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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 CHESLA Loan Program Available to Alliance District Teachers
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Last week, the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) and the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) announced a new state-funded $7 million loan subsidy program for teachers in the state's 36 alliance districts, which includes East Hartford and Manchester. Interest rates on Alliance District Teacher Refinance Loans, including the 3% subsidy, range from 0.75% to 2.49%, with terms of 5, 10, or 15 years. If approved, teachers will continue receiving the subsidy as long as they remain in an alliance district public school and maintain a current Connecticut Educator Certification.
For a complete list of the Connecticut's Alliance Districts, the program eligibility requirements, and the application, click here. If you have any questions, please email alliancerefi@chesla.org.
I would like to know, what do you think of these issues?
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Bill Addressing Motor Vehicle Theft Signed into Law
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Over the past two years, Connecticut, like many states across our country, has experienced an uptick in juvenile motor vehicle thefts and other criminal activity. This past session, we passed bipartisan legislation addressing the pandemic-driven uptick in juvenile crime, and Governor Lamont recently held a bill signing ceremony in Glastonbury to highlight the changes that are going into effect now..
The new law updates Connecticut's criminal justice statutes so that our courts and law enforcement can effectively respond to juveniles with repeated motor vehicle theft and other crimes. This law:
- Makes juvenile arrest and delinquency proceedings more effective
- Requires youth who are arrested but not detained to be brought before the court within five business days.
- Increases from six to eight hours the amount of time a youth can be held if police are awaiting a judicial ruling on a detention order or are trying to locate a parent or guardian.
- Provides police officers with access to electronic records containing statewide pending charges and 90 days of prior arrest records.
- Allows courts to formally order that a youth be assessed for services.
- Provides more intensive responses to juveniles with serious, repeated charges
- Expands the special juvenile probation docket to include homicide and firearm crimes.
- Allows courts to order GPS monitoring for a youth charged with a second or subsequent motor vehicle offense.
- Focuses motor vehicle theft penalties on people with prior offenses
- Establishes a new structure for motor vehicle thefts with penalties that become more serious for subsequent offenses rather than basing penalties on the value of the vehicle.
This law, coupled with increased investment in diversion programs and services, will help stem juvenile crime over the long-term. Connecticut remains one of the safest places to live because of smart-on-crime policy and I will continue to support forward-thinking initiatives.
I would like to know, what do you think of these issues?
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Op-Ed: Equity provision will make meaningful impact
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I wrote an op-ed for the Journal Inquirer recently responding to a recent editorial focused on a particular law passed this year that would require the Governor to include in their budget proposal a statement outlining just how their proposal addresses racial and economic inequities.
For me, the reality of being an effective public servant is recognizing that we are still an imperfect union striving to be better and taking the steps necessary to achieve equity. While we may hope that a law like this is unnecessary, history has demonstrated the need.
You can read the entire op-ed below. I would like to know, what do you think of these issues?
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Today in CT History: Testing the World’s First Attack Submarine — in 1776
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While Connecticut has been home to an outsized share of American innovators and creative geniuses, few of them have had as long-lasting an impact as David Bushnell, inventor of the Turtle — the world’s first combat submarine.
Born in Saybrook in 1740, Bushnell decided at age 30 to sell his share of the family farm and attend Yale College, where (as a notably older-than-average student in the Class of 1775) his favorite subjects included physics and chemistry. While at Yale, he engaged in a number of scientific experiments, the most notable resulting in the successful underwater detonation of gunpowder.
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After the first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired at Lexington and Concord in April 1775, Bushnell, an ardent patriot, began contemplating how he could weaponize his discoveries to help defeat the British army. By early 1776, with his brother Ezra’s help, David Bushnell had constructed a working model of a submersible boat designed to anchor underwater timed mines to the hull of enemy ships. Named the Turtle, the vessel almost defied comprehension by 18th-century standards: shaped roughly like a clamshell, the small wooden submarine featured a complex ballast mechanism, used bioluminescent fungi for a light source, and relied on a screw propeller (still used by submarines today) for its propulsion system.
On July 21, 1776, the Bushnells conducted their first field tests of the Turtle, testing the vessel’s seaworthiness off the coast of Charles Island in Milford, Connecticut. Evidently pleased with the results, the Turtle embarked on its first combat mission for the Continental Army in September 1776, with Connectican Ezra Lee at the helm. In what was perhaps one of the most audacious missions of the entire Revolutionary War, Lee piloted the awkward submarine into New York Harbor in an attempt to attach an underwater mine to the hull of the HMS Eagle — the flagship of British Admiral Richard Howe. Although Lee did manage to reach the Eagle’s hull, a number of factors including rough tides prevented him from successfully attaching his mine to the ship, rendering the Turtle’s only mission a failure.
After concluding that the Turtle was too unwieldy to be a reliable weapon against the British, David Bushnell focused on developing floating mines and later served as a captain in the American Corps of Sappers and Miners. His most notable contribution to American history, however, remains his incredible Turtle submarine — an invention that changed the course of military history around the world.
If you'd like to learn more about the Turtle and other interesting CT historical facts, click here.
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Reminder: There's Still Time to Apply for Child Tax Rebate
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A reminder that included in the budget was the child tax rebate. Applications for the rebate are closing soon 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 through 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.
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Statewide Primary Elections on August 9 – Voter Registration Deadlines Approaching
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There is a statewide primary on August 9 – polls will be open from 6AM-8PM. Registered voters, affiliated with either the Democratic or the Republican parties are able to vote in a primary election. There is a Democratic Primary for Secretary of the State and State Treasurer, and a Republican Primary for Secretary of the State and U.S. Senator. Sample ballots can be found here.
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For new voters, you may register online or by mail until August 4. In-person voter registration closes on August 8 at 12PM. Please note that Election Day registration is not available during primary elections.
For East Hartford residents, please contact the Town Clerk's Office at (860) 291-7230 or Registrars of Voters at (860) 291-7280 with questions regarding absentee ballots. For additional information about voting in East Hartford, click here.
For Manchester residents, please contact the Registrars of Voters at (860) 647-3025 with questions regarding absentee ballots. For additional information about voting in East Hartford, click here.
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National Suicide Prevention Line Can Now be Reached at 9-8-8
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As of Saturday, July 16, the National Suicide Prevention Line has changed its number to "9-8-8." When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems affect them, provide support, and connect them to resources.
The previous number was 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and will remain available.
The change is due to the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, federal legislation signed into law in October 2020 designating 988 as the three-digital dialing code for the lifeline.
For more information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, click here.
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National Night Out is Back on August 2
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"America's Night Out Against Crime," National Night Out, is back on Tuesday, August 2. Celebrate with the East Hartford Police Department from 2PM-4PM at Gorman Park (May Road) and then at Martin Park (Burnside Avenue) from 5PM-7PM. All are welcome for a night of music and games, meet the police K-9 or check out the East Hartford Police vehicles and equipment. Refreshments will be available. There will be something for everyone – adults and children alike!
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East Hartford & Justice Education Center Seeking Female Basketball Coaches
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The Town of East Hartford has partnered with the Justice Education Center, Inc. to bring the Inspire Girls Summer Basketball program to East Hartford from Monday, August 15 – Friday, August 19, 9AM-3PM at East Hartford High School. The one-week program brings girls entering 1st-8th grades together in sport, fun and friendship.
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Currently, the Town is looking for female coaches as well as high school and college athletes to share their enthusiasm and experience, while teaching core values to girls entering 1st grade through 8th. Coaches can earn $750!
For more information or to apply, email justiceeducation@aol.com.
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Back-to-School Programs in Both Towns Still Accepting Applications
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The East Hartford Back-to-School Shoes and Coats for Kids programs are accepting applications until August 9. These Back-to-School programs provide qualifying East Hartford parents assistance to purchase:
- One new pair of shoes for their children entering grades kindergarten through twelfth (K-12) grade
- One coat from the Burlington Coat Factory for their children between the ages of one to 16 years of age
East Hartford residents must download the application found here, sign, and return to the East Hartford Social Services with all necessary paperwork by the deadline. Residents can request assistance by contacting Social Services at (860) 291-7248.
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In Manchester, eligible residents could receive a gift card for the purchase of school supplies for children in grades K-12. To qualify, families must reside in Manchester, receive state assistance, and meet additional guidelines. If you think your family is eligible, complete the application found here.
Senior, Adult and Family Services will be conducting screening for the gift cards and can be reached at (860) 647-3096. If you, or anyone you know, including an organization, would like to donate to this program, donations will be accepted through August 15.
If you have any questions or require additional information, contact Lisa at (860) 647-3092 or lfusco@manchesterct.gov or Kim at (860) 647-3096 or kims@manchesterct.gov.
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Manchester Police Department Actively Recruiting New Officers
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Manchester Police Department is actively recruiting new officers to join one of only 18 nationally accredited agencies in Connecticut, the department maintains a K-9 team, motorcycle unit, regional tactical unit, accident reconstruction unit, regional narcotics unit, bike patrol unit, and much more. To apply, take the following steps:
- Take the CHIP test – next test is at Manchester High School on August 6 (test fee is $85, register by July 31). For additional information on upcoming assessments, registration and the C.H.I.P. card, call (203) 235-5865 or click here.
- Complete Application – applicants must be 21 years or older, have at least 60 college credits or two years of full-time active military service with honorable discharge, be a US citizen, and a valid drivers license. For a detailed list of qualifications, click here.
- Sit for the Written Exam – next test in Manchester is August 9.
Following the written exam, candidates are also required to take part in an oral panel examination, background investigation, post-offer physical examination, and post-offer polygraph. If you require additional information or have questions, please contact hr@manchesterct.gov. Learn more by clicking here.
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Save the Date: East Hartford 35th Annual Senior Picnic on Sept. 13
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Mayor Mike Walsh and the Commission on Aging are happy to invite all East Hartford seniors and guests to the 35th Annual Senior Picnic on Tuesday, September 13 from 12PM-3PM at the Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Club (200 Clement Road).
This year's menu will include your choice of hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, BBQ chicken, maple glazed baked beans, home style potato salad, baked macaroni and cheese, garden salad, sliced watermelon, cookies, iced tea, coffee, lemonade, soda, and bottled water.
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Singer, musician, and entertainer, Noah Lis will be this year's entertainment. Noah has appeared on “The Voice”, “America’s Got Talent”, and at venues throughout the U.S.
Prize certificates from Walmart will be awarded to the top 3 best dressed for the picnic theme, which is “beach fun,” as well as 40 prizes of $20 each from Shop Rite by random drawings of the ticket stubs. And more prizes are likely to come!
Tickets must be purchased in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are cash only and are $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents. You be able to purchase tickets on a first come first served basis from 11AM-1PM in the front foyer of the Senior Center (15 Milbrook Drive) on the following dates: August 8 - August 12 and August 15 - August 19.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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UConn Extension and the Town of East Hartford are working to build excitement and trust around COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. The collaboration is looking to create a 'why I got vaccinated' campaign with stories from East Hartford residents. If you are 18+ and would like to share your experience getting a COVID-19 vaccine, please fill out this short form found here. This short survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete, and selected stories may appear on a social media post!
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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:
- 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 25, the theme is "String Art Week." Enjoy the retro craft back for the next generation to discover. 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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The award-winning “kindie” band from Brooklyn, NY will be at Mary Cheney Library on Tuesday, July 26 at 6:30PM for a high energy, interactive show that’s a mix of funk, rock and folk music mashed into original tunes about natural living, eating healthy and staying active! Bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy this great show outside near the Howroyd Room patio, weather permitting.
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The final night of Marc Inc.'s 11th Annual Summer Concert Series is Tuesday, July 26 at 6:30PM at the lawn between 151 and 161 Sheldon Road. Join our community for FREE to see King Kountry perform! Food will be catered by The Hollow. 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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What’s cooking? Gather at the East Hartford Public Library with Lindsay from ShopRite to make something together as a family on Thursday, July 28 at 4PM. Learn about healthy foods and cooking tips and tricks. At this program, you’ll make healthy snacks and more that are easy to assemble, delicious to eat, and budget friendly. Best suited for families with children ages 6-12 years old. To register, click here.
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Join East Hartford Parks & Recreation at Martin Pool on Saturday, July 29 from 5PM-7:30PM for a family-friendly splash and dance pool party. Admission for residents is free and only $5 for non-residents. Come down to cool off in this summer heat and have fun with our staff, your neighbors, and friends!
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Bring your pops and your peeps to free Summer Pops concert performed by the Middletown Symphonic Band on Saturday, July 30 from 7PM-9PM at Great River Park (301 E River Drive). Summer Pops concerts are made possible by the C. Henry and Mary E.G. Olmsted Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. 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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