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Click the links in the introduction to navigate to the corresponding sections in the body of this email.
If you are having trouble with the links try opening this email in your browser.
Friends and Neighbors,
Like it or not, the holiday season is in full swing. And as we spread holiday cheer, it's important that’s the only thing we are spreading. Most of us want to feel the holiday cheer of years past, with children enamored by their elf on a shelf and adults stressing over new ways in which to pose this mythical creature. The last thing we want or need is the constant worry, even subconsciously, that we’re placing ourselves and our loved ones in a position that may yield negative outcomes.
Luckily, we have public health, something that has almost been made an enemy over the last 2 years, to inform and to provide ways in which we may protect our friends, family, and complete strangers simply looking to live their lives. As the numbers increase, most alarmingly those hospitalized and/or dying, it continues to be a point of frustration when proven methods are available at most of our fingertips. Masks, vaccines, and social distancing are all easy ways to demonstrate that you want to part of the solution to finally pull us through this exhaustive never-ending story (*wonders what ever happened to the VCR tape I had as a kid*) and end the unnecessary loss and subsequent grief.
Commissioner Russell-Tucker, the head of CT’s State Department of Education, while being honored as a University of St. Joe’s alumna at a ceremony this morning at Mayberry School, provided a quote from American author, John C. Maxwell, that really hits the point I think we’ve been trying to make week after week through these communications to you and the broader community: “One is too small a number to achieve greatness. No accomplishment of real value has ever been achieved by a human being working alone."
A new year is on the horizon, so let’s commit to being in this together, once and for all. |
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Below you will find a guide to the following information. Click the subject links in this intro to go right to the topic in the body of this email.
You can find additional resources and information on my web site,
www.housedems.ct.gov/currey. If there's something you need help with that isn't included in this email, please check my website. If you can't find what you're looking for there, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. |
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Overall Summary
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Total
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Change Since Yesterday
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COVID-19 Cases (confirmed and probable)
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455,566
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+1,443
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COVID-19 Tests Reported (molecular and antigen)
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12,992,187
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+21,269
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Daily Test Positivity
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--
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6.78%
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Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19
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71036
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+26
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Overall Summary
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Total
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Change Since Last Thursday
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COVID-19 Associated Deaths*
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9,002
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+56
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*Data on COVID-19 deaths is updated once per week every Thursday.
Of the 736 patients currently hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, 563 (76.5%) are not fully vaccinated.
Compared to being vaccinated, being unvaccinated currently has the following relative risk:
- 5.5 times higher risk of testing positive for COVID-19
- 20.1 times higher risk of dying from COVID-19
- 15 times higher risk of being hospitalized with COVID-19
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Specific Updates for Our Community
| Town |
Total Cases |
Total Deaths |
Number of Tests |
Number of Positive Tests |
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| East Hartford |
8,045 |
160 |
185,234 |
9,977 |
| Manchester |
6,618 |
167 |
180,675 |
8,012 |
| South Windsor |
2,299 |
58 |
63,254 |
2,698 |
Weekly Update of the Department of Public Health's COVID-19 Alert Map
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| This past week, nearly every town and city in our state was reported to be in the red category for community spread of COVID-19 - 4.5 or more cases per 100,000 residents. With the detection of the Omicron variant in our state and new data and research available about it, it's critical that we continue to be proactive and vigilant about wearing masks and social distancing in addition to increasing vaccination rates, both the first round as well as boosters.
The governor recently stated he will not implement a statewide mask mandate - leaving this decision up to local leaders. East Hartford and South Windsor are requiring masks to be worn in town buildings, regardless of vaccination status. And while a statewide mandate is not currently in the cards, a digital health card could be unveiled in the coming weeks. This would enable businesses to identify who is and isn't vaccinated and to set rules promoting the safety of their staff and patrons.
While there still isn't enough information about the Omicron variant to draw definitive conclusions about it, scientists have found convincing evidence that it spreads quicker than the original COVID-19 virus. How it compares to the Delta variant is not yet known. Although breakthrough COVID-19 infections are likely to happen with Omicron, the vaccine is still our best defense against a severe illness and hospitalization. Booster shots also increase our immune system's ability to detect and combat the virus.
If you're looking to get your first COVID-19 shot or a booster, the state Department of Public Health Mobile Vaccination Team will host vaccination clinics in our community. You can find a full list of mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics here.
Children ages 5 to 11 are also eligible for the pediatric dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. To find a vaccination location in your area, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 vaccine locator, here.
Below are clinics happening over the next week: |
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| Additional information about getting vaccinated, including how to make an appointment and a list of clinics, is available on Connecticut's Vaccine Portal, here.
If you need assistance finding transportation to and from a vaccine appointment, you can find transportation resources here.
If you're a homebound resident, you can receive your COVID-19 shot at home. Complete the state Department of Public Health's Homebound Intake Form to get the appointment process started. |
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| The detection of the COVID-19 Omicron variant may have prompted some questions. Connecticut Children's team of medical experts can answer the questions you have about the Omicron variant, pediatric mental health resources, and more. Click here for the resources and tools Connecticut Children's has to help you keep your kids safe during these uncertain times. |
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AT THE CAPITOL, IN DISTRICT, & BEYOND...
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| Last week, the governor appointed Natalie A. Braswell to succeed Kevin Lembo as Connecticut comptroller. Lembo announced two weeks ago that he would step down from his position due to an ongoing medical condition. Braswell serves as the chief of planning, legal, and regulatory affairs at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), a position she has held since March 2021. Prior to this position, Braswell served as general counsel and assistant comptroller in the Office of the State Comptroller under Lembo's leadership from 2011 to 2021.
Braswell is a talented attorney and dedicated public servant who has the desire to do what's right and serve Connecticut residents to the highest standard. She will be administered the oath of office on December 31 and will serve as state comptroller through January 4, 2023. Read more about Braswell's appointment here. |
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| Over the past two years, our state's transportation leaders have data demonstrating speeding and delays have become worse on our highways. To address increased speeding, the state Department of Transportation plans to launch three pilot programs in work zones with speed enforcement cameras. Anyone speeding in these work zones will be fined up to $200 automatically. This program will be implemented prior to spring 2022. Read more about this here.
In another effort to make our roads safer for everyone, the legislature passed a major transportation safety bill that increases pedestrian protections and offers municipalities greater flexibility in setting local speed limits. It also established the Vision Zero Council, which will explore policy relating to engineering, enforcement, education, EMS, and equity to eliminate transportation fatalities and injuries. If you want to be part of the work, let the Council know by completing its Subcommittee Participation Survey at https://bit.ly/3ETyz35 |
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| Last Friday, our state welcomed its newest class of certified firefighters. Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Class #68 started their intensive firefighter training on August 30, 2021 and graduated on December 10. During the 15-week period, the 67 recruits learned about all aspect of firefighting, hazardous materials, technical rescue, and other fire and emergency service-related subjects. Graduates are not all state and nationally certified to the levels of Firefighter I & II, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations.
Congratulations to East Hartford and Manchester recruits:
East Hartford
- Jacob D. Brungard
- Trevon W. Chin
- Roberto Colon
- Anthony J. Fazzino
- Devin RJ McDermott
Manchester
- Brian S. Brady
- Donovan M. Benites
- Kaulman K. Lengyel
- Lauren E. Mazzoni
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| College acceptance letters are pouring in for many of those seeking early admission and it’s only a matter of time before all the other receive the news that will alter the course of a young person’s life. No surprise, but that comes at a cost. Literally. So, it’s beginning to look like it's time to apply for scholarships! If you're an East Hartford Public Schools student who'll be graduating this spring, the East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Foundation is accepting applications for its scholarships. Are you a hardworking student-athlete? Are you engaged in your community? A first-generation college student? There's a scholarship for you. Apply by March 1, 2022 to be considered! Learn more about the opportunities and get started on the application below. https://www.ehalumnifoundation.org/scholarships |
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| The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) has announced that it has again reduced interest rates for its refinance borrowers. The new fixed interest rates for Refi CT loans now range from 3.75% to 4.99%. A 0.25% ACH interest rate reduction is also available. On average, Refi CT borrowers are reducing their interest rate by about 2% and significantly saving over their loan term.
Additionally, CHESLA still has funds remaining for its MyCHESLA in-school loan program at a low 4.59% fixed rate with no fees. Graduate students have the option to defer principal and interest while in-school, although paying the accruing interest is encouraged.
CHESLA continues to place a priority on low-cost financing products for higher education. These rates are the lowest in the history of CHESLA’s respective programs.
To find out if you could benefit from these historically low interest rates, visit the CHESLA website here. |
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| With the first snow of the season last week, do you know how to find out about closings and delays at your child's school?
East Hartford
Visit the East Hartford Public Schools website here, for the district's inclement weather policy. Delayed openings will be2 hour delays. Snow days are back but please note that the school year will extend into June for each missed day.
Manchester
School closings and delays will be broadcast on local radio stations and tv networks as early as 5 a.m. or shortly after school officials make the decision to delay opening or close the school. For more information, visit the Manchester Public Schools website here.
South Windsor
Students are parents can get email or phone notifications about school closings, delays, and early dismissals through the SchoolMessenger system. Information will also be available through local media and the South Windsor Public Schools website here. |
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| If you or someone you know has had interactions with the criminal justice system as a defendant, East Hartford Adult Education is offering a Second Chances Adult Basic Education class. The class is open to Connecticut residents who have been incarcerated, on probation, and more, and will prepare them for high school completion programs. It will focus on math, language arts, workforce readiness, financial literacy, and digital literacy. Classes will be offered in-person on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The tentative start date is January 18, 2022. To learn more, please call 860-622-5355 or email ehadulted@easthartford.org. |
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| Do you want to help bring some holiday cheer to families who need a little support this season? End Hunger CT! is partnering with Angel of Edgewood for its 2nd annual "PROJECT: Angel Wings" on December 20. The festival will provide toys, meals, activities, and more for children and adults with disabilities. EHCT! is recruiting volunteers to help with this event. If you or someone you know may be interested, click the button below to learn more and sign up. |
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| CT Mutual Aid: East of the River is hoping to spread joy this holiday season and is asking our community to come together to help families that need some support. Right now, CT Mutual Aid has 32 gift tags for a child or family who could benefit from a gift. The available gift tags can be found here.
Donations of unwrapped toys, clothing, or other items can be dropped off at the People's Pantry, 25 Jeffrey Alan Drive in Manchester. To set up a drop-off time, please call Laurel at 860-836-0671. You can also have items shipped directly to the pantry. All items should be delivered by Monday, December 20. Volunteers for picking up presents, wrapping and delivering gifts are also welcomed. |
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| Connecticut residents have more time to enroll in a health insurance plan through Access Health CT for coverage starting with the new year! Residents who enroll between December 16 and December 31 can choose between coverage starting on January 1, 2022 or February 1, 2022. Those who enroll between January 1, 2022 and January 15, 2022 will have coverage starting on February 1, 2022.
Starting this year, Connecticut residents who meet specific eligibility requirements may be able to pay $0 for their health insurance coverage through Access Health CT. This is thanks to the state’s new Covered Connecticut Program. If you qualify, the state will pay your portion of your monthly premium directly to your insurance company and will also pay for certain cost-sharing amounts, such as deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance and maximum out-of-pocket costs. To learn more about the Covered Connecticut Program, including eligibility requirements click here.
Connecticut residents can get free help with enrollment through the following:
- In-person: There are in-person enrollment locations and events taking place across Connecticut. Find more information at accesshealthct.com/enrollment-events/.
- Online: Visit accesshealthct.com. You can learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature.
- By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
- Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, visit accesshealthct.com/get-help/
If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity. Learn more at accesshealthct.com. |
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| If you haven’t been able to find what you need while shopping locally and find yourself online, make sure you’re protecting your personal information. December is National Identity Theft Prevention Month, and sometimes the signs of identity theft aren’t always sitting in front of you. For tips to help prevent identity theft, click here. |
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| Get right on your state taxes through Connecticut's Tax Amnesty program.
Residents and businesses have until January 31, 2022 to take advantage of the program, which provides a 75% reduction in interest and waives penalties and possible criminal prosecution if you haven't filed, have under reported, or have existing liabilities related to back taxes for any tax period ending on or before December 1, 2020. Get the details here. |
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| Winter and holiday hours are coming to our libraries!
East Hartford:
- The Raymond Library will be closed on Friday, December 24 and Saturday, December 25. It will reopen on Monday, December 27 at 9 a.m.
- Starting January 9, the library will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday afternoons until March 27. Monday to Saturday hours will remain the same:
- Monday & Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday - Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Manchester:
South Windsor:
- The South Windsor Public Library will be closed on Friday, December 24, Saturday, December 25, and Sunday, December 26. It will also be closed on Friday, December 31, Saturday, January 1, and Sunday, January 2.
- The library will be open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the last two weeks of December.
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| The East Hartford Public Library is calling all pet owners to show of their pet during its 2nd Annual Best-Ever Pet Show! The pet show is scheduled for Tuesday, December 28 at 2 p.m. at the East Hartford Public Library. Let everyone know how you got your pet and what’s the best thing about having your pet. Sign up for a chance to give your pet a shout-out. This online event is open to all ages. A participation link will be sent via email following registration. Register to participate by clicking here. |
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| From now until December 23, stop by Santa's Workshop in the cabin in Wickham Park in Manchester! It's open Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It's free, but visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or donations to The Friends of Wickham Park. Donations will help support our local food pantries.
Masks are required and the number of people allowed inside the cabin will be limited. Make sure to dress warmly!
For more holiday and winter events happening this week in Manchester, click here. |
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This is the last week to catch the Wood Memorial Library's fun and unique Gingerbread House Festival. In its 11th year, this year's theme is "Happy Golden Days," as the library is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The festival is on display at the Wood Library in South Windsor until Sunday, December 19. It is free and open to the public. The library is open by appointment, and will be open during the festival on the following days:
- Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit the Wood Memorial Library website here.
Read more about this fun community event on the Journal Inquirer website here. |
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| Game on!
It's winter sports season at our middle and high schools! Click the links below for schedules of this week's games:
You can also find schedules and results on the CIAC website. |
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| This news is out of this world!
For the first moon missions in over 50 years, NASA announced 10 astronaut candidates last Monday. This is NASA's first new astronaut candidate class in four years. Upon completing training, the astronauts will be assigned to missions on and around the moon as well as trips to the International Space Station.
Among the candidates is South Windsor native Jack Hathaway, a U.S. Navy commander. He earned bachelors' degrees in physics and history from the U.S. Naval Academy and completed graduate studies at Cranfield University in England and the U.S. Naval War College.
You can learn more about the new astronaut candidate class on the NPR website here. |
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| The Town of East Hartford and Goodwin University are teaming up on an effort to build a marina on the Connecticut River as part of a development plan that would include a riverfront hotel and restaurant, student housing, and green space. The total cost of the marina is $4 million. The Town has applied for a $2 million grant from the state Department of Economic and Community Development. The town and university would cover the remainder. This project would be a natural linkage for the Rentschler Field development. Combined with recent development in the area, this project will help boost our town's grand list and economic growth Read more about the project on the Hartford Courant website here. |
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
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| Through the state's Department of Labor, the American Job Center offers resources, information, and support for individuals throughout the state searching for a job. You can receive help writing a resume and attend interview technique workshops for those currently on the job hunt. For more information, click here. |
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| The Town of East Hartford is hiring an administrative secretary, facility manager, finance director, and more! For the full list of openings and information about how to apply, click here. |
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| The Town of Manchester has several job openings! Positions include assistant animal control officer, assistant budget director, chief innovation officer, librarian, mechanic, and more! For all of the listings and information on how to apply, click here. |
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| The Town of South Windsor is hiring! Openings include clerk of the town council, administrative secretary, project engineer, and maintainer. For job descriptions and how to apply, click here. |
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| EAST HARTFORD:
Click here for the Town Meetings calendar.
Click here for the Community Events calendar.
Click here for information on the East Hartford Public Library.
Click here for East Hartford Community Television. |
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SOUTH WINDSOR:
Click here for the Public Meetings calendar.
Click here for the Community Events calendar.
Click here for information on the South Windsor Public Library.
Click here for South Windsor's Government Television Programming - watch LIVE town council meetings! |
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MANCHESTER:
Click here for the Town Meetings and Community Events Calendar.
Click here for information on the Manchester Public Library.
Click here for Manchester Public Television. |
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Upcoming Meetings and Events
A full calendar of all events happening at the Capitol next week, including public hearings, is available on the General Assembly website.
You can find the agenda for public hearings on the calendar by clicking on the calendar item and following the link to the committee page. For instructions on how to testify at a public hearing, please click here.
You can view a list of all the bills passed by the House so far this session here.
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