NEWS
NOTE FROM OUR CHAIR
This has been an incredibly trying time for all of us. Since the pandemic took hold in our state and our community, I've heard from too many friends and neighbors who have lost their jobs or struggle with balancing childcare with working from home. Nearly all of us know someone who is fighting hard to keep their business afloat or put food on their table.
Our state and local leaders are working hard to help those hit the hardest. Going forward, the Glastonbury Democrats will be compiling a list of resources and updates from our officials in the hopes of helping those unsure of where to turn.
Glastonbury's boards, Town Manager, and Town Council are working hard throughout the pandemic to keep Glastonbury strong and provide for our residents in need. With some news outlets temporarily shutdown for the safety of our local journalists, it can be hard to keep up with the latest news from the town. To keep people informed, we'll also be posting updates from official channels here and sending them to our mailing list.
If you need help during these times, please reach out to us. We will see if we can connect you to our town, state, or federal representatives to get you the support or answers you need. We are all in this together, and we are here for our whole community.
Stay safe,
Matt Saunig,
Chair of the Glastonbury DTC
MAY 9, 2020
NEWS FROM THE STATE
Schools are officially closed for the remainder of the year. No in-person classes for grades K-12 will be held and spring sports will remain canceled. NBC Connecticut has more.
Given the challenges many face during this time of distance learning, the State Board of Education has released its funding priorities. In particular, they're focusing on an equitable access to technology and online education resources, re-opening schools, and providing support for the social and emotional well-being of our students.
Secretary of State Denise Merrill recently received a $5.2M grant to protect voter safety. She intends to use at least part of it to mail an absentee ballot application to every registered voter in the state. The CT Mirror has more.
The Glastonbury DTC will also be helping coordinate absentee ballot applications. We are prepared to help follow up with every voter who receives an application to ensure you receive your ballot. With the uncertainty of whether college students will be back on campus in November or whether we see a second surge of the virus, we know there is great concern over your ability to vote on Election Day. We are here to help however we can.
The Connecticut Department of Economic Development is asking small business owners and workers to participate in two surveys. The Small Business Reopening Survey is for business owners and the CT Worker Sentiment Survey will help the state understand how employees feel about returning to their workplaces.
As with the rest of the state, Connecticut's colleges are planning a phased reopening. On May 20, administration functions and research departments may be able to reopen. It remains unclear whether the campuses will be fully open to students in the fall. The CT Mirror has the full story.
NEWS FROM THE TOWN
The Transfer Station has expanded its operating hours to Thursday for certain recycling options. Glastonbury residents will now be able to drop off select recyclables from 11 AM to 7 PM on Thursdays. You can find the full schedule on the town's website.
The town also extended its Tax Deferment Program. The last day to pay July 1, 2020 tax installments without interest is now October 1, 2020. Eligibility information and application requirements can be found on the town's website.
Youth and Family Services have launched a new Facebook page to share games, mental health support, and creative activities.
Additionally, the YFS has begun offering virtual appointments with licensed clinicians for any Glastonbury resident seeking help for mental and emotional health. The pandemic has created a great deal of stress and anxiety, so if you need help, you can submit your request for an appointment online.
The Glastonbury Citizen has announced it will begin to reopen the presses this month. We look forward to their coverage of town news and proceedings once again.
NEWS FROM THE DTC
Because of concerns around Covid-19, in-person meetings of the DTC are currently suspended. We hope everyone stays healthy during this time, and we look forward to being able to reconnect when it is safe to do so.
The next video meeting of the DTC will be held on May 20th.
RESOURCES
Governor Lamont launched free online learning courses for those seeing unemployment. The SkillUp program will enable recently laid off workers to upgrade their skills and gain new industry-recognized certifications. The Governor's Workforce Council has more.
Connecticut has compiled a list of resources for residents and businesses online. This includes unemployment, childcare services for first responders, housing assistance, and more. You can find the full list at https://portal.ct.gov/coronavirus.
Seniors and at-risk residents can sign up for grocery delivery through the town.
Free face masks are available by request. Residents or businesses in need of a mask should please contact the Glastonbury Social Services Division at (860) 652-7638 or socialservices@glastonbury-ct.gov to make a request.
Glastonbury Gives has been coordinating food and fuel drives.
If you would like to volunteer for the town meet residents' needs during this time, please contact Glastonbury Social Services at socialservices@glastonbury-ct.gov.
If you're interested in making masks, please contact Anna Park at anna.park@glastonbury-ct.gov.