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. 

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 by clicking on the link below.



https://calendly.com/d/4wy-xrn-gqp/virtual-office-hours-with-rep-jason-rojas

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

• Legislative Updates
• Today in CT History
• Community Resources
• CT Foodshare
• Manchester Community Events 
• East Hartford Community Events

More than 12,000 Connecticut residents have signed up for the state’s prescription drug discount program called ArrayRx. Registration started about two months ago after my colleagues and I voted this program into law.



Those who sign up, including those on Medicare, will receive a free Rx card with savings up to 80% on generics. All FDA approved prescriptions are included. This program is a tool to deal with the dramatic rise in the cost of prescription drugs.

The Office of the State Comptroller released its full ArrayRx enrollment list by town. CLICK HERE to see how many people in Derby, Hamden, Orange, and Woodbridge have signed up.

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, two of the most famous entertainers in the history of American television, first met in 1940, over a decade before their mega-hit sitcom, I Love Lucy, first aired. Ball, already well known as a model and Broadway actress, and Arnaz, a popular Cuban bandleader, met on the set of Too Many Girls, a film adaptation of a Broadway musical in which they were co-stars. They began a relationship they kept secret from virtually everyone, including their agents, for nearly a year before deciding to elope and spare themselves the expense and exposure of a celebrity wedding.

On November 30, 1940, Desi Arnaz was scheduled to play two shows at the Roxy Theater in New York City. That morning, Arnaz called the manager of the Roxy and informed him that he would be unable to make the first performance because he was getting married that afternoon. The couple had decided to tie the knot over the state line in Greenwich, Connecticut, since they had heard that the waiting period to obtain a marriage license was shorter than that of New York State. They were surprised to find that Connecticut mandated a five-day waiting period to obtain a marriage license, unless a judge provided the couple with a special waiver. Fortunately for Ball and Arnaz, Judge Harold Knapp of Greenwich was willing to do just that, and that afternoon the two were married at the Byram River Beagle Club on the shores of the Byram River. (Many years later, Lucy and Desi’s fictional alter egos on I Love Lucy would also get married at the Byram River Beagle Club in Greenwich.)

Later that evening, the newlyweds drove back to New York City so Arnaz could perform his scheduled evening gig at the Roxy Theater. Before the performance, the groom carried his bride over the threshold of his dressing room door — a portent of the wild success the two would later have together as co-stars of I Love Lucy, one of the most beloved television shows of the 20th century.

Town Resources

https://www.easthartfordct.gov/residents

 

Town Newsletters

Pulse of East Hartford     

East Hartford Public Schools

East Hartford Works

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, December 05, 2023 | 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM

• Tuesday, December 19, 2023 | 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM

Get mobile pantry updates in your area by texting the word Foodshare to 85511.

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, December 11^th, 2023 12:30 PM-1:15 PM

Get mobile pantry updates in your area by texting the word Foodshare to 85511.

Saturday, December 2^nd   7:00pm

Beth Sholom B’nai Israel (BSBI) of Manchester is proud to present the 8^th Annual Manchester CT Jazz Festival at 7:00pm on Saturday evening, December 2^nd at Cheney Hall.

The Manchester, CT Jazz Festival is a premier musical fundraiser to support local charities in and around the Greater Manchester Area.

For tickets and to learn more about the performers and the festival visit: www.manchesterctjazzfest.com

Location:

Cheney Hall

177 Hartford Rd

Manchester, CT 06040

Parking Ban starts Dec. 1

Overnight parking is not allowed on public streets or municipal parking lots between the hours of 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM from December 1st to April 1st. Parked vehicles are one of the biggest obstacles to effective snow removal. Please support our efforts by parking your vehicle in conformance with the winter parking ban.

Anyone violating this ordinance shall be fined fifteen dollars ($15.00).

The Chief of Police may also declare a parking ban if a significant snow event is forecast or in progress. Residents are asked to remove vehicles from the street when a snowstorm is occurring.

Giant Fundraising Tag Sale

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - December 1, 2, and 3 from 10:00am to 2:00pm each day.

There will be a special wine and cheese preview on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, $5.00 for a sneak peek. There are new items arriving daily. The giant tag sale takes place in the former cider barn, 330 Bush Hill Road, Manchester (between Keeney Street and Hillstown Road), the Land Trust's farm property. The tag sale raises funds to benefit the Trust and its land-preservation work. We will be selling loads of books, tools, golf clubs, dishes, artwork and frames, curiosities, furniture, machinery, household and sports items, near-antiques, glassware, toys, tablecloths, music CDs, DVDs, holiday decor, and items both useful and decorative. Proceeds from the tag sale help fund the Land Trust and its mission of preservation of open spaces for the public to enjoy. Questions: Terry at 860-643-1823. You can print a tag sale poster here. The Land Trust appreciates the work of Terry and all the tag sale volunteers. Before or after shopping, check out the story trail and 4+ miles of hiking trails.

Old Manchester Museum Open House

Open House is on Sunday, December 03, 2023, 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM

The Old Manchester Museum, 126 Cedar Street, is open 10:00am to 2:00pm, on the first Saturday of each month. Please note the museum will NOT be open on its usual first Saturday of the month due to the December 3rd open house. This will be the last open house until May 2024.

Leaf Collection Program

Each fall, the Town receives many inquiries from residents regarding the leaf collection program. The following information may be useful in understanding the Leaf Collection Program

• As part of the Town's continuing effort to improve efficiency and maintain the safest operation possible, it is possible that leaves on one side of a street will be collected up to two or three days in advance of the other side of the street.
• Residents are reminded that once vacuum collection has been completed on your street, leaf disposal must be either in paper yard waste bags set out at the curb on your normal trash collection day, or dropped off at the Manchester Transfer Station at 311 Olcott St.
• For more information on the collection schedule and to see which area your road is located in, follow link below:

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.

The East Hartford Commission on Aging and Riverside Health and Rehabilitation Center invite all residents who are able, to participate in our Christmas Tree Wish List program.

As the holidays approach, we reflect on how much we are thankful for, and think about those in need. The East Hartford Commission on Aging introduced a new initiative to support East Hartford senior residents staying at Riverside. 

As donations are being made, the list will be updated automatically to avoid duplication. Your generosity of small donations will brighten their holiday season and earn their heartfelt thanks. 

To participate, please choose a person you would like to donate to:  please follow this link.

Once you click on the person you wish to gift to, you will be asked to sign up with your name, phone number, and email address. Your information will not be shared with anyone beside the Commission on Aging. Your first name will show up under the name of the person you choose as well as the first initial of your last name. If you don’t want your real first name to show up, simply use a nick name.

• Purchase the items and mark them with only the name and number of your chosen gift recipient. Do not wrap the gift, the Commission will take care of that for you.
  
   
• Drop off the items at the collection box located at Riverside, 745 Main Street, East Hartford (across from the Town Hall) no later than FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023.

The East Hartford Commission on Aging and Riverside Health and Rehabilitation Center will distribute the gifts via Santa Claus to selected residents on December 21 at 10 AM.

Please email EHCOA@yahoo.com if you have questions.

The Town of East Hartford, East Hartford Public Library, the East Hartford Beautification Commission and East Hartford Parks and Recreation invite you to the annual 2023 East Hartford Holiday Fest. The Holiday Fest will be held from Friday, December 1 through Monday, December 4.

The four-day event consists of a wide variety of fun events including crafts and book sales, carol singing a Christmas Fair, as well as the long-awaited visit from Santa. The events cater to all ages, children and adults alike. Most activities are free and open to the public.

Holiday Fest is organized annually by the East Hartford Beautification Commission and is supported by many local civic, community and town organizations. The traditional tree lighting on the Town Green will be held on Friday, December 1, to kick off the Holiday Fest.

CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Below is a highlight of several fun events that are part of the Holiday Fest.

Parks and Recreation Events:

East Hartford Parks and Recreation is bringing back our popular holiday events as part of the Beautification Commission’s annual Holiday Fest celebration. 

Tree Lighting Ceremony and Sing-A-Long on the Town Green

Friday, December 1, 6:00 PM

Sponsored by the Beautification Commission and Parks & Recreation Department. The EH High & Middle School Chorus will be on hand. Featuring cookies, hot cocoa, children’s activities, and the traditional visits from Frosty, Rudolph and, of course, Santa Claus. MC will be Kevin Nathan, news anchor at NBC Connecticut.

Swim with Santa

Saturday, December 2, 2023, 3:00 - 5:00 PM

Get out of the cold and take a dip in the EHMS pool with Santa! Open to families and includes and underwater photo with Santa in his scuba gear! Registration is required online at www.ehpark.org. Admission is a new unwrapped toy. Sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, entrance off of Scotland Road.

Library Events:

Decorate a Snow Person or Snowflake

Friday, December 1, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Stop by the library to decorate a snow person or a snowflake. Best Suited for ages 2 and older with an adult. Sponsored by and held at both library branches.

Paper, Boxes, and Bows

December 1 – 4, Held During Open Hours

Have presents to decorate? Come to the library for materials and instructions to learn how to make bows and small gift baskets from recycled books and magazines, sponsored and held at both library branches.

American St. Nick @ Raymond Library

Saturday, December 2, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Author Peter Lion will be telling the WWII story of American GI’s of the 28th Infantry who brought Christmas to the children of Wiltz, Luxembourg on December 5, 1944. Following his presentation, the documentary “American St. Nick” by Tim Gray will be shown. Refreshments will be served. This event is Sponsored by the WWII Legacy Foundation. Held at the Raymond Library.

Midwinter Night and Dream's

Saturday and Sunday, December 2 & 3, 12:00 PM

A loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s “A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM” Written by EHSYF’S North Ackley. It follows Jack Frost and Jill Blossom as they attempt to quell a fight between the seasonal Lords. There will be seasonal treats and a festive sing-a-long. Play sponsored by East Hartford Summer Youth Festivals at EHCCC.

Kid and Teen Gift Making @ Raymond Library

Sunday, December 3, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Come and make gifts and cards. Best suited for ages 8 - 18 years. Registration is required on the library’s online events calendar or call 860-290-4332. Sponsored by and held at the Raymond Library.

Indoor Story Walk

Ongoing Event

Come read and experience the magic of “SNOWY DAY” by Jack Ezra Keats. This in-door Story Walk will be available at both libraries.

Library Book Sale

Ongoing Event

Stop by the ongoing book sale held at the Raymond Library during library hours.

We hope you will join us for these and many more events happening during the Holiday Fest! 

East Hartford Holiday Fest is organized by the East Hartford Beautification Commission and proudly supported by:

All Saint's Episcopal Church, Boy Scouts -Troop 1, Commission on Culture and Fine Arts, Democratic Women's Club, EH Lion's Club, EH Community TV, EH Senior Center, EH Summer Youth Festival, EH Woman's Club, EH Fire Department, First Congregational Church, the Gazette, Hillstown Grange, Historical Society of EH, EH Parks and Recreation Department, EH Police Department, EH Public Library, EH Public Schools, EH Public Works Department, Riverside Health Care Center, Santa Claus, Service Press, South Congregational Church, WWII Legacy Foundation.

The Town of East Hartford Planning and Zoning Commission is beginning the process of drafting the Town’s 2024, 10-Year Plan of Conservation and Development. The Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) is an advisory document which provides the blueprint for the future of the Town, prescribes its goals, and guides its future action for the next ten years and beyond. The POCD addresses multiple aspects of town-wide planning including topics such as economic development, natural resource protection, transportation, infrastructure, housing development, sustainability, and resiliency among others.

 

As part of the development of the Town’s 2024 POCD, the Planning and Zoning Commission is seeking feedback from residents at multiple public workshop sessions, the first of which will be held on Tuesday, November 28^th at 7:00 in East Hartford Senior Center at 15 Milbrook Drive, East Hartford, CT. Additional information about the 2024 POCD and announcements for future public workshop dates can be found on the Planning and Zoning Commission Webpage.

 

For more information, please contact the Development Office at (860) 291-7300 or email Steve Hnatuk, Deputy Development Director at shnatuk@easthartfordct.gov.

East Hartford Parks and Recreation is offering two fun programs: Open Gym for East Hartford residents in Grades 7 through 12 and Adult Drop-In Basketball.

FREE-PLAY BASKETBALL

For Middle and High School students in grades 7 – 12

East Hartford residents or students attending East Hartford Middle or High School can participate in Basketball Open Gym on Mondays and Fridays. The program starts Monday, December 4^th and runs through Friday, March 8^th from 6:30 – 8:45pm at East Hartford Middle School.  Grade 7 and 8 will be in the Lower Gym and Grades 9 – 12 will be in the Upper Gym.  The program is FREE, but all participants must be registered at www.ehparks.org and have a Town ID or EHHS/EHMS ID at the program. There will be no program if there is no school or school is let out early due to inclement weather.

ADULT OPEN BASKETBALL

For adults ages 18 & up

East Hartford Parks and Recreation is offering Adult Open Basketball at Goodwin Elementary School. All participants must complete a registration form the first evening they attend or register at www.ehparks.org for a season membership. The program is Monday and Thursday nights starting Monday, December 4^th and will run through Thursday, March 7^th. Residents can purchase a season pass for $20 or $2 an evening.  Non-residents can purchase a Season Pass for $40 or $4 an evening.  The program time is 6:30 to 9:30pm.  Basketball sneakers are mandatory.  There will be no program if there is no school or school is let out early due to inclement weather.

For more information, please call the Parks and Recreation office at 860-291-7160.

The Town of East Hartford is conducting a community toy drive to help brighten the holiday season for children in our community. Donations will be used to help our Youth and Social Services Division and Police Department fulfill toys for kids’ programs for East Hartford residents. 

Individuals can drop-off donations at the following locations in East Hartford:

• Cabela's - 186 Brewer Street
• Webster Bank - 1085 Main Street
• Dollar General - 1380 Main Street
• Riverside Health Care - 745 Main Street
• Key Food Supermarket - 950 Main Street
• Raymond Library - 840 Main Street
• EH Senior Center - 70 Canterbury Street
• NEFCO - 411 Burnham Street
• EH Youth & Social Services office - 50 Chapman 1st Floor Rm 109
• Parks and Recreation , Basement - 50 Chapman Place
• Paul’s Auto Repair, LLC - 422 Tolland Street

We are asking residents to donate new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Additional options include hats, gloves, and scarves in children’s sizes.  To allow sufficient time for departments to distribute toys and other gifts to families for the Christmas Holiday, we are accepting donations through Monday, December 11, 2023.

Monetary donations are also welcome.

For checks donations, please drop off at the Youth and Social Services office and should be made payable to East Hartford Social Services Holiday Programs or mail them to Youth and social Services 50 Chapman Place, EH, CT 06108.



Please contact the Youth and Social Services office at (860) 291-7248 for any questions about the community toy drive, or for assistance with holiday program availability and resources.

Winter Programs at East Hartford Public Library

Please visit their online calendar for event listings:

http://easthartfordct.libcal.com/

East Hartford, CT— The Town of East Hartford will begin the annual curbside leaf collection program features a continuous vacuuming of leaves placed in piles on a tree belt. Leaves will be vacuumed Monday through Saturday 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 Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023.

The schedule for leaf pickup can be found on the Department of Public Works Weekly Advisory Map, 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 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 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.

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