SEEKING CRAFTERS: The annual St. Bridget School Holiday Craft Fair will take place this year on Dec. 4th, 2010in the school auditorium and downstairs in the hall. Food will be available for sale. Complimentary Bagels, Donuts and Coffee to crafter the morning of set-up. The Craft Fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For an application call Lisa Riewe at 860-649-6082
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BLOOD DONATION NEEDED - The Hartford American Red Cross says it urgently needs blood donors. The organization's Northeast division said it had a particularly difficult time this summer recruiting enough blood donor's to satisfy the hospitals and patients. Donors with all blood types are needed, but particularly those with type O-negative, the universal donor.
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SEPT. 3, 4, 5: Hartford County 4-Her's and alumni of Hartford County will jointly host a 4-H Camp 80th Birthday Bash Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-5 in Marlborough. Over the course of the past 80 years, over 40,000 campers, counselors, and staff members have had the learning opportunity to practice the fundamentals of Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, make life-long friends, and harbor fond emotional memories and ties to their summers spent at Hartford County 4-H Camp. Elsie Woolam has been the face of the Hartford County 4-H Camp since the camp was built on its present site at the Hartford County 4-H Outdoor Center location in Marlborough. 45 years ago. The Birthday Bash planning committee is comprised of local Hartford County 4-Hers and former generational alumni including East Hartford's June Zoppa. For more information on the 2010 Birthday Bash or Hartford County 4-H Camp, call 860-289-4177 or visit www.hartfordco4-Hcamp.org or Facebook: Hartford County 4-H Camp 80th Birthday Party.
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SEPT. 7: Adults who already have high school credits and who would like to obtain and adult high school diploma can earn up to 6-8 credits a year in the evening Credit Diploma Program. Classes are held at East Hartford High School, 869 Forbes St., from 3 to 8:30 p.m. during fall and spring. Free classes run for 11 weeks (Monday through Thursday) and are taught by certified. Experienced teachers. Fall registration begins Tuesday, Sept. 7. Call EH Adult Education at 800-622-5235 for specific times and to register.
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SEPT. 9: 'New Day,' a 10-week bereavement seminar, takes place at St. Christopher parish center, 580 Brewer St., beginning Thursday, Sept. 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. To register call 860-568-9069 or 860-569-6436. Sponsored by the Family Life Office, Archdiocese of Hartford, and overseen by Sr. Mauryeen O'Brien, O.P.
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SEPT. 11: Hillstown Grange Agricultural Fair. Enter The Grange fruit and vegetable competition and win a ribbon or prize. This year Hillstown Grange also has added a category for largest zucchini squash, and most cherry tomatoes on one branch. prizes will be awarded. For info call Frank Forrest, Agricultural Committee chairperson, at 860-690-2845 or email hillstowngrange@aol.com.
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SEPT. 11, Saturday: Bus Trip to Foxwoods Resort and Casino at 8:30 a.m. Bus leaves from Main Street Commuter Lot (next to CT State police Credit Union between Brown Street and Silver Lane). The bus will leave Foxwoods at 3:30 p.m. returning to East Hartford. Sponsored by the East Hartford Republican Town Committee. $25 per person includes bus trip and $10 in food, $15 in Keno. Make check payable to "EHRTC" and mail (before August 19, please) to Carolyn V. Kronen, Treasurer, EHRTC, 56 Farnham Drive, EH CT 06118-3024 or call 860/568-4202.
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Sept. 11: Car Wash and Bake Sale for Common Ground at 281 Main St. (Rain Date is Sept. 18) in the parking lot of InterCommunity Inc. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Car washes will be $6 with all funds going to defray the cost of Common Ground's annual camping trip.
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SEPT. 11, 12: Glastonbury Art Guild's 48th annual Fine Art & Craft Show on the Green. Held at the corner of Main and Hubbard streets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, artists will exhibit and sell their creations. Food vendors, refreshments. Ample free parking at Glastonbury High School with shuttle buses. For info http://www.glastonburyartguild.com or call 860/659-1196, or email info@glastonburyartguild.com.
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SEPT. 14: Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. a tree planting and brick dedication ceremony will be held in memory of beloved Parks and Recreation Department secretary Cynthia Rozela at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center. All are welcome.
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SEPT. 25: The 25th annual St. Francis of Assisi Craft Fair will be held this year on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the church grounds, located at the corners of Ellington Rd., (Rt. 30), Pleasant Valley Rd., and Long Hill St. in South Windsor. Fee for this ever popular Craft Fair is $35 per 14 X 14 feet space if registered by August 31. Registration after Aug. 31 is $45. One of the biggest and most popular Craft Fairs in the area, with at least 75 crafters featuring many one-of-a-kind hand crafted items. Every year several hundred spectators attend this popular fair. Join the crafters by calling Ersilia Brandoli at 860-528-5209. Hope to see you there!
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SEPT 29: Goodwin College is holding its Second Annual Community Health and Wellness Day Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at its River Campus, One Riverside Drive. The event provides an opportunity for people from the community and from Goodwin College to receive free information and demonstrations from local vendors and educators about healthy lifestyles, health care options, and alternative medicine - as well as to benefit from health screenings and enjoy samples of healthy foods. Funds raised at the event will support student scholarships through the Goodwin College Foundation. In addition, Goodwin College's Alumni Leadership Committee is sponsoring a bone marrow donor screening during the health fair. Also, collection areas will be set up to accept donations of hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, adhesive bandages, paper towels, gauze sponges, ice packs and printer ink cartridges for the school nurses' office where Goodwin College's nursing students complete their pediatric clinical experiences. The public is welcome to attend. Vendors interested in sponsoring a table may contact Dr. Vicky Navaroli at 860-528-4111 or at vnavaroli@goodwin.edu. Non-profit groups may reserve a table at no cost. For info visit http://www.goodwin.edu/health_wellness.
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BINGO TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS - Our Lady of Peace Church Bingo is held on Tuesdays with two Progressive games, two Winner-Take-All, twenty $50 games, and four $100 games. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Bingo starts at 7. Come early and join us for cheese steaks, hot-dogs and hamburgers!
Our Stellar Chef, Gene Raibeck cooks up the best Hamburgers, Super Philly and Cheese with Onions, Mushrooms and Peppers, Grilled Cheese, Hot Dogs, Chili Dogs (when available), Fresh Home Baked Cakes and Cup Cakes, plus Snacks and Soft Drinks, Chips and Popcorn, also, free coffee. Blessed Sacrament Bingo is played on Wednesdays at the church hall on Cambridge Drive. Doors open at 4:30, the same games played there, as well as several cooks dishing up all kinds of goodies, Burgers, Cheese Burgers, Hot Dogs, Grilled Cheese, and Snacks. "Fr. Jim" invites you to both bingos for a great time with good friends.
I'll see you there!
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TUESDAYS: Bingo at St. Paul Church, Glastonbury from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Naubuc Hall, 40 Naubuc Ave. Refreshments, snacks, free coffee. Doors open at 5. For info, 860-633-7554.
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Song-a-Day Music Center - offers music lessons in piano, guitar, banjo, violin, mandolin, ukulele, voice, trumpet, percussion and the Alexander Technique. Instrument and accessory sales, repair, and recording. Instruments. 2809 Boston Tpke (Rte 44), Coventry 860-742-6878 or songadaymusic.com
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TUESDAYS: A veterans benefit counselor will be at the Weiss Center, 479 Main St., Manchester. From rear parking lot, follow signs.
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EH Veterans Affairs Commission offers a Blue Star Banner to an immediate family member in town with a serviceperson serving in a war zone. For info call Bernie Corona, Commission Chairman at 860-568-3103.
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EVERY FRIDAY: KARAOKE from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the French Social Circle at 373 Main St. Hall rental available. Call 860-568-5021 or 860-646-2989 for hall reservations.
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EVERY FRIDAY: American Legion Post 102 holds a Fish Fry at their hall at 20 American Legion Drive, Manchester. Info: 860-646-7961 or www.legionpost102.org.
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Vendors Wanted: Craft & Tag Sale, May 22nd. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cost for a 20' X 20'space is $20. This sale is to be held on the church grounds at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 110 Ellington Road, May 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rain date may May 29. Call Ralph at 860-568- 9218 to reserve a space.
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IRISH JAM WEDNESDAYS, 7:30 to 10 p.m. at McKinnons in Hartford, corner of Trumbull and Asylum Street Downtown. Hosted by hosted by none other than P.V. O'Donnell. Bring your instrument, wet your whistle, join in a jig, or sit and take it all in! Music, and good company to play and listen with, is what being Irish is all about.
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B-I-N-G-O! at St. Isaac Jogues Church, One Community St., Mayberry Village, every Thursday from 7 to 10 p.m. Progressive. Doors open at 4 p.m.; kitchen 4:45 ‘til 6:40.
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LEARN FIRST AID Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, child care, babysitting. Train to become a certified instructor. For info 860-678-2700 or visit www.charteroak.redcross.org.
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Looking to give your old books to a good cause? Got Books has a drop-off donation and re-use container for everyone's use at Ecology Drive.
residents, businesses, schools, libraries, and other groups who wish to contribute books they no longer use. Also accepts CDs, DVDs, videos and audio books. The Got Books container is located at EH Public Works, 61 Ecology Drive.
, and is open Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 7:15 a.m. to noon; 12:30 to 2:45 p.m.
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ANY EAST HARTFORD RESIDENT wishing to receive Meals on Wheels call 528-2273.
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AID-a-Pet: Manchester Area Network on AIDS (MANA) AID-A-PET distributes pet supplies to its clients based on a first come, first serve basis. Donations of dog/cat food, animal collars, leashes, etc. Call Mo Cacace at 646-6260.
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BLOOD NEEDED: If you are 17 or older, weigh 110 pounds or more and are in generally good health, you are probably eligible to donate blood. Call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543) to make your appointment today for this or any other blood drive in Connecticut. Appointments may also be requested by visiting the website at www.bloodct.org
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MON.-FRI: The Salvation Army of Greater Hartford's Victim Assistance Program offers free assistance to adult victims of crime Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 120 Sigourney Street in Trinity Episcopal Church in Hartford. During the one-on-one, confidential meeting with the Victim Advocate, Rachel Voisine, crime victims are provided services such as crisis counseling, emotional support, personal advocacy and emergency material assistance. Crime victims may learn about their rights and assistance with applying for compensation that would cover out of pocket medical expenses and/or lost wages. Individuals 18 years or older, disabled or elderly who have experienced robbery, assault, burglary, arson, stalking, threatening, vandalism, elderly abuse, fraud, hate and bias crimes or motor vehicle crimes are encouraged to contact this program for assistance. For info call Rachel Voisine at 246-3251 ext. 105.
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Y NEEDS U: The East Hartford YMCA, a membership and volunteer organization, is accepting applications for volunteers. Among the positions available are: RN or APRN - 1 hour per week any time any day. Assisting with children - 7-8 a.m. or 12-2 or anytime. Answering phones, teen assistant. Call Judy at 289-6612 with any questions.
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ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL is looking for volunteers with musical talent to play for oncology patients. Any instrument - piano, violin, guitar, clarinet, etc. - would be welcome and could help to alleviate pain, fear and restlessness of cancer patients. Flexible hours. For information call Tobye Karl at 714-4278.
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BARBERSHOPPERS - Men of all ages who like to sing, come sing with us -- the Greater Manchester Silk City Barbershop Chorus. We are rehearsing for the fall. We sing for senior citizens, birthday parties, anniversaries, etc. The most fun is the Singing Valentines and the annual Show in January. We sing a variety of songs from 1990 to the 1970's. Our rehearsals are held at the Second Congregational Church, 385 North Main Street, Manchester every Monday evening at 7 p.m. For info call Jim Nolan at 646-4955, Alan Lamson 647-6783 or George Pinto 568-5536.
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MALL WALKING CLUB at Westfarms Mall. Westfarms opens at 7 a.m. daily, providing a climate controlled environment for exercise.
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LUNGS NEED A HAND: The American Lung Association of Connecticut needs you! Flexible friendly detail-oriented volunteers are needed to open and process charitable donations. Work independently within a group two to eight times each month as your schedule allows, Tuesdays and/or Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 45 Ash Street in East Hartford. Socialize with others while helping your community in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. For further information, call the American Lung Association of Connecticut at 1-800-LUNG USA or visit www.alact.org.
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RED CROSS NEEDS YOU - The Charter Oak Chapter of the American Red Cross is seeking individuals who are interested in becoming disaster volunteers. These volunteers will be trained to help the Red Cross respond to local disasters such as house fires and storm-related incidents, providing assistance including lodging, food and clothing. The Red Cross fully trains and mentors every disaster volunteer and all training is free of charge. Volunteers must provide their own transportation. Other volunteer opportunities are available as well for blood drives, office adminsistration and health and safety programs. Volunteering your time to help the Red Cross is a great way to give back to your community. For more info, 678-2700 or www.charteroak.redcross.org.
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IN MEMORIAM - Remember someone with a book dedication - East Hartford Public Library offers a Memorial Book Dedication Program. Do you wish to remember a loved one? Celebrate a Birthday? Remember a Friend? Give a Gift? Consider a Library Bookplate. For a modest contribution, the library will per-sonalize a book in the subject area of your choice and acknowledge your generosity through a letter. For more info call 289-6429.
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DONATE YOUR CAR: The American Diabetes Association in Connecticut is still asking for donations of cars. The successful fund raising program is now entering its fifth year and the funds are helping local programs. To donate a car, calls may be made to 1-800-212-9900. Cars that are accepted will be picked up in just a few days.
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CARS FOR KIDS: Big Brothers and Big Sisters reminds people with unwanted cars that now is the time to donate. There are some restrictions. Call 1-800-859-6526.
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JUST SPLIT? Drop-In Divorce Support Group, Dr. Hall & Associates, 1700 Ellington Road, South Windsor, every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Cost is $10. Call 644-4782 for further info.
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MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving volunteers always needed. The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. Call 528-5463; fax 528-5653.
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NEWS FOR BLIND: If you are blind, visually impaired, dyslexic or registered with the Library for the Blind and Physically Blind because of a physical disability which prevents you from print reading, Newsline for the Blind makes newspapers available in Connecticut via touch-tone telephone. This service can be used anytime, utilizing a computer-generated voice. Those who are blind, visually impaired, dyslexic or registered with the LBPH because of a physical disability which prevents them from reading print may call the Burnside Avenue office at 289-1971.
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BRIDGE: The East Hartford Senior Center's bridge group plays Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. at the South End Senior Center, 70 Canterbury Road. New members with some bridge experience are welcome to drop in. Call 895-1517 for more information or just stop in Thursday.
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A BREAST CANCER Support Group meets every other Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the D'Quattro room at Manchester Memorial Hospital. Sponsored by Y-ME of Connecticut, call 203-483-8200 for information or to register. You may also drop by a meeting. Y-Me also runs a nation-wide 24-hour, 7-day-a-week hotline staffed with survivors of breast cancer. That number is 1-800-933-4YME.
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CONGESTIVE HEART? The Hoffman Heart Institute of Connecticut sponsors a support group for patients with congestive heart failure and their families from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month in conference Room 3-9B at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, 114 Woodland St., Hartford. Participants may bring lunch with them if they wish. For further information call 714-4613.
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VOLUNTEER PEER EDUCATORS NEEDED: Retired teachers, nurses and other older adults with group presentation experience needed to conduct an HIV education program for older adults at local Senior Citizen Centers. Help seniors learn of the risks of HIV infection to them and why one of the fastest growing groups of new HIV cases is among adults 50 and over. Please contact Lisa Mank at 236-2203.
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Co-Dependents Anonymous: Support Group, meets Tuesdays 10-11:15 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1120 Silver Lane. Share your experiences, strengths and hopes.
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Bereavement Group: An ongoing support group for people who have lost a loved one meets at Summerville of South Windsor on alternate Sundays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Call Patricia Gould at 528-5195 or Marcia Leclerc at 528-4135.
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COPING WITH CANCER: American Cancer Society Offering I Can Cope Programs - Living with cancer can be one of the hardest challenges anyone faces. I Can Cope helps individuals meet this challenge by clarifying cancer facts and myths. A free patient education program of the American Cancer Society, I Can Cope offers insight to help patients, families and friends with the day-to-day issues of living with a chronic disease like cancer. To register for an upcoming fall 2001-I Can Cope program, please contact Mary Ann Vanderjagt at the American Cancer Society at 1-800-492-7161 X 4828 or via email at maryann.vanderjagt@cancer.org
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CANCER PATIENTS SEEK VOLUNTEERS for American Cancer Society's Road to Recovery Program - Would you like to make a difference helping people in your community? If so, cancer patients right here in your area need you! The American Cancer Society, located in the John A. DeQuattro Cancer Center at Manchester Hospital, 73 Haynes St., is looking for coordinators and drivers for their Road to Recovery program. As a coordinator, you will be scheduling volunteers to drive cancer patients to and from their lifesaving treatments. Volunteer drivers are needed as well to transport their neighbors to their treatments. The American Cancer Society offers friendly environment and flexible hours. If you would like to be a part of this important volunteer program, please call Kristianne Vanagas at 860-643-2168 X 4890.
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FIFTY-FIVE PLUS CLUB: Every Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. Play Setback - Pinochle Card Games at the First Congregational Church, 837 Main St., (corner Conn. Blvd.) All Seniors and former members of Three Score Plus Club are welcome. Dues 50 cents weekly. For inf. call 568-1917.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT BIRTHRIGHT: serving pregnant women and their pre-born babies with a message of love and support, giving women in crisis an alternative to abortion. Can you help? Take just three hours each week and be blessed with the opportunity to save a baby's life and really help his or her mother. Call Birthright at 290-8800. Birthright is located at 914 Main Street, East Hartford, Room 216.
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MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS - Individuals with multiple sclerosis can receive free statewide referral in-formation from the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). According to MSAA officials, information ranging from accessible van rentals, to vocational training centers is available by calling 1-800-LEARN MS. Or access www.msaa.com
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PROJECT LINUS Manchester area delivers blankets to local hospitals such as the Connecticut Children's Hospital, St. Francis Cancer Center and Pediatric Center and Manchester Pediatrics along with Hole In the Wall Camp. We average about 50-100 blankets per month, but unfortunately more are needed. We are always looking for people to donate their hand-made quilts or afghans. These blankets need not be fancy just colorful and washable, any size from receiving to twin. If you can't contribute blankets, but would like to contribute yarn, fabric, thread, an occasional copying service or if you would like to help wash and dry some of our donations, call Heidi at 649-5513.
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DONATE A CAR, HELP A LUNG ALONG: Consider donating your old car, van or motorcycle to the American Lung Association of Connecticut for a tax deduction on next year's taxes. If you donate your vehicle, you will receive the highest tax deduction allowable by law. Call the American Lung Association of Connecticut at 1-800-LUNG USA and we will give you an application and a free NADA quote for the value of your vehicle right over the phone. We will even pick up your vehicle free of charge and send you the forms needed to claim your tax deduction. You don't have to be home when we make the pick up. You can also find vehicle donation information on our website at www.alact.org.
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CARS FOR KIDS - Big Brothers and Big Sisters reminds people with unwanted cars that now is the time to donate. It's a program designed to raise funds for Big Brothers and Big Sisters and is being conducted throughout Connecticut. Big Brothers/Big Sisters benefits from the sale of each car and the person donating a car gets rid of an unwanted vehicle and may claim a tax deduction for charitable contribution. The environment is helped by ridding the area of unsightly polluting cars. Everyone benefits! All you have to do is call 1-800-605-9366.
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FRIDAYS: Drop In Divorce Group for men and women from 7 to 8 p.m. at Divorced Families Re-source Center, 1726 Ellington Rd., South Windsor. Call 644-4782.
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ENGAGED ENCOUNTER WEEKENDS throughout the year at St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield. An ideal opportunity for an engaged couple to learn more about each other before marriage. Call the Family Life Office at 230-2460 for more info.
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HARTFORD INTERVAL HOUSE provides a variety of free services for victims of domestic violence. These include emergency shelter for women and their children, information and referrals, counseling and advocacy, adult and child support groups and information concerning legal rights and options. For further information, call their 24-hour Hot Line: 527-0550.
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Wednesday morning bowling league looking for women bowlers to join the league at Holiday Lanes, Spencer Street, Manchester. No experience necessary! Non-competitive! Bowl just for fun and friendship. Call Vera for details at 649-7342.
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FRIDAYS: The Manchester Police Activities League Mountain Bike Club is seeking new members. The club is for boys and girls 13 to 18. Rides are on Friday afternoons and will take place on a variety of trails. All levels of riders are welcome. Mountain bikes are available for participants, or they may bring their own. Cost is $10. For more information call 645-5525.