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 and be sure to follow my social media accounts for updates on a variety of topics including resources, events, housing updates, and more.
Applications for the East Hartford Alumni Legacy Scholarship due May 15!
The East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Foundation is offering the annual East Hartford Alumni Legacy Scholarship to East Hartford graduates. This scholarship is open to any East Hartford Public School graduate who completed high school prior to the current school year (2025-2026) and is pursuing either:
an undergraduate degree;
a certification through a vocational training program; or
a graduate or professional degree.
The East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Foundation will award up to five $1,500 scholarships.
The mission of the East Hartford Alumni Association and Education Foundation is to promote excellence, innovation, and creativity in education for East Hartford Public Schoolsstudents through networking, mentoring, and fundraising.
Chime Scholars Foundation Applications for 2026-2027 Now Open
Offers scholarships up to $20,000 for students of all backgrounds pursuing various forms of higher education
Launched in 2022, program has helped more than 1,000 scholars achieve their educational goals
Scholarship recipients have made real financial progress, with 72% finding employment in their field of study within six months of graduation
Chime® (Nasdaq: CHYM), a leading consumer financial technology company, announced today that Chime Scholars Foundation (CSF) has opened applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. Aspiring scholars can now apply for scholarships of up to $20,000 to support their education, paving the way for greater career opportunities and higher earnings. The scholarship program is open to students of all backgrounds and stages of life, and it supports a wide range of educational pathways, including traditional college degrees, apprenticeships, trade schools, and technical certifications.
Since 2022, CSF has provided $7 million in scholarship funding to over 1,000 students. Last year alone, CSF welcomed its largest cohort of scholars to date, awarding more than $3 million in scholarships to 800 students for the 2025-2026 academic year. This work is supported by Chime’s 1% pledge, which commits 1% of its equity over a decade to fund the foundation.
“At Chime, we believe financial progress starts with access to opportunity,” said Chris Britt, CEO and Co-founder of Chime. “Through the Chime Scholars Foundation and our 1% pledge, we’re investing in ambitious students and helping remove financial barriers to education. We’re proud to have supported more than 1,000 scholars so far and excited to continue helping the next generation build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.”
The program has demonstrated strong outcomes for its scholars. According to a survey of graduates:
· 100% credit the program with helping them complete their degree or certification
· 87% projected graduation rate — nearly double that of Federal Pell Grant recipients¹
· 72% of scholars secure jobs in their field within six months of graduation
Beyond these outcomes, scholars join a supportive network of fellow CSF scholars and Chime employees. Applications for the CSF scholarship program are now open through March 31, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the Chime Scholars Foundation website at chime.com/about-us/chime-scholars-foundation.
Legislative Business
2026 Legislative Survey
Our legislative session is now underway, and one thing that makes our work better is when we get to hear from you. I hope you’ll take my survey and reach out to me directly if I can ever be of any help.
During the second half of the 19th century, as more and more mills and factories popped up along the banks of the Willimantic River’s northern branch in eastern Connecticut, a number of factory owners banded together to form the Stafford (or Staffordville) Reservoir Company with the aim of regulating the flow of water that powered their manufacturing equipment. In late 1876, the company paid for improvements to an already-existing dam that sat five miles outside the bustling village of Stafford Springs, enlarging the reservoir behind it to a length of over 1 1/4 miles and an area of over 600 acres.
The new earthen-and-granite dam built to hold back this newly enlarged reservoir, however, proved insufficient only months after it was built, following several days of heavy spring rain.
On March 26, 1877, observers noticed a series of leaks in the sides of the earthen dam. This forced engineers to open the dam’s floodgates completelyin an effort to prevent a total collapse. Despite the engineers’ best efforts, at around 6:45am on March 27th the Staffordville Reservoir dam burst, sending a wall of water down the narrow, winding Willimantic River valley.
As the floodwaters roared downstream toward Stafford Springs, they destroyed a series of eight smaller dams that lined the river, causing the wall of water to swell to a height of 20 feet by the time it crashed into the heart of the village. Bridges, tenements, farm houses, stables, and factory outbuildings were all swept away by the raging torrent. Even the Congregational Church that proudly stood in the center of town was no match for the flood, with newspapers reporting the next day that the flood waters “…rushed beneath the venerable edifice, which rocked for two or three moments on the flood like a paper boat, and then, toppling over, went entirely to pieces.”
On the far side of Stafford Springs, a freight depot for the New London Northern Railroad was also devastated, with several freight cars and miles of track destroyed. When the waters finally receded, two people had lost their lives, and the community at large suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of damages. Nearly 1000 people found themselves out of work as the local factories, many of them textile mills, scrambled to recoup their losses and rebuild. Homes and livelihoods in eastern Connecticut were washed away by a wall of cascading chaos, today in Connecticut history.
The Budget Adoption is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 7pm in the Lincoln Center Hearing Room.
📣 Manchester residents - if you would like to learn more about your town's budget, consider attending a budget workshop to see how your tax dollars are spent. Join us and be part of the conversation.
You can view the Full Schedule of FY27 Budget Workshops & Meetings byclicking here.(, 0B)
Please note that workshops will be held in the Lincoln Center Hearing Room at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting is a public meeting and as such members of the public can also attend the meeting in-person or remotely by means of video conferencing.
Meetings will be conducted in person with remote access optional via Zoom.
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.
The Community Project & Event Fund is an initiative that aims to support local grassroots and non-profit organizations and their cultural projects, programs, celebrations, and commemorations. The Neighborhoods and Families Division is requesting proposals for funding opportunities of up to $1,000 per application from Manchester-based non-profit groups, clubs, and organizations. Qualifying candidates must plan to facilitate a project, program, or celebration that is accessible to the public, culturally inclusive, and meets one of the following categories: Community Cultural Events, Commemorative Projects, or Arts and Culture Initiatives. Priority will be given to programs & projects that will be held at the Eastside Plaza.
Submissions are due by Sunday, April 19th, no later than 11:59 PM.
For more information, please contact Recreation Supervisor McKenna Cheverier.
25th Cruisin' on Main Street 2026
CRUISIN' ON MAIN STREET IS BACK FOR ITS 25TH YEAR!
The Manchester Cruisin’ Committee, in partnership with the Town of Manchester, is excited to announce that this year's annual Cruisin' on Main Car Show will be held on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain dates: August 9th & August 16th - depending on weather).
Larry Ash, who leads the Cruisin' Committee, along with the dedicated committee members and Calvin Harris, Senior Recreation Supervisor, have been organizing and finalizing plans for another successful event.
The success of the show is always due in part by its sponsors and their charitable donations. Mark your calendar for August 2nd and attend one of the largest one-day car shows in all of New England. Whether you are showing a car or just attending to check out the cars, listen to great music, and/or enjoying a meal downtown, you can’t miss this great annual event.
Cost for the event is free to spectators and a $10 car show registration fee for those wishing to showcase their car. Sponsor’s Choice Trophies will be awarded, and dash plaques will be given to the first 700 cars.
* We hold multiple classes on the same day utilizing different classrooms.
The dates for the following classes is April 25th
1.) Pediatric First Aid & CPR this class is hybrid with the first half being taught live through Zoom starting at 8:30am. Followed by a 45 min break to give students enough time to drive to the Fire Station for the in-person porting of the class. Class will end around 2:30/3:00pm
This class is geared toward Childcare Providers, Parents & Foster Parents approved by the Office of Early Childhood. This class is also perfect for school staff, couches and babysitters. This class also includes choking relief for all ages.
4.) AHA BLS CPR for Healthcare Providers , First Responders, their Support Staff & College students going into the health field. 8:30 am to 11:30 am. Our classes are approved by all CT Colleges and complies with all health & health allied major's clinical requirements.
Class includes Adult and Infant CPR AED with the use of a Bag Valve Mask (BVM) device for respirations and emphasis on team dynamics, adult and infant choking relief for all ages.
• Accident prevention & safety for both indoor & outdoor play area, toy safety, car safety including child restraint systems • Poisoning including lead, plants & chemical poisoning • Child Abuse including types, signs & regulations pertaining to mandated reporters
• Communicable disease prevention, recognition, management & ways of transmission, Signs & symptoms of common illnesses • Infection control including hand washing, diapering & vaccinations
• Respiratory distress including Asthma & upper respiratory infections
• Choking relief for all ages
• First Aid Kits
• Heat and cold temperature related illness & injuries
• Bleeding control
• Burns
• Muscle & Bone injuries including splinting
Subjects usually covered but not limited to in our Adult First Aid classes are
• Recognition & Management of both physical & medical Emergencies,
East Hartford, CT — After two weeks of careful deliberation, input from residents, and discussions with the Mayor, Directors, and amongst themselves, the East Hartford Town Council officially adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget on March 9.
The adopted budget totals $231,515,741, a $622,087 decrease from the originally proposed FY 2027 budget. Compared to the previous fiscal year, this represents an overall increase of $5.94 million, or 2.64%, bringing the mill rate to 47.24 mills, nearly identical to the current inflation rate of 2.4%, reflecting a responsible and measured approach to town finances.
Of the budget, Mayor Connor S. Martin said, “This responsible budget funds the staff, systems, and services that keep our town running efficiently and support residents in their daily lives. Most budget increases reflect contractual obligations or unavoidable costs, while departments have identified cuts, delays, and deferments wherever possible to reduce the impact on taxpayers.”
The Fiscal Year 2027 budget is designed to support essential services at Town Hall (from licensing and permits to vital records and financial management) continue seamlessly. The budget also invests in community enrichment and public amenities:
Parks and Recreation programs and events, including the Memorial Day Parade, Juneteenth Celebration, Fall Fest, and Latin Fest.
Libraries as community hubs for learning, technology access, and programs for residents of all ages.
Schools and educational programs that ensure quality education for East Hartford students.
Public safety through full-time Police, Fire, and Department of Public Works personnel, ensuring professional services and rapid emergency response.
For a home valued at $200,000, the FY 2027 budget translates to an additional $188 per year, or roughly $15 per month. This modest investment sustains the quality services and programs residents expect while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
“This year’s budget reflects what our residents ask for: quality services, community programs, and no wasteful spending,” added Mayor Martin. “By investing responsibly today, we protect the quality of life in East Hartford for tomorrow.”
2026 East Hartford Annual Egg Hunt!
The Annual Egg Hunt hosted by East Hartford Parks and Recreation will be held at McAuliffe Park, 30 Remington Road.
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026 Rain Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026
Schedule: 11:00 AM – Ages 3 and Under 11:30 AM – Ages 4 – 6 12:00 PM – Ages 7 – 10 1:00 PM – Special Needs Division
Each group will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Please arrive early, as hunts will not be delayed for late arrivals.
Ages 3 and Under and Special Needs Divisions will be allowed 1 adult on the field with them.
Participants should bring a bag or basket for collecting eggs and dress appropriately for the weather.
Limited spaces are available in each division. Registration is required for each child participating.
This event is for East Hartford residents only.
Registration is required and must be completed online atehparks.org
If you have any questions, please call our office at 860-291-7160
East Hartford Commission on Aging Presents: Senior Survey Seminars
The East Hartford Commission on Aging invites all seniors (55+) for a series of seminars and conversations with Town departments. These seminars are part of a new initiative called “Senior Survey Seminars,” in response to results from town-wide senior survey conducted by the Commission on Aging in 2023. The seminars are intended to educate local seniors on a variety of topics, such as public safety, programming, tax assistance, senior services and more. The four-part series will begin on April 29 and run through July 29, as follows:
Wednesday, April 29, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
“Public Safety Conversation with Police, Fire and Public Works”
Thursday, May 28, 6:00 -7:30 pm.
“All about taxes”
Wednesday, June 24, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
“Public Programming with Libraries and Parks and Recreation”
Wednesday, July 29, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
“Health and Human Services” All workshops will be held at the Senior Center, located at 15 Millbrook Drive. These seminars are open to all East Hartford seniors age 55+, senior center membership not required. To register, call the East Hartford Senior Center at (860) 291-7460 ext. 0. Light refreshments will be provided by the Commission on Aging.
Veteran Banner Program
The East Hartford Veteran Banner Program honors the brave men and women who have selflessly served our country through a touching banner display in the heart of East Hartford. The banners are entirely funded by a $200 donation by sponsors from the community- family, friends, local businesses, and civic organizations. We will showcase the banners along East Hartford's Main Street, along with who sponsored the Veteran. The brackets and installation are generously being provided by the Town of East Hartford.
The $200 donation will cover the printing, shipping, and an additional framed photograph of the banner for the sponsor to display or gift to the Veteran or their family. Each banner will display the name, photograph, branch, major wars or conflicts and one or two major awards of the veteran. You will need a color or black and white photo in a jpg format at maximum quality settings. Each year the banners will be displayed Memorial Day through Veterans Day, and then given to the sponsor, the honored Veteran or their family. We look forward to your participation in this program! CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR
If you would like make a donation towards the program, please make checks payable to:
EAST HARTFORD VETERAN BANNER PROGRAM Attn: Ekaterine Tchelidze, Senior Secretary to the Mayor East Hartford Town Hall, 740 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06108
These donations will go towards sponsoring Veterans who do not have a sponsor that we are made aware of.
If you have a Veteran that you would like us to add to “needs a sponsor” list, please send an email to Ekaterine Tchelidze atetchelidze@easthartfordct.gov. The initiative is put together by East Hartford residents and Veterans who came together to honor those who served from our commu
2026 East Hartford Memorial Day Events
The Town of East Hartford, in collaboration with the East Hartford Veterans Commission, are excited to announce that East Hartford’s Memorial Day Parade and series of events will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026. The events will begin with the parade stepping off at 10:00 a.m.
The day will consist of three parts: a parade, a program at the Fallen Star Memorial, and a celebration of East Hartford.The parade will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m., proceeding from 9 Riverside Drive to the Fallen Star Memorial located at Goodwin University.
Immediately following the parade, a commemorative program will be held at the Fallen Star Memorial. The events will conclude with a family-friendly celebration of East Hartford featuring food trucks, music, activities, vendors, and more.
PARTICIPANTS:
Those who would like to march in the Memorial Day Parade are asked to register by Wednesday, April 1, 2026, by visiting: Participant Registration
VOLUNTEERS:
If you are interested in volunteering at the 2026 Memorial Day Parade, please register by Monday, May 15, 2026 by visiting: 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 27, 2026, which can be found at: Sponsorship Information
VENDORS:
If you are interested in being a vendor at the 2026 Memorial Day Parade, please contact Jenilee Tedesco via email at jtedesco@easthartfordct.gov. Registration must be completed by Monday, May 4, 2026. For additional information, please visit Vendor Information
Community Grants Available from the East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts
Bring your artistic vision to life in East Hartford!
The East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts (CCFA) seeks applicants for their community grants program, newly expanded with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
All interested applicants should start by filling out a basic online application; eligible entities will next be invited to fill out a second-round application specific to ARPA funding.
Grant applications will be considered on a rolling basis through August 31, 2026, after which the CCFA will revert to their typical quarterly review cycle.
Successful proposals will have a strong East Hartford connection and directly relate to fine arts and/or culture. Programs or projects may include concerts, performances, program series, festivals, workshops, exhibits, readings, after-school programs, or public art.
For complete eligibility requirements and to access the application, visit the CCFA web page.
Administrative support for the CCFA community grants is provided by the East Hartford Public Library. Funding decisions will be made by the CCFA at their regularly scheduled public meetings, typically held the second Thursday of the month in Meeting Room 1 on the lower level of the Raymond Library.
Public Safety Notice - Prevent Home Fires: Use Portable Heaters Safely
The Manchester Fire Marshal’s Office has been finding numerous non-listed smoke alarms in the community, particularly in residential occupancies. Some of these devices—often purchased online—are fraudulently advertised as “manufactured to UL standards” but are not actually UL or ETL listed.
There are documented incidents of non-listed smoke and carbon monoxide alarms failing to operate when needed. Because these devices are not independently tested or certified, their reliability cannot be trusted during a fire or carbon monoxide emergency. What residents should look for:
A genuine UL or ETL listing mark on the alarm and packaging
Devices that only claim to “meet UL standards” without a recognized listing
If the cost is significantly lower, it is most likely non-listed
Your safety depends on tested and certified alarms. If you are unsure whether your alarm is listed, replace it. Please contact the Manchester Fire Marshal’s Office for guidance.
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.
