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Dear Neighbor,

Join the Early Childhood Education Endowment Advisory Board for its annual public hearing on Wednesday, December 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. This is an important chance to help shape the future of early childhood education in Connecticut and share your perspective with the board. You can register to testify either in person or via Zoom here.

Tour of the South Norwalk Walk Bridge Construction Site

I was fascinated on my tour of the construction site of the new Walk Bridge in South Norwalk this week. The project is an engineering marvel and is being built to enhance safety, reliability, and accessibility for both trains and the surrounding community. It was inspiring to see the progress firsthand and to learn more about this important project that will benefit our state for years to come! Kudos to DOT for their work throughout this years’ long investment in our future.

As always reach out to my office with any comments, questions, or concerns.

Take care,

-Ceci

SNAP Still At Risk For 36,000 In Connecticut

Although the government shutdown has ended and SNAP benefits are being issued on schedule, access to food assistance remains uncertain. The Connecticut Mirror reported that new eligibility rules in the Republican federal budget approved in July 2025 could remove roughly 36,000 Connecticut residents from the program, about 10 percent of current recipients. That shift is raising alarms about public health and food security for people already vulnerable.

Adults ages 55 to 64 and parents with children 14 and older would be required to meet work obligations for the first time, and exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness and former foster youth would be eliminated. Although 2/3 of participants in SNAP benefits currently work, this new cohort of participants would need to document 20 hours of weekly work. Refugees, asylum seekers and certain survivors of domestic violence and sex trafficking would also lose access to benefits under the changes. Read more here.

New Campaign To Fight Opioid Epidemic

End Stigma CT, a new campaign in Connecticut, is working to push more people to seek treatment for opioid use. The new initiative, supported by a $10 million federal grant, is designed to reduce the stigma of opioid use, which can lead to people not seeking care and continuing to suffer or not receiving the care they need. The initiative uses stories from people with opioid use disorder and loved ones of struggling individuals, guiding more people to seek care.

Pizza Capitol’ Campaign Bolsters Connecticut Tourism

For the past few years, Connecticut’s “Pizza Capitol of the United States” campaign has promoted the state as home to the nation’s best pizza, and the strategy is paying off. According to CT Insider, the campaign has helped Connecticut rise to third place nationally when people are asked where they think the best pizza comes from, behind only New York City and Chicago, and many say Connecticut pizza rivals New York’s. Interest has surged, with searches on the state’s tourism website up 50% and Google searches for Connecticut pizza up nearly 70% year-over-year. Even better, while typical marketing campaigns generate about $3 for every $1 spent, the Pizza Capitol campaign generated $11 for every $1 spent.

Winter Driving Reminders

With snow in the forecast this week and a wetter winter expected, AAA has issued reminders for safe winter diving. Drivers should reduce speed in poor conditions and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. Begin gradually, maintain a greater following distance and use extra caution on hills. Rather than accelerating while climbing, build momentum before reaching an incline to help keep control.

Wilton: Grange Holiday Market

On Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Cannon Grange will hold its Holiday Market at 25 Cannon Road in Wilton. The event will have a $5 entry fee to access the works of artisans and enter raffles and a silent auction.

Wilton: Great Trains Show

Wilton’s Great Trains Show runs through Sunday, January 18 Wednesdays through Sundays at the Wilton Historical Society. Admission is free for members, $5 for non-member children and $10 for non-member adults.

Westport: Library Book Sale

The Westport Library will hold a book sale from Friday, December 5 to Monday, December 8 in the library, with sales starting Friday at noon, Saturday at 9 a.m., Sunday at 11 a.m. and Monday at 9 a.m., with an early access event Friday morning. The event will have free admission with gently used books in 50+ categories plus vintage finds, puzzles, music and art.

Westport: Cookie Walk and Holiday Gift Market

On Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the United Methodist Church – Westport and Weston, at 49 Weston Road in Westport, will hold a Cookie Walk and Holiday Gift Market.

Westport Thanks The Community

Westport’s Department of Human Services recently thanked the many residents who contributed to supporting neighbors this Thanksgiving. The Westport Women’s Club provided $11,000 in grocery gift cards to households in need, while the Westport Center for Senior Activities, Friends of the Senior Center, Westport Women’s Club, Calise’s Food Market, Coleytown Middle School, Coleytown Elementary School, Stepping Stones Preschool, Temple Israel’s Early Childhood Center, Gault and the Westport Food Fund all received recognition for donation efforts. Anyone wishing to join the community support trend heading into the holiday season can visit www.westportct.gov/donate.

Redding: Blood Drive

On Monday, December 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Redding’s Joel Barlow High School will host a blood drive, with donors receiving $15 e-gift cards for their time.

Ridgefield: Holiday Stroll

Ridgefield is kicking off the season with two days of music, performances, carriage rides, Santa’s HQ at the Lounsbury House, and festive fun across Main Street. This Friday, December 5, events run 5-9 p.m., including carolers, toy soldiers, special youth performances, and extended hours at Keeler Tavern Museum. On Saturday, December 6, festivities run noon-4 p.m. with the outdoor holiday market on Bailey Avenue, pony rides, Santa on Main Street, more youth choir performances, and the Bernese Mountain Dog Parade at 12 p.m. More information is available here.

Stamford: Mill River Park Holiday Market

Stamford is celebrating the season with the Mill River Park Holiday Market this Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy a festive weekend with Santa visits, tree shopping, skating, fire pits, hot cocoa, local bites, live music, and artisan vendors offering handmade gifts and décor. Rain date: December 13 and 14.

New Canaan: Y Winter Wonderland

The New Canaan YMCA will hold a Winter Wonderland event on Sunday, December 7 from 3-5 p.m. with crafts, games, cookies, a visit from Santa and more – it’s free and open to the community. Learn more at www.newcanaanymca.org.

Darien: Old Fashioned Holiday

On Saturday, December 6 from 2-5 p.m., Darien’s Tilley Pond Park will host a Parks and Recreation celebration of the holidays with caroling, crafts, a holiday market and more.

Darien: Wreaths Across America

Darien will recognize Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 13 at noon at Spring Grove Veterans Cemetery. Wreaths are still needed to honor local veterans; visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org to donate.

Contact Me

If you have any questions, please contact my office at 860-240-0068 or by email at Maher@senatedems.ct.gov. Thank you and I hope to hear from you!

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