Michelle L. Cook

It's hard to believe that we welcome August next week and thoughts turn to back-to-school preparations. But before that happens, we have a little bit of summer left to enjoy. There are so many fun events coming up in Torrington, including the Princess Tea, three-on-three basketball, Summer Family Frenzy at the library, Watermelon Festival on August 3, summer concerts, an artist talk at Five Points Arts, School of Rock at the Warner, Torringford FD's Car Show, and more. Fair season is also right around the corner, and I've included a listing of fairs and festivals around the state. 

• Nominations Open for Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2024
• Daycoeton Place is Open (& One-Way)
• Honoring Jennifer & Turi
• Torrington PAL 3V3 Basketball Tournament
• Torrington to Honor Korean War Vets on July 27
• Watermelon Festival at Coe Memorial Park on August 3
• Sullivan Senior Center Presents Picnic in the Park
• Save the Date: WOW! Forum 
• School of Rock at Warner Theatre from August 2-11
• Magic & Music in the Meadow
• And More!

Completed nomination packages must be submitted to the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs by September 15, 2024. They should be delivered by email to lindsay.jesshop@ct.gov or mailed through the U.S. Postal Service to:
 
Office of the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Additional information on eligibility criteria and other requirements can be found in the nomination package.

There's a few changes Torrington Library would like patrons to be aware of:

• Daycoeton Place is now a ONE-WAY road, with entry from Litchfield Street. Once you enter the parking lot you must exit via Prospect Street.
• Parking is available on the library side of the street only, and they are short-term (15 minute) spots, which are perfect for quick trips in and out of our building.

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!

Jeremy's presentation will be focused on providing insights to parents on the experience of growing up autistic, as well as sharing strategies that can be used with autistic individuals of any age to achieve success.

As a professional autism advocate and proud autistic person, Jeremy has worked with many families of autistic individuals and has helped them by facilitating effective communication and bridging gaps in understanding.

We're looking forward to Jeremy sharing from his unique perspective and learning how families can overcome some common barriers they may be facing.

Reserve your spot to attend HERE.

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.  

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.

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. 

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.