Jaime Foster

It's hard to believe that October is almost over. The last few months of the year always fly by, with school events, meetings, town and family activities, and more. And I hope you get to enjoy the warm days as long as they last!

Connecticut voters will have another option to vote - early voting. Voters will be able to pick a day and time over two weeks that allows them to vote in person if they so choose. There's more information in this e-newsletter, including times and locations to vote in East Windsor, Ellington, and Vernon. Of course, in-person voting on election day and absentee ballot (meeting the criteria for absentee ballot) are also options. Also on this ballot, there's a referendum question asking voters if they would like to amend the state constitution and allow anyone to utilize absentee balloting - no excuse needed.

Anyone living in the district and much of north central and northeastern Connecticut is well aware of the crumbling foundation crisis. While more work needs to be done, I'm happy to share with you that a major milestone was recently reached - 1,000 homes have had foundations successfully replaced and 1,000 families now have safe and secure foundations. You can read more about it in this e-newsletter.

Also, big news for our farming community - Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission approved nearly $9.4 million in farmland preservation funds - you can read more about that below. 

As always, plenty of events and happenings in the 57th District that can be found in this e-newsletter. Check it out!

Jaime

• In the News
• $9.4 Million for Farmland Preservation
• CFSIC Successfully Replaces 1,000 Foundations
• Early Voting Info
• Ellington's Annual Scarecrow Contest is Underway!
• Sunday Hours at Hall Memorial Library
• Cornerstone Needs Baby Supplies
• Ellington/Vernon Mom's Club Trunk or Treat at Arbor Park on October 26
• East Windsor Social Services Holds Thanksgiving Food Drive
• 5th Annual Bob Tedford Memorial Road Race is November 2
• East Windsor's 24th Annual Veterans Day 5K is November 9
• DEA Drug Take Back Day is October 26
• Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips Regarding Food Allergies
• And More! 

The funds will be used to purchase development rights in perpetuity to qualifying farms under the State’s Farmland Preservation Program. It is anticipated that these monies will finance the acquisition of development rights for approximately 10 farms statewide. According to CT DoAg, the state is closing in on preserving nearly 50,000 acres of state farmland.

Today, I joined CT DoAg Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt, Senator Saud Anwar, Representative Carol Hall, East Windsor First Selectman Jason Bowsza, and Bill Syme of Syme Family Farm to tour the farm, as well as talk about - and celebrate - this funding. 

To date, CFSIC has had more than 2,300 claimants, many of whom are awaiting the next round of funding ($25 million), which should be released from the Department of Housing shortly.

In-Person Voting on Election Day:

• Voters can cast their ballots at their designated polling places.
• Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Make sure to bring an acceptable form of ID if you’re registering to vote on Election Day.
• Find your voting location HERE (click the link "Voter Registration Lookup and Election Polling Place Indicator")

Early Voting:

• Connecticut offers early voting, from October 21 - November 3
• Early voting locations for the district include:
  1. East Windsor - East Windsor Annex, 25 School Street
  2. Ellington - Ellington Annex, 57 Main Street
  3. Vernon - Center 375, 375 Hartford Turnpike

Times: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., except 10/29 and 10/31, with voting open from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Absentee Voting (Vote by Mail):

• Voters can request an absentee ballot to vote by mail.
• You must complete an absentee ballot application and submit it to your local election office.
• Make sure to return your completed ballot by mail or in person before the deadline.

Each option provides flexibility to ensure that everyone can participate in the election. Please be sure to MAKE YOUR VOTING PLAN!
 

From Vernon Parks and Recreation: There is no school in Vernon, but the Election Day Vacation Camp is available. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.

As for the market, the outdoor market will end Saturday but get ready to the INDOOR market to start at Ellington High School on November 23.  

Every purchase makes a big difference for these families, and Cornerstone is so grateful for the incredible support of our community. If you're able, please consider purchasing from the list to help provide for these little ones in need.

Shop the Wish List HERE.

“I just wanted to say "GOODBYE" to the wonderful Town of East Windsor.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your POSTMASTER for the past 18 years.
I have met wonderful people and made many friends. This was my last position with the US POSTAL SERVICE. I have held 11 prior, but really hit the jackpot with my last one. My last day will be the 18th.

It is time for me and my family to start our next chapter after 31 years with the USPS. I will remember this town and its people forever.

Thank you for the memories.

All my Best,
Kathleen M Arnold
East Windsor Postmaster”

The race is named in memory of Bob Tedford, the beloved longtime Parks and Recreation Director in the Town of Ellington, who died unexpectedly in 2018. 

You can sign up HERE or HERE (the latter through Platt Systems).

Online registration can be found HERE or you can find the form to print HERE. 

Teams of first responders from the East Windsor Police Department, Warehouse Point Fire Department, Broad Brook Fire Department and East Windsor Ambulance will be participating in various exercises to strengthen and improve interoperability in emergency situations.

The parking lots, school building, and outside campus will be closed for safety precautions on the aforementioned date/time. Signage will be posted and neighboring residents will be personally advised as the event approaches. Continuity of services will not be interrupted during this training event.

This effort is designed to improve the skills and abilities of first responders and utilize the town's resources to protect and serve our community.

Please contact East Windsor Deputy Police Chief Ben Murphy at Murphyb@Eastwindsorpd.com with any questions pertaining to this event.

NOTE: The Ellington Resident State Troopers' Office at 33 Arbor Way has a drop-box available for disposing of prescription medications (Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.). For more information, call 860-875-1522. There are also 24-hour drop boxes at the CT State Police Barracks (click HERE for locations).

To find additional drug take back events on October 26, click HERE. 

Whether there is an allergen included in the ingredients or the risk of cross-contamination, many candies are off-limits for kids with food allergies.

The good news is that there are some tips for a safe trick-or-treating experience from Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE):

• Stock Up on Safe Alternatives: Have safe treats or inexpensive trinkets/toys ready to trade for any unsafe candies your child might receive while trick-or-treating. Use this opportunity to teach them about hidden allergens and reading labels.
• No Eating While Trick-or-Treating: Enforce a rule that no candy is eaten until you have reviewed all food labels.
• Avoid Unlabeled Treats: Steer clear of candy and treats that do not have an ingredient label.
• Carry an Epinephrine Auto-Injector: Always have an Epinephrine auto-injector available if prescribed.
• Check Mini and Fun-Size Candies: Remember that mini-size, fun-size, or bite-size versions of candy may contain different ingredients than their full-size counterparts. Read all labels carefully.
• Focus on Fun: Emphasize the fun aspects of Halloween rather than the candy.
• Introduce the “Good Witch”: Start a tradition where kids leave their unsafe candies out for the “Good Witch” to collect and leave behind small gifts and safe treats.
• Prepare Safe Goody Bags: Make small and safe “goody bags” for neighbors to give to your child. Deliver the bags in advance and describe your child’s costume to your neighbors. Encourage your child to trick-or-treat at these houses.
• Host a Halloween Party: Consider skipping trick-or-treating and have a Halloween party instead, featuring safe and delicious treats. Alternatively, replace treats with fun Halloween toys, games, or party favors.
• Always Read Labels: A candy that has been safe in the past may now have different ingredients. Read the label every time.

The CHET Dream Big Competition is officially underway. All K-12 students in CT can submit essays, artwork, and videos for the chance to win contributions of up to $20,000 toward their future education.

The deadline is November 4!

To enter or learn more, click HERE.