January 2017

1/30/17: Starry Nights Cafe wowed all who were here!

A fabulous evening was had by all at the Litchfield Community Center's Starry Nights Cafe on Saturday Jan. 28th! 

We were wowed with the amazing musical performance by the Steve Doyle Trio, featuring Billy Stritch on piano and Nicolas King, vocals.

As the photos show (link below), the Community Center was again transformed into a night club worthy of NYC (many thanks to Ron Leal).

Don't miss the next performance in the Starry Nights Cafe series with the return of the Nicole Zuraitis Quartet, April 1!

Call or email to reserve your seat today and save $25.00 on admission! (special offer valid until Feb. 15, 2017)

860-567-8302 or email litchfieldcommunitycenter@gmail.com

See more pictures here

1/24/17: Programs And Events For All Ages!

Did you know the Litchfield Community Center caters to all age groups?!  Ranging from 0 years old, to over 100 years old, there is an event for YOU!  Every month you can find new fun and exciting events pertaining to your age group.  Mark you calendars for these highlighted events coming up in February!

"Motion Man", Friday Feb. 3rd, 6pm ~ An event for ALL ages!  Take a Mechanical Man, precision Pantomime, lyrical movement, hysterical characterizations, a Chagall, Giant Bubbles, Toilet Plungers, Step Ladders, Gibberish, a Ukulele, Spinning Plates, 8 Foot Streamers, a Parasol, a Floating Hat; Things that Float over the Audience, a man squeezing through a picture frame, giant bubbles and Inspirational Improvisation put them in a blender and what do you get??? Come and find out on February 3rd, at the Litchfield Community Center!

"Waking the Spirit", Sunday, Feb. 5th, 2pm ~ Come enjoy a movie musical presentation, and meet the man behind it all!  Guitarist/Author Andrew Schulman, Star of "Andrew & Wendy" Documentary Film 'Waking the Spirit: A Musician's Journey Healing Body, Mind and Soul", survived cardiac arrest, and lives to tell as he he helps critically ill patients through medical music.

Children's Playgroup, Thursdays, 1:30pm ~ Open to children ranging from 0-2 years old, parents come enjoy an afternoon playgroup where you and your children will make new friends!  New and age appropriate toys provided by the Center but feel free to bring your own!

Give Local, Thur., Feb. 9th and 16th, 9am ~ Give Local will explain how it works and how your organization can benefit from participation. We will review eligibility guidelines, explain the registration process and clarify how bonus funds and prizes work. This session is strongly recommended for nonprofits and staff who are new to Give Local.

15th Annual Sweet Heart Run, Sat. Feb. 11th, 11am ~ Come show your love by running in the 15th Annual running of the Sweet Heart Run 5 mile road race, and 3 mile walk!  Race time is at 11am but be sure to show up early for registration, and stick around for awards, and refreshments to warm you up!

"Live, Learn, Lunch" Music Therapy, Mon. Feb. 13th, 11am ~ One Monday a month, come learn about a healthy lifestyle topic, and stick around for a FREE lunch.  This months workshop will include live, interactive music experientials and information on how to use music within your day to day life to improve overall wellness.  Come ready to make some music!

AARP Safe Drivers, Wed. Feb. 15th, 9am ~ Come get a refresher with the nation's first and largest classroom refresher for motorists 50+. Auto insurance discounts in most states!

Friday Feast & Dancing Feet! Fri., Feb. 17th, 12pm ~ Every third Friday of the month, come enjoy some great live music, and a delicous meal!  This month's featured musician is Ralph Sacco!

7th & 8th Grade Dance! Fri., Feb. 17th, 7pm ~ Once a month, the Center transforms itself into a DJ bumpin' club.  Open to 7th & 8th graders of all area towns.  Refreshments available as well!

History Comes to Life-A Search for Justice, Wed. Feb. 22nd, 2pm ~ The second performance of our 6 part "History Comes to Life Series", Actor Stephen Collins will examine issues of social, political and religious justice. You will hear the words of Abolitionist Editor William Lloyd Garrison. John Brown will tell you why he resorted to violence. Lincoln will deliver his oration at Gettysburg, the words that remade America. Thomas Hardy and other writers will comment on war and religion.

Hartford Flower & Garden Show, Thur., Feb. 23rd, 10am ~ Travel with us to the CT Convention Center in Hartford for the 36th Annual CT Flower & Garden Show. Explore over 300 booths, view landscaped gardens and visit the Federated Garden Clubs of CT design & horticulture competition based on this year's theme "Woodland Enchantment'.  This year's guest is the host of PBS's "The Victory Garden" Roger Swain.

Afternoon Jazz feat. The Greg Carleton Trio, Fri. Feb. 24th, 2pm ~ Straight from the Jackie Mclean Institue of Jazz at the University of Hartford comes the Greg Carleton Trio. Come enjoy an afternoon of Jazz at the Litchfield Community Center.  Coffee, and cookies will be provided.  This Event is Made Possible by The Litchfield Community Center Music Fund, a Fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation.  FREE - RSVP required.

Friday Fun Day, Fri. Feb. 24th, 4pm ~ One Friday, every month the Center is open to a world of fun to 4th through 6th graders.  This month's Friday Fun Day will be sponsored by the Litchfield High School Student Council Class of 2019, with proceeds benefiting their club.

To RSVP, register, and additional information on these and other events/programs the Litchfield Community Center has to offer, visit us at www.thecommunitycenter.org, or call 860-567-8302.

Share your ideas with us!  At the Litchfield Community Center, we are here to serve you, and want to hear from you.  If you have any ideas for programs, events, or trips, let us know!  Send your ideas to the Program Coordinator, Dave Hunt: dave@thecommunitycenter.org

1/5/17: 17 Programs/Events To Kickstart Your 2017!

17 Programs/Events To Kickstart Your 2017!

Check out these 17 Programs/Events at the Litchfield Community Center to kickstart your 2017!

Alzheimer's Support (1/5) ~ First Thursday of every month, come talk with Tina Hogan, of the Alzheimer's Association about your questions and concerns.  Learn about education programs.  Understand more about memory loss.  Get connected with other experiencing challenges associated with memory loss.  Discover resources available in your community.  

Coffee, Cookies, and Conversation (1/6) ~ Join Bruce Oren of CareMatch America for Coffee, Cookies, and Conversation about Elder Care to ask questions, get answers, or just talk!

Live, Learn, & Lunch (1/9) ~ Held once a month, on a Monday, come learn about a healthy lifestyle topic, and enjoy a FREE lunch at the same time!  This month, join Tracey Waite, RN, of the Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine at Sharon Hospital for a special presentation and discussion on maintaining healthy skin at any age. Proper PH balance, moisturizers and washes will also be discussed, as well as edema and ulcers from poor circulation of the lower extremities.

Long Term Care Insurance (1/10) ~ A tutorial for those over 50 years old and those caring for elders.  Nancy Simm, CLTC, LTCP, CSA Highland Capital Brokerage will be here to discuss your options. Join her for a FREE presentation and Question and Answer period.

Assistive Technology Demo (1/11) ~ Western CT Area Agency on Aging will provide free personalized demonstrations on assistive devices such as magnifiers, phone amplifiers, vibrating alarm clocks, smart pens and talking watches just to name a few.

Children's Playgroup (1/12) ~ Come join our weekly playgroup! Every Thursday, from 1:30pm - 2:15pm. Open to children ages 0-2 years old. Older siblings are welcome to come color/draw. Parental supervision required for all children.

Friday Fun Day! (1/13) ~ Open to 4th - 6th graders, each month a Litchfield High School student group hosts an evening at the Community Center with proceeds benefiting various causes.  Open games! Ping pong, pool, air hockey, Foosball, Wii, board games, group games, music, arts & crafts! Snacks and beverages available for purchase.

Healing the Heart After Loss (1/14) ~ Come join Eileen Manela, LCSW in a safe supportive space as we learn about the grief process through group sharing, experiential exercises, and mindfulness. Know you are not alone during what can be a confusing and difficult time.  Eileen has a private practice in Litchfield specializing in bereavement and loss. Prior, she spent over a decade at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC. She is also a Kripalu trained Yoga Instructor.

Friday Feast, and Dancing Feet! (1/20) ~ Join us on the 3rd Friday of each month for a light lunch, music and dancing. Reservations are required.  Music this month by "Jerry Carillo Orchestra".

Teen Dance (1/20) ~ Area 7th & 8th Graders, come dance the night away, and have some fun!

Science Saturday's! ~ Join us for 6 Science Saturdays on 1/21, 2/4, 2/25, 3/11, 3/25, and 4/8. Presented by "How Cool Is That?! (Hands-On Science)", children will gain knowledge through science in a fun, unique, "hands-on" experience. Velya Jancz-Urban brings to the table, a CT teaching certification, with activities aligned to STEM objectives. All materials are supplied. Ideal for grades K-5. Pre-registration required*

P.U.R.A. (1/24) ~ Staff from the Public Utilities Regulatory Authorit (P.U.R.A.) can explain the process and provide information about licensed electric suppliers, how you may reduce your monthly electric bill by switching suppliers and whether choosing a supplier is right for you.

"Hedy Lamarr", History at Play! (1/26) ~ Join actress and historical interpreter, Judith Kalaora, as she introduces you to a woman clouded in a fantasy world that only Tinseltown could create. Watch as this young Austrian refugee transforms to become the most beautiful woman in the world, all the while, inventing technology to GPS, WiFi, and all wireless telecommunication.

D.A.W.G. Training (1/26) ~ D.A.W.G = Diagnose the problem.  Address the problem. Work through the problem.  Go forward.
DonoLou K9 Connection will be starting a 6 week training class! You will learn proper leash walking, impulse control, body language and leadership.  Dogs should be 6 months or older and require up to date rabies, distemper and bordetella in order to attend the class.

"Starry Night's Cafe", Jazz Night (1/28) ~ Come drink, dance, and listen to some of the best Jazz around!  The Steve Doyle Trio featuring Billy Stritch and Nicolas King will be performing.  Cocktails, and desserts will be served.

Yoga ~ Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday A yoga class conducted in a casual, practical, fun atmosphere. Students are encouraged to breathe and stretch to their potential that day. Modifications are always offered. Suitable for people who are beginners to experienced in a yoga practice.

Dance Exercise ~ Every Tuesday, and Thursday build strength and cardiovascular health through movement based in the discipline of dance. Ballet and jazz that incorporates traditional fitness exercise.

For more info, how to signup, and search for more fun, and exciting programs/events at the Litchfield Community Center, visit our Calendar at http://www.thecommunitycenter.org/calendar.php

We look forward to seeing you!