Seed Saving
HAMPTON — John Sokoloski presents ‘Seed Saving’ at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Fletcher Memorial Library, 257 Main St.. Weather permitting, a tour of Sokoloski’s own vegetable gardens with some heirloom tomato tasting will follow the program. Call 860-455-1086 for more information.
Paws To Read
COVENTRY — Noah’s Closet children’s resale shop located at Second Congregational Church, 1746 Boston Turnpike, presents a Paws to Read story time for children on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m.
Children may choose a free stuffed puppy reading buddy and select a free book. Parents will receive valuable hints on reading to a child and selecting reading materials. Each child attending will be entered into a raffle to win a large stuffed dog. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 860-742-1616.
School Lunch Program Info
MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Public Schools and Region 19 announced the policy for determining eligibility of children who may receive free or reduced-price meals served under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP).
Local school officials have adopted the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Income Eligibility Guidelines (IEGs) for family size and income criteria for determining eligibility. The income guidelines will be used in Connecticut from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020, for determining eligibility of participants for free and reduced-price meals.
The income calculations are based on the following formulas: Monthly income is calculated by dividing the annual income by 12; twice monthly income is computed by dividing annual income by 24; income received every two weeks is calculated by dividing annual income by 26; and weekly income is computed by dividing annual income by 52. All numbers are rounded upward to the next whole dollar.
Children from families whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. For elementary and middle school students, application forms are being sent to all homes in the Parent/Student Handbook with a letter to parents. Families of E.O. High School can access the form online at http://www.mansfieldct.gov/lunchmenus.
To apply for free or reduced-price meal, households should fill out the application and return it to the school. Additional copies are available at the principal’s office at each school. Only one application is required per household and an application for free or reduced-price benefits cannot be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information as indicated on the application and instructions. The information provided on the application is confidential and will be used only for the purposes of determining eligibility and for administration and enforcement of the lunch, breakfast and milk programs.
Additionally, all school-aged children in income-eligible households can receive school meal benefits regardless of a child’s immigration status, and the district/school does not release information for immigration-related purposes in the usual course of operating the CNPs. Note that the district may share your eligibility information with education, health, and nutrition programs to help them evaluate, fund, or determine benefits for their programs, auditors for program reviews, and law enforcement officials to help them look into violations of program rules. This information may also be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.
For up to 30 operating days into the new school year, eligibility from the previous year will continue within the same local educational agency (LEA). When the carry-over period ends, unless the household is notified that their children are directly certified or the household submits an application that is approved, the children must pay full price for school meals and the school will not send a reminder or a notice of expired eligibility.
No application is required if the district directly certifies a child based on a household member receiving assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) program. All children in these households are eligible for free meal benefits. Households receiving assistance under the SNAP/TFA programs will be notified of their eligibility and their children will be provided free benefits unless the household notifies the determining official that it chooses to decline benefits.
If any children were not listed on the eligibility notice, the household should contact the district or school to have free meal benefits extended to those children. Households receiving SNAP or TFA benefits for their children should only submit an application if they are not notified of their eligibility by Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019.
Some children may be directly certified for free or reduced-price meals based on Medicaid (HUSKY). No application is required if the district directly certifies a child based on Medicaid (HUSKY). All children in these households are eligible for free or reduced-priced meal benefits. Households receiving assistance under Medicaid (HUSKY) will be notified of their eligibility and their children will be provided free or reduced-price benefits accordingly, unless the household notifies the determining official that it chooses to decline benefits. If any children were not listed on the eligibility notice, the household should contact the district or school to have free or reduced-price meal benefits extended to those children.
If a child is not directly certified, the household should complete a free and reduced-price meal application form. The application for the SNAP or TFA households require the SNAP or TFA case number and the households may be asked to provide proof of the SNAP or TFA case number. The signature of an adult household member is also required.
Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Please send in an application or contact the determining official for more information.
When known to the district/school, households will be notified of any child’s eligibility for free meals if the individual child is Other Source Categorically Eligible because the child is categorized as either: Homeless; runaway as defined by law and determined by the district’s or school’s homeless liaison; or enrolled in an eligible Head Start or pre-kindergarten class as defined by law. Households with children who are categorically eligible under Other Source Categorically Eligible Programs should complete an application and check-off the relevant box.
Questions should be directed to the determining official. For any child not listed on the eligibility notice, the households should contact the school or determining official about any child also eligible under one of these programs or should submit an income application for the other children.
Households notified of their children’s eligibility must contact the determining official or school if it chooses to decline the free meal benefits. If households/children are not notified by the district/school of their free meal benefits and they receive benefits under Assistance Programs or under Other Source Categorically Eligible Programs, the parent/guardian should contact the determining official or their school.
Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court, are categorically eligible for free meals. A foster parent does not have to complete a free/reduced meal application if they can submit a copy of the legal document or legal court order showing that the child is a foster child.
Additionally, a foster child may be included as a member of the foster family if the foster family chooses to also apply for benefits. If the foster family is not eligible for free or reduced-price meal benefits, it does not prevent a foster child from receiving free meal benefits. Note however, that a foster child’s free eligibility does not automatically extend to all students in the household.
Application forms for all other households require a statement of total household income, household size and names of all household members. The last four digits of the social security number of an adult household member must be included or a statement that the household member does not have one.
The adult household member must also sign the application certifying that the information provided is correct. Under the provisions of the policy for determining eligibility for free and reduced-price meals, the Food Service Director Stephanie Richard, 860-429-7824 will review applications and determine eligibility.
If a parent is dissatisfied with the ruling of the determining official, he/she may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. If he/she wishes to make a formal appeal, a request either orally or in writing, may be made to Kelly Lyman, Superintendent of Mansfield Public Schools at 860-429-3350, at 4 South Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06268, for a hearing to appeal the decision.
The policy contains an outline of the hearing procedure. Each school and the central office of the school district has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by an interested party.
If a household member becomes unemployed or if household size changes at any time, the family should contact the school to file a new application. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for reduced-price meals, or free meals, if the family income falls at or below the levels shown in the Income Guidelines. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to the determining official at 860-429-7824.
Tastes Of The Valley
STURBRIDGE, MASS. — Join The Last Green Valley for a one-of-a-kind dining experience showcasing the food and talent of the National Heritage Corridor.
Tastes of the Valley is a unique dining experience only available once a year as part of a major fundraiser for TLGV. This year, Tastes of the Valley will be held 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Publick House, 277 Main St.
Tickets are on sale for $100 for TLGV members and $125 for non-members, which includes a year-long membership. Tickets can be purchased online at www.thelastgreenvalley.org or by calling 860-774-3300. All funds raised are used to support the mission of TLGV.
The evening starts with a social hour featuring local wines, beers and beverages, as well as appetizers prepared by area chefs utilizing products farmed in the 35 towns of The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. Guests will then be invited into the main dining room where they will be treated to a multi-course, sit-down, farm-to-table dinner showcasing dishes created specifically by some of the area’s top chefs. Seated at each table will be a special guest, either a local farmer, vintner, brewer or agriculture expert, for you to converse with as you learn more about what it takes to keep The Last Green Valley green and delicious.
The end of the evening features dessert and a live auction featuring guest auctioneer Gene Michael Deary. Silent auctions and a raffle highlighting locally-crafted items and experiences will be held throughout the evening. Participants to date are as follows. They are subject to change.
Appetizer Hour: Ben’s Beans, The Courthouse Bar & Grill, G Seven Catering Company, Hosmer Mountain Soda, Maple Lane Farms, Metro Bistrot, Renee’s Working Girl Catering, Taylor Brooke Winery, These Guys Brewing Company, Westford Hill Distillers, Willimantic Brewing Company.
Four-Course Main Event: The Publick House, Grill 37, Inn at Woodstock Hill, Willimantic Brewing Company. Dessert: Ben’s Beans, The Farmer’s Cow, The Vanilla Bean Café.
Participating Farms: Blackmer Farm, Bright Acres Farm Sugar House, Buddha’s Bees Apiary, Buell’s Orchard, Colgon Farm, Creamery Brook Bison, Echo Farm, Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm, Elm Farm, Fairholm Farm, The Farmer’s Cow, Lapsley Orchards, Maple Lane Farms, Taylor Brooke Winery, Woodstock Sustainable Farms. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Call the TLGV Office at 860-774-3300 for more information.
QVCC: Saturday Enrollment Day
DANIELSON-WILLIMANTIC — Current and future students are encouraged to finalize their schedule for the fall semester at Quinebaug Valley Community College. The Danielson campus and the Windham Technical High School location have walk-in hours daily to assist students. To accommodate those who can’t make it to campus during the week, both locations will provide enrollment assistance on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuition payment is due at the time of registration.
Academic advisors will be on-hand to assist students with selecting a schedule, adding a course, changing their major or answering questions regarding completing their degree. Students who want to transfer to QVCC from another University are encouraged to bring their transcripts and meet with an advisor. For students who need to complete the admissions process, apply in advance or on the spot; drop off your immunization records; schedule your assessment test or new student workshop, and meet with a financial aid advisor. For more information, visit www.qvcc.edu/register or call the QVCC Student Success Center at 860-932-4020.
The fall semester begins Tuesday, Aug. 27. The main campus is at 742 Upper Maple St. in Danielson. The Windham Technical High School is located at 210 Birch St. in Willimantic.
Arts On Main
COVENTRY — The Historic Coventry Village will be host to an Arts On Main event on Saturday, Aug. 24. Taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the day will include art workshops, art vendors, children’s activities, musical performances, food vendors, a collection of sculptures by world renowned local sculptor David Hayes, free face painting, balloon art and more. Main Street merchants and restaurants will be open, showcasing their specialties. The several antique and collectibles shops will be a particular draw.
Following major renovations along Main Street (Route 31), this day-long event is meant to bring public attention to Main Street’s new look and to find ways to continue to support the local business community as well as showcase visual and performing arts. The Town of Coventry, along with the Coventry Arts Guild and the recently formed Coventry Village Partners, have become a collaborative team that is planning this event.
A highlight of the day is a juried exhibition, reception and awards program for the Coventry Plein Air Festival, which has been ongoing since spring. Plein air artists have been and continue to set up easels throughout Coventry Village and the town creating works that reflect the area’s beauty and character.
Coordinated by the Coventry Arts Guild, the Plein Air exhibit will be set up in the renovated Mill Brook Place, formerly known as the historic Tracy Shoddy Mill. Mill Brook Place is located in the rear of the parking lot at 1267 Main St. The gallery will also be open to the public the weekend of the 24th along with the following weekend, ending Sept. 1. Visit http://coventryartsguild.org for more information.
Another feature of the day will be musical performances and a food court in the parking lot of the First Congregational Church on Main Street. The First Congregational Church will also hold a BBQ throughout the afternoon.
Many art activities are planned on the lawn of the Booth Dimock library. Sidewalk chalk art will be being created on the sidewalks lining Main Street. A second performance stage on Main Street will focus on entertainment for children, including a magic show, and interactive music and dance offerings.
The Coventry Village businesses are also a focus of the event. A Business Passport will be available for attendees of the event to bring to a business they visit in the Village to have punched. Attendees can enter their passport into a drawing to win prizes donated by local businesses, individuals and companies.
Arts On Main is free to attend and open to the public. Shuttle buses will be available at the GH Robertson School and the Captain Nathan Hale Middle School.
Arts Vendors are currently being sought. Visit http://coventryartsguild.org/artfest.html or email info@coventryartsguild.org for more information on being a vendor or to volunteer.
Celebrate Mansfield Festival
MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Downtown Partnership, Inc. invites Mansfield-located businesses, community organizations, sports teams, and clubs to participate in the 16th annual Celebrate Mansfield Festival on Saturday, Sept. 21. There are several ways in which groups can participate.
Host a Food Booth: This is a great option for restaurants and community groups. Food booths are the only type of booths permitted to vend at the festival. The cost for a food booth is $25, and the deadline to sign up is Aug. 16.
Sponsor the Festival: The Festival is made possible with the generous support of community-minded businesses, organizations, and individuals. The deadline to ensure organizations received all sponsor benefits was July 19, although donations are gratefully accepted at any time.
Volunteer at the Festival: Help out for an hour or two or all day, on your own, or with a group. The Mansfield Downtown Partnership produces the annual Celebrate Mansfield Festival as a celebration of the people, businesses, and organizations that make the town unique. For 2019, the Festival will have a new day, Saturday; date of Sept. 21; and schedule from 2 to 8 p.m. Visit Downtownstorrsfestival.org, call 860-429-2740 or email mdp@mansfieldct.org for more information.
Jazz In The Garden
WINDHAM — Jazz in the Garden, a fundraiser for the Windham Free Library, will take place on Sunday, Sept. 8. Details are forthcoming.
Donations via check may also be sent to the Windham Free Library, P. O. Box 168, Windham, CT 06280. For more information, call Ellen at 860-428-7662.
Great Museum Caper Puzzle Room
COVENTRY — Step back in time to the 1930s and help Hale benefactor George Dudley Seymour save “The Birthplace,” better known as the Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South St.
Hidden items, clues, and puzzle boxes will test your smarts and help us preserve history. So, shake a leg – you’ll need to solve this series of puzzles in under an hour.
Teams of two to six participants are recommended. The group maximum is six. Youth ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Your caper begins promptly at your scheduled time, so arrive 15 minutes early. There is no need to bring anything as everything will be provided.
The puzzle room is available by appointment Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Bookings are available from now through Sunday, Oct. 27. The cost is $60 per group and $45 per group for CTL members. The price includes a voucher to tour the Nathan Hale Homestead during regular operating hours, valid until Oct. 27. Black-out dates may apply. Visit https://halegreatmuseumcaper.eventbrite.com to register. For more information, contact hale@ctlandmarks.org or 860-742-6917.
Plein Air Painting Festival
COVENTRY — To celebrate the town and the talented artists in the region, the Coventry Arts Guild is sponsoring a summer long Plein Air Painting Festival.
Area artists are invited to paint in and around the town of Coventry and submit works for a juried show to be held in August. The festival began on April 13 as part of the spring Daffodil Daze in Coventry Village and will continue until the opening of the Plein Air exhibition on Aug. 24.
The Plein Air movement of revolves around the concept of emerging from an enclosed studio and painting outside in natural light and in the open area. Artists are invited to set up their easels throughout the summer in the recently renovated historic Coventry Village and throughout the town, to artistically records impressions of the landscape and historic scenic areas in Coventry.
The festival will culminate on Aug. 24 with a juried exhibition, awards and reception at the Mill Brook Place during the Coventry Village Arts on Main event. Visit coventryartsguild.org/pleinair2019.html or email info@coventryartsguild.org for more information.
