School holding ‘Christmas Is A-Glow’ event Library kicks off membership drive

GOSHEN — St. John Paul the Great Academy in Torrington is organizing “Christmas Is AGlow,” a drive-through display of lights and more, Nov. 27-29 and Dec. 4-6, at Action Wildlife, 337 Torrington Road/Route 4.

Susan Cook, chairwoman of the St. John Paul the Great Academy school board, said, “This sparkling event promises to be a spectacular display of lights in a unique setting … with gentle reminders of ‘ The 12 Days of Christmas’ along the drive. We also will be offering COVID-safe opportunities to purchase items for the benefit of the Academy.”

The drive-through event will offer opportunities to park and explore a petting zoo and other areas of the 116-acre Action Wildlife, created by Jim Mazzarelli as a wildlife sanctuary.

Live Christmas trees, wreaths and a “Wonderland of (artificial) Trees,” will be on display in the Action Wildlife Museum and will be on sale via a “virtual auction.” All proceeds will benefit St. John Paul the Great Academy, a Catholic pre-K-8 school.

“Christmas Is A-Glow” is set for Nov. 27-28 and Dec. 4-5 from 4 p.m.- 9 p.m. and Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Admission is $5 per person (children under 4 free). For information, call 860-489-4177 or 860-482-4433.

KENT — The Kent Library Association has kicked off of its 2021 membership drive with a mailing to its supporters and users earlier this month.

Eight months into the pandemic, the library has adapted its services to meet the changing needs of the Kent community, and the library remains the central place where connection with others, online or in person is possible.

During the past six months, in response to the challenges and restrictions faced by all, the library has increased streaming services and boosted Wi-Fi capacity, enhanced daily cleaning protocols and PPE, moved live programs to a virtual platform and moved children’s programs outdoors with increased participation.

Now, with an eye toward 2021 and the library’s 2022 centennial, they are focused on securing the future through our Annual Membership Drive.

While the Kent Memorial Library serves as the town library, only 30 percent of the annual operating budget is taxpayer funded.

The remaining 70 percent comes from patrons via membership in the association and this year with no book sale, car raffle or benefit, by making an annual donation to the Kent Memorial Library Association is not just helping fund library services, but investing in the community of Kent.

A library card entitles you to share in the benefits of the library, but a membership helps ensure access for all. Support sends the message that now — more than ever — is the time to support one another.

Membership in the Kent Library Association is the primary way to show your support for the library. No donation is too small. Watch for their mailing and please join! If you did not receive a letter and would like to become a member of the Kent Library Association, please visit the library’s website kentmemoriallibrary.org or call the library at 860-927-3761.