Honoring Juneteenth, Father's Day, and more

June 13, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

Thursday, June 19 is Juneteenth. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in our country. For many years, this important holiday was primarily celebrated in the South, but was unknown to others from the rest of the country. However, thanks to great advocacy work, it is now rightfully observed throughout the country, including Connecticut. In 2022, the Connecticut General Assembly voted to make Juneteenth a state holiday.

Contrary to popular belief, the Emancipation Proclamation did not end the practice of slavery in America. It also did not end at the conclusion of the Civil War. On June 19, 1865, 2 months after the Civil War ended, a group of Union soldiers traveled to Galveston, Texas and announced that all enslaved people were now free. They were among the last group of Americans to be notified of their freedom.

Although Juneteenth celebrates a momentous event in our history, we must also take time to reflect on the horrors of slavery and its lingering effects on our society. As your state representative, I will continue to push for legislation that will make Connecticut a better state for all. If you have any questions about Juneteenth, its history, and how it has been celebrated around the country, please check out this page from the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about ways to honor Juneteenth in Fairfield, a report on a major decrease in overdose deaths in Connecticut, and more

You can click on the links below to navigate between sections.
 

Happy Father's Day! 

This Father's Day, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, and father figures who play such an important role in our families and our community.

Being a father is not just about providing -- it's about showing up. It's about guidance, patience, and unconditional love. Whether it's helping with homework, cheering from the sidelines, or simply being there to listen -- your presence matters deeply.

Here in Fairfield, I've seen firsthand the dedication of so many hardworking dads who do everything they can to support their children and strengthen our neighborhoods. Your efforts do not go unnoticed.

To those who are remembering a father today, or spending this day without your children, please know my thoughts are with you as well.

Wishing all the incredible fathers and father figures in our community a peaceful, joyful, and well-deserved Father's Day.
 

Major Decrease in Overdose Deaths in CT 

Connecticut’s Opioid Services Division was established in 2018 in response to the growing overdose crisis and to expand statewide access to the prevention of opioid use disorder, opioid treatment, recovery support, harm reduction, outreach, engagement, and overdose prevention coverage with a focus on overdose deaths. This marks the third consecutive year of decreases of statewide overdose deaths.

The division manages projects and initiatives that resulted from infusion of State Opioid Response grant funding as well as those approved by the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee. Some of 2024’s improvements include:

  • Expanded innovative services in the state, adding three and continuing to support original Harm Reduction Centers in municipalities with highest morbidity rates: Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, and New London
  • Added outreach services via Peer Navigator Programs in two areas of the state;
  • Distributed close to 60,000 naloxone kits (naloxone is a lifesaving, overdose reversal medication), exceeding the state saturation goal for the year.
  • Hosted a successful and informative Harm Reduction Conference. The conference included four expert speakers from around the country, as well as two panel discussions, focused on addressing equity, and stigma, 390 individuals attended the conference: 263 in person and 127 virtually.

While we are heartened to see data going in the right direction, we know there is much more work to do to fight this public health crisis. Our hearts are heavy for the 990 individuals who lost their lives to overdose in 2024 and their loved ones whose lives have been forever altered. We remain steadfast in our mission to expand access and availability of life-saving medication, public education, harm reduction, treatment and recovery supports until no lives are lost to drug overdose.

Additional information is available on the DMHAS Opioid Services Division website at portal.ct.gov/dmhas/programs-and-services/opioid-treatment/opioid-services.

Anyone seeking services regarding opioid use disorder in Connecticut should visit www.liveloud.org or call 1-800-563-4086 any time, day or night.
 

Connecticut Open House Day 

Connecticut Open House Day, now in its 21st year, is set to take place on Saturday, June 14. Held annually on the second Saturday of June, this statewide event invites residents to explore Connecticut’s rich array of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions right in their own backyard. The hope is that this event will convert CT residents into ambassadors who will recommend these experiences by enhancing awareness and interest in the state's tourism to other visitors.

 

By offering free or reduced admission and exclusive access to rarely opened sites, Connecticut hopes that this event will spark something in its residents and convert them into ambassadors who will recommend these experiences to other visitors. There is a lot to offer and Connecticut tourism is open for all to enjoy!

You can see some local Fairfield offerings below.

 

Click here to find the full list of businesses taking part.
CT Open House Day at the Ogden House
Ogden House (1520 Bronson Rd., Fairfield)
June 14, 10am-2pm
Read more here
CT Open House Day at the Fairfield Museum
Fairfield Museum (370 Beach Rd., Fairfield)
June 14, 10am-1:30pm
Read more here
 

CT State Library's Suggested Summer Reading List 

Our libraries have a lot of books, and through resource sharing, we have access to even more books! For the first time, the CT State Library is offering a Suggested Summer Reading List for all grade levels. 

The Suggested Summer Reading list has been compiled around this year's theme, Level up at Your Library, an all ages summer reading program. The suggested list is just that, suggested! The list has been created with accessibility in mind and it's a guidance that matches the age breakdowns and number of titles as the Department of Education reading challenge lists. 

Click here to access the list.
 

Experience Fairfield's June Calendar of Events 

Experience Fairfield has released their June calendar of events, which includes the Sand Jam move nights, the summer concert series, and more. There's something for everyone in this calendar, so I hope you'll take a look.
 

Honoring Juneteenth
Let's Celebrate Juneteenth at the Fairfield Public Library
Fairfield Public Library (1080 Old Post Rd., Fairfield)
Thursday, June 19, 6:30pm
Read more here
Juneteenth: Remembering the Unremembered; Slavery and Resistance in Fairfield
1080 Old Post Rd.
June 19, 6:30-8pm
Read more here
 

Community Events
Summer Saturdays at the Museum Commons
Fairfield Museum (370 Beach Rd., Fairfield)
Saturdays, June 7-Aug. 30, 11am-2pm
Read more here
Annual Clam Clinic
1401 Sasco Hill Rd., Fairfield
June 14, 8-11am
Read more here
 

I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.


Sincerely,

Jennifer Leeper
State Representative

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