Happy Thanksgiving🦃 & Shop Local For Small Business Saturday

November 22, 2023


It is an honor serving as your state representative, and I would like to express how thankful I am for the opportunity to work on your behalf. I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving!

Following the holiday, you may start browsing for gifts for your loved ones. Please consider shopping local on Small Business Saturday. You will find a list of local, participating businesses below.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
  • Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
  • Food Resources
  • Small Business Saturday - Shop Local 🛍️
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events and Community Calendar
  • Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
 
Happy Thanksgiving!🦃

I wish to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude ahead of Thanksgiving. In this season of reflection, I am especially thankful for friends like you, the joy of shared moments, and the support that surrounds us.

Our community is strong thanks to our residents and everyone working together to make our district a great place to live.
May your Thanksgiving be filled with the love of family and the company of good friends as we all cherish these moments of togetherness and celebrate the blessings that make life special. Let's also extend our thoughts to those facing difficulties, and think of the importance of compassion and generosity. 
 
I am thankful for the opportunity to work for you in Hartford. It is a true honor to represent you.
 
From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
 
Food Resources Ahead of Thanksgiving
Sometimes we find in ourselves in moments where we are able to help others, and other times we need a little help. Whatever place you are in right now, please look at the resources below to make sure everyone's Thanksgiving is a good one.
 
To find assistance or meal support or to support these services, click on the links here.
Click Here To Donate Food or Funds
 
Small Business Saturday - Shop Local 🛍️

We have a great deal to look forward to in the upcoming days with Thanksgiving celebrations, being together with loved ones, and Small Business Saturday just around the corner on November 25. The latter is a great opportunity to support our local entrepreneurs, artisans, and small businesses that make our community unique and vibrant.

Some of these businesses are still working to recover from the pandemic. Your support can make a significant difference in helping your favorite shops, bookstores, or restaurants bounce back and thrive. The resilience they've shown during such challenging times is truly admirable.
By choosing to shop local, we're not just making purchases; we're investing in our community's vitality and ensuring that these businesses can continue to create jobs, offer unique products and services, and help stimulate our local economy. Let's come together this holiday season to celebrate and support them. It's a powerful way to show solidarity and make a difference.
 
My colleagues and I doubled down by supporting small businesses during the 2023 legislative session.
With the holiday season quickly approaching, you may want to consider buying gift cards and certificates from a local business. According to Boost Suite, there are 350,376 small businesses in our state, which make up 99% of all businesses in Connecticut. To find small businesses in your area, please click here. 
 
Thank you for supporting our locally owned businesses. I wish you and your family a happy holiday season.  
 
Derby Events Calendar
Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar.
Come out and enjoy the magic of the season on Friday, November 24 from
6 P.M. - 8 P.M. for a tree lighting on the Derby Town Green!

Author, researcher, storyteller, podcaster, and explorer of the unexplained, Jeff Belanger returns to the Derby Public Library to share stories and lore from his new book, The Fright Before Christmas: Surviving Krampus and Other Yuletide Monsters.

He will delve into the folklore of Krampus and other yuletide beasties and ghosts on Monday, November 27 at 6:00 P.M. CLICK HERE to register.
Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look at the flier below and click on the button to learn about upcoming events in Hamden:
The annual Run Turkey Run 5K will be held at 7:30 A.M. on Thanksgiving morning at the Multisports Academy on Sanford Street. This long-standing Thanksgiving tradition in Hamden is a fun way to connect with family, friends and the community. CLICK HERE to register!
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events and Community Calendar
Check out the upcoming events in Orange by looking at the flier and community calendar below.

Join the dedicated men and women of the Rotary Club of Orange for the eleventh annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot. The race starts at 8:00 A.M. from the High Plains Community Center. There will be prizes for top finishers and best costumes!

It costs about $27 to participate. CLICK HERE to register!
Orange Community Calendar
 
Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
Check out the event below and click the button under that to access the community calendar.
The CT Hurricanes will host its annual open house on Sunday, November 26 from 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. at Amity Regional High School. This is an opportunity to see what it is like to be a member of the Hurricanes. This event is not an audition, but a chance to learn about the organization and participate alongside out talented members and dedicated staff.
Click Here To Learn More & Register
Woodbridge Community Calendar