Henry Genga

Help shape the future of the Burnside and Church Street Village area by sharing your vision for community development at a Public Workshop on Thursday, January 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wickham Library (656 Burnside Ave.).

You will have the opportunity to share your ideas and feedback and learn more about the East Hartford Brownfield Area-Wide Revitalization (BAR) project. The project team will be available to answer any questions!

This week, Governor Ned Lamont announced the launch of the Connecticut Content Creator Collaborative, or C4. This is a new digital platform designed to connect businesses, organizations, and agencies with content creators and influencers who authentically represent Connecticut.

C4 serves as a centralized, searchable database where content creators can list their profiles for free, and where businesses can easily discover, filter, and connect with creators based on industry focus, geography, audience demographics, and content specialty, from lifestyle and culinary to travel, culture, family, and entrepreneurship.

Users can explore creators by:

• Content category (culinary, lifestyle, travel, family, culture, business)
• Geographic focus
• Audience demographics
• Platform reach and specialties

C4 is free for creators to join, boosting visibility, credibility, and access to new opportunities while giving businesses a trusted, efficient way to find partners who bring stories to life.

Click here to explore what C4 has to offer.

AARP Connecticut invites eligible nonprofits and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge. The program funds quick-action projects that improve community livability, especially for people age 50 and older through enhancements to public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more.

The organization will award more than $8 million will be awarded nationwide. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3), (4), and (6) nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Grant options include:

• Flagship Grants: Support projects in public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to up to $15,000.

• Capacity-Building Microgrants: Support for projects focused on walkability and bikeability, accessible home modifications, and disaster preparedness. Awards of $2,500.

• Demonstration Grants: Fund replicable projects, with a 2026 focus on pedestrian safety, broadband access and adoption, and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000 to $25,000.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4. Click here to learn more and apply. 

A program called Connecticut History Day is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as judges at one of its five Regional Contests. Judges play a crucial role in encouraging students as they share their historical research and creative work. Click here to learn more and sign up to judge at a regional contest.

Judges have the opportunity to meet students, evaluate and rank projects, and provide meaningful, constructive feedback to every participant. No prior judging experience is necessary, judges receive pre-contest training and clear materials to review in advance.

Contest day judging runs from 8:00 a.m. until the early afternoon with coffee, snacks, and lunch provided. Website and paper judges meet with students on contest day, but they review projects in the week prior to the event. Documentary, performance, and exhibit judges both view the project and meet with the students at the contest.

While many people have questions following changes to federal vaccine guidance, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) has not changed its vaccine recommendations. Its guidance continues to be based on the best available science and long-standing public health evidence to help protect individuals, families, and communities.

Vaccines remain a safe and effective way to prevent serious illness across the lifespan. If you’re looking for clear, reliable information, these resources may be helpful:

CT DPH Immunization & Vaccine Info: https://portal.ct.gov/.../individuals-and.../immunizations CT.gov
Access your vaccination record (CT WiZ): https://ctwizpublicportal.dph.ct.gov/ ctwizpublicportal.dph.ct.gov
General vaccine info (disease-based): https://portal.ct.gov/.../public.../vaccine-information CT.gov
Find or schedule a vaccine near you: https://www.vaccines.gov/en/ vaccines.gov

You are encouraged to talk with your health care provider and rely on trusted, evidence-based sources as you make decisions for yourself and your family.

A vaccine clinic will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, at the Raymond Library Meeting Room (840 Main Street).

To register in advance, please call the East Hartford Health Department at (860) 291-7324. Be sure to bring your ID and insurance card. Walk-ins are welcome and will not be turned away.

The East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts (CCFA) has created a new post of Poet Laureate, and is seeking applications for the position. Requirements include a love and knowledge of poetry, experience writing poetry, and a willingness to teach poetry writing workshops and organize poetry readings. The applicant should be a resident (or have strong ties to East Hartford) and have good communication skills in order to work together with library staff, Commission members, and town leaders. Applicants must be eighteen years of age or older. The (two-year) post is voluntary, but an annual honorarium of $500 will be provided by the CCFA.

Click here for more about application requirements and where to submit your application.

If you are a young woman looking for a safe and supportive space to explore trauma-informed topics such as empowerment, self-care, healthy relationships, and self-confidence register now to take part in the Young Women's Support Group.

Space is limited, registration is first come first serve, and for East Hartford residents only.

Click here for more information and to register. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to the Youth and Social Services Program Coordinator at 860-291-7183.