School Bus Safety and Volunteer Readers Needed

August 21, 2025


 


It's an exciting time of the year for our kids and educators who will head back to the classroom soon! I hope every student has an amazing start to the new school year. 

This is also a time to remind drivers that the law requires you to slow down for school buses in your neighborhood. Here is the breakdown for any driver who fails to stop when a school bus is displaying its flashing red signal lights:

  • First offense: $450 fine
  • Following offenses: $500 - $1,000 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both
Click here for more information
 

Volunteer Readers Needed

Make a Difference This School Year – Become a United Way Reader!

The 2025–2026 school year is just around the corner, and the United Way is looking for passionate individuals to join United Way Readers.

Just 60 minutes a week can change a child’s life. By volunteering, you’ll help young readers:

  • Build confidence
  • Strengthen reading skills
  • Discover the joy of books
  • Unlock a lifetime of opportunities

Help a child thrive — one page at a time. Click here to sign up.
 

Early Childhood Education
Endowment Fund

The Early Childhood Education Endowment Fund is here—Connecticut’s first permanent savings account to sustainably fund early childhood education.

What’s happening now:

  • $300 million initial investment to grow over time and strengthen child care statewide
  • Launch of Early Start CT, combining multiple programs into one, making access simpler and more equitable
  • $36 million in the first year (started July 2025) to expand and improve the child care system
  • 1,000+ new spaces added by June 2026
  • Higher pay & better benefits for early childhood educators
  • Facility improvements funded for providers
  • Health insurance study underway for child care workers

What’s ahead:

  • By 2027, families earning under $100k will get free Early Start CT care
  • Families earning over $100k will have costs capped at 7% of income
  • More spaces and programs through a competitive process
  • Expanded pre-K from part-day to full-day, with inclusive environments for all children

This is just the beginning-a long-term investment in affordability, quality, and equity for Connecticut’s youngest learners.
 

Community Events
 
 


The East Hartford Farmers' Market is open every Tuesday until October 28 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. with a mix of fresh and local produce, honey made from East Hartford hives, hot food and cottage food goodies, locally produced crafts, and more!

For eligible products, the East Hartford Farmers' Market accepts:
  • SNAP and DOUBLE SNAP! (Stop by the Health & Human Services table to convert SNAP into Market Dollars)
  • WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program benefits
  • Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs benefits

Click here for more information.