Dear Neighbor,

 

I want to share some highlights including state and local updates.

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

• Today in CT History

On Legislative Business

• Legislative Business

On Community Resources

• CT Foodshare
• Manchester Community Events 
• East Hartford Community Events

Amos Bull House (left) and Sterling Opera House (right) - Stitched together from Wikimedia Commons, CT Landmarks

…that the 18th-century Amos Bull House in Hartford and the 19th-century Sterling Opera House in Derby are tied for Connecticut’s first listing on the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 established the National Register of Historic Places to recognize significant historical, architectural, and archaeological sites, districts, and buildings. While individuals, organizations, or companies compile most of the information for the nominations, the State Historic Preservation Officer or Tribal Preservation Officer officially nominates historic places to the National Register. Entered into the National Register on the same day—November 8, 1968—the Amos Bull House in Hartford and the Sterling Opera House in Derby were Connecticut’s first entries that were not originally listed as National Historic Landmarks and therefore automatically included in the National Register of Historic Places.

At the time of listing, the nomination forms note both buildings as “endangered.” The Amos Bull House and the Sterling Opera House were located in their respective cities’ urban renewal or redevelopment areas—therefore, at risk for demolition. While inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places does not prevent demolition, it does prohibit the use of federal funds to demolish and makes properties eligible for tax credits and certain grants.

Built in 1789, the Amos Bull House was a residence, store, restaurant, school, offices, and more throughout its many years. After it was abandoned, the City of Hartford bought the property and planned to demolish it in the 1960s as part of its urban renewal program. After significant community advocacy, a fundraising campaign, and numerous plan changes, the building was moved several hundred feet to the backyard of the Butler-McCook House in 1970.

Opening a century later in 1889, the Sterling Opera House also served many functions for the community. A renowned theater until 1945, the unique Italianate Victorian building was also Derby’s city hall, a police station, and a local jail at various times.

Since 2008, the Amos Bull House has served as Connecticut Landmarks’ administrative offices, archives, and essential program and community education space. The Sterling Opera House remains closed to the public but maintains a prominent home overlooking the Derby Green. Over half a century after the first two listings, Connecticut has over 1,500 sites on the National Register of Historic Places.

Learn More

Websites

“Connecticut Landmarks,” n.d. Link.

National Park Service. “National Register of Historic Places,” n.d. Link.

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed HB 6667, which is the most comprehensive update to Connecticut's gun violence statutes since the historic reforms we passed after the Sandy Hook tragedy.

 

While Connecticut remains one of the safest states in the nation because of our previous legislative action, it does not make us immune to the continuing epidemic of gun violence. HB 6667 is a step toward making Connecticut even safer.

 

This legislation targets mass shootings by tightening restrictions on assault weapons and large capacity magazines and expands the ban on the sale of semi-automatic guns to those under the age of 21. HB 6667 additionally requires the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) to update its mass shooting response plan.

 

The bill also directly deals with the issue of gun violence by requiring the registration of any ghost gun manufactured prior to 2019. HB 6667 cracks down on repeat firearm offenders by giving judges more tools to set higher bail and prosecutors more tools to seek revocation of probation, plus increases the penalty for failure to report a stolen firearm.



HB 6667 also:

• Strengthens safe storage to address home invasions, and if a firearm is stolen and reported within 72 hours, the owner will not be held liable for crimes committed by the offender
• Increases the number of family violence crimes as disqualifiers for purchasing a firearm
• Tightens the definition of open carry, which is prohibited unless a person is on their own property or their own business
• Increases accountability for gun dealers, giving DESPP more accountability tools
• Updates permit requirements
• Prohibits the sale of more than three guns per 30-day period to prevent straw purchases and to provide more flexibility for those who purchase guns lawfully
• Increases the penalty for not reporting stolen firearms which is one of the leading causes of firearm deaths

We have seen states around the nation recklessly retreat from sensible gun regulations, but Connecticut continues to lead and stand strong in the push to make our communities safer. I want to thank Gov. Ned Lamont for his leadership on this bill in addition to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Judiciary Committee for their work on it.



The bill now moves to the Senate for its consideration.

Good news for Connecticut's growing economy!



Connecticut just received an upgraded credit rating from the Kroll Bond Rating Agency, which means that our General Obligation bond credit rating was upgraded from AA (stable) to AA+ (stable), just one step below the highest credit rating possible!



This news is an excellent testament to the success of the bipartisan fiscal guardrails and budgeting disciplines we have in place.

Our state has received an improved credit rating before.



Just last year, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) upgraded Connecticut's credit rating from A+ (positive) to AA- (stable). In 2021, all four major credit rating agencies upgraded Connecticut's credit rating, including Moody's. S&P, Fitch and Kroll.



Our credit upgrade allows us to maintain a strong financial standing and strengthens our appeal to those looking to make investments here.

ICYMI: We passed a number of great bills yesterday! Learn more about these bills below:



HB 5917: Connecticut has recently seen an increase in roadway fatalities. Implementing the recommendations of the Vision Zero Council will make the roads safer for drivers and pedestrians alike.



HB 6755: Advanced manufacturing is our future – H.B. 6755 establishes a working group to develop a plan for an advanced manufacturing technology center in the state, and to maximize the economic, educational and workforce benefits provided to the state.



HB 5441: HB 5441 is a bipartisan effort that improves the state’s workforce pipeline, including the extension of the existing teacher loan subsidy program for teachers in Alliance Districts, to paraeducators and school counselors.



HB 6880: Education is a top priority for us. HB 6880 makes vital revisions to our education laws that support parents, teachers, families and most importantly, our students.



HB 6768: We’re taking another step to protect reproductive rights in our state by ensuring access to emergency contraceptives at pharmacies. HB 6768 will give pharmacists the ability to prescribe medications and medical devices to patients. It also protects pharmacies from prosecution from states whose laws do not allow such activity.

Summer is fast approaching, and the East Hartford Parks and Recreation department will be offering summer camp programs for the 2023 summer season.



East Hartford Parks and Recreation Summer Camps will open Monday, June 19^th, 2023, and will run 7 consecutive weeks, ending on Friday, August 4^th. Camps are open to East Hartford residents only and serve children and teens entering grades 1 – 9 and participants with special needs ages 6 -21.   Enrichment programming continues to be a stimulating part of the programming thanks to our collaboration with East Hartford Public Library and East Hartford Youth Services.



Camps will be held at the same park locations. However, the inclement weather locations are not on site this summer due to school construction. Inclement weather days will be determined the day prior and camps will be held at the offsite designated location.  Parents and caregivers will be notified directly.

Click here for more information

Manchester

Please arrive early to be in line for 9am as the truck leaves promptly at 9:30am. Open to the public; Bring a sturdy grocery bag! This program is made possible by Foodshare and Winn Residential - Resident Service Program. For more information call 860-646-1280.

 

Squire Village, 48 Spencer Street, 06040 (1st parking lot off Imperial Drive #78)



•    Tuesday, June 06, 2023 | 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM

•    Tuesday, June 20, 2023 | 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM

•    Tuesday, July 18, 2023 | 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM

 

East Hartford

The Connecticut Foodshare truck will be in the parking lot to distribute the food. Please bring your own bags and be prepared to possibly wait in line.

 

Mayberry Village –St. Isaac Jogues Church Parking Lot (41 Home Terrace East Hartford).

• Monday June 12^th   | 12:30 pm-1:15 pm
• Monday June 26^th   | 12:30 pm-1:15 pm

Monday, May 29, 2023 | 09:30 AM to 11:00 AM

The annual Manchester Memorial Day Parade will be held on Monday, May 29, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. 

The parade route will begin at the Army and Navy Club, 1090 Main Street, then east on East Center St., and then west at Nate Agostinelli Veterans Memorial Park, and will conclude at the Center Memorial Park for a Memorial Day Program to honor our fallen veterans.

In the event the parade is cancelled due to inclement weather, the Center Memorial Park Program will be held indoors at The Salvation Army, 661 Main St., Manchester, CT 06040 at 11AM (no masks required).

The Manchester Land and Conservation Trust’s annual giant fundraising tag sale will take place May 19-27 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the cider barn on 330 Bush Hill Road. There will be mountains of gardening and sports items, books, DVDs, vinyl records, glassware, household goods, toys, jigsaw puzzles, linens, small furniture, etc. Donations may be placed in the small shed to the right of the barn. No encyclopedias, computers, clothing, please. For more information click here.

Trade Fair

Learn how to become a paid apprentice in a skilled trade!

Please come ready to network, with copies of your resume!

Open to the Public!

Play at Cheney Hall June 2-18

The Little Theatre of Manchester Presents: Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice

Experience Christopher Baker’s acclaimed stage adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved masterpiece.

By Jane Austen

Adapted by Christopher Baker

Directed by Debi Freund

June 2 — 18 – Cheney Hall 177 Hartford Rd. Manchester, CT , 06040

For tickets visit www.cheneyhall.org or call 860-647-9824

·         Friday, June 02, 2023 | 07:30 PM - 09:00 PM

·         Saturday, June 03, 2023 | 07:30 PM - 09:00 PM

·         Sunday, June 04, 2023 | 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM

·         Friday, June 09, 2023 | 07:30 PM - 09:00 PM

·         Saturday, June 10, 2023 | 07:30 PM - 09:00 PM

This event is the commemoration of the ending of slavery in the U.S. Guest speakers, educational events, food, music, dancing along with other activities are all a part of this wonderful day!

To see the complete list of streets click here.

The second annual East Hartford’s Memorial Day parade and series of events will take place Monday, May 29, 2023 at 10 AM.  Parking at Goodwin University, 211 Riverside Drive.

 

The event will consist of three parts, including a parade, program at the Fallen Star Memorial and celebration of East Hartford. The parade will begin promptly at 10 AM, proceeding from 9 Riverside Drive to the Fallen Star Memorial located at Goodwin University.

East Hartford Parks and Recreation- Run The

Town Basketball Clinic Series

The East Hartford High School Lady Hornets are coming to a park near you for the 2023 “Run the Town” FREE Basketball Clinic Series!

During the month of June, the Lady Hornets will visit various outdoor parks in collaboration with the East Hartford Parks and Recreation to provide a series of free youth (Ages 5- 17) basketball clinics.

All East Hartford residents are welcome and encouraged to attend as many clinics as possible. We ask that you please bring your own basketball and water bottle if you are able to. Most importantly bring a positive attitude and be ready to RUN IT with the Lady Hornets!

If you have any questions about the program, contact Coach Myette 860-622-5323.

In the case of inclement weather there will be no program. Monitor the parks and recreation website:



www.easthartfordct.gov/parks-recreation

Summer Reading is for Everyone!

Find Your Voice at East Hartford Public Library!

Summer reading is for everyone! The East Hartford Public Library has a summer reading incentive program with prizes for adults, teens, school-aged children and preschoolers. New this year, we'll have incentives and prizes for toddlers and babies, too! Registration begins on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 when participants can start logging their reading into our mobile-friendly online system. The library summer reading program also counts towards the Governor’s Summer Reading challenge, a project of the Connecticut State Library and the CT Department of Education. 

Preschoolers, school-aged children, and teens will earn a prize just for signing up! To earn points on ReadSquared, children and teens can set a reading goal and log book titles they've read.  Prizes aren’t just for the kids! Our adult summer reading has prizes, too. New this summer, we'll also be launching our "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" program for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. This is a year-round program to help promote early literacy skills in our youngest patrons. Register and receive prizes for hitting milestones along the way to reading 1,000 books together. 

To register for summer reading, visit the library’s website (www.easthartfordct.gov/library) and click on the “Summer Reading” menu item on the left side of our website. Click on the link for the relevant program: preschool, children’s, teen, or adult. We’re using ReadSquared software again this summer, which can also be downloaded as an app to easily log activity wherever you are this summer. The ReadSquared app is available in the iTunes and Google Play stores. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program also uses ReadSquared, just choose which program you'd like when you sign-up.

Children registered for Parks & Recreation camp will be registered at the camp. Parents/caregivers will receive a confirmation notice of registration at the e-mail they provided to Parks & Recreation including log-in information and instructions for how to participate.  

Celebrate the start of summer with us at our Summer Reading Kick-Off Party on Wednesday, June 7 from 5:30-7pm. Join us on the front lawn of the Raymond Library to register in-person for summer reading, meet community partners and enjoy a performance! In the event of rain or inclement weather, the event will be held indoors. Not sure what to read? The Children's Department will host a "Book Tasting" event from June 8^th - June 16th. School-aged children are invited to stop by and sample different books to find what you like best. We'll have mysteries, historical fiction, fantasy, nonfiction, biography, and more!

Preschoolers, school-aged children, and teens can join us during our programs throughout the summer for opportunities to log more books towards your goal, such as Book Buddies, Summer Stories, Pajama Storytime, and more! For all of our upcoming summer events, visit our calendar online at https://easthartfordct.libcal.com. For detailed program information, visit our website and click on “events calendar.” This summer, we have programs for all ages. For our outdoor programs, register for a reminder, and to be notified in the event of weather-related cancelations.  

To register for summer reading and programs for all ages, visit our website: www.easthartfordct.gov/library or call us at 860.290.4330. Visit us at both our locations, Raymond Library and Wickham Library. Our newly remodeled Wickham Branch is located on 656 Burnside Ave., East Hartford, CT and is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10AM –5PM and Tuesdays, Thursdays from 1PM –8PM. The Raymond Library is located at 840 Main St., East Hartford, CT and is open Mondays and Fridays from 9 AM – 5 PM, and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 AM – 8 PM, and Saturdays 10 AM – 2 PM. Happy reading!

East Hartford Mayor Mike Walsh invites you to join East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department in celebrating the 30^th Anniversary of Connecticut Trails Day on Sunday, June 4^th at the East Hartford Nature Park.  We are excited to offer guided or self-guided hikes through the park from 10 am to 11:30 am. The “Nature Park” is located at 340 Long Hill Street in East Hartford adjacent to the East Hartford Golf Course. The 46-acre passive recreation wooded area contains a series for trails through the park.  The last two winters the East Hartford Parks Division have been improving the town trails.  We are excited to see the red and yellow blazed trails open for hiking.  This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the adventurous Trail.  We encourage local businesses, organizations, scout groups, sports teams and families to participate.

The Town of East Hartford in collaboration with East Hartford Public Library, East Hartford Parks and Recreation, the Committee on Culture and Fine Arts and the East Hartford Black Caucus invite you to attend the town’s second annual Juneteenth Celebration. Juneteenth, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans.



The event will take place on Saturday, June 17th from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, at the East Hartford Town Green, 1047 Main Street. Admission is FREE.



The observance of Juneteenth is about the journey and achievement of African Americans throughout the horrific period of sanctioned enslavement to where we are today. However, the stories of pain, pride, resilience, determination and hope that define our historical and spiritual blueprint are the catalyst for understanding that we can overcome negativity in spite of our differences to make our town a better place for all our children.



Everyone is welcome to attend this event as we pay tribute to our journey, remember our history and reflect on our independence. We pay homage to those who have paved the way for us today. We celebrate freedom.

The Juneteenth Fest is the perfect family-friendly, community event that offers fun activities for children and adults alike. Among many activities, there will be a variety of vendors, food, entertainment, bounce house, face painting, powerful storytelling and so much more. 



If you are a vendor interested in participating in the event, please fill out the following forms or call Parks and Recreation at 860-291-7160 for assistance:

• FOOD VENDOR APPLICATION FORM
• CRAFT VENDOR APPLICATION FORM
• NONPROFIT VENDOR APPLICATION FORM

Vendors are asked to apply by May 26, 2023. 



In case of inclement weather, the event will be Sunday, June 18^th from 11:00 am -4:00 pm.

For more information, please call Parks and Recreation at 860-291-7160 or visit www.easthartfordct.gov/parks-recreation.

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