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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 DOL Reports 9th Consecutive Month of Job Growth
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According to the Connecticut Department of Labor's (DOL) monthly report, the state added an estimated 4,400 jobs in September – marking the ninth consecutive month of job growth. Connecticut's unemployment rate dropped to 4 percent.
Across six of Connecticut's 10 employment sectors, jobs grew or held steady with the leisure and hospitality industry seeing the most growth (adding 2,000 jobs). While financial activities, professional and business services, and manufacturing did see some declines.
In terms of the recovering from the economic fallout of the pandemic, DOL reports that Connecticut has recovered more than 89 percent of the 289,400 jobs lost during the lockdowns between March and April 2020.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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CT Makes $46.6 Million Investment to Expand Small Business Assistance Programs
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On Monday, Governor Ned Lamont announced that his administration will make a five-year, $46.6 million investment to expand small business assistance programs across Connecticut. Assistance will be provided through grants to local nonprofit economic development organizations that provide a wide array of assistance to support the formation, growth, and innovation of small businesses.
One of the main goals of the grants is to support underserved businesses and startups in the state. At least 50 percent of the financial assistance will fund minority, woman, disabled, and veteran-owned companies, as well as those located in distressed municipalities.
I would like to know, what do you think of this issue?
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Today in CT History: Yankee Division Doughboys Honor One of Their Own
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Born in 1898 to Irish immigrants living in New Haven, Timothy Francis Ahearn was still a teenager when he enlisted in the 102d Infantry Division — famously known as the Yankee Division owing to the New England origins of most of its men — and was deployed overseas to fight the Germans during World War I. He received a promotion to corporal at the age of 19 for bravery at Seicheprey, France, where a fierce battle claimed the lives of dozens of men from the Yankee Division. Several months later, on October 27, 1918, Ahearn displayed incredible poise under pressure yet again. After an enemy attack near Verdun, France, killed or incapacitated every one of the sergeants and officers in his company, Ahearn assumed command and, with only 17 men, successfully held his company’s position for the duration of the fight. His comrades reported that Corporal Ahearn also rushed “over the top” of the trenches amid heavy fire to rescue a wounded soldier.
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For his courage and bravery on that fateful October day, Ahearn later received the Distinguished Service Cross, as well as the French Croix de Guerre and the Italian War Cross. His fighting days quickly came to an end, however, as he was exposed to mustard gas only three days after his gallant actions near Verdun. Ahearn returned to his family home in New Haven, but never fully recovered from the after-effects of the mustard gas attack, suffering from difficulty breathing and keeping himself mentally focused for the remainder of his life. After spending several years traveling the United States with fellow veterans and trying multiple times to make a living as an itinerant agricultural worker, Ahearn died in San Francisco at the age of 25.
Even though the brave young war hero had died far from home, his family and his hometown of New Haven never forgot him. Ahearn’s family had his body shipped back to New Haven and interred at a family plot at St. Lawrence Cemetery, and in 1937, the New Haven Chapter of the Yankee Division Veterans Association dedicated a larger-than-life bronze statue of Corporal Timothy Ahearn at West River Memorial Park, where it still stands today. For years, World War I veterans would gather at the Ahearn memorial every year to remember the bravery of the young corporal who saved lives and held his position against all odds, today in Connecticut history.
If you'd like to learn more about Timothy Francis Ahearn and other interesting CT historical facts, click here.
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Access Health CT's Open Enrollment Period Opens November 1
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Access Health CT's (AHCT) Open Enrollment Period will open on Tuesday, November 1. During this period, individuals can renew their coverage, explore policy options or see if they can save money.
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There are several ways Connecticut residents can get free help with enrollment, including:
- In-person: There are in-person enrollment locations and events taking place across Connecticut. Find more information at accesshealthct.com/enrollment-events/.
- Online: Visit accesshealthct.com. You can learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature.
- By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
- Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, visit accesshealthct.com/get-help/
If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity. Click here to learn more.
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Don't Miss the Opportunity to Participate in Community Surveys
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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 asking residents to complete a survey on the current housing situation in East Hartford and their personal experiences. Click here to take the survey – must be submitted no later than November 7.
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The Manchester Police Department takes pride in the quality of service it provides to the Manchester community. Please take a moment to complete the following survey so that the department can hear how they may better serve you. Click here to take the survey – must be submitted no later than November 30.
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Deadline Approaching: Manchester Bicentennial Grant Giving Program
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The Town of Manchester is still accepting applications for the Bicentennial Grant Giving Program, facilitated by the Manchester Youth Commission. As part of the Bicentennial celebration, the Manchester Youth Commission will award grants up to $5,000 to support programming for the 200th celebration.
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The Commission is requesting applications from local Manchester non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations and/or government/education organizations, neighborhood groups, religious organizations, or other appropriate organizations who are interested in partnering and contributing to the year-long celebration.
The deadline is quickly approaching – applications must be submitted by 11:59PM, November 14. For more information or to apply, click here.
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CT Mission of Mercy Offering Free Two-Day Dental Clinic – Nov. 12 & 13
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The Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach in collaboration with UConn School of Dental Medicine will offer a two-day clinic to provide FREE dental care on Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13. The clinic will be held at the UConn School of Dental Medicine in Farmington (263 Farmington, Ave, Farmington).
The free dental services provide will include cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, x-rays, oral health instructions, fillings, extractions, root canal treatments on front teeth, and limited partial dentures for front teeth.
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The clinic will open at 8AM on both days, patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis – there are no appointments. Please note, masks are required to be work by all in attendance.
For more information, click here.
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CT State Police Now Recruiting for Open Positions
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The Connecticut State Police is now hiring for Trooper Trainees. Make your impact on the state by applying today. Trooper Trainees will have opportunities for promotional advancement, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and 25 years hazardous duty retirement plan and much more! To apply, click here – applications close November 28.
Want to learn more? The State Police will host an information session tomorrow, October 29 from 12PM-2PM at the CT State Police Museum (294 Colony Street, Meriden). Meet with Troopers who will provide more information on what to expect and answer any questions you may have about joining the Connecticut State Police. RSVP for the informational session by emailing csp.recruitment@ct.gov.
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Reminder: Temporary PSLF Program Waiver Ends October 31
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Thousands of Connecticut residents have dedicated their careers to public service. The federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program recognizes this choice with complete student loan cancellation after 10 years of public service work and loan payments. Teachers, nurses, government and nonprofit employees, veterans and others are among those eligible for this program.
The temporary PSLF waiver is a time-limited change to PSLF rules that allows borrowers to receive credit for past periods of repayment that would otherwise not qualify. This one-time opportunity ends on October 31, which is a reminder to act now and complete an application at studentaid.gov/pslf.
For additional information, including how to get help with your application, you can also visit pslfCT.org.
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CT State Community College Launches Small Business Seminars
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Connecticut State Community College (CT State) has announced the launch of free statewide small business and startup seminars designed to help bring education, training, and mentorship to businesses that are navigating the post-COVID environment.
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The seminars will be offered October through mid-December and cover a variety of topics intended to address the real-world problems businesses currently face, including:
- Getting Started with E-commerce
- Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Business & Customers
- Understanding the Blockchain
- Social Media 101
- Financing and Fundraising for your Business
- Launching a Cannabis Based Business
- Understanding Business Regulation
Register now by clicking here. If you have any questions or require additional information, contact John Fiorello at (860) 738-6444 or JFiorello@nwcc.edu.
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CT Hospitals Currently Treating High Volumes of Children with RSV& Respiratory Illnesses
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With fall also comes respiratory virus season and doctors are alerting parents to remain vigilant as Connecticut hospitals begin seeing high volumes of children with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV is a common childhood illness, and most kids get it before the age of two and mostly experience nothing more than mild cold symptoms. However, the virus can be potentially deadly and as the state sees a surge it's worth taking precautions – especially with immunocompromised children.
CT Children's has prepared the below resources to help parents navigate respiratory virus season.
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COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
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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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Over the past week, Manchester High School has been celebrating Spirit Week, and today, October 28, the festivities culminate with the Homecoming Parade and football game. The schedule is as follows:
- Homecoming Parade (theme: MHS Comic-Con) – step off at 3:15PM from Purnell Place, Grandstand will be on Brookfield Street
- Homecoming Football Game – kick off at 6PM at Memorial Field
For more information, click here.
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ONE DAY ONLY! Join WORK_SPACE for an incredible opportunity to meet Norman Greenstein, the Parkinson’s Painter (and husband, father, author, and philanthropist) on Sunday, October 30 from 2PM-5PM. Come celebrate his inspirational artwork in an inspirational place.
This event is free, although WORK_SPACE hopes that you will buy artwork (20% goes to Parkinson’s Causes) or donate. Parking can be found behind the building and on Main Street. Learn more about Norman and RSVP by clicking here.
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Andy, Grant, and Tori (pictured above!), registered therapy dogs and reading education assistance dogs, will be at Manchester Public Library from 3:30PM-4:45PM on the following Wednesdays:
- November 2
- November 9
- November 23
- November 30
- December 14
- December 21
They are very experienced with children and great listeners! This is a great opportunity for children to practice their reading skills by taking turns reading to these furry friends. Open to children preschool age through Grade 4. For more information, click here.
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Honor a veteran with a delicate handcrafted red poppy card. Register in advance for a kit and join East Hartford Public Library to craft together over Zoom on Tuesday, November 1, at 4PM. Best suited for tweens, teens, and adults. Register now by clicking here.
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The East Hartford Health Department will hold a drive-thru flu and COVID-19 booster clinic for residents 12 and older on Saturday, November 5 from 11AM-2PM at 30 Remington Road (the former North End Senior Center). Residents are advised to enter on McKee Street and through the Norris Elementary School entrance.
No appointment is required, but residents are advised to bring their insurance and ID cards; however, no one will be turned away. To speak with a public health nurse or to schedule an appointment at another clinic, contact the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324 (option 1).
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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. This 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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