Fallen Soldiers of All Wars Remembered at Memorial Day Observances May 30th

By John McNamara NEW BRITAIN – Fallen soldiers of all wars were remembered on Friday, May 30th, with rifle salutes, the playing of taps and prayers at Memorial Day observances. Officials, honor guards, clergy and veterans visited 11 memorials and monuments for service men and women throughout the morning beginning at the General John Patterson … Continue reading Fallen Soldiers of All Wars Remembered at Memorial Day Observances May 30th

‘Literacy For Justice’ Program Remembers Rev. King At Memorial Wreath Laying

"The rights he dedicated his life to are under threat." By John McNamara A wintry mix outside forced the organizers of the memorial wreath laying for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. inside on Saturday April 12th to mark the anniversary of the assassination of the civil rights leader on April 4, 1968. The "Literacy … Continue reading ‘Literacy For Justice’ Program Remembers Rev. King At Memorial Wreath Laying

Making the New Britain Public Library A “Library of Human Connection”

Director Sjöberg Shares Plans To Build Infrastructure For Reading In New Britain by John McNamara Walk into the New Britain Public Library (NBPL) on High Street these days and you will notice physical changes to the main floor. The circulation and reference desks have been merged into one. The main floor's makeover will include five … Continue reading Making the New Britain Public Library A “Library of Human Connection”

Mayor Stewart Goes All In With MAGA In Bid For Statewide Office

Mayor Erin Stewart’s second bid for statewide office formally began on January 28th at an announcement about her exploratory committee. Standing outside her City Hall office with a throng of municipal employees and supporters looking on, the six-term Republican mayor said she needs to raise $350,000 this year to viably contend for either Governor or … Continue reading Mayor Stewart Goes All In With MAGA In Bid For Statewide Office

BOE requests 12% increase in local aid

Budget Forum January 30th At Smalley Elementary School The Board of Education (BOE) will hold a budget forum on Thursday, January 30th, to hear a presentation and give the public an opportunity to weigh in on the proposed school budget that will go to the Mayor and Common Council. The budget forum will be held … Continue reading BOE requests 12% increase in local aid

Longest Night Service Remembers Lives Lost in 2024

Friendship Center's Cold Weather Triage Program Is Open To Help Unhoused NEW BRITAIN - A "Longest Night Service" was held at South Church in the Downtown District December 20th to remember individuals who died here in 2024 after experiencing homelessness. The late afternoon service that is observed each year as the "homeless persons' Memorial Day" … Continue reading Longest Night Service Remembers Lives Lost in 2024

Vision Zero Task Force Sets Goals to Reduce Traffic Fatalities

Safety Plan Can Lead to Federal Implementation Grants By John McNamara NEW BRITAIN - The Common Council approved a resolution on December 11th setting long-range goals to "reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by 50% by 2035 and to reach 'Vision Zero' by 2045." A Vision Zero Task Force, announced by Mayor Stewart last May, … Continue reading Vision Zero Task Force Sets Goals to Reduce Traffic Fatalities

Post Election: Countering Fear And Exclusion Starts Here

By John McNamara Campaign promises threatening "mass deportation", use of the military and law enforcement to go after political opponents ("the enemy within") and rollbacks of policies for the common good dominated Trump on the stump in the closing weeks of 2024's campaign. And so the Trump victory on November 5th is raising fears and … Continue reading Post Election: Countering Fear And Exclusion Starts Here

Claims For Flooding Damages Spiked In 2023

City Starts "Courtesy" Response Service; Homeowner Flood Relief Is On Council Agenda By John McNamara More New Britain property owners are seeking compensation from the city for property damage caused by storm water flooding and sewage overflows, according to caseloads recorded by the city's Corporation Counsel in recent years. The Corporation Counsel "handles claims and … Continue reading Claims For Flooding Damages Spiked In 2023

New Fed Money Helps Friendship Center Enhance Shelter Building On Arch Street

A $1 million federal grant to New Britain's Friendship Center (FSC) on Arch Street will support expansion of the facility, including the installation of private restrooms and other capital and maintenance improvements. U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-5) and FSC Executive Director Caitlin Rose announced the new funding on April 3rd which stems from approval of … Continue reading New Fed Money Helps Friendship Center Enhance Shelter Building On Arch Street