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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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DCP to Begin Accepting First Applications for Adult-Use Cannabis Businesses in February
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The state is about to take a significant step towards opening the state’s adult-use cannabis market in a responsible and equitable way as the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection is expected to begin accepting the first applications for certain adult-use cannabis establishment license types in early February.
During Tuesday's Social Equity Council meeting, the group formally established a framework for the sale of adult-use cannabis, approved criteria to ensure that communities most impacted by the war on drugs have access to the new market, and approved a workforce development plan and additional regulations. While there is significant work ahead to establishing this new market, Tuesday's meeting was an important turning point bringing the state closer to having an equitable and legal cannabis market.
The license applications are expected to be available in early February and will be evenly split among social equity and general licenses, and available for retailers, micro-cultivators, delivery service, food and beverage businesses, manufacturers, transporters, and others. DCP will then schedule several lotteries and announce the number of available licenses before each application round.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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State Launches Essential Worker Assistance Fund
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When COVID first hit our state, certain groups of workers did not have the opportunity to stay home and safe. Nurses, doctors, grocery store employees, firefighters, and many other essential workers put themselves at risk. That's why I was to support funding for the "Connecticut Essential Worker COVID-19 Assistance Fund" during the last legislative session. This program will provide assistance benefits to qualified essential workers who lived in Connecticut during the pandemic to cover lost wages, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and burial expenses.
The program will be overseen by the Connecticut Office of the State Comptroller. Program benefits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been distributed.
You can check your eligibility by clicking here.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Governor Announces State Funding to Remediate & Find Use for Blighted Properties
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On Wednesday, Governor Ned Lamont announced approximately $17.9 million in state grants, provided through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Brownfield Remediation Program, to help with the costs of remediating 40 blighted parcels in 13 towns and cities across Connecticut for the purposes of putting them back into productive use.
This critical investment will allow the state to take previously vacant properties, some of which have been vacant for decades, and truly begin to revitalize and transform our communities.
The grants announced include Berlin, Bridgeport, Haddam, Hebron, Meriden, Montville, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Stamford, Thompson, Torrington, and West Hartford.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: The Explorer Who Became Connecticut’s Governor For Exactly One Day
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It would be an understatement to say that Hiram Bingham III, Connecticut’s famous archaeologist, explorer, professor, pilot, politician, and best-selling author who likely was the inspiration for the fictional adventurer Indiana Jones, accomplished much in his lifetime. It remains an irony, however, that one of Bingham’s most well-known accomplishments was also one of the most fleeting: In 1925, Hiram Bingham III was both sworn in as Governor of Connecticut and resigned his post — all within the span of 24 hours.
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Born in Honolulu to a Connecticut couple who were Protestant missionaries to Hawaii, young Hiram traveled to Massachusetts for private schooling as a teenager and proceeded to acquire degrees from Yale, UC Berkeley, and Harvard, developing an interest in both American politics and Latin American history, the latter of which was a relatively new academic field of study. Bingham became a lecturer in the subject at Yale University, and embarked on several archeological expeditions in South America in the early 1900s, the most famous of which led to his “discovery” of the ancient Incan fortification of Machu Picchu, with the help of local guides.
Bingham’s discovery of Machu Picchu, and the bestselling book Lost City of the Incas that followed, made him a minor celebrity; his experiences as a pilot in the Army Air Force fighting overseas during World War I made him a hero. In the 1920s, Bingham turned his full attention toward politics, and successfully ran for Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut in 1922. Two years later, he was encouraged to run for governor by the Republican Party, and handily won the election in November 1924. However, earlier that year, one of Connecticut’s two U.S. senators, Frank Brandegee, committed suicide, sparking an unexpected special election to fill his vacant senate seat. The state Republican Party also nominated Bingham for that office, and Bingham — whom no one would ever accuse of being short on ambition — accepted and won.
Unable to serve in two separate offices concurrently, Bingham chose to be sworn in as Governor for a single day and then resign, thereby allowing his Lieutenant Governor to assume the office without the need for another special election while he himself served as a U.S. senator. On January 7, 1925, Hiram Bingham III was formally sworn in as Governor of Connecticut in Hartford amid a patriotic parade and later attended the extravagant Inaugural Ball hosted by the Governors Foot Guard. The next morning, he tendered his resignation and was sworn in as a United States Senator by a senate clerk in Hartford before promptly leaving for Washington D.C., thereby ending what was the shortest gubernatorial tenure in Connecticut history. Bingham’s term as Governor was certainly one for the record books in terms of length, but to the indefatigable academic, explorer, and politician, it was just one more stop on his way to bigger and better things. Two new governors inaugurated in the span of 24 hours, today in Connecticut history.
Learn more about Hiram Bingham and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here.
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First Families Benefit from Newly Enacted Parentage Act
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Monday was a special day as we witnessed two families, including the East Hartford family that kickstarted this legislative initiative, become the first to sign the official forms which grants legal parentage because of the newly enacted Parentage Act. Championed by State Representative Jeff Currey and a group of tireless advocates and families across the state, the legislation provides protections for LGBTQ+ parents and their children by ensuring that every parent and child is granted the security of legal parentage. This is the single most impactful LGBTQ+ legislation in our state since marriage equality, and I’m proud to see Connecticut continue to be a leader for all of our state’s parents, families, and children.
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Manchester Test Kit & N95 Mask Distribution This Sunday
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This week, the Town of Manchester’s Emergency Management team was able to secure an additional allotment of COVID-19 test kits and N95 masks from the state. As a result, the town will be able to hold a second drive-thru distribution event on Sunday, January 9 starting at 9AM at the former Parkade site.
Please note, the town asks that anyone who was able to receive a kit from the first distribution on Tuesday, January 4 not attend, to give those who could not attend the initial event an opportunity to obtain a kit.
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Manchester again only received 4,000 testing kits for this round. As a result, the limit for the drive-thru will be one test kit per vehicle (each test kit includes two tests). Proof of residency will be required, and the event will be open while supplies last.
For more information, click here.
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Get Ready for Tax Season with the Local Taxpayer Advocate
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Start the New Year right by avoiding common tax errors! The Taxpayer Advocate's office is hosting a free, virtual pre-filing event on Wednesday, January 19 at 12PM to make sure you have all the tips needed to be prepared to file your federal tax return.
To join the event by Zoom on January 19, click here. Need more help? Check out other upcoming "Problem Solving Day" events here or contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service here.
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Ready for a New Career? Sign-Up for the Professional Skills Academy
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Looking for a new career opportunity? Or, lost your job due to COVID-19 and looking to connect with new networks of employment support? Then the Professional Skills Academy, presented by East Hartford CONNects and Goodwin University, might be right for you!
Starting Tuesday, February 22, the Professional Skills Academy is a 4 week, part-time, career skills training that will cover everything from resume development to computer skills and financial literacy. Additionally, graduates can earn up to 4 continuing education credentials from Goodwin University.
The program is offered free to East Hartford resident with a high school diploma, GED, or NEDP. Space is limited, apply today by calling (860) 622-5507.
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Manchester Residents: It's Time to Renew Memberships for the Leisure, Family & Recreation Facilities!
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A new year means it's time to renew or purchase a new facility pass membership for the Manchester Leisure, Family & Recreation facilities. Membership is required for the use of the town's recreation centers, pools, and Community Y Fitness Center. Facility pass fees are as follows:
- Youth (0-20 years old): Free
- Adult (21-59 years old): $50
- Senior Citizen (60 or older): $10
- Lost Card Replacement Fee: $5
Facility passes renew annually with the membership year running January 1 – December 31, 2022. A facility pass is for Manchester residents only and a valid ID is required to prove residency upon purchase. You must be present when purchasing a membership as photos will be taken at the time of purchase.
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Reminder: Christmas Tree Disposal Guidelines
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Do you still need to get rid of your Christmas tree? In East Hartford, Public Works crews have completed curbside collection of trees, but residents are encouraged to bring their Christmas trees to the Transfer Station on Ecology Drive for disposal. Residents are not required to have a bulky waste permit when only delivering Christmas trees. Normal Transfer Station hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, 7:15AM-12PM and 12:30PM-2:45PM and Saturdays 8AM-1:45PM on first and third Saturdays of the month, holidays excluded. If you have questions or require additional information, please call East Hartford Public Works at (860) 291-7374.
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In Manchester, residents can leave Christmas trees our for curbside pickup will continue through Friday, January 14 – trees must be out at the curb by 6AM on your regular trash collection day. In the event of an anticipated snowstorm, please remove your tree from the side of the road prior to the storm. After January 14, trees must be brought to the Landfill Transfer Station for recycling at the organics management site. Please note that trees are ground into wood chips, therefore, please remove any plastic bags, ornaments, lights or stands from your tree before you place it at the curb.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded the use of Pfizer's booster shots to include children aged 12-15. Additionally, federal regulators shortened the time needed before receiving a booster shot from at least six months to at least five months.
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On Tuesday, leaders of East Hartford, Manchester, South Windsor, and Windsor Locks met to discuss the possibility of a regional mask mandate. While it was decided that a regional response would not be an effective without a state-wide mandate, leaders are strongly encouraging all residents and local businesses mask in indoor spaces or areas where social distancing is not possible. A reminder that masks are mandated in the following areas:
- The town of East Hartford requires face masks for all employees and visitors in all town facilities regardless of their vaccination status.
If you are an East Hartford business that would like KN-95 masks for your staff, please contact the Development Department at (860) 291-7300. Residents are also to pick up masks for themselves and their families at any service station at the East Hartford Public Library (840 Main Street), and at the front desk of the Health Department located on the 2nd floor of Town Hall during business hours.
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As we continue to battle the current surge, be mindful – the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, congestion and new loss of taste or smell. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, or inability to wake or stay awake. For more information on the approximately 400 COVID-19 testing sites throughout the state, call 2-1-1 or click here.
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To finally turn the corner, it's so important that we continue the precautions that have worked: wear a face mask, observe social distancing, wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, get tested if you were in contact with anyone who's tested positive, etc. But, most importantly – please consider getting vaccinated if you haven't already.
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Manchester Community College (MCC), with the State Department of Public Health and Griffin Health, is offering a free, vaccine clinics on Saturday, January 8 and Saturday, January 29 from 8AM-12PM at the Arts, Sciences and Technology Center SBM Charitable Foundation Auditorium at MCC. All three brands will be available. 1st dose, 2nd dose and boosters will be available. If you are receiving a booster, you need to have your original card with you. No appointment, insurance, or ID required; vaccines will be available to all those 12+.
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The Town of East Hartford Health Department, with the State Department of Public Health, will host vaccine clinics at the East Hartford Public Library and East Hartford Senior Center on the following dates:
- Saturday, January 8, 11AM-4PM: Raymond Library (840 Main Street), Pfizer/Moderna (ages 5+)
- Thursday, January 13, 10AM-1PM: Raymond Library, Pfizer/Moderna (ages 12+)
- Tuesday, January 18, 2PM-5PM: Senior Center (15 Millbrook Drive), Pfizer/Moderna (ages 12+)
First, second, and third/booster doses of both Moderna and Pfizer will be available at all clinics. No ID or insurance required; clinics are open to all CT residents. Walk-ins will be accepted, but appointments are preferred – to reserve your spot, call the Health Department at (860) 291-7324.
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A reminder for those that don't want to carry around their paper CDC cards or who lost them, CT residents can now utilize "SMART Health Cards" to securely show proof of being vaccinated. The digital card can be obtained via a QR code that you can find here. To get more info on SMART Health Cards, or how to access them and download to your smartphone device, click here.
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For more information on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or to locate an appointment near you, click here or locate a DPH Mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic by clicking here. Those without access to the internet can call the Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line, available seven days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM, at (877) 918-2224.
For East Hartford-based COVID-19 updates and resources, click here. And, for Manchester-based COVID-19 updates and resources, click here.
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Manchester Public Library, in partnership with the African American and Black Affairs Council, is proud to present this special event of "edutainment," or education through entertainment. On Monday, January 10 at 6:30AM, celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. through music, art, poetry and more. This is a free, hybrid program best suited for adults; attendees may participate in person or via Zoom – whatever makes you most comfortable! Register to participate by calling the Reference Department at (860) 645-0821.
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A Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) transfer advisor will be on campus at Manchester Community College on Thursday, January 27 from 10AM-1PM to provide information and answer any questions about CCSU's bachelor's degree programs. The transfer advisor will provide you with advice on courses you need to take to reach your academic goals and steps to apply and transfer to CCSU. MCC students can meet with the advisor at Arts, Sciences and Technology Center In front of Tower Cafe Great Path. If you have any questions, email Brenda Geitz at bgeitz@manchester.edu.
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Is your child interested in taking a walk on the wild side with a few radical reptiles, amazing arachnids, and dynamic dragons? Then join Spruce Street Community Garden for an interactive, family-friendly monthly series beginning Saturday, January 29 from 10AM-11AM offered in conjunction with Riverside Reptiles Education Center!
The program will be held at the Leisure Labs at Mahoney Rec Center (110 Cedar Street). For the comfort of the animal ambassadors and educational presenters, space will be limited, and registration is required. Cost for the ENTIRE 3 Part Series is $36.00 for Residents, $45.00 Non-residents. To register, please call the front desk at (860) 647-3084. Have questions? Contact our Community Garden Coordinator, Elizabeth MacDonald Castro, via email at emacdonald@manchesterct.gov.
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Visualize your goals for the new year with a mixed media art collage. Register in advance for a supply kit with everything you need, and then join East Hartford Public Library over Zoom on Wednesday, January 12 at 6:30PM. Best suited for tweens, teens, and adults.
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Do you have a child between the ages of 2 - 5? It is time to start thinking about preschool for the 2022 - 2023 school year. The East Hartford Public Library invites you to participate in live online presentations from area preschools and daycare centers, including CREC and other magnet schools, at a free virtual event on Tuesday, January 18, at 6:00 PM. Get information on curriculum, location, costs, and how to access application materials. Register by clicking here.
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East Hartford Mayor Mike Walsh is inviting residents to attend a Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, January 19 at 6PM. This is a great opportunity to head Mayor Mike's vision for East Hartford, and for resident to meet him personally. The meeting will be available virtual and in-person. For more information or to get remote access details, 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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