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
• This Week In Connecticut History
• Manchester Community Events and Information
• East Hartford Community Events and Information

Many of the electronics we use in our homes every day, including smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, headphones, and toys, are powered by lithium-ion batteries. If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode. To reduce these risks, take note of which devices in your home are powered by them and take this week to go over tips to understand how you and your family can safely buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries to ensure you are prepared for an emergency when it happens.

The National Fire Prevention Association has put together a 3-step plan to safely use lithium-ion batteries:

1. Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
2. Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
3. Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you. 

 
For more information, and additional tips and tools for fire safety in your home, visit https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week.

Benjamin Wright, the chief engineer behind some of the most famous civil engineering projects in United States history — including the Erie Canal — was born to Grace and Ebenezer Wright of Wethersfield today in 1770. Ebenezer’s accumulated debts had forced young Benjamin to forego most of his formal schooling to take up odd jobs in order to support his family, and in 1789, the Wright family moved from Wethersfield to upstate New York in hopes of finding better fortunes.

Having been homeschooled by his uncle Joseph Wright in the fields of surveying and law, Benjamin began working as a surveyor in the early 1790s, mapping out what was then still considered “frontier territory” in modern-day Oneida and Oswego counties. A few years later, Wright gained valuable experience working for the English engineer and famous canal-builder William Weston, laying out locks and building canals along the Mohawk River. In 1811, the newly formed New York State Canal Commission hired Wright to do some initial surveying for an incredibly ambitious public works project: a canal between the city of Albany and Lake Erie that would effectively create a continuous waterway between the Great Lakes to New York City.

Two years later, when the state of New York had finally amassed enough funding to begin construction of the canal in earnest, they reached out to William Weston, who had since returned to England. When Weston declined the invitation to head the Erie Canal project, the commission hired his former protege, Benjamin Wright, as the chief engineer. The Erie Canal was the largest public works project attempted in the United States to date. By the time it was completed in 1825, it stretched 363 miles and encompassed 34 massive locks that facilitated over 560 vertical feet of elevation change. The new canal slashed the time and money it took to transport goods between New York City and the nation’s heartland and was quickly hailed as an economic success — even after factoring in the project’s massive $7 million price tag.

The commercial success of the Erie Canal sparked “canal fever” across the entire northeastern United States, and Wright found his services in very high demand nationwide. He later played a major role in the design and construction of numerous American canals, including the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, the St. Lawrence Canal, and the Farmington Canal, which bisected the entire state of Connecticut from New Haven northward to Granby. In general, these artificial waterways were incredibly expensive and time-consuming to build, and few of them achieved the success or fame of the Erie Canal; by the middle of the 19th century, “canal fever” faded as investors, businessmen, and civil engineers like Benjamin Wright increasingly embraced railroads as the transportation of the future. In the 1830s, Wright worked as a surveyor for railroad routes in New York and Virginia, and in his later years served as chief engineer for New York City, where he died in 1842 at the age of 71.

In recognition of the crucial role Benjamin Wright played in the formation of the United States’ most significant infrastructure projects, the American Society of Civil Engineers designated Wright as “the Father of American Civil Engineering” in 1969. An American engineering icon whose projects facilitated the industrialization of the United States in the early 19th century was born from humble beginnings today in Connecticut history.

Further Reading

“Benjamin Wright,” American Society of Civil Engineers

Richard DeLuca, “New England’s Grand Ambition: The Farmington Canal,” connecticuthistory.org

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

October 20 - November 2
Mahoney Recreation Center
Rear Entrance off Pleasant St., 110 Cedar St
from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm*

*Extended Hours: October 28 & 30 from 8am - 8pm

Town of Manchester Upon arrival, voters will check in and receive a ballot and an envelope with a bar code. After completing the ballot, voters will place it in a sealed envelope and sign the envelope. The completed envelope will then be scanned and placed in a secure ballot box.

At the end of each early voting day, all completed ballots will be delivered to the Town Clerk and secured in a vault until Election Day.

Ballots will be opened and counted on Election Day. Same-day registration will be available during early voting, and an accessible voting system will also be provided.

We encourage all eligible voters to take advantage of this opportunity to cast their ballots early and avoid potential lines on Election Day.

For more information: 860-647-3025 - Registrars of Voters Office www.manchesterct.gov/vote
 

Manchester has been recognized for achieving Sustainable CT Gold certification. Sustainable CT, a statewide initiative that inspires and supports communities in becoming more efficient, resilient, and inclusive, announced this fall’s list of certified communities.

Manchester met high standards in a broad range of sustainability accomplishments to qualify for the prestigious Gold-level certification.

“Earning Gold Certification is not just a milestone, it’s a reflection of Manchester’s values,” said Mayor Jay Moran. “From expanding clean transportation options to supporting diverse housing and vibrant arts, we’re building a future that works for everyone. We thank Sustainable CT for recognizing Manchester’s efforts and look forward to continuing this important work.”

In its application for Sustainable CT certification, Manchester demonstrated significant achievements in thirteen sustainable impact areas, ranging from inclusive community building, thriving local economies, and vibrant arts and culture to clean transportation and diverse housing. Manchester successfully completed actions, including:

• Incorporating sustainability-related concepts and projects into the Town’s recent Plan of Conservation and Development update
• Providing consistent and clear community outreach related to concepts such as invasive species management and food waste reduction programs
• The implementation of “Complete Streets” pedestrian and cycling infrastructure projects
• Outreach and support services provided to the Town’s unhoused population
• Increasing the amount of affordable housing options
• Creating a food scrap diversion program for residents at the Transfer Station and several convenient satellite drop-off locations

To achieve Gold certification, Manchester was also required to achieve Climate Leader designation, completing a specifically identified suite of actions intended to control and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change.

“We are incredibly proud that Manchester has achieved Gold Certification from Sustainable CT,” said Town Manager Steve Stephanou. “This honor reflects our community’s deep commitment to sustainability and innovation. It’s a testament to the leadership of our elected officials and the hard work of our residents, town staff, and volunteers who continue to make Manchester a more resilient and inclusive place to live.”

Congratulations to Manchester,” said Jessica LeClair, executive director of Sustainable CT. “We are inspired by the leadership and commitment of our Gold certified communities. From elected officials and town staff to resident volunteers, these towns are improving opportunities and the quality of life for all.” 

“Once again, our municipalities have successfully initiated and implemented projects that address climate resilience, energy efficiency, equity, land conservation, waste reduction, and economic development, among other important priorities,” said Nicole Chevalier, co-chair of Sustainable CT’s Board of Directors. “The work these towns do is critical to achieving the state’s ambitious environmental and climate objectives and we are incredibly proud of them.” 

The program includes actions that help towns and cities build community connection, social equity, and long-term resilience. It includes an action roadmap and support tools that are especially relevant as towns seek practices and resources to promote racial justice and respond to the on-going challenges of climate change and economic uncertainty.

Michael Purcaro, co-chair of the Sustainable CT Board of Directors, sees profound changes taking place across the state. “By recognizing the natural environment as the foundation for the health and well-being of all people, our sustainable initiatives are driving real change in towns and cities across Connecticut,” said Purcaro. “We’re seeing improved efficiency in the delivery of government services, significant cost savings and a stronger sense of community. We congratulate our award recipients and commend them for their collective work to create a more vibrant state that provides opportunities for all to thrive.”

Sustainable CT has strong multi-year support from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, Hampshire Foundation, Common Sense Fund, Connecticut Green Bank, and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut. Manchester will be recognized at the Sustainable CT’s 2025 Awards Celebration on October 28 at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam.

2025 - 2026 Grant Cycle

In 2019, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving established $100,000 Greater Together Community Funds for each of the 29 towns in the Foundation’s region, which includes the town of Manchester.  In 2021, the Foundation provided an additional $50,000 to each of the 29 community funds to support their grantmaking.  In December 2023, the Foundation provided another $20,000 to each of the 29 community funds to support their grantmaking. 
The purpose of the Greater Together Community Funds is to:

• support the community in taking ownership around the needs in their towns
• encourage broad and inclusive civic engagement and
• anchor the Hartford Foundation in each town.

Manchester has formed a committee to manage a participatory process to identify your town's needs and allocate community funds.

2025 - 2026 Grant Cycle

The Manchester Greater Together Community Fund is looking for more local projects to support with awards of up to $5,000 for the 2025-2026 grant cycle, which begins September 2 and ends on October 10.  The Manchester Community Fund welcomes proposals that will improve or enhance the quality of life of Manchester residents or otherwise contribute to solving a direct need of the Manchester community. Individual grant awards range from $250 to $5,000.
In order to be considered for grant funding, projects must benefit the residents of Manchester in an immediate, concrete way. Any nonprofit registered as a 501(c)(3) organization that serves the residents of Manchester is eligible to apply. Groups of town residents may also prepare an application in partnership with a registered 501(c)(3) or municipality that has agreed to serve as a fiscal sponsor for the proposed project.
Project applications and grant proposals will be accepted until 11:59 P.M. on October 10, 2025.
For more information and to submit proposals please click on the links below.  Questions and Project Budgets can be submitted to manchester@hfpgcommunityfunds.org .
2025-26 RFP
2025-26 Grant Application
2025-26 Project Budget Template

Runners Will Make Strides to Fight Food Insecurity

Registration for the 89th Manchester Road Race opened on September 1^st, and race organizers said that the thousands of runners who are expected to compete in it will all be making strides to alleviate hunger in Connecticut.

Dr. Tris Carta, President of the Manchester Road Race Committee, announced that food insecurity will be the primary charitable focus of this year’s road race, which will be held at 10 a.m. in Manchester on Thanksgiving Day (November 27, 2025).

According to Carta, the race committee voted to suspend in 2025 its practice of annually awarding grants from the event’s net proceeds to a number of diverse charities and nonprofits. Instead, those funds will be earmarked this year for two organizations that provide food to those in need, Connecticut Foodshare and Manchester Area Conference of Churches Charities.

Connecticut Foodshare is a food bank serving the people of Connecticut, and is a member of Feeding America’s nationwide network. It distributes healthy food through a network of more than 650 food pantries, community kitchens and meal programs and operates mobile food distribution centers across the state.

MACC Charities operates a “Community Kitchen’ serving lunches during the week and an emergency food pantry that distributes groceries.

“There is a pressing need at Connecticut’s food banks right now, and we’re hoping that our road race can make a substantial contribution to address it,” Carta said.

Carta also indicated that the committee has designated MACC Charities as the beneficiary of the road race’s annual Honors Club Program.  Each year, the race sets aside bibs for up to 120 runners who each pay $100, instead of the traditional entry fee. All of those funds are donated to a single designated charity, which this year will be MACC Charities.

Registration for the 4.737-mile Thanksgiving Day Run is available on-line at www.manchesterroadrace.com.

This year’s entry fee will remain $32 for runners who sign up on-line at www.manchesterroadrace.com prior to 11:59 pm EST on Sept 30.  The entry fee subsequently increases to $37 on October 1^st and to $42 on November 22.  

Registration for the race will close completely on November 25, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST. No entries will be accepted on the day of the race.

Runners will once again have the option to either pick up their bibs in person, or have them delivered.  The race committee has scheduled a number of times and dates prior to the race when bibs can be picked up in person at no additional cost.  Details about the schedule and locations of the in-person pickup dates, and the fee that will be charged for delivery, will be available at www.manchesterroadrace.com when registration opens on September 1^st.

Race officials are reminding runners that there will not be bib pickup on the morning of the race.

“We’ve been working on plans for this year’s race since last winter, and we believe it is going to be another world-class event,” Carta said. “We anticipate another exciting race with a large field, and we are urging everyone to register as soon as they possibly can.

Carta also said that race officials are once again offering a Virtual Manchester Road Race option for those who can’t attend the event in person.  Participants can download a GPS-enabled app to their smartphones and have their times recorded as they run the MRR course distance at any location in the world.

On-line registration for the virtual run also begins on Sept. 1^st and closes on Nov.25^th.  The registration fee is $30 and more information is available at www.manchesterroadrace.com.

Approximately 400 volunteers from the Manchester Road Race Committee organize the annual Thanksgiving Day Run, with support from the Town of Manchester. More details are available on the road race website.

As part of our participation in Connecticut Main Street Center’s Accelerator program, we are engaging in community outreach to learn about the best way to spend a $5,000 grant to improve Main Street.

The Town of East Hartford is conducting a survey to learn the opinions of the community regarding arts and businesses in the downtown Main Street area. Data will be used to help guide upcoming initiatives. 

We ask that you please complete this survey by October 31, 2025.

DOUBLE YOUR SNAP AT EAST HARTFORD FARMERS’ MARKET!

Did you know the East Hartford Farmers’ Market accepts SNAP and DOUBLES SNAP? That means you and your family can enjoy more fresh, local produce, for the same price! Make sure to visit the East Hartford Farmers’ Market before the season ends on October 28^th! The East Hartford Farmers’ Market is every Tuesday from 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. at the Town Green. Our farmers, Killam & Bassette Farmstead and Handel Family Farm, can also accept WIC and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program benefits.

With our outdoor pools now closed for the season, East Hartford Parks and Recreation is excited to announce that we are resuming our aquatics operations at the East Hartford Middle School Indoor Pool, offering opportunities for residents and non-residents to continue swimming during the school year. 

East Hartford Middle School Indoor Pool Weekly
Schedule: September 15^th – 30^th

Public Swim for Residents and Non-Residents will be offered on weekday evenings beginning Monday, September 15^th: 
· Open Swim/Lap Swim (all ages) will be held on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:45-8:30pm and on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:45-8:30pm.  There will be 2 lanes designated for lap swimming only during open swim.  Lifeguards at their discretion can eliminate the 2 lap swimming lanes if the pool is crowded.
· Senior Swim will be offered on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 4:45-5:45pm.  This will be a period for open swim for seniors to swim on their own.  There will be 2 lanes designated for lap swimming only during Senior Swim.
· Locker rooms will close promptly at 8:45pm.  Please ensure you allow yourself enough time to exit the premises before this time.
· Please note this schedule is subject to change and swimmers may share the pool with programs going on at the same time.
Pool Admission is FREE for residents!

• Age 6 & under: Must be accompanied by person 16 or older.  Child must be within arm’s reach at all times.
• Ages 7 - 15:Must provide ID to prove residency when by themselves or with an adult. Parks and Recreation ID cards are available at the office located at 50 Chapman Place for $6.00 and are valid for three years.  The other acceptable form of ID is a 2024-2025 East Hartford Public School ID.
• Adult Residents: Proof of residency required.  Acceptable forms of ID are Driver’s License/permit or State Issued ID Card.  Those without proof of residency will be charged the non-resident rate.
• $5.00 per person, including children.  Non-Residents may purchase an annual pool pass for $120, which can be prorated on a monthly basis. 

Swim Lessons
We are still working on the details for swim lessons but will offer lessons for residents and non-residents on Wednesday evenings or Saturday’s beginning in early October and registration will be open for residents 9/17/25 and for non-residents 9/24/25 at www.ehparks.org. 
 
Adult Aqua Zumba
We plan to offer these classes for residents and non-residents on Tuesday and Thursday evenings beginning in early October and registration will be open late September at www.ehparks.org.  
Please check our website (www.easthartfordct.gov/parks-recreation) and registration platform (www.ehparks.org) for updates. 
East Hartford Middle School is located at 777 Burnside Avenue, but to access the pool you must use the pool entrance on Scotland Road. 
For more information on any of our aquatic programs, or to review the pool rules; please visit or call our office at 860-291-7160.