Weekly Update - June 18

June 18, 2022





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Dear Neighbor, 



This Sunday is Juneteenth! June 19 or "Juneteenth Independence Day" celebrates June 19, 1865, the day that Union soldiers marched into Galveston, Texas, and enforced the Emancipation Proclamation, ending slavery in Texas. This came nearly three years after President, Abraham Lincoln had proclaimed that they: “Shall be then, thenceforward, and forever, free.”

 

Our communities will each host celebrations to commemorate the day:

The East Hartford Juneteenth Family Celebration is happening on Saturday, June 18 on the Town Green (1074 Main Street) from 11AM-3PM. This year's event is packed with fun vendors, food trucks, local entertainers, and so much more. Admission is free, and the whole day is tailored to attendees of all ages! In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to Sunday, June 19, 11AM-3PM. For more information, call the East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department at (860) 291-7160.

Manchester's Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration is also happening on Saturday, June 18 from 4PM-7PM at Mahoney Center's Leisure Labs (110 Cedar Street). This year’s event will feature thoughtful speakers, live music, poetry readings, a black-owned food & vendor market, family activities, and more! For more information, click here.

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 

U.S. Senators Reach Bipartisan Agreement on Legislative Package to Address Gun Violence

Over the weekend it was announced that a bipartisan group of Senators, led by Connecticut U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, have reached an agreement on a legislative package to address the gun violence epidemic in the wake of deadly mass shootings in Uvalde, TX and Buffalo, NY. According the Senators, the package will include:

  • Federal funding to support states in passing and implementing red flag laws, which allows law enforcement to temporarily take the weapons of someone they believe to be a danger to themselves or others
  • Federal funding to support mental health and school safety initiatives
  • Closing the "boyfriend loophole" which will ensure that no domestic abuser convicted of abuse against their partner, whether they be a spouse or a serious dating partner, can buy a gun
  • First ever federal law against gun trafficking and straw purchasing
  • Enhanced background checks for individuals under 21 looking to purchase a gun – young buyers will only be able to purchase after the background check is complete
  • A clarification of the laws regarding who needs to register as a licensed gun dealer

This is an important, and significant step towards protecting our children from gun violence, and I want to sincerely thank Senator Murphy and Senator Blumenthal for their leadership, and tireless work on this.

 

Congressional staffers will now begin the long and tedious job of drafting the bill and Senators will continue to work to ensure that they have the votes needed for the bill to pass through both chambers. President Joe Biden has already expressed support for the legislation. 

 

I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?

Hartford Courant: Bipartisan gun compromise crafted by Connecticut senators hailed as historic
The CT Mirror: From Connecticut and Texas, the bipartisan gun deal gets a different look
The Atlantic: How Bipartisan Gun-Control Talks Actually Succeeded

Governor Lamont Announces New Program to Support First Time Homebuyers

This week, Governor Ned Lamont announced the launch of Time to Own, a new state program offering down payment assistance to low and moderate-income homebuyers in Connecticut. Now accepting applications, the program help cover the cost of a down payment and closing costs for applicants applying to the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority’s (CHFA) First-Time Homebuyer Program.

 

The Time to Own program is available to eligible applicants securing a CHFA first mortgage loan to purchase their first home, and applicants will also have the opportunity to access CHFA’s existing down payment assistance program at the same time. The loan is based on several eligibility requirements, including the borrower’s financial needs, their ability to repay their mortgage obligations, and their eligibility under CHFA’s First-Time Homebuyer Program, which is open to new homebuyers or those who have not owned a home in the last three years. The program is open to any borrower who can demonstrate residency in Connecticut for the past three years.

 

Homebuyers can learn more about the Time to Own down payment assistance program by clicking here or calling CHFA’s homeownership hotline at 1-844-CT1-HOME (1-844-281-4663).

 

I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?

Press Release: Governor Lamont Announces Launch of Time to Own: A State Program Offering Down Payment Assistance for New Homebuyers in Connecticut
CT Insider: What to know about CT’s new program offering up to $50K for first-time homebuyers
NBC CT: Leaders Explain Program Offering Down Payment Assistance for New Homebuyers

Former East Hartford Mayor & State Representative Melody Currey Passes Away

Early Monday morning we learned of the passing of Melody Currey – former East Hartford Mayor, State Representative, Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner, and Department of Administrative Services Commissioner. Melody Currey dedicated her life to serving others including my family and I am heartbroken for the Currey family. Melody has been a mentor and friend throughout my life.

 

Melody was a trailblazer for so many – many of whom she worked tirelessly to help guide into their current roles herself, like me. Melody's steadfast leadership and kind nature will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know her, and I hope her unwavering commitment to making East Hartford and Connecticut a better place to live for all will be an inspiration to many.

 

My thoughts and prayers go out to my friend and colleague, State Representative Jeff Currey, and his entire family during this difficult time.

Obituary: Melody Alena Currey
The CT Mirror: Melody Currey, lawmaker, mayor and commissioner, dies at 71

Today in CT History: The First Black Playwright To “Take a Giant Step” to Broadway

Award-winning playwright and filmmaker Louis Peterson spent his career creating dramatic stories that explored conflict and relationships especially as they turned around issues of race. He achieved a number of firsts, becoming the first Black playwright to have his work produced on Broadway and one of the first Black Emmy nominees – but before he became a familiar name in Hollywood and on the Great White Way, his story began in Hartford, Connecticut.

Peterson was born in Hartford on June 17, 1922, into a civically active family in a largely white neighborhood in the city’s South End. The Peterson family prioritized education and the arts, making sure Louis and his brother took piano lessons and spent plenty of time at the Wadsworth Atheneum.



After graduating from Bulkeley High School in 1940, Peterson went on to attend Morehouse College and earn a degree in English, but his interests in music and theater continued to call him and his considerable creative energies. After a year at the Yale School of Drama, he moved to New York, where he got his master’s in drama from NYU in 1947. He acted in plays and studied writing and drama, including with the famous acting teacher Sanford Meisner (whose instinct-based technique is a relative of Method acting).



He worked on writing all the while. Peterson’s first play, Take A Giant Step, opened on Broadway on September 24, 1953 after an incubation period in Hartford at the New Parsons Theatre, and a trial run in Philadelphia. The semi-autobiographical play, which tells the story of a Black teenager contending with entrenched racism in a largely white New England neighborhood, opened with Louis Gossett, Jr. in the lead role and received largely positive reviews – the Hartford Courant, which followed Peterson and the opening closely, noted with some pride that “The New York critics, who have been ripping into new plays this season, gave uniformly favorable notices Friday to the efforts of a young Hartford Negro playwright.” Take A Giant Step was listed as one of the best plays of the year, and drew praise for its humor as well as its frank approach to race, identity and teenage conflict.

Peterson went on to a prolific career in entertainment, writing for film, television and the stage over coming decades. He was the first black writer to be nominated for an Emmy award in 1957 for the Goodyear Television Playhouse’s “Joey”, and headed to California in the 1960s to explore more film and TV opportunities (which he considered helpful in buying time for him to work on stage drama). He was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1975. Peterson continued to write and taught drama at the SUNY Stony Brook campus into the 1990s. He died in 1998, having paved a way for future generations of Black actors and playwrights.



If you'd like to learn more about Louis Peterson and other interesting CT historical facts, click here

Splash into Summer! Summer Pool Schedules are Here

The East Hartford Parks and Recreation department will open all five outdoor pools – Terry Pool, Martin Pool, Drennan Pool, Lord Pool, and Goldstar Pool – today, Saturday, June 18 from 1PM-5PM. Admission is free for East Hartford residents, with proof of residency required for all adults and children ages 7 and up, and non-residents are welcome for a daily rate of $5 (or purchase a summer pool pass for $30).

 

To view a schedule for each pool during the 2022 summer season, click here.

For Manchester residents, all pools – Globe Hollow, Salters Pool, Swanson Pool, Marcy MacDonald Pool, and Waddell Pool – will open for regular summer hours on Monday, June 27. Each Manchester pool is staffed with American Red Cross certified lifeguards and offer bathrooms and changing facilities with showers. Please note that all children 10 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

 

Each pool has its own open swim and swim lessons schedule – be sure to check the schedule found here.

Free Summer Meals for Kids and Teens

The CT Summer Meals Program is back, thanks to the support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Connecticut Department of Education (CSDE). The program provides free, nutritious meals to kids and teens during the summer break – no registration or ID required. Meal Site will be open at the following locations in East Hartford:

School Indoor Meal Sites:

 

Sunset Ridge School, Entrance in the back of the gym

Open June 20-August 12, Monday-Friday (site will be closed July 4)

Breakfast: 8:30AM-9AM

Lunch: 11:30PM-12PM

 

CT IB Academy

Open June 13-July 21, Monday-Friday (site will be closed July 1 & July 4)

Breakfast: 8AM-8:30AM

Lunch: 11AM-11:30AM



O'Connell Elementary School, East Side

Open June 20-August 5, Monday-Friday (site will be closed July 4)

Breakfast: 8AM-8:30AM

Lunch: 11:30AM-12PM



Community Outdoor Meal Sites:

 

Goodwin Park

Open June 20-August 5, Monday-Friday (site will be closed July 4)

Breakfast: 9AM-9:15AM

Lunch: 11:45AM-12:15PM



Hockanum Park

Open June 20-August 5, Monday-Friday (site will be closed July 4)

Breakfast: 9AM-9:30AM

Lunch: 11:30AM-12PM





Stevens School

Open June 20-August 5, Monday-Friday (site will be closed July 4)

Breakfast: 8AM-8:20AM

Lunch: 11AM-11:20PM

 



John A. Langford Elementary School

Open July 5-August 5, Monday-Friday

Breakfast: 8:30AM-9AM

Lunch: 12:30PM-1PM



 

East Hartford Middle School

Open June 13-July 1, Monday-Friday

Breakfast ONLY: 8:45AM-9AM



 









McAuliffe Park, behind Anna E. Norris Elementary School

Open June 20-August 5, Monday-Friday (site will be closed July 4)

Breakfast: 8:30AM-9AM

Lunch: 12PM-12:30PM

To find additional sites or confirm mealtimes, text "CTmeals" to 877877, call 2-1-1 or click here. The Summer Meal Program is sponsored by East Hartford Public Schools and provided by Sodexo, from more information, contact Shair Staeb by email at shari.staeb@sodexo.com or call (860) 568-4252.

Manchester's Police Department & Youth Service Bureau Host Farmington River Tubing Event

The Manchester Youth Service Bureau is inviting young people from our community to join them, along with Manchester Police Department, on Wednesday, June 29 for tubing on the Farmington River from 9AM-3PM. Enjoy a day in the sun, floating down the lazy river – lunch will be provided!

 

Registration is required as space is limited. There is no cost for Manchester youth. To register, contact Kellie Gauvin by email at ksheridan@manchester.gov or call (860) 647-5262.

East Hartford Alumni & Education Foundation Information Session on June 30

Curious to learn more about the East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Foundation and the work they do for our community through mentoring, networking, and fundraising and development? The foundation will be hosting an informational session on Thursday, June 30 at 6:30PM.  

 

To join the info session, click here to register.

Traffic Shift Alert: Lane Shift of Route 2 East Bound

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is making residents aware that there is now a lane shift of Route 2 eastbound prior to the Exit 5 off-ramp (Willow Street) in East Hartford. The temporary lane shift is necessary as part of the safety and operational improvements on Route 2 in East Hartford, Hartford, and Glastonbury. The lane shift is being implemented to facilitate the reconstruction of the Willow Street Bridge. 

 

The project is expected to be complete in August of 2024.

Summer Reading Isn't Just for Kids – Get Ready for Manchester's Adult Summer Reading Kick-Off Party

Why should the kids have all the fun? The Manchester Public Library is kicking off their Adult Summer Reading Program on Wednesday, June 22 at 3PM. Join the library for ice cream from Center Scoop Ice Cream, lawn games, music, a photo booth with fun props, peg people craft, adult summer reading registration and t-shirt distribution, and more!

 

No registration required for this free adult event. Can't make it to the kick-off? Registration for the Summer Reading Program begins on Tuesday, June 21 – drop by the library during normal business hours to register and collect your t-shirt. For more information, click here.

Last Chance: Share Your Thoughts about the East Hartford Memorial Day Events!

A huge thank you to everyone that participated in and supported the return of East Hartford's Memorial Day Parade. The Town of East Hartford is seeking feedback from vendors, participants, and residents on what went well at the 2022 East Hartford Memorial Day Parade & Celebration, and how they may be able to make next year's parade event better.

 

Submit your feedback by clicking herethe survey will be open until Monday, June 20.

COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics

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.

The Town of East Hartford, with Griffin Hospital, will host free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics at Stone Academy (745 Burnside Avenue), Raymond Library (840 Main Street), and the Town Green (1074 Main Street) on the following dates:

  • Saturday, June 18, 11AM-3PM – Town Green
  • Wednesday, June 22, 4PM-7PM – Raymond Library
  • Tuesday, June 28, 3PM-7PM – Stone Academy

All three brands of the vaccine will be available to all eligible CT residents ages 5 and up. No insurance, ID, or appointment required. For questions regarding pediatric COVID-19 vaccines, booster dose eligibility, or to schedule an appointment at an upcoming clinic, 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.

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.

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.

Take a virtual ride through Connecticut's wine country and learn about Connecticut's 40+ wineries at Whiton Memorial Library on Wednesday, June 22 at 6:30PM. Wine guide, Michelle Griffis, nicknamed as "The Nutmeg Nose" by her friends, will discuss the array of fantastic, award-winning wineries here in our state. Registration is required for this free, adult event – reserve your spot by calling the Reference Desk at (860) 645-0821.

The Galleries @ WORK_SPACE is now accepting up to five submissions of artwork by professional and emerging artists in New England who have experienced the toll that addiction takes on our physical, mental, and behavioral health as well as our familial relationships. Submissions are due by Sunday, June 24 by 4PM, submit your work by clicking here. Selected pieces will be displayed in the exhibit running from Thursday, July 7 to Friday, August 19 – an opening event will be held on Friday, June 24, 5PM-7PM.

The Town of Manchester's Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation is back for another exciting summer of "Rec on the Run," a mobile pop-up creative arts, sports, and games vehicle offering programs and activities to Manchester residents in neighborhoods and parks around our community.

 

For the week on June 20, the theme is "Fiber Arts Week" Activity boxes. From cross stitch to basket weaving, and wall hangings, just imagine the possibilities for creative imagination! Boxes can be picked up on a first-come, first-served basis at the following locations and times:

  • Northwest Park (448 Tolland Turnpike) – Mondays, 5PM-7PM
  • Westside Oval (110 Cedar Street) – Tuesdays, 5PM-7PM
  • Market Field (163 Spruce Street) – Wednesdays, 5PM-7PM
  • Center Memorial Park (41 Center Street) – Thursdays, 5PM-7PM

For more information, click here.

The American Eagle Financial Credit Union will be offering a FREE financial seminar at their East Hartford location (333 East River Drive) on Wednesday, June 22 from 6PM-7PM to help you betting understand and build credit. Participants of the seminar will learn: the importance of good credit, credit scores and reporting, creating a budget, healthy spending habits, and debt management. You do not need to be a member of the credit union to attend, register now by clicking here.

Fairies have moved into the butterfly garden on the East Hartford Public Library Lawn, and they need places to stay! Join the library on Friday, June 24 at 10AM to make fairy house from natural materials to place in the butterfly garden or to bring home. This activity is open to all ages, and will be rescheduled to Friday, July 1 in the event of inclement weather. Registered participants will be notified if the library has to reschedule to the rain date – register now by clicking here.

The East Hartford Public Library is looking for local artists to participate in the library’s first-ever sponsored summer art show, to be held at the Selden Brewer House on Saturday, July 16 from 1PM-4PM. This exhibit is open to all artists, in all mediums.

 

Entries will be accepted until Monday, July 11 at 5PM. Click here to fill out an entry form or pick up a hard copy form at the East Hartford Public Library Reference Desk – you will receive a confirmation that your entry form has been received within 48 hours. No last-minute entries will be accepted, and participating artists will be announced on Thursday, July 14. For more information on the show and the requirements for entry, click here.

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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