Veterinary tech students help with cat rescue effort

WINSTED — As the oldest veterinary technology program in the state, Northwestern Community College program faculty and administrators have a long history of animal care and animal welfare concerns. When more than 160 cats, a dog and two ferrets were rescued recently from a home in Winsted, Vet Tech faculty and students automatically stepped in, assisting with feeding, cleaning, and medicating the more than 150 animals.

“It was great to focus on the bright future that these cats will have with the help of so many people in the community,” said Hillary McCarty, Certified Veterinary Technologist and Northwestern Adjunct faculty member.

The cats were taken to the former Batcheller School in Winsted for initial treatment and care. About 30 are still at the vacant school and reports are that attempts are still being made to trap a few more that may remain in the Winsted residence.

Along with McCarty, Northwestern Veterinary Program Coordinator, Dr. Adriane Cavanna and Program Technician, Sherry Keeley, as well as program graduate Sydney Marshall, and current program student, Adreona Mrowka, cared for the cats throughout the week.

Northwestern's Veterinary Technology Associate Degree program is fully accredited and prepares students for immediate employment in veterinary offices, biological research facilities, drug and feed manufacturing companies, and in the animal production industry. Northwestern's Veterinary Technology program has been ranked #40 in the nation by TheBestColleges.org.

Sherman Players presents ‘Stepping Out'

SHERMAN — The Sherman Players will present their second production of the 2022 season, “Stepping Out,” written by Richard Harris and directed by Kate Kovacs of New Milford.

The play will also feature tap choreography by Tina Morrissette.

The production runs July 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 21-23 at 8 p.m., with two Sunday matinees, July 10 and 167 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $24 for adults and $12 for students. Students may see any performance for $12 if they carry a valid student ID.

Reservations can be made online at shermanplayers.org or by calling the box office at 860354-3622.

Northwest Startup presents a small business seminar

WINSTED — The Entrepreneurial Center at Northwestern Connecticut Community College is pleased to announce its next Small Business Seminar: Marketing Tools & Techniques. The event, presented by the NCCC Entrepreneurial Center in partnership with The Norfolk Hub, Torrington Savings Bank, and S.C.O.R.E., will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. July 20 at the Norfolk Hub - 2 Station Place,

Norfolk.

This seminar will provide attendees with instruction on the tools and techniques they need to launch a successful marketing campaign for their small business or startup. Attendees will learn how to understand their customer, identify their communication channels, and reach those customers with compelling stories that elicit engagement. Startups and small businesses that have been struggling to communicate their brand and their messaging will find this seminar especially helpful.

Marketing Tools & Techniques will be taught by Lance Leifert, CEO of Conquest, a creative marketing technology company based in Avon. Leifert works with all types of businesses to help them understand the everchanging world of social media marketing, develop creative initiatives, get noticed, and grow their sales.

For more information, or to register to attend this free Small Business Seminar offered by Northwest Startup, contact John Fiorello, Entrepreneurial Center Director, at 860-738-6444 or online at www.nwcc.edu/sbs.

Children's Community Garden receives funding

WINSTED — The Northwest Conservation District has received a grant from the Ruth and Robert Cron Endowment Fund of the Northwest CT Community Foundation.

With this funding, the district will expand its agricultural education programs at the Beardsley & Memorial Library in Winsted. This educational initiative began last year with implementation of a children's community garden along with an eight-week program teaching hands-on life skills for growing food. In addition this year, every participating family will receive an at-home gardening kit with supplies, and the district are offering a 4-session hands-on program for young teens centered around agriculture and encouraging environmental stewardship.

Registration is required for the first week only; call 860-379-6043 or visit https://www.beardsleylibrary.org/ to learn more.

Friendly Hands Food Bank collecting children's sneakers

TORRINGTON — Friendly Hands Food Bank, NWCT's largest food bank has announced their latest initiative, “Kicks for Kids.” FHFB is collecting new, unused sneakers in all sizes and varieties for children in area schools.

The collection began this week, with the end result offering brand new sneakers for children to return to school in September.

The food bank is seeking area businesses as drop locations. The Torrington Municipal & Teachers Federal Credit Union, 777 East Main Street Torrington is accepting donations now. Anyone area business interested in becoming a drop location or for more information, contact Karen Thomas at FHFB 860-482-3338.