The topics covered in this e-newsletter are as follows:

• Capitol Update
• Legislative Business
• Community Resources
• This Week In Connecticut History
• Manchester Community Events and Information
• East Hartford Community Events and Information

Remember, there are resources available to follow along and make your voice heard. Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:

• Read summaries of bills from nonpartisan and unbiased researchers from the Office of Legislative Research
• View the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events on its schedule
• Follow CT-N for live coverage of House floor debates and more
• Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey in the legislative process
• Click here for information on how to testify on a bill a public hearing

These resources ensure you are an active participant in our democracy. Take a look at the graphic below and learn how you can track bills!

You can purchase tickets here

Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, is reminding customers who receive help paying for their health insurance premiums to report any changes in household income to AHCT when they happen. This can help prevent unexpected costs at tax time.
 
Federal financial help available through AHCT can significantly lower monthly insurance premiums. The amount of help customers receive is based on household size and estimated annual income. If that income changes, it must be reported to AHCT. If changes are not reported when they occur, individuals may receive more assistance than they qualify for and may have to repay the difference to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
 
Eligible customers can choose to receive their financial help in two ways:

• A one-time tax credit when filing their federal income tax return for the year.
• Monthly payments sent directly from the federal government to their insurance company to lower premium costs throughout the year. Individuals who choose this option must reconcile the amount they received when filing their tax return for that year. 

Before 2026, there were limits on how much certain customers had to pay back if their income increased during the year. Recent federal legislation removed the repayment caps on how much customers have to repay when income increases above the estimated amount used to determine financial help. Therefore, it is critical that customers update their accounts if there is an income change.
 
“Keeping your information up to date with Access Health CT is the best way to make sure you’re receiving the right amount of financial help and avoid unwanted surprises when you file your taxes,” said Access Health CT Chief Executive Officer James Michel. “If you have questions about your insurance or changes in your household income, we encourage you to contact us. We are here to help Connecticut residents understand their options and get the assistance they need.”
 
Free help is available online, in person and over the phone.
 
Customers can visit AccessHealthCT.com and click the “Get Help” button for a full list of resources. Customers can chat live with an Enrollment Specialist by clicking the “Live Chat” icon on the website.
 
A list of Certified Brokers is also available. These brokers can help customers understand their options and answer any questions. Working with a broker is free.
 
To get help over the phone, customers can call 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Help is available in over 100 languages. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.

When Joel Kupperman died of the COVID-19 coronavirus today in 2020, the mild-mannered, Cambridge-educated, retired academic was a distinguished university professor emeritus at the University of Connecticut and one of the world’s leading authorities on Asian philosophy. A much-honored and visionary philosopher of ethics, aesthetics, and Eastern philosophies, colleagues hailed him as “a leading light and inspiration for so many of us . . .  a trailblazer and a beautiful human being.”

For all their admiration, however, few who knew Joel as scholar and philosopher ever had the faintest notion he had once led a life completely the opposite of the soft-spoken and unassertive academic they revered. As his obituary in the Washington Post noted, “Between the era of Shirley Temple in the 1930s and before Jerry Mathers appeared on TV’s “Leave It to Beaver” in the late 1950s, Joel Kupperman may have been the most famous child in America.” From 1942 to 1952, beginning at the age of five and continuing to an awkward teen-aged 15, Joel Kupperman was the best-known contestant in a phenomenally successful radio (and later television) program called Quiz Kids.

Wearing a pint-sized cap and gown, Joel joined a rotating panel of extraordinarily intelligent children on weekly broadcasts competing to answer extremely difficult questions about science, math, the humanities, sports, and topical events. The program was the brainchild of Chicago public relations expert Louis G. Cowan, who later went on to produce shows such as Captain Kangaroo and The $64,000 Question, and to serve as president of the CBS television network.

Kupperman first appeared on “Quiz Kids” as a cute, eager-to-answer, garrulous kindergarten student with a penchant for explaining mathematical formulas and scientific theories with a winning, tooth-missing lisp. With a brilliance that far exceeded his age (his IQ was measured at 219, one of the highest scores ever recorded), Joel quickly became the program’s centerpiece celebrity, receiving as many as 10,000 letters a week.

During World War II, Joel and other Quiz Kids toured American cities, raising over $120 million in War Bonds. As the first among equals, Kupperman met celebrities from Marlene Dietrich to Orson Welles, and Henry Ford to Abbott and Costello (who gave him a dog). He even appeared in a 1943 movie, Chip Off the Old Block, with Donald O’Connor.

Joel’s “career” as a child celebrity was stage-managed by his mother, who was present at every performance. Her ambition for her son’s career far outlasted Joel’s enjoyment of his fame. Not surprisingly, he found that being other parents’ “model student” –(Why can’t you be like Joel Kupperman?”) –  came with a price. “Being a bright child among your peers was not the best way to grow up in America,” he said in a rare 1982 New York Times interview. “Even if you tried to be likeable, you felt resentment. I felt I suffered from it.”  By the time he reached the mandatory retirement age of 16 in 1952, Joel had appeared in over 400 episodes of Quiz Kids and had been – and continued to be – thoroughly traumatized by the experience.

Constantly taunted by fellow students at the University of Chicago, where he received two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s in mathematics, Kupperman struggled to find a post-celebrity path forward, until an understanding professor suggested that the way to escape his past as a Quiz Kid was to get out of the country. Inspired by that advice, and propelled by an interest in Asian philosophy, Joel went to England, got his Ph.D. in philosophy several years later, and then, as professor Kupperman, joined the faculty of the University of Connecticut in 1960. Freed from his celebrity past – a life even his family was forbidden to talk about – Joel Kupperman went on to publish 10 books, scores of academic articles, and to become, in 2006, one of the University of Connecticut’s distinguished professors.

The story of Joel Kupperman’s once secret life is sensitively and powerfully told in his son Michael Kupperman’s highly acclaimed graphic novel All the Answers, published by Simon and Schuster.

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

Budget Adoption
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Lincoln Center Hearing Room, 494 Main St
7:00 p.m.

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

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.

Read More

* We hold multiple classes on the same day utilizing different classrooms.

The date for the last class 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. 

https://ManchesterCPRprogramsDirectLinktoClassesOffered.as.me/ChildCareCPRFirstAid

2.) AHA Heartsaver Pediatric CPR AED only noon to 3:00pm.  This class also includes choking relief for all ages. 

https://ManchesterCPRprogramsDirectLinktoClassesOffered.as.me/PediCPR

3.) AHA Heartsaver CPR 8:30 to 11:00am  This class also includes choking relief. 

https://ManchesterCPRprogramsDirectLinktoClassesOffered.as.me/AdultCPRonly

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. 

click on this link below to sign up for a class

https://ManchesterCPRprogramsDirectLinktoClassesOffered.as.me/HealthCareProviderBLS

5.) AHA Heartsaver Adult First Aid CPR 9am to 2pm with a 45 min break. This class includes adult & child choking relief.

https://ManchesterCPRprogramsDirectLinktoClassesOffered.as.me/AdultFirstAidCPRAED

Subjects usually covered but not limited to in our First Aid Pediatric classes are 

• Recognition & management of both physical & medical emergencies pertaining to but not limited to children, staff, environment & fire

•  Diabetes, Stroke, Heart Attack, Fainting & Seizure. 

• 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, 

• Diabetes, Stroke, Heart Attack, Fainting & Seizure. 

• Poisoning including lead, plants & chemical poisoning

• 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  

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.

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 at etchelidze@easthartfordct.gov.
  
The initiative is put together by East Hartford residents and Veterans who came together to honor those who served from our commu

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

If you have questions, please email our Event Coordinator, Jenilee Tedesco, at jtedesco@easthartfordct.gov.
To receive the latest updates on the Town’s news and events, visit www.easthartfordct.gov and subscribe at www.easthartfordct.gov/subscribe.

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. 

The Town of East Hartford has commenced the state mandated annual canvass of electors between January 1 and May 1 to determine changes of residence.

The Registrar of Voters (ROV) of each town holding a November election are required to conduct an annual canvass of electors between January 1 and May 1 to determine changes of residence.

In accordance with State Statute, a Notice of Change of Address is mailed to voters on the active and inactive voter lists, who are believed to have moved within town.

The Town of East Hartford will conduct the canvass-by-mail allowing voters thirty days to return the canvass letter. A postage free return envelope will be included, residents are asked to confirm or correct information, sign and date and return back to the ROV by April 9, 2026.

Residents with additional questions or concerns should contact the Registrar of Voters at (860) 291-7280 or email at ehvoters@easthartfordct.gov.

CTDOT is Developing Plans to Replace Noise Barriers Located Along I-84 Eastbound in East Hartford

CTDOT is developing plans to replace three noise barriers located along I-84 Eastbound in East Hartford.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is developing plans to replace the three noise barriers located along I-84 Eastbound, in East Hartford.

The project is part of CTDOT’s condition-based program to replace wooden noise barriers that are beyond their useful life. The existing systems will be replaced with a new system at the same location with the same height and length. Since wooden noise barriers are no longer being installed because of their shorter design life and more extensive maintenance needs, the replacement noise barrier will be constructed of concrete or other materials that are more durable and longer lasting. The replacement noise barrier will provide noise abatement in conformance with the criteria in place when the existing system was installed.

Replacements of the three deteriorated noise barriers on I-84 Eastbound will be at the following locations.

• Site 1 – Beginning at Interchange 58 (Roberts Street) Eastbound On-ramp and extending approximately 1900 feet.
• Site 2 – Beginning east of the Simmons Road overpass (Bridge No. 05555) and extending approximately 2500 feet.
• Site 3 – Beginning east of the Forbes Street overpass (Bridge No. 05556) and extending approximately 2400 feet.

The present schedule indicates that the design will be completed in the fall of 2028, with construction anticipated to start in the spring of 2029, assuming acceptance of the project, availability of funding, and receipt of any required right-of-way and environmental permits. This project will be undertaken with one hundred percent (100%) State funds.

It is CTDOT's policy to keep the public informed and involved when such projects are undertaken. It is important that the community shares its concerns with the CTDOT to assist in the project's development. If anyone has any questions or comments on this project, please contact Michael Cherpak, Principal Engineer, at (860) 594-3155 or by e-mail at Michael.Cherpak@ct.gov. Please make reference to State Project No. 0042-0334.