Legislative & Local Updates - September 19th

September 19, 2024

Last week, we reflected on September 11. If you're of a certain age, you remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard what was happening. My kids are too young to understand, but when they are older, I will make sure they understand how brave the first responders were that day and in the days that followed. I'll make sure they understand that nearly 3,000 families are without a loved one because of that day (and even now, with 9/11-related illness). I'll make sure they understand how that day changed us as a nation. 

Remembering. Reflecting. Honoring. Never forget.
Last week, as my family attended National Night Out in East Windsor and Ellington's Fire Carnival, I reflected and sent a silent "thank you" out into the universe for all our wonderful first responders in the 57th District. You are appreciated more than you'll ever know. 

I hope you have a great rest of the week and take care of one another.

Jaime
In this newsletter, you'll find:
  • In the News
  • Crumbling Foundation Meeting
  • Great News on Pension Obligations
  • Connecticut's eBike Incentive Program
  • Peak Foliage Times Around the 57th District
  • Cornerstone Needs Volunteers on Saturdays
  • Important Safety Message from East Windsor PD
  • New Chess & Checker Tables at Arbor Parks, Thanks to an Eagle Scout Project
  • Ellington Farm Day is Saturday
  • Rockville Public Library to Hold Protecting Your Financial Information Program
  • Vernon Public Works to Host Community Day
  • Congratulations to EVAC
  • Ain't It Scary Podcasters Coming to Hall Memorial Library
  • Yoga in the City at Rockville Library
  • East Windsor Parks & Recreation's Haunted Highway
  • CHET Dream Big Program is Now Open for Students
  • And More! 
 
In the News
 
Electric was the topic of our North Central News article in September. Unfortunately, two of the three PURA members chose not to re-open the rate case for Eversource to make adjustments, which many legislators asked for. You can read my article HERE or click the graphic below.  
 
CAPITOL UPDATES
 
There was a good turnout for Tuesday's crumbling foundations meeting in Ellington to update affected homeowners and homeowners just starting the process of foundation replacement. The meeting was hosted by the Capitol Region Council of Governments, Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company, LLC (CFSIC), and the Town of Ellington. The CFSIC successfully returned nearly 1,000 families to safe and secure homes - on new foundations. Another 1,360-plus are on the way to replacement. This effort has saved many families from losing their homes, though we still have more work to do on the issue.

As the co-chair of the Crumbling Foundations Caucus, I'm feeling optimistic that this crumbling foundation crisis will be alleviated, and families can rest easy on safe, new foundations. 
 
Great news for Connecticut's pension obligations! Treasurer Erick Russell has done a fabulous job managing our assets and growing them by 11.5% last fiscal year. Along with contributions from the $1.9B budget surplus, our assets grew by 6.7% last year.

We have a way to go to address our unfunded pension shortfall, but this helps to continue to address this issue.

Please read the CT Mirror news story HERE or click the graphic below. 
 
The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) and its Artist Fellowship program is accepting applications. The Artist Fellowship program provides recognition and funding support for Connecticut artists to pursue new work and advance their artistic careers. All artistic disciplines are eligible! 
 
Connecticut artists must be the primary creators of original works of art.

Grants are awarded in three designations and grant amounts:

  • Artistic Excellence grants: $5,000
  • Artist Fellowship grants: $3,000
  • Emerging Recognition grants: $1,000 

The deadline to apply is on or before September 20. Some eligibility restrictions apply, so please review the program webpage before applying HERE or contact the COA program manager by email at tamara.dimitri@ct.gov with any questions.
 
DEEP announced they are launching round two of the E-bike voucher program (September 17). 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.
 
COMMUNITY UPDATES
 
We are just a few days from the official start of fall. If you're looking for opportunities to view the beautiful trees in Connecticut, here's the expected schedule for peak foliage dates. 
 
Help Warehouse Point Library win the library card signup match against Windsor Locks! 

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month! Since 1987, Library Card Sign-Up Month has been held in September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, there is a national effort to put a library card in the hands of every school child in the country. 
 
Having a library card opens up a world of opportunity! Cardholders don't just have access to reading materials, that magic card can connect you to online databases and resources. Once you have a hometown library card, you can use it at all the fantastic libraries in our state!

East Windsor - Anyone who signs up for a library card in September gets bragging rights and an entry into our drawing for a Maine Fish Market gift card!

Did you just have a baby? Bring your baby!

Just moved to East Windsor? Bring a piece of mail!

Lived here forever but just never made it over to the library? No time like the present!
 
 
A message from Cornerstone Foundation: The Food Cupboard is in URGENT need of volunteers to join the Saturday distribution team! The Food Cupboard serves 90-110 families every week.

How You Can Help:

  • Prepare bags of food (meat, produce, and bread/pastries) 
  • Check clients in at the door 
  • Distribute food to families in need 

You can volunteer on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Saturday of each month (or any combination!) Time: 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Interested? Contact Lee Hay, Food Cupboard Manager at leehay@aol.com
 
What a beautiful night for East Windsor's National Night Out on September 6! Great turnout, great information shared, and just an overall enjoyable evening.

The East Windsor Police Department, Broad Brook Fire Department, Warehouse Point Fire Department, East Windsor Ambulance, East Windsor Public Works, East Windsor Parks and Rec, and North Central Health Department all had a presence at the event. Thank you all for making this a fun and educational night! 
 
Speaking of East Windsor PD, the department has an important message to share: Attention all East Windsor Elementary School parents/guardians!

You may have noticed an increase in police presence at our schools during morning drop-off. A safety concern in the past was parents/guardians illegally parking on the shoulder of the road to make a drop-off. Our officers have noticed this behavior has stopped and parents are now parking properly in the lot across the street from the school.

However, this has brought upon a new safety concern. Parents are now walking their children across the street without using the crosswalk. THIS CAN NOT BE HAPPENING! There are two crosswalks on either end of the parking lot which parents must use going forward.

The East Windsor Elementary School administration will also address this concern with parents.

Our officer will continue monitoring our schools during the morning drop-off. If this behavior persists, enforcement measures will be taken as necessary.

We must all work together to make this a safer environment for residents.
 
It's one of the traditional ends of summer - the Ellington Volunteer Fire Department's annual carnival and the Fosters had fun! We went Friday night, after attending National Night Out events in East Windsor.

Saturday, the parade went off before the pouring rain, but unfortunately, it started soon after and canceled the night's fair festivities. 

If you've missed the posting of the parade winners, here they are:

PARADE WINNERS:
 

BEST OVERALL FIRE UNIT – EAST HARTLAND
BEST APPEARING APPARATUS – LISBON
BEST APPEARING COMPANY IN COATS – CRYSTAL LAKE
BEST APPEARING JUNIOR UNIT – ELLINGTON AMBULANCE EXPLORERS
BEST APPEARING AERIAL/PLATFORM – VERNON
BEST APPEARING ENGINE – SHAKER PINES
BEST APPEARING TANKER – WEST STAFFORD
BEST APPEARING SPECIALIZED APPARATUS – SHAKER PINES
BEST APPEARING BRUSH TRUCK – WOLCOTT
BEST APPEARING EMS UNIT – ELLINGTON VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE
BEST APPEARING ANTIQUE MOTORIZED – TOLLAND
MOST FIREFIGHTERS IN LINE – CRYSTAL LAKE
UNIT COMING THE LONGEST DISTANCE – LISBON
BEST APPEARING MUSICAL UNIT – ELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
MAC FARRELL AWARD (HOST CHOICE) – SOUTH WINDSOR
 
Arbor Park now has brand-new chess tables, courtesy of Lucas Murray and Scout Troop 96.

According to the Ellington Recreation Department, these tables are expected to bring countless hours of strategy, fun, and community bonding. Lucas and his troop’s hard work and commitment truly embody the spirit of service and leadership.

Chess and checker pieces can be rented from the Human Services Garden Stand or at the front desk of the Recreation Department. 
 
I told you in my last e-newsletter that the Ellington Volunteer Ambulance Corps was named the recipient of the 2024 National EMS Award of Excellence/Volunteer EMS Service of the Year by EMS World and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. 

Members of EVAC headed to Las Vegas last week to collect that award. While in Vegas, EVAC members met new people and learned from many experts and professionals in the EMS field.

Congratulations again, EVAC!
 
The Warehouse Point Library will be having its first-ever costume swap. Bring costumes you no longer need to the library from September 3-30. Items in good condition will be accepted for all ages. The Costume Swap will be held October 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and October 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (if any items are still available).
 
Have you been visiting the Ellington Farmer's Market? We have! It's a wonderful Saturday morning tradition for the Fosters. I love running into friends and constituents. My kiddos love the farmers market, too! 

This Saturday's theme at the EFM is Wovens and Wearables. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Market Park (72 Maple Street). You will find a unique collection of handcrafted textiles, clothing, and accessories alongside our awesome array of local farmers and foodies.

It's also Ellington Farm Day and you can shop local farmstands, visit DeCarli Equestrian Center, Hall Memorial Library, Nellie McKnight Museum, and more. There's a helpful map below.

Celebrate Ellington's agricultural heritage! The Ellington Historical Society is excited to participate in the third annual Ellington Farm Day on Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. Visitors can explore the farm exhibit, tour the historic house museum, and discover quirky local history in the "It Happened in Ellington...Believe it or Not" exhibit. The mercantile will also be open, offering a unique shopping experience. Admission to the event is free.
 
 
Vernon Public Works is hosting a Community Day on September 28! All are welcome to attend. Check out the flier below for some of the events happening that day. 
 
From Arts Center East: Submissions are open for our new juried exhibit, "New England Bridges and Barns!" Submit your artwork online by September 20.

From the oldest covered bridge in Bath, New Hampshire, to the iconic tobacco barns in East Windsor, CT or the site of the Nathan Hale Homestead, there is no shortage of hearty wooden architecture and historic structures throughout New England. This exhibit celebrates the unique architecture, history, and character of the New England landscape.
 
From Hall Memorial Library: The Ain't it Scary? with Sean & Carrie podcast is coming to the library to host a presentation covering a short history of paranormal and ghost stories in New England - from the cases of the Conjuring series-inspiring Ed and Lorraine Warren to hauntings relating to major historical events to some of the spookiest and strangest stories based in the Northeastern US.

Feel free to bring your curiosity, questions, and an open mind!

Registration is for those 13 and older. Those that are not spooked out by ghost stories are encouraged to attend. Click HERE, click the graphic below, or use the QR code below to register.
 
 
Yoga in our City program comes to Vernon in October! The program seeks to bring yoga without barriers. It will be at Rockville Public Library for four family sessions in October. Space is limited and registration is open until September 26. 

Register by emailing kmanganella@vernon-ct.gov
 
 
Ellington/Vernon Mom's Club Trunk or Treat will take place on October 26 at Arbor Park in Ellington. All are welcome to attend. The rain date is October 27.
 
East Windsor's Planning and Development Department, in collaboration with the Arts and Culture Committee, is hosting a townwide photography contest! Learn more about it below!
 
RESOURCES
 
East Windsor, Ellington, and Vernon students, it's time to DREAM BIG!

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.

To enter or learn more, click HERE. 
 
 
The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is preparing for its annual STAND DOWN event on September 20 at six regional locations.
SIX REGIONAL LOCATIONS
  • Bridgeport - University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Ave.
  • Bristol - St. Gregory CCD Center, 1043 Stafford Ave.
  • Danbury - Danbury War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive
  • Norwich - Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Ave.
  • Rocky Hill - CT DVA main campus 287 West Street
  • Stamford - UCONN, One University Plaza

The DVA continues its commitment to serving Connecticut’s Veterans, Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve military personnel, and their immediate families by providing this “one-stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, veterans organizations, and community-based non-profits at these regional sites across the state.

A list of confirmed service providers and transportation schedules can be found HERE. 

For additional information please contact: 860-616-3772 or email: standdown@ct.gov
 
Recruitment for the 2025 legislative intern program has started! Share this information with college students in your life. For more information, please click HERE. 

Here are some of the requirements:

  • 18 years of age or older by program start
  • Enrolled in a Connecticut college or university
  • Registered for a campus-based course to receive credit for the internship
  • Minimum 20 credits completed by program start
  • Minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA

The deadline is November 1!