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In this email you'll find updates on district resources and news. Please click the links below to read the section that corresponds with the highlighted headline.
A NOTE: If you're having trouble clicking through the following links, open this email in a browser, use a computer or scroll through this email to the relevant section.
The topics covered are as follows:
On Legislative Business
On Community Resources
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Housing and Zoning Policies Move out of Committee
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On Wednesday, the Planning and Development Committee voted to move several housing and zoning proposals to the next step of the legislative process. The cost of housing in our state has left too many behind. In the wake of the economic impacts of the pandemic and the need to address decades of racial injustice, housing policy is at the center of the debate. The implementation of fair share housing and zoning policies can empower our communities to chart a new course that will not only offer an equitable future for every resident but will be critical in kickstarting economic growth.
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Now is the time to act. We cannot afford to enact new policy that further entraps our communities in Connecticut's steady habits.
The committee approved the following proposals:
- HB 6611, An Act Concerning a Needs Assessment and Other Policies Regarding Affordable Housing and Development
- SB 1024, An Act Concerning Zoning Authority, Certain Design Guidelines, Qualifications of Certain Land Use Officials and Certain Sewage Disposal Systems
- SB 1026, An Act Concerning Training for Certain Planning and Zoning Officials
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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On Wednesday, the Education Committee heard testimony about proposals to make Connecticut's education funding formula more equitable. The proposal would build upon efforts passed in the 2017 bipartisan budget which directed more resources to communities based on need. Specifically, the proposals raised would create a student-centered funding system that focuses on school districts with higher concentrations of poverty, higher numbers of English language learners, and districts that don't have the property wealth to allow them to properly fund the education needed.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Free Weekend Bus Service Coming this Summer
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On Tuesday, the Governor announced that he has directed CTtransit to provide free bus service every weekend from Memorial Day (May 31) weekend through Labor Day (September 6). Through federal funding provided by the CARES Act, the state will offer the free bus service to help boost the State's economic recovery from the pandemic. With re-openings already underway, the many attractions, local businesses, and events that will be features of the summer will now be even more accessible.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Renters' Rebate Program Open Now
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The Renters' Rebate program is open now through October 1. This program provides rental reimbursement to elderly and disabled residents in need. These rebates can be up to $900 for married couples and $700 for individuals. The amount is based on a graduated income scale and the amount of rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made in the prior calendar year.
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Who is eligible?
- Renters who meet the one-year state residency requirement, and are one of the following:
- A renter (or their spouse) who is 65 years of age or older, or
- A renter who is 50 years of age or older and is the surviving spouse of a renter who at the time of the renter's death had qualified and was entitled to tax relief provided such spouse was domiciled with such renter at the time of the renters’ death, or
- A renter who is 18 years of age or older and eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits.
Applications can be made at the town social service agency or the local Assessor's Office.
For more information, please call the Renters’ Rebate Hotline at 860-418-6377 or click here to visit the website.
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New Manchester Public Schools Hybrid Schedule
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Manchester parents – reminder that following spring vacation (April 12-16), there will be a new schedule for hybrid learning. Starting Monday, April 19 hybrid learners will be spending more time in schools! The new hybrid learner schedule is as follows:
- Grades K-4: 9:10 AM – 3 PM
- Grades 5 - 8: 8:15 AM – 2 PM
- Grades 9 - 12: 7:30 AM – 1:15 PM
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Together We Tee Program Aims to Increase Inclusivity in Golf
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In collaboration with Manchester's Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation, Manchester Country Club is offering a free six-week program introducing Black and brown youth to golf. Together We Tee is open for registration now through May 7, enrollment is limited. The program will meet Wednesday evening, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, June 23 to July 28.
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The program is available to local Black and brown youth of all genders and their parent/guardian. Children must be ages 9-12 and live or attend school in Manchester. The Manchester Country club will be providing all participants with lessons by golf professionals, fee waivers, and equipment. For more information or to enroll, click here.
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Free Virtual Yoga Classes
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Spring has sprung – and with it, the popular wellness program "Yoga In Our City" is returning in May with the popular outdoor classes and is launching an all-new online program! Sponsored by ConnectiCare, Yoga In Our City offers free, outdoor yoga classes at parks in Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, and Waterbury during the summer months. This year, virtual classes will also be offered through May! New sessions will be released three to five times per week. Visit yogainourcity.com or follow Yoga In Our City on Facebook and Instagram for program information and updates, as well as access to the virtual classes.
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Seeking Artists to Help Decorate Downtown
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Calling local artists of all ages and experience levels! Downtown Manchester is looking for help decorating windows downtown for a Butterfly Stroll. Participation is easy and this is a great opportunity to see your creation on display. All you need to do is:
- Artists must register by May 1st. (Registration may close early due to high interest.)
- Butterflies must be lightweight and easy to hang.
- Butterflies must be two-dimensional and no larger than a standard-sized piece of paper.
- Butterflies must be dropped off at The Firestone | Art Studio & Cafe (during normal business hours) between April 1st and May 15th.
Sign up to create butterfly window art here. For more information, contact Joy at dmssd@manchesterct.gov.
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Eagle Scout and Manchester High Senior, Daniel Evans will be hosting a can and bottle drive at Manchester High School (in the Senior lot) on Saturday, April 3 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM to complete his Eagle Scout Project. Come out and support our local youth!
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Learn to amaze your friends! In partnership with the Manchester Public Library, Magician Ed Popielarczyk (Ed Pop) is hosting virtual programming starting Monday, April 5 to show you how he performs some of his magic tricks.
This 4-week virtual program is available to children in Grade 2 and up – space is limited, and registration is required. To get more info, click here.
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Foodshare will continue its drive-thru distributions into April. The last scheduled distribution for Rentschler Field will be on Thursday, April 29.
Distribution at Rentschler Field (615 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118 – use the Silver Lane entrance) will be available Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:30 AM to 1 PM. To access additional food resources, call 2-1-1, go to https://www.211ct.org/, or visit www.foodshare.org/help.
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Looking for something to do this upcoming school break? Join the East Hartford Public and Library and the Town of East Hartford Development Department for a fun activity that supports our great local businesses! During the school break, April 10-18, you and your family can participate in the School Break Tic-Tac-Toe and enter for a chance to win an exciting prize!
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To participate, grab a tic-tac-toe card during your next trip to the library or print on out here, then:
- Use the card to select three businesses that make a "tic-tac-toe" (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally).
- Visit each of them, and find Bug Byte, Pinion, and Creative Kid -- the Makerspace mascots -- in the window.
- Take a picture at each location and post it to Facebook (tagging East Hartford Public Library) or Instagram (tagging @ehplmakerspace) - or email ehpl-reference@easthartfordct.gov
Everyone who submits three photos will be entered in to a drawing for one of five $50 gift cards to an East Hartford business, plus a free 3D print from the library's Makerspace. Bug Byte, Pinion, and Creative Kid will be appearing in local business windows from April 10 through 18, and entries must be submitted by April 18. The prize drawing will be held on Monday, April 19. The prize drawing will be held on Monday, April 19 and winners will be chosen at random on Facebook LIVE at 12 PM on the East Hartford Public Library’s Facebook Page.
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Time to start thinking about summer jobs! Are you between the ages of 16 - 24 years and looking for help finding a job? Join the East Hartford Public Library for a series of virtual workshops sponsored in partnership with East Hartford CONNects, Liberty Bank, and Town of East Hartford Youth Services.
- Monday, April 12, 10—11:30 AM: Resumes and Cover Letters 101
- Monday, April 12, 1—3 PM: Training and Certification
- Tuesday, April 13, 10—11:30 AM: Workplace Conflict and Communication
- Tuesday, April 13, 1—3 PM: Mock Interviews
- Wednesday, April 14, 10—11:30 AM: Credit for Life Fair
- Wednesday, April 14, 1—3 PM: Financial Literacy
- Thursday, April 15, 10—11:30 AM: Building a Professional Network
- Thursday, April 15, 1—3 PM: LinkedIn Headshots
- Friday, April 16, 10—11:30 AM: Applying for a Job
- Friday, April 16, 1—3 PM: Job Fair
Registration is open now, to register for any or all of the above workshops complete the form found here.
For more information about programs and services of the East Hartford Public Library, including virtual programs for all ages, click here.
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Join Stacey Zackin, Manager of WORK_SPACE, for a fun, interactive and low-pressure workshop on Wednesday, April 14 from 7PM - 8PM. Check out "Dynamic Doodling" and learn how Stacey took her hobby of doodling and turned it into a professional development workshop on the psychology of creativity and creativity as a business strategy.
Participants have the option of registering for $10 and coming by WORK_SPACE to pick up a sketch book, card stock and pen. Or, if you want to use your own supplies, use the promo code of WSmember and register for only $5. To learn more or register, click here.
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My office is always open if you or your family are in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email at Jason.Rojas@cga.ct.gov or by phone at 860-240-8541.
Sincerely,
Jason Rojas
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