Tammy Exum

A hearty congratulations and good luck to my good friend Beth Bye, who officially retired from state service on Wednesday, following a career filled with accomplishments since taking over in 2019, including overseeing the largest expansion of early childhood access ever in Connecticut.

WEHA United in Jazz arrives just in time for the first weekend of the Fall!

On Thursday, we remember the 2,996 lives lost on September 11, 2001, the thousands who have died since due to exposure to toxic chemicals, and the countless lives that were forever changed.

Looking for a day of art, food, and community spirit? Come on out and join the WeHa Artists Emporium on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 205 Old Farms Road in Avon.

The grand opening of the Avon History Museum, 8 East Main Street, is on Monday, from noon to 3 p.m. Check out this family-friendly event.

The Early Childhood Education Endowment Fund is here—Connecticut’s first permanent savings account to sustainably fund early childhood education.

Tenants fed up with living conditions at Avon Place have decided to form a Tenants Union to negotiate with its out-of-state (and out of touch) landlord to address several concerns residents are facing, from mold and water leaks in apartments to non-working elevators to severe pothole damage around the property.

As a former teacher, I still get excited at this time of year because the kids are excited, and new opportunities to learn and grow await them all. I've included upcoming back-to-school-related events in West Hartford and Avon in this week's newsletter, as well as the all-important Tax Free Sales Week details to help you save on school shopping.