LIFE

Newington High School marked the end of the annual national observation of February as Black History Month with a special event that it is hoped will also become an annual tradition.

Firefighters train for a wide variety of emergencies and among the most challenging is cold water rescue. This involves frigid water and perhaps ice as well and time is always a factor.

Music, poetry and displays were all part of the annual Black History celebration held at Cromwell High School the evening of Feb. 26. This was the fourth year such an event took place. “It’s a districtwide event,” Rashida Edans said.

The 2025-2026 winter dumped amounts of snow that Greater Hartford towns have not seen for many years. It required numerous “call-outs” of the public works staff who operate the trucks that plow and salt the roads.

Crossing guards equipped with reflective vests, whistles and hand-held stop signs work every school day to keep the children of this town safe. Monday through Friday, they are at their posts including days when it is hot, cold, wet or otherwise physically uncomfortable.

You can learn how to paint, draw, carve wood and so much more at the Wethersfield Art League. The venerable nonprofit arts organization that was founded in 1954 is seeing an increase in membership. Classes are taught at its Little Red Schoolhouse near the intersection of Welles and Wolcott Hill roads.

Mayor Ken Lesser was upbeat in his remarks at the annual State of the Town Breakfast held Jan. 22 at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center. It was also an opportunity to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the sponsoring organization, the Wethersfield Chamber of Commerce.

Kris DeLeo came to town at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year to fill a vacancy for principal at Highcrest School. She is learning about the school and community and is confident that she made a wise choice.