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:

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

I had the pleasure of joining the community for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Gorman Park. It’s wonderful to see students and families gain a beautifully renovated space they can enjoy for years to come. Thank you to the dedicated East Hartford staff, our outstanding Parks & Recreation team, and Mayor Martin for their hard work and commitment in bringing these improvements to life. This project, made possible through the support of the legislative delegation, stands as a testament to what collaboration and community investment can achieve. I’m proud to celebrate this milestone with everyone involved.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing a wrong way driver detection installation will take place on I-384 eastbound at Exit 1 in Manchester. This project is scheduled to occur on Monday, November 24, 2025.

The Wrong Way Detection System uses video cameras to detect vehicles that are traveling in the wrong direction. If a vehicle is detected, wrong way signs outlined with multiple sets of red lights are activated and begin flashing to alert the driver they are traveling in the wrong direction. Additionally, the system alerts the CTDOT Highway Operations Center and local State Police Troop barracks in real-time, allowing staff to monitor the activities of the wrong way driver on the ramp.

For more information on CTDOT’s commitment to stopping wrong way drivers, visit https://portal.ct.gov/wrongwaydriving

The work is being performed by Paramount Electrical Contractors and State Forces.

LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO

Motorists can expect a closure of I-384 eastbound at Exit 1 in Manchester on Monday, November 24, 2025. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone. The work schedule for this project is from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday. The rain date will be the following day.

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.

Even though the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies are still up in the air (and if Congress does vote on an extension, the vote wouldn't happen until mid-December), Access Health CT is available to answer any questions you may have as you shop for health and dental plans. 

Access Health CT call centers are open to help residents understand their options. If customers enroll on or before December 15, their coverage will commence on January 1, 2026. If they enroll between December 16 and January 15, 2026, their coverage will start February 1, 2026.

• AHCT offers free expert help online, in-person, and over the phone to help customers with the process of enrolling.
• Customers can visit accesshealthct.com and click the GET HELP button on the homepage to find the option that works best for them — including scheduling an appointment, finding a nearby Navigator site, or attending an enrollment fair.
• There is also a list of Certified Brokers available, and it is free to work with a broker.  They are trained to help customers find a plan.
• Customers can also contact the AHCT call center at 1-855-805-4325 with questions. Help is available in over 100 languages.

What to Watch Out For

• High pressure, urgent timeline (“you must send money now”).
• Request to pay with gift cards, wire transfer, prepaid cards, personal checks, or cryptocurrency.
• Caller says you must not contact family or police.
• Caller ID spoofing (it may show a local number or government agency, but is fake).
• Unwilling to meet in person or hesitant to identify themselves with official credentials.

What to Do if You Believe You Are a Victim

• Contact the local police to report the incident.
• Do not transfer money and do not give any payment information.
• Do not give any personal information or confirm/repeat social security numbers, birthdates, bank information or account numbers.
• Verify by calling the family member with a known number, not one provided by the caller.
• If you have already made a payment, contact your bank or the payment service immediately

Where to Go for Help

• National Elder Fraud Hot Line- 1-833-372-8311
• Elder Fraud - Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 

File a Suspicious Activity Report with CTIC or download the “CT SAFE” application on your phone.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is now accepting applications for the Animal Population Control Program’s (APCP) Low-Income Program. The online portal, apcp.ct.gov, allows eligible Connecticut residents to apply for assistance with spaying or neutering a dog or cat they own.

All applications must be submitted online.

Residents who meet the program’s income eligibility guidelines can apply quickly and easily online. To be eligible for the low-income program, pet owners must reside in Connecticut and receive benefits from one of five programs through the Department of Social Services at the time of application. Those programs include:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Husky A, C, or D (Medicaid)
• State Administered General Assistance (SAGA)
• Temporary Family Assistance (TFA)
• State Supplement 

How to Apply:

• Visit apcp.ct.gov and login or register
• Complete the online application form
• Upload required documents
• Track your application status
• Receive an email notification containing your voucher number
• Redeem at a participating veterinary location 

Upon approval, vouchers will be issued electronically for up to two (2) pets on a first-come, first-serve basis of the available funds. The voucher is valid for 60 days and provides two vaccinations and a one-time sterilization benefit of $200 for a female dog, $180 for a male dog, $120 for a female cat, and $80 for a male cat.

Sterilizations and vaccinations must be performed by a Connecticut Licensed Veterinarian participating in the Animal Population Control Program. A list of practices and facilities with participating licensed veterinarians can be found on the APCP program page.  If the veterinarians spay/neuter fee exceeds the voucher amount, the eligible pet owner is responsible for the difference. Payment for any additional procedures and/or medications is the responsibility of the pet owner.

The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses.

Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state. Through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.

All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill. For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need. GPCT has upcoming Energy Assistance Application Cycles: 

• January 2-10
• March 2-10  

To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, go to: https://gpct.org/gethelp/

Today in 1914, over 68,000 fans gathered in the largest sports arena the world had ever seen to watch Yale University’s football team lose to Harvard in a 30 – 0 shutout in the first game ever held at the Yale Bowl.

The new Yale Bowl was an architectural marvel. Modeled after classical Roman amphitheaters and built with room for over 70,000 fans, it could hold an audience over 50 percent larger than the next largest stadium in existence (Princeton Stadium, with a capacity of 42,000 people). Designed by Yale alum Charles Ferry, the football field was the first in the United States to be built in a completely enclosed stadium. It was also the first arena to be referred to as a “bowl” (because of its shape) instead of the traditional monikers “stadium” or “coliseum.” Nine years after it became the first “bowl,” the city of Pasadena, California followed suit, naming their new circular stadium — and the annual football championship it hosted — the Rose Bowl. The term “bowl” has since been used to describe scores of college football championship games, as well as the biggest game in professional football: the Super Bowl.

On that very first game day — November 21, 1914 — the city of New Haven was completely swamped by the largest crowd of football fans ever gathered in the United States. The New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad reported the busiest day in its history, with over 30,000 fans crowded onto train cars all morning. More than 25,000 automobiles were also estimated to have clogged the streets of the Elm City. Residents were warned to lock their doors. Local hospitals even set up temporary treatment centers near the Yale Bowl in case of emergencies. For all the crowd-management anxiety though, the day came and went without major incident or issue, except, of course, – from the Yalie’s perspective – the final 30 – 0 score.

Several other now-iconic stadiums, including the L.A. Coliseum and Michigan Stadium, were directly modeled after the Yale Bowl, although those venues, unlike Yale, were built with ample facilities for both players and guests. For unknown reasons, the Yale Bowl was designed — and built — without restrooms or locker rooms. Temporary facilities were erected just outside of the stadium in 1930, and subsequent renovations have ensured adequate bathroom access for patrons. To this day though, the Yale Bowl lacks locker room facilities for both the home and visiting teams.

The Yale Bowl was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, and remains the home of Yale Football. A beloved symbol of the American football tradition kicked off its grand debut in New Haven over a century ago, today in Connecticut history.

https://www.easthartfordct.gov/residents
 
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The Town of Manchester thanks all those that attended the community information session for the Manchester Flood Resiliency Plan! If you were unable to attend, feel free to ask any questions by emailing: manchesterfloodplan@gmail.com.

To learn more about the project, visit the Town of Manchester website.

The Manchester Youth Commission is requesting proposals for Mini Grants of up to $1000 per application to Manchester community groups which are either led by, or intended to benefit, youth in Manchester. Qualifying candidates must plan to facilitate a project or program which fulfills one of three categories: Out of School Time/After School Initiatives, Service-Learning Initiatives, and Arts and Culture Initiatives. Grant money may not be used for religious instruction or materials, capital expenses, or donations to other organizations.

Applications for the Manchester Youth Commission Mini Grant Program are available online and must be completed and received by the Manchester Youth Services Bureau by no later than 11:59PM on December 5th, 2025. A letter of support or recommendation is also required. Grant recipients whose proposals have been selected for funding will be notified by the end of January. Decisions will be based on recommendations of the Manchester Youth Commission Philanthropy Committee and the availability of funds. Applying does not guarantee selection. Getting funded one year does not guarantee funding another year.

Apply Today

For additional information, please contact Samantha Bell at the Manchester Youth Service Bureau at (959) 221-0780, or e-mail sbell@manchesterct.gov.

Runners Will Make Strides to Fight Food Insecurity

Registration for the 89th Manchester Road Race opened on September 1^st, and race organizers said that the thousands of runners who are expected to compete in it will all be making strides to alleviate hunger in Connecticut.

Dr. Tris Carta, President of the Manchester Road Race Committee, announced that food insecurity will be the primary charitable focus of this year’s road race, which will be held at 10 a.m. in Manchester on Thanksgiving Day (November 27, 2025).

According to Carta, the race committee voted to suspend in 2025 its practice of annually awarding grants from the event’s net proceeds to a number of diverse charities and nonprofits. Instead, those funds will be earmarked this year for two organizations that provide food to those in need, Connecticut Foodshare and Manchester Area Conference of Churches Charities.

Connecticut Foodshare is a food bank serving the people of Connecticut, and is a member of Feeding America’s nationwide network. It distributes healthy food through a network of more than 650 food pantries, community kitchens and meal programs and operates mobile food distribution centers across the state.

MACC Charities operates a “Community Kitchen’ serving lunches during the week and an emergency food pantry that distributes groceries.

“There is a pressing need at Connecticut’s food banks right now, and we’re hoping that our road race can make a substantial contribution to address it,” Carta said.

Carta also indicated that the committee has designated MACC Charities as the beneficiary of the road race’s annual Honors Club Program.  Each year, the race sets aside bibs for up to 120 runners who each pay $100, instead of the traditional entry fee. All of those funds are donated to a single designated charity, which this year will be MACC Charities.

Registration for the 4.737-mile Thanksgiving Day Run is available on-line at www.manchesterroadrace.com.

This year’s entry fee will remain $32 for runners who sign up on-line at www.manchesterroadrace.com prior to 11:59 pm EST on Sept 30.  The entry fee subsequently increases to $37 on October 1^st and to $42 on November 22.  

Registration for the race will close completely on November 25, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST. No entries will be accepted on the day of the race.

Runners will once again have the option to either pick up their bibs in person, or have them delivered.  The race committee has scheduled a number of times and dates prior to the race when bibs can be picked up in person at no additional cost.  Details about the schedule and locations of the in-person pickup dates, and the fee that will be charged for delivery, will be available at www.manchesterroadrace.com when registration opens on September 1^st.

Race officials are reminding runners that there will not be bib pickup on the morning of the race.

“We’ve been working on plans for this year’s race since last winter, and we believe it is going to be another world-class event,” Carta said. “We anticipate another exciting race with a large field, and we are urging everyone to register as soon as they possibly can.

Carta also said that race officials are once again offering a Virtual Manchester Road Race option for those who can’t attend the event in person.  Participants can download a GPS-enabled app to their smartphones and have their times recorded as they run the MRR course distance at any location in the world.

On-line registration for the virtual run also begins on Sept. 1^st and closes on Nov.25^th.  The registration fee is $30 and more information is available at www.manchesterroadrace.com.

Approximately 400 volunteers from the Manchester Road Race Committee organize the annual Thanksgiving Day Run, with support from the Town of Manchester. More details are available on the road race website.

As the holidays near, we reflect on how much we are thankful for, and think about those in need. We proudly announce our 4th annual program where you can donate much needed personal items to our fellow East Hartford Seniors staying at Riverside Health Care.

Each resident in the program filled out a “Christmas Tree Wish List” form asking for small items such as socks, pajamas, etc. Your generosity and caring gesture will brighten their Christmas, lift their spirits, and earn their heartfelt thanks to you.

Click here to learn more at the East Hartford Commission on Aging website for more information on how you can help.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO DONATE

Please drop off all unwrapped items with the participant’s # and first name at Riverside Health Care, 745 Main Street, East Hartford (across from the East Hartford Town Hall) BY November 22, 2025 or sooner. If you wish to donate a random item without sponsoring a particular person, please mark the gift as #50, and it will be given to a needy individual.

We THANK YOU for your donations and kindness to others in need. Have a safe and peaceful holiday season.

How to Check SNAP Balances:

• Call 1-888-328-2666
• Use MyDSS online
• Access the DSS SNAP work rules pre-screener. Starting December 1, 2025, all towns in Connecticut will now follow special SNAP work rules for adults. Please use this SNAP Work Rules Pre-screener to understand if these new rules apply to you.
• Access SNAP updates in multiple languages
• CT DSS SNAP presentation
• For other resources or eligibility questions, call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org for continuous updates

East Hartford Resources: 

• East Hartford Food Resource Calendar - English and Spanish
• Free Food for Seniors, Age 60+ (English)
• Free Food for Seniors, Age 60+ (Spanish)
• Find a Connecticut Foodshare Mobile Food Pantry in East Hartford or text the word foodshare to 85511 (standard text messaging rates may apply).
• Friendship Soup Kitchen Hot "Grab & Go" (New Covenant United Methodist Church located at 6 Church Street, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm)
• East Hartford food pantries:
  • St. Isaac's Church - 1 Community Street
    Every other Wednesday
    4:30 PM- 5:30 PM
  • Town of East Hartford Food Pantry - 50 Chapman Place (Lower Level) 
    2nd and 4th Thursday 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM and 3rd Mopnday 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • St. Mary's Church – 30 Maplewood Avenue
    Tuesdays 11:30 AM - 12:30PM
    Fridays 11:30AM - 1:30PM
  • First United Food Pantry - 404 Prospect Street
    1st and 3rd Wednesdays 
    11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • South Congregational Church - 1301 Forbes Street
    Every other Tuesday
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Crossroads Community Cathedral - 1492 Silver Lane
    Every other Wednesday
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Charity Seventh Day Adventist Church - 1535 Forbes Street
    Every other Thursday
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• East Hartford Youth and Social Services: (860) 291-7248

Additional Food Resources:

• Connecticut Foodshare

Other Support:

• Find financial support for utilities and rent, as you might need to spend more in food costs. For utilities assistance, please apply now here: Energy Assistance - Community Renewal Team and Generation Power CT

How You Can Help: 

• Donate Financially to the East Hartford Food Pantry
• Donate Food to the East Hartford Food Pantry

Leaves will be vacuumed Monday through Saturday through December 13th, 2025. 

The program consists of the vacuuming of leaves placed in piles on a tree belt. Leaves will be vacuumed along each street, weather permitting. 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. Collection will proceed in a clockwise direction around town.

There will be no leaf collection on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025.

The schedule for leaf pickup can be found on the Department of Public Works Weekly Advisory Map and on the Town Facebook page.

CLICK HERE FOR WEEKLY LEAF MAP

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 cancellation 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 tree belt and paper leaf bag collection.

Please do not block storm drains and catch basins with leaves to prevent flooding issues. 

Instructions for using the Weekly Advisory Map:

1. Enter your address in the search bar.
2. The Map will show your property- click on it to pull up the anticipated collection week.
3. To find out if leaf piles collection has already been completed in your area, please click on the road centerline, which will indicate if the street has been completed. Once leaf vacuuming in your neighborhood has been completed, if you still have additional leaf piles, we encourage to bag your leaves. We will make every attempt to come back around, weather permitting. In order to best accommodate for weather disruptions, bagged leaves will increase likelihood of pickup. 

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 November 3, 2025 through December 13, 2025 on your regular waste collection day, weather permitting.
• Please place your bagged leaves at the curb two (2) days before your regular trash and recycling pickup day.
• Leaves must be placed 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. We will aim for leaf bags to be collected within two weeks of you placing them on the curb. If you bring them back inside, you may be at risk of missing the collection.
• *NEW* for 2025: Once your leaves are bagged and ready, you can submit a ticket through My East Hartford app or website. We will aim for leaf bags to be collected within the week, after the request is received.

OPTION 2:  Resident Transport to the Transfer Station for FREE Disposal

• Residents may bring their leaves to the Transfer Station on Ecology Drive:
  • Regularly scheduled transfer station hours:
    • Monday, Tuesday and Friday 7:15 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. (closed for lunch between 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
    • First and third Saturday of the month from 8:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
  • Additionally, the transfer station will be open for LEAF DROP-OFF ONLY on the following Saturdays: November 8, 22, 29, and December 13

Leaves in plastic bags will not be accepted.
For any additional information, please call Public Works Administration (860) 291-7374.