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:
Today In CT History
State Update
Manchester Community Events and Information
East Hartford Community Events and Information
Today In CT History
One of Connecticut’s greatest immigrant success stories began today in 1919 when Ukraine-born Igor Sikorsky first arrived on American shores. While Sikorsky is best known as the inventor of the world’s first practical helicopter and the founder of the Sikorsky Aircraft manufacturing company headquartered in Stratford, he first made a name for himself as a designer of fixed-wing aircraft in the early 20th century. Born in the city of Kiev in 1889 (now part of Ukraine, but then a part of Russia), Sikorsky studied engineering at Paris, St. Petersburg, and Kiev. He quickly became known as an innovative designer of fixed-wing aircraft. His true passion, however, was creating a craft capable of vertical flight.
1937 ad for the Sikorsky Clipper Flying Boat, one of the fixed-wing aircraft produced in Connecticut before Sikorsky’s company began producing helicopters exclusively.
Sikorsky was remarkably successful in Russia — even earning recognition from Tsar Nicolas II for designing a four-engine plane used by the Russian Army in World War I. But increasing political unrest made Sikorsky uncomfortable about continuing his calling in his home country. He fled Russia months after the Bolshevik Red Guards’ October Revolution in 1917, and after short stays in England and France, the engineer arrived in the United States on March 30, 1919. To pursue his experiments with vertical-aircraft in his new homeland, Sikorsky founded the Sikorsky Aero Engineering Corporation in 1923, which produced passenger airliners and amphibious, multi-engine “flying boats” throughout the 1920s and 1930s. In 1929, Sikorsky moved his company to Stratford, Connecticut, where he redoubled his efforts to design a working vertical-lift aircraft, or helicopter.
Unlike other designers, Sikorsky pursued the idea of a helicopter that could operate with only one main rotor and one tail rotor to take off, land, and maneuver. In 1939, he finally achieved his life-long goal: he flew the world’s first workable, practical helicopter – the Vought-Sikorsky VS-300 – on a test flight at Stratford. Many decades later, the Sikorsky Aircraft corporation remains headquartered at Stratford on the banks of the Housatonic River. The world’s leading producer of military and commercial helicopters, with models used extensively in all five branches of the U.S. military, it remains one of Connecticut’s most influential and historically significant businesses. An incredible American success story got off the ground, today in Connecticut history.
April 22nd, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Great Path Academy Common Room @CTState Manchester 60 Bidwell Street, Manchester, CT 06040 Come join the Manchester & East Hartford Delegation at the Great Path Academy Common Room, for an interactive discussion on the State Budget. For any questions please call (860) 240-8541.
Help With Tax Filing
Several organizations offer assistance with tax preparation. Please see the list below and visit their respective websites for more detailed information
Join us for a special book club discussion for the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Copies of the book will be available at both library buildings. Then stay for a Great Gatsby themed concert by The Modernistics at 2:30PM.
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s third book, stands as the supreme achievement of his career. First published in 1925, this quintessential novel of the Jazz Age has been acclaimed by generations of readers. The story of the mysteriously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, of lavish parties on Long Island, it is an exquisitely crafted tale of America in the 1920s.
Please note that workshops will be held in the Lincoln Center Hearing Room at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting will be open to the public, and we encourage residents to attend in-person or remotely by means of video conferencing. Individuals who wish to speak remotely must complete a Request to Speak form by 4:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. The meeting link will be sent to registered individuals prior to the meeting.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing exit number revisions on I-291 from Windsor to Manchester. This project started on March 30, 2025.
The project 0171-0481 consists of the replacement of signs and sign supports along the entirely length of I-291 (Windsor to Manchester)., and the limited-access section of CT Route 187/189 in Bloomfield. The new signs and sign supports will be installed in accordance with the latest Federal and State standards and guidelines. The types of signs that will be replaced include, but are not limited to, large overhead and side mounted guide signs, on-ramp entrance signs. Additionally, two variable message signs will be installed on I-291, one northbound in Manchester, and one southbound in Windsor. Exit numbering is revised to be mileage based per Federal requirements.
Exit Sign Legend
New Exit Number
Historic Exit Number
US-5, South Windsor / East Hartford
2
4
Tolland Turnpike
5A
5
(Left Exit) 1-84 EAST, Boston
5B
I-84 WEST, Hartford, to I-384
5C
There will be temporary lane and shoulder closures on I-291 east and westbound as needed. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zones. Work for the project is scheduled from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Sunday and Monday.
Please be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.
Hop into spring with the Town of East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department! Our annual Egg Hunt at McAuliffe Park (30 Remington Road) is BACK on Saturday, April 5, 2025. There will be thousands of pieces of candy, treats, and stuffed plastic eggs. While children are waiting, we’ll have free crafts for the kids, too! This event is for children ages 10 and younger (and their accompanying parent/guardian.) Participants will be grouped by age and there will be staggered start times:
Ages 3 and under 1:00 – 1:20 PM (parent/guardian can accompany child on the field)
Ages 4-5 1:30 – 1:50 PM
Ages 6-10 2:00 – 2:20 PM
Each child should bring their own bag or basket to collect eggs and candy. Please note that the parents/guardians of children ages 4 - 10 are not allowed on the field during the egg hunt. Please dress appropriately for the weather. In case of inclement weather or poor field conditions, updates will be posted on our website and Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/ehparks.
The event is FREE for East Hartford Residents. For more information, please call East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department at 860-291-7160.
Donate Life Flag Raising
The Town of East Hartford invites you to attend a flag-raising ceremony in honor of Donate Life, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Town Hall lawn (740 Main St). The event will start promptly at 12:00 PM and all are welcome to attend. Every year, the Town of East Hartford gathers to raise the flag in honor of all organ, tissue, and eye donors. This event in held in April which is National Donate Life Month.
Attending our event this year will be living donors, recipients, and Mayor Connor Martin, as well as special guests from the community and the medical community. With over 103,000 individuals currently on the transplant list in the United States, we see the great value in spreading awareness and knowledge regarding donations.
We hope that you can join us for this meaningful event!
For more information, please call East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department at 860-291-7160.
Spring Vacation Programs At East Hartford Public Library
The East Hartford Public Library has announced an exciting lineup of programs scheduled for spring vacation, with event descriptions as follows:
LEGO Play Day Saturday, April 12, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Sunday, April 13, 2:00 – 4:00 PM Use your imagination to build and create with LEGOS! Pick a design challenge card out of the bowl or make a creation of your own choosing. Completed LEGO masterpieces will stay on display at the library for the rest of the month. Program is for children of all ages. Duplo blocks will be available for our youngest builders. Register for a reminder on our online calendar of events.
Pratt & Whitney Hangar Museum Tour Tuesday, April 15, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Join us as our celebration of the Pratt & Whitney Engines’ 100th Anniversary continues with this special guided tour of the Pratt & Whitney Hangar Museum (423 Airport Avenue, East Hartford). We'll follow the course of P&W aviation achievements with retired engineers and NEAM volunteers Carl Cruff and Keith Lindstrom from Hartford's Capitol Avenue to the former East Hartford tobacco fields and beyond, examining P&W engines, aircraft and more. For all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult). Registration required. Directions to the P & W Hangar Museum campus will be e-mailed to registrants. Please note that the day and time of this program is contingent upon P&W business needs, and may be changed. Registered participants will receive updates.
Wickham Program: Family Cooking Tuesday, April 15, 2:00 – 3:00 PM Join us for a family cooking program offered by Lindsey Kent, RD, retail dietician at the ShopRite of East Hartford & Manchester. She will teach us how to prepare a delicious and healthy snack. Recommended for children ages 5 and up, accompanied by caregivers. Registration required as space is limited.
Family Art Night Wednesday, April 16, 6:00 – 7:00 PM Come visit the library to create your own art. We’ll try a different material or technique each month. Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy, just in case. Best suited for pre-K though early elementary ages, siblings are welcome to join in! Families with young children will work together. Registration required.
Family Movie: Mufasa, the Lion King (PG, 1 hour 58 minutes) Thursday, April 17, 2:00 – 4:00 PM Mufasa, a cub lost and alone, meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of a group of misfits searching for their destiny. Popcorn provided! For all ages,register for a reminder.
Makerspace Program: DIY Jibbitz in TinkerCAD (3D Printing) Thursday, April 17, 6:00 - 7:00 PM Come to the Makerspace and learn how to design 3D prints. Make your own custom Jibbitz for your Crocs that we will print and have available for you to pick up. Ages 10 and up. Registration required.
Wickham Program: Pajama Storytime Thursday, April 17, 6:00 – 6:45 PM Join us at Wickham Library for a special evening storytime! You're invited to wear your pajamas and bring a cozy blanket and stuffed animal friend. We'll enjoy bedtime stories, songs and rhymes! Stay for a craft to take home before bedtime. This program is best suited for children ages 7 and under and their caregivers. Register for a reminder.
Job Prep for Teens Monday – Thursday, April 14 – 17, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Town of East Hartford 740 Main Street East Hartford, CT 06108 (860) 291-7200 easthartfordct.gov
Are you between the ages of 14 – 19 and looking for help finding a job? Join us at Raymond Library for a series of in-person workshops. Participants must attend at least one session (Monday – Wednesday) to receive an invitation to Thursday’s job fair. Registration required for each day that you plan to attend.
Monday: Job Prep 101: resumes, interviews, applications, and more Get ready for the working world with this introductory workshop presented by Sarah Eiseman, CCSP, CPRW, Head of Workforce Development & Digital Inclusion at East Hartford Public Library. Register here.
Tuesday: Credit for Life Fair with Liberty Bank Role play as an adult trying to manage a household budget; learn about the financial challenges and choices you will face as an adult. Register here. Wednesday: Communication and Teamwork Join experienced facilitator Aujahdai Ambrose for a fun and interactive opportunity to practice the interpersonal and communication skills necessary to be successful in the workplace. Register here.
Thursday: Job Fair Meet with area employers to learn about job opportunities for teens, including the Town of East Hartford Summer Youth Employment & Learning Program. Participation by invitation only. To receive an invitation, attend at least one other program in the series. The Raymond Library is located at 840 Main St., East Hartford. The Wickham Memorial Library is located at 656 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford. Information about library programs and services at both branches can be found on our website: https://www.easthartfordct.gov/library
Access the library at your convenience. Download the Library Connection Mobile app on your Apple or Android device.
Need help getting started? Ask a library staff member!
East Hartford Public Schools is excited to welcome our new kindergarten students for the 2025-2026 school year. Parents and guardians can register their student now and learn more about kindergarten at EHPS by visitinghttps://www.easthartford.org/kindergarten.
Please note the new state law requires that children turn 5 on or before September 1, 2025 to start kindergarten next year. Children who turn 5 between September 2 and September 30, 2025 can apply for a waiver through the online registration process. The waiver deadline is March 30, 2025.
2025 East Hartford Memorial Day Events
East Hartford, CT— The Town of East Hartford in collaboration with the East Hartford Veterans Commission are excited to announce that the third annual East Hartford’s Memorial Day parade and series of events will take place Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10 AM.
The event will consist of three parts, including a parade, program at the Fallen Star Memorial and celebration of East Hartford. The parade will begin promptly at 10 AM, proceeding from 9 Riverside Drive to the Fallen Star Memorial located at Goodwin University. The parade will be followed by a program at the Fallen Star Memorial and a family-friendly celebration of East Hartford with food trucks, music and activities.
PARTICIPANTS:
Those who would like to march in the Memorial Day Parade are asked to register by Monday, May 5, 2025. Participant Registration
VOLUNTEERS:
If you are interested in volunteering at the 2025 Memorial Day Parade, please register by Monday, May 5, 2025. Event Volunteer Registration
SPONSORS:
To make the event possible, the town would like to extend sponsorship opportunities to local businesses and organizations. Those who wish to sponsor the event or offer in-kind services, please fill out the electronic form below by Monday, April 14, 2025.Sponsorship Information
VENDORS:
If you are interested in being a vendor at the 2025 Memorial Day Parade, please register by Monday, May 5, 2025. Vendor Booth Registration
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.
