I hope you're well and taking advantage of the early voting period currently underway in Connecticut.
Your voice and your vote matter. I've added an item about early voting, including the location, below.
Saturday is Drug Take Back Day. This is a great opportunity to return unused or expired prescriptions, where they can be disposed of safely. Please scroll down below for more details.
I have added the latest update regarding SNAP benefits. It's staggering, really. Hundreds of thousands of CT residents will be affected by the federal government's sustained attacks on middle and low-income families.
A special session in the House has been called for November 12th. Tune in if you can.
As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at Corey.Paris@cga.ct.gov or call 860-240-8585.
Early voting for the Nov. 4 municipal elections is underway now through Nov. 2.
Early voting for the Nov. 4 municipal elections is underway now through Nov. 2. Hours are daily (Sunday through Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Tuesday, Oct. 28, and Thursday, Oct. 30, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Same-day registration will be available during early voting hours and on Election Day.
The early voting location in Stamford is on the fourth floor of the Government Center at 888 Washington Blvd.
I am including a voting guide that may also be of help to you. Please take this opportunity to make your voice heard!
Unused or expired medications can be turned in safely and anonymously at the DEA National Rx Take Back Day on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stamford police station, 725 Bedford Street. Please note the following:
Drive-Thru Convenience
Dispose of Rx & over-the-counter drugs (including pet meds)
All 50 states have been notified that if the federal government shutdown continues into November, funding for SNAP will not be issued for the month and perhaps beyond.
Nearly 1 in 10 people in CT utilize these funds to pay for groceries, and grocery stores count on these dollars as part of their profit. So not having SNAP will drive grocery prices even higher.
For every dollar of SNAP, $1.54 to $1.80 is generated in economic activity. That generation supports farmers, local grocery stores, and the rest of the supply chain.
Any SNAP benefits loaded onto your EBT card will be good through 10/31, but most likely, not beyond that until further guidance is received and/or the shutdown ends.
United Way of Connecticut has published a list of resources to help HERE. You can find a pantry or mobile pantry on Connecticut Foodshare's website HERE.
The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses. Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.
All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill.
For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when they are most in need. GPCT has three energy assistance cycles coming up, including Nov 2-10.
Remaining dates:
January 2-10
March 2-10
To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, please click HERE.
Jackie Robinson, the legendary baseball player recognized for breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947, passed away at his Stamford home 53 years ago today.
In addition to his many accomplishments as a player, Robinson fought against segregation off the field as much as he did on the field. Please click on the image below for more on the iconic Jackie Robinson in "Today in Connecticut History."
Create a brief standout video to promote safe driving and enter the Connecticut DMV-Travelers Teen Safe Driving Video Contest!
High school students ages 14 to 18 enrolled in a public or private high school located in Connecticut, or students ages 14 to 18 who are home-schooled in Connecticut. You and your team can win prizes and statewide recognition.
Please join me in honoring those deployed far from home and the families who serve alongside them. We send our gratitude from every corner of Connecticut.
The Farmers Market, located at Veterans Memorial Park, 130 Atlantic Street, is open for one more Saturday, tomorrow, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In addition to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers, you will also find breads, jams, baked goods, cheeses, oils, and more straight.
WIC & SNAP are accepted.
Activities (weather permitting) • 9 a.m.: Yoga with Dew Yoga (free class, no pre-registration required, bring your own mat) • 10:30 am-12:30 pm: Live music
Vendors: • Amelia’s florist and farm market • Anderson + Joy* • Balta’s Bakery • Biscuit and Bones LLC • DoughCo Bagels • Elizabeth’s Vegan Bakery • Fairgate Farms* • Fifth State Distillery • Jackie’s Empanadas • Cooks Nook Knife Sharpening* • Mad Kneady • On The Brew Coffee Company • Penny Cha • Saint X Foods • Pickles Olives Etc • Waterview Farm
But...
the Stamford Museum & Nature Center's Sunday Farm Market is going through Nov. 2nd, and as always, admission is free! Check it out each Sunday and pick up some great products and produce to support local agriculture. Our favorite vendors have returned, along with some new friends.
More information, including who you'll see as vendors in 2025, can be found HERE.
Please note: The market may move to the Farmhouse & Plaza during inclement weather and for fall festivals. The market may also close at 1 p.m. in inclement weather. Market admission is still free; simply let the gate staff know that you are here for the market!
