The Old Guard began its 60th anniversary year, resuming the regular meeting schedule on Sept. 9, 2025.

Submitted by Don Kauke, Director of Communications, The Old Guard

The Old Guard resumed their weekly meetings on Tuesday, Sept. 9, with West Hartford Town Manager Rick Ledwith and West Hartford Police Chief Vernon Riddick describing current activities of town government.

Ledwith highlighted the Vision Zero project, a broad initiative dealing with improving traffic safety and control, the objective to reduce pedestrian and vehicle accidents. “Our emergency personnel are dealing with an automobile-bicycle rider accident at Bishops Corner as we speak. A Hall student was hit at Albany Avenue. We don’t know the extent of the student injuries. We must educate and monitor traffic safety to avoid these tragedies. We will continue to educate and enforce,” he said. Ledwith stated that “in August of 2024, West Hartford police made 400 traffic stops in town. In August of this year they made over 800 stops.”

Chief Riddick described the multitude of associated state, regional, and federal agencies with which the West Hartford department coordinates and the advanced equipment purchased by the town to assure the safety of residents. Both men answered questions from the audience of over 100 members of the Old Guard.

“This year’s programs will be among the best ever” according to Old Guard President Clem Sayers. “The Old Guard has had 60 years of informative and interesting weekly programs for its members but this coming season has to be among the best ever. Bob Cave, Vice President and Program Chair this year has assembled an all-star lineup of guest presenters.”

‘The speakers represent familiar organizations that we have heard from in the past, explaining their objectives and history, we will be hearing from some senior executives who will describe their approaches to current challenges, and what they see for the future” said Cave. “Among our guests will be the presidents/CEOs of Hartford Healthcare, the University of Connecticut, UConn Medical School, Connecticut Foodshare, and the governor of Connecticut. This does not mean to ignore the quality of the remaining 20+ other speakers that have been scheduled.”

Weekly sessions at Westminster Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall are held on Tuesday mornings and continue through next May.

“Old Guard is a perfect organization for retired men, presenting opportunities for learning, meeting new acquaintances and socializing at events, playing golf, bowling or having coffee prior to meetings” according to Sayers. “Whether men have lived and worked here or have recently moved here to be near grandchildren, membership has no attendance or participation requirements and allows great flexibility of involvement. Members can join at any time during the year. Our website, ctoldguard.org is a great place to obtain more information about the Old Guard.”

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