Michelle L. Cook

Governor Lamont is continuing to sign bills into law, and one of note is the signing of the bill to establish tax exemptions for veterans who have a service-connected permanent and total disability rating. 

This newsletter includes:

• Public Act 24-46 Signed by Governor Lamont
• Photos: Memorial Day Parade in Torrington
• Torrington Strawberry Festival on Saturday
• John Brown Trail Loop on CT Trails Day Agenda
• Pride Day Flag Raising on Monday
• Torrington Farmers Market Opens June 15
• Updates from Friendly Hands Food Bank
• NWCT Chamber of Commerce Meet & Greet with AG Tong
• Juneteenth Celebration in Torrington
• And More!

Come enjoy a day of fun, shopping, food, and of course, delicious fresh-made Strawberry Shortcake! 
 
Visit 65 arts and craft vendors from all around Connecticut and beyond, bringing all kinds of handmade and handcrafted products for purchase.

It wouldn’t be a Strawberry Festival without Connecticut’s BEST Strawberry Shortcake - fresh biscuits baked on the premises and homemade whipped cream! 
 
There will also be Connecticut's BEST strawberry shortcake, strawberry lemonade, strawberry-rhubarb, and peach pie, plus a delicious strawberry green-leaf salad, pulled pork (from Zach & Lou's BBQ) or a hot dog, both with a side of baked beans. Or visit the food truck area where you can expect a collection of mouthwatering cuisine.
 
Entertainment for the kids will be available as well, with the return of the “Strawberry Festival Express Train” taking people both young and old for rides around the park ($3/person).
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The official “Strawberry Shortcake” mascot will be back and walking around to meet and greet and take photos with.
 
Come spend the day in Coe Memorial Park in downtown Torrington, Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain date is June 2

Torrington's contribution is the John Brown trail loop on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is an easy 0.7-mile loop around John Brown’s family home at the time of his birth and maintained by the Torrington Historical Society.  A recently built 0.5-mile connector trail and boardwalk through a bog connects this loop to the Five Points Art Center and the former UConn – Torrington campus.


The hike will begin with a discussion of the importance of John Brown to the history of the United States by the Torrington Historical Society. The hike will start the loop and continue on the bog connector trail and boardwalk to the Five Points Art Center where they will be celebrating its Print Festival. This festival is free and hikers are encouraged to visit the exhibits, demonstrations, activities, and food trucks.  Hikers who wish to linger longer at the Print Festival may return to the John Brown home site on their own.


This hike is for all ability levels, although you can expect uneven ground and some muddy areas. Bring your hiking boots and drinking water. Pre-registration is NOT required, but parking is limited to the sides of John Brown Road.

For more information or to find additional events this weekend, click HERE. 

Show your support for the LGBTQ+ community. 

There is also a Tuesday market starting July 9 from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Both markets are located in the same location: St. Paul’s Church parking lot: 837 Charles St, Torrington.

Whether you're hiking scenic trails, lounging on beautiful beaches, or enjoying local festivals, there's no shortage of activities to make your summer unforgettable. Get out and explore all that our state has to offer!

Don’t forget - through the Passport to the Parks program, drivers that have a Connecticut-registered vehicle do not have to pay a fee to park at any state park and forest. Learn more at ctparks.com.

Locally, just days after coverage on the news, Torrington first responders faced another dangerous situation - the third in a month. 

Over Memorial Day weekend, Torringford Volunteer Fire Department dispatched to the area of 1858 East Main Street for reports of a multi-car collision.

Three vehicles were involved, and as firefighters were working to secure the scene and aid victims from the accident, a fourth vehicle drove between multiple firetrucks, through a set of cones, and into the scene of the accident where firefighters were working.

Torringford Volunteer Fire Department would like to remind everyone to slow down and move over whenever they see emergency vehicles parked with their emergency lights flashing.

This follows two additional incidents earlier this month. Local 1567 IAFF Torrington Fire Department posted the following information on Facebook:

Local 1567's members have experienced numerous close calls with motorists this month.

On May 20, members assigned to Engine 4 responded to a service wire down on the roadway. While operating on scene a motorist drove over the wire, entangling a firefighter and injuring him.

On May 8, while operating on Route 8, Engine 4 was almost struck by a motorcycle as can be seen by the skid mark extremely close to the engine.

Local 1567 implores the public to drive with caution when they see an emergency vehicle parked on the side of the road. It's the law! Our members want to return safely at the end of their shift as much as they want the public to return to their families as well. 

Torrington Parks and Recreation's marketplace will be a vibrant and fun event that attracts a diverse crowd of shoppers, foodies, and families. Sunny Market Days offer a unique opportunity for vendors to showcase and sell products to an enthusiastic audience.

By renting a vending spot, you'll have the chance to:

- Increase brand awareness and visibility
- Reach an engaged audience
- Sell your products and increase revenue
- Network with other vendors and build relationships

Vending spots are available for a variety of product categories, including:

- Food and beverages (licensed carts only)
- Handmade crafts and artisanal goods
- Local produce and flowers
- Specialty items and services

If you're interested in learning more or would like to secure a 10'x10' vending spot, please email Debbie_Cashman@torringtonct.org

Although the walk on June 15th is virtual, members of Kelly's Crusaders are meeting at 9:30 a.m. at the Winsted DMV parking lot to walk on the Sue Grossman Greenway. The team was named for Kelly Considine, a Torrington woman who has been battling CRPS for nearly two decades. 

For more information, to sign up, donate, etc., click HERE.