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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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$23.9 Million in Renters’ Rebate Assistance Being Distributed
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Recently, Governor Ned Lamont announced that checks totaling $23.9 million have begun to be distributed to residents who applied for the Connecticut Renters’ Rebate Program. Established in 1974, the Renters’ Rebate Program provides reimbursement for Connecticut renters who are elderly or have certain disabilities, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits.
Rebates can be up to $900 for married couples and $700 for an individual. According to Governor Ned Lamont's office, the average applicant will receive a rebate of $540 from this recent disbursement. Funding to continue the program was secured through measures passed by the Connecticut General Assembly during the 2022 legislative session.
If a renter missed the designated filing period, they have until November 15, 2022, to submit a request for an extension of time to file to the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) with an accompanying doctor’s letter indicating a medical condition that contributed to the renter not applying during the designated filing period.
I would like to know, what do you think about this issue?
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East Hartford Town Council Approves Acquisition of Silver Lane Retail Plaza
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During Tuesday’s meeting, the East Hartford Town Council approved the use of eminent domain to claim the blighted Silver Lane retail plaza. Repairing and revitalizing the property has long been a priority of mine and other town officials. During my time as Chair of the Finance Committee, I was proud to work to secure funds for this project and I look forward to seeing what’s to come following this step by the Council.
I would like to know, what do you think about this issue?
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Today in CT History: After 47 Years, Joshua Hempstead Writes His Last Diary Entry.
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Today in 1758, the last word was written in one of the most important documents the people of Connecticut have to help them understand the realities of day-to-day life in our region during the colonial period. Ironically, that document was painstakingly created by a person who primarily intended it to be read by only one person — himself.
Born in New London in 1678, Joshua Hempstead lived a rather unremarkable life for a colonial freeman. He was one of nine children, and being the only son, he inherited his father’s house. After marrying in his early 20s, Joshua and his wife had nine children before she passed away in 1716. He never remarried and raised his family with the help of hired servants and three slaves who lived with him in his New London home. While Hempstead was far from being one of New London’s wealthiest or most notable citizens, he was active in town affairs, serving as a selectman, an officer in the local militia company, and as a delegate to the Connecticut General Assembly. Over his lifetime, he took a number of jobs to support his family, working as a carpenter, surveyor, lawyer, and farmer, among other sundry occupations.
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While no one part of Joshua Hempstead’s life was exceptional, the fact that we know so much about him is, thanks to a detailed diary he kept faithfully for over 47 years, beginning on September 8, 1711. Filling over 700 pages, Hempstead’s diary is a treasure trove for historians of early America, providing a comprehensive account of everyday life in colonial Connecticut, with remarks on family issues, the weather, interactions with his slaves, business ventures, local politics, and more. He kept the diary into his 80th year, and on November 3, 1758, Joshua wrote his final diary entry, putting a period to one of the most historically significant documents in Connecticut history.
Hempsted was ill and was clearly contemplating human mortality. In his final diary entry, he talked about his chronic pain and his daughter (or daughter-in-law) having sat with him through the night. And ever the chronicler of the events around him, he noted the passing of neighbors. His last sentence reads, “Old Samuel Chapman died the last night about 8 o’clock aged 93 last February, and old Mrs. Mehitabel Coit the widow of Mr. Jno Coit decd died this morning.” Six weeks later, Joshua Hempstead passed away at his New London home.
In 1901, thanks to the exhaustive work of local historian Frances Manwaring Caulkins, the New London Historical Society published the first full transcript of Joshua Hempstead’s diary, which has since been reprinted multiple times. In addition to his diary, Hempstead’s 17th century family homestead has also survived the ravages of time and is open to the public as a historic house museum in New London. The final entry in a remarkable chronicle of an ordinary life was written, with care, today in Connecticut history.
To learn about Joshua Hempstead and other interesting Connecticut facts, click here.
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There’s Still Time to Apply for the Manchester Bicentennial Grant Giving Program!
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The deadline for the Manchester Bicentennial Grant Giving Program is quickly approaching - but there’s still time to apply! Completed applications will be accepted until November 14.
Grants are available to 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.
Learn more and apply by clicking here.
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Reminder: East Hartford Leaf Collection Program Has Begun
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A reminder that the East Hartford Leaf Collection Program began on Monday, October 31 in the Pitkin Street area. Leaf collection will continue in a clockwise direction around town Monday-Saturday until the estimated completion date, December 10 (there will be no leaf collection on Veterans Day and Thanksgiving).
Residents should keep an eye out for leaf program lawn signs to be alerted when the curbside collection is approaching your neighborhood. You can also sign-up for the EH Alert platform to receive a notification when collection is anticipated in your area.
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If you missed your area’s collection or require additional leaf disposal - residents have two options:
- Curbside Brown Bag Collection - Town crews will pick up leaves placed in biodegradable brown paper bags now through December 17 on your regular waste collection day, weather permitting. No grass clippings, branches or other waste items can be placed in the paper bags, nor will the Town collect leaves in plastic bags.
- Resident Transport to the Transfer Station - Resident can utilize free disposal of leaves at the Transfer station with a valid proof of residency. The Transfer station will hold extended hours on Saturday, November 12 and 26 for leaf drop only. Loose leaves or leaves placed in biodegradable paper bags are accepted for free and without a bulky permit. Leaves in plastic bags will not be accepted.
You track the collection programs progress here. For more information, click here or call the Public Works Department at (860) 291-7374, press #1.
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Manchester Leaf Collection Program Begins Nov. 14
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The Town of Manchester’s Leaf Collection Program will begin Area 1 collection on Monday, November 14. Residents are reminded that once vacuum collection has been completed on your street, leaf disposal must be either in paper yard waste bags set out at the curb on your normal trash collection day, or dropped off at the Manchester Transfer Station at 311 Olcott St.
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Area 2 collection will begin as soon as Area 1 is complete - to view a leaf collection map, click here and to view a street status map, click here. When collection is in your area, rake leaves to the front of your property, do not block sidewalks and do not rake leaves into the street. You may place leaves between the street and sidewalk.
Remember to not block leaves with parked cars as crews will not return to collect if leaves are blocked. keep any storm drains free of leaves and other debris year round. Help keep our water clean. Report illegal dumping into storm drains at (860) 647-3067.
For more information, click here.
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Save the Date: EHPD Holiday Toy Drive
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The East Hartford Police Department will hold its annual Holiday Toy Drive on Friday, November 25, 10AM-1PM at TJ Maxx (5 Main Street). Donations of new/unwrapped toys and clothes will be accepted for local families in need this holiday season.
All donations will be delivered to families by December 15.
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CT State Colleges & Universities Holding Transfer Info Sessions Online
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Join the CT State Colleges & Universities for transfer information sessions for all Connecticut community college students! Choose between an evening session on Wednesday, November 9 from 5:30PM-7PM or an afternoon session on Thursday, November 10 from 11AM-12:30PM. During the sessions, participants will be able to meet with representatives from Charter Oak, Central, Eastern, Southern, and Western.
For more information and to register for this event, click here.
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Manchester Road Race is Coming Up!
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The Manchester Road Race (MRR) is less than a month away and registration deadlines are around the corner:
- Last day to register and get your bib mailed: Thursday, November 10 at 12AM
- Last day to request a seed sticker: Thursday, November 17 at 12PM
- Registration Closes: Tuesday, November 22 at 12AM
Don’t miss out - learn more about the race and register now by clicking here.
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And, the day after the 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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Volunteers Needed in East Hartford
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The Town of East Hartford is looking to create a volunteer network of community members looking to give back to the town. The goal is to reach a minimum of 100 volunteers by December 31 who will be able to assist the town with a variety of volunteer tasks.
All volunteers will have to sign a volunteer waiver form prior to each event. For volunteers younger than 18, parental request is required and parents/guardians must be on site. This is a great opportunity for students in need of community service hours!
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Individuals who sign up to become volunteers will be contacted with information on upcoming volunteer opportunities as they become available. Volunteer opportunities with the town are expected to include cleanup days, assistance at the soup kitchen, and others, beginning next year.
Give back to your community in a meaningful way - sign up today!
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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 November on the following dates:
- Saturday, November 5, 11AM-2PM - North End Senior Center (30 Remington Road); Pfizer, Moderna, and the Flu shot will be available for eligible resident 12+
- Thursday, November 10, 1PM-4PM - Senior Center (15 Milbrook Drive); Pfizer, Moderna, and the Flu shot will be available for eligible resident 12+
- Tuesday, November 15, 3PM-6PM - Raymond Library (840 Main Street); Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J will be available for eligible resident 6 months +
- Tuesday, November 29, 3PM-6PM - Raymond Library; Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J will be available for eligible resident 6 months +
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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The Tiny Gallery and Mawson Made are hosting a not so elegant tea party complete with Tea Pot Races tomorrow, November 5, 12PM-4PM at Northwest Park (448 Tolland Turnpike). Splendid Teapot Racing features remote-controlled teapots negotiating an obstacle course. All you have to do is attach a teapot to a remote controlled vehicle and embellish it to taste! Best suited for teens 13+ and adults. Pre-registration is recommended - click here for more info.
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Join Manchester Public Library to chat about Dog Man and Cat Kid by Dav Pilkey at the Graphic Novel Book Club on Wednesday, November 9 at 3:30PM. Children will also participate in a breakout session where they will grab a pencil and attempt to draw characters from the series. This book club is for children in Grades 2-5 who have read any of the books from the series. No registration required - call (860) 643-6892 for more information.
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The holidays are right around the corner and WORK_SPACE is once again hosting an Artisan Vendor Fair! During WORK_SPACE’s 2nd Saturday Open House on November 12, 10AM-2PM to check out the Holiday Pop-Up Market featuring the unique creations of local artists amidst the backdrop of our annual PERSPECTIVES art exhibit. For more info or to RSVP, click here.
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The East Hartford Veterans Commission is inviting residents to join in a memorable experience to honor our Veterans tomorrow, November 5 at 8AM at Hillside Cemetery. The Commission is seeking volunteers to assist in placing flags on Veterans headstones ahead of Veterans Day. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a long screwdriver to help make a hole for the flags.
For additional information, contact John Cook at (860) 212-9966.
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The East Hartford Public Library is inviting local poets to share their work on Tuesday, November 8 at 6:30PM. The theme for poems is “play” (noun or verb) - ten poets will be selected to read their work in a prepared program followed by an open mic featuring poets with East Hartford roots including Marilyn Johnston, Jane Schneeloch, John Stanizzi and Elizabeth Thomas.
This is for adults and teens. Videos of performed pieces may be sent to rduprey@easthartfordct.gov, or email text of poem(s) to be read. Limit of four minutes per poet. Registration is required - click here to register now.
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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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