I want to share some highlights including state and local updates.
I always look forward to the opportunity to meet with residents face-to-face and really talk about your concerns and ideas – it’s what helps me to best represent our community. I’ll be hosting Virtual Office Hours. If you’d like to participate, sign up for a time slot here. https://calendly.com/d/23p-3nc-7xk/rep-rojas-virtual-office-hours
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.
It’s that time again when we start winding down the summer and begin back-to-school preparations; I want to share news and events that will ease that transition for the upcoming school year. See below for:
Sales tax-free week
Expansion of free school meals program
Investments in education last session
SNAP Update
Sales Tax Free Week
Connecticut's 2023 Sales Tax Free Week begins on Sunday, August 20 and runs through Saturday, August 26. This is a great opportunity to take the kids back-to-school shopping or to treat yourself or your loved ones while saving money.
Many retailers in Connecticut offer additional discounts on clothing and footwear during Sales Tax Free Week, providing consumers with even more savings.
During this sales tax holiday, most clothing and footwear items priced under $100 are exempt from the Connecticut sales tax. The exemption during Sales Tax Free Week applies to each eligible item costing under $100, regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer in the same transaction. The tax holiday applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
More information about Connecticut’s Sales Tax Holiday, including a list of exempt and taxable items, is available on the Department of Revenue Services website.
Expansion of Free School Meals Program
Hunger and the stigma of not being able to afford school meals is one of the biggest hurdles to learning. That is why I am pleased to report that Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker announced plans to expand Connecticut’s free school meals program for the 2023-2024 school year, enabling more students to receive access to nutritious breakfast and/or lunch at no additional cost to them or their families.
We made historic investments in education with millions of additional dollars allocated in the budget and a number of legislative measures that enhance Connecticut’s educational system. Click below for more information:
The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), in consultation with the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), this week announced that $8.8 million in special food assistance benefits is scheduled to be distributed Sunday, August 13, 2023, to the families of 57,313 children under age 6 who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Specific information about the August 13 distribution:
Benefits will be deposited onto existing SNAP EBT cards on August 13 to more than 42,635 households (57,313 eligible children) who were under age 6 and receiving SNAP benefits from DSS between September 1, 2022, and May 11, 2023.
The one-time additional benefit is $172.72 per child who received SNAP benefits for the entire covered period.
Children who did not receive SNAP benefits for the entire covered period will receive a lower, pro-rated amount of P-EBT benefits.
Families do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits, all eligible families will automatically receive additional benefits.
Benefits can be used at any location that accepts SNAP/EBT cards, including farmers' markets and direct market farms. P-EBT participants also have access to eligible food purchases online through delivery or curbside pickup at participating retailers. Additional information is available here.
DSS received information from CSDE to implement the P-EBT Child Care plan, which was approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. The P-EBT Child Care SNAP funding was authorized by the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, with additional amendments made in the Continuing Appropriations Act and Other Extensions Act of 2021, as well as the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.
Additional Resources:
The Special Supplemental Nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) can help you stretch your food budget further. Click here to learn more and apply.
All children up to 5 years old receiving SNAP benefits are also eligible for FREE Head Start/Early Head Start programming that develops early learning skills, healthy lifestyles, language skills, and literacy skills. Click hereto learn more and apply.
Today In History
Today in 1861, Eastford’s Nathaniel Lyon – a little-known figure the day before – instantly became one of the most celebrated figures in the United States when he was shot in the chest at Wilson’s Creek, Missouri, making him the first Union General to die in the Civil War.
Lyon’s death came as the mounted commander rallied Iowa troops against a much larger Confederate force. It was the kind of death one expects the Connecticut-born Lyon would have wanted. A West Point graduate and soldiers’ soldier, he had received three promotions for gallantry during the Mexican War, been a ruthless Indian fighter in Florida and California, and had recently been elevated to general for his actions protecting the federal arsenal at Saint Louis. A fearless commander with a fiery temper, Lyon’s aggressive military tactics have been credited with keeping Missouri from joining the southern cause.
Contemporary engraving of Lyon at the moment he was fatally wounded. (Kansas City Public Library and Library of Congress)
News of Lyon’s heroic battlefield death, coming in the wake of the Union’s recent shameful rout at Bull Run, was seized upon by press and politicians alike, for it gave the north a much-needed cause for honorable mourning. As plans were made to return Lyon’s body to his native Connecticut, city after city planned solemn commemorations. Saint Louis, houses draped in mourning, provided an “immense” military escort. In Cincinnati, Lyon lay in state, protected by a military honor guard. At Pittsburgh, and again in Philadelphia, hundreds of soldiers met the casket and accompanied it through town. In New York, Lyon again lay in state – in the Governor’s Room of City Hall – and was visited by more than 15,000 mourners. There, too, a rosewood-painted metal casket replaced the wooden one that had been “considerably shattered” in transit.
In Hartford, though it rained “as if the gates of Heaven had broken loose”, a huge procession accompanied Lyon’s body from Union Station to the (Old) State House, where it lay overnight in the Senate Chamber. The next day a special train transported Lyon’s corpse to Willimantic. From there, over 300 wagons carried the funeral contingent 12 miles to Eastford. People young and old lined the roads and bells tolled solemnly as the three-mile-long wagon train inched towards Lyon’s birth town. Nearing Eastford after dark, they found the road into town illuminated with “myriads of lights, candles, lanterns, and rushes.” Minute guns sounded, church bells tolled and the procession played the “Dead March in Saul” as the body was placed in the Congregational church.
Lyon’s funeral services, held outdoors the next day, were attended by 20,000 people. His pallbearers included the governors of Connecticut and Rhode Island and two army generals. Orators included the Speaker of the US House of Representatives Gerusha Grow of Pennsylvania, a former Ashford native, Governors Buckingham (CT) and Sprague (RI) and many other dignitaries, whose solemn and patriotic remembrances filled the day. Late in the afternoon, the procession made its final journey to the small Phoenixville Cemetery. At 5:00pm on September 5th, as soldiers ringed the grave and thousands lined the hills, cannons and muskets volleyed and the band played “Auld Lang Syne,” Nathaniel Lyon’s life journey ended.
“Nathaniel Lyon, though slain, will live forever in the memory of his countrymen,” Speaker Grow had proclaimed. “His body is interred in his native soil, his monument is the granite hills, and his headstone a nation’s grief.”
This story is taken from Walter W. Woodward’s column “From the State Historian” in the Spring 2011 issue of Connecticut Explored magazine. Subscribe at ctexplored.org.
Manchester
Please arrive early to be in line for 9 am as the truck leaves promptly at 9:30 am. 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)
East Hartford
The Connecticut Foodshare truck will be in the parking lot to distribute the food. Please bring your bags and be prepared to possibly wait in line.
Mayberry Village –St. Isaac Jogues Church Parking Lot (41 Home Terrace East Hartford)
Monday, August 21st, 2023 12:30 PM-1:15 PM
Get mobile pantry updates in your area by texting the word Foodshare to 85511.
During Tuesday night’s Board of Directors’ meeting, Dr. Maria Cruz was officially appointed to the position of Town Clerk for the remainder of the 2021-2025 term, following the untimely passing of Darryl E. Thames, Sr.
Dr. Cruz has worked closely with the Manchester community for many years in various capacities. She served on the Board of Education in 2009 and was re-elected twice, serving through 2015.
Dr. Cruz’s professional career includes nearly thirty years working for the State of Connecticut in various human services roles; most recently, Dr. Cruz worked as Assistant Child Advocate for the State of Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate. Previously, she worked at the State Department of Children and Families where she served as a Social Work Supervisor of ongoing services for 28 years, advocating for the preservation of children with their families as well as the safety, well-being and permanency for children served by the Department.
The Town of Manchester is launching two reimbursement grant programs to assist businesses in town. One is the Business Investment Fund Grant Program which offers reimbursable matching grants to eligible Manchester small business owners. The second one is the Business Façade and Signage Improvement Fund Grant Program which offers reimbursement grants to eligible Manchester small business owners to improve the exterior appearance of commercial and mixed-use buildings and signage.
LabWorks For Teens is a 21st-century after-school program offered to Manchester Public School students in grades 9-12.
The program aims to contribute to the student's academic success, health and wellness, character, leadership, and college and career readiness.
As part of the program, students will elect a career track. Each career track will focus on employability skills and character development.
Fall session begins Sept. 25. Registration starts August 7th.
This year’s special Summer Concert Series of five performances will focus on people and groups with a deep Manchester history. It is our intention, not only to enrich and entertain, but also to spread enthusiasm for the Bicentennial and help concertgoers become aware of other Bicentennial-related events. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic dinner or take out from one of our fabulous Downtown restaurants.
Center Memorial Park near Mary Cheney Library, 586 Main St., 06040,
Rain location: Army Navy Club 1080 Main St., Downtown Manchester.
Thursday, August 10, 2023 | 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Manchester Bicentennial
Manchester has launched planning efforts for its 2023 Bicentennial Celebration. This year long celebration will consist of a variety of opportunities to remember the past, celebrate the present, and dream about the future. Festivities will include historical and educational programs, special events, and commemorative projects.
The Human Services Administration will be accepting VISA gift cards ($25 increments) and/or monetary donations ONLY for the 2023/2024 school year. We will be distributing a Gift Card to eligible families for the purchase of school supplies for children grades K-12 only!
Senior, Adult and Family Services will be conducting screenings. To qualify, families must reside in Manchester, receive State assistance and meet the program’s income guidelines.
If you, or anyone you know, including an organization, would like to donate, it would greatly help Manchester families! We will be accepting donations July 10th thru August 11th.
Your donation can make a world of difference to a child in need and would be greatly appreciated!!
Manchester Parks and 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.
East Hartford’s Greater Together Community Fund has released its second open call for project proposals. Amounts from $250 to $2,500 will be awarded in grant funds to selected proposals. All projects must benefit the residents of East Hartford. For further details on project guidelines and how to apply, please visit: hfpg.org/EastHartfordcf. Completed applications are due by September 8, 2023. Grant Awards will be announced in October 2023.
Located at 301 East River Drive, Great River Park is a beautiful and much loved stretch of the East Hartford’s riverside. Stretching along the bend of the Connecticut River adjacent to East River Drive, Great River Park is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy the outdoors. Enjoy picturesque vistas of the riverside and the city along nearly two miles of paved and lighted Riverwalk. Facilities include a boat launch, picnic tables, fishing access, a 350-seat amphitheater and a unique collection of sculpture art. Pedestrians can easily travel back and forth to Hartford via the Founders Bridge Promenade or the Charter Oak Bridge just steps from the park.
A special thanks go out to our generous sponsors who made these concerts possible:
The Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute's Mobile Mammography van is coming to the Raymond Library in 2023!
This service is aimed at women over 35 years of age. Patients between 35 and 39 years old only have one mammogram performed during this age period. After age 40, early detection tests should be carried out annually. Mammograms are not read on the spot. Patients will receive a letter in the mail 2-4 weeks after the mammogram with the results.
Scheduling Details
Appointments are required for this event.
Mobile mammography events are held in the Raymond Library parking lot located at 840 Main Street, East Hartford.
Available dates include:
Thursday September 14th, 2023
The last day to schedule an appointment is the Friday prior to the event.
Patients are required to give their date of birth and phone number upon scheduling.
Insurance is not required.
For additional questions regarding eligibility or to schedule an appointment at the Raymond Library, please contact the East Hartford Health Department at 860-291-7324.
If you have scheduled an appointment, please download and complete the intake form prior to your appointment.
Patient Eligibility Guidelines
This service is aimed at women over 35 years of age. Individuals who are eligible to schedule an appointment include:
Patients who had their last mammogram more than one year ago and the results were normal/negative.
Patients who had a diagnostic breast work-up at last mammogram with negative results and who received a recommendation to return in 12 months.
Patients who had breast biopsy or surgery more than two years ago and have been told everything is clear/benign and they can resume annual routine screening mammogram. Or patients who have had a breast biopsy less than two years ago, but have had a normal screening mammogram since. In either case, the report must be available to the technologist before the patient has her mammogram on the van.
Who should not be scheduled to have a mammogram on the van?
Prior breast surgery: Unless the above criteria regarding breast surgery is met, patient should have their screening mammogram at a diagnostic facility.
Pregnancy: Wait 6 months after childbirth or 6 months after finishing breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding: Wait 6 months after breastfeeding is terminated.
Previous breast cancer: Patient that have a history of breast cancer should be referred to a diagnostic facility.
Symptomatic patients: Patients with breast lumps, masses, calcifications, focal pain, etc.
Abnormal breast exam: Any patient with an abnormal breast exam should be referred to a facility that offers diagnostic testing and has a radiologist on site.
Any patient requiring a six month follow up or additional views from last mammogram must be scheduled at a facility with a radiologist on site to evaluate the films.
East Hartford Parks and Recreation
Announces Pool Closing Dates
The East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department has announced closing dates of all outdoor pools:
Goldstar Pool – Closing Sunday, August 13th at 5p.m.
Public Swim: Monday - Friday: 1-4pm and 6-7pm, Saturday & Sunday: 1-5pm
Terry Pool - Closing Sunday, August 13th at 5p.m.
Public Swim: Monday - Friday: 1-4pm and 5-6:30pm, Saturday & Sunday: 1-5pm
Adult Lap Swim: Monday – Friday: 4-5pm
Drennan Pool – Currently closed
Lord Pool - Closing Sunday, August 20th at 5p.m.
Public Swim: Monday - Friday: 1-4pm and 5-7pm, Saturday & Sunday: 1-5pm
Senior Swim: Monday-Thursday 8:30-9:30am & 4-5pm
Martin Pool -Closing Sunday, August 20th at 5p.m.
Public Swim: Monday - Friday: 1-4pm and 5-7pm, Saturday & Sunday: 1-5pm
The East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department would like to thank everyone who visited our pools throughout the summer and enjoyed our facilities. We are so pleased to have been able to open all our pools and offer a full summer of recreational swimming opportunities, 3 splash parties and a full slate of swim lessons for residents. We would like to thank all our residents, camp counselors, lifeguards, staff, and park maintainers for a successful summer!
The East Hartford Farmers’ Market are excited to present to you their new and improved Farmers' Market, with new vendors and updated hours. The 2023 farmers’ market date and hours will be held Tuesdays beginning July 11th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00p.m. They 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
East Hartford Public Schools' Office of Family and Community Partnerships needs our help!
The Back-to-School Rally is nearly a month away and the schools are seeking donations!
𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐃:
Backpacks
Pencils
Colored Pencils
Crayons (skin toned)
Markers
Rulers
Folders
Spiral Notebooks.
Donations can be dropped off at the East Hartford BOE building at 1110 Main Street.
Contact Alexis Safo-Agyeman at 860-622-5157 to arrange a drop-off time!
Selden Brewer House Tour
The Historical Society of East Hartford invites you to take a tour of the Selden Brewer House, 165 Main Street in East Hartford. This historic 1827 home was the residence of Selden Brewer and his descendants who were influential tobacco growers in the Connecticut River Valley. The home is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tours are held on Saturdays from 10 - 1 P.M. and are given by Alan Brewer of Bolton, Connecticut. He is the grandson of Buena Crawford Brewer, last Brewer to live in the residence.
Please check for the Open Flag on the sign in front of the house. Looking forward to seeing you soon.https://www.hseh.org/
My office is always open if you or your family are in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email atJason.Rojas@cga.ct.govor by phone at 860-240-8541.
