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.
Monday marks the Labor Day holiday, also known as the "unofficial end of summer." For many, it's a day off from work, going to a picnic or barbeque, or spending the day at one of the fairs happening around the state.
Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being
Before it became a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual states. After municipal ordinances were passed in 1885 and 1886, a movement developed to secure state legislation. New York was the first state to introduce a bill, but Oregon was the first to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, on February 21, 1887. In 1887, four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York – passed laws creating a Labor Day holiday. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday.
This is a time to honor and appreciate the contributions of workers across our great nation. It is a day to recognize the hard work, dedication, and resilience of individuals who have played a vital role in building our communities and driving our economy forward.
Legislative Updates
During the 2023 legislative session, we successfully passed a number of measures, which will enhance and support our skilled workforce and make our state more attractive for companies and new businesses.
These new initiatives in diverse fields including education, aviation, healthcare, and first responders seek to attract the best talent from within and beyond to create a top-notch workforce.
Below are some highlights of the work we accomplished this past session:
Public Act 23-97is a multifaceted step forward for those in the medical fields.
Creates tax credits and incentives for towns and businesses that build and/or develop housing set aside for specific workforces including teachers, police officers, and firefighters.
A skilled workforce is one of the foundations of a robust economy. My colleagues and I are committed to strengthening our current and future workers by providing the necessary tools to help them thrive and succeed.
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.
Today In History
After living through 10 consecutive years without a single hurricane, complacent Connecticans and all New Enganders received a rude and disastrous awakening the morning of August 31, 1954, when giant Category 5 hurricane Carol, with winds gusting to 130 miles per hour, moved swiftly across Long Island, and then slammed into the area between Groton and Old Saybrook.
Image National Hurricane Center
The storm, which had formed off the Florida coast only six days before, had been expected by forecasters to spend its force on North and South Carolina. But the rapidly intensifying storm surprised forecasters, when it only brushed the Carolina coast, turned and headed north.
The storm caused devastation across New England, damaging more than 10,000 homes, killing as many as 65 people, and causing $460 million damage.
In Connecticut, hundreds of oceanfront cottages were damaged or destroyed. At Old Saybrook and elsewhere along the coast, hundreds of small craft were smashed against docks and break walls, crushed by surging waves, or driven onto shoals, beaches and sandbars. Downtown Providence, Rhode Island was flooded with up to 12 feet of water, and in Boston, Carol blew the steeple off the Od North Church (the “one if by land, two if by sea” church of Paul Revere’s famous ride). Overall, more than 3,000 boats were destroyed, as well as 3500 automobiles.
Storm Surge at Yacht Club in Cranston, Rhode Island
Power lines were downed, and phones cut off across the region, as water and falling limbs damaged homes and businesses. A third of all New Englanders lost power; many remained in the dark for several days.
Thousands of trees were destroyed by the blasting winds, while millions of limbs and branches were broken on trees that survived. Connecticut’s apple farmers lost 20 to 50 percent of their McIntosh apples, the state’s most important fruit crop. Losses to that crop alone totaled as many as 300,000 bushels. Additional concerns were raised because the storm carried beetles and other insects that transmitted Dutch elm disease and other arbor infections miles from their origins, further spreading the devastating tree blight. Along the Connecticut River, shade tobacco leaves, though already harvested, were damaged by storm rains coming through the tobacco barns’ ventilator openings. Throughout New England, Up to 40 percent of the region’s apple, peach, corn, and tomato crops were completely lost.
Carol’s impact on the region was so severe, National Weather service stopped using “Carol” as a name for future hurricanes for a decade. After one more appearance in 1965, the name “Carol” was permanently retired.
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)
The application period for the 2023-2024 winter season of the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is open. CEAP provides vulnerable state homeowners and renters with crucial support for the associated costs with heating their homes.
Applications for the 2023-2024 winter season must be received byMay 31, 2024. If you are interested, there are several ways to apply:
Additional information on the application process can be obtained by visiting ct.gov/heatinghelp or calling 2-1-1.
Basic benefits toward heating bills range from $180 to $530 depending on income, size of household, and need. Benefits are available for households with incomes up to 60% of the state median income, which equates to roughly $79,910 for a family of four. These benefits are usually paid directly to the utility company or fuel supplier. Households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for multiple free tank refills.
I want to spread the word that this resource is available to our most vulnerable community members.
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.
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.
