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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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PURA Establishes Discounted Rates for Low-Income Residents
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On Thursday, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) announced that it will establish a new discounted rate for low-income Connecticut residents. The decision will require Eversource and United Illuminating (UI) to each implement two tiers of discounts depending on the customer's income.
Tier 1 will have an an overall eligibility cap at 60 percent of the state median income and provide a 10 percent discount on monthly bills. Tier 2 will have eligibility aligned with existing state benefit programs (up to 160 percent federal poverty guidelines) and provide a 50 percent discount on monthly bills.
Eversource and UI will begin accepting applications by August 2023 and will be required to create a communications plan to notify and educate eligible residential customers.
Participating in this program will not limit any customer's ability to also participate in existing energy assistance, arrearage forgiveness, renewable energy, and energy efficiency programs.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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State & Local Law Enforcement Stepping Up Efforts to Enforce Distracted Driving Laws
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This week, Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti launched a PSA to alert residents that in partnership with state and local law enforcement, the Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office will step up efforts to enforce distracted driving laws now through October 31.
According to the PSA, in 2021 alone, Connecticut saw 5,400 crashes attributed to distracted driving. Violating distracted driving laws carry not only an extreme risk of harming yourself and others but, ticketed drivers are fined $200 for the first offense, $375 for the second offense, and $625 for the third and subsequent offenses.
Parents and caregivers - be sure you and your children are aware of laws specific to teens. Connecticut law prohibits use of hand-held mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle and drivers who are 16 or 17 years old “are prohibited from using a cell phone or mobile device at any time, even with a hands-free accessory.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Application for Student Loan Debt Relief Now Open
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This week, President Biden’s Administration announced that the student loan debt relief application process is officially open.
The application takes about 5 minutes to complete and is available in English and Spanish. Applicants do not need to log in or provide any documents. Borrowers will have until December 31, 2023 to apply.
Individuals making less than $125,000 per year and couples earning less than $250,000 could qualify for up to $10,000 in relief. Borrowers who received a Pell Grant are eligible for up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness.
Please note, the debt relief only applies to loan balances you had before June 30, 2022. New loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2022 will not be eligible for relief.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: A Monument to the State’s Founding Minister
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On October 20, 1950, a crowd of several hundred Connecticans gathered in front of the Old State House in Hartford to observe the unveiling of a new, eight-foot-tall statue of Thomas Hooker, the Puritan minister and “founding father” of Connecticut who founded the settlement of Hartford in 1636.
Born in England in 1586, Thomas Hooker developed a reputation as an accomplished minister and powerful speaker in Cambridge. At odds with the established Church in England due to his Separatist beliefs, he felt compelled to sail to the newly established Massachusetts Bay colony in 1633. There, Hooker hoped he would be free to preach his messages of reformed Christianity without harassment. However, sustained theological disagreements with Boston clergymen prompted Hooker and several dozen congregants to break away from Massachusetts and found a new settlement in the Connecticut River valley in 1636. Naming the new town Hartford after the old English village of the same name, Hooker led the colony for the next 10 years until his death in 1647. On May 31, 1638, Hooker delivered a sermon on authority and government in Hartford wherein he famously declared “The foundation of authority is laid firstly in the free consent of the people,” which is cited by historians as one of the first documented expressions of American democracy.
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On the afternoon of October 20, 1950, just after 3:00 p.m., the mayor of Hartford officially accepted the gift of the new Thomas Hooker statue from the Society of the Descendants and Founders of Hartford. After some brief remarks, the crowd headed inside the Old State House for a reception featuring the statue’s sculptor, Frances Laughlin Wadsworth. Wadsworth had received her formal artistic training from European painters and sculptors after years of traveling through Europe as a young woman, but it wasn’t until she married Robert Wadsworth and moved to Hartford that she began to leave a lasting artistic legacy of her own. In addition to the Thomas Hooker statue, Wadsworth sculpted many other well-known Hartford works of art, including the famous statue of a young girl emerging from two hands to commemorate the American School for the Deaf (the statue can still be seen at the intersection of Asylum and Farmington Avenues in Hartford). Later in life, Wadsworth noted that the Hooker statue was one of her most challenging works since there are no extant likenesses or descriptions of the famous Puritan minister. Instead, Wadsworth modeled the statue after studying the faces and likenesses of a number of Hooker’s descendants. Set upon a granite pedestal etched with Hooker’s famous words, the statue was indeed a fitting monument to one of the most larger-than-life figures in Connecticut history.
If you'd like to learn more about the Thomas Hooker statue and other interesting CT historical facts, click here.
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East Hartford Social Services Now Accepting Applications for Thanksgiving & Christmas Assistance Programs
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The East Hartford Social Services Division has begun accepting applications for Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets for families with minor children, and holiday toy gift cards for children 10 and younger.
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The application for both programs can be accessed from the Social Services program webpage. Applications must be filled out, signed, and returned to the department with all necessary information by Tuesday, November 1. In addition to the completed and signed application, copies of the following documents are requested:
- Photo ID and proof of current address for applicant & proof of current address for all household members aged 18 and older. Current address verifications: valid lease, current bill, mail or rent receipt dated within the past 4 weeks.
- Proof of current household monthly gross income.
- Current budget sheet from DSS for cash assistance only.
- Dates of birth for all household members.
- Documentation the adult applying for the program is the parent / legal guardian / primary responsible adult for the children. Examples include birth certificate, school enrollment record or application from other East Hartford or State programs.
Applications and supporting paperwork may be returned via email socialservices@easthartfordct.gov; faxed to (860) 291-7304; mailed to Social Services Department at 740 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06108; or placed in the green drop box in the Town Hall parking lot.
Individuals may also contact the department at (860) 291-7248 to request assistance with completing the application or to request an application be mailed to you. Once the completed application is returned to the department, a staff member will contact you via phone to confirm eligibility.
Please Note: Completing an application does not guarantee that your request will be fulfilled, as these programs are based on the amount of donations/funding available.
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Mark Your Calendars: East Hartford Leaf Collection Program to Begin Oct. 31
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The Town of East Hartford has announced that it plans to begin the annual leaf collection program on Monday, October 31. Like previous years, the program will feature a one-time vacuuming of leaves piled on a tree belt. As of now, the program is scheduled to vacuum leaves Monday through Saturday starting October 31 until all leave are collected along each street. The expected completion date is December 10.
Leaves will be vacuumed once along each street, weather permitting in a clockwise direction around town. There will be no leaf collection on two Town-observed holidays—Veterans Day, November 11 and Thanksgiving Day, November 24. The schedule for leaf pickup can be found on the Department of Public Works Weekly Advisory Map, which will show completed areas as well as the areas where leaf collection is anticipated the following week.
For any additional information, click here or call Public Works at (860) 291-7374.
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Save the Date: CPR & AED Training at Manchester Community Y
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The Manchester Fire, EMS, Health and Recreation Departments, Manchester CPR Programs Inc., and Ambulance Service of Manchester (ASM), with the American Heart Association Friends and Family, will host a CPR and AED training on Tuesday, October 25 from 6PM-8PM at the Community Y Recreation Center (78 North Main Street).
The training will also include "Choking Rescue" and "Stop the Bleed" trainings. The program is $10 for Manchester residents, and $20 for non-residents. You can register online here or by calling (860) 647-3084 – credit card payment required.
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Take the East Hartford Affordable Housing Survey
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The Town of East Hartford has begun the development of an Affordable Housing Plan, per the requirements outlined in Connecticut Statute 8-30j. To better inform the plan’s development, the town is seeking feedback from residents on the current housing situation and their personal experiences in East Hartford.
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If you'd like to receive updates on the plan and next steps following the survey, be sure to enter your contact information following the final question of the survey.
The survey can be found here and will close on November 7.
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Take the Manchester Police Department 2022 Citizen Satisfaction Survey
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The Manchester Police Department takes pride in the quality of service it provides to the Manchester community. But they want to hear from you! Please take a moment to complete this year's Citizen Satisfaction Survey so that the Police Department may better serve you.
The survey can be found here. Surveys must be received by the Manchester Police Department no later than November 30.
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Register Now for the MRR Committee's 36th Annual Ray Crothers Blood Drive
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The day after the Manchester Road Race (MRR), the race committee puts on the Annual Ray Crothers Blood Drive, which in recent years has become one of the state's largest single-day collection efforts.
This year's event is scheduled for Friday, November 25 from 8:30AM-4:30PM at Manchester High School (134 East Middle Turnpike). Walk-in donations will be accepted. Appointments, which are encouraged, can be made by calling +1 (800) 733-2767 or by clicking here. All donors will receive a Manchester Road Race T-shirt.
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East Hartford Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball Registration Now Open
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The East Hartford Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball program has opened it’s 2022-23 registration for East Hartford youth in in grades K-8.
Preseason Basketball Clinics begin the week of Monday, November 7 for boys and girls in Grades 3-8, and the regular season will be the week of Monday, December 5 with mandatory evaluation. Players will be placed on teams after evaluation and the program will start Saturday, December 10. The Instruction Basketball Program for younger players will start Sunday, January.
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Pre-registration is required – sign-up now by clicking here. To view the preseason clinics, evaluations, regular season, and instruction basketball program schedule, please visit this page. If you have any questions or require additional information, call the East Hartford Parks and Recreation Office at (860) 291-7160, Monday- Friday, 8:30AM-4:30PM.
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Don't Forget to Cast Your Vote in The Downtown Manchester Scarecrow Festival!
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Have you seen the 50+ scarecrows in Downtown Manchester? It's time to cast your votes for your favorites! From now until Saturday, October 29, the scarecrows will be on display. Residents are encouraged to take a stroll through Downtown Manchester and check out each of the curated scarecrows. When you see one you like, head to Downtown Manchester's Facebook or Instagram (@downtownmanchesterct) and vote for your favorites by giving them a "like."
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To check out the Scarecrow Stories and learn more about the creators, click here – you can also view a map to find where each scarecrow is by clicking here.
And, new this year – the Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt! To participate, all you have to do is grab your smartphone and head to WORK_SPACE (903 Main Street). Scan the code to get started, and then answer questions about the scarecrows to enter to win a downtown gift card.
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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 138 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:
- 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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Tomorrow, October 22 from 11AM-2PM, Manchester Community College (MCC) will host their Annual Empty Bowls Project to benefit Connecticut Foodshare. The Empty Bowls Project offers guests the unique opportunity to enjoy a hearty meal featuring soups, breads, desserts, and beverages served by MCC’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management students. Guests get to select and bring home a handcrafted soup bowl, which is intended to remind people of all the empty bowls in food-insecure households across Connecticut and around the world.
In addition, take-home quarts of soup will be available for sale at the cost of $10 per quart, and a discounted price of $35 for four quarts. Learn more about the event by clicking here.
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Join Manchester Adult and Continuing Education for their 2nd Annual Bark in the Park event at Center Memorial Park tomorrow, October 22 at 1PM. Enjoy music, vendors – and a costume contest, so make sure your pup is dressed to impress! This year's costume contest categories are "Most Creative," "Dynamic Duo/Group," "Funniest Pooch," and "Best in Show."
Get more info by clicking here. Free entry for pups, patrons, and vendors.
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Create an adorable fall craft out of wine corks, paint, felt, twine, and glue with Manchester Public Library on Monday, October 24 at 6:30PM. No registration required for this free program for adults, participants are asked to bring their own glue gun. For more information, please call the Reference Room at (860) 645-0821.
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Goodwin University is inviting residents to their Aging with Purpose Speaker Series. On Thursday, October 27, 12PM-1PM, Dr. Doe Hentschel, Director of Leadership Greater Hartford's Third Age Initiative will present her talk, "The Power of Resilience in Healthy Aging." Dr. Hentschel will share her perspective about positivity, self-efficacy, and the rewards of aging.
This event is free and in-person at Goodwin University's Auditorium. A live stream will be available to those who are unable to attend. Register now by clicking here.
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Learn about the McCooks of Main Street with East Hartford Public Library on Thursday, November 3 at 6:30PM. From 1865 to 1927, Rev. John James McCook was a presence on East Hartford’s Main Street as the pastor of St. John’s Episcopal Church, as much as he was on Hartford’s Main Street, where he resided as the patriarch of the Butler-McCook family.
Learn more about this historic figure and his years at St. John’s, the historic Main Street church structure by renowned architect Edward Tuckerman Potter, and the McCook family’s continued connection to the parish, through artifacts and articles in the East Hartford Public Library Museum collection. Register now by clicking here.
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East Hartford residents are invited to a wreath-laying ceremony at the World War I memorial on the front lawn of the Raymond Library in East Hartford on Veterans Day, November 11 at 10:30AM. The ceremony will commemorate the veterans of East Hartford from that conflict as well as all veterans, living and deceased.
All are welcome to join this ceremony, which is suitable for all ages. The event will be held, rain or shine. Participants are asked to assemble at the statue near the corner of Main Street and Central Avenue. The program begins promptly at 10:30AM and will last approximately 30 minutes.
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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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