OneManchester
Thursday, May 12, 2022
G0V. NED LAMONT was at Manchester High School yesterday for a press conference spurred by a $390,000 grant for the school's manufacturing program. We have coverage below as well as lots of other news but start with a story about a different dimension of high school life that calls for creativity:
- Adrian Parker has known Marisa Salinas since they were in seventh grade and they’ve been dating since last year — but they didn't go to Junior Prom.
- Last week Adrian bought a dozen roses and had friends hand them to Marisa without comment at random times. ("This was just to throw her off.")
- On Thursday, they sat at their regular lunch table and -- on cue, as he shielded her eyes -- another set of friends descended with signs to pop the question.
- Marisa said yes! And on Saturday with dozens of others they'll be posing for photos at Wickham Park, Case Mountain and elsewhere before the big event at the Hartford Marriott.
State and local leaders (including Representatives Jason Doucette and Jason Rojas as well as Manchester Mayor Jay Moran) were joined by business leaders and others celebrating a commitment to giving student opportunities in manufacturing. The event included a tour of MHS tech ed facilities.
That's MHS Senior Joshua Martinez chatting with Gov. Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz. In the background is Paul Lavoie, who as the state's chief manufacturing officer is responsible for coordinating state and private-sector efforts to promote growth in the manufacturing sector.
There's More
- The Journal Inquirer covered yesterday's festivities and you can click here to read Alex Wood's story.
- To see a flier with information about the manufacturing sector and the program at MHS, click here.
- To see the program for yesterday's event, click here.
- To read comments from Beth Hayes (inset left) that included background, context and recognition of other partners, click here.
Somewhat related:
- On May 25, dozen of local businesses will have representatives in booths in the gym at MHS for the school's third annual Career & Education Opportunity Fair. The event is designed to inform students thinking about pursuing immediate employment, attending a trade school/certificate program or enlisting in the military upon graduation from high school.
- On May 31, MHS is hosting its first Trade/Construction Career Fair. Dozens of industry experts will be in attendance to explain numerous employment/apprenticeship opportunities that are available as a result of the Bowers Elementary School Construction Project Labor Agreement. Click here for details.
High School Report
Classroom Snapshots
Spring Concerts
Two more concerts next week, starting with Tuesday's MHS Modern Band Club Concert ("featuring tasty riffs from bands such as Foo Fighters, Green Day, Nirvana, and more") and then the MHS orchestra on Thursday. School concerts are free and start at 7 p.m. at Bailey Auditorium. To see the schedule click here.
Other News and Notes
- The TLC Foundation is looking for a live-in residential supervisor (a couple would be ideal but not required). To learn more please click here.
Applications are being accepted from families interested in enrolling children in the district Early Childhood Education Program for 3- and 4-year-olds. Click here for more information.
For information about summer STEAM programming click here.
In Appreciation
Waddell Principal Aisha Florez (right) and AP Katie Goodine dressed as fairies and passed out snacks to everyone last week as part of staff appreciation activities.
Budget Adoption
Notable
- MD Rahman, who was featured in our 'Human of Manchester' gallery two years ago, will be running for the 4th Senate District, which covers Manchester, Glastonbury, Bolton, and Andover.
- Manchester Patch has a story about an upcoming fundraiser to raise money for a life-size bronze statue of Elisabeth M. Bennet that will be installed on the lawn of Bennet Academy next summer.
Pack 47 Fundraiser, Etc.
- Cub Scout Pack 47 has teamed up with Jersey Mike's for a fundraising campaign from June 5-9 (click here for coupons) that includes a special event on Thursday, June 9 (and here's info about that).
- The Manchester Community Services Council has announced its annual call for scholarship applications with a submission deadline of June 1 and early applications encouraged. For more info click here.
- UR Community Cares is an online platform that connects people who need at-home help with those who want to help. Click for more.
- Read about the YSB's Family Circle Summer.
Plus
Manchester Matters: Manchester Next! is next week; Help is available for water and sewer bills; Household Hazardous Waste Collection is Saturday at 321 Olcott St.
Manchester Historical Society: Have any old timey tavern photos? MHS is looking for them - and for volunteers to help out at the bandshell on May 19; the society will be hosting open houses on May 15 and June 11 - check the newsletter to see where!
Manchester Adult and Continuing Education: A tribute to moms; Summer of ‘22 STEAM Camp info; and this week’s Pet of the Week is Katie, plus more.
Better Manchester Magazine: Juneteenth celebration set for June 18; summer programming info; MHS senior Karell Velez will present his first photography show on May 18 at the Tiny Gallery.
The Week Ahead
Thursday, May 12
8 a.m. -- Manchester Economic Development Commision meeting at Lincoln Center.
2:30 - 3:45 p.m. -- 2nd Annual Substance Use Prevention Walk, starts at MHS, ends at the Youth Service Bureau, 63 Linden Street, free food & giveaways for participants.
6 p.m. -- BOE budget workshop at Lincoln Center - CANCELLED
6 - 7 p.m. -- Open House at Chestnut Hill Preschool.
Friday, May 13
7:40 - 9:40 p.m. -- Community Conversations: Honoring Our Black Veterans, Culture Lab at Mahoney Rec, 110 Cedar St.
Saturday, May 14
8 a.m. - 1 p.m. -- Household Hazardous Waste Collection at 321 Olcott St. - online appointments are mandatory this year.
9 a.m. - noon -- Polish food sale at St. John’s National Church, 23 Golway St.
8:30 a.m. -- Daycare Provider CPR & first aid course at 75 Center St.
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. -- Block Party at Faith Tabernacle, 110 Utopia Rd.
2 -3 p.m. -- Laying it all out with Mia E. Z’Lay at WORK_SPACE, 903 Main St.
7:30 p.m. -- Emotional Intelligence: What it is & Why it Matters for Parents & Kids at the Lutz, 247 South Main St..
Sunday May 15
8 - 1 p.m. -- Red Cross Blood Drive at Assumption Church, 27 Adams St.
Noon - 2 p.m. -- Woodbridge Farm Visitor Center grand opening, 495 East Middle Tpke.
1 p.m. -- Celebrating Center Memorial Park, 41 Center St.
Monday, May 16
10 a.m. - noon -- National Public Works Week: Touch-a-Truck at Whiton Library.
Tuesday, May 17
3-4 p.m. -- Middle School Code Club at Mary Cheney Library.
6:30 p.m. -- Cornerstone Christian School Information Night, 236 Main St.
Wednesday, May 18
5:30 p.m. -- 20th Annual Historic Preservation Awards at Northwest Park.
6 - 8 p.m. -- Middle School Nights at Mary Cheney Library.
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. -- Quilling Rainbow Workshop at WORK_SPACE, 903 Main St.
6:30 p.m. -- Sing Me a Fairy Tale at Whiton Library
9 a.m. - noon -- National Public Works Week: Touch-a-Truck at Public Works, 321 Olcott St.
Also:
The 2nd Annual Butterfly Stroll on Main St. will be held on Saturday, May 14.
The Manchester Next project meets Monday, May 16 through Thursday, May 19. Click here for details
The World-Wide Mission’s virtual Walk 2 Feed walkathon continues through May. Click the link for more information.
Down The Road
The Manchester Landtrust tag sale runs for eight days from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at 330 Bush Hill Rd. starting on Friday, May 20.
Manchester Public School’s 3rd Annual Job Fair will be on Wednesday, May 25 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Manchester High’s gym.
On Saturday, June 11 there will be a Mini-Golf Tournament to benefit the Elisabeth M. Bennet Statue at Mar-Lea in Bolton.
The Savage Brothers will be playing at Manchester’s fireworks celebration on Saturday, June 25 at the MCC bandshell.
The Off-Main Experience returns to Purnell Place on Thursdays in July from 5 - 7 p.m.
- Manchester Soccer Club is holding travel team tryouts for the fall in June. Click here for more information.
Community Athletic Solutions will hold soccer camps for boys and girls ages 6 -14 at Charter Oak Park in July and August. Click here for details.
Manchester PAL is offering 3/3 basketball for youths on Friday night from June 17 - August 5. Click here to register.
OneManchester is compiled by Jim Farrell of the school district's communications office; he can be reached at b11jfarr@mpspride.org or 860-268-6377. OneManchester has been published since August 2017 and features the photography of Paul Ofria. Want to subscribe? Just click here.