|
|
|
|
|
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 & Legislators Look to Extend Gas Tax Holiday
|
|
|
Governor Ned Lamont and legislative leaders are looking into the possibility of extending the gas tax holiday ahead of its expiration on December 1. The 25 cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline has now been waived since April to provide immediate relief from inflation and rising prices at the tank.
Lawmakers will have to hold a special session within the next week or two to pass an extension prior to that expiration.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
|
|
|
Comptroller-Elect Scanlon Calls for More 'Hero Pay' Funding
|
|
|
During a press conference on Wednesday, Comptroller-Elect Sean Scanlon called for more funding for the 'Hero Pay' program included in the state budget. The program, which expects to be releasing funds soon, gives a one-time bonus to essential workers that worked on the frontlines during the early days of the pandemic in 2020.
The state budget allocated $30 million for the program, but a recent analysis by the Comptroller's office estimates that the state received more qualified applications than we initially estimated resulting in smaller checks than previously expected.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
|
|
|
Today in CT History: Eli Terry Gets the First American Clock Patent –– His First of 10
|
|
|
Today in 1797, inventor and famous clock manufacturer Eli Terry of Plymouth received the first clock-making patent ever issued in the United States, launching an incredible career in manufacturing that helped make Connecticut the epicenter of quality clock manufacturing for the duration of the 19th century.
Born in the eastern division of Windsor in 1772, Terry displayed an aptitude for all things mechanical at an early age and apprenticed himself to a local clockmaker as a young teenager before opening his own clock-making business at the age of 21. Four years later, he successfully applied for a patent for his clock-making design and went on to secure a total of 10 patents during his lifetime. Not long after receiving his first patent, Terry began perfecting a system of interchangeable parts for his clocks, becoming a pioneer in the mass-manufacturing movement during the earliest years of the American industrial revolution. In 1806, Eli Terry stunned his investors by completing a massive order of 4,000 clocks in only three years’ time using his new system of mass-manufacturing — a feat that could have taken decades using traditional clock-making methods.
|
|
|
In addition to sparking a revolution in American precision manufacturing, Terry trained several protegees that went on to become prolific clockmakers themselves — the most famous being Seth Thomas. Terry also changed the way everyday Americans kept track of time and decorated their homes with his invention of the shelf clock, designed with small enough parts to fit neatly on a fireplace mantle. While tall-case clocks were typically luxuries that only the wealthy could afford, Terry’s shelf clocks were small, fashionable, and modestly priced, allowing thousands of American families' access to quality timepieces. Many of these early shelf clocks became heirlooms, and Eli Terry clocks remain highly sought-after pieces of early Americana to this day. One of Connecticut’s finest innovators became one step closer to forever changing the way Americans measured their moments — today in Connecticut history.
If you'd like to learn more about Eli Terry and other interesting CT historical figures, click here.
|
|
|
East Hartford Town Hall Closing for Renovations
|
|
|
Beginning January 5, 2023, East Hartford Town Hall will be closed for major renovations. To accommodate a quick and efficient renovation, Town departments will be relocated to the Community Cultural Center (50 Chapman Place) with two exceptions:
- Town Clerk’s Office will remain on the Town Hall Property but will operate out of a business trailer to provide access to vital records and other materials by appointment only
- East Hartford Social Services will permanently move to the Cultural Center
Relocation will begin on December 15. To allow departments the necessary time to move and resume services, there will be no or limited service on the following dates:
- December 15 at 4:30PM through December 19 at 12PM: Town Clerk, Tax Collector, Assessor’s, Finance, Purchasing, Town Council, Health Department and Voter Registration will be closed
- January 5 at 4:30PM through Monday, January 9 at 12PM: Engineering, Building Department, Development, Grants, Mayor’s Office, Human Resources, and Corporation Counsel will be closed
Construction of Town Hall is expected to begin on January 9 and conclude mid-January 2024. Visit the Town’s website or Facebook page to receive updates on the progress.
|
|
|
Manchester Adopts New Veteran's Exemption Program
|
|
|
During a recent meeting, the Town of Manchester Board of Directors adopted a resolution to add a new tax exemption for Manchester veterans. The new exemption will be adopted as a pilot program for this year and will be reevaluated in September 2023.
The Town recommends that all Manchester veterans review the application to determine if they qualify. Completed applications should be returned to the Assessment Office no later than December 31. If you have questions or require additional information, contact the Assessment Office at (860) 647-0191 or by email at assessment@manchester.gov.
|
|
|
Congratulations to East Hartford CERT Grads!
|
|
|
On Wednesday, the town celebrated the graduation of a new group of East Hartford Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers! Each member has spent the last few weeks studying and training to ensure they can offer help to their community.
Thank you for making our community a better and safer place! And thank you to the team's teachers and trainers – Paul, Dot, Patricia, and Fady!
|
|
|
Now Hiring: Town of Manchester
|
|
|
The Town of Manchester is currently hiring for the following positions:
Director of Assessment – application closes Tuesday, November 29
Economic Development Specialist – application closes Tuesday, November 29
Janitor in Police Services – application closes Tuesday, November 29
Technical Office Associate in Information Systems – application closes Tuesday, November 29
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator – application closes Monday, November 21
Applications should be downloaded and completed using any of the above links. Once completed, applications can be submitted by mail (Human Resource Department, 41 Center Street, P.O. Box 191, Manchester, CT 06045-0191) or by using the black drop-box behind Town Hall. No faxed or email applications will be accepted.
For more information, click here.
|
|
|
There's Still Time – Sign Up for Manchester's Santa Calls
|
|
|
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 calls 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.
|
|
|
East Hartford Still Seeking Volunteers!
|
|
|
The Town of East Hartford is looking to create a volunteer network of community members looking to give back to the town. The goal is to reach a minimum of 100 volunteers by December 31 who will be able to assist the town with a variety of volunteer tasks.
All volunteers will have to sign a volunteer waiver form prior to each event. For volunteers younger than 18, parental request is required, and parents/guardians must be on site. This is a great opportunity for students in need of community service hours!
|
|
|
Individuals who sign up to become volunteers will be contacted with information on upcoming volunteer opportunities as they become available. Volunteer opportunities with the town are expected to include cleanup days, assistance at the soup kitchen, and others, beginning next year.
Give back to your community in a meaningful way - sign up today!
|
|
|
COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
|
|
|
The Town of East Hartford, with Griffin Hospital, will host pop-up a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic on Tuesday, November 29, 3PM-6PM at Raymond Library (840 Main Street). 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.
|
|
|
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 86th running of the Manchester Road Race is Thursday, November 24! Over 8,000 runners have already signed up – don't miss out! Registration closes at 12AM on Tuesday, November 22. Register now by clicking here. For more information about the race, including road closures, parking, and shuttle options, click here.
|
|
|
The day after the Manchester Road Race (MRR), the race committee puts on the Annual Ray Crothers Blood Drive, which in recent years has become one of the state's largest single-day collection efforts.
This year's event is scheduled for Friday, November 25 from 8:30AM-4:30PM at Manchester High School (134 East Middle Turnpike). Walk-in donations will be accepted. Appointments, which are encouraged, can be made by calling +1 (800) 733-2767 or by clicking here. All donors will receive a Manchester Road Race T-shirt.
|
|
|
Eastern Connecticut Health Network staff will be at Manchester Public Library on Tuesday, December 6 at 2PM to share how stress can affect diabetes management, your risk for pre-diabetes, your blood sugar and more. There is no registration for this free, adult program. Call (860) 645-0821 for more information.
|
|
|
All three levels of the East Hartford Hornets Youth Football team are off to the Championship game Sunday, November 20 at Rocky Hill High School! The community is invited to come out and support the Hornets. Game times are C Team starts at 9AM, B Team starts at 11:30AM, and A Team starts at 2PM. Let's go Hornets!
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
The Town of East Hartford, East Hartford Beautification Commission, East Hartford Public Library, and East Hartford Parks and Recreation invites residents to the annual 2022 East Hartford Holiday Fest for four days of special events Friday, December 2 through Monday, December 5.
The four-day event consists of a wide variety of fun events ranging between crafts and book sales, carol signing and Christmas Fair as well as the long-awaited visit from Santa. The events cater to all ages, children, and adults alike. Most activities are free and open to the public.
Click here for a complete list of events.
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
