LFR Program Newsletter
February 13-26
Special Events
International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is a worldwide annual observance held on February 21, initiated by the people of Bangladesh, to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism. The holiday was declared by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November of 1999. Later, in 2002, the General Assembly of the UN officially marked the day with a resolution “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world.”
The Town of Manchester and multicultural community partners will honor and celebrate IMLD with a weekend of events with the goal to inspire acceptance and solidarity. The events are free of charge and open to the public.
Writers Meet & Greet
(Saturday, February 25, 1:00-4:30 PM, Whiton Library, 100 N. Main Street)
Storyteller, music, arts and crafts, poetry and an author meet and greet. Reception will be catered by Anthony’s Jamaican Restaurant. For more information, call the Manchester Public Library: 860-645-0821 or visit website: manchesterct.gov/library
Multicultural Event with Music & Dance
(Sunday, February 26, 2:00-3:30 PM, Manchester High School, 134 East Middle Turnpike)
Music, poetry, dance and more from a variety of cultures and backgrounds!
“Language is Art” Exhibit
(Sunday, February 26, 1:30-4:00 PM, Manchester High School, Bailey Auditorium Lobby)
Recreation Division
Drop-In Art: Love Bugs
Drop-In Art sessions are for anyone interested in creating an art project on a weekly basis. It is a chance to meet other people interested in doing art, experiment with ideas and different media & have fun! Create a 3-D “love-bug” using pipe cleaners and recycled bottles.
- Location: Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center
- Meets: 02/20/23 & 02/22/23, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Ages: All ages welcome
- Fee: No Fee (Youth Recreation Card Required)
Friday Night Specials: Love Song Karaoke
Come on out and sing a love-themed song for a special someone or just come have fun with our staff at the lovely Leisure Labs!
- Location: Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center
- Meets: F, 02/24/23
- Fee: No Fee (Youth Recreation Card Required)
Youth Service Bureau Division
Passport to Family Fun: Family Plant Party
You don’t need to travel far to have fun! PASSPORT to Family Fun provides monthly family activities that encourage communication and teamwork in a fun environment! Get your hands dirty and create your own plant masterpiece from our interactive plant bar! Gardening together is fun and promotes stress relief and relaxation. All families will receive a “PASSPORT,” which will be stamped at each event. Families who attend 5 or more events throughout the year will be entered into a drawing for a Grand Prize!
- Meets: Thursday, 02/09/23, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Ages: Families with children ages 5+
- Location: Manchester Youth Service Bureau (63 Linden Street)
- To Register: Call (860) 647-5262 or email [email protected]. Registration is required and space is limited for this FREE program!
Youth & Police: Hartford Wolf Pack Game
Join the Youth Service Bureau and the Manchester Police Department for a night of fun with the Hartford Wolf Pack!
- Meets: F, 02/10/23, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM (dinner provided)
- Location: XL Center, Hartford
- To Register: Call (860)647-5262 or email [email protected]. Space is limited for this FREE program!
Neighborhood and Families Division
Spruce Street Community Garden: Waitlist Registration
Join the waitlist for the 2023 Spruce Street Community Garden growing season! Placement on the list is first come, first served & open for Manchester residents only. Registration for the upcoming growing season officially opens at the Registration Day event on Tuesday, March 23.
- Location: Digital (click here to register)
- Dates: Waitlist closes on 03/23/2023
- Fee: No cost
Family Fun Night: Family Game Show
Join Carlos of CBT Entertainment for a free family gameshow! Come test your trivia knowledge at this educational and friendly competition.
- Location: Nathan Hale Activity Center
- Dates: F, 03/10/23, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Fee: No cost
Like this article?
Leave a comment
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.