Dear American Towns,

Here's what's new in Manchester:

Employment Opportunities:
Current Town of Manchester job openings include: Assistant Animal Control Officer, Assistant Budget Director, Environmental Health Inspector, Field Services Superintendent, Forestry Summer Help in Water & Sewer Division, Police Officer, Recycling & Community Service Coordinator, School Crossing Guard, and Social Worker (Human Services – Senior, Adult & Family Services Division). For details, visit: http://hrd1.townofmanchester.org/index.cfm/employment-opportunities/

Repurposed Schools Task Force Meeting
A public meeting of the Repurposed Schools Task Force is scheduled for Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 6:30pm and will be held in person at Leisure Labs at Mahoney Center, 110 Cedar Street, in the Culture Lab on the third floor. During this time, Meraj Consulting LLC will be introduced by the task force to discuss community engagement efforts. Please note that this meeting room location is accessible by stairs or elevator.

Manchester Trade Fair May 31, 2022
Ever wonder how to break into a trade? Find out by attending the 1st Annual Trade/Construction Career Fair at Manchester High School from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM!
Registered Apprenticeship Programs & Unionized Trade Readiness Programs exist! Industry experts will be in attendance to explain numerous employment/apprenticeship opportunities that are available as a result of the Bowers Elementary School Construction Project Labor Agreement.    
Manchester High School Cafeteria; Please use the MHS Brookfield Street parking lot/entrance. View details here:
https://ecode360.com/documents/MA2034/public/659304315.pdf

Fire Flow Tests – Thursday June 2, at 10AM.  
The Town of Manchester will conduct a fire flow/hydraulic capacity test, at 623 Main Street, corner Main St. & Pearl St. Manchester, CT to determine the effects upon the water distribution system.  The hydrant flow test may result in reduced pressure and/or discoloration of the water in the area. If water appears discolored, the homeowner should try to avoid using it until it clears.  This will prevent rust and sediment from being brought into the home’s system. If sediment does get into a home’s hot water tank, the homeowner should wait until the water clears and then open the faucet at the bottom of the tank to drain the collected material, which will settle at the bottom. Also, if a load of wash is done during the period of discolored water, the load should be kept wet and done again after the water clears.  Four ounces of cream of tartar should be added to help clean any discoloration of the clothing. It normally takes a few hours for the water to clear in a home.  If water appears discolored for an extended period, the homeowner should call the Water Division at 860-647-3201.

Celebrate Manchester! June 4-12
Formerly known as Pride In Manchester, this is the 31st anniversary of the town's weeklong celebration and starts with a free concert at Center Memorial Park on Saturday, June 4, at 6:30 p.m. featuring 'Soul Sound Review.
Free family friendly events and activities all week long! Here’s a few highlights: Historical Society open houses, Flag Day ceremony, town-wide tag sale, hikes, Arts in the Park, barbecue at the Elks Club for veterans, a dance at the Senior Center, live music Downtown, and more. http://prideinmanchester.townofmanchester.org/CelebrateManch2022.pdf

The James “Dutch” Fogarty Independence Day Celebration provides people of all ages and backgrounds an opportunity to gather and celebrate our nation’s freedom and honor the men and women of our armed forces.  This year’s celebration will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022 (rain date is Sunday, June 26, 2022) on the grounds of Manchester Community College at the Bicentennial Band Shell.  The day’s festivities will begin around 4:00PM and include a variety of food, organized activities for children and live music. Local sensation Whiskey Boulevard will begin their musical set at 5 pm and we are thrilled to have Savage Brothers headline this year’s music presentation beginning at 7:15 PM. The evening will conclude with a spectacular display of fireworks beginning at approximately 9:30PM.  We are also happy to announce the return of our famous “Chicken BBQ” Dinner this year. Tickets for the event are now on sale at Town Hall Customer Service, Mon.-Fri. 8:30-4:30. The $15 ticket includes ½ chicken, coleslaw, roll, baked potato, watermelon, beverage. BBQ is from 5:30-7pm.
We would like to invite you to become a sponsor of the 37th Annual James “Dutch” Fogarty Independence Day Celebration.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Erin O’Neil, at (860) 922-6805, Molly Devanney at (860) 338-1612 or Marty Shea at (860) 202-1773. 

Middle School Nights
Each Wednesday in June 2022 from 6 to 8 PM.
Grades 6 to 8: Drop into our middle school nights to play a variety of computer and video games with other middle schoolers!
Manchester Public Library, 586 Main St. Manchester, CT 06040, 860-645-0821.

Connecticut Wildlife: Porcupines + Opossum
Monday June 6th, 2022 at 6:30PM, Manchester Public Library
Returning Connecticut DEEP Wildlife Expert Ginny Apple continues her monthly series with more of Connecticut's wildlife and nature. June's focus is on Connecticut's porcupine and opossums. No registration required for this free, in-person program for adults.
http://library.townofmanchester.org

Sculpture Project Mini-Golf Tournament Fundraiser
The Sculpture Project is excited to offer a fun way for the community to help to raise money for a life-size bronze statue of Elisabeth M. Bennet that will be installed on the lawn of Bennet Academy in June of 2023. They will host a Mini-Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 11 at 10am at Mar-Lea Miniature Golf, 244 Boston Turnpike, Bolton, CT. Shotgun start at 10am and check-in begins at 9am. The ticket price includes: use of ball and putter, trophy for low scores in Junior and Senior Divisions, including a coveted Green Jacket for the winner in each Division, opportunity to compete for the title of “Manchester’s Best Putter “ and Hole in One prize.
After play is over all ticket holders will receive a complimentary lunch at Bobby T’s Hot Dog Cart, located on the Mar-Lea grounds.
The cost is $25.00 for children ages 14 and over and adults. Children 13 and under are $10 and must be accompanied on the course by an adult. Tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting Frank Parseliti, Mini-Golf Tournament Chair at 860-833-8312 or [email protected]   More info at: http://www.manchesterhistory.org/MHS3_SculptureProject.html

Duck Race
Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Charter Oak Park
The Manchester Lions Club is proud to announce the resumption the Famous Rubber Duck Race (suspended last year due to Covid). This is a fun family event and is a major fundraiser for the Lions Club as all funds are returned to Manchester non-profit organizations.
Cash prizes will be awarded. (1st Place: $1,000, 2nd Place: $500, 3rd Place: $250, 4th Place: $150, 5th Place: $100.)
Tickets: $5 per duck, are available at:
Total Vision, Manchester Parkade,
Highland Park Market in Manchester,
Or contact David at 860-645-6500 / 860-250-1500 / [email protected]

Mobile Foodshare for the month of June:
Community members can access help through the following:
Mobile Foodshare an outdoor pantry-on-wheels, to find a site near you please text “FOODSHARE” to 85511 or go to Mobile Foodshare Calendar.
To find a food pantry and other resources near you, call 2-1-1 or go to www.211ct.org  
Current Manchester dates & locations:
June 9 & 23: Faith Tabernacle, 110 Utopia Road, Manchester, every other Thursday from 1:00 - 1:30pm.
June 7 & 21: Squire Village, (1st parking lot off of Imperial Drive #78) 48 Spencer St., Manchester on alternate Tuesdays. Please arrive early to be in line for 9am as the truck leaves promptly at 9:30am. Open to the public; Bring a sturdy grocery bag! This program is made possible by Foodshare and Winn Residential - Resident Service Program. For more information call 860-646-1280.

June 1, 15, 29: New River Community Church, 314 Woodbridge Street, Manchester, every other Wednesday from 12pm-12:30pm. This program provides primarily fresh fruits and vegetables to individuals & families in need. For more information, call New River Church at 860.648.2970 or Connecticut Foodshare at 860-286-9999.  Please bring your own bags.
https://www.ctfoodshare.org/
https://secure3.convio.net/fdshr/site/DocServer/ENGLISH_-_Food_Resources_Flyer.pdf
https://secure3.convio.net/fdshr/site/DocServer/SPANISH_-_Food_Resources_Flyer.pdf

Make A Powerful Impact! Blood donations are critically important at this time of year. NEW Summer Essential: Get a 20-oz. Red Cross water bottle and a limited-edition sticker set when you come to give blood by May 31!
Upcoming Manchester blood drives include:
June 2 from 1:30pm-6:30pm at North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker Street.
June 10 from 11:00am -4:00pm at Buckland Hills Mall, 194 Buckland Hills Dr.
June 16 from 9:00am-6:30pm at North United Methodist Church, 300 Parker Street.
For more info and to schedule your appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit us online to find drives in nearby towns:  
http://www.redcrossblood.org

Share this service with a friend:
Forward this link to sign up for Manchester Matters E-Mail service to those you know who live or work in Manchester: http://manchestermatters.townofmanchester.org/ManchesterMatters.cfm