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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

The I-95 Mianus River Bridge Disaster

Early in the morning of June 28th, 1983, at around 1:30 am, a 100-foot span of Interstate 95 in Greenwich collapsed into the Mianus River. It was one of the most infamous American bridge disasters of the 20th century. Three people died and three more were seriously injured, when a car and two tractor-trailers careened over the edge. The death toll would no doubt have been exponentially higher had the collapse happened during rush hour, as that stretch of I-95 was then (and remains now) one of the most heavily traveled highway corridors in the United States.

Subsequent investigations found the immediate cause of the Mianus River bridge collapse was two corroded support pins; however, years of deferred maintenance and systematic neglect were the true culprit. People were shocked to discover that the 25-year-old bridge had passed a routine Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection only nine months before. Moreover, in the days just prior to the collapse, local residents had complained about an ominous increase in strange noises and vibrations coming from the bridge, but no action had been taken.

For months after the disaster, tens of thousands of vehicles that traveled I-95 daily had to be diverted onto Route 1 in Greenwich, clogging local roads throughout the region as crews worked to get the bridge back in service. In July, the temporarily repaired structure was reopened to light vehicle traffic, but buses and trucks had to wait to access the bridge until full repairs were completed in September.

The Mianus River bridge collapse spurred drastic changes in how highway bridges were constructed. Builders were required to incorporate multiple redundancies into their designs so that the failure of a single feature (e.g. a support pin) would not cause a collapse. Still, transportation advocates worried about today’s ongoing budget-related deferred infrastructure maintenance often point to the Mianus bridge collapse as an ominous warning of the potential consequences for America’s roadways.

Further Reading

Karen Frederick and Anne Young, “Mianus River Bridge Collapses,” connecticuthistory.org

Bill Cummings, “Then and Now: I-95’s Mianus River Bridge Collapse,” Greenwich Times

Martin B. Cassidy, “Lessons of Mianus River Bridge Not Yet Learned,” Stamford Advocate

Connecticut was one the few states in the country that did not allow early voting to provide voters with options to accommodate busy and hectic schedules. Effective July 1, voters will have 14 days of early voting for general elections, 7 days of early voting for most primaries, and 4 days of early voting for special elections and presidential preference primaries.  
 

Our state's laws are some of the most protective of voters in the country. This new law prohibits intimidation, deception, or obstruction related to voting and allows aggrieved parties to seek remedies in court.
 

The law extends eligibility for the state’s debt-free community college program to returning students by removing requirements that a qualifying student must be a first-time enrollee at a community-technical college and awards must be applied during a student’s first 48 consecutive months, thus allowing returning students to receive the award if they meet all other eligibility requirements. 
 

Under the law, $3,200 will be placed in a trust on behalf of each baby born into HUSKY, the state’s Medicaid program, starting July 1. Those investments will grow over time and recipients can access that money between the ages of 18-30.
 

Endometriosis is an underdiagnosed condition. For those suffering from this condition, endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus with nearby reproductive organs often affected. The law requires UConn Health Center to develop an endometriosis data and biorepository program to enable and promote research on early detection and ways to manage the condition in adolescents and adults.
 

Certain public agencies will start providing free menstrual products including public colleges and universities, and homeless and domestic violence shelters that receive state aid.

• Tuesday, July 18, 2023 | 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
• Tuesday, August 1^st,2023 9:00AM- 9:30AM

https://www.manchesterct.gov/Activities-Events/Town-Calendar-of-Events/Squire-Village-Mobile-Foodshare-2023
 
Get mobile pantry updates in your area by texting the word Foodshare to 85511.

• Monday July 10^th ,2023 12:30PM-1:15PM
• Monday July 24^th, 2023 12:30PM-1:15PM

 
https://www.easthartfordct.gov/social-services/news/mobile-connecticut-foodshare-schedule-january-march-2023
 
Get mobile pantry updates in your area by texting the word Foodshare to 85511.

Dutch Fogarty Independence Day Celebration

CPR Courses

July11th 
Medication Administration 6:15pm to 9:15 pm
EpiPen training 6:15pm to 7:15 pm

Pay Taxes & Water/Sewer Online

Manchester Police Activities League

This program is free and open to any Manchester youth between ages 5-18 with games beginning at 5:00 pm. Sign up form with the waiver is above, or you can sign up any night at the event! See you at the park!

Manchester Residents Days

Manchester Country Club is happy to announce our 2023 Free Golf Days for Manchester residents are:  July 10, and October 16.

We encourage Manchester residents of all ages and skill levels to come out and enjoy a great day at the course.

Reservations can be made up to 7 days in advance by reserving online or by calling the golf shop, 860-646-0226.

Proof of residency required when checking in.

Please remember our dress code: Denim, tee-shirts and metal spikes are not permitted. Cart and practice range fees are optional.

Old Manchester Museum Open House

• Saturday, July 01, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
• Saturday, August 05, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
• Saturday, September 02, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
• Saturday, October 07, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
• Saturday, November 04, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Location: 126 Cedar Street Manchester, CT

• For any information regarding recycling collection, please continue to call Trash Away at 860-225-1206.
• To contact the East Hartford Public Works, please call 860-291-7374.

Farmers' Market

• Are you a farmer or a food vendor looking to work closely with our community?
• Do you own a small business, looking to become a part of a wonderful event?
• Are you a community organization hoping to spread the word about your initiatives?

If you answered "yes" to at least one of these questions, keep reading!
The East Hartford Farmers market is returning bigger and better than ever before! And we are looking to add MORE vendors to our weekly market!
If you are a farmer or market vendor that produces honey, milk, eggs, or other foods, or locally produced crafts, please complete the vendor application using the links listed below.
Market organizers will review completed applications and notify vendors whether your application is accepted. Vendors are advised to review the East Hartford market guidelines. Click the links below for further information:

• Food Vendor/Farmer Application - https://tinyurl.com/2p82vxdy
• Small Business/Non-Food Vendor Application - https://tinyurl.com/2p8recjs
• Non-profit and Community Organization Application -
  https://tinyurl.com/mud42s3u

Read more here - https://tinyurl.com/3bka5dmh

The Town of East Hartford Invites You
to the Latin Festival

 
Vendors are asked to apply by July 24, 2023. 

Due to safety and security reasons, the Tax Office at 50 Chapman Place is NOT open to the public to accept payments of taxes in person.

However, might we suggest the following methods to pay your taxes timely? And please, also for safety and security reasons, do not pay your taxes in cash!

1) You can mail your payment via USPS

2) You can drop your payment off at the drop box outside of 50 Chapman Place. That drop box is emptied several times per day.

3) You can drop your payment off at the drop box inside of the Senior Center during regular hours of operation. That drop box is also emptied daily.

4) You can pay online using a debit or credit card with a vendor convenience fee of 2.99%. The town does not share in that fee and we do not recommend using this option as it is expensive.

5) You can pay online using an ACH bank withdrawal from your checking or savings account for a fee of $0.90 cents.

6) If your bank supports vendor payments, the Town can be paid by your bank.

Finally, please understand your cancelled check is your best receipt as your taxes are fully paid only after your check clears your bank.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Tax Office at 860-291-7250 or email Tax@easthartfordct.gov. 

East Hartford Pools and Aquatics Programs

East Hartford Parks and Recreation will be offering 3 splash parties at the pools this summer! Come join us for these awesome family friendly pool events. 

• Splash Party – Saturday, July 8, 2023 1pm-4pm at Goldstar Pool in Goodwin Park 1235 Forbes Street
• Splash and Slide Party – Saturday, July 22, 2023 1pm – 4pm at Lord Pool in Gorman Park, 258 May Road
• Splash and Dance Party – Friday, July 28, 2023 5:30pm – 7pm at Martin Pool in Martin Park, 307 Burnside Avenue

The splash parties are free for residents; non-residents must pay a daily admission of $5.00. 

For more information, or for inclement weather updates, please visit www.easthartfordct.gov/parks-recreation or like us on Facebook at www.facbook.com/ehparks.

Summer is Here for East Hartford
Pools and Aquatics Programs

• East Hartford Outdoor Aquatic Facilities is open for the season. 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 began 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 began 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 began 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

Run it BBall Clinic

East Hartford Parks and Recreation in collaboration with the Lady Hornets will be hosting the Run it BBall Clinic. Learn to “RUN IT” with the Lady Hornets to strengthen fundamental basketball skills, develop leadership habits and build confidence in an energetic gym.

The Clinics will take place July 12-14 at the Community Cultural Center Gym (50 Chapman Place). Children ages 5-9 will be in the gym from 5:15PM – 6:15PM.Children ages 10-15 will be in the gym from 6:45PM - 7:45PM.

The 3-part clinic is $60.00 for residents and non-residents.

Register ASAP as spots are limited to ensure high quality instruction. www.ehparks.org

If you have any questions, contact Coach Myette at (860) 983-7783.