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I hope this message finds you and your family well! In this week's email, you can read about what steps Connecticut's leaders took this week to help residents during the federal government shutdown, find tips for fire safety during National Fire Safety Prevention Week, in addition to state and local resources I hope you find useful. If you have any questions, concerns, or if my office can be of assistance to you, please call my office at any time or email me at kaitlyn.shake@cga.ct.gov.
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It was an honor to attend the United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut's 2025 Impact Breakfast on October 8th. It was an incredible opportunity to hear from Dr. Stephanie Hoopes, the National Director of United for ALICE, and hear her insight on what more we can do to support working families.
United Way’s latest report showed that here in the 120th House District, approximately 34% of all our households, or about 3,152 families, are considered ALICE. That stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
Communities across Connecticut are seeing an increase in ALICE households, and this event was a great opportunity to collaborate with leaders from across the state who are dedicated to supporting working families. |
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| Domestic Violence Awareness Month |
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Survivors deserve systems that believe them and policies that protect them. I remain committed to preventing abuse, ensuring accountability, and prioritizing survivor-centered support. 💜
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Organizations like CTSafeConnect offer free, confidential support 24/7/365. You are not alone.
📞 888-774-2900 | 📱 ctsafeconnect.org |
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| Federal Government Shutdown Update |
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| This week, one week into the federal government shutdown, Governor Lamont announced that Connecticut will continue to support WIC. The WIC program supports low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age five, by providing supplemental nutritious food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services. More than 52,000 Connecticut residents rely on this program, including 30,000 children, 11,000 infants, and 11,000 pregnant and postpartum women. This commitment from Governor Lamont is a major win for Connecticut residents who were at risk of losing benefits during the federal government shutdown. |
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Fire Safety Prevention Week:
Charge into Fire Safety |
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This week is Fire Safety Prevention Week, and this year's campaign theme is "Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home".
Many of the electronics we use in our homes every day, including smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, headphones, and toys, are powered by lithium-ion batteries. If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode. To reduce these risks, take note of which devices in your home are powered by them and take this week to go over tips to understand how you and your family can safely buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries to ensure you are prepared for an emergency when it happens.
The National Fire Prevention Association has put together a 3-step plan to safely use lithium-ion batteries:
- Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
- Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
- Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
For more information and additional tips and tools for fire safety in your home, visit https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week.
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October 5th through 11th, the American Library Association recognizes Banned Book Week. Established in 1982, Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community in shared support of the freedom to read. This year's theme is "Censorship is so 1984", an ode to George Orwell's novel 1984, which warned about the dangers of censorship.
This week, check out the Stratford Library's webpages or visit the library on Main Street to learn more about the attempt to ban books in our libraries. |
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Early voting for the November 2025 General Election will start on October 20th and will run for a 14-day period through November 2nd. Early voting will take place at the Baldwin Center, located at 1000 West Broad Street, and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28th and Thursday, October 30th.
Click here for additional information on early voting. |
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The drug epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. When they do - it has dangerous and often tragic consequences.
You can help fight that epidemic by participating in DEA Takeback Day. It's an opportunity for anyone to remove unneeded medications from their homes, preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction.
On October 25th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can turn in excess drugs at the Stratford Police Department. This is just one of the many locations that will be open across the state. You can find details on the drop-off process and locations by using the DEA Collection Site Locator. Click HERE for more info. |
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| Great news for Route 113 in Stratford! This week, the DOT shared that they completed the work at the sinkhole site on Route 113. The anticipated date of reopening has moved up from October 20th to THIS Friday, October 10th! I appreciate the DOT's continued dedication to getting this project across the finish line in a timely manner and am thrilled to see the road back open! |
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| As a reminder, there is a harmful algal bloom at Longbrook Pond & Brewster Pond at Longbrook Park. Everyone is currently advised not to come in contact with water in the area. |
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| The Stratford Library Association and Stratford Fire Department are coming together for an afternoon to celebrate National Fire Prevention Week on October 11th at 2:00 p.m. at the Stratford Library. This is an opportunity to meet the Stratford Firefighters who serve our community, explore the fire truck, and learn more about fire prevention and safety. |
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| Next Wednesday, October 15th, The Center for Family Justice and the Bridgeport Police Department will host a Domestic Violence Awareness Month Vigil from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater. Attend the event to honor the lives lost, support survivors, and spread awareness. |
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Corteva will host its annual Community Advisory Panel (CAP) meeting at Lake Success on October 15th. Bus tours of the site will depart hourly at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm, each lasting 45 minutes. At 5:15pm, Corteva will provide an update on remediation activities.
Attendees are required to pre-register for the meeting and the bus tours. Click here to sign up using the reservation system. Anyone taking the 1pm, 2pm, or 3pm bus tours will be asked to leave the site and return prior to the start of the CAP meeting at 5:15pm. |
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| The Sterling Community Center will be hosting a free Halloween Costume Community Shop from 5 to 7 p.m. on October 17th! |
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| The Stratford Health Department will be holding Flu Clinics throughout October, November, December, and January. Check out the October clinic dates below, as well as what insurance is accepted at the clinic. |
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Stratford's Great Pumpkin Festival will take place on October 18th from Noon to 4 p.m. at Booth Memorial Park. Click here for more information.
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The annual Longbrook Park Cleanup will take place on October 25th, starting at 8 a.m. on Marcus Drive. Supplies and breakfast will be provided for the volunteers.
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The Stratford Library will host a reading of "The Write to Vote", three original short plays on October 25th.
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It is Paradise Green Farmer's Market Season! Every Monday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Paradise Green. This is a great chance to support our local CT farmers and businesses.
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Yours in service,
Kaitlyn Shake
State Representative |
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