|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
House Meets to Pass Several Bills
|
|
|
The House of Representatives was in session on Wednesday to vote on several judicial nominations and bills. The House acted on several pieces of legislation including a bill to update our State Labor Relations Act to set clear timelines for labor-management negotiations, support for our nonprofits, a solution for underbanked communities, and more.
We also took up a Senate bill extending several COVID-19 policies that had been executive orders and have since been codified into state law until June 30. The policies included access to vaccination records which allowed the CT Wiz system to provide local health departments with critical information, temporary credentials for nurses to combat the labor shortages in the field, assistance for landlords, and eviction protections. Had the house not acted, those policies would have expired on April 15.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
|
|
|
East Hartford Receives Grant Funding to Support Marina
|
|
|
Last week, Governor Ned Lamont announced that East Hartford is set to receive $2 million through the Connecticut Communities Challenge Grant Program. Today, I joined Governor Ned Lamont, East Hartford Mayor Mike Walsh, State Representative Jeff Currey, and other officials to discuss this project where the Town of East Hartford will partner with Goodwin University to build a publicly accessible marina on campus that will include new transient slips and a water taxi.
The newly established grant program brings together state and private dollars to support projects that improve the livability and vibrancy of communities throughout the state. Plans for the marina were endorsed by the East Hartford Town Council back in December, and construction could start as early as this summer and be completed by 2023. Future phases will include restaurants and lodging.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
|
|
|
Advocates Call for Criminal Justice Reforms
|
|
|
On Wednesday, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other criminal justice reform advocates held a press conference to call for the General Assembly to pass what they consider to be critically needed reforms in Connecticut's criminal justice system.
The ACLU is specifically calling for the passage of:
- SB 306, An Act Concerning Deceptive Interrogation Tactics – prohibit police from using deceptive interrogation tactics
- SB 307, An Act Concerning Prosecutorial Accountability and Priority Given to Cases Prosecuted – increase prosecutor accountability through new protocols and training
- SB 459, An Act Concerning the Commission for Correctional Oversight, the Use of Isolated Confinement, Seclusion, Restraints, Strip Searches, Social Contracts for Incarcerated Persons, Transparency for Conditions of Incarceration and Correctional Officer Training – regulates the use of solitary confinement, seclusion, restraints, and strip searches
- HB 5248, An Act Concerning Collateral Consequences of Criminal Convictions on Occupational Licensing – allow previously incarcerated individuals to get an occupational license
Each of the above bills were passed favorably out of the Judiciary Committee and now await action in the House and Senate Chambers.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
|
|
|
Today in CT History: The Fate of the Connecticut-Bound Passengers Aboard the Titanic
|
|
|
Today in 1912, the ocean liner RMS Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean and sank, killing over 1,500 passengers and crew. It was one of the most infamous disasters of the 20th century. The Titanic was the world’s newest and largest ship, billed with great fanfare and bravado as a state-of-the-art and “unsinkable” luxury liner. The story of its tragic demise has horrified and captivated millions around the globe.
|
|
|
Among the thousands who met their fate on board the Titanic’s maiden voyage were 33 Connecticut-bound men and women, only 15 of whom made it to their final destinations of Waterbury, New London, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, Greenwich, New Britain, Windsor Locks, Stratford, Meriden and Middletown alive. All six First Class passengers – a noted architect, a stockbroker, and the wife, daughter and governess of a wealthy industrialist –– survived, though one was dogged with charges of cowardice for the remainder of his life. William Thompson Sloper, a 28-year-old stockbroker and the son of a New Britain bank president was accused by a newspaper reported to whom he refused to give an interview of disguising himself as a woman to secure his seat in the first lifeboat to leave the ship. The charge was untrue, but the smear to Sloper’s reputation stuck with him.
Of the five Connecticut-bound passengers with Second Class accommodations, the three women survived but two men perished. The overwhelming majority of the Connecticut-bound fatalities – 16 of the 18 – were Third-Class or “steerage” passengers. They included immigrants from Ireland, Greece, Sweden, and Lebanon, a diverse group who shared a common dream. They were coming to Connecticut to start a new life, either on their own or by joining family members who had already made the transatlantic journey.
The Titanic catastrophe drove calls for reformed maritime safety standards the world over. New laws required sufficient lifeboats, vests and other safety measures, and there were renewed efforts to design and build better ships’ hulls. But for 1500 Titanic passengers and crew members –– including 18 of those hoping to start a new life in Connecticut — such efforts came too late. They and their American dreams were lost at sea, today in Connecticut history.
Learn more about Titanic's Connecticut bound passengers and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here.
|
|
|
East Hartford Dispatcher Earns 'Dispatcher of the Year'
|
|
|
This week is National Public Safety Telecommunications week or, as it's more commonly known, "Dispatchers Week." In celebration and in recognition of the work being done every day on one of our most critical emergency services, East Hartford Police Department dispatcher, Samuel Fleming was honored with the title of 'Dispatcher of the Year.'
Sam began his career in East Hartford Public Safety in 2019 as a 911 Police & East Hartford Fire Department Telecommunicator. Sam always goes the extra mile to help citizens who call in with any issue they have and goes out of his way to lend a helping hand to his co-workers.
East Hartford is so lucky to have an extraordinary team of dispatchers who work every day to make a difference in someone's life. Thank you to Sam and the entire team for the hard work they do every day.
For more information on Sam, click here.
|
|
|
Advisory: DPH & DEEP Issues Warning for Fish Caught in Hockanum River & Union Pond
|
|
|
Please be aware, the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection have issued a consumption advisory for fish caught in the Hockanum River and Union Pond. This consumption advisory is based on elevated levels of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in fish tissue samples collected from the Hockanum River in Vernon.
|
|
|
Based on locations identified by DEEP, DPH recommends NOT eating fish from:
- The Hockanum River starting below the Shenipsit Lake dam (Tolland Ave, Vernon) to the Connecticut River, including the riverine impoundments of Papermill Pond (including Pitney Park, Vernon)
- Union Pond (Manchester)
- Several small impoundments or ponds on the Hockanum River (East Hartford)
- The Tankerhoosen River (from the Hockanum River upstream to the dam at Main Street)
The Manchester Health Department, North Central Health Department, and the East Hartford Health Department are posting signs along the Hockanum River and at each of the locations identified above to remind the public of the current advisory.
For more information, contact DPH at (860) 509-7740 or your local health department – for East Hartford, call (860) 291-7324 and for Manchester, call (860) 647-3173, or click here.
|
|
|
Save the Date: Manchester Earth Day Community Clean-Up
|
|
|
The Manchester Land Trust in partnership with the Town of Manchester's Sustainability Commission, the Youth Commission, the Conservation Commission and Manchester High School Environmental Club are celebrating Earth Day 2022 with a community clean-up event on Saturday, April 23 from 9AM-1PM at Center Springs Park.
The clean-up will take place along the Cheney Rail Trail and Center Springs Park. Supplies will be provided, but please be sure to dress for the weather as this event is rain or shine – bring your sweatshirt, water bottle, sunscreen, etc. to make sure you're prepared! Only have an hour? No worries – stay as long as you can, pizza will be provided at the end of the event for volunteers.
Learn more or register for the event by clicking here.
|
|
|
Registration Deadlines for East Hartford Memorial Day Parade Approaching!
|
|
|
The East Hartford Memorial Day Parade is right around the corner! While we must wait until Monday, May 13 for the actual parade and celebration. The registration deadline for participants, sponsors, and vendors is quickly approaching and spots are filling up.
Registration for all categories will close on Monday, April 18 at midnight. Please note that food vendor applications are now at capacity – all other vendor applications are still open. Don't wait! Vendors can apply now by clicking here. To register as a participant or a sponsor, click here.
The parade day schedule is as follows:
- 10AM: Parade
- 11AM: Program at the Fallen Star
- 12PM: Celebration
The event is drizzle or shine, but the town will cancel in case of inclement weather. For more information, click here or call the Mayor's office at (860) 291-7200.
|
|
|
CT State Community College Showcase is Happening April 28-30
|
|
|
Thinking about enrolling in classes at one of Connecticut's great community colleges in the fall? Discover all 12 of the state's community colleges and learn more about the experience at each school during the CT State Community College Showcase. During virtual sessions, participants will have the opportunity to chat with faculty and staff, ask and interact about all things CT State Community College offers, and learn more about programs, transferring, financial aid, support services, and more.
Sessions will be held virtually on:
- Thursday, April 28, 9AM-7PM
- Friday, April 29, 9AM-7PM
- Saturday, April 30, 9AM-12PM
To register for the showcase or learn more, click here.
|
|
|
COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
|
|
|
Pfizer announced on Thursday intent to expand its COVID-19 booster shots to healthy 5–11-year-olds, citing new data that showed to age group could benefit from another "kid-sized" shot. According to their press release, 140 children who’d already gotten two shots were given a booster six months later and displayed an enhanced immune response – with 30 kids showing a 36-fold increase in antibodies. Pfizer expects to make the formal request to expand booster shots the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the coming days.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
The Town of East Hartford, with Griffin Hospital, will host vaccine clinics at Sone Academy and the East Hartford Public Library and Sone Academy on the following dates:
- Wednesday, April 20, 4PM-7PM – East Hartford Public Library
- Tuesday, April 26, 3PM-7PM – Stone Academy
- Wednesday, April 27, 4PM-7PM – East Hartford Public Library
First, second, and third/booster doses of all brands will be available to all eligible Connecticut residents ages 5 and older. No insurance, ID, or appointment required. If you have any questions, require additional information, or would like to make an appointment contact the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324.
|
|
|
The Town of Manchester Health Department, with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, will host a vaccine clinic at Charter Oak Park on Thursday, April 28 from 2PM-6PM. First, second, and third/booster doses of all brands will be available to all eligible Connecticut residents ages 12 and older. No insurance or appointment required. If you have any questions or require additional information, contact the Manchester Health Department at (860) 647-3173.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
The Repurposed Schools Task Force will hold a public meeting on Monday, April 18 at 6:30PM in the cafeteria at Nathan Hale (160 Spruce Street). This meeting aimed at gathering citizen input on how four local elementary school buildings will be "repurposed" for future use is open to the public and will include a public comment session.
Contact Melanie Vassilopoulos at the Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation with questions or for more information at (860) 647-3085.
|
|
|
Join Farr's Sporting Goods Store at Whiton Memorial Library on Wednesday, April 20 at 6:30PM to learn about bicycle maintenance. This talk will cover routine maintenance such as chain care, lubricants, and brake adjustments/replacements. For more information, click here.
|
|
|
The Manchester Community College (MCC) English Department will host a virtual poetry reading on Thursday, April 21 at 6PM featuring four local student poets (Brian Ataka from Quinnipiac University, Vaugh Goehrig from Yale University, Colleen Goff from Eastern Connecticut State University and Michelle Rochniak from Western Connecticut State University). These four poets were selected as winners in the 2021-2022 CT Poetry Circuit Contest. This event is open to the public, click here to access the event.
|
|
|
The East Hartford Police Department is inviting residents to the department’s regular “Sandwich with a Cop” event on Wednesday, April 20 at 11AM at Subway (1210 Main Street). This is a great opportunity to discuss issues of concern and learn more about each other – all our welcome. For more information, click here.
|
|
|
How can we better maintain and create relationships and work towards healthy communities despite political differences? Join Propel East Hartford at the library to start exploring how we can disagree and still care about each other and how we can work together when we find agreement on the following dates:
- Thursday, April 21 at 6:30PM – Virtual
- Wednesday, April 27 at 10AM – Virtual
- Sunday, April 24 at 3PM – In-person
Each session will gather 4-7 people for about 90 minutes to listen to and be heard by others – rather than debating or convincing others, we take turns talking to share and learn, and be curious. No preparation is required, and all sessions have an identical structure. To register or learn more, click here.
|
|
|
Join East Hartford Public Library on Thursday, April 28 at 6:30PM to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Frederick Law Olmsted, Harford-born and buried with strong with strong family connections to East Hartford. Historian Bill Hosley’s talk will highlight the myriad accomplishments of Frederick Law Olmsted beyond his work as the designer of New York’s Central Park and focus mostly on Olmsted’s writings and work as a journalist and the diversity of his accomplishments that have earned him the distinction of being considered one of the 50 most influential Americans. 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
