Garden Club Programs
SOUTH WOODSTOCK -- The Quiet Corner Garden Club presents educational programs at the South Woodstock Baptist Church’s Fellowship Hall, 23 Roseland Park Road, at 6:45 p.m.
Following the program, attendees can enjoy refreshments, meet the speakers and ask follow-up questions. The Garden Club will be hosting the following programs that are open to the public. A $5 donation is requested of non-members.
Using Native Shrubs for Pollinators: Monday, Feb. 3, presented by Dr. Jessica Lubell, Professor of Horticulture at UConn. Dr. Lubell will review pollinator-friendly native cultivars that home gardeners can use to protect, encourage and increase the effects of the diminished pollinator populations that threaten our vital ecosystems.
Winter/Spring 2020 Workshops & Trips: For members. Join QCGC to attend. Schedule: Saturday, Feb. 15, Trip to Tower Hill Botanic Garden’s greenhouses and Camelia Show, Boylston, Mass.; Sunday, Feb. 23, trip to Connecticut Flower Show, Hartford; Monday, March 3, Flower Show Floral Arranging Workshop: Elements of Floral Design, Woodstock; Saturday, March 28, Living Wreath of Spring Flowers Workshop; Monday, April 6, Program, Attracting Different Types of Birds to Your Yard; and Saturday, April 18, Creating Your Own Bonsai Workshop, Bellingham, Mass.
The Magic Of Therapy Dogs
JEWETT CITY -- At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, the magic of therapy dogs will be presented at Slater Library, 26 Main St. This is a topic for teens and adults. Jean Baur presents ‘Remembering Bella, Welcoming Rudy.’
Baur has worked as a therapy dog handler for eight years, first with Bella and now with Rudy. She is amazed by the ways these well-trained dogs know exactly what each person needs. Her book about Bella, "Joy Unleashed: The Story of Bella, the Unlikely Therapy Dog," reveals these everyday miracles that took place as Bella and Baur visited nursing and hospital patients, and special needs students in the schools.
Bella died in early January 2018, just shy of her 11th birthday. Rudy, who was certified by Pet Partners as a therapy dog in March of 2018, is also really good at his job. Baur initiated a new program at the local courthouse and Rudy now comforts victims before trial.
Her talk incorporates personal experience as well as the results of scientific studies that prove how therapy dogs make a difference. But the best is Rudy himself. He gives audiences a first-hand experience of his grace, humor and power. He also does some really neat tricks. To reserve a seat for this event, visit Slater Library or call 860-376-0024.
4-H Camp Events
POMFRET -- Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp, 326 Taft Pond Road, will host an open house on Sunday, Feb. 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. Meet the director and other camp staff and take a camp tour. Registration materials will be available. An informational panel with current parents about their family’s experience with summer camp will take place from 1:30 to 2 p.m. The open house will be hosted by Heather Logee, camp director.
On Saturday, Feb. 15, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., a camper game day for boys and girls, ages 6 to12, will take place. Lunch and snacks will be provided with games, crafts and more. Bring outdoor gear and a sled if there is snow on the ground. Admission is $25 per child. Call 860-974-3379 to register by Feb. 12. Email registrar@4hcampct.org for more info or to register.
Fish Fry
NORTH GROSVENORDALE -- The Knights of Columbus Club 2087 will host a fish fry from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31; Feb. 7, Feb. 14 and Feb. 21, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1017 Riverside Drive. The menu will consist of fish & chips ($11); baked haddock ($12); fried bay scallops or fried shrimp ($13); fried clams ($16); and a seafood platter ($18). Eat-in or take-out is available. Call 860-923-2967 or email council2087@gmail.com for more information.
Contra Dance
COVENTRY -- The Quiet Corner Contra Dance will take place on Friday, Feb. 7, at Patriots Park Lodge, 172 Lake St. A beginner workshop will begin at 7:45 p.m. and the dance will take place from 8 to 11 p.m. The dance will feature a live caller and band. A partner is not necessary. Organizers recommend wearing soft-soled shoes and light layered clothes and bring a water bottle. Snacks are welcome. For more information, contact Dennis at knowdj@charter.net or 860-742-9498.
Baked Potato Buffet
PUTNAM -- A baked potato buffet in the downstairs hall of St. Mary’s Church, 218 Providence St., will take place on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. Cost to attend is $5 per person and buys a whole baked potato with seven toppings to choose from, plus dessert and coffee or tea. Eat -n or take-out is available. Proceeds benefit the Troop 21 Scouts BSA’s summer camp fund. For information, call 860-928-7241.
Eversource Programs Help Manage Energy Bills
AREA -- With the start of a new year, Eversource is reminding customers of the various options available to help them manage their energy use and bills. Recognizing it can be difficult for some customers to pay their energy bills, the company offers several assistance programs, such as Budget Billing, Winter Protection, Matching Payment or New Start – which helps reduce or eliminate past-due balances.
“We understand the effect high electricity prices can have on our customers, particularly those facing difficult financial circumstances, and we want to help if they’re struggling to pay their energy bill,” said Eversource Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Penni Conner. “Like our customers, we have no control over fluctuating energy prices, but the variety of programs we offer can help people manage their energy bills and reduce energy consumption. We encourage all of our customers to see if one of our programs is right for them.”
Eversource offers several financial assistance programs and energy efficiency solutions to help customers: Billing and Payment Programs: For all customers. Budget Billing: Customers pay a predetermined monthly amount based on their average monthly bills to avoid drastic peaks during months of high energy use.
Payment Plans: Customers with a past-due balance or late with a payment can set up a payment arrangement and should contact Eversource to do so.
Hardship Programs: For income-eligible customers. Winter Protection: Customer’s account is protected from service disconnection Nov. 1 through May 1, regardless of bill payment status, with no late payment charges.
New Start: Customers can reduce or eliminate their outstanding balance in as little as 12 months when they make on-time monthly payments and Eversource will make up the difference.
Matching Payment: Customers apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), then determine the amount of money they can afford to pay each month and set up a payment arrangement with Eversource. For every dollar a customer pays toward their bill by the agreed-upon time each month, a dollar will be credited to their past-due amount.
Customers are encouraged to call the energy company at 800-286-2828 or visit “Help Pay My Bill” on Eversource.com to find out more about these programs.
Eversource also recommends customers take advantage of the company’s energy efficiency offerings which can help reduce energy usage and help keep energy bills down year-round. Customers are encouraged to do the following.
Sign up for Home Energy SolutionsSM: A certified technician checks a customer’s home to identify places it can be tightened up to save money and energy. The technician makes on-the-spot improvements such as sealing up drafty doors and windows, closing air gaps around pipes and upgrading to LED lighting. This service is available to income-eligible customers at no cost.
Create an online energy savings plan: Customers can better understand and manage their energy usage and costs. Customers should visit Eversource.com to create an energy savings plan.
Children’s Library Programs
JEWETT CITY -- Slater Library, 26 Main St., is hosting the following events for children. On Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., Wee Play will take place, a drop-in playgroup and craft for ages five and under.
On Feb. 1 at 11 a.m., Saturday Stories with Miss Gen will take place. Drop-in for stories and craft on the first Saturday of the month. Geared for ages six and under, siblings are always welcome.
On Feb. 8 at 11 a.m., the library will celebrate "Purple Crayon Day" in honor of Take Your Child to the Library Day. A reading of Harold and the Purple Crayon, followed by Harold inspired crafts, will take place. Participants will receive their own copy of the book to take home. Sign-ups appreciated.
On Feb. 15 at 2 p.m., an American Girl Tea for ages four to 10 will take place. This year, storyteller Mary Jo Maichak returns with stories and song, followed by refreshments. Registration and library card required. Griswold and Lisbon residents sign up beginning Jan. 27 and others may sign up as space allows on Feb. 10.
On March 7 at 12:30 p.m., a Dr. Seuss Birthday Party will take place with crafts, activities and refreshments in celebration of Dr. Seuss’s 116th birthday, culminating in the reading of The Cat in the Hat. Sign-ups appreciated. Contact the Slater Library’s Children’s Department at 860-376-0024 for sign-ups and any questions.
Canterbury Library Events
CANTERBURY -- The Canterbury Public Library, 1 Municipal Drive, is hosting the following events. Visit canterburylibrary.org or call 860-546-9022 for more information.
Anime Club: Saturday, Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Watch anime, play games and eat snacks. All ages welcome.
Intro to Beekeeping: Monday, Feb. 3, at 5:30 p.m. Byron Martin of Logee's Greenhouse will discuss the basics of beekeeping including bee biology, the cost to get involved in the hobby and what equipment is needed to start, and current challenges of beekeeping. Sign-up requested.
Caregiver Support Group: Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. Are you a caregiver or family member of someone who is living with Alzheimer's Disease or dementia, cancer, or other illnesses? Join this community-lead support group at the Canterbury Public Library.
AARP Tax Preparation: Mondays starting on Feb. 10. Sign-up for tax preparation help. You do not need to be an AARP member to use this service. Call to sign-up and for a list of materials you need to bring.
Drop-In Games: Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Stop by for some socialization and games. Play new games or bring some old favorites.
Choosing Kind Book Club
DANIELSON -- The Choosing Kind Book Club at the Killingly Public Library, 25 Westcott Road, will meet on Feb. 26, March 25 and April 29, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The CT Humanities Council Book Voyager Program will feature the following books: One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Rules by Cynthia Lord. This is for ages eight to 12. Participants will receive a copy of each book to keep. Registration is required. Register at www.killinglypl.org and call 860-779-5383 for more information.
Nuclear Engineering Technology Scholarships
NORWICH -- Three Rivers Community College, the College Foundation and Dominion Energy Nuclear Connecticut/Millstone Power Station are again offering 16 full scholarships for the Three Rivers Community College Nuclear Engineering Technology Degree program. It is the only program of its kind in New England and is considered the best in the nation.
Through classroom, laboratory, and simulator instruction, this program educates students in the theories underlying the safe operation of nuclear power generating stations. For students interested in beginning the program in the fall of 2020, the application deadline for the scholarship is Feb. 15.
The scholarships cover the full cost of tuition, books, and fees for a two-year associate degree program, starting with the fall 2020 semester. Additionally, students receive a guaranteed $150 per month stipend during the nine-month academic year and have a 12-week paid internship experience at the Millstone Nuclear Power Station during the summer between their first and second academic year. This gives the students the opportunity to see nuclear utility operations first hand and develop significant practical work experience.
Those opting to enter the workplace as technicians have found their education and experience in strong demand by Connecticut business and industry. Other scholarship recipients, upon completion of the program, have successfully transferred to nuclear engineering and health physics baccalaureate degree programs in state and nationally.
To learn more about the scholarship and the Nuclear Engineering Technology program curriculum, call Professor James Sherrard, Nuclear Program Chairman, at 860-215-9472. Or, visit threerivers.edu/nuclear to read more and complete the online application.
Fidelco Fundraiser
AREA -- Yun Li-Potter, member of the Glastonbury Centennial Lions Club, presents a fundraiser for the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. For a donation of $10, participants will receive an Asian Moments discount card that provides up to 10-percent off per visit at the following businesses, valid for six months.
The participating businesses are: Bonchon Storrs, 1232 Storrs Road, Mansfield; Chosen 1 Cajun Seafood 2074 Park St., Hartford; Chuan Du Hot Pot, 27 Temple St., New Haven; Gourmet Wok 2856 Main St., Glastonbury; Ichiro Hibachi & Sushi, 962 Farmington Ave., West Hartford; Feng Chophouse, 93 Asylum St., Hartford; Royal Buffet & Grill, 410 Middle Turnpike W, Manchester; Sichuan Pepper 435 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon; Tang, 33 Wilbur Cross Way, Storrs; Taste of China, 954 Chapel St., New Haven; Thai Palace, 18 Wintonbury Mall, Bloomfield; Nummy, 1160 New Britain Ave., West Hartford; Uncle Chow Asian Bistro, 179 Park Road, West Hartford; Wang Palace 1914 Silas Deane Hwy, Rocky Hill; and Natural Nails & Spa, 2047, 45 Welles St., Glastonbury.
Obtain the card at restaurants by cash donation or check, payable to Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc. Visit https://www.fidelco.org/donate to make an online donation.
The fundraiser is sponsored by the Glastonbury Centennial Lions Club & 微信公众号：康州大道. Discounts and promotions vary per restaurant. Each Asian Moments Card will be valid for six months. You may purchase additional cards when expired.
Coffee Hours
WOODSTOCK -- State Rep. Pat Boyd invites residents of the 50th Assembly District to join him for a pre-session coffee hour as he prepares for the 2020 legislative session, which begins Feb. 5.
Coffee hour will take place on Sunday, Feb. 2, at 2 p.m. at Sweet Evalina’s Stand, 688 CT-169, Woodstock. Residents who cannot attend the coffee hour may email Pat.Boyd@cga.ct.gov with questions or concerns.
Warming Shelter Open, Seeking Volunteers
DANIELSON -- Communities of Putnam, Killingly, Brooklyn, Woodstock, Pomfret, Plainfield, Sterling, and Thompson are boosting their capacity to keep the area’s homeless population safe this winter with the Northeast No Freeze Project. New winter shelter capacity next to the Access Emergency Shelter in Danielson is currently being renovated after an outpouring of support from the community.
St. Albans Church’s Rectory on 254 Broad St. will open as soon as renovations are done to accommodate up to 30 individual men and women per night as needed through March 31. Families with children will be sent to the Access Emergency Shelter on Reynolds Street.
Access operates one of only two year-round Family Emergency Shelters in northeast Connecticut, with 40 beds to shelter individuals and families. Over the past three years, the Access Shelter which is located in Danielson has also allowed as many as 15 additional people who are not residents of the Shelter to stay overnight in the first floor community room.
A group of local nonprofits in collaboration with local town government, faith communities and concerned residents came together and formed the Northeast No Freeze Project to create a space to shelter people experiencing homelessness during the winter in northeast Connecticut.
Ashley Vienneau is the new Volunteer Coordinator for the project and is taking applications for volunteers. The Northeast No Freeze Project will need as many as 30 individuals willing to volunteer for one night per month or 15 volunteers for two nights per month. Contact Ashley Vienneau at 860-207-4279 or ashley.vienneau@accessagency.org for more information or to get an application.
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Guests are allowed to enter the shelter each night between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. if sufficient staff coverage is available. No guests will be admitted to the shelter after 10 p.m. Guests will be asked to present an ID but will not be denied shelter for lack of ID. Guests with felony convictions will be allowed in the shelter. The shelter closes each day at 8 am., at which time all guests must leave the property, unless they have an appointment scheduled with an Access staff member helping guests find housing. Each guest is allowed to bring into the shelter one bag or backpack of personal belongings. No food is allowed in the shelter. The Northeast No Freeze is simply a warm place for the night.
Overeaters Anonymous
PUTNAM -- Overeaters Anonymous meets every Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m at Day Kimball Hospital, conference room 1, 320 Pomfret St. Call Bruce at 508-864-0593 for more information.
Christian Healing Services
BROOKLYN -- Christian healing services, formerly held at St. Philip’s Church in Putnam, will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 7 Providence Road.
Prayer teams will be available to pray with individuals for physical, emotional and spiritual healing. The service will include praise and worship music at a celebration of the Eucharist. Healing services will be held every fourth Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.trinitychurchbrookly.org or call 860-774-9352.
Sprague Library Events
BALTIC -- Sprague Public Library, 76 Main St., is hosting the following events. Call 860-822-3012 for more information.
Weekly Drop-in Programs: No registration required. Children’s Story Times: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. Age-appropriate stories, early literacy activities and social time. Prefer a mid-day program before nap time? Bring your lunch on Wednesday to enjoy with friends. The same program runs both days.
On Wednesdays at noon, the Crochet & Knitters’ Club meets. Want to learn or like to knit? Help is always available.