| | |  | |  | Customer Service. Collaboration. Communication | |  | Dear Neighbor,
As you know, our Town Hall renovation project began in mid-December of 2022. After more than a year, I am looking forward to welcoming you back into our newly renovated building!
This much needed project included the replacement of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, modernization of the elevator, new lighting, plumbing and electrical infrastructure, and a new roof. Among other improvements with environmental benefits is a new natural gas heating system to replace the existing and inefficient oil-burning boilers. Also included are repairs to the front entrance, replacement of water-damaged ceilings and walls, abatement of hazardous materials, and renovation of the public bathrooms.
This is an exciting time for both Town employees and residents. These necessary updates to infrastructure may not look like visible improvements at first glance, but will create a safe and healthy environment for our staff, resulting in a higher quality of services for our residents. Prior to these renovations, we had staff with buckets on their desks to catch leaking water, a lack of accessibility for residents with mobility needs, and a building that reflected no pride in our town. I look forward to welcoming staff and residents back into this new space, with a renewed excitement and hope for the future of East Hartford, and Town Hall will serve as a symbol of this forward momentum.
For more information about the return schedule of Town offices, please visit the Town’s website here.
| Yours in community, Mayor Connor | | | | |  | The Town Clerk’s Office moved back to the Town Hall facility at 740 Main Street on March 1, 2024.
The following departments will move back as part of phase 2, which spans Thursday, May 2nd at 4pm - Monday, May 6: Mayor’s Office, Human Resources, Town Council Office, Corporation Counsel, Health and Human Services, Tax Office, Assessors Office, and Probate Court for the District of East Hartford.
The following departments will move back to Town Hall as part of phase 3, which spans Thursday, May 16 - Monday, May 20: Finance, Purchasing, Grants, Development, Building and Inspections, Registrar of Voters, and Engineering.
To learn more about specific hours of operation, online services, and the move schedule, please visit our website.
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| |  | | |  | Mayor Connor’s Community Cleanup Day Saturday, May 18, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Location: Alumni Park (1021 Main Street, East Hartford)
Join Mayor Connor’s team for a Community Cleanup Day. This annual cleanup day celebrates pride in East Hartford and brings together members of the community to roll up their sleeves and help invest in our town.
Volunteers should gather at Alumni Park (1021 Main Street) where they will be checked in and assigned cleanup tasks for the day. Examples of cleanup tasks include but are not limited to park cleanup, mulching flowerbeds, weeding, and planting. At the end of the cleanup day, lunch will be provided for all volunteers at Alumni Park.
All volunteers who sign up will be issued additional details closer to the event. Registration closes Friday, May 10th. ***Be sure to fill out the participation waiver in addition to the primary registration form.*** There is no scheduled rain date for this event | | |
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| | Town of East Hartford Offices Closed for Memorial Day
All town offices, including the East Hartford Transfer Station, will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024 in observance of Memorial Day. All town offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 for regularly scheduled hours of operation.
Trash pickup and recycling scheduled for Monday, May 27, 2024 will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week starting on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. | | | | Town Council Meeting May 7, 2024 at 7:30 PM Community Cultural Center Auditorium (50 Chapman Place) +1929-235-8441; ID:224307393# | | Planning and Zoning Meeting May 8, 2024 at 7:00 PM Community Cultural Center Auditorium (50 Chapman Place) | | Town Council Meeting May 21, 2024 at 7:30 PM Community Cultural Center Auditorium (50 Chapman Place) +1929-235-8441; ID:828758816# | | Inland Wetlands Commission Meeting May 28, 2024 at 7:00 PM Community Cultural Center Auditorium (50 Chapman Place) | | |  | Open House and Free Play Wednesdays, May 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 9:30 – 11:00 AM
Drop in to see what the library is all about! Beginning at 9:30 am we will have toys and activities in the Raymond Library Children’s department and Program room for you to explore together with a child. Specialists in health and well-being will be invited each week and will be available to chat. Stay for songs and a story at 10:30 am. Best suited for ages 2 - 4 years old (siblings welcome). No registration required. |
|  | Karim Nagi: Arab Music, Dance, & Culture Sunday, May 5, 3 PM
Join us at the Raymond Library for a Sunday afternoon performance of music and dance from Karim Nagi. Karim Nagi is a native Egyptian immigrant to the USA, and a true crossover artist uniting the Arab tradition with the global contemporary world. He has has released fourteen CDs, ranging from traditional Arab music to fusion and electronica. He has authored instructional DVDs for the Tabla/Doumbek, Riqq tambourine, Maqam & Taqsim, Finger Cymbals, Drum Solo for Dance, and Arab Folk Dance. As a dance and drum teacher, Nagi has taught in dozens of festivals around the world.
Karim Nagi’s performance is made possible through funding from the East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts as a program celebrating the contribution of immigrants. For all ages. Register for a reminder. | |
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| | | CCFA launches community grants process
The Commission on Culture and Fine Arts is proud to announce the launch of a new community grants program for fiscal year 2025(July 2024 – June 2025). These grants will support local artists and arts organizations. Learn about the application process and access the applications on our website. For a detailed overview of the process, attend an information session (not mandatory). Information sessions will be held in person on Sunday, May 5 at 1:30 PM and Friday, May 10 at 1 PM at the Raymond Library in Meeting Room 2A, and virtually on Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 PM. Registration for the info sessions required via the library’s online calendar. Choose the session that is most convenient for your schedule. | |
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| |  | Virtual Camp Open House Monday, May13, 6:30 PM
Join us via Zoom to learn more about East Hartford Parks & Recreation summer camp for2024. For the fourth year, camp will feature a summer enrichment partnership with the East Hartford Public Library and East Hartford Youth Services. Registration required on the library’s online events calendar. | |
|  | Makerspace Program: Artist Spotlight: MC Escher Tessellations Thursday, May 30, 6 - 7 PM
Artist spotlight: M.C. Escher, the father of modern tessellations! We will be transforming a plain square into our own custom-painted tessellation creation. Registration required.
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| | | JOIN A BOARD & COMMISSIONAre you interested in volunteering for the town? East Hartford has a variety of boards and commissions that are in need of volunteers. To learn more, view available vacancies and apply to be considered here. | | | | | | | | |
Sign Up For Town Alerts
Register today to receive non-emergent, timely notifications from the Town of East Hartford via a text message, email or phone call! To receive non-emergency messages, please select "Town Services" during registration in the drop down menu. All subscribers will receive emergent life safety notifications as well. | |
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Help us fight the blight. Report any issues of concern through “My East Hartford” – the town’s customer relationship management platform for a prompt and timely resolution. | |
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| IMPORTANT NOTE: Requests are NOT monitored 24/7 and are addressed during business hours only. If you have an emergency, please call 9-1-1. | | | East Hartford Parks Spotlight Series | Did you know East Hartford has over 20 beautiful parks and active/passive recreational areas? In this series we will be highlighting one of the many East Hartford’s Parks! | LABOR PARK |  | In 1940, war in Europe had started and this would change East Hartford forever. Pratt and Whitney became one of the top air craft manufactures. Employees at Pratt and Whitney in 1938 were approximately 3,000. By the height of the war, it was 41,000 employees. People came from around the country to work at Pratt and Whitney, but need housing. The government built 500 and then another 150 houses on the former Laurel Park land. Mrs. Dayton Cornish won $10 for naming the housing development after long time local physician Franklin H. Mayberry, “Mayberry Village”. The Government developed a section of land next to the Hockanum River for the new development and named it after Gordon Harold Labor.
Gordon Labor was born on July 12, 1919 in Sutton Vermont. He married Anna Mildred Drake in 1940 in Barre Vermont. They moved to East Hartford sometime after they were married. Gordon enlisted on January 28th, 1944 into the US Army. While serving in France, he was severely wounded on September 10, 1944 in action near Metz, France. He died from his wounds on October 8, 1944 and in buried at the Lorraine American Cemetery, St. Avold France. The section of land next to the Hockanum River was named, Labor Field after Gordon Harold “Pat” Labor. He was posthumously award the Purple Heart.
In 1955, Councilman John W. Shaughnessy asked the Park Board to consider purchasing Labor Field in Mayberry Village so a small neighborhood park could be established. The field, which consist of a baseball field was dormant. The Housing Authority who maintained the field, no longer had the funds. The Town of East Hartford purchased Labor Field.
The New Park: Labor Park in post-World War Two became home of three groups. The Cardinals Football Program, Eastern League Little League, and the Mayberry Village Kids. The Cardinals football program was run by Butch Booth. The program provided a safe fall program for the kids in the area. The program left in the mid 80’s when they join pop warner. In the late 1960’s, the Eastern Little League was formed due to the extremely high volume of kids participating the baseball. The Eastern Little League were State Champions in 1978 and 1991. The 1991 team was Head Coach was Nick Roppo (plus 1978) and his assistants were Tony Breau, and East Hartford Park’s own Gary McKeone. Gary was the Head Coach for East Hartford last Little League District Championship in 1995. Tony Breau was instrumental in bring girls softball to the park. By the early 2000’s The Eastern League folded due to the low number and most to the area baseball was moved to Woodland Park. One memory was the concession stand. Jett Jackson ran the concession stand for the sport leagues, but also was the eyes and ears of the park. Labor Park’s true user group was the kids of Mayberry Village. The Park gave baby boomers and their children a place to play, whether a during the summer, afterschool, weekends, or sledding the winter. It was a place the kids could go an organize a game. Even though trends have changed, the kids are still at the park today playing basketball. |
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East Hartford Recycling Annual Report
| | Dear Residents,
Acceptable Items for Recycling
EastHartford offers residential customers a convenient, comprehensive recycling program to enhance the recycling effort and reduce the amount of material sent to the landfill.
While the full list of acceptable materials may vary slightly in some locations, residents can typically recycle the following: Glass Bottles & Jars (all colors) Metal Cans: Aluminum cans, steel cans, and lids, empty aerosol cans with the lids and tips removed. Plastic Bottles (empty, crush, reattach lid): Bottles and jugs that have a small mouth and wider base, such as milk jugs, soda bottles, laundry detergent bottles, water bottles, shampoo bottles, etc. Plastic Tubs: Containers for butter, sour cream, cottage cheese, yogurt, Jell-O, and fruit slices would fall into the tub category. Lids should be reattached before recycling. Paper: newspaper, magazines, cardboard, mixed office paper, and envelopes, paperboard (cereal boxes), pizza boxes free of food debris and grease, telephone books, and catalogs. Cartons: food and beverage cartons, such as milk, juice, soup, wine, broth, and other cartons.
Recycling Tips DON’T use plastic bags Mix all items– no separation required Empty all bottles, jugs, and cans No need to remove labels For plastic bottles, empty, crush, and reattach lids NEVER place medical sharps or needles in the recycling Did you know, that on January 1, 2024, containers in the CT Bottle Bill program went up from 5 cents to 10 cents? You can redeem your container for 10 cents at the store where you bought it, at other retailers, or at a bottle bill redemption center.
East Hartford Cash Can Redemption Center 120 Tolland Street (860) 528-0065 Monday - Saturday 8:30 am - 3:30 pm (winter) Beginning April 1: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (summer)
Remember, East Hartford Recycles Clean! |
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| | IMPORTANT NEWS FROM THE TAX CORNER | The Tax Office has moved to the Community Cultural Center at 50 Chapman Place.
IN-PERSON SERVICES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. ALL SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE REMOTELY. Tidbits from the Tax Collector’s Corner: Intent to Lien Notices have been sent out on all delinquent real estate and liens will be filed early May
Lien Sale preparation is under way
UCC Liens will be placed soon on all unpaid personal property bills
Any unpaid motor vehicle bills are reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles, this will prevent people from registering their vehicles
Scheduling an appointment with DMV to register or re-register? Taxes or Parking Tickets paid late or remain outstanding? While the Tax Collector’s Office remains closed to the public for in person transactions during the continued Town Hall renovations, the following is a list of ways to pay your taxes: | | IMPORTANT NEWS FROM THE ASSESSOR’S CORNER | The Assessor’s Office has moved to the Community Cultural Center.
IN-PERSON SERVICES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. ALL SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE REMOTELY. Please see the Assessor’s Office webpage at www.easthartfordct.gov/assessor for details!
Income and Expense Reports: Income and Expense Reports are due no later than June 1, 2024. Forms were mailed out March 25, 2024 if you should be filling them out, and have not received anything yet the forms are available on the website on the Assessor page as well.
Exemption Programs: Elderly Homeowner applicants have until May 15, 2024 to file their applications. We will be at the Senior Center on Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm until May 15, 2024. Please call our office at 860-291-7260 to set up an appointment.
Blind, Disabled and Veteran Exemptions applied for between February 1, 2024 and October 31, 2024 will be for the 2024 Grand List.
Vehicle Adjustments: Any bills for the 2021 Grand List for motor vehicles can no longer be adjusted. If it was gone prior to October 1, 2021, we can still remove these bills.
Any bills for the 2022 Grand List have until December 31, 2024 for adjustments. Please look at what you owe the Town and if you have one of these bills, please call us to find out how to get them adjusted while we still have the ability to do so.
Military Exemptions for Vehicles: | | IMPORTANT NEWS FROM THE HEALTH CORNER |  | St. Rose Mobile Mammography Clinic Wednesday, May 8, 8:00 AM - 1:15 PM Location: St. Rose Church (33 Church Street, East Hartford)
The East Hartford Health Department has partnered with Hartford Healthcare to offer a FREE Mobile Mammogram Clinic to East Hartford residents. Celebrate Mother’s Day by prioritizing self-care! It only takes 10-20 minutes!
This service is aimed at women over 35 years of age. Patients between 35 and 39 years old only have one mammogram performed during this age period.
For additional questions regarding eligibility or to schedule an appointment at the Raymond Library, please contact the East Hartford Health Department at 860-291-7324. |
|  | National Women’s Health Week Sunday, May 12 - Wednesday, May 15
Beginning every Mother’s Day, National Women’s Health Week is celebrated to encourage women and girls to make their health a priority.
Your health is important! You can practice healthy behaviors by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and staying active are essential to body health. You can also prioritize your mental health by getting sleep, meditating, and journaling. Keeping your mind and body healthy is associated with improving your overall health and wellbeing
Make sure to get regular check-ups and talk to your doctor about screenings and exams. Want to take your health one step further? Join us for our Mobile Mammography Clinic on Wednesday, May 8th! Celebrate this Mother’s Day by prioritizing self-care! |
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| | |  | National Prevention Week Sunday, May 12 - Saturday, May 18
National Prevention Week is a campaign for communities and organizations across the country to raise awareness about substance abuse and misuse prevention while promoting positive mental health.
“Celebrating Possibility”, National Prevention Week focuses on: Implementing prevention strategies, and showcasing effectiveness of evidence-based prevention programs Foster partnerships and collaborations with agencies and organizations dedicated to improving public health Promote quality substance misuse prevention and mental health promotion resources
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|  | East Hartford Local Prevention Council Thursday, May 23, 6:00 - 7:30 PM Location: Community Cultural Center (50 Chapman Place, East Hartford)
Youth & Social Services is recruiting residents to serve as members on the Local Prevention Council (LPC). With the goal to plan and implement substance use and misuse prevention programs for East Hartford youth.
Community participation is essential to prevent substance misuse in youth populations. We are seeking a variety of participants such as parents, children, teachers, youth-serving organizations, substance misuse organizations, media, businesses, local government, law enforcement, healthcare, faith-based organizations, civic and volunteer groups, and anyone with personal experience.
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| |  | | | | Volunteer With Us!Join the town’s volunteer network of dedicated individuals to assist with a variety of volunteer tasks. | |
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| | | | | The Town of East Hartford is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. |
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| |  | | |  | Applications for Camp Counselors in the Summer 2024 Season are Available
East Hartford Parks and Rec is now accepting applications for Summer 2024 employment opportunities for Camp Counselors.
Camp Counselors must be at least 16 years or older and are responsible for planning and leading group activities for children, overseeing their safety and development. They must have leadership skills and be available to work the entire summer season, Monday through Friday, from mid-June to mid-August, have prior experience. Prior experience working with children and CPR and/or First Aid certification is recommended, but not required.
Those interested in applying for seasonal positions are encouraged to do so as early as possible and Employment applications are available on our website. | |
|  | Applications for Lifeguards in the Summer 2024 Season are Available
East Hartford Parks & Rec is now accepting applications for Summer 2024 employment opportunities at our five outdoor aquatic facilities. We are looking for new, motivated staff to join our fantastic and fun-loving team!
Lifeguards must be 15 years old, have current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, or complete a course before summer. They work in town pools, work nights and weekends. Parks and Recreation Department will be offering American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification courses this spring.
Those interested in applying for seasonal positions are encouraged to do so as early as possible and employment applications are available on our website.
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| | | ARE YOU A BUSINESS IN EAST HARTFORD? Become a member of the Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce! | | | Piolin Jr. Restaurant
Address: 212 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford, CT
Phone: (860) 461-7435
Email: piolinjrllc@gmail.com |
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| | Piolin Restaurant first opened on New Britain Ave in Hartford in 1998. They are well known for their Peruvian cuisine and seafood platters in particular. Their popularity resulted in the opening of a second location (Piolin 2), located on Franklin Avenue in Hartford. Thanks to even more success, the owners have just opened a third location, right here in East Hartford. Their grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting was held on Wednesday, April 24th. Their authentic Peruvian foods are known across the Latin community. If your looking to get a taste to remember, visit the new Piolin Restaurant to experience “A Taste of Peru!" | | | | | | | BUSINESS RESOURCES |  | | |  |  |  | Message from the Fire Chief
April showers bring May…preparation.
As we move into the warmer months of the year, it is an opportunity to get prepared. Some simple home tips that can help as we think about summer. Clear the downspouts of winter debris to prevent basement flooding.
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Have a preparedness kit and be prepared for extended periods without power.
Keep gas grills at least 15 feet from all combustible materials and refrain from storing unused cylinders inside.
Do not run lawnmowers, generators, or other gasoline-powered equipment inside.
If you choose to enjoy an outdoor fire pit, we ask that you do so safely. Use only clean, dry, untreated wood.
Do not burn trash or yard waste.
Use an approved fire pit with a screen to prevent embers from escaping.
Do not burn on High Fire Danger Days.
Information about safe use of outdoor fire pits can be found here: https://portal.ct.gov/deep/air/open-burning/open-burning--campfires-bonfires-fire-pits-chimineas
The Town of East Hartford Ordinance 11.2 for using an outdoor fire pit:
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a), a person may, on a residential property, burn clean, non-processed wood in a fire pit, chiminea or other similar equipment provided(1) its use is solely for recreational enjoyment, ceremonial or religious purposes, (2) such equipment is no more than three feet in diameter at its widest point, (3) such equipment is located at least twenty-five feet from any structure and at least ten feet from the property line and (4) the fire is supervised at all times and there are adequate means to extinguish the fire including but not limited to water access, fire extinguishers, hoses, sand and shovels.
As always, you can reach us at 860-291-7400 and one of our talented staff can direct your call appropriately.
-Chief Kevin Munson |
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The next time you head to Rentschler Field for a UCONN game, be sure to notice the 35 new cherry blossom trees planted today by EH resident Toshiko Uchino and the US and Japan Society of Connecticut! Mayor Connor joined with Senator Saud Anwar, Governor Lamont, the Consul General Kotaro Suzuki, and others for the planting of trees that symbolize hope, beauty, and a belief in the future of East Hartford.
In case you missed it, these hometown heroes have been making MAJOR news. Barbers Osvaldo Lugo and Rafael Santana of Look Sharp Barbershop (3 Brown Street) have gone viral with their act of bravery and heroism, as they saved a little girl from running into the traffic of a busy Main Street. Mayor Connor presented Osvaldo and Rafael with special recognitions in thanks for their commitment to our East Hartford community.
Students at Langford Elementary School celebrated Arbor Day in a big way! They put on a musical extravaganza and planted new trees on school grounds. Special thanks to Pat Sirois and the Beautification Commission for donating a beautiful Dogwood and Mountain Laurel (Connecticut’s state flower)!
| | | Thank you for your interest in the Town’s newsletter. The newsletter will be issued monthly, on the first day of each month. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at 860-291-7200 or by email at ehmayorsoffice@easthartfordct.gov. My door is always open and my staff is equipped and ready to assist you. -Mayor Connor S. Martin | |
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