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To make sure you and your family are prepared, the NFPA has put together the following fire safety information:
As we close out this year's Fire Prevention Week, be sure to make your plan! Click here for more information.
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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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Bonus Payment for Childcare Workers
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As a thank you for their tireless work, Connecticut childcare workers will soon receive bonus payments. Governor Lamont released $70 million in state funding for the Wage Supports for Early Childhood Educators program. Through this program, full time childcare employees will receive $1,000 and part time employees will receive $400.
Individuals who work in licensed centers, group childcare homes, and family childcare homes, as well as license-exempt programs that receive school readiness or child day care contract funds are eligible for this bonus.
Childcare program operators will be required to apply for the funds and then disburse the payments to their childcare staff. The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood will contact eligible childcare programs and provide them with additional information.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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OLR Release 2022 Public Act Summary Book
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The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) has released their 2022 Public Act Summary Book which contains concise summaries of all public acts passed during the 2022 Regular Session. On October 1, a number of these public acts took effect – including the juvenile justice reforms and firearm background checks legislation among others.
Click the button below to view the book – this year's edition got a significant digital upgrade compared to years prior. It is hyperlinked throughout for quick navigation and organized by committee. I.e., to view some of the public acts we discussed during the last meeting, go to the table of contents, and click on "Judiciary Committee."
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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SOTS Launches New Online Absentee Voter Application Process
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Late last week, Secretary of the State (SOTS) Mark Kohler unveiled a new system to allow voters to request an absentee ballot online. Voters can visit myvote.ct.gov/GetMyAB to start the process on their phone, tablet, or computer. This is a step towards modernizing Connecticut's absentee ballot application, which may make it easier for certain voters to cast their ballot. You can learn more about the portal here.
In addition, as a result of a law we passed this session, more voters will be eligible to apply for an absentee ballot. Voters are eligible to vote by absentee ballot if:
- they are unable to go to their polling place on Election Day because of absence from their town for a period of time on Election Day;
- because of a sickness; or
- because of a disability.
The new, expanded eligibility includes voters who are unable to go to their polling place because of a sickness or physical disability of another person, or because of the continued presence of a sickness, such as the COVID-19 virus.
Click here for more information.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: Connecticut’s “Food City” Gives Birth to the “Lolly Pop.” Sweet!
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From world-famous pizza to the world’s first (or longest continuous source of the) hamburger, New Haven is, bite for bite, home to more remarkable American food history than most other American cities regardless of their size or age. When it comes to one-of-a-kind tastes and All-American choices – with a decidedly international influence, of course (Can you say “Ahbeets?”) – New Haven, shall we say, punches above its weight. Among the Foodie City’s lesser-known — but no less notable — food-related firsts were the invention of the modern-day lollipop.
In 1908, George P. Smith of New Haven’s Bradley Smith Company applied to the U.S. Patent and Trademark office in hopes of securing exclusive rights to the name “lollipop.” A few years earlier, the Bradley Smith company had started selling hard candies on a stick under the name “lollipops” — a whimsical name Smith had borrowed from a prize-winning horse he had seen at a local racing track named Lolly Pop.
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While Smith’s company was the first to sell these confections under the “lollipop” moniker, the concept of selling sweets on a stick had been around for decades, if not centuries. Smith received a harsh reminder of this very fact from the U.S. Trademark and Patent office, who rejected his original application after a diligent clerk discovered that the term “lollipop” had been defined in early 19th century British dictionaries as “a hard sweetmeat, sometimes on a stick.”
For years, the Bradley Smith Company continued to sell their increasingly popular candies under the “lollipop” name while Smith tried to think of a clever way around his copyright conundrum. Finally, in 1931, Smith submitted the name “Lolly Pop,” split into two words, and was granted a trademark for that name on October 13 of that same year. By that time, however, competing candy companies had been using the “lollipop” name so frequently that the two spellings soon became interchangeable. Only a few years later, in 1938, the struggling Bradley Smith Company was forced to cease its candy-making operations — but not before it had earned the city of New Haven yet another prestigious food history “first,” today in Connecticut history.
If you'd like to learn more about the "Lolly Pop" and other interesting CT historical facts, click here.
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Former McCartin School Students Planning Alumni Reunion & Open House Before Planned Demolition
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As many of you know, East Hartford is readying the former McCartin School for demolition. But, before we say goodbye to the building, a group of former students is organizing an All Alumni Reunion and Open House tomorrow, October 15, 12PM-4PM.
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Former students are invited to bid a "fond farewell" to the school and enjoy an elementary school favorite – pizza and ice cream – from Ice Cream Dream and Square Peg Pizzeria.
The event was recently featured in the Hartford Courant – check out the full article, "The McCartin School in East Hartford is set to be torn down. A group of former students have something special planned before it happens." here.
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Trash & Recycling Collection Update in East Hartford
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Despite several efforts by the Town of East Hartford to inform residents that there was no delay in trash and recycling pickup on Monday's holiday, there seems to have been some confusion and some residents missed pickup.
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If you missed pickup, you will be able to bring your trash and recycling to the Transfer Station, free of charge, on the following days:
- Friday, October 14, 7:15AM-2:35PM
- Saturday, October 15, 8AM-1:45PM
The most up-to-date trash and recycling collection schedule is available on the town website. The only upcoming delay in trash and recycling collection is Thanksgiving. To receive updates and alerts from the Town of East Hartford, please subscribe to any or all the below options:
- Subscribe to the town's newsletter here.
- Subscribe to alerts here – please opt to receive non-emergency messaging.
- Subscribe to receive town news here.
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Take the Manchester Police Department 2022 Citizen Satisfaction Survey
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The Manchester Police Department takes pride in the quality of service it provides to the Manchester community. But they want to hear from you! Please take a moment to complete this year's Citizen Satisfaction Survey so that the Police Department may better serve you.
The survey can be found here. Surveys must be received by the Manchester Police Department no later than November 30.
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Reminder - DEA's 22nd National Take Back Day is Oct. 29
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The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) 22nd National Take Back Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 29. National Take Back Day is part of the nationwide effort to reduce opioid overdose deaths by encouraging residents to turn in expired, unwanted, and unused prescription drugs. Studies have shown that most abused prescription drugs are obtained from friends and family – primarily from home medicine cabinets.
Over the 10-year span of Take Back Day, DEA has brought in more than 7,995 tons of prescription drugs. During the last collection in April, DEA collected close to 360 tons of unwanted drugs.
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East Hartford Police Department and Health Department will host a collection event from 10AM-2PM at the East Hartford Public Safety Complex (31 School Street). If you are unable to make the event, the drop box is available 24 hours a day. For more information, click here.
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The Town of East Hartford will also be giving away Narcan® (naloxone) kits and providing education around on the signs of an overdose, proper overdose response, and how and when to administer naloxone. Supplies are limited and kits will be available on a first come, first serve basis. One kit per household. For questions about this event or to speak with a public health nurse, please contact the Health Department at (860) 291-7324.
For Manchester residents, the Manchester Police Department has permanently installed a Prescription Drug Disposal box in the lobby (239 Middle Tpke East). For more information, click here.
The public can drop off potentially dangerous prescription medications – officials will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs, and will continue to accept vaping devices and cartridges at its drop off locations provided lithium batteries are removed. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted.
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Manchester CERT to Host FCC Ham Radio Technician License Training Class
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The Manchester Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will host an FCC Ham Radio technician license training class. Classes will be held Friday evenings, October 21-November 18, 7PM-9:30PM at the Manchester EOC (321 Olcott Street).
All course materials will be provided, however there is an FCC exam fee that each person will be responsible for.
Reservations for the class are required. Contact Don Janelle at: Djanelle@manchesterct.gov.
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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 135 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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The Town of East Hartford Health Department, with Griffin Hospital, will hold free COVID-19 vaccine clinics throughout the month of October on the following dates:
- Sunday, October 16, 2PM-5PM – Raymond Library (840 Main Street)
- Friday, October 21, 10AM-1PM – Senior Center (15 Milbrook Drive) *for ages 12 and up only – no J&J will be available; however, the flu shot will be offered instead.
- Tuesday, October 25, 3PM-6PM – Raymond Library
Each event will be open to all eligible Connecticut residents 6 months and up (with the exception 10/21 which is only available to eligible residents 12 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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The Manchester Recreation Division's Northwest Park Annual Fall Festival continues today, October 14 from 5-8PM! Join the fun in your best Halloween costume for a fun evening of activities including pumpkin painting, local vendors, Jack-O-Lantern Zombie Walk, viewings of Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, Rec on the Run mask making, bounce houses, and a Scarecrow Village.
For more information, click here.
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Dementia Friends, a global movement by the Alzheimer's Society in the United Kingdom and now, in the United States, is coming to Manchester Public Library on Monday, October 17 at 6:30PM. During this one-hour training, participants will hear from Taylor LaJeunesse, Director of Operations for Always Best Care Central CT, INC and Dementia Friends trainer to learn the five key messages about dementia and what it's like to live with dementia.
There is no registration required for this free, adult program. For more information, call the Reference Desk at (860) 645-0821.
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Local comedians from the area will be featured in a family friendly comedy night during the Rebuilding Together of Manchester Comedy Night on Thursday, October 20 at Manchester Elks Lodge #1893 (30 Bissell Street). Doors open at 6PM and the show will start at 7PM. Tickets to attend the event are available for $20 and can be purchased either online at funny4Funds.com/events or in person from one of our Rebuilding Together Volunteers.
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Join East Hartford Works! Resident Advisory Council for a Living Room Conversation titled: "Does My Vote Really Matter?" on Monday, October 24, 6PM-7PM in the lower level of the East Hartford Public Library. If you're not familiar with the Living Room Conversation series, these events are structured to increase understanding, reveal common ground, and allow us to discuss possible solutions.
All interested participants are encouraged to register now by clicking here. Dinner will be provided! If you have any questions or would like additional information, call (860) 290-4345 or email yjeter@easthartfordct.gov.
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The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) will host its fall Hazardous Waste Collection Day at the MDC East Hartford Water Pollution Control Authority (65 Pitkin Street) on Saturday, October 29, 8AM-1PM. This is a great opportunity for residents to dispose of hazardous wastes that cannot be put in trash receptacles.
Items accepted include but are not limited to: acids, adhesives, antifreeze, batteries, brake fluid, cleaning solvents, epoxy products, items containing mercury, paint, petroleum products (gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil), and pesticides, fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Some of the items that won’t be accepted are ammunition (including gunpowder), biohazards, car batteries, or tires. For a complete list of all items please click here or call MDC at (860) 278-3809.
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East Hartford residents are once again invited to join the community for a FREE Trunk or Treat Drive Thru, sponsored by the CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce and Pratt and Whitney, in conjunction with the Town of East Hartford. This event will be held rain or shine on Sunday, October 30 from 12PM-3PM on the Pratt and Whitney runway.
The Trunk or Treat Drive Thru is open to the first 500 pre-registered East Hartford families. There is no fee to register, but pre-registration is required. Registration is open now and can be found here. Please note that this is the new registration system, and you will have to create a new household account if you have not registered in this new system yet.
Please complete only one registration per vehicle; each person riding in the vehicle does not need to register separately. Registration must be submitted by Thursday, October 27 at 3PM.
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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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