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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.
The topics covered are as follows:
On Legislative Business
On Community Resources
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Recreational Adult Cannabis Use (Finally) Approved
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During this week's Special Session, the House of Representatives moved to approve SB 1201, legalizing the recreational use of cannabis for adults over 21 years of age.
The road to legalize cannabis for adult use has been long and filled with obstacles, but today marks a step forward as the legislation is finally sent to Governor Lamont. This bill will help our state in its economic recovery from the pandemic, but more importantly, it will help our state begin to correct decades of state sanctioned violence employed against overwhelmingly Black and Brown families and communities during the senseless ‘War on Drugs.” In the state of steady habits, the passage of this legislation allows us to progress towards the future by beginning the work to rebuild the communities harmed the most by the enforcement of a cannabis prohibition and ultimately, create a more just and equitable society for all.
Here are some highlights of what's included in the bill:
- Beginning July 1, adults 21+ may possess or consume up to 1.5 ounces of “cannabis plant material” and up to five ounces in a locked container in a home or in the trunk or locked glove box in the person’s vehicle.
- The bill creates a new 15-member Social Equity Council that will provide the governor and state lawmakers with recommendations for making sure communities and individuals that were disproportionately harmed by the prohibition of marijuana are able to benefit and participate fully in the new legal system, including expedited and priority licensing.
- Beginning Oct. 1, qualifying medical marijuana patients who are at least 18 will be allowed to securely grow up to three mature and three immature cannabis plants in their homes. Beginning July 1, 2023, adults 21+ will be allowed to do the same.
- The bill prohibits smoking, inhaling, or ingesting marijuana while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. It also bars police from using the odor of cannabis or burnt cannabis as basis for a stop or a search of a vehicle.
- Beginning July 1, 2022, individuals can petition to have their prior convictions for possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia and the sale and manufacture of four or fewer ounces of marijuana. Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, there will be automatic erasures of convictions, from Jan. 1, 2000 through Sept. 15, 2015, for possession of less than four ounces of cannabis.
- Cannabis-related advertising designed to appeal to individuals under 21, such as cartoon characters, is prohibited under the bill. Cannabis businesses are also barred from sponsoring charitable events, concerts, sports and cultural events unless there’s evidence that not more than 10% of the audience is expected to be under age 21.
Following passage in the Senate, amendments and passage in the House, and then final passage in the Senate – the legislation now awaits the Governor's signature.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Juneteenth Becomes a Federal Holiday
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This week, Congress and President Joe Biden acted to make Juneteenth a federal holiday – the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created in 1983.
While the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in the South in 1863 and Confederate soldiers surrendered in April 1865, the proclamation wasn't enforced in many places until the end of the war and word had not reached many of those enslaved in the Southern states. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery, June 19, 1865, the date Union soldiers finally brought the news of freedom to the last enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas.
Events will be happening throughout the state to celebrate the day, here are some local community celebrations:
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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"Right to Read" Statewide Literacy Strategy Included in Budget Implementer
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During Wednesday's special session, the House passed a budget implementer bill which included critical funding to support a statewide strategy to address early literacy known as "Right to Read." Alongside my colleagues, I've spent eight years working to implement this program. Through evidence-based reading techniques, we can work to ensure that our student's ability isn't defined simply by their zip code. This is a critical step to empowering our educators to help our students not only succeed but grow into our future leaders.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Manchester High School Names First Black Female Valedictorian
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The young people of our community are continuing to make me incredibly proud. Manchester's Soraya Chanterelle is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. The 16-year-old high school graduate is adding first Black female valedictorian at Manchester High School to her list of accomplishments. A huge congratulations to Soraya and best wishes as you start your new adventure at Howard University, we can't wait to see what you accomplish next. Check out her feature in the Hartford Courant here.
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East Hartford Bulky Waste Permit Applications & Renewals Available Now
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Have bulky waste you are looking to get rid of? Apply for a bulky waste permit today. East Hartford residents can now purchase a new bulky waste permit for the fiscal year 21-22. Permits will have an expiration date of June 20, 2022. To apply for a new bulky waste permit, please fill out this form.
If you purchased a permit last year, you must use them by June 30, 2021 or they will expire! If you'd like to renew a bulky waste permit, please fill out this form.
For further instructions to deliver forms and additional documentation for processing by public works, click here. In all cases permits and tickets will be mailed to the purchaser in 3-5 business days. All permits purchased now will be effective July 1.
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Beat the Heat – Community Pools are Open!
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Looking for somewhere to cool off? All five East Hartford Parks & Recreation outdoor pools are now open from 1PM-5PM for East Hartford residents and non-residents! Admission for East Hartford residents is free with proof of residency, for non-residents it's $5 per person. For more information, click here. And, don't forget – swimming lessons registration is now open, sign-up now by clicking here.
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For Manchester residents, Marcy MacDonald pool will be the first to open on Saturday, June 19 and will operate on "pre-season" hours (1PM-6PM) through Sunday, June 27. Beginning on Monday, June 28, the other town pools, Globe Hollow, Swanson and Salters pools, will open for the summer, an updated pool schedule for each location can be found here. For more information and FAQs on the Manchester pools, click here.
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Road Work: Route 502 in East Hartford
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will begin a milling and resurfacing project on Route 502 from Forbes Street to the Manchester town line in East Hartford on Monday, June 21. The milling portion of the project is expected to occur through July 9, and the resurfacing portion is expected to occur from June 28 to July 9. No work will be performed on the day before or after the Fourth of July Holiday. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone. The regular work schedule is expected to be Monday – Friday, 7AM-5PM.
Motorists should be aware that modifications and possible extensions to this schedule due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to remain alert, drive cautiously, and to maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity.
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Reminder: June is Dog Licensing Month
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Reminder! June is dog licensing month! All dogs in the State of Connecticut six months or older must be licensed each year in the Town where they reside in the month of June by State Statute. The license is in effect from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.
Along with a dog licensing fee, a current rabies certificate is required for all dogs and a neutered/spayed certificate is required for dogs that will be licensed for the first time or if recently neutered or spayed.
For more details and the most up-to-date info on COVID restrictions at the Town Clerk's offices, click here for Manchester and click here for East Hartford. |
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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The Community Health Center vaccine clinic at the Pratt & Whitney Airfield in East Hartford is accepting walk-up appointments Tuesday - Saturday, 8:30AM - 4PM. You are encouraged to bring ID and a medical insurance card, but this is not required. The East Hartford Health Department will also continue to offer vaccinations to medically homebound residents. Homebound residents should fill out this form or call the Health Department at (860) 291-7324.
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Bangladesh Bhaban Community Center (9 Delmont Street) in Manchester will be extending their COVID-19 vaccine clinics through the month of June. No appointment, ID, or insurance required, walk-ins are welcome! Vaccinations for children aged 12-15 are available. For more information, contact MD Rahman at (860) 597-4669.
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For more information on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or to locate an appointment near you, click here. Those without access to the internet can call the Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line, available seven days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM, at 877-918-2224.
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Need a ride? Lyft and Uber will be offering a ride to and from a vaccine site for free until July 4. To learn more click here or here.
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Getting tested is still essential to battling the pandemic. First Choice Health Center is continuing to provide FREE COVID-19 testing at the East Hartford Town Hall parking lot (740 Main Street) on Tuesdays from 8:30AM-1:30PM. Tests are completely free. No ID, insurance, or appointment required. To get more information, click here.
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This weekend, the Town of Manchester's Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation and community partners will be hosting the inaugural Juneteenth Freedom Day Commemoration featuring mural unveilings, an art opening, a black-owned food & vendor market, a 3-on-1 youth basketball tournament, family activities, live music and much more!
The commemoration will be broken up into three nights, with the programming schedule as follows:
Friday, June 18, 6PM: Commemoration Procession & People’s Gallery Opening at Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center
Saturday, June 19, 12PM – 6PM: Community-Wide Juneteenth Commemoration and Mural Dedication on the park grounds at Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center (110 Cedar Street)
Sunday, June 20, starting at dusk: Family Movie Night: John Lewis: Good Trouble at Charter Oak Park (100 Charter Oak Street)
Find more information here.
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Test your skills at speed cup stacking with Manchester Public Library on Monday, June 21 from 2PM-3PM. Professional sport stacker, Glenn Costello will be on hand to teach teens the basics of the sport. This program is best for teens in grades 6-12, to register call (860) 645-0821 or visit the Reference Desk at the library. For more information, click here.
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No matter your age, learning to swim is an essential skill. The Manchester Recreation Division will be holding swim lessons for adults 18+ at Salters Pool (*be advised of the location change*, lessons have been moved from Waddell Pool to Salters Pool) weekly on Sundays beginning July 11. The sessions will be as follows:
- Session 1: July 11 – August 15, 4PM – 5PM
- Session 2: July 11 – August 15, 5PM – 6PM
- Session 3: July 11 – August 15, 6PM – 7PM
Lessons are $35 for Manchester residents and $45 for non-residents. To learn more or sign-up, click here.
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East Hartford Public Library, East Hartford CONNects, and the Town of East Hartford Development Department will host free business webinars with the Small Business Administration, the CT Small Business Development Center, Goodwin University, and the University of Hartford on Tuesday, June 22 and Tuesday, June 29 at 12 PM to give attendees information on how to start and grow a small business. To register for the June 22 session, click here. For more information on the library's virtual programming, click here.
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On Wednesday, June 23 at 6:30PM, join East Hartford Library to create a one-of-a-kind book nook diorama for your bookshelf! With the help of natural items, recycled materials, and a kit featuring everything you need to create this scene provided by the library, this activity is great for kids and adults. To register, click here.
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Get ready – the Sounds of Summer concert series at Great River Park (301 East River Drive) is officially back for what looks to be another successful summer season starting Thursday, June 24, 6PM – 8PM with vocal and instrumental variety group, Shaded Soul.
Concerts will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather, cancellations will be posted on the Town of East Hartford website and Facebook page. Any cancelled concert will attempt to be rescheduled.
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My office is always open if you or your family are in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email at Jason.Rojas@cga.ct.gov or by phone at 860-240-8541.
Sincerely,
Jason Rojas
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