Jeff Currey

I hope most, if not all, of you and your friends and family are having an easy summer and able to find refuge from the rain and heat. Seeing pictures and hearing stories of the devastation literally raining down on our neighbors here and throughout New England should remind us that we aren’t isolated from whatever Mama Nature wants to throw our way. That’s why it’s more important than ever to be prepared for what may find its way to our doors and inside our homes. For some information on emergency/disaster preparedness, talk a look through 211’s site, including the additional resources they cite, as well as the many resources down below to keep you safe and healthy this summer.
 
And while we prep for what storms may or may not come our way, it appears we are also waiting (again, ugh) for a different type of storm. Last month, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) handed down the disappointing decision in 303 Creative v. Elenis that the systemic discrimination that LGBTQ+ people in Connecticut and beyond have been routinely subjected to throughout human existence, which is exclusion from an equal and safe opportunity to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
 
What allows me to sleep a bit better, however, is Connecticut's strong anti-discrimination laws (more on that below!), which serve as a bulwark against these terrible SCOTUS rulings.

Have a cool, discrimination-free and easy week.

• Education Chair's Corner
• At the Capitol, In District, & Beyond
• Health Resources
• Resources for Seniors
• Resources for Veterans
• Community Resources & Events
• Youth Activities & Resources
• Job Opportunities & Resources

You can find additional resources and information on my website. If there's something you need help with that isn't included in this email, please check my website. If you can't find what you're looking for there, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

“Education was a priority for all four caucuses for the first time in any time I can remember, and in any time members who’ve been there for decades can remember.”

Yes, I said that, and so much more when I recently joined State Representative Kathleen McCarty, ranking Republican member of the Education Committee, Connecticut Education Association (CEA) President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey for the latest episode of CEA’s podcast.

Rep. McCarty and I both focused on the collaboration, which was a hallmark of efforts to pass education legislation, and crucial to wins for students and teachers alike.

Listen to the full conversation here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Attorney General Tong released guidance for Connecticut’s robust anti-discrimination laws and protecting LGBTQ+ rights, including:

• Marriage equality remains the law. It is protected by the U.S. Constitution, the Connecticut Constitution, and state law. A federal statute requires other states to respect same-sex marriages that are legal in Connecticut.
• Employers cannot discriminate against LGBTQ+ employees. Federal and state law prohibit employers from discriminating against LGBTQ+ employees – or candidates for jobs – on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.
• It is illegal to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people in housing and credit decisions. Connecticut law forbids financial institutions from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. And discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in residential housing transactions – including listing, buying, selling, and renting – is also illegal.
• Connecticut’s hate crime laws protect LGBTQ+ people. Connecticut’s criminal laws protect against hate crimes including intimidation and violence based on anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry or bias.

While SCOTUS attempts to provide businesses a free-speech right to discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community and the conservative majority on the court constructs another vehicle to rewrite U.S. Constitutional law, I applaud Attorney General Tong for his office’s swift affirmation of state and federal laws that protect LGBTQ+ rights and the legal guidance that serves to bulwark against judicial activism and overreach.

Feel free to Zoom in for two minutes or two hours. Click HERE to register.  

Great news for first-time homeowners! An additional $20 million has been added to the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority's (CHFA) Time To Own Program. Funding for the program - which offers down payment assistance to low- and moderate-income homebuyers in Connecticut.

Eligibility requirements for the program include:

• Meeting financial need specifications
• Qualifying for and receiving a CHFA first mortgage
• Being a current resident of Connecticut and demonstrating residency for the most recent three years

The impact of this program will reverberate in the short- and long-term for Connecticut residents; not only will there be a new generation of homeowners, but these residents will begin the process of building inter-generational wealth to pass on to the next generation.

Other benefits of the program include:

• A 0% interest rate with no monthly payment required
• 10% of the loan balance forgiven annually until it is fully forgiven on the 10th anniversary
• Financing for up to 20% of a down payment and 5% of closing costs

Part of what makes Connecticut great is that we seek to lift up all residents, regardless of income or background. This program is one more example of that commitment to our community.

Fuel costs are a significant percentage of expenses not only for the trucking industry, but for all markets that rely on the sale of goods, which makes this a significant cost savings for businesses and consumers alike. 

Our state budget was crafted with middle-class tax relief and investments that grow our economy, protect our quality of life and make Connecticut more affordable for everyone.

Spending time outside this weekend? Don't forget the sunscreen!

• Apply sunscreen approximately 30 minutes before being in the sun (for best results) so that it can be absorbed by the skin and less likely to wash off when you perspire.
• Check the expiration date.
• Use on all parts of your skin exposed to the sun, including the ears, back, shoulders, and the back of the knees and legs. Be careful around the eyes!
• Reapply every two hours.

Don't forget your furry friends! Below are some summer safety reminders for our pets.

• Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
• Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. 
• Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively.
• Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.
• Open unscreened windows pose a real danger to pets, who often fall out of them. Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed, and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured.
• When the temperature is very high, don’t let your pet linger on hot asphalt. 

As we try to beat the heat, we have also had to deal with torrential rains at times, which have caused serious flooding along the Connecticut River.

The Sounds of Summer Concert scheduled for tonight at Great River Park is canceled due to that flooding, which has impacted the amphitheater and the area around it. Crews are cleaning up the area.

There is no concert scheduled for next week. The next concert will be held Thursday, July 27 at 6 p.m. There will also be a make-up date for tonight's concert.

The summer travel season is underway and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding travelers to make sure they are up to date with measles vaccination. Measles is rare in the United States and cases are often connected to international travel. Declines in measles vaccination rates globally during the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the risk of larger measles outbreaks worldwide, including in the United States.

DPH recommends all international travelers consult their healthcare provider several weeks prior to departure to make sure they are up to date on all recommended vaccines, including the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR). The MMR vaccine is a two-dose series with at least 28 days between the first and second dose. Individuals are considered fully protected 14 days after their second dose, so plan to be fully vaccinated two weeks before leaving. Not all adults may have received two doses, as the recommendation for a second dose was implemented in the 1990s.

There may be additional vaccine recommendations depending on the destination and planned activities. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Global Measles Travel Health Notice for additional travel health advice, including where measles outbreaks have been reported.

• East Hartford Senior Services
• Manchester Senior, Adult, and Family Services
• CT Health and Human Services Older Adult Services
• 211/United Way of Connecticut Resources for Older Adults

• Survey for East Hartford Seniors (English)
• Encuesta de personas mayores de East Hartford Survey (Espanol)

Seniors can also pickup hard copies of the survey at the following locations:

• Augie & Ray’s Restaurant at 314 Main Street
• Cultural Center at 50 Chapman Place – 2 Survey box locations (The Front Lobby and the Assessor’s office)
• Fire Stations
• Station 1 – 726 Main Street by the Town Hall (Park on the North end of the ramp - closest to the Town Clerk trailer. The survey box is the front watch room).
• Station 2 – 1692 Main Street by McAuliffe Park (Park in front of the kitchen door. The survey box is in the kitchen/watch room).
• Station 3 – 31 School Street - Public Safety Complex (survey box is inside the front lobby)
• Station 5 – 141 Brewer Street (Park on the front. The survey box is in the front foyer).
• Station 6 – 1050 Forbes by Brewer Street (Park on the North Driveway-Brewer Street side. The survey box is in the front foyer).

NOTE: If the fire personnel are on a call, the station will be locked, and you will have to return later or use another drop off location. Also, NEVER park in front of the garage doors even for a moment, as an emergency call could come in and you would be blocking their path. See the details for where each survey box is within the various Fire Stations.

• East Hartford Golf Club at 130 Long Hill Street
• Hartford East senior housing complex – 886 Main Street East Hartford
• Library - Raymond Library at 840 Main Street
• Library - Wickham Memorial Library at 656 Burnside Avenue
• Public Safety Complex at 31 School Street (survey box is inside the front lobby)
• Riverside Health Care & Rehabilitation at 745 Main Street
• Senior Center at 15 Milbrook Drive 

Please answer all of the survey questions to provide us with important information that is crucial to interpreting your survey. YOUR RESPONSES ARE STRICTLY ANONYMOUS! Only statistical results will be reported, and anonymous write-in comments. 
 

Who is eligible?

East Hartford residents who are 65 years of age or older or disabled, who are 18 years old or older by December 31, 2022.

What is the income level?

The 2022 qualifying income (including all Social Security benefits) must not exceed an income of $40,300 for a single individual or $49,100 for a married couple.
 
You need a copy of your Social Security card.

What income information for all 12 months of the year 2022 is needed?

If you are age 65 and over, you might need:  

• the Social Security Income for 2022 (form 1099) & or the SSI form if applicable
• a Copy of Income Tax Return with all schedules, if filed
• a copy of the 1099 forms for pensions, dividends, interest, stocks & bonds, etc.
• a W-2’s form from employment
• copy of the Veterans Disability or Railroad Retirement

If you are disabled and under 65 years old, you might need:

• the BPQY or Benefit Verification Form from Social Security showing the date when the disability began & proof of the Social Security Income, if applicable               

• other forms listed above, if applicable

Which paid bills for 2022 are needed?

• Rent receipts for all 12 months of the year 2022 or ledger from your landlord.

• Utility bills you paid in 2022 (heat, gas, electric, only). Telephone, cable, medical bills or UniteCT rent, or utility payments CAN NOT BE INCLUDED.

When Can I Apply?

April 1 through October 1.

How to apply?

1. If you file last year, please look for an application in the mail, sign the application, add all required documents and send them back by mail.
2. You can also print the application from here, sign and send via fax to 860-291-7304 with all documents. You can also drop the application and copy of the documents in the drop box in front of the Community Cultural Center- 50 Chapman Place, EH, CT 06108.
3. If you live in one of the housing complexes of the town, Social Workers will be at your housing building at a determined and announced date and time. You bring your paperwork and complete the application there.
4. You can also set up an in-person appointment by calling (860) 291-7248, during business hours of 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. You must bring all your documents. 

If you have any questions, please call (860) 291-7248.

The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is pleased to announce that we are preparing for our annual Veterans STAND DOWN which will be held on Friday, September 22 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.  The DVA continues our commitment to serving Connecticut’s Veterans 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 regional sites across the State. This regional approach to Stand Down will help Connecticut Veterans connect with the programs, services, and benefits in their local communities.

Regional site locations in:

• Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport Wheeler Recreation Center, 400 University Avenue
• Bristol: St. Gregory CCD Center, 1043 Stafford Avenue
• Danbury: Danbury War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive
• Norwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Avenue
• Rocky Hill: CTDVA Campus, 287 West Street

In the coming months, the DVA will provide registration information, transportation schedules, list of available services at each location and FAQs on this webpage.

Farmers and vendors that produce eligible foods sold at the East Hartford market are able to accept Women, Infants and Children (WIC) as well as Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) benefits. Residents interested in applying for the SFMNP program can contact East Hartford Social Services at (860) 291-7248. WIC clients will be receiving electronic benefits cards by mail with instructions for using the funds at participating markets.

East Hartford market organizers are in the process of applying to accept supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits. Updates will be announced as we obtain SNAP market approval and establish how residents can utilize SNAP benefits to purchase eligible foods at our farmers’ market.

The East Hartford Farmers’ Market is asking for residents and organizations to help fight hunger and food insecurity experienced by residents of our community. Donations will help residents that rely on food pantry assistance to purchase fresh produce. Available funds will also be used to provide additional support for SNAP, WIC and senior market nutrition program recipients.

Sponsors will be recognized at the market and through the Town's communication channels.  Show your shared commitment to health programs that support East Hartford quality of life. For more information, view the EH Market Partner Information.        

The market is interested in adding more vendors to serve the community. If you are a farmer or market vendor that produces honey, milk, eggs, or other foods, or locally produced crafts, please complete the vendor application using the links listed below. Market organizers will review completed applications and notify vendors whether your application is accepted. Vendors are advised to review the East Hartford market guidelines. Click the links below for further information:

• Food Vendor/Farmer Application
• Small Business/Non-Food Vendor Application
• Non-profit and Community Organization Application
• Farmers’ Market Food Vendor Guidelines 

• East Hartford residents
• Income under 225% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Not currently receiving assistance from other government food voucher programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) farmers’ market nutrition program or the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)  

Residents interested in applying, have questions on eligibility, or about other assistance programs, can contact the East Hartford Social Services Division at (860) 291-7226 or 7248, or visit the social services office located in room 109 of the Community Cultural Center at 50 Chapman Place.

The outdoor Spruce Street Farmers Market runs Wednesday through August 30 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Market Field on 153 Spruce Street. 

Vendor selections are thoughtfully curated to include diverse Connecticut business owners and products, including: fresh fruits & vegetables, meats & eggs, baked goods, a featured food truck, vegan offerings, honey, maple syrup, and artisans. See the weekly vendor line up and market theme at facebook.com/SpruceStreetMarketCT 

In addition to serving as a source for local foods, the market accepts SNAP/EBT and WIC payments, and will double the value of SNAP purchases up to $20 (spend $20 using your EBT card to receive an additional $20.00 to spend on SNAP eligible items). Bring the kids for our Power of Produce program (POP)! Every child who visits the Welcome Pavillion will receive a $2 voucher to spend on produce. This program is sponsored by MELC.



Questions? Email sprucestmarket@manchesterct.gov or call (860) 647-3089.

The outdoor Northwest Park Farmers Market season will run Wednesdays, September 6-October 25 from 4-7 p.m. at Northwest Park on 448 Tolland Turnpike.

Vendor selections are thoughtfully curated to include diverse Connecticut business owners and products, including: fresh fruits & vegetables, meats & eggs, baked goods, a featured food truck, vegan offerings, honey, maple syrup, and artisans. See the weekly vendor line up and market theme at facebook.com/NorthwestParkFarmersMarketCT

In addition to serving as a source for local foods, the market accepts SNAP/EBT and WIC payments, and will double the value of SNAP purchases up to $20.00 (spend $20.00 using your EBT card to receive an additional $20.00 to spend on SNAP eligible items). Bring the kids for our Power of Produce program (POP)! Every child who visits the Welcome Pavillion will receive a $2.00 voucher to spend on produce. This program is sponsored by MELC.



Questions? Email nwpmarket@manchesterct.gov or call (860) 647-3089.

The Latin Festival is the perfect family-friendly, community event that offers fun activities for children and adults alike. Among many activities, there will be a variety of vendors, food, entertainment and so much more. 
If you are a vendor interested in participating in the event, please fill out the following forms or call Parks and Recreation at 860-291-7160 for assistance:

• FOOD VENDOR APPLICATION FORM
• CRAFT VENDOR APPLICATION FORM

Vendors are asked to apply by July 24.

• Splash and Slide Party – Saturday, July 22 from 1-4 p.m. at Lord Pool in Gorman Park, 258 May Road
• Splash and Dance Party – Friday, July 28 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Martin Pool in Martin Park, 307 Burnside Avenue

The splash parties are free for residents; non-residents must pay the daily admission of $5. For more information, or for inclement weather updates, please visit easthartfordct.gov/parks-recreation or like us on Facebook at facbook.com/ehparks.

The Manchester Recreation Division is committed to increasing public awareness around swimming lessons and swim safety and ensuring access to programs and facilities for all residents.

The Recreation Division takes pride in ensuring the Manchester community has the skills and knowledge to stay safe in and around water. We thrive on making sure we offer an array of sustainable lessons for ages 0-99. Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of 14 in the United States. Research has shown that formal swimming lessons reduces the risk of childhood drowning by 88%. Swim lessons are life-saving resources, critical to public health and well-being.

The Recreation Division feels strongly that spreading the word about water safety and offering learn to swim activities is fundamental to a thriving community by: 

• Providing access to learn to swim opportunities and water- based programming for those who can’t swim or won’t swim.
• Increasing excitement around swimming and aquatic opportunities for those who can swim or are skilled swimmers.
• Educating about the importance of learning to swim as a life-saving measure as well as a life-long leisure and wellness activity.

We hope to see you at the pools this summer engaging in a learn to swim program. Please click here for more information.

Key highlights include a starting salary of $60,000, hybrid work environment (must be based in CT), generous PTO and no cover letter.

If you're someone, or you know someone, who cares about improving the way CT's schools are funded, comfortable presenting in front of small and large crowds, passionate about making the legislative process easier, and loves to connect with community members across the state, this role might be a great fit!  
 

Click here for the Town Meetings calendar.

Click here for the Community Events calendar.

Click here for information on the East Hartford Public Library. 

Click here for East Hartford Community Television. 

Click here for the Town Meetings and Community Events Calendar.

Click here for information on the Manchester Public Library. 

Click here for Manchester Public Television.