Recap of my Summer Library Circuit!

Hello everyone! School is just around the corner and I’m so excited.

Last month, I held my Summer Library Circuit and visited public libraries across the state. The Circuit went great and I had so much fun at each library.

Speaking at the Russell Library in Middletown.

So many people came out to the Hartford Public Library, the Russell Library in Middletown, and the Milford Public Library and we all had a great time. I shared my Helping Animals, Those Without a Voice campaign, explained what I have been doing during my term as Connecticut's Kid Governor, and told attendees about responsible pet ownership. After my presentation, kids and adults participated in my Helping Animals activity and signed my Responsible Pet Owner Pledge.

Families who came to hear my presentation at the Hartford Public Library.

Families participating in my animal activities at the Russell Library.

I was also able to meet therapy dogs Gizmo, Bennie Boo Beags and Spartacus Chooch - they are cute pups who came to hear my presentation and meet my constituents. If you have Facebook, you should follow them.

Me with Bennie Boo Beags, Spartacus Chooch, Gizmo, and their owners at the Milford Public Library.

If you missed my Summer Library Circuit,  you can watch recordings of my visits by clicking the links below. You can also download my PowerPoint HERE.

Hartford Public Library - July 18, 2017

Russell Library in Middletown - July 20, 2017

Milford Public Library - Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Make sure to email me all the great things you're doing out there to help animals at CKGJessica@kidgovernor.org.

Keep helping animals, those without a voice!

Your Kid Governor,

Helping and advocating for animals this spring!

Hey Everyone!

I've had a busy spring working on my platform Helping Animals, Those Without A Voice. I'd like to tell you what I've been up to!

A few weeks ago, I went to Pet of the Week at Fox News with Susan Wollschlager from the Connecticut Humane Society. The featured pet was a puppy named Scotty who got adopted right away! What a great way to get animals adopted. I also had the chance to share my platform with the host, Erika Arias, and viewers. You can watch our video below. 

I also visited the CT Humane Society in Newington, and met some cool dogs and cats. I also learned some really cool facts about animals, like did you know that cats only meow to people and not other cats? I met Executive Director Gordon Willard and spent time with Elizabeth Timpe, their Community Outreach Manager, learning about the animal educational programs the Humane Society does.

In April, I went up to the State Capitol in Hartford on Animal Therapy Day. They were having a press conference about a bill which they wanted to make into a law. It was about allowing animals in court to help children who are testifying. Tell me if you would vote yes or no on this bill. I had fun but learned an awful lot, too.

I also held a collection drive at my school and we collected over 500 items and $140.00 dollars that we donated to my local pound. Fun fact: we donated $50 dollars a few months ago and it helped a dog who needed eye surgery. Now Daisy the dog has been healed and adopted. Give a big huge cheer for Daisy winning her fight and my school for helping Daisy get better and find a new home.

Did your school hold a collection drive this spring? Email me how your school did, and you can get a shout out in one of my blog posts! Just email me at CKGJessica@kidgovernor.org.

Keep up the great work guys! Lets continue to help those without a voice!

Your Kid Governor,

Special shout-outs to people helping animals!

I want to start by giving shout-outs to everyone who is collecting donations like toys, treats, food, blankets, or towels for their local pounds and shelters! To learn more about holding a collection drive, read my blog post "Help animals in your community by planning a spring collection drive!" or visit CT.KidGovernor.org/collection-drives.

Reading through messages left for me by students and adults in my office at the Old State House!

I would also like to give shout-outs to those who have recently visited my Kid Governor Office at Connecticut's Old State House. Students and visitors have participated in my "Helping Animals" activity by writing what they can do to help animals on paper animal cut outs. Special shout outs to:

• Sofia Merino who said, “Less cages more freedom." How inspiring!
• Jayla from Manchester who said she could hold a can drive. Really cool!
• Angelica said to “treat them like family." That's very nice!
• Camila said to “put a container with water in the streets for the stray dogs." That is very thoughtful! 

A few of the animal cut-outs left behind by visitors to my office. Read them for more ideas on how you can help animals, those without a voice!

Thank you everyone for giving great ideas about what we can do to help animals. Thank you all for all of your support. I really appreciate it!

Your Kid Governor,

Inauguration Day 2017!

Hey guys! Last month was Inauguration Day 2017, my official inauguration as the 2017 Connecticut's Kid Governor. I want to tell you all about that amazing day!

So many people came (more than 250!), and I was able to meet some very inspiring people like: Governor Dannel Malloy, United States Senator Richard Blumenthal, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, State Senator Gayle Slossberg, State Representative Kim Rose, State Representative Charles Ferraro, State Representative Pam Staneski, Commissioner of Education Dianna Wentzell, and so many others.

Me at Inauguration Day 2017 alongside dignitaries, special guests, 2016 CKG Elena Tipton, and the other six finalists from the Statewide Election. 

I also had the opportunity to meet the other six finalists in the 2016 Connecticut's Kid Governor election. They all had great platforms as well!

At first I was a little overwhelmed by all the people, cameras,and news crews, but everyone was so kind, and helped me feel at ease. We heard from our dignitaries during the Inauguration ceremony, and Secretary Merrill gave me the official Oath of Office. The six finalists and I participated in a news conference and answered questions from our classmates about our platforms and experiences as candidates for Kid Governor. 

Taking the Kid Governor Oath of Office!

Later, I got to hold an activity in my office for all the kids that came. I answered questions about how many siblings I have, and how many pets I have (by the way, I have 3 rescued cats, 1 rescued dog, 2 horses, and 1 brother.) They also asked me questions about what I am going to do with my platform. My favorite part of Inauguration Day was meeting all the students from the other classes and answering their questions. My day was incredible! 

Meeting with students from across Connecticut in my office at the Old State House

For more about Inauguration Day and to see more photos from the event, please visit the Connecticut's Kid Governor website and read the recap HERE. 

Make sure you email me all the great things you are doing to help the animals! You can email me at CKGJessica@KidGovernor.org. Maybe you will get a shout out in a future blog post.

- Jessica