EH Kid Governor Candidate, National K-9 Veterans Day and State Police Scam Alert

March 12, 2025


There have been some exciting happenings this week, East Hartford 5th grader Warona Sekgoma is on the CT Kid Governor ballot and Rep. Biggins and I visited her at Pitkin Elementary School for a special honor.  

Also, Thursday, March 13th is National K-9 Veterans Day so honor your furry K-9 friend! 

Keep scrolling for more information on those stories as well as a scam alert from CT State Police and Community events.
 

 
Pitkin Student Chosen as Kid Governor Candidate
On Monday I was joined by Rep. Patrick Biggins as we visited Pitkin Elementary School to deliver an official citation from the CT General Assembly to 5th Grader Warona Sekgoma.

Warona is a member of the 2025 Connecticut's Kid Governor Cabinet and was one of seven candidates from around the state to appear on the CT Kid Governor ballot. The citation recognized her for an “outstanding job advocating for her classmates and community.”

Click here to read more about Warona.


 
 
National K-9 Veterans Day
March 13, 1942 marks the official birthday of the U.S Army K-9 Corps!  On this day, the U.S. Military began actively recruiting and training canine forces. To honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. Military Working Dogs, March 13th is now recognized as National K-9 Veterans Day.  
 
Connecticut's Army National Guard is the only military working dog unit in the United States that is part of the Army Guard/Reserve component.
 
On the fields of Yale University, Private Robert Conroy befriended a stray dog and called him "Stubby."  Stubby became the mascot of the 102nd Infantry, 26th Yankee Division.  When the division shipped out for France, Stubby was smuggled aboard.
 
Sgt. Stubby had served in 17 battles. He led the American troops in a pass and review parade and later visited with President Woodrow Wilson. He visited the White House twice and met Presidents Harding and Coolidge. Stubby was awarded many medals for his heroism, including a medal from the Humane Society which was presented by General John Pershing, the Commanding General of the United States Armies. He was awarded a membership in the American Legion and the Y.M.C.A. When his master, J. Robert Conroy, began studying law at Georgetown University, Stubby became the mascot of the Georgetown Hoyas. He died on March 16, 1926, in Washington, DC. His death earned obituaries in the Post and the New York Times among other papers.

K-9 Bocci entered the Connecticut State Capitol Police K-9 Unit in 2022, you can follow Bocci on Instagram @k9_bocci_ctcapitolpolice.

Click here to read more about the CT State Capitol Police K-9 unit.  

 
 
Scam Alert
 
The Central District Major Crime (CDMC) Headquarters is warning the public of a scam where male callers claim to be members of the Connecticut State Police (CSP) or the U.S. Marshal Services.
 
The scammers, who speak with a thick accent, tell the victims they are under investigation for “money laundering” and request personal information over the phone. The calls appear to be coming from 860-706-5652, which is the CDMC main landline. However, these calls are NOT made by CDMC.
 
Troopers and Law Enforcement Agencies will never ask for money or personal information over the phone.  If you receive a call that claims to be from the police or any other government agency, DO NOT provide any personal information. Hang up immediately and verify the call by contacting the organization directly using an official phone number. If the call seems suspicious, report it immediately by calling 911.

 
 
Community Events
On Tuesday, March 18th at 6:30 P.M. at the Raymond Library, 840 Main Street celebrate local Connecticut women.  We will honor their achievements and contributions during Women's History Month with this illustrated talk presented by Library staff member and history enthusiast, Jana Colacino.

For adults and teens, registration is required, click here to register.


 
 
On Thursday, March 20th at 6:00 P.M. celebrate Women's History Month by creating a Story Quilt Collage. Design a central "story image" surrounded by a quilt-like border, inspired by artists Faith Ringgold, Harriet Powers and the quiltmakers of Gee's Bend.

Feel free to bring photos for inclusion in your piece or as inspiration to tell your story!

All ages, but best suited to ages 8 and up. Registration is required, click here to register. 


 
 
 
Read while you ride the bus. Download e-books, audiobooks, and magazines for free with your East Hartford Public Library card!
 
Need help using this resource? Contact EHPL's Digital Navigators: 860-471-1484; digitalnavigators@easthartfordct.gov or click on the above image for more information.