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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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CT Leads $440 Million Settlement with JUUL Labs
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Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced that Connecticut led 34 states and territories in reaching a $438.5 million agreement with JUUL Labs. The agreement will resolve two-years of bipartisan investigations and negotiations, led by Tong and the states of Texas and Oregon, into JUUL's marketing and sales practices.
The investigation found that JUUL relentlessly marketed to underage users with launch parties, advertisements using young and trendy-looking models, social media posts and free samples. Additionally, the investigation revealed that JUUL’s original packaging was misleading in that it did not clearly disclose that it contained nicotine and implied that it contained a lower concentration of nicotine than it did.
Through the settlement, Connecticut will receive a minimum of $16.2 million that will likely be used for cessation, prevention, and mitigation.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Manchester Planning & Zoning Approves Permit for Cannabis Retailer
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The Manchester Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a permit for Curaleaf to establish a cannabis retail location to be built in the former Friendly's on Buckland Street. Curaleaf operates several dispensaries nationwide, and currently operates medical facilities in Groton, Hartford, Milford, and Stamford.
The application proposed using the existing building for the dispensary with minimal modification to the site – no changes were proposed to the building size, height, or location on the property. The plan is currently for Curaleaf to move their Hartford operations to the location in Manchester, and the new site will serve as a "hybrid" location – selling medicinal and recreational products. Curealeaf must now await a permit from the state to operate as a hybrid retailer.
Wednesday's approval marks the second application approved for cannabis retail in Manchester. Planning and Zoning had previously approved an application from Fine Fettle for a recreational cannabis retailer at a nearby site at 91 Hale Road.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: “Old Nan” Comes to the End of the Line
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When Amtrak’s Northeast Regional train 67 crossed the Niantic River on its nighttime run from Boston to New York at 11:39 p.m. on September 7, 2012, it was the last train ever to travel on “Old Nan,” the 105-year-old railroad drawbridge between East Lyme and Waterford, a historic “choke point” on the nation’s busiest rail line. At 5:24 a.m. on September 8, Northeast Regional train 66 traveled northbound across a brand-new bridge just 58 feet to the south. At that moment, Old Nan, one of the oldest rolling bascule drawbridges in the nation, officially went out of service.
Old Nan was built in 1907 and made use of the latest advances in rail bridge technology. One of five moveable bridges along the Northeast Corridor rail line between New Haven and Boston, it was a two-track bascule bridge (like a medieval drawbridge) with a Scherzer rolling lift design, meaning the bridge rotated in a vertical plane around its horizontal axis and could be raised and lowered at one end. When completed, at a cost of just over $48,000, it was 294 feet long with five spans that rested on stone masonry piers and abutments.
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Nan may have met the needs of the early twentieth century, but over time the old issue of adequately handling both rail and maritime traffic resurfaced, along with new issues of speed restrictions and maintenance costs. Trains were forced to slow down to 45 miles per hour as they approached the drawbridge, and only one lane of boats at a time could pass through when it was raised. Moreover, any vessel with a mast higher than 19 feet couldn’t pass at all.
By the early 2000s, Amtrak, the current owner, had prepared plans for a new bridge but these were put on hold until 2010 when the line secured funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The $154 million project, one of Amtrak’s most complex capital improvement efforts, involved construction of new track alignments along the east and west approaches to the new bridge, a new signal and electrical system, and widening the channel below the bridge from 45 to 100 feet, to provide for two lanes of marine traffic. Additionally, the Niantic Bay boardwalk below the bridge was relocated and a new walkway built, and the beach was replenished with 76,000 cubic yards of sand. The replacement bridge, completed and operational by September 2012, is a two-track electrified movable fixed trunnion bascule bridge that raises and lowers significantly faster than its predecessor.
Though Old Nan was replaced by a structure providing much-improved speed and access, her service to Connecticut will not be forgotten. Remnants of the 1907 bridge, including the control house, lengths of chain, a sprocket, and the original builder plate were donated to the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum in Willimantic, where “Old Nan” will continue to remind visitors of her work as a bridge over traveled waters.
If you'd like to learn more about Old Nan and other interesting CT historical facts, click here.
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East Hartford & Manchester Police Departments Now Hiring
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The East Hartford Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Entry-Level Officers, Certified Officers, and a Public Safety Communications Supervisor.
Entry-Level Officer – Apply Now
Certified Police Officer – Apply Now
Public Safety Communications Supervisor – Apply Now
The deadline to apply for the position of a Public Safety Communications Supervisor is Thursday, September 29, and the deadline to apply for police officer positions is Tuesday, October 11.
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The Manchester Police Department is now recruiting Entry-Level Officers. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 30 – apply now by clicking here. If you have any questions or would like additional information, email hr@manchesterct.gov.
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Manchester Matters E-Newsletter has a New Look!
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The Town of Manchester’s e-newsletter, Manchester Matters, has a new look! Are you signed up? Manchester Matters is a great source to get all the news, info, and events happening in our community.
If you’re not signed up - click here to start receiving Manchester Matters.
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Registration Open Now: Hornets Run It Basketball Clinics
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East Hartford Parks and Recreation is excited to announce RUNIT22 Basketball clinics in collaboration with East Hartford Basketball Varsity Coaches Myette and Williams. Clinics will run for four consecutive Saturdays, September 24-October 15, at the following times:
- 5-9-Year-Olds Clinic: 8:15AM-9:30AM (Activity Number 72401-12)
- 10-17-Year-Olds Clinic: 9:45AM-11AM (Activity Number 72401-13)
All towns and experience levels are welcome. Spots are limited – reserve your child's spot today by clicking here and using the activity number above.
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Tickets on Sale Now: The Sculpture Project 2022 House Tour
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Six unique Manchester houses of varied vintages will be showcased at the Sculpture Project 2022 House Tour on Saturday, October 15 from 10AM-4PM. This is a great opportunity to visit six unique and historic homes, generously opened by the homeowners. The houses range from three grand Cheney mansions to the home of a Cheney employee, a Federal colonial and Victorian house that was moved, intact, from Spring St. to Porter St. in 1966.
There will also be a silent auction of special items, music, and artist's boutique. Advance tickets cost $35/person. Tickets will also be sold on the day of the show for $40 per person and can be purchased ONLY at the Charles Cheney Mansion (131 Hartford Road) beginning at 10AM. For more information, click here.
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East Hartford Fall Festival Seeking Vendors
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Don't miss out on the opportunity to be part of the Annual East Hartford Fall Festival! Food and craft vendor applications are being accepted now through Monday, October 3. The Fall Festival is one of the Town’s largest events, averaging over 2,000 participants the past few years!
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If you are a vendor interested in participating in the event, please fill out a vendor application below or call Parks and Recreation at (860) 291-7160:
Food Vendor Application
Craft Vendor Application
Crafters, Vendors and Non-Profit Community Groups are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Spaces will be marked on a grassy area along the walkway of the Town Green. Please note that space fees are non-refundable and full payment must accompany the application. All vendors must be able to commit to both the event date (Saturday, October 8) and rain date (Sunday, October 9) to be considered as a 2022 vendor.
For more information, click here.
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East Hartford Public Library Bringing Back Sunday Hours
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Raymond Library will resume Sunday hours (1PM-5PM) beginning this Sunday, September 11. And, don’t miss out and register now for new Sunday programs:
Living History Program: Anne Pasquale with Liberty Belles - Sunday, September 18, 2PM-3PM
Accompanied by the very talented musician/actor Keith Herron, Anne Pasquale will don the personas, sing the songs, and tell the stories of many unsung heroines from every point of Liberty’s crown, exploring the cultural diversity and common heritage that makes us all one. Register by clicking here.
Outdoor Program: Eastern Medicine Singers - Sunday, October 16, 3PM
Bring a chair and join the East Hartford Public Library on the lawn for an afternoon performance from the Eastern Medicine Singers! An Algonquin Drum Group from Woonsocket/Providence RI, the Eastern Medicine Singers are dedicated to keeping the Eastern Woodlands American Indian culture alive. Register by clicking here.
Living History Program: Tammy Denease as Elizabeth Keckly - Sunday, October 23, 2PM
Enjoy a living history performance by accomplished performing artist/storyteller/historian Tammy Denease as she brings to life the “hidden history” of an important but little-known figure, Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly. Register by clicking here.
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Monkeypox Updates & Vaccine Information
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Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus – at this time there are 104 reported cases in Connecticut. Symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash. Monkeypox can spread from person-to-person through:
- Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
- Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact
- Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids of an infected person
- Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is not recommending widespread vaccination against monkeypox. However, vaccination may be recommended for some people who:
- Are closer personal contacts of people with monkeypox
- May have been exposed to the virus
- May have increased risk of being exposed to the virus due to occupation
If you currently have symptoms, vaccination is NOT recommended. Vaccine is also available to people who meet ALL the following:
- Gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary individuals
- Have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days
- Age 18 or older
- Connecticut resident, regardless of immigration status
For those who meet the eligibility requirements, the vaccine will be available at the following health centers in our area by appointment only:
The monkeypox vaccine, Jynneos, requires two shots and takes a total of 6 weeks to become fully effective. To review the CT-DPH Jynneos Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions, click here.
More information can be found here.
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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 Town of East Hartford, with Griffin Hospital, will be hosting free COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the Town Green, the Y, and Raymond Library on the following dates:
- Saturday, September 10, 11AM-2PM – Town Green (1021 Main Street)
- Saturday, September 17, 11AM-2PM – East Hartford YMCA (70 Canterbury Street)
- Tuesday, September 20, 3PM-6PM – Raymond Library (840 Main Street)
- Tuesday, September 27, 3PM-6PM – Raymond Library
Vaccines from all three brands will be available to eligible residents 6 months and older. 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 is needed to get to and from a clinic site, please contact the Health Department for assistance.
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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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Stop by the free open house at Woodbridge Farmstead on Sunday, September 11 from 12PM-2PM. This month, the Manchester Historical Society will be celebrating Grandparents Day with cider, donuts, and games set up for the kids. Tours of the 1830 farmhouse will be at 12:15PM and 1PM. Parking is available in front of the house or at the nearby Senior Center.
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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Whiton Memorial Library on Monday, September 19 at 6:30PM. Enjoy an all-ages lecture and performance by New York-based Calpulli Mexican Dance Company and explore various areas of Mexico and traditional dance from each region. This is sure to be a free performance you won't want to miss, no registration required. More info can be found here.
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Open to everyone with a desire to learn more about their genealogy or about family genealogy research in general, stop by the Ancestors Road Show at Manchester Town Hall on Saturday, September 24 from 9AM-1PM. The Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council (CPGC) brings six professional genealogists who are volunteering their time to provide free 25-minute one-on-one consultations on any genealogical question – and not just Manchester records-related questions. Advanced registration is required. Please stop by the Town Clerk’s office or call (860) 647-3037.
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The East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department is inviting kids who have completed grades K-8 to participate in the Youth Tennis Program taking place on Wednesdays, starting September 14-October 19 during the following times:
- Completed Grades K-2: 5PM-5:45PM
- Completed Grades 3-5: 6PM-6:45PM
- Completed Grades 6-8: 7PM-7:45PM
This program is only available to residents and the fee is $18. Pre-registration is now open, and space is limited so register now to reserve a spot. Register online here or call Parks and Recreation at (860) 291-7160.
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Enjoy a "home-cooked" meal at the East Hartford Senior Center on Wednesday, September 14 at 12PM. Lunch will be BBQ chicken, corn salad, baked beans, and cornbread. This lunch is free of charge, but seating is limited. Grab a ticket in-person during normal hours at the Senior Center (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM), or call (860) 291-7460.
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Presented with funding support from the East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts, the East Hartford Public Library will host writing workshops with Dr. Melissa Sue on the following dates:
Workshop #1: Leading with Compelling Storytelling – Sunday, September 25 at 3PM
Teens and adults will learn the importance of storytelling and be introduced to different ways of publishing their stories (traditional, self, and hybrid).
Workshop #2: Crafting Your Own Story – Sunday, October 2 at 3PM
Children and adults will learn about the elements of storytelling, the structure of a story, literary devices, different types of stories, and craft their own stories.
To register for the workshops, 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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