Eleni Kavros DeGraw

Currently, CTDOL’s Consumer Contact Center unemployment claims representatives have more than 13,000 appointments scheduled in just the next two weeks. With far fewer representatives budgeted for the Contact Center, the wait time to get an appointment with a claims agent is now several weeks, depending upon the filer’s circumstance. While the average call is only about 10 minutes, the primary reasons that filers call are preventable and the volume of calls causes significant delays for filers who have more complex issues requiring assistance.

The top two reasons filers need assistance:

1.      Forgotten username or password.

·       Filers should write down their username/password combination and store it in a safe location or in a digital password keeper. Passwords must be reset in accordance to federal rules for unemployment benefits.

·       Filers do not need to make an appointment to talk to a claims agent. They can reset their passwords by submitting the lockout form online. That is faster than scheduling an appointment.

2.      Ten-day processing period. 

·       Unemployment claims must go through a verification process that includes employer notification as well as identity and fraud prevention checks. This verification period takes a minimum of 10 days; claims will not be paid out until they are processed in accordance with state and federal law. Circumventing this verification period could cause overpayments that the filer is required to repay; costs employers money; and increase the likelihood that Connecticut pays fraudulent claims.

The Connecticut Department of Labor encourages filers to submit a case online rather than calling to make an appointment as it often results in a more timely response and resolution.

Fillable applications may be downloaded from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's Canton Community fund page HERE. You can also drop them off at a collection box at the Canton Public Library's circulation desk.

CCF Committee members will answer applicant questions. The last day to submit questions is March 8. An information session will be held on Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. in Room C at the Canton Community Center. Refreshments will be served.

Tenor saxophonist, Peter Greenfogel, is from the Greater Hartford area and performs locally throughout the State of Connecticut as well as in New York, New Jersey, Vermont, and the Northeast.  Peter leads his group as well as performing with Simply Swing and String of Pearls Big Band.

Narragansett Bay Chorus    January 28th     

The Narragansett Bay Chorus performs popular music in the 4-part a cappella style known as "Barbershop."  It is based in Providence, Rhode Island, and while it performs primarily in the New England area, the chorus has appeared in Canada and the United Kingdom. 

Love Is in The Air                 February 11th

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, this concert presents four professional singers from Opera Theater of Connecticut performing favorite arias, duets, and ensembles focused on the theme of Love, singing the works of Puccini (La Bohème), Verdi (Rigoletto), Bizet (Carmen) and others.  Opera Theater of Connecticut, the state’s oldest opera company, celebrates its 39th year in 2024.

Dayblazer with Sean McDaniel & Instrumentalists   February 25th

Dayblazer is a New England-based cover band that specializes in performing the smooth radio hits of the 1970s and 1980s. The three-piece band consists of vocalist Kim Robbins, keyboardist Brian Peltier, and guitarist Sean McDaniel. Their repertoire includes songs by iconic artists like Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Sade, Michael Jackson, Blondie and many others. 

Scoil Rince Luimni Irish Dance Academy   March 10th 

Scoil Rince Luimni was opened in July of 2014 by Courtney Jay TCRG, an Irish dancer since age 6 and two-time World medalist, with the objective of passing on the artistic sport and important piece of cultural heritage to the next generation. Celebrating their ten-year anniversary, SRL has not only taught hundreds of children and adults a little piece of Ireland, but has also created a community of families who value learning something challenging, perseverance, and dancing through life. 

Mariachi Mexico Antiguo  March 24th

Mariachi Mexico Antiguo symbolizes extraordinary musicianship and a renewed focus on the tradition of Mariachi. Established in 2010, Mariachi Mexico Antiguo is comprised of dedicated and talented musicians. As ambassadors of the mariachi genre, Mariachi Mexico Antiguo has performed by invitation throughout the Western United States as well as throughout the New England area. Mexico Antiguo has been called "a group that captivates audiences with its distinct interpretation of mariachi music."