Henry Genga

As Labor Day arrives, we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the workers who power our communities and keep our country moving forward.

From health care and education to construction, retail, and beyond—workers in every industry show up every day with dedication and grit. Their efforts have built the foundation of our economy and continue to shape a stronger, more equitable future.

Labor Day isn’t just a day off—it’s a reminder of the labor movement’s hard-fought progress and the work still ahead to ensure fair pay, safe workplaces, and respect for all.

Today, let’s honor that legacy. Let’s stand in solidarity with working families and recommit to policies that value and protect them.

Wishing you and your family a restful, meaningful, and safe Labor Day.

The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for the Class of 2025. The Hall of Fame honors veterans from Connecticut who have made a positive impact in their community after the conclusion of their military service. 

To be eligible, nominees must have been born in Connecticut or lived in the state for at least five years. They must also meet the definition of a “veteran” under Connecticut General Statutes § 27-103 and have received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.

The submitted nomination package must contain the completed nomination form, the veteran’s discharge documents, and a detailed narrative of the veteran’s community and/or public service at the local, state, and/or national level and the veteran’s contributions to the community at large. The focus of this honor is on the veteran’s service to their community after leaving the military.
 
Click here to download the nomination package. You can find detailed instructions and information on eligibility criteria within the nomination package.
 
You must submit a completed nomination package to the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs by September 15. You should deliver them either by email to lindsay.jesshop@ct.gov or mail through the U.S. Postal Service to:

 
Office of the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs
ATTN: CT Veterans Hall of Fame
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Ever wonder what it’s really like to be a police officer? Here’s your chance to find out! The East Hartford Police Department is inviting you to register for East Hartford's Citizen Police Academy.
 
Participants will: 

• Learn about officer training methods and the tools they use
• Gain insight into police operations and investigations
• Participate in hands-on activities and demonstrations
• Build stronger connections with the officers serving our community

This free program promotes police transparency, education, and collaboration. Classes will run every Thursday for ten weeks, starting Thursday, September 18, from 6:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M., in the East Hartford Police Department’s Training Classroom. 

Click here to register, the application deadline is Monday, September 1. Anyone needing further information should contact Officer Jonathan Young at (860) 528-4401, extension 7547 or email jyoung@easthartfordct.gov. 

The Town of East Hartford is proud to have opened its FIRST town operated food pantry, located at the East Hartford Community Center (50 Chapman Place on the lower level).

Town of East Hartford Foodbank hours:

2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. 
3rd Monday of the month from 11:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

See the attached flyer for other food pantries in town.

Governor Lamont has officially launched Fire Safe CT, a new statewide initiative aimed at reducing fire-related tragedies through public education and community support.

This coordinated effort brings together state and local agencies, fire service professionals, and health care experts with one shared goal: to protect Connecticut residents and their communities from the dangers of fire.

Core Objectives:

• Public Education: delivering clear, actionable fire prevention tips through multimedia campaigns—highlighting home safety, outdoor fire management, and burn injury prevention
• Community Empowerment: providing local fire departments and municipal fire marshals with enhanced tools, educational materials, and support to boost community-level fire risk reduction efforts

To learn more and get involved, go to ct.gov/firesafe, and visit DEEP's Forest Fire Prevention Tips to learn how to protect your home, property, and the first responders who serve us.

Together, we can create a safer, more fire-aware Connecticut.