New Bus Network in Norwalk, Scholarship for Aspiring Educators, and More!

September 8, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you are enjoying the last few weeks of summer. 

Please read below for information on Norwalk hazardous waste collection, a scholarship opportunity for aspiring educators, and more!

Norwalk Household Hazardous Waste Collection

The City of Norwalk will hold a FREE Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection event on Saturday, August 23 from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. This event will be held at Ponus Ridge Middle School.

Hazardous materials such as oil, lighter fluid, poisons, insecticides, pesticides, fluorescent lightbulbs will be accepted. 

Here is how you can safely transport your hazardous materials:

  • Leave materials in original labeled containers. Tighten caps & lids.
  • Pack containers in sturdy upright boxes and pad with newspapers.
  • Sort & pack separately: paint, pesticides, household cleaners, etc.
  • Pack your car and drive directly to the HHW event.
  • Please do NOT mix chemicals!
  • Please have your driver’s license, vehicle registration or Norwalk Disposal Pass available.
  • Residents ONLY = NO Commercial or Business loads accepted.
  • Latex Paint is NOT Hazardous Waste but will be collected on HHW Day. Residents can dry

Latex Paint completely and dispose as regular trash, once completely dry and solid!

If you plan to attend, please have your driver’s license, vehicle registration or Norwalk Disposal Pass available and remember to leave all hazardous waste in its original packaging. It is also recommended that you pack your waste containers securely in a box so they can be transported without spilling and removed from your vehicle efficiently.

To view acceptable and unacceptable waste for the 2025 Household Hazardous Waste Collection, please click here. 

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

Lower Electric Bills

Lower electric bills are on the way!

Last week, the State Bond Commission approved the release of $155 million to reduce the public benefit charges on electric bills, which was part of bipartisan energy affordability legislation passed during the 2025 session.

This is one step toward making energy more affordable for everyone.

Thursday was Purple Heart Day 

Yesterday was Purple Heart Day. The Purple Heart is more than a medal. It’s a symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and unshakable courage. We remember and honor those who gave so much in service to our nation.

Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program

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.

New Bus Network in Norwalk 

Norwalk's new and revamped bus system will launch on Monday, August 11th. Click here for more information. 

Increasing ADA Accessibility in Westport

The Town of Westport is working to improve accessibility in public spaces and would like input from the community.  

In 2024, the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG) retained the W-T Group (WTG) Accessibility Practice to develop ADA-compliant transition plans for parks and public facilities throughout its communities. These plans identify existing access barriers and outline phased improvements over time.

The Town will host two in-person community engagement sessions at the Center for Senior Activities  to gather feedback and share updates:

  • Wednesday, August 20 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 21 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Each session will be led by John McGovern, head of WTG’s Accessibility Practice, who will:

  • Review key ADA requirements for Town facilities and parks
  • Highlight findings from WTG’s recent site assessments
  • Emphasize the value of public feedback in shaping retrofit priorities
  • Invite attendees to share their access needs and suggestions
  • Outline next steps for the Town’s ADA Transition Plan

Click here to register. 

If you are unable to attend in person, you can still help by completing an anonymous survey. Click here to take the survey. 

Upcoming Library Events 

The Norwalk Public Library will hold several events over the next few weeks. If you want more information, click on the corresponding flyer or visit the Norwalk Public Library website. 

Westport Public Library also has a robust lineup of programming. Please visit their website to learn more. 

ICYMI

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.

The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants runs through September 16. You can find additional information on Ignite here.   
 
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs through August 31. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.
 
Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here. 

Free Summer Lunches for Young Norwalk Residents 

Norwalk Public Schools’ Food Service Division has launched their annual Summer Meals Program. The program provides any child, 18 years of age and under, with free, nutritious meals, no questions asked. This summer, Norwalk is home to 10 open meal sites serving free breakfast and free lunch through mid-August. Children must eat the meals onsite, and no registration is required to receive a meal.

Click here for more information. 

American Legion Hosts Golf Tournament

The American Legion in Norwalk is hosting its first golf tournament in over 20 years! The tournament will be held on October 6 at the Silvermine Golf Club. Click here for more information, including how to register. 

SONO Saturday Market

The next SoNo Saturday Market will be held on Saturday, August 30. Over 30 vendors & exhibitors will cover the lawn at 50 Washington for a fun day of shopping, snacks, music & outdoor fun for all! Please see the graphic below for more upcoming dates. 
 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585.

Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative

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