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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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Vice President Visits CCSU for Abortion Roundtable
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On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris visited Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) to participate in a roundtable discussion on abortion with U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes and Alexis McGill Johnson, Planned Parenthood National President.
The Connecticut roundtable is part of many initiatives by the Biden-Harris administration to highlight their continued "commitment to protecting women's reproductive rights."
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Opinion: CT is transparent about its finances
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I penned an op-ed in the CT Post in response to a recent opinion piece by Alan Calandro, former director of the Office of Fiscal Analysis, alleging that Connecticut lacks transparency in its budget process. I remain steadfast in the opinion that the work we've done over the years has led to a state that is committed to transparency, especially when it comes to providing taxpayers accountability for state revenues and expenditures.
Read my, and Alan's, op-eds below.
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Putting a Focus on Property Taxes and Housing
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This week, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) is asking candidates in the upcoming election to focus on Connecticut's property taxes and housing stock.
I appreciate that CCM is continuing to raise the important issue of the need to diversify Connecticut’s housing stock. We’ve heard from business leaders about the importance of providing more affordable housing options, and we’ve now heard from municipal leaders about its importance. And, we have continued to hear from residents who are paying way too much of their income on rent or who want to purchase a home but cannot afford to.
I look forward to working collaboratively with all these parties next session to build on the work we’ve done recently on this issue.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: A Presidential Debate Where the Candidates Only Attacked Issues
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The national spotlight landed on Hartford, Connecticut on the evening of October 6, 1996, as the nation’s presidential candidates held the first presidential debate of the campaign season at the Bushnell Theater. Thanks in part to the influence of Connecticut senators Chris Dodd and Joe Lieberman, the city of Hartford won the right to host the debate over the much larger city of St. Louis.
The debate, moderated by PBS’ Jim Lehrer, was the first of two presidential debates scheduled that year, and began promptly at 9:00pm. The Republican candidate, former senator Bob Dole, hoped to diminish Clinton’s sizable lead in the polls with a strong debate performance and fiercely criticized the incumbent president’s record on the domestic economy, foreign policy, crime prevention, and the War on Drugs. Clinton, who had already established a reputation as a savvy debater, parried Dole’s criticisms with equal ferocity.
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For 90 minutes the two men went back and forth in front of a live television audience of millions of Americans, at times viciously attacking the other’s policy platforms — but never each other. When Lehrer asked Dole if he could think of any significant issues regarding Clinton “in the more personal area” that were relevant to the election, Dole demurred, replying: “I don’t like to get into personal matters. As far as I’m concerned, this is a campaign about issues. It’s about my vision for America and about his liberal vision for America. And not about personal things.” Later on, Clinton similarly refused to take the bait when asked about Dole’s character, stating, “I like Senator Dole, you can probably tell we like each other. We just see the world in different ways. And you folks out there are going to have to choose who you think is right.”
The heated — but ultimately civil — tone of the debate did not go unnoticed by the press: the next day, CNN reported, “For much of the 90 minutes that [Bob Dole] and Bill Clinton debated on Sunday night, the two agreed as much as they disagreed.” While partisan pundits lamented the opportunity for their respective candidates to score easy political points by attacking the other’s character, many other Americans appreciated the mutual tone of respect exhibited by Clinton and Dole during the Hartford debate. A rare victory for political civility was won at the Bushnell Theater, on this day in Connecticut history.
If you'd like to learn more about the 1996 debate and other interesting CT historical facts, click here.
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Expect Road Closures: Annual Eversource Hartford Marathon on Oct. 8
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Over 10,000 people are expected to take to the streets tomorrow, October 8 for the Annual Eversource Marathon! As usual, a significant portion of the Marathon racecourse runs through East Hartford. The most affected areas of the Town will include:
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- Main Street
- Founders Bridge
- East River Drive
- Hartland Street
- Meadow Street
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- Pitkin Street
- South Prospect Street
- Carroll Road
- Silver Lane Exit
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Road closures are expected to begin by 7:30AM and will be reopened throughout the morning as runners clear the course. Founders Bridge Eastbound will remain closed through 2PM.
For more information on the Marathon and the complete list of closures in our area, click here. For East Hartford traffic alerts, click here – and, for state road and exit closures click here.
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
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Did you know that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been severely physically abused by an intimate partner? Among young women ages 18-24, the statistic is a shocking 1 in 3. According to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV), unofficial reports show that between October 2021 and today, 13 homicides in Connecticut were the result of intimate partner violence.
Throughout the month of October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Interval House, CCADV and so many other great community groups will be bringing awareness to the dangers of intimate partner violence and the role each of us play in putting an end to it.
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WTNH complied an excellent list of domestic violence agencies in Connecticut that you could donate your money or time to – and there are a number of great events in the state this month to help raise awareness:
And, if you or anyone you know is a victim of domestic violence – know that help is available. 24/7 services from trained advocates are available at CTSafeConnect.org or by calling or texting (888) 774-2900.
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Celebrate Fall in Our Community
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A town-wide favorite returns to East Hartford tomorrow, October 8 from 11AM to 3PM. Celebrate autumn with the Town of East Hartford's biggest annual event – Fall Fest! Admission is free, but you can purchase a $5 attraction band to get unlimited attractions, games, and a pumpkin decorating activity. For more information, including parking advisories and a complete list of events, click here.
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In Manchester, the Town's Recreation Division will host the Northwest Park Annual Fall Festival on Tuesday, October 11 and Thursday, October 13, 5PM-7PM and Friday, October 14, 5PM-8PM. Activities are as follows:
October 11 & 13, 5-7PM
Pumpkin Carving & Decorating at the Northwest Park Pavilion – carving tools will be supplied as they last.
October 14, 5-8PM
Fall Festival – join the fun in your best Halloween costume for a fun evening of activities including pumpkin painting, local vendors, Jack-O-Lantern Zombie Walk, viewings of Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, Rec on the Run mask making, bounce houses, and a Scarecrow Village.
For more information, click here.
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Say Hello to "East Hartford Works!"
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The Town of East Hartford would like to introduce the community to East Hartford Works! – a new, rebranded and improved local initiative that focuses on assisting the community with workforce and economic development. Formerly known as East Hartford CONNects, East Hartford Works! is now housed at the East Hartford Public Library (840 Main Street) and welcomes new patrons.
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East Hartford Works! will focus on:
- Offering workforce development opportunities for in-demand labor needs including job training and matching
- Increasing career awareness and internship opportunities for East Hartford students
- Supporting community engagement through resident leadership and capacity building opportunities
For more information, you can contact East Hartford Works! by phone at (860) 290-4345 or email easthartfordworks@easthartfordct.gov.
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To sign up for their mailing lists, just send your email address by text message – text EHW to 22828 to get started. Be sure to follow their Facebook page to get updates on everything they have in store!
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DEA's 22nd National Take Back Day Announced
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The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) 22nd National Take Back Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 29. National Take Back Day is part of the nationwide effort to reduce opioid overdose deaths by encouraging residents to turn in expired, unwanted, and unused prescription drugs. Studies have shown that most abused prescription drugs are obtained from friends and family – primarily from home medicine cabinets.
Over the 10-year span of Take Back Day, DEA has brought in more than 7,995 tons of prescription drugs. During the last collection in April, DEA collected close to 360 tons of unwanted drugs.
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East Hartford Police Department and Health Department will host a collection event from 10AM-2PM at the East Hartford Public Safety Complex (31 School Street). If you are unable to make the event, the drop box is available 24 hours a day. For more information, click here.
For Manchester residents, the Manchester Police Department has permanently installed a Prescription Drug Disposal box in the lobby (239 Middle Tpke East). For more information, click here.
The public can drop off potentially dangerous prescription medications – officials will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs, and will continue to accept vaping devices and cartridges at its drop off locations provided lithium batteries are removed. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted.
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Manchester – Report Downed Trees, Potholes, Streetlight Outages and More with the Citizen's Request Form
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Manchester residents – it's easy to report downed trees, potholes, streetlight outages and more by using the "Citizen's Request Form" on the Town website. To submit a report all you have to do is:
- Visit Manchesterct.gov
- Click "Citizen Request – Report a Problem"
- Fill out the online form
For more information, click here.
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Magic of Lights Tickets on Sale Now
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Guess what time it is? It is time to start getting excited about winter holidays! The Annual Magic of Lights is back Pratty and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field from November 23 to January 1. Tickets are on sale now and for a limited time only – get the Santa Saver Discount ($15 + fees). Sale ends October 31. For more information, click here.
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Now Hiring for Positions in Manchester
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The Town of Manchester is accepting applications for a number of employment opportunities:
Maintainer I – Field Services - *Applications closing Monday, October 17
School Crossing Guard
PT Clinic Nurse - *Applications closing Friday, October 7
Police Officer POST Certified - * Applications closing Saturday, December 31
Police Officer Entry Level - * Applications closing Saturday, December 31
To learn more about any of the available positions click on the above links or click here to learn more about all open Town positions.
Applications can be submitted by applying through the above links, by mail (Human Resources Department, 41 Center Street, P.O. Box 191, Manchester, CT 06045-0191), or by using the black drop-box behind Town Hall. Please note that faxed or emailed copies of applications will note be accepted, and applications will only be accepted and retained for current vacancies.
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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 131 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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The Town of East Hartford Health Department, with Griffin Hospital, will hold free COVID-19 vaccine clinics throughout the month of October on the following dates:
- Saturday, October 8, 11AM-3PM – Town Green (1021 Main Street)
- Sunday, October 10, 1PM-7PM – Seventh Day Adventist (1535 Forbes Street)
- Sunday, October 16, 2PM-5PM – Raymond Library (840 Main Street)
- Friday, October 21, 10AM-1PM – Senior Center (15 Milbrook Drive) *for ages 12 and up only – no J&J will be available; however, the flu shot will be offered instead.
- Tuesday, October 25, 3PM-6PM – Raymond Library
Each event will be open to all eligible Connecticut residents 6 months and up (with the exception 10/21 which is only available to eligible residents 12 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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Meet Connecticut Author Mike Urban at Whiton Memorial Library on Wednesday, October 12 at 6:30PM. Mike will be giving a 35-minute PowerPoint slideshow talk featuring some of the most interesting, unusual restaurants in CT, all featured in his book Unique Eats and Eateries of Connecticut. Copies of the book will be available for purchase from the author. Click here for more information.
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There's only a few more weeks to take advantage of the Farmers Market at Northwest Park! The market is open every Wednesday, 4:30PM-7:30PM – the last day of the season is October 26. In addition to serving as a source for local foods, the market accepts EBT and WIC payments, and will also double the value of SNAP purchases up to $10 (spend $10 using your EBT card to receive an additional $10 to spend on SNAP eligible items). For more information, click here.
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Local comedians from the area will be featured in a family friendly comedy night during the Rebuilding Together of Manchester Comedy Night on Thursday, October 20 at Manchester Elks Lodge #1893 (30 Bissell Street). Doors open at 6PM and the show will start at 7PM. Tickets to attend the event are available for $20 and can be purchased either online at funny4Funds.com/events or in person from one of our Rebuilding Together Volunteers.
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Join the East Hartford Public Library on Wednesday, October 12 at 6:30PM via Zoom to design a colorful work of art using natural colors, textures, and shapes! This free activity is best suited for tweens, teens, and adults. Register for a kit with everything you'll need by clicking here.
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Join East Hartford Works! Resident Advisory Council for a Living Room Conversation titled: "Does My Vote Really Matter?" on Monday, October 24, 6PM-7PM in the lower level of the East Hartford Public Library. If you're not familiar with the Living Room Conversation series, these events are structured to increase understanding, reveal common ground, and allow us to discuss possible solutions.
All interested participants are encouraged to register now by clicking here. Dinner will be provided! If you have any questions or would like additional information, call (860) 290-4345 or email yjeter@easthartfordct.gov.
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The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) will host its fall Hazardous Waste Collection Day at the MDC East Hartford Water Pollution Control Authority (65 Pitkin Street) on Saturday, October 2, 8AM-1PM. This is a great opportunity for residents to dispose of hazardous wastes that cannot be put in trash receptacles.
Items accepted include but are not limited to: acids, adhesives, antifreeze, batteries, brake fluid, cleaning solvents, epoxy products, items containing mercury, paint, petroleum products (gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil), and pesticides, fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. Some of the items that won’t be accepted are ammunition (including gunpowder), biohazards, car batteries, or tires. For a complete list of all items please click here or call MDC at (860) 278-3809.
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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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