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| 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:
On Legislative Business
On Community Resources
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| Bill to Require Cannabis DUI Instruction in Drivers Ed Gets Public Hearing |
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On Wednesday, the Transportation Committee held a public hearing for my bill proposal to require driver education courses to teach the dangers of driving while under the influence of cannabis. Current law only requires driver instruction courses to discuss driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs – but makes no specific reference to cannabis.
Now that we have a legalized market, in which cannabis has not only become more available but much more socialized, I want to ensure that our kids don't have any misperceptions about the effects of cannabis when driving.
I'd like to know, what do you think about this issue? |
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| Governor Lamont Unveils Proposal to Expand Access to Childcare |
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Governor Ned Lamont announced this week that his fiscal year 2024-2025 biennial budget proposal includes several initiatives using a mix of state and federal resources to expand access to childcare services in Connecticut.
The proposal includes increasing funding for Care 4 Kids (the state's largest childcare program which assists low and moderate-income families in paying childcare costs), an incentive for employers to help with the cost of their employee's childcare, and the creation of a blue-ribbon panel focused on designing the next generation of childcare.
I'd like to know, what do you think about this issue? |
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| Today in CT History: A Founding Father Becomes a First Mayor |
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Though Roger Sherman was a reluctant public speaker, his even temper, level-headed pragmatism, and moderate disposition made him one of the most influential of all the Founding Fathers. His guiding hand was felt both before, during and after the chaotic and turbulent era of the American Revolution, not just here in the Land of Steady Habits but throughout the newly (but not as yet clearly) United States. Today in 1784, Sherman added a new line to his truly singular list of accomplishments by becoming the founding mayor of the newly incorporated city of New Haven.
Roger Sherman was born in Massachusetts in 1721 and moved to western Connecticut as a young adult looking for work following the death of his father. Sherman worked as a cordwainer and land surveyor before taking up the study of law and entering politics. He was first elected to the Connecticut General Assembly shortly after he and his family moved to New Haven in 1760. A man whose good judgement was recognized right away; Sherman became a justice on the Connecticut Supreme Court six years later and served in that post for over 20 years. |
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In 1774, after patriots throughout the 13 American colonies called for the creation of a new Congress where colonial leaders could meet and discuss coordinated responses to oppressive British policies, Roger Sherman was one of three men chosen to represent Connecticut in Philadelphia. There, he signed the Continental Association, a document which endorsed a trade boycott with Great Britain. During the Second Continental Congress, Sherman served on the committee of five men responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence, likely at the recommendation of fellow committee member John Adams, who praised Sherman as “one of the most sensible men in the world.” After the colonies declared independence in 1776, Sherman also served on the committee that produced the Articles of Confederation, which outlined the new United States’ first national government.
After the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783, Sherman returned to his home in New Haven. The following year, on February 16, 1784, he was elected the first mayor of New Haven, which had just voted to incorporate itself as a city. Only a few years into his executive post, however, Sherman was once again called back into national service as one of Connecticut’s representatives to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, originally convened to amend the deeply flawed Articles of Confederation. There, despite his status as the Convention’s second-oldest member, Sherman played a fundamental role in shaping what would become the United States Constitution, co-authoring the “Connecticut Compromise," that called for the creation of a bicameral legislature and broke a deadlock that threatened to upend the entire convention.
Despite declining health in the early 1790s, Roger Sherman remained active politically, continuing to serve as mayor of the city of New Haven until his death from typhoid fever in 1793. One of Connecticut’s greatest statesmen, he accomplished an incredible amount both in his home state and on the national stage despite his taciturn demeanor and an often stilted and awkward style of public speaking. Roger Sherman is most famous for being the only man to have signed the Continental Association, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution, four of the most significant political documents in American history. He also had a far-reaching impact closer to home: In addition to reforming many of Connecticut’s ancient laws and handing down countless erudite judgements from the bench, he also helmed the city of New Haven during one of its most prosperous and expansive eras, beginning today in Connecticut history.
If you'd like to learn more about Roger Sherman and other interesting CT historical figures, click here. |
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| State & Local Offices Closed – Monday, February 20 |
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A reminder that all local and state offices will be closed on Monday, February 20 in observance of Washington's Birthday/President's Day, and reopen for regularly scheduled hours of operation on Tuesday, February 21.
In both towns, the closure will not affect the curbside waste pickup schedule. Weekly trash and recycling collection will occur based on your regular schedule.
For more information, East Hartford residents can click here, and Manchester residents can click here. |
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| Feedback Needed: CALEA Inviting Public Comment |
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The East Hartford Police Department is an accredited law enforcement police department through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA®). The purpose of CALEA’ s Law Enforcement Accreditation process is to improve the delivery of public safety services, primarily by maintaining a body of “best practices” standards, developed by public safety practitioners, covering a wide range of up-to-date public safety initiatives; establishing and administering an accreditation process; and recognizing professional excellence.
CALEA is inviting the public to comment and provide feedback on the EHPD's ability to comply with their standards. Learn more and submit comment by clicking here. |
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| East Hartford Works & Goodwin University Partner to Offer Skills Academy |
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East Hartford Works is partnering with Goodwin University to offer a free 5-week Professional Skills Academy to East Hartford residents with a focus on manufacturing. The 5-week academy will be part-time, three days a week at Goodwin University, held Tuesday-Thursday evenings at 4PM-9PM.
Register today by calling Yadira Jeter, East Hartford Works Career Coach at (860) 290-4345. Learn more by clicking here. |
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| Applications Closing Soon: Manchester Downtown Arts & Culture Mini Grant Program |
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| The Town of Manchester’s Downtown Arts and Culture Grant Program seeks to encourage and support initiatives, events and installations that contribute to the vibrancy and engaging atmosphere in the Downtown area. |
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Applications are open now for grant funding to support individuals or organizations that effectively propose initiatives, projects, events, or installations that the Oversight Committee determines to be most appropriate and timely for this round of grant awards.
Applications are due to the Budget & Research Office by 5PM on Friday, February 24. Click here to learn more and download the grant application. The Committee expects to award grants by March 14. |
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| Manchester Opens 2023-2024 Community Development Block Grant Program Application Period |
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The application period for the 2023-2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program year has begun! CDBG funds must be used in ways that promote and support the achievement of one or more of the following national objectives:
- to benefit low- and moderate-income persons (current income limits for low/moderate income qualification are attached); or
- aid in the prevention and elimination of slum or blight; or
- meet other community development needs of urgency and for which other funding sources are not available.
Application must be received in the Planning Department by Friday, March 31 at 4:30PM. For more information on CDBG funds and to access the application in a fillable format, visit the CDBG page of the town’s website. |
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| Save the Date: Irish Breakfast & Pancake Breakfast at East Hartford Senior Center |
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| The East Hartford Senior Center would like to invite any resident who is 55 or older and their guests to an Irish Breakfast on Saturday, March 18 at 9AM. The Senior Center will be having scrambled eggs, corned beef hash, Irish soda bread and tea and coffee. |
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Registration for this event opens Tuesday, February 21 – you must register at the Senior Center. The cost is $5 for members and $8 for non-members. Be sure to sign-up ASAP, seating is limited.
And – save the date for a special Easter pancake breakfast on Saturday, April 1 at 9AM. Come alone or bring your grandchildren and great grandchildren to have pictures with the Easter Bunny after breakfast. The Senior Center will be serving pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit, OJ, coffee and tea. |
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| Registration for this event will begin on Monday, March 20. You must register at the Senior Center, cost is $5 for members, $8 for non-members and children under 10 are FREE. Seating is limited. More info can be found here. |
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| Check Out Manchester Youth Service Bureau's Teen Center |
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Manchester Youth Service Bureau (MYSB) is encouraging residents in grades 5-12 to check out the Teen Center and Discussion Group available on Wednesdays, 12:30PM-6PM. The Teen Center offers a place for youth to come together and socialize with their peers in a structured and supervised environment.
Pizza is served after group discussion. Teens who attend the program 10 or more times will be eligible for prizes like movie tickets, gift cards and more! For more information, click here or contact Shakir Leacock by phone at (860) 647-5223 or email sleacock@manchesterct.gov. |
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| COVID-19 Updates & Upcoming Vaccine Clinics |
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| The East Hartford Health Department offers regular vaccination services at the Community Cultural Center. Both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 bivalent boosters, as well as Flu, will be offered for all ages 12+. Appointments are required and will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10AM-2PM. To schedule an appointment, call (860) 291-7324 (option 1). |
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Free COVID-19 test kits are also available at the East Hartford Health Department's new location in Room B09 of the Community Cultural Center. Testing is recommended for any individual currently experiencing symptoms or think they have been exposed to COVID-19 (i.e., fever, dry cough, and tiredness). For guidance on how to use the kits, click here.
For any questions regarding pediatric COVID-19 vaccines, booster dose eligibility, or to schedule an appointment at an upcoming clinic, contact the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324. If transportation is needed to get to and from a clinic site, please contact the Health Department for assistance.
The White House relaunched the program making free at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests available to every U.S. household. Just as before, you can order tests through COVIDTests.gov and enter your shipping information. Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests.
The Administration will also make tests available to individuals who are blind or have low vision through this program. People who have difficulty accessing the internet or need additional support placing an order can call +1 (800) 232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to get help in English, Spanish, and more than 150 other languages – 8AM-8PM E.T., Monday to Friday and 8AM-5PM E.T. on weekends.
For more information on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or to locate an appointment near you, click here or locate a DPH Mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic by clicking here. Those without access to the internet can call the Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line, available seven days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM, at (877) 918-2224. |
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| Looking to get the kiddos out of the house? Check out Winter Storytime options at Manchester Public Library! Now through March 4, storytime options will be available for kids of all ages at both Cheney and Whiton. No registration required – call (860) 645-0577 for program details. Plus – for the little ones, check out Preschool Bingo on Tuesdays at 6:30PM at Cheney. |
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International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is a worldwide annual observance held on February 21, initiated by the people of Bangladesh, to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism. The Town of Manchester and multicultural community partners will honor and celebrate IMLD with a weekend of events with the goal to inspire acceptance and solidarity:
- Writers Meet & Greet – Saturday, February 25, 1PM-4PM: Storyteller, music, arts and crafts, poetry and an author meet and greet at Whiton Library. Reception will be catered by Anthony’s Jamaican Restaurant.
- Multicultural Event with Music & Dance – Sunday, February 26, 2PM-3:30PM: Music, poetry, dance and more from a variety of cultures and backgrounds at Manchester High School in the Bailey Auditorium.
- "Language is Art" Exhibit – Sunday, February 26, 1:30PM-4PM at Manchester High School
The event is free of charge and open to the public. Click here for more information. |
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| Storyteller Monica Peterson brings the history, humor, and magic of the Irish people to life in this fascinating program at Whiton Memorial Library on Wednesday, March 1 at 6:30PM. No registration required for this free adult program. |
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| Celebrate Black History at the library with a Living History program from Kevin Johnson on Thursday, February 23, at 4PM. The presentation is based on extensive research in the collections of the Connecticut State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History. For all ages. Register here. |
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| Join East Hartford Public Library virtually each month to connect with local authors! The next event is Tuesday, February 28 at 6:30PM. Registration is required – click here to sign up and get more information. |
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| Four groups will come together at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center on Thursday, March 9 at 7PM for the third concert in the Intersections Concert Series 2022-23! The groups will share drum-centered musical fusions from the African diaspora. Register now by clicking here. |
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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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