The chamber is dedicated to providing a range of opportunities for its 2,400 member businesses in Middlesex County. It conducts regular networking events, business referrals, educational programs and services. Programs include monthly member breakfast meetings, a monthly calendar of events, a series of seminars for small businesses, publicity, referrals, grand openings for new businesses, insurance plans for member businesses, special education training and business counseling.
The main branch of the Granby Public Library is located just outside the Granby Center at 15 North Granby Road in the municipal complex. This has been the home of the main library since it was built in 1982.
The main library offers a separate childrens' department, a "Teen Zone," quiet reading tables, public computers, a collection of 60,451 books, CDs and approximately 200 magazine and newspaper subscriptions.
The library also offers online resources such as infoAnytime Reference 24/7 Service, downloadable audio books, and JobNow! Live Job Assistance.
The Guilford Free Library, located right on the historic green, is a vital part of the community. It has ample space, modern facilities, a large collection, multimedia and a dedicated staff. The library also hosts a variety of special events, ranging from movie nights and storytime for children to educational classes on topics like digital photography and more.
The library first opened its doors as the Memorial Hall Association on October 7, 1907 at the corner of Main and Spring Streets. It had 1,250 volumes, 450 of which were donated by the Women's Christian Temperance Union of Windsor Locks. According to the library's own history, 70 books were checked out on its first day. In the 1920s, the library moved to the Windsor Locks Bank Building and changed its name to the Windsor Locks Public Library Inc. After eight head librarians during its history, the library is now located on Main Street and has a collection of more than 88,000 items.
Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce promotes the business community and works to enhance the quality of life in Glastonbury. The chamber has over 550 members which include local businesses large and small. Every year in October the chamber sponsors the Apple Harvest Festival, the largest event in the area. The Riverfront Musical Festival is co-sponsored by the chamber.
Founded in 1886, Ischoda Yacht Club is one of the oldest clubs on the Long Island Sound and very rich in history. The club only offers 19 slips for docking personal boats, leading to a highly competitive and lengthy waiting period for acceptance into the club. Dining is offered on the premises for both lunch and dinner.
The Trumbull Housing Authority oversees Stern Village, a subsidized housing complex where the office itself is located. Harry Wise is the executive director.
"Excite Your Life" is the motto of the Greenwich Senior Center, and with a weekly schedule that includes exercise, games, language classes, arts and crafts, health forums, line dancing, concerts, daily luncheons and weekend day trips, the community center certainly provides a means to that end. It also offers a number of social services regarding housing, health and energy assistance.
A nutritious hot meal is served daily during the workweek, between noon and 1 pm. Lunch inside is $3, take out is $3.25, and reservations should be made before 1pm the prior day. There are transportation services to and from the center. Some 400 members participate in Greenwich Senior Center events every day.
Goodwill, the world-famous charitable organization that operates thrift stores worldwide, has a location on route 1. Their mission, to assist individuals and families in need by "eliminating barriers to opportunity," is subsidized by the stores' revenue, and millions have benefited from vocational and educational training the organization provides. And...there are great deals to be had, and don't forget about that tax write-off when you donate goods!
St. Paul's Episcopal Church is located in Riverside.
Mass is read on Sunday mornings at 8 am and 10am. The 8am Holy Eucharist service alternates between Rite I (traditional language) and Rite II (modern language). The 10 am service is always Rite II with music.
Families are invited to gather in the "storytelling tent" at 9:30am before the 10am service. When adults leave for mass, children attend Sunday School or SPARKS.
The adult choir sings every Sunday at 10 a.m. during the months of September to May with some extra services during the Lent and Christmas seasons. Rehearsals are on Sundays, before and after mass. All interested singers (amateur and professional) are encouraged to join.
St. Paul's Day School, sponsored by the church, is a popular pre-school for four and five-year-olds.
The church also coordinates a number of fundraisers to support various local charities, including Neighbor to Neighbor, Greenwich Adult Day Care and Kids in Crisis.
Staying Put in New Canaan is a non-profit organization founded to provide services for those over 50 including transportation, medical counseling, referrals to pre-screened services providers for home repairs, and even some modest tech support.
This library is one of two branches; the other is in the Nichols section of town. The main facility was built in 1974. It offers a variety of activities for adults, from writing workshops to movie nights. It also has a recently renovated children's section where children's activities, including story times for all ages, are held.
Susan Horton is library director.
A clear theme at Ray of Light Farm is that it consistently promotes the healthy connection between people and animals. It provides avenues through which people can help animals so that animals can help people. Its many programs include animal rescue, animal-assisted therapy, and programs for animal care. It strives to be "a healing presence in a wounded world." It also provides a number of fun activities for the community such as pony rides, hayrides, horse-drawn carriage rides and special holiday events.
Old St. Andrews Episcopal Church is housed in a 200 year old building. The parish offers Holy Eucharist on Sundays with music at its 10am service. Old St. Andrews also offers adult education seminars, outreach initiatives in Simsbury and around the world and child care programs. The Rev. Earl G. Purnell has served at Old St. Andrews since 1997.
The Connecticut Community Providers Association is a trade association. It represents different organizations that provide services and support for people suffering from disabilities and other issues. These include children and adults with substance abuse issues, mental illnesses as well as development and physical disabilities. Additionally, the association collaborates with community providers as well as state legislatures and agencies. The Connecticut Community Providers Association is led by president and chief executive officer Terry Edelstein.
The Gillespie Center is a non-denominational shelter for men and women. Hot meals are provided by volunteers and area churches.
