Weekly Update - August 5

August 5, 2022





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Dear Neighbor, 



It's been another hot week! Both East Hartford and Manchester are under a heat advisory through the remainder of today, August 5. Cooling centers are available at:

 

East Hartford

  • East Hartford Public Safety Complex Lobby – open 24/7
  • East Hartford Public Library – Monday & Friday 9AM-5PM, Tuesday-Thursday 9AM-8PM, Saturday 10AM-2PM
  • East Hartford Senior Center – Monday-Friday 8:30AM-4:30PM

Manchester

  • Mary Cheney Library – Monday-Thursday 9AM-9PM, Friday & Saturday 9AM-5PM
  • Whiton Branch Library – Monday-Thursday 10AM-8:30PM, Friday 9AM-5PM
  • Manchester Senior Center – Monday-Thursday 9AM-4PM
  • Manchester Police Department – Available 24/7
  • Weiss Center – Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-4:30PM

For additional locations, call 2-1-1 or look online at 211ct.org to find their nearest location.

Or beat the heat at one of our community pools! For East Hartford residents, admission at all 5 of the town pools is free for residents (proof of residency is required for all 7 and older). For more information and hours of operations for each pool, click here. Manchester residents can find a list of pools and spraygrounds and their hours here.

 

Please remember, heat-related illness can affect anyone, though some people are at greater risk than others, including infants and young children, people 65 years of age or older, those who are overweight and anyone who overexerts during work or exercise or is physically ill with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation.

 

Additional safety tips and extreme heat-related information can be found on 211ct.org's Extreme Hot Weather Page or in 2-1-1 Extreme Heat Precautions and Safety Tips

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 

CT Awarded Highly Competitive "Good Jobs Challenge" Program

This week, it was announced that Connecticut's Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS) was one of 32 recipients selected for the Commerce Department’s $500 million “Good Jobs Challenge” program. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the highly competitive program has awarded OWS $24 million to expand job training programs that have struggled to meet demand amid a shortage of skilled workers in the state.

 

The Good Jobs Challenge is projected to place more than 50,000 American workers into good, quality jobs in 15 targeted industries across 31 states, and received commitments from 824 employers to support the efforts of this program.

 

Congratulations to Office of Governor Ned Lamont and OWS for their work in securing this funding. It will help us to continue our efforts to support the growth of these in-demand fields.

 

I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?

The CT Mirror: CT workforce office wins $24 million American Rescue Plan grant
Press Release: U.S. Department of Commerce Announces Winners of American Rescue Plan $500 Million Good Jobs Challenge to Expand Employment Opportunities
New Haven Register: How $24 million will help 3,000 people train for new careers in CT

"Test, Mask, & Go" – New COVID Policy for the New School Year

On Tuesday, state public health and education officials announced new policies for handling COVID-19 as we enter the new school year. Under the new policy, being called "test, mask, and go," parents and caregivers are now being urged to test their children if they exhibit cold symptoms, then to send them to school in a mask if they test negative. If your child tests positive for COVID-19 or is showing more serious symptoms like high fevers, officials recommend the child stay home.

 

Officials also highlighted that there will be free self-test kits available at all public schools, childcare programs and camps in state, as well as vaccination clinic vans for the state’s 36 Alliance Districts in the new school year.

 

I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?

CT Insider: Students can attend CT schools with minor cold symptoms under new COVID guidance
NBC CT: State Leaders Provide Health Guidance for 2022-2023 School Year
Hartford Courant: CT announces new testing, masking policies for 2022-23 as back to school approaches

Public Hearing for Proposed Health Insurance Rate Hikes Scheduled for August 15

Recently, the state Insurance Department received a request from insurance carriers to increase the cost of individual health plans next year by an average of 20.4 percent percent and small group health plans by an average of 14.8%. The request has sparked criticism as the requested increases are significantly higher than those of previous years. In 2021, carriers requested an 8.6 percent increase on individual plans and a 12.9 percent increase on small group plans. It is important to note that the proposed rate change varies significantly depending on the insurance carrier and the plan.



In evaluating the proposed rates, the Insurance Department will review projections regarding the cost of the provision of health care and expected utilization. Approximately 206,000 residents enroll in the various health plans that are under review.


 

The state Insurance Department will hold a public hearing to give residents the chance to give their own input on the requested increases at the Legislative Office Building (300 Capitol Avenue) on Monday, August 15 at 9AM. The hearing will be held in a hybrid format so participants may give their testimony either in-person or virtually.

 

To testify virtually, send an email with your name and written remarks to cid.RateFilings@ct.gov by noon on Friday, August 12. To testify in-person, sign up will be held at the Legislative Office Building on the day of hearing beginning at 8:30AM. Please note that oral remarks are limited to three minutes per person.

 

The Insurance Department is expected to decide on the increase in the fall.

 

I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?                           

The CT Mirror: Public hearing on proposed health insurance rate hikes set for Aug. 15
Hartford Courant: Connecticut elected officials criticize double-digit rate increases sought by health insurers, demand public hearing
CT News Junkie: Insurance Department Hearing Set on Double-Digit Rate Hikes

Today in CT History: Connecticut Broadcasting’s Ban the Beatles Boycott

On August 4, 1966, several Connecticut pop music radio stations joined a nationwide boycott and refused to play Beatles music in response to perceived anti-Christian remarks made by John Lennon.

 

The offending interview took place the preceding March when journalist Maureen Cleave asked John Lennon a series of questions about the rock star’s daily life. During the interview, Lennon went off on a rambling tangent about organized religion, espousing his belief that Christianity was in decline and declaring the Beatles were “more popular than Jesus now.”

Lennon’s remarks flew under the radar in Britain but made waves five months later when the American magazine Datebook republished excerpts from the British interview and slapped another Lennon quote (“I don’t know which will go first – rock ‘n’ roll or Christianity!”) on the cover. The issue hit American newsstands in late July, and the backlash was instantaneous. Amid outraged op-eds and letters to the editor in newspapers across the United States, numerous DJs loudly proclaimed that they would refuse to play Beatles songs on their radio stations. While most of these highly publicized radio boycotts originated in the ‘Bible Belt’ states of the southern U.S., the protest quickly spread to every corner of the country.

 

On August 4, 1966, several Connecticut radio stations — spanning the entire state from Stamford to Putnam to Manchester to Old Saybrook — joined the movement, refusing to play any music by the Beatles.

 

While Connecticut’s radio boycott was far from absolute (several stations, including the hugely popular WPOP out of Hartford, continued to air the band’s songs), it was part of a huge backlash that soon expanded beyond the American border, inciting anti-Beatles protests and admonishments in places like Mexico and Vatican City. Music historians point to the global controversy as a turning point for the famous band; the remainder of their 1966 U.S. tour was marred by protests, canceled shows, and negative press coverage. After their final tour date on August 29, 1966, the Beatles never played another live concert. Band on the run, today in Connecticut history.

 

If you'd like to learn more about Connecticut's radio boycott and other interesting CT historical facts, click here.

Statewide Primary Elections on Tuesday!

There is a statewide primary on Tuesday, 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.

 

In-person voter registration closes on Monday, 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.

Cardinal Health Aero-Med Opens New Manufacturing Facility in East Hartford

This week, I had the privilege of touring Cardinal Health Aero-Med's new lab kit manufacturing facility in East Hartford. The facility will help to expand their work as a leading manufacturer of non-sterile specimen collection kits which supports diagnostic testing, including COVID-19 testing kits used around the country.

 

I'm excited that they've made the decision to call East Hartford their home, bringing many manufacturing job opportunities to our community! Along with Mayor Mike Walsh and my state and local colleagues, I look forward to finding opportunities for Cardinal Health Aero-Med to be a strategic partner for East Hartford and the continued growth of our community.

Thanks to Everyone that Came Out to Support National Night Out!

I want to thank East Hartford and Manchester Police Departments, as well as the community partners, who came together on Tuesday for another great National Night Out! Both communities had a great line up of activities and events to bring us all together.

 

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our communities – I can't wait for next year!

Lane Closure Alert: Bridge Deck Repair Work on Route 5/15 Southbound in East Hartford

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has announced that bridge deck repair work on Route 5/15 Southbound in East Hartford will begin on Friday, August 5.

 

The right lane of Route 5/15 Southbound, including the right lane of I-84 Westbound Exit 57 to Route 5/15 Southbound, will be closed continuously from Friday, August 5 at 8PM to Wednesday, August 10, at 6AM. The left lane of I-84 Westbound Exit 57 will remain open during this period. I-84 Westbound motorists seeking Route 15 Southbound and I-91 Southbound should expect delays through the work area.

 

Please be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity.

Don't Miss Out – Back to School Programs Deadline Quickly Approaching

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.

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.

COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics

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!

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 Raymond Library (840 Main Street) on the following dates:

  • Friday, August 12 – 9AM-1PM
  • Saturday, August 20 – 10:30AM-1:30PM
  • Friday, August 26 – 9AM-1PM

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.

Additionally, the Town of East Hartford has partnered with Intercommunity Inc. to host Back-to-School Health Care Clinics at East Hartford Middle School and High School for all school-aged children in East Hartford:

  • August 9-12, 8AM-4PM – East Hartford Middle School
  • August 16-19, 8AM-4PM – East Hartford High School

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available to children 5 and older – appointments are required for COVID-19 vaccines. To schedule an appointment call (860) 569-5900. Additional services included at the Back-to-School Health Care Clinic includes back-to-school physicals, sports physicals, and other immunizations. If you are new to the East Hartford school system this year, please bring a copy

of your child’s health history, including immunizations
.

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 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 8, the theme is "Mystery Week." If you like surprises, then you will enjoy what you find inside this box. It’s sure to be fun for the whole family! 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.

Cruisin' on 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.

Stop by Mary Cheney Library on Thursday, August 11 from 6:30PM-7:15PM for an opportunity for kids ages 3-7 to enjoy exploring multiple large sensory bins in this fun program. Registration is required for participation as space is limited, reserve a spot by calling (860) 645-0577.

East Hartford Parks and Recreation is once again offering discount tickets to Lake Compounce amusement park, valid for any day in the 2022 operating season. There are a limited number of discount tickets available, tickets may be purchased for $32.50 each. Tickets must be purchased at the Parks and Recreation office located at 50 Chapman Place, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30AM-4:30PM. For more information, click here or call East Hartford Parks and Recreation at (860) 291-7160.

The East Hartford Public Library is inviting all ages to contribute to a collaborative community art puzzle on Friday mornings, August 12 and 26. Stop by the library table at the farmer’s market to pick up a blank puzzle piece and use your creativity to show your love for our community. Completed puzzle pieces will be assembled to display at the library. Please return completed puzzle pieces by August 31. In the event of inclement weather, this program will be held indoors in the Makerspace. No registration required!

East Hartford Public Schools (EHPS) is hosting a Back-to-School Rally on Wednesday, August 10 from 3:30PM-6:30PM on the East Hartford Town Green (740 Main Street). East Hartford students should stop by for music, community resources, giveaways, backpacks, and school supplies!

 

Calling volunteers! EHPS is seeking volunteers to help manage various tasks on the day of the event between 3PM and 7PM – volunteer at your own. If you're interested in volunteering, contact Alexis by phone at (860) 622-5157 or by email at safo-agyeman.a@easthartford.org.  

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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