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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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Bills to Expand Absentee Voting Move Out of Committee
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The Government Administration and Elections Committee advanced two bills which would expand absentee voting in the state. Though different in scope and language, both bills essentially aim to continue policies established during the pandemic which eased restrictions on absentee ballot voting, and essentially make absentee voting a more accessible option. The Senate bill looks to extend no-excuse absentee voting through the upcoming November election, whereas the House bill would revise the eligibility statutes for obtaining an absentee ballot.
In response to the pandemic, Governor Ned Lamont issued an executive order which allowed voters to use "COVID-19" as an excuse in requesting an absentee ballot. The change expanded the definition to allow for concerns about exposing yourself to illness or caring for a sick loved one to be reason enough to cast a vote by absentee.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Attorney General Settles with Purdue Pharma and Sackler Family for $6 Billion
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Late last week, Attorney General William Tong announced that his office, working with other Attorneys General, reached a settlement with Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family that will provide $6 billion to victims, survivors, and states for their role in the opioid epidemic – 40 percent more than the previously vacated settlement that was appealed by Connecticut. Additionally, as part of the agreement, the Sackler family must allow institutions to remove the Sackler name from buildings and scholarships regardless of conditions attached to financial support (this includes galleries at the Louvre and the Smithsonian).
The Attorney General rejected previous proposed settlements, which he felt didn't adequately respect the families and what they've lost. Through this settlement, the Sackler families must apologize for their role in the opioid epidemic and will be required to participate in a public hearing where victims and their survivors would be given an opportunity to directly address the family. And the settlement allows for criminal prosecution of individuals involved with Purdue and responsible for fueling the crisis – including the Sacklers.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: She Taught a Man’s World How to Build a Business
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When Beatrice Fox Auerbach became president of Hartford’s G. Fox & Company in 1938, in an era where there were scarcely any female retail executives in the United States, neither she nor any of the popular department store’s board members expected her to remain in the position for very long. But instead of stepping aside, Auerbach remained the head of the company for the next 27 years, steering it into a golden age of expansion that led it to become the largest privately held department store in the United States.
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The 50-year-old widow was certainly no stranger to the department store business: Her grandfather, a Jewish German immigrant named Gerson Fox, had founded G. Fox & Company as a fancy goods store in downtown Hartford in 1847, and Beatrice’s father, Moses, became president of the popular store upon Gerson’s death in 1880. Beatrice’s husband, George Auerbach, was also from a family who owned a large department store in Salt Lake City, Utah. After her husband’s untimely death in 1927, Beatrice Fox Auerbach took over his role as a board member for G. Fox, and when her father died 11 years later, she assumed leadership of the entire company.
Auerbach proved to be a brilliant executive who oversaw the greatest expansion in the company’s history while simultaneously implementing a system of generous benefits for G. Fox’s 3,000 employees, which included five-day, 40-hour work weeks, structured retirement plans, and even “safety net” programs, like interest-free loans, to employees in need. She pioneered several innovative ideas designed to make shopping at G. Fox a pleasant and customer-centered experience, from the inclusion of beauty salons, lounges, personal shopping assistants, and even foreign-language interpreters at the company’s brick-and-mortar stores to the creation of the nation’s first toll-free telephone order department for men and women who preferred the convenience of ordering from home.
Auerbach also quickly established a reputation as a generous philanthropist who poured her money and energy into bettering her community and offering assistance to those who sought to work their way toward a better life. She established a retail training program for career-focused young women attending Connecticut College in New London, and offered African American men and women jobs at G. Fox with full benefits and plenty of opportunity for advancement. On March 11, 1941 — three years to the day after Auerbach assumed the presidency of G. Fox & Company — the Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation was formally established. Through the Foundation, Auerbach funneled millions of dollars during her lifetime to local community organizations, like Hartford-area hospitals, the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and the Wadsworth Atheneum, in addition to funding scholarships for students seeking business degrees.
Auerbach stayed at the helm of G. Fox & Company until 1965, and upon her death three years later at the age of 81, one-third of her estate was left to the Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation, which continues to fund philanthropic efforts across the greater Hartford community. The business maven who defied expectations by creating a more compassionate corporate culture while realizing record retail profits left a memorable legacy for Hartford and beyond, beginning on this day in Connecticut history.
Learn more about G. Fox & Company and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here.
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2022 Greater Hartford St. Patrick's Day Parade Postponed
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Due to the impending storm, the Greater Hartford St. Patrick's Day Parade has been postponed to Saturday, March 19 at 11AM. Please note, the Parade Committee’s Annual Parade Mass will also be postponed and celebrated, at 7PM on Friday, March 18 at St Patrick St. Anthony Church in Hartford.
For updates and more information, click here.
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Join a PURA Listening Session Happening on 3/16
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As the Take Back Our Grid Act, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) will have an open proceeding to investigate, develop, and adopt a framework for implementing performance-based regulations for the electric distribution companies in Connecticut – Eversource and United Illuminating.
A virtual Public Listening Session will be held on Wednesday, March 16 at 6:30PM and the public and non-traditional stakeholders are encouraged to participate and offer comments.
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If you are not able to attend the virtual forum, but are interested in submitting written comments, please send them to PURA.ExecutiveSecretary@ct.gov referencing Docket No. 21-05-15 in the subject line.
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Manchester Voting District Split into Two
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The Manchester Board of Directors voted last week to approve a 10th voting district at the Whiton Memorial Library auditorium. The decision was made to accommodate the recent changes made by legislature's redistricting process, which ultimately made the current District 2 too large.
The old District 2 stretched from Avery Street to Center Street. The new District 10 will divide District 2 at Woodbridge Street, so that all voters who live from Woodbridge Street to Avery Street will vote at the Whiton Memorial Library, 100 N. Main St.
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East Hartford Library Offering Museum Passes
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Did you know that East Hartford Public Library offers museum passes for free or reduced admission to some of CT's best museums? All you need is a library card (with a pin password) and you can reserve passes that allow a set number of people to attend one of 25+ attractions or museums for a reduced rate or free admission.
For more information on the Museum Pass Program, click here. If you have suggestions or would like to provide feedback, please contact Cathy Potter at cpotter@easthartfordct.gov or by phone at (860) 290-4330.
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Lane Closure Alert: Guiderail Upgrade Project, I-84 in Manchester
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced that guiderail upgrades will be performed on I-84 westbound in the town of Manchester beginning Tuesday, March 15 through Friday, March 25. The regular work schedule is expected to be 9AM-3PM, Tuesday-Thursday. During this time, motorists should expect lane closures on I-84 westbound in the Town of Manchester between Exit 62 and Exit 61. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone.
Please be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity.
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Save the Date: East Hartford Parks and Recreation Egg Hunt
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Hop into spring with the Town of East Hartford and the East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department! East Hartford children ages 10 and younger (with their accompanying parent/guardian!) are invited to participate in the annual egg hunt at McAuliffe Park (30 Remington Road) on Saturday, April 9 at 12PM.
Participants will be grouped by ages and directed to designated areas: ages 3 and under, ages 4-5 and ages 6-10. Each child should bring their own bag or basket to collect eggs and candy. In the case of inclement weather, the egg hunt will be postponed to the following Saturday, April 16.
This is a free event. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (860) 291-7160. Please visit the town's website and Facebook page for updates.
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Town of Manchester and Manchester BOE Announce Camp Opportunities for Summer 2022
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The Town of Manchester Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation and the Manchester Board of Education are excited to announce summer camp opportunities for Manchester youth for Summer 2022:
Summer Camp – Online & In-Person Registration Opens on April 4
The Recreation Division will offer six weeks of traditional summer camp for kids who have completed kindergarten through age 15. Camp will be available in the following three two-week sessions – Session 1: June 27- July 8, Session 2: July 11-July 22 and Session 3: July 25- August 5, running 9AM-3PM with extended care opportunities both before and after camp for an additional fee. Lunch and a snack are included in the camp day.
Extended Camp Opportunity – Online & In-Person Registration Opens on April 4
The Recreation Division will be offering a specialty camp for campers ages 8-12 during the week of August 8-12, 9AM-3PM to strengthen campers' understanding of STEM and sustainability concepts through engaging lessons, indoor/outdoor projects games and discussions.
For more information on the above camp options, click here or send any questions to Recreation Supervisors James Przybylski at jprzybylski@manchesterct.org or Taylor McBride at tmcbride@manchesterct.gov or call the Recreation Division at (860) 647-3084.
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Manchester Public Schools Academic Summer Camps – Online Registration Open Now
Manchester Public Schools (MPS) will offer four weeks of academic summer camp from July 5 – July 29 for MPS students currently enrolled in Kindergarten through Grade 4. Online registration for Manchester Public Schools academic camp and MELC extended care is open now through April 7. Space in MELC’s extended care is limited, early registration is recommended. Questions should be directed to Heather Elsinger-Gates at heathere@mpspride.org or (860) 647-3489.
Manchester Adult Education Offerings – Online Registration Open in May
Manchester Adult & Continuing Education (MA&CE) will offer three weeks of Adventures in STEAM Summer Camp from August 1st to August 19th. The classes are for students currently enrolled in Kindergarten through Grade 6. Online registration for Adventures in STEAM Summer Camp will begin in May at www.manchesteradulted.org/. Questions should be directed to Tamara Womack-Speaks at tamaras@mpspride.org or (860) 647-5075.
For more information and additional offerings, click here.
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East Hartford Youth Services to Launch Vaping and Marijuana Prevention Campaigns
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The East Hartford Youth Services Bureau is launching social media campaigns to ensure our younger residents know the risks associated with vaping and marijuana use.. Research has shown that use in younger individuals can be harmful to their health and brain development – and get hooked at young age can set a child up for a lifelong struggle to quit.
With numbers on the rise, East Hartford Youth Services wants to help you be in the know and learn how to start the conversation with your child. Get the facts to help start a conversation with your child. East Hartford Youth Services will share facts about vaping and marijuana each week on their Facebook page beginning Monday, March 14. For more information, click here.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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Ahead of what they expect to be a busy Spring Break travel season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that they will extend the mask mandate on public transportation until Monday, April 18. For more information on safe and smooth Spring Break travels, 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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Don't miss out on Jazz for Kids at Leisure Labs! Beginning on Monday, March 14 and running through Tuesday, May 3 from 6PM-7PM, the program offers an improvised and energetic style of exercise that allows participants to physically express themselves through a range of routines. Fees for the program are: $48 for Manchester residents and $60 for non-residents. For more information or to register, click here.
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The Manchester Public Library will host Adrienne Dowd of Manchester Community College on Wednesday, March 16 at 6:30PM to talk about Irish Mythology and Legends. Dowd, Professor of English and Composition at MCC, will delve into the history and myths of Irish folklore, mythology, and legends. She will also discuss St. Patrick as a legend and a historical figure. Registration is required for this free, adult program. Reserve your spot by calling (860) 645-0821.
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Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT) and Manchester Community College (MCC) will host a hiring event on Friday, March 25 from 9AM-12PM at CCAT (409 Silver Lane) for anyone interested in a career in manufacturing and technology. No experience is required – all you need to do is bring an updated resume and come prepared to learn more about opportunities in advanced manufacturing. The event will feature:
- 20+ local manufacturers actively hiring for careers in manufacturing
- CCAT engineers to help inspire and imagine your future in advanced manufacturing
- Cutting-edge machinery and tolls used in advanced manufacturing – robots, 3D printers, and lasers
Registration is required, but space is limited so be sure to reserve your spot today!
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The East Hartford Public Library Makerspace will host open hours beginning on Saturday, March 12 from 10AM-2PM! During open hours, explore available resource or work on your own projects with available equipment such as 3D printers, a Carvey desktop CNC machine, sewing machines, an embroidery machine, a Silhouette Cameo 3 and more available. Open hours will be available on Saturdays from 10AM-2PM on the following dates: March 12 and 19, April 2, 9, 16 and 23, and May 7,14, and 21. No registration required.
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Join the East Hartford Public Library each month to connect with local authors. Learn about them, their books, and their journeys to publication. Sessions will be available on the following dates:
- Tuesday, March 15, 6:30PM-7:30PM
- Tuesday, April 19, 6:30PM-7:30PM
- Tuesday, May 17, 6:30PM-7:30PM
To learn more, or to sign up as an author, contact adult services librarian Rolande Duprey by email at rduprey@easthartfordct.gov. To register as an attendee, click here.
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Join the East Hartford Public Library on Tuesday, March 15, at 7PM via Facebook Live on The Governor's Prevention Partnership Facebook page for a webinar featuring State Representative Jeff Currey, East Hartford Youth Services, and East Hartford Police Department. This webinar provides a unique opportunity for East Hartford residents to learn about what is going on in the realm of youth substance abuse prevention in our state. Come learn how we are working together to address the underlying issues leading to substance abuse and help our youth before things get out of control. Resources will also be shared on how you can get involved and how to get help if you need it. For more information, 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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