|
|
|
|
| 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
|
|
| Comptroller Lembo Announces Resignation |
|
| On Friday, Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced that he will be stepping down from his position at the end of the year due to an ongoing medical condition. I'm thinking of Kevin and while saddened, I am glad to hear he's prioritizing his health.
Families in Connecticut are healthier, our state is more financially sound, and workers’ retirement accounts are more secure because of Kevin Lembo. Kevin has served as a guiding voice to the legislature, and a policy nerd who never backed down from a fight. The work Kevin has done will have a lasting impact on our state and many, many working families for decades to come. I will miss working with him and wish Kevin and family the best.
As required by state statute, when the legislature is not in session, the responsibility to fill the vacancy falls to the governor. Governor Lamont will announce an appointment soon. |
|
| Reapportionment Commission Requests Extension for Congressional Map |
|
On Tuesday, the Reapportionment Commission asked the Attorney General to request a three-week extension from the State Supreme Court after the panel was unable to complete its work on a new map for the state’s five congressional districts before the deadline of November 30.
This request was expected as COVID-related delays at the U.S. Census Bureau brought significant delays to the commission's work this year. Census data showed that the state experienced a large population shift that must be thoughtfully considered in a way that the statutorily required deadline simply wouldn't allow for. Per the state law which allows the commission 30 days following the deadline to petition the court, the panel voted unanimously to request that Attorney General William Tong petition the court to extend its deadline until Tuesday, December 21.
The commission has already approved new maps for the state House and Senate voting districts, the new map of the congressional districts is the final step of the redistricting process. Find updates on the commission's work and check out the new maps by click here.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue? |
|
| Governor Lamont Taps Nancy Navarretta to Serve as Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner |
|
On Wednesday, Governor Ned Lamont announced that he will nominate Nancy Navarretta to serve as commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Navarretta, who has been the department’s deputy commissioner since 2015, has been serving as its acting commissioner for the last several months.
Navarretta joined the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services in 2013, first serving as director of behavioral health services and then becoming deputy commissioner two years later. As deputy commissioner, she has been responsible for helping develop the department’s strategic planning and continuous improvement of its public-private partnerships, which provide one of the nation’s most comprehensive continua of mental health and addiction services, supports, and lifespan prevention networks.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue? |
|
| Regionalization Can Improve Life for all of Connecticut |
|
The word "regionalization" has caused a visceral, negative reaction for many in recent years and while I understand the angst, I think it's essential that we look at the many ways regionalization can improve life for all in our state. I discussed the clear benefits of regionalization and highlighted some important success stories in an op-ed for the CT Mirror. Check out the op-ed below.
Want more info on the topic? I’ll be joining the final session of a four-part series “The Two Connecticuts: Conversations about Race and Place,” hosted by University of Hartford, Leadership Greater Hartford, and Connecticut Mirror on Wednesday, December 8 from 7PM-8:15PM to further discuss this important issue.
Register and learn more about this free, virtual series by clicking here.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue? |
|
| Today in CT History: A “Lighthouse” For Outcasts, Far From the Ocean |
|
The Connecticut shoreline is home to many beautiful, historic lighthouses that have steered ships in Long Island Sound to safety for hundreds of years. One of the state’s most historically significant “lighthouses,” however, is located over 60 miles inland — and refers not to a navigational structure, but to a unique settlement established on the fringes of colonial society.
The “Barkhamsted Lighthouse” was the early 19th century nickname given to the community founded by Mary and James Chaugham and their large extended family, located near the base of Ragged Mountain along the Farmington River. According to family lore, in 1740, Mary Barber, a young white woman likely from Wethersfield, fell in love with and married James Chaugham, a Narragansett Indian. Since Mary’s family disapproved of the marriage, the two decided to settle far away from the Connecticut River valley, building their home in modern-day Barkhamsted, which was then a largely unpopulated region on the outskirts of Connecticut society. |
|
Over the ensuing decades, the Chaughams, their seven children, and their children’s children formed the nucleus of a small village consisting of poor whites, Native Americans, and African Americans in northern Barkhamsted. The community earned its nickname in the early 19th century, when travelers heading south on the Farmington River Turnpike used the light from the settlement’s cluster of homes as a “beacon” indicating they were only a few miles away from the nearby town of New Hartford.
Since the inhabitants of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse were, by many definitions, social “outcasts,” they left behind few documentary records for historians to use to piece together their story. In the 1980s, however, an archaeological team extensively surveyed the Lighthouse site, leading to several subsequent excavations that unearthed a mountain of physical evidence that shed light on this reclusive and historically unique community. Archeologists who examined the site wrote that their findings tell “a fascinating tale of a group of materially poor, ethnically diverse, occasionally maligned settlers eking out an existence on what ultimately were the social and economic margins of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Connecticut.” Their findings led to the state of Connecticut officially designating the Barkhamsted Lighthouse site a state archeological preserve on December 3, 2008, protecting the site against disturbances and development. The lives of a once-marginalized group of Connecticans received recognition, and protection, at long last, today in Connecticut history.
Learn more about Barkhamsted Lighthouse and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here. |
|
| Deadline Approaching to Submit Applications for 9th District Advisory Committee New Members |
|
When I assumed the role of Majority Leader, I wanted to ensure that there was an opportunity for the voices of East Hartford and Manchester residents to be heard throughout the legislative process. To achieve that, I sought residents of the 9th Assembly District to serve on a committee that advises and provides feedback on issues that are being debated at the state capitol.
This has been an exciting initiative and I am currently seeking new members to join the committee! I am seeking individuals from all walks of life so that the committee includes the diversity of opinion, perspective and experiences that reflects the communities we live in. I encourage any interested individual to submit an application by clicking here.
Completed applications must be submitted no later than end of day on Thursday, December 9. |
|
| Access Health CT Waives Requirement for Certain Small Businesses |
|
| From now until December 15, small businesses in Connecticut can obtain group health insurance regardless of the number of employees who enroll thanks to Access Health CT's Employee Participation Waiver Period. Any local small business with 50 employees or less that is not currently enrolled through Access Health CT Small Business can participate. |
|
| By waiving the minimum number of employees typically required to enroll in a small group health insurance plan, Access Health CT is offering some relief for local small businesses, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and peace of mind for their employees.
From furloughing employees to laying off non-essential staff, many small businesses in our community were forced to make tough decisions to offset the economic impact of the pandemic and may no longer qualify for the group health insurance plans outside of the waiver period because they don’t have enough employees who elect to participate. The Employment Participation Waiver Period can provide some relief for small businesses that may be struggling to provide healthcare coverage to their employees.
To learn more about how to make health insurance possible for your small business employees, visit AccessHealthCTSmallBiz.com. |
|
| Manchester Winter Parking Ban Now in Effect |
|
As of Wednesday, the Town of Manchester has initiated its winter parking ban. Now through April 1, overnight parking is not allowed on public streets or municipal parking lots from 2AM-6AM. Anyone violating this ordinance shall be fined $15.
Please be aware that in addition to the overnight ban, the Chief of Police may also declare a parking ban if a significant snow event is forecast or in progress. Residents are asked to remove vehicles from the street when a snowstorm is occurring. For information on whether a parking ban has been declared, click here. |
|
| Date Change: Route 2 Improvements Project 5B Ramps Permanent Closure Moved to Jan. 17 |
|
| The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced that the permanent closure of the following ramps has been postponed until Monday, January 17, 2022, weather permitting. |
|
Temporary signage will also be posted alerting the public of the closure:
- Route 2 Eastbound (EB) Sutton Avenue Off-Ramp (Exit 5B)
- Route 2 Westbound (WB) Cambridge Drive On-Ramp (Exit 5B)
Alternate routes are as follows:
Traffic entering Route 2 Westbound via the Cambridge Drive On-Ramp can use the following alternate on-ramps:
- Maple Street Route 2 WB On-Ramp (0.4 miles south of Cambridge Drive) – Sutton Avenue to Main Street south to Maple Street
- High Street Route 2 WB On-Ramp (0.6 miles north of Cambridge Drive) – Sutton Avenue to Main Street north to Brewer Street to West Brewer Street
Traffic exiting Route 2 Eastbound via the Sutton Avenue Off-Ramp may use the following alternate off-ramps:
- Exit 5C Maple Street EB Off-Ramp (0.4 miles south of Sutton Avenue) – Maple Street to Main Street to Sutton Avenue
- Exit 5A High Street EB Off-Ramp (0.6 miles north of Sutton Avenue) – High Street to Carter Street to Main Street to Sutton Avenue
Motorists should exercise caution and allow additional time for their trip as these closures are implemented. For the weekly construction schedule, click here. |
|
| Sign-Up for East Hartford Youth Services Winter Virtual Programming |
|
The East Hartford Youth Services Department is continuing to offer virtual and in-person services and programming for youth and families of all ages.
- Zentangle, available weekly on Tuesday now through June 14, 6PM-7PM: This is an easy to learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. There are no mistakes in Zentangle! Bring some Zen into your life through this fun, creative outlet. Appropriate for almost all ages, but younger folks will need more hands-on help/guidance. Great for families and individuals. Register by clicking here.
- Talk-It-Out Tuesdays, Tuesdays, December 7 & 21 at 7PM: This is a virtual space for all youth ages 11-14. Join virtually to discuss ways to become our best selves, connect with others, and grow as individuals. Each Meeting will have a different theme. Register by clicking here.
- Parents Matter, available weekly on Wednesday beginning January 5, 2022, 6PM-7PM: Parents and other adults caring for children are welcome to join this discussion and support group. Join to talk about the developmental stages children go through, common behaviors children have at various ages, interventions parents/caretakers can use to reduce disruptive behaviors, and overall provide support to one another. Register by clicking here.
Stay up to date with new programing being added throughout the year by clicking here or following EHYS on Facebook. |
|
| Manchester Recreation 2022 Winter & Spring Program Guide is Here |
|
The Town of Manchester’s Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation's program guide for winter and spring 2022 is here! Registration for Manchester residents begins on Wednesday, December 8; registration for the non-residents opens on Thursday, December 9. You can register online, by phone at (860) 647-3084, or in-person at the Community Y (78 N Main Street).
In addition to a full list of activities and programs available, the Main and IOH Pools at Manchester High School will remain open through the winter and spring, with plenty of swimming lessons, open swim hours, and classes to keep you in the pool.
Find the complete program and event guide by clicking here. |
|
| Save the Date: East Hartford Memorial Day Parade is Back in 2022! |
|
Exciting news! The East Hartford Memorial Day Parade will be back bigger and better than ever on Monday, May 30, 2022 at 10AM.
If you'd like to participate, volunteer, or support the parade, please contact:
As of this past Tuesday, the East Hartford Memorial Day Parade Committee has begun meeting regularly to plan the event and solicit public input. You can find Tuesday's meeting agenda by clicking here, and learn about future meetings by clicking here.
To stay up to date with the parade, click here. |
|
| COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics |
|
| On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee voted 13 to 10 to recommend emergency authorization of molnupiravir, an oral antiviral drug designed to treat adults with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 who are at high risk of severe disease. The drug still needs final authorization from the FDA and CDC before it’s available to the public on an emergency basis. |
|
Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a "variant of concern" and has named it Omicron. On Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified the first U.S. case of the Omicron variant in California. According to officials the individual, who recently traveled to South Africa, is fully vaccinated and experiencing mild symptoms. In response to increasing concerns about the variant, the White House announced new actions to continue combating the pandemic, especially as we enter the winter months. The plan includes:
- Booster shots for all adults and vaccinations to protect kids and keeps schools open
- Expanding free at-home testing
- Stronger public health protocols for safe international travel
- Protections in workplaces to keep the economy open
- Rapid response teams to help battle rising cases
- Supplying treatment pills to help prevent hospitalizations and death
- Continued commitment to global vaccination efforts
Learn more about the White House's response efforts by clicking here. |
|
| As stated by Governor Ned Lamont – the best defense against COVID-19 is a good offense. It's so important that we continue the precautions that have worked: observe social distancing, wear a face mask when social distancing is not possible or indoors, 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 or getting a booster if it's been six months since you're last COVID vaccine. The Connecticut Department of Public Health, led by Commissioner Manisha Juthani, is following developments related to the variant closely. |
|
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. |
|
| The Manchester Police Department, with Blue Angels Foundation, is accepting donations of new, unwrapped gifts now through Monday, December 20. You can drop off your donation in the MPD front lobby located at 239 Middle Turnpike East. If you have any questions, please contact Sgt. Monge at (860) 645-5568. |
|
Whether you feel that your life would make a good book or movie, or you just want to be able to engagingly share the story of your life with friends and family, WORK_SPACE is here to help with a 5 week story-telling workshop beginning on Monday, December 6 from 6:30PM-8PM. Four sessions will be filled with discovery and writing and the last will be a public performance. Sessions are led by WORK_SPACE Manager, Stacey Zackin, who has degrees in Film/Photography, worked in Hollywood for over a decade, and studied storytelling on her way to earning a PhD in Depth Psychology.
For more information, including workshop costs, click here, call (860) 647-3168, or email info@WORKSPACEmanchester.com. |
|
| Join The Walking Sun at Manchester Public Library on Tuesday, December 7 from 3PM to paint a laser cut wood board featuring the Pokemon character of your choice! Available for grades 6-12, registration is required – please let us know which Pokemon you choose at the time you register so the library may have adequate supplies (Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, or Pikachu). Register now by calling (860) 645-0821 or by visiting the reference desk. |
|
| Add some sparkle to your home holiday décor with East Hartford Public Library on Saturday, December 4 at 1PM. Together on Zoom, you will craft a festive winter village for your mantle or table centerpiece. Register for the workshop by clicking here, and the library will supply a kit in advance. Best for tweens, teens, and adults. |
|
| Santa Claus is coming to town! Bring the whole family to meet Santa and his helpers for an array of holiday activities on Sunday, December 5 from 1PM-3:30PM at the Community Cultural Center. Spaces are limited so pre-registration for an entry time is required, register now by clicking here – please only register that participating children, accompanying adults do not need to register, but are required to stay on site to supervise your child(ren). |
|
East Hartford Youth Services is hosting virtual winter holiday family activities on Wednesday nights in December from 6PM-7PM. The activities are as follows:
Wednesday, December 8: Family Story Time with Cocoa – EHYS staff and interns will read a story about holidays celebrated around the world. Families are invited to make cocoa, get cozy in their favorite pajamas, and enjoy the story. Registration includes cocoa mix that must be picked up at EHYS.
Wednesday, December 15: Cookie Decorating & Dance Party – Families are invited to decorate cookies while enjoying a mix of holiday music and showing off their dance moves. Registration includes a cookie decorating kit with 10 sugar cookies and colored icing that must be picked up at EHYS.
For more information, or to register and get information on picking up your party supplies clicking here or calling (860) 291-7179. |
|
| 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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
