LFR Program Newsletter
December 19 - January 1
With the holidays right around the corner, be sure to join us for our slate of holiday-themed events, specialty farmers markets & much more! The Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation has a little something for everyone throughout the 2022-2023 holiday season.
In addition, please review below for our 2022-2023 Recreation Center holiday hours. Program registration can be completed online or by calling (860)647-3084.
For the complete slate of fall programs, please visit the Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation Fall 2022 Program & Event Guide. For upcoming programming, please visit the Winter/Spring 22-23 Program & Event Guide.
Holiday Facility Hours
Please note that all Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation facilities will be closed on the following dates:
- Friday, December 23
- Monday, December 26
- Monday, January 2
In addition, please see below for site-specific notes:
- Community Y Holiday Dates
- Closed December 23, 24 & 26 (normal hours December 22 & 27)
- Closed December 31 & January 2
- Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center
- Closed December 23, 24 & 26
- December 27-30: Leisure Labs open from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Closed January 1 & 2
Recreation Division
This is a holiday cookie decorating class where students will use royal icing. Students will learn how to thin royal icing, flood cookies and wet-on-wet decorating techniques. Each student will receive one dozen cookies & a free gift!
- Instructor: Mimi’s Cake Decorating School
- Location: Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center (Art Lab, F 28)
- Meets: M, 12/19/22, 6:00 PM -8:00 PM
- Ages: 7-13
- Fee: $45/ $54 (nr)
Neighborhoods and 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 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 Division
Relax, Restore, Renew
Out with the old and in with the new! Come and take some time to unwind and get excited for the year to come. Make your own vision board, try Zumba & do some self-care. Reflect on 2022 and plan your goals for 2023. Lunch provided.
To register, call Samantha Bell at (860) 647-5260 or email [email protected]
- Meets: Tu, 12/27/23, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Ages: 10-13
- Location: Youth Service Bureau (63 Linden Street)
Family Ice Skating Trip
Looking for something fun to do over break? Whether you love ice skating or it’s your first time, bring the whole family for open skate with the Youth Service Bureau!
To register, call Kellie Gauvin at (860) 647-5262 or email [email protected]
- Meets: W, 12/28/22, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Ages: 5+, must be accompanied by parent/guardian
- Location: South Windsor Arena (transportation from YSB provided)
Noon Years for Teens
New years at noon! Wear your best New Year’s outfits and get ready to work on resolutions, reflect on the past year & celebrate life. We will also be having a vision board competition
with great prizes & a special sparkling cider toast at 12:00 PM. Lunch provided.
To register, call Tasha Weston at (860) 647-5212 or email [email protected]
- Meets: W, 12/28/22, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Ages: 14-18
- Location: Youth Service Bureau (63 Linden Street)
Hammonasset Trip
Come for an exciting day venturing to Hammonasset beach to explore nature, bird watch, and beach comb. Transportation and lunch provided!
To register, call Pete Wlochowski at (860) 647-5213.
- Meets: Th, 12/29/22, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Ages: 10+
- Location: Youth Service Bureau (63 Linden Street) to Hammonasset Beach
Flight Trampoline Park
Jump out of your socks with the Youth Services Bureau as we bounce over to Flight Trampoline Park! Participants should dress comfortably for athletic movements. Lunch will be served after.
To register, call Shakir Leacock at (860) 647-5223 or email [email protected]
- Meets: Th, 12/29/22, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Ages: 10-11
- Location: Youth Service Bureau (63 Linden Street)
Taco Party
Join us down at the Teen Center for a day of discussion and crazy cuisine creations as everyone will make the taco (or burrito) of their wildest dreams!
To register, call Shakir Leacock at (860) 647-5223 or email [email protected]
- Meets: F, 12/30/22, 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Ages: 10+
- Location: Youth Service Bureau (63 Linden Street)
Noon Year’s Eve
Celebrate the New Year little kid style! Your little one will be able to enjoy crafts, hats, noise makers and play-time to celebrate the arrival of 2023. There will be a count-down at about 12:00 PM noon to mark the tradition at a kid-friendly time.
- Instructor: Caitlin McNamara
- Location: Northwest Park Early Childhood Center
- Age: 2-6 years old
- Meets: F, 12/30/22, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Fee: No cost
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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.