Church members surprise former Hartford-area musician with scholarship fund
AMHERST, MASS. — Richard S. Matteson, who, for almost 40 years, was a well-known church musician in the Greater Hartford area, was recently surprised by church and choir members of First Congregational Church in Amherst, where he has served as Minister of Music for the past 12 years.
During a church worship service broadcast on the church’s YouTube channel, the chair of the Music Committee announced the creation of the Richard S. Matteson ’73 Scholarship at Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford.
Before moving to Western Massachusetts in 2006, Matteson was the Minister of Music at a number of Hartford area churches including St. Thomas the Apostle in West Hartford, Grace Episcopal in Windsor, Central Baptist in Harford, and others. In addition, he was well known as a frequent performer in solo organ, organ and orchestra, and two-piano concerts in Connecticut and Massachusetts, as well as accompanist for area choral groups including CitySingers of Hartford and others.
This year marks the 60th year of Matteson’s debut as a church musician when he was 12 in Cohasset, Mass. To celebrate that anniversary and to underscore a widely shared affection for Matteson, as the church’s beloved Minister of Music, members began a secret campaign to raise enough money to create a scholarship fund at the Hartt School at the University of Hartford where he graduated in 1973.
By the time of the surprise announcement, that sum had reached $15,600 with over 70 gifts. With Matteson joining in the fundraising effort over the summer, with direct appeals to his many friends and choristers from other churches and community groups throughout the Connecticut valley, organizers hope soon to reach $25,000, which will qualify the fund as an endowment and will award annual scholarships in perpetuity to student musicians at Hartt.
Donations are welcome. Checks may be made out to The University of Hartford, with “Richard S. Matteson ’73 Scholarship Fund” on the memo line. Checks may be mailed to the Office of Institutional Advancement, University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117-0470, or donors may visit https://www.hartford.edu to make a donation. At the UH homepage, select the “Give” page, then select “Other,” and add “Richard S. Matteson ’73 Scholarship Fund” in the box.
Letter: Mark Twain House temporarily closing
To the Editor: Due to the heightened Coronavirus numbers impacting our state and surrounding states, The Mark Twain House & Museum will be closing to the public effective Monday, Nov. 16, and will remain closed at least through Nov. 30. This decision was not made lightly, but the health and safety of our visitors and staff are paramount.
We were one of the first museums to safely re-open back in June and we are grateful for the support you have given us over the past five months. Despite the reduced capacity of visitors on our tours, you came out in great numbers to show your appreciation of this historic home and the legacy of Mark Twain. We look forward to welcoming you back to the museum as soon as we feel the situation is safe enough to do so.
At this time, we ask for your continued support as we once again tread uncertain waters, you are our lifeline. Like every small business, we face serious obstacles and our ticket sales are a big part of our financial health. Please continue to join us in the virtual realm for author events and Trouble at Home talks, including our just-added author talk with British historical novelist Philippa Gregory (The Other Boleyn Girl); innovative education programming; a 3-D house tour; online holiday shopping, and more.
Please keep an eye on our website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, as well as our emails to learn more about upcoming programs and our touring status.
In the meantime, please take this opportunity to enjoy our virtual gala where you can take in views of the house, hear from our staff about why they enjoy working at the Twain House, and find out what our celebrity guests love most about Mark Twain and his magical home. We need and appreciate your donations, if you are able to support us through this troubling time. Be safe and stay well.”
Pieter Roos, Executive Director
Chrysalis Center’s Christmas tree and wreath sale provides trees to families in need
HARTFORD — Chrysalis Center’s annual Christmas Tree and Holiday Wreath Sale will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Chrysalis Center’s upper parking lot at 255 Homestead Ave. This annual event is generously sponsored by The Hartford and provides complimentary trees to families living in North End.
On Saturday, Dec. 5, Chrysalis Center’s Hartford campus turns into a winter wonderland featuring fresh-cut balsam fir Christmas trees and wreaths for sale to the public, as well as fresh baked goodies from La Cocina Catering, the organization’s social enterprise program which trains individuals in the culinary arts field to help them secure a job and become economically independent.
The event is held outdoors, and procedures are in place to ensure the safety of customers, volunteers, and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, which include wearing a mask and social distancing.
New this year is “Sponsor A Tree” which allows individuals to “sponsor” a Christmas tree online for people in need who may otherwise not be able to purchase a tree. Visit https://chrysaliscenterct.org/give/make-a-gift/donate to sponsor a tree.
All sales benefit Chrysalis Center to help transform lives. Cash, checks, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express payments are accepted.
Griffin Health opens free COVID-19 testing
STATEWIDE — Griffin Health is offering free drive-through COVID-19 testing for residents across the state with Community Outbreak Testing Sites in Derby, Naugatuck, Middlebury, Farmington, and Willimantic.
The Naugatuck testing site is located at Ion Bank, 1430 New Haven Road., and is open on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Middlebury testing site is located at Quassy Amusement Park, 2132 Middlebury Road, and is open on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Farmington testing site is located at Tunxis Community College, 271 Scott Swamp Road, and is open on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Willimantic testing site is located at Rec Park, 79 Main St., and is open on Mondays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
No appointment is necessary for the Naugatuck, Farmington, Middlebury and Willimantic testing sites.
The Derby testing site is at The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness, 350 Seymour Ave. and is open on weekdays starting Friday, Nov. 13. Tests are by appointment only for this site. Contact the Griffin Call Center at 203-437-6815 Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Individuals without a doctor’s note for testing can use the promo code “Community” to schedule a test.
All test sites will have results available within 24 to 48 hours. A valid ID is required for all test sites. Visit griffinhealth.org/covid for more information.
Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters hosting virtual gala featuring “The Voice” winner
AREA — Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters will hold its annual gala virtually on Thursday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m., featuring Governor Edward M. “Ned” Lamont and other celebrities, including winner of the inaugural season of “The Voice,” Javier Colon.
“Over the summer, we heard from a wide range of past Gala attendees,” said Andy Fleischmann. President & CEO of Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters. “They were unanimous in their desire to find a way to still hold their ‘favorite event of the year.’ Our Board and staff were in agreement. This online version will preserve all the key Gala elements: inspiring mentors and children, uplifting special guests and supporters, and a chance to appreciate all that our kids and their ‘Bigs’ are achieving. This online version of the gala – the 2020 Challenge – is an evening we believe will capture the wonderful feelings our guests have felt at past galas, without compromising anyone’s health or safety.”
Adding undeniable luster to the Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters 2020 Challenge are a constellation of celebrities with strong ties to the state’s communities. On hand will be musician, songwriter and singer Javier Colon. A native of Stratford and the winner of the first season of NBC’s “The Voice”, Colon will entertain the virtual audience with his rendition of a song that has topped the charts in multiple decades.
Emceeing the event is South Windsor born and bred Tim Lammers, weekday news anchor for the Fox 61 Morning News. Over the years, Lammers has reported on Nutmeg and volunteered as host at a number of the organization’s events. Offering well-chosen remarks and his congratulations to attendees will be the 89th Governor of the State of Connecticut, Edward M. “Ned” Lamont, Jr. A friend of the organization and a longtime advocate for children’s issues – both in his public and private life – Governor Lamont was the recipient of a Visionary Leader Award at the 2019 Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Year Awards event.
Ryan Matthews, Director of Programs at Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, said, “With a lineup like Javier Colon, Governor Lamont and Tim Lammers, our 2020 Challenge certainly has an abundance of star power. Yet, I like to think the real stars of the evening are the ‘Bigs’ (adult mentors) and ‘Littles’ (children being mentored), who event attendees will meet and get to know during the course of the evening. Mentors and mentees like Donovan Williams and his Little Brother Elijah, Jenn Pascal and her Little Sister Meladee and Big Brother Michael Johnson and his Little Brother Zamarion. Our ‘Bigs’ and ‘Littles’ are the backbone of our organization. They are its heart and soul. Their generosity of spirit, I believe, is immediately obvious. I can’t wait for attendees to see them in action.”
“The Event Committee and I have been busy securing items for the Live Auction,” said Mariah Nolan, Nutmeg’s Development and Events Manager. “I’m one hundred percent certain that everybody who joins us for the 2020 Challenge will be thrilled with the range of offerings we’ve assembled. I’m also happy to say that professional auctioneer and attendee-favorite Paul Stansel is back this year to preside over our Live Auction and Fund-the-Mission portion of the program. Our event is different this time around, and I see this as an opportunity. In years gone by, our galas were held at locations that could only accommodate a couple of hundred people. Now, because we’re going virtual, an unlimited number of people can take part in a unique night of fun, inspiration and surprises.”
For more information on the Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters 2020 Challenge, or for registration and sponsorship details, go to: https://www.betterunite.com/NutmegBigBrothersBigSisters-2020challenge or contact Mariah Nolan at mariahn@nbbbs.org or 781 844-6993.
Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging offers virtual classes in December
AREA — Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, a not for profit member of Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, offers many educational events each year, often in conjunction with area senior centers. Observing current social guidelines and restrictions, HHC Center for Healthy Aging is continuing to provide pertinent health information through virtual platforms. For more information about Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, visit http://hhccenterforhealthyaging.org or call 1-877-424-4641.
Virtual Dementia Caregiver Support Groups meet: Caregivers often have overwhelming responsibilities assisting their loved ones in doing the most basic tasks while juggling their own lives. To provide education and a venue to discuss challenges and helpful strategies, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging offers a variety of virtual dementia caregiver support groups.
Topics include: communication techniques, caregiver support, benefits of activities, family dynamics and safety issues. Each virtual group requires one-time registration after which instructions for joining will be provided. The groups meet at various times to make it easier for more people to participate:
Second Wednesday of every month (Dec. 9), 10 to 11 a.m., facilitated by Adrianne DeVivo, dementia specialist. Registration is required; call 1-855-442-4373 or visit HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.
Second Wednesday of every month (Dec. 9) 6:30 to 8 p.m., facilitated by Patty O’Brian, CDP, certified dementia specialist. This group is associated with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter and is sponsored by HHC Center for Healthy Aging and Southington Care Center. Registration is required; call 1-855-442-4373 or visit HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.
Third Monday of every month (Dec. 21) excepting holidays, 1 to 2:30 p.m., facilitated by Patty O’Brian, CDP, dementia specialist. This group is coordinated with the Berlin-Peck Library and sponsored by HHC Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter. Registration is required; call 1-855-442-4373 or visit HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.
Last Monday of every month (Dec. 28), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., facilitated by Michelle Wyman, dementia specialist. This group is sponsored by HHC Center for Healthy Aging and Duncaster. Registration is required; call 1-855-442-4373 or visit HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses.
Call-in Dementia Caregivers Support Group – Meets every Friday from 2 to 3 p.m., facilitated by a dementia specialist. Registration is not required. To join Hartford HealthCare’s Virtual Meeting Room, call: 860-972-6338 and when prompted, enter the access code 19623#.
CHOICES counseling sessions focus on Medicare benefit options: Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is offering free CHOICES counseling sessions during Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment period currently underway to Dec. 7. Individuals can meet one-on-one with a CHOICES counselor to discuss Medicare benefit plans. CHOICES counseling is by appointment and is available in the Center for Healthy Aging offices, telephonically and virtually.
CHOICES is Connecticut’s program for Health insurance assistance, Outreach, Information and referral, Counseling, and Eligibility Screening. CHOICES counselors advise, educate and empower individuals to navigate the increasingly complex Medicare program and help beneficiaries make choices among a vast array of options to best meet their needs. This free service is available to individuals new to Medicare as well as those already enrolled. Appointments must be made. For more information or to make an appointment, contact HHC Center for Healthy Aging at 1-877-424-4641.
Virtual Class: Movement Disorders Caregivers Support Group. For those who care for people with movement disorders or neurological conditions, a virtual caregivers support group is offered on the first and third Tuesdays (Dec. 1 and 15), 10 to 11 a.m. Each session will spotlight a different caregiver/care-partner topic. Meetings will begin with a brief clinician-led presentation. Afterwards, participants can share and contribute their own thoughts and experiences related to the session topic. Sessions will take place bi-weekly through Zoom and everyone is encouraged to connect via audio and video, if possible.
Facilitators include Jennifer McCaughey, MS, CDP, Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, and Amanda Brill, LCSW, and Jennifer Lambert, LCSW, of Chase Family Movement Disorder Center.
Registration is required once to join the virtual class. To register, contact amanda.brill@hhchealth.org or jennifer.mccaughey@hhchealth.org. After registration, an email will be sent with easy instructions on joining the virtual class.
Virtual Class: Staying on Your Feet in the Ice and Snow. Avoiding slips and falls isn’t always easy especially in the winter. However, there are a few basic strategies to prevent falls and reduce injury if a fall is inevitable. The virtual class, “Staying on Your Feet on the Ice and Snow,” will be held Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1 to 2 p.m. Mitchell Nyser, exercise physiologist with GoodLife Fitness, will lead the program. Registration is required. Call 1-855-442-4373 or visit HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses. After registration, an email will be sent with easy instructions on joining the virtual class.
GoodLife Fitness, a program of Hartford HealthCare, is geared toward the older adult to build energy, strength and endurance for an active lifestyle. An exercise physiologist works one-to-one with each person to improve muscular strength, balance, cardiovascular health and self-esteem, while reducing the risk of falls and injuries. For more information and about the eight locations, visit https://hhcseniorservices.org/health-wellness/goodlife-fitness.
Virtual Class: Understanding Arthritis on Dec. 2. Doctors have identified more than 100 types of arthritis, a condition commonly characterized by pain and stiffness of the joints. A virtual class, “Understanding Arthritis,” will explore how dietary factors, free radicals and trauma can cause arthritis, how it is diagnosed, and what can be done to prevent it. This program will be held Wednesday, Dec. 2, 10 to 11 a.m. Evan Gross, exercise physiologist with GoodLife Fitness, will lead the program. Registration is required. To register, call 1-855-442-4373 or visit Hartford HealthCare.org/VirtualClasses. After registration, an email will be sent with easy instructions on joining the virtual class.
GoodLife Fitness, a program of Hartford HealthCare, is geared toward the older adult to build energy, strength and endurance for an active lifestyle. An exercise physiologist works one-to-one with each person to improve muscular strength, balance, cardiovascular health and self-esteem, while reducing the risk of falls and injuries. For more information and about the eight locations, visit https://hhcseniorservices.org/health-wellness/goodlife-fitness.
Virtual Class: Nutrition and the Anti-Inflammatory Diet. Inflammation, the body’s natural reaction to injury or illness, can play a role in impacting chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. A free virtual program, “Nutrition and the Anti-Inflammatory Diet,” will be held Thursday, Dec. 3, noon to 1 p.m. Facilitator will be Eric Secor, ND, PhD, LAc, chief of integrative medicine at Hartford Hospital. Topics will include: allergy and immunology; functional medicine, herbal medicine and pain management; and anti-inflammatory diet. Registration is required; call 1-855-HHC-HERE/ or visit www.HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Monthly Virtual Memory Café open to those with memory loss: The Virtual Memory Café is a welcoming place for people with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, early dementia and for their families and friends. Memory café offers an easy and fun way to socialize with others who have a shared experience. The “café” meets every Monday effective Dec. 7 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The group is facilitated by a dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging.
One-time registration is required; call 1-855-HHC-HERE/ 1-855-442-4373 or visit www.HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: Storm Preparedness – Be Medically Ready. Prevention and preparedness build the foundation to have a good outcome when possibly facing a medical emergency during a storm. A free virtual class on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 1 to 2 p.m., will include steps to prepare emergency plans, considerations for long-term health conditions and essential tips. A Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging transitional care nurse will lead the program. The program is sponsored by HHC Center for Healthy Aging and Meriden Senior Center. Registration is required; call 1-855-HHC-HERE or visit www.HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual class: Helpful Hints for Happy Holidays. The holidays can increase stress for caregivers and their loved ones with dementia, possibly even more so this year. A free virtual class, “Helpful Hints for Happy Holidays,” will provide tips to help make the holiday season more stress-free, manageable and enjoyable for all family members. The program on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 6 to 7 p.m., will be led by a dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. Registration is required; call 1-855-HHC-HERE/ 1-855-442-4373 or visit www.HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: Let’s Talk About the Brain on Dec. 15. Insights into the function of the brain, keeping the brain healthy and age-related changes, are some of the topics that will be discussed at a free virtual class on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 1 to 2 p.m. The presenter will be Michelle Wyman, CDP, a certified dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging. A question and answer period will follow the presentation. HHC Center for Healthy Aging and South Windsor Senior Center are sponsoring.
Registration is required; call 1-855-HHC-HERE/ 1-855-442-4373 or visit www.HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Virtual Class: Long-Term Planning, Asset Protection and Veterans Benefits. Issues pertaining to elder law can be confusing. A free virtual class on Thursday, Dec. 17, from noon to 1 p.m., will cover pertinent topics including estate planning, special needs planning, wills and trusts, probate, trust administration, and more. Attorney Steven Rubin will also include discussion on public benefits, Medicaid, veterans benefits and tax planning. A question and answer period will follow the presentation. Registration is required; call 1-855-HHC-HERE/ 1-855-442-4373 or visit www.HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.
Veterans’ wreath orders open until Nov. 30, for Wreaths Across America
WINDSOR — Carmon Community Funeral Homes of Windsor and Windsor’s American Legion Gray-Dickenson Post #59 will host its annual Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 19, at noon at the Windsor Veterans Memorial Cemetery on East Street.
All are invited to attend this special event that will be held on the same day as more than 1,600 similar wreath-laying ceremonies will be held across the U.S., at sea and abroad. Last year, 700 wreaths were placed at the cemetery in Windsor.
Anyone may purchase $15 wreaths to be placed at the Dec. 19 ceremony and all payments must be received by Monday, Nov. 30. This year, wreaths can either be ordered online via credit card at www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org, or by calling Carmon Community Funeral Homes at 860-688-2200 and paying by check or cash. Checks should be made out to: Carmon Community Funeral Homes and either brought to Carmon Funeral Home at 807 Bloomfield Avenue in Windsor, or mailed to: Carmon Community Funeral Homes, Attn: Wreaths Across America, P.O. Box 6, Windsor CT 06095.
People who wish that a wreath be placed at the grave of a specific veteran in Windsor Veterans Memorial Cemetery must indicate the name of this cemetery and the veteran’s name when the order is submitted, whether it is done online or directly with Carmon Community Funeral Homes.
“This year’s annual ceremony in the Windsor Veterans Memorial Cemetery will feature a color guard, a rifle volley and playing of Taps, and readings by members of local clergy and veterans, to be followed by a three-gun salute and the ceremonial laying of wreaths by local Boy Scout Troop 149,” said John C. Carmon, whose father, World War II veteran Frank W. Carmon Jr., founded the firm. “My father received three Purple Hearts and the Distinguished Service Cross, among other decorations, during World War II, and this annual project is a way of remembering him and all U.S. veterans. The Carmon family and staff are pleased to again join Wreaths Across America to honor their lives and their service.”
Windsor’s annual Wreaths Across America ceremony program began 11 years ago when the national organization reached out to the Hispanic-American Veterans of Connecticut, Inc. (HAVOCT). Carmon Community Funeral Homes, Windsor American Legion Post #59, and community groups, including local Boy Scouts of America troops, then joined them and the event in the Windsor Veterans Memorial Ceremony has grown larger every year since.
Dementia caregiver series taking place virtually
AREA — A free virtual dementia caregiving series can provide the tips and strategies to gain greater insights into caring for a loved one with dementia. Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging is providing a five-week series Tuesdays, Nov. 10 to Dec. 8, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Kristine Johnson, CDP, resource coordinator with Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, will lead the series.
Topics will include: Session 1: Overview of Dementia; Session 2: Basics of Good Communication and Understanding Behaviors; Session 3: Safety in the Environment and How to Structure a Day with Activities; Session 4: Taking Care of the Caregiver and Care Options; and Session 5: Overview of Community Resources that May Be Helpful.
Registration is required. Call 1-855-HHC-HERE or 1-855-442-4373 or visit www.Hartford HealthCare.org/VirtualClasses for more information or to register. After registration, participants will receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar. For more information about Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, visit http://hhccenterforhealthyaging.org or call 1-877-424-4641.
Holiday Torchlight Parade taking place in December
WINDSOR — The annual Torchlight Parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 6:30 p.m. The Torchlight parade includes holiday-lighted vehicles and marchers who will begin on Remington Road and progress through the town center with all its lights, music and fanciful decorations. Grab a spot near the street to watch the brightly decorated fire trucks parade by in their holiday glory.
This event is brought to you by First Town Downtown, with the support of the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department, Windsor Federal Savings and Carmon Funeral Homes. Email torchlight@ftdt.org if you would like your group or vehicle to be in the parade.
The Halloween event, Nightmare on Broad Street, has been cancelled this year due to concerns over COVID-19.
For more information about the Torchlight Parade or other First Town Downtown programs, or to join First Town Downtown as a residential or business member, email Jane.Garibay@ftdt.org or call 860-882-8842. Visit www.firsttowndowntown.org for more information. The photo was provided courtesy of Mike Taylor.
