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

Jupiter Hammon  was born into slavery today in 1711 on the Lloyd family estate on Long Island. While little is known about the finer details of Hammon’s life, as a boy, young Jupiter was educated alongside the Lloyd family’s children and was encouraged to read, write, and study the Bible — a highly unusual arrangement for the time. He became a devout Christian and when he wasn’t working as a farm hand and clerk, dabbled in writing poetry, sermons, and meditations. Hammon penned an 88-line poem titled “An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ with Penetential Cries,” on Christmas Day, 1760, which was published as a single-page broadside in Hartford, Connecticut in early 1761. The exact circumstances surrounding the publication of Hammon’s poem are unknown, but Hammon’s poem made history by virtue of becoming the first published literary work by an African-American in what is now the United States.

An original copy of Jupiter Hammon’s 1761 broadside.

The Lloyd family obviously had some connection with Hartford, as they moved there during the Revolutionary War when the British occupation of Long Island threatened the well-being of their family and property. While he was living in Hartford, several additional works by Hammon were published, including essays about New Testament parables and “An Address to Miss Phillis Wheatly” — a poetic dialogue in which the devout Hammon exhorted the famous Boston-area poetess to rededicate herself to Christ. Later in life, Hammon wrote a widely-circulated essay arguing for gradual emancipation of slavery which, along with his spiritual poems and essays, had a major, long-lasting influence on early American black theology and anti-slavery literature. Hammon died sometime around 1805 – 1806, having never experienced life outside of slavery. While his death was never recorded, his works live on in the annals of formative early American and African-American literature.

Further Reading

Jupiter Hammon, “An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ, with Penitential Cries,” University of Virginia Library

“Hartford Publishes the First Literary Work by an African-American,” 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
 

The Manchester Youth Commission is requesting proposals for Mini Grants of up to $1000 per application to Manchester community groups which are either led by, or intended to benefit, youth in Manchester. Qualifying candidates must plan to facilitate a project or program which fulfills one of three categories: Out of School Time/After School Initiatives, Service-Learning Initiatives, and Arts and Culture Initiatives. Grant money may not be used for religious instruction or materials, capital expenses, or donations to other organizations.

Applications for the Manchester Youth Commission Mini Grant Program are available online and must be completed and received by the Manchester Youth Services Bureau by no later than 11:59PM on December 5th, 2025. A letter of support or recommendation is also required. Grant recipients whose proposals have been selected for funding will be notified by the end of January. Decisions will be based on recommendations of the Manchester Youth Commission Philanthropy Committee and the availability of funds. Applying does not guarantee selection. Getting funded one year does not guarantee funding another year.

Apply Today

For additional information, please contact Samantha Bell at the Manchester Youth Service Bureau at (959) 221-0780, or e-mail sbell@manchesterct.gov.

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.

The Electors of the Town of East Hartford are hereby notified to meet at their respective polling places in said town on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, for the following purposes: To cast their votes in the Municipal Election for Mayor, Town Council, Treasurer, Board of Education, Board of Education (to Fill Vacancy for Two Years), Selectman, and Constables

Absentee Ballots will be counted at the following central location: East Hartford Town Hall, Welling Room, 740 Main Street, East Hartford, CT. Voting tabulators will be used. The polls will be opened at six o'clock in the morning (6:00 a.m.) and will remain open until eight o'clock in the evening (8:00 p.m.).
During the 14-day early voting period before said election, the hours and location of early voting will be as indicated below. Each early voting location will also offer Same-Day Registration (SDR).

HELPFUL LINKS:

Full Election Warning in English and Spanish

Voting Districts in East Hartford

New Tabulator Information

Sample Ballot

Early Voting Locations and Information from the Secretary of State

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.

East Hartford, CT — The Town of East Hartford and the East Hartford Veterans’ Commission are hosting the second formal flag retirement ceremony at the Town’s new Flag Retirement Memorial.  

The Veterans' Commission will be leading the ceremonial burn, formally retiring Connecticut State and American Flags, on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 12:00PM at Hillside Cemetery in East Hartford. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be rescheduled for Thursday, October 30, same time and location. The event will consist of a formal program, followed by a ceremonial burn.  

Veterans, residents, and members of the media are invited to attend this meaningful ceremony. Members of the public are also invited to bring weathered flags with them to be retired between 12:00 PM and 3:00PM, following the ceremony.  

According to the U.S. Flag Code, "the flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning." Community members are encouraged to continue placing worn flags in the retirement boxes located at Town Hall, Public Safety Complex, Raymond Library, and the East Hartford Senior Center. The East Hartford Veteran’s Commission will conduct periodic retirement ceremonies. 

 Flags that should be retired are those that show signs of wear, such as: 

• Fraying or unraveling
• Fading of colors
• Tears or holes
• Stains or discoloration

This ordinance (effective September 24, 2025) sets clear rules for how police use technology to keep our neighborhoods safe, protect privacy, and improve quality of life.
The Bottom Line: This ordinance is about curbing bad driving behaviors, reducing noise, and making our community safer—while protecting privacy and rights.
Key Principles:

• Your privacy is protected → Data will be deleted in 30 days unless part of an investigation, and in accordance with state law and records recognition. No facial recognition.
• Transparency → EHPD will publish an annual report on costs, ticket numbers, appeals, and effectiveness.
• Community input → Cameras can only expand after public notice & Town Council approval.
• Technology locations will be publicized and accompanied by signage at each location.

What’s Included:

• Security Camera System → On public roads/sidewalks, currently 15 locations already exist.
• License Plate Readers → Used to identify vehicles.
• Drones → For emergencies, accidents, crime prevention, or safety planning.
• Traffic Cameras → Red light, speed, and noise enforcement.

Traffic and Driving Enforcement Fines (after a 30 day grace period post-implementation)

• Red Light Cameras
  • Only if car enters after light turns red
  • $25 (1st), $35 (2nd+)
• Speed Cameras
  • Only if 15+ mph over limit
  • $25 (1st), $35 (2nd+)
• Noise Cameras
  • Based on resident complaints
  • Violation = 85+ decibels (like a motorcycle revving) at 20 ft
  • Warning (1st), $100 (2nd), $250 (3rd+)

Accountability

• Police Chief files annual report (posted online)
• Council reviews use, error rates, and effectiveness
• Public can appeal tickets

FAQ

• Q1: Why is the town using this technology?
  • To make roadways safer, cut down on dangerous and noisy driving, help solve crimes, and respond more efficiently to emergencies — all while protecting privacy. Each year, there are on average, more than 7,500 motor vehicle stops made by EHPD, and more than 200 concerns reported through MyEastHartford since launched in July 2025.
• Q2: What kinds of technology are included?
  • Four main types:
    • Security cameras system (public streets/sidewalks only)
    • License plate readers (to identify vehicles)
    • Drones (for emergencies and safety planning)
    • Traffic cameras (red light, speed, and noise enforcement)
• Q3: Will this record me or my family on private property?
  • No. Cameras are directed towards public roads and sidewalks.
• Q4: How long is the data kept?
  • 30 days, unless tied to an active investigation. After that, it must be deleted.
• Q5: Is facial recognition used?
  • No. The ordinance bans facial recognition technology.
• Q6: Who can see the recordings?
  • Only approved law enforcement staff. Every access is logged.
• Q7: How will I know if a camera is installed?
  • Locations require Town Council approval (with public notice and chance for comment).
  • Traffic cameras must also have posted roadside signs and appear on apps like Google Maps and Waze.
• Q8: What if I get a ticket I don’t agree with?
  • You can appeal through standard EHPD appeal process. A hearing officer reviews all evidence before deciding.
• Q9: What are the fines?
  • Red light: $25 (1st), $35 (2nd+)
  • Speeding: Only if 15+ mph over limit. $25 (1st), $35 (2nd+), doubled if 20+ mph over
  • Noise: Warning (1st), $100 (2nd), $250 (3rd+)
• Q10: How do residents know this system is fair?
  • Each year, the Police Chief publishes a public report with:
    • Costs and staffing
    • How often data was used, and why
    • Ticket totals, appeals, and outcomes
    • Camera error rates
    • Results achieved (ex: crashes reduced, noise complaints down)
    • The Town Council reviews the report to make sure the technology is working and protecting residents’ rights.
• Q11: How is this paid for?
  • Traffic cams (red light, speed and stop sign) are paid for by the vendor through the collection of citations, drones, license plate readers and noise detection machines will be paid for by the Town.
• Q12: What are the next steps?
  • The Town will work with the Department of Transportation to finalize locations, then source a vendor, and begin the installation process. Additionally, if necessary, work to secure funding as necessary for license plate readers and drones, in alignment with the ordinance.

To read the ordinance in full, visit the Full Code of Ordinances, page 52, Chapter 19: Police Technology
 

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.