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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 Small Business Boost Fund to Businesses & Nonprofits in Underserved Communities
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On Monday, Governor Ned Lamont announced the launch of the Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund, a public-private partnership that provides low-interest loans to small businesses and nonprofits in Connecticut.
The goal of the program is to help Connecticut's small businesses and nonprofit access flexible working capital, particularly those in low-income and historically underserved communities. The loans have a fixed, 4.5% interest rate and are available to eligible small businesses and nonprofits with operations in Connecticut that have 100 or fewer full-time employees and annual revenues of less than $8 million.
This new program is being developed following changes we made in 2021 to modernize and expand the impact of the original Small Business Express program.
Applications are now being accepted for loans ranging from $5,000 to $500,000. Apply online here – if qualified, small businesses and nonprofits will be matched with a lender that will then assist throughout the application process.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Bond Commission to Meet to Consider Key Funding for our Community
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The State Bond Commission announced that several projects for our community will be considered during today's meeting. If approved, our community is expected to receive more than $3 million in state funds to support the following agenda items:
- $1 million to aid the preservation of 51 affordable apartments on Columbus Circle and Columbus Street in East Hartford
- $258,162 for the demolition of the former McCartin Elementary School to make the site available for the development of single-family housing
- $600,000 for improvements and upgrades to the East Hartford Community Auditorium at East Hartford Middle School
- $293,081 for auditorium and lecture hall improvements at East Hartford High School
- A portion of $1 million to support repairs at Rentschler Field, including repairs and refurbishment to back-of-house facilities and repair work in the stadium bowl
The State Bond Commission will vote on these projects, and several other funding opportunities from across the state, during their meeting today, July 29 at 10:30AM in Room 1E at the Legislative Office Building. You can watch the meeting on CT-N here.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Governor Announces $34 Million in State Funding to Support Outdoor Recreation
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Governor Ned Lamont announced the anticipated release of $34 million in state funding to improve and increase access to the outdoors for Connecticut residents in several ways. Among the items that are expected to be approved during today's meeting of the State Bond Commission include:
- $15 million to support repairs, maintenance, and new construction at various Connecticut State Parks statewide.
- $10 million to provide open space grants for conservation and recreation purposes.
- $9 million to support improvement and expansion of recreational trails, bikeways, greenways, pedestrian walkways, and more.
This funding is also in addition to an expected $21.5 million expected from the American Rescue Plan Act which will be used to provide improved accessibility, improvements, and repairs to park amenities; increase outdoor recreation and education; reduce DEEP’s infrastructure footprint; and improve water supply and sewage disposal associated with outdoor recreation facilities.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: The World’s First Hamburger?
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July 28, 1900 was shaping up to be an average summer day for lunch wagon owner and Danish immigrant Louis Lassen, who was serving sandwiches and other hot meals to factory workers in New Haven during their lunch breaks. Suddenly, a local businessman, Gary Widmore, rushed up to Lassen’s wagon and desperately asked for a quick and delicious lunch he could take on the go. (According to Lassen family lore, Widmore exclaimed, “Louie! I’m in a rush, slap a meatpuck between two planks and step on it!”) Lassen then took some ground-up steak trimmings, quickly cooked them in a vertical broiler, and served them between two pieces of toast — and thus, the hamburger was born.
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Claims regarding “the first hamburger in America” are a dime a dozen, but unlike those based in Texas, Ohio, upstate New York, or elsewhere, New Haven has physical evidence, in addition to a wealth of oral history, to support its carnivorous claim to fame. In 2000, the Library of Congress officially acknowledged that the first American hamburger was served by Louis Lassen. The very same broiler that cooked up the first hamburger in 1900 — which dates to the 1890s — is still used to cook hamburgers at Louis’ Lunch today, 120 years later. In addition to being the birthplace of the American hamburger, Louis Lunch is also the oldest continuously operating hamburger restaurant in the United States. Today, the Lassen family continues to own and operate the famous eatery, which occupied a small brick building on George Street in New Haven from 1917 to the 1970s when it was moved to its current location at 261 Crown Street. Visitors can order an “original burger” made of ground steak trimmings pressed into a patty and served between two pieces of toast. (Be forewarned, however: In the name of authenticity, ketchup is not allowed!)
A recent article in Connecticut Magazine by Albie Yuravitch adds credence to claims that Louis’s was not the first official American hamburger. It cites no less than four sources providing hamburgers as early as 1894. Still, Louis’ Lunch’s claim to be the oldest continually run hamburger stand in the U.S., is, and will remain, incontestable – at least for now.
If you'd like to learn more about the first hamburger and other interesting CT historical facts, click here.
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East Hartford & Justice Education Center Hosting One-Week Girls Basketball Program
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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 on Monday, August 15 – Friday, August 19 from 9AM-3PM at East Hartford High School. This program will bring girls entering grades 1-8 together in sport, fun, and friendship with the goal to connect young girls with women leaders who will help build self-esteem, motivate, and inspire them, while having fun.
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Registration is open now and will close on Friday, August 12 at 3PM or until 100 participants have signed up. Register now by clicking here – the program is free, however there is a registration fee of $25 to ensure participation. Upon completion of the program, this fee will be applied as a credit toward any East Hartford Parks and Recreation program in the coming year. Breakfast, snacks, and lunch will be provided to all participants.
There is still a limited number of coaching positions available. To sign up to be a coach, e-mail justiceeducation@aol.com. Coaches will receive $750.
For more information on the program or the Justice Education Center, Inc., click here.
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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.
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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Access Health CT Hosting Free, In-Person Event to Assist Residents Enrolling in Covered CT Program
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A while back I updated you on recent changes to the CoveredCT health program, which provides healthcare to eligible Connecticut residents based on need. Recently, we expanded the program so CoveredCT will now be available to adults without children and will provide dental coverage and non-emergency medical transportation.
Access Health CT will be at Advancing CT Together (110 Bartholomew Avenue, Hartford) on Wednesday, August 3 from 4PM-7PM to help residents determine their eligibility and enroll in the Covered CT Program. Enrollment fairs are free, and residents are encouraged to make an appointment for the session, but walk-ins will be welcome. Please note strict safety protocols will be in place at enrollment fair locations, including mask-wearing and hand-sanitizing. When possible, please limit to only one attendee per party.
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To ensure that your enrollment specialist has the information necessary to best assist you, be sure to have the following information for yourself and anyone in your household:
- Dates of Birth
- Social Security numbers
- Visa, green cards, or immigration documents
- Most recent W2 and/or Form 1040, Form 1099
- Current insurance coverage
- Paystubs, Profit & Loss statement, or other employment information to confirm income for everyone in your tax household
If you need additional help or want to learn more about future enrollment fair dates, visit AccessHealthCT.com or call Access Health CT at +1 (855) 805-4325 (Monday-Friday, 8AM-4PM). If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use the TTY at +1 (855) 789-2428 or contact Access Health CT with a relay operator.
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Cruisin' on Main Street is Back for its 21st Year!
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Save the date! Cruisin' Main Street is back on Sunday, August 7 from 10AM-3PM. Now in its 21st year, get ready for a fun-filled day of beautiful vintage vehicles, special activities, displays, music and delicious food arrayed along Downtown Manchester's historic Main Street.
There is no pre-registration, show car registration will be in-person, day of, and opens at 8AM. All cars, trucks, sports cars, and street rods 1987 and prior are welcome. The show is free to all members of the public, and there is a $10 fee for participating show cars.
For more information click here, call (860) 647-3079, or email cruisinonmain@manchester.gov.
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POSTPONED: Temporary Closure of Exit 5A On-Ramp to Route 2 Eastbound in East Hartford
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation has informed us that the temporary closure of the High Street On-Ramp (Exit 5A) to Route 2 Eastbound in East Hartford, which was set to begin this past Monday, is now postponed until Sunday, August 7.
Weather permitting, DOT is now anticipating the closure to happen August 7 – August 28. During this time, traffic will be detoured onto Carter Street, then onto Main Street, then onto Maple Street, and finally onto Route 2 Eastbound. The closure is necessary as part of the safety and operational improvements on Route 2 in East Hartford, Hartford, and Glastonbury and in this area, work is focused on safely facilitating the reconstruction of the ramp acceleration lane.
I'll be sure to keep you updated if there are any other changes. To get more info on the CT Route 2 Project, click here.
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UConn Seeking Participants for Exercise Promotion Study
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The University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is seeking participants for a research study to better understand what helps individuals to exercise regularly and what makes it harder to exercise.
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To be eligible to participate, you must:
- Be between 18 and 55 years old
- Identify as Hispanic or Latino
- Be eligible to participate in nutrition programs (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program or SNAP-Ed)
The study is the result of trying to respond to recent research has found that health programs need to be more inclusive of all individuals if they are going to truly meet the needs of their community. The hope is that information from this study will lead to forming more effective, evidence-backed exercise programs.
There are no costs to take part in the study, and participants will receive a $50 gift card for taking part. Gift cards are handed out after completion of the interview.
If you are interested in participating, click here.
If you have further questions about this study or if you have a research-related problem, you may contact the principal investigator, Michael Puglisi, by phone at (302) 528-7419 or by email at michael.puglisi@uconn.edu.
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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 Raymond Library (840 Main Street) on Saturday, July 30, 10:30M-2PM. 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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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 August 1, the theme is "Collage Week." For this week, use a variety of materials to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Using mixed media and no rules – just your imagination is needed! 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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See the show audiences are calling “superb” and “heartwarming fun for the whole family.” Join magician and juggler Scott Jameson at Manchester Public Library on Tuesday, August 2 at 6:30PM for an extraordinary performance that will have you laughing out loud and perched on the edge of your seat. Umbrellas will be plucked from thin air, basketballs will be spun and juggled, and a member of the audience will unlock telekinetic abilities. Bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy this great show outside near the Howroyd Room patio, weather permitting.
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Calling all families! National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live and work. Manchester Police Department will host the following National Night Out events on Tuesday, August 2 at:
6PM-8PM: Waddell Pool – take a slide in to Waddell pool where there will be music, popsicles and for this special night, NOODLES. All pool entrance procedures will still be enforced.
6PM-8PM: Charter Oak – enjoy a footgolf tournament throughout the park!
5:30PM-7:30PM: Westside Community Block Party – join summer fun at the Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center. The night will include inflatables, chalk art, music & more! No registration required, so be sure to come by and get in on the fun.
8PM: Movie Night Out – enjoy a movie at Northwest Park (441 Tolland Turnpike) with ice cream treats sponsored by Highland Park Market!
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East Hartford Police Department's traveling “block party” is back this year on Tuesday, August 2! Again, EHPD will join communities nationwide for National Night Out – America's Night Out Against Crime at two separate locations in town:
- Gorman Park (May Road) – 2PM-4PM
- Martin Park (Burnside Road) – 5PM-7PM
Enjoy music, K-9 demos, games, refreshments, and so much more – there will be something for everything! For more information click here.
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Yellowstone is the oldest National Park, and it has lots of things to see! But one of the most famous is a geyser called "Old Faithful." Join East Hartford Public Library to learn about what makes geysers go, and make your own on Wednesday, August 3, at 6PM. Be sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy, just in case! Best suited for ages 6 and up. Register and learn more by clicking here.
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East Hartford Public Schools' Back to School Rally on the Town Green on Main Street is back after a two-year hiatus! The rally is back on Wednesday, August 10 from 3:30PM-6:30PM, and Connecticut River Valley of Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers to help organize ahead of the event and participate on the day of the event.
Volunteers are needed to:
- Help solicit individual or organization donations of backpacks and school supplies (pencils, crayons, spiral notebooks, rulers, markers, colored pencils, glue sticks, and folders)
- Preparing backpacks for distribution on rally day
Day of volunteers are needed to assist with:
- Backpack handouts
- Helping families download and activate a new communication tool
- Distribute bottled water and other giveaways
If you'd like to donate, a collection box can be found at 2400 Main Shoppe, Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-5PM. 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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