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Dear Neighbor,
I want to share some highlights including state and local updates. |
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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
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I always look forward to the opportunity to meet with residents face-to-face and really talk about your concerns and ideas – it’s what helps me to best represent our community. I’ll be hosting Virtual Office Hours. If you’d like to participate, sign up for a time slot here.
Sign up here
https://calendly.com/d/4q8-ymh-vt5/virtual-office-hours-with-rep-jason-rojas
Please call the office with any questions at (860)240-8541 or email us at Awet.Tsegai@cga.ct.gov |
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East Hartford YMCA Ribbon Cutting
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Greater Hartford CAN Round Table
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It is my pleasure to announce that on Thursday the 26th I'll be leading tours of the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch from 12:00pm-1:30pm and invite anyone that may be interested in learning some local history! I hope you can make it and feel free to share.
Find more information on the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch here.
If you are interested in becoming a tour guide like me click here.
For parking information click here. |
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UCONN Announces 17th President of the University
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| Last week, I attended the inaugural luncheon and ceremony as the board of directors appointed Radenka Maric as UConn's 17th president of the university. I congratulate her on this appointment and know she will do a great job! To read more about President Radenka Maric, click here: https://president.uconn.edu/biography/ |
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From world-famous pizza to the world’s first (or longest continuous source of the ) hamburger, New Haven is, bite for bite, home to more remarkable American food history than most other American cities regardless of their size or age. When it comes to one-of-a-kind tastes and All-American choices – with a decidedly international influence, of course (Can you say “Ahbeets?”) – New Haven, shall we say, definitely punches above its weight. Among the Foodie City’s lesser-known — but no less notable — food-related firsts was the invention of the modern-day lollipop.
In 1908, George P. Smith of New Haven’s Bradley Smith Company submitted an application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark office in hopes of securing exclusive rights to the name “lollipop.” A few years earlier, the Bradley Smith company had started selling hard candies on a stick under the name “lollipops” — a whimsical name Smith had borrowed from a prize-winning horse he had seen at a local racing track named Lolly Pop.
While Smith’s company was the first to sell these confections under the “lollipop” moniker, the concept of selling sweets on a stick had been around for decades, if not centuries. Smith received a harsh reminder of this very fact from the U.S. Trademark and Patent office, who rejected his original application after a diligent clerk discovered that the term “lollipop” had been defined in early 19th century British dictionaries as “a hard sweetmeat, sometimes on a stick.”
For years, the Bradley Smith Company continued to sell their increasingly popular candies under the “lollipop” name while Smith tried to think of a clever way around his copyright conundrum. Finally, in 1931, Smith submitted the name “Lolly Pop,” split into two words, and was granted a trademark for that name on October 13 of that same year. By that time, however, competing candy companies had been using the “lollipop” name so frequently that the two spellings soon became interchangeable. Only a few years later, in 1938, the struggling Bradley Smith Company was forced to cease its candy-making operations — but not before it had earned the city of New Haven yet another prestigious food history “first,” today in Connecticut history.
Further Reading
“New Haven Gives the Lollipop its Name,” connecticuthistory.org
Anne Ewbank, “Sticky Business,” The Daily Nutmeg
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Important Offshore Wind Updates for Connecticut
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The winds of change are blowing! Last week, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island announced the first-of-its-kind effort in the United States to coordinate their offshore wind efforts, which opens up the potential to procure clean energy together at more competitive and affordable rates.
The three states will work collaboratively to amplify all the benefits of offshore wind, which also include regional economic development opportunities, healthier communities, lower energy bills and advantages to environmental justice populations and low-income ratepayers.
In addition to the multistate regional collaboration, Connecticut also announced its first-ever strategic roadmap for economic development in the offshore wind industry supported by a newly formed public-private nonprofit group of experts and stakeholders known as the Connecticut Wind Collaborative (CWC).
Connecticut’s deepwater ports, direct water access, and long history of advanced manufacturing make it a natural hub for offshore wind development.
Offshore wind is a vital part of the process geared toward providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy to Connecticut, which has a statutory target of 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2040 that we passed during the 2022 legislative session. The new collaborative and strategic roadmap will further the effort to reach that goal. |
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Manchester
Please arrive early to be in line for 9 am as the truck leaves promptly at 9:30 am. Open to the public--bring a sturdy grocery bag! This program is made possible by Foodshare and Winn Residential - Resident Service Program. For more information call 860-646-1280.
Squire Village, 48 Spencer Street, 06040 (1st parking lot off Imperial Drive #78)
- Tuesday, October 24, 2023 | 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
https://www.manchesterct.gov/Activities-Events/Town-Calendar-of-Events/Squire-Village-Mobile-Foodshare-2023
Get mobile pantry updates in your area by texting the word Foodshare to 85511. |
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East Hartford
The Connecticut Foodshare truck will be in the parking lot to distribute the food. Please bring your bags and be prepared to possibly wait in line.
Mayberry Village –St. Isaac Jogues Church Parking Lot (41 Home Terrace East Hartford)
- Monday, October 16th, 2023 12:30 PM-1:15 PM
- Monday, October 30th, 2023 12:30 PM-1:15 PM
Get mobile pantry updates in your area by texting the word Foodshare to 85511. |
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Old Manchester Museum Open House
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May 6 and the first Saturday of each month through December, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Open house and socializing at the 1859 former school, located at 126 Cedar Street. There are exhibits, artwork, old maps, and a small museum shop with local-history items for sale. Come for a few minutes, or stay longer. Our hosts may be able to help you with some research -- there is a collection of Town directories at the museum.
- Saturday, November 04, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
- Saturday, December 02, 2023 | 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
126 Cedar St Manchester, CT |
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Fall Program and Event Guide
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The Manchester Registrars of Voters is looking to hire residents to be paid election officials to work at the polls for the upcoming local election, Tuesday, November 7, 2023 and any other future elections. We are looking for good people who care about their community, who want to ensure that each vote counts, and who want each voter to have the best possible voting experience. This is an opportunity to fulfill an important civic duty and to get paid as well. It is very satisfying day, as you assist in the ultimate democratic right and process—voting.
Before you apply, and we hope that you do, here is some information you should consider:
You must be a US Citizen and Manchester resident. Positions are Full-Day positions, which means you must arrive at the polling location at 5:15 am and stay until the close of the poll. The poll usually closes at 8:00 pm, but can stay open later if voters are still in line at 8:00 pm. Most poll workers have some paperwork to complete and then are free to leave, approximately 30 minutes after the close of the poll.
A training class must be taken by all poll workers before the election.
For more information contact the Registrars of Voters office at 860-647-3025 or email registrar@manchesterct.gov
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Parking Enforcement Constable
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Downtown Manchester Special Services District is seeking to hire a friendly, customer-service-oriented, physically active individual to manage parking Downtown.
This person will serve as a Parking Enforcement Constable by monitoring Downtown parking and enforcing regulations by issuing tickets. A parking enforcement constable is an employee of the Downtown Manchester Special Services District that is authorized by the Town Manager to issue parking tickets.
This role also serves as an Ambassador for Downtown, representing the Downtown District to the patrons and customers.
For more information and to apply check out the link below
https://www.downtownmanchester.org/2023/09/12/870/downtown-parking-ambassador/ |
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| Manchester has launched planning efforts for its 2023 Bicentennial Celebration. This year long celebration will consist of a variety of opportunities to remember the past, celebrate the present, and dream about the future. Festivities will include historical and educational programs, special events, and commemorative projects. |
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Free Drop-off Day at the Transfer Station!
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The Public Works – Sanitation Department is excited to host another Free Drop-off Day at the Transfer Station! This event provides the residents of Manchester an opportunity to clean out their unwanted household waste at no cost. Join us on Saturday, October 14, at 311 Olcott Street.
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Pumpkin Carvings
We will have staff at Northwest Park with pumpkins for you to carve and we will decorate the park and the haunted trail with your pumpkins!
Dates: 10/10/23 & 10/11/23
Time: 5:00PM-7:00 PM
Join us for the annual Family Fall Fest. We will have vendors, bounce houses, a haunted trail and of course CANDY! Dress in your favorite costume.
Date: 10/13/2023
Time: 5:00PM-8:00PM
Location: Northwest Park, 448 Tolland Tpke.
Contact info: Josh Charette, jcharette@manchesterct.gov
Phone: (860)647-3139
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Leaf Collection Program 2023
to Begin October 30, 2023
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East Hartford, CT— The Town of East Hartford will begin the annual curbside leaf collection program on Monday, October 30, 2023. The program will feature a continuous vacuuming of leaves placed in piles on a tree belt. Leaves will be vacuumed Monday through Saturday starting October 30th continuously through December 9, 2023.
The leaf collection program will commence on roads in the northwest corner of town in the area of Pitkin Street and then proceed north and east through the Burnham and Goodwin Street areas. Leaves will be vacuumed along each street, weather permitting. Collection will proceed in a clockwise direction around town. There will be no leaf collection on two (2) Town-observed holidays—Veterans Day, November 10, 2023 and Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023.
The schedule for leaf pickup can be found on the Department of Public Works Weekly Advisory Map, that will be live for October 30, 2023, and on the Facebook page. The map will show completed areas as well as the areas where leaf collection is anticipated the following week. Residents should note that the map is tentative and dependent on the weather and the speed of collection and should not be considered a set collection schedule. Progress of the collection is weather-dependent and will be affected by rain or snow. Snowfall before mid-December may cause a suspension or cancelation of leaf collection. The map will be updated with address-specific collection information, such as whether collection has been completed or is anticipated by close of business on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Residents, please look for leaf program lawn signs! Leaf collection lawn signs will be posted in neighborhoods to notify residents that curbside leaf pickup is coming, and to encourage raking to the curb and paper leaf bag collection.
This information will also be communicated via our EH Alert platform as a text, call or email to those subscribed to “town services.” To receive those notifications, please select "Town Services" during registration in the drop down menu.
Residents also have two (2) additional options for leaf disposal:
OPTION 1: Curbside Brown Bag Collection for six (6) weeks
- Town crews will pick up leaves placed in biodegradable brown paper bags beginning October 30, 2023 through December 9, 2023 on your regular waste collection day, weather permitting. Leaves, in biodegradable brown paper bags only. No grass clippings, branches or other waste items can be placed in the paper bags nor will the Town collect leaves in plastic bags.
OPTION 2: Resident Transport to The Transfer Station for FREE Disposal
- Residents may also bring their leaves to the Transfer Station on Ecology Drive between 8 AM to 1:45 PM on the following days:
- Every Saturday in November
- First three Saturdays in December
- Transfer Station will be open on November 11 & 25 for leaves only.
Leaves in plastic bags will not be accepted.
Instructions for using the Weekly Advisory Map:
Enter your address in the search bar.
The Map will show your property- click on it to pull up the anticipated collection week.
To find out if the leaf collection has already been completed in your area, please click on the road centerline, which will indicate if the street has been completed.
For any additional information, please call Public Works Administration, 860-291-7374. |
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East Hartford Farmers Market
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| The East Hartford Farmers’ Market are excited to present to you their new and improved Farmers' Market, with new vendors and updated hours. The 2023 farmers’ market dates are held Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00p.m. They invite residents to celebrate Connecticut-grown fruits, vegetables and locally produced foods, as well as enjoy our market - a place to connect with others in our community.
Location: Raymond Library at 840 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06108
Dates: Tuesdays through October 24
Hours: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For more information click here |
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East Hartford Social Services Invites Local Families to
Sign up for Koats 4 Kids Program
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The East Hartford Youth and Social Services Department is accepting applications for the Back to School Koats 4 Kids program! The program provides qualifying parents with assistance up to $60 per child to purchase a new coat for their children entering grades K-12 this fall 2023.
The Koats 4 Kids Program is sponsored by the East Hartford Rotary Club in collaboration with Burlington Coat Factory.
Social Services will work with parents of eligible children in grades Pre-K to 12th to receive a coat. The coats will be distributed to the first 100 registered families on Sunday October 15, 2023 starting from 8:00 AM at the Burlington Coat Factory (940 Silver Lane, East Hartford).
Participants must be an East Hartford Resident and attend a school within the East Hartford Public Schools system, graded Pre-K to 12th grade. Children can be referred by their school, East Hartford Youth Services, church, or be self-referred.
Deadline to register is Wednesday, October 11 at 4 PM. Please call the Social Services Department at 860-291-7248 with questions.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
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East Hartford Partners with East Hartford Tennis Club
to Offer Indoor Pickleball
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The Town of East Hartford once again partnered with the East Hartford Tennis Club to offer indoor pickleball for local senior residents 55 years of age and older.
The program will be held at the East Hartford Tennis Club, 151 Roberts Street on Tuesday & Thursday from 1:00pm – 3:00pm, at a cost of $5.00 each day.
The program will run from Tuesday, October 10th and through March 2024.
This will be another positive boost to a very popular program for seniors as the town has opened up six new first-class concrete courts located at Hockanum Park on High Street.
Please contact the Tennis Club can be contact with any questions (860) 528-9251.
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East Hartford Parks & Recreation Invites
you to our Trick or Treat Trail
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| East Hartford residents are invited to join us for a FREE Trick or Treat Trail event on the Town Green, 1021 Main Street on Sunday, October 29th from 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
This event is for East Hartford children ages 10 and younger, and their accompanying parent/guardian.
No registration is required.
Participants will head down the trail in our festively decorated park to various stations, sponsored by local organizations and businesses, for candy, treats and giveaways. Each participating organization and business will have representatives and costumed characters distributing goodies.
Each child should bring their own bag or basket to collect treats. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Halloween costumes are encouraged! This event will be held rain or shine.
If you are a local businesses interested in participating in the event, please fill out the form below or call Parks and Recreation at 860-291-7160 for assistance:
Businesses are asked to register by October 20 at 4:30 PM.
For more information, please call East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department at 860-291-7160
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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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