First Camper Registered for 2016 YMCA Camp Sloper Season!

Registration for YMCA Camp Sloper began on Saturday, January 30th with tons of parents taking advantage of online registration at 8AM to get their child signed up for their favorite camp program this summer. “We had the best start to registration ever” stated Shane Altwies, who will lead YMCA Camp Sloper as the Camp Director for his 1st season this summer. “We took in more than 900 registrations the first day and over 1100 by the end of the first weekend. That is the best start to a camp season that any Camp Director could ask for”, Altwies stated.

“I am pleased to announce that the Hebert Family wins the award for first campers to register for 2016” says Altwies. Jenna and Emily Hebert were the first official campers to register at 8:06am on Saturday morning.  “I like free activity.  At boating, you can sometimes see fish, frogs and turtles,” stated Jenna who will be attending Sloper for her 2nd year this summer.  Jenna also said that she likes “going swimming and jumping into the deep end” and added that “we go with life jackets.”  Jenna will be attending Adventure Camp and Explorers while Emily will be attending Sloper for her first summer in the Wanderers program for preschoolers.

When asked what she liked about her counselor, Ms. Sophia, last year, Jenna said “everything, we did a lot of activities.”  This year, Jenna is looking forward to “solving mysteries and going on adventures (in Adventure Camp).”  While Emily, who will be coming to YMCA Camp Sloper for her first year, is looking forward to “going on adventures in the woods.” 

Mom, Tina Hebert, was asked why she got up early to register the children for camp, “Because I wanted to get her (Jenna) into one of the twelve spots in Adventure Camp.”  It‘s a good thing she did because Adventure Camp was one of the first specialty camps to fill this year.  Tina added that “Jenna loved her counselor Sophie last year so much.  She came home always talking about her and was upset it was over on the last day.” 

“We have received over 1,400 registrations to date, which is way ahead of last year’s registration. Last summer we had most of our specialty camps fill up and many of our traditional camps fully enrolled. The Sloperian program for Kindergarten and First grade is also very popular. It is a great introduction to a full day of activities, much like they will experience in full day kindergarten” stated Altwies. “We have room now, but we encourage parents to put down a deposit now and reserve their spot for the summer”, stated Shane Altwies.

YMCA Camp Sloper, which serves the towns of Southington, Cheshire, Berlin, Kensington, and New Britain, has grown in popularity in recent years. Open registration is on-going at either the Southington or Cheshire YMCAs during normal business hours or on-line at www.ymcacampsloper.org. There is still room in many of the specialty camps and all of the traditional camps; registering early is encouraged so you can select the program of your choice before it fills up.

         

YMCA Camp Sloper has four, two-week sessions running June 27 - August 19. There is also a one week preview the week before the regular camp season begins, June 20 – 24. The day camp program runs Monday through Friday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM with extended camp care available if needed. YMCA Camp Sloper serves children ages 3 to 15 years old. Bus transportation is provided for residents of Southington, Cheshire, Berlin/Kensington, and New Britain for campers entering kindergarten through grade 10.  The Wanderers program for preschoolers runs from 9:00AM-1:00PM with parents transporting their children. “We also provide financial assistance for families in need. It is just a matter of contacting the Southington or Cheshire YMCA and completing the application process” stated Altwies. Extended payment plans can also be arranged.

Secure your child’s spot for a summer full of FUN – ADVENTURE – TRADITION!  Any questions can be directed to the YMCA Camp Sloper Outdoor Center at (860) 621-8194 or visit our website at www.ymcacampsloper.org. 

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Fun at the YMCA's Camp Sloper in Southington

Defenders 

4th graders Science Fair - STEM

Southington Catholic School Reports Progress and Coming Events

Southington Catholic School, now in the second half of it premier year a new regional Catholic pre-K, Elementary and Middle School, invites parents and families of the Greater Southington area to visit, become better acquainted and learn more about the remarkable programs and progress of it students.

 Middle School Open House

This is the first of three key events coming up is an Open House expressly for its Middle School grades 6, 7 and 8. It takes place on Monday, February 29^th from 6 to 7:30 pm at its 133 Bristol Street, Southington location.   

Advancement Director, Mary K. Alexander, said: “Our goal is to open families to the outstanding curriculum and programs that define Southington Catholic’s middle school. What they take away at graduation will be as memorable as it is impressive.” Principal Mary Pat Wirkus said: “We would like the community to see the exciting educational opportunities, our award winning robotics program, computer club, community outreach, social justice initiatives and leadership opportunities that are paving the way to the success of our students as they prepare for the finest, most challenging high schools in the state.” School and classroom tours will include meeting teachers, parents and potential new friends. Pizza and soda will be shared. Contact: Office of Advancement at 860-628-2485.

A Kids Fair will be held at Southington Catholic on Saturday, March 12^th from 9 to 11:30 am. It’ll be in the School Cafeteria and is mostly about fun with free admission. We do welcome a donation of any basic school supply, e.g., a box of crayons, pencils or drawing supplies, all to benefit a child in need to learn and express their creativity. There’s much more… enjoy Special Kids’ Fair Guests, such as “Elsa”, great photo opportunity; BB from the Bristol Blues Baseball League; Face Painting and Tattoos provided by “Puttin on the Ritz”; Curious Creatures … Live Demonstrations; Dancing & Kid Friendly Entertainment courtesy of Boppers LLC and Barefoot Books Ambassador, Marsha Miles. “All invited to a school tour, meet our teachers and experience the school where learning is fun for every child. Applications are now available for Pre-K-Grade 3”, said principal, Mary Pat Wirkus.

Shadow Day is Tuesday, March 15^th at Southington Catholic.  Students may come and see for themselves what awaits them at Southington Catholic School by experiencing first hand the award winning programs and enriching extracurricular activities that make Southington Catholic special. There’ll be special classes, designed to introduce student to the unique opportunities of small class sizes and individualized student attention providing exceptional experience for every student pre-k through grade 8.  Call the Advancement Office at 860-628-2485 for more information as to any of these events.

“The three pillars of Southington Catholic School: creative minds, compassionate hearts and courageous acts!”, said Rev. Ronald P. May, co-pastor of Southington Catholic School.

St Patrick's Day Dinner and Entertainment Saturday March 12th benefits Southington Catholic School and Bread for Life...

    

Southington Town Manager Alert - Old Mountain Road

Public Announcement  

Town Manager Advisory to Town Council 

Councilors – The temporary pavement has deteriorated to the point where it cannot be patched and it would require us to spend a considerable sum on a thick temporary overlay.  We believe this is not advisable.  We have contacted the contractor and he has agreed to resume work on the project.  The contractor will attempt to re-establish the detour today at which time we can stop the around the clock police protection.  He will mobilize as soon as he is able and should be actively working by late this week or early next week.  The contractor will contact the PD to get officers for traffic control while he resets the detour. 

Garry Brumback

Town Manager

Southington, CT

860.276.6200

www.southington.org

An Array of Great Events and Activities Coming Up in Southington...

With only one month to go before Spring is officially here, Appleseed is pleased to suggest a fine selection of many envents and happenings in Southington for you to enjoy, learn and appreciate what our community offers between now and well into April. 

So, don’t let winter wear hold you back. Plan now, put some of these items on your calendar now, even if only to remind you to consider which you may want to attend.      

Jazz Celebration and Pancake Supper

SHS Jazz Band in Concert under direction of Brett Berard, performing swing, Latin and jazz selections on Sun. Feb. 21 at 5 pm at First Congregational Church Meeting House.  Pancake Supper at 6 pm in Memorial Hall. Both handicapped accessible. No tickets; freewill offering; RSVP appreciated but not required at 860-628-6958 or Officefccsouthington.org.  Joint sponsors are SHS Music Dept. and FCC Board of Music & Arts.

Friday Pasta Fagioli

All are invited to a light hot Lenten supper at Southington Catholic’s Cafeteria, Fridays between 5 and 7 pm. Enjoy a warm, friendly gathering for a supper of pasta fagioli soup, salad, bread & butter and dessert, (from Manor Inn).  Donation: $7.00 p/p, Children $5.00 . Take home meal $8.00.  Buttered pasta as an option for kids. No RSVP needed.  For more info, contact Rose Melvin at themelvins1@cox.net or 860-538-0489. .

Healthy Family FunFest Enhances Body, Mind

This Southington favorite, focused on health and wellness, set for Sunday, Feb. 28, offers resources centered on achieving a better quality of life. This free festival that attracted 4,000 visitors last year will be presented at the Aqua Turf Club by Hartford HealthCare and the Southington Community YMCA jointly from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. Don’t miss this unique event. Health professionals, medical experts, fitness specialists and community partners will provide a full day of possibilities for individuals of all ages with free health screenings, demonstrations, educational materials, green initiatives and special activities focused on vital themes like Mindful Eating, Aging Well, Women’s Health, Sports Medicine, Healthy Minds, physical rehabilitation, demonstrations on pet therapy, memory loss and the aging brain that eradicate bogus stereotypes and stigmas. 



A huge Kids Area will offer exciting activities for kids of all ages: an obstacle course, friendly competitions, try-your-skill games, inflatables, gymnastics, character mascots and a fire truck to explore. Adults can learn about Amber Alert, child car seat safety, early childhood education, pediatric health, family friendly destinations and events and much more. Bradley H. Barnes & Leila U. Barnes Memorial Trust at Main Street Community Foundation is a premiere sponsor of the event. So much more at www.healthyfamilyfunfest.org.

St. Patrick's Day Family Dinner Benefits Southington Catholic & Bread for Life

Live Irish Dancing, bagpipes, raffle prizes, games and a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner with all the fixings and Irish soda bread for those attending at the St. Dominic Geraghty Parish Center at 6 pm, Saturday, March 12^th.  Also: hot dogs and chicken fingers for the kids.Ticket info and prices for adults and kids under 12 available at 860-620-9700 or Saintpatricksdinner2016@gmail.com. Kids under 5 free. Group table reservations. Don't forget to wear green!!  

Presented by Knights of Columbus Rev. Walter F. Geraghty Council 25. Proceeds go to Southington Catholic School and Bread for Life.

American Legion

Kiltonic Post #72 will replace its front sidewalk with pavers that may be inscribed with a personal message to a loved one or a family veteran, etc. Forms to purchase a paver for $50 are available at the Legion Lounge at 64 Main St. Act quickly if interested as 70 pavers that will last for generations are already sold. More info

Love our Heroes Spring Fling

Local American Legion Auxiliary Kiltonic Unit 72 again presents a great evening on Saturday, March 19^th from 6:30 pm to 11 pm at Testa’s Banquet Facility at 26 South Center St. in Southington.  Buffet dinner, live entertainment, plus cash bar and raffles. For ticket info and reservations contact Sherri Valentin at 860-655-7210 or sherval@cox.net

Coming in April 

Celebrate Calvanese Foundation’s 20^th Anniversary at its “Casablanca”

An evening of great entertainment, wonderful food and fun with family and friends at 6 pm at the Aqua Turf Club on Saturday, April 2^nd . The Calvanese Foundation is a completely volunteer non-profit organization that has returned $1,830,000’s to the Southington Community through grants.  It takes many individuals, businesses and volunteers to achieve such results. Elegant evening dress with Black tie required. Tickets: Alyssa at 860-621-9335.
                           Read more about this event and the Calvanese Foundation  

Kathryn C. Reinhard. third from left, Treasurer of Joe & Kay Calvanese Foundation presents a symbolic check of the total charities supported in 2015 at a Luncheon at the Aqua Turf Club kicking off the annual golf tournament in September 2015

The Calavense Foundation's Mission Statement 

Knights of Columbus Isabella Council 15/Assembly 122 Spring Pancake Buffet Breakfast 

Meet, greet and eat at Calendar House - Sunday, April 3^rd from-7:30 - 11:30 am. All are welcome at this ‘meet, greet and eat’ spring celebration with family and friends. Raffles, prizes and fun. Tickets at the door; $6.00 pp. Proceeds help the many local charities of Southington Isabella Council 15 and Assembly 122 of the Knights of Columbus. 

Who will be there?  There's an excellent chance you'll see quite a few of your friends and neighbors who enjoy the spring and fall Knights of Columbus Buffet Breakfast year in and year out.  Check out a few who were there in October 2015.

Photos by Deb Mikan

Photos by Deb Mikan