Torrington Parks and Rec announces events, class

TORRINGTON — The Torrington Parks and Recreation Department has announced the following events for the summer. For information and registration, email brett_simmons@torringtonct.org, call 860-489-2274 or visit https://torringtonct.myrec.com/info/default.aspx

Touch a Truck at Lowe’s

“Touch a Truck” will offer participants an opportunity to connect with a variety of different modes of transportation. This annual event will be held Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m-2 p.m. outdoors in the lots surrounding the Lowe’s Home Improvement, 420 Winsted Road, Torrington, rain or shine.

“Touch a Truck” lets children and adults experience what it’s like to climb into a variety of trucks and vehicles. Fire trucks, ambulances, loaders, garbage trucks, police cars and construction vehicles – are just some of the dozens of vehicles that will be on display. There will also be food trucks with food, drinks, and ice cream available for sale. This is a free event, open the public.

Sponsors are Lowe’s Home Improvement, Torrington Parks and Recreation, Torrington Municipal and Teachers Federal Credit Union, and Torrington Lions Club.

Any business or organization that wants to register a “transportation vehicle or equipment” to participate, contact Brett Simmons at Torrington Parks and Recreation at 860-489-2274 or brett_simmons@torringtonct.org.

Northwest Vocal Showcase auditions start June 1

The Torrington Parks and Recreation Department, in cooperation with the Warner Theatre, is proud to announce that it will be hosting the 2019 Northwest Vocal Showcase. This popular singing contest in its 14th year is open to anyone ages 15 and up.

Registration forms are now available at the Parks and Recreation Department, 153 South Main Street, Torrington. Registration forms can also be downloaded at https://torringtonct.myrec.com

Auditions start Saturday, June 1, 3 p.m. at Coe Memorial Park Civic Center, 101 Litchfield St. Each contestant will have one minute to introduce themselves and perform acapella. Auditions are closed to the public. This event will be judged by various people involved in the music profession. A select number of contestants will be chosen to move on to the next level of competition.

The first semifinal round will be held on Saturday June 22, followed by a second semifinal round on Saturday July 20th. Semifinals will be held at Coe Memorial Park Civic Center beginning at 7 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.

Contestants will be expected to perform with the accompaniment of D.J. Vin Avallone. The talent pool will be narrowed down during the semifinal rounds.

The final show will be held at the Warner Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Warner Theatre Box Office in the near future — a date has not been announced. At the finals, all the contestants will perform with a live band and must be available to practice with the band before the event.

The band to accompany the contestants again this year is the “Opening Night Band.” Prizes and gift certificates will be awarded to the top three contestants.

The Torrington Parks & Recreation Department is looking for support from local businesses and organizations to help offset the costs of this spectacular event. Without the assistance of local businesses and organizations, an event of this magnitude would not be possible.

If any business or organization is interested in supporting this Torrington Parks and Recreation Department program and are willing to make a monetary donation, do so by sending a check to Torrington Parks and Recreation Department, 153 South Main Street, Torrington, CT 06790. For information, call Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, Brett Simmons, at 860-489-2274 Monday – Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Babysitting classes rescheduled

Torrington Parks and Recreation Department is has rescheduled two babysitting classes, to be held June 8.

Babysitter Safety 101 will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This class is for future babysitters, ages 10-15, and will be held at the Torrington Armory. Instructed by Life Safe Services, this course will enable 10-15 year olds to safely watch over babies and younger children.

This is an introductory course intended to teach age-appropriate skills necessary to care for children of all ages using team babysitting, mother’s helper and individual babysitting concepts. The course focuses on safety with emphasis on prevention. Basic first aid and obstructed airway management for a conscious choking adult/child and infant will be covered. Other topics include hand washing, diapering, bottle feeding, personal safety, interview skills and many more topics.

Babysitter Safety 102 class will beheld from 1:30-4:30 p.m. This course is designed for the older sitter, 12 to 16 or more years of age, who has previously attended an introductory class with a sincere interest in advanced concepts and skills of First Aid including CPR certification. Building on the basic skills from Babysitter Safety 101, objectives for this scenario based, expanded course includes additional First Aid concepts, Adult/Child and Infant CPR. Requires written and skills testing to receive 2-year certification. Prerequisite: Must have taken Babysitter 101 or similar class.

There is a minimum of 10 participants required to run each class and a maximum of 15 will be accepted. The fee for each class is $63. Register in advance at the Parks and Recreation Department.