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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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Manchester Voters Ok New Library
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In an overwhelming response on Tuesday, Manchester voters approved a referendum to build a new 75,000 square-foot library on Main Street for $39 million. According to the Journal Inquirer, preliminary vote totals show 13,185 in favor of the referendum, and 6,670 against.
I’m incredibly excited for the community. A new and updated library, with the space to hold community events and provide our residents with a quality access, will be an amazing asset for the town.
Town officials hope to begin construction in 2023, with the new library opening in 2024.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Former Hartford Hotel & Convention Center in East Hartford to Reopen
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The former Hartford Hotel & Convention Center in East Hartford will be reopening under the Marriott Brand following recent renovations. The hotel plans to create around 140 rooms with extended and short-term stay options. Amenities will include a restaurant, pool, laundry, fitness center and about 3,200 square feet of rental coworking office space. The operating group is also working to recruit a Starbucks franchise to the site.
It’s exciting to see this property brought back to life and will offer an economic boost to our community. The operating group is seeking permits for some of the final renovations but plan to open for guests in April or May of next year.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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$8.5 Million Dedicated to Support Those Experiencing Homelessness
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This week, Governor Ned Lamont’s administration announced the release of nearly $8.5 million of additional aid to connect those experiencing homelessness with support services – including housing, food, and mental health services – ahead of the upcoming winter season.
This includes:
- $5 million from the Connecticut Department of Housing to support seasonal shelters and services throughout the homeless service system during the winter;
- $2.5 million from the Connecticut Department of Housing to develop new hubs within each of the state’s seven regional Coordinated Access Networks that supports the hiring of more staff, ensuring flexible financial assistance is available, and technological upgrades can be supported;
- $500,000 from the Connecticut Department of Housing for the United Way of Connecticut to increase staffing at 2-1-1; and
- $475,000 from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for the United Way of Connecticut to support costs related to the complex needs of unsheltered individuals and families during periods of extreme cold weather.
Anyone who is experiencing homelessness or is at imminent risk of homelessness is strongly encouraged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to available resources.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: The Tong Wars Come to Connecticut
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In the late 19th century and early 20th century, as Chinese immigrants flocked to American shores in increasing numbers, insular Chinese American communities known as “Chinatowns” sprang up in large coastal cities like San Francisco and New York. Here, recent immigrants could more freely speak their native language and observe Chinese customs while adapting to life in the United States. Unfortunately, these communities also provided a haven for organized crime and feuds between rival Chinese factions, or “tongs,” that often followed Chinese immigrants to American cities.
Even though there was no formal “Chinatown” community in any of Connecticut’s cities, the state’s proximity to New York — where the “tong wars” of the early 20th century had a strong foothold — meant that the violence of these feuds occasionally spilled over into Connecticut territory. Such was the case in March of 1927, when two members of the On Leong tong arrived in Hartford with the intent to murder a Connecticut Chinese immigrant they suspected of belonging to a rival tong. Once in Hartford, the two hitmen took a taxi to Manchester, where they confronted 36-year-old Ong Ging Hem in his family’s Chinese laundromat and shot him dead before taking a series of taxis to New Haven, where they were apprehended by authorities.
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Connecticut State’s Attorney Hugh Alcorn, concerned that a resurgence of the New York-area tong feuds would threaten Connecticut residents, sought swift and severe justice for the two accused gunmen. “A speedy conviction while [this] war is raging, and the exaction of the death penalty, will serve as a lesson to Chinese gunmen in this section,” he told a Hartford Courant reporter the following day. Thanks to an abundance of evidence, including several eyewitnesses and incriminating fingerprints on the murder weapon, Ching Lung and Soo Hoo Wing were quickly convicted of murder and sentenced to death by hanging.
On November 10, 1927, two days after their sentence was carried out at the State Prison in Wethersfield, Hartford residents witnessed an incredible cross-cultural spectacle, as the two men were feted with an elaborate funeral procession financed by their fellow tongmen. En route to the Zion Hill Cemetery, the sharply dressed Governor’s Foot Guard Band played Haydn’s funeral march and was followed by an imposing group of 70 members of the On Leong tong. The procession combined with Roman Catholic hymns and rites performed by a Hartford priest (Wing’s wife was a practicing Catholic) with intricate ancient Chinese rituals performed graveside, involving offerings of food, tea, and flowers. The entire ceremony, described in the Courant as “strange to Hartford eyes,” was a fitting representation of the rapid increase in ethnic diversity experienced throughout the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century. Memorable as the occasion was, Connecticut residents were no doubt relieved to see this episode of the tong wars ended in what they hoped was the last gasp of a violent old-world conflict, on this day in Connecticut history.
If you'd like to learn more about the Tong Wars and other interesting CT historical facts, click here.
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2022 General Election Results
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The results on Tuesday’s General Election are as follows:
Statewide Races
Governor: Ned Lamont
Attorney General: William Tong
Secretary of the State: Stephanie Thomas
Comptroller: Sean Scanlon
Treasurer: Erik Russell
Congressional Races
U.S. Senate: Richard Blumenthal
U.S. House District 1: John Larson
East Hartford/Manchester Delegation
State Senate District 3: Saud Anwar
State Senate District 4: MD Rahhman
State House District 9: Jason Rojas
State House District 10: Henry Genga
State House District 11: Jeff Currey
State House District 12: Geoff Luxenberg
State House District 13: Jason Doucette
Referendum Questions
Amending the State Constitution to Allow Early Voting: Yes
To view the results of each race across the state, click here.
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This Weekend: CT Mission of Mercy Offering Free Two-Day Dental Clinic
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The Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach in collaboration with UConn School of Dental Medicine will offer a two-day clinic to provide FREE dental care on Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13. The clinic will be held at the UConn School of Dental Medicine in Farmington (263 Farmington, Ave, Farmington).
The free dental services provided will include cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, x-rays, oral health instructions, fillings, extractions, root canal treatments on front teeth, and limited partial dentures for front teeth.
The clinic will open at 8AM on both days, patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis – there are no appointments. Please note, masks are required to be worn by all in attendance.
For more information, click here.
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CT River Valley Chamber & Goodwin Offering Networking Groups & Meeting
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Get ready for a brand-new networking opportunity for local businesses! The CT River Valley Chamber and Goodwin University are offering weekly open networking meetings to help business owners connect with other professionals in the area. Each session, participants will have the opportunity to share something they need or want to give, with the focus on strengthening relationships.
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Meetings are available in-person or virtual on the following days:
In-Person in East Hartford
Second Thursday of the Month, 9AM-10:15AM at Goodwin College Community Room (1 Riverside Drive)
Hosted by Mike Keisler, E. Circle Marketing
Virtual Meetings
Third Thursday, 9AM via Zoom
Hosted by Eric Lopkin, The Modern Observer Group
SPARC Young Professionals
First Thursday, 9AM via Zoom
Hosted by Dan Sardilli, Sardilli Insurance
Additional meetings are available on the first Tuesday of each month in Marlborough at the Marlborough Arts Center (MAC) from 5:30PM-7PM and every other Wednesday at the Academy Building Cafeteria from 12PM-1:15PM.
Learn more and register for any of the above meetings, plus the quarterly women’s networking events and Industry Specific Leads Groups at crvchamber.org.
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CT Fair Housing Center Launches New Resources for Tenants Facing Evictions
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This week, the Connecticut Fair Housing Center launched an online guide to the eviction process and a tool to help fill out court forms. The resources are designed to help tenants navigate an eviction without a lawyer, and support advocates, organizers, and community members working with tenants.
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The guide, which can be found here, will walk you through the steps of an eviction, explain available options for tenants defending themselves, and offer additional resources and definitions of legal terms. Included in the guide is also a form filler to help tenants complete the necessary forms they may need to defend against an eviction in court or get more time to move.
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East Hartford Social Services Still Accepting Applications for Christmas Program
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East Hartford Social Services is continuing to accept applications from families with minor children for assistance with Christmas Food Baskets & holiday toys for their children between the ages of 1 month - 10 years. Download the application here, then sign and return to the department with all necessary information via email or scan at socialservices@easthartfordct.gov by 4PM on November 28.
Other filing options include calling the department at (860) 291-7248 to request an application be mailed to you. You can send back a completed and signed application with all necessary information via fax at (860) 291-7304, mail it back via USPS, place in the green drop-box in the Town Hall Parking Lot or set up an in-person appointment.
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In addition to the signed application, copies of the following documents are requested (please note, originals cannot be returned):
- Photo ID and proof of current address for applicant & proof of current address for all household members aged 18 and older. Current address verifications: valid lease, current bill, mail or rent receipt dated within the past 4 weeks.
- Proof of current household monthly gross income.
- Current budget sheet from DSS for cash assistance only.
- Dates of birth for all household members.
- Documentation the adult applying for the program is the parent/legal guardian/primary responsible adult for the children. Examples include birth certificate, school enrollment record or application from other East Hartford or State programs.
A Christmas meal will be available for singles or households with no minor children. If you wish to sign-up for this meal, please contact Social Services directly at (860) 291-7248 to find out more and register. The registration deadline for Christmas meal is December 15.
Please Note: This program is available to East Hartford residents only. Holiday toys are only available to children up to age 10. If you applied for the combined Thanksgiving & Christmas Programs during October or November of this year, you are all set and do not need to submit an additional application.
And it’s important to note that completing an application does not guarantee that your request will be fulfilled, as these programs are based on the amount of donations/funding available.
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Form Now Open for Manchester’s Santa Calls
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It’s just about that time of year – the Town of Manchester will once again be reserving time slots for Manchester children to get a special holiday call from Santa! This year’s call will take place on Thursday, December 8 from 4:30PM-7:30PM.
The form to request a call for your child is now open. To ensure the call is as personal as possible, please be sure to fill out the form completely. If there are multiple children in your household, complete a submission for each child separately.
The form can be found here and must be submitted no later than Tuesday, December 6 to receive a call.
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Access Health CT's Open Enrollment Period Now Open
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Reminder – Access Health CT's (AHCT) Open Enrollment Period is now open. During this period, individuals can renew their coverage, explore the various policy options for the first time or see if they can save money.
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There are several ways Connecticut residents can get free help with enrollment, including:
- In-person: There are in-person enrollment locations and events taking place across Connecticut. Find more information at accesshealthct.com/enrollment-events/.
- Online: Visit accesshealthct.com. You can learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature.
- By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
- Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, visit accesshealthct.com/get-help/
If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity. Click here to learn more.
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Reminder: EHMS Indoor Pool November Closures
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A reminder that the East Hartford Middle School pool will be closed on the following dates:
- Veteran’s Day: November 11
- Thanksgiving Break: November 23, 24, and 25
For the most up-to-date schedule, click here or call the East Hartford Parks and Recreation Office at (860) 291-7160.
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Beginning Next Week: Manchester Leaf Collection Program
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The Town of Manchester’s Leaf Collection Program will begin Area 1 collection on Monday, November 14. Residents are reminded that once vacuum collection has been completed on your street, leaf disposal must be either in paper yard waste bags set out at the curb on your normal trash collection day, or dropped off at the Manchester Transfer Station at 311 Olcott St.
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Area 2 collection will begin as soon as Area 1 is complete - to view a leaf collection map, click here and to view a street status map, click here. When collection is in your area, rake leaves to the front of your property, do not block sidewalks and do not rake leaves into the street. You may place leaves between the street and sidewalk.
Remember to not block leaves with parked cars as crews will not return to collect if leaves are blocked. keep any storm drains free of leaves and other debris year-round. Help keep our water clean. Report illegal dumping into storm drains at (860) 647-3067.
For more information, click here.
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The East Hartford Leaf Collection Program continues to progress as planned – reminder that there will be no collection today, November 11. You track the collection programs progress here. For more information, click here or call the Public Works Department at (860) 291-7374, press #1.
If you missed your date or require additional disposal options, residents will be able to dispose of leaves for free at the Transfer station with a valid proof of residency on Saturday, November 12. Loose leaves or leaves placed in biodegradable paper bags are accepted for free and without a bulky permit. Leaves in plastic bags will not be accepted. Note: the Transfer Station is open only for leaf drop off.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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The Town of East Hartford, with Griffin Hospital, will host pop-up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics at the following locations:
- Tuesday, November 15, 3PM-6PM – Raymond Library (840 Main Street); Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J will be available for eligible residents 6 months +
- Tuesday, November 29, 3PM-6PM – Raymond Library; Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J will be available for eligible residents 6 months +
No appointment, ID, or insurance required. There is no cost to getting the COVID-19 vaccination. The federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of immigration or health insurance status.
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 Capital Region East Operating Committee (CREOC) is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Event in Manchester at the regional HHW facility on Saturday, November 12, 8AM-1PM.
HHW is generally defined as a household waste that is toxic, flammable, reactive or corrosive. Common HHW includes oil-based paints, thinners, pool chemicals, pesticides, mercury fever thermometers, and gasoline. To find a list of acceptable items click here, and for a list of unacceptable items click here. All materials must be left in their original containers.
Be sure to bring your driver's license, and a tax bill or car registration to prove residency. All cars must be in line by 1PM to be serviced. Cars arriving after 1PM will not be serviced.
For more information, click here.
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Have you or someone you love been putting off scheduling a mammogram? If you are above the age of 40 and have not had a screening mammogram in the past 12 months, please consider taking the time to visit the Hartford Hospital Mobile Mammography bus at the Community Y (78 North Main Street) on Wednesday, November 23.
Appointments are required and can be set up by calling Manchester Health Department at (860)-647-3173. Insurance is billed directly by Hartford Hospital; those without insurance can obtain a no-cost mammogram with this Hartford Hospital community program.
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On Monday, December 5 at 6:30PM, Certified Ski Instructor from the Professional Ski Instructors of America, Dave England, will be at the Manchester Public Library to present information and the key concepts of alpine skiing. The goal of the lecture is for participants to learn how to ski safer and have more fun! England will demonstrate ski moves for participants to try out. No registration is required for this free, adult program.
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Visit the East Hartford Public Library to make your own art on Wednesday, November 16 at 6PM! Open to participants 8-18, try something different at art night. It might get messy, so wear clothes you don't mind getting paint or glue on. Registration is required – reserve your spot now by clicking here.
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How have we experienced gender bias in our culture, families, communities, and religious affiliations? Threads of Assumption artists, Martha, Sofie, U-Meleni, and Maria, invite the community to participate in the upcoming art exhibition of poetry, music, and weavings on Thursday, November 17, 6PM-7:30PM in the East Hartford Public Library Makerspace. Using provided looms, workshop attendees will make an individual yarn weaving using their own stories around gender bias as inspiration.
For more information, click here. This workshop is free and open to the public, click here to register.
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The East Hartford Police Department will once again be collecting new and unwrapped toys and clothes for local families in need this holiday season. Those who wish to donate are asked to bring unwrapped, new toys and clothes to T.J. Maxx (5 Main Street) on Friday, November 25 at 1PM. If you are unable to attend that donation date, a drop box for donations will also be available at the Public Safety Complex.
The Police Department expects that all items will be delivered to families in need on Thursday, December 15. 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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