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In Manchester, all town offices will be closed Thursday, December 23 and Friday, December 24. There will be no delay in curbside collection. All town offices will reopen on Monday, December 27, for regularly scheduled hours of operation.
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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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Governor Lamont Signs Executive Order to Lower CT's Greenhouse Gas Emissions
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As we continue to witness the devastating effects of climate change, I'm proud that on Thursday, Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order to continue our state's work in reducing carbon emissions and preparing our communities for what is now inevitable change in our atmosphere. The executive order calls for 23 actions, which were proposed by the Governor's Council on Climate Change, including:
- Establishing Connecticut's first Office of Climate and Public Health, first Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council, and first Connecticut Clean Economy Council
- Regulating emissions from medium and heavy-duty vehicles
- Affordable heating and cooling for residents
- Shovel-ready resilience projects
- Funding for a statewide battery electric bus fleet
Additionally, the executive order will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions after the state's Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report showed that Connecticut is not on track to meet its interim 2030 target.
While this isn't a replacement for comprehensive legislation, the executive order's whole-of-government approach does bring us closer to combatting some of our immediate concerns. Ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for all should not be a partisan issue.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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State Creates Task Force to Tackle Online Market for Stolen Goods
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This week, state officials announced a new task force that will work to cut the supply and demand for stolen goods sold online through a partnership with the state government, law enforcement, and businesses. According to authorities, online sales of stolen goods have skyrocketed during the pandemic; some estimates put the figures as high as hundreds of millions of dollars in losses to companies and $170 million in sales taxes to the state each year.
The task force will work through a coordinated effort that will have the Attorney General’s office use its civil investigative and law enforcement resources to put pressure on online platforms like Amazon and Facebook Marketplace that are often used to move products stolen from retailers.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Bond Commission Releases Agenda
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On Tuesday, the Governor announced that the State Bond Commission will meet this upcoming Tuesday to debate funding a number of projects that I believe appropriately reflects necessary investments in the future of our state. Specifically, the Bond Commission will consider the following items for our communities:
- $500,000 grant-in-aid to assist East Hartford in the design and other related costs associated with the redevelopment of the Silver Lane Corridor
- $1,435,520 grant-in-aid for repairs and improvements to the Veterans Memorial Building in East Hartford
- $390,000 grant-in-aid to the Manchester Board of Education for the equipment costs and development of a manufacturing and workforce development program.
- $2,000,000 grant-in-aid for improvements to Center Springs Park
I am grateful to Governor Ned Lamont and Secretary Melissa McCaw for including these important items on the agenda, and to my colleagues in East Hartford and Manchester, State Representatives Jeff Currey, Henry Genga, Geoff Luxenberg, and Jason Doucette, and State Senators Saud Anwar and Steve Cassano, for their continued work in advocating for these projects.
The State Bond Commission will meet to vote on this agenda next week on Tuesday, December 21 at 2PM.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: A Future President Earns His Dolphins
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Decades before he became President of the United States, a young James “Jimmy” Earl Carter, Jr. had his sights set on a lifelong career in the U.S. Navy. As a teenager, Carter dreamed of attending the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. After graduating from high school in rural Plains, Georgia at the age of 17, he studied mathematics at two local colleges to qualify for admission to the Naval Academy. Carter was accepted in 1943 and pursued an accelerated course of study offered to midshipmen during World War II. As a result, he graduated in only three years.
After serving as a training and education officer for two years, Ensign Carter decided to change the course of his Navy career and attend Submarine School, which brought him to Naval Submarine Base New London, located in Groton, Connecticut. There, Carter underwent a rigorous, six-month training program, graduating on December 17, 1948 and receiving the gold dolphins pin insignia awarded to all US Navy submarine officers.
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After several years of serving on diesel submarines in the Pacific, Carter returned to Groton in 1952 to be interviewed for the Navy’s brand-new nuclear submarine program. He was promptly promoted to Lieutenant and spent the next year preparing to become the engineering officer for the USS Seawolf nuclear submarine, being constructed at nearby Electric Boat in Groton. When Carter’s father died suddenly in mid-1953, however, the promising young officer decided to shelve his plans for a military career and headed back to rural Georgia to take over the family business of peanut farming.
In June 2004, Carter returned to Groton again to watch his wife Roslynn officially christen the USS Jimmy Carter. The very next year, as the federal government sought to close military bases across the country to save money, the former president and submarine officer personally petitioned against the slated closing of Submarine Base New London, a move many supporters saw as fundamental to the ultimately successful efforts to keep the base open. Even though his life ultimately steered him away from the Silent Service, Jimmy Carter found important ways to give back to his country thanks in part to the time he spent at the subbase in Groton, Connecticut.
Learn more about President Carter's Groton connection and other interesting CT history facts by clicking here.
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Commission on CT's Future and Development Seeking Members of the Public to Join Working Groups
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The state's recently formed Commission on Connecticut's Development and Future is looking for members of the public to serve on working groups to make policy recommendations relating to land use, conservation, housing affordability, and infrastructure. This is a unique opportunity to make a real impact on the future of our state - members of the working groups will serve a vital role in helping the Commission work towards the shared vision of a more equitable state where zip codes aren't barriers to opportunity.
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Members of the public are invited to apply to participate on the following working groups:
- State and Municipal Statutory Plan Process
- Model Code and Design Development
- State Consolidated Housing Plan
- Municipal Affordable Housing Plans
- Wastewater/Sewerage Systems
The deadline to apply is Tuesday, December 28, fill out the application here. If you have any questions or require additional information, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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DCP Creates Resource Guide to Help Parents Identify Local Mental Health Resources for Children
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The ongoing pandemic has brought increased stress and anxiety to each of our lives, and especially to the lives of our children. Through legislation passed during the 2021 session, the State Department of Children and Families (DCP) developed an online resource guide to help parents identify local treatment options for their child. You can find DCP's online guide here.
In our own communities, I encourage parents to check out East Hartford Youth Services and Manchester Youth Service Bureau to find programs and outreach services available to better the mental and behavioral health of your child.
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Access Health CT Extends Deadline to Get Coverage Beginning on Jan. 1
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Access Health CT has extended the time you can enroll for health insurance that starts on January 1, 2022. Now, enroll by midnight on Friday, December 31 and you will have the opportunity to choose a plan with coverage starting on January 1, 2022 or February 1, 2022.
Visit accesshealthct.com or call (855) 805-4325 to get started. Or visit the enrollment location available at East Hartford Public Library (840 Main Street) Monday-Friday, 9:30AM-4:30PM to get one-on-one help completing your enrollment application, ask questions and understand next steps from an Enrollment Specialist. No appointments necessary.
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Free Radon Test Kits Available for East Hartford Residents
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The East Harford Health Department is partnering with the State Department of Public Health to offer a limited supply of free radon test kits to East Hartford residents. Radon is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas, typically found in soil and water. It can leak into homes from the soil, usually through cracks or other openings in the foundation. Radon in excessive levels has been shown to be a leading cause of lung cancer, second only to cigarette smoke.
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While supplies last, residents can obtain a test kit at the Health Department (East Hartford Town Hall, 740 Main Street), weekdays from 8:30AM-4:30PM. Any questions about the program can be directed to members of the department at (860) 291-7324.
Each kit will include a postage-paid envelope for shipment to the testing laboratory. Only one test kit per address is available. If you choose to participate, you will be required to utilize the kit as promptly as possible after obtaining it from the Health Department. Additionally, you will be required to provide your name, address, phone number, and email address for follow up.
For more information about protecting against radon exposure, click here.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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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.
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The Town of East Hartford, with Griffin Hospital and the State Department of Public Health, will be hosting pediatric COVID-19 vaccine clinics at the East Hartford Public Library throughout the month for kids ages 5-11. The dates are as follows:
- Saturday, December 18, 11AM-4PM
- Tuesday, December 21, 4PM-7PM
Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins will be accepted. To schedule an appointment, contact the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324. These are Pfizer only clinics, both first and second doses will be offered.
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The Bangladesh Bhaban Community Center in Manchester will hold a vaccine booster clinic on Saturday, December 18 from 1PM-5PM. Booster shots will be available to all 16 and older, and the COVID-19 vaccine will be available for children 5-11 years old. Appointment are not required. For more information call (860) 656-8028.
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If you are 18 years or older, you are eligible to receive the COVID-19 booster vaccination. The Town of Manchester has organized a booster vaccination FAQ sheet and information on vaccination locations in town. If you are looking to find a booster appointment, check at the following locations:
- Walgreens Pharmacy, 295 Main Street – (860) 649-8747
- ShopRite Pharmacy, 214 Spencer Street – (860) 645-3240
- Walmart Pharmacy, 420 Buckland Hills Drive – (860) 644-5105
- Westown Pharmacy, 455 Hartford Road – (860) 649-9946
- CVS Pharmacy, 241 Middle Turnpike West – (860) 533-1156
- Manchester Pharmacy, 348 Main Street – (860) 649-1025
- Big Y Pharmacy & Wellness Center, 234 Tolland Tpke – (860) 645-7140
For more information and to view the FAQ sheet, click here or call the Manchester Health Department at (860) 647-3173.
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Looking to book your booster appointment but can't locate your vaccine record? Access your immunization record at the any time through the CT WiZ Public Portal – find more information on obtaining you vaccine record by clicking here.
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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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Manchester Community College is featuring work by its talented art and music students during the Winter Arts Festival now through Friday, January 14 in the Hans Weiss Newspace Gallery on the college campus. For more information, click here. Please note that COVID-19 protocols are in place.
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Enjoy an enchanted visit with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the elves in the beautiful log cabin nestled at the highest point at Wickham Park (1329 West Middle Turnpike) now through Thursday, December 23. Santa's Workshop will be open on Saturday and Sunday, 1PM-5PM and Monday-Thursday, 3PM-6PM.
Please Note: Masks will be required in line outside and inside the cabin, a limited number of people will be let into the Cabin at anytime so please dress accordingly as you may have to wait outside. Children will be able to sit on a bench in front of Santa for pictures, but there will be no sitting on Santa’s lap so he can stay healthy for his big night of delivering gifts. For more information, click here.
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Tweens in grade 6-8 are invited to drop by the Manchester Public Library on Wednesdays, December 22, and December 29 from 6PM-8PM. Stop by to enjoy video games, snacks, or just hang with friends. Click here for more information.
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Show of your pet at the 2nd Annual Best-Ever Pet Show at East Hartford Public Library on Tuesday, December 28 at 2PM. Tell us about them: How did you get your pet? How do you care for them? What’s the best thing about having your pet? Sign up to join us for a chance to give your pet a shout-out. Open to all ages – this is an online event; a participation link will be sent via email following registration. Register to participate by clicking here.
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Join East Hartford Public Library on Thursday, December 30 from 6PM-7PM to turn a photo of you or your pet into a paint-by-number kit! Sign up at least 72 hours prior to the event to ensure art is ready for the event – once your art is ready, you'll be able to pick up your cardstock canvas and custom paints so you can create your masterpiece during our workshop. Best suited for teens and adults. Register by clicking here.
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Mayor Mike Walsh invites you to attend the Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 6PM. The goal of the meeting is for Mayor Mike to share his vision and goals for East Hartford, as well as present the “Control Tower” – a comprehensive compilation of projects and goals in several areas of operation to move East Hartford forward. Attendees will have an opportunity to meeting with town directors, get to know their local government, and ask questions.
The Town Hall Meeting will be available in-person and virtually. Get more information on how to participate by clicking here.
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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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