Enfield’s Regional Farmer’s Market
This Sunday, September 6, the Enfield Regional Farmer’s Market continues on the Town Green between 10 AM and 1 PM. Please join us and visit over 30 vendors to buy some fresh produce, delicious sweets, and handmade craft items. The Farmer’s Market will run on Sundays through September 27. Hope to see you there!
Department of Public Works
This week the Town of Enfield began work on Phase 3 of the Henry Barnard Roof Project. This project is the final installment of replacing the Henry Barnard School roof that was 34 years old. The project includes the replacement storm bowls and drainage piping, chimney work, and resealing a mechanical penthouse. Phase 3 is set for substantial completion prior to the return of students for the new school year next week. The Henry Barnard roof project originally began with Phase I in the fall of 2018 replacing the west classroom wings roofs. During the summer of 2019, the second phase addressed the center area and southeast classroom wing. At the completion of this project, approximately 61,200 square feet of roof will have been replaced.
Recreation
The Recreation Department, with the help of Buildings and Grounds, has set up an outdoor classroom at the Lamagna Center. There are three classes set up for the beginning of September with more in the works! For more information on the programs, contact RecreationSupervisor@enfield.org or 860-253-6420.
On September 3 from 9:30-10:30, join Recreation to celebrate National Skyscraper Day! Residents can register their household (up to 5 people) for a table to build one skyscraper. Plus, while you are building, you can test your skyscraper knowledge with some trivia questions!
On September 4 from 9:30-10:30, celebrate National Wildlife Day by creating your own birdfeeder! Help support the ecosystem in your own yard by building and filling your homemade birdfeeder with us and then hanging it at home. All materials, including birdseed, will be provided to create the birdfeeders. Each child will be able to build and fill their own birdfeeder. While your birdfeeder is drying, go for a nature scavenger hunt around Freshwater Pond to see if you can find everything on the list in that ecosystem!
On September 9 from 9:30-10:30, join Recreation for National Teddy Bear Day! Residents can grab their favorite stuffed bear and create their own teddy bear puppet. All materials will be provided along with a teddy bear treat. Bring your stuffed teddy bear and while you wait for your creation to dry, complete some fun teddy bear activity sheets.
Library
Curbside pickup continues to be a popular option for many library patrons. While not all libraries in the State have reopened, we are able to get materials delivered from other libraries now.
Summer Reading was a big success! We had 237 children and teens sign-up for the summer reading incentive program. Around 180 craft kits were given out at our curbside pick-up events, and both blanket bingo events were well attended. Our regular book clubs continue to meet in person on the lawn at the library and virtually via Zoom.
On Wednesday, September 9 at 6 PM, Cameron Sutphin Concert will be on the Library Lawn. Masks are required when not on your blanket and we ask that you place them 15 ft away from others (rain date 9/10/20 at 6 PM). Wednesday, September 16 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM or 6:30 to 7:30 PM, come use supplies provided to create your own fall wreath. Craft kits can be picked up curbside at the Enfield Public Library. This craft is for ages 4 and up and there is no need to register in advance. On Saturday, September 19 at 10:30 AM, bring your own blanket and play bingo on the front lawn of the library (weather permitting) and win prizes. Masks are required when not on your blanket and we ask that blankets be placed at least 6 ft from others. This drop-in program is for kids ages 5 and up and must be accompanied by an adult.
Senior Center
The State of CT has issued guidelines for the reopening of Senior Centers. Senior Center staff has begun meeting internally on how to safely reopen to the public. The health and wellbeing of Senior Center visitors is of the highest priority. Please continue to check their website for an announcement about reopening. Senior Center staff will be releasing a survey as to re-opening the Senior Center. The survey will allow participants to address any issues and or concerns they may have as to the re-opening. Please look for the survey on the Senior Center Facebook and in the e-mail updates. Paper copies are available at the Enfield Express, located at 800 Enfield Street.
The Senior Center will be providing some popular exercise classes on Zoom. To begin taking the classes you will need to either email seniorcenter@enfield.org or call 860-763-7425 to sign-up. Once you are signed-up, staff will email you the link to use the day of the class.
The classes offered will be:
Chair Yoga with Diana - Mondays, August 31 – September 28, from 12 PM – 1 PM (no class on 9/7)
Yoga with Diana - Tuesdays, September 1 – 22, from 11 AM – 12 PM
Stability Ball with Les - Wednesdays, September 2 – 23, from 10 AM – 11 PM
Simply Stretch and Strengthen with Shelly - Thursdays, September 3 – 24, from 11 AM – 12 PM
POW! (People on Weights) with Lisa - Fridays, September 4 – 25, from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
The Senior Center is coordinating with Bay Path Occupational Therapy students to have seniors participate in a Tele-Health program. This program enables seniors to virtually participate in a variety of Occupational Therapy activities, such as exercise, nutrition, and mindful exercises. Take It and Make Crafts are available weekly. Virtual Dementia Caregivers group affiliated with Hartford Health is available 4 times per week. Caregivers can call in to join a virtual group. Zumba classes are available virtually every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 AM and Thursday at 6 PM. The Senior Center has instituted a Pen Pal program with 2 local Girl Scout troops. Seniors who register for this program will receive monthly correspondence from 2 local Girl Scout troops.
The following services are available via phone and are free 15-minute consultations. Call the Senior Center at 860-763-7425 to schedule an appointment.
Ask the Real Estate Agent: September 7
Ask the Lawyer: September 23
Legal Consultation: September 15
Ask The CPA: Open availability
There will be a pop up COVID testing site at the Senior Center on Friday, October 2. Testing will run from 9 AM to 1 PM. Please call 475-241-0740 for more information or to register.
Come drive through the Senior Center on September 17 between 1 and 3 PM to say hello and get a slice of carrot cake.
Social Services
Enfield Child Development Center ended their summer program on August 28. In place of the annual Open House, ECDC is conducting recorded, virtual sessions highlighting each classroom with a biography of staff. ECDC will re-open for the first day of school on Tuesday, September 8 and be able to accommodate all existing families. School Age children will wear masks and preschool children will be encouraged to wear them. Our partnership with the BOE continues as the paraprofessionals who work in Stowe will assist our school age children on the full remote day in person, every Wednesday. In addition, the BOE will be providing each school age student with a set of ear plugs to help alleviate distraction during remote learning. We know that this school year will look like none that we have ever had before, but we are confident that it will be a successful one as we continue to provide a quality early childhood program for the families of Enfield.
The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group is offering virtual programs for grandparents including a yoga wellness session and a music and movement program for grandchildren. We are planning our fall schedule and are prepared to assist grandparents as their grandchildren transition back to school.
Sign up for Updates!
Our staff and I are available to assist you and will continue to provide services. Please continue to check our website for updates. For alerts from the Town of Enfield, please go to https://enfield-ct.gov/List.aspx to sign up for Notify Me and select Public Notices. Follow Enfield Town Manager on Facebook and on Twitter.