OneManchester
Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024
THE FIRST ONE HUNDRED DAYS of the school year are behind us and students at Verplanck (left) and Keeney marked the occasion by parading around their buildings. Also covering lots of ground -- and moving quickly -- were seven members of the MHS indoor track team, who earned state championship honors last Friday. We have their photos and lots more below, including an Illing hoops championship and a busy calendar leading into Presidents' Day weekend.
In The Spotlight
Brian Jud, Rammonia Bravo and Sarah Camera are the latest entries in our "Humans of Manchester'' gallery, which you can find on both Facebook and Instagram. And parents and guardians, you can to let us know who you would like to see recognized. This form tells you how that works.
BoE Update
- The next regular BoE meeting is scheduled for Feb. 26 at Lincoln Center at 7 p.m. with a grades 5 -12 CTE update on the agenda.
News and Notes
- The Student Equity Advisory Team at MHS is selling merchandise featuring the slogan "Ignite Change, Love Worldwide", a phrase that embodies the work they do in the community and what they want the community to embrace. Check out this flier and to learn how to order click here.
- Project Graduation has a fundraiser at Ben & Jerry's in Evergreen Walk. It's March 7 from 4-9 p.m. and 10% of proceeds will benefit project graduation class of 2024. Here's the flier.
Related:
Project Graduation is looking for volunteers to lead a few committees during the 2024-25 school year. Click for information.
Early Childhood Fair
Last Saturday's event held at Manchester High School had lots of information for parents and families. Incidentally, to see the school district kindergarten plan click here.
Calendar
Thursday, Feb. 15
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. -- Veterans Coffee House at Army & Navy Club, 1090 Main St.
10:30 - 11:15 a.m -- Shake, Rattle & Roll at Mary Cheney Library.
12:30 - 5:30 p.m. -- Red Cross blood drive at North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker St.
6 - 7:30 p.m. -- YSB presents ‘What is Consent?’ at 63 Linden St.
6:30 p.m. -- Connecticut’s foxes discussion with Ginny Apple at Whiton Library.
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. -- Pajama Storytime for 2-5 year-olds at Mary Cheney Library.
7 -9 p.m. -- The Listening Room open mic at WORK_SPACE, 903 Main St.
Friday, Feb. 16
10 a.m. -- Preschool Playgroup at Mary Cheney Library.
6 -8 p.m. -- Family Fun Night (Valentine’s Day Dance) for Pre-K - grade 6 at Nathan Hale Recreation Center, 160 Spruce Street.
Sunday, Feb. 18
Noon -- CPR training at 75 Center St
1 p.m. -- Free history walk along the Cheney Railroad starting at 146 Hartford Rd.
1 - 2:30 p.m. -- Free Chinese New Year Celebration at Malee’s School of Tai Chi & Kung Fu, 249 Broad St.
Monday is Presidents' Day, which is officially called Washington's Birthday at the federal governmental level. It’s an official state holiday in Connecticut and in Manchester town offices and schools are closed on Monday and there is also no school on Tuesday. The holiday is held on the third Monday in February because it's close to George Washington's birthday (Feb. 22) and near that of Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12).
Tuesday, Feb. 20
10- 10:20 a.m. -- Baby Rhyme Time at Mary Cheney Library.
2 - 2:45 p. -- Play Dough Party for ages 3 and up at both Whiton and Mary Cheney Libraries.
6:30 - 7:15 p.m. -- Picture Bingo at MaryCheney Library.
6:30 - 7:15 p.m. -- Pajama Storytime at Whiton Library.
Wednesday, Feb. 21
9:30 - 10:15 a.m. -- Toddling Tots at Mary Cheney Library.
12:30 - 5:30 p.m. -- Red Cross blood drive at North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker St.
3 - 4:15 p.m. -- Picture Bingo for all ages at Whiton Library.
6 - 7:30 p.m. -- Dungeons & Dragons for 6 - 9 graders at Mary Cheney Library.
6 - 6:45 p.m. -- Self-Care Sound Bath Meditation at Whiton Library.
Also:
Manchester Public School will be closed Monday and Tuesday in observance of Presidents’ Day.
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ runs through Sunday at Cheney Hall. Click here for times and ticket info.
The Blank Canvas: Unboxed art exhibit at WORK_SPACE runs through April 5. Click here for the schedule and info on W_S programming.
Scouting
Troop 25 is having a grinder fundraiser and all the details are here.
Down the Road
The Bangladeshi American Friends and Families of CT (BAFFC) will be holding a celebration of International Mother Language Day (IMLD) on Feb. 23 from 6- 8 p.m. at Center Congregational Church, 11 Center St.
Little Theatre of Manchester’s 2024 Jukebox Music Series starts with 'The Ultimate Cher Experience' on Feb. 24. Click here for the full schedule.
Free Movie Nights at Nathan Hale Recreation Center continue on the first Friday of the Month through April. Next up on March 1: ‘My Neighbor Totoro’. Click here for show schedule and dates.
A free in-person 8-week parent program focusing on dads starts on March 4 and you can learn more by clicking here.
The Manchester Antique and Collectibles Show returns to Second Congregational Church at 385 North Main St. on March 15 and 16. Click here for details.
YSB and MADD collaborate to present The Power of You(th) on March 21 at 63 Linden St.
Manchester High’s Sock N Buskin will present Mama Mia! at Bailey Auditorium March 21-23.
MARC, Inc’s Bowl-A-Thon will happen at Hall of Fame Silver Lanes East Hartford on March 24.
MHS Project Graduation is holding a comedy fundraiser at the Elks Club on April 4. Click here for details.
During Black History Month, the Manchester Public Library is each day featuring a book by a Black author and here are a few more that have been shared so far.
Youth Voices
The African American and Black Affairs Council, Town of Manchester and MPS Dept. of Race and Equity are sponsoring an event on Monday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. in Bailey Auditorium at MHS that will feature Manchester youth as part of Black History and Manchester Bicentennial Celebration programming. For more info click here.
Youth Service Bureau
'What is Consent?' Program is Tonight
- Through thought-provoking activities, students will understand the dynamics of consent. Students learn key definitions and laws related to sexual assault and consent, and address myths and misconceptions around the topic. It runs from 6-7:30 p.m. and registration info is here.
'The Power of You(th)' is March 21
- This program will provide research-based information for youth on the dangers of underage drinking and other drug use. Here's the flier.
The Manchester High 1600 meter sprint medley team of (l-r, above) Cian Gara Grady, Gavin Kane, Fred Applewhite and Adams Hamza placed first at the LL championships last Friday at Hillhouse High School in New Haven. And below, Samiya Eady (55 and 300 meters), Kingnell Burgos (high jump) and Octavious Richard (55 meters) were individual champions. The athletes will represent MHS at the state open meet on Saturday in New Haven. Click here for complete results from the LL meet and here for CIAC winter tournament info.
ALSO:
- Looking to build basketball skills? The Hartford Shockers Holiday Clinic for 3 - 8 graders is Monday and you can click here for details.
- The Manchester Pop Warner Red Hawks Football & Cheer program is offering a speed and agility training on Saturdays starting Feb. 24. Click here for info
- The Manchester High Red Hawks Baseball Booster Club will be hosting its 2nd annual pasta dinner fundraiser on Feb. 25. Click here for more info.
- We have more sports pics on our OneManchester CT sports Facebook page.
The Illing boys basketball team ran the table this season with a 12-0 record, capped off by a 69-64 win over Sage Park in the CRAL (Connecticut River Athletic League) championship game held at MHS Wednesday afternoon.
- 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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