Dominique Johnson

Law enforcement is reminding drivers to make safety a priority by not getting behind the wheel while impaired. You can expect to see an increased police presence across the state. If your plans include drinking, plan for a sober ride home.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation encourages these safe alternatives:

• Designate a sober driver. Even one alcoholic beverage can impair your ability to drive; don’t take the risk
• Use a taxi, a rideshare program, or public transportation. Plan by downloading apps and checking local transit schedules
• Be a good friend. If someone is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them find a safe way home. They might be upset in the moment, but they’ll thank you later
• Report impaired drivers. If you see someone driving erratically, slow down, keep your distance, and call 911 when it’s safe to do so

For more information on the dangers of impaired driving, visit nhsta.gov.

The Early Childhood Education Endowment Fund is here—Connecticut’s first permanent savings account to sustainably fund early childhood education.

What’s happening now

• $300 million initial investment to grow over time and strengthen child care statewide
• Launch of Early Start CT, combining multiple programs into one, making access simpler and more equitable
• $36 million in the first year (started July 2025) to expand and improve the child care system
• 1,000+ new spaces added by June 2026
• Higher pay & better benefits for early childhood educators
• Facility improvements funded for providers
• Health insurance study underway for child care workers

Please see the graphic below for more information.

The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) will host its annual Stand Down event on September 19. 

This event is a commitment to serving Connecticut’s veterans, military personnel, and their immediate families by providing “one-stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, veterans organizations, and community-based nonprofits at regional sites across the state.
 
A formal ceremony will be held at the Rocky Hill Stand Down location at 9:30 a.m.; however, you're welcome to attend any of the six Stand Down locations at any time throughout the day:

• Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Avenue, Bridgeport
• Southington: Southington Armory, 600 Woodruff Street, Southington
• Danbury: Danbury War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive, Danbury
• Norwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Avenue, Norwich
• Rocky Hill: Connecticut Veterans Affairs campus, 287 West Street, Rocky Hill
• Stamford: UConn at Stamford, 1 University Plaza

 
Click here for more information.

Fair season is in full swing in Connecticut. Get your fill of fantastic food, fun rides and other great entertainment. Many also showcase local businesses and organizations, crafts, exhibits, local oysters and craft beers, and other things unique to our great state!

There are a few upcoming events in our community: 

• The 47th Annual Oyster Fest will be held next weekend - September 5-7. Click here for more information.
• The 8th Annual Westoberfest Craft Beer & Family Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 4. Click here for more information.
• The American Legion Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 11. Click here to learn more.

Click here for a list of upcoming fairs in the state. 

Arts & Cultural Plan Survey For Norwalk

Attention Norwalk residents -  the city is looking for your input in shaping their Arts & Cultural Plan.

Last year, an area around Norwalk's downtown was named an official Arts & Cultural District, making Norwalk the first large city in Connecticut to earn this designation. 

As a result, the City of Norwalk is developing a community-driven plan to guide investments, public art, programs, and partnerships over the next decade. Take the short survey and tell the City what inspires you, what's missing, and how the City can better support the arts. The survey is quick and available in English and Spanish. It will remain open until September 5.

Join the Women's Business Development Council, the Greater Norwalk Chamber, and the City of Norwalk to meet and mingle with business professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders. This free event will be held at Coals Pizza on Tuesday, September 16 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. 

Click here for more information. 

The City of Norwalk will hold a mattress and box spring recycling collection on Saturday, September 27 from 9:00-12:00 PM at 15 South Smith Street in Norwalk. This free collection program recycles mattresses and box springs through the City’s partnership with the Mattress Recycling Council’s Connecticut Bye Bye Mattress Program.

This program is only open to Norwalk residents. All mattresses and box springs must be dry and intact.

Unacceptable items include:

• Severely damaged, twisted, wet, frozen, or soiled mattresses.
• Mattresses infested with bed bugs or other living organisms.
• Sleeping bags, pillows, cushions, loose bedding, mattress pads or toppers, etc.
• Car beds.
• Juvenile products, i.e., carriage, basket, stroller, crib bumper, etc.
• Water beds.
• Camping or air mattresses.
• Fold-out sofa beds.
• Futons for furniture.

For additional information about the program, click here.  

For questions, contact the Customer Service Center at CustomerService@norwalkct.gov or (203) 854-3200. 

The Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program, established by the Connecticut General Assembly and administered by the CT State Department of Education (CSDE), is now open and accepting applications!

This scholarship supports students who:

• Graduated from a public high school in an Alliance District
• Are enrolled—or will soon enroll—in a teacher preparation program at a four-year college or university
• Are in good academic standing
• Meet any additional CSDE eligibility requirements

 Up to $10,000 per year is available for eligible students, including:

•  High school seniors planning to begin a teacher prep program this fall
• Undergraduate or graduate students already enrolled in an approved program

Don’t miss this opportunity to get financial support as you prepare to inspire the next generation of learners!

Apply now and take the next step toward becoming an educator. To learn more, click HERE.