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Ellington
C A T t “ N P
State Representative Round-up
Gratitude and reflection as the year winds down HARTFORD — We’ve reached the time of year when we look back and reflect on what the year held for us. There have been some amazing highs personally — welcoming our son to the family over the summer, completing a third successful sesJaime Foster sion, and being named “Legislator of the Year” by the Connecticut Farm Bureau — to lows including losing a beloved legislative colleague Quentin “Q” Williams and our Bryan Flint in tragic car crashes, Mother Nature plaguing the crops of our farmers in the 57th District and across the state, and unrest and conflict happening in Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza. As I reflect on my service as a legislator, there is much I’m grateful for. Being a legislator is a tremendous privilege and honor. I’m grateful to serve. It would be impossible without the support of my husband, Aaron, my in-laws Rita and Jon, and our village who help support our little family as we (because it’s a collective contribution my family makes) take on this service. I’m grateful for the support and mentorship of colleagues with more service and for the great partnerships I have with local, state, and federal leaders. I’m also grateful to my team who make all the work I do in Hartford possible — Jessica, Max, Hisham, Arianna, and Jeanie all were part of the team in 2023. As we head into the holiday season, many of us look to help our favorite local organizations who organize coat drives, food drives, and holiday dinners, for the less fortunate among us. If you would like to help, here are some places you can assist: • Cornerstone Foundation, Rockville: You can volun-
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Team Foster: The state rep, second from left, with members of her team in Hartford. Photo courtesy of State Rep. Jaime Foster’s office teer to serve meals in the community kitchen (www.cornerstone-cares.org/communitykitchen). You can also visit the website to find out how to donate clothing and food at www.cornerstone-cares.org/ourprograms. • Crystal Lake Food Pantry, Ellington: You can donate food for the food pantry, volunteer to help sort and label donations that come in, distribute food to clients, pick up donations at grocery stores, the donation shed at Kloter Farms, Foodshare, and Midwest Pantry in Manchester. You can find more information on the Crystal Lake Food Pantry's Facebook page www.facebook.com/clfpellington
• East Windsor Hunger Action Team: To learn how to donate, where to drop off, and what is needed, visit www.eastwindsor-ct.gov/human-services/pages/donations There are many other organizations you can help. If you have time, any assistance would be appreciated. Finally, I want to express my gratitude to you for putting your trust in me as your state representative. Thank you. I'm honored to represent the 57th District. I wish you a peaceful holiday season and a great start to 2024. As always, please contact my office with any concerns you may have. I can be reached at 860-240-8585 or jaime.foster@cga.ct.gov
Pictures With SANTA! SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 9:30 - 11:30 A.M. 231 HAZARD AVENUE, ENFIELD
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860.698.0969 | www.arrhacu.com
December 2023 North Central News
Join Your Arrha Family And Enjoy Cocoa, Sweets, & Write A Letter To SANTA! Bring your smiles and camera! Drop off a donation for Toys For Joy anytime as we are excited to be an Enfield Police Department collection site!