LFR Program Newsletter
January 2025
Department Updates
Please note that Department of Leisure, Family and Recreation offices will be closed on Wednesday, January 1 in observance of New Year’s Day. All offices will return to their normally scheduled hours on Thursday, January 2nd.
Neighborhoods & Families Division
Family
Movie Night: Where The Wild Things Are
Join us for our free, family-friendly movie night series,
indoors at the Eastside Neighborhood Resource Center! Use your imagination and
embrace your inner adventurer with family and friends. Light refreshments will
be provided.
● Meets: F,
01/03/25, screening starts at 6:00 PM
● Location: Eastside
Neighborhood Resource Center, 153 Spruce Street
● Ages: All ages
welcome
● Fee: No cost
or registration required.
Grow Your Own Superfoods: A Hands-On Microgreens Learnshop
Microgreens are nutrient-packed, easy-to-grow plants that add a
healthy boost to any meal. In this interactive 90-minute workshop, participants
will learn the basics of growing microgreens, discover their nutritional
benefits, and make their own pot of microgreens to take home. Attendees will
also receive step-by-step instructions and helpful links to continue growing
microgreens at home with ease.
● Meets: Th,
01/09/25, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
● Location: Eastside
Neighborhood Resource Center, 153 Spruce Street
● Ages: All ages
welcome
● Fee: No cost
or registration required.
Family
Fun Night: Hot Chocolate Social
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. Come cozy up on Spruce Street at our Hot
Chocolate Social! Bring your friends and family to mingle, enjoy some relaxing
tunes, and play your favorite board games. Be sure to show up in your comfiest
pajamas!
● Meets: F,
01/17/25, 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.
Recreation Division
Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Course
Become a certified instructor to be able to teach swimming
lessons. This American Red Cross course trains instructor candidates to teach
all of the courses presented in the Swimming and Water Safety program to all
age groups including Learn-to-Swim Levels 1-6, Adult Swim and Infant, Toddler,
Preschool classes. This certification is the gold standard and provides the
most comprehensive training for swim instructors. Due to this being a blended
learning course, online and in person, registration will close on 12/30/24.
●
Prerequisites:
Must be at least 16 years of age and be able to swim at a Learn
to Swim level 4 ability.
●
Facilitator: Josh
Charette
●
Location:
Manchester High School Main Pool
●
Ages: 16+
●
Meets: Tu – F,
01/07/25 – 01/10/25 5:00 – 9:30 PM & Sat, 01/11/25, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
● Fee: $125/$350
(nr)
Mad
Science Series: Detective Science
Children are introduced to the science techniques used to
investigate and analyze crime scene evidence. The children begin their training
by observing a fictional, family-friendly crime scene. Their inquiry continues
with a mystery powder analysis, fingerprint examination, ink separation
investigation, and teeth impression match-up.
● Meets: F,
01/17/25, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
● Location: Leisure
Labs at Mahoney Center, 110 Cedar Street
● Ages: All ages
welcome
● Fee: $30/$35
(NR)
Youth
Service Bureau
Pawprints On Our Hearts
This workshop is for parents and children that explores the love and
enrichment pets bring to our lives! This free program includes storytime (The Invisible Leash), guided pet
portrait workshop and a comfort dog visit. This workshop is appropriate for
children grieving the loss of a pet and also those looking to celebrate the
lives of a current pet and/or those who have passed.
● Meets: Sat,
01/25/25, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
● Location: Youth
Service Bureau, 63 Linden Street
● Ages: Families
with children ages 4-12
●
Fee: No cost.
To register, please email Kellie Gauvin at [email protected].
Afterschool
Artists Circle
The Afterschool Artists Circle will host
weekly after-school art discussions for Manchester High School students,
facilitated by YSB staff. The program will feature visiting artist lectures and
field trips to local art galleries and museums to enrich participants’
understanding of themselves and their communities through art analysis and
education.
● Meets: M,
01/13/25-05/19/25, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
● Location: Youth
Service Bureau, 63 Linden Street
● Ages: Manchester
High School students
●
Fee: No cost.
To register, please contact John Dalterio at [email protected].
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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.