Casket Building
At 6:14 the morning of Wednesday, March 24, the Enfield Police Department dispatch center was notified of a structure fire at the Casket Building, located at 33 North River Street. The building was entirely engulfed by flames.
The Town is saddened by the loss of this historic building. Town Manager Christopher Bromson extends his gratitude to Chief David Deskis of the Thompsonville Fire Department for leading the unified effort against the blaze and to all five fire departments and neighboring fire departments for their aide. Town officials were on-site working with Amtrak, EPA, DEEP, fire officials, environmental engineers, building officials, and remediation and demolition contractors to resolve the situation. We are thankful that the fire was contained and did not spread to adjacent neighborhoods and are fortunate that there was no loss of life or injury to persons. As of 4 AM Thursday, March 25th, the demolition of the Casket Building has been completed and Amtrak Rail has been approved for travel.
We want to assure the public that this incident in no way delays or impedes the development of the Enfield Train Station. As seen in the depiction, these were two separate projects dissected by the North South rail. The Town fully intends to move full steam ahead with plans to develop this site as well as our train station.
Annex COVID-19 Clinic
The Town has partnered with Johnson Memorial Hospital, a member of Trinity Health of New England, to open a mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic in the gymnasium of the Enfield Annex, the former Enrico Fermi High School. The clinic will be open each Monday from 12:45 p.m. until 3:15 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. All state guidelines for vaccine prioritization and eligibility will be followed and the clinic is by appointment only. No walk-ins will be accepted. Please use VAMS to request an appointment or call Connecticut’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224.
Social Services
Given the everchanging supply of vaccine doses coming into CT, please continue to check the following CT DPH website for all updates concerning how to Schedule an appointment at the various available locations: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/COVID-19-Vaccination-Scheduling-Options.
If you're aged 45 or older, or are included within any of the Phase 1a groups, you are currently eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccination in Connecticut.
Senior Center
The Senior Center is planning to open on a “hybrid” model starting on April 5. Hybrid programming will offer participants to attend programming in person or virtually from home. Prime Fitness will also reopen for participants wanting to exercise in our fitness facility. All COVID guidelines will be in place and spaces will be limited.
Registration for virtual and in person programming began on Monday March 22 for Residents and will begin on March 29 at 8:30 am for Non-Residents.
Prime Fitness Center:
Prime Fitness will open on April 5, 8 AM – 4 PM. No appointments are necessary. There will be a limit of 12 participants at one time. Once capacity is reached exercisers will have to wait until someone leaves. Unfortunately, we will only be accepting members that have participated in Prime Fitness in the past. We are unable to take new members currently.
Below are just some of the programs we are offering at The Senior Center. Please call 860-763-7425, or e-mail seniorcenter@enfield.org to obtain Zoom links.
- Tech Time – The second Wednesday of the month at 10 AM. Audra Lauf from Comfort Keepers will answer any tech questions you may have and give tech tips to help you stay connected with family and friends.
- Virtual Bingo - Thursday, April 15, 2 PM. Sponsored by Home Helpers and The Ivy, email nmatson@homehelpershomecare.com to register.
- Virtual Bingo – April 16, 1:30 PM. Prizes sponsored by Stonebrook Village.
Movies:
The War with Grandpa – April 9, 1:30 PM– 3:30 PM. $2 will be collected at the door.
Wild Mountain Thyme – April 23, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM. $2 will be collected at the door.
Computer Classes:
Introduction to Facebook – Wednesday, April 7, 1:30 PM
Drop in Tech Help – Wednesday, April 14, 1:30 PM
Computer 101 – Wednesday, April 21, 1:30 PM
TED Talks:
The One Minute Secret to Forming a New Habit – Thursday, April 8, 1:30 PM
How to Get Better at the Things You Care About – Thursday, April 22, 1:30 PM
March Ask the… Programs
The following services are available via phone and are free 15-minute consultations from 10 AM to 11:45 AM. Call the Senior Center at 860-763-7425 to schedule an appointment.
- Ask the Lawyer: Wednesday, March 31
- Ask the Realtor: Open availability. Call 860-593-4248 to set up appointment
- Ask The CPA: Open availability. Call 860-741-3716 to set up appointment.
Exercise Classes
- Yoga All Levels – Mondays, 9 AM – 10 AM, April 5 - 26
- Beginning Line Dancing – Mondays, 1 pm – 2 PM, April 5 - 26. In person only.
- Line Dancing to Different Rhythms – Mondays, 2 PM – 3 PM, April 5 - 26. In person only.
- Yoga All Levels – Tuesdays, 9 AM – 10 AM, April 6 - 27. No class April 19.
- Yoga Chair and Standing – Tuesdays, 10 AM - 11 AM, April 6 - 27
- Zumba – Tuesdays, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM, April 6 - 27. In person only.
- Body 360 – Wednesdays, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM, April 7 - 28
- POW! - People on Weights – Wednesdays, 12:30 PM -1:15 PM, April 7 - 28
- Simply Stretch and Strengthen – Thursdays, 10:30 AM -11:30 AM, April 8 - 29
- Stability Ball Training – Thursdays, 1 PM – 2 PM, April 8 - 29
- Body 360 – Fridays, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, April 9 - 30
- POW! – People on Weights - Fridays, 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM, April 9 – 30. NOTE TIME CHANGE.
Crafts
All Craft Classes are in person.
- Mandala Dot Painting – Tuesday, April 6, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
- Spring Wreath – Tuesday, April 20, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
- Paint Party – Monday, April 26, 1 PM – 3 PM
- Take it and Make it Cards – Friday, April 30, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook or visit our webpage at www.enfield-ct.gov/seniors.
Recreation
WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE OUR OFFICE HAS MOVED TO THE ENFIELD ANNEX! We are now located in the Enfield Annex at 124 North Maple Street (Door 1). We are thrilled to have ample parking, a welcoming office area and expanded space for programming! We can’t wait to see you at our new location! Our office is open Monday – Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM.
Seasonal Staff Openings: We are currently accepting job applications for Tons-O-Fun Summer Camp Counselors through Friday, April 16, at 5 PM. Positions are open to applicants 16 years of age and up. Apply online at www.enfield-ct.gov/hr.
The Recreation Division has a variety of virtual and Take it, Make it programs this February/March. The February/March newsletter is now online at www.enfield-ct.gov/recreation. Currently, in-person programming has been suspended due to increased COVID numbers. Upcoming programs include:
The Cooped-Up Crafts Cart is out and about this February! Stop by, say hi and pick up a FREE activity or two for your child! Upcoming dates include…
- Wednesday, March 31st: 10 - 11 AM at the Rotary Playground
Take it, Make it Craft Kits: Contact the Enfield Recreation Division to reserve one of two seasonal craft kits. Open to Enfield youth ages 3 and up, free craft kits are available while supplies last. Activities include:
- Rainbow Lacing Craft Kit (ages 6 and older)
- Spring Bunny Paper Roll Craft Kit (ages 3 and older)
Babysitter Safety Course: This entry level course is intended to teach age appropriate skills necessary to care for children of all ages using team babysitting, mother’s helper and individual babysitting concepts. This course focuses on safety with an emphasis on prevention. Other topics include handwashing, diapering, bottle feeding, personal safety, interview skills and COVID-19 related topics. Basic first aid, including adult and child CPR (requires passing written and skills testing to receive the 2-year certification), will be covered. Each participant will receive a booklet, handouts and Babysitter Safety Certificate. Held Wednesday, April 14 (Spring break, no school), 9 AM – 2 PM at the Enfield Annex. Spaces are limited and open to Enfield residents only. Pre-registration (beginning March 12th) and full payment are required to secure a spot.
Youth Field Hockey Clinics: Whether you are learning the sport for the first time or are looking to improve your skills and knowledge, this clinic is perfect for you! Participants will be introduced to and taught the fundamentals of field hockey. Instructors will cover stick and ball handling, passing and receiving, shooting and game rules. The first half of the program will focus on skills and drills, while the second half will be game play. Please Note: Participants must wear a face mask and bring shin guards, a mouth guard, a field hockey stick and a water bottle. There will be a limited supply of sticks available to borrow if needed. Held Thursdays, April 22 - May 27, 5 - 6:15 PM at the Enfield Annex. Spaces are limited and open to Enfield residents in grades 3 - 8. Pre-registration and full payment ($35.00) are required to secure a spot.
JUST ADDED! Camp TONS-O-FUN Summer Care: Summer Care is a great opportunity to meet new friends, develop respect, build self-esteem and participate in activities in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere. Activities include sports and group games, theme weeks, arts and crafts, free play and more! The program is offered for Enfield youth entering grades 1-9 in September 2021 and is held at the Enfield Annex. Offered in one-week sessions from Monday, June 28 through Friday, August 13, 2021, 8 AM – 4 PM. For more information regarding Summer Care, including fees, visit our website at www.enfield-ct.gov/recreation or contact the Recreation Office at 860-253-6420. Spaces are limited and registration opens Friday, March 26 at 8 AM. This program is for Enfield residents only.
Our 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.
Library
On Wednesday, March 31, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, come join the library for the Ultimate Presentation for Red Sox Nation. Take a fun and enlightening journey through Boston Red Sox history with the author of the Ultimate Boston Red Sox Time Machine Book. This presentation features videos and photographs of the greatest and most fascinating players, teams, events and moments in franchise history. The program also includes trivia questions for patrons to ponder and covers Sox history from the Royal Rooters, who launched Red Sox Nation, all the way to the four World Series championships and beyond. It will conclude with a question-and-answer period. Author Martin Gitlin will have autographed and personalized copies of his book available online following the program. Email Lsprague@enfield.org for an invitation to the Zoom program.
Please join us for a Zoom Concert with Electric Violinist Caryn Lin on Wednesday, April 7, at 6:30 PM. Email lsprague@enfield.org for an invitation to the Zoom program. “One Woman Musical Extravaganza,” electric violinist Caryn Lin, literally transforms sound! Years of concentrated experimentation with sound results in a live or virtual show that is spectacular. Layers of sound with deceptively simple melodies make music that is both other worldly & totally catchy. With the technologies of looping & sound effects, on the spot recordings emerge, creating the musical equivalent of light traveling through a prism. You will learn about the basic science behind this magical sound. This program is sponsored by ECAC Enfield Culture and Arts Commission.
Book Discussions
4/14 Virtual Book Discussion The Other Einstein
These titles are available in eBook format. When possible, we will also have physical copies that can be picked up at the Central Library circulation desk.
Children’s Programs
Dance Party! Are you ready to Hokey Pokey? Join us on the front lawn of the library on Tuesday, April 13, 11 AM-12 PM for a “Dance Party” using our favorite songs and dances from storytime. (Rain date will be Thursday, April 15th at 11 AM) Please bring a blanket(s) for your group to dance on. Masks must be worn when not on your blanket.
Blanket Bingo - Bring your own blanket on Wednesday, April 14, 1:30 PM-2:30 PM and play bingo on the front lawn of the library (rain date April 16th) 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.
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 Storytime for ages 2-4 will be on Facebook on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM and Storytime for ages 4-5 will be on Facebook on Thursdays at 9:30 AM.
Sign up for Updates!
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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.