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

Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in our country. This important holiday was unknown to many for several years, but thanks to the tireless work of advocates, it is now rightfully recognized throughout the country. 



During the 2022 legislative session, several of my colleagues spoke passionately on the House floor about why Connecticut needed to make Juneteenth a legal state holiday. The bill received bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Lamont, and this is the first year it will be officially observed as a state holiday.



Contrary to popular belief, the practice of slavery did not immediately end after the conclusion of the Civil War. Some communities were not informed of the Union's victory until months after the fact. On June 19, 1865, 2 months after the Civil War ended, a group of Union soldiers traveled to Galveston, Texas and announced that all enslaved individuals were now free. They were among the last group of Americans to be notified of their freedom.

 

Although Juneteenth is a celebration, we must also take time to reflect on the horrors of slavery and how it impacts us to this day. As your state representative, I will continue to push for legislation that promotes equity and inclusivity.

Connecticut’s First Television Station

In 1948, Connecticut’s first television station WNHC-TV, Channel 6 (now WTNH Channel 8) began broadcasting in New Haven. The introduction of this new media to Connecticut was the brainchild of Aldo DeDomenicis, an Italian pasta-wholesaler who had previously found success buying radio time on Italian programs and selling that time as radio ads to grocers along with his pasta.

Intrigued by the potential of television, DeDomenicis partnered with New Haven’s postmaster Patrick J. Goode and engineer Garo Ray to apply for a broadcasting license. He convinced the Dumont Network – a television network pioneer that was also in the business of manufacturing and selling television sets – to virtually give them the equipment to start a station, on the promise that DeDomenicis would generate strong sales for Dumont television sets.

Though Connecticut newspapers and radio stations barely took notice of its appearance, WHNC-TV did capture the eye of area residents, and as promised, television sets in Connecticut started to sell. Part of the station’s appeal came from the fact that as Connecticut’s only television outlet, all three fledgling TV networks – Dumont, NBC, and CBS – competed to get their programs on the station. By the time the Dumont network folded and WNCH Channel 6 morphed into WTNH Channel 8 in the mid-1950s the station was a success and went on to establish a tradition of innovative programming.

WTNH became the first station in the country to use videotape for local broadcasts and was one of the first American stations to broadcast in color. It also was one of the first stations to have women report the weather. WTNH-produced programs, such as the children’s show “The Friends of Mr, Goober” starring Mike Warren, drew huge audiences and remain Connecticut television legends, while the footage of field photographer Jack Young – who covered stories ranging from celebrity interviews, to the Great Flood of 1955, to the execution of the killer Joseph “Mad Dog” Taburski in 1960 – are important primary sources of Connecticut’s 20^th century history.

Television – the medium that transforms American life and culture in ever-evolving ways, first signed on in the Nutmeg State, Today in Connecticut History

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 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 26^th   | 12:30 pm-1:15 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!

If you have papers to shred and you missed the May Shred Event, then you're in luck! The event has been rescheduled for June! And don't forget that it's FREE!!

Manchester Police Activities League

We are just 2 weeks away from the start of this summer's 3 on 3 basketball series at Charter Oak Park. This program is free and open to any Manchester youth between ages 5-18 with games beginning at 5:00 pm. The waiver is below, or you can sign up any night at the event! See you at the park!!!

Manchester Parks & Recreation

The Recreation Division is committed to increasing public awareness around swimming lessons and swim safety and ensuring access to programs and facilities for all Manchester residents. All lifeguards are American Red Cross Certified and have undergone extensive training to ensure the safety of all community members using our swimming facilities.

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

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.

The East Hartford Commission on Aging has prepared a survey to better understand the needs of our senior population and we welcome your feedback. All East Hartford seniors ages 55 and older are encouraged to take the survey. The survey is anonymous and is available in English and Spanish. The survey can be accessed online at the links below:

• Survey for East Hartford Seniors (English)
• Encuesta de personas mayores de East Hartford Survey (Espanol)

Seniors can also pick up hard copies of the survey at the following locations:

• Augie & Ray’s Restaurant at 314 Main Street
• Cultural Center at 50 Chapman Place – 2 Survey box locations (The Front Lobby and the Assessor’s office)
• Fire Stations
  • Station 1 – 726 Main Street by the Town Hall (Park on the North end of the ramp - closest to the Town Clerk trailer. The survey box is the front watch room).
  • Station 2 – 1692 Main Street by McAuliffe Park (Park in front of the kitchen door. The survey box is in the kitchen/watch room).
  • Station 3 – 31 School Street - Public Safety Complex (survey box is inside the front lobby)
  • Station 5 – 141 Brewer Street (Park on the front. The survey box is in the front foyer).
  • Station 6 – 1050 Forbes by Brewer Street (Park on the North Driveway-Brewer Street side. The survey box is in the front foyer).

NOTE: If the fire personnel are on a call, the station will be locked, and you will have to return later or use another drop off location. Also, NEVER park in front of the garage doors even for a moment, as an emergency call could come in and you would be blocking their path. See the details for where each survey box is within the various Fire Stations.

• East Hartford Golf Club at 130 Long Hill Street
• Hartford East senior housing complex – 886 Main Street East Hartford
• Library - Raymond Library at 840 Main Street
• Library - Wickham Memorial Library at 656 Burnside Avenue
• Public Safety Complex at 31 School Street (survey box is inside the front lobby)
• Riverside Health Care & Rehabilitation at 745 Main Street
• Senior Center at 15 Milbrook Drive 

Please answer all of the survey questions to provide us with important information that is crucial to interpreting your survey. YOUR RESPONSES ARE STRICTLY ANONYMOUS! Only statistical results will be reported, and anonymous write-in comments. 

Farmers' Market

The Town of East Hartford is excited to present to you their new and improved Farmers' Market. There will be new vendors and updated hours. Our 2023 farmers’ market date and hours will be held Tuesdays beginning July 11th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00p.m.   We invite residents to celebrate Connecticut-grown fruits, vegetables, and locally produced foods, as well as enjoy our market - a place to connect with others in our community.



Location: Raymond Library at 840 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06108

Dates: Tuesdays, July 11 through Tuesday, October 24

Hours: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For more information click here

Milling and Resurfacing Route 5 in East Hartford

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that a milling and resurfacing project will be performed on Route 5 in East Hartford from Pitkin Street to Ranney Street.



The project DOT01710497CN “C” consists of milling and resurfacing a 2.32-mile segment of Route 5 in East Hartford from Pitkin Street to Ranney Street. This project is scheduled to begin milling by Rafferty Fine Grading, Inc. on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, to Tuesday, June 20, 2023. The resurfacing segment of this project is anticipated to begin on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, to Thursday, June 29, 2023, by Galasso Materials LLC. This project is included in the Department of Transportation’s 2023 Vendor Resurfacing Program.

Motorists can expect lane closures on Route 5 in East Hartford from Pitkin Street to Ranney Street. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone. The work schedule for this project is 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (Sunday – Thursday).



Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions.  Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity.

Summer is Near for East Hartford

Pools and Aquatics Programs

East Hartford Parks and Recreation will be offering swim lessons and other outdoor pool programming for the 2023 summer season and planning is now underway!

• East Hartford Outdoor Aquatic Facilities will open for the season in mid-June. Aquatics programming will be offered at the outdoor pools this year, including group, private and semi-private swim lessons, adult lap swim and senior swim. Our summer camp programs also utilize our pools during the mornings and afternoons.
  
   
• Semi-Private Swim Lessons will be held at Drennan Pool Monday and Wednesday evenings beginning Monday, June 19th. Semi-Private lessons are available as a two-week session (four lessons) for $59 for residents and $69 for non-residents. As Semi-Private lessons are limited, residents and non-residents are permitted to sign up for a maximum of two sessions. 
  
   
• Private Swim Lessons: Private lessons are available as a two-week session (four lessons) for $100 for residents and $110 for non-residents. Private lessons are limited, residents and non-residents are permitted to sign up for a maximum of two sessions.  Please check our website www.ehparks.org for the schedule of private lessons.
  
   
• Group Swim Lessons will be held in the mornings at Goldstar Pool, afternoons at Lord Pool and in the evenings at Drennan Pool and Goldstar Pool.  Group Swim Lessons will begin on Monday, June 26^th and are held Monday through Thursday evenings for two weeks, for a total of 8 classes.  If more than one class in the session is canceled due to inclement weather, a Friday make-up class may be scheduled.  Group swim lessons are $40 for the 8 class session for residents and $50 for non-residents.

Swim Lesson Registration for residents will begin on May 31^st at 9am and for non-residents June 6^th at 9am. Registration for swim lessons is accepted online at www.ehparks.org. 

Birthday Party Pool Rentals are available for residents at Goldstar and Lord pools on Saturdays and Sundays beginning June 24^th. The fee is $140 and includes exclusive use of the pool with 2 lifeguards for up to 15 children (ages 14 and under). We will begin accepting registration for birthday parties on Wednesday, May 31st at 9am. Registration for birthday party rentals is accepted online at www.ehparks.org. 

For more information on our pools, swim lessons, birthday party rentals or other aquatic programs, please call Parks and Recreation at 860-291-7160 or visit www.easthartfordct.gov/parks-recreation.

 

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!

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