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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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New Study Shows CT's Tax System Hit Poor & Middle Class Harder than Wealthier Residents
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On Monday, the Department of Revenue Services released a new study showing that poor and middle-class residents are being hit harder by Connecticut's state and municipal tax systems than the state's wealthiest residents. The study, which examines tax fairness in the state, showed vast disparities – people earning less than $44,758 in 2019 paid a significantly higher percentage of their earnings than the state’s wealthiest families.
But, as we look at the harsh disparities identified in this study, the state finally stands in a good fiscal place to act and make a needed change for our communities. Legislators are discussing several legislative proposals this session to ease the tax burden on our state's working residents and families.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Biden Delivers First State of the Union Address
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On Tuesday, President Joe Biden delivered his first State of the Union address. With the nation focused on the ongoing aggression by Russia in Ukraine, Biden declared a commitment to standing in solidarity with the people of Ukraine – and " an unwavering resolve that freedom will always triumph over tyranny.” Biden also announced the U.S. will follow other nations in banning Russia planes for their airspaces and that the Justice Department will launch a task force to go after Russian oligarchs.
The 62-minute speech also outlined the President's plans to address the rising costs faced by the country's working families. Specifically, Biden mentioned plans to reinvest in American manufacturing, addressing ongoing issues with the supply chain, and working to reduce the cost burden of childcare and eldercare.
Biden also made a point to highlight last week's announcement of his nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court. A former clerk to Justice Breyer, Judge Brown has broad experience across the legal profession – as a federal appellate judge, a federal district court judge, a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, an attorney in private practice, and as a federal public defender. If confirmed, Jackson will be the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Treasurer Wooden Divests Russian-Owned Assets from Pension Funds
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Amid the ongoing and unprovoked attack on Ukraine by Russia, State Treasurer Shawn Wooden announced that he has directed divesting Russian-owned assets from state retirement plans and trust funds. According to the Treasurer's office, state investments in companies in Russia and government debt issued by Russia amount to $218 million, less than half of 1 percent of the state’s retirement funds valued at more than $47 billion.
As Treasurer, Wooden is tasked with making investments in the best interest of the plan and is required to consider the geopolitical implications of investments in relation to U.S. foreign policy and national interests. Wooden cited standing in solidarity with Ukraine and continued concerns about the mounting geopolitical risks of Russian-related investments as reason for eliminating holdings of Russian assets.
With this directive, Connecticut joins California, Georgia, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and other states that are moving to divest state assets from Russian interests.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: America’s First and Oldest Crossword Puzzle Tournament Begins
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Today in 1978, the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, the first competition of its kind ever held in the United States, kicked off a weekend of fierce competition at the Marriott Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut. Founded by New York Times puzzle editor Will Shortz, the only person in the country known to hold a college degree (Indiana University) in enigmatology – the study of puzzles –the tournament attracted over 100 enthusiasts. They battled two days over a set of five increasingly difficult crossword puzzles for points awarded based on accuracy and speed. In that initial competition, contestants were judged on the number of letters they got correct, not the number of words, a scoring detail that kept the judges grading entries all night. In that initial national crossing of wits, the first and second place tournament winners were both women: Nancy Shuster of Queens, New York, and Eleanor Cassidy of Fairfield, Connecticut. They took home bragging rights and cash prizes of $125 and $50, respectively.
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What began as a convention of hobbyists on March 4, 1978 quickly grew into a serious international competition so popular tournament organizers had to limit the number of in-person participants to “only” several hundred people. During its first thirty years, the annual American Crossword Puzzle Tournament was held at the same hotel in Stamford, Connecticut. But after a 2006 PBS documentary about the tournament titled “Wordplay” caused a huge spike in national interest, the tournament was moved to Brooklyn, New York — but returned to Stamford eight years later.
In 2012, the competition received its first non-human competitor, the computer program Dr. Fill, developed by software engineer and Oxford Ph. D. M. L. Ginsberg. With a score of just over 10,000 points, Dr. Fill finished 141st among the tournament’s 650 entrants. The next year, Dr. FIll’s score increased to 10,550 points (92nd place), and continued to improve annually until, in 2021 – ironically, a virtual competition due to COVID -19, the program achieved the tournament’s highest score: 12,825 points. It bested the human winner of the tournament Tyler Hinman’s score by 65 points. Following the victory, both Dr. FIll and programmer Ginsberg announced their retirement from crossword competitions.
Now in its fifth decade, the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament has expanded to include live play-by-play commentary, streaming video, game-show style events for attendees, and a grand prize numbering in the thousands of dollars. The oldest and largest crossword tournament in the United States First matched wits in Stamford, today in Connecticut history.
Learn more about the first crossword puzzle tournament and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here.
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Town of East Hartford Launches New Newsletter
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The Town of East Hartford has launched a new newsletter – The Pulse of East Hartford. If you haven't already signed up, you can find the first edition by clicking here. A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the surveys that helped the town to create this newsletter! The Town has stated that they accommodated most of the suggestions and will continue to build out and refine the newsletter to create an informative and valuable resource for our community.
To sign-up for the newsletter, click here. Please note that such emails may occasionally end up in a "spam" or "junk" folder. If you have not received the newsletter in your inbox, please check your spam folder.
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Manchester PD Launches New Citizen Engagement Tool
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Manchester Police Department is launching a new citizen engagement tool! Known as "Atlas One," the new app is designed to provide one-stop shop access to police department resources on your mobile device. The police department will be able to send real-time information to the community – specifically, the app is designed to send alerts notifying residents of violent crime in their neighborhoods and crowdsources anonymous tips, evidence, and intelligence.
The app is available for free to the community. To download through the Apple App Store, click here and to download via Google Play, click here.
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Ramp Closures: Route 2 On-Ramp and Off-Ramp in East Hartford to Close Permanently
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation has announced the permanent closures of both the Route 2 Eastbound Sutton Avenue Off-Ramp (Exit 5B) and Route 2 Westbound Cambridge Drive On-Ramp (Exit 5B) is expected to take place on Sunday, March 13. As part of the safety and operational improvements on Route 2, the permanent ramp closures are necessary in the town of East Hartford.
Improvements associated with the closures include extending the acceleration and deceleration lanes in vicinity of the ramp closures, providing intersection improvements on Main Street at the Main St. off-ramp (Exit 5A) intersection, and improvements at the intersection with Main St. at Maple Street/Broad Street.
Temporary signage will be posted alerting the public of the closure. Motorists should exercise caution and allow additional time for their trip as this closure is implemented.
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Manchester Senior Center Community Survey
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Manchester has started an exciting project to better understand the needs of older adults in Manchester. This project seeks to assess the needs of the town, relative to providing a Senior Center that meets the short- and long-term needs of Manchester’s diverse population of older adults. So, the town wants to hear from you!
Your feedback in this survey will help the Town and consultants to learn about Manchester residents beyond the data and numbers. This survey will provide the Town and consultant with crucial information regarding the community’s opinion of the needs and priorities of older adults and is a very important component of the project.
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For more information of the initiative, click here.
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A Warm Welcome to East Hartford's New Fire Chief & Newest Police Officers
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On Thursday, East Hartford Mike Walsh announced that he will be appointing Interim Chief Kevin Munson as Fire Chief, effective Wednesday, March 2. Chief Munson has served as Interim Chief since November of 2021, following the departure of then Fire Chief John Oates. Chief Munson has over 27 years of professional fire service experience and he serves as an adjunct instructor at the Connecticut Fire Academy. He was appointed as Assistant Fire Chief in 2018 under the leadership of former Chief John Oates.
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And please join me in welcoming East Hartford Police Department's newest officers!
- Officer Assel Hassan, 31, was born in Iraq and speaks fluent Arabic. He moved with his family to the United States as a teen, then later joined the Army National Guard and became a naturalized citizen. He lives in the greater Hartford region, and has served the last two years as an Officer for The Department of Defense.
- Officer Amber Flagg, 27, was raised and lives locally in the greater Hartford region. She has served the last two years with the Hartford and Windsor Police Departments, and she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Southern Vermont College.
- Officer Christopher Casale, 25, is a lifelong Connecticut resident and has served the last three years with the Hartford Police Department. Prior to that he served with the Enfield Police Department for three years as an Auxiliary Police Officer.
- Officer Kiana Walker, 33, has lived much of her life in the greater Hartford region and has served the last three years with the Hartford and Windsor Police Departments. Prior to becoming a Police Officer, she served as an Emergency Dispatcher with Meriden Police Department. She also holds an Associate Degree in Science from Manchester Community college.
- Officer Steven Garcia-Rijos, 37, was born in Puerto Rico and has lived his adult life locally in the greater Hartford region. He has served over two years with the Hartford Police Department.
A huge thank you to these officers and Chief Munson for dedicating themselves to our community's safety and security – I wish them the best of luck!
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance for mask wearing. Under the new guidelines, individuals in counties with "low" or "medium" levels of COVID-19 no longer need to wear masks in public. As with previous updates to masking guidelines, the CDC continues to recommend that individuals with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 speak with their healthcare providers before removing their mask. Under this new guidance, seven of eight counties in Connecticut are no longer recommended to wear masks in public, indoor settings (Middlesex is the only county where there is still a high risk of transmission). For more information and updates on COVID-19 community levels by county, click here.
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And, as of Monday – Connecticut’s statewide school masking mandate expired leaving decisions about whether to continue requiring face masks up to local school districts. For Manchester Public School students and staff masks will be optional while in school but required on buses and at the Manchester Preschool Center. If you have any questions please contact Manchester Public Schools Coordinator of Health Services, Marney Reardon, at (860) 647-3324 or click here. For East Hartford Public School students and staff masks will be recommended, not required, for all district schools except for in the Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) at Hockanum School. For more information, click here.
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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.
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Griffin Hospital will host COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Stone Academy in East Hartford every Wednesday during the month of March from 3PM-7PM. First, second, and third/booster doses of all three brands will be available to all eligible CT residents ages 5 and older. No insurance, ID, or appointment required. And – all pediatric first dose recipients will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. For questions regarding pediatric COVID-19 vaccines, booster dose eligibility, or to schedule an appointment at an upcoming clinic, contact the East Hartford 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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It's time for another 2nd Saturday Open House at WORK_SPACE on March 12 from 10AM-2PM. This month get ready for a unique exhibit showcasing over 4 dozen blank 14"x14" canvases that have been transformed into diverse and dynamic works of art. For the 2nd year in a row, the Galleries at WORK_SPACE gave blank canvases to community members to create artwork related to the theme of inspiration; encouraging artists to use their imagination, ingenuity and medium of their choosing.
This is a free event, enjoy the exhibit and a live on-site art demonstration! For more information, click here.
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Join Manchester Public Library's monthly cookbook club on Saturday afternoons 12:30PM-2:30PM. Each month a theme, author or cookbook will be chosen, and participants are asked to pick one recipe from the book and come to the program with dish in hand, ready to share. For March, the Cookbook Club will meet on Saturday, March 12 at 12:30PM to discuss Cook With Me: 150 Recipes for the Home Cook by Alex Guarnaschelli. Registration is required – call (860) 645-0821 to reserve your spot.
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Manchester Community College is hosting a workshop on Wednesday, March 16 from 12:30PM-1:30PM to cover the various stages of the interviewing process. Job seekers will gain insight into frequently asked interview questions and other tips that can help lead to a successful interview. This is a free, virtual program – join the workshop by clicking here.
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Lifeguards Wanted! It's not too early to start planning out your summer employment options. The East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department is currently looking for lifeguards to staff the town pools this summer – and will be hosting American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification Courses for East Hartford residents and/or those applying for the available lifeguarding positions on the following dates:
Course 1 – Activity #52111-1
Friday, April 8 – 6:30PM-9:30PM
Monday – Thursday, April 11-14, 9AM-3:30PM
Classes held at EHMS Indoor Pool - *must attend all 5 classes*
Course 2 – Activity #52111-2
Thursdays, April 28, May 5, and 12 – 5PM-9PM
Saturdays, April 30, May 7, and 14th – 9AM-3PM
Classes held at EHMS Indoor Pool - *must attend all 6 classes*
Course 3 - Activity # 52111-3
Mondays - Thursdays, May 16 – 26 – 5PM-9PM
Classes held at EHMS Indoor Pool – *must attend all 8 classes*
The course is available for $165 for residents and $265 for non-residents. Parks and Recreation will offer a $100 rebate for those who work for the department full time this summer (though employment is not guaranteed). Registration fee includes: one course manual, hip pack, pocket mask and processing fees for successful candidates to be issued a certification. Register for an upcoming Lifeguarding course here.
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East Hartford CONNects is launching People Empowering People (PEP), a free 10-week session in which participants will share their perspectives on topics such as relationships, parenting styles, the power to reach goals, leadership, diversity, among others. The class will work together to complete a community project.
PEP will take place on Mondays, March 7-28, April 4, 11, 25, and May 2-16 from 5PM-7:30PM at the ECLC, Room 11 (191 Main Street).
This is a great resume builder! Free dinner and childcare will be offered, and participants will receive a certificate and graduation dinner at the conclusion of the program. If you have any questions, require additional information, or are ready to register to participate, call Mary Beth at (860) 622-5515.
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Save the date – Prevention Idol presented by East Harford Youth Service is returning and registration will begin Friday, March 11! The annual talent show will be offered virtually this year and will be held similarly to the last event serving to showcase the many talents of our community's young people. More information to come – stay tuned!
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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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