Dear Neighbor, 

 

In this email, you'll find updates on district resources and news. Please click the links below to read the section that corresponds with the highlighted headline.



A NOTE: If you're having trouble clicking through the following links, open this email in a browser, use a computer, or scroll through this email to the relevant section. 



The topics covered are as follows:

• Today in CT History
• Sales Tax Free Week
• Community Resources
• Manchester Community Events 
• East Hartford Community Events

Theodore Roosevelt was no stranger to Connecticut; his mother and second wife were Connecticans and his sister lived in Farmington for most of her adult life. While Roosevelt’s several visits to Connecticut to visit his family and friends often attracted plenty of press, his visit of August 22, 1902 was memorable not for why he visited the state — but how.

In 1902, during the second year of his Presidency, Roosevelt traveled through Connecticut as part of a multi-state trip through New England. Arriving in Hartford by train, he made history by climbing into a Columbia Electric Victoria Phaeton automobile and then driving through the streets of Hartford, waving to thousands of onlookers who lined the streets to see the first-ever presidential motorcade.

Roosevelt’s trip marked the first time a sitting U.S. President rode in an automobile as part of his official duties; President William McKinley, Roosevelt’s predecessor, was technically the first president to ride in a car, albeit privately. Even though the Columbia Phaeton (manufactured with pride in Hartford) boasted a top speed of 13 miles per hour, Roosevelt’s leisurely car ride through the city took nearly three hours.

The image of Roosevelt riding through Hartford, is remarkable. It captures three distinct stages of the land transportation revolution in one photo. Ahead of Roosevelt, a union army veteran rides horseback, clearing the President’s path. Escorting him on three sides are uniformed police riding the then-most-advanced form of personal transportation — the bicycle. Roosevelt is riding in the vehicle of the elite – the automobile — designed to look like the horse-drawn carriages then in use by wealthy families, complete with nattily attired coachmen, riding high in the back. The famous Rough Rider enjoyed a smooth Presidential ride, today in Connecticut history.

Further Reading

“Roosevelt Rides in an Electric Car,” connecticuthistory.org

“Theodore Roosevelt Becomes First President to Ride in an Automobile,” The Learning Network (New York Times)

“New England Welcomes President Roosevelt,” New York Times web archive

Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, August 18 and runs through Saturday, August 24. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.

 

Retailers throughout the state offer additional discounts on clothing and footwear during Sales Tax-Free Week, providing consumers with even more ways to stretch their spending power.



During this tax holiday, most clothing and footwear items priced less than $100 are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax. The exemption applies to each eligible item costing less than $100, regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer in the same transaction. It applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.

 

Shop smart – and locally whenever possible to support small businesses – to save during Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week!

 

Looking for something to do in Connecticut? Whether you want something active or relaxing, cultural or nature-oriented, artistic or trendy, Connecticut's got you covered.

 

Town Resources

https://www.easthartfordct.gov/residents

 

Town Newsletters

Pulse of East Hartford     

East Hartford Public Schools

East Hartford Works

Lead Service Replacement Program

The Manchester Water Department is pleased to announce that financial assistance is available to qualified applicants through the Town’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for water service line replacements. Single and multi-unit residential properties with water service line materials consisting of lead or galvanized materials may apply to have their water service lines replaced at no charge to the owner.



Assistance is available for a limited number of income-eligible residents on a first come first served basis who meet the grant criteria. Applications must be received no later than September 9, 2024, and construction must occur by October 1, 2024.



Residential buildings with seven or fewer dwelling units where at least 51% of the units are income-eligible (or 1 of 2 units in a 2-family) and for which rents cannot exceed the annually adjusted fair market levels established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The property owner must be current in mortgage payments (if applicable) and on all local taxes, fees and assessments including real estate, and water and sewer charges.



The Town reserves the right to deny assistance to any property whose owner has a record of tax or mortgage delinquency and cannot provide documentation of a loan modification agreement.



For more information or to complete the application packet, please visit our website at https://manct.us/lead or contact the Water Department at 860-647-3115.

If you are not sure if you have a lead or galvanized service line, follow the instructions at https://manct.us/lead and email a picture of your service line, along with a description of your findings, to waterandsewer@manchesterct.gov.

This year the Manchester Peach Festival’s home will be MARC, INC. here in Manchester at 151 Sheldon Road. It will be on August 23rd, 2024 from 6-8 P.M. Tickets will be $6 per person. A few of the things included at our event will be our well-known Peach Shortcake, live music provided by Nightshift, a chance to talk to fellow community members and leaders, and so much more. The Manchester Peach Festival will be turning 73 years old this year. Stay tuned to our Facebook, Manchester Fire Support Group, for more exciting updates as we work with our community to make this the best Manchester Peach Festival yet!

Shop local and enjoy beautiful Market Field. All markets accept SNAP/EBT payments & will double the value of SNAP purchases up to $30.00.



In addition, all children in attendance will receive a $2.00 Power of Produce voucher each market for use on any fresh produce.



The Senior POP Program offers Manchester seniors the opportunity to register for a $5.00 voucher for use on any fresh fruits or vegetables at the Market!



Wednesdays through 08/28/24, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Market Field, 153 & 163 Spruce Street



No cost to attend & Free parking is available at 160 Spruce Street.

WWLM Warehouse Loading Dock, 16 Brainard Place, 06040

We’re happy to announce a new session of our Citizen Police Academy! This is your chance to learn about the inner workings of local law enforcement, understand the challenges officers face, and gain valuable insights into community safety. Attending the academy will enhance your knowledge of police procedures, foster stronger community-police relationships, and empower you with the ultimate knowledge and skills to contribute positively to public safety. Don’t miss out! Space is limited and seats fill up quickly. Join us and be part of the change! Click here to apply

The Town of East Hartford Farmers’ Market is open Tuesdays through October 29 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Town Green / Alumni Park (1047 Main Street).

CALL FOR FARMERS’ MARKET VENDORS:

Are you a farmer or market vendor who produces honey, milk, eggs, bread, other foods, or locally produced crafts who wishes to be part of the East Hartford Farmers’ Market? Are you a business or non-profit organization looking to promote your services? Please visit the East Hartford Farmers’ Market website for guidelines and to access the vendor application (both online and printable options are available). There is no cost to participate as a vendor and individuals are able to request space for specific dates or the full market season. Once your application is submitted, organizers will review and determine if your product or service is appropriate for the farmers’ market.

DONATE TO BECOME AN EH FARMERS’ MARKET PARTNER!

The Town of East Hartford is asking for donations from residents, community organizations, and businesses to support our market programs that fight food insecurity right here in our community. Your support will help residents buy fresh, healthy foods from farmers that support our market. Donations will help the Town provide additional support to SNAP, WIC, and SFMNP recipients through farmers’ market matching vouchers.

Donations can be made online by visiting the Social Services Donation Program website and choosing the “Farmers’ market partner program” option. Alternatively, cash or check donations can be dropped off to East Hartford Youth & Social Services Division located at the Community Cultural Center at 50 Chapman Place. Checks should be made payable to the Town of East Hartford Youth & Social Services Division with “Farmers Market” noted in the bottom left. Any amount helps!

For more information regarding the various benefit programs and the Social Services donation program, please visit East Hartford Farmers’ Market website.

Password problems? Learn to manage them with help from Digital Navigators! Contact us to get started.

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The culture of Japan will be center stage for a week-long series of programs from October 5 – 11 at the East Hartford Public Library. Japan Week is organized by East Hartford resident Toshiko Uchino along with members of the US and Japan Society of Connecticut. Funding support for Japan Week is provided by the East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts.

 

Saturday, October 5

Kick off Japan Week at 1 PM with a calligraphy class! Create an ema with calligraphy artist Michiko Imai in the Raymond Library Makerspace. For adults and teens. Registration required.

 

An exhibition by Michiko Imai will be on display at Raymond Library during Japan Week. Meet the artist and view her show at an after-hours reception from 5 – 7 PM. Enjoy light refreshments and take a moment to check out the Kokeshi wooden doll exhibit being shown concurrently. Register for a reminder.

 

Sunday, October 6

At 2 PM, children and families are invited to learn origami together! Join us at Raymond Library for an afternoon of paper-folding and an elementary-level Japanese language lesson presented by Riho Hirohashi and friends from Old Greenwich, Connecticut. Best suited for ages 8 and up. Please register.

 

Michiko Imai will return on Sunday for a brush-stroke calligraphy floor demonstration at 3 PM. This dramatic and exciting program is best suited for all ages. No registration required.

 

Monday, October 7 @ the Senior Center

Japan Week moves to the Senior Center for a showing of “Perfect Days” at 1 PM. Hirayama feels content with his life as a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. Outside of his structured routine, he cherishes music on cassette tapes, reads books, and takes photos. Through unexpected encounters, he reflects on finding beauty in the world. Directed by Wim Wenders. Rated PG. Run time: 2 hours, 5 minutes. To attend a program at the Senior Center, you must be 55 or older and a resident of East Hartford. Register by calling the Senior Center: 860-291-7460

 

Let’s Wrap and Roll Rice!

Instructor Yutaka Iwabushi from Maruichi Food & Deli in West Hartford will present two cooking programs on the theme of “Let’s Wrap and Roll Rice!” On Wednesday, October 7 at 6:30 PM at Raymond Library, she will teach the class how to make onigiri, Japanese rice balls. Register here for the Wednesday program. On Thursday, October 8 at 6:30 PM at Raymond Library, she will teach the class how to make futomaki, thick Japanese sushi rolls. Both programs are best suited to adults and teens. Register here for the Thursday program.

 

Friday, October 11 @ Wickham Library

Enjoy a movie afternoon at the Wickham Library! Japan Week will conclude with a 2 PM showing of “Ikiru,” directed by Akira Kurosawa. Mr. Watanabe suddenly finds that he has terminal cancer. He vows to make his final days meaningful. His attempts to communicate his anguish to his son and daughter-in-law lead only to heartbreak. Finally, inspired by an unselfish co-worker, he turns his efforts to bringing happiness to others by building a playground in a dreary slum neighborhood. When the park is finally completed, he is able to face death with peaceful acceptance. Not rated. Run time: 2 hours, 5 minutes. Register for a reminder.

 

Stop by anytime during library open hours to view the exhibitions, and browse our book displays on the main level for more information on Japanese culture.  

 

For more information on Japan Week, and to register for programs, visit our website: www.easthartfordct.gov/library or call the Raymond Library at 860-290-4330. Raymond Library is located at 840 Main St., East Hartford.

My office is always open if you or your family are in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email at Jason.Rojas@cga.ct.gov or by phone at 860-240-8541.



Sincerely,



Jason Rojas