Maternal Health Support, Pequot Book Sale, and more

July 25, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday - I hope you've had a great week.

Today was the Celebration of Life for Fairfield's First Selectman, and my good friend, Bill Gerber. At the celebration, we were all handed this moving poem that perfectly summarizes the life Bill lived:
 

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.

These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern.

Beautiful people do not just happen.

It was a wonderful tribute to a man whose life was very well lived. It was inspiring to see how many lives Bill touched, and I just feel lucky to be one of them.

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about support for maternal health services, the Pequot Library's Summer Book Sale, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 

Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Legislative Scorecard 

I'm so happy to share that I was given a 90% on the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Environmental Scorecard, which covers bills related to clean energy, pollution, wildlife, environmental protection, and more. Protecting and preserving our environment is becoming more important every day, and I am very proud to have received such a high rating from this organization!
 

A Commitment to Maternal Health Services 

Supporting maternal health doesn't begin in the delivery room.

It starts with access to care, education, and resources, long before pregnancy.

Connecticut committed to providing access to maternal health services during the 2025 legislative session with the passage of HB 7102, An Act Concerning Maternal and Infant Health Care, and HB 7214, An Act Concerning Maternal Health.

Both pieces of legislation were signed into law this week.

HB7102 requires the state to develop a strategic plan to increase the number of birth centers and birthing hospitals in parts of the state with high percentages of Medicaid recipients and limited access to these facilities.

The bill also expands perinatal mental health services and strengthens family support, including programs that aid fathers in supporting maternal health.

HB7214 enhances hospital transparency and accountability in maternal care by establishing a task force to assess the availability of perinatal mental health care services and identify care gaps. It also calls for an advisory committee to study doula-friendly practices in hospitals.

HB 7102 and HB 7214 affirm Connecticut's dedication to ensuring safe, high-quality care, regardless of race, income, or zip code.
 

Last Reminder: Pequot Library's Summer Book Sale

FINAL REMINDER: The Pequot Library's Summer Book Sale is this weekend!

The five-day sale will be held in large tents on the Great Lawn and parking lot and in the auditorium and reading room of the library (720 Pequot Ave., Southport, CT 06890). The dates and hours this year are:

  • Friday, July 25, from 9am-6pm
  • Saturday-Monday, July 26-28, from 9am-5pm
  • Tuesday, July 29, from 9am-2pm

This year's selection offers a record-breaking number of books and media - over 100,000 items in 30 categories! From vinyl records, to DVD's, to countless books for readers of all ages, this sale offers something for everyone.

In addition, this year the book sale is showcasing more than 500 "special" items, including books over 200 years old, signed books, vintage posters, and more!

This book sale is an amazing opportunity to pick up a book you've never heard of and get lost in its world, and that's why I love coming back every year.

Admission is free, and all proceeds support the Pequot Library's books, services, programs, and exhibitions for adults and children, serving more than 58,000 visitors a year!

You can read more about the book sale here. I hope to see you there!
 

Celebrating Cosmetics & Reconstructive Dentistry's 25th Anniversary in Fairfield 

It was a delight to join the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce to celebrate Dr. Donald Miller at the team at Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry for their 25th anniversary in Fairfield! It's always great to see local businesses thriving in Fairfield - it's what makes our community special!
 

CT DOT to Update Exit Numbers on the Merritt 

A message from the Fairfield Police Department: Heads up, Fairfield drivers!

Beginning July 28, the Connecticut Department of Transportation will begin updating exit numbers on Route 15 (Merritt Parkway) to a mile-based numbering system.

This project is expected to take approximately 4–5 weeks to complete.

Here in Fairfield:

  • Exit 44 will become Exit 27
  • Exit 46 will become Exit 28

These changes are part of a statewide effort to improve consistency and navigation.

Allow yourself extra time as drivers adjust, and don’t worry - signs will temporarily display both old and new numbers.
 

Jazz Fridays are Back! 

A message from the Fairfield Museum:

Jazz Fridays at the Fairfield Museum are back! Music lovers are invited to kick off their weekends at these free jazz concerts held on the Museum Commons. Bring your own picnic and blankets/chairs and join us for a wonderful evening. (Note: No concert on 8/22. Please join us on 8/24 instead.)

In the case of inclement weather, concerts will be cancelled and the Fairfield Museum will make every effort to reschedule the performance. Please check the Fairfield Museum website (www.fairfieldhistory.org) for weather-related updates.

Please do not set up chairs/blankets before 4 pm.
 

Celebrating Fairfield's History 
Old Post Road Walking Tour
Fairfield Museum (370 Beach Road)
August 16, 10:30am-noon
Read more here
John Hancock & Dorothy Quincy Wedding Reenactment
Burr Mansion (739 Old Post Rd.)
August 28, 6-7:30pm
Read more here
 

Stories and Play at the Fairfield Museum! 
Sing Me a Story With the Fairfield Public Library
Fairfield Museum (370 Beach Road)
Now through August 6, 11:30am
Read more here
Open Play at the Victorian Cottage
Fairfield Museum (370 Beach Road)
Now through August 6, 10am-noon
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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