Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

December 3, 2025

This first week of December marks Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. Connecticut is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to encourage families and caregivers to begin open, proactive conversations about safe driving as loved ones age.

Nationally, the population of residents 65 and older has risen significantly, and in 2023 drivers in this age group were involved in nearly one-fifth of all fatal crashes. In Connecticut, 51 older adults were involved in fatal crashes that same year, representing 17% of statewide roadway fatalities.

State law allows drivers 60 and older to take an approved crash-prevention course and receive an insurance discount, providing an important opportunity to refresh skills and stay safe on the road. Click here for more information and a list of providers.

Families are encouraged to work with older adults to develop a transportation plan, which may include:

  • keeping up with vision and hearing checkups
  • reviewing medications for side effects that may affect driving
  • choosing daytime or less complex routes
  • considering adaptive vehicle equipment
  • identifying alternative transportation options if driving becomes difficult

Free resources are available through NHTSA to help older adults stay safe and to assist families and caregivers in supporting safe mobility for everyone.

Early Childhood Education Endowment Public Hearing

Early childhood education was one of House Democrats’ priority bills during the 2025 legislative session. The newly formed Early Childhood Education Endowment is already making a difference for families and educators in Connecticut. Beginning in January 2026, the state will add up to 1,000 new spaces to the Early Start CT program, expanding access to affordable early learning opportunities for more families. In addition, provider payment rates will increase by up to 8% to help offset operational costs and support improved staff compensation. 

You’re invited to join the conversation and help shape the future of early childhood education in Connecticut by offering your feedback. Attend the ECE Endowment Board’s Annual Public Hearing on Wednesday, December 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Legislative Office Building.

Click here to sign up to testify in person or virtually.

Food Assistance

Local food pantries across the state are providing essential assistance to those in need and are also seeking donations to help meet the growing demand.

Click here to find food programs and services available through 211 Connecticut. You can also call 2-1-1, or 1-800-203-1234.

Click here to find a Connecticut Foodshare food pantry or mobile food pantry.

For those neighbors who are not struggling please consider making a monetary donation or even donating your time. Click here to volunteer and/or donate to Connecticut Foodshare. 

Community Events

The Holiday Fest on the Green will be on Friday, December 5 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Then on Saturday, December 6 from 2:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M., Swim with Santa!

Click here for more information.

It's time for the Annual Holiday Fest Food Drive! Now, until December 8th, you can drop off non-perishable food items at the following locations, during regular business hours:

East Hartford Parks & Recreation: 50 Chapman Place (Lower Level)
East Hartford Public Library Main Library: 840 Main Street
East Hartford Senior Center: 15 Milbrook Drive
The Selden Brewer House: 165 Main Street
Burnside Roma Pizza: 358 Burnside Ave.
Hillstown Grange No. 87*: 617 Hills Street (accepting donations on Sunday, December 7 from 8:30 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.)
All Saint's Church: 444 Hills Street
Double A Dance Company : 2 Tolland Street

All donations received will help to fill the East Hartford Food Pantry, at the East Hartford Community Center! Donations for the EH Food Pantry are accepted, and appreciated, year-round and may be dropped off at the EH Community Center, located at 50 Chapman Place.

If you are a local business who is interested in being a donation drop off location, please email Jenilee Tedesco at JTedesco@easthartfordct.gov
If you have any questions regarding donation locations, please call 860-291-7160.
For questions regarding the pantry, please call East Hartford Health and Human Services at 860-291-7324.

It's that time of year to send your letters to Santa! East Hartford children may drop their letters off to the Parks & Recreation main office (50 Chapman Place, lower level) until December 12 to guarantee a response. Letters will be sent to the North Pole and children will get a reply!

Letters must contain the child's name and complete mailing address and letters must be dropped off. No phone or email requests are accepted. 

Call 860-291-7160 with any questions

Business Hours:
Monday - Wednesday: 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Thursday: 8:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.
Friday: 8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.