Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving

thanksgiving
November 23, 2022
I want to wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving! Whether you are traveling to a destination, or staying home for a feast, I wish you all a joyous day with loved ones to reflect on what we are thankful for.
 
Small Business Saturday
November 26 is Small Business Saturday – a day to support small businesses and show how much we appreciate the entrepreneurs that make up the fabric of our vibrant communities.

As they work to recover from the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic, our patronage will help them not only recover, but prosper so they may in turn continue to contribute to the local and state economy.

Our small businesses are at the heart of our communities. This holiday season, find a gift for everyone on your list and let’s keep the holiday spirit of giving alive by shopping, eating, and celebrating locally.

To find small businesses in your area, please click the button below.
Small Businesses
 
Club Q Shooting in Colorado
Late Saturday night and into early Sunday morning last week, a gunman attacked a gay club in Colorado Springs, killing 5 people and injuring at least 19 others.
  • Daniel Aston (28)
  • Kelly Loving (40)
  • Ashley Paugh (35)
  • Derrick Wayne Rump (38)
  • Raymond Green Vance (22)

This tragedy shines a harsh light on the reality that hate is still circulating in our cities and towns throughout the country. I am sending my thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured in Colorado Springs. I also want to take this moment to stand with the LGBTQ+ community and all those impacted by gun violence. I am so sorry for your losses and I am sending thoughts of love and peace to you all.

I am proud of what Connecticut has done to create safer communities, but tragedies like what happened in Colorado, or Virginia, or North Carolina impact us all. Enough is enough.

Every person should feel safe whether they are at home, in school, at the grocery store, or enjoying a night out. We cannot continue to allow hate like this to spread throughout our communities.
 
Aid for Ukraine
As we continue to watch the horrifying and saddening conflict between Russia and Ukraine, I wanted to remind you all that we do not have to sit back helplessly, there are ways we can offer aid and support to the innocent citizens of Ukraine.

Fellow community member, Olena Lennon, provided us with this list of legitimate donation sites for aid to the Ukrainian community.

Click here to help volunteer to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn more about projects helping Ukraine.

Click here to support funding to cover administrative costs to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn how to help Ukrainians.

Our community, state and country all stand with the innocent citizens of Ukraine and we will continue to do all we can to offer support while actively trying to deescalate conflict.