DOT Construction Meeting: Come learn how the Flatbush Avenue bridge project will affect the New Park Avenue neighborhood on Wednesday, February 17, 8:00-10:00 AM, at Elmwood Community Center, 1106 New Britain Avenue. Department of Transportation staff will discuss starting dates, road detours, lane closures, and scheduling. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions. The meeting is free and open to everyone. No RSVP required. For more information, visit http://www.ctrapidtransit.com/

Fill your child’s memories with fun, summertime adventures: The Summer Camp 2010 catalog, presented by the Department of Human and Leisure Services was mailed to every home in town this week so parents can begin planning their child’s summer vacation. The catalog lists an extensive selection of camps offered by Elmwood Community Center, Westmoor Park, Veterans Skating Rink and the main office at Town Hall. Camps take place at various schools and parks in town. To view the catalog, visit www.westhartford.org/leisureservices

The Bridge Family Center’s 11th annual gala Children’s Charity Ball was an unbelievable success! The Hartford Golf Club sprang to life on Saturday, January 23 with springtime colors and flowers. After a poignant video produced by Jennifer Evans of West Hartford community television featuring The Bridge staff and clients, guests were challenged to change the life of a child by raising their paddles during a live auction. Donations ranged from $100 to $2500 and raised a sum total of $53,000.
Though the final figure is not yet confirmed, the event netted nearly $200,000 for The Bridge Family Center. More than 100 sponsors contributed to the total income. The Bridge was especially touched by the generosity of the community in these tough economic times.  Thank you to all.

Snapshot Day captures A Day in the Life of our Public Libraries: Over 20 photographers have volunteered to take snapshots of activities in and around West Hartford's three community libraries. West Hartford's participation is part of a larger statewide effort to collect photos and stats from all libraries on a single day, Feb. 18. On that day, Connecticut libraries will count how many people visit, use computers, and attend programs. All across the state, people come together in a free and open library environment, to learn, share ideas, and prepare themselves for the future. Libraries are counted on, and now they'll be counted! From all the photos taken, 20 will be selected, framed, and displayed in the library's Noah Webster Gallery in March. If you are a photographer and would like to volunteer, please contact Joseph Cadieux at 860-561-6998, or email snapshot@westhartfordlibrary.org.

Triathlon to raise money for local autism charity: New York Sports Club has partnered with Jocelyn’s Run, a new local autism charity, to raise money and awareness about autism in Connecticut by hosting the state’s first indoor triathlon on February 20th and 21st. The goal is to provide funding for services such as family getaways and parent support groups, interactive play programs, learning equipment, and training for childcare workers. Specifically, the triathlon will consist of 15 minutes of swimming, 30 minutes of stationary biking and 30 minutes of running or walking on a treadmill. 

The Moving Wall comes to West Hartford: The half-size replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. is coming to West Hartford on June 18-20. Town staff has begun the logistical planning that will involve crews of volunteers to assemble the wall and to help visitors locate the names of loved killed during the war.

Ronald F. Van Winkle
Town Manager

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