Henry Genga

I hope this email finds you and your family well. There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on:

• Firehouse #2 Community Discussion
• New State-Based Graduate Loan Program
• High School Summer Pass to Fitness
• May is Mental Health Awareness Month
• Artistic Community Grants
• Community Events

East Hartford urgently needs to replace the obsolete Fire Station 2. The building is nearly 100 years old and no longer meets the needs of a modern fire department. It is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, lacks gender-inclusive facilities, and does not have a monitored fire alarm or sprinkler system. In addition, the station does not meet National Fire Protection Association Standard 1500, which establishes critical health, safety, and cancer mitigation requirements for fire department facilities.

The department is proposing the construction of a modern, energy-efficient fire station designed to better serve both firefighters and the community. The new facility will include gender-neutral accommodations, individual bunkrooms that provide privacy, and state-of-the-art cancer mitigation systems to reduce firefighter exposure to diesel exhaust and prevent cross-contamination of firefighting equipment following a fire.

This investment will help ensure that East Hartford firefighters have a safe, functional, and up-to-date facility to support their critical work protecting the community.

Learn more at a community discussion at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27 at Anna Norris Elementary School. Click here for more information and to read more about the proposed solution.

 

The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) has officially launched the MyCHESLA Grad Loan, a new state-based graduate loan program designed to preserve access to affordable, fixed-rate financing for Connecticut students pursuing advanced degrees following the elimination of the federal Grad PLUS loan program, effective July 1.

CHESLA’s new graduate loan program supports students enrolled in both graduate and professional degree programs.

Borrowers can choose from repayment terms of 5, 10, or 15 years, along with flexible in-school repayment options, including interest-only payments, full deferment, or immediate principal-and-interest payments. Combined, these options provide borrowers with nine fixed-rate offerings tailored to meet a range of financial needs.

Importantly, all approved borrowers have equal access to the same nine fixed rates, ensuring a transparent, fair, and consistent pricing structure.

Fixed interest rates for the MyCHESLA Grad Loan range from 5.50% to 7.99%, depending on the selected repayment term and in-school repayment option. The program offers a cost-effective, borrower-focused alternative to higher-cost private loans, with every available fixed rate remaining below the current federal Grad PLUS loan rate of 8.94%.

Click here to learn more about CHESLA’s loan programs, financial education resources, and application process.

Great news for teens ages 14–19, you can work out for free at Planet Fitness this summer!

With the High School Summer Pass program, teens can enjoy free access to Planet Fitness from June 1 through August 31.

This program gives young people the opportunity to stay active, prioritize their health, and build lifelong healthy habits while school is out for the summer.

Click here to register for the Summer Pass. Parents can also receive one free day pass to work out alongside their teens.

Please note: During the High School Summer Pass program, participants will only have access to the Planet Fitness location they select during registration.

 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Below are resources available for anyone who may be struggling or supporting someone in need:

• 2-1-1 General Resources - Available 24 hours a day for crisis support, service referrals, education, prevention programs, counseling services, support groups, and advocacy. Call 2-1-1 for assistance.

• Mental Health Connecticut - Offers a mental health concierge, art therapy, residential services, and supportive mental health programs. Visit Mental Health Connecticut or call 860-529-1970.

• CT Support Group - An online peer-led project created by young people to provide connection, support, and community for their peers. Learn more at CT Support Group.

• Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services - Search for services available in your area through the regional services locator at CT DMHAS Service Locator.

 

The East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts (CCFA) is seeking applicants for their community grants program, newly expanded with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Successful proposals should have a strong East Hartford connection and directly relate to fine arts and/or culture. Programs or projects may include concerts, performances, program series, festivals, workshops, exhibits, readings, after-school programs, or public art.

Grant applications will be considered on a rolling basis through August 31, after which the CCFA will revert to their typical quarterly review cycle.

Click here for a list of complete eligibility requirements and to access the application.