Dangerously Cold & CT Launches New Portal for Jobseekers

January 19, 2024


If you take one step outside, you already know it’s dangerously cold out there. The state is now under a severe cold weather protocol through noon on Monday. Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 2-1-1 to find a shelter in their community. Keep scrolling for some cold weather safety tips.

As I prepare for the upcoming session commencing on February 7th, I am eager to join my colleagues in Hartford and continue representing and serving you. The interactions I've had with many of you have been invaluable, as I've had the opportunity to listen to your diverse perspectives, ideas, and intricate challenges. Your input serves as a crucial foundation as I prepare to present proposals to committee chairs throughout the year.

As we embark on this new legislative session, I look forward to translating your concerns, aspirations, and innovative suggestions into meaningful actions and policies that will positively impact our community. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, and I am excited about the work we will accomplish together in the coming year.

The state just made it easier for anyone looking for a job in Connecticut. Please keep reading to learn about the new jobs portal and how it could help you find a new gig!

Here are the sections in this week's email. You can scroll down until you find the topic you are looking for:

  • Stay Warm & Indoors This Weekend
  • Community Support For the Winter
  • CT Launches New Portal For Jobseekers
  • Honoring the Life & Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
  • Available Food Programs
  • Community Events
 
Stay Warm & Indoors This Weekend

We are dealing with the coldest weather of the new year, and I urge you to stay indoors through the weekend. The governor activated the severe cold weather protocol through noon on Monday. Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 211. Please look below for some tips to stay safe during the cold snap.

We can't forget our pets! Make sure to keep your fur babies indoors and don't leave the dog outside for more than 15 minutes. They don't like the cold any more than we do!
 
Community Support For the Winter
I am deeply grateful to Garrity Asphalt Reclaiming and the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary for their generous contributions of $10,000 and $2,000 to the Simsbury Community and Social Services heating program.
 
These generous donations will help keep our neighbors warm this winter especially when it's this cold. Simsbury residents continue to amaze me with their compassion and commitment to our community.
 
CT Launches New Portal For Jobseekers

Connecticut has launched its new jobs portal, jobs.ct.gov, which is aimed at assisting state residents — and those seeking to move here — in the process of finding a job.

Jobs.ct.gov joins health.ct.gov and business.ct.gov as the next service category in Connecticut's ongoing journey toward an all-digital state government that streamlines and improves access to services and resources. Some of the resources available through jobs.ct.gov include:

  • Powerful job search tools
  • Job search tips and personal help
  • Free and low-cost training, certificate, and classroom programs
  • Resources to help employers hire, train, and retain employees

All of the resources are Connecticut-specific and focus on connecting jobseekers with the variety of employment and workforce development opportunities.

The strong and steady statewide economy continues to add jobs, but employers in some industries still face workforce shortages, and jobs.ct.gov will be a valuable resource to them. This portal also importantly provides employers with information to reach greater numbers of skilled jobseekers from diverse backgrounds, which is critical to a more equitable Connecticut economy.
 
Honoring the Life & Legacy
of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Simsbury hosted a beautiful ceremony celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His time in our community helped guide Dr. King toward activism in the civil rights movement.
 
The ceremony is always a moving tribute with moving speeches and uplifting musical performances. It was a pleasure to soak it all in with U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes at such a special event.
 
Available Food Programs

Simsbury has a valuable resource for residents struggling to pay for groceries this year. Our Community & Social Services maintains a stocked food pantry of non-perishable food items as well as toiletries, household cleaning products, and paper goods.

Below you will find the food program schedule for the first half of 2024. Eligible residents are able to use the Food Pantry once a month on our scheduled day, below. Folks who are struggling should apply through the Simsbury Social Services link below to see if they qualify.

Simsbury’s Food Pantry is located at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church at 7 Wescott Road.
Click Here to Learn More & Register For the Pantry
 
Community Events
Those dark winter days got you down? Stop by the Simsbury Public Library to get a boost of positivity. There will be crafts and activities for all ages including: kindness bracelets, notes of affirmation, kindness bookmarks, rainbow crafts, sewn hearts, and more. Light refreshments will be provided.
Stop by Simsbury Public Library for its new, monthly Cookies & Coloring Club! Eat cookies, listen to chill music, and color. Please email Mary Richardson if you have any allergies or any other questions. This event is for students from 7th to 12th grade. CLICK HERE to register if your child is interested.