July 12th Update

July 12, 2024
We are truly in the "dog days of summer." I hope everyone is keeping themselves and their loved ones safe. Extreme heat is nothing to mess with, and combined with humidity, it can impact a person in a variety of ways, including dehydration, an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke; and can cause serious health issues for people with heart disease and high blood pressure.  

This week, I had the opportunity to tour Warner Theatre with members of Governor Lamont's staff to talk about the theatre's capital needs and the impact it has had on Torrington. 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
This newsletter includes:
  • Warner Theatre Tour with Governor's Staff, State Officials
  • SNAP Recipients Urged to Change PIN
  • No Burning, Per TFD
  • Municipal Parking Lot Update
  • Drakeville VFD Celebrates 75 Years, Welcomes New Slate of Officers
  • Our Culture is Beautiful Hosts Fun in the Park Through August 15
  • 2024 Concert Series at St. Paul's Lutheran Church
  • All-Star Transportation to Host Hiring Event for Drivers & Fleet Mechanics
  • Torrington Recreation Hosts Christmas in July
  • Torrington Library Events
  • Torrington PAL Volleyball Camp
  • Police Exam Coming Up
  • Afternoon Tea with the Princesses
  • School of Rock at the Warner Theatre
  • And More!
Warner Theatre Tour with Governor's Staff, State Officials
On Tuesday, I joined members of the Governor's staff, including Chief of Staff Matt Brokman, DECD Deputy Commissioner Matt Pugliese, and representatives from the Warner and Bushnell. We walked through the theatre to discuss its capital needs and the positive impact it has on Torrington.
SNAP Recipients Urged to Change PIN
The Department of Social Services (DSS) wanted to give an update on a national problem that’s been impacting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries here in Connecticut. As I’m sure you are aware theft of SNAP benefits by criminals steadily increased between 2023 and 2024 in Connecticut, but this month, SNAP beneficiaries took action to change their PINS on their EBT cards and protect their benefits.
 
DSS started a campaign to educate SNAP recipients on how to better protect themselves against theft. The department went from 1,231 referrals in the first week of June to just 460 in the first week of July. That’s a nearly 63% decrease. But criminals are still hard at work. DSS is asking that SNAP recipients take the following steps to protect their benefits.

Instructions on how to change your EBT card PIN are on the DSS website. But the advice DSS is giving is as follows:

  • Avoid simple PINs. Number combinations such as 1111, 1234 or 9876 may be easy for others to guess.
  • Keep your PIN and card number secret. Do not share your PIN or card number with anyone outside your household. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN on a card reader.
  • Beware of phishing. DSS and EBT customer service will never call or text to ask for your PIN or card number.
  • Change your PIN often. Change your PIN at least once a month, especially right before your benefits are to be added to your card, by calling EBT Customer Service at 1-888-328-2666.
  • Check your EBT account regularly for unauthorized charges. If you see any, change your PIN right away to stop the thief from making new purchases.
  • To request a replacement of stolen SNAP benefits, please fill out the form at: https://dss-replacementbenefits.ct.gov/
No Burning, Per TFD

A message from the Torrington Fire Department: Please note that no burning will be allowed within the city until further notice due to poor air quality and high heat.
Municipal Parking Lot Update
A message from Torrington Library: Important Parking Lot Construction Update!

Phase 1 of the lot construction is complete and they're moving on to phase 2! This means a few important updates:

Please park in the new area of pavement.

The only entrance into the lot is through Prospect Street. The Center Bridge and Daycoeton Place entrances are closed.

The handicap ramp is available, but you must enter from the Daycoeton Place walkway and loop around to the ramp. We are working on ways to make this easier, so please bear with us!

The book return at the rear of the building near the dumpster is no longer accessible and has been moved back to Daycoeton Place, which is fully accessible for returns and access into the building.

We apologize for the inconvenience and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this exciting project with the city. Be on the lookout for more updates.

Don't forget we do have curbside pickup available to make your visit quick and easy! Access the information HERE. 
Drakeville VFD Celebrates 75 Years & Welcomes New Slate of Officers
The Drakeville Volunteer Fire Department held its annual meeting last night at the firehouse and welcomed friends and family and a new slate of officers:

Chief Tom Kalinowski
Lieutenant Jon Maver
Lieutenant Chris Beyus
President Mike Whittaker
Vice President Chris Beyus
Treasurer Tom Kalinowski
Secretary George Levy
Commissioner Tom Purcha
Commissioner Jon Maver
Commissioner Mike Ocain

Torrington Fire Chief Borden, Torrington Assistant Chief Shopey, and Norfolk Fire Chief Hutchins also joined DVFD last night!
Our Culture is Beautiful Hosts
Fun in the Park 
Tickets Still Available for First Responders Night at Dunkin' Park
The date to buy tickets to First Responder Night at Dunkin' Park has been extended to Tuesday, July 16. You can purchase tickets HERE. Any questions, contact Ed Urbansky at ej.urbansky@ctffm.net. 
St. Paul's Lutheran Church Concert Series
All-Star Transportation to Host Hiring Event
Torrington Recreation Hosts
Christmas in July
Mark your calendars and join the fun as Torrington Recreation hosts "Christmas in July" at the Christmas Village on July 19. 
Torrington Library Summer Hours 
Summer hours are now in effect at the library and will be open 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays. (Don't worry, the hours remain the same Monday-Friday)

Please note that the public access computers shut down 30 minutes before the library, and the Children's Room closes 15 minutes before.
Torrington Farmers Market is Open
The Torrington Farmers Market is now OPEN for the season on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. It will be open every Saturday rain or shine through October.

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

Both markets are located in the same location: St. Paul’s Church parking lot at 837 Charles St, Torrington.
Updates from Friendly Hands Food Bank
Updates from Northwest CT
Chamber of Commerce
The next Business After-Hours is July 17, from 5-7 p.m., at Dutema Life Institute DBA Healing Haven. To register, click HERE or click the graphic below.
Important information regarding the state's MyCTSavings retirement program. Notifications to newly-eligible will be sent out this month. The enrollment deadline is August 31. For more information, click HERE or click the graphic below.  
2024 AARP Livable Communities Grant Program

AARP Connecticut invites nonprofit organizations and municipalities across the state to apply for the 2024 Livable Communities Grant Program. Now in its seventh year, the grant program dedicated to funding “quick-action” projects in Connecticut communities, aims to help the state’s neighborhoods, towns and cities be great places to live for people of all ages. The application deadline is Friday, August 16, at 5 p.m.

The AARP Connecticut Livable Communities Grant Program is open to incorporated organizations that are 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofits and Connecticut municipalities who seek to make improvements in their neighborhood or community in Connecticut.

Grants can range from small, short-term activities to larger, permanent solutions, but the maximum amount of any single grant will be $5,000. All applications should be for a project of $5,000 or less. AARP Connecticut has funded 38 projects since the inception of the Livable Communities Grant Program in 2018.

Grant applications should be for projects in Connecticut that are focused on improving the lives of those 50+ and make a positive impact within one of the following 8 Domains of Livability:

  • Outdoor spaces and buildings
  • Transportation
  • Housing
  • Social Participation
  • Respect and Social Inclusion
  • Work and Civic Engagement
  • Communication and Information
  • Community and Health Services

Comprehensive details about the program and applications can be found on www.aarp.org/ct. All proposals must be submitted to CTLivable@aarp.org by 5 p.m. ET, August 16, 2024, and all projects must be completed within 12 months from the day grant funding is received. 

Please email questions to CTLivable@aarp.org.
Torrington Parks & Recreation's Summer Concert Series
Torrington Library Events 
In partnership with the Torrington Historical Society, Torrington Library presents an evening of reminiscing as we highlight some of T-town’s favorite shopping spots!

Stars, Woolworths, Quality Shop, Reibmans, Caldor, Haymarket Square, Mr. Bs…all of these stores bring back retail nostalgia! And all have come and gone throughout the library’s 160 years of service to the community.

Join in on Thursday, July 18, and be sure to bring your memories and your photos! Reserve your spot HERE. 
Summer Family Frenzy will be here before we know it! Secure your cupcakes by buying your tickets beforehand! They are available for purchase at the Main Desk! $5.00/pp with a cap at $25.00 for a family. Proceeds benefit the Teen Advisory Board (TAB). 
Torrington PAL Volleyball Camp
Police Entry-Level Exam Coming Up
From the Torrington Police Department: entry-level examination will be held on July 25 at the Litchfield County Fire School in Torrington. Please click HERE for access to the test registration/download and directions for submission.
Afternoon Tea with the Princesses
Enjoy a magical afternoon with Nutmeg Fudge Company while you mingle with your favorite princesses and characters. The event is July 28 from 1-3 p.m. at Nutmeg Fudge Company, 20 East Main Street. You're encouraged to dress to impress!

The cost of $45 per 1 adult and 1 child includes: assorted drinks, snacks, make-your-own-sundaes, freeze dance, crafts to take home, and more!

Additional adults or children attending are $22.50 per person.

Advanced reservations required. For more information, click HERE. 

To see what other events are coming up at Nutmeg Fudge Company, click HERE. 
140th Annual Crocodile Club - Lions Club Event
School of Rock at the Warner Theatre
It might be summer, but school is in session for the cast of School of Rock! Rehearsals are underway for the Warner’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s electrifying musical, School of Rock, running August 2-11 in the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre at the Warner Theatre.

The cast features: Noel Roberge (Dewey), Kelly White (Rosalie), Robert Wiener (Ned), Faith Potter (Patty), Fern Begley (Shonelle), Harriet Luongo (Katie), Archie Esposito (James), Sophia Poirier (Marcy), Kassell Miller (Mason), Aubrey Grimes (Tomika), Lev Sadeh (Freddy), Owen Sayler (Zack), Sawyer Delaney (Billy), Finnegan Chenette (Lawrence), Luciana Scheinberg (Summer), Victoria Funchion (Sophie), Kinsley Tortora (Madison), Christine Mitchell-Robinson (Ms. Sheinkopf), Ray Esposito (Snake, Mr. Mooneyham), Nick Komons (Theo (Lead Singer), Mr. Ward, Mr. Janes), Daniel Tortora (Stanley, Mr. Spencer, Mr. Sanders), Scott Iwanicki (Doug, Mr. Sandford, Mr. Wagner, Security Guard), Alex Alves (Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Noble, Jeff), Sean Miscikoski (Bob, Mr. Green, Cop), Paul Leitz (Mr. Williams, Gabe), Iris Courchaine (Ms. Travis, Ms Macapaguy, No Vacancy Groupie, Bar Waitress), Melissa Green (Miss Hathaway, Ms. Bingham), and Lauren Hyne (Ms. Turner, Ms. Gordon).
School of Rock: The Musical is directed and choreographed by Roxie Quinn, music directed by John Dressel, with production management by Charlene Speyerer, stage management by Craig Clavette, scenic design by Kevin Pelkey, costume design by Renee Purdy, lighting design by Matt DeLong, sound design by Frank Beaudry, and props design and scenic painting by Lana Peck.

In conjunction with School of Rock, the Warner is excited to partner with ServiceMaster Albino for their annual Backpack & School Supplies Drive. Throughout July 2024, the Warner Theatre Box Office will serve as a drop-off location. Patrons who drop off a backpack before August 1 will be entered to win a ‘night-out package,’ including a family 4-pack of tickets to see School of Rock and a $100 gift card to Sasso’s. Donations after August 1 will earn a free concession coupon. Box Office hours are Tuesday-Wednesday & Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Thursday-Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed Sunday-Monday. Drop-offs will also be accepted in the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre lobby during School of Rock performances.

Get ready to rock and grab your tickets to School of Rock: The Musical. Tickets start at only $32. Learn more at warnertheatre.org or call 860-489-7180.
Torringford Volunteer FD Annual Car Show