LFR Program Newsletter
Nov 21-Dec 4
In between your holiday meals, family gatherings and food-induced naps, don’t forget about the exciting slate of programs facilitated by the Town of Manchester’s Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation. Check out the below program listings for a sampling of the many fall programs and special events available over the coming weeks.
For the complete slate of fall programs, please visit the Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation Fall 2022 Program & Event Guide.
Looking forward to winter/spring programs? The 22-23 Winter/Spring Program and Event Guide will be in mailboxes soon! Registration for Winter/Spring programming opens on December 7 (Manchester residents) and December 9 (non-residents). Registration can be completed online or by calling (860)647-3084.
Recreation Division
Save the Date: Swim with Santa
Come and enjoy free time with Santa! Santa will visit the pool for a fun morning of splashing and swimming with your children. Parents must accompany young children or non-swimmers in the water. Bring your cameras! Participants must have a valid pool pass to be presented when entering to swim.
- Location: Manchester High School IOH Pool
- Meets: Sat, 12/10/22, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Ages: All ages welcome
- Fee: Please bring a non-perishable food donation to support the MACC Food Pantry
Save the Date: Holiday in the Park
Our annual Holiday in the Park is back and we cannot wait to see all the smiling faces again! This drive through event will be filled with music, characters, treats and a surprise! Make sure to follow our social media accounts so you are up to date about this event!
- Location: Northwest Park
- Meets: Sat, 12/17/22, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Ages: All ages welcome
- Fee: No cost
Youth Service Bureau
Looking In Theatre Presents: Social Justice Theater
Established in 1978, Looking in Theater is a performance ensemble composed of teenagers from the Greater Hartford area who explore socially relevant issues and create original theater highlighting these issues.
A typical presentation involves a series of short dramatic scenes followed by a discussion in which the actors answer audience questions as their characters.
Refreshments and food are provided. To register, contact Shakir Leacock at [email protected] or (860)647-5223.
- Location: Manchester YSB (63 Linden Street)
- Meet: Sat, 12/17/22, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
FACTS
Sometimes we forget that most youth DON’T drink alcohol or use other drugs. FACTS is a substance use prevention coalition for young people that gives you the tools to stay sober, helps you learn healthy stress management strategies and allows you to grow as a leader, all while exploring your community, traveling to conferences, and hanging out with friends.
Please call Samantha Bell at (860) 647-5260 or email at [email protected] for more information.
- Location: Manchester High School – Student Activities
- Ages: 14-18
- Meets: Mondays when school is in session, 2:10 PM – 3:10 PM
- Fee: No fee
Relax, Restore, Renew
Out with the old and in with the new. Come take some time to unwind and get excited for the year to come! Make your own vision board, get up and try something new (like yoga or Zumba), and do a little self-care. We’ll reflect on 2022 and talk about goals for 2023. This program is designed for youth ages 10-13.
To register, call (860) 647-5260 or email Samantha Bell at [email protected].
- Location: Youth Service Bureau
- Ages: 10 – 13
- Meets: Tuesday 12/27/22, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Fee: No fee
Family Ice Skating
Bundle up the whole family and join us for a private skating event at the South Windsor Ice Arena! Whether it’s your first time or you’re a pro, all are welcome to skate or spectate. Please dress warmly, wear thick socks and bring gloves. There will be a warming room available with hot chocolate and treats!
- Meets: W, 12/28/22, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Ages: Families with children ages 5+
- Location: South Windsor Ice Arena (585 John Fitch Blvd, South Windsor)
- To Register: Call (860)647-5262 or email [email protected]. Registration is required and space is limited for this FREE program.
Youth and Police Bowling and Laser Tag
Join the Youth Service Bureau and the Manchester Police Department for a fun night of bowling and laser tag!
- Meets: Th, 12/20/22, 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM (dinner provided)
- Location: Hall of Fame Silver Lanes/Knights Quest, 748 Silver Lane, East Hartford (transportation provided)
- To Register: Call (860)647-5262 or email [email protected]. Space is limited for this FREE program!
Neighborhoods & Families Division
Spruce Street Farmers Market: Shop Small Saturday
The Spruce Street Farmers Market will host its second annual Shop Small Saturday Indoor Market on Saturday, November 26 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Nathan Hale Activity Center, 160 Spruce Street.
Vendor selections are thoughtfully curated to include diverse Connecticut business owners and products, including: meats, maple syrup, baked goods, coffee, vegan offerings, guacamole, jewelry, clothing and more. Enjoy live music by Finn Rowan. See our exciting vendor line up at the Spruce Street Farmers Market Facebook page.
In addition to serving as a source for local foods, the market accepts SNAP/EBT and WIC payments, and will double the value of SNAP purchases up to $20.00 (spend $20.00 using your EBT card to receive an additional $20.00 to spend on SNAP eligible items). This program is sponsored by End Hunger CT! and CT Fresh Match.
Questions? Contact Market Coordinator Cynde Acanto at [email protected] or (860) 647-3089.
- Location: Nathan Hale Activity Center
- Meets: Sat, 11/26/22, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Ages: All ages welcome
- Fee: Free parking & free admission
Spruce Street Farmers Market: Indoor Holiday Market
Our Indoor Holiday Market is the perfect place to support small businesses and finish up your holiday shopping. Shop local with 25 Connecticut farms, prepared food vendors and artisans.
SNAP/EBT are accepted and doubled up to $20.00 (spend $20.00 to receive an additional $20.00 towards SNAP-eligible items). This program is sponsored by End Hunger CT! and CT Fresh Match.
RSVP for market updates at:
https://facebook.com/events/s/indoor-holiday-market/5550904825003217/
- Location: Nathan Hale Activity Center
- Meets: Sat, 12/17/22, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Ages: All ages welcome
- Fee: Free parking & free admission
Family Fun Night: DJ Dance Party
DJ Dale of Into the Groove will put the FUN in Family Fun Night! Experience a great mix of family-friendly music, lights, juggling and interactive dancing!
- Location: Nathan Hale Activity Center
- Meets: F, 01/13/23, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Ages: All ages welcome
- Fee: No cost or registration required
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About Author
James Costa is the Neighborhoods & Families Coordinator for the Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation. He began working with the division during his sophomore year at Manchester High School, and he is now a UConn graduate with degrees in Journalism & Film Studies.
Fun Fact #1: I won my car in a raffle during Manchester High School’s Project Graduation.
Fun Fact #2: My all-time favorite movies are All That Heaven Allows, Punch-Drunk Love & Twin Peaks: The Return.