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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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General Assembly Approves Extension for Gas Tax Suspension & Free Bus Services; Increases Energy Assistance and Funding for Premium Pay Program
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The Connecticut General Assembly met Monday for a special session to pass bipartisan legislation to extend several cost-saving measures and increase funding for critical state programs.
The legislation takes the following actions:
- Gas Tax Suspension: Extends the ongoing gas tax suspension for an additional month, then phases the tax back in over a period of five months at five cents per month.
- Free Bus Services: Extends the ongoing free service on public transit buses statewide.
- Increased Energy Assistance: Supplements this year’s $98.5 million of federal Low-Income Household Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) funding with an additional $30 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
- Increased Funding for Premium Pay Program: Supplements the $30 million for the Premium Pay Program, which is providing payments to essential workers for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an additional $75 million.
Governor Ned Lamont signed the bill into law on Tuesday.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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State Bond Commission Announces Agenda for Upcoming Meeting
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On Thursday, the State Bond Commission announced the agenda for next week's meeting. The commission will vote on all Community Investment Fund projects, including a few significant to our communities:
- $2.5 Million to purchase and redevelop the Church Corners Inn and the top of Main Street and Route 44; the property will be converted into 30 housing units and 6,000 sf. of commercial space.
- A portion of $1.5 Million to finance repairs at Rentschler Field
- $2.965 Million to assist with the rehabilitation of East Modernization in East Hartford
- $290,354 to Bennet Academy in Manchester for improvements
- $9,793 to Manchester Community College to support the purchase of body cameras, dash cameras, and video storage devices for the police department
- $650,000 grant-in-aid to the YMCA of Greater Hartford for renovations of childcare facilities and the study of a potential regional facility at the East Hartford YMCA
The Bond Commission will meet in-person at the Legislative Office Building on Thursday, December 8 at 10:30AM to vote on the above items and several other projects across the state. Members of the public are welcome to join or watch online at CT-N.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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House Leadership Announces Committee Chair Assignments
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Ahead of the 2023 legislative session, myself and Speaker of the House Matt Ritter have begun to announce committee chair assignments. This week, we announced:
Appropriations Committee: Rep. Toni Walker
Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee: Rep. Maria Horn
Bonding Subcommittee: Rep. Ron Napoli Jr.
Joint Committee on Judiciary: Rep. Steve Stafstrom
Public Health Committee: Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey
Energy and Technology Committee: Rep. Jonathan Steinberg
Committee on Children: Rep. Liz Linehan
Transportation Committee: Rep. Roland Lemar
Additional committee announcements will be released over the next week.
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Today in CT History: PEZ Candy Opens Wide in Orange
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Today, PEZ candy conjures up images of whimsical plastic dispensers full of small, brick-shaped little candies. First invented in Austria in the early 20th century, PEZ candy has quite a storied history — one that visitors can learn for themselves with a visit to the PEZ Visitors Center in Orange, Connecticut, which first opened on this day in 2011.
The history of PEZ began in 1927, when an enterprising Austrian named Edward Haas created a new line of small peppermint candies. (The name “PEZ” comes from a playful abbreviation of “pfefferminz,” the German word for “peppermints.”) In the 1940s, Haas started marketing PEZ as an aid to help adults stop smoking and invented a small, slim dispenser for his mints that resembled a cigarette lighter. By the time PEZ debuted in the United States in the 1950s, Haas’ company had expanded even further, offering candies in a variety of flavors and adding likenesses of popular TV characters and film stars to dispensers to appeal to children.
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American demand for both the candy and the iconic, highly collectible dispensers was so high that PEZ opened a distribution center in New York City. In 1973, PEZ broke ground on a new headquarters and manufacturing center in Orange, Connecticut, where it soon began producing PEZ candy in the United States for the first time. After celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2007, the company decided to built an expansive visitor center on its Orange campus, and on December 1, 2011, the new complex first opened its doors to the public. Today, the visitor center remains one of the area’s largest attractions, with 4,000 square feet devoted to what the company calls “the largest, most comprehensive collection of PEZ memorabilia on public display in the world.” Glass windows allow visitors a chance to observe PEZ candies being manufactured in real time, and — of course — an expansive retail area gives enthusiasts ample opportunity to expand their collection of PEZ dispensers. Another chapter in what has become a very sweet success story began today in Connecticut history.
If you'd like to learn more about PEZ Candy and other interesting CT historical facts, click here.
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Reminder: East Hartford Town Hall Renovation & Temporary Relocations
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A reminder that renovations on East Hartford's 86-year-old Town Hall are set to begin in the new year! Due to the scope of the project, all Town departments will temporarily relocate to the Community Cultural Center (50 Chapman Place) for the duration of construction, except for the Town Clerk’s Office which will move to a business trailer.
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Relocation is expected to happen in the following phases:
Phase One: Move – Friday, December 16
- Town Clerk's office will move to a business trailer located outside the front of Town Hall. To allow them time to get set-up, the office will be closed Thursday, December 15 at 4:30PM through Monday, December 19 at 12PM. Please note the following changes:
- Public access to the Town Clerk's vault will be limited to Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30AM-12PM by appointment only. Call (860) 291-7320 to schedule an appointment.
- Notary services and fishing license services will be suspended effective Thursday, December 16 until further notice.
- Tax Collector, Assessor’s, Finance, Purchasing, Town Council, Health Department and Voter Registration will move to Community Cultural Center and be closed to the public Thursday, December 15 at 4:30PM through Monday, December 19 at 12PM.
- December 14 is the last day to use the drop box at Town Hall. Please do not leave cash in the drop box.
To view additional limitations and upcoming deadlines from each office, click here.
Phase Two: Move – Friday, January 6, 2023
- Engineering, Building Department, Development, Grants, Mayor’s Office, Human Resources, and Corporation Counsel will move to the Community Cultural Center and will be closed to the public starting on Thursday, January 5 at 4:30PM through Monday, January 9 at 12PM.
- Probate Court will move, for specific service changes and hours of operation, please call (860) 291-7278.
- Social Services Department will move to the Cultural Community Center located at 50 Chapman Street PERMANENTLY. Social Services Department will be closed to the public on Thursday, January 5 through Monday, January 9 at 12PM.
Public Meetings: December 2022-January 2024
- Boards and Commissions: Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Inlands Wetlands commission will hold their regularly scheduled meetings at the Community Cultural Center from January 2023 through the end of renovations.
- Meeting locations for all other boards and commissions will be listed on their meeting agendas on their individual webpages here.
- Town Council: Starting January 2023, Town Council meetings will move to the Community Cultural Center. Meetings will remain available in person or virtual via Microsoft teams.
For more information, click here.
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Alert: Manchester Water and Sewer Invoice Delays
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Due to a software issue with the Town of Manchester's billing system, Manchester Water and Sewer customers who receive their bills Quarterly will experience a short delay in receiving their November statements. Monthly customers will not receive a November bill, and instead December bills will include both your November statement and December statement for two months of water consumption.
For questions, please contact Water and Sewer Customer Service is (860) 647-3135 or by email wscustsvc@manchesterct.gov.
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Manchester Parking Ban Now in Effect
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Parked vehicles are one of the biggest obstacles to effective snow removal, so in preparation for the coming winter months the Town of Manchester began its annual parking ban yesterday, December 1. From now until April 1, overnight parking is not allowed on public streets or municipal lots between 2AM and 6AM.
Anyone violating this ordinance will face a $15 fine. The Chief of Police may also declare a parking ban if a significant snow event is forecast or in progress. Residents are asked to remove vehicles from the street when a snowstorm is occurring.
For more information, click here.
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Pratt & Whitney is Hiring – Attend an Upcoming Info Session
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Pratt & Whitney is hiring for entry-level positions as part of their pipeline program and is seeking talented individuals with an interest and aptitude in manufacturing. There is no prior education or work experience required for this program and you will earn $34 an hour.
Those interested must attend an info session to be considered. Virtual info sessions are offered weekly Mondays, 10AM-10:30AM and Thursdays, 4:30PM-5PM. Click here to register for upcoming info session or to learn more.
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Utilities Assistance Programs Now Accepting Applications
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Applications are now being accepted for Heating Assistance (the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, or CEAP) and/or Water Assistance (the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, or LIHWAP).
CEAP helps Connecticut residents afford to heat their homes. Basic benefits towards your heating bill range between $250 and $600 depending on your situation. Households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for additional free tank fills.
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LIHWAP is available to households with annual income at or below 60 percent of the state median income. Eligible households will receive a one-time water assistance benefit to cover services including restoration of household water services to eligible disconnected homes; reduction of arrearages (overdue water bills); and prevention of service disconnection.
You can apply for both programs through the same application that can be found here. Once you've completed and submitted the online application, you’ll get a letter in the mail within 45 days telling you if you are eligible and, if you are eligible, about the benefits you will get. Relevant state agencies may follow-up if additional information is needed.
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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 a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics on the following dates:
- Tuesday, December 13, 3PM-6PM: Raymond Library (840 Main Street)
- Thursday, December 15, 10AM-3PM: Senior Center (15 Milbrook Drive)
- Tuesday, December 20, 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.
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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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The Town of Manchester, with Griffin Hospital, will hold a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Tuesday, December 6, 1:30PM-5PM at Odyssey Community School. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, including the new bivalent booster shot, will be available to all eligible residents. Vaccines will be distributed in the front two administrative offices and parking in the front lot will be available. For more information, click here.
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The best defense against COVID-19 continues to be a good offense. It's so important that we continue the precautions that have worked: observe social distancing, wear a face mask when social distancing is not possible or indoors, wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, get tested if you were in contact with anyone who's tested positive, etc. But, most importantly – please consider getting vaccinated if you haven't already or getting a booster if it's been six months since you're last COVID vaccine.
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A reminder for those that don't want to carry around their paper CDC cards or who lost them, CT residents can now utilize "SMART Health Cards" to securely show proof of being vaccinated. The digital card can be obtained via a QR code that you can find here. To get more info on SMART Health Cards, or how to access them and download to your smartphone device, click here.
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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 is opening winter and spring program registration for residents beginning Wednesday, December 7 at 9AM. The Winter/Spring Program and Event Guide can be found here.
Registration is available:
- Online at RecOnline.townofmanchester.org – if you forgot your username or password, call the Recreation Division at (860) 647-3084
- By calling (860) 647-3084 – have your payment information ready, must use a Visa or MasterCard if paying over the phone
- In-person at the Manchester Community Y Recreation Center, the Lodge Main Offices, or the Customer Service Center
Registration for non-residents opens Friday, December 9 at 9AM.
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Looking for some time away from family members and friends that you can get some holiday gift wrapping done? Bring your gifts and Manchester Public Library will provide the wrapping paper, gift bags, tape, scissors, and more on Wednesday, December 7! Plus enjoy festive music, snacks, and warm drinks. Registration is required for this free event; call the Reference Desk at (860) 645-0821 and sign up for either the 6PM-7PM or 7PM-8PM slot. Limited to 10 people per time slot.
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This holiday season, enjoy an enchanted visit with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the elves in the beautiful log cabin nestled at the highest point in Wickham Park! Children can stop at the elf desk to see if they're on the naughty or nice list then head over to meet Santa. Plus - don’t forget to visit Mrs. Claus to have some hot cocoa and a cookie.
Santa's Workshop is open Mondays-Fridays, 3PM-6PM and Saturdays and Sundays, 1PM-5PM from Saturday, December 10 to Friday, December 23 (closed December 12 and 13). This event is free for everyone, but a donation of a non-perishable food item for the local food pantries is requested.
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Residents are invited to the town green for the East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department and the Beautification Commission's Annual Tree Lighting and Carol Sing tonight, December 2 at 6PM on the Town Green. Santa Claus will have a spectacular arrival by fire engine, and will be joined by other special guests, including one with a very well-known red nose! Children’s activities will be available, and cookies and hot cocoa will be served. For more info, click here.
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The East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts presents the Shoreline Bell Ringers on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4 at 3PM in the lower-level meeting room at Raymond Library. The performance is free and open to the public. For more information on the Shoreline Bell Ringers, click here.
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Love to play chess? Looking for other players? Stop by the East Hartford Public Library on Sunday afternoons, 2PM-4PM to play! On drop-in days, go to Circulation Desk to pick up a chess kit then head upstairs to the second floor, where tables will be set up for chess play. All ages welcome!
For more information or to register for a reminder, click here. Interested in formal chess instruction for players ages 8-18? Contact Cathy Potter at cpotter@easthartfordct.gov to get more information on the upcoming spring chess program.
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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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