Jason Rojas

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. 



The topics covered are as follows:

• Today in CT History
• Community Resources
• Manchester Community Events 
• East Hartford Community Events

Today in 1989, the worst recorded tornado outbreak in state history tore through the state, as multiple twisters devastated a historic forest, left behind numerous swaths of destruction, killed two people, and injured hundreds more.

Local meteorologists had warned residents about the high potential for severe weather on July 10, 1989, but no one anticipated the massive outbreak of funnel clouds that occurred over a wide path of the state. They cut a line from the northwest corner of Connecticut southeast toward the greater New Haven area. Near Cornwall, a tornado leveled a huge section of the Cathedral Pines, one of the last stands of old-growth forest in the United States, and continued eastward, destroying a church in the village of Bantam. To the south, another twister damaged over 150 homes in the greater Waterbury area. The most severe tornado — later determined to have an F4 rating on the Fujita scale — devastated the town of Hamden with winds exceeding 200mph, wrecking over 350 homes and causing an estimated $100 million in damage.

Recovery efforts from the tornadoes took weeks. President George H. W. Bush declared a state of emergency for the hardest-hit areas of the state, and the National Guard was quickly dispatched to help with cleanup efforts. Connecticut Governor William O’Neill remarked that, in spite of the widespread devastation, “It [was] a miracle that more people weren’t injured or even killed.” It was a small silver lining on one of the darkest and stormiest days Connecticut had ever seen.

Further Reading

Wayne Worcester, “‘Three Songs and it was Over’: The Connecticut Tornadoes of 1989,” Yankee Magazine

Robert A. Hamilton, “Holding On In Devastation,” New York Times

“Slideshow: Hamden Tornado, July 10, 1989,” Hartford Courant

Keep you and your Family Safe



Educate yourself and your family on the types of disasters and weather issues to be expected in your area. Know if you are in a flood zone or evacuation zone. Find out if there are any places near your home that could be dangerous or cause an emergency. Some examples are:

• A nuclear power plant
• Areas prone to flooding
• Buildings where chemicals are used
• In the event you are asked to evacuate your home, know where you will go, whether that is a home of a family member, friend, motel, hotel, or shelter.

Learn what to do in case of an emergency at work and at your child’s school.

Town Resources

https://www.easthartfordct.gov/residents

 

Town Newsletters

Pulse of East Hartford     

East Hartford Public Schools

East Hartford Works

The Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation Summer Program and Event Guide is here!

Read The Full Guide Here.

Manchester Residents Days at Manchester Country Club

April 8th, July 15th, October 14th 2024.

We encourage Manchester residents of all ages and skill levels to come out and enjoy a great day at the course. Reservations can be made up to 7 days in advance by clicking on website listed below or by calling the golf shop, 860-646-0226.

Proof of residency required when checking in. Please remember our dress code: Denim, tee-shirts and metal spikes are not permitted. Cart and practice range fees are optional.

https://www.mancc.com/

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing the commencement of work for sign and sign support replacement on CT-187, CT-189, and I-291 on July 7, 2024.



The Project includes the replacement of signs and sign supports along the entire length of Interstate 291 (Windsor to Manchester), and the limited-access section of CT Route 187/189 in Bloomfield. The new signs and sign supports will be installed in accordance with the latest Federal and State standards and guidelines. The types of signs that will be replaced include, but are not limited to, large overhead and side mounted guide signs, on-ramp entrance signs. Additionally, two variable message signs will be installed on I-291, one northbound in Manchester, and one southbound in Windsor. 



DOT Project No. 0171-0481 was awarded to The Quaker Corporation of Cheshire, CT at a cost of $5,551,444.10 on May 24, 2024, and is scheduled to be completed on December 25, 2025.  This project is administered by the Office of Construction – District 1 in Rocky Hill.



LANE CLOSURE INFO:



Motorists can expect traffic operation impacts/lane closures on the following Roadways:

Interstate 291

• Monday-Friday between 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM - 5:00 AM
• Saturday and Sunday between 12:00 AM - 12:00 PM

CT-189/187

• Monday-Friday between 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday between 12:00 AM - 12:00 PM

DETOUR INFO: 

No Detours are currently anticipated at this time.

The Town of Manchester mailed the tax bills for the October 1, 2023 Grand List on June 17, 2024. The first installment of taxes on the Grand List of October 1, 2023 are due and payable on July 1, 2024. The second installment of taxes on the Grand List of October 1, 2023, are due and payable on January 1, 2025.



Failure to pay any tax due July 1, 2024, on or before August 1, 2024, will cause the tax to become delinquent and subject to interest at the rate of 1.5% per month, back to the original due date of July 2024. To avoid interest, payment must be postmarked by August 1, 2024. Payments postmarked after August 1, 2024, will accrue interest. Any delinquent tax is subject to a minimum interest charge of two dollars ($2.00).



Failure to receive a bill does not invalidate the tax or, in the event of delinquency, respective penalties. Taxpayers who do not receive a bill by the end of the first full week of July should request a duplicate from the Collector of Revenue Office or download a copy online.

Real estate and personal property tax bills that have two installments were mailed in June with a separate, detachable payment coupon for the first and second installments. There is no second bill mailed for the second installment as both payment coupons were mailed in June.



The Collector of Revenue Office at the Manchester Town Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. We will be open until 6:00 PM on August 1, 2024. Taxpayers have several additional options to make their tax payments. Taxes may be paid online; placed in an envelope, and put in the drop box behind Town Hall (please do not put cash in the drop box); paid via phone by calling 1-844-562-1959; or by mail.



Pay Taxes Online



Taxpayers who have questions or need additional information may contact the Collector of Revenue Office at 860-647-3018 or collector@manchesterct.gov.

The Town of East Hartford has entered into a partnership agreement with East Hartford Murals, a division of RiseUP for Arts for cultural and community programming on Bissell Street. The launch event, called Off-Main Experience, will occur on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm and mark the kick-off to the Town’s initiative to convert Bissell Street into a pedestrian-friendly zone.

 

The Off-Main Experience aims to bring together community members, local artists, and East Hartford leadership for an evening of art, culture, and celebration. This event serves as the kick-off to the Bissell Street pedestrian pathway pilot and will initiate a community engagement process to listen and learn what the community envisions for the future of Bissell Street.

 

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with local artists, participate in interactive art installations, and enjoy live performances. Special appearances by East Hartford dignitaries will highlight the town’s commitment to enhancing community spaces and promoting local culture.

 

Event Highlights:

• Interactive Art Installations: Engage with local artists and participate in the creation of a community mural.
• Vendors & Artists: Explore offerings from local vendors and artists to support small businesses.
• Live Performances: Enjoy live music and performances by local talent.
• Special Appearances: Hear from East Hartford government leadership about the vision for a pedestrian-friendly Bissell Street.

 

Date: Friday, July 26, 2024

Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Bissell Street, East Hartford, CT

 

The first mural to be installed on Bissell Street will be painted by East Hartford native, Haley Jones. This mural will focus on themes related to East Hartford, and community members are encouraged to contribute by emailing photos that answer the question, "What Does East Hartford Mean to You?" to matt.conway@theriseupgroup.org.

 

Of the new initiative, Mayor Connor Martin said, “This important partnership is a big step towards making Bissell Street an active, cultural, and community destination. We have a responsibility to continue working to create safe, vibrant spaces for our residents, and Bissell Street revitalization is an important step in this process. We are working to create what I like to refer to as East Hartford’s version of Pratt Street: A pedestrian-only street, with outdoor furniture, lighting, and art, that will be appeal to residents and visitors alike.”

 

“We are thrilled to launch the Off-Main Experience in East Hartford,” said Harry Amadasun, Executive Director at East Hartford Murals and member of East Hartford Town Council. “This event not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of our community but also marks the beginning of an exciting transformation of Bissell Street into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly zone. We look forward to engaging with the community to shape the future of this important space.”

 

The Off-Main Experience is part of East Hartford Murals’ broader mission to use public art as a tool for community engagement and urban revitalization. By converting Bissell Street into a pedestrian-friendly area, the Town of East Hartford aims to create a more welcoming and inclusive space for all.

 

Join us on July 26th for an evening of art, culture, and community, and be a part of the exciting transformation of Bissell Street. For more information about the event and East Hartford Murals, please visit www.easthartfordmurals.com or contact Harry Amadasun at harry.amadasun@theriseupgroup.org.

 

About East Hartford Murals:

East Hartford Murals is a division of RiseUP for Arts dedicated to transforming communities through public art. Our mission is to create vibrant, inclusive public spaces that foster community engagement and celebrate cultural diversity. We work with local artists, community members, and partners to design and implement public art projects that inspire and connect.

Join for a night of beautiful string music in the garden! Bring a chair and spend time in the gorgeous garden at the historic Selden Brewer House! Light refreshments will be provided by the Historical Society of East Hartford. Feel free to pack a snack, or even a picnic, to enjoy in the garden!



A string trio, Andante Strings, will be there playing a variety of songs ranging from classical, pop and Broadway! During the event, the Historical Society of East Hartford will also be giving tours of the Brewer House.

The Town of East Hartford is excited to announce a new East Hartford Farmers’ Market schedule and location for the 2024 season! Our East Hartford Farmers’ Market will be held Tuesdays from July 9 through October 29 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Town Green / Alumni Park (1047 Main Street).

“Our farmers’ market is a valuable program that fosters community connection while providing access to fresh, local produce and products made by Connecticut vendors,” said Mayor Connor Martin. “We are looking forward to expanding the market by hosting additional vendors and offering more family-friendly activities such as games and live music at our new location on the Town Green.”

CALL FOR FARMERS’ MARKET VENDORS:

Market organizers are in the process of recruiting vendors to expand the variety of Connecticutmade foods as well as other vendors to improve the selection for customers.

Are you a farmer or market vendor who produces honey, milk, eggs, bread, other foods, or locally produced crafts who wishes to be part of the East Hartford Farmers’ Market? Are you a business or non-profit organization looking to promote your services? Please visit the East Hartford Farmers’ Market website for guidelines and to access the vendor application (both online and printable options are available). There is no cost to participate as a vendor and individuals are able to request space for specific dates or the full market season. Once your application is submitted, organizers will review and determine if your product or service is appropriate for the farmers’ market.

DONATE TO BECOME AN EH FARMERS’ MARKET PARTNER!

The Town of East Hartford is asking for donations from residents, community organizations, and businesses to support our market programs that fight food insecurity right here in our community. Your support will help residents buy fresh, healthy foods from farmers that support our market. Donations will help the Town provide additional support to SNAP, WIC, and SFMNP recipients through farmers’ market matching vouchers.

Donations can be made online by visiting the Social Services Donation Program website and choosing the “Farmers’ market partner program” option. Alternatively, cash or check donations can be dropped off to East Hartford Youth & Social Services Division located at the Community Cultural Center at 50 Chapman Place. Checks should be made payable to the Town of East Hartford Youth & Social Services Division with “Farmers Market” noted in the bottom left. Any amount helps!

For more information regarding the various benefit programs and the Social Services donation program, please visit East Hartford Farmers’ Market website.

Spectators and car enthusiasts are invited to the Cruisin' East Hartford Car Show on Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 1 – 4 p.m. We are excited to be returning this year’s car show back to Sunset Ridge Middle School, 450 Forbes Street, East Hartford, CT 06118

The show car entrance fee is $10 and there is no cut off year. We welcome Classics (both domestic and foreign), Street Rods, Customs, Antiques, Old and New Muscle. Dash plaques will be given to the first 100 show cars. Trophies will be awarded for a variety of categories, and we will have raffle prizes and oldies music throughout the event. Pre-registration is not required; show cars will register on site on the day of the event. There is no fee for spectators!

The rain date will be Sunday, July 14, 2024. In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on our website: www.easthartfordct.gov/parks-recreation and on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ehparks. For more information, please call East Hartford Parks and Recreation at 860-291-7160 or CT Street Legends at 860-280-8076.

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