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Due to an anticipated stretch of high temperatures, the state is activating its Extreme Hot Weather Protocol, effective at noon on Sunday, June 22. The protocol will remain in effect through at least 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25.
This is the first time this year that the protocol is being activated. The current forecast predicts temperatures to exceed 90 degrees during this period, with a heat index that could range from 100 to 105 degrees.
The purpose of activating the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions. While in effect, a system is established for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1, ensuring that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide and providing a location for those in need of relief.
Cooling centers will be available throughout the state. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or viewing the list that will be published online at 211ct.org. |
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| Several new laws that were passed during the 2025 legislative session take effect on Tuesday, July 1. Please see below to read about some of them! |
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Our two-year, $55.8 billion budget takes effect July 1. This bill reflects our shared values, marked by historic investments in children through expanded funding for special education and childcare. Our budget strengthens support for working families and ensures that the essential work of nonprofits is both valued and financially supported.
Another bill going into effect is our bond package, which provides nearly $10 billion for Connecticut municipalities to fund projects in school construction, transportation infrastructure, housing assistance, and many more local initiatives.
Our students will soon learn about three essential topics in the classroom: civics, media literacy, and Asian American and Pacific Islander history. Under two bills passed in 2022 and 2023, students will gain an understanding of what it means to be an active and engaged citizen, how to analyze the modern media landscape, and the rich history of the AAPI community in our state and the entire country.
Our elections will soon be more secure and transparent as video recording technology will be added to every absentee ballot drop box in our state. This new law will record the drop boxes from the first day that ballots are issued up through when the clerk retrieves the final ballots, and all of these recordings will be made available to the public.
A novel, landmark bill supporting public libraries struggling to afford the skyrocketing costs of e-books and digital audiobooks will go into effect July 1. The bill bars libraries from entering into or renewing expensive contracts and licensing agreements with publishers. The measure positions Connecticut as a national leader in this arena and marks a significant step toward transparency, equity, and sustainability in how libraries acquire and provide digital resources to the public.
Many more bills are going into effect July 1, including one that reforms Connecticut's towing system, one that requires financial literacy instruction in school, and more.
You can click the link below for the full list of laws going into effect, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
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| As always, your calls, emails, and testimony at our public hearings directly influenced these new laws. Please continue to share your views and have your voice heard at the Capitol! |
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- 110 state parks
- 32 state forests
- 29 state campgrounds
- 117 state boat launches
- 4 coastal state beaches
Connecticut has all this and more! Nationally-ranked restaurants, the Connecticut Oyster Trail, and the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail. Later this year, the state will also officially launch the Connecticut Pizza Trail to celebrate its designation as the Pizza Capital of the United States.
The best way to explore tourism destinations and find activities to do in the state is by visiting the official Connecticut Tourism website: ctvisit.com.
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Town Meetings
Regular Town Council Meeting
Town Council Chambers (740 Main Street)+1929-235-8441; ID: 565393232#
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Board of Education Meeting
Town Of Manchester
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Today in 1961, Easton resident Helen Keller received a birthday greeting from President John F. Kennedy containing high praise for her lifetime’s worth of hard work and advocacy for people who, like herself, were blind and/or deaf. In it, he wrote: “You are one of that select company of men and women whose achievements have become legendary in their own time. Your tireless endeavors on behalf of blind people everywhere have gained friends for the United States and the cause of Democracy, and have won for you a permanent place in the history of human progress.”
Born in 1880 in Alabama, Helen Keller contracted an unknown illness as a toddler that left her permanently deaf and blind. When she was six, she experienced what she called the “birthday of her soul” when Anne Sullivan, a graduate of Boston’s Perkins School for the Blind, arrived in Alabama to become Helen’s personal aide and teacher. Sullivan was able to break through the communication barrier with young Helen by teaching her how to sign letters with her fingers, instilling a lifelong thirst for knowledge in her pupil. Helen went on to study at Perkins herself and, in 1904, became the first deaf-blind person to earn a college degree after graduating from Radcliffe College cum laude.
Keller, who also learned to verbally speak and communicate with braille and physical lip reading, went on to become a world-famous writer and motivational lecturer who championed better education and living conditions for people with disabilities, as well as a litany of progressive social causes like labor rights and women’s suffrage. After the death of her first teacher and close friend, Anne Sullivan, in 1936, Keller moved to Easton, Connecticut, where she lived out the rest of her life. There, on June 20, 1961, she received her special birthday letter from the President.
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| Helen Keller, photographed at her home in Connecticut with one of her many canine companions, 1947. (Library of Congress) |
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| Kennedy’s well wishes were not the first that Keller received from a sitting U.S. president, nor would they be the last. Earlier in her life, she had also met with Presidents Taft, Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Eisenhower, all of whom she personally spoke with about the rights of Americans with disabilities. In September 1964, Keller would also receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Lyndon B. Johnson. A meaningful and inspirational life recognized by the nation’s highest office, today in Connecticut history. |
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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.
Click here for more info |
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James "Dutch" Fogarty Celebration 2025
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Manchester, YOU REALLY DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!! The event will be here in less than two months.
On Saturday, July 5, 2025 (rain date July 6th), the James “Dutch” Fogarty Fourth of July Celebration celebrates 40 years of providing Manchester and the surrounding communities with live music, kids’ zone activities, marketplace offerings, food, family, friends, and fireworks. This annual get-together will be the highlight of the summer and is not something to be missed. It all starts at 4:00 p.m. and continues until the last rocket lights up the sky at 9:55 p.m.
For the second year in a row, “Silver Fox String Band” kicks things off, taking the bandshell stage at 4:30 pm. SFSB, founded in 2020 are passionate musicians from diverse musical backgrounds who share their love of making and playing music with their old and new friends. With roots ranging from country, bluegrass, rock, and R&B, the band offers a truly unique and transcendental experience for those in search of a fresh new sound inspired by the classics. You’ll love them!
Kenny, Rob, Mickey, Jimmy, and Joey are “Nightshift”. These talented guys are such an in-demand band that we feel extremely fortunate to be able to bring them back for a third year in a row. Nightshift, a very appropriate band to play for Fourth of July celebrations because of their very strong support for our veterans, active-duty military, Police, Fire, EMS, and Public Safety Dispatchers. This feature band will be performing the most popular, most fun, and most memorable songs from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. Nightshift, for sure, will get you up dancing and singing the classics. They take the stage at 7:00 p.m.
To perform the National Anthem, we bring back Manchester sensation “Rylie Pennington”. Rylie is an 11-year-old multi-talented performing artist with credits in film, musical theatre, and theatre.
More event information to come. |
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Shop from Black-owned food & artisanal vendors -Enjoy a live performance by Mixed Company -All attendees will receive a free Pan-African flag
JUNETEENTH COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WORKSPACE
903 MAIN STREET
Manchester, CT
JUNE 20th
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Day -Hear from a roundtable of local community leaders & trailblazers about Manchester’s equity work. |
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Summer Reading Kickoff with Mr. Lobster
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Join local musician and music teacher Mr. Lobster (Christian Loftus) for an interactive concert for kids! You'll sing, you'll dance, you'll dream, and you'll drink imaginary milkshakes. Target audience: kids ages 3-10, but all are welcome.
When:
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Location:
Mary Cheney Library, 586 Main Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, View Map
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- Terry Pool (Outdoor/Seasonal Facility) - Scheduled to open 6/21/25
- 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) - Scheduled to open 6/21/25
- 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) - Scheduled to open 6/21/25
- 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) - Scheduled to open 6/21/25
- Gorman Park, 258 May Rd. Located behind O’Connell School. Features a ramp for accessible entry, a water slide, and a separate wading pool.
- Goldstar Pool (Outdoor/Seasonal Facility) - Scheduled to open 6/21/25
- Goodwin Park, 1235 Forbes St. Located behind Goodwin Elementary School. Features a family-friendly pool with a mushroom water feature.
- 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 a Driver’s License/permit or a 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 is 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 arm's 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 monthly at the Parks and Recreation office. Daily admission fees do not apply towards the purchase of a pool pass, and are non-refundable.
CLICK HERE FOR POOL RULES
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.
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| Friday, June 27th, on Bissell Street in East Hartford. Off-Main Experience is back again with a lineup of amazing Caribbean and Latin music to kick off East Hartford’s Latin Fest Weekend! It’s always a party when it’s a RiseUP party. |
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East Hartford Spring Senior Yard Cleanup Support
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The Town of East Hartford Commission on Aging and Department of Health & Human Services are inviting East Hartford senior residents who qualify to participate in the Spring Senior Yard Support Program. The purpose of this program is to assist East Hartford seniors who are experiencing financial and/or physical barriers with front and/or back yard clean-up.
Volunteers will do general yard clean-up, such as raking, weeding, and clearing debris from the yard. The targeted population for this program are East Hartford senior residents who may be physically unable to perform Spring yard clean-up activities, may not have the financial means to hire yard service companies, and do not have family in the area that can assist with yard clean-up.
Volunteer teams will be comprised of at least one adult who will oversee the safety and clean-up assignment of the assigned youth. Senior residents who are selected for the program will complete a waiver that permits volunteers on the property. All volunteers will be required to complete an East Hartford volunteer form and liability waiver.
Eligible residents can sign up for this program by completing the PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION LINK. Residents can also contact Senior Services at (860) 291-7460 or Youth & Social Services at (860) 291-7248 for assistance with completing the registration form.
Residents who are interested in participating as volunteers for yard clean-up can register by completing the VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION LINK. The Town of East Hartford will contact you regarding upcoming volunteer dates and locations.
Eligibility criteria:
- Persons 55+ years of age and older;
- Currently resides in East Hartford and owns the property where a front and/or back yard needs clean-up; and
- Experience barriers that limit the ability to receive assistance for yard clean-up and maintenance, including:
- Underlying health conditions or disability that limits mobility and ability to perform yard clean-up activities;
- Social isolation (lives alone, no family in the area that can assist with yard clean-up);
- Low-income, financial limitations, and barriers to hiring yard clean-up services (Limited financial supports, such as food assistance, social security, or disability benefits)
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2025 Sounds of Summer Concert Series at Great River Park
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The annual Sounds of Summer Concert Series returns for 2025! This free summer concert series will take place on Thursdays from June 12th to 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:
- June 19: Shaded Soul (Vocal & Instrumental)
- June 26: The Score (Classic Party Rock)
- July 3: Cover 2 Cover (High Energy Dance Music)
- July 10: Sound Pipers (Reggae)
- July 17: La Choco Band (Latin Music)
- 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 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.
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
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