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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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| CT General Assembly Adopts a Budget that Meets the Moment |
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This week, the CT General Assembly approved a budget proposal that makes key investments in our communities and our residents. From historic tax cuts, critical investments in kids' mental health, support for climate change initiatives, responding to pandemic-related crime and so much more, this is truly a budget that I believe meets the moment.
Funding in the state budget will support the following Manchester projects:
- $5.5 million for planning and building a new public library
- $47,103,904 in total municipal funding for Manchester
- $980,303 through Connecticut's payment in lieu of local property taxes (PILOT) program
- $41,130,988 for Manchester Public Schools, plus millions more in new money to help with the Town’s share of costs for Manchester students at magnet schools
- $100,000 to support the Pathfinders Association
- $27,811,640 for the renovation of Keeney Elementary School – this reflects a reimbursement rate of 83.77 percent and will address any increased construction costs
East Hartford is set to receive funding for the following:
- $71,671,079 in total municipal funding for East Hartford
- $3,280,367 through Connecticut's payment in lieu of local property taxes (PILOT) program
- $58,611,300 for East Hartford Public Schools, plus millions more in new money to help with the Town’s share of costs for East Hartford students at magnet schools
- $600,000 to support school-based health centers
- Critical funding to support East Hartford's youth programs, including East Hartford Little League and East Hartford Youth Services
Of course, no budget is perfect, but I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished in this package and the support we've secured for our communities. I truly believe that this budget will go a long way to enhancing resources and shaping our future.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue? |
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| Historic Investments Made in Kids' Mental Health |
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This session we focused on responding to the ongoing youth mental health crisis, whichwas exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, we passed historic legislation to address the immediate and long-term mental health needs of our children through HB 5001 and SB 2. In addition, the state budget plan makes historic investments in kids' mental health securing allocations for critically needed, evidence-based programs.
With the passage of this, we are:
- Assisting local schools in expanded mental health staff and access to care
- Providing mental health training to parents, students, and pediatricians
- Helping school-based health centers develop new mental health programming
- Creating new walk-ins for mental health emergencies
- Establishing a new position at the Healthcare Advocate to help families navigate care for children and adolescents
- Expanding 24/7 emergency mental health response
- Establishing state oversight and coordination of state response to kids' mental health needs
There are few things more difficult for a parent than to know your child is suffering, but not having the tools to help them. This year, through this expansion of our children's mental and behavioral health system we are making sure that kids in need will have support available to them.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue? |
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| CT Launches MyHomeCT – a Federally-Funded Mortgage Relief Program |
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This week, Governor Ned Lamont announced the launch of MyHomeCT – a new State of Connecticut program that is providing mortgage relief to homeowners who have experienced financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- Live in Connecticut and occupy the property as their primary residence.
- Have experienced a COVID-19-related financial hardship after January 21, 2020, or experienced a financial hardship before that date that was then exacerbated by the pandemic.
- The property must be an owner-occupied, one-to-four-unit house, condominium, townhouse, or manufactured home.
A complete list of eligibility criteria and program parameters can be found here. Homeowners seeking more information about MyHomeCT or who want to apply have several options for doing so:
Online: To read more information about the program or apply online, visit www.chfa.org/MyHomeCT. This website also contains a short online questionnaire that helps homeowners to learn if they are eligible.
In-person: Homeowners who may need additional assistance or who would like to speak to someone in-person can visit one of several MyHomeCT Resource Centers throughout the state. A list of those locations can be found at www.chfa.org/MyHomeCT.
Telephone: Homeowners who have questions can call the MyHomeCT hotline at (877) 894-4111.
MyHomeCT is being funded by $123 million that the Connecticut Department of Housing received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, and it is being administered by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue? |
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| Today in CT History: The Hartford Whalers Leave Connecticut. |
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May 6, 1997 marks a day that will live in infamy in the eyes of Connecticut sports fans. On that day, Peter Karmanos, owner of the Hartford Whalers, announced he was moving the NHL team to North Carolina and renaming them the Carolina Hurricanes. Connecticut has lacked a major professional sports franchise ever since.
Connecticut’s only pro hockey team was founded in 1971 as the New England Whalers. The team played in Boston until 1974 as a member of the World Hockey Association, a professional hockey league that rivaled the National Hockey League until 1979. The Whalers moved to Hartford and played their first game in the city’s brand-new Civic Center Coliseum in early 1975, which remained their home rink for the remainder of the team’s stint in Hartford. |
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In 1979, the World Hockey Association merged with the National Hockey League to form the modern-day NHL, and the New England Whalers were renamed the Hartford Whalers. While the Whalers were never one of the most popular or successful NHL teams, they had an incredibly dedicated fan base in Connecticut — one that has waned very little in the years since the team’s departure.
According to Reebok and other retailers, Hartford Whalers merchandise remains popular — and surprisingly profitable — not only in Connecticut, but nationwide, owing to a mix of nostalgia and the strong, iconic design of the Whalers logo. Celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Megan Fox have been spotted wearing Whalers merchandise since the NHL reauthorized the use of the logo in 2009.
The hope of bringing the NHL back to Hartford remains one of the most quixotic and unshakable dreams of many Connecticut sports fans. That dream was bolstered after the sale of the Carolina Hurricanes to a new owner in January 2018. He announced a desire to embrace the Hartford heritage of his team by playing select home games in Whalers gear. The Whalers uniforms (1975 road uniforms) returned to the ice for the first time in a Carolina home game against the Boston Bruins on December 23rd, 2018 and continued to appear in at least one game in each of the next four seasons.
Hopefully, the Whalers uniform tradition will continue. Regardless of the Hurricanes’ future, the Hartford Whalers remain one of the state’s most beloved symbols, despite their departure many years ago, today in Connecticut history.
If you'd like to learn more about Whalers' departure and other interesting CT historical facts, click here. |
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| East Hartford Offering COVID Small Business Assistance Program |
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The Town of East Hartford has launched a COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program to help eligible East Hartford businesses respond to and recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide financial grants, reimbursements, or in-kind services for specific purposes related to counteracting the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligibility requirements include but are not limited to:
- Businesses must be located in East Hartford or have an intent to relocate to East Hartford
- Businesses must be currently in operation and have been in operation since January 1, 2019
- Businesses must be in “good standing with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services
- Priority will be given to certified minority/women-owned business enterprises, certified small business enterprises and veteran-owned businesses.
The application can be found here – on the Connecticut River Valley Chamber's website, click "register." Once you've entered your information, a link to download the application form and additional details will be provided. You do not need to be a member of the Chamber to apply, and registration is FREE. Applications will be accepted through April 28, 2023.
If you have any questions or require additional information, contact Jay Margnelli at (860) 578-3254 or jay@crvchamber.org. |
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| Calling Artists & Vendors: Rainbow Pop-Up at WORK_SPACE |
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The Galleries at WORK_SPACE is inviting artists and vendors ages 18 and older to apply for the Rainbow Pop-Up happening on Saturday, June 11 from 10AM-2PM. Music, community, and art will all be happening in the Gallery on Main Street, plus the ART OF PRIDE exhibit – now WORK_SPACE just needs you! Vendors are invited to apply to join the Rainbow Pop-Up Shop to feature one-of-a-kind art, merchandise, and gifts.
Local vendors are encouraged to apply by clicking here. If you have any questions or concerns, please email galleries@workspacemanchester.com or (860) 647-3168. Applications are being accepted now through Monday, June 6 at 4PM. |
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| Save the Date: East Hartford Memorial Day Picnic & Coffee with the Mayor |
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| The weather is getting nicer, and summer is almost here – make sure to make some room on the calendar for great community events happening at the East Hartford Senior Center (15 Milbrook Drive). |
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The East Hartford Senior Center will host a Memorial Day Picnic on Wednesday, May 25 at 12PM. Enjoy hamburgers, hotdogs, macaroni salad, baked beans, and cookies for dessert with a special performance from Ashly Cruz at 1PM.
Registration is required and the fee is $5 – save your spot by calling the Senior Center at (860) 291-7295. For more information, click here. |
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| And join East Hartford Mayor Mike Walsh for a cup and conversation on Monday, June 6 at 2:30PM. This is a great opportunity for residents to ask questions, voice concerns and share feedback. This event is for East Hartford residents who are 55 and older, save your spot by calling the Senior Center at (860) 291-7295. For more information, click here. |
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| Sign-Up Now for Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events in Manchester |
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Did you know that online appointments are now mandatory for all Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) events? Collection dates for 2022 are: June 4, August 27, September 24, October 29, and November 12 from 8AM-1PM at the Manchester Regional Center for HHW Collection (311 Olcott Street). A fall outreach collection will also be held October 15 in Stafford.
To book an appointment for an upcoming HHW Collection date, click here. Collection events are open to residents of Manchester, Glastonbury, Hebron, Marlborough, Somers, South Windsor, Stafford, and Vernon. For complete details, call (860) 647-3200 option "3" or click here. |
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| COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics |
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| The best defense against COVID-19 continues to be 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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With Griffin Hospital, the Town of East Hartford will host free COVID-19 vaccination clinics for all eligible CT residents ages 5 and older on the following dates:
- Wednesday, May 11, 4PM-7PM – Raymond Library (840 Main Street)
- Saturday, May 14, 11AM-2PM – Raymond Library
- Tuesday, May 17, 3PM-7PM – Stone Academy (745 Burnside Avenue)
- Wednesday, May 25, 4PM-7PM – Raymond Library
- Tuesday, May 31, 3PM-7PM – Stone Academy
Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson will be available – no insurance, ID, or appointment required. If you have any questions or require additional information, contact the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324. If transportation assistance is needed to get to/from the clinic site, please contact the Health Department for a bus pass. |
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| East Hartford Residents – rapid antigen COVID-19 test kits and N95 respirators are still available for pick up at the East Hartford Health Department for East Hartford residents. Due to limited supply, the testing kits are for intended for symptomatic or exposed individuals only. Please call the Health Department at (860) 291-7324 to reserve a test kit today (limit is one per household). Please note that if you are currently experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the town asks that you request curbside pick-up at the Town Hall. |
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| Additionally, East Hartford’s vulnerable town residents and/or those with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to obtain the N95 masks or rapid antigen test kits should contact the Town of East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324. Written requests for a reasonable accommodation may be sent to health@easthartfordct.gov. Please be advised there is a limit of one test kit per household. |
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| A reminder for those that don't want to carry around their paper CDC cards or who lost them, CT residents can now utilize "SMART Health Cards" to securely show proof of being vaccinated. The digital card can be obtained via a QR code that you can find here. To get more info on SMART Health Cards, or how to access them and download to your smartphone device, click 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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| For the 2nd year, Downtown Manchester will celebrate the start of our Summer Downtown with a Spring Butterfly Stroll on Saturday, May 14 from 10AM-2PM. Join the Town of Manchester as they celebrate our businesses and our community! Take a stroll down Main Street to view Spring and Butterfly-Inspired Creations on display in our planters. Local families, businesses and organizations created beautiful spring versions of Manchester's fall scarecrow festival. Come on down and vote for your favorite, plus enjoy crafts, games, vendors, and more! For more information, click here. |
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| Get an exciting, up-close look at the Town of Manchester's Public Works Department vehicles at Whiton Memorial Library on Monday, May 16 from 10AM-12PM. Vehicles like a loader and 10-wheeler will be on hand for little ones to be able to see, touch, and interact with these big trucks and learn more about their jobs! In the event of rain, the event will be moved to Tuesday, May 17. |
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| In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, join members of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) at Manchester Public Library on Monday, May 23 at 6:30PM as they recount their personal experiences of living with mental health conditions. Their open and honest stories allow for a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and dispel stereotypes and misconceptions. You will hear what happened to them, how they got into recovery, and how they are doing now. No registration required for this free event for adults. |
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East Hartford Adult & Continuing Education summer registration for ESL and GED classes is officially open! The Summer 2022 schedule is as follows:
English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Morning, In-Person Class: Monday-Friday, 9AM-11AM at East Hartford Middle School (777 Burnside Avenue)
- Evening, Virtual Class: Tuesday-Thursday, 6PM-8PM
General Education Development (GED)
- Morning, In-Person Class: Monday-Friday, 9AM-11AM at East Hartford Middle School
- Evening, Virtual Class: Tuesday-Thursday, 6PM-8PM
Space is limited for summer classes and will be offered to current Spring 2022 students first. Click here to enroll in ESL classes, and here for GED classes – the Summer 2022 program runs from June 14 to July 14 (no classes on Monday, July 4 and dates are subject to change). Classes are available for FREE for East Hartford residents, and for $25 for non-residents.
For help or more information, call (860) 622-5355 or email ehadulted@easthartford.org. |
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| Join Marcey and Brian Hickey at the East Hartford Public Library as they return to offer their Healing Bowls program at the library on Thursday, May 12, at 6:30 PM! Experience relaxation via a journey through the sounds of musical bowls. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a blanket, yoga mat, or comfortable chair in which to sit for the program. The program will be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather. Registration required. Best suited for teens and adults. |
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The Town of East Hartford, in partnership with Dr. Linda Kane, Veterinarian of the East Hartford Animal Clinic, and in cooperation with the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association will offer a Low-Cost/No-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs and cat on Saturday, May 21 from 10AM-12PM at the rear of Firehouse Number 1 (726 Main Street).
Dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers. The rabies clinic is open to all—there are no residency requirements. The fee is $20, cash only. Pet owners who are on public assistance are permitted to have one pet vaccinated at no charge by showing their State Public Assistance Identification Card to the Clinic Coordinator.
For more information, click here or contact the Town Clerk's Office at (860) 291-7230. |
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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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