⛄ Extreme Cold Forecasted for CT

February 3, 2023


 
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Dear Neighbor, 

Based on this weekend's weather forecast, Governor Ned Lamont activated the state's cold weather protocol through 12PM on Sunday, February 5.
 
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold conditions, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.

Anyone in need is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services. Please also know that safety measures have been enacted at shelters and warming centers throughout Connecticut to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
 
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares or download the CTPrepares app to mobile devices at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
 
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 

 
 
General Law Committee Holds Public Hearing to Consider Wine Sales in Grocery Stores
The General Law Committee held a marathon public hearing yesterday to hear testimony on a proposal that would allow the sale of wine in grocery stores. This proposal – and more widely, the highly regulated market of alcohol sales – has been the subject of debate for years.
 
The state's independent package store owners and local wineries, though on opposite sides of the debate, argue that this is an issue of Connecticut's support of small businesses. Package store owners came out to testify that allowing for the sale of wine elsewhere will greatly hurt their business. The local wineries are arguing that as they work to increase sales and continue recovering from the economic effects of the pandemic, expanding sales into the grocery stores is a necessity.
 
I'd like to know, what do you think about these issues?
Hartford Courant: Battle between CT supermarkets, package stores over wine continues with hundreds gathered at Capitol
WTNH: Should wine be allowed in Connecticut grocery stores? Package store owners say no
NBC Connecticut: Discussion of Wine Sales at CT Grocery Stores Up for Debate
 
Governor Lamont Launches New Online Platform to Connect Connecticut Manufacturers
 
This week, Governor Ned Lamont announced the launch of CONNEX™ Connecticut, a free online platform that provides one-stop access for manufacturers in the state to connect with each other, find local suppliers, discover new business opportunities, and manage their supply chains.
 
To access the portal, visit portal.ct.gov/manufacturing/CONNEX. Manufacturers that create an account prior to March 31, 2023, should use the promo code CTFF while registering to receive free, permanent national network access. For Connecticut's manufacturers – this is your way to find, be found, connect and contract directly with each other!
 
I'd like to know, what do you think about this initiative?
Press Release: Governor Lamont Announces Launch of New Online Platform Connecting All Connecticut Manufacturers and Suppliers in a Single Searchable Solution
Hartford Business Journal: CT launches website to connect manufacturers, suppliers
Connecticut Inside Investigator: Lamont announces new online platform to solve supply chain woes
 
 
Today in CT History: A Building Shaped Like a Boat
Today in 1961, the Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company unveiled plans for a new corporate headquarters building in downtown Hartford, featuring a bold and revolutionary elliptical design unlike anything the city — or the world, for that matter — had seen before.
 
Designed by the famous modernist architect Max Abramovitz, the new Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Building was an absolute showstopper at the time of its reveal: A 13-story, 225 foot long, glass building that would sit a stone’s throw away from the Connecticut River. The most stunning aspect of the design, however, was its unique, two-sided, “elliptic lenticular cylinder” shape, the first of its kind ever built in the world. The building, which resembled a giant glass canoe, quickly became known as “the Boat Building.”
The rapidly expanding insurance giant’s February announcement was welcome news to city leaders, who had weathered a steady exodus of residents and corporate tenants to the suburbs over the last decade. Since Phoenix owned a plot of attractive land in West Hartford, many had assumed the company would build its headquarters there; instead, after an internal poll indicated that most employees preferred to remain in Hartford, Phoenix executives decided to double down on their commitment to the city. Construction of the Boat Building took just over two years, with employees reporting to work in the new Phoenix headquarters for the first time in December 1963. The new Boat Building helped create momentum for the nearby Constitution Plaza urban renewal project, and over fifty years later, remains one of the most striking and unique features of the Hartford city skyline. In 2005, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
 
If you'd like to learn more about the Boat Building and other interesting CT historical landmarks, click here.
 
Celebrating Black History Month
Official recognition of Black History Month started with a proclamation from President Gerald Ford 47 years ago, to honor the many accomplishments and contributions Black Americans have made to American society. It's a time to rejoice, reflect, and remember. Black history is American history.
 
The theme of this year's Black History Month, "Black Resistance," explores how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms.

"This country was established upon the profound but simple idea that all people are created equal and should be treated equally throughout their lives. It is an idea America has never fully lived up to, but it is an idea we have never fully walked away from either," said President Biden in his 2023 Black History Month Proclamation.

Over the next 28 days, cities and towns across Connecticut will hold events to honor Black History Month, among them:

Find other great events across the state by clicking here.

Every day, not just this month, we should take time to learn more about Black history. Stand up against injustice. Offer support. Speak out.   

 
Emergency Food & Shelter Assistance Now Available to East Hartford Residents
The Town of East Hartford has been allocated funds through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). This program is intended to supplement and expand the ongoing work of the East Hartford Department of Health and Social Services to provide shelter, food, and supportive services to individuals and families who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, homelessness and/or hunger.
No individual, family or household may be charged a fee for service with relation to assistance received under EFSP. Examples of eligible services and expenditures may include:
  • Food purchases
  • Hotel/Motel (up to 90 days per phase)
  • Rent/Mortgage (up to 3 months or 90 days per phase)
  • Small equipment purchases up to $300 per item (e.g., microwave)
  • Utility Services (gas, electric, water) up to 3 months or 90 days per phase

Potential applicants may seek information about the program by contacting the East Hartford Department of Health and Social Services at (860) 291-7248.

 
Manchester's Own, Chuckles, Predicts an Early Spring
During the annual Groundhog Day celebration at Manchester's Lutz Children's Museum, Manchester Mayor Jay Moran translated Chuckles XI's (Official State Groundhog of Connecticut) prediction of an early spring. According to the Mayor, Chuckles also predicts the Philadelphia Eagles will win the Super Bowl by 6 points. If you missed the fun, you can check it out here.
 
And for those keeping score – Bridgeport's Beardsley Bart joined Chuckles in predicting early spring, while Eastford's Scramble the Duck and the infamous Punxsutawney Phil predict six more weeks of winter.
 
Manchester Kicks Off 200th Anniversary Celebration
This week, the Town of Manchester kicked off its 200th Bicentennial year with an afternoon of celebrations featuring live performances, speeches, and a commemorative video. And this is just the beginning! There is so much more to come, and I hope you'll participate in some of the celebration:

Learn more about the Bicentennial here.

 
East Hartford Partners with YWCA to Promote Equitable Representation on Municipal Boards & Commissions
The Town of East Hartford is partnering with YWCA Hartford on the 50/50 campaign – a new initiative that seeks to increase civic participation amongst marginalized communities and promote equitable racial and gender representation on municipal boards and commissions.
East Hartford is looking for you to get involved with the 50/50 campaign by using your voice to represent your community, becoming a leader in your community by participating in a learning session, applying to open positions, and sharing your voice!

The town is currently looking to fill positions on the following boards:

  • Commission on Culture and Fine Arts
  • Commission on Service for People with Disabilities
  • Inland-Wetlands Commission
  • Economic Development Commission
  • Planning and Zoning Commission

For information about additional vacancies click here, and for information on the 50/50 campaign, click here.

 
Registration Now Open: Manchester Adult & Continuing Education
If you are looking to complete your high school diploma, prep for the US Citizenship Exam, learn English, or gain the skills necessary for today's job climate, Manchester Adult and Continuing Education is here to help. Registration is now open for the upcoming trimester – classes begin March 20!
 
You can now register online for Adult Education programs by completing the online Student Information Form found here. If you prefer to register in person, you can do so at 555 Main St in Manchester. After the registration process, you will be scheduled for a placement test, which will determine your individual needs and goals.
All students must be at least 17 years old and officially withdrawn from high school. If you decide to enroll in our Credit Diploma Program (CDP), a transcript will be needed for credit evaluation. If you would like to fill out the transcript request form ahead of time, download the PDF here.
 
Manchester Adult and Continuing Education are free for Manchester residents; non-residents will need to pay a one-time $75 fee for unlimited access to the programs. If you have any questions or would like additional information, click here, call (860) 647-5075 or email info@manchesteradulted.org.
 
Amended Friday Hours at East Hartford Town Clerk's Office
Please be advised that the East Hartford Town Clerk's office will now be open 8:30AM-12:30PM on Fridays at the business trailer located at 740 Main Street. Additionally, please note that:
  • Notary services are suspended until further notice – alternative notary services are offered at most local banks.
  • Fishing license service is suspended until further notice – you can obtain a fishing license at Cabela's in East Hartford.

These temporary changes are adjustments to help the Town progress with the Town Hall renovations. Thank you for your patience!

 
COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics
The East Hartford Health Department offers regular vaccination services at the Community Cultural Center. Both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 bivalent boosters, as well as Flu, will be offered for all ages 12+. Appointments are required and will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10AM-2PM. To schedule an appointment, call (860) 291-7324 (option 1).
Free COVID-19 test kits are also available at the East Hartford Health Department's new location in Room B09 of the Community Cultural Center. Testing is recommended for any individual currently experiencing symptoms or think they have been exposed to COVID-19 (i.e., fever, dry cough, and tiredness). For guidance on how to use the kits, click here.
 
For any 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. 

The White House relaunched the program making free at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests available to every U.S. household. Just as before, you can order tests through COVIDTests.gov and enter your shipping information. Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests.
 
The Administration will also make tests available to individuals who are blind or have low vision through this program. People who have difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support placing an order can call +1 (800) 232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to get help in English, Spanish, and more than 150 other languages – 8AM-8PM E.T., Monday to Friday and 8AM-5PM E.T. on weekends.

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.
 
 
Celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day in Manchester at Cheney Library tomorrow, February 4 and enjoy special programming at 10:30AM. Enjoy an exciting, family-oriented program of African drumming and dancing by Jocelyn Pleasant & the Lost Tribe. This interactive, multimedia performance takes the audience on a journey to West Africa and the African Diaspora through music, song, and dance.
 
The Manchester Recreation Division will hold a CPR & AED training on Tuesday, February 7 at 6PM-8PM at the Community Y Recreation Center (78 North Main Street). The class is $10 for residents and $20 for non-residents. Please note that this is a non-certification class, and it will not meet typical job requirements.
 
Register online by clicking here, or call (860) 647-3084 (a credit card payment is required if registering over the phone). Participants must be 13 or older to register, anyone 13-17 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
 
A draft of Manchester Next, the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), will soon be available and the public is invited to an upcoming open house and presentation to learn all about it! During a community open house and presentation, members of the public can get familiar with the draft POCD and provide questions and feedback on the following dates:
  • Wednesday, February 15: Drop-in Hours from 12PM-7PM at WORK_SPACE (901 Main Street), presentation will begin at 7PM.
  • Thursday, February 16: Drop-in Hours from 8AM-4PM at Eastside Neighborhood Resource Center (153 Spruce Street).

The public draft will also be available for online viewing on February 15, and the Town will continue to accept comments on the draft plan through March 15. If you have questions or require additional information, click here, or reach out by email to epetersen@manchesterct.gov or call (860) 647-3044. Please RSVP for the presentation using the email or phone number above.

 
 
Celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day in East Hartford at Raymond Library tomorrow, February 4 10AM-2PM. Stop by to check out books, movies, and more! Stick around for activities including a scavenger hunt in the children's room, play with the train table, explore educational games, computers, or color a picture!
 
Plus, register for one of these special programs:
  • Read to the Dogs: from 11AM-12PM, the Bright and Beautiful therapy dogs will be in the children's program room for their monthly program. Registration is required for a 15-minute time slot – best suited for kids ages 5+ who can read independently.
  • Puppetry for All: from 11AM-1PM, puppeteer and librarian Rolande Duprey will be in the Makerspace on the second floor for an opportunity to play with a variety of puppets. Suitable for all ages – register for a reminder here.
 
Looking for help this tax season? There are a few free tax preparation services available in East Hartford for anyone in need of help:
  • The East Hartford Public Library has collaborated with United Way to offer free tax preparation services for families with a household income of up to $55,000. Beginning Sunday, February 5, IRS-certified VITA volunteers will be at Raymond Library on Sundays from 1PM-4:30AM through April 2. Registration is required, dial 2-1-1 to set up an appointment.
  • The AARP Tax Aide Program will be available to residents beginning on Tuesday, February 7 and running through Friday, April 15 at the East Hartford Senior Center. Appointments can be made during Senior Center hours of operation, 8:30AM-4:30PM Monday through Friday. Call (860) 291-7460 to set up an appointment.

More information can be found here. Free Federal forms and tax information booklets are also available at the library.

Assistance will also be available for elderly, persons with disabilities, and veterans needing guidance on available exemption programs. Representatives from the East Hartford Assessor's Office will be at the East Hartford Senior Center every Wednesday, 9AM-3:30PM to accommodate walk-ins and appointments for the senior, totally disabled and veteran program exemptions. More information can be found here.
 
Join the East Hartford Police Department for a cup of coffee and conversation on Tuesday, February 14 from 8AM-9AM at Dunkin' on Main Street. This is a great opportunity to get to know our local officers, ask questions, and share concerns. Get more information by clicking here.
 
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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