Jason Rojas

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
• Community Resources
• Manchester Community Events 
• East Hartford Community Events

Today in Connecticut history, we remember all the victims, and especially those from Connecticut.  On September 11, 2001, the course of United States history was forever altered as terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners, crashing two into the Twin Towers in New York City, one into the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and the fourth into a field in western Pennsylvania. With nearly 3,000 people killed, it was the deadliest single-day terrorist attack in American history.

With thousands of people commuting between New York City and southwestern Connecticut daily, the Constitution State was severely affected by the tragedy that happened just beyond its borders. Sixty-five Connecticut residents were among the 2,977 victims of the 9/11 terror attacks — six of them passengers on the planes, and 59 who perished in the Twin Towers. Most memorials throughout the state contain a listing of 153 names to include all the victims who lived, worked, or otherwise had close ties to Connecticut.

The year after the September 11 attacks, the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection set up a designated area for reflection and remembrance at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, where visitors can view the New York City skyline (including, prior to late 2001, the Twin Towers). The “living memorial” area, complete with shrubs, trees, flowers, benches, and a piece of granite inscribed with names of the victims with Connecticut ties, serves as the state’s official memorial to the tragic events of 9/11. Remembrance services are held there and at the several other 9/11 memorials annually.

Further Reading

“Connecticut remembers 9/11 victims 20 years later in series of local events,” News 8 WTNH.com

“Connecticut’s 9/11 Living Memorial,” Dept. of Energy & Environmental Protection official website

Ann Guernsey, “September 11, 2001: Connecticut Responds and Reflects,” Connecticut Explored

Town Resources

https://www.easthartfordct.gov/residents

 

Town Newsletters

Pulse of East Hartford     

East Hartford Public Schools

East Hartford Works

Join us for Manchester's Hispanic Heritage Day Celebration on Saturday, September 21st, 11am - 3pm at 153 & 163 Spruce Street, Manchester, CT.



Enjoy live musical & cultural performances, shop from local food & vendor markets, play with Rec on the Run free activities & more!



To learn more about the Hispanic Heritage Day Celebration, please call the Manchester Neighborhoods and Families Division at 860.647.3089.

Applications are now open for entry level and lateral Firefighter Paramedics. Reach out with any questions or to connect with a department recruiter today. For more information click here.

The world-famous race, one of America’s largest and most popular turkey trots, will be held on Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2024) at 10 a.m. It is run on a 4.737-mile loop course through Manchester’s central streets that starts and finishes on Main Street, in front of St. James Church.



The Committee has also announced that the non-profit Lutz Children’s Museum in Manchester will be the beneficiary this November of the road race’s annual “Honors Club” Program. For more information click here.

The Town of Manchester needs your voice! Join us for a guided tour of the Nathan Hale school grounds, learn about the community parks improvement plan for that area, and give us your feedback on the type and style of amenities you prefer.



Light refreshments will be served and thank you gifts will be given to all that participate.

This engagement session will be held on October 10th, 6:00 pm at the Eastside Neighborhood Resource Center, 153 Spruce Street (across the street from Nathan Hale).



For additional information and or questions, contact Recreation Supervisor, Anthony Mazzotta (amazzotta@manchesterct.gov) or call the Department of Leisure Family and Recreation office at (860) 647-3084.

The East Hartford Public Library is excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a lineup of programs celebrating the rich histories, art, stories and contributions of those whose ancestry can be traced back to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. All programs will be held at the Raymond Library located at 840 Main Street, East Hartford.



"Capture the Flag" Scavenger Hunt

Find flags (along with some fun facts!) representing all 21 nations celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month with this scavenger hunt throughout the Raymond Library. Pick up the scavenger hunt form at the Circulation Desk to begin. Available during library open hours.



Alebrijes & Paper Flowers

Tuesday, September 17, 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Raymond Makerspace

We will be making giant celebration flowers and alebrijes (brightly colored Mexican folk-art sculptures of fantasy creatures or animals) out of paper. This program is open to everyone of all ages. Register for a reminder.

 

Miguel Jose Matos: Meet the Artist

Thursday, September 19, 6:00 - 7:00 PM, Raymond atrium

Meet the artist Miguel Jose Matos and view his exhibition in our Atrium. With no formal art training or education Miguel began painting around 2017.  He “lets his hand follow the brush” and never goes into a piece knowing what the end result will be, since sketching does not replace improvisation. It now has become a routine adventure, sometimes painting 3-5 canvas pieces weekly. Drawing inspiration from artists like Jean Michel Basquiat, who remains one of Matos’ biggest artistic influences, has led this talented prolific Puerto Rican creator to master his own style and produce a growing body of work consisting of at least 250 canvas paintings and numerous wooden sculptures. For adults and teens. Register for a reminder.

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.

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