Jason Rojas

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

The House is BACK IN SESSION starting February 4th. Our Representatives are gearing up for a busy short session, working hard to pass critical legislation through May 6th. Follow along at CT-N.com and stay tuned here for updates! 
 

In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received a U.S. Patent for the first practical telephone design, ushering in one of the most revolutionary devices of the late 19th century. The earliest telephones, however, were extremely limited: they allowed for communication between two receivers, but only if they were directly connected by a single wire. It wasn’t until January 1878 that a New Haven inventor by the name of George Willard Coy created the world’s first commercial telephone exchange, which allowed a single telephone to connect to multiple lines through a central switchboard.

On January 28, 1878, Coy’s telephone exchange, under the aegis of the District Telephone Company of New Haven, went live, ushering the world into a new age of live, long-distance, and convenient communication. For its first month of operation, the District Telephone Company had twenty-one subscribers — mostly businesses and government offices — which paid $1.50 a month for the service. Less than a month later, the number of subscribers had more than doubled, inspiring Coy to publish the world’s first telephone directory on February 21 — a one-page listing of all fifty subscribers on his exchange. The switchboard quickly became a fundamental feature of telephone communications the world over, and Coy’s company, which renamed itself the Southern New England Telephone company in 1882, would become one of New England’s most influential companies of the 20th century.

Thirty-seven years to the day after Coy opened his exchange, Thomas B. Doolitle of Bridgeport, who was then on the Pacific Coast installing the innovative system he had helped develop and was about to use, made the first transcontinental call to Connecticut, to talk to his daughter in Branford. Revolutionary connections made twice, today in Connecticut history.

Further Reading

Laura Smith, “First Commercial Telephone Exchange,” connecticuthistory.org

“Site of the First Telephone Exchange,” National Park Service

Erik Ofgang, “New Haven Was Home of World’s First Telephone Exchange,” Connecticut Magazine

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

• Monday, February 02, 2026 | 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
• 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 January 17th,   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  

Mayor Connor Martin invites you to the third annual State of the Town Address on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 6:00-8:00pm. The meeting will take place in the Town Council Chambers on the second floor of Town Hall, 740 Main Street.

This is a great opportunity to hear firsthand about progress and vision for the year ahead, along with key updates, achievements, and future plans for our town.

In addition, the community will have an opportunity to meet the Mayor and Town of East Hartford directors. A Q&A session will follow the meeting, providing an opportunity for you ask your questions.

This is a hybrid meeting (in-person and virtual). You can join the Microsoft Teams meeting here

Meeting ID: 235 866 465 752 61

Passcode: Y2wL6Qm2

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.