As we recognize Columbus Day this Monday, it's a great opportunity to take a broader view of our history and what we choose to celebrate. Here in contemporary CT, there were an estimated 6,000-7,000 Indigenous people before the Europeans arrived. Did you know that CT is home to five state-recognized tribes and six reservations? The Algonquian word "Connecticut" translates to "land on the long tidal river."
The state recognizes the sovereign nations of the Eastern Pequot, Golden Hill Paugussett, and Schaghticoke tribes with the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes also having federal recognition.
If you're interested in learning more about our state's native tribes and their history, the Native American Cultural Programs at UConn is offering several educational programs next week. You can register here: https://linktr.ee/uconn_nacp
Please join me at the Fairfield Museum and History Center for coffee next Thursday, October 14th at 9am for a coffee hour. Stop-in to discuss any questions or concerns you have!
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you or anyone you know is the victim of domestic violence please call or text CT Safe Connect at 888-774-2900, Connecticut’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline. All calls are free and anonymous.
In our region, we are so lucky to be served by the only comprehensive resource center in the state, the Center for Family Justice. This morning, I was able to join the Center for their Faces of HOPE breakfast to raise awareness of their incredible efforts to support women and children who have experienced or been exposed to domestic or sexual violence. This past year the Center for Family Justice has seen a 25% increase in service with a 1400% increase in victims who require safe space in shelters. If you are interested in learning more about their services or supporting their work, please visit them here: https://centerforfamilyjustice.org/
To more proactively protect victims of domestic violence, this session we:
added coercive control to the definition of domestic violence,
required the court to sanction a party that files frivolous or fabricated motions,
expanded the “best interest of the child” factors to include the child’s physical and emotional health, and
provided victims with easier access to social services
If you want to learn more about available resources and supports, please visit ctcadv.org.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Last weekend, I was honored to join the incredible survivors and warriors at the 7th annual Pink Pledge and Jam event to kick-off their awareness campaign for the month. It was a really fun evening to support the important work of Norma Pfriem Breast Center which makes lifesaving screenings and options available to everyone. If you weren't able to make it you can see a highlight of the event in this fun video: https://fb.watch/8ws8t-j7hS/
Breast cancer is sometimes found after symptoms appear, but many women with breast cancer have no symptoms. This is why regular breast cancer screening and the work of the Norma Pfriem Breast Center is so important!
Visit https://bit.ly/3BeGSVv to learn more about the Connecticut Early Detection and Prevention Program.
ENVIRONMENTAL ROUND TABLE EVENT
Thank you to all the guests who joined me, DEEP Commissioner, Katie Dykes, Vice-Chair of the Environmental Committee, Rep. Palm, Chair of Fairfield's Flood and Erosion Board, Becky Bunnell, and Rep. McCarthy Vahey for a discussion about sustainability and environmental preservation in our state and town. If you weren't able to join us but would like to hear our discussion, please click the button below!
Thank you to Sustainable Fairfield Task Force for your advocacy and education around cleaner, electric vehicles at your annual Green Wheels Expo.
BIGELOW TEA COMPANY
Did you know Bigelow Tea Company is the country’s #1 specialty tea company and it’s a family-owned business? We are so fortunate to have this business here in Fairfield and it was a pleasure to spend time with CEO, Cindi Bigelow and learn more about their manufacturing process and company culture.
RIDE TO SCHOOL DAY
Ride to School Day was this week! This was such a fun way to bring each school community together and has already made biking to school a more regular occurrence in our family.
LISTENING TOUR
When I was elected to represent the 132nd district, I wanted to make sure people didn’t only see me at their doors when I was asking for their vote. I had a great time checking in on neighbors and listening to their concerns yesterday.
If I haven't made it to your door yet, I hope you will join me for coffee on Thursday the 14th at 9:00 am at the Fairfield Museum and History Center and of course, you can always reach me at jennifer.leeper@cga.ct.gov.
