Northwest Vocal Showcase auditions open now

TORRINGTON — The Torrington Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the 2020 Northwest Vocal Showcase. This popular singing contest, in its 15th year, is open to anyone age 15 and up.

Registration forms are now available at the Parks and Recreation Department, located at 153 South Main St. Registration forms can also be downloaded at https://torringtonct.myrec.com. Registration Forms are due by June 19.

Due to COVID-19, the department has made some modifications to the program this year. Auditions will not be in person; contestants must email an audition video to Brett Simmons, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation at brett_simmons@torringtonct.org. In the video, each contestant will have one minute to introduce themselves and perform acapella. A select number of contestants will be chosen to move on to the next level of competition.

The first semifinal round will be held at 7 p.m., July 18, followed by a second semifinal round at 7 p.m., July 19. Semifinals will be held at the Coe Memorial Park Civic Center. 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 finals will be held at Coe Memorial Park at 7 p.m. Aug. 15. 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 any questions, call Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, Brett Simmons, at 860-489-2274, Monday – Friday between 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Lime Rock Park launches Track Tapas Day

LAKEVILLE — Lime Rock Park has launched Track Tapas Day, an educational experience that allows participants the opportunity to drive both Lime Rock’s Autocross and the track's iconic 1.5-mile road course.

Sessions run two hours long and are held in the morning from 9-11 a.m. or 2-4 p.m. Each session allows for one or two groups of 10. Participants use their own vehicles while a trained driving instructor provides individual coaching and feedback on a variety of driving concepts and techniques executed on each of Lime Rock’s paved, dedicated tracks.

Individuals can learn more about the program, including upcoming dates and registration information, by visiting www.limerock.com/ tracktapasday or by contacting Lime Rock Park at info@limerock.com or 860-435-5000.

Lime Rock Park is currently closed to the general public; however, individuals registered for a a driving event are welcome. Participants must pass a non-contact temperature screening upon entry and follow Lime Rock Park's Operating Procedures at all times, including the use of face coverings and practicing social distancing.

Father of the Year contest is on

LITCHFIELD — Litchfield Park and Rec is looking for the Father of the Year.

There are no age limits. Send in a letter stating why your dad or someone you see as a father figure deserves the honor. Entries are limited to three paragraphs or less. Send to Hawk@townoflitchfield.org or fax 860-567-7573 by June 17.

The department will select the winning dads just prior to Father’s Day, with prizes for the winners from Sportsmens, True Value of Litchfield and The Village Wine Cellar. There is no entry fee. Go to https://litchfieldct.myrec.com/info/ activities/program_details.aspx? ProgramID=29867 and click on the Father’s Day link.

Fingerprinting services resume in Torrington

TORRINGTON — The Torrington Police Department will resume all fingerprinting services from 9 a.m-3 p.m. June 16, by appointment only, and continuing Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon for the first two weeks. Additional days were added to help people that have been waiting for several weeks to have their fingerprints processed. Those who arrive without a scheduled appointment will not be fingerprinted.

There will be some procedural changes to the process to help prevent overcrowding in the lobby and still maintain social distancing, acording to the department. Appointments can be made by signing up online at https://signup.com/go/eUXuJUs . Everyone entering the police department will be required to wear a face mask and will have their temperature checked. Officers will form a line at the entrance, which will be designated by signs and marked for appropriate social distancing. During the fingerprint process, the applicant will be required to wear a face shield that will be provide. If anyone is showing signs of illness or does not feel well, you are asked to stay home and reschedule your appointment.

The department now accepts credit/debit card payments for any fees applied by the City of Torrington. There are still some fees for the State of Connecticut that still require a bank check or money order. The following outlines the Fees associated with obtaining your Temporary Pistol Permit: $13.25 for Federal Criminal History Background Check, $75 for State of CT Criminal History Background Check, and $70 for the Temporary Pistol Permit.

A $25 Fingerprinting Fee is required, if prints are done at Torrington Police Dept. Money orders or certified bank checks are the only accepted forms of payment. Make them payable to the City of Torrington. No cash, no personal checks accepted.

A $16 fee is requested for the cost of a record search with the State Police. This is only charged when a previous residential address disclosed, is under the jurisdiction of the CT State Police. Pursuant to Connecticut General Statute 29-10b.