Michelle L. Cook

I have some great news to share with you - The Warner Theatre is expected to receive funding to aid in the renovation and upgrades to the building. I'm proud to have played a role in advocating for it, as the Warner is a true destination and great economic driver for Torrington and the Northwest Corner. 

It's been another busy week, and I'm happy to share photos of the progress at the middle and high school. It's truly amazing to watch this project get closer to completion. 

There are many local events coming up that you'll find in this e-newsletter, including "Battle of the Badges" between Torrington Police and Fire tonight at Fuessenich Park. I hope you'll have a chance to attend tonight, or some of the other events featured.

I hope you have a good weekend!

• Warner Theatre Expected to Receive $1.5 Million in CIF Funds
• Moderating the Women in Government Webinar
• Progress Continues on Middle & High School Project
• Torrington Safe Streets Survey
• Battle of the Badges TONIGHT
• Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
• Torrington Parks & Rec Seeks Haunted House Volunteers
• TAB Graduate Starting Charity to Benefit Charlotte Hungerford Hospital
• WOW Forum October 4 - Get Your Tickets Before They Sell Out!
• And More

The plans include renovating the 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.

I spoke with House Speaker Matthew Ritter, who serves as a co-chair of the CIF Board, and told him how important the Warner is to Torrington and the surrounding area as an economic driver and destination, and I advocated for the funding for this project. He agreed that that the Warner is a legendary destination in the heart of Torrington.

It's really something to behold, when you recognize the reach that the Warner has not only in Torrington, but in the entire Northwest Corner. The stage has hosted some of our youngest talents, to some of the most famous people. We are blessed to have the Warner as a part of Torrington’s Main Street landscape, and it is instrumental in bringing our communities together

"On behalf of the Warner Theatre, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Representative Cook, Governor Lamont, and the members of the Community Investment Fund Board for their commitment to the arts and community development. This funding will allow us to enhance our facilities, ensuring that we continue to provide a welcoming and exceptional experience for our patrons. We are excited about the positive impact these improvements will have on our programs and our ability to attract top entertainment experiences for the residents of northwest Connecticut," said Warner Theatre Co-Executive Directors Stephanie Fried and Patrick Langevin.

“The Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce strongly supports this investment in the Warner Theatre," said Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce President and CEO JoAnn Ryan. "The Warner Theatre is not just a landmark; it is a hub for creativity and engagement that attracts visitors and stimulates local businesses. We applaud the state’s commitment to supporting Torrington's growth and vibrancy."  

"We are tremendously grateful for the state’s ongoing investment and support of the City of Torrington and the organizations that make our city so remarkable," said Mayor Elinor Carbone. "The Warner Theatre is a cornerstone of our Main Street and integral to the identify of Torrington.  The capital improvements that can be accomplished through this grant will go a long way to ensuring the continued success of our beloved theatre."

The funding is part of the Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF). Projects that may have been overlooked in the past now have access to game-changing capital that can uplift entire neighborhoods. The Community Investment Fund 2030 (CIF) will foster economic development in historically underserved communities across the state. CIF will provide a total of up to $875 million to eligible municipalities as well as not-for-profit organizations and community development corporations that operate within them.
 
Grants are available for:

• Capital improvement programs, such as brownfield remediation, affordable housing, infrastructure, clean energy development, and home or public facility rehabilitation.
• Planning for capital projects including activities such as community engagement processes, feasibility studies, development of project plan and construction budget.

A little about the Tunnels to Towers Foundation - It's a charitable organization founded in tribute to FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who was killed during the attack on the World Trade Center. Since September 11, 2001, the foundation has been helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. To learn more, click HERE. 

Participants can select a person, cultural experience, celebration, or tradition that has touched them in a meaningful way and explain why that connection is important. Optimum and Univision Foundation are sponsoring the competition and will accept essays through October 31. There will be a celebratory event for the winners in December.

The official contest rules can be found HERE. 

Sign up by giving the Parks and Rec Department a call at 860-489-2274 or scan the QR code below.

Here are some of the requirements:

• 18 years of age or older by program start
• Enrolled in a Connecticut college or university
• Registered for a campus-based course to receive credit for the internship
• Minimum 20 credits completed by program start
• Minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA

The deadline is November 1!

Click HERE for more information or click the graphic below.

Having a library card opens up a world of opportunity! Cardholders don't just have access to reading materials, but to online databases and resources that can help expand your knowledge and insights.

Sign up for a Torrington Library card on your next visit to the library or apply for a card online! Once you have a hometown library card you can use it at all the fantastic libraries in our state!

Apply for your card online HERE.

The library will be transformed on October 19 for the event, with two different scare levels so all can enjoy (scary and not scary)! Be sure to come in your costumes and stop at the bake sale and beverage bar.

Grab your tickets HERE.

The WOW Forum is back, and you’re invited! Join the Northwest Connecticut Chamber on October 4, at the Warner Theatre Carole & Ray Neag Performing Arts Center in Torrington for an inspiring and empowering event.

Reserve your spot today - click HERE. 

For more information, call 860-482-6586 or email info@nwctchamberofcommerce.org

Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased HERE. Ticket sales close on October 9 for the October 26 event. 

Calling all food vendors! 

The Warner Theatre is now accepting applications for the Annual Wine & Food Tasting event: Sips, Spirits & Snacks!

This is your opportunity to showcase your culinary creations to hundreds of eager potential customers. If you're interested in participating in this event or other special events at the Warner, click HERE for more details.

Registration is required. For more information and registration links, click HERE.