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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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In the Wake of SCOTUS Decisions, House Dems Call for ISO-NE to Act
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This week, I was joined by Energy and Technology Committee Chair David Arconti and 44 of our colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus in sending a letter to ISO New England Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer, Gordon van Welie calling for action in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's disturbing ruling in West Virginia v. EPA.
The decision from the Supreme Court will ultimately put the ISOs and RTOs in the driver's seat when it comes to shifting how this country procures its energy. And, while we are encouraged by the Biden administration's intention to take regulatory action, we believe that any implementation of those action could be years away. As the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recent report indicated "it's now or never" when it comes to taking meaningful action. So, it is our hope that ISO-NE will work with us to ensure Connecticut continues prioritizing shifting to a clean-energy future.
I would like to know, what do you think of these issues?
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First Batch of Cannabis Cultivation Business Applicants Approved by Social Equity Council
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During Tuesday's meeting, the Social Equity Council approved 16 applicants seeking to open cannabis cultivation businesses. This marks a significant step towards opening Connecticut's recreational marketplace.
To achieve the equity principles included in last year's bill allowing for the sale of recreational cannabis, the Social Equity Council is tasked with ensuring half of the business licenses are awarded to applicants who live in communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. The approved applicants are composed of: two from Bridgeport, five from Hartford, one from Manchester, one from Middletown, three from New Britain, one from Southington, one from Stamford, and two from Waterbury.
The 16 applicants approved during Tuesday's meeting will still need to receive approval from the Department of Consumer Protection before receiving the license to actually open a business.
I would like to know, what do you think of these issues?
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Today in CT History: Bridgeport Throws Express Train 172 a Deadly Curve
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Whenever a train approached Bridgeport’s “Jenkins Curve,” the sharpest curve of the New Haven Railroad system, safety regulations required the engineer to slow down to 30 mph. At 3:42 in the morning of July 14, 1955, however, the driver of New Haven Railroad’s express train 172, from New York City to Boston, inexplicably continued at full speed into the curve despite the signal to apply the brakes. Predictably, the locomotive jumped the tracks, derailing 15 cars and plunging itself and seven cars down a steep embankment to the railroad yard below. The engineer paid fully for his mistake, dying at the scene. Miraculously, though, despite many serious injuries, none of the 175 passengers died.
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Routine inspections had shown nothing amiss with the train immediately prior to its departure from Gotham’s Pennsylvania Station at 2:33 a.m. Known as “The Federal,” train 172 consisted of New Haven Railroad’s electric locomotive 363 with six coach cars, nine sleeping cars, and both a baggage and a refrigerated car. The train followed its prescribed route along Connecticut’s shoreline, passing signal towers and railroad stations at what was perceived as its regular speed of between 60 and 75 mph.
After failing to slow down for the Jenkins Curve, – named for the Jenkins Valve Company, whose building was adjacent to the tracks – the train immediately derailed. The locomotive and seven of the cars sailed through the air for 900 feet then tumbled down a 30-foot embankment, pulling down the electric lines that powered the electric engines. This sparked multiple fires, tore up the tracks, and the crashing train slammed into a a diesel-electric unit and other equipment in the yard. The locomotive and many of the cars jack-knifed and stopped on their sides as crewmen fought their way out of the cars and began assisting passengers in escaping the wreckage. More than 50 passengers and crewmen were injured, many seriously.
At an inquiry six days later, many crewmen, as well as the tower operators and stationmasters on duty the morning of the derailment, testified there was no discernable reason for the accident. The weather was clear, there had been no rain or obstructions on the tracks, and all inspections of the locomotive, including the brakes, had shown nothing out of order. Every witness who had seen him also testified that prior to the accident the 62-year-old engineer, Arthur Orteneau, had appeared in good health and of sound mind.
In its final report on the accident, the Interstate Commerce Commission determined that its cause was excessive speed, but the underlying reason the train was going that fast died with Arthur Orteneau.
If you'd like to learn more about the Bridgeport’s “Jenkins Curve" and other interesting CT historical facts, click here.
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East Hartford Greater Together Community Fund Grant Application Closes July 22
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The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is offering grant opportunities to local non-profit organizations and projects that will benefit East Hartford residents. Project proposals should demonstrate the opportunity for all East Hartford residents to benefit without discrimination based on race, religion, or any other protected class. Projects do not necessarily need to benefit every town resident if the proposal can demonstrate why it addresses a need for a portion of the town's population and does not discriminate among residents who share that need.
Eligibility requirements:
- Organizations must be classified as a 501(c)3 (509(a)3 charities and private foundations are not eligible)
- Organizations that are not classified as 501(c)3 may use a fiscal sponsor
- Towns may serve as fiscal sponsor
- Funding must benefit residents of East Hartford
Please note that sectarian or religious programs and for-profit organizations are not eligible. Grants awards will range from $250-5,000, and a final report will be required upon completion of the project.
To apply, click here to fill out the form. If using a fiscal sponsor, please provide their contact information in addition to the organization's contact information. Please email completed applications to ehcommunityfund@gmail.com in a Word Document or PDF format. Applications are due by Friday, July 22 at 5PM.
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Book Club Opportunities at Manchester Public Library
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The Manchester Public Library has a book club for every interest! Get a little motivation for summer reading by participating in an upcoming book club event:
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Recipe Readers Book Club – Saturday, July 16 at 12:30PM
Each month on Saturday afternoons, the Recipe Readers Book club selects a new theme, author, and cookbook. Participants are asked to pick one recipe from the book and come to the program with dish in hand on the date posted ready to discuss their experience. Dishes should arrive fully prepared and ready to share. July's cookbook selection is My Perfect Pantry by Geoffrey Zakarian. Registration is required for this event by calling the library at (860) 645-0821.
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Not So "YA" Book Club – Wednesday, July 20 at 7PM
This book club is aimed for 18–35-year-olds that love young adult fiction. July's book is I Must Betray You by Ruth Sepetys. Copies of the book are available at both library buildings. This is a free book discussion program, and no registration is required. For more information call Reference and Adult Services at (860) 645-0821.
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Walking Book Club – Thursday, August 4 at 2PM
Attendees of the Walking Book Club take a two mile walk to and from the library, making stops for discussion. The August book selection is Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. Program starts promptly at 2PM in the Mary Cheney Library Lobby – the club walks rain or shine, no registration required.
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Check 'Em Out Book Club – Monday, August 8 at 6:30PM
Meet in person for the August book discussion of The Sentence by Louise Erdrich. Copies of the book are available for check out at both library buildings. No registration required for this free in-person program.
For more information or to ask any questions, call the library at (860) 645-0821 or click here.
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East Hartford Still Accepting Applications for Small Business Assistance Program
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Are you a small business in East Hartford affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? The Town is looking to help! East Hartford has launched a COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program to help eligible East Hartford businesses respond to and recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide financial grants, reimbursements, or in-kind services for specific purposes related to counteracting the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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To qualify, your business must be:
- Located in East Hartford or have an intent to relocate to East Hartford
- Currently in operation and have been in operation since January 1, 2019
- In “good standing with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
Priority will be given to certified minority/women-owned business enterprises, certified small business enterprises and veteran-owned businesses. To get more information or apply, click here. Applications will be accepted through April 28, 2023.
Please direct questions to Jay Margnelli at (860) 578-3254 or jay@crvchamber.org.
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Registration Now Open for DCF's Sibling Connections Camp
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The Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) are inviting DCF-involved brothers and sisters to participate in the Siblings Connections Camp Beach Day on Wednesday, August 17 from 9AM-8PM at Killiam Point in Branford. Siblings will spend the day together, connecting through family-style lunch and dinner, fun activities, outdoor play, and exploration.
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A number of spots are still open! DCF-involved siblings between the ages of 8 and 17 who are placed in foster care, relative care, a shelter, group home or a residential care facility are eligible to attend. Preference will be given to children pre-registered for Channel 3 Kids Camp.
Life jackets will be provided, and a lifeguard will be on duty. Any participating youth are asking to bring sunscreen, bug spray, beach shoes, a bathing suit, a towel, change of clothes, and a sweatshirt. Please ensure that all belongings are marked with the youth's name.
To register, complete the form found here, and email the registration to Camp Director Dawn Perrotti at kpointcamp@gmail.com and email a copy to cmcnaney@wheelerclinic.org and Jacqueline.ford@ct.gov. Registration forms complete with health forms must be submitted August 3.
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Get to Know CT Fresh Match at Local Farmers Markets this Summer!
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This Summer, with CT Fresh Match – you SNAP, we match! End Hunger CT!’s Connecticut Fresh Match Program allows SNAP recipients to double their purchases at participating farmers' markets across the state. When SNAP recipients shop at participating farmers’ markets, Connecticut Fresh Match doubles SNAP, allowing households to stretch their benefits, incorporate more fresh produce into their diets, and support local farmers.
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Take part in these benefits when visiting the farmers markets available in our communities:
- Spruce Street Farmers Market (163 Spruce Street, Manchester) – Wednesdays through August 31, 4:30PM-7:30PM
- East Hartford Farmers Market (East Hartford Public Library, 840 Main Street) – Fridays through October 28, 9AM-1PM
Markets match SNAP with tokens or coupons to be spent on fruits and vegetables. Matched benefits can be spent that day or can be saved for a future market purchase at many participating locations.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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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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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 East Hartford Farmers' Market (840 Main Street) on the following dates:
- Saturday, July 16, 10:30AM-2PM – Raymond Library
- Friday, July 22, 9AM-1PM – East Hartford Farmers' Market
- Tuesday, July 26, 3PM-7PM – Stone Academy
- Saturday, July 30, 10:30M-2PM – Raymond Library
All three brands of the vaccine will be available to all eligible CT residents ages 6 months 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.
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The Manchester Health Department, with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, will host free COVID-19 vaccine clinics for eligible residents, including children 6 months through 5 years of age, at Whiton Library on Thursday, July 28, 2PM-5PM. No appointment or insurance required. First, second, and booster shots will be available. For question, please call the Manchester Health Department (860) 647-3173.
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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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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 of July 18, the theme is "Paint Week." For this week, relax and play with paint and colors. 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.
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Manchester Public Library is hosting a free lecture by Eastern Apicultural Society Certified Master Beekeeper and President of the Connecticut Beekeepers Association, Bill Hesbach on Monday, July 18 at 6:30PM to briefly introduce the history of how European Honey Bees came to America. No registration is required for this free adult event. Learn more by clicking here.
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Don't miss the second night of Marc Inc.'s 11th Annual Summer Concert Series on Tuesday, July 19 at 6:30PM on the lawn between 151 & 161 Sheldon Rd. Manchester, CT. The next free concert will feature the 5-piece 60's, 70's, and 80's cover band, Nightshift. Food will be catered by Relish This food truck. Merchandise will be available for purchase and there will be a raffle. For more information, click here.
In the event of inclement weather, check for weather delays by calling MARC's event hotline after 3PM the day of the show at (860) 474-2700.
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Spectators and car enthusiasts are invited to the Cruisin' East Hartford Car Show on Saturday, July 16, 1PM-4PM at Sunset Ridge Middle School. The show car entrance fee is $10 and there is no cut off year – Classics (both domestic and foreign), Street Rods, Customs, Antiques, Old and New Muscle are all welcome. Dash plaques will be given to the first 100 show cars, and trophies will be awarded for a variety of categories – plus great raffles and music!
Pre-registration is not required; show cars will register on site on the day of the event. There is no fee for spectators. In the event of inclement weather, the event will move to Sunday, June 17.
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The East Hartford Parks & Recreation Department is inviting residents to a family-friendly splash and slide pool party at Lord Pool (Gorman Park, 258 May Road) on Saturday, July 16 from 1PM-4PM. Admission for residents is free of charge and only $5 for non-residents. Come down to cool off and have fun with Parks & Rec staff, your neighbors, and friends!
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Come visit the East Hartford Public Library to create your own art on Wednesday, July 20, at 6PM. Each event will allow participants to try different materials or techniques! Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy, just in case. All ages are welcome. Families with young children will work together. Registration is required – save your spot by clicking 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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