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.
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
Capitol Update
On Monday, the House passedHB 5350, An Act Concerning Cannabis, Hemp, and Infused Beverage Regulation. While it doesn’t address every issue, it’s a step in the right direction and there’s more work ahead.
On Monday, the House passedHB 5350, An Act Concerning Cannabis, Hemp, and Infused Beverage Regulation. While it doesn’t address every issue, it’s a step in the right direction and there’s more work ahead.
We're strengthening CT’s cannabis industry to stay competitive, keep revenue in-state, and support social equity and prevention programs.
This proposal reflects months of work and input from across the industry and state partners, focused on long-term success and better access for consumers.
More Access Better Experience
Allows out-of-state medical patients to purchase products in Connecticut, expanding access for visiting patients
Expands the range of medical products available at licensed dispensaries across the state
Strengthens consumer privacy protections by shortening how long data is retained
Adds non-THC beverage tastings at licensed locations
Modernizing What’s on The Shelf
Removes outdated limits on cannabis flower potency to reflect today's market standards
Increases allowable potency levels for hemp-based beverages, creating more consistent product options
Expands opportunities for in-state production of a wider range of infused products
Allows development of new consumer products like infused coffee and tea
Helping Businesses Run Smoother
Eases certain staffing requirements for pharmacists, helping dispensaries operate more flexibly while maintaining patient access
Increases flexibility for in-state production, supporting more local manufacturing and economic growth
What About Prevention Programs and Social Equity? When cannabis was legalized in Connecticut in 2021, created a system for how tax revenue is reinvested across the state. Funds are split between prevention a treatment programs, the Social Equity Fund (supporting communities most impacted by the war on drugs), an other public services like education.
We also created the Social Equity Council, which oversees reinvestment into impacted communities. Or key effort is the R2 Program (Reimagine & Revitalize), which invests $12 million annually into economic opportunity, re-entry support, and youth programs.
Funds are distributed through regional partners who manage applications and ensure transparency and accountability. Learn more here.
This bill now moves to the senate for a vote. While it doesn't address every issue, it's a meaningful step toward a more balanced, competitive, and consumer-focused cannabis market in Connecticut.
As we work to strengthen this system, we also recognize the lasting impact the war on drugs has had on our communities, including ongoing challenges with substance use and addiction.
If you or someone you know needs support, here are some available resources: AVAILABLE RESOURCES
CT 211 (24/7 help & referrals) . Dial 2-1-1 or 211ct.org . Find treatment, detox, recovery housing, and support services near you. Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services Access Line · 1-800-563-4086 · Connects you to state-funded mental health and addiction treatment programs. CCAR (Recovery Support Services) · ccar.us . Peer recovery coaches, recovery centers, and family support statewide. CT Clearinghouse · ctclearinghouse.org . Prevention education and resources for individuals, families, and schools. SAMHSA National Helpline · 1-800-662-HELP (4357) · Free, confidential treatment referral service (24/7).
Connecticut House Democrats passed legislation to make sure our 2026 elections are free and fair.
We took steps to:
Modernize our absentee ballot laws and vote counting procedures
Create more safeguards to ensure your vote counts
Protect our elections from corrupt outside forces
People’s right to vote is under constant attack around the country, but here in Connecticut, we’re making sure elections are free and fair.
A much narrower version of the original homeschool bill passed in the House and now goes on to the Senate. As revised, the bill focuses on a basic child-safety check when a child is withdrawn from school under the homeschooling option. Instead, it focuses on a basic child-safety check when a child is withdrawn from school under the homeschooling option. The family would be checked against a DCF list, and the school would receive a simple yes-or-no answer about whether the withdrawal may proceed. The bill also includes a yearly verification that parents are still homeschooling their child.
In an effort to keep our kids from falling through the cracks when they’re withdrawn from public school, we’ve set up some commonsense procedures while balancing the rights and privacy of the parents who are responsibly educating their children.
The bill:
• Creates an annual form for all students to indicate whether a child will be attending a private school, public school or be homeschooled • Requires schools to check DCF records for protective orders and open cases of abuse and neglect prior to a child being withdrawn from school
In the past, Connecticut's vaccine policies and standards have been tied to the expert recommendations developed by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC). Unfortunately, the CDC has recently abandoned its standing as the premier resource of medicine and science guidelines.
HB 5044 seeks to update Connecticut's vaccine policies so they are based on science, not political agendas. The bill will:
Allow the Connecticut Department of Public Health to promote COVID and flu vaccines
Require private insurance companies to cover the cost of your vaccinations
Allow Connecticut to buy vaccines from suppliers other than the CDC
Establish an adult vaccine program for uninsured and under-insured individuals
Tighten loopholes around unvaccinated children and public schools
This bill makes vaccines more accessible, more affordable, and it will keep our communities healthier without creating any new mandates.
Session 2026
Remember, there are resources available to follow along and make your voice heard. Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:
Tickets Available Now‼️ HBJ's Politics & Policy Forum: 2026 Legislative Session Recap 🇺🇸 Join us for an exclusive deep dive into the latest legislative session. You'll hear directly from a powerhouse lineup of experts and panels breaking down exactly what these changes mean for you.
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.
In the 1630s, John Davenport, like many Puritan ministers preaching in cosmopolitan and decadent London, yearned to create a “New Jerusalem.” This “heavenly city” would be located in a place free from the religious persecution and political pressures Puritans experienced in England. Its settlers would all live pure and godly lives. Arriving in the Massachusetts Bay colony in 1637, Davenport and his congregants hoped to establish such a community among their fellow Puritans, but niggling theological differences made them reconsider putting down roots in the Boston area. Within months after arriving in the Bay Colony, Davenport sent a small group led by Theophilus Eaton southward to scout potential settlement sites along Long Island Sound.
Portrait of John Davenport, painted in 1670.
Eaton’s journey was a success: a few months later, he returned with a favorable report of an area called “Quinnipiack” by a native tribe of the same name. It was situated on a natural harbor, and the Quinnipiack people were eager to engage in trade with their prospective new neighbors. Davenport immediately sailed for the place Eaton described, landing there with 500 fellow Puritans on April 24, 1638.
After purchasing a large swath of coastal land from the amiable Quinnipiacs, Davenport christened the settlement “New Haven.” Surveyor John Brockett drew up a city plan consisting of nine squares, with the central square reserved as the town common (or green), thus establishing New Haven as the first town in America laid out in a formal grid system.
Davenport and his congregation proceeded to establish in New Haven a theocratic government that enforced godly living while promoting economic opportunity for its inhabitants. Religion and profit, which were intended to work together, ultimately diverged. Over time, economic ambition in New Haven superseded religious zeal. With its natural deep harbor, New Haven became the foremost trading hub of the Connecticut plantations. Though its founders’ utopian vision of a “New Jerusalem” faltered, New Haven to this day remains one of Connecticut’s most prosperous and influential cities.
Manchester Land Trust Earth Day Litter Cleanup Saturday, April 25, 2026 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Picking up today for a better tomorrow! Celebrate Earth Day by getting outside and volunteering to keep Manchester beautiful.
Where: Center Springs Park and Cheney Rail Trail, Meet in the parking lot at 39 Lodge Drive, Manchester CT When: Saturday, April 25, 9am - 1pm - come anytime What: Litter Clean up - gloves, pickers, bags, and buckets provided by Manchester Sanitation
Event is rain or shine - dress appropriately for the weather! Questions? Please contact Jeff Sullivan, the Land Trust's Chief Steward at 860-578-0692 or Rebecca Fowler the Manchester Recycling Coordinator at 860-647-3120. Co-sponsored by:
Manchester Conservation Commission Manchester Sustainability Commission Manchester Youth Commission Manchester Sanitation Division Rebuilding Together
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.
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 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.
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,
Each spring and fall, the MDC conducts a regional household hazardous waste collection program at a series of local sites in member and non-member towns. The program offers a number of benefits to residents and municipalities:
Residents have the opportunity to participate in a collection day in their respective towns as well as in other collections throughout the year.
Participating municipalities enjoy financial savings from the effect of pooling under a single contract the services of a licensed hazardous waste management firm.
The contractor assumes full responsibility for the collection, transportation and proper disposal of hazardous waste items.
Hazardous waste cannot be simply thrown out with the trash, flushed, or poured down the drain because it passes the problem along to the environment, polluting the air and the water. So the MDC sponsors a HazWaste Program to collect the waste and dispose of it through safe, environmentally responsible practices.
The MDC urges you to participate in a Household Hazardous Waste Collection in your town. Protect the health of your kids, your spouse, your pets, and the environment. You may participate in MDC’s household hazardous waste collection program if you are a member of any participating town; and you may participate on any MDC sponsored collection day.
Residents of any of the following participating towns can participate in ANY MDC sponsored collection day: Bloomfield, East Granby, East Hartford, Hartford, Newington, Rocky Hill, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor and Windsor Locks.
HOUSEHOLD HAZWASTE INFORMATION PACKET
The Household HazWaste Info Packet contains the complete schedule of MDC sponsored HHW collections for the current calendar year. The Info Packet also summarizes items accepted by the program and items the MDC cannot accept. If an item cannot be accepted at an MDC sponsored collection potential alternative disposal locations are listed. The Info Packet also provides some general information on how to reduce the amount of household hazardous waste you generate.
All collections are held on Saturdays from 8AM to 1PM unless noted.
2026 East Hartford Road Improvement Project 2026 Vendor-in-Place (VIP) Road Paving List
The 2026 Road Improvement Project is anticipated to begin milling and paving during the first week of May. The 2026 Vendor-in-Place (VIP) Road Paving List encompasses 7.73 total miles of rehabilitation and/or resurfacing of streets throughout town. These roads were selected based on their overall condition and the need for repairs. The project includes the following streets:
*MDC or CNG will need to complete utility work. If completed in 2026, the town will Mill and Pave. If not, the re-surfacing will be moved to 2027.
Dinner with the Mayor at Roma's
Meet Mayor Connor Martin at Burnside Roma's Restaurant, 358 Burnside Avenue at 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Drop in for a light, pay-your-own-way dinner, get to know Mayor Martin and support a local business.
Follow our "Meet the Mayor" events around town, stay tuned for future dates and locations!
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.
East Hartford Summer Camp Registration is Now Open!
Summer is fast approaching and East Hartford Parks and Recreation will be offering summer camp programs for the 2026 summer season.
East Hartford Parks and Recreation Summer Camps will open on Monday, June 22nd, 2026 and will run for 7 consecutive weeks, ending on Friday, August 7th. Camps are open to East Hartford residents only and serve children and teens entering grades 1 – 9 and participants with special needs ages 6 -21. Enrichment programming continues to be a stimulating part of the programming thanks to our collaboration with East Hartford Public Library and East Hartford Social Services.
▶ Little Rec’ers Camp for children entering grades 1- 2 will be located at Goodwin Park/ Goldstar Pool*Goodwin School Gymnasium during inclement weather days.
▶ Fun Days Camp for children entering grades 3 – 4 will be located at Gorman Park / Lord Pool, *O’Connell School Gymnasium during inclement weather days.
▶ Explorers Camp for children entering grades 5 – 6 will be located at McAuliffe Park / Drennan Pool, * Norris School Gym during inclement weather days.
▶Teen Camp for teens entering grades 7 – 9 will be located at Hockanum Park/ Terry Pool, * ECLC Gym during inclement weather days.
▶ Camp Sunburst for participants with special needs ages 6 - 21 will be located at McAuliffe Park, Drennan Pool, * Norris School during inclement weather days.
Campers will participate in a variety of activities, arts & crafts, sports, special events and more. Campers will also visit the pools, where they will have free swim and receive swim instruction from our American Red Cross Certified Lifeguards.
All campers will be registered for the East Hartford Public Library summer reading program through Readsquared and will receive prizes at camp to recognize and celebrate the time they spend reading! Campers will also participate in weekly enrichment activities sponsored by the Library, including STEM, Makerspace, puppetry, performing arts, drumming and more. For some enrichment activities campers will be bused to the Library.
Breakfast and lunch are provided for all campers through the Summer Meals Program!
In partnership with Social Services camp will be supported by Social Workers.
Registration for camps is now open.Register online at www.ehparks.org or at the parks and recreation office at the East Hartford Community Center, located at 50 Chapman Place.
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.
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.
East Hartford Registrar’s of Voters Office Began Voter Canvassing Voters Must Confirm Address Within 30 Days
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.
The Town of East Hartford invites residents, businesses, and community members to join Mayor Martin’s team for a Spring Cleanup Day. This annual cleanup day celebrates pride in East Hartford and brings together members of the community to roll up their sleeves and help invest in our town. This year, the Spring Community Cleanup Day will take place on Saturday, May 9 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at Hillside Cemetery. Volunteers will help clean Veterans' headstones at the Cemetery.
Non-hazardous biodegradable chemicals will be used, East Hartford Public Works Department will provide protective wear, but please plan accordingly and dress appropriately.
Lunch will be provided following the cleanup. Dietary restrictions? Bring your own picnic lunch!
Register to volunteer—every hand helps! Registrations close Friday, May 1.
All volunteers who sign up will be issued additional details closer to the event. Be sure to fill out the participation waiver in addition to the primary registration form.
Event will be held drizzle or shine, cancellation in case of storms will be announced by Friday, May 8.
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.
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.
