Skip to content

Breaking News

Strong Family Farm displays scarecrows throughout October

VERNON — Over 36 scarecrows are on display at Strong Family Farm, 274 West St. Businesses, families, and individuals set up their unique creations along the fence at the farm for everyone to see. Entries include homages to pop-culture, fairy tales, and comic book characters, as well as scarecrows honoring frontline workers. They will be on display through the month of October. Visit www.strongfamilyfarm.org/annual-scarecrow-contest for more information.

Mattie’s Togs Thrift Shop reopens

TOLLAND — Mattie’s Togs Thrift Shop, closed since February, is reopening with safe-distancing, and masks to be worn by all parties concerned. To shop at Mattie’s Togs, you must make an appointment with Billie. The hours are more flexible at the present time. Call ahead to Bille at 860-871-0260. The shop is located in the old Parish office on the Dunn Hill Road side of the church. Visit https://www.blessedsacramentct.org/ for more information.

Layette Mass taking place in October

ROCKVILLE — The Ladies of St. Joseph will be collecting items for Birthright, a pregnancy crisis center serving Hartford and the surrounding communities. This year, the Novena to St. Jude will end on the evening of Oct. 28, with the 7 p.m. mass.

The Ladies can no longer collect toys, stuffed animals, car seats or cribs due to safety concerns. They are seeking diapers, baby blankets, baby and toddler clothing, including coats, and maternity clothing. Monetary donations are always welcome. Place items in front of the altar prior to mass or bring items to the parish office during office hours. Saint Joseph Church is located at 33 West St.

All-holiday craft fair taking place

ELLINGTON — The Community United Methodist Church at Crystal Lake will host its all-holiday craft fair on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 278 Sandy Beach Road in the Crystal Lake section of Ellington.

Knitted, crocheted, and sewn items, wooden creations, jewelry, metalcraft, jams, pickles, maple syrup and soaps will be offered for sale. Masks are required and some will be available to buy as well. Please respect physical distancing. Contact Lani at 860-875-3632 or laniarmlin@aol.com for more information.

College names local students to dean’s list

GETTYSBURG, Pa. — The following local students from Gettysburg College were named to the spring 2020 dean’s list: Madison Bulgajewski of Broad Brook, Bridget Haines of East Haddam, and Taylor Slade of Tolland.

Celebrate Halloween with drive-through experiences, virtual events and more

STATEWIDE — Connecticut has a long history of haunted happenings and throughout the month of October, cities, towns and businesses across the state are leaning into the Halloween season with fun, and sometimes frightening, experiences for all. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, new activities—including drive-through experiences and private ghost tours—have emerged to provide safer ways to celebrate.

Visit www.CTvisit.com for more information on the following seasonal events. Drive-through experiences are as follows. Visit ‘The Ride’ at Pumpkintown U.S.A. in East Hampton to enjoy the Pumpkintown Forest and its Pumpkinhead inhabitants from the comfort of your own vehicle.

Discover the Pony Trail, see live characters and more at Ray of Light Farm’s Halloween Drive Through in East Haddam. Enjoy a drive-through musical experience complete with friendly witches and grinning ghosts at Happy Haunts Hollow in Milford.

Not-so-scary fun is taking place too. Spot all of the scarecrows along Main Street in Old Wethersfield during the 25th annual event.

Find scarecrows in Essex during Scarecrow FestiFall or Putnam during the popular Scarecrow Contest.

Stroll through the Haunted Petting Zoo at Flamig Farm in West Simsbury to visit the animals and experience a few surprises, too. Try your hand at Pumpkin Mini Golf at Sonny’s Place in Somers, where you’ll be surrounded by 500 hand-carved pumpkins and other decorations.

Spooky strolls and haunted attractions: Explore the supernatural side of New Haven with public or private Ghosts of New Haven tours. Take a moonlit stroll with Spirits of Milford Ghost Walks or Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours in Mystic.

Shiver and shudder through Things that Go Bump in the Night, a special candlelight tour at Nathan Hale Homestead in Coventry. Discover some of the darker, oft-overlooked portions of Mystic Seaport Museum during a Jack-O-Lantern Walk.

Venture into the four-acre Trail of Terror: Fear is Art in Wallingford for the 26th year of frightful outdoor fun. Board The Haunted Isle at The Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven to see what’s hiding in the woods at the end of the tracks.

Virtual experiences: Mark your Zoom calendar for ‘The History of the Ouija Board’ and ‘A Ghost Hunter’s Favorite Cases,’ hosted by Seymour Public Library.

Tune into Norwalk Historical Society’s A Haunting at Mill Hill graveyard tour—now a movie—to see and hear gripping tales from the city’s past. Test your knowledge of creepy artwork, ghoulish songs and scary movies during MATT by Night: Virtual Halloween Trivia Night, hosted by the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury.

Visit https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Communications/Guidance/Connecticut-Halloween-Guidance to read the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Halloween Guidance.

CCM CARES series features virtual discussions on race equity in CT

STATEWIDE — The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities will be staging a series of public regional discussions across Connecticut on the critical and long-simmering issue of race equity with more than 20 key stakeholders from four regions of the state on Oct. 26 and 28.

“Over the spring and summer and into the fall, America was confronted once again by the ugly truth that systemic racism persists throughout our society,” said Joe DeLong, CCM Executive Director and CEO. “The effects of systemic racism have consequences in housing, education, health, public safety, wealth, and nearly every other part of daily life – in fact, race is still the number one predictor of success and well-being in our country.”

“We need to begin having the hard conversations in our communities,” DeLong added. “That is why we are inviting leaders and the public to CCM CARES – Communities Advancing Racial Equity Series, which will take that crucial first step of starting the conversation. We feel that change begins at home.”

Each 90-minute session will feature a panel of community and municipal leaders, covering topics such as policing issues, local public education, public health and affordable housing, with an open dialogue to follow.

These forums will take place on Oct. 26 and 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. respectively, via Zoom and Facebook Live. Visit www.ccmcares.com for more information.

North Central Connecticut: Monday, Oct. 26, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. with panelists Luke Bronin, Mayor, Hartford; Michael Oretade, Black Lives Matter 860; Shari Cantor, Mayor, West Hartford; Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, Superintendent of Schools, Hartford; Suzette DeBeatham-Brown, Mayor, Bloomfield; and Ed Ford, Jr., Middletown City Council. The facilitator is Michael Savino, reporter, WFSB-TV, Channel 3.

Eastern Connecticut’s panel will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Panelists are Michael Passero, Mayor, New London; Dwight Bachman, Willimantic NAACP; Patrick Daley, Chief of Police, Norwich; Benjamin Watts, Senior Pastor, Shiloh Baptist Church, New London; and Stephanie Clark, Program Officer, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut. The facilitator is Christine Stuart, Editor, CT News Junkie; Reporter, NBC 30.

Read for the Record Day taking place in October

HARTFORD — Hartford Public Library and United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut are teaming up to send volunteers virtually into Hartford Public Schools first grade classrooms to read to students.

Jumpstart’s “Read for the Record,” taking place Oct, 29, is a global campaign which generates public support for high-quality early learning by mobilizing millions of children and adults to take part in the world’s largest shared reading experience. Jumpstart is a national early education organization that works toward the day every child in America enters kindergarten prepared to succeed.

“Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away,” written by Meg Medina and illustrated by Sonia Sanchez, is this year’s book. “Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away” is a celebration of lasting friendship, the power of connection, and encountering change.

Hartford Public Library will give a copy of the book to each first grade classroom in Hartford participating in the program. Copies will be made available in English and Spanish. In addition, HPL staff members will participate in virtual readings of Medina’s book. Visit https://www.jstart.org/read-for-the-record/ or www.hplct.org for more information.

Hofstra University congratulates spring 2020 graduates

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. — About 2,000 Hofstra University students earned their undergraduate, graduate, or law degrees this spring and summer. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual commencement ceremonies were held on Aug. 23.

The following local residents were among the graduates. Brittany Clark of Bolton earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Alicia Daigle of Vernon/Rockville, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Music Education.

Rachel Glasser of East Hampton earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Dempsey Goodale of South Windsor earned a Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences. Jacob Martin of N. Franklin earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.

Matthew Mitlitsky of Mansfield earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems. Nathaniel Perez of South Windsor earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance.

Briana Schmidt of Bolton earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. Eiryn Sheades of Coventry earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.

Arts Center East offering classes, multimedia exhibit

VERNON — Arts Center East, 709 Hartford Turnpike, is open in October for the 9th annual ACE artist members exhibit, for limited hours: Fridays and Saturdays, from 1 to 5 p.m.

The 9th annual ACE artist members exhibit will take place from Oct. 2 to 24. Gallery hours are Friday and Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. and viewable online. Visit www.artscentereast.org/ace-artist-members-exhibit to view the exhibit. Sponsored by Jerry’s West Hartford, Wholesale Frame Company, and Zahner’s Clothiers

Virtual Student Art Showcase: Oct. 2 to 24. Visit www.artscentereast.org/virtual-student-art-showcase for more information. The center is proud to virtually display the artwork of numerous art students in the region, from Bolton High School, G. H. Robertson School in Coventry, and Vernon Center Middle School.

Tables & Toasts Exhibit, a juried multimedia exhibit. Jury Results: Saturday, Oct. 26. Arts Center East is kicking off the holiday season with Tables & Toasts: Food, Drink & Merriment. This exhibit celebrates gatherings and all the preparation that goes into making them happen, from the bustle in the kitchen, to the clink of glasses in the dining room. Visit www.artscentereast.org to submit your artwork online.

This exhibit will be hung in the gallery, unless gathering restrictions change. Accepted Artist Drop-Off: Friday, Oct. 30, from 2 to 6 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Exhibit Dates: Nov. 6 to 28. Gallery Hours: Fridays and Saturdays, 1 to 5 p.m.

Annual Holiday Artisan Craft Fair dates: Nov. 12 to 15 and Nov. 19 to 22. Times: Thursday and Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Landscapes & Waterscapes Oil Painting & Acrylic. Dates: Nov. 4 to Dec. 9. Time: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Cost: $182/$164.00 for ACE members. Instructor: Linda Boisvert-DeStefanis. Register online at www.artscentereast.org/classes or email info@artscentereast.org. Learn to create beautiful paintings using your own reference photos. Professional artist Linda DeStefanis offers individual instruction for all levels in an accessible online class. You begin by selecting a reference photo (or two) you would like to work from, then learn how to create successful compositions from photos, what to crop out, what to add or change; begin your painting by sketching then blocking in shapes for an underpainting; practice and try creating different effects by using different brushes; create dynamic paintings with the help of color and why you don’t need black paint. A materials and supplies list will be given before the first class begins. With individual instruction, you will learn how to use your own reference photos (or photos provided by Linda) to create successful, beautiful paintings. This class also works for acrylic artists. All levels welcome.

Weekly lessons will be emailed with an (optional) Class Q&A Zoom Meeting taking place on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Meetings will be recorded and sent to those who were unable to attend.

Pastel Painting: Oct. 27 to Dec. 1. Time: Tuesdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m., via Zoom. Cost: $182 per person or $164 per ACE member. Instructor: Jane Penfield. Register online at www.artscentereast.org/classes or email info@artscentereast.org. This is an online class. Instruction includes a weekly tutorial, individual feedback and critique, and a weekly Zoom session where the class can discuss topics and share with each other. All levels are welcome, and you can participate from anywhere. This class will help you develop confidence with the pastel medium, including building a strong composition, understanding values, creating light and shadow, and developing cohesive color harmony to develop a strong painting from start to finish. Various underpainting techniques will be introduced. Students may use reference photos they have taken themselves or paint from life. All levels of experience are welcome. A materials list will be provided upon registration. Contact Jane Penfield at penfieldjane@gmail.com with questions.

Animal Control: Dogs must be leashed when on town property

TOLLAND — The Department of Public Safety, Animal Control released the following information on Oct. 5: “Tolland Animal Control is receiving an increase in complaints regarding dogs off leash as well as nuisance/aggressive dogs at several town parks and trail systems. Officers would like to remind dog owners that we continue to welcome them to enjoy Tolland’s parks and trails, however dogs must be leashed at all times while on all town property.

Officers will be stepping up their efforts to locate offenders and may issue infraction tickets to violators. The fine for not having direct control over your dog is $92.00, (C.G.S. 22-364) . The fine for having a dog which is a nuisance or is aggressive towards another animal or person is $75 (C.G.S. 22-363) for the first offense, and a court summons for a second offense.

We ask dog owners to please pick up after your dog and to remember that our parks and trail systems are for all residents to safely enjoy. We ask everyone to be courteous towards one another and remember we all share the same paths.”

Library presents happenings in October

ELLINGTON — During the week before Halloween, Oct. 26 to 31, patrons can pick up a grab-n-go craft in the Hall Memorial Library foyer, 93 Main St.

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 3 to 5 p.m., bring the whole family to the library to help decorate the front sidewalk for Halloween. Masks must be worn and social distancing will be required. The rain date will be Thursday, Oct. 29. Chalk will be supplied for you to draw your scariest or your silliest Halloween monsters. This program is open to all ages. All participants will be given a “Dream Big” book bag. For more information, call the library at 860-870-3160.
https://www.courant.com/2020/10/15/community-news-for-the-vernon-edition-116/
www.courant.com
CC-MAIN-2023-23
205950
application/http; msgtype=response
sha1:S63ATEXYSQGDBGW3YVX34LP6OURHR5F7
<urn:uuid:67f2e52c-7c5c-40b1-be29-7d660845f780>
2023-05-29T08:23:47Z
192.0.66.166
text/html
sha1:N36NANDPPKZNYLHWRHJR6WYKPGVCJG5F
<urn:uuid:a193a58e-942e-4edf-aeeb-04812edbfb06>
https://www.courant.com/2020/10/15/community-news-for-the-vernon-edition-116/
response
<urn:uuid:83118dd8-e74d-4cb9-93b4-e8f0a2b4d1c3>
isPartOf: CC-MAIN-2023-23
publisher: Common Crawl
description: Wide crawl of the web for May/June 2023
operator: Common Crawl Admin (info@commoncrawl.org)
hostname: ip-10-67-67-180
software: Apache Nutch 1.19 (modified, https://github.com/commoncrawl/nutch/)
robots: checked via crawler-commons 1.4-SNAPSHOT (https://github.com/crawler-commons/crawler-commons)
format: WARC File Format 1.1
conformsTo: https://iipc.github.io/warc-specifications/specifications/warc-format/warc-1.1/