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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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Roe v. Wade Overturned – Ends Federal Abortion Protections
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In a decision that was expected following a leak of a draft opinion more than a month ago, the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, ending a nearly 50-year precedent set by the Court. This is another devastating ruling for personal liberty from the Supreme Court. Overturning a right the court itself granted is just another example of this radical court setting new, incredibly dangerous, and political precedents. I fear that this court is accelerating our country toward a deep nadir for civil rights.
The wake of this decision will be felt quickly as states across the nation implement their trigger laws effectively making abortion illegal. But banning abortion doesn’t end abortions – it just creates unsafe abortions. And only a day after the court defended an individual's right to carry a gun, it’s incredibly disturbing to see that same court strip an individual’s right to make their own choices regarding their health.
I’m proud that Connecticut has remained a leader on this issue and took the appropriate steps this past session to defend the right to abortion knowing that this was the likely outcome. As we now enter a post-Roe era, I’m confident that our state will help lead the way for states that want to defend access to reproductive health.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down NY Concealed Carry Law
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On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court released their decision to strike down a New York law which required anyone who wants to carry a concealed handgun outside the home to show “proper cause” for the license. The 6-3 ruling from the court comes only weeks after the fatal mass shootings in Buffalo, NY and Uvalde, TX. In the wake of tragedy after tragedy, I find the Supreme Court ruling to restrict the ability of states to develop common sense gun safety legislation disappointing and worry about the precedent it may set.
We will continue to work on a state level to ensure the safety of Connecticut residents, and I know that Attorney General William Tong will work tirelessly to defend our existing laws.
Following the release of the ruling, the Senate passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities act by a margin of 65-33. The legislation is the first gun safety package to come out of Congress in nearly three decades, and includes, among other measures, closing the "boyfriend loophole," incentives for states to pass red flag laws and expanded background checks for 18–21-year-olds.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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FDA Removes JUUL E-Cigarettes from US Market
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On Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered all JUUL e-cigarettes be removed from the U.S. market following a lengthy review of the company's public health standards. At the center of the review were study findings from the company that raised concerns due to insufficient and conflicting data – including data regarding genotoxicity and potentially harmful chemicals leaching from the company’s proprietary e-liquid pods.
To date, the FDA has not received clinical information to suggest an immediate hazard associated with the use of the JUUL device or JUULpods. But there is also no way to know the potential harms from using other authorized or unauthorized third-party e-liquid pods with the JUUL device or using JUULpods with a non-JUUL device. JUUL users are encouraged to report any unexpected health problems or product problems to the FDA through the Safety Reporting Portal found here and to seek medical attention as necessary.
The removal of JUUL e-cigarettes from the marketplace is part of a wide-ranging effort by the FDA to remake the rules for smoking and vaping products and to reduce illnesses and deaths caused by inhalable products containing highly addictive nicotine. In April, the FDA announced it would move toward a ban on menthol-flavored cigarettes and as recently as Tuesday, the agency announced plan to slash nicotine levels in traditional cigarettes.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: Born to Fame, and A Famous Scandal — Celebrity Minister Henry Ward Beecher
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Henry Ward Beecher, one of the most famous and influential — but also controversial — preachers and orators of 19th-century America, was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, today in 1813. Henry was one of several literary giants of the extended Beecher family: his father Lyman was also a notable preacher; his sister Harriet found international fame as the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin; and sisters Isabella Beecher Hooker and Catherine Beecher influenced many with their well-articulated views on women’s rights and education.
As a student at a preparatory school in Amherst, Massachusetts, Henry discovered he had a gift for public speaking. After graduating from Amherst College in 1834, he entered the ministry and followed his father’s family to the Midwest, preaching in Ohio and Indiana. His growing ministerial reputation earned him an offer, which he accepted, to preside over the new Plymouth Congregational Church in Brooklyn, New York. There, his popular preaching style turned him into a regional celebrity.
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Like many of his siblings, Henry was an outspoken abolitionist. As antebellum tensions over slavery increased, he began infusing his sermons with powerful anti-slavery messages. He wrote scathing criticisms of the Compromise of 1850 and other political acts he viewed as concessions to the slave-holding South. These were widely circulated, earning him both national celebrity and death threats from pro-slavery advocates. Undeterred, Beecher raised money to purchase rifles for anti-slavery settlers during the “Bleeding Kansas” crisis of the 1850s, arms that were quickly nicknamed “Beecher’s Bibles” by the press.
Once the Civil War began, the question of whether the British government – whose textile-based economy was highly dependent on cotton – would side with the Confederacy loomed large. President Abraham Lincoln sent Beecher on a speaking tour of Europe in 1863 to bolster public support for the Union cause. The reception his speeches received added to the preacher’s status and elevated him to international celebrity.
Beecher’s fame had a dark side. He was dogged by rumors of womanizing throughout his career, but the undercurrent of rumors became a widely published national scandal during the Beecher-Tilton scandal of the 1870s. Beecher stood trial for charges of adultery filed by Elizabeth Tilton’s husband, which historian Walter McDougall deemed “the most sensational ‘he said, she said’ [story] in American history.” The sordid details of the lengthy trial — which involved prominent New Yorkers as well as the famous suffragists Victoria Woodhull and Elizabeth Cady Stanton — were splashed across the front pages of newspapers across America. Beecher was ultimately acquitted.
Though he lived thereafter with a stain on his reputation, Beecher remained a relatively popular speaker throughout his life. When He died from a stroke in 1887 at age 73, over 40,000 people came to pay their respects in Brooklyn, remembering a man who, despite a checkered reputation, was still one of the most influential people in the United States.
If you'd like to learn more about Henry Ward Beecher and other interesting CT historical facts, click here.
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TONIGHT: 37th Annual James "Dutch" Fogarty Independence Day Celebration
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Happening tonight, June 25, the James “Dutch” Fogarty Independence Day Celebration provides people of all ages and backgrounds an opportunity to gather and celebrate our nation’s freedom and honor the men and women of our armed forces. Activities will take place at the Bicentennial Bandshell at the ground of Manchester Community College and includes:
- 4PM: enjoy a variety of food, organized kids' activities, and live music
- Tickets for the famous "Chicken BBQ" dinner are limited and on sale at town hall
- Volunteers committee will be selling hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, and ice cream
- Manchester Lions Club will be selling hamburgers, nachos, and soft drinks
- Available food trucks: Thomas Smokey Pit Stop, Cousins Maine Lobster, and Kona Ice
- 5PM: the band Whiskey Boulevard takes the stage at the Bicentennial Bandshell
- 7:15PM: Savage Brothers takes the stage
- Approximately 9:30PM: fireworks begin!
In the event of inclement weather, the celebrations will be move to Sunday, June 26. For more information, click here.
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Lane Closure Alerts: Night Work on Route 30 in Manchester & I-84 Eastbound in East Hartford
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced two projects in our area that may affect your commutes. In Manchester, DOT workers will begin a milling and resurfacing project of a 0.53-mile segment of Route 30 from the South Windsor/ Manchester Town Line to Tolland Turnpike in Manchester.
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As of now, the schedule for milling is expected to occur from Tuesday, June 5 through Thursday, July 7 and the resurfacing segment is anticipated to occur from Sunday, July 17 through Wednesday, July 20. The night work schedule for this project is 7PM-5AM, Sunday-Thursday. During this time, motorists should expect lane closures on Route 30. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone.
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And in East Hartford, DOT workers will begin a bridge maintenance project on I-84 Eastbound between Exits 56 and 57 beginning on Sunday, June 26 and running through Friday, July 15, with a night work schedule of 7PM-6AM. During that schedule, motorists can expect various lane closures; traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone.
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity.
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East Hartford Farmers' Market Returns on July 8
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Get excited! The Town of East Hartford has announced that the annual East Hartford Farmers' Market is back on Friday, July 8 at 9AM. Located at the East Hartford Public Library, the market will run every Friday, 9AM-1PM on the library's lawn through October 28. Each week enjoy a great selection of fresh, Connecticut-grown produce, plus library programming and presentations from a variety of organizations tailored for all ages.
Looking to set up an informational booth at the farmers' market? Organizations interested in reserving booth space to promote services for area residents can contact the library at (860) 290-4338. Booth space is available for community-based, non-profit, or government organizations that provide services aimed to improve the well-being and quality of life for residents.
For more information, click here.
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Manchester Launches New Website
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The Town of Manchester is debuting a newly redesigned website after a year-long effort in collaboration with OpenCities, a global GovTech company specializing in government websites. With a brand-new design, improved performance, and updated features, Manchester residents will be able to access and engage Town resources easier than ever before.
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The redesign was focused on increasing user-friendliness, transparency, accessibility, inclusive design, and more. And the update features a mobile-friendly first website design to increase access to all. Some new features include:
- Translations integration, allowing users to find information in the language they are able and most comfortable reading.
- ADA compliance ensuring the website is fully accessible to all.
- Thoughtful navigation, improved search capabilities, and clean homepage tasks make it easy for users to find what they need.
- Parks & Facilities locator connects town buildings and spaces with programming, events, and more.
- Easier online registration, payments, sign-ups, and more.
And that's just to name a few! Learn more about the update by clicking here, and visit the new website by clicking here.
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New Ordinances for Food Trucks in East Hartford
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The East Hartford Town Council recently approved an ordinance change which will provide greater access for food trucks to operate in East Hartford. This is exciting as it means that food truck owners, licensed by the East Hartford Health Department are now allowed to operate on designated streets located within the town's business districts AND at local events held at town parks and facilities.
For more information, contact the East Hartford Health Department by calling (860) 291-7324 or click here.
Please note, to operate a food truck in town, owners must obtain a license through the East Hartford Health Department – to get more information on the requirements and guidelines, click here.
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Applications for State Police Trooper Trainee Program Due June 27
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The Connecticut State Police is currently accepting applications to establish a pool of qualified applicants to fill future vacant State Police Trooper Trainee positions across the State. This is a fantastic opportunity for people who have the desire to make a difference in the community while enjoying a career with work-life balance. Did you know that a study recently ranked Connecticut as the best state in the United States to be a police officer?
Positions at all trooper locations are currently open – a trooper trainee is an entry level position, so anyone who is interested is encouraged to apply. Please note that the CT State Police hiring process is extensive and the time from application to appointment can take several months.
Applications for the trainee program are due on Monday, June 27. To learn more about the program and its requirements, click here.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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Early this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices gave final approval to the distribution of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines to children under the age of 5. For information on the COVID-19 vaccine for young children, click here and here. Some clinics are already offering vaccines to this age group, for a list of upcoming mobile clinics in Connecticut, click here.
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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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The Town of East Hartford, with Griffin Hospital, will host free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic on Tuesday, June 28, 3PM-7PM at Stone Academy (745 Burnside Avenue). 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.
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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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This afternoon, June 25 from 12PM-2PM join Manchester Recreation Division to twist, scrunch, and tie dye socks! The Rec Division will supply the socks and all necessary supplies – please note that supplies for this free event are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Open to all ages.
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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 27, the theme is "Velvet Art Week." Have fun doodling away and creating one-of-a-kind magnets to trade with your friends or display on your fridge. Activity 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.
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The Connecticut Science Center will offer programming for grades 6-8 at the Manchester Public Library on Tuesday, June 28 from 3PM-3:45PM. During the "Toppling Towers" program, participants will engineer and design your very own earthquake-proof building and test how well it withstands our shake table. Registration is required – to reserve a spot call the reference desk at (860) 645-0821.
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Join the East Hartford Public Library this afternoon June 25, at 1PM for Latin Jazz with conguero and East Hartford resident Nelson Bello and his Latin Jazz Quintet. Bello studied at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, the Hartford Conservatory and under Jackie McLean at The Artists Collective.
Attendees are welcome to bring their own lawn chair for the free event presented with funding support from the East Hartford Town Council via the East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts. Open to all ages. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be moved indoors.
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The East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department is excited to introduce Aqua Zumba to the list of aquatic programming this summer. Beginning on Monday, June 27 Aqua Zumba will be held at Terry Pool in Hockanum Park (320 High Street). Classes will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30PM-7:30PM. The fee for 12 classes is $42 for residents and $52 for non-residents. Click here to register.
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Do you want to make a difference in East Hartford? Propel East Hartford is looking for community members to join us for co-design sessions at which we’ll work together to shape our next phase of programs and services. July sessions will be held on the following dates:
- Tuesday, July 19, 2PM-3:30PM: virtual session – register here
- Wednesday, July 20, 6:30PM-8PM: in person session – register here
- Friday, July 22, 10AM-11:30AM: virtual session – register here
Choose the session that’s most convenient for your schedule, and your preferred format – virtual or in person. Additional sessions will be added if needed. If you are interested in participating but can't make one of the above dates, reach out to library director Sarah Kline Morgan at smorgan@easthartfordct.gov.
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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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