Dominique Johnson

Dear Neighbor,
 
Happy Friday!

Wednesday, February 5 was Girls & Women In Sports Day. On this day, we celebrate girls and women in sports at all levels -  from Olympic champions to high school standouts. Our state has always embraced women's sports, particularly basketball. The WNBA's Connecticut Sun and UConn's women's basketball team both have dedicated and passionate fanbases, including me! (On a visit to my office at the Capitol, you would see pictures of Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, and the CT Sun Team among beautiful artwork by Norwalkers and Westporters).

Other college teams have had success as well. The Quinnipiac Women's rugby team, led by Ilona Maher, won 3 straight National Intercollegiate Rugby Association titles in 2015, 2016 and 2017. UCONN's field hockey team has won 5 national championships, most recently in 2017. 

Connecticut has cultivated an incredible amount of talent in women's sports, including former USWNT Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and Alexis Holmes, who was a member of the 4x400m relay team that won a Gold medal in the 2024 Olympics. 

Even if athletes do not make it to the highest level, participating in sports is a great enabler to teach girls the skills they need to advance in life. Girls who play sports develop self-esteem, confidence, resilience, and learn to work in teams.

Thank you to everyone who worked to make this day possible!

The evening will feature incredible performances from students across the district that highlight the significant role Black people have played in the workforce throughout history. We will also celebrate our local Black business community in Norwalk on “Black Wall Street” and serve delicious food from several local favorites.

Hope to see you there!

Super Bowl LIX will be played this Sunday. No one knows who will be victorious after the final whistle, but Rasal, a 39-year-old harbor seal at the Maritime Aquarium, has made her prediction - the Philadelphia Eagles will win the big game.

Rasal is on a hot streak - she correctly picked the Chiefs to win in 2023 and 2024. This year, Rasal made her prediction by retrieving a football with the Eagles’ logo.

To plan your next trip to the Aquarium, visit www.maritimeaquarium.org.  

Norwalk Acts is accepting applications for their 2nd Cohort of the Civic Influencer Program.

The goal of the Civic Influencer Program is to:

1. Advocate for equity-focused policies and practices within our schools, the school district, and in broader local and state government efforts;
2. Increase civic engagement and expand civic engagement efforts within partner member organizations;
3. Connect members of our community to each other and to the broader community;
4. Break down barriers for more community members, especially those who identify with historically marginalized identities, to inform public policy; and,
5. Ensure that the state and Norwalk’s local government represents the communities they serve in identity and action.

Applications are due February 7. Check out the flyer for more information. 

The Subaru Loves to Help children's coat gifting event will be held on February 13 at Open Doors' Smilow Life Center. Warm coats for children in need will be available while supplies last. Click here to learn more and register.