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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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Parents Able to Apply for One-Time Child Tax Credit Beginning June 1
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Included in the budget was the child tax rebate – you may be eligible for a child tax rebate of up to a maximum of $750 ($250 per child up to three children), and applications for the rebate will be opening soon!
To receive the credit, eligible families should apply by clicking here. Applications will be accepted between June 1 and July 31. To qualify, Connecticut residents must have claimed at least one minor dependent child on their 2021 tax returns and meet certain income thresholds: $100,000 or less for single filers, $200,000 or less for married joint filers, and $169,000 or less for head of household filers. Those who have higher income rates may be eligible to receive a reduced rebate based on their income.
The Department of Revenue Services is in the process of reaching out to more than 300,000 households who may meet eligibility requirements through informational postcards that are being mailed this week.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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CT Bond Commission Announces Next Meeting Agenda
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The CT Bond Commission released the agenda for their next meeting. The agenda features a few critical funding opportunities for our community, including:
- $1,000,000 for East Hartford to provide a grant-in-aid for improvements to the town’s parks, community pools, recreational facilities, and open spaces
- $10,000,000 for East Hartford to provide a grant-in-aid to the town to assist with the redevelopment of the Silver Lane corridor
- $5,600,000 for all 12 Connecticut Community Colleges, including Manchester Community College, to support alterations and improvements
The above items and funding for several other important projects will be voted on during the State Bond Commission's upcoming meeting on Thursday, May 26 at 10:30AM. The meeting will be held in person at the Legislative Office Building in Room 1E or tune in via CT-N.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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$875 Million Community Investment Fund
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Last year, I voted to establish an $875 million Community Investment Fund (CIF) to provide resources to support our communities. I believe that this is a transformational opportunity to invest economic development and small business, education, and infrastructure projects throughout Connecticut.
The CIF allows $175 million per year for the next five years in bonding directed to projects proposed by eligible municipalities, community development corporations, or nonprofit organizations, with the option to renew the program for an additional five years.
Both East Hartford and Manchester are eligible municipalities and could receive grants available through the CIF for:
- Capital Improvement Programs: brownfield remediation, affordable housing, infrastructure, clean energy development, and home or public facility rehabilitation
- Small Business Capital Programs: revolving or micro loan programs, gap financing, and start-up funds to establish small businesses
Applications for the fund have not yet been posted but will be coming soon! An information session will be held on Wednesday, June 1 at 11AM to provide an overview of the program and a look at the timeline and process for applications – register now by clicking here.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: A “Man’s Education” Taught at a Female Seminary
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Today in 1823, the first classes were held at the Hartford Female Seminary, a revolutionary new school for girls founded by author and education pioneer Catharine Beecher.
Born into the wealthy and influential Beecher family in 1800, Catharine Beecher wholly devoted herself to advancing the education and betterment of young women after her fiancé died in a tragic boating accident in 1822. While she firmly believed that a woman’s proper place was in the domestic sphere — a stance that put her at odds with 19th century suffragists, including her sister Isabella Beecher Hooker — Catharine also believed that girls were just as mentally capable of learning scientific and philosophical subjects as boys. A prolific author, Beecher published several popular books in her lifetime, including cookbooks, political treatises, advice books, and textbooks covering a range of topics from ancient history to biology and physical education.
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Beecher’s Female Seminary, attended by girls ages 12 and older, represented a giant leap forward for the education of young American women by embracing what was traditionally considered a “male” curriculum. While most “dame schools” of the early 19th century focused on manners, modern languages, fine arts, and narrowly limited swaths of “polite” literature, students at the Hartford Female Seminary studied geography, world history, Latin, rhetoric, philosophy, and the natural sciences. Beecher was also an outspoken advocate for physical education for young women; her guide to children’s calisthenics, published in the 1850s, included instructive drawings that depicted girls as well as boys engaging in healthful exercises.
Enrollment at the Seminary rapidly increased to 100 full-time pupils in just three years, leading the institution to build a new, Neoclassical-style building at 100 Pratt Street in Hartford. In addition to promoting a rigorous education curriculum for girls, Beecher also encouraged them to become teachers themselves. She founded the American Woman’s Educational Association in 1852 to recruit and train female teachers to establish model schools in the western territories of the United States. Her fierce advocacy forever changed the character of American women’s education — beginning today in Connecticut history.
If you'd like to learn more about Catharine Beecher and other interesting CT historical facts, click here.
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Manchester Police Department Recruiting New Officers
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The Manchester Police Department has much to offer those interested in a law enforcement career. One of only 18 nationally accredited agencies in Connecticut, the department maintains a K-9 team, motorcycle unit, regional tactical unit, accident reconstruction unit, regional narcotics unit, bike patrol unit, and much more. The department’s focus is on community policing and partnering with the community to provide a safer environment. Manchester officers are guided by three simple words: integrity, compassion, and fairness.
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Several entry level positions are now available – basic qualifications include:
- Associates Degree or 60 college credits, OR two years active military with honorable discharge
- U.S. citizenship
- At least 21 years old
- Valid driver's license
- Valid CHIP card
- No felony convictions
The hiring process will include a written and oral examination, an interview with the chief, a background investigation, polygraph/psychological exam, and a pre-employment physical. The next written test is scheduled for Tuesday, June 14. For more information on the hiring process, click here.
If you have any questions concerning the hiring process, contact Sergeant Dan Doyon, the recruitment coordinator by phone at (860) 533-8616 or by email at joinmpd@manchesterct.gov.
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Save the Date: Connecticut Trails Day is June 4
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East Hartford Mayor Mike Walsh is inviting the community to join East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department in celebrating Connecticut Trails Day on Saturday, June 4 from 10AM-12PM at Martin Park. Partake in a self-guided walk/hike and trail maintenance starting at the Martin Park entrance of the Hockanum Linear Trail. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the adventurous trail, while assisting in maintaining its beauty!
Local businesses, organizations, scout groups, sports teams, and families are encouraged to participate. All trail maintenance supplies, and equipment will be provided. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and clothing. For more information, please contact Sean Dwyer at (860) 291-7171 or sdwyer@easthartfordct.gov.
In the case of inclement weather, please monitor the town's webpage and Facebook page for updates.
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Manchester Public Library Presents NAMI In Your Own Voice on Monday
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In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, members of the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) will be at Manchester Public Library on Monday, May 23 at 6:30PM to recount their personal experiences of living with mental health conditions. The presentation consists of three sections: what happened, what helps, and what's next. The presentation typically runs from about 60-90 minutes, and questions from the audience will be welcomed at the end of each presentation section.
No registration is required for this free, adult event. For more information, call the Reference Room at (860) 645-0821.
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A Huge Thank You to this Session's Trinity Intern
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I wanted to give a special shout to my intern from this session, Jason Farrell! Jason was a pleasure to work with and took advantage of all the opportunities he was given to participate in all aspects of the legislative process. He met with caucus staff, lobbyists, advocates, and legislative leaders, and got an in-depth view of the mechanics of the process by virtue of my role as Majority Leader. You can learn more about the work Jason did to support our communities throughout this session by clicking here.
From myself and my team - a huge thank you to Jason for all the hard work this session and we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
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Traffic Alert: Closure/Detour of East Coast Greenway Trail & I84B Off Ramp Temporary Closure Extended
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced two closures in our area that may affect your commute. The East Coast Greenway Multi-Use Trail at Willow Street will close beginning on Tuesday, May 31. The temporary closure of the multi-use trial at Willow Street is necessary as part of the safety and operational improvements on Route 2 in East Hartford, Hartford, and Glastonbury. The trail is being detoured to facilitate the reconstruction of the Willow Street bridge.
For this project, pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be detoured onto Riverside Drive, then onto Ensign Street, and finally onto Main Street.
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And the closure of the I-84 Eastbound off ramp to the HOV lane in East Hartford will be extended from Saturday, June 4 to Thursday, June 30. The HOV lane can be accessed by the left on ramp approximately one mile further east along I-84 Eastbound between Exit 58 and 59.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 this week. The authorization comes as a CDC study found that two Pfizer doses reduced the risk of Omicron infection by 31 percent for kids 5-11, compared with a 59 percent reduction in risk among those 12-15. Experts believe that because of the much lower initial dose received by younger children compared to the doses received by older children and adults, this age group has a particular need for a booster shot.
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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 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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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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Manchester Youth Service Bureau and Nikki Adams will offer Sunset Yoga for Everyone in Center Memorial Park beginning Monday, May 23 from 6:30PM-7:30PM. Participants will meet in the field directly across from the Youth Service Bureau (use address: 63 Linden Street). If you have any questions, call (860) 647-5214 or send an email heatherw@manchester.gov. A limited number of yoga mats will be available to borrow so please bring your own if possible.
Can't make it? The class will also be available on June 6, 13, 20, and 27.
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Join Manchester Public Library on Tuesday, May 24 from 10:30AM-11:15AM for a play dough party! The library will provide the dough and the tools – all you need to bring is your imagination. This activity is best suit for children ages 3-5; will be available while supplies last.
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The Manchester Police Activities League has opened registration for the 3 on 3 Summer Basketball Series for Manchester Youth at Charter Oak Park Courts. The series is free for youth to play, with professional referees and pizza and water available to players. The 2022 series dates will be held Fridays at 5PM on the following dates:
- June 17
- June 24
- July 8
- July 15
- July 22
- July 29
- August 5
The championship game will be held on August 12. For more information and to register, click here.
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Tired of feeling surrounded by grey? Visit the East Hartford Public Library to create your own art on Wednesday, May 25, at 6PM. Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy, just in case. All ages are welcome – families with young children will work together. Register now by clicking here.
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Join the East Hartford Police Department on Thursday, May 26, 6PM-9PM at the East Hartford High School to watch them go head-to-head against the Lady Hornets! Food, drinks, and event shirts will be available for purchase – proceeds will go to support the East Hartford Lady Hornets Basketball Program. Tickets are: $5 for adults, $2 for current students with ID, and FREE for all children 5 and under.
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The East Hartford Memorial Day and Celebration is happening on Monday, May 30 at 10AM! The Memorial Day ceremony is a three-part event, including a parade, program at the Fallen Star Memorial and celebration of East Hartford – the events will be held as follows:
- Parade – step off at 10AM, find a map of the parade by clicking here.
- Program at the Fallen Star & C-130 Fly Over – starts at 11:30AM, check out the full program by clicking here.
- Celebration of East Hartford – starts at 12:30PM, click here for a vendor map.
Please be advised route 2 at exit 5 on and off ramps will be blocked off from 8AM-12PM.
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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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