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Dear Neighbor,
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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| Tuesday the Community Investment Fund Board met and approved $1.5 million dollars for the Town of East Hartford's investment in the revitalization of Main Street, East Hartford! This vital funding will go a long way towards rejuvenating our community, strengthening local businesses, improving pedestrian safety, and enhancing the heart of our town. We are excited for the positive changes this investment will bring and the opportunities it will create for our residents and visitors. This fund was approved by the CIF board and will have final approval on the next Bond Commission Agenda. |
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U.S. Sen. Murphy and State Rep. Rojas (opinion):
Housing crisis is holding back CT
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| As elected officials, we both hear from our constituents on a wide variety of issues, from potholes to foreign policy. But in the past few years, whether it is calls to our offices or questions at town halls, the cost of housing has risen to the top of the list. Few things are more important than knowing you and your family have a safe, reliable place to live. But the sky-high cost of rent, the inadequate supply of affordable housing, and the barriers facing aspiring first-time home buyers — all exacerbated by the increase in people moving to Connecticut — have resulted in an all-out housing crisis that is holding our state back. Follow link below for full op-ed. |
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| A number of new laws that were passed during the 2024 legislative session will go into effect on Tuesday, October 1st.
New laws include increasing safety for home health care aides who are on the front lines of direct contact with clients, giving the elderly population more options for choosing nursing homes and preventing discrimination for those under mental health care.
The internet is a great informational resource, but can also be misused by thieves, bullies, predators, scam artists, and other criminals. To protect privacy, online services will be prohibited from collecting personal data without approval from those under 18, and those 13 years of age and younger only with parental consent.
Animal rights were on the radar with the banning of dog races and gifting of live animals at fairs, and increased penalties for hurting or killing a police dog. Also, the Siberian Husky will officially be the state dog on October 1!
Additionally, to help facilitate voting access for eligible voters, we included a question on the ballot in our next election that will allow voters to choose whether to implement a law for no-excuse absentee ballots. With that in mind, the integrity of our electoral system is central to voter trust and participation in elections and to help safeguard that confidence we extended the period of time during which violations of state election laws can be referred to the State Elections Enforcement Commission for investigation.
There are several new laws in addition to the above – please follow the link below for the full list and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. |
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| Thank you for your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings. Public input and feedback had a direct influence on these new laws. I encourage you to continue sharing your views and make your voice heard. |
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In the 19th century, New London, Connecticut was one of the busiest whaling hubs in the entire world, outranked only by Nantucket and New Bedford, Massachusetts. Whale oil was a crucial and versatile resource that played a huge role in powering the Industrial Revolution, serving as both fuel for lamps and as a lubricant for factory machinery. Whale bones, used to give ladies’ corsets their shapes, also commanded a high price throughout the 1800s.
In 1850, when Connecticut’s whaling industry was approaching its peak, over $1 million worth of whale oil and bones passed through the port of New London in a single year. In the later decades of the 19th century, however, the whaling industry encountered a rapid decline as decades of over-hunting had made whales harder to find, and their byproducts more expensive. Other industries successfully sought cheaper alternatives to expensive whale oil and bone: Lamps were increasingly lit using petroleum byproducts (namely kerosene) and electricity, and fashion designers turned to alternate products like steel and wooden strips to line their corsets.
Thanks to these economic pressures, by the first decades of the 20th century only a handful of Connecticut whaling vessels were still in active operation. On September 24, 1908, seasoned captain James Buddington and his crew sailed the whaling schooner Margaret out of New London. Unbeknownst to them at the time, they were embarking on the last commercial whaling voyage in Connecticut history. The Margaret’s return to port seven months later, in April 1909, marked the end of 124 years of commercial whaling in Connecticut.
Further Reading
“Crew of the Whaling Schooner Margaret, 1907,” connecticuthistory.org
Elizabeth J. Normen, “Why the Sperm Whale is Our State Animal,” Connecticut Explored
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DEEP announced that they are launching Round 2 of their E-bike voucher program on Sept. 17th at 12pm. This round will remain open until October 1, 2024. As you may know, DEEP’s eBike Incentive Program provides Point-of-Sale (POS) incentives to Connecticut residents who purchase a new qualifying eBike from a participating "brick and mortar" Connecticut eBike retailer.
The eBike incentive, which must be applied for on-line and obtained before purchasing an eligible eBike, is intended to provide additional electrified transportation options and improve air quality, especially within Environmental Justice (EJ) and disadvantaged communities.
There are two voucher amounts: the Standard Voucher is $500 and the enhanced “Voucher+” is $750. The vouchers are ‘stackable’ so income qualified Connecticut residents and residents in EJ or disadvantaged communities will be eligible for a $1,250 incentive.
The DEEP has incorporated feedback from advocates, bike shops, and other key stakeholders to better prioritize equity goals within this program. Below are a few of the key updates:
- New this year, a lottery system will be established to prioritize vouchers for income qualified applicants, followed by residents of an Environmental Justice or Distressed Municipality. Vouchers will be awarded within each tier until funding is exceeded and then a lottery will be utilized to distribute vouchers through each successive Tier until all vouchers are issued.
- Vouchers will be available for 240 days from the date of issuance to provide consumers adequate time to shop for the best eBike price and for bike shops to order an eBike if necessary.
- If you received an eBike voucher last year, you are not eligible to participate in this Round.
For more information please click HERE.
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Town Meetings
Regular Board of Directors MeetingOctober 1, 2024, 7:00 PMLincoln Center Hearing Room (494 Main Street)Board of Directors
Board of Education Regular MeetingOctober 10, 2024, 7:00 PMLincoln Center Hearing Room (494 Main Street)Board of Education
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- Monday October 21, 2024 10am – 6pm
- Tuesday October 22, 2024 10am – 6pm
- Wednesday October 23, 2024 10am – 6pm
- Thursday October 24, 2024 10am – 6pm
- Friday October 25, 2024 10am – 6pm
- Saturday October 26, 2024 10am – 6pm
- Sunday October 27, 2024 10am – 6pm
- Monday October 28, 2024 10am – 6pm
- Tuesday October 29, 2024 hours will be extended from 8am to 8pm
- Wednesday October 30, 2024 10am – 6pm
- Thursday October 31, 2024 hours will be extended from 8am to 8pm
- Friday November 1, 2024 10am – 6pm
- Saturday November 2, 2024 10am – 6pm
- Sunday November 3, 2024 10am – 6pm
The Presidential Election will take place November 5, 2024 6am – 8pm
Click here to find out where to VOTE |
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East Side Neighborhood Fall Cleanup
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The East Side Neighborhood Block Watch is hosting their East Side Neighborhood Cleanup this fall! Join us as we clean up litter and debris from our neighborhood sidewalks, parks, and open spaces.
We will meet at the East Side Neighborhood Resource Center (153 Spruce Street) to start the cleanup. Gloves and plastic bags will be supplied. |
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The world-famous race, one of America’s largest and most popular turkey trots, will be held on Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2024) at 10 a.m. It is run on a 4.737-mile loop course through Manchester’s central streets that starts and finishes on Main Street, in front of St. James Church.
The Committee has also announced that the non-profit Lutz Children’s Museum in Manchester will be the beneficiary this November of the road race’s annual “Honors Club” Program. For more information click here.
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| The Manchester Recreation Division's Fall Festival is returning for another year! Join us for one of our biggest events of the year! Leading up to the festival, we have a new scarecrow-making contest and pumpkin-carving activities free for you to participate in!
Get ready for an amazing day on October 11th! We'll have musical performances, haunted trails, food trucks, market vendors, trunk-or-treat, and more!
All Fall Festival activities take place at Northwest Park, 448 Tolland Turnpike, Manchester CT. |
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| Discover the beginner pickleball sessions offered by the Manchester Recreation Division, and secure your spot by registering now! Playing pickleball allows you to work on your balance, agility, reflexes, and hand-eye coordination without putting excessive strain on your body. We're looking forward to seeing you there! |
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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at EHPL
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| The East Hartford Public Library is excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a lineup of programs celebrating the rich histories, art, stories and contributions of those whose ancestry can be traced back to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. All programs will be held at the Raymond Library located at 840 Main Street, East Hartford.
"Capture the Flag" Scavenger Hunt
Find flags (along with some fun facts!) representing all 21 nations celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month with this scavenger hunt throughout the Raymond Library. Pick up the scavenger hunt form at the Circulation Desk to begin. Available during library open hours.
Alebrijes & Paper Flowers
Tuesday, September 17, 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Raymond Makerspace
We will be making giant celebration flowers and alebrijes (brightly colored Mexican folk-art sculptures of fantasy creatures or animals) out of paper. This program is open to everyone of all ages. Register for a reminder.
Miguel Jose Matos: Meet the Artist
Thursday, September 19, 6:00 - 7:00 PM, Raymond atrium
Meet the artist Miguel Jose Matos and view his exhibition in our Atrium. With no formal art training or education Miguel began painting around 2017. He “lets his hand follow the brush” and never goes into a piece knowing what the end result will be, since sketching does not replace improvisation. It now has become a routine adventure, sometimes painting 3-5 canvas pieces weekly. Drawing inspiration from artists like Jean Michel Basquiat, who remains one of Matos’ biggest artistic influences, has led this talented prolific Puerto Rican creator to master his own style and produce a growing body of work consisting of at least 250 canvas paintings and numerous wooden sculptures. For adults and teens. Register for a reminder.
Hispanic Heritage Month Movies
Fridays, 3:00 – 5:00 PM, September 20 – October 11, meeting room 1
Celebrate the contributions, diverse culture and history of Hispanic/Latinos through a selection of films. Enjoy popcorn with each screening! See individual film description for recommended audience.
September 27: Buena Vista Social Club (G) 1 hr 45 min
Aging Cuban musicians whose talents had been virtually forgotten following Castro's takeover of Cuba, are brought out of retirement by Ry Cooder, who travelled to Havana in order to bring the musicians together, resulting in triumphant performances of extraordinary music, and resurrecting the musicians' careers. For all ages. Register for a reminder.
October 4: A Better Life (PG 13) 1 hr 38 min
Hardworking single father Carlos Galindo lives life for a single purpose: To provide his teenage son with the opportunity for a better life. A powerful, emotional and ultimately uplifting look at the heroic struggle of immigrants in their quest for the American Dream. Best suited for adults and mature teens. Register for a reminder.
October 11: Coco (PG) 1hr 45 min
Aspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family's ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer. For all ages. Register for a reminder.
Information about library programs and services at both branches can be found on our website: www.easthartfordct.gov/library or by calling the Raymond Library at 860-290-4330.
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East Hartford Farmers' Market
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The Town of East Hartford Farmers’ Market is open Tuesdays through October 29 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Town Green / Alumni Park (1047 Main Street).
CALL FOR FARMERS’ MARKET VENDORS:
Are you a farmer or market vendor who produces honey, milk, eggs, bread, other foods, or locally produced crafts who wishes to be part of the East Hartford Farmers’ Market? Are you a business or non-profit organization looking to promote your services? Please visit the East Hartford Farmers’ Market website for guidelines and to access the vendor application (both online and printable options are available). There is no cost to participate as a vendor and individuals are able to request space for specific dates or the full market season. Once your application is submitted, organizers will review and determine if your product or service is appropriate for the farmers’ market.
DONATE TO BECOME AN EH FARMERS’ MARKET PARTNER!
The Town of East Hartford is asking for donations from residents, community organizations, and businesses to support our market programs that fight food insecurity right here in our community. Your support will help residents buy fresh, healthy foods from farmers that support our market. Donations will help the Town provide additional support to SNAP, WIC, and SFMNP recipients through farmers’ market matching vouchers.
Donations can be made online by visiting the Social Services Donation Program website and choosing the “Farmers’ market partner program” option. Alternatively, cash or check donations can be dropped off to East Hartford Youth & Social Services Division located at the Community Cultural Center at 50 Chapman Place. Checks should be made payable to the Town of East Hartford Youth & Social Services Division with “Farmers Market” noted in the bottom left. Any amount helps!
For more information regarding the various benefit programs and the Social Services donation program, please visit East Hartford Farmers’ Market website.
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Japan Week at the East Hartford
Public Library: October 5 – 11, 2024
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The culture of Japan will be center stage for a week-long series of programs from October 5 – 11 at the East Hartford Public Library. Japan Week is organized by East Hartford resident Toshiko Uchino along with members of the US and Japan Society of Connecticut. Funding support for Japan Week is provided by the East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts.
Saturday, October 5
Kick off Japan Week at 1 PM with a calligraphy class! Create an ema with calligraphy artist Michiko Imai in the Raymond Library Makerspace. For adults and teens. Registration required.
An exhibition by Michiko Imai will be on display at Raymond Library during Japan Week. Meet the artist and view her show at an after-hours reception from 5 – 7 PM. Enjoy light refreshments and take a moment to check out the Kokeshi wooden doll exhibit being shown concurrently. Register for a reminder.
Sunday, October 6
At 2 PM, children and families are invited to learn origami together! Join us at Raymond Library for an afternoon of paper-folding and an elementary-level Japanese language lesson presented by Riho Hirohashi and friends from Old Greenwich, Connecticut. Best suited for ages 8 and up. Please register.
Michiko Imai will return on Sunday for a brush-stroke calligraphy floor demonstration at 3 PM. This dramatic and exciting program is best suited for all ages. No registration required.
Monday, October 7 @ the Senior Center
Japan Week moves to the Senior Center for a showing of “Perfect Days” at 1 PM. Hirayama feels content with his life as a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. Outside of his structured routine, he cherishes music on cassette tapes, reads books, and takes photos. Through unexpected encounters, he reflects on finding beauty in the world. Directed by Wim Wenders. Rated PG. Run time: 2 hours, 5 minutes. To attend a program at the Senior Center, you must be 55 or older and a resident of East Hartford. Register by calling the Senior Center: 860-291-7460
Let’s Wrap and Roll Rice!
Instructor Yutaka Iwabushi from Maruichi Food & Deli in West Hartford will present two cooking programs on the theme of “Let’s Wrap and Roll Rice!” On Wednesday, October 7 at 6:30 PM at Raymond Library, she will teach the class how to make onigiri, Japanese rice balls. Register here for the Wednesday program. On Thursday, October 8 at 6:30 PM at Raymond Library, she will teach the class how to make futomaki, thick Japanese sushi rolls. Both programs are best suited to adults and teens. Register here for the Thursday program.
Friday, October 11 @ Wickham Library
Enjoy a movie afternoon at the Wickham Library! Japan Week will conclude with a 2 PM showing of “Ikiru,” directed by Akira Kurosawa. Mr. Watanabe suddenly finds that he has terminal cancer. He vows to make his final days meaningful. His attempts to communicate his anguish to his son and daughter-in-law lead only to heartbreak. Finally, inspired by an unselfish co-worker, he turns his efforts to bringing happiness to others by building a playground in a dreary slum neighborhood. When the park is finally completed, he is able to face death with peaceful acceptance. Not rated. Run time: 2 hours, 5 minutes. Register for a reminder.
Stop by anytime during library open hours to view the exhibitions, and browse our book displays on the main level for more information on Japanese culture.
For more information on Japan Week, and to register for programs, visit our website: www.easthartfordct.gov/library or call the Raymond Library at 860-290-4330. Raymond Library is located at 840 Main St., East Hartford. |
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Early Voting for General Election
October 21 - November 3
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Early voting will be available for the General Election beginning October 21st at Town Hall (740 Main Street) second floor, Welling Conference Room.
Early voting hours will be: 10 am – 6 pm with the exception of October 29 and 31 where hours will be 8 am – 8 pm
The General Election will take place November 5, 2024 from 6am – 8pm. All polling locations will be open on Primary Day.
If you are not registered, but want to vote during the Early Voting period, you may register in person every day of Early Voting at the Early Voting location.
If you are not registered, but want to vote on Election Day, you may register in person on Election Day at your Election Day Registration site.
To receive important election updates text VOTE to 860.321.4221
Additional information:
English
Español |
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East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department presents a Trick or Treat Trail!
DATE: Saturday, October 26th
TIME: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
LOCATION: East Hartford Town Green, 1047 Main Street
East Hartford children ages 10 and younger (and their accompanying parent/guardian) are invited to head down the trail in our festively decorated park to various stations for candy, treats, and giveaways. Each child should bring their own bag or basket to collect treats. Please dress appropriately for the weather. This event will be held rain or shine.
The event is FREE for East Hartford residents. For more information, please call East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department at 860-291-7160.
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Fall Fest will take place on Saturday, October 5th, from 11:00am-3:00pm, at the East Hartford Town Green, 1047 Main Street.
Fall Fest is one of the Town’s largest events, averaging over 2,000 participants each year. Fall Fest is the perfect family-friendly event that offers fun activities for children and adults alike. Among many activities, there will be a variety of vendors, food, pumpkin decorating, pumpkin bounce house, scarecrow decorating, a giant inflatable corn maze and more! Crafters, vendors, and non-profit organizations are welcome to participate in this event. Entry to the event is free. However, there is an optional $5-ticket (cash only) for visitors that provides access to some of the attractions, games, and the pumpkin decorating activity.
If you are a vendor interested in participating in the event, please fill out a vendor application form on the town website at easthartfordct.gov/parks-recreation or call the Parks and Recreation office at 860-291-7160.
In case of inclement weather, the event will be Sunday, October 6th from 11:00am-3:00pm.
For more information please call Parks and Recreation at 860-291-7160 or visit www.easthartfordct.gov/parks-recreation |
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East Hartford Walk for Hope
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Don't miss the first ever East Hartford Walk for Hope Breast Cancer Awareness Event on Saturday, October 5th at 9 am at the Community Cultural Center! Join us as we walk a mile to honor the survivors and those we've lost. Community health organizations and speakers, such as Mayor Connor Martin, Council Member and survivor, Sebrina Wilson, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, will be there to raise awareness and speak on preventative and protective measures!
Register for free here: https://ehparks.myrec.com/info/default.aspx
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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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