card details to complete your application
  • You’re told to give up valuable information or you’ll lose a job opportunity

You can visit the CTDOL fraud watch page here if you think you may be a victim of this or other scams.
National Pearl Harbor Day was Thursday 
December 7 is a somber day of remembrance in our country, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I was fortunate to join the Norwalk Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration yesterday morning at City Hall to honor and remember those from our state who gave their last measure of devotion on that day. They were all so young when they gave all. Thank you to the Norwalk Military and Veteran Liaison Committee's Veterans Memorial Committee and the American Legion for all you do for our City.

To learn more about the attack that led us into World War II as a nation or about the memorial on Oahu, click HERE. please visit: 
Happy Hanukkah!

To our Jewish friends celebrating the festival of lights, may the candles you light this year be a beacon of hope to you and the world at a very difficult time. Wishing you a wonderful holiday from my family to yours. Looking forward to seeing you at one of our community's many menorah lightings. May we keep the light strong in times of darkness and the hope of brighter times ahead for a new year with health and happiness for our communities.
Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative
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