Weekly Update - September 23

September 23, 2022





*|MC:SUBJECT|*


View this email in your browser



Dear Neighbor, 



We had some really positive financial news come out from the State Comptroller Natalie Braswell that we will make a one-time, special payment of $2.8 billion to be made toward the state’s unfunded pension liabilities. This followed an announcement by the state Office of Policy and Management that we have successfully reached the statutory cap on funding of our Budget Reserve Fund.

 

These actions are possible because of the sound financial planning and protocols we put in place starting in 2017.

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 

Governor Lamont Announces Launch of Responsible Cannabis Consumption Campaign

On Tuesday, Governor Ned Lamont announced the launch of an education campaign on the responsible use of cannabis use by adults. The campaign will highlight everything from how to safely store and dispose cannabis and cannabis waste to what to do if a child or pet accidently ingests cannabis.

 

The materials, which include videos, brochures, flyers, and social media graphics, are available for anyone to use and can be downloaded for free on the state’s adult-use cannabis website at ct.gov/cannabis.

 

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

Press Release: Governor Lamont Announces Launch of Education Campaign on Responsible Cannabis Consumption
Hartford Courant: Connecticut launches marijuana education campaign as cannabis businesses are set to open
Cannabis Business Times: Connecticut Unveils Public Education Campaign to Promote Responsible Cannabis Consumption Ahead of Adult-Use Market Launch

The Day: Hispanic and Latino people wield influence in Connecticut politics

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, myself and other political leaders from the Hispanic and Latino communities were interviewed by the New London Day to discuss the importance of our communities being engaged in the political process - and how to foster that engagement.



National Hispanic Heritage Month began from September 15 and is an opportunity for our country to celebrate and honor the contributions of Hispanic Americans.


 

Check out the article below.

Article

Today in CT History: A Punishing Treaty Ends the Pequot War

Today in 1638, an “agreement between the English in Connecticut and the Indian Sachems” of the Narragansett and Mohegan tribes was signed in Hartford, marking the end, at least as far as Connecticut was concerned, of the Pequot War. That war was the first major Anglo-Indian conflict in the region that became New England.

 

On May 1, 1637, in response to a surprise attack on Wethersfield that had left nine settlers dead along with 20 of their horses and cattle, Connecticut colony had formally declared war on the Pequots. The combined Pequot and Wangunk warriors’ attack had come just as the Wethersfield settlers were beginning spring planting following a desperately hard winter. The timing and nature of the raid suggest it was meant to threaten both the town’s people and their food security. The assault on Wethersfield had been preceded by two years of continually escalating tensions between the English and the Pequots in which both sides had inflicted numerous casualties on the other.

Fearing the Pequots’ ability to conduct surprise attacks on Connecticut’s fledgling colonial towns virtually at will, the English response was ruthless. Forging alliances with the region’s Mohegan and Narragansett tribes, both of whom harbored their own animosities toward their aggressive Pequot neighbors, the English conducted a European-style total war against the Pequots, killing hundreds of Pequot men, women and children in attacks on a fortified Pequot village near Mystic and a later swamp battle near present-day Fairfield. Colonists and native peoples throughout New England endured a summer of perpetual anxiety, marked by raids and reprisals, until the death of the Pequot sachem Sassacus in late July of 1637 effectively broke the Pequot’s will to continue fighting.

 

The agreement signed on September 21, 1638, by Connecticut, Mohegan, and Narragansett leaders — now commonly referred to as the Treaty of Hartford — outlined harsh terms for the remaining men, women, and children of the defeated Pequot tribe. All the Pequot warriors who fought against the English were to be executed, and the remaining tribal members were to be divided as prisoners of war (in many cases, de facto servants or slaves) between the English and their Indian allies. Furthermore, in an effort to totally erase the culture and even memory of the Pequot people, the use of the Pequot language — or even the name “Pequot” — was formally outlawed, and the Pequot people were forbidden to return to the expansive territory they once claimed as their homeland, an area of about 250 square miles in southeastern Connecticut. The leaders of Massachusetts, who did not participate in the negotiations, subsequently acted in ways that reflected ambivalence about, if not disagreement with, some of the Treaty of Hartford’s terms. This proved to be one factor that helped some Pequots return permanently to their homelands, where they have preserved their culture and identity through the ensuing centuries. Today, the Mashantucket Pequots have earned federal, and the Eastern Pequot community state recognition.

 

If you'd like to learn more about Treaty of Hartford and other interesting CT historical facts, click here.

Register Now for the Up For Growth Annual Summit for Housing Changemakers

I'll be speaking at Up For Growth's Annual Summit for Housing Changemakers on Tuesday, September 27. If you'd like to join virtually, there is still time to register! This is a great opportunity to dive deeper into housing policy. Learn more or register by clicking here.

Manchester & East Hartford Now Hiring

The Town of Manchester is now hiring for a number of positions:

Applications can be complete by clicking the above links – or use the above links to print the applications submit by mail to the Human Resources Department (41 Center, P.O. Box 191, Manchester, CT 06045-0191) or place applications in the black drop-box behind Town Hall. Please note that faxed or emailed copies of applications will not be accepted.

 

Learn more about all open positions with the Town of Manchester by clicking here.

The Town of East Hartford is seeking a dedicated individual to guide and support the evolving Social Services Department. The Program Supervisor will have the opportunity to lead a wonderful team of professionals invested in delivering services that positively impact our residents.

 

The application for this position is open now through October 16 – apply by clicking here.

East Hartford Welcome Center Open Hours

Are you a new resident of East Hartford? Or maybe you are looking to move to East Hartford but want to learn more about the town? The East Hartford Public Library is here to help! Stop by the library reference room during welcome center open hours on Tuesdays, October 18 and November 15 at 6:30PM. Meet your neighbors and learn about what’s happening in town! Established residents are welcome to join. For more information, click here.

Save the Date: How To Be Your Child's Best Advocate Workshop

Favor's Learning and Leadership Academy presents the virtual workshop, "How To Be Your Child's Best Advocate" on Tuesday, September 27 from 10AM-12PM via Zoom. The workshop with help parents and guardians better understand how to get their child's needs met at school. Some of the topics discussed will include the PPT process, laws parents need to know, effective communication and collaboration skills, how to work with school professionals when disagreements occur, and resources for parents with children who have behavioral health challenges. For more information or to sign-up to attend, click here.

East Hartford Parks & Recreation Move Registration to New & Improved System

The East Hartford Parks & Recreation department will move to a new program registration system as fall programs open. Through a partnership with MyRec.com, the new platform will allow residents greater access to recreation activities, classes, park/facility rentals and services offered by the Department.

MyRec.com is easy to use and is also mobile-friendly, allowing citizens to search for activities, register for programs, and remit payment from a traditional desktop as well as the latest smartphones and tablets.

 

The town hopes to have the new system live in the coming days. Please note, program participants will be required to create a new user/household account through the new registration program before signing up for programs.

 

For more information and update on the new system, be sure to monitor that town's website.

Watch Now: Connecticut Children's Behavioral Discussion

Earlier this month, Connecticut Children's pediatric experts joined forces with the Connecticut Historical Society and a psychiatrist from Hartford HealthCare to host a virtual conversation focused on children’s behavioral health. In case you missed it – you can find a recording of the conversation here. The panel discussed a lot of great topics that parents and caregivers may find informative.

Welcome to Manchester Police Department's Newest Officer

Please join me in welcome to Charles Henry, who took his Oath of Office on Monday to begin his career as a Manchester Police Department. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Charles comes to MPD after working for the City of Hartford and currently serves in the Army National Guard.  Welcome to our community, Charles – we are wishing you the best as he begins his training at the Connecticut Police Academy!

East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Corn Hole Tournament

Sign up for Battle of the Boards, a corn hole tournament sponsored by the East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Foundation on Saturday, October 8 at the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Club. The event begins at 11:30AM, and game play begins at 12:30PM – tickets include food trucks, soda and water, and a cash bar!

This event will support East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Foundation's efforts to further their mission of providing mentorship and networking opportunities to current East Hartford Public Schools students and alumni.

 

To purchase a ticket or learn more, click here.

Thoughts to Those Affected by Hurricane Fiona 

I'm continuing to keep the people of Puerto Rico in my thoughts this week as the island works to recover and rebuild following the devastating impact of Hurricane Fiona. My heart goes out to the loved ones, many of whom live here in Connecticut, waiting on word from their family and praying for their safety.

 

Our state has a deep connection to Puerto Rico as the sixth-largest concentration of Puerto Ricans in the United States. Connecticut's non-profits and political leaders have already stepped up – readying aid and assistance to send to the island.

 

In the coming days as we receive more information and the storm continues, please keep all those in its path in your thoughts.

Monkeypox Updates & Vaccine Information

Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus – at this time there are 123 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.

COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics

The Town of East Hartford, with Griffin Hospital, will be hosting a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Tuesday, September 27, 3PM-6PM at 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.

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 Manchester community and surrounding towns are invited to read and then meet the author during the 2022 One Book, One Town event on Thursday, September 29 at 6:30PM at the SBM Charitable Foundation Auditorium at Manchester Community College. This year's selection is The Other Black Girl, by Connecticut native and New York Times Best-Selling Author Zakiya Dalila Harris. No tickets or registration is required for this free event for the public.

 

Harris will speak on her career, inclusion, and more. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing by Book Club on the Go. Refreshments will be provided by Brown Butter Creations and GRDN KTCHN. Learn more by clicking here.

The Manchester Public Works and Sanitation Department is hosting another Community Clean-Up and Shred Event at the Transfer Station (311 Olcott Street) on Saturday, October 8 from 7:15AM-2:30PM (shred event will be 8AM-12PM or until full).

 

This event is for Manchester resident only – you must present valid driver's license with Manchester address or Manchester Recycling Permit to participate. Regular transfer station rules and regulations will be in effect. For a complete list of acceptable and non-acceptable items, click here.

The community is invited to participate in the 47th Annual History Walk in the Cheney Brothers District on Saturday, October 8 at 1PM. Manchester Community College (MCC) Professor Christopher Paulin will present a lively history of the area, and the Town Historian Susan Barlow will present information about the Cheney Family.

 

The walk will meet at the front steps of the former Cheney Office Building (146 Hartford Road – now Fuss & O'Neill). No rain date, but extreme weather will cancel the event. For more information, click here.

This Sunday, September 25 from 8:30AM-11AM, more than 500 participants will take to Main Street, East Hartford and Old Main Street, South Windsor for the annual Believe 208 5K Run for the Bravest and Finest. If you'd still like to participate – in-person registration will be available on race day at 7AM. The race will begin at the Knights of Columbus (1831 Main Street).

 

Believe 208 celebrates and remembers East Hartford Officer Paul Buchanan, who struggled with depression and died by suicide in 2013. The event raises money and awareness for police officer mental health through Believe 208 and the Connecticut Alliance to Benefit Law Enforcement (CABLE). Click here for more information.

The East Hartford Department invites you to stop by for "Coffee with a Cop" at the Dunkin' on 639 Main Street on Wednesday, October 5 from 8AM-10AM. Come out to discuss issues and learn more about each other.  No agenda, no speeches.  Talk with police about your neighborhood, ask questions, share concerns, or stop by just to chat. Learn more by clicking here.

A town-wide favorite returns on Saturday, October 8, 11AM-3PM. Celebrate autumn with the Town of East Hartford's biggest annual event – Fall Fest! Admission is free, but you can purchase a $5 attraction band to get unlimited attractions, games, and a pumpkin decorating activity. For more information, including parking advisories and a complete list of events, click here.

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

Facebook
Facebook
Twitter
Twitter
Website
Website
Email
Email

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences