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

• State Update
• Community Resources
• This Week In Connecticut History
• Manchester Community Events and Information
• East Hartford Community Events and Information

Governor Ned Lamont has signed Public Act 26-127, expanding access to affordable solar energy and battery storage for Connecticut homeowners, renters, and businesses while prioritizing relief for customers facing high energy costs. The law extends the state's residential, commercial, and community solar programs through 2027, ensuring continued support for clean energy as electricity demand grows. It also encourages responsible solar development by prioritizing projects on rooftops, brownfields, municipal and state buildings, and other developed commercial properties.

The law also extends and modifies the state's solar energy programs to cost-effectively deploy solar systems that pair solar and battery storage, allow for plug-in solar systems, and reduce red tape and costs related to solar permitting. The law aims to ensure that solar energy benefits both the person who installs it on their roof and all ratepayers by providing more clean energy and reducing the costs associated with the transmission and distribution of electricity.

The law also includes permitting reform and authorizes plug-in solar systems, which are smaller systems that can be bought off the shelf and installed relatively easily without permission from the electric utility. These systems are popular with renters and homeowners in Europe because they cost less and can be placed on a balcony or in a backyard. By creating a legal framework for plug-in solar, the law aims to extend the benefits of clean energy to more residents who have not benefited from it historically.

Additionally, the legislation directs more benefits to customers and communities with higher energy burdens, supports battery storage to improve grid reliability, streamlines residential solar permitting, and requires the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to limit public benefits charges and ensure the law reduces costs for ratepayers overall.

I am proud to have supported this legislation that will continue to move the State of Connecticut forward on affordable, accessible renewable energy.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), in partnership with state and local law enforcement agencies, is reminding drivers to slow down this summer as speed enforcement efforts increase across Connecticut during July. The statewide effort combines education, awareness, and enforcement to address one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in the state.

In 2024, the last year of verifiable data, Connecticut recorded 126 fatalities due to speeding and reckless driving, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.

As part of this effort, CTDOT has launched its new "Speeding is Killing All of Us" public awareness campaign, designed to encourage drivers to think about the real-life consequences of speeding and make safer choices behind the wheel. Through television, digital, social media, and outdoor advertising, the campaign delivers an urgent message: speeding puts every road user at risk.

“Speed enforcement and public awareness campaigns work hand in hand to improve roadway safety,” said Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger, Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) Traffic Safety Committee. “Police departments across Connecticut will continue working to remind drivers that speed limits exist to protect everyone who shares our roads.” 
  
Why slowing down matters: 
  

• A pedestrian struck at higher speeds is significantly less likely to survive.  
• Speeding reduces the time drivers have to react to unexpected hazards.  
• Even familiar roads can become deadly when drivers exceed the speed limit.  
• Choosing to slow down protects everyone sharing Connecticut's roads. 

  
For more information about the dangers of speeding, visit nhtsa.gov. 

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) are reminding residents to take precautions with the current Cycloporiasis outbreak.

While cases of Cyclosporiasis have been reported in Connecticut, at this time, there is no indication that Connecticut farms are the source of this outbreak. With the increase in cyclosporiasis cases, many shoppers are wondering how to stay safe while enjoying fresh summer produce.

One of the best choices you can make is shopping local. CT farms and farmers’ markets offer fruits and vegetables grown and handled by farmers who take pride in feeding their families and their community.

DPH also encourages residents to follow simple steps at home to reduce potential risk:

• Wash all fresh produce under clean running water before eating, even if you plan to peel it.
• Choose whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed bagged salad mixes. Remove and discard the outer two to three layers of leaves and wash the inner leaves under running water.
• Wash cilantro, basil, and green onions thoroughly under running water, separating leaves. These items are safest when cooked.
• Cook produce when possible. Heating food to 158°F (70°C) or higher kills Cyclospora.
• Wash hands with soap and water before eating, and clean kitchen surfaces and cutting boards before and after preparing food.

For more information on Cyclospora, visit the FDA webpage.

Come join me for a tour of Hartford's history.

CEA’s Report Card system evaluates legislators’ voting records as well as their advocacy and efforts to advance CEA priorities. These priorities include enhancing the teaching profession, protecting pensions and benefits, preserving collective bargaining, and supporting sound education policy that enhances public education.

The report card score also includes a holistic view of legislators’ overall support of teachers and public education, advocacy of CEA priorities, and responsiveness to requests to meet with educators and CEA staff.

Today in 1913, arrest warrants were issued in Bridgeport for players on the Bridgeport Mechanics minor league baseball team. It was not the first time members of the Bridgeport nine had faced justice. They had, in fact, been arrested, tried, and convicted twice previously during the preceding two months. Their crime? Playing baseball on Sunday.

The Gilded Age had brought great changes to the Land of Steady Habits. The Industrial Revolution transformed the land of Puritan farmers into a multi-ethnic industrial colossus. Though the third smallest state, Connecticut in 1910 had the 11th highest manufacturing output in the nation. Producing those new manufactured goods was a workforce of immigrant newcomers, many from southern and eastern Europe, who had brought their languages, customs, Catholic faith and Continental sensibilities to Connecticut with them. Their attitudes toward many things – especially religious practice and, importantly, Sunday time off – soon rubbed hard against long-standing Yankee views of what was – and mostly wasn’t – appropriate Sunday activity.

Connecticut had invented the venerable so-called “Blue Laws”– acts prohibiting recreation or entertainment on Sundays – back in the 1600s, to keep people’s Sabbath Day attention focused tightly on religion and morality. But for Connecticut’s new Catholic arrivals – whose only break from a six-day, 10-hour-a-day work regimen came on Sundays – the Blue Law restrictions simply made no sense. They saw Sunday recreations, like visiting amusement parks and attending baseball games, as needed breaks, welcome pleasures, and workers’ rights.

The Mechanics – named both as a nod to manager Gene McCann and in recognition of the work and workers that generated the team’s audiences – played Sunday games at Bridgeport’s Newfield Park, which attracted upwards of 2000 spectators. This did not sit at all well with some pious Yankee traditionalists – particularly the members of Bridgeport’s local Pastors Association. They decided to intervene to see that the state’s Sunday laws prohibiting commercial sports were enforced.

On June 6th, the pastors’ group filed a complaint with state’s attorney A. L. Delaney against the Mechanics team for playing in a Sunday game against Pittsfield the preceding May 17. DeLaney seemed in no rush to issue warrants for the team’s arrest, so the pastors – sure the law was on their side – hired a detective, Maurice T. Berwald, to attend the team’s Sunday games and gather evidence.

On June 29th, after Berwald filed a complaint naming specific individuals as perpetrators, four players and an umpire were arrested for playing in Sunday games on both June 8th and June 22nd. A trial was scheduled for 10 days later, on July 9th.

On trial day, which was attended by supporters and members of the Pastors Association, the President of the Eastern Baseball Association (the League in which the Mechanics played), as well as friends and fans of the accused, the judge arraigned the catcher, pitcher, first baseman, center fielder, right fielder and the umpire for “violating the Sunday law by playing baseball.” Investigator Berwald testified that he had attended the games, paid 25 cents for each ticket, knew the players (whom he identified individually by name), and that he had personally seen them play against Springfield on the 22nd and against New London on the 29th.”

The defense attorney for the players claimed that baseball did not violate the state’s Sunday laws since necessary work on Sunday was permitted, and giving so many people such pleasure, as baseball did, was necessary work. For his part, the prosecuting attorney A L Delaney wavered, saying, he thought it was better “to have the public witnessing a ball game than participating in . . . card playing where profanity and immorality prevail.” Nevertheless, the judge found all the defendants guilty, letting them off with a chastisement and a relatively mild $15 fine each. The players, left the courtroom, having presumably learned their lesson.

But three days later, on July 12, the Bridgeport Mechanics played in a Sunday game at Newfield Park again. The outraged pastors went first to Delaney, then, when he proved recalcitrant, to the police chief, and on July 17th the team members were once again arrested and arraigned, along with their manager and ticket seller, for playing “commercialized baseball on Sunday,” on this day in Connecticut history.

The battle to change the state’s Sunday laws did not end there, nor was it fought just by the Bridgeport Mechanics. Similar confrontations between pastors groups and baseball teams occurred all across the state.

In 1921, the General Assembly passed a bill allowing Sunday recreation, which Governor Lake immediately vetoed, understatedly calling it “one of the greatest menaces to the stability of the nation.”

Two years later, Governor Charles A. Templeton vetoed a similar bill, but with less hyperbole about its impact.

Finally, on April 8, 1925 a Sunday Recreation bill was signed into law by Governor John Trumbull. The fight over whether to allow Sunday double-headers could now begin.

Note: Main Image is of the 1914 Bridgeport team on the first day of spring training. Thanks to baseball historian Mike Roer for research help.

https://www.easthartfordct.gov/residents
 
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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

The 2026 East Hartford Farmers' Market will occur every Tuesday (except August 4, 2026) 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:

• Vendor Application (Online Form)
• Vendor Application Printable Form (English)
• Vendor Application Printable Form (Spanish) - pending 2026 update
• Farmers’ Market Vendor Guidelines  (English) 
• Farmers' Market Vendor Guidelines  (Spanish) - pending 2026 update
• Farmers' Market FAQs (English)
• Farmers' Market FAQs (Spanish) - pending 2026 update

BENEFITS PROGRAMS (2026 season)

SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP): 

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

Annual Income Household of 1- $39,900, 2 - $54,100, 3 - $68,300 4 - $82,500, 5 - $96,700, 6 - $110,900  

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:

1. Donate through the Social Services Donation Program by choosing the "Farmers' market partner program" option.

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.

Pools Open for the 2026 Season

Summer is Here and the East Hartford Pools Are Open!

Admission is free for East Hartford residents, with proof of residency required for all adults and children ages 7 and up. Acceptable forms of ID include CT Driver’s License, a state issued ID card, 2025-2026 East Hartford Public Schools ID, or a Parks and Recreation ID card, which is available for children ages 7-15 at the Parks and Recreation office located at 50 Chapman Place. The fee for an ID card is $10.00 and it is valid for three years. Anyone age 7 and older who does not have proof of residency will be charged the non-resident daily rate, which is $15.00 per person.  

We offer a variety of programming at the pools, including group, semi-private and private swim lessons, adult lap swim, senior swim, Aqua Zumba® and more. Please see our Summer Program Guide for more information on our swim lessons and programs. Registration is accepted online for most programs at www.ehparks.org. Birthday parties are available at Goldstar and Lord pools on Saturdays throughout the summer, and may be reserved online at www.ehparks.org.

Important to note for Summer 2026, the pool at Martin Park will not be operating this year. After extensive evaluation, the Town has determined that the facility cannot safely operate. The pool’s aging infrastructure requires repairs that are more extensive than routine maintenance and cannot be completed in time for summer operations. 

For generations, Martin Park pool (built in 1938) has been a cornerstone of the neighborhood and a place where children, families, and neighbors gather throughout the summer. We understand that its closure creates real challenges, particularly for families who rely on it as an affordable and accessible place to stay active, stay cool, and connect with their community. 

While this decision was not made lightly, safety must remain our top priority. At the same time, we are committed to working with residents and community partners to identity alternatives for this summer and to evaluation long-term options for the future of the facility.  

The Parks and Recreation team are actively exploring aquatics solutions for the neighborhood and wider community, and will provide updates as they become available.  

Drennan Pool will offer extended hours on Saturday and Sunday for the 2026 Season: 11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. with additional evening public swim hours during the weeks of June 22–26, 2026 (Monday–Friday) and August 10–14, 2026 (Monday–Friday) extended to 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

All other pools will operate as usual, and more information regarding hours can be found at www.easthartfordct.gov/parks-recreation/pages/aquatics-facilities-schedules.  

A number of events and activities are planned for the summer, including two splash parties scheduled for July 11 and August 1 at Goldstar Pool, and Lord Pool, respectively. Information regarding events and activities can be found at easthartfordt.gov/parks-recreation. 

2026 Sounds of Summer Concert Series
at Great River Park

The annual Sounds of Summer Concert Series returns for 2026! These free summer concert series will take place on Thursdays through July 30, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Great River Park Amphitheater, located at 301 East River Drive. Join us for beautiful music in a scenic setting all summer long!
This year's lineup features a diverse range of musical genres to entertain all members of the community:

• July 23: The Score (Classic Party Rock)
• July 30: Soul Sound Revue (7-piece Modern Music)

In the event of inclement weather, the concerts will be moved indoors to the East Hartford Community Culture Center at 50 Chapman Place. Updates will be posted on the Town's social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. 

A special thank you is extended to the generous sponsors who make this series possible: Pratt & Whitney, The Metropolitan District, the Commission on Culture and Fine Arts, Restaurant Paradise, and Uncle Crumbles.

Located at 301 East River Drive, Great River Park is a beautiful and much loved stretch of the East Hartford’s riverside. Stretching along the bend of the Connecticut River adjacent to East River Drive, Great River Park is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy the outdoors. Enjoy picturesque vistas of the riverside and the city along nearly two miles of paved and lighted Riverwalk. Facilities include a boat launch, picnic tables, fishing access, a 350-seat amphitheater and a unique collection of sculpture art. Pedestrians can easily travel back and forth to Hartford via the Founders Bridge Promenade or the Charter Oak Bridge just steps from the park.

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.

2026 HazWaste Information Packet

HazWaste info packet for small businesses, non-profits and municipalities

Moving? Please click here for further information!

2026 HOUSEHOLD HAZWASTE COLLECTION SCHEDULE COMING SOON

2026 HazWaste Schedule PDF

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

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.