Sen. Tony Hwang (at right) joined with elected officials and veterans advocates from across the state at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford Dec. 7 to honor new inductees into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.

Established in 2005, the Veterans Hall of Fame recognizes the continued service of Connecticut veterans who have made significant contributions to their communities after leaving military service. The Veterans Hall of Fame is administered by the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs and the Connecticut Military Department.

Residents are encouraged to make nominations to the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2017 when the application process commences late next summer or contact Sen. Hwang at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov or 800 842-1421.

Attached photo, left to right: 2016 Veterans Hall of Fame inductee Linda S. Schwartz of Pawcatuck, 2016 Veterans Hall of Fame inductee Archie Elam of Stamford, and Sen. Hwang, who represents Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport.

Sen. Kevin Kelly, Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging & Independent Living Executive Director Marie Allen, and Sen. Tony Hwang were among the attendees Dec. 7 at the annual Greater Bridgeport Elderly Services Council and SWCAA Legislative Breakfast Meeting at The Watermark in Bridgeport.

The legislators discussed the upcoming 2017 legislative session at the State Capitol and spoke about their efforts to improve the quality of life for Connecticut seniors.

Sen. Kelly (www.senatorkevinkelly.com ) represents Monroe, Seymour, Shelton and Stratford. He can be reached at 800 842-1421 and at Kevin.Kelly@cga.ct.gov .

Sen. Hwang (www.senatorhwang.com) represents Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport. He can be reached at 800 842-1421 and at Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov .

State Senator Tony Hwang of Fairfield raised concern.

”This move to a new vendor, without a lot of transparency, without a lot of dialog, is a significant cause of concern for me as legislator.”

Sen. Tony Hwang (top row, far left) on Nov. 29 met with participants in Our Woven Community, a program at Burroughs Community Center in Bridgeport which helps refugee women from war-torn countries to become more economically self-sufficient and integrated into the community.

Every Our Woven Community item is hand made by refugee women now living in greater Bridgeport. Each item is made from donated materials and fabrics from the local community and fabric and materials from Africa.

“This program is an inspiring success story and I hope to see it grow and grow,” said Sen. Hwang. “Participants come from war-torn African nations – places where their lives were turned upside down and places devoid of hope. Here in America – and at Our Woven Community – hope lives. Participants learn and develop tangible skills while generating supplemental income. I urge area residents to consider Our Woven Community products during the holiday season.”

“Each piece created at Our Woven Community symbolizes the importance of weaving lives, cultures, and communities together,” Sen. Hwang said. “This program provides the artists with opportunity for creativity, community integration, and economic growth.”

Our Woven Community is always looking to increase its volunteer network. For more information on upcoming events and for ways to become involved, contact the Burroughs Community Center at www.burroughscc.org or call (203) 334-0293.

*Sen. Hwang (www.senatorhwang.com) represents Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston and Westport.