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.
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Join Dr. Matt Warshauer, historian from Central CT State University, for an enthralling account of the Old Soldier followed by a Civil War Tour of the Capitol.
Meet in the North Lobby of the State Capitol Building Friday, September 15th at 12:30 pm. Light refreshments will be provided.
This event is FREE and open to the public, but we ask that you email Capitol.Tours@cga.ct.govor call (860) 240-0222 in advance if you plan to attend.
This year's Sales Tax-Free Week began Sunday, August 20th and runs through Saturday, August 26th. You can find a full list of individual items that are included here: tinyurl.com/4ea8x448
Today In History
In early 1839, Portuguese slave traders captured dozens of native Mende Africans from the territory of modern-day Sierra Leone — technically, in violation of several international treaties — and sold them to two Spaniards in the slave markets of Havana, Cuba. On July 1, while en route to nearby plantations aboard the Spaniards’ schooner La Amistad, the Africans staged a successful mutiny, killing the ship’s captain and demanding the remaining crew sail them back to Africa. Unbeknownst to the Africans, the crew of the Amistad instead slowly steered the ship northward toward the northeastern coast of the United States. On August 24, 1839, The U. S. brig Washington captured the Amistad off the eastern coast of Long Island. News of the slave revolt had already spread throughout the states. Upon encountering “The Long, Low Black Schooner” (title of a play about the capture of the vessel that soon ran in New York) the Washington’s officers promptly arrested the Africans on board. They were taken to New Haven (because Connecticut, unlike New York, was still a slave state), charged with murder, and imprisoned.
A 1839 engraving depicting the mutiny aboard La Amistad.
The capture of La Amistad sparked one of the most famous and impactful series of court cases in U.S. history, as several parties sued to determine the legal status of the fifty-three Africans who were then sitting in a Connecticut prison. Even though the murder charges against the captives were soon dropped, the government of Spain argued that the Africans, like the Amistad itself, were Spanish property and demanded them returned to their former owners, despite the illegality of the slave trade under U.S. law. Meanwhile, several prominent American abolitionists had raised enough money to hire former president John Quincy Adams and future Connecticut governor Roger Sherman Baldwin to act as legal counsel for the imprisoned Africans, arguing that they were free men who deserved to be released.
The widely-publicized United States vs. The Amistad legal battle continued for nearly two years, eventually landing in the U.S. Supreme Court. In March of 1841, the Supreme Court ruled that the African captives were free men and should be immediately released — a decision that sent shock waves through the United States, angering Southern slaveholders and encouraging Northern abolitionists. The thirty-five Mende who had survived their two years of captivity were not immediately sent back to Africa, however, as there was no immediate source of money to fund their return voyage. Instead, they made their way to Farmington, where one man, named Foone, died in the Farmington River in 1841, The remaining thirty-five Mende helped raise money by traveling around and speaking and performing tricks. They became the abolitionists’ cause celebré. Finally, in 1842, they did leave for home, destined to never forget their fateful Connecticut sojourn and the long, hard journey to regain their freedom.
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)
This year's Sales Tax-Free Week begins Sunday, August 20th through Saturday, August 26th. You can find a full list of individual items that are included here:tinyurl.com/4ea8x448
End of Summer Cupcake War
Aug 29, 2023 – 3:30 to 4:30 PM. Manchester Public Library
Close out the summer with a sweet and competitive cupcake decoration! Try to design the most beautiful and delicious cupcake using frosting and toppings. Prizes awarded to the three best designs. Grades 6-9.
Small Business Grants
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.
Megan Collins (Manchester resident!) returns to talk about her fourth book "Thicker Than Water", published with Simon and Schuster, with Head of Reference and Adult Services Jenn Bartlett. Collins' writing has been hailed by USA Today as "moody and atmospheric" and the New York Times called "Family Plot", her third book, "exceedingly entertaining".
Copies of her book will be available for purchase and signing from Book Club on the Go. Attendees may stay for an ice cream meet and greet after the event. No registration required for this free event for adults.
About "Thicker Than Water": Julia and Sienna Larkin are sisters-in-law, connected by Julia's husband and Sienna's brother, Jason. More than that, the two have been devoted best friends since Jason introduced them. To Sienna, Jason can do no wrong, and although Julia knows he's not perfect, they've built a comfortable life and family together. Recently, Jason has been putting in long hours to secure a promotion at work, so when his boss is found brutally murdered--his lips sewn shut--the Larkins are shocked and unsettled, especially as local gossip swirls.
A few days later, Julia and Sienna's lives are upended when Jason gets into a car accident and is placed in a medically induced coma. Worse, the police arrive with news that he's the prime suspect in the murder investigation. With Jason unable to respond--and with Julia and Sienna working to clear his name--the two women find their friendship threatened for the first time: Sienna staunchly maintains her brother's innocence, but as their investigation uncovers a complicated web of secrets, Julia is less sure she's willing to defend her husband.
When
· Saturday, August 26, 2023 | 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Location
Manchester Public Library, 586 Main Street, 06040, View Map
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.
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.
Book Your Mammography Appointment Today!
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.
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 dates are held Tuesdays 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
East Hartford Intergenerational Event - Pancake Breakfast & Bingo
East Hartford, CT—The East Hartford Senior Center invites you to a Pancake Breakfast & Bingo on Saturday, September 23 at 9 AM.
Come alone or bring your children, grandchildren and/or great grandchildren. We will be serving pancakes, sausage, orange juice, coffee and tea.
There will be bingo for all attendees and their guests after breakfast. Bingo cards are free. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. One adult guest per member. Space is limited.
Registration for this event will begin on Monday August 21st. You must register at the Senior Center. Cost is $5.00 for members, $8.00 for non-members and children under 12 are FREE. Seating is limited.
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.
