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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.
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Friends and Neighbors,
Well, it looks like Manchester’s own Chuckles was correct (shakes fist in the air while laughing that we put this type of pressure on a rodent), so maybe let those dreams of riding roller coasters and downing ‘ritas on a beach simmer for a bit. In the meantime, cozy up on the couch, check on friend, and enjoy some mindless television or a good book to forget the stressors of the week.
A good friend and colleague constantly reminds folx that it’s important to throw the oxygen mask on yourself first or you’re no good to anyone else. So recharge and regroup for another Monday and week ahead. Seeing as how we begin our 2022 legislative session on Wednesday, I hope to do the same. Or at least try. Opening day of the 2022 session is February 9 and we'll be back the next day to debate and potentially codify some of the governor's executive orders into state law. Details are still in the works, so stay tuned for additional updates.
Speaking of our legislative session, take a moment to familiarize yourself, or refamiliarize as the case may be, with the Connecticut General Assembly’s website and all of its features available at your fingertips so you never miss anything happening here at the Capitol or Legislative Office Building. |
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Here are just some of the resources at your disposal to help you keep track of everything that's happening at the State Capitol:
- The non-partisan Office of Legislative Research recently published the 2022 Major Issues report, which summarizes key issues the legislature could take up during the upcoming session.
- Go to the CGA website to view the General Assembly's schedule of events.
- Follow CTN for live coverage of committee meetings and House and Senate floor debates.
- Visit this website to register as a bill tracking user to track any bill as it makes its way through the legislative process. Once you are logged in, you will be able to enter the bill number into the system. Whenever the bill's status changes, you will receive an email informing you of this change.
- For information on how to testify on a bill that is up for a public hearing, follow this link.
- OpenConnecticut allows residents to track state government’s spending in real time and is operated by the Comptroller's office.
You are an important and integral part of the legislative process. Let your voice be heard early and often. And as always, you can reach me at Jeff.Currey@cga.ct.gov or 860-240-8585. |
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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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706,140
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+1,269
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COVID-19 Tests Reported (molecular and antigen)
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14,620,437
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+19,296
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Daily Test Positivity
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--
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6.58%
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Patients Currently Hospitalized with COVID-19
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785
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-84
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Of the 785 patients currently hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, 409 (52.1%) are not fully vaccinated.
Data on COVID-19 associated deaths is updated once per week every Thursday. The most recently reported total number of deaths is 10,083.
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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 |
12,267 |
181 |
206,585 |
15,391 |
| Manchester |
9,969 |
173 |
199,428 |
12,169 |
| South Windsor |
3,538 |
63 |
71,006 |
4,137 |
Weekly Update of the Department of Public Health's COVID-19 Alert Map
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| Testing is a vital strategy to curb the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been identified as a close contact of someone who has had a confirmed case of COVID-19 should get tested. There are several drive-up and walk-up test sites in our area for residents who need a COVID-19 test now:
East Hartford
- Town of East Hartford & Express Diagnostics, at St. Isaac Jogues Church, 1 Community Street - On Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents can receive free rapid COVID-19 testing. ID and insurance are not required.
- CVS Pharmacy, 20 Burnside Ave - By appointment only, individuals 12+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- CVS Pharmacy, 972 Silver Lane - By appointment only, individuals 12+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- CVS Pharmacy, 16 Main Street - By appointment only, individuals 12+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- Walgreens, 922 Silver Lane - By appointment only, ages 3+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- Quest Diagnostics, 477 Connecticut Blvd - Open 7 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., by appointment only, ages 2+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
Manchester
- CVS Pharmacy, 1221 Main Street - By appointment only, individuals 3+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- CVS Pharmacy, 241 Middle Tpke - By appointment only, individuals 3+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- PhysicianOne Urgent Care - 370 Middle Tpke, Open Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat - Sun: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., all ages can get tested, call 860-516-5070 or click here to make an appointment.
- Walgreens, 295 Main St - By appointment only, ages 3+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- Quest Diagnostics, 555 Main St - Open Mon - Fri: 6 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Sat: 7 a.m. - 12 p.m., by appointment only, ages 2+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- Hartford HealthCare GoHealth, 244 Spencer St - Open Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat - Sun: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., call 860-474-3963 or click here to make an appointment.
South Windsor
- CVS Pharmacy, 525 Buckland Rd - By appointment only, ages 3+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- Quest Diagnostics, 1735 Ellington Rd - Open Mon - Fri: 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., ages 2+ can get tested, schedule an appointment here.
- Hartford HealthCare GoHealth, 25 Buckland Rd - Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat-Sun: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., call 860-698-4301 or click here to make an appointment.
- Eastern Connecticut Health Network, 2800 Tamarack Ave, Suite 105 - Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sat - Sun: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., call 860-533-4686 to make an appointment.
For additional test sites across the region and our state, visit ct.gov/coronavirus and then type your zip code into the box that says "Find a Testing Site Near You" and click "GO." Individuals can also visit 211ct.org for additional locations.
In addition to testing, vaccination against COVID-19 continues to be important. Vaccination can help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and can help protect against a severe case as well as hospitalization.
Below are several vaccine clinics happening in our community:
- Saturday, Feb. 5
- East Hartford Library, 840 Main St, East Hartford, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., for ages 5+
- Bangladesh Bhaban Community Center, 9 Delmont St, Manchester, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., for ages 5+
- Monday, Feb. 7
- Stone Academy, 745 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., for ages 5+
- Thursday, Feb. 10
- Stone Academy, 745 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., for ages 5+
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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FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
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We celebrate the achievements, accomplishments and contributions Black Americans have made to this country, each February during National Black History Month. President Gerald Ford made it official in 1976.
For a list of African American firsts, from Business and Labor, Medicine and Health and more please click here.
This month is also a good time to shine a light on the struggle, the injustice and systemic racism Black Americans still face today despite their achievements, accomplishments, and contributions.
"But by facing those tragedies openly and honestly and working together as one people to deliver on America’s promise of equity and dignity for all, we become a stronger Nation — a more perfect version of ourselves," President Biden said in his Proclamation on National Black History month.
I'm hoping you and your family take time to educate yourself and celebrate the achievements and culture of Black Americans. Black history is our American history and it has been for a very long time, evidenced by the required curriculum within our public schools throughout the state..
Throughout this month on my Facebook page, I will be highlighting those who are most often forgotten and disproportionately impacted - Black LGBTQ+ heroes who shaped the modern fight for LGBTQ+ rights in our state and country and those who have picked up the torch to continue the work today. |
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Coinciding with Black History Month, the East Hartford Public Library will feature the works of local artist Georges Annan-Kingsley in a new exhibit. Georges holds a Bachelor of Arts in painting from the Applied School of Arts - Bingerville, Cote d'Ivoire and a Master of Arts in sculpture from the École national supérieure des Beaux-Arts of Paris, France. He also holds a certificate in Art Administration from the Louvre and a certificate in Social Services from Capital Community College in Hartford. The exhibit will run through March 3, 2022 and will be displayed in the East Hartford Library atrium during its operating hours:
- Monday & Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday - Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The exhibit is free to view.
For residents who would like to learn more about Georges and his art, there will an artist talk with him on Thursday, February 17 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the atrium area. Register for the discussion online, here, or call the library at 860-290-4330. |
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AT THE CAPITOL, IN DISTRICT, & BEYOND...
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| A warm spell moved into our state over the past week, but that doesn't mean we should be packing away our winter gear just yet. The Lutz Children's Museum's expert meteorologist groundhog Chuckles predicted 6 more weeks of winter are in store for us when he saw his shadow on Wednesday. Chuckles' prediction stands as cold weather moves into today's forecast and next week. Temperatures have been dropping and Thursday's rain is anticipated to turn into a mix of snow and ice. If you're going to be out on the road, make sure to give yourself plenty of travel time and drive cautiously as roads could be icy.
If you haven't checked out the Lutz Children's Museum, 247 South Main St, in Manchester, I strongly encourage bringing your child, sibling's child, grandchild, cousin's child, or just your favorite person and checking it out. The Lutz Museum always has fun and educational programs and exhibits to engage children in learning about the creatures and world around them. From culture to history to the natural sciences, the Lutz is a place to explore and learn. Click here to start planning your first or next visit. |
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| The East Hartford and Manchester Delegations will be holding in-person Pre-Session Town Hall Events this month to hear from residents about their thoughts and concerns on state issues, and learn more about their ideas for legislation. Both events will also be streamed via Facebook LIVE if you would like to tune in from the comfort of your couch. If you're attending in-person, masks are required regardless of vaccination status. Find the full details for each event below. |
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On Wednesday, Governor Ned Lamont unveiled a tax cut package that will provide $336 million in relief to Connecticut residents. The package, which is the first of the Governor's 2022 legislative proposals, includes five parts:
- Restore full eligibility for the property tax credit
- Increase the property tax credit from $200 to $300
- Accelerate the planned phase-in of the pensions and annuities exemption from income taxes
- Expand student loan tax credit
- Reduce motor vehicle property taxes
The ability to offer the tax package is largely a result of the projected operating surplus of $1.48 billion, which will enable a significant reduction in the one-time revenues built into the enacted budget and will continue to ensure the state has a strong rainy day fund. Please be mindful that these are simply proposals from the Governor and that the legislature will discuss and debate these over the next three months. To learn more about the proposal, please click here. |
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| This week, our state announced Paul Lavoie will overtake the role of Connecticut's Chief Manufacturing Officer. The state's first CMO Colin Cooper has stepped down from the role he's held since 2019 to enjoy retirement. Lavoie is a proven leader in the state's manufacturing industry, having most recently served as general manager of Carey Manufacturing in Cromwell. In this role, he successfully reshored manufacturing jobs to Connecticut from China. Prior to this position, Lavoie was vice president of sales, marketing, and human resources at family-owned ETTER Engineering Company in Bristol where he spearheaded the development and implementation of strategic sales and marketing plans that enabled the firm to grow 234% over 3 years.
As Connecticut looks to revitalize and grow its manufacturing sector, having an experienced leader like Paul at the helm will be an incredible asset. Having succeeded in expanding operations at local manufacturers in our state, Paul has the confidence and expertise to advance the work that Colin Cooper started. This is great news and as House Chair of the CGA's Commerce Committee and Manufacturing Caucus, I look forward to working with Paul. Click the image above to watch the announcement. |
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During the pandemic, we have seen the affects isolation has had on mental health. With the reopening of schools and businesses on the horizon, doctors have expressed the likelihood of separation anxiety, public anxiety, survivors guilt, and of course, grief over all those who have been lost. Expressing the importance of taking care of your mental health and sharing resources can help fight the stigma and let your constituents know that we are in this together every step of the way. Below are several resources if you or someone you know is in need of support:
- Mobile Crisis Service 2-1-1: If your child is actively harming themselves, having suicidal thoughts, or planning to hurt others, call 911, or 2-1-1 and press option 1 for the Mobile Crisis Service. This is a 24 hour, 7 day a week free service to have your child immediately evaluated by a mental health professional. NOTE: If calling by cell phone, 2-1-1 can also be reached toll-free at: 800-203-1234
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628- 9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat.
- Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741-741, or visit http://www.crisistextline.org/ for more info.
- NAMI Education Courses: The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers online education programs for parents and caregivers to learn more about supporting youth who are experiencing mental health symptoms. The NAMI Basics OnDemand is a free, six-session that can be completed on-demand, at your pace.
- The State of Connecticut has several mental health resource. Find the list here.
- The Connecticut Children's Behavioral Health Toolkit also has helpful resources for children experiencing a mental health crisis.
- State Rep. Liz Linehan's website also has helpful mental health resources for children.
- CHR Health can help young adults and teens who may be struggling with substance use disorder through a comprehensive network of support. For more information about CHR's Substance Screening and Treatment Recovery services, click here.
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| Did you know about 1 in 3 teens experience violence in their dating relationships? Furthermore, only about 33% of those impacted will confide in someone about the violence. Intimate partner violence can have detrimental impacts for victim-survivors, and about 50% of young people who experience physical or sexual abuse will attempt fatal self harm.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and if your teen or a teen you know may be experiencing violence in their dating relationship, there are resources to help. Interval House CT is offering a toolkit to help raise awareness of teen dating violence and stop the cycle of abuse. To access this toolkit and learn more, please click here. |
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| Many of us access our online accounts - credit cards, investments, insurance, or checking and savings accounts - nearly every day. In our digital world, bits of our personal information are everywhere. Above are just a few tips to reduce your risk for identity theft. For more tips on protecting your information, head over to the Federal Trade Commission website, here. |
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| Connecticut has launched a statewide Right to Counsel (RTC) program that will make available attorneys FREE to eligible tenants at risk of eviction. Right to Counsel will begin working in 14 neighborhoods across 8 municipalities identified as eviction hot spots, accounting for about 25% of eviction filings statewide. Right to Counsel service will also be immediately available to individuals who served in the armed forces regardless of location. The program will expand to other areas across the state over the next two years.
Click here to learn more. |
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| East Hartford Youth Services recently launched a Parents Matter group to provide parents with a space to learn more about children's developmental stages and to connect with other parents in the community. The group meets virtually every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. To learn more and register for this group, click here. |
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| Do you want to refine your digital skills and gain access to free or low-cost home internet? The East Hartford Public Library's Get Online program may be able to help. Families with students in East Hartford Public Schools are first in line for the program. Contact the program's digital navigator team at 860-471-1484 or email digitalnavigators@easthartfordct.gov to get started. You can get more information about this great program here. |
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| The Manchester Greater Together Community Fund, established through the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, is accepting applications for projects and programs serving the Town of Manchester. Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Manchester residents are eligible to apply for grants ranging from $250 to $5,000. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2022. Grant awards will be announced in late May 2022. To learn more about this great funding opportunity, check project eligibility guidelines, and view the full RFP, please click here. |
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| Propel East Hartford and the East Hartford Black Caucus are hosting Living Room Conversations on Race and Ethnicity throughout the month of February. These conversations will offer a simple, sociable, and structured way to practice communicating across differences while building understanding and cultivating relationships. During these conversations, attendees will be able to share their experiences and learn about others' perspectives. You can click the button below to learn more and register for one of these conversations. |
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| The Officer Brian A. Aselton Memorial Snow Dash 5K has been further postponed to Sunday, February 6 at 1:30 p.m. at Langford School, 61 Alps Drive, East Hartford. The race pays tribute to Officer Brian A. Aselton who heroically gave his life protect East Hartford residents. Proceeds will benefit the East Hartford Police Department Child Safety and Crime Prevention Programs and the Officer Brian Aselton Scholarship Fund. Runners who place 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in every division will receive a commemorative award. To register for the race, click the button below. To learn |
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| The Raymond Library is displaying art created by students of Robert J. O'Brien, Anna E. Norris, and Silver Lane Elementary Schools. The art will be on display throughout the library's Children's Department on the main floor.
The colorful pieces were created with several mediums and techniques from watercolor to collage to paper-folding to pastels. |
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| The Town of East Hartford 2022 Memorial Day Celebration is set for May 30 at 10 a.m.! The event honors the sacrifices of those who fought to defend our country. The event will be comprised of 3 parts including a parade, program at the Fallen Star Memorial, and celebration of East Hartford. Those who would like to participate in the Memorial Day Parade can complete the registration form linked here. Registration forms should be submitted by Monday, April 18.
The town is also seeking sponsors to make the event possible. Local businesses and organizations that would like to sponsor the event or donate services can complete the sponsorship form here, by April 1. Learn more about sponsoring this event here. |
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| The Earth’s climate has always been changing, so why should we care about it now?
On Wednesday, February 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Whiton Library, Stephen A. Nathan, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Energy Geoscience and Chair of Eastern Connecticut State University's Environmental Earth Science Department will help us differentiate climate change facts from fiction and walk us through why climate change is important and why we need to care about it. The event is free and open to the public. Make sure to register for this event by calling the Manchester Public Library at 860-645-0821. Click here to learn more. |
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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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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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| Goodwin University and East Hartford CONNects are partnering to offer East Hartford residents with a high school diploma, GED or NEDP a free 4-week, part-time career skills training through its Professional Skills Academy. The academy will help participants develop their resume writing, computer, and financial literacy skills. Students will also receive career coaching from workforce specialists to help launch their careers and gain access to virtual sessions and independent training. Graduates could also earn up to 4 continuing credits from Goodwin University. Classes start on February 22. For more information and to start the application process, please call 860-622-5507. |
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| The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services Vocational Rehabilitation Program, housed within the state Department of Aging and Disability Services, can help certain job seekers with their search for employment. This program provides helpful services like job coaching, interview preparation, job training and education, and more. To learn more about this program and if you qualify for it, please click here. |
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| Join the team at East Hartford Parks and Recreation! The department is hiring for Summer 2022 positions including camp counselors, lifeguards, and park rangers. Applications will be accepted through June 2022. Learn more about the seasonal openings, age requirements, and apply here. |
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| The Town of Manchester is hiring for a variety of positions. Openings include assistant general town manager, buyer, police officers, school crossing guard, and more. To learn more about these great opportunities and to apply, click here. |
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| Connecticut Foodshare is hiring a full-time Network Relations Representative to serve the Hartford and New Britain areas. This position will cultivate strong relationships with over 85 food partner programs in Hartford and New Britain to expand access to food resources for those experiencing food insecurity. The successful incumbent should have experience in community partnerships, customer service and/or program coordination. They should be able to travel within their assigned region of coverage. |
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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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