Dear Neighbor,

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.

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

• State Update
• Manchester Community Events and Information
• East Hartford Community Events and Information

I want to extend my deepest thanks to all of the incredible students at Silver Lane School for having me as your guest during Read Across America Week! It was truly a joy to walk down memory lane and return to the place where it all began for me as a kid. The energy, enthusiasm, and love for reading you all shared made the experience even more special.

A special shoutout to American Eagle Credit Union and United Way of CT for making this opportunity possible. Your support means the world, and I’m so grateful for the chance to connect and share my love of reading with each and every one of you.

Thank you again for such a wonderful and memorable experience!

Affordable and accessible childcare is essential for Connecticut families and businesses to thrive. H.B. 5003, a top legislative priority for House Democrats this session, will expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities.

This proposal builds upon Public Act 24-91, which passed unanimously last year and was signed by the Governor. Public Act 24-91established the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. Investing in early childhood care and education produces better educational, health, social, and economic outcomes, driving increased revenue while reducing the need for costly spending.
 
By providing targeted funding and expanding access to childcare, H.B. 5003 will put more money back into our economy by opening new opportunities for stay-at-home parents to re-enter the workforce.

If you are a Connecticut resident who has been fired or put on unpaid administrative leave from your job with the federal government, please know we are here for you. Connecticut appreciates your contributions and employers in the state are eager to benefit from your expertise.

The Connecticut Department of Labor has brought together several programs and services specifically designed to assist you during this time. Displaced federal workers and contractors can find more information on the CTDOL homepage at portal.ct.gov/dol.

Make sure to get your REAL ID! The TSA just set a deadline for federal enforcement of REAL ID requirements.

Starting on May 7, only state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security requirements established by the REAL ID Act will be allowed for official purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft. 

If your driver’s license has the gold star in the top right corner, like the ID pictured above, then you already have a REAL ID. 

All states are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. Make sure you get a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card or another form of acceptable ID before the deadline to avoid delays at airport security checkpoints.
 

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

The Budget Adoption is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 7pm in the Lincoln Center Hearing Room.

View the Full Schedule of FY26 Budget Workshops & Meetings by clicking here(PDF, 13KB).

Please note that workshops will be held in the Lincoln Center Hearing Room at 5:30 p.m.

Note: Workshop #2 Tuesday March 13, 2025 starts at 5:00 PM

The Public Hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Center Hearing Room.

The meeting will be open to the public, and we encourage residents to attend in-person or remotely by means of video conferencing. Individuals who wish to speak remotely must complete a Request to Speak form by 4:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. The meeting link will be sent to registered individuals prior to the meeting.

Request to Speak Form

Meetings will be conducted in person with remote access optional via Zoom.

Full Budget Schedule  

Complete the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan Survey

The Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation Winter/Spring Program and Event Guide is here!

Learn to play: Clank! Catacombs, Galaxy Trucker. SETI, a variety of small box card games, and River Valley Glassworks.

No need to bring any games; we'll provide them all. Free program for adults; light refreshments to be served. Please note our later starting time.

• Saturday, March 08, 2025 | 12:30 PM - 04:30 PM

• Manchester Public Library, 586 Main Street, Manchester, CT, 06040, View Map

Hop into spring with the Town of East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department!
Our annual Egg Hunt at McAuliffe Park (30 Remington Road) is BACK on Saturday, April 5, 2025. There will be thousands of pieces of candy, treats, and stuffed plastic eggs. While children are waiting, we’ll have free crafts for the kids, too! This event is for children ages 10 and younger (and their accompanying parent/guardian.) Participants will be grouped by age and there will be staggered start times:

• Ages 3 and under 1:00 – 1:20 PM (parent/guardian can accompany child on the field)
• Ages 4-5 1:30 – 1:50 PM
• Ages 6-10 2:00 – 2:20 PM

Each child should bring their own bag or basket to collect eggs and candy. Please note that the parents/guardians of children ages 4 - 10 are not allowed on the field during the egg hunt. Please dress appropriately for the weather. In case of inclement weather or poor field conditions, updates will be posted on our website and Facebook page www.facebook.com/ehparks.

The event is FREE for East Hartford Residents. For more information, please call East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department at 860-291-7160.