October 4th Update

October 4, 2024

It's the first week in October and you can feel fall in the air. I'm looking forward to pumpkin carving, apple picking, cider drinking, and cozy sweater-wearing days ahead. 

There are so many great fall-themed and Halloween-themed events coming up in Torrington - I'll share some of them with you in this e-newsletter.

I have some updates for families that utilize childcare services - Governor Lamont recently announced several changes to our early childcare and education programs that will expand the number of children able to access programs while also lowering the costs for parents. More on that below!

With the 2024 Legislative Session behind us, I'm happy to share with you the Office of Legislative Research's (OLR) Public Act Summary Book. It contains concise summaries of all public acts passed during the 2024 Regular Session and June Special Session. It is fully searchable by keyword, hyperlinked throughout for quick navigation, and organized by committee.

I hope you have a good weekend!
This newsletter includes:
  • Childcare Expansion Updates
  • Warner Theatre in the News
  • Early Voting Dates Starting This Month
  • Honoring a New Eagle Scout in Torrington
  • October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month 
  • Torrington Parks & Rec Updates
  • Torrington Downtown Cultural District Halloween Hoopla
  • Torrington Main Street's Christmas Holiday Festival & Flea Market
  • Torrington Library Events
  • Helping Those Affected by Hurricane Helene
  • And More
Childcare Expansion Updates
Great news for families across Connecticut: Governor Ned Lamont recently announced several changes to our early childcare and education programs that will expand the number of children able to access these programs while also lowering the costs for parents.
 
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, family fees for Care 4 Kids - the state program supporting low to moderate-income families with the costs of childcare - will be capped at 7% of household income, down from the current rate of 10%. This change is estimated to save parents an average of $200 per month.

Effective October 1, families participating in Care 4 Kids can remain enrolled until their household income reaches 85% of the state median income, an increase from the current limit of 65%. This means parents are less likely to worry about whether accepting a raise at work means they cannot receive childcare assistance anymore.
 
I'm also happy to see the capacity of these programs expanded:

  • An additional 1,500 children will be enrolled in Care 4 Kids using existing state and federal funding
  • An additional 900 children will be added to the School Readiness and Child Day Care program by maximizing existing state funds

Here in Connecticut, we are easing the burden of paying for childcare while expanding who can receive assistance. These changes are a win for parents, children, and our state.
 
Warner Theatre in the News
I'm still on cloud nine and thrilled that the Warner Theatre will be receiving $1.5 million for renovations and modernization updates. The funding has one more step to go - the State Bond Commission needs to give final approval. Below are two of the stories that ran in the Torrington Register Citizen and Fox 61. Click each graphic below to learn more.
 
Early Voting Dates
This year, Connecticut's voters have options when it comes to voting. You can vote in person on Election Day, you can early vote (see more information below), or you can vote absentee (using the criteria listed HERE. Voters will be asked about no-excuse absentee ballots this Election Day).
Eagle Scout Court of Honor for
Ryan McQuilkin
Congratulations to Ryan McQuilkin with Boy Scout Troop 3 in Torrington for obtaining his Eagle Scout Award. His Court of Honor Ceremony was held on September 30, and I was proud to present him with a state citation to celebrate his distinction. 
Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is now Disability Employment Awareness Month in Connecticut after Governor Lamont signed a proclamation recognizing all Connecticut residents with disabilities in the workplace and, in honor of their many accomplishments.

The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services has been a wonderful resource in assisting individuals with disabilities, too, from preparing for, maintaining, and advancing in employment. Services include vocational counseling, job search assistance, on-the-job training, and more!

In CT, assistance for job seekers with disabilities is available virtually and in person through a variety of resources, including:

  • The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services website for more information on employment and other services available to people with disabilities can be accessed HERE.
  • Connect with the Connecticut Department of Disability Services to get resources and job information for individuals with intellectual disabilities HERE.
  • Visit one of the Connecticut Department of Labor’s American Job Centers (appointments are recommended). More information is available HERE.
  • Explore CTHires, which serves as a one-stop resource to search for jobs, create a resume, and find training. More information is available HERE.
  • Attend one of several job fairs that are scheduled across the state. For a full schedule, please visit HERE.
October Shines a Light on Breast Cancer Awareness
Honoring the strength of survivors, supporting those currently fighting, and remembering those we’ve lost. As your representative, I’m committed to advocating for access to early detection, treatment, research funding, and community support for those fighting breast cancer.
 
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, I’m thinking of all the families in our community who have been affected by this disease.
October is Domestic Violence
Awareness Month
Everyone deserves to feel safe.
 
In Connecticut, we’ve made strides to protect survivors of domestic violence by passing critical legislation that strengthens protections and expands resources. From enhanced restraining orders to our state’s Red Flag Law, we’re ensuring that every survivor has the help they need to stay safe.
 
I will always stand with domestic violence survivors and work to build a future free from abuse. You are not alone. 
 
 Need to connect to an advocate?
Call, Text, Chat, Email 24/7
CTSafeConnect.org or 888-774-2900
CHET Dream Big! Competition

I’m pleased to support State Treasurer Erick Russell’s office and its great annual initiative, the CHET Dream Big! competition. This is an amazing opportunity for students in grades K-12 to enter to win up to $20,000 toward their future education.

To enter, students answer a question in the form of artwork, an essay, or a video. Younger students focus on what they want to do when they grow up, and older students are asked to describe a lesson they’ve learned or a person who has impacted their lives.

The competition is open to all Connecticut K-12 students, and every child has the chance to participate. Please take a moment to visit the website to learn more, and then encourage your child to take part. More than 250 students will receive monetary prizes to be deposited into a CHET account!

Learn more and enter at chetdreambig.com. The competition is open through November 4. Good luck!
Torrington Italian-American Street Festival
A traditional Italian Street Festival hosted by the 99-year-old Torrington Chapter of UNICO National takes place on Franklin Plaza in Downtown Torrington on October 12, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The festival is FREE and open to both adults and children. It will feature traditional Italian music by Vinny Avelone and complimented by LIVE performances by Frank Sinatra (Jack Kozlowsky) and Dean Martin (Jack Lynn). Look for Magician Chris Lengeyl walking through the crowd entertaining attendees.

Besides the Italian Automobile exhibition, there will be a Bocce tournament hosted on the grounds of the former Sons of Italy Hall - now Gerald Incandela’s TOHO Center on Center Street.

Let’s not forget the food!

UNICO will be cooking sausage and pepper grinders right off the grill, along with hot dogs, Italian soda and freshly made cannoli!

Robbie Persichino will be offering prosciutto sandwiches, and Brian’s Fabulous FryBreads food truck will be attending as well.

Main Street Torrington will be serving up on the plaza delicious meatball grinders in both adult and kid sizes. They will also be operating an outdoor wine bar featuring authentic Italian wines, Italian beer, and an amazing Italian coffee cocktail featuring Strega!

There will also be some local craft vendors as well.
Torrington Parks & Rec Updates
 Did you know the Armory used to have a daycare on the second floor? Torrington Parks and Recreation has been on a cleaning spree over here and wants to donate the books left here to local childcare facilities.

If you are interested, please stop by the Armory from Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. to check out what's available and take what you would like to use.
The Nightmare on South Main Street is back at the Armory on October 19. We can't wait to scare; I mean see you! Not only are we doing a haunted house, but family-friendly fun night in the gym here at the Armory, so come one, come all!
Happy October! Torrington Parks and Recreation has noticed many Torrington residents and businesses have started decorating for Halloween. You can enter your address into the department's contest, whether it be residential or commercial, as long as it is in Torrington. 

To take part, fill out this FORM. 
Torrington Downtown Cultural District to Host Halloween Hoopla
Torrington Area Families for Autism to Host Sensory-Friendly Trick or Treating
Torrington Area Families for Autism (T.A.F.A) is very excited to be offering a sensory-friendly trick or treat at KidsPlay Children's Museum again this year. This event allows children and families to engage in trick-or-treating in a safe, contained and subdued environment, which allows families that otherwise might not be able to access this Halloween tradition with the opportunity to do so!

This is the cornerstone of the T.A.F.A. mission for inclusion and T.A.F.A. is thankful for on-going collaborations with KidsPlay to make events like this accessible. If you or your agency/ organization would like to be a part of this magical evening by participating as a candy/treat vendor table, T.A.F.A. would be incredibly grateful. The timing, details, and form to register can be accessed via this LINK.
Torrington Main Street Hosts 2024 Christmas Holiday Festival & Flea Market 
Torrington Main Street and Edward Cannata present the second annual Torrington Christmas Holiday Festival and Flea Market on November 2 (rain date November 3) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Torrington.

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!
Torrington Library Events 
Books and Braids is BACK! Mrs. Artruc will be back at the library for her very popular Books and Braids tomorrow and again on November 13! This Saturday's theme is going to have a little twist! There will be the option of doing Halloween-themed braids, and there will be face-painting!

Kids and teens 5-17 can bring a book to read while getting their hair braided (and she has so many different designs to choose from!)

Please see Miss Jill with any questions.
Family Trivia Night is coming up soon! Families can join Torrington Library for a fun-filled night of trivia questions, snacks, and crafts. Prizes will be awarded to winning teams placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place! 

Teams should include at least 1 adult and kids at least 8 years old. Please have no more than 6 people per team. Get your team names ready and register HERE.
It's never too late to start planning for your retirement and M&T Bank will be at Torrington Library on October 10 to help explain the process.

Attendees of this workshop will learn what factors to consider while planning retirement, how to estimate expenses, identify strategies to maximize savings, compare different retirement plans, and how to set goals for their retirement savings.

If you're looking to learn more about planning for retirement, please register to attend HERE.
The TAB Teens have been working hard creating props for their annual Haunted House fundraising event, and this years' theme is a night at a haunted toy store!

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.
Updates from Friendly Hands Food Bank
As you know by now, Hurricane Helene roared through the Southeast portion of the country, leaving devastation behind in states including Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. You may feel helpless in what you can do to help our southern neighbors who are suffering. One way to help is to donate to the local food banks in the area. Click HERE for more information or click the graphic below. Helping the food banks will help ensure people can eat, drink, and stay nourished as they pick up the pieces. 
It’s NOT too early to think about donating to our food bank to help feed NWCT families this holiday season. Below, you'll find a list of Thanksgiving items needed.
Sign-ups for Thanksgiving baskets started this week for CURRENT CLIENTS ONLY. Please see the front desk for tickets.
Sign-ups for the Christmas Gift Program have started. Open to clients only, for children 10 and under. Client requirement is six months of consistent visits. 
Updates from Northwest CT
Chamber of Commerce
Explore a world of job opportunities and meet some of the best companies in the northwest corner at the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce's upcoming job fair! Whether you are actively seeking employment or looking to hire new workers, this event is the perfect opportunity to make meaningful connections.
Oliver Wolcott Tech Alumni Association Hosts Designer Bag Bingo
The Oliver Wolcott Tech Alumni Association invites you to Designer Bag Bingo, on Saturday, October 26, at the Winsted Elks Lodge, starting at 6 p.m. Bag and raffle preview from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and bingo starts at 7 p.m. Cash bar and bring your own snacks. 

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

Now that the Warner Theatre's ticketing software changeover is complete, and as the theatre gears up for the busy gifting season, theatre officials want to remind everyone that only tickets purchased from warnertheatre.org or warnertheatre.evenue.net are legitimate and guaranteed! 

A Google search may show scam sites or out-of-state theatres with the same name. These scam sites often charge more than double the retail price with ridiculous fees. If a ticket price seems too high, double-check the website you're on! 

Please note that the Warner Theatre does not have a 1-800 number. The only number for the Warner Theatre is 860-489-7180.

If you have any questions you can always call the Box Office directly at 860-489-7180 x1 and Warner staff will be happy to help you with your ticket purchase!

Did you grow up watching Fraggle Rock? The Warner Theatre is bringing Fraggle Rock Life to Torrington on April 12. Tickets went on sale today at 10 a.m. For more information, visit warnertheatre.org or call the Box Office at 860-489-7180 x1.
Join the Warner Theater on October 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a blood drive in partnership with The American Red Cross. The Red Cross is currently facing a critical blood shortage, so if you're eligible to donate, please consider donating at this blood drive. Offer your precious blood, and you may find yourself winning 2 tickets to the opening night of the Stage @ The Warner production of Dracula on October 25 at 8 p.m.

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

On Sunday, October 6, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., prepare to haunt the night in style! Enjoy spooktacular deals on all costume rentals, starting at $50. Whether you're a middle schooler or an adult, the Warner Theatre has a fantastic selection of costumes to make you the talk of the town this year. Transform into a witch, ghoul, fairy, wizard, and more - the collection has something for everyone!

***The costume shop is only accessible by stairs. Not all costume pieces are available for rental. Private rental appointments for Halloween costumes can be made during regular shop hours the week of October 7th. For more information, please contact Costume Shop Manager Renee Purdy at rpurdy@warnertheatre.org or 860-489-7180 x1190.

You can "RSVP" HERE. 

The Warner Theatre’s annual International Playwrights Festival is set to captivate audiences with an inspiring lineup of new short plays. Taking place at the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre on October 11-12 at 8 p.m., this year’s festival promises an unforgettable theatrical experience, featuring ten new works performed and directed by local talent. Tickets are only $17. Click HERE for more information. 

Friday’s lineup includes:

  • Concessions by Randall David Cook (New York) – A quick-witted comedy about two unlikely vendors with a battle of wits and egos.
  • Seal Island by John Bray (Georgia) – A tale of friendship and closure, set on a mysterious, isolated island.
  • Nuptial by Brigit van Gemeren (Minnesota) – A hilarious, rule-breaking escapade to stage a wedding in a Catholic church.
  • The Last Leaf by David Graham (Georgia) – An adaptation of O. Henry’s classic story of hope, art, and life.
  • The Matchmaker by Mindy Roll (Texas) – A lighthearted clash of generations, as a Gen Z dating coach takes on an older client.

Saturday’s lineup offers:

  • The Perfect Job by Charlene Donaghy (Connecticut) – A reunion between old friends, navigating life’s toughest decisions.
  • Coco and Other Mysteries of Lower East Side by Julie Weinberg (New York) – A touching look at friendship, grief, and healing.
  • If You See a Hyena by Bara Swain (New York) – A powerful exploration of illness, love, and adaptation.
  • Timber by Lindsey Brown (New Zealand) – A story about love, adventure, and risk on a cliffside.
  • Judy and Dolly Wrap It Up by Alisha Christiansen (Oregon) – A heartwarming celebration of friendship, music, and resilience.
The Annual Wine and Food Tasting is back! Join the Warner Theatre for Sips, Spirits, and Snacks on October 19 from 7-9 p.m. VIP ticket holders enjoy early access with entry an hour before the main event, plus access to the VIP room featuring exclusive catering and private tastings of premium wines and spirits! For tickets or more information visit warnertheatre.org/winetasting/.

This Halloween season, the Warner Theatre invites audiences to experience a chilling adaptation of Bram Stoker's timeless vampire tale with a bold new twist. Dracula, presented by Stage @ the Warner, runs from October 25 through November 3 in the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre.

Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, Countess Dracula embarks on a ruthless conquest, stalking and draining the blood of handsome young Englishmen. It is up to an intrepid band of badass women to stop Dracula before all is lost!

Penned by playwright Jana Beagley, this reverse-gendered adaptation reimagines the legendary Transylvanian vampire as the bloodthirsty Countess Dracula. Dracula is directed and production managed by Dick Terhune, stage managed by Emily Collins, with costume design by Renee Purdy, lighting design by Matt DeLong, set & projections design and scenic charge by Lana Peck, sound by Josh Rodin, and master carpentry by Alex Tuttle.

This thrilling production is sponsored by Northwest Community Bank. Tickets are on sale at warnertheatre.org or by calling the box office at 860-489-7180.