OneManchester
Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023
FOR THOSE OF US FROM AROUND HERE, we know there is nothing else like Thanksgiving in Manchester. Not even close. You might have run, walked or watched it this morning but even if you did none of those things, you know someone who did and road race reflections are as much a part of our turkey dinners as mashed potatoes and stuffing. We have some MRR coverage below and there’s plenty more online, and we also have lots of news and notes as the holiday season ramps up with another special Saturday on Main Street.
Before and After
The Little Manchester Road Race was held last Saturday at Manchester High and about 100 children 12 and younger took part. For video and interviews check out this week's edition of 'The Pulse.' MHS will also be busy tomorrow, as the annual Ray Crothers Blood drive takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the gym. Walk-ins are welcome and everyone who donates a pint of blood will receive a Manchester Road Race T-shirt.
In The Spotlight
In The News
- About 60 students from MHS took part in a Young Men of Color Leadership Conference and WTNH (Ch. 8) has the story.
- Smartflower Solar posted a story about the impact of its signature product at Buckley Elementary.
Of Note
- An Open House for the parents and guardians of current eighth-graders interested in attending Manchester High next fall is scheduled for Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. This flier has more .
- The Manchester Preschool Center is still enrolling students from families that meet federal income guidelines into its Head Start program. Click here to see a Spanish-English flier for more information.
- The next BoE meeting is scheduled for Monday at Lincoln Center with updates on redistricting and kindergarten enrollment on the agenda.
Fundraisers
Social Media-Mental Health Study
Researchers at UConn are seeking the parents of high school and middle school students to be part of a 90-minute focus group discussion on the impact of social media on their children's mental health. You’ll get a $25 gift card just for taking part and there’s more information here. (And even more here.)
If you haven't taken the district's fall family survey, here's the link.
On 'The Pulse' -- A Piglet Social, Road Race Coverage And More
The latest edition also has coverage of a MACC food drive and a chat with General Manager Steve Stephanou. That's not all and to watch just click here.
What's Happening
Celebrate Small Business Saturday and Kick-Off the Holiday Shopping Season. For more information click here.
The Week Ahead
Friday, Nov. 24
10 a.m. -- Preschool Playgroup at Mary Cheney Library.
Saturday, Nov. 25
1 p.m. -- 23 Walks: Highland Park, starting at 670 Spring St.
Monday, Nov. 27
7 p.m. -- BOE meeting at Lincoln Center.
7 - 8 p.m. -- Can and bottle drive at World-Wide Lighthouse Missions, 16 Brainard Place.
Tuesday, Nov 28
3:30 - 4:30 p.m. -- Take Apart Tuesday at Mary Cheney Library
6 - 7:30 p.m. -- Manchester Youth Commision meeting at 41 Center St.
Wednesday, Nov 29
3:30 - 4:45 p.m. -- R.E.A.D. to a Dog Children’s Program at Mary Cheney Library.
6 - 7:30 p.m. -- Retro Video game Night at Mary Cheney Library.
Also:
Town offices and Manchester Public Schools will be closed today and Friday for Thanksgiving.
There will be no refuse pickup on Thursday and will be delayed one day for the rest of the week.
The Manchester Fire Support Group’s 1st Annual Christmas Tree Lot Christmas tree sale at 18 Main St. (former 8th Utilities District) starts Friday and goes till they run out. Click here for hours and more details.
Downtown Manchester will celebrate ‘Small Business Saturday’ this Saturday. Click here for details.
Disney’s ‘Beauty & the Beast’ at Cheney Hall runs on weekends through Sunday. Click here for dates, times and ticket info.
Borgida & Company’s 18th annual food drive to benefit MACC Charities is ongoing through Dec. 13. Click here for details..
YSB is offering ‘Pathway to Leadership, Community Service and Nature’ for 9 and 10 year olds on Wednesdays from 3 -5 p.m. Click here for info.
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Also:
The town’s leaf collection program is in its second week and everything you need to know about the program is here (including a map that is updated periodically showing which streets are done).
The mobile mammography van will be at the Community Y on Nov. 30 and you can find out how to make an appointment by clicking here.
The 8th Annual Manchester CT Jazz Festival returns to Cheney Hall on Dec. 2. Click here for ticket info.
Little Theatre of Manchester has ‘5 Festive Events That Will Fill Your Heart’ starting with ‘The Nutcracker’ on Dec. 9 and 10. Click this link to learn more.
The Hip Hop for the Homeless tour stops at the Main Pub on Dec. 8. All proceeds benefit MACC Charities.
The Tree lighting Ceremony at Center Congregational Church on Dec 9 starts with caroling in front of Silk City Coffee at 4:15 p.m.
Santa’s Workshop at Wickham Park opens on Dec. 12 and runs through Dec. 23. Click the link for the schedule.
This and That
As part of a branding initiative, the town is seeking community input through a survey you'll find here. (For a flier in Spanish, click here.)
Also:
- The town is asking residents to share their ideas about and vision for a new 21st Century public library via a survey you'll find here.
- The Youth Service Bureau is offering mini-grants to local groups and organizations and the info is here.
U11 Red Hawks in Regional Finals on Friday
Last year they made it to Nationals and placed 5th in the Nation and, now a year older, they are eager to get back to Florida and finish the job. But next up for the 11U team -- the New England Regional Finals on Friday at 2:15 p.m. at Foley Field in Worcester.
ALSO:
Winter Sports Opportunities
The town is offering co-ed basketball for high school students at the Mahoney Rec on Saturdays starting in December. Click here for sign-up information.
The Hartford Shockers are sponsoring a winter travel basketball program starting in December for players in grades 3 - 8. Click here for more info.
The Red Hawks are going to the state football playoffs for the first time in a generation, with yesterday's 'Senior Night' victory over Enfield capping a 7-3 regular season. Pictured above are the seniors.
The Red Hawks big win came a day after the annual Turkey Bowl flag football game between junior and senior girls. The juniors (below) won that contest ... and with it bragging rights.
- NOTE: OneManchester is compiled by the school district's communications office but is dependent on contributions from people and institutions throughout the town and school district. So if you have something that you think people would want to know about, please let us know. Photos, fliers, links, tips, whatever -- please share with Paul Ofria at pofria@mpspride.org.
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