|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
Comptroller Now Forecasting a $956.4M Surplus
|
|
|
In a letter to Governor Ned Lamont this week, Connecticut Comptroller Natalie Braswell released an updated forecast that projects a General Fund surplus of $956.4 million for Fiscal Year 2022. In this first estimate since the updated budget passed through the General Assembly and was signed by the Governor, we are continuing to see positive signs for the financial and economic future of our state.
The Comptroller also noted that we've added an estimated 1,600 jobs in April and Connecticut has now recovered 82.1 percent of jobs lost at the onset of the pandemic. Additionally, income tax withholdings are up 9.6 percent from the same period in Fiscal Year 2021. As we have reached the threshold for funding the Rainy Day Fund, we expect that the state will make another large deposit into paying down pension debts when the fiscal year closes.
We've come a long way from where were even just a few years ago, and I'm proud that the fiscal policies we put in place several years ago are paying off.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
|
|
|
Congressional Gun Control Package Could Come as Early as Next Week
|
|
|
During a press conference on Tuesday, Connecticut U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy stated that they expect a debate and vote on a gun control package next week, with or without bipartisan support. Though they both welcome input from Republicans – and acknowledge that among some Republican Senators there is an urge to act, the clock is ticking on reaching a deal that satisfies both sides of the aisle.
Connecticut's common sense gun safety laws are serving as a model for some of the proposals in Washington. Senator Blumenthal and Murphy believe there could be the possibility of finding middle ground with their Republican colleagues on policies involving red flag laws, expanded background checks, and safe storage.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
|
|
|
Governor Lamont Signs Legislation to Recognize Juneteenth as a State Holiday
|
|
|
Late last week, Governor Ned Lamont signed legislation establishing June 19 or "Juneteenth Independence Day" as a state holiday. Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, the day that Union soldiers marched into Galveston, Texas, and enforced the Emancipation Proclamation, ending slavery in Texas. This came nearly three years after President, Abraham Lincoln had proclaimed that they: “Shall be then, thenceforward, and forever, free.”
The legislation will be effective on October 1, making the first time Juneteenth Independence Day is legally recognized as a state holiday in Connecticut will be on June 19, 2023.
Both of our communities will hold Juneteenth celebrations this summer:
Manchester's Juneteenth Freedom Commemoration – Saturday, June 18, 4PM-7PM
Join your neighbors in a celebration of Juneteenth, Black History, and culture at Mahoney Center's Leisure Labs (110 Cedar Street). This year’s event will feature thoughtful speakers, live music, poetry readings, a black-owned food & vendor market, family activities, and more! For more information, click here.
East Hartford Juneteenth Family Celebration – Saturday, June 18, 11AM-3PM
Celebrate on the Town Green (1047 Main Street) with a day of music, good food, art, and compelling stories as we remember and honor how far we have come. This event is made possible through collaboration with East Hartford Parks and Recreation, the Committee on Culture and Fine Arts and the East Hartford Black Caucus. For more information, click here.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
|
|
|
Today in CT History: A Historic & Presidential Commencement at the Coast Guard Academy
|
|
|
While commencement ceremonies at the United States Coast Guard Academy are filled with pomp and circumstance, the Academy's 78th commencement on June 3, 1964 was particularly memorable. For the first time in history, the U.S. President delivered the commencement speech at the USCGA in New London.
|
|
|
President John F. Kennedy, a World War II veteran, had planned to speak the USCGA graduating class of 1964. After Kennedy's assassination in 1963, newly sworn-in President Lyndon B. Johnson honored his predecessor's intentions to deliver the commencement speech.
Following the speech, Johnson administered the Officer's Oath and distributed diplomas to all 109 graduates. In return, Class President Robert Armacost presented the President with a class ring and declared him an honorary member of the Class of 1964. Today, the U.S. President delivers commencement speeches to all four U.S. military service academies on a rotating bases, but in 1964, Johnson was the very first.
If you'd like to learn more about former U.S. President Johnson's commencement speech and other interesting CT historical facts, click here.
|
|
|
NAMI Manchester Offering Support Groups in June
|
|
|
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Manchester is offering several support groups during the month of June led by trained facilitators with lived experience with mental health issues or with a family member who has a mental health condition.
Family Support Group – Thursday, June 2, 7PM-8:30PM via Zoom. Contact Roberta at rcluby@comcast.net for the meeting ID and password.
Spouse/Partner Support Group – offered on the third Monday of each month at 7PM via Zoom (meeting ID: 853 8277 7538) and contact Pat at admin@namict.org for meeting password.
Young Adult Groups – offered all month long, choices of Support, Creative Expressions, Self-Discovery, Game Night, and more. For a complete list of groups available to young adults ages 18-29, click here.
NAMI Connecticut offers no-cost training and statewide support to a diverse network of peer-led support groups that serve family members, parents/caregivers of children and adolescents with behavioral health concerns and persons living with mental illness. For more information, click here, or call Tina at (860) 906-7385 or email Roberta at rcluby@comcast.net.
|
|
|
Reminder: Applications for One-Time Child Tax Credit Open NOW
|
|
|
A reminder that included in the budget was the child tax rebate. Applications for the rebate are now open and you may be eligible for a child tax rebate of up to a maximum of $750 ($250 per child up to three children).
To receive the credit, eligible families should apply by clicking here. Applications will be accepted between June 1 and July 31. To qualify, Connecticut residents must have claimed at least one minor dependent child on their 2021 tax returns and meet certain income thresholds: $100,000 or less for single filers, $200,000 or less for married joint filers, and $169,000 or less for head of household filers. Those who have higher income rates may be eligible to receive a reduced rebate based on their income.
|
|
|
Governor Lamont Launches 2022 Summer Reading Challenge
|
|
|
Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut State Department of Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker, and State Librarian Deborah Schander this week announced the launch of the 2022 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge – an annual, statewide program encouraging students to read books during the summer months. This year’s theme is “Read Beyond the Beaten Path!”
Student journals, district reporting forms, and all other materials related to the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge can be found here.
|
|
|
East Harford Summer Swim Lessons Registration is Now Open
|
|
|
It's going to be a cool summer in East Hartford! Planning and preparations by East Hartford Parks and Recreation are now underway for swim lessons and other outdoor pool programming for Summer 2022. The East Hartford Outdoor Aquatic Facilities are expected to be open for the season by mid-June, and several great aquatics programs will be offered this summer:
- Semi-Private Swim Lessons for ages 4 and up, offered Monday through Thursday evenings at Drennan Pool beginning on Monday, June 20, each session includes 4 lessons – please note that limited spaces are available, residents ($59/session) and non-residents ($69/session) are permitted to sign-up for a maximum of two sessions.
- Private Lessons – available as a two-week session (4 lessons) for $59 for residents and $69 for non-residents.
- Group Swim Lessons, offered in the mornings at Goldstar Pool, afternoons at Lord Pool and in the evenings at Drennan Pool and Goldstar Pool beginning on Monday, June 27 - $40 for a two-week session (8 classes) for residents and $50 for non-residents. If more than one class in the session is cancelled due to inclement weather, a Friday make-up class may be scheduled.
- Birthday Party Pools Rentals – available for residents at Goldstar and Lord pools on Saturdays and Sundays beginning Saturday, June 25. The fee is $140 and includes exclusive use of the pool with 2 lifeguards for up to 15 children (ages 14 and under). For more information or to register, click here.
Swim Lesson Registration for East Hartford residents is now open and being accepted online here. Non-residents will be able to register beginning on Monday, June 6 at 9AM.
If you have any questions or require additional information on East Hartford's public pools, swim lessons, birthday party rentals or other aquatic programs, contact that East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department by clicking here or calling (860) 291-7160.
|
|
|
It is now easier than ever to visit a Connecticut State Park! ParkConneCT, a transportation service that offers fare-free buses to Connecticut beaches and state parks, is now open for the summer season through Labor Day. The following parks are included in the ParkConneCT program:
- Hammonasset Beach State Park (Madison)
- Silver Sands State Park (Milford)
- Fort Trumbull State Park (New London)
- Sleeping Giant State Park (Hamden)
- Sherwood Island State Park (Westport)
- Osbornedale State Park (Derby)
- Indian Well State Park (Shelton)
As a reminder, all statewide busses will continue to operate without fare collection until December 1. For more information on the program, including a schedule, please click here.
|
|
|
Sign-Up for CT River Valley Chamber's Weekly Networking Sessions
|
|
|
Join the CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce's weekly open networking sessions, designed to connect business professionals throughout Hartford County. Thursday Leads in East Hartford are offered on the second forth Thursdays of the month at 8AM. This networking group will be facilitated by Maria Keiser of E Circle Marketing and will meet in person at Goodwin College Community Room. Register to participate by clicking here.
|
|
|
Additional Opportunities to participate are:
- SPARC Young Professionals – offered on the first and third Thursdays of each month, SPARC, the CT River Valley Chamber’s Young Professional networking group includes 1-on-1 conversations, small breakout rooms & collaborative case studies, not just elevator pitches. Chamber members and non-members are welcome! For more information or to register, click here.
- Wednesday Leads in Glastonbury – facilitated by Mike Ski of Hair Today at the Glastonbury Town Hall Academy Cafeteria on Wednesday at 12PM. Registration can be found here.
For more information on the CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce, click here.
|
|
|
COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
|
|
|
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 free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics at Stone Academy (745 Burnside Avenue), Raymond Library (840 Main Street), and the Town Green (1074 Main Street) on the following dates:
- Wednesday, June 8, 4PM-7PM – Raymond Library
- Saturday, June 11, 11AM-2PM – Raymond Library
- Tuesday, June 14, 3PM-7PM – Stone Academy
- Saturday, June 18, 11AM-3PM – Town Green
- Wednesday, June 22, 4PM-7PM – Raymond Library
- Tuesday, June 28, 3PM-7PM – Stone Academy
All three brands of the vaccine will be available to all eligible CT residents ages 5 and up. No insurance, ID, or appointment required. 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. If transportation assistance is needed to get to/from the clinic site, please contact the Health Department for a bus pass.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Enjoy FREE family-friendly events and activities all week long as we celebrate what makes our community great! Beginning on Saturday, June 4 and running through Sunday, June 12, Celebrate Manchester kicks off with a free concert in the park TONIGHT at 6:30PM featuring Soul Sound Revue – known as "the hottest nine-piece Motown show this side of Detroit." Check out the complete schedule of events by clicking here.
|
|
|
Returning Connecticut DEEP Wildlife Expert Ginny Apple continues her monthly series at Manchester Public Library on Monday, June 6 at 6:30PM with more of Connecticut's wildlife and nature. June's focus is on Connecticut's porcupine and opossums! No registration required for this free, in-person adult program.
|
|
|
The Town of Manchester's Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation is back for another exciting summer of "Rec on the Run," a mobile pop-up creative arts, sports, and games vehicle offering programs and activities to Manchester residents in neighborhoods and parks around our community.
For the week on June 6, it's "Paint Week" – explore watercolors and have fun with sun catchers. You’re never too old to have fun painting! Activity boxes can be picked up on a first-come, first-served basis at the following locations and times:
- Northwest Park (448 Tolland Turnpike) – Mondays, 5PM-7PM
- Westside Oval (110 Cedar Street) – Tuesdays, 5PM-7PM
- Market Field (163 Spruce Street) – Wednesdays, 5PM-7PM
- Center Memorial Park (41 Center Street) – Thursdays, 5PM-7PM
For more information, click here.
|
|
|
Summer reading is for everyone! The East Hartford Public Library has summer reading incentive programs with prizes for adults, teens, school-aged children, and preschoolers – and registration opens on Thursday, June 9! Beginning Thursday, anyone who wishes to participate can start logging their reading into our mobile-friendly online system. And celebrate the end of school and the start of summer with the Summer Reading Kick-Off event on Thursday from 5PM-9PM. Sign up for summer reading, meet some community partners, and attend a concert performed by Flor Bromley – all ages are welcome. Register for the kick-off by clicking here.
To register for summer reading, visit the library’s website and click on the “Summer Reading” menu item on the left side of our website. For more information, click here.
|
|
|
Back by popular demand! East Hartford Youth Services has again teamed up with members of the East Hartford Hunger Action Team to increase access to fresh, homegrown vegetables. This year's Garden Bucket Sale & Community Garden Event will be held at Goodwin Elementary School on Friday, June 10, 4PM-7PM. During this time, you can pick up a Garden Bucket, visit some health and nutrition community resource vendors, and even sign up to help support the community gardens at Goodwin Elementary, Haukanum Elementary, and the ECLC.
There is a $5 suggested donation for one bucket and $10 for three. Any donation amount is appreciated, and no one will be turned away. Funds raised will benefit the Friendship Center Soup Kitchen. If you have a garden at home or a bucket from last year, come out and grab some plants to take home! For more information, click here.
|
|
|
East Hartford Youth Services (EHYS) is inviting East Hartford families to join them for Summer Family Fun events beginning on Wednesday, June 15! Each event will be hosted in-person at their office located at 20 Chapman Place – look out for the large tent. The events are as follows:
- Wednesday, June 15 –Tie-Dye & Drumming
- Wednesday, June 29 – Craft Night
- Wednesday, July 13 – Yard Games
Please note that these events are meant for the whole family and are not drop-off events for youth – plan for at least one adult to attend with the youth, no matter their age. Registration guarantees dinner, activity, and an entry into that night's raffle. For more information or to register, 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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
