May you have a joyous Thanksgiving in the company of friends and family as we celebrate this holiday of gratitude and reflection!
I always look forward to the opportunity to meet with residents face-to-face and really talk about your concerns and ideas – it’s what helps me to best represent our community. I’ll be hosting Virtual Office Hours. If you’d like to participate, sign up for a time slot by clicking on the link below.
In this email you'll find updates on district resources and news. Please click the links below to read the section that corresponds with the highlighted headline.
A NOTE: If you're having trouble clicking through the following links, open this email in a browser, use a computer or scroll through this email to the relevant section.
Small Business Saturday is just around the corner on November 25 - this is a great opportunity to support our local entrepreneurs, artisans, and small businesses that make our community unique and vibrant.
Some of these businesses are still working to recover from the pandemic. Your support can make a significant difference in helping your favorite shops, bookstores, or restaurants bounce back and thrive. The resilience they've shown during such challenging times is truly admirable.
By choosing to shop local, we're not just making purchases; we're investing in our community's vitality and ensuring that these businesses can continue to create jobs, offer unique products and services, and help stimulate our local economy. Let's come together this holiday season to celebrate and support them. It's a powerful way to show solidarity and make a difference.
My colleagues and I doubled down by supporting small businesses during the 2023 legislative session.
Please consider buying gift cards and certificates from a local business. According to Boost Suite, there are 350,376 small businesses in our state, which make up 99% of all businesses in Connecticut. To find small businesses in your area, clickhere.
Today In History
Today in 1914, over 68,000 fans gathered in the largest sports arena the world had ever seen to watch Yale University’s football team lose to Harvard in a 30 – 0 shutout in the first game ever held at the Yale Bowl.
The new Yale Bowl was an architectural marvel. Modeled after classical Roman amphitheaters and built with room for over 70,000 fans, it could hold an audience over 50 percent larger than the next largest stadium in existence (Princeton Stadium, with a capacity of 42,000 people). Designed by Yale alum Charles Ferry, the football field was the first in the United States to be built in a completely enclosed stadium. It was also the first arena to be referred to as a “bowl” (because of its shape) instead of the traditional monikers “stadium” or “coliseum.” Nine years after it became the first “bowl,” the city of Pasadena, California followed suit, naming their new circular stadium — and the annual football championship it hosted — the Rose Bowl. The term “bowl” has since been used to describe scores of college football championship games, as well as the biggest game in professional football: the Super Bowl.
A panoramic photo of the first scrimmage ever held in the Yale Bowl, taken a week before the iconic Yale-Harvard game of Nov. 21, 1914. (Library of Congress)
The Program from the first game played in the Yale Bowl. Courtesy Raymond Henchcliffe
On that very first game day — November 21, 1914 — the city of New Haven was completely swamped by the largest crowd of football fans ever gathered in the United States. The New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad reported the busiest day in its history, with over 30,000 fans crowded onto train cars all morning. More than 25,000 automobiles were also estimated to have clogged the streets of the Elm City. Residents were warned to lock their doors. Local hospitals even set up temporary treatment centers near the Yale Bowl in case of emergencies. For all the crowd-management anxiety though, the day came and went without major incident or issue, except, of course, – from the Yalie’s perspective – the final 30 – 0 score.
Several other now-iconic stadiums, including the L.A. Coliseum and Michigan Stadium, were directly modeled after the Yale Bowl, although those venues, unlike Yale, were built with ample facilities for both players and guests. For unknown reasons, the Yale Bowl was designed — and built — without restrooms or locker rooms. Temporary facilities were erected just outside of the stadium in 1930, and subsequent renovations have ensured adequate bathroom access for patrons. To this day though, the Yale Bowl lacks locker room facilities for both the home and visiting teams.
The Yale Bowl was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, and remains the home of Yale Football. A beloved symbol of the American football tradition kicked off its grand debut in New Haven over a century ago, today in Connecticut history.
Manchester
Please arrive early to be in line for 9 am as the truck leaves promptly at 9:30 am. Open to the public--bring a sturdy grocery bag! This program is made possible by Foodshare and Winn Residential - Resident Service Program. For more information call 860-646-1280.
Squire Village, 48 Spencer Street, 06040 (1st parking lot off Imperial Drive #78)
Tuesday, December 05, 2023 | 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Get mobile pantry updates in your area by texting the word Foodshare to 85511.
East Hartford
The Connecticut Foodshare truck will be in the parking lot to distribute the food. Please bring your bags and be prepared to possibly wait in line.
Mayberry Village –St. Isaac Jogues Church Parking Lot (41 Home Terrace East Hartford)
Monday, November 27th, 2023 12:30 PM-1:15 PM
Get mobile pantry updates in your area by texting the word Foodshare to 85511.
Manchester Invites Feedback on
Downtown Manchester Improvement
As November rolls along, the State’s attention turns to Downtown Manchester, home to the one-of-a-kind Manchester Road Race. Manchester is proud to host this wonderful annual event and welcome tens of thousands of runners, walkers, and supporters to our special Main Street. While the Road Race has Thanksgiving covered, the Town of Manchester continues exciting plans to make Downtown an even better place all year-round.
The Downtown Manchester Improvements Project (also known as the “Downtown Streetscape Project” or “Downtown for All”) is the next phase in the Town’s recent efforts to make Downtown and its adjacent neighborhoods more vibrant.
Leveraging a $7.5 million grant from the State of Connecticut that was awarded in March 2023, this project will represent a significant investment in Downtown that will benefit the entire community, complete necessary upgrades of the Main Street corridor, and address multiple community needs previously identified in various engagement efforts spanning the past decade.
Manchester Road Race
On November 23, 2023 10am
For more information on the race and activities click on the link below
Each fall, the Town receives many inquiries from residents regarding the leaf collection program. The following information may be useful in understanding the Leaf Collection Program
As part of the Town's continuing effort to improve efficiency and maintain the safest operation possible, it is possible that leaves on one side of a street will be collected up to two or three days in advance of the other side of the street.
Residents are reminded that once vacuum collection has been completed on your street, leaf disposal must be either in paper yard waste bags set out at the curb on your normal trash collection day, or dropped off at the Manchester Transfer Station at 311 Olcott St.
For more information on the collection schedule and to see which area your road is located in, follow link below:
Manchester has launched planning efforts for its 2023 Bicentennial Celebration. This year long celebration will consist of a variety of opportunities to remember the past, celebrate the present, and dream about the future. Festivities will include historical and educational programs, special events, and commemorative projects.
The East Hartford Commission on Aging and Riverside Health and Rehabilitation Center invite all residents who are able, to participate in our Christmas Tree Wish List program.
As the holidays approach, we reflect on how much we are thankful for, and think about those in need. The East Hartford Commission on Aging introduced a new initiative to support East Hartford senior residents staying at Riverside.
As donations are being made, the list will be updated automatically to avoid duplication. Your generosity of small donations will brighten their holiday season and earn their heartfelt thanks.
To participate, please choose a person you would like to donate to: please follow this link.
Once you click on the person you wish to gift to, you will be asked to sign up with your name, phone number, and email address. Your information will not be shared with anyone beside the Commission on Aging. Your first name will show up under the name of the person you choose as well as the first initial of your last name. If you don’t want your real first name to show up, simply use a nick name.
Purchase the items and mark them with only the name and number of your chosen gift recipient. Do not wrap the gift, the Commission will take care of that for you.
Drop off the items at the collection box located at Riverside, 745 Main Street, East Hartford (across from the Town Hall) no later than FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023.
The East Hartford Commission on Aging and Riverside Health and Rehabilitation Center will distribute the gifts via Santa Claus to selected residents on December 21 at 10 AM.
Please email EHCOA@yahoo.com if you have questions.
2023 East Hartford Holiday Fest
The Town of East Hartford, East Hartford Public Library, the East Hartford Beautification Commission and East Hartford Parks and Recreation invite you to the annual 2023 East Hartford Holiday Fest. The Holiday Fest will be held from Friday, December 1 through Monday, December 4.
The four-day event consists of a wide variety of fun events including crafts and book sales, carol singing a Christmas Fair, as well as the long-awaited visit from Santa. The events cater to all ages, children and adults alike. Most activities are free and open to the public.
Holiday Fest is organized annually by the East Hartford Beautification Commission and is supported by many local civic, community and town organizations. The traditional tree lighting on the Town Green will be held on Friday, December 1, to kick off the Holiday Fest.
Below is a highlight of several fun events that are part of the Holiday Fest.
Parks and Recreation Events:
East Hartford Parks and Recreation is bringing back our popular holiday events as part of the Beautification Commission’s annual Holiday Fest celebration.
Tree Lighting Ceremony and Sing-A-Long on the Town Green Friday, December 1, 6:00 PM
Sponsored by the Beautification Commission and Parks & Recreation Department. The EH High & Middle School Chorus will be on hand. Featuring cookies, hot cocoa, children’s activities, and the traditional visits from Frosty, Rudolph and, of course, Santa Claus. MC will be Kevin Nathan, news anchor at NBC Connecticut.
Swim with Santa Saturday, December 2, 2023, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Get out of the cold and take a dip in the EHMS pool with Santa! Open to families and includes and underwater photo with Santa in his scuba gear! Registration is required online at www.ehpark.org. Admission is a new unwrapped toy. Sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, entrance off of Scotland Road.
Library Events:
Decorate a Snow Person or Snowflake Friday, December 1, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Stop by the library to decorate a snow person or a snowflake. Best Suited for ages 2 and older with an adult. Sponsored by and held at both library branches.
Paper, Boxes, and Bows December 1 – 4, Held During Open Hours
Have presents to decorate? Come to the library for materials and instructions to learn how to make bows and small gift baskets from recycled books and magazines, sponsored and held at both library branches.
American St. Nick @ Raymond Library Saturday, December 2, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Author Peter Lion will be telling the WWII story of American GI’s of the 28th Infantry who brought Christmas to the children of Wiltz, Luxembourg on December 5, 1944. Following his presentation, the documentary “American St. Nick” by Tim Gray will be shown. Refreshments will be served. This event is Sponsored by the WWII Legacy Foundation. Held at the Raymond Library.
Midwinter Night and Dream's
Saturday and Sunday, December 2 & 3, 12:00 PM
A loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s “A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM” Written by EHSYF’S North Ackley. It follows Jack Frost and Jill Blossom as they attempt to quell a fight between the seasonal Lords. There will be seasonal treats and a festive sing-a-long. Play sponsored by East Hartford Summer Youth Festivals at EHCCC.
Kid and Teen Gift Making @ Raymond Library
Sunday, December 3, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Come and make gifts and cards. Best suited for ages 8 - 18 years. Registration is required on thelibrary’s online events calendaror call 860-290-4332. Sponsored by and held at the Raymond Library.
Indoor Story Walk Ongoing Event
Come read and experience the magic of “SNOWY DAY” by Jack Ezra Keats. This in-door Story Walk will be available at both libraries.
Library Book Sale Ongoing Event
Stop by the ongoing book sale held at the Raymond Library during library hours.
We hope you will join us for these and many more events happening during the Holiday Fest!
East Hartford Holiday Fest is organized by the East Hartford Beautification Commission and proudly supported by: All Saint's Episcopal Church, Boy Scouts -Troop 1, Commission on Culture and Fine Arts, Democratic Women's Club, EH Lion's Club, EH Community TV, EH Senior Center, EH Summer Youth Festival, EH Woman's Club, EH Fire Department, First Congregational Church, the Gazette, Hillstown Grange, Historical Society of EH, EH Parks and Recreation Department, EH Police Department, EH Public Library, EH Public Schools, EH Public Works Department, Riverside Health Care Center, Santa Claus, Service Press, South Congregational Church, WWII Legacy Foundation.
East Hartford Plan of Conservation and
Development Public Workshop
The Town of East Hartford Planning and Zoning Commission is beginning the process of drafting the Town’s 2024, 10-Year Plan of Conservation and Development. The Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) is an advisory document which provides the blueprint for the future of the Town, prescribes its goals, and guides its future action for the next ten years and beyond. The POCD addresses multiple aspects of town-wide planning including topics such as economic development, natural resource protection, transportation, infrastructure, housing development, sustainability, and resiliency among others.
As part of the development of the Town’s 2024 POCD, the Planning and Zoning Commission is seeking feedback from residents at multiple public workshop sessions, the first of which will be held on Tuesday, November 28th at 7:00 in East Hartford Senior Center at 15 Milbrook Drive, East Hartford, CT. Additional information about the 2024 POCD and announcements for future public workshop dates can be found on the Planning and Zoning Commission Webpage.
For more information, please contact the Development Office at (860) 291-7300 or email Steve Hnatuk, Deputy Development Director at shnatuk@easthartfordct.gov.
East Hartford Parks and Recreation Basketball
Registration OPEN for 2023-24 Season
The East Hartford Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball program will open its 2023-24 registration for East Hartford Boys and Girls in Grades Kindergarten through 8th grade on Monday, November 6th. Preseason Basketball Clinics begin the week of November 13th for Boys and Girls in Grades 3 through 8th grade. Our regular season will be the week of November 27th with mandatory evaluation. Players will be placed on teams after evaluation and the program will start December 4th. Instruction Basketball Program for our younger players will start Sunday, January 7th.
To view the Preseason Clinics, Evaluations, Regular Season, and Instruction Basketball Program schedule, please visit www.easthartfordct.gov/parks-recreation.
Any questions, please call the East Hartford Parks and Recreation Office at 860-291-7160, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
East Hartford, CT— The Town of East Hartford will begin the annual curbside leaf collection program features a continuous vacuuming of leaves placed in piles on a tree belt. Leaves will be vacuumed Monday through Saturday continuously through December 9, 2023.
The leaf collection program will commence on roads in the northwest corner of town in the area of Pitkin Street and then proceed north and east through the Burnham and Goodwin Street areas. Leaves will be vacuumed along each street, weather permitting. Collection will proceed in a clockwise direction around town. There will be no leaf collection on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023.
The schedule for leaf pickup can be found on the Department of Public Works Weekly Advisory Map, and on the Facebook page. The map will show completed areas as well as the areas where leaf collection is anticipated the following week. Residents should note that the map is tentative and dependent on the weather and the speed of collection and should not be considered a set collection schedule. Progress of the collection is weather-dependent and will be affected by rain or snow. Snowfall before mid-December may cause a suspension or cancelation of leaf collection. The map will be updated with address-specific collection information, such as whether collection has been completed or is anticipated by close of business on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Residents, please look for leaf program lawn signs! Leaf collection lawn signs will be posted in neighborhoods to notify residents that curbside leaf pickup is coming, and to encourage raking to the curb and paper leaf bag collection.
This information will also be communicated via our EH Alert platform as a text, call or email to those subscribed to “town services.” To receive those notifications, please select "Town Services" during registration in the drop down menu. Residents also have two (2) additional options for leaf disposal: OPTION 1: Curbside Brown Bag Collection for six (6) weeks
Town crews will pick up leaves placed in biodegradable brown paper bags through December 9, 2023 on your regular waste collection day, weather permitting. Leaves, in biodegradable brown paper bags only. No grass clippings, branches or other waste items can be placed in the paper bags nor will the Town collect leaves in plastic bags.
OPTION 2: Resident Transport to The Transfer Station for FREE Disposal
Residents may also bring their leaves to the Transfer Station on Ecology Drive between 8 AM to 1:45 PM on the following days:
Every Saturday in November
First three Saturdays in December
Transfer Station will be open on November 25 for leaves only.
Leaves in plastic bags will not be accepted.
Instructions for using theWeekly Advisory Map:
Enter your address in the search bar.
The Map will show your property- click on it to pull up the anticipated collection week.
To find out if the leaf collection has already been completed in your area, please click on the road centerline, which will indicate if the street has been completed. For any additional information, please call Public Works Administration, 860-291-7374.
My office is always open if you or your family are in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email atJason.Rojas@cga.ct.govor by phone at 860-240-8541.
