Tri Series benefits Chester, Race4Chase

CHESTER — Every year in the town of Chester, there’s a summer tradition unlike any other on the Connecticut shore as runners, swimmers, and bikers of all abilities, push themselves to the limit during the Cedar Lake Tri Series.

Every other Thursday evening from the Thursday after Memorial Day to mid-August, anyone from first timers to elite triathletes can pull on their swimsuit, jump on their bike, and lace up their sneakers for a solo relay or a group relay with friends and family.

The race consists of a 500 yard swim in Cedar Lake; a 10 mile bike loop with a mix of flats, descents, and rolling hills; and an out and back, flat 5k course on Cedar Lake Road.

This tri series has been put in place to inspire community health and involvement. This past summer, proceeds from these events benefited the Valley Shore YMCA Race4Chase Youth Triathlon Training Program, named after Chase Michael Anthony Kowalski who lost his life in the Newtown shooting at Sandy Hook. His parents started a foundation for kids to learn the sport of triathlon.

The Race4Chase program is a youth triathlon program aimed to provide kids aged 6 to 12 years with a free, safe, healthy non-competitive environment to discover the sport of triathlon. It brings together kids from all different backgrounds and educates them on how to adopt a healthy lifestyle, coaches them to develop a foundation of athletic skills, and inspires them to aim high in sports and in life.

“The Valley Shore Y is proud to offer Race4Chase at our location and join over 500 kids from the State of Connecticut as they train, learn confidence and how to support one another each summer. Our local group was able to happen this year due to the partnership with the Cedar Lake Tri Series,” said Chris Pallatto, Executive Director of the Valley Shore YMCA. Learn more about the foundation at cmakfoundation.org.

The tri series would not be possible without the support of the Town of Chester, town police and the Chester Hose Company helping ensure safety. This year, the Cedar Lake Tri Series has also made a donation to the Town of Chester in a show of appreciation of its support and to support the Cedar Lake weed control project.

“The Town of Chester, Fire Hose Company and the local and state police, are incredible partners. Without their continued support and concern for the well-being of Cedar Lake, our tri series would not be successful. Myself and all the triathletes are truly grateful for all that they do to keep everyone safe,” said JD Ingalls, race director of the Cedar Lake Tri Series.

Free GED instruction offered

MIDDLETOWN — Free GED tutoring is available days and evenings at 398 Main Street Middletown to help residents get their GED. There is no charge for area residents. Call 860-343-6044 for more information.

Messiah ‘Sing or Listen’ Dec. 16

OLD SAYBROOK —Messiah Sing or Listen, Christmas Section, will be sponsored by Cappella Cantorum on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3:30 p.m., with a short rehearsal for singers, in The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, (The Kate) 300 Main St.

All are welcome and will sing under the direction of Barry Asch and accompanied by Deborah Lyon with professional soloists: Danielle Howard, Rachel Abrams, William Sorensen & Kenneth Holton. Bring a Messiah score if you have it, or one will be provided for a $12 fee.

Singers will sit in sections, the audience is invited to sit in the back, witness the short rehearsal, and then the sing at 4 p.m., concluding at 5:15 p.m.

Tickets will be available at www.thekate.org or the Box Office 860-510-0453.

For information call Barry at 860-388-2871.

Recovery group meets Fridays in Portland

PORTLAND — New Life Journey is a faith based recovery support community comprised of people from all walks of life who recognize that although our experiences shape and mold us, we are not limited to or defined by our stories. Recovery is not a term exclusive to substance abuse — it is applicable to all humans at their various levels of evolution and stages of life.

The group meets Fridays at 7 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church 345 Main Street, Portland. For more information email: Admin@NewLifeJourneyCT.com.

Hope and Support Groups to meet

DURHAM/MIDDLEFIELD — A new service for those who have a loved one struggling with substance abuse or addiction is offered in the Durham/Middlefield area.

Hope and Support Groups provide a safe and confidential space for parents, guardians and all others dealing with a loved one’s disease of substance abuse or addiction. The group is led by two trained facilitators, a licensed professional and a para-professional with lived experience.

Recognizing that this disease affects entire families, the group provides a forum to share openly while receiving peer support, information and the compassion that everyone deserves thus breaking the stigma and isolation created by the disease. The group meets from 7-8:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Middlefield Federated Church, 402 Main Street, Middlefield. Parents, guardians, siblings, partners and all others living with a loved one’s substance abuse disorder or addiction are invited to attend.

This service is provided by TriCircle, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides resources for people and families affected by substance use disorders. Through education, research and community engagement they are dedicated to providing the tools that build strong futures.

Middletown recovery support group

MIDDLETOWN — New Life Journey is a faith based recovery support community, comprised of people from all walks of life who recognize that although experiences shape and mold them, they are not limited to or defined by their stories. The group meets on Fridays from 7-8:30 p.m. at First Church, 190 Court Street, Middletown. For more information, email Admin@NewLifeJourneyCT.com.