Jason Rojas

Dear Neighbor,

I hope this email finds you well. Below, you'll find updates on district resources and news. Please feel free to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns.

The topics covered in this e-newsletter are as follows:

• State Update
• Today In Connecticut History
• Manchester Community Events and Information
• East Hartford Community Events and Information

The Town of East Hartford and the East Hartford Police Department are warning the public about fraudulent invoices being sent to people with pending permit applications (amusement, building, zoning, planning, etc).

These fake invoices may look official, using real names, addresses, and department info, but they are a scam.

The Town ONLY accepts permit payments through:
• OpenGov (eCheck or credit card)
• By mail (check only)
• In person (cash or check)

Before sending any payment by mail, always confirm with:
Nancy DuVerger (Building Permits) or
Jennifer Yncera (Amusement Permits)

They will NEVER ask for wire transfers.

If you receive something suspicious, report it immediately to the East Hartford Police Department (860) 528-4401.

Stay alert. Stay safe.

Join me for a unique tour of the iconic Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park. Tours run from 12:00-1:30 PM - don’t miss your chance to climb the arch, hear incredible stories, and see Hartford from a whole new perspective!

Hammonasset Beach State Park, Connecticut’s largest public beach and one of the state’s most popular attractions, first opened to the public today in 1920. Located in Madison, Hammonasset features a continuous two-mile-long stretch of sandy beaches lining a shoreline peninsula that juts southward into Long Island Sound.

Before opening to the public in 1920, the nearly 1,000 acres of land comprising Hammonasset Beach State Park had been used by Native Americans, English colonists, and even the U.S. military in a wide variety of ways. Prior to the arrival of English settlers in the 1630s, local Indian tribes used the flat, broad swath of coastal land to fish and grow crops of corn, beans, and squash; the name “Hammonasset” roughly translates to “place where we dig in the ground.”

In the 19th century, the Winchester Repeating Arms company (based in nearby New Haven) used several hundred acres on Hammonasset’s Meigs Point peninsula as a test range for larger and long-range firearms; shooters would board boats and fire at targets set up in front of the sand dunes on the shore.

In the 1910s, state governments across the country — including Connecticut — started to acquire land for public use or conservation, a national trend that culminated in the creation of the National Park Service in 1916. In 1919, the Connecticut Park and Forest Commission purchased 75 parcels of shoreline property in Madison and cobbled them together to form a contiguous area of 565 acres. On July 18th the following summer, Hammonasset Beach State Park first opened to the public as the state’s 19th state park, attracting over 75,000 visitors in its inaugural year. The new state park was an instant hit with state residents — in its first eight years, attendance skyrocketed from 75,000 people to 75,000 vehicles carrying an estimated 300,000 visitors.

With the exception of a few years during World War II — when the park was closed to the public and used as a site where P-47 fighter pilots did airborne target practice — Hammonasset has remained a favorite summer destination for Connecticans for the last century. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (which is responsible for daily park operations) estimates that the park now attracts over a million visitors each year.

Further Reading

“Hammonasset State Park Serves the State and its Residents,” connecticuthistory.org

Elizabeth Normen, “A Brief History of Hammonasset Beach State Park,” Connecticut Explored

https://www.easthartfordct.gov/residents
 
Town Newsletters
Pulse of East Hartford     
East Hartford Public Schools
East Hartford Works

The Town of Manchester is excited to officially unveil Manchester Now, the new program guide publication for the Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation, the Manchester Public Library, the Manchester Senior Center & Manchester Public Schools.

Cruisin’ on Main Street is back! On August 3rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain dates Aug. 10th or 17th.) come down to Manchester’s Main Street and spend the day admiring local and out-of-town hot rods, muscle cars, classic cars and more. Spectators’ admission is free and to register/showcase your car there is a $10 fee. For the show cars the gates open at 8 a.m. located at School St. and Myrtle St.

Cruisin’ on Main Street is one of the largest car shows in New England where peak attendance reached almost 1,000 cars and 30,000 spectators. The event is managed by Gear Head Mafia member Larry Ash and supervised by our very own Leisure, Family, and Recreation staff. So, on August 3rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. come down to Cruisin’ on Main Street and enjoy the classic cars, great food, and awesome music!

Read More

The school supply assistance program will be distributing a ONE-TIME use VISA Gift Card for Manchester residents to assist with school supplies for children in grades K-12.

To sign up please call Senior, Adult and Family Services at 860-647-3096 or apply online using the link below:

Apply Today

Apply: Through August 15^th 2025

Please bring the following information when you sign up:

Your children’s insurance cards

Proof of residence and DSS Assistance

Click here for more information.

On Sunday, July 20, 2025, beginning at 1 p.m., 100 volunteers from the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation in partnership with HDR employees, educators from the University of Connecticut’s Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, and local government officials will celebrate the grand opening ceremony of Mom’s Garden Project at Emma & Nicholas DePietro Park in East Hartford.

The milestone event will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, guided garden tours, presentations featuring research from UConn’s New England Pollinator Conservation Corridor and refreshments.

The project is part of WeLoveU’s Mom’s Garden Project program, designed to support local pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. According to the USDA, pollinators are in decline due to habitat loss, disease, parasites, and environmental contaminants. Once complete, the gardens will feature educational signage and serve as a living classroom for local students and residents, promoting environmental awareness and offering a peaceful space that supports mental wellness. For more information, visit weloveuusa.org./pollinator-garden-project.

The annual Sounds of Summer Concert Series returns for 2025! This free summer concert series will take place on Thursdays through July 31st, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Great River Park Amphitheater, located at 301 East River Drive. Join us for beautiful music in a scenic setting all summer long!
This year's lineup features a diverse range of musical genres to entertain all members of the community:

• July 24: Mass-Conn Fusion (Jazz, Motown, R&B)
• July 31: Soul Sound Revue (7-piece Modern Music)

In the event of inclement weather, the concerts will be moved indoors to the East Hartford Community Culture Center at 50 Chapman Place.
A special thank you is extended to the generous sponsors who make this series possible: Pratt & Whitney, The Metropolitan District, the Commission on Culture and Fine Arts, Restaurant Paradise, and Uncle Crumbles.
Located at 301 East River Drive, Great River Park is a beautiful and much loved stretch of the East Hartford’s riverside. Stretching along the bend of the Connecticut River adjacent to East River Drive, Great River Park is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy the outdoors. Enjoy picturesque vistas of the riverside and the city along nearly two miles of paved and lighted Riverwalk. Facilities include a boat launch, picnic tables, fishing access, a 350-seat amphitheater and a unique collection of sculpture art. Pedestrians can easily travel back and forth to Hartford via the Founders Bridge Promenade or the Charter Oak Bridge just steps from the park.

Terry Pool  (Outdoor/Seasonal Facility)
Hockanum Park, 320 High St.  Located by Hockanum School.  Features a 50 meter pool with two diving boards, and a ramp for accessible entry.  Olympic Size!
Martin Pool  (Outdoor/Seasonal Facility)
Martin Park, 307 Burnside Ave. Located in Martin Park. This is a historic pool dating back to 1938, rectangular with a separate wading pool.
Drennan Pool  (Outdoor/Seasonal Facility)
McAuliffe Park, 30 Remington Rd. Located next to Anna Norris School.  Features a rectangular pool with a ramp for accessible entry.
Lord Pool  (Outdoor/Seasonal Facility) 
Gorman Park, 258 May Rd.  Located behind O’Connell School.  Features a ramp for accessible entry, water slide, and separate wading pool.
Goldstar Pool  (Outdoor/Seasonal Facility) 
Goodwin Park, 1235 Forbes St.  Located behind Goodwin Elementary School. Features a family friendly pool with a mushroom water feature.
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Admission to Town of East Hartford Aquatic Facilities is free for residents.
Proof of residency is required for all persons ages 7 and older. 
East Hartford Resident Adult (Ages 16+) - Acceptable forms of ID are Driver’s License/permit or State Issued ID Card.
East Hartford Resident Child (Ages 7-15) - Acceptable forms of ID are East Hartford Public School ID (current year) or Parks and Recreation Youth Photo ID.  Parks and Recreation Youth ID cards are available for residents ages 7-15 from East Hartford Parks and Recreation.  The cost is $6.00 and are valid for three years.  Children 11 and under must be accompanied by a responsible swimmer age 16 or older.  The application for a Youth Photo ID is available here.
East Hartford Resident Child (Ages 6 and under) - Must be accompanied by a responsible swimmer age 16 or older and must remain within arms reach of that person at all times when in the water. .
All Non-Residents or Those Without Proof of Residency - The daily fee for non-residents and those without acceptable proof of East Hartford residency is $5.00.  This includes children. Non-Residents may purchase an annual pool pass for $120, which can be prorated on a monthly basis at the Parks and Recreation office.  Daily admission fees do not apply towards the purchase of a pool pass, and are non-refundable.
 

Additionally, there will be a series of aquatic recreation opportunities offered throughout the summer. They will include three splash parties on Saturday, July 12 at 1 p.m. at Goldstar Pool , Saturday July 19 at 1 p.m. at Lord Pool, and on Friday, July 25, at 5 p.m. at Martin Park.
Finally, there are a number of group swim lessons offered Monday through Thursday. Swim sessions in sets of 8 classes are offered to residents for $50 and to non-residents for $80 per session.
For more information or to register please visit: Aquatics & Swim Lessons | easthartfordct or call the office for more information at 860-291-7160. 
 

You are invited to the East Hartford Community Center ribbon-cutting and open house/resource fair on Wednesday, August 6. As you may know, in an effort to establish a one-stop shop resource center, Mayor Martin’s administration has re-envisioned the use of former East Hartford Community Cultural Center at 50 Chapman Plan by housing the following departments and organizations at the facility:
 

• Crisis Intervention Division
• East Hartford Food Pantry
• EL and Bilingual Services
• Family Learning Center
• Family Welcome and registration Center
• Hartford Regional Children’s Probate Court
• Office of Family and community Partnership
• Parks and Recreation
• WIC
• Youth & Social Services  

 
We invite you to attend the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony in recognition of establishment of the new and improved East Hartford Community Center. The event has been coupled with the East Hartford Public Schools Back to School Rally.
 
The ribbon-cutting will begin at 2 PM at 50 Chapman Place, followed by the East Hartford Public Schools Back to School Rally from 3:30 – 6:30 PM. In additional to obtaining school supplies, families are invited to connect with local departments to learn more about the resources they offer to the community.
 
Rain date is Thursday, August 7, same time and location. Attendees are asked to RSVP for both dates by Friday, July 11 at 12:30 PM. 
 
Your attendance is welcomed and highly appreciated.