|
|
|
|
As National Blood Donor Month comes to a close the Red Cross faces the worst blood shortage in a decade and more than ever, your help is needed. The recent winter weather and COVID-19 surge forced the closure of hundreds of blood drives to be canceled, forcing approximately 7,400 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected according to the Red Cross. Maintaining the blood supply is critical to ensuring accident victims who are rushed to emergency rooms, those being treated for cancer, and others who count on transfusions can receive life-saving care without delay.
Make an appointment today to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). |
|
And, it's yet another weekend with a snowstorm and freezing temperatures in the forecast. A reminder that the state's cold weather protocol is in effect through noon on Wednesday, February 2. When enacted, the protocol allows for a system to be set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
For those in need of help, call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services. Safety measures have been enacted at shelters and warming centers throughout Connecticut to adhere to the needs of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Please stay safe and warm over the weekend. Check on neighbors, friends, family, and elderly. If you are in need of more resources, click here for East Hartford and here for Manchester-based services. |
|
| 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
|
|
| CT Unemployment Rate Drops to 5.8% in December |
|
The Connecticut Department of Labor announced that the state's unemployment rate continued to drop in December. Dropping to 5.8 percent, the state added 600 jobs in December marking the 12th consecutive month of job growth. The report also showed that the state has successfully recovered 74.6 percent of the 292,000 jobs lost in the lockdown portion of the pandemic.
Manufacturing, construction, and other service fields (including barbers, hair salons, auto repairs, and parking lots) showed steady gains through the month of December. Though slower than past months, most likely because of the recent Omicron surge, overall trends are continuing to show that the state is headed in the right direction. While there is still work to be done to ensure all workers can return to their jobs and stay healthy and safe with the appropriate precautions, it's encouraging to continue seeing these positive indicators as we take steps to strengthen our economy.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue? |
|
| Associate State Attorney General Could Become First Black Female US Attorney for CT |
|
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden nominated Vanessa R. Avery to be the next U.S. Attorney for Connecticut. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Avery would make history as the first Black woman to serve as United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut. Avery currently serves as the associate state Attorney General, previously serving as an assistant U.S. Attorney in the office’s civil division from 2014 to 2019, a litigation attorney at the Hartford law firm McCarter & English from 2006 to 2014, and a trial attorney before that.
Avery received a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1999 and an undergraduate degree from Yale University in 1996.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue? |
|
| Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer Announces Retirement |
|
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announced this week that he will retire after serving more than two decades on the court. Justice Breyer, who is the oldest member of the court at 83 years-old, was appointed by President Bill Clinton. During his tenure on the court, Justice Breyer has been known as a "moderate liberal," most recently writing the majority opinion for rejecting a challenge to the Affordable Care Act and protecting the free speech rights of a high school student.
Breyer's nomination will give President Joe Biden his first opportunity to appoint a new justice to the court. During his 2020 campaign, President Biden pledged to name a Black woman if he were to get the chance to name a new justice. A decision on his nominee is expected by the end of February.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue? |
|
| Today in CT History: The World’s First Commercial Telephone Exchange & Connecticut’s First Transcontinental Phone Call |
|
In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received a U.S. Patent for the first practical telephone design, ushering in one of the most revolutionary devices of the late 19th century. The earliest telephones, however, were extremely limited: they allowed for communication between two receivers, but only if they were directly connected by a single wire. It wasn’t until January 1878 that a New Haven inventor by the name of George Willard Coy created the world’s first commercial telephone exchange, which allowed a single telephone to connect to multiple lines through a central switchboard.
Several months earlier, Coy had attended a lecture in New Haven given by Bell himself, where the inventor first discussed the concept of a central exchange which could, in theory, provide access to multiple telephones using only one connected line. Coy, a Civil War veteran and longtime telegraph operator and office manager, convinced a pair of local investors that he could make Bell’s idea a reality. With their help, he purchased a storefront on State Street in downtown New Haven that soon became home to the world’s first commercial telephone exchange. |
|
On January 28, 1878, Coy’s telephone exchange, under the aegis of the District Telephone Company of New Haven, went live, ushering the world into a new age of live, long-distance, and convenient communication. For its first month of operation, the District Telephone Company had twenty-one subscribers — mostly businesses and government offices — which paid $1.50 a month for the service. Less than a month later, the number of subscribers had more than doubled, inspiring Coy to publish the world’s first telephone directory on February 21 — a one-page listing of all fifty subscribers on his exchange. The switchboard quickly became a fundamental feature of telephone communications the world over, and Coy’s company, which renamed itself the Southern New England Telephone company in 1882, would become one of New England’s most influential companies of the 20th century.
Thirty-seven years to the day after Coy opened his exchange, Thomas B. Doolitle of Bridgeport, who was then on the Pacific Coast installing the innovative system he had helped develop and was about to use, made the first transcontinental call to Connecticut, to talk to his daughter in Branford. Revolutionary connections made twice, today in Connecticut history.
Learn more about the first commercial telephone exchange and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here. |
|
| Mark Your Calendars: State Education Department to Discuss Current Goals & Investments for the Future |
|
The State Department of Education will host a webinar for students, parents, and members of the education community and public on Monday, January 31 from 5PM-6PM to share the department's current goals and investments for the future. Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker will be discussing topics ranging from federal funding investment to initiatives currently underway, and more. Participants are encouraged to submit questions prior to the event, register to participate or submit a question by clicking here.
Please note: After registering, expect to receive a link to join the webinar via email approximately 1 hour before the webinar start time on January 31. This link is individual to you and may not be shared with anyone else. If you do not with to register and view this webinar via Zoom, you may also watch it via livestream at CSDE's YouTube Channel or on Connecticut Network. |
|
| There's Still Time to Apply for the Professional Skills Academy! |
|
Ready for a new career? Apply for East Hartford CONNects and Goodwin University's Professional Skills Academy – classes start Tuesday, February 22. The academy is free to all East Hartford residents with at least a high school diploma, GED, and NEDP. This 4-week part-time, career skills training will cover everything from resume development to computer skills and financial literacy. Classes will include a live virtual instruction and independent learning time. The program will also include:
- Four Continuing Education credentials from Goodwin University.
- Personal Career Coaching from Goodwin University, East Hartford CONNects, the Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) and other workforce development specialists, if desired.
- Direct connections to interviews, employers, and opportunities for more advanced, occupational training in areas like manufacturing and information technologies (IT).
Space is limited – call (860) 622-5507 or email ehcinfo@easthartford.org to apply and reserve your seat today. For more information, click here. |
|
| Two Manchester Students Selected to Represent the Town on Bigger Stages |
|
| Manchester High School (MHS) seniors Nickolas Gastello and Alexandra Hamza will be representing MHS on bigger stages this spring. Nickolas has been selected to be part of the National Standards for Music Education (NAfME) 2021 All-National Honor Mixed Choir and will perform online at the 37th NAfME Music In Our Schools Month® in March with students from 48 states and territories. |
|
Alexandra has been accepted to be an oral presenter at the 2022 Connecticut Junior Science and Humanities Symposium on March 5. Only 15 students in the state are selected to present and the top four oral presenters will attend the national conference and competition in Arizona.
Learn more about Manchester's schools by clicking here. |
|
| New Date: Officer Brian A. Aselton Memorial Snow Dash |
|
The 29th Officer Brian A. Aselton Memorial Snow Dash has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 6 at 1:30PM. Over 200 runners are expected to participate in the race that is run in tribute to Officer Brian A. Aselton. Proceeds will benefit the East Hartford Police Department Child Safety and Crime Prevention Programs and the Officer Brian Aselton Scholarship Fund.
The race will start and finish at Langford School (61 Alps Drive) – for more information click here, and to register click here (registration will close on Feb. 6 at 1:30PM). |
|
| Manchester Announces Change of Direction on Parkade Development |
|
On Tuesday, the Town of Manchester announced that negotiations with developer, Manchester Parkade I LLC have ceased. Until this week, though delayed, negotiations had been ongoing to redevelop the vacant Broad Street side of Manchester Parkade. The Broad Street Parkade is the last major piece of the Broad Street Redevelopment, since 2010 the Town has:
- Acquired the Parkade and demolished blighted retail buildings
- Reconstructed Broad Street itself in partnership with the State of Connecticut
- Negotiated and terminated cross-easements and purchased subsequent property to allow for redevelopment
- Completed the Center Springs Park expansion, including installation of the Cheney Trail bridge
- Purchased the Nichols property, demolished the blighted buildings, and commenced with environmental remediation in partnership with the state
According to the release, the town anticipates a renewed development interest in the site. Staff will be working with the Redevelopment Agency (RDA) to advance a development strategy to take advantage of the current market. For more information, click here. |
|
| COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics |
|
| Pfizer has announced a study to see how a reformulated COVID-19 vaccine compares to its original shot against the omicron variant. The new U.S. study will include up to 1,420 volunteers ages 18 to 55 to test the updated omicron-based shots for use as a booster or for primary vaccinations. Researchers will examine the tweaked vaccine’s safety and how it revs up the immune system in comparison to the original shots. |
|
The best defense against COVID-19 continues to be a good offense. It's so important that we continue the precautions that have worked: observe social distancing, wear a face mask when social distancing is not possible or indoors, 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 or getting a booster if it's been six months since you're last COVID vaccine.
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. |
|
| Manchester Community College (MCC), with the State Department of Public Health and Griffin Health, is offering a free, vaccine clinic on 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+. |
|
The Town of East Hartford Health Department, with the State Department of Public Health, will be offering vaccine clinics on the following dates:
- Monday, January 31, 3PM-7PM: Stone Academy (745 Burnside Avenue)
- Thursday, February 3, 3PM-7PM: Stone Academy
- Saturday, February 5, 11AM-3PM: Raymond Library (840 Main Street)
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. If transportation is required to get to and from a clinic site, please reach out to the Health Department for a bus pass. |
|
| The Town of East Hartford has partnered with Express Diagnostics to offer free, rapid COVID-19 testing every Wednesday through February, 10AM-2PM at St. Isaac Jogues Church (1 Community Street). These events are walk-up only, no appointment is required. Testing will be offered to all on a first come, first served basis and supplies are limited. There will be no out-of-pocket expenses for individuals. ID and insurance card are not required, but insured individuals are advised to bring their insurance information. |
|
| East Hartford Residents who are symptomatic or have been exposed may contact the East Hartford Health Department to receive a rapid COVID-19 test and N95 mask. Additionally, East Hartford’s vulnerable town residents and/or those with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to obtain the N95 masks or rapid antigen test kits should contact the Town of East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324. Written requests for a reasonable accommodation may be sent to health@easthartfordct.gov. Please be advised there is a limit of one test kit per household. |
|
| Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order free, at-home COVID-19 tests. Orders will ship free via USPS and usually ship in 7-12 days. There is a limit of one order per residential address, which equates to four tests. To place an order for your household, click here. To place an order or receive additional support, call 1-800-232-0233 or TTY 1-888-720-7489 – the phone line will be available to offer assistance in more than 150 languages 7 days a week from 8AM-12AM. |
|
| 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. |
|
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. |
|
| Dr. Fiona Vernal, Associate Professor of History and Africana Studies and Director of EPOCH at Uconn will join special guests on Thursday, February 10 from 6:30PM-8PM to discuss Manchester's historic evolution from a mill town to a vibrant, diverse, and thriving community. This hybrid event is free; however, registration is required to reserve a seat at the event or receive access to watch online. Register now by clicking here. |
|
| Connecticut DEEP Wildlife Expert Ginny Apple begins a new monthly series at Manchester Public Library on Monday, February 7 at 6:30PM to discuss Connecticut's wildlife and nature – February's focus is on Connecticut's moose. No registration is required for this free, in person adult program. |
|
| I will be joining Manchester's legislative leaders, State Representatives Jeff Currey, Jason Doucette, and Geoff Luxenberg, and State Senator Steve Cassano to discuss what’s to come in the 2022 legislative session on Thursday, February 25 from 6:30PM-7:30PM. For those comfortable, we can't wait to see you in-person the Lincoln Center (429 Main Street), and for those who prefer a virtual option, be sure to tune in via Facebook Live on Majority Leader Rojas' Facebook page. If you are joining us in-person, please note that masks and social distancing are required. |
|
Did you know that East Hartford has the second highest diversity index in Connecticut? Learn from your diverse neighbors and share your own story through participation in a Living Room Conversation on Race & Ethnicity, cosponsored by Propel East Hartford and the East Hartford Black Caucus, on the following dates:
- Sunday, February 6 at 2PM – in person
- Monday, February 7 at 2PM – virtual
- Tuesday, February 8 at 6:30PM – in person
- Wednesday, February 9 at 10AM – in person
- Thursday, February 10 at 6:30PM – virtual
- Tuesday, February 22 at 6:30PM – virtual, *for teens*
Each session will gather 4-7 people for about 90 minutes to listen to and be heard by other. Rather than debating or convincing others, the purpose is to take turns, share, learn, and be curious. No preparation is required, register for whatever session is most convenient for your schedule. |
|
| I will be joining East Hartford's legislative leaders, State Representatives Jeff Currey and Henry Genga and State Senator Saud Anwar to discuss what’s to come in the 2022 legislative session on Wednesday, February 16 from 6:30PM-7:30PM. For those comfortable, we can't wait to see you in-person East Hartford Town Hall (740 Main Street), and for those who prefer a virtual option, be sure to tune in via Facebook Live on Majority Leader Rojas' Facebook page. If you are joining us in-person, please note that masks and social distancing are required. |
|
| Join local artist Georges Annan-Kingsley at East Hartford Public Library on Thursday, February 17, at 6PM, for a conversation and discussion about his works that will be on display at the library from January 31 to March 3. Georges’ work reflects a diversity of traditions, themes, and backgrounds. To register for this event, click here. |
|
| 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
