October 11th Update

October 11, 2024

This e-newsletter is very education-centric, as we highlight the ongoing progress at THS and TMS, welcoming a new early learning center to town, and cutting the ribbon on an inclusive playscape at Torringford Elementary School.

This weekend is the Italian-American Street Festival, and time is running out to get your tickets to Torrington Library's Taste of Torrington on October 26. 

Did you know Torrington is getting its very own cat cafe? 

I hope you have a good weekend!
I wish all those observing Yom Kippur a meaningful and reflective day of atonement and peace. G’mar Chatimah Tovah.
This newsletter includes:
  • School Construction Project Getting Closer to Completion
  • Ribbon Cutting at Torringford Elementary School's Inclusive Playscape
  • Ribbon Cutting at EdAdvance's New Early Childhood Learning Center
  • Early Voting Dates & Voting Information
  • October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
  • Torrington Set to Welcome a New Cat Cafe
  • Torrington's Italian-American Street Festival is Saturday
  • Halloween Hoopla on October 25
  • Updates from Five Points Art Center
  • Warner Theatre Updates
  • And More
School Construction Project Getting Close to Completion
A tale of the photos shows just how much progress has been made on the school construction project for Torrington High School and Middle School and how close we are to completion. High school students will be welcomed into the new building after Christmas break and grades seven and eight will start with the 2025 school year. 
Ribbon Cutting at Torringford Inclusive Playscape
On a crisp Thursday morning, Torringford Elementary School cut the ribbon on its new inclusive playscape. The project was funded by the Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund, the American Rescue Plan ESSER II SPED Recovery Activity Fund, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Grant, Jesperson's Landscaping LLC, and several Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation funds, including the Carlton D. Fyler and Jenny R. Fyler Fund, Marion and Vic Muschell Family Fund, and Milewski and Masisak Families Fund. 

Photos: (Left to right) Co-Chairperson Edward Corey, Torrington Board of Education; State Representative Michelle Cook - 65th District; Superintendent Michael Wilson, Torrington Public Schools; Teacher Elaine Surveski (cutting ribbon), Forbes Elementary School; Assistant Superintendent Susan Fergusson, Torrington Public Schools; Vice President of Community Engagement Julia Scharnberg, NW CT Community Foundation; Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Laura Klimaszewski, Torrington Public Schools; Supervisor of Student Services Lindsey Goodwin, Torrington Public Schools; Grants Manager Donna Labbe, Torrington Public Schools; State Senator Lisa Seminara - 8th District; and Principal Kelly Galullo, Torringford Elementary School.
Ribbon Cutting at New Early Childhood Learning Center
I was happy to attend and speak at the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new EdAdvance Early Childhood Learning Center on Grove Street in Torrington recently. The new center gives families in Torrington and around the greater Torrington area - a safe place to bring their children to learn and play. This will help alleviate some of the childcare slot scarcity. 

If you click the graphic below, you can listen to my comments at the ribbon cutting. 
Early Voting Dates
If you plan to vote early this election season, here's some important information to share:

Early voting dates: October 21-November 3
Location: Torrington City Hall Auditorium, 140 Main Street
Time: Most days, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. On 10/29 and 10/31, voting hours from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Some Tips to Protect Yourself
Our devices and online accounts are targeted daily by bad actors. Anyone can fall victim to cyber scams and attacks, so here are some common-sense steps we all can take to protect ourselves.

This year's theme of Cybersecurity Awareness Month - Secure Our World - is a reminder that every one of us has a responsibility to do everything we can to protect our information online.
Torrington Set to Welcome New Cat Cafe
The cat cafe "Perk and Paws" will be opening at 100 Franklin Street, likely by the end of this month. The cafe will partner with Love for Meow, a cat sanctuary in Harwinton, and will have a special cat room where patrons can visit with the animals. 
 
You can read more about the cat cafe in the Register Citizen or visit the Perk and Paws Facebook page to follow updates. 
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
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 
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.
Torrington Library is celebrating 160 years of being your library! Celebrate during the annual food and drink tasting featuring Torrington-based restaurants and Connecticut-based liquor distributors. It's a great way to welcome people to the library and showcase all that Torrington has to offer.

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. 
Updates from Friendly Hands Food Bank
Introducing Friendly Hands Food Bank's latest endeavor FHFB’s MOBILE FOOD PANTRY - coming to an event near you! There will be a ribbon-cutting on the horizon. Watch this space for more information!
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.

Don't miss your chance to participate! There are still vendor opportunities available. Call 860-482-6586 or email karen@nwctchamberofcommerce.org.
Updates from Five Points Art Center
Click on the graphics below for more information on these events and to register. For the stained glass ornament workshop, please call 860-618-2167 for more information. 
All Five Points Art Center Workshops
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!

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. 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.

Tickets are on sale at warnertheatre.org or by calling the box office at 860-489-7180.
The Warner is thrilled to bring Paul Anka: All the Hits – His Way to the Oneglia Auditorium on November 13 at 7:30 p.m. One of the most successful singer/songwriters in music, with over 100 million albums sold, Paul Anka has the distinction of being the only artist in history to have a song on the Billboard charts for seven consecutive decades.

 
This concert features his instantly recognizable hits from the last seven decades including “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” “Diana,” “My Way,” “Puppy Love” and “Lonely Boy,” among many others. Paul Anka is a force of nature and a consummate showman, commanding every audience and playing to standing ovations around the world backed by his all-star band!
 
Paul Anka: All the Hits – His Way is in Torrington for one night only at the Warner Theatre! Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at warnertheatre.org or by phone at 860-489-7180 x 1. Don’t miss this chance to experience Paul Anka live at the Warner Theatre for an unforgettable night of music and memories!
ON SALE NOW: A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland, Sunday, December 8 at 3 p.m. in the Oneglia Auditorium. warnertheatre.org/events/celtic-christmas/

After captivating audiences across New York, A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland has entertained thousands around the globe and now returns to the U.S. this holiday season. Experience the magic as world-class performers blend melodic folk mashups, acapella tap battles, and heartwarming storytelling in one truly unforgettable performance.
ON SALE NOW: Classic Seger, Saturday, April 11 at 7:30 pm in the Oneglia Auditorium. warnertheatre.org/events/classic-seger/

Get ready for that “Old Time Rock & Roll” as Classic Seger brings the ultimate salute to Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band to the Warner Theatre as part of the band's Hollywood Nights 2025 North American Tour.

Thrilling audiences across North America, Classic Seger brings the energy, excitement, and raw power of a vintage Bob Seger concert to the stage, leaving fans singing, dancing, and screaming for more! Classic Seger is a world-class tribute act, performing masterful renditions of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band’s greatest hits featuring songs like Night Moves, Turn the Page, Against the Wind, Old Time Rock & Roll, and many more all-time favorites.

Did you grow up watching Fraggle Rock? The Warner Theatre is bringing Fraggle Rock Life to Torrington on April 12. Tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit warnertheatre.org or call the Box Office at 860-489-7180 x1.