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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 Public Schools Receiving $150 Million for Additional Air Filtration System Upgrades |
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On Wednesday, Governor Ned Lamont announced that the administration will release $150 million towards a newly established state grant program dedicated to supporting upgrades of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in Connecticut Public Schools.
The grants will supplement more than $165 million that schools have already committed for air filtration improvements since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic through funding they received from the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund.
Applications from school districts are now being accepted and must be submitted to the state by December 1, 2022. Municipalities will be required to provide matching grants to fund the project costs. Award notices will be announced in early 2023.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue? |
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| Chief of the Mohegan Tribe Sworn in as U.S Treasurer – 1st Native American to Hold Position |
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On Monday, Lynn Malerba, chief of the Mohegan Tribe was sworn in as the nation's 45th Treasurer – the first Native American to hold the office. As U.S. Treasurer, Malerba will lead the Treasury Department’s newly established Office of Tribal and Native Affairs as well as oversee the U.S. Mint, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and Fort Knox as well as act as a liaison with the Federal Reserve. Additionally, she will serve as a senior adviser to the Treasury Secretary in the areas of community development and public engagement.
This is not the first time Malerba has made history – in 2010 she became the first women to hold the position of chief in more than 300 years.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue? |
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| CT Ranks Third Best Place to Live for a Gen Z Worker |
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A recent report from the website GOBankingRates ranked Connecticut third in the nation when it came to earning power for Gen Z workers. The report evaluated various factors, including median hourly earnings for all occupations in every state, to find the median weekly and annual earnings for 16- to 24-year-olds.
For Connecticut's Gen Z workers, the median annual income of $39,589. That puts the state in third place behind Massachusetts, where workers in the same age bracket made a median $41,491 annually and Washington, where the median income was $39,976.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue? |
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| Today in CT History: Catastrophe at the Climax Fuse Company |
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Today in 1905, an employee using a hot iron to clear fuse debris from a reeling machine touched off a muffled explosion in the main building of the Climax Fuse factory in Avon. Though the blast was barely heard 300 feet away, the sheets of flame it triggered instantly engulfed the factory, suffocating seven workers and desperately burning dozens more.
A Hartford doctor, E. W. Kellogg, whose summer home was across the street, called the mad rush of men and women trying to escape the flames the most awful sight (of many) he had ever witnessed. “Some jumped from the windows, and some were trampled underfoot. They were horribly burned..It was a sickening sight.” |
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As Kellogg tried to assist the injured and doctors and fire companies from throughout the region raced to help the injured and quench the factory flames, the death toll rose dramatically. Of the 65 workers employed by the company – whose renowned safety-fuses were widely used to set off dynamite in blasting and construction projects – almost two-thirds were killed or suffered agonizing and disfiguring injuries. The factory itself was a complete loss.
The impact on a single family is a telling reminder of the risks immigrant workers often faced during Connecticut’s era of great industrial expansion. Six of the eight living children of John J. McCarthy and Mary Dalton, who had emigrated to the state from Ireland in 1872, worked at Climax Fuse when the blast occurred. Twin brothers Richard and Michael McCarthy were killed in the fire. Their15-year-old brother T. R. survived, though the skin was burned off both his arms. Twenty-one-year-old Simon McCarthy was blown out a window and landed unconscious on a mortar pile, while P. H. McCarthy was blown out of a second story window and landed in a brook 40 feet away. He immediately waded ashore and began looking for his brothers. A sister, Mary, the family’s only girl, worked some distance from the explosion and was unharmed, though her cousin Molly McCarthy was not so lucky. She also died in the fire, another one of the tragedy’s 15 fatalities.
For the McCarthys, and for all involved, the Climax Fuse Company explosion was a never-to-be-forgotten catastrophe. For us, it serves as a climactic reminder that Connecticut’s industrial greatness sometimes came at a terrible price, today in Connecticut history.
If you'd like to learn more about Climax Fuse Company explosion and other interesting CT historical facts, click here. |
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| Library Card Sign-Up Month |
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| September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! Did you know that your library card can get you more than just checking out books at the library? If you haven't already, now is a great time to sign-up for a library card at our one of our great public libraries. |
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| East Hartford Public Library card holders have access to several helpful digital resources, from Ancestory.com to Gale LegalForms and more! Or use your library card to access free e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and videos through Overdrive. And don't miss out on the Museum Pass Program – all you need is your library card, and you'll have access to free or discounted tickets for great museums across the state. For more information or to sign-up for an East Hartford Public Library, click here. |
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| Manchester Public Library card holders have access to great kids digital programs to help with homework. And access free or discounted admission to museums across the state with the Museum Pass Program. For more information or to sign-up for an East Hartford Public Library, click here. |
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| Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Stand Down 2022 |
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The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (CTDVA) Stand Down 2022 event will be on Friday, September 23 from 8AM-2PM at each of the five CTDVA regional locations:
- Danbury – Danbury War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive
- Bristol – Bristol Sports Armory, 61 Center Street
- Bridgeport – University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Avenue
- Norwich – Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Avenue
- Rocky Hill – CTDVA Main Campus, 287 West Street
Attendees will have access to a variety of benefits, services, personal need items, vaccinations, legal services, medical screenings, and meals to go provided by the DVA, Federal VA, Veteran Organizations, State & Federal agencies, and community-based providers. CT Veterans, Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve military Personnel and immediate family members are welcome – no pre-registration is required.
For a list of confirmed service provider by location, click here. To view the transportation schedule, click here. And, if you require more information or have any questions, click here or call (860) 616-3772. |
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| Disability Voting Rights Week - Do You Know Your Rights? |
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| Voting is one of our nation’s most fundamental rights and a hallmark of our democracy. It is critical that all eligible voters have equal access and opportunity to participate in our electoral process. Connecticut is committed to ensuring that the polls are accessible to all voters and that you are fully able to exercise your voting rights privately and independently. |
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Do You Know Your Rights?
- You have the right to an accessible polling place
- Accommodations can be made if you have difficulty standing in line at the polls
- You have the right to use a ballot marking device at the polling place
- You have the right to vote independently and privately
- You have the right to receive assistance if you need help casting your ballot
- You have the right to review a sample ballot and receive instructions concerning how to operate the voting equipment before voting
- You can request curbside voting if you become temporarily incapacitated when you arrive at the polling place
- You have the right to vote by absentee ballot if you have a physical disability that prevents you from voting in person on Election Day
If your voting rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with the State Elections Enforcement Commission by calling 866-733-2463 or emailing elections@ct.gov. You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Voting should be fair and accessible to all and I'm proud to support legislative initiatives to expand access to the vote.
Last year, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a resolution that will give you the opportunity to modernize our state's election rules. On November 8, 2022, voters will decide if Connecticut should allow for in-person early voting.
We also passed several new voting laws this year and during the 2021 session to make it easier to vote absentee. Click the buttons below to learn more.
If you have questions about voting absentee, head over to the Secretary of the State's website to learn more and download an application for an absentee ballot. |
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| Check Out East Hartford’s New Grocery Store - Key Food International Supermarkets |
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| Have you checked out Key Food International Supermarkets' new grocery store? Right in Downtown East Hartford (950-954 Main Street), Key Food offers your favorite produce, a rich selection of meats, and delicious hot and premade meals. Check them out here. |
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| Fall 2022 Manchester Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale |
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The Town of Manchester is excited to offer its Fall 2022 Community Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale! Backyard Composting is an excellent way to reduce trash going to landfills and incinerators and make your own nutrient rich compost, And Rain Barrels can help reduce water costs, save our precious drinking water, and provide a natural source of water for plants and gardens.
As the Town is purchasing in bulk, residents can get compost bins, rain barrels, and accessories at a reduced price. Plus, Manchester residents will receive an additional $20 off each container – use code Take20 at check (limit one per resident).
Orders must be placed by October 14 and picked up on October 15 from 9AM-1PM at the Town of Manchester Public Works Administration (321 Olcott Street). For more information or to place your order, click here. |
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| Monkeypox Updates & Vaccine Information |
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Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus – at this time there are 114 reported cases in Connecticut. Symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a rash. Monkeypox can spread from person-to-person through:
- Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
- Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact
- Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids of an infected person
- Pregnant people can spread the virus to their fetus through the placenta
Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is not recommending widespread vaccination against monkeypox. However, vaccination may be recommended for some people who:
- Are closer personal contacts of people with monkeypox
- May have been exposed to the virus
- May have increased risk of being exposed to the virus due to occupation
If you currently have symptoms, vaccination is NOT recommended. Vaccine is also available to people who meet ALL the following:
- Gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men, and/or transgender, gender non-conforming, or gender non-binary individuals
- Have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days
- Age 18 or older
- Connecticut resident, regardless of immigration status
For those who meet the eligibility requirements, the vaccine will be available at the following health centers in our area by appointment only:
The monkeypox vaccine, Jynneos, requires two shots and takes a total of 6 weeks to become fully effective. To review the CT-DPH Jynneos Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions, click here.
More information can be found here. |
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| COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics |
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| UConn Extension and the Town of East Hartford are working to build excitement and trust around COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. The collaboration is looking to create a 'why I got vaccinated' campaign with stories from East Hartford residents. If you are 18+ and would like to share your experience getting a COVID-19 vaccine, please fill out this short form found here. This short survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete, and selected stories may appear on a social media post! |
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The Town of East Hartford, with Griffin Hospital, will be hosting free COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the Town Green, the Y, and Raymond Library on the following dates:
- Saturday, September 17, 11AM-2PM – East Hartford YMCA (70 Canterbury Street)
- Tuesday, September 20, 3PM-6PM – Raymond Library (840 Main Street)
- Tuesday, September 27, 3PM-6PM – Raymond Library
Vaccines from all three brands will be available to eligible residents 6 months and older. 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 is needed to get to and from a clinic site, please contact the Health Department for assistance. |
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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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| Open to everyone with a desire to learn more about their genealogy or about family genealogy research in general, stop by the Ancestors Road Show at Manchester Town Hall on Saturday, September 24 from 9AM-1PM. The Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council (CPGC) brings six professional genealogists who are volunteering their time to provide free 25-minute one-on-one consultations on any genealogical question – and not just Manchester records-related questions. Advanced registration is required. Please stop by the Town Clerk’s office or call (860) 647-3037. |
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| The Manchester Public Library will host local author David Garnes on Monday, September 26 at 6:30PM for their One Book, One Town event, African American Writers: A Celebration. Garnes will offer a talk on the immense contributions of African Americans to American literature. Participants will review these and other writers as well as note movements such as the Harlem Renaissance that helped raise consciousness regarding the accomplishments of African Americans. This is a free, adult program – no registration required. |
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| Manchester Community College will host an opening reception and dedication for art works donated by artist Jack Lardis on Thursday, September 29 from 6PM-8PM in the Arts, Sciences and Technology Center Hans Weiss Newspace Gallery. The collection will be on display through November 16 (Monday-Thursday, 9AM-4:30PM and Friday, 9AM-2PM). For more information, click here. |
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Today's the day! Dog owners and their "furiends" are invited to the soft opening of the dog park at Forn Park (150 Forest Street) today, September 16 at 11AM. The dog park will be open year-round, featuring separate areas for small and large dogs. Additional amenities including water, benches and agility equipment will be forthcoming as the dog park continues to be developed – however, individuals can begin using the park immediately following the soft opening.
Please be advised, per state statute, dogs must be licensed to be able to attend the dog park. For more information, click here. |
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Calling all parents and caregivers! Did you know that all families with students in East Hartford Public Schools qualify to save $30 a month on internet at home? Stop by the East Hartford Public Library on Wednesday, September 21 at 2PM and Friday, October 14 at 11AM to learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and sign-up.
To enroll, all you'll need is a copy of a recent report card and the Social Security Number or National ID for your student. Choose whatever day works best for your schedule and register by clicking here.
If you are interested in signing up for ACP but do not have a student in East Hartford Public Schools, email digitalnavigators@easthartfordct.gov or call (860) 471-1484. |
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| The East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine arts invites you to Silent Movie Night on Thursday, September 29 at 7PM at the East Hartford Cultural Community Center (50 Chapman Place). The event will celebrate "preserving and creating access to silent movies. This month's free event will feature the event "La Revue des Revues." |
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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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