National Farm Safety and Health Week 2021

September 23, 2021

The agricultural sector is considered one of the most dangerous industries in the country. In order to promote safe practices for farm workers,  the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week. This year, it will be observed from September 19-25. The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) will offer free webinars centered around daily topics of focus. Visit their website for more information. 

Child Passenger Safety Week 

This week is Child Passenger Safety Week! Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children. On average, two children under 13 were killed and about 374 were injured every day in 2019 while riding in cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans.

Connecticut Children’s helped launch Safe Kids Connecticut, which is part of a national campaign to reduce childhood injury. There are now over 300 member organizations and 500 individual members across the state. Safe Kids Connecticut regularly holds child passenger safety events statewide, including care seat clinics, car seat technician classes, booster seat education and giveaway events. Click here for more information.

Upcoming Events

Webinar on Internet Safety and Vaping 

On Thursday, September 30, I am hosting a discussion on Internet Safety and Vaping. This event aims to inform and educate children as well as their parents on these important issues. I will be joined by Deborah Lake, the Director of Program Planning and Implementation at Governor's Prevention Partnership, and Wendy McWade, the Supervising Special Investigator at the Department of Consumer Protection. Please stop by with any questions, comments or concerns. Click here or the image below to register.

Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15 we observe Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate, recognize, and feature the countless achievements of the many Hispanic Americans who have positively impacted and enriched our communities.
 
Their rich culture has influenced the entertainment industry, sports, fashion, food, politics, education, science, and more with an enormous worldwide economic impact.
 

The legislature adopted the inclusion of Latino studies in our public high school curriculum beginning in the fall of 2022. I believe the curriculum will add an integral part of American history to student studies.
 
Please join me in recognizing the successes, challenges, and stories of Hispanic Americans this month and their invaluable contributions to our culture.

I'm proud to introduce you to one of my greatest inspirations. My grandmother Martha, who came to the US from Cuba in the 50s. She and her 10 siblings and parents came here from Cuba one or two at a time until the whole family was reunited here. Their lives in Cuba and as US immigrants are unendingly amazing and someday I hope my sisters, cousins, and I can write them all down.

New Law Protects Pedestrians and Bikers
 
This past session the Transportation Committee worked on a bill  to make pedestrians and drivers safer on our roads. Starting October 1, drivers must slow down or stop if a pedestrian is in the crosswalk or indicated that they are going to cross. Click here to learn more. 

Several new laws will go into effect on October 1. Click here for the complete list.  

2021 Firefighter's Fair in Ellington

The Foster Household is incredibly grateful for our first responders  and it was an honor to be able to support the FD this way as they support our community 24/7, 365. 
 
Also, special thanks to the Ellington Resident State Troopers and Officers for keeping this busy night safe for everyone!

Touching Base with local Mental Health Organizations 

In a year where mental health is more important than ever, on a day that's heavier than most, it was great to spend the day with Ellington Equality, the Revival Room and Ellington Youth Services highlighting mental health promoting organizations in CT. 
 
Kudos to these great organizations for stepping up.