The public is invited to celebrate West Hartford Town Manager Ron Van Winkle’s 30 years of service at a tribute event on Tuesday, May 30.

Submitted by the Town of West Hartford

The community is invited to a retirement tribute celebrating Ron Van Winkle onTuesday, May 30, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Town Hall Auditorium, 50 South Main St., West Hartford.

Van Winkle will be retiring after 30 years of service to the Town of West Hartford. His legacy and contributions will be recognized at an event that will benefit two of his favorite charities: Town that Cares and WHC-TV.

The evening includes food sampling from area restaurants, wine/beer, and a video presentation celebrating Van Winkle’s public service to West Hartford and beyond. Emcees include retired town manager Barry Feldman, Corporation Counsel Patrick Alair, and retired community services director Rob Rowlson.

Van Winkle’s relationship with the Town of West Hartford began in 1987 when he was hired as the director of Community Services to oversee the divisions of Planning & Zoning, Building Inspection, Engineering and Capital Improvement Projects. During his tenure, he has been involved in hundreds of projects that have changed the landscape of West Hartford. Major projects have included the Veterans Memorial, Bristow Middle School, and Blue Back Square.

In 2008, Van Winkle was appointed town manager, serving as the Town of West Hartford’s chief administrative officer.

In addition, Van Winkle has been a professional economist specializing in issues dealing with the Connecticut economy in both the public and private sectors for more than 30 years. He is a well-known public speaker on issues affecting the economy of the State of Connecticut, and on issues of public policy at both the state and local levels.

West Hartford Community Television invites local businesses to partner with them for this special event by becoming a Golden Shovel Sponsor ($500) or by donating food items for the “Power Hour Hors d’oeuvres.” For more information about how to help or to make a donation, click here for the link on WHC-TV’s website or contact Jennifer Evans at [email protected].

General admission is $40 or $100 ($40 admission + $60 donation to the charities). Your name will be added to the guest list for quick check-in at the door. To purchase tickets online, click here.

You can also purchase your tickets by text by texting EconRon to 41444.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Town that Cares Fund and WHC-TV.

About the Beneficiaries:

The Town That Cares is a special fund administered by the Town of West Hartford Social Services. The fund assists residents experiencing a crisis situation hindering their ability to pay for food, utility bills, shelter costs, medical expenses, and other critical needs. It is funded 100 percent by contributions from generous individuals, businesses, and community groups.

Founded in 1979, West Hartford Community Television is a nationally-recognized, non-profit media center that encourages citizen participation in community life by providing an open forum for free speech, community dialogue, cultural exchange, and artistic expression. It’s a place where people come together to connect, create, and share.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford!