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:
Community Resources
This Week In Connecticut History
Manchester Community Events and Information
East Hartford Community Events and Information
Community Resources
Public Safety Notice Prevent Home Fires: Use Portable Heaters Safely
Public Safety Notice - Prevent Home Fires: Use Portable Heaters Safely The East Hartford Fire Marshal’s Office reminds all residents that a leading cause of residential fires continues to be the improper use of portable heating appliances. As temperatures drop, many households rely on space heaters and other portable devices for warmth. Used incorrectly, these appliances can quickly lead to dangerous and even fatal fires. Please take a moment to review these important guidelines to keep your home and family safe. Safe Use of Portable Heaters: 1. Keep a safe distance.
Maintain at least 3 feet (1 meter) of clearance between heaters and anything that can burn—furniture, bedding, curtains, clothing, or paper.
2. Plug heaters directly into wall outlets.
Never use extension cords or power strips, as they can overheat and ignite.
Inspect the cord and plug for damage before every use.
3. Choose heaters with automatic shut-off features.
Look for units that turn off if tipped over or overheating occurs.
4. Place heaters on flat, sturdy surfaces.
Avoid carpeting or unstable furniture where the heater might tip.
5. Turn heaters off when sleeping or leaving the room.
Portable heaters should never be used unattended.
6. Keep children and pets away.
Maintain a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet.
Additional Fire Safety Requirements & Codes These practices align with national fire safety standards such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and commonly adopted local regulations:
Smoke Alarms: Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms: Required in homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages. Install CO alarms outside sleeping areas and on every level.
Clear Exits: Keep all exits, hallways, and stairways clear of portable heaters or other obstructions.
Electrical Safety: Avoid overloading outlets. If breakers trip or cords become warm, stop using the appliance immediately.
Approved Appliances: Use only UL-listed or third-party tested heating devices. Never use ovens, stovetops, or grills to heat your home.
A Message from the East Hartford Fire Marshal’s Office Your safety is our top priority. By using portable heaters responsibly and following fire safety codes, you help protect not only your household but your neighbors and the entire East Hartford community. If you have questions about home heating safety, need help checking your smoke or CO alarms, or would like additional resources, please contact the East Hartford Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division. Stay warm. Stay safe. Prevent fires.
Energy Assistance
The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses.
Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state. Through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.
All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill. For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need. GPCT has upcoming Energy Assistance Application Cycles:
January 2-10
March 2-10
To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, go to:https://gpct.org/gethelp/
Dental Care for Greater Hartford Veterans
Connecticut Oral Health Initiative has received a $25,000 grant to provide free dental services for veterans in need. They are partnering with UConn Health Center and Tunxis Dental Hygiene School, who will be delivering the care. The program is open to veterans living in the Greater Hartford area, but they are flexible about the region as long as participants are willing to travel to Farmington. If you can, please help spread the word to any veterans who could benefit. Follow link for a flyer with a QR code and the registration link:www.ctoralhealth.org/salute.
Mobile Mammography Program
Mental Health
Domestic Violence
This Week In Connecticut History
The Connecticut shoreline is home to many beautiful, historic lighthouses that have steered ships in Long Island Sound to safety for hundreds of years. One of the state’s most historically significant “lighthouses,” however, is located over 60 miles inland — and refers not to a navigational structure, but to a unique settlement established on the fringes of colonial society.
Ragged Mountain, site of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse settlement, seen from the West Branch of the Farmington River. (State Historic Preservation Office)
The “Barkhamsted Lighthouse” was the early 19th century nickname given to the community founded by Mary and James Chaugham and their large extended family, located near the base of Ragged Mountain along the Farmington River. According to family lore, in 1740, Mary Barber, a young white woman likely from Wethersfield, fell in love with and married James Chaugham, a Narragansett Indian. Since Mary’s family disapproved of the marriage, the two decided to settle far away from the Connecticut River valley, building their home in modern-day Barkhamsted, which was then a largely unpopulated region on the outskirts of Connecticut society.
Over the ensuing decades, the Chaughams, their seven children, and their children’s children formed the nucleus of a small village consisting of poor whites, Native Americans, and African Americans in northern Barkhamsted. The community earned its nickname in the early 19th century, when travelers heading south on the Farmington River Turnpike used the light from the settlement’s cluster of homes as a “beacon” indicating they were only a few miles away from the nearby town of New Hartford.
Since the inhabitants of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse were, by many definitions, social “outcasts,” they left behind few documentary records for historians to use to piece together their story. In the 1980s, however, an archaeological team extensively surveyed the Lighthouse site, leading to several subsequent excavations that unearthed a mountain of physical evidence that shed light on this reclusive and historically unique community. Archeologists who examined the site wrote that their findings tell “a fascinating tale of a group of materially poor, ethnically diverse, occasionally maligned settlers eking out an existence on what ultimately were the social and economic margins of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Connecticut.” Their findings led to the state of Connecticut officially designating the Barkhamsted Lighthouse site a state archeological preserve on December 3, 2008, protecting the site against disturbances and development. The lives of a once-marginalized group of Connecticans received recognition, and protection, at long last, today in Connecticut history.
We live in a time when it is easy to be impressed by the polished lives we see online—beautiful people, perfect posts, endless followers. But real confidence and joy don’t come from likes or views; they come from feeling strong, connected, and grounded. As we move into the winter months, I encourage you to focus on building a healthy mind and body. Take a look through the Manchester Now catalog to discover activities that fit your interests and inspire you to stay active and engaged. Whether it’s joining a fitness class, exploring a new hobby, or connecting with others through community programs, these small choices can make a bid difference. Stay the course this winter, and by spring, you’ll be ready to step into the new season feeling refreshed, energized, and ready for all that’s ahead.
A severe cold weather alert is in effect until Tuesday, December 9 at noon. Over the next 4 days, temperatures will average 10 to 20°F degrees below normal for early December. Temperatures will be very cold for this early in the season tonight, with lows in the single digits and wind chills close to zero across most of the state, away from the immediate coast. Temperatures will fluctuate this weekend; however, they will remain well below normal with highs in the 30s and overnight lows near 20°F. Very cold air is forecast to return on Monday with highs in the mid-20s and lows again in the single digits. Some relief is expected on Tuesday with highs back into the 30s.
If you are at risk from the cold, please feel free to call 860-645-5500 for help. Individuals who are unhoused and in need of assistance should contact 2-1-1 or MACC Charities. Town buildings are available during regular hours for anyone needing respite. Available Warming Centers:
Manchester Police Department Lobby - 24/7
Weiss Center (479 Main St.)| Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8AM – 4:30PM, Tuesdays 8:00AM - 7PM, Fridays 8:00AM - 1:00PM
Senior Center (549 Middle Turnpike E.) | Open Monday thru Friday 8AM – 4:30PM
Mary Cheney Library (586 Main St.) | Open Monday thru Thursday 9AM - 9PM, Friday & Saturday 9AM-5PM
Whiton Branch Library (100 N. Main St.) | Open Monday thru Thursday 10AM - 8:30PM, Friday 9AM- 5PM
Winter Information Guide For important information regarding snow removal, parking bans, potholes, clearing sidewalks, storm drains, and fire hydrants, etc., view the Public Works Winter Information Guide Cold Weather Resources For resources and contact information for those who are at risk from the cold or un-housed and in need of assistance please visit: Cold Weather Resources Information Prevent Your Pipes & Meters from Freezing For guidance on keeping your pipes and meters safe during winter storms and cold months, please visit: Frozen Pipes & Meters Prevention
African American and Black Affairs Council 2025-2026
The African American and Black Affairs Council is an organization that empowers, supports and advocates for the Black community in Manchester, CT.
When
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM
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 2025 East Hartford Holiday Fest from December 5 through December 8.
The four-day festival consists of a wide variety of fun events ranging between crafts and book sales, carol signing and 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 is supported by many local civic, community and town organizations.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5: Join us out on the Town Green as we come together to celebrate all of the amazing celebrations that happen during December!
Our Holiday Market starts at 4:00 PM and will feature vendors, food trucks, free kids crafts (while supplies last), an ice sculpture, free balloon animals, all while DJ Jimmy Jams keeps the holiday tunes playing!
Around 5:45 PM, the Double A Dance Academy will be doing a holiday performance to help us kick off our Annual Tree Lighting!
At 6:30 PM, Santa will arrive on his trusty firetruck and chose a child to light up our tree!
We will have caroling, selfies with Santa, and free Cocoa & Cookies for the kids!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6: Join us for our annual Swim with Santa event at the East Hartford Middle School pool! Come ready to get your picture taken with the big man himself! Listen to holiday music while swimming in the heated pool, playing with pool floats! Make a Christmas craft, enjoy some snacks, and more.
This event is free, with an unwrapped toy donation! Spaces are limited, so sign up today at EHParks.org. Please note: Children below age 7 or those children whose shoulders are not above the height of the water at the shallowest point of the pool must be accompanied in the water by a parent or guardian who must remain within arms reach at all times.
Registration is required. Please register only one adult member for the entire household. Each individual person does not need to register at EHParks.org. Questions? Feel free to call the office at 860-291-7160.
Winter, Holiday and Thanksgiving Season Preparedness
As we enter the winter and holiday season, the Town of East Hartford encourages all residents to take proactive steps to stay safe, warm, and prepared. Seasonal weather can be unpredictable, and early planning is key to protecting your home, family, and neighbors.
Winter Weather Preparedness Residents are urged to:
Inspect and service heating systems to ensure they are functioning efficiently before temperatures drop.
Insulate exposed pipes to help prevent freezing and costly damage.
Assemble a home emergency kit with essentials such as flashlights, fresh batteries, warm blankets, a first-aid kit, and non-perishable food and water for several days.
Prepare your vehicle by checking tire pressure, antifreeze levels, and carrying essentials like an ice scraper, warm clothing, and a small shovel.
Use generators safely by operating them outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Use portable heating appliances with caution by placing them on stable surfaces, keeping them at least three feet from anything flammable, following all manufacturer recommendations, and turning them off before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Check on elderly neighbors or those who may need additional assistance during severe cold or storms.
Stay Informed Residents are reminded to stay up to date on:
Winter storm alerts and advisories
Parking bans and snow removal notices
Emergency updates and local notifications
Please follow the Town of East Hartford’s official website, social media channels, and local news outlets for reliable, real-time information.
Thanksgiving Safety Tips As families and friends gather for Thanksgiving, please keep these safety considerations in mind:
Cooking Safety:
Never leave stoves, ovens, or fryers unattended.
Keep flammable materials such as towels and packaging away from heat sources.
Use turkey fryers outdoors on a flat, sturdy surface, and keep children and pets at a safe distance.
Fire Prevention:
Test smoke alarms ahead of the holiday.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby when cooking.
Travel Safety:
Allow extra travel time during busy holiday traffic and changing weather conditions.
Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready before hitting the road.
Food Safety:
Thaw turkeys safely in the refrigerator, never on counters.
Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meats.
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of serving.
The Town of East Hartford thanks all residents for taking steps to keep our community safe and prepared. We wish everyone a warm, healthy, and safe winter and holiday season!
SNAP & Food Resources
How to Check SNAP Balances:
Call 1-888-328-2666
Use MyDSS online
Access the DSS SNAP work rules pre-screener. Starting December 1, 2025, all towns in Connecticut will now follow special SNAP work rules for adults. Please use this SNAP Work Rules Pre-screener to understand if these new rules apply to you.
Friendship Soup Kitchen Hot "Grab & Go" (New Covenant United Methodist Church located at 6 Church Street, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm)
Leaves will be vacuumed Monday through Saturday through December 13th, 2025.
The program consists of the vacuuming of leaves placed in piles on a tree belt. Leaves will be vacuumed along each street, weather permitting. 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. Collection will proceed in a clockwise direction around town.
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 cancellation 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 tree belt and paper leaf bag collection.
Please do not block storm drains and catch basins with leaves to prevent flooding issues.
The Map will show your property- click on it to pull up the anticipated collection week.
To find out if leaf piles collection has already been completed in your area, please click on the road centerline, which will indicate if the street has been completed. Once leaf vacuuming in your neighborhood has been completed, if you still have additional leaf piles, we encourage to bag your leaves. We will make every attempt to come back around, weather permitting. In order to best accommodate for weather disruptions, bagged leaves will increase likelihood of pickup.
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 beginning November 3, 2025 through December 13, 2025 on your regular waste collection day, weather permitting.
Please place your bagged leaves at the curb two (2) days before your regular trash and recycling pickup day.
Leaves must be placed 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. We will aim for leaf bags to be collected within two weeks of you placing them on the curb. If you bring them back inside, you may be at risk of missing the collection.
*NEW* for 2025: Once your leaves are bagged and ready, you can submit a ticket through My East Hartford app or website. We will aim for leaf bags to be collected within the week, after the request is received.
OPTION 2: Resident Transport to the Transfer Station for FREE Disposal
Residents may bring their leaves to the Transfer Station on Ecology Drive:
Regularly scheduled transfer station hours:
Monday, Tuesday and Friday 7:15 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. (closed for lunch between 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
First and third Saturday of the month from 8:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Additionally, the transfer station will be open for LEAF DROP-OFF ONLY on the following Saturdays: November 8, 22, 29, and December 13
Leaves in plastic bags will not be accepted. 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.
