Community News For The Enfield Edition

Substance Abuse Prevention Talk

SOMERS — On Tuesday, May 15, Somers Comes Together will host a community event to provide information on how to handle difficult conversations regarding substance abuse prevention and treatment.

The event will take place at the Somers Town Hall, 600 Main St. Refreshments and the resource fair at 5:30 p.m. The presentation begins at 6 p.m. Should a second budget referendum be required and the Town Hall be unavailable due to voting, this event will be moved to the Somers Senior Center, 19 Battle St.

Speakers will include Colleen Sullivan, MSW, CPS-Town of

Enfield
Youth Services Prevention Coordinator, Kelly Fisher of The Alex Fisher Foundation, and Ashley Beard, LPC, Susana Grados, LMSW, and Nicole Tedone, MS of Community Health Resources.

Kelly Fisher will present “Hidden in Plain Sight,” a demonstration which creates a mock bedroom modeled after a teen’s room. The mock bedroom provides insight into where drugs could potentially be hidden, often in plain sight.

There will be a resource fair at this event with representation from several organizations such as Community Health Resources, ERASE (East of the River Action for Substance Abuse Elimination), SMART Recovery, and Learn to Cope. There will also be a drug take back station at this event. Somers Police will be on site accepting all unused and unwanted prescriptions. Safely disposing of medications is just one of the many ways we can work together to combat substance use.

The Somers Recreation Department will provide pizza and supervised activities free of charge for children of parents or caregivers who wish to attend the forum. Call Chris Boucher at 860-265-3840 or email CBoucher@somersct.gov to register a child.

Parade At The Opera House

BROAD BROOK — Opera House Players presents “Parade” at the Broad Brook Opera House, 107 Main St., from May 4 through May 20. Tickets are available by visiting www.operahouseplayers.org or calling the box office at 860-292-6068.

Opening night tickets are $17 and all other performances are $21 per adult and $17 per person under 12 or over 60. A group discount is available for groups of 15 or more.

This production features a cast of 24 actors from Massachusetts and Connecticut. It will be directed by Sharon Fitzhenry, with musical direction from Bill Martin. Gift certificates and 2018-19 season tickets available by calling the box office.

Library Bag Sale

EAST WINDSOR — The Friends of the Warehouse Point Library, 107 Main St., will be holding a bag sale starting Saturday, May 5, to Saturday May 19. The bags are $6 unless you provide your own yellow Friends bag, then the cost is $5.

The sale will go on during library hours, Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Parade Contest

EAST WINDSOR — Join the East Windsor 250th Anniversary Heritage Day Parade. Parade entry forms are available at EW250.com via the Heritage Day link. Prizes will be awarded for each of the five villages: Broad Brook, Melrose, Scantic, Warehouse Point and Windsorville, along with a Special Grand Marshal Award.

There are no entry fees. Entries may include classic cars, Scout troops, community organizations, bands, floats, horse groups, clowns, marching groups and more.

Mohegan Sun Trip

SOMERS — The Somers Senior Center’s David Gwilliam Mohegan Sun casino trip will take place on Tuesday, May 15. The bus departs at 8:30 a.m. from the Somers Senior Center, 19 Battle St.

The trip includes round trip deluxe motor coach, $20 in gaming vouchers, $15 food voucher and driver’s gratuity. A $30 per person non-refundable payment is due upon sign up. The trip is open to all.

Passengers are encouraged to park at the Kibbe Fuller Community Center if possible. The Senior Center doors do not open until 8 a.m. Call 860-763-4379 for more information.

South American Wine Talk

WINDSOR — Brian Somers, author of “Geography of Wine” and assistant dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at CCSU, will present a free wine tasting and talk about South American wine from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 10, at the Windsor Public Library, 323 Broad St.

The event is for people ages 21 and over. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. and registration is required. Call 860-285-1925 to register.

Indoor Tag Sale

SOMERS — The Somers Congregational Church, 599 Main St., is holding its annual indoor tag sale on Saturday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, May 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.somerscongregational.org or call 860-763-4021.

Paint And Sip Fundraiser

ENFIELD — Asnuntuck Community College’s Foundation is hosting a paint and sip fundraiser on Wednesday, May 9, at 6 p.m. to benefit its scholarship fund. The event will take place at 170 Elm St.

For $35, participants will receive a glass of wine, light refreshments and will paint flowers in a vase on a choice of slate or canvas. To reserve a seat, call 413-205-8346 or go to berkshirepaintandsip.com, and scroll down to the 5/9 event at Asnuntuck.

For more information, contact ACC’s Director of Institutional Advancement Keith Madore at kmadore@asnuntuck.edu or 860-253-3041.

Golf Tournament

FEEDING HILLS, MASS. — Registrations and sponsorships are being accepted for the Saint Martha School annual Golf Tournament.

The annual Fore the Children Golf Tournament will take place on Sunday, May 20, at Oak Ridge Golf Club, 850 S. Westfield St. All proceeds benefit the students of Saint Martha School. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch, a shotgun start at noon, and a banquet dinner after play. The tournament includes hole-in-one prizes, course contests and raffle prizes.

Contact event Co-Chairperson Carolyn McCaffrey at 860-394-5350 or smarthagolf@gmail.com for golf registration and sponsorship options. Visit https://www.stmarthaschool-ct.org for the forms.

Parish Raffle Ongoing

ENFIELD — Tickets for St. Jeanne Jugan Parish’s annual raffle are on sale. They will be available from members of St. Bernard Church and from parents of St. Bernard School students, as well as at the rectories of Holy Family Church, 23 Simon Road, and St. Bernard Church, 426 Hazard Ave.

Tickets cost $5 each. Prizes to be awarded in this year’s raffle are gift certificates for $2,000 to the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside, $1,500 to Home Depot, and $1,000 to Super Stop & Shop.

The raffle drawing comes at the end of the parish’s annual Carnival, which will be held from Thursday, May 31, through Saturday, June 2, on the grounds of St. Bernard Church along Route 190 in Hazardville. The drawing will be held on Saturday, June 2, at 9:30 p.m. at the carnival. Ticket holders need not be present to win.

The parish also is offering opportunities to sponsor the carnival at a variety of levels. There are four sponsorship levels: platinum, for a $500 donation; gold, $300; silver, $200; and bronze, $150. Sponsorship donations are tax-deductible.

Platinum sponsors’ names will be displayed above select booths during the carnival, and all sponsors’ names will be posted on a special “Honor Roll” board in front of both Holy Family and St. Bernard churches during the weeks leading up to and following the carnival. For more information on sponsorships, visit www.sjjenfield.org or call the St. Bernard Church rectory at 860-749-8353.

Safety Awareness Workshop

ENFIELD — The Enfield Congregational Church, 1295 Enfield St., will be hosting a safety awareness workshop on Sunday, May 6.

This event, open to the public, will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This program is being presented by retired law enforcement officer Dominik Violante of Inside Threat Counseling and will include the Run, Hide, Fight principles. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, email echurch01@sbcglobal.net or call 860-745-3646.

Enfield Senior Center Events

ENFIELD — The following events will take place at the Enfield Senior Center, 299 Elm St. Call 860-763-7425 with any questions.

The Senior Minor Repair Program, sponsored by the Enfield Commission on Aging, is ongoing. Requests can be made by calling 860-253-6395. The program focuses on minor home repairs that can help Enfield Seniors remain more comfortable and safe in their homes. Examples of the assistance provided include window air conditioner installation & removal, leaking faucets, changing smoke detector batteries. There is no charge for labor however, there may be a charge for supplies, at cost. The program is staffed strictly by volunteers who have had background checks performed and carry an ID. A brief description of the repair requested is needed to help ensure the proper tools and/or supplies are available.

If you enjoy singing, consider joining the Goldtones, the Senior Center Chorus. There are no auditions. The Goldtones meet on Thursdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting and other needlework? Do you wish to brush up on your skills? We have a group of enthusiastic needle crafters known as Creative Stitches. Our group of needle workers is more than delighted to help those getting started. If any this applies to you, please join us on Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. We welcome new members of any age, gender or ability. Class is free and there is no need to sign up, just drop in.

Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting, sewing and crafts? The Heritage Craft Group meets Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon. No need to sign up, just drop in.

The Art of Writing is for those who are interested in writing. Whether it be poems, stories, memoirs, essays or writing casual thoughts, this is an opportunity to share your creativity. Come join them on the second Friday of the month. This is a free program.

Trip flyers are available on our website at www.enfield-ct.gov/seniors or can be picked up at the Senior Center.

The senior center would like to wish its Reiki instructor Stacy Ford all the best on her move down south.

Only 10 seats left: Enjoy a day trip to Wright’s Chicken Farm in Blackstone Valley, R.I., on Thursday, May 24, to savor an all-you-can-eat meal which includes dinner rolls, salad, pasta with red sauce, Wright’s French fries and Wright’s famous chicken and ice cream.

After time in the gift shop, a visit to Twin River Casino with over 4,000 slot machines and live table games will take place. The trip cost is $72 per person.

Spring Craft Fair and Basket Raffle: Saturday, May 7, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop in for the pancake breakfast sponsored by the Lions Club, buy a plant at the Enfield Garden Club plant sale, pick up a home baked treat, and have fun choosing a raffle basket to bid on. Shop handcrafted items made by volunteers and take a chance on a beautiful quilt.

Business Smart Workshops

ENFIELD — The Enfield Public Library, 104 Middle Road, will host a three-part workshop on small business start-ups from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, May 9, 16 and 23.

Topics discussed will be the basics of business start-up, the essentials of becoming credit-ready, where to get money, the five C’s of credit, how to prepare a business loan application and how and where to find additional small business support and educational resources.

All programs at the Enfield Public Library are free and all are welcome. To register for this program, visit SBA at http://enfieldbizstartup.eventbrite.com/?s=84125655 or call the library at 860-763-7511.

Enfield Recreation Department Programs

ENFIELD — The Enfield Recreation Department, 19 North Main St., is offering the following programs. Visit www.enfield-ct.gov/recreation or call 860-253-6420 for more information.

Summer Program Registration: The Enfield Recreation Department’s Summer program information will be available online at www.enfield-ct.gov/recreation beginning Friday, May 4. The Department has a wide variety of programs this summer that range from classes for preschool, youth, teen and adults, special events, swim lessons, open swim, sports camps, drop in programs and more. Registration for Enfield Residents begins on Friday, May 11, at 9 a.m. Non-resident registration begins Friday, May 18, at 9 a.m. Spaces are limited.

Youth Fishing Derby: Saturday, June 2. Held at Freshwater Pond, the derby is open to Enfield youth ages 15 and under. Fishing will begin promptly at the 9 a.m. air horn blast and will end at 11 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for largest fish caught in each age group. No registration necessary. Severe weather will postpone the derby to Sunday, June 3. If in doubt, call the Recreation Department at 860-253-6420 for details.

Mini-Hawk Soccer and Baseball: Ages 5-7 years old. Classes are held Wednesdays, May 9 to June 6, from 5:50 to 6:50 p.m. at Parkman School Gym, 165 Weymouth Road. Fee is $70 Residents/$80 Non-Residents.

Dolphins Swim Team: The Dolphins Swim Team is hosted by the Enfield Recreation Department for boys and girls ages 5-18 years old. The team swims at the Fermi High School Pool, 124 North Maple St. Additional registrations for new or returning swimmers will not be taken after Friday, May 25, at 5 p.m.

Returning Swimmer Registration: A limited number of spots are available for this program. It is highly recommended that you register early to ensure a spot in the program. Participation in previous seasons does not guarantee a spot.

Adult Open Gym Basketball: For adults 20 and over. Participants must show proof of age and residency to participate in addition to having a program waiver on file at the gym. The program is held at the Angelo Lamagna Activity Center Gym, 19 North Main St., through June 16. No program on 5/26, Daily fee is $2 for residents and $2.50 for non-residents. 20 & Over: Tuesdays, 6 to 9 p.m.; 25 and Over: Wednesdays, 6 to 9 p.m.; and 40 and Over: Saturdays, 8 to 11:00 a.m.

People Enjoying People Luncheon

ENFIELD — People Enjoying People will hold its monthly luncheon on Tuesday, May 15, at Calvary Presbyterian Church, 1518 King St., at noon. Speakers Ted and Cathy Perrill will be presenting the history of many well known patriotic songs. This program and luncheon is open to the public and is potluck. Guests are asked to bring a dish to share. Anyone with questions may call Joan at 860-745-5211.

Ye Olde Blacksmith Shoppe

SOMERSVILLE — Ye Olde Blacksmith Shoppe, located at the intersection of Pinney Road and Maple Street, will be open Saturdays during May and June, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Shoppe, operated by the Ladies Aide Society of the Congregational Church Of Somersville, carries a variety of household items, tools, books, games, smaller furniture and more.

A table of fresh home-baked goodies will be available. Donations of new and gently used items from the community are always welcome. Contact Marilyn at 860-763-0131 to arrange a drop-off date and time. Money earned at the shoppe benefits the various ministries of the church.

DOH Concrete Testing Funding

AREA — State Rep. Jeff Currey, D-East Hartford/Manchester/South Windsor, and state Rep. Kurt Vail, R-Somers/Stafford, responded to inaccurate reports that the state Department of Housing had diverted $750,000 in funding for crumbling foundations testing.

In January of 2017, DOH announced that they would reserve $1 million of a $12 million federal Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) for municipalities to administer foundations testing programs. The initial deadline for towns to apply was April 13, 2017.

When no municipalities applied for the funding, DOH eventually extended the deadline to November of 2017. $250,000 in funding for a consortium of towns was ultimately requested and approved. DOH then distributed the remaining $750,000 to other project applications, as not using the entirety of the $12 million grant would jeopardize the grant’s renewal in the following years.

“I want to make this clear: no municipality has been denied Department of Housing funding for foundations testing. Only one town completed an application, and their request was granted in full,” Rep. Currey said. “My colleagues in the legislature and I have worked closely with DOH to respond to the crumbling concrete crisis, and I would hate for misinformation to undermine the strides we’ve made. The successes we’ve had so far – creating a remediation fund to assist homeowners, bonding $5 million for the CRCOG testing program, establishing an advocate at DOH – have come from all parties working together.”

Rep. Currey continued, “Individuals can still apply for funding for testing through CRCOG’s program, and I encourage them to do so. The more we know about the scope of this problem, the more effectively we can address it.”

Rep. Vail said, “It’s important for our towns to realize that they are still eligible to apply for grant money in the future. The reallocation of money earmarked for those affected by crumbling foundations highlights the fact that all stakeholders must work closely together in order to provide viable solutions to homeowners. This is a widespread issue and I will continue to work with my legislative colleagues, DOH, and our municipalities to ensure that resources can be accessed to their fullest potential going forward.”

The governor announced $5 million in funding for a foundations testing program in January 2017. The program is still available and is administered by the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CCROG).

Plant Sale

ENFIELD — The Enfield Garden Club will host its annual plant sale on Saturday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, on the front lawn of the Enfield Senior Center, 299 Elm St.

A wide variety of members’ perennials along with Garden’s Dream annuals and hanging baskets will be for sale. Visit www.enfieldgardenclub.org for more information.

Pancake Breakfast

ENFIELD — The Enfield Lions Club’s all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast will take place on Saturday, May 5, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the Enfield Senior Center, 299 Elm St.

All proceeds from the fundraiser go directly back to the community to help local charities, scholarships to Enfield graduating students, youth sport teams and many more. Tickets at the door cost $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children under 12. The Enfield Senior Center will be holding a craft and bake sale at the same time.

Library Events

ENFIELD — The Enfield Public Library, 104 Middle Road, is hosting the following events. All programs at the Enfield Public Library are free and all are welcome. To register for this program, please visit the Circulation Desk, or call 860-763-7512. Visit www.enfieldpubliclibrary.org for more information.

Mother Goose: Anne-Marie Forer as Mother Goose will enchant children with lively songs, fingerplays and movement activities at Friday, May 4, at 10:30 a.m. This drop-in program is for children 1 through 5 and their caregivers.

Family Bingo Night: Friday, May 4, at 6:30 p.m. Have fun and win prizes at this free drop-in program.

Time Capsule Opening

BROAD BROOK — The 1968 bicentennial time capsule opening will take place at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the East Windsor Town Hall, 11 Rye St.

The East Windsor 250th Anniversary Committee will be holding a Town Hall meeting to open the time capsule that was buried 50 years ago. If you have something you would like to be considered for inclusion in the time capsule to be opened in 2068, bring it with you. Light refreshments sponsored by Salon Rausch will be served and event will be held rain or shine.

Yard Waste Collection

EAST WINDSOR — Spring 2018’s yard waste collection for East Windsor residents will be held for one week only: Monday, May 7, through Friday, May 11. Items, including brush, grass clippings, leaves, tree limbs and branches, are to be left curbside by 6 a.m. on your regular scheduled trash pickup day. Visit www.eastwindsor-ct.gov for more information.

Vintage Baseball Game & Exhibition

EAST WINDSOR — A vintage baseball game and exhibition featuring the Wethersfield Red Onions vs. Woodstock Hilltoppers will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5, at East Windsor High School, 76 South Main St., weather permitting.

Learn about the game’s 1864 rules and the history of when it was played. Not only are the uniforms, bats and balls different from today, but the rules of the game are different as well. Pay 1864 admission price of 25 cents. Sylvia’s Hot Dogs will provide discounted prices. Popcorn will be provided by the EW Rotary Club. Bring the family along with chairs and/or blankets. This event is sponsored by Windsor Federal Savings and is an East Windsor 250th Anniversary Committee event.

Community Garden

EAST WINDSOR — The East Windsor Community Garden began its season on May 1. Tilled plots with full sun are $15 for a 10′ x 15′ space and $25 for a 20′ x 15′ space, available at the Town Hall Planning Office, 11 Rye St. or by mail, or by calling 860-698-1392 or 860-623-5487.

Seeking Summer Program Applications

EAST WINDSOR — The East Windsor Family Resource Center is now taking applications for summer program. This seven week program will run July 9 through Aug. 24 and is held at Scout Hall, 28 Abbe Road.

Each week offers a new theme, a field trip in the community and a trip to South Windsor swimming pool. This program is for children ages 5 to 12. Prices are $145 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and $185 for 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Contact Kate Mable at kmable@ewct.org or 860-627-9741 for more information or to enroll.

Somers District Art Show 2018

SOMERS — The Somers Public Schools will hold its annual district art show at the Somers Public Library, 2 Vision Blvd., through Saturday, May 12. Artwork from students in grades K through 12 will be represented. The art may be viewed during library hours.

Display Your Collection

ENFIELD — What do matchstick houses, duct tape flower pens, clothespin dolls, seashells and origami have in common? They have all been displayed at the Enfield Public Library, 104 Middle Road.

If you collect anything fun or unique, consider sharing it with the community by creating a display for people to see when they visit the library. The library has several secure display cases of various sizes available. The displays are booked for one-month periods, so you only have to part with your prized possessions for a little while. Display areas typically fill up several months in advance. All ages are encouraged to share their collections.

If you are interested in exhibiting any of your personal collections, drop in and complete a form at the Circulation Desk or call 860-763-7512 and a member of the display committee will contact you.

Seeking Enfield Patriot Award Nominees

ENFIELD — The patriotic spirit caught the eye of Jason MacLelland, owner of Pearl Street Barber Shop, every trip he took down Enfield Street or the street to his shop. The American flags flying from homes or utility poles remind us not to take our liberties for granted, he said, adding we are surrounded by Patriots in our everyday lives and suggested a local man or woman be recognized for their acts of patriotism.

The Enfield Town Council followed up by forming the Enfield Patriot Award Review Committee to establish criteria for the award and review the nominations annually.

Members of the Enfield Patriot Award Committee are seeking nominations for the Enfield Patriot Award. Nominations are open to all men and women residing in Enfield over 15 years. Visit www.enfield-ct.gov or www.enfieldcelebration.org for application forms. Applications must be postmarked by May 31 to be considered.

Enfield Town Wide Tag Sale

ENFIELD — The 8th annual Enfield town-wide tag sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 19. The event is rain or shine. Email PLATagSale@yahoo.com with any questions.

Those interested in being part of the tag sale may send a check or money order for $25 to add your tag sale address to the Enfield town-wide map. Checks must be made out to the Enfield Food Shelf, Inc. and mailed to Parent Leadership Association of Enfield, PLA /P.O. Box 83/ Enfield, CT 06083.

Checks must be received by Saturday, May 5, to be guaranteed placement on the map. Be sure to specify the address of your tag sale if it differs from the address on your check. Tag sale addresses will be plotted on a map of Enfield that will be available to shoppers the week of May 19. Visit https://www.facebook.com/PLAEnfieldTownWideTagSale for more info or to view maps, which will be posted there first.

Hard copy maps will also be available for pick-up the week of May 19 at both Enfield Public Libraries, ShopRite, Allied’s Attic Thrift Store and Angelina’s Restaurant.

Every year, 100-percent of the proceeds collected go directly to the Enfield Food Shelf, a non-profit volunteer organization that is dedicated to assuring that no Enfield resident goes hungry due to lack of resources. Every $25 donation submitted will receive a tax-deductible receipt.

Rent-A-Space

ENFIELD — The Enfield Lions Club’s annual Rent-A-Space will be held Saturday, May 12, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, at the Enfield Street School parking lot, 1318 Enfield St. Spaces are $25. Call Terry at 860-745-1141 to reserve your space.

Children’s Events

SOMERS — Lego Club at the Somers Public Library, 2 Vision Boulevard, will take place from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. May 19, for children in grades 1-5. After hearing a story, children will have time to construct a Lego(R) project related to the theme of the book. Call the library at 860-763-3501 to register.

Enfield Farmer’s Market

ENFIELD — Enfield’s Regional Farmers Market is looking to grow even bigger next year, said Michael Ciriello, Director of Development Services for the Town of Enfield. The Development Services Department is now accepting vendor applications for the 2018 season.

To be a vendor, items must be locally handmade, hand-baked/cooked, or grown. There is no fee to be a vendor and the market is located on the Town Hall Green each Wednesday beginning July 11 until Oct. 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. Food trucks will be welcomed this season to park near the market.

To become a market vendor in 2018 for free or to review the guidelines and application for food trucks, go to www.thinkenfield.com, click on Enfield’s Community & Farmers Market or contact Development Services at developmentservices@enfield.org or at 860-253-6385.