Jaime Foster

It's officially October and the fall feel is in the air. I look forward to pumpkin and apple picking, cozy sweaters and blankets, apple cider, and other fall activities.

I hope you get the chance to visit one of the fall farmers markets coming up in Ellington and Vernon. Ellington has its weekly market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 72 Maple Street, and Vernon will hold a fall farmers market on October 10 at Rockville Library from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. There are a lot of Halloween-related events coming up this month as well - I've shared some of them in this e-newsletter.

October also marks the start of new laws in Connecticut - I've shared a list and links to the new laws that went into effect on October 1. 

Jaime

• New Laws Effective October 1
• Early Childcare & Education Updates
• East Windsor Ribbon Cutting/Lighting Ceremony at Abbe Road Soccer Complex
• Ellington High School's Opening Knight Players 30x60
• October is National Farm to School Month
• Vernon Fall Market at RPL on October 10
• Cornerstone to Host a Free Halloween Costume Boutique
• TAC 2nd Annual Bingo Night is October 18
• Ellington Senior Center named an Age Well Across CT Location
• East Windsor PD Takes Part in CT Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Run
• And More! 

The internet is a great informational resource, but it can also be misused by thieves, bullies, predators, scam artists, and other criminals. To protect privacy, online services will be prohibited from collecting personal data without approval from those under 18, and those 13 years of age and younger only with parental consent.

Animal rights were on the radar with the banning of dog races and the gifting of live animals at fairs, and increased penalties for hurting or killing a police dog. Also, the Siberian Husky will officially be the state dog on October 1!

Additionally, to help facilitate voting access for eligible voters, we included a question on the ballot in our next election that will allow voters to choose whether to implement a law for no-excuse absentee ballots.  With that in mind, the integrity of our electoral system is central to voter trust and participation in elections and to help safeguard that confidence we extended the time violations of state election laws can be referred to the State Elections Enforcement Commission for investigation.

There are several new laws in addition to the above – please follow the link below for the full list and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

• An additional 1,500 children will be enrolled in Care 4 Kids using existing state and federal funding
• An additional 900 children will be added to the School Readiness and Child Day Care program by maximizing existing state funds

Here in Connecticut, we are easing the burden of paying for childcare while expanding who can receive assistance. These changes are a win for parents, children, and our state.

October is now Disability Employment Awareness Month in Connecticut after Governor Lamont signed a proclamation recognizing all Connecticut residents with disabilities in the workplace and, in honor of their many accomplishments.

The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services has been a wonderful resource in assisting individuals with disabilities, too, from preparing for, maintaining, and advancing in employment. Services include vocational counseling, job search assistance, on-the-job training, and more!

 In CT, assistance for job seekers with disabilities is available virtually and in person through a variety of resources, including:

• The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services website for more information on employment and other services available to people with disabilities can be accessed HERE.
• Connect with the Connecticut Department of Disability Services to get resources and job information for individuals with intellectual disabilities HERE.
• Visit one of the Connecticut Department of Labor’s American Job Centers (appointments are recommended). More information is available HERE.
• Explore CTHires, which serves as a one-stop resource to search for jobs, create a resume, and find training. More information is available HERE.
• Attend one of several job fairs that are scheduled across the state. For a full schedule, please visit HERE.

I'm proud to have helped secure the funding for the Abbe Road Soccer Complex improvements through state bonding in March 2022. To see the project to fruition is amazing!

General admission: $8
Students/seniors: $6
Tickets can be purchased at the door.

There are two shows: Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Gordon C. Getchell Auditorium at Ellington High School. 

If you donated a costume, be sure to drop back in any time between 12 p.m.-3 p.m. on October 5 to shop for a new, gently used costume!

For more information, please visit the event page HERE.

*Note: Hall Memorial Library reserves the right to refuse any costume

Farm to school is a movement that builds just and equitable food systems through the ways kids eat, grow, and learn about food in school and early care and education settings.

This year’s theme is “From Soil to Sea: Nourishing People and Planet.” 

Join EFM at Saturday’s Apple Festival to grab all things apple - including Ellington-grown apple pie filling, apple sauce, apple pie jam, and apple chutney- at the Farmers Feeding Families booth! Every sale supports local food insecurity programs. Plus, explore a bounty of other apple varieties and treats from our vendors! 

It’s the perfect time to celebrate fall, support and shop local, and indulge in all your favorite apple flavors. 

EFM hopes to see you Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 72 Maple St in Ellington. 

These are the vendors planning to attend and what they'll be selling:

Allard Family Farms: chicken
Betty’s Bees: honey
Vernon Farm-to-School: test tasting booth with local ingredients
Pop’s Famous Guac: guacamole
Lucky Clover Farm: produce, eggs, alpaca fiber products
Valencia Grows: fresh/dried herbs, dried teas, herbal/mint jellies, herbal butters
Food Truck: Twin Beaks Fried Chicken

Musical Guest: Martin Loves You

There will also be a flu shot clinic.

SNAP will be accepted by each vendor.

Need a ride? Free transportation will be provided by the Hockanum Valley Community Council. See the flyer for additional ride details.

Tickets can be purchased Monday- Saturday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the TAC Office (24 Hyde Avenue in Vernon).

Bingo Night:
October 18
Doors open at 630 p.m.; the game starts at 7 p.m. 
Tickets: $25 per person
Location: 24 Hyde Avenue, Vernon

Ellington Senior Center has been selected as a local pick on the Age Well Across Connecticut statewide tour. Sponsored by the Connecticut Age Well Collaborative, Age Well Across Connecticut recognizes places and programs in the state that demonstrate age, dementia, and disability inclusivity.

In the summer of 2024, the Connecticut Age Well Collaborative asked residents to nominate the hidden gems in their communities - from the best accessible attractions to the most welcoming local businesses, to the most inspiring initiatives. Nominees were required to be Connecticut-based, open to the public with an existing location or regular schedule, free or low cost, and designed with an aging, dementia, and/or disability lens.

Community nominations informed a final list of nearly 50 places and experiences, both in-person and virtual, including Ellington Senior Center, which provides an environment for an individual age 55 years and over to enhance a healthy lifestyle that maintains independence, dignity, self-respect, and productivity through participation in recreational, social, educational, informational and healthy activities and programs.

This fall, Connecticut residents are invited to explore some of the destinations on the Age Well Across Connecticut tour, whether in their neighborhoods or across the state. To find more information and the complete list, click HERE.

The Connecticut Age Well Collaborative is a statewide, cross-sector initiative that fosters aging, dementia, and disability-inclusive communities. Delegated by the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity, the collaborative is leading the state’s livable communities initiative (Section 17b-420a of the Connecticut General Statutes). Livable communities are inclusive, vibrant places where we can all thrive across the lifespan. The Collaborative is an initiative of Connecticut Community Care.

Congratulations to Sai Kapu and Scout Troop 96, who recently came together to install new park map signage at Pinney Street Fields. This was Sai's Eagle Scout Project, benefitting the Ellington Recreation Department and the residents of Ellington (and beyond who visit the Pinney Street Fields). 

The dedication and hard work of Sai and Scout Troop 96 has made it easier for everyone to navigate and enjoy the park.

The CHET Dream Big Competition is officially underway. All K-12 students in CT can submit essays, artwork, and videos for the chance to win contributions of up to $20,000 toward their future education.

The deadline is November 4!

To enter or learn more, click HERE.