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

By the 1950s, overcrowded highways became an increasingly familiar annoyance to Connecticut commuters as the state basked in post-WWII economic prosperity and the increase in population — and automobile traffic — that came with it. At the time, most of Connecticut’s inland east-west travel utilized U.S. Route 6, an old and overburdened road that stretched across the country from California to the tip of Cape Cod and passed through the middle of Hartford. Talks to replace the strained Route 6 with a new limited-access highway system began in the late 1940s, but remained unrealized until 1956, when the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act, which funded construction of a new nationwide interstate system, was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

In 1958, Connecticut Governor Abraham Ribicoff designated replacing Route 6 a top priority for his administration, and the very next year, the Connecticut General Assembly voted for a new east-west highway, christening it the “Yankee Expressway.” In keeping with the newly established national numbering system, Route 6’s replacement would also be known as Interstate 84. Like the Merritt Parkway before it, the limited-access four-and-more lane highway was hastened into production despite efforts by nationally renowned urban expert Lewis Mumford and a group of city planners to stop all urban interstate highway construction until comprehensive land use plans could be developed. Mumford, an outspoken critic of mid-20th-century America’s obsession with the automobile, argued that the 1956 legislation creating the Interstate system was jammed through to favor “the second mistress that exists in every household right alongside the wife–the motor car.”

Interstate 84 was built and opened in several stages, starting at the state’s western border in Danbury and working its way east toward Hartford. On December 16, 1961, the first segment of I-84 opened to the public, a 15-mile stretch winding its way from the New York state line through Danbury, Bethel, and Brookfield before terminating (temporarily) in the Sandy Hook section of Newtown. It took another eight years for the highway to reach Hartford, and another 20 for it to reach Massachusetts, where I-84 quickly dovetails into I-90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike). The 98 miles of Interstate 84 that wind through the Constitution State cost a total of $128.3 million at the time of construction.

Paradoxically, while I-84 successfully relieved local roads of daily traffic, it ushered in suburban growth that led to widespread traffic jams on the interstate itself — a problem Mumford had anticipated and civil engineers are still trying to mitigate. Despite the debut of a new and much-welcomed interstate in the western part of the state, the open road did not remain very open for long — today in Connecticut history.

Further Reading

Scott Oglesby, “Connecticut Roads: Interstate 84,” kurumi.com

“A Brief History of Transportation in Hartford,” The I-84 Hartford Project

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

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.
 

Manchester Now Winter/Spring 2026 Publication

Notice from the Water and Sewer Department

Attention Homeowners in Older Homes
If you received a notice from us asking you to identify your service line material, it's time to take action!
 

• Look up your address to find out your service line material
• If your home was built after 1990, or if your service line material is already noted in our database, no action is needed.
• If your service line material is unknown, help us out by uploading your photo to our survey
  • Locate where your service line enters your house, generally in the basement at the front of the house, either form the floor or from a wall
  • Scratch it gently with a key or coin and take a picture of the pipe before any fittings leading to the meter
  • Trouble with the website? Email your photo: lead@manchesterct.gov
• Need Help? Call us at (860) 647-6050 and press 5 to talk to our friendly helpline that can talk you through identifying and reporting your service line material.

So far, over 90% of the pipes we've identified are non-lead. Thank you to everyone who has already responded. We appreciate your patience as we update our records.
 

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced a wrong way detection activation system was installed on I-84 eastbound at Exit 63 in Manchester. The Wrong Way Detection System uses video cameras to detect vehicles that are traveling in the wrong direction. If a vehicle is detected, wrong way signs outlined with multiple sets of red lights are activated and begin flashing to alert the driver they are traveling in the wrong direction. Additionally, the system alerts the CTDOT Highway Operations Center and local State Police Troop barracks in real-time, allowing staff to monitor the activities of the wrong way driver on the ramp. For more information on CTDOT’s commitment to stopping wrong way drivers, visit https://portal.ct.gov/wrongwaydriving

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.

The Town of East Hartford is pleased to offer the annual running of the annual Officer Brian A. Aselton Memorial Snow Dash 5K Road Race, sponsored by the East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department and the East Hartford Police Department, which will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 1:30 PM. The race will start and finish at Langford School located at 61 Alps Drive.

Over 200 runners are expected to participate in the race that is run in tribute to Officer Brian A. Aselton. Over the years, proceeds have benefited the East Hartford Police Department Child Safety and Crime Prevention Programs as well as the Officer Brian Memorial Aselton Scholarship Fund. Commemorative award plaques will be awarded for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd in each division for men and women. Divisions include 17 & under, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80 & up. Discount Trophy generously provides the awards.Official race apparel is available on race day.

On January 23, 1999, Police Officer Brian A. Aselton gave his life in the line of duty protecting the citizens of East Hartford. The tragic loss of Officer Aselton devastated the community. Officer Aselton was only 26 years ol when his brilliant life was extinguished; yet his spirit lives on in those who remember him. The Snow Dash was renamed in 2000 to the Brian A. Aselton Memorial Snow Dash. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Officer Brian A. Aselton Memorial Scholarship Fund. Since the inception of Brian’s scholarship fund over 300 scholarships have been awarded.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE RACE.

Day of registration must be completed using the online RunSignUp, no paper registration forms.

For more information, please contact Recreation Supervisor, Jonathan Cooper, at 860-291-7164.

All Town offices, including the East Hartford Transfer Station will be closed on Thursday, December 25, 2025 in observance of Christmas Day.

• Raymond Library will close at 5 PM on December 24, 2025.
• Wickham Library will be open for reduced hours on December 24 and on December 26, 2025 from 10 AM – 1 PM.

Town Offices will reopen on Friday, December 26, 2025 for regularly scheduled hours of operation. 

All Town offices, including the East Hartford Transfer Station will also be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026 in observance of New Year's Day.

• Raymond Library will close at 5 PM on December 31, 2025.
• Wickham Library will be open for reduced hours on December 31 from 10 AM – 1 PM.

Town Offices will reopen on Friday, January 2, 2026 for regularly scheduled hours of operation. 
Trash and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day during both weeks. 

For information regarding curbside waste and recycling collection, please call All American Waste at 860-289-7850 from 7 am – 5 pm or visit All American Waste | Waste Disposal & Recycling | Dumpster Rentals (aawllc.com).

To contact the East Hartford Public Works, please call 860-291-7374.