Calendar of Events

Electric vehicles, electric bikes, electric lawn equipment, and information on electric heat pumps and more will all be on display during West Hartford's Electric Showcase on Sunday, October 6, 2024 coinciding with the 14th annual National Drive Electric Week. The event will take place behind Town Hall in the Town Hall Parking Lot at 50 South Main Street from 10 am to 1 pm. (The popular Blue Back Farmer's Market will be taking place at the same time beside the Town Hall.)

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from owners and dealers of electric vehicles, bikes, and lawn equipment and to ask questions about owning and operating the technology. The Town of West Harford's electric zero-turn commercial mower and Ford E-Transit Van will be on display.

Electrification is a key strategy to decarbonize the transportation system, buildings, and other sectors in the United States, and now is a pivotal time as the planet is breaking heat records to transition to all-electric options. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act provides rebates for electric vehicles among its many sweeping climate investments.

In the event of inclement weather, the event rain date is Sunday, October 13 from 10 am to 1 pm in the same location.

For more information, https://driveelectricweek.org/event?eventid=4493

We invite you to this special event, which is being organized in collaboration with the West Hartford Police Department and the Connecticut Chapter of NOBLE (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives).

A nationally recognized, hands-on interactive training program for teens and young adults ages 13-18, The Law and Your Community is designed to improve communications with law enforcement officers and their understanding of laws.

Components include:

Citizenship - A short education on how our democracy works and citizens' role in the government.

Law Literacy - Increases participants' federal, state, and local law knowledge.

Law Enforcement Engagement - Educates participants on the appropriate ways to respond during encounters with law enforcement.

When: Wednesday, October 9, 6:30-8:30 pm

Where: West Hartford Town Hall, Auditorium

We will be conducting drawings for prizes at the event. Be sure to join us for a chance to win!

Secure your spot by RSVP to WHAASCO70@gmail.com.

Fee: FREE. Concert pianist Ruriko Wheeler will perform a special fall program titled "Fall and Harvest". The music by Josef Cosma ( Autumn leaves.), Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Scott Joplin, Copland, Vivaldi and Mozart. Ruriko is thankful for the opportunity to entertain us with this classical pianoRepertoire.

Please register by calling 860-561-7583 or by email: whsc@westhartfordct.gov.

Fee: FREE. Love to sing? Looking for a fun new activity? Give Karaoke a try! Senior Center staff will lead all in singing some of the old - and newer - favorites!

Registration is required; please call 860-561-7583 or email WHSC@westhartfordct.gov.

Fee: FREE. This series is a program created by University of Saint Joseph PA Students in collaboration with the non-profit organization, For All Ages. During this

program, seniors will have the opportunity to learn about specific health-related topics surrounding healthy aging. The series will consist of three one-hour events,

with one event offered every five weeks, to explore the topics of nutrition, social connection, and staying active through stimulating conversation and activities. Next dates are 11/15 at Elmwood, 12/20 at Bishops Corner. Participants must commit to attending all sessions of the series.

Please register by calling Bishops Corner at 860-561-7583 or by email to WHSC@westhartfordct.gov

On Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Town Hall Parking Lot, 50 South Main Street, the West Hartford Sustainability Commission, Sierra Club CT and PACE will host an Electric Vehicle/Bike/Lawncare (and more!) Showcase. This is a free event! Come learn from experienced owners and dealers who will display their vehicles, bikes and lawncare equipment about how they work and why they are enthusiastic about them.

For more information, https://driveelectricweek.org/event?eventid=4493

The West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District will provide high dose flu vaccines for people 65+, regular flu vaccines, and pediatric flu shots for children age 4 and up. Walk-in basis, no appointment needed!

For more information, call 860-561-7583 or whsc@westhartfordct.gov

Join West Hartford Town Manager Rick Ledwith for brunch and learn about the latest developments in town. You will have the opportunity to ask questions.

To register, call Bishops Corner at 860-561-7583 or email to WHSC@westhartfordct.gov

Fee: FREE. Hear about Medicare updates for traditional versus managed Medicare plans and a review of pharmacy plans and how to pick the best plan for you. Presented by MediMike, independent Insurance Agent - Michael Andrews, RN.

Registration is required. Please call 860-561-7583 or email whsc@westhartfordct.gov to sign up.

Fee: FREE. Travel back to happier, simpler times when our favorite TV and movie actors were true stars! Al Jordan has compiled clips of favorite songs, scenes and TV sketches of Frank Sinatra, Dinah Shore, Lucille Ball, Elvis, Jackie Gleason and others! Program is free but early registration is encouraged - this program will fill up fast!

Please call 860-561-7583 or email WHSC@westhartfordct.gov.

Fee: FREE. Stay up to date with an AARP Smart Driver SMARTTEK, a 90-minute workshop offering an interactive way to stay up to date with the latest safety technology in your current or future car. Learn all about what new technologies are available, how they work, and how they can improve your peace of mind on the road.

Registration required; please call 860-561-7583 or email WHSC@westhartfordct.gov.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will hold a Public Information Meeting concerning the Intersection Improvements at Bishop's Corner in West Hartford on October 22, 2024, at the Bishop's Corner Senior Center, 15 Starkel Road. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. with an open house forum, followed by a formal design presentation at 7:00 p.m. Additional details can be found on the project webpage: http://portal.ct.gov/WestHartford155-176.

This public information meeting is being held to discuss the intersection's existing conditions, discuss the feasibility of proposed solutions, and receive public feedback.

The proposed project aims to improve pedestrian mobility and overall operations at the intersection. To this end, it will eliminate the channelized right-turn lanes and make improvements to accommodate bicycles.

This project will impact the right-of-way, requiring minor property acquisitions and easements to accommodate bicycle/pedestrian facilities and traffic signal equipment.

Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2027. The estimated cost is $6.9 million, with eighty percent (80%) Federal funds and twenty percent (20%) State funds. For additional information, visit http://portal.ct.gov/WestHartford155-176.

The public can submit comments and questions during the two-week public comment period following the meeting. Direct comments and questions by November 5, 2024, to DOTProject0155-0176@ct.gov, (860) 594-2020, or Mr. Joseph D. Arsenault, P.E., Project Manager, at (860) 594-3471 or joseph.d.arsenault@ct.gov.

ACCESSIBILITY

For hearing/speech disabilities, dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). Language assistance may be requested by contacting CTDOT's Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least five business days before the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public, and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.

Fee: FREE. Speaker will discuss the concepts of Karma, Samsara and Nirvana and how they influence our life. Knowledge of which may lead to freedom from ignorance, self-realization, tranquility--- A state of mind which is beyond space, time and sense-objects Learning objectives: How to direct energy towards spiritual awakening. Suggested donation $10 (checks payable to ISAH).

Registration is required; please call 860-561-7583 or email WHSC@westhartfordct.gov.

Following the Karma, Samsara and Nirvana presentation at 2:00, attendees are invited to stay on for this conclave. Moderators Drs, Chandra Narayana, Lakshmi Nair, and Amala Guha Helpful read: Life after Life by Raymond Moody. Walk-ins welcomed.

You're Invited!

Learn about the consolidated planning process, discuss community needs, and provide input on which projects West Hartford should prioritize for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding!

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding is provided by HUD to support community development activities that build stronger and more resilient communities. West Hartford receives approximately $997,000 in CDBG funds annually.

For more information visit Community Development Block Grant - Town of West Hartford (westhartfordct.gov).

If you require special assistance to participate in the Open House due to a disability, language barrier, or special accommodation need, contact Susanne Oslander at the Department of Social Services.

Download event flyer (available in English and Spanish)

Fee: FREE, option to purchase book for $20. "Where Are All the Kids" is based on Teri Michaud's personal story of growing up in West Hartford. It is an honest and raw look at what happened behind the façade of their home. Teri will share some tidbits from this book during our book launch party. She will sell her books at this presentation BUT this is not where our story ends. For those who purchase the book, you will be invited to come back together to discuss the book with Teri herself.

Registration is required; please call 860-561-7583 or email WHSC@westhartfordct.gov.

On Saturday, October 26th, the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District, in conjunction with the Police Department, will hold their annual National Drug Take Back Day.

National Take Back Day provides an opportunity for the public to dispose of expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medication in an environmentally safe manner. These drugs can contaminate our waterways when flushed and are a potential risk to public health and safety when used illegally.

Collection activities will take place at Charter Oak International Academy, 425 Oakwood Ave (entrance off Flatbush Ave.), from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The program is anonymous and free of charge. Volunteers will be on hand to take items from your vehicle.

ACCEPTED: Prescription and over-the-counter dosage medications, i.e. tablets, capsules, vaping products, and liquids.

NOT ACCEPTED: Intra-venous solutions, injectable medicines, Epi-pens and needles are not be accepted.

Please take pills out of prescription bottles for disposal. Sealed plastic bags are recommended.

For more information, contact the Health District at (860) 561-7900 or the West Hartford Police Department at (860) 523-5203.

Fee: $13. Join Janine for this group reading. Psychic mediums are individuals who possess a unique ability to connect with the spiritual realm. They are often referred to as clairvoyants or psychics due to their heightened sensitivity to energies and spirits beyond the physical realm. Through their clairvoyant abilities, they can perceive and interpret vibrations from the dead and establish connections with the spirit world. Seating is limited to 40.

Registration required. Please register by calling 860-561-7583 or online https://WestHartford.recdesk.com/Community/Home Program # 503006

Fee: $7M/$10NM. Warm up to good health, sit back, relax and let the stress melt away! Tibetan healing bowls will be used to create a space that will clear your mind and soul of stress! Try something new or return to what you know really works! All are welcome! No experience is required or needed! Provided by Brian Hickey, Certified Reiki and Tibetan Bowl Practitioner.

Please register by calling 860-561-8180 or online at https://westhartford.recdesk.com/Community/Home Program #: 503014

Come to join us at the Boo Bash - wear a costume and be prepared to dance to your favorite tunes along with a few scary songs sprinkled in! Spooky refreshments will be served!

Please call 860-561-7583 with any questions. See you there!

Each year, West Hartford takes great pride in celebrating our veterans with a flag-planting event on the Saturday before Veterans Day.

There are more than 1,200 military graves in Fairview Cemetery, and volunteers from the community are asked to assist the American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 in placing flags to honor their service to the United States on Saturday, November 9, 2024.

Volunteers are asked to assemble at 8:30 AM at the chapel's garage bay for instructions on the proper placement of flags and a cemetery map indicating your assigned section to place them. Everyone is welcome. If you can help, show up. You don't need to register. Many hands make light work!

Please bring a screwdriver to prepare a hole in the ground for the flag's placement.

SITE UNMARKED AS A VETERAN

Anyone who has a relative or friend buried at Fairview Cemetery whose grave is not properly identified as that of a veteran should contact the cemetery office at 860-561-8136 so that a flag can be placed there.

TRADITION

Veterans, residents, and West Hartford Scout Troops have gathered at Fairview Cemetery to carry on this tradition initiated by the late Jean-Paul Berard over 40 years ago.

The tradition of placing flags at graves for Memorial Day and Veterans Day is recognized throughout our country. At Arlington Cemetery in Virginia, over 280,000 are placed at headstones to honor every individual buried there.

COLLECTION OF RETIRED FLAGS, November 9

Hayes-Velhage Post 96 will also collect any American flag that needs to be retired. When no longer in use, an American flag is retired at a ceremony where the flag is burned. Flags will be collected from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 9, 2024.

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY, November 11 at 11 AM

The American Legion Post #96 and the Town of West Hartford will hold a brief Veterans Day ceremony on Saturday, November 11, 2024, at 11 AM at the Connecticut Veterans Memorial on the corner of North Main St. and Farmington Avenue, West Hartford Center. If the weather is inclement, the ceremony will be relocated indoors to the community room at First Church Congregational, 12 South Main St.

REMOVAL OF FLAGS, Saturday, November 16 at 8:30 AM

Help is also needed to collect the small American flags and flag holders from the veterans' gravesites so they can be stored and used again on Memorial Day. The collection will begin at 8:30 AM on Saturday, November 16, at Fairview Cemetery. Volunteers are asked to assemble at 8:30 AM at the chapel's garage bay for instructions before you start. If you can help, come. No RSVP is needed. Many hands make light work. Thank you!

REMOVAL OF FLAGS, Saturday, November 16 at 8:30 AM

Help is also needed to collect the small American flags and flag holders from the veterans' gravesites so they can be stored and used again on Memorial Day. The collection will begin at 8:30 AM on Saturday, November 16, at Fairview Cemetery. Volunteers are asked to assemble at 8:30 AM at the chapel's garage bay for instructions before you start. If you can help, come. No RSVP is needed. Many hands make light work. Thank you!