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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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Congress Passes Infrastructure Bill – Expected $6 Billion to Come to CT
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Over the weekend, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Months of negotiations finally resulted in the largest infusion of federal investments into our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness in the last decade.
This landmark legislation is expected to bring more than $6 billion in federal funding to Connecticut, over the next five years. Of the overall spending package, funding for CT includes:
- $3.5 billion for highway programs
- $561 million for bridge replacement and repairs
- At least $1.3 billion to improve public transportation options
- $445 million to improve water infrastructure
- At least $100 million to increase broadband coverage
- $62 million for airport development and repairs
- $53 million to expand electric vehicle charging stations
- $13 million to protect against cyberattacks
- $6.4 million to protect against wildfires
In addition to the expected funding, Connecticut will also have the opportunity to compete for additional federal funding, including: a portion of the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program, the $16 billion set aside for major projects that deliver substantial economic benefits to community, and a $2.5 billion grant funding for electric vehicle infrastructure.
The state will also greatly benefit from the bill’s $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization and the $30 billion specifically set aside for the Northeast Corridor rail.
The legislation passed the House by a vote of 228 to 206 last Friday, after previously being approved by the Senate in August by a vote 69 to 30.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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CT's Voice4Change Initiative Empowers Students to Decide How Relief Funds are Spent
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On Wednesday, Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker announced a first-of-its-kind campaign that will empower high school students to decide how funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) should be spent. According to the Governor's office, a total of 43 districts encompassing 77 high schools across Connecticut have opted-in to participate, representing more than 55,000 students.
Students from the participating schools will submit proposals to the Connecticut State Department of Education outlining how they propose to spend $20,000 in their school, aligned with the department’s ARP ESSER priorities. Proposals deemed eligible to receive ARP ESSER funds will ultimately be voted on by their high school peers on March 11, 2022, one year after the historic American Rescue Plan Act was passed.
Once available, information on the initiative will be found on the Connecticut State Department of Education's Voice4Change webpage. The student application pehttps://ct.gov/voice4changeriod will launch near the end of November and close in early January. Any questions regarding Voice4Change can be sent to SDE.ARPESSER@ct.gov.
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An Exclusive Look at Connecticut Homegrown Cannabis
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Included in Connecticut's new cannabis legislation is a provision that allows individuals to grow cannabis in their own home. I sat down with NBC CT's Len Besthoff to discuss this budding new industry, and the regulations included in the legislation. In addition to myself, Besthoff spoke with a medical cannabis home grower who uses cannabis to treat his back and neck.
Medical cannabis cardholders can grow their own plants as of October 1. Recreational users must wait until July 2023.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: A Two-President Celebration Draws a Huge Crowd in Middletown
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November 12, 1909 was a momentous day for the city of Middletown, as thousands of cheering, flag-waving residents lined the streets to enjoy a day full of pomp and circumstance and an evening full of dancing and fireworks. The Hartford Courant covered every detail of the day’s festivities in a breathless, three-page spread under the subheading, “Middletown Sees the Greatest Day in its History.” Officials later estimated that the crowd was the largest ever assembled in Middletown in a single day.
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The special occasion? President William Howard Taft came to town to celebrate the inauguration of the new President of Wesleyan University, William Shanklin. Taft had been selected as the guest of honor and plenary speaker for the event, and his visit marked the first to Middletown by a sitting President of the United States in over 75 years. (The city’s last presidential visitor had been Andrew Jackson in 1832.)
Learn more about President Taft's visit and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here.
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Welcome to East Hartford's New Mayor – Mike Walsh!
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On Monday, I was excited to join local and state leaders, and members of the community to watch Mike Walsh be sworn in as East Hartford's new mayor. In this new role, Mike brings in 40 years cumulative experience in accounting, finance, insurance, healthcare, municipal operations and so much more. As a 32-year-long resident of East Hartford, Mike has been devoted to our town – serving as East Hartford's Finance director for 23 years.
I am confident that Mike's experience, combined with his love of our town will make him a great fit for this role. I look forward to working together.
You can stay up to date with Mike's work for the town by following his official Facebook page.
Mayor Mike replaces a long-time former Mayor Marcia Leclerc who announced her decision not to seek reelection earlier this year. Thank you to Marcia for her many years of service!
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Child Tax Credit Application Deadline Approaching – Sign Up Now
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If you do not file taxes, the deadline to apply for the new child tax credit and receive this benefit this year is Monday, November 15. Included in the American Rescue Plan, the child tax credit provides up to $300 per month per child under age 6, and up to $250 per month per child ages 6 to 17.
File today to claim your advance child tax credit or learn more, by clicking here. If you miss this deadline, you will be able to claim the child tax credit by filing taxes in 2022.
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CRT Offering Opportunity for Young Adults to Gain Valuable Job Skills
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Calling young adults 18-24 interested in pursuing a career that offers serious growth potential! Community Renewal Team (CRT) is now recruiting for its YouthBuild program. Opportunities are available in construction, CNA, Medical Assistant, and Security Guards. Available to Hartford and East Hartford residents, weekly stipends will be paid – no high school diploma need, CRT will help you obtain your GED.
For more information about the program or upcoming informational sessions, call (860) 560-5308, x227, or click here.
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East Hartford CONNects Offering FREE Career Consultations
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Looking to start a new career or find a training opportunity right for you? East Hartford CONNects is offering FREE career navigation services for East Hartford residents. Whether you are looking for in-person or virtual assistance, East Hartford CONNects is here to help connect you with the right opportunity.
Set up your free consultation today by emailing EHCinfo@easthartford.org or calling (860) 622-5507.
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Manchester Park Renamed to Honor Nate Agostinelli
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On Wednesday, the Manchester community gathered with UNICO and town officials commemorate and celebrate Manchester resident and former mayor, Nathan Agostinelli with the renaming of Munro Park to the Nate Agostinelli Veterans Memorial Park.
Nate Agostinelli has held many titles over the years: Brigadier General, Mayor, Manchester State Bank President, and State Comptroller, just to name a few. Nate's dedication to our community is clear – regularly giving his time to local schools, churches, veterans’ associations, banking associations, and government initiatives. Known for his integrity, great character, and continuous service, the Nate Agostinelli Veterans Park stands as a fitting honor.
Munro Park is located at the intersection of Porter and East Center Street – if you're in the area be sure to check it out!
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Manchester Road Race is Back – Celebrate its Return on Nov. 20 & Don't Forget to Register to Participate on Nov. 25
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The Manchester Road Race will be back on Main Street this Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 25!
In addition to the race, don't miss out of a full schedule of activities on Saturday, November 20, to celebrate its return. The Manchester Road Race Committee will host several “Road Race Saturday” events at the Manchester High School (134 East Middle Turnpike). Activities are as follows:
- 8:30AM-12PM: Sports and Fitness Expo, High School Cafeteria – exhibits related to health, conditioning, and training, running clothing and equipment and other subjects of interest. Persons who have pre-registered for the race will be able to pick up their registration packets and seeding cards.
- 10AM: Little Manchester Road Race for children 12 years of age and younger, Manchester High School track – features several “run for fun” races for children in various age categories. Entries are limited to the first 1000 children who register. All participants in the LMRR will receive medals and long-sleeve tee shirts. Register now by clicking here.
- 8:30AM: "Know Your Pace Race" with Silk City Striders – participants are requested to park in the M.H.S. parking lot and then proceed to East Center Street, where there will be registration and the event will start and finish on the south side of the street at the MRR course’s four-mile marker. The entry fee for the “Know Your Pace Race” is $5.
And, don't forget to register for the race on Thanksgiving Day – online registration is still open. For more information or to register now, click here.
Already registered? You can check the status of your registration by clicking here.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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On Tuesday, Pfizer and BioNTech asked that federal regulators expand authorization of their COVID-19 booster shot to include all adults. Currently, Pfizer booster shots are available only on an emergency basis for those 65 and older or at high risk of Covid-19 because of their medical conditions or jobs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to approve the request, most likely before the Thanksgiving holiday. For more information on currently available booster shots, click here.
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On Tuesday, the Town of East Hartford lifted the town-wide mask mandate. Town facilities will no longer require vaccinated visitors to wear masks, although mask wearing by all in indoor settings is still encouraged, and masks will be made available to all guests. This announcement does not impact the Governor’s executive orders that still requires masks regardless of vaccination status in certain settings where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is higher or where the population within such settings faces a greater risk of severe health effects due to COVID-19. The East Hartford Public Library and WIC will maintain a universal mask mandate for all staff and visitors regardless of vaccination status. For more information, click here.
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It's so important that we continue the precautions that have worked: wear a face mask, observe social distancing, wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, get tested if you were in contact with anyone who's tested positive, etc. But, most importantly – please consider getting vaccinated if you haven't already.
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The Town of East Hartford has partnered with Griffin Hospital to hold free vaccine clinics for children ages 5-11 on Saturday, November 13, 11AM-2PM and on Tuesday, November 16, 4PM-7PM. The clinics will be held at the East Hartford Public Library in Meeting Room 1. Parents will be entered into a raffle for a $100 Visa gift card for each child 5 to 11 years of age vaccinated. Residents are encouraged to contact the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324 to reserve a spot, but walk-ins will be accepted.
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Connecticut Children’s, Saint Francis Hospital and the City of Hartford are hosting a vaccine clinic this Sunday, November 14 from 10AM-4PM at Dunkin’ Donuts Park (1214 Main Street, Hartford). Appointments for the clinic be scheduled by calling (860) 757-4830, but walk-ins will also be taken. Three weeks later, on Sunday, Dec. 5, children will be able to receive their second dose.
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For more information on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or to locate an appointment near you, click here or locate a DPH Mobile COVID-19 Vaccination clinic by clicking 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.
For East Hartford-based COVID-19 updates and resources, click here. And, for Manchester-based COVID-19 updates and resources, click here.
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Shoprite is offering in-person and virtual cooking classes for kids ages 3-12. The Toddler Tasters Class will be available to kids age 3-5 virtually on Monday, November 15 at 10AM. The Kids Class, available to kids age 6-12, will meet in person at the Shoprite of Manchester (214 Spencer Street) at Saturday, November 13 at 10AM.
Registration is required as space is limited. To sign-up email sarabeth.campanelli@wakefern.com or lindsey.kent@wakefern.com.
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Celebrate National Cardigan Day with Manchester Public Library on Saturday, November 13 at 2PM by making a Mr. Rogers inspired shrinky dink cardigan token. All materials will be provided for this free, in-person program. No registration required.
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Join Manchester Historical Society on the 2nd Sunday of each month for open house at the Cheney Homestead (106 Hartford Road). This Sunday, November 14 from 1PM-4PM, tour the 1785 homestead, which was home to Timothy Cheney, farmer, miller and one of America's famous clock makers. Learn more by clicking here.
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Create augmented reality art with East Hartford Public Library on Thursday, November 18 at 6PM. The library will provide all the materials needs to create art that comes to life. All you need is a phone or tablet for the free animation software to create your stop-motion art. Please sign-up at least 72 hours prior to the event, register by clicking here. Activity is best suited for teens and adults.
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Cooking Matters and SNAP-Ed will host an informational tour with a dietician at ShopRite on Friday, November 19 at 11AM. Learn more about healthy eating and find items that fit your lifestyle. Pre-registration is required, contact Lindsey Kent, RD by phone at (860) 895-8390 or by email at lindsey.kent@wakefern.com.
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Registration is now open for the East Hartford Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball 2021-2022 program, offered to East Hartford children in kindergarten through 8th grade. Pre-Season Basketball Clinics are available for children in grades 3-8 beginning the week of November. The regular season will begin the week of December 6 and will require evaluations prior to participation. Players will be placed on teams after evaluation and the program will start December 11. An Instructional Basketball Program for our younger players will begin Sunday, January 9.
For more information on pre-season clinics, evaluations, regular season, and instructional basketball programs, click here or call (860) 291-7160. To complete pre-registration, click here.
The program is currently seeking volunteer coaches! Those interested in coaching should fill out the Volunteer Coach Application and submit it to the Parks and Recreation office prior to Friday, December 3. A mandatory meeting for volunteer coaches will be held on Thursday, December 9 at 6PM.
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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
P.S. - enjoy the fall weekend listening to Taylor Swift's latest drop, Red (Taylor's Version) – I know that's what I'll be doing!
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