Jennifer Leeper

Happy Friday! In this week's eblast, you can read about a the childcare affordability bill passed out of committee this week, a great new program that encourages reading, and more. You can click on the links below to navigate between sections.

• HB 5002: A Commitment to Childcare Affordability
• Center for Family Justice's Unveiling Courage Art Show
• Passport to CT Libraries
• Connect Fairfield's Non-Profit Showcase
• Welcoming R1DE Fairfield
• Health Equity Week
• Lowering Your Energy Costs
• Taste of Fairfield - Spring Edition
• Earth Day Community Clean Up
• Women-Owned Business Day
• Experience Fairfield's April Calendar of Events

I am proud to support this proposal, as childcare plays a crucial role in nurturing the growth and well-being of our children while also strengthening the economy by supporting parents and guardians. By improving accessibility and affordability, we are investing in our community's future and providing relief to individuals striving to balance work and family life.   

Together, we can ensure that this legislation reflects the needs and priorities of the families it aims to serve. 

If you or someone you know need help, do not hesitate to contact the Center for Family Justice on their website or at the following phone numbers:

• Domestic abuse: 203-384-9559
• Sexual assault: 203-333-2233
• Child abuse: 203-334-6154

You can grab your passport at the following libraries in Fairfield and Southport:

• Fairfield Public Library (1080 Old Post Rd., Fairfield)
• Fairfield Woods Branch Library (1147 Fairfield Woods Rd., Fairfield)
• Pequot Library (720 Pequot Ave., Southport)

Click here for the full list of participating libraries.

The campaign runs from Monday, April 1 through Tuesday, April 30. The Connecticut Library Association will offer two adults and two children a $200 Visa gift card.

Connect Fairfield's Non-Profit Showcase was a huge success and a blast! The recently opened Elicit Brewing Company at 111 Black Rock Turnpike was a really fun setting, if you haven't checked it out yet, I highly recommend it.

It was really fun to visit with all of the great organizations providing services for our residents and who are central to making Fairfield such a wonderful community. Operation Hope has partnered with Trinity Solar to get a donation for every consultation and even more per installation. If you've been considering solar, learn more about this program, here.

Fairfield's Shellfish Commissioner Timothy Macklin has turned his passion for shellfish recycling and coastal restoration into a full-time endeavor with CORR. Since July 2023, CORR has recovered 240,146 lbs of shells. This is an awesome organization doing extremely important work to maintain our coastline, clean the Sound, and restore our oyster beds. You can learn more about their exciting work here.

It's always nice to folks from Team Woofgang & Co. You can learn more about the work they do to empower adults with disabilities through vocational and lifelong learning opportunities here. They were even giving out their famous treats, which Maggie was very happy to receive! 

Thank you to all of the amazing non-profits for all that you do for Fairfield and our state!

It was great to join the ribbon cutting this week to welcome R1DE Fairfield to our town! They just opened a new cycling studio in the Sportsplex (85 Mill Plain Road), and I can't wait to check it out!

This week was Health Equity Week a time to break barriers and build bridges to ensure every individual has access to quality healthcare. Join us as we advocate for fairness, justice, and inclusivity in healthcare systems worldwide this week, next week, and every week. Together, we can make health equity a reality for all!

A reminder that you can shop for a lower electric rate from third-party vendors at https://energizect.com/ with no contract commitments or cancellation fees. It's true! Third-party rates are often lower than the standard service rate offered through United Illuminating.


For more information about the various programs available to reduce consumption in addition to lowering energy costs, you can click on the resources below: 

• Home Energy Audit: https://hesui.energizect.com/
• Heat Smart: https://www.heatsmartct.org/fairfield/

This Sunday, April 7 from noon-4pm, over 35 restaurants, wineries, craft brewers, and others will gather at the new Elicit Brewery (111 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield) to serve their signature cuisine and curated cocktails and beverages. There will also be live music, local vendors, raffles, and more.

Don't hesitate - this event will sell out, so please purchase tickets ahead of the event. Taste of Fairfield is one of my favorite local events, and I'm so thrilled they've expanded to a Spring edition. I hope you'll check it out!

Bring your whole family to help make Fairfield a cleaner and greener place for all!

Trash bags and gloves will be provided. Parking will be available in the marina next to the skate park.

Do you or someone you know have a woman-owned business? The Women's Business Development Council is hosting a Woman-Owned Business Day at the Legislative Office Building next Thursday, April 11 from 9am-1pm. This event is a great opportunity to connect with other business owners and share thoughts and ideas about the issues that impact women-owned businesses every day.

You can register for the event here.

Experience Fairfield has released their March calendar of events, which includes jazz performances, outdoor family activities, and more. There's something for everyone in this calendar, so I hope you'll take a look!