LFR Program Newsletter
January 2- January 15
With the New Year right around the corner, check out the Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation’s upcoming slate of winter programs & special events!
For the complete listing of upcoming programs & special events, please visit the Winter/Spring 22-23 Program & Event Guide.
Recreation Division
Drop-In Art: Winter Wonderland
Drop-In Art sessions are for anyone interested in creating an art project on a weekly basis. Join us in printing a winter wonderland scene on canvas with acrylic paint!
- Location: Mahoney Center (Art Lab, F 28)
- Meets: 01/09/23 & 01/11/23, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Ages: All ages welcome
- Fee: No fee (Youth Recreation Card required)
Winter, Fire & Ice
Join us for a FREE fun community event intended to provide a safe and fun space for people to take a break from the winter blues and take a breath of fresh air, smile and be able to enjoy this time of year. What better way to stay safe, happy, and connected than a walk in the park and discover something unexpected.
- Location: Northwest Park, 448 Tolland Turnpike
- Meets: Sat, 01/21/23, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Ages: All ages welcome
- Fee: No cost
American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
The Aquatics Division is offering an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training class in January! The classes will take place on Friday’s from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM (January 13, 20, 27) and on Saturday’s from 8:30 AM –1:00 PM (January 14 and 21). Participants must be at least 15 years of age and pass certain swimming requirements. Attendance is mandatory for every class.This class is a great opportunity for you or your teenager to learn lifesaving and leadership skills. Once successfully passing this course, you or your teenager will have the opportunity to interview and work for the Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation. Registration is open and can be done in any of our Recreation Facilities, over the phone or online. Don’t miss out on this rewarding opportunity!
Neighborhoods & Families Division
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, juggling, and interactive dancing!
- Location: Nathan Hale Activity Center, 160 Spruce Street
- Meets: F, 01/13/23, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Ages: All ages welcome
- Fee: No cost or registration is required
Spruce Street Farmers Market: Love Your Local Market
The Neighborhoods & Families Division will host the Spruce Street Farmers Markets: Love Your Local Market on Saturday, February 11 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 love 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 will double the value of SNAP purchases up to $20.00 (spend $20.00 using your EBT card to receive an additional $20 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.
Youth Service Bureau
Martin Luther King Celebration
The Town of Manchester’s 38th Annual Martin Luther King Celebration will honor students who embody the principles of Dr. King by promoting positive change in their school & community. Please join us for this special evening to celebrate the life of Dr. King and recognize the amazing contributions of youth in our community!
Questions? Contact the Manchester Youth Service Bureau at (860)647-5262.
- Location: MHS Bailey Auditorium
- Meets: Tu, 01/17/23, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Ages: All ages welcome
- Fee: No cost
Employment Program
Designed to engage and help youth in Manchester with career exploration and job readiness skills. After successfully completing the session, youth will have a completed cover letter & resume, which will allow them to properly apply for future jobs and have a better understanding of employment competency skills.
A permission slip is required. Visit manchesterct.gov/ysb for the permission slip.
- Location: Youth Service Bureau
- Meets: T, 01/17/23-03/21/23, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Ages: 16-21
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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.