Michelle L. Cook

I have some GREAT news to share about the Warner Theatre - the State Bond Commission approved the $1.5 million in Community Investment Funds for renovations and modernization plans. Great news for Warner AND the city! 

Tonight, there are Halloween festivity options for Torrington's little ghosts and goblins, including Halloween Hoopla and sensory-friendly trick or treating with Torrington Area Families for Autism at KidsPlay Children's Museum.

Metro-North's Waterbury Line will resume service on Monday, following the repairs the tracks needed after the historic August rain event. There's more information about that in this week's update.

For high school students who are planning to apply to one of the state's public universities, you may want to submit your application on November 1, as it's Fee Free Application Day. And teachers - the Mashantucket Pequot Museum is opening its doors to you for free on "Free Teacher Saturdays" from October to December. 

And something that so many people have been waiting for - the GRAND OPENING of the Torrington Skatepark is November 2!

I hope you have a good weekend!

• State Bond Commission Approves Funding for the Warner Theatre!
• Time to Own Program Re-opens
• Early Voting is Underway
• Metro-North Waterbury Line Returns Monday
• Halloween Hoopla is Tonight
• Torrington Skatepark's Grand Opening is November 2!
• Torrington Library's Taste of Torrington is Saturday!
• CT's Public University's Fee Free Application Day is November 1
• Free Teacher Saturdays at Mashantucket Pequot Museum
• And More

The Warner Theatre plans to renovate its historic building, lobby, and stage, including HVAC systems, electrical, and accessibility issues. There are also plans to modernize its sound, lighting, lighting control, security, and smoke alarm systems.

The goal of this project is to upgrade its facilities to attract both a larger, more diverse audience from Torrington and the region, and appeal to a broader range of performers.
 
The theatre is also a great economic driver for Torrington's local businesses. The theatre is open year-round, offering more than 160 public performances and serving 100,000 patrons. More than 8,000 children grades K-12 are impacted by the theatre’s arts education programs.

This week, the State Bond Commission approved $40 million in state funding that will be used to reopen the popular Time To Own program to a new round of applicants.
 
Time To Own has helped thousands of people buy their first homes since launching in 2022. The program provides forgivable loans for down payments and closing costs and has enabled individuals and families to achieve the dream of homeownership, fostering long-term financial stability and contributing to stronger communities.
 
To date, Time To Own has helped more than 4,800 homebuyers in 149 towns buy their first homes, more than half of whom are people of color. With the new funding allocation, Connecticut has invested $195 million in the program.

For more information on eligibility, additional considerations, and how to apply, visit chfa.org/TimeToOwn.

Early voting until November 3 (14 days)
Location: Torrington City Hall Auditorium, 140 Main Street
Time: Most days, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. On October 29 and 31, voting hours from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. 

In-Person Voting on Election Day:

• Voters can cast their ballots at their designated polling places.
• Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Make sure to bring an acceptable form of ID if you’re registering to vote on Election Day.
• Find your voting location HERE (click the "voter registration and election voting place locator" link)

Absentee Voting (Vote by Mail):

• Voters can request an absentee ballot to vote by mail.
• You must complete an absentee ballot application and submit it to your local election office.
• Make sure to return your completed ballot by mail or in person before the deadline.
• More information on absentee balloting can be found HERE. 

Each option provides flexibility to ensure that everyone can participate in the election. Please be sure to MAKE YOUR VOTING PLAN!

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) alerts riders that train service on the Metro-North (MNR) Waterbury Branch Line resumes October 28 with the 4:45 a.m. train from Waterbury and the 7 a.m. train from Bridgeport.

Over the last several weeks, CTDOT and Metro-North crews and O&G Industries worked to repair the rail line that was damaged during the historic August 18 rain event. 

In advance of train service resuming, test trains will be operating along the Waterbury Branch Line between Waterbury and Bridgeport in both directions. These trains are necessary to test and inspect the railroad crossings and tracks over the entire rail line. The public is reminded to use caution at all railroad crossings, adhere to all posted signage and never attempt to cross tracks while the gates are down and lights are flashing. Only cross the tracks at designated crossing locations, as walking on or along railroad tracks is dangerous and against the law.

Buses will continue operating in place of trains on the adjusted schedule until regular train service resumes on Monday, October 28, 2024.

All rail customers are encouraged to pre-purchase their rail tickets before boarding. Customers may use the MTA TrainTime app or ticket vending machines conveniently located at most New Haven Line stations. For information on how to use the app, visit new.mta.info/traintime.

For real-time service updates and information, customers can use the following options:

MYmta app – Customers who use the comprehensive MYmta app will see real-time travel information for all MTA services in one place.

new.mta.info – The “Service Status” box at new.mta.info is always the definitive source for the latest status for each line.

For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available by dialing 511. Connecticut customers should call 877-690-5114. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the free 711 relay to reach the MTA at 511.

The timing, details, and form to register can be accessed via this LINK.

Bring your friends and enjoy a night on the town celebrating one of Torrington’s most iconic landmarks. All proceeds support the Torrington Library.

Advanced tickets are encouraged. Attendees must be 21 and older. IDs will be checked upon arrival.

Click HERE for tickets or click the graphic below. 

Over 80 vendors will be participating ranging from artisans and crafters to the general public peddling some great holiday bargains!

Enjoy all sorts of seasonal festivities like Resty Nombrado the infamous "Pumpkin Carver" carving pumpkins all day, and the “Main Street Express Train" will be giving rides to both children and adults up and down Main Street.

For food options, in addition to the great local restaurants on Main Street, we will have in the Arena (City Hall Parking Lot) the PolishPlate, the Great Cape Baking Co. and their hand-made apple cider donuts, along with a few other food trucks... all available with plenty of seating so you can relax from shopping, grab a bite to eat and people watch!

Saturday, November 9
3 p.m. - 11 p.m.
The Eagles Club, 222 Main St., Torrington

FOOD ~ GAMES ~ CASH BAR-RAFFLES
DONATION: $15