Community Update from Town Manager Christopher Bromson:
Farmer's Market
Thank you for attending the 2020 Enfield Regional Farmer's Market from July through October. Stay tuned for an announcement next week about an indoor Winter Farmer's Market. Follow the market on Facebook @EnfieldRegionalFarmersMarket for updates!
Halloween 2020
Happy Halloween to the Enfield community! Our residents have used sound judgment throughout the pandemic utilizing our parks, playscapes, or attending the farmer's market and we trust our residents to use that same good judgment during the Halloween holiday. For those who plan to trick-or-treat, please remember to observe social distancing and stay at least 6 feet away from people outside of your household. Remember to use caution while walking around outdoors in the dark and wear reflective gear or bring flashlights! If you choose to distribute candy, please make sure to do it safely by avoiding direct contact with trick-or-treaters, giving out candy outdoors, individually bagging candy if possible, and wearing a mask. Some alternatives to trick or treating include pumpkin carving, scary movies, or having a spooky scavenger hunt. Check the CT Department of Public Health or CDC websites for further guidance- https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Communications/Guidance/Connecticut-Halloween-Guidance https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/halloween.html.
On Saturday, October 31st, the Enfield Police Department will be participating in a Spooktacular Trunk or Treat held at the Enfield Square Mall from 5 to 8 PM. The Enfield Police Auxiliary Department will be on site to pass out some candy and engage in some positive community relations. Social distancing and masks will be required.
Election 2020
The deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is November 2nd. As of October 28, 8,089 ballots have been issued by the Town Clerk's Office. Ballots MUST BE RETURNED to the Town Clerk's Office by 8 PM on Election Night, November 3rd. We thank the Town Clerk's office for their efforts.
Residents may use the drop boxes at the locations listed below to deposit their ballot or absentee ballot application:
- Outside drive-thru lane of the Enfield Express, located at 800 Enfield Street. Drive up without leaving your car.
- Central Public Library located at 104 Middle Road. The drop box is located right past the book drops.
- Town Hall back entrance, located at 820 Enfield Street, back parking lot.
Enfield Public Library
At the October 19th Town Council Meeting, Elizabeth Szewczyk was introduced as the Town’s first Poet Laureate. The Poet Laureate position was created by the Enfield Culture and Arts Commission to advocate for poetry and promote the appreciation of and participation in poetry and literary arts and activities among Enfield Citizens. Ms. Szewczyk was an adjunct professor of poetry at Asnuntuck Community College where she was also the co-editor of the poetry journal Freshwater. Her first book of poetry, This Becoming, was published in 2009. She has won multiple awards for her work. Ms. Szewczyk has new books of poetry slated for publication in 2021.
Join the Library for the Online Rhyme Time program for children ages birth to 24 months via Facebook on Mondays at 10:30 AM. Virtual Storytimes will also be on Facebook. Storytimes for ages 2-4 will be on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM and Storytimes for ages 4-5 will be on Thursdays at 9:30 AM.
On Wednesday November 4th at 6:30 PM, join Zoom with Author Ann DeFee as she shares her book, A Summer Place. Please e-mail LSprague@enfield.org for an invitation to the Zoom meeting.
On Wednesday, November 18th, drive through the Central Library at 9:30 -10:30 AM or 6:30 - 7:30 PM and pick up supplies to create your own turkey at home.
Senior Center
The Senior Center will be closed on Tuesday, November 3rd. The Senior Center will be a polling place for all individuals that are in the JFK district.
Thanks to all that participated in the Halloween drive-thru event! The winners for best costume and best pumpkins have been posted on the Senior Center Facebook page and will receive an apple crumb pie. Please call the Senior Center to claim your prize. The Center would like to extend a thank you to The Ivy in Ellington and Care for Me at Home for supplying all the goodie bags to pass out at the event.
The Community Health Center is having pop-up COVID-19 testing November 9th and December 9th at the Enfield Senior Center. Please call 475-241-0740 to register.
The Senior Center will have registration for November Classes. A complete list of Fitness, Arts and Crafts, Computer, and other programs can be found on the website, Facebook, weekly E-mail blasts or you may pick up a paper copy outside of the front door of The Senior Center.
Join the Edwards Twins Zoom show with Friendship Tours! Now is your time to see your favorite 70's and 80's stars re-created by Las Vegas' number one impersonators! Registration in advance is required. The show will be held virtually on November 17, 6:30 PM. Please copy this link into your browser to register. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIofuCvrDIvHtYIAeLtEPqZE6hYuwwlSHRq.
- Billiards: Tables will be available for two-hour blocks from 8 AM – 3:45 PM. You must pre-register and only two players are allowed per table.
Movies: Irresistible will be played on Friday, November 6th at 1:30 PM.
TED Talk: How to Connect While Apart will be shown and discussed on November 5th at 1:30 PM.
Computer Lab: Participants can sign up for 1.5-hour slots to use the computer lab.
- Pedi-Care: Pedi-Care will be available on November 13, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Please call Gladys at 860-749-0617 for an appointment.
Recreation
The Recreation Division has a variety of virtual Take it and Make it and in-person programs this fall. Registration for the in-person programming available below is open online. ALL PROGRAMS REQUIRE PRE-REGISTRATION. Visit www.enfield-ct.gov/recreation to view complete information or to register.
Family-Friendly Kitchen Hacks: This workshop focuses on creating meals and routines that are time, budget and family friendly. It will be held on Wednesday, November 4th, 6 – 7 PM in the Enfield Annex Auditorium. This program is free and open to Enfield residents.
Adult Yoga, Session Two: Yoga will bring balance, breath awareness, stamina and flexibility to the body and mind. Participants will be able to work at their own level, modifying poses as needed. Classes will be held on Tuesdays, November 10 – December 1, 6:15 – 7:30 PM in the Enfield Annex Gym. Fee is $18.00 residents / $22.50 non-residents.
Self Defense for Older Adults: This program is designed for physically capable adults 50 and over who want a better way to stay safe. This program will cover physical skills, mental skills and psychological knowledge needed to keep yourself safer. Held on Thursday, November 12, 6:00 – 7:30 PM at Integrity Martial Arts Studio. This program is free and spaces are limited.
3D Foam Thanksgiving Mayflower Ship Class: Enfield youth in grades 3-5 are invited to join us on Tuesday, November 3 at 2:30 PM to create a replica of the Mayflower via Zoom. Class materials must be picked up at the Recreation Office. Please call to make a pick up appointment AFTER you have registered. Additional materials may be needed. Participants must have internet access and be available to participate during the live stream class. This program is free and only open to Enfield residents. Spaces are limited.
Indoor Adult Pickleball: Adults ages 18 and up can register for one of four morning sessions held at the Angelo Lamagna Activity Center gym between November 1 – 24. Fee is $10.00 per 4 week session. Please note, due to COVID-19 this program requires pre-registration and is open to Enfield residents only. Spaces are limited.
The Virtual Recreation Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and contains a variety of free resources for you to use from the comfort and safety of your own home. We have over 50 different offerings. Check back for additional resources being added!
Sign up for Updates!
The Town Hall continues to be open by appointment only. If you need to conduct your business in person, please call the department you wish to schedule your visit in advance.
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.