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:
State Update
Community Resources
Connecticut History
Manchester Community Events and Information
East Hartford Community Events and Information
State Update
The 2026 Connecticut Sales Tax Free Week is Sunday, August 16th, through Saturday, August 22nd. This week provides a chance for families to save money, whether it is taking children back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.
During this week, sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $300 per item are exempt from sales tax. This exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers. There are, however, certain items that are excluded from the scope of the Sales Tax Free Week exemption. The following items are excluded from the scope of the Sales Tax Free Week exemption:
Any special clothing or footwear primarily designed for athletic activity or protective use that is not normally worn except when used for the athletic activity or protective use for which it was designed; and
Jewelry, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches, and similar items carried on or about the human body but not worn on the body in the manner characteristic of clothing.
This legislative session, we passed a state budget to expand eligibility during Sales Tax Free Week, making this the first year for Sales Tax Free Week to include items, such as clothing, shoes, and backpacks, under $300 from $100 in previous years.
Effective as of July 1, the state’s 6.35% sales tax no longer applies to non-electronic school supplies, including binders, composition books, crayons, erasers, folders, glue, highlighters, lunch boxes, markers, notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, rulers, scissors, and more. This change does not impact supplies purchased by or for businesses, meaning companies that purchase these items must pay in one of two ways - at the time of purchase or as part of a future tax return.
Need a passport?You can take care of several travel-related services in one convenient location during an upcoming event presented by the office of Sen. Blumenthal at Connecticut’s Old State House in Hartford.
The event will take place on Friday, August 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering an opportunity to apply for or renew your U.S. passport, enroll in TSA PreCheck, or complete a Global Entry interview.
Passport: CLICK HERE to make a reservation to apply for or renew your U.S. passport.
TSA PreCheck:CLICK HEREto schedule an appointment. Please be sure to complete your TSA PreCheck pre-enrollment online before your appointment.
Global Entry:CLICK HEREto schedule an interview. You must first apply online and receive conditional approval before completing your interview.
If you're planning to travel in the coming months, this is a great opportunity to take care of these important travel documents and programs in one place.
FREE ADMISSION TO CONNECTICUT’S REVOLUTION EXHIBITION ON FIRST “FAMILY SATURDAY”
The entrance to the Museum of Connecticut History's "Connecticut's Revolution" exhibition, which features the original instructions to the Continental Congress delegation from Connecticut written on June 14, 1776. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Guests will see over 100 objects in the "Connecticut's Revolution" exhibit, including highlights from the collection of the CT State Library and artifacts on loan from museums across the state. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
Historical items sit on display in the Museum of Connecticut History's "Connecticut's Revolution" exhibition in Memorial Hall of the Connecticut State Library & Supreme Court Building in Hartford. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)
The Connecticut State Library and the Museum of Connecticut History are excited to announce that during the year-long Connecticut’s Revolution exhibit, the Museum will be open both Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and also for one Saturday per month, to help ensure that as many residents as possible will have the opportunity to see the exhibit. The first of these “Family Saturdays” will be this Saturday, August 15. As always, admission is free.
2026-2027 Family Saturday dates:
August 15, 2026, sponsored by Robinson+Cole September 19, 2026, sponsored by the Schmid Family October 17, 2026, sponsored by DataMail November 21, 2026 December 19, 2026 January 23, 2027 February 20, 2027 March 20, 2027 April 17, 2027 May 15, 2027 June 26, 2027
Connecticut’s Revolution examines how Connecticut residents both affected and were affected by the events of the American Revolution. The exhibit explores the ideas and experiences of the people who made history: Connecticut’s soldiers and statesmen, Patriots and Loyalists, painters and printers, farmers and sailors—men, women, and children from America, Europe, and Africa. To try to see the world through their eyes, the Museum of Connecticut History’s exhibit team, including Connecticut State Historian Andy Horowitz, has drawn on the tens of thousands of documents and objects in the Connecticut State Library’s museum, archival, and printed materials collections. Some of these materials make it possible to retell old stories in new ways, others make it possible to recover previously untold stories. Taken together, they reveal how Connecticut changed during this revolutionary time and how Connecticut, in turn, changed the world.
Connecticut’s Revolution will run through July 9, 2027 at the Museum of Connecticut History, located within the Connecticut State Library at 231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106. Support for Connecticut’s Revolution is provided by Connecticut Humanities as part of its America 250 | CT program and the National Endowment for the Humanities’ “Celebrate America!” grant. Additional financial support comes from Gold Sponsor Liberty Bank; Silver Sponsors Hinckley Allen, Prime Materials, and ProPark; Bronze Sponsor Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder; and Family Saturday Sponsors Data Mail, Robinson+Cole, and the Schmid Family. In-kind support comes from Central Connecticut State University, the Connecticut Supreme Court Historical Society, the Office of the State Historian, and the University of Connecticut.
For general exhibit information, please contact the Museum of Connecticut History at museumofcthistory@ct.gov or (860) 757-6535. Press inquiries should be sent to Darcy E. Strand, Government and External Affairs Manager, at darcy.e.strand@ct.gov or (860) 757-6668.
Replacement of Roadway Illumination System in East Hartford and Manchester
A replacement of roadway illumination project on the I-84 and I-384 interchange in East Hartford and Manchester will continue through January 12, 2028.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
Motorists can expect lane closures on I-84 and I-384 in East Hartford and Manchester Monday through Friday between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., as well as Saturday and Sundays.
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.
Connecticut History
Today in 1900, one of the first electrically powered trolley lines in the United States began service on the three-mile run between Branford and East Haven. It was a relatively short trip that launched major and permanent changes in Connecticut’s urban settlement patterns and lifestyles.
The inaugural run of the Branford Electric Railway was immediately hailed as a more efficient and sanitary way of transporting people along the Connecticut shoreline than the horse-drawn streetcars then the most dominant form of public transportation. With more easily accessible (not to mention less malodorous) transportation options available, former city-dwellers almost instantly began flocking to newly established suburban neighborhoods. There, families could escape the noise and crowds of city life, while still being able to commute to their urban places of employment.
ConnCo car no. 1425, one of the many original trolley cars preserved, owned, and still operated by the Shore Line Trolley Museum.
The Branford Electric Railway operated along the Connecticut shore for 47 years until newer suburban trends — the advent of the family car, the construction of auto parkways, and the extension of suburban neighborhoods beyond the reach of the trolley line — led to service being officially discontinued in 1947. However, the Branford Electric Railway Association, founded in 1945 and operating today as the Shore Line Trolley Museum, had enough foresight to immediately purchase a section of track and assume operation of the trolley service (albeit on an extremely reduced basis) as soon as the Railway company relinquished it. Their forward-thinking actions ensured that there has never been an official interruption of service on the Branford Electric Railway (with the exception of a Covid 19 related closure), making it the oldest continuously operating trolley line in America. In 1983, the Museum successfully petitioned to have its line of historic track included on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, visitors to theShore Line Trolley Museum, located in East Haven, can ride the rails on one of the historic trolleys used during the original run of the Branford Electric Railway.
Public informational meeting announcement regarding the Manchester sanitary landfill located at Olcott street & landfill way, Manchester, CT - Open to the general public.
An informational meeting regarding: a proposal to expand the Manchester sanitary landfill by approximately six (6) acres into the areas currently used for composting and the transfer station. Under this proposal, the landfill would gain additional capacity and increase its life by 15 to 20 years. The proposed expansion will require modifications to existing deep solid waste, water discharge, and air permits.
No changes to the maximum elevation of the landfill or the types of materials accepted are proposed as part of the modifications.
The meeting will be held at: Verplank elementary school, 126 Olcott Street, Manchester, CT The meeting will be held on: Thursday, august 20, 2026 at 7:00 pm
Prior to the meeting, interested parties may rsvp on weekdays, with respect to attendance, to: Lissette Comstock, Department of Public Works, (860) 647-3067 or pwdept@manchesterct.gov. Please contact Lissette to request translator services if required at least a week before the meeting. The agenda for the informational meeting will be:
General introduction
Site history and layout
Landfill operations
Proposed horizontal expansion area and dimensions
Safety features associated with facility operations
Organized by the Imagine Main Street, this FREE family friendly event offers live music all day, a vendor village of artists and makers, more interactive art activities than ever, games, food trucks, local beer and ciders.
Thursday, August 20 (rain date: August 24), 2:00 - 4:00 P.M. Celebrate the end of summer reading with a sweet outdoor picnic! Enjoy ice cream treats while playing a variety of fun lawn games and activities for all ages. Gather with friends and families for an afternoon of summer fun, community, and celebration as we wrap up a great reading season.Register for a reminder.
East Hartford's Latin Festival is BACK for another year of music, dancing, food, and a celebration of culture!
Join us at Great River Park (301 East River Drive) from 12:00-5:00pm. Parking is available in the American Eagle Financial Center lot (333 East River Drive).
Stage Schedule Coming Soon!
Food Truck List Coming Soon!
39th Annual Senior Picnic
East Hartford Commission on Aging invites all local seniors and their caregivers to the 39th Annual Senior Picnic.
WHO: East Hartford residents who are 55 or older and their guests
WHEN: September 4, 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Goodwin University, 3 Pent Road, East Hartford, CT
Prizes will be awarded throughout the afternoon.
TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE; no tickets will be sold at the door. The tickets are cash only and the price is $12 for residents and $14 for non-residents.
Ticket Sales Dates: Monday, August 10, Tuesday, August 11, Thursday, August 13, and Friday, August 14 at 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. at East Hartford Senior Center (15 Milbrook Drive).
Wednesday, August 12 at 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. | Raymond Library (840 Main St) *cash only
This year's theme is the Roaring Twenties. Come dressed in your best themed attire!
CAR POOLING IS ENCOURAGED; FEWER CARS = CLOSER ACCESS TO THE DOORS
The Town of East Hartford invites community artists of all ages and experience levels to submit artwork for a community banner project celebrating East Hartford.
Selected designs will be reproduced (printed) on light pole banners along the Town Green corridor creating a vibrant visual connection throughout the community. There will be a public unveiling during our annual Fall Fest!
Eligibility
Open to East Hartford residents of all ages
Welcoming artists of all skill levels
Parent/Guardian consent required for artists under 18
Original work only (no AI-generated content)
Themes Artists are encouraged (but not required) to submit work inspired by one or more of the following themes:
The Connecticut River
Aviation and innovation (Aviation)
Ethnic and cultural heritage (Ethnic Heritage)
Education
Submissions should reflect the creativity, diversity, and spirit of East Hartford.
Design Considerations
Bold, visually clear designs that read well from a distance
Avoid fine details that may be lost when enlarged
Public Suitability Must be family-friendly and appropriate for public display. The Town of East Hartford reserves the right to remove from the contest any submitted image that depicts illegal, unsafe, patently offensive, or otherwise inappropriate content, that is deemed contrary to the goals and intent of this contest.
Age Categories
Under 1818-34
35-54
55+
Artwork Requirements
· Artwork must be suitable for a vertical banner format. Please keep in mind that the final banners will be 24” wide by 48” high, with artwork space 24” wide x 30.75” high.
· Artwork must be submitted in image format (jpg, png, tif, etc.) with a high enough resolution that it can be fairly assessed by our judges.
· Please name the image using the following pattern: Artist Name_Title of Artwork.
Note: Assistance with uploading artwork will be available during scheduled upload days at the East Hartford Public Library (Raymond Library, 840 Main Street). See IMPORTANT DATES section for more information
Submission Guidelines Artists may submit 1 (one) entry. Submission should include:
Artist Name
Contact number
Contact email
Age Category
Title of Artwork
Related Theme (s)
Medium/Materials
Brief description (optional)
Image file (jpg, png, tif, etc.)
Please name the image using the following pattern: Artist Name_Title of Artwork
Selection Process A committee representing a range of ages, backgrounds, and interest or expertise in art, will select artwork based on:
Relevance/alignment to East Hartford identity and project theme(s)
Creativity and originality
Suitability for banner reproduction
Visual Impact & legibility
*All submitted photos may be used on our websites as well as in other Town or media placements.
Prizes Selected artwork from each age group will be displayed on banners at the Town green. Of those selections, the top 3 across all age categories will receive a cash award.
1st - $100.00
2nd - $75.00
3rd - $50.00
Installation & Community Event Selected artwork will be printed on banners and installed on light poles around the Town Green. Unveiling event will be held at the Town Green during our annual Fall Fest (Saturday, October 3rd).
Important Dates
Submission Deadline: August 14, 2026 at 11:59 P.M.
Support will be available at East Hartford Public Library (Raymond Library, 840 Main Street) on the following days:
Aug 12 (2pm-6pm) & Aug 13 (3pm-6pm)
Support will be available at the East Hartford Senior Center (15 Milbrook Drive) on:
Aug 13 (10am-12pm)
Judging and Selection: August 15th - Aug 22, 2026
Winners Contacted and Public Announcement: Aug 24th – 28th, 2026
Banner Production: Aug 24th – September 20th
Installation: September 21st – October 2nd
Unveiling Event (East Hartford Fall Fest): October 3rd, 2026
Good lighting is essential when photographing your artwork. Whenever possible, use natural daylight by placing your artwork near an open window or doorway. Avoid using your phone or camera’s flash, as it can create glare and distort colors. With adequate natural light, flash should not be necessary. To minimize shadows, position yourself so you are not standing between the light source and the artwork.
Perspective
To accurately capture your artwork, make sure your camera is positioned parallel to the piece. If the artwork is lying flat, photograph it directly from above rather than at an angle. Keeping both the artwork and camera level will help prevent distortion and ensure the image appears straight and proportional.
Background
Keep the focus on the artwork by minimizing distractions in the background. Frame the image so that only the artwork is visible whenever possible. If needed, use your phone’s editing tools or another photo-editing program to crop out any unnecessary background elements.
This project made possible with support from Connecticut Main Street Center
East Hartford Farmers Market
The 2026 East Hartford Farmers' Market will occur every Tuesday through October 27, 2026 from 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM at the Town Green (1047 Main Street)!
Our farmers, Killam & Bassette Farmstead and Handel Family Farm, are authorized to accept SNAP, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers.
We are Accepting Applications for Market Vendors!
Our market is interested in adding more vendors to serve the community. The application can be completed online or vendors can fill out a paper copy to hand in or mail to the Health Department (740 Main St.). Market organizers will review completed applications and notify vendors whether your application is accepted. Vendors are advised to review the East Hartford market guidelines. Click the links below for the application and further information:
If you receive SNAP benefits, bring your EBT card to the table with the sign that says "SNAP/EBT accepted here" at participating farmers' markets and farm stands. The Market Master will swipe your card for the amount that you want and give you Market Tokens that can be used at all the stands at that market. Residents enrolled in SNAP will be able to double their benefits to purchase fresh produce through the End Hunger CT! SNAP Match program.
WIC FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (FMNP):
WIC clients will be receiving an email inviting you to setup your farmers' market benefits account in the SoliMarket system. This app can be downloaded to your smartphone and will be used to access your farmers' market benefits for fresh produce purchases. WIC FMNP benefits can be used to purchase fruits, vegetables, and fresh herbs. The benefit amount for 2026 is $65 per eligible family member who was active as of 4/28/26. If you have questions about your WIC FMNP benefits, or your eligibility for this program, residents can contact the WIC office at (860) 291-7190.
SoliMarket for WIC FMNP:
If you have questions, the Soli HelpLine is also a resource for farmers and WIC and Senior participants. You can call the HelpLine, available daily 9am – 9pm through November 30 at 214-256-3083 with questions regarding:
1. Problems processing transactions
2. Questions regarding payments
3. Questions regarding reporting
4. Problems receiving emails when attempting to finish setting up their account
5. PIN number issues
Participants should call the WIC local office or Senior distribution site:
To ask about program eligibility and eligibility for FMNP benefits
To schedule WIC appointments with their local agency
Understand when they will receive their FMNP or other benefits
To find out when benefits will be received (app or card)
Adding new participants and/or family members
SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (SFMNP):
The SFMNP is an electronic benefit card (EBT). This is a supplemental food program, in which eligible participants receive an EBT card annually to purchase eligible products at authorized farmers' markets throughout Connecticut. SFMNP benefits can be used to purchase fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh herbs. For 2026, eligible recipients will receive $40.00 on their SFMNP EBT card.
Eligible if:
You are 60 years of age or older and have a maximum household income not more than the 185% of the annual poverty income guidelines. See the income eligibility guidelines here.
If you are a disabled individual under the age of 60, you must live in a housing facility where congregate nutrition services are provided, and have a maximum household income not more than the 185% of the annual poverty income guidelines
EAST HARTFORD SENIOR SERVICES FARMERS' MARKET VOUCHER:
East Hartford seniors that apply and meet eligibility requirements for the East Hartford Senior Services Farmers’ Market Voucher Program will receive a one-time $40 voucher to purchase fruits, vegetables, eggs, jams, and herbs. The voucher program is open to residents who meet these criteria: 55 and older who meet these criteria:
must be 55 years old or older
must be a resident of East Hartford (individuals or families), with proof of residency via a utility bill
must have an income at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (see below), with proof of income provided
This voucher can only be used at the East Hartford Farmers’ Market. Residents who wish to apply may contact East Hartford Senior Services by calling 860-291-7491 or visiting the East Hartford Senior Center at 15 Milbrook Drive. Residents may also call Youth & Social Services at 860-291-7248 or visit the YSS office located at 50 Chapman Place.
BECOME AN EH FARMERS' MARKET PARTNER!
The East Hartford Farmers’ Market is asking for residents and organizations to help fight hunger and food insecurity experienced by residents of our community. As a 2024 East Hartford Market Partner, your donation will help residents that rely on food pantry assistance to buy fresh produce at our market. Available funds will also be used to provide additional support for SNAP, WIC and senior market nutrition program recipients.
Sponsors will be recognized at the market and through the Town's communication channels. Show your shared commitment to health programs that support East Hartford quality of life. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
How to make your donation to become an EH Farmers' Market Partner:
2. Cash donation dropped off to the East Hartford Youth & Social Services Division located at 50 Chapman Place.
3. Check donation dropped off or mailed to the Town of East Hartford, Youth & Social Services Division, 50 Chapman Place, East Hartford, CT 06108. Please make the check payable to "Town of East Hartford Youth & Social Services Division" with "Farmers' Market" noted in the bottom left.
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.
Date Town Location
September 12 Bloomfield Public Works Building, 21 Southwood Drive September 19 Rocky Hill Elm Ridge Park, 376 Elm Street September 26 West Hartford Public Works Garage, 17 Brixton Street October 17 Windsor Locks/East Granby Public Works Garage, 6 Stanton Road, Windsor Locks October 24 Hartford MDC Operations Facility, 125 Maxim Road
(WPCF = Water Pollution Control Facility) * One collection date is held on a Sunday
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.
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.
