Flanders celebrates ‘unique’ camp season

WOODBURY —The nonprofit Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust recently celebrated “a unique and unprecedented summer camp and academy season, according to a statement.

“While operations this year varied from previous years due to the coronavirus pandemic, families still were able to send their children to Flanders to enjoy the outdoors and a wide array of programs that helped to connect children to nature, farming and the arts,” members said. “This year, due to the generosity of individual donors and the Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut, Flanders was able to serve a greater number of families, providing safe, educational and fun summer programming to children from Woodbury and surrounding communities. These ‘camperships’ provided families with much needed childcare during the summer months and ensured that all those who wished to participate were able to do so in a safe and healthy environment.”

Flanders Director of Development Jennifer Callery-Stokes said participants and their families expressed deep appreciation for the summer experiences and for the impact the programming had.

“Thank you for the scholarship for our child,” wrote one parent in an email to Flanders. “She thrived, made friends and enjoyed all the wonderful counselors. What a difference this created in her—she was so happy being there. No words can quite explain the joy she had.”

“On behalf of Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust, we’d like to thank the Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut and all of those who helped to make this summer special for families in need,” said Callery-Stokes.

For more information on how to participate, contact Flanders’ Director of Development, Jennifer Callery-Stokes at 203-263-3711 or Jennifer@flandersnaturecenter.org.

Torrington reminds residents about recycling rules

TORRINGTON — The following is a statement from Torrington officials: “The City of Torrington contracts USA Hauling and Recycling to collect Municipal Solid Waste and recycled materials. A recent trip to the recycling center resulted in multiple loads being rejected due to trash mixed in with recyclable materials. Because of this, the City of Torrington has incurred additional expense by having to pay to dispose of these loads. USA Hauling and Recycling will be inspecting and rejecting recycling containers with garbage and non-recyclable materials. They have cameras on the trucks, make notes of the addresses in violation, and will place a tag on the container. If your recycling bin is not been emptied, it is because there is nonrecyclable material or garbage in it.”

Call USA Hauling & Recycling at 860-379-1662 with questions.

Shepaug needs JV girls coach

WASHINGTON — Shepaug Valley School is seeking a Junior Varsity Girls Basketball Coach for the Winter 2020-21 Athletic Season. The stipend pays $4,342, and applicants must either have or be eligible to obtain a CT Dept. of Education Coaching Permit. To obtain a 1-year permit applicants must be over 18 years of age, possess a high school or college diploma, and be willing to attend First Aid/CPR/Concussion training. Interested applicants should contact Athletic Director Matt Perachi at perachim@region-12.org.

Red Cross schedules local blood drives

The American Red Cross is asking healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply for patients as the U.S. braces for flu season while in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical experts are urging people to get the flu shot to avoid a flu epidemic on top of the current COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement. Because blood can only be given by those who are feeling well, a severe flu season could create additional challenges to maintaining a sufficient blood supply for hospital patients in need.

“Get the flu vaccine this year to help protect the nation from the virus but also to ensure that patients continue to have access to lifesaving blood products. There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free. There is no risk of transmitting the influenza virus after receiving a flu vaccination,” according to the Red Cross. “For those that have the flu, it is important to wait until they no longer exhibit flu symptoms, have recovered completely and feel well before attempting to donate.”

Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Area blood drives: Barkhamsted: Oct. 26, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Praise Christian Fellowship Church, 52 New Hartford Road

Oct. 26, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Praise Christian Fellowship Church, 52 New Hartford Road

Nov. 10, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Praise Christian Fellowship Church, 52 New Hartford Road

Nov. 10, 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Praise Christian Fellowship Church, 52 New Hartford Road

Bethlehem: Nov. 6, 1:15 p.m. - 6 p.m., Church of the Nativity, 48 East St.

Harwinton: Nov. 12, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Our Lady of Hope Parish, 78 Litchfield Road

Litchfield: Nov. 14, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Friendship Baptist Church, 441 Torrington Road

New Hartford: Oct. 30, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., New Hartford Town Hall, 530 Main St.

Nov. 10, 1:30 p.m. - 6 p.m., South End Volunteer Fire, 20 Antolini Road, Route 219 and 202

New Milford: Nov. 11, 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., VFW New Milford, 11 Avery Rd.

Terryville: Oct. 26, 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., The Lyceum, 181 Main St.

Oct. 30, 1:30 p.m. - 6 p.m., Terryville Congregational Church, 233 Main St.

Thomaston: Nov. 9, 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m., St. Peter's Trinity Church, 160 Main St.

Torrington: Nov. 9, 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Coe Memorial Park Civic Center, 101 Litchfield St.

Watertown: Oct. 29, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., American Legion Hall, 62 Bunker Hill Road