Michelle L. Cook

August is here and while there are still a few weeks of summer vacation left, thoughts are quickly turning to the start of school and students heading off to college, trade schools, military, or work. Torrington's first day of school is August 29. While we're talking about back to school, I'm happy to share with you that I got an A on my report card (see more about that below). 

If you're not ready to think about back to school, there are plenty of events coming up around Torrington and the local area, including the Watermelon Festival on Saturday, the Litchfield County 4-H Fair at the Goshen Fairgrounds, School of Rock at the Warner Theatre, PAL events, Pokeman and Family Frenzy at the library, summer concerts, car washes, and more.

• CEA Report Card & Honor Roll
• Grand Opening of Northwestern CT Transit's District Headquarters in Torrington
• Torrington Receives State Grant to Protect Open Space 
• Litchfield County 4-H Fair This Weekend at Goshen Fairgrounds
• Susan B. Anthony Project Clients Need Toiletries
• Torrington PAL Events
• Torrington Library Events
• Watermelon Festival at Coe Memorial Park on August 3 
• School of Rock at Warner Theatre from August 2-11
• Magic & Music in the Meadow
• And More!

I'm happy to share with you that I received a near-perfect score over the last two legislative sessions - 98.3% in 2023 and 100% in 2024, giving me a score of 99.2%. 

CEA’s Legislator Report Card and Honor Roll designation evaluates voting records, responsiveness, and advocacy efforts to advance CEA priorities over past legislative cycles. In the 2023-2024 legislative sessions, those priorities included play-based learning, improved indoor air quality in schools, addressing teacher shortages, ensuring classroom safety, and more.

“Representative Cook has proven herself to be a true champion of public education and is extremely deserving of the CEA 2024 Honor Roll designation for her leadership and steadfast commitment to supporting teachers, advocating for student success, and championing public education policies that benefit our entire state, specifically ensuring that schools are safe places to learn and teach," said CEA President Kate Dias.

CEA is based in Hartford, and its membership includes public school teachers, (preschool-grade 12 teachers), retired teachers, and college students preparing to become teachers. CEA advocates for legislation at the state and federal levels, represents the rights of teachers, and works with state policymakers to continue to elevate the teaching profession and promote public education.

To see my full report card, click HERE. 
 

On Monday, I joined Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, Senator Lisa Seminara, Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding, and Rep. Jay Case for a ceremony to commemorate the grand opening of the new Northwestern Connecticut Transit District (NWCTD) facility in Torrington.

The renovated state-owned headquarters at 281 Church Street provides the NWCTD with a 48,000-square-foot bus facility with warehouse space for bus storage and maintenance, in addition to office space for administration. It also offers enhanced security, additional space for circulation, and multiple access points to the surrounding service area.

The facility contains the necessary infrastructure to store and charge NWCTD’s future fleet of battery electric buses, and opportunities to lease space to local nonprofit organizations, including municipal uses.

Formed in 1987, the NWCTD maintains a fleet of 18 medium-duty buses serving a 17-town area. Service includes five routes in Torrington and Winsted, on-demand ride-sharing service Dial-A-Ride, and service to elderly and disabled riders for non-emergency medical trips.

State bonding funded the acquisition and renovations to the facility. The state purchased the property in 2023 and is investing $5 million in warehouse and office space renovations.

The single-story industrial facility was most recently owned by the Torrington Lumber Company and was previously occupied by a local bus carrier.

For more information on the Northwestern Connecticut Transit District, visit www.nwcttransit.com.

Project Name: Milde Farm
Sponsor: ​​Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy​
Location: Town Farm Road, Wilson Road, and Norfolk Road; Litchfield and Torrington​
Grant Amount: $3,559,914
Size: ​​650.28 Acres
Description: This property is one of the largest undeveloped parcels remaining in Northwest Connecticut. The property contains farmland and core forest and supports diverse forest types including stands of conifer and hemlock, riparian forested wetlands, and oak/mixed hardwood stands. The farms to the west and south are permanently protected by conservation easements held by the Litchfield Land Trust. The property contains numerous freshwater streams, ponds, forested riparian wetlands, and swamps. Approximately 1.4 miles of the East Branch Bantam River flows along the western boundary. This property will serve as a forest buffer for the East Branch Bantam River, protecting drinking water, maintaining cool stream temperatures and protecting habitat for aquatic, terrestrial and avian wildlife.

These funds are being provided through the state’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program and the Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program, both of which are administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). They mark the largest round of open space protection awards – both by acreage protected and by dollars awarded – in more than a decade.

Visit www.americanmuralproject.org to learn more.  

Can you help the clients at the Susan B. Anthony Project? There is an urgent need for toiletry items, such as shampoo and conditioner, soap and body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, tampons, and baby wipes. Many victims of interpersonal violence face financial hardships, whether they are starting anew after escaping an unsafe environment, acting as the sole provider for their families, or dealing with various other challenges.

Your donations will directly benefit these individuals, ensuring they have access to essential products for themselves and their families. If you can donate, items can be dropped off at 179 Water Street in Torrington, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note that only new and unused products will be accepted. 

Participants will be provided t-shirts and water. There will also be a food truck.

Scan the QR codes in the flyer or go to www.torringtonpal.org to register your team now before it is too late!

Costumes/cosplay encouraged and don't worry if your child doesn't have cards of their own; we will have extras available for them!

Please note that the library is operating under summer hours and the Children's Room closes at 12:45 p.m.

All you have to do is read 2 books and send your log to Miss Jill by August 9. She'll be raffling off an Amazon gift card, but you have to get your log in to be entered!

Register HERE.  

Ms. Carle will be giving a detailed overview of the clothing of the Regency Era (early 1800s) for both gentlemen and ladies, all while dressed in authentic Regency attire.

Ms. Carle will share excerpts from Jane Austen's personal letters as well as passages from some of her novels, highlighting Miss Austen's use of clothing and fashion to define character & class, enhance storyline, and develop plot points.

Attendees will enjoy discovering just how important fashion was 200 years ago!

Reserve your spot HERE. 

Here is your chance to enjoy a large-scale flea market featuring over 70 vendors exhibiting in Coe Memorial Park, starting at 10 a.m.

Come shop for bargains while enjoying fresh watermelon, and other delicious items like our special "watermelon flavored" cupcakes, watermelon salsa and tortilla chips, watermelon salad made with mozzarella and locally grown hydroponic lettuce.

Additional activities include:

• Famed Carver Resty Nombrado will be turning watermelons into works of art!
• Visit the NEW "Fun Zone" where you can catch a ride on the "Coe Park Express Train" for a trip around the park or participate in one of our multiple activities for kids.
• Enter the infamous "Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest" and give your seed a whirl to win a prize!

There is also a Tuesday market from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Both markets are located in the same location: St. Paul’s Church parking lot at 837 Charles St, Torrington.

Get ready to rock and grab your tickets to School of Rock: The Musical. Tickets start at only $32. Learn more at warnertheatre.org or call 860-489-7180.

AARP Connecticut invites nonprofit organizations and municipalities across the state to apply for the 2024 Livable Communities Grant Program. Now in its seventh year, the grant program dedicated to funding “quick-action” projects in Connecticut communities, aims to help the state’s neighborhoods, towns and cities be great places to live for people of all ages. The application deadline is Friday, August 16, at 5 p.m.

The AARP Connecticut Livable Communities Grant Program is open to incorporated organizations that are 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofits and Connecticut municipalities who seek to make improvements in their neighborhood or community in Connecticut.

Grants can range from small, short-term activities to larger, permanent solutions, but the maximum amount of any single grant will be $5,000. All applications should be for a project of $5,000 or less. AARP Connecticut has funded 38 projects since the inception of the Livable Communities Grant Program in 2018.

Grant applications should be for projects in Connecticut that are focused on improving the lives of those 50+ and make a positive impact within one of the following 8 Domains of Livability:

• Outdoor spaces and buildings
• Transportation
• Housing
• Social Participation
• Respect and Social Inclusion
• Work and Civic Engagement
• Communication and Information
• Community and Health Services

Comprehensive details about the program and applications can be found on www.aarp.org/ct. All proposals must be submitted to CTLivable@aarp.org by 5 p.m. ET, August 16, 2024, and all projects must be completed within 12 months from the day grant funding is received. 

Please email questions to CTLivable@aarp.org.

Mesmerizing Matt Szat, NYC Magician & Mentalist
Coming to us from New York City, Matt Szat (ZAT) is one of the most sought-after magicians and mentalists in the country. He is the go-to performer for some of the biggest companies in the world like Google, Pepsi, Spotify and Facebook, has worked on shows off-Broadway and at the prestigious Carnegie Hall, and is the only magician in the world to do half of a magic trick on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE (and he did it twice). Matt is also regularly hired for private events for celebrities and dignitaries such as former NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Oscar-nominated Director M. Night Shyamalan, NYSNC’s Joey Fatone, and St. Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
 
Your jaws will hurt from laughing and smiling as Matt takes you on a one-of-a-kind adventure that’s equal parts amazing and hilarious. He’ll pluck thoughts straight from your brain, bring you back in time, and even make impossible magic happen with his laundry.

Johnny Irion, Singer-Songwriter 
Enjoy the soulful tunes of Johnny Irion, the acclaimed singer-songwriter whose heartfelt performances have earned praise from the likes of Rolling Stone.
Johnny’s music blends Americana, rock, and folk, creating a unique sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh– known for his captivating performances at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Newport Folk Festival. “Lovingly crafted songs…” – Rolling Stone. 

Gourmet Catering by Emily's
Indulge in the culinary delights provided by Emily’s Catering Group, known for their exceptional service and delicious food. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, dinner stations, and desserts.

For Information, please contact Kelly Baxter Spitz, Director of Development, at 860-489-0931 Ext. 1008 or kbaxterspitz@chwctorr.org​.​

Please RSVP by August 19. Tickets, which are $200 each, can be purchased HERE.