LFR Program Newsletter
October 2024
Department Updates
Nathan Hale Engagement
Session
The Town of Manchester needs
your voice! Join us for a guided tour of the Nathan Hale school grounds, learn
about the community parks improvement plan for that area, and give us your
feedback on the type and style of amenities you prefer. Light refreshments will
be served and thank-you gifts will be given to all participating.
●
Meets: 10/10/24,
session starts at 6:00 PM
● Location: Eastside Neighborhood Resource Center, 153 Spruce Street
Recreation Division
Scarecrow Contest
Bring in the Halloween spirit at our Scarecrow Contest! Teams of 3-5 are
invited to create a scarecrow for our Scarecrow Village. Three winners will be
chosen in the following categories: Scariest Scarecrow, Happiest Scarecrow and
Best Overall Scarecrow. Winners will be announced at Fall Fest and be given
gift cards to one of the food vendors at the event. Leaves to stuff your
scarecrows will be provided; you must bring all other needed accessories.
●
Meets: 10/06/24
& 10/08/24, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
● Location: Northwest Park, 448 Tolland Turnpike
Pumpkin Carvings
Come carve your own pumpkin, which will decorate the haunted trail at the
Fall Festival at Northwest Park! Pumpkins and carving materials will be
provided.
●
Meets: 10/07/24
& 10/09/24, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
● Location: Northwest Park, 448 Tolland Turnpike
Fall Festival
Fall Festival is BACK! Try on your
Halloween costume and join us and other Town of Manchester departments for our
annual Fall Festival. We will have vendors, bounce houses, our Haunted Trail
and – of course – candy!
● Meets: F, 10/11/24, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
● Location: Northwest Park, 448 Tolland Turnpike
Neighborhoods
& Families Division
Northwest Park Farmers
Market
The Northwest Park Farmers Market will
run Wednesdays, September 4 through October 30, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at
Northwest Park, 448 Tolland Turnpike. Vendor selections are thoughtfully
curated to include diverse food and business owners, with products including:
fresh fruits & vegetables, meats & eggs, honey & maple syrup, baked
goods, vegan offerings, CT food trucks & artisans.
The market also accepts SNAP/EBT
payments & will double the value of SNAP purchases up to $30.00 (spend
$30.00 using your EBT card to receive an additional $30.00 to spend on
SNAP-eligible items). All children in attendance receive a $2.00 voucher to
spend on fresh produce at each market from the Power of Produce (P.O.P.)
program.
●
Meets: W,
09/04/23-10/30/23, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
● Location: Northwest Park, 448 Tolland Turnpike
Family
Movie Nights: Beauty & The Beast
Join us
for our free, family-friendly movie night series, indoors at the Eastside
Neighborhood Resource Center! Attendees are invited to dress up as their
favorite Disney character – whether a princess or prince, hero or villain – or
everything in between! Light refreshments will be provided.
●
Meets: F,
10/04/24, screening starts at 6:00 PM
● Location: Eastside Neighborhood Resource Center, 153 Spruce Street
Family
Fun Night: Board Game Night
Family
Fun Nights are based on the idea that, when it comes to creating connections –
fun comes first! These events provide families a positive, no-cost opportunity
for connection & recreation. Have fun playing a variety of games
with family and friends, including classic board games and new favorites. Enjoy
an evening of strategy, laughter and friendly competition!
●
Meets: F,
10/18/24, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
●
Location:
Eastside Neighborhood Resource Center, 153 Spruce Street
●
Ages: Pre-K –
Grade 6
●
Fee: No cost
or registration required.
Youth Service Bureau
FACTS (Manchester High School)
Sometimes we forget that most youth DON’T drink alcohol or use other drugs. FACTS is a substance use prevention program for young people that gives you the tools to stay sober, helps you learn healthy stress-management strategies, allows you to grow as a leader, all while exploring your community, traveling to conferences, and hanging out with friends. Please email Samantha Bell at sbell@ manchesterct.gov for more information.
● Meets: M,10/7/24-12/16/24, 2:10 PM – 3:10 PM
● Facilitator: Samantha Bell
Red Cross Babysitting Certification Class
In this class, participants will learn the skills necessary to safely and responsibly care for children and infants. Participants will develop leadership skills, including how to develop a babysitting business, keep themselves and others safe, and learn basic First Aid & CPR. Please note this class takes place over the course of two days; both classes must be attended to receive certification.
● Meets: Sat & Sun, 10/12/24-10/13/24, 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
● Facilitator: Kellie Gauvin
Bike Wrench
Is your bike making a funny sound? Do you want to customize it to really make it yours? Do your breaks even work?! Bring it over to the Gear & Bike Shop at Charter Oak and learn how to do all of this and more at our Bike Wrench workshop!
We will begin with a brief lesson on safe riding techniques followed by a hands-on bicycle repair session. We will fix the following:
1. Punctured/ Deflated Tires
2. Broken Brake Cables
3. Broken Shifter Cables
4. Grimy Chains and Components
Bikes will then be fit to their riders by adjusting handlebar and seat height and pitch. Tools, guidance, and simple materials like shifting and brake wires and tire tubes will be provided for free! And pizza!
Bike Wrench meets at the Charter Oak Gear & Bike Shop on Friday, October 25th from 5-8pm.
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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.