Dear Neighbor,

I hope this email finds you well. Below, you'll find updates on district resources and news.

Please feel free to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns.

The topics covered in this e-newsletter are as follows:

• Capitol Update
• Community Resources
• This Week In Connecticut History
• Manchester Community Events and Information
• East Hartford Community Events and Information

Chime Scholars Foundation Applications for 2026-2027 Now Open

Offers scholarships up to $20,000 for students of all backgrounds pursuing various forms of higher education 

Launched in 2022, program has helped more than 1,000 scholars achieve their educational goals 

Scholarship recipients have made real financial progress, with 72% finding employment in their field of study within six months of graduation

Chime® (Nasdaq: CHYM), a leading consumer financial technology company, announced today that Chime Scholars Foundation (CSF) has opened applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. Aspiring scholars can now apply for scholarships of up to $20,000 to support their education, paving the way for greater career opportunities and higher earnings. The scholarship program is open to students of all backgrounds and stages of life, and it supports a wide range of educational pathways, including traditional college degrees, apprenticeships, trade schools, and technical certifications.

Since 2022, CSF has provided $7 million in scholarship funding to over 1,000 students. Last year alone, CSF welcomed its largest cohort of scholars to date, awarding more than $3 million in scholarships to 800 students for the 2025-2026 academic year. This work is supported by Chime’s 1% pledge, which commits 1% of its equity over a decade to fund the foundation.

“At Chime, we believe financial progress starts with access to opportunity,” said Chris Britt, CEO and Co-founder of Chime. “Through the Chime Scholars Foundation and our 1% pledge, we’re investing in ambitious students and helping remove financial barriers to education. We’re proud to have supported more than 1,000 scholars so far and excited to continue helping the next generation build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.”

The program has demonstrated strong outcomes for its scholars. According to a survey of graduates:

·        100% credit the program with helping them complete their degree or certification

·        87% projected graduation rate — nearly double that of Federal Pell Grant recipients¹

·        72% of scholars secure jobs in their field within six months of graduation

Beyond these outcomes, scholars join a supportive network of fellow CSF scholars and Chime employees. Applications for the CSF scholarship program are now open through March 31, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the Chime Scholars Foundation website at chime.com/about-us/chime-scholars-foundation.

The snowstorm arrived suddenly, as a full-forced blizzard late in the morning with snowfall at times exceeding three inches per hour and  wind gusts of  over 50 mph. Traffic was almost instantly paralyzed across the state as snow-covered roads and white-out visibility made movement all but impossible. Responding to the blizzard conditions, businesses, factories and schools closed early, which further complicated the growing crisis. Many who tried to get home found themselves stranded in cars or forced to seek refuge  in nearby hotels, emergency shelters, homes, and office buildings. Roads literally became obstacle courses of stalled, dented, and  abandoned vehicles. I-95 in Fairfield County was reduced to a single lane of barely moving traffic. In New London, the Gold Star Memorial bridge over the Thames River was shut down altogether.  For the first time in over40 years, mail carriers across the state were unable to deliver the mail. Governor Ella Grasso, trying to reach the emergency command post at the state armory from the governor’s residence two miles away, also was stranded, and had to walk the final mile to the armory through blizzard-like conditions.

By day’s end, Grasso was calling  for all state residents with four-wheel-drive vehicles to report to the nearest state police barracks to help rescue stranded passengers. At 9:15pm, she declared a state of emergency, ordering all roads closed to any vehicles not engaged in cleanup or assisting with emergency storm efforts.

The snowfall, which in some areas of Hartford exceeded 16 inches, continued well into the next day, and the state remained shut down for three days as rescue and clean-up efforts were organized across the state. Between 75 and 100 people died during the storm, and in Hartford alone, storm damage was estimated to exceed 14 million dollars. The storm impact was particularly severe in eastern Connecticut, where the snowfall averaged from 30-36 inches. The area had suffered widespread flooding just two weeks before. Though students at the University of Connecticut in Storrs made a party of the storm, “snow-swimming” by diving in swim and birthday suits out of dorm windows into the snowdrifts below,  officials in Killingly, Plainfield, Norwich and Montville,  requested and received both federal and state aid to  assist with recovery. The federal government sent in heavy snow-removal equipment, and federal troops helped remove snow drifts up to nine feet high. Governor  Grasso visited the afflicted towns by helicopter shortly after the 30-hour snowfall ended. One resident, anticipating her visit, had stamped the words “Ella Help” into a snowbank in letters large enough to be visible  2000 feet above ground.

Grasso’s now-legendary tireless and quite-public response to the storm and its aftermath earned her extraordinary approval ratings statewide. This was a major turnaround for a governor who had previously received much criticism for her policies, and set a pattern that has since continued of visible gubernatorial leadership during statewide weather emergencies.

https://www.easthartfordct.gov/residents
 
Town Newsletters
Pulse of East Hartford     
East Hartford Public Schools
East Hartford Works

The Town of Manchester’s Downtown Arts and Culture Grant Program seeks to encourage and support initiatives, events and installations that contribute to the vibrancy and engaging atmosphere in the Downtown area defined by the boundaries of the Special Services District (map attached) plus Charter Oak Park, Center Memorial Park and Center Springs Park.

Funding is available to be granted for individuals or organizations that effectively propose initiatives, projects, events or installations that the Oversight Committee determines to be most appropriate and timely for this round of grant awards.

Applications are due to the Budget & Research Office electronically by 5:00 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026. The Committee’s intention is to award grants by March 10, 2026.

View Mini Grant Application Packet(PDF, 2MB)

We live in a time when it is easy to be impressed by the polished lives we see online—beautiful people, perfect posts, endless followers. But real confidence and joy don’t come from likes or views; they come from feeling strong, connected, and grounded. As we move into the winter months, I encourage you to focus on building a healthy mind and body. Take a look through the Manchester Now catalog to discover activities that fit your interests and inspire you to stay active and engaged. Whether it’s joining a fitness class, exploring a new hobby, or connecting with others through community programs, these small choices can make a bid difference. Stay the course this winter, and by spring, you’ll be ready to step into the new season feeling refreshed, energized, and ready for all that’s ahead.
 

Manchester Now Winter/Spring 2026 Publication

Town residents are invited to attend a meeting regarding Manchester’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. The town is seeking resident input on how to spend its federal CDBG funds during the program year that begins October 1, 2026. For more information, visit the CDBG Page

Hybrid public hearings will be held Monday, February 2^nd, 2026 at 10am and Wednesday, February 4^th, 2026 at 5:30pm. In-person attendees will meet in the Lincoln Center Hearing Room, 494 Main St. Persons who wish to attend virtually must submit a request to hguerette@manchesterct.gov.

Only those who submit a request will receive a link to join the meeting. 

The African American and Black Affairs Council is an organization that empowers, supports and advocates for the Black community in Manchester, CT. For more info Dana Hebert aabacom04@gmail.com

• Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
• Monday, March 02, 2026 | 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
• Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

Next date: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 08:30 AM to 11:30 AM

* We hold multiple classes on the same day utilizing different classrooms.

The dates for the following 5 classes are  February 21st,  March 21st,  and April 25th 

1.) Pediatric First Aid & CPR this class is hybrid with the first half being taught live through Zoom starting at 8:30am. Followed by a 45 min break to give students enough time to drive to the Fire Station for the in-person porting of the class. Class will end around 2:30/3:00pm 

This class is geared toward Childcare Providers, Parents & Foster Parents approved by the Office of Early Childhood. This class is also perfect for school staff, couches and babysitters. This class also includes choking relief for all ages. 

https://ManchesterCPRprogramsDirectLinktoClassesOffered.as.me/ChildCareCPRFirstAid

2.) AHA Heartsaver Pediatric CPR AED only noon to 3:00pm.  This class also includes choking relief for all ages. 

https://ManchesterCPRprogramsDirectLinktoClassesOffered.as.me/PediCPR

3.) AHA Heartsaver CPR 8:30 to 11:00am  This class also includes choking relief. 

https://ManchesterCPRprogramsDirectLinktoClassesOffered.as.me/AdultCPRonly

4.) AHA BLS CPR for Healthcare Providers , First Responders, their Support Staff & College students going into the health field. 8:30 am to 11:30 am. Our classes are approved by all CT Colleges and complies with all health & health allied major's clinical requirements.

Class includes Adult and Infant CPR AED with the use of a Bag Valve Mask (BVM) device for respirations and emphasis on team dynamics, adult and infant choking relief for all ages. 

click on this link below to sign up for a class

https://ManchesterCPRprogramsDirectLinktoClassesOffered.as.me/HealthCareProviderBLS

5.) AHA Heartsaver Adult First Aid CPR 9am to 2pm with a 45 min break. This class includes adult & child choking relief.

https://ManchesterCPRprogramsDirectLinktoClassesOffered.as.me/AdultFirstAidCPRAED

Subjects usually covered but not limited to in our First Aid Pediatric classes are 

• Recognition & management of both physical & medical emergencies pertaining to but not limited to children, staff, environment & fire

•  Diabetes, Stroke, Heart Attack, Fainting & Seizure. 

• Accident prevention & safety for both indoor & outdoor play area, toy safety, car safety including child restraint systems
• Poisoning including lead, plants & chemical poisoning
• Child Abuse including types, signs & regulations pertaining to mandated reporters 

• Communicable disease prevention, recognition, management & ways of transmission, Signs & symptoms of common illnesses
• Infection control including hand washing, diapering & vaccinations

• Respiratory distress including Asthma & upper respiratory infections 

• Choking relief for all ages

• First Aid Kits

• Heat and cold temperature related illness & injuries

• Bleeding control 

• Burns

• Muscle & Bone injuries including splinting 

Subjects usually covered but not limited to in our Adult First Aid classes are 

• Recognition & Management of both physical & medical Emergencies, 

• Diabetes, Stroke, Heart Attack, Fainting & Seizure. 

• Poisoning including lead, plants & chemical poisoning

• Respiratory distress including Asthma & upper respiratory infections 

• Choking relief for all ages
• First Aid Kits

• Heat and cold temperature related illness & injuries

• Bleeding control 

• Burns

• Muscle & Bone injuries including splinting  

East Hartford celebrates Black History Month 2026 with community events, including an African Diasporic Drumming workshop on Feb. 16 at the East Hartford Library and musical performances featuring the Sounds of A&R on Feb. 10. Local schools and the Urban League of Greater Hartford are also hosting cultural performances and educational showcases.

Key 2026 East Hartford & Local Area Events:

• African Diasporic Drumming (Feb. 16): An interactive event at the East Hartford Public Library (Wickham Library) exploring rhythm and history.
• Sounds of A&R Musical Journey (Feb. 10): A musical performance tracing the roots of American music at the Wickham Library.
• Urban League of Greater Hartford Celebration (Feb. 19): The 11th annual event, "A Legacy Revealed | United in Strength," features an interactive exhibit and awards at the Mark Twain House & Museum in nearby Hartford.
• East Hartford Public Schools (EHPS): Schools are celebrating with performances, art displays, and curriculum-focused lessons, including potential events at O’Brien Elementary, CT IB Academy, and East Hartford Middle School.
• Hartford Yard Goats Black Business Expo (Feb. 16): A networking event in Hartford. 

Public Safety Notice - Prevent Home Fires: Use Portable Heaters Safely
The East Hartford Fire Marshal’s Office reminds all residents that a leading cause of residential fires continues to be the improper use of portable heating appliances. As temperatures drop, many households rely on space heaters and other portable devices for warmth. Used incorrectly, these appliances can quickly lead to dangerous and even fatal fires.
Please take a moment to review these important guidelines to keep your home and family safe.
Safe Use of Portable Heaters:
1. Keep a safe distance.

• Maintain at least 3 feet (1 meter) of clearance between heaters and anything that can burn—furniture, bedding, curtains, clothing, or paper.

2. Plug heaters directly into wall outlets.

• Never use extension cords or power strips, as they can overheat and ignite.
• Inspect the cord and plug for damage before every use.

3. Choose heaters with automatic shut-off features.

• Look for units that turn off if tipped over or overheating occurs.

4. Place heaters on flat, sturdy surfaces.

• Avoid carpeting or unstable furniture where the heater might tip.

5. Turn heaters off when sleeping or leaving the room.

• Portable heaters should never be used unattended.

6. Keep children and pets away.

• Maintain a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet.

Additional Fire Safety Requirements & Codes
These practices align with national fire safety standards such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and commonly adopted local regulations:

• Smoke Alarms: Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms: Required in homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. Install CO alarms outside sleeping areas and on every level.
• Clear Exits: Keep all exits, hallways, and stairways clear of portable heaters or other obstructions.
• Electrical Safety: Avoid overloading outlets. If breakers trip or cords become warm, stop using the appliance immediately.
• Approved Appliances: Use only UL-listed or third-party tested heating devices. Never use ovens, stovetops, or grills to heat your home.

A Message from the East Hartford Fire Marshal’s Office
Your safety is our top priority. By using portable heaters responsibly and following fire safety codes, you help protect not only your household but your neighbors and the entire East Hartford community.
If you have questions about home heating safety, need help checking your smoke or CO alarms, or would like additional resources, please contact the East Hartford Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division.
Stay warm. Stay safe. Prevent fires.