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Click the links in the introduction to navigate to the corresponding sections in the body of this email.
If you are having trouble with the links try opening this email in your browser.
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| Friends and Neighbors,
Yesterday marked the start of National Suicide Prevention Month, which aims to promote suicide prevention awareness.
In July, the 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was launched, replacing the 10-digit 800 number to the former National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Simply dial 9-8-8 to call or text the lifeline to receive free and confidential support from trained mental health professionals 24/7. |
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| In the United States, suicide was the second leading cause of death for kids ages 10 to 14 and adults 25 to 34, as well as for LGBTQ+ individuals. It was the third leading cause of death for young adults ages 15 to 24 and the fourth leading cause of death for those 35 to 44 years old. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in 2019, veterans represented 13.7% of suicides among U.S. adults. We can do better.
We can #Bethe1To Ask, Be There, Keep Someone Connected and Safe if they're having thoughts of suicide. Research shows individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to someone who listens without judgement.
Each and every one of us can act to prevent suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, our state has a wide network of resources and supports. Click here to learn more.
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To stay up-to-date with everything happening in Hartford, click the "At the Capitol, In District, & Beyond" link below, but also please check out the other subject links in this intro to go right to the topic in the body of this email.
You can find additional resources and information on my web site,
www.housedems.ct.gov/currey. If there's something you need help with that isn't included in this email, please check my website. If you can't find what you're looking for there, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. |
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| We continue to ask that our friends, family, and neighbors consider using all the tools within their reach to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Information for testing, vaccine clinics, and those who are homebound and need assistance are noted below. We must be in this together. |
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Overall Summary
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Cumulative
(except for hospital census)
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Past 7 days
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Positive PCR/NAAT Tests
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953,705
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3,785
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All PCR/NAAT Tests
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15,285,401
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40,031
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Test Positivity (pos/all PCR/NAAT)
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--
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9.46%
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Patients currently hospitalized with COVID-19
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349
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-14
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COVID-19-Associated Deaths
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11,269
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0
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Specific Updates for Our Community
| Town |
Total Cases |
Total Deaths |
Number of Tests |
Percent Positivity Past 7 Days (NAAT) |
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| East Hartford |
14,413 |
201 |
232,407 |
10% |
| Manchester |
12,712 |
198 |
227,414 |
15.19% |
| South Windsor |
5,029 |
69 |
83,319 |
14.77% |
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| Vaccines continue to be effective tools in protecting residents from severe COVID-19 infections. To get vaccinated or your booster, please click here to locate vaccination sites in our community.
Below are several vaccine clinics happening in our community:
- Wednesday, Sept. 7
- Frank J. Bush MD Pediatrics, 27 Hilliard St, Manchester, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., for ages 6 months to 11 years
- Saturday, Sept. 10
- Town of East Hartford Green - Fatherhood Community Day, 1021 Main St, East Hartford, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., for ages 6 months+
Information about getting vaccinated, including how to make an appointment and a list of clinics, is available on Connecticut's Vaccine Portal, here.
If you need assistance finding transportation to and from a vaccine appointment, you can find transportation resources here.
If you're a homebound resident, you can receive your COVID-19 shot at home. Complete the state Department of Public Health's Homebound Intake Form to get the appointment process started. |
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY
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| Town offices in East Hartford, Manchester, and South Windsor will be closed on Monday, September 5, 2022 in observance of Labor Day. Town offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.
Curbside trash and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day in East Hartford, Manchester, and South Windsor. The following week's curbside pickup will follow a normal schedule.
You can view East Hartford's curbside waste schedule here.
Click here for Manchester's curbside solid waste collection.
Information about South Windsor's curbside refuse, recycling, and bulky waste collection is available here. |
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AT THE CAPITOL, IN DISTRICT, & BEYOND...
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| With an average two people dying of a drug overdose every day in Connecticut, it is important to remember that these are not just statistics, they are each individual people with their own lives, families, and stories. Addiction is an illness that should be treated just as any other medical condition.
Wednesday was International Overdose Awareness Day where we joined families, advocates, friends, nonprofits, mentors, lawmakers, hospitals and healthcare providers in raising awareness of overdoses, reducing the stigma of drug-related deaths, and acknowledging the grief felt by so many both within Connecticut and across the United States.
One of the ways our state continues to combat this epidemic is by making Naloxone (Narcan) more accessible. So far, the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is on track to distribute its goal of more than 45,000 Narcan kits across the state. Narcan is a life-saving tool in reducing overdose deaths.
We remember those who have lost the fight against addiction, and celebrate those who demonstrate that recovery is possible. Anyone in our state who needs support or treatment can access a wide network of services offered in Connecticut. To connect to these resources, visit www.liveloud.org or call the 24-hour helpline at
1-800-563-4086. |
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| Funding from the American Rescue Plan is helping Connecticut launch a program that will expand or improve broadband for 10,000 households and businesses!
The grant comes from the U.S. Department of the Treasury as part of the American Rescue Plan Act’s Capital Projects Fund. This fund has a goal of carrying out critical capital projects that directly enable work, education, and health monitoring, including remote options, in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Learn more here. |
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| PRIDE New Haven 2022 is just over a week away! The 8-day festival celebrates the culture, art, and history of New Haven and CT's LGBTQ+ community. After nearly 20 years, PRIDEfest will return to the New Haven Green. This is the only Pride celebration in our state to feature arts and humanities programs alongside social and celebratory events. You can learn more about PRIDEfest and download the schedule of events here.
In addition to the great events scheduled throughout PRIDEfest, the celebration remains committed to promoting community health and wellness. Individuals will be able to access COVID-19 boosters and monkeypox vaccinations at PRIDE New Haven. |
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A study from U.S. News & World Report has ranked Connecticut as the seventh best state in the country for gender equality, and the first state in the economic subcategory. According to the study, women in our state earn an average of 97% of what men earn. This is the smallest pay disparity in weekly earnings. Several policies have been enacted in recent years to promote gender equality, including:
- Paid Family and Medical Leave to ensure workers don't have to choose between a paycheck and caring for a sick loved one.
- Raising the minimum wage incrementally to $15 per hour and indexing the minimum wage to inflation.
- Disclosure of wage range to job applicants and employees to address gender-based pay discrimination and require equal pay for comparable work.
- Allowing childcare as an eligible campaign expense when running for state office.
- Protecting reproductive rights and access to gender-affirming care for those traveling to Connecticut from states that have outlawed this care.
We can't discuss gender equality without acknowledging residents who fall outside of the gender binary. We've made progress in the past few years to make Connecticut more welcoming to LGBTQ+ residents, and I remain committed to continuing the fight. |
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| In Connecticut, 90 cases of monkeypox have been reported. The Department is sharing resources on how residents can prevent the spread of monkeypox. Click here to read the East Hartford Health Department's guidance for residents. More information is available from the Connecticut Department of Public Health here. |
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Flu season is coming up. The best protection against the flu is getting your flu vaccine. Most people ages 6 months and older are recommended to get a seasonal flu vaccine by the end of October. Getting the flu vaccine not only protects yourself but your loved ones and the community. Find out where you can get your flu shot today or schedule an appointment with your doctor.
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| September is National Senior Center Month. The East Hartford Senior Center will celebrate it with numerous free and exciting events and programs throughout the month. As of Thursday, September 1, the East Hartford Senior Center is offering extended hours on Tuesday and Thursday until 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Senior Center is open to all East Hartford residents who are 55 years and older. You can learn more and find a list of events here. |
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| For additional state and local resources, click the links below:
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EVENTS
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| The application period for the 2022-2023 winter season of the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is now open! This program provides crucial support to vulnerable Connecticut homeowners and renters with the costs of heating their homes.
If you are interested, there are several ways to submit your application:
- Online at ct.gov/heatinghelp/apply.
- Call the office of your local community action agency and request assistance applying, or schedule an in-person appointment
- Download and complete the CEAP application, and mail the completed application with the required documents to your local community action agency.
The contact information and addresses of Connecticut's community action agencies can be found here.
Benefits are based on your household’s income and number of family members. Benefits are available for households with incomes up to 60% of the state median income, which equates to roughly $76,400 for a family of four.
Typically, benefits are paid directly to the utility company or fuel supplier. Households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for multiple free tank fills.
Applications for the 2022-2023 winter season must be received by May 31, 2023.
If you’d like more information, click here, call 2-1-1. |
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| On Sunday, October 2, the National Kidney Foundation will be holding the Connecticut Kidney Walk at Hubbard Park in Meriden. Registration will start at 9 a.m. and the walk will start at 10 a.m. Learn more about the walk here.
Participants can join the walk in-person or to walk on their own time. Businesses that want to get involved can find a list of sponsorship opportunities here. To learn more about sponsorships, please email Marcia.Hilditch@kidney.org. |
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| The inaugural East Hartford Fire Department Fall Internship Program is accepting applications. The program provides East Hartford residents an opportunity to learn more about public safety careers. Participants will be able to earn an EMT certification upon completing the internship. The evening internship will run from October 3 through December 29 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The daytime intership will run from October 24 through December 22 Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
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| East Hartford Parks and Recreation is offering swim lessons and public swim hours at the East Hartford Middle School Indoor Pool starting September 6 to September 23. Learn more and find the swim schedule here. |
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To celebrate fathers, My People Community Services and the Town of East Hartford will host the 4th Annual Dads Hero Community Event on Saturday, September 10, 2022 from 11 AM to 2 PM at East Hartford Town Green (Alumni Park), located at 1021 Main St. Learn more about this free event here.
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| Manchester and South Windsor residents must make online appointments to dispose of household hazardous waste. The next collection date will be September 24 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Manchester regional center for household hazardous waste collection, 321 Olcott Street. For more information and to make an appointment, click here. |
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YOUTH ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES
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| East Hartford Parks and Recreation is inviting East Hartford students in Grades K-8 to participate in its Youth Tennis Program. The program is being held on Wednesdays, starting September 14 to October 19 at the East Hartford High School Courts in the Penny Complex. Classes will be limited to 12 participants. There are no make-ups for classes cancelled due to inclement weather. The program is for residents only and the fee to participate is $18. There is limited space for the program. Residents must pre-register at www.ehparks.org or call Parks and Recreation at 860-291-7160. |
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| It’s that time of year again—kids are going back to school! Connecticut Children's has several resources to help families as their kids head to the classroom for the 2022/23 school year. Click here for the 2022 Back to School Kit.
Additionally, Connecticut Children's is partnering with the Connecticut Historical Society Museum & Library for a FREE virtual webinar on children’s mental health. Click here to learn more. |
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WORKFORCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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Registration for East Hartford Adult Education fall classes is now open. Residents can register for the following programs:
- General Education Development/Adult Basic Education (Offered in English and Spanish)
- Credit Diploma Program
- National External Diploma Program
- English as a Second Language
- Second Chances ABE
- Citizenship
- Family Literacy
Appointments are open on Tuesdays, September 6 and Wednesday, September 7. Click here to learn more and register. |
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| The Connecticut Department of Transportation is extending the road closure of King Street to rehabilitate a bridge over the Podunk River in South Windsor. The road closure and detour will be extended to November 18, 2022. The current detour will continue to be in place to direct traffic to Burnham Street, Route 5, Chapel Road, and Main Street. |
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A lane shift of Route 2 Westbound will start just east of the Willow Street Bridge starting on September 6, 2022, weather permitting.
The temporary lane shift of Route 2 WB starting just east of the Willow Street Bridge 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 between Exit 5A and Exit 4 to facilitate the reconstruction of the Willow Street Bridge. |
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| The state Department of Transportation has begun a milling and resurfacing project on Route 83 in Manchester. Construction will occur from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday to Thursday. The project is anticipated to be completed on Friday, September 30, 2022. No work will be performed from Friday, September 2 to Tuesday, September 6.
Motorists can expect lane closures on Route 83 from US 6 and 44 (Center Street) to the beginning of Route 30 Demming Street in Manchester. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone. |
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| The I-91 Northbound Exit 28 to Route 5/15 Southbound will reopen on Friday, September 9, 2022. The lane has been closed temporarily since June 3, 2019 as part of the I-91 Charter Oak Bridge Project. The ramp reopening will reduce the travel time commuters have experienced following the detour. |
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES
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| Through the state's Department of Labor, the American Job Center offers resources, information, and support for individuals throughout the state searching for a job. You can receive help writing a resume and attend interview technique workshops for those currently on the job hunt. For more information, click here. |
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| The State of Connecticut is hiring! You can find a variety of seasonal, part-time, and full-time positions. There are jobs open to members of the public as well as those already employed at a state agency or organization. You can find a full list of openings here. |
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| EAST HARTFORD:
Click here for the Town Meetings calendar.
Click here for the Community Events calendar.
Click here for information on the East Hartford Public Library.
Click here for East Hartford Community Television. |
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SOUTH WINDSOR:
Click here for the Public Meetings calendar.
Click here for the Community Events calendar.
Click here for information on the South Windsor Public Library.
Click here for South Windsor's Government Television Programming - watch LIVE town council meetings! |
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MANCHESTER:
Click here for the Town Meetings and Community Events Calendar.
Click here for information on the Manchester Public Library.
Click here for Manchester Public Television. |
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Upcoming Meetings and Events
A full calendar of all events happening at the Capitol next week, including public hearings, is available on the General Assembly website.
You can find the agenda for public hearings on the calendar by clicking on the calendar item and following the link to the committee page. For instructions on how to testify at a public hearing, please click here.
You can view a list of all the bills passed by the House this session here.
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