Michelle L. Cook

Last Saturday, our nation witnessed, in real-time, an assassination attempt on former President Trump and the death of one of his supporters. There were other supporters seriously injured.

We are the United States of America, with liberties and freedoms. That does not - under any circumstance - allow for violence of any kind, especially if you do not agree with their views. Political violence has risen over the years, and we must unite to ensure this does not happen again.

Regardless of party affiliation, and political views, this does not give someone the right to harm another.

I pray our Nation finds the strength to work together, putting politics aside, to ensure safety for all. I pray for all who were affected by the tragedy at the rally and for the families of those who were lost. I pray that tomorrow will be better than today, and the day after that (etc.) and that we do not forget what happened and do nothing. Our nation's health depends on it.

May God Bless America today and every day.

• Potential Savings from Changes to Motor Vehicle Tax Assessments
• Speeding Enforcement Underway in CT
• Torrington Police Welcome New Officers
• Updates from Friendly Hands Food Bank
• Upcoming Events at Five Points Arts
• AARP's 2024 Livable Communities Grant Program  Deadline is August 16
• Summer Concert Series with St. Paul's Lutheran & Torrington Parks & Recreation
• Semi-Finals of Northwest Vocal Showcase on Saturday
• Torrington Library Events
• Torrington Veterans Memorial Committee Honoring Korean War Armistice Day on July 27
• School of Rock at the Warner Theatre
• Torringford Volunteer FD Annual Car Show
• Magic & Music in the Meadow
• And More!

In addition to the recent income and property tax cuts, this measure will result in lower taxes for the vast majority of vehicle owners and small businesses. These changes were a bipartisan effort to lower the tax burden on Connecticut residents.

Many car owners will see their assessments fall compared to the previous system. The average car will have an 8% lower assessment. The new law changes the assessment basis from JD Power values to the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), which reduces to an average assessment cut of 10.62% for Torrington residents.

I hope this information helps clarify the recent changes and provides a better understanding of what to expect in the future.

This summer, the Connecticut Department of Transportation, in collaboration with state and local law enforcement and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), launched a high-visibility anti-speeding enforcement campaign. The campaign aims to increase awareness and promote safer driving behaviors with increased speed limit enforcement. The campaign runs to September 5, 2024.

In 2022, the last year of verifiable data, Connecticut recorded 115 fatalities due to speeding and reckless driving, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.

Speeding accounts for roughly one-third of all traffic-related fatalities nationally. It is a form of reckless driving that jeopardizes the safety of all road users and remains a significant threat to public safety. It also just isn’t a problem on the highway. According to NHTSA, in 2022, 87% of all speeding-related traffic fatalities on American roads occurred on non-interstate roadways.

Officer Smalls will begin his 10-week FTO program immediately. Congratulations, Officer Smalls!

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.

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.

Rona will present her version of a classic Cape Cod tale, set in the early 1700’s. It's an intersection between legend and history, and truths that are both factual and real.

Playing fifteen characters, Rona offers an engaging, powerful look at life in Puritan New England through the lens of story. Her show addresses the history of the era, universal themes, the "gang mentality" of the masses, hypocrisy, and resilience. 

Reserve your spot HERE. To watch a preview of Rona's performance, click HERE. 

The cost of $45 per 1 adult and 1 child includes: assorted drinks, snacks, make-your-own-sundaes, freeze dance, crafts to take home, and more!

Additional adults or children attending are $22.50 per person.

Advanced reservations required. For more information, click HERE. 

To see what other events are coming up at Nutmeg Fudge Company, click HERE. 

The cast features: Noel Roberge (Dewey), Kelly White (Rosalie), Robert Wiener (Ned), Faith Potter (Patty), Fern Begley (Shonelle), Harriet Luongo (Katie), Archie Esposito (James), Sophia Poirier (Marcy), Kassell Miller (Mason), Aubrey Grimes (Tomika), Lev Sadeh (Freddy), Owen Sayler (Zack), Sawyer Delaney (Billy), Finnegan Chenette (Lawrence), Luciana Scheinberg (Summer), Victoria Funchion (Sophie), Kinsley Tortora (Madison), Christine Mitchell-Robinson (Ms. Sheinkopf), Ray Esposito (Snake, Mr. Mooneyham), Nick Komons (Theo (Lead Singer), Mr. Ward, Mr. Janes), Daniel Tortora (Stanley, Mr. Spencer, Mr. Sanders), Scott Iwanicki (Doug, Mr. Sandford, Mr. Wagner, Security Guard), Alex Alves (Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Noble, Jeff), Sean Miscikoski (Bob, Mr. Green, Cop), Paul Leitz (Mr. Williams, Gabe), Iris Courchaine (Ms. Travis, Ms Macapaguy, No Vacancy Groupie, Bar Waitress), Melissa Green (Miss Hathaway, Ms. Bingham), and Lauren Hyne (Ms. Turner, Ms. Gordon).

In conjunction with School of Rock, the Warner is excited to partner with ServiceMaster Albino for their annual Backpack & School Supplies Drive. Throughout July 2024, the Warner Theatre Box Office will serve as a drop-off location. Patrons who drop off a backpack before August 1 will be entered to win a ‘night-out package,’ including a family 4-pack of tickets to see School of Rock and a $100 gift card to Sasso’s. Donations after August 1 will earn a free concession coupon. Box Office hours are Tuesday-Wednesday & Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Thursday-Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed Sunday-Monday. Drop-offs will also be accepted in the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre lobby during School of Rock performances.

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.

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.