18 minute read
Summer Concerts
from Spring/Summer 2020
by SWPRD
2020 CONCERT SERIES Summer SOUTH WINDSOR PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT’S
South Windsor Parks & Recreation Department Summer Concert Series
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June 25 • Savage Brothers savagebrothersband.com presented by: Jay’s Landscaping
Funk Rock
July 2 • Redhead www.facebook.com/RedheadBandRocks presented by: South Windsor Community Women’s Club Soulful Classic Rock & Blues Modern Country
July 9 • Avenue Groove www.avenuegroove.com presented by: Wapping Fair R&B Funk
July 16 • Nightshift www.nightshiftbandct.com presented by: Integrated Rehabilitation Network July 23 • Loveland Hill www.facebook.com/LovelandHillBand presented by: Wapping Fair, Arthur Murray Vernon July 30 • LA’s Backstage Pass www.lasbackstagepass.com Presented by: Charles Schwab South Windsor aug 6 • Cold Train www.coldtrainband.com presented by: Wapping Fair, Red Heat Tavern 60s, 70s & 80s Rock Cover 80s Rock Southern Rock
aug 13 • Soul Sound Revue www.soulsoundrevue.com presented by: Charles Schwab South Windsor
Motown
Cooperating Sponsors:
aug 20 • Coyote River Band www.coyoteriverband.com presented by: Charles Schwab South Windsor
Modern Country
Hosting a Party?
Looking for a place to have a Birthday Party, Graduation Party, Baby or Bridal Shower, or Family Reunion?
Host your party without the hassle of cleaning up the house prior to and after the party.
The Nevers Park Rotary Pavilion
Available from May 1st to Early October 2020. Available on: Weekdays, 12:00pm to 8:00pm Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00am to 8:00pm
Fees Weekend Non-Profit Business Weekday
Resident Non-resident $400 $600 $100 $200 $400 $600 $100 $200
Rotary Pavilion II at Veterans Memorial Park R Wapping Parks and Recreation Facility
Residents ONLY- maximum of 100 guests Available from May 1st to Early October 2020.
Fees Weekday 12pm-dusk Weekend 9am-dusk May 1– May 23 & August 31– October 1 Resident $100 $200 Non-Profit $100 $100
Business $100 $200
*May 24 – August 30 (Includes daily admission into the pool) Resident $150 $250 Non-Profit $150 $150 Business $150 $250
Plenty of parking available!
Friday: 6pm-10pm Saturday: 9am-10pm Sunday: 9am-10pm Rental times include setup and breakdown.
Room 33
Accommodates 60 people $100 first hour & $50 every hour after.
Banquet Hall
Accommodates 60-100 people - NOW OPEN $200 first hour & $100 every hour after.
Kitchen
(Only Available with Banquet Hall Rental): $100 flat fee. Gym
(Only available with Room 33 or Banquet Hall rental $30 per hour).
Call us at 860-648-6355 for more info!
Accepting Field rental applications for Resident or Resident Organizations only.
Julyis Parks & Rec Month
Sunset Walk – FREE
Friday, 7/10
Join us at beautiful Nevers Park at sunset, to walk the trails, and bring your own beverage to enjoy by the fire pit. All ages are welcomed! Meet at the Rotary Pavilion at 8 pm. Check cancellation hotline if weather is questionable at 860-648-6349.
South Windsor Farmers’ Market at Community Center – FREE
This popular market offers the freshest locally grown seasonal produce, locally produced foods and products by Connecticut artisans. (Season begins June 15)
South Windsor Parks & Recreation Department Summer Concert Series at Evergreen Walk Park – FREE
July 2: Redhead July 9: Avenue Groove July 16: Nightshift July 23: Loveland Hill
Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., located near L.L. Bean. This outdoor summer concert series is a Recreation mainstay in the South Windsor community.
☞Check entire lineup on page 65.
Friday Flicks – FREE
7/17, Frozen II • 7/31, Dolittle 8:30 p.m., at Evergreen Walk Park at The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk.
Join us as we show great family flicks on our ENORMOUS screen. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets! Sponsored by The Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk. (check page 66 for all movie nights!)
Senior Sunday
Sunday, 7/5
FREE admission (11:00) to VMP for South Windsor
Senior Citizens (over 62). Make your own Ice Cream Sundae bar beginning at 12:00pm for seniors while supplies last. Transportation is available; please call 860-648-6361 by July 2nd. Thanks to South Windsor Human Services for sponsoring this event.
Celebrate Veterans at VMP – FREE
7/12, 11:00 a.m.
Veterans and their families enjoy FREE admission to the pool.
Veterans are invited for the day and benefit from a beautiful park, pool, and free refreshments while supplies last. Must show military ID for free admission.
Family Camp Out
Saturday, 7/11 - Sunday, 7/12, 3:00pm - 10:00am, Rye Street Park
Experience the great outdoors while staying close to home!
Come pitch a tent in our very own Rye Street Park and join us for an overnight adventure complete with all your camping favorites: lawn games, nature activities, a bonfire, star-gazing, s’mores and more as we “rough it” at Rye!! Dinner prepared by Red Heat Tavern! $30/family • Pre-registration required
Sundae Sunday – FREE
7/19 12:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Imperial Oil & Plumbing Paid Patrons to VMP can enjoy a make your own ice cream treat while supplies last. Thank you to Imperial Oil and Plumbing.
Kite Night
June 2, 2020
6:00pm–8:00pm • Porters’ Hill Come on down to South Windsor’s beloved “SLEDDING HILL” across from Nevers Parks for an evening of family fun! Join your family and friends at Porter’s Hill in Nevers Park for kite flying adventures!
Bring your kites–we’ll supply the music and lawn games! This free event is the perfect opportunity to ring in summer!
Kite kits will be available at the event for $5 (limited supply).
MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU!
Show off your best Star Wars themed clothing and gear on this fun evening!
Celebrate with other Star Wars enthusiasts and have fun playing with your friends! Enjoy music and prizes! Don’t forget your cameras…. Characters from Star Wars will be present!
Monday, May 4, 2020 FREE
6:30–8:00p.m. • Wapping Parks & Recreation Facility Playground
A.B.C.D. AWARDS
Back in august of 2009 we began a new initiative for our department. We realized that we had many folks who do go above and beyond the call of duty to make us successful, so we created the annual South Windsor Parks & Recreation Dept. Merit Awards Program, traditionally publicly recognized prior to our final summer concert each year . It includes the “Hall of Fame” and the “A,B,C,D” award which stands for “Above & Beyond the Call of Duty”.
PATTY ALBERT
Three years ago, our department decided that we wanted to add a nursing component to our summer camp programs. As Parks & Recreation professionals with basic first aid training, but no serious medical experience, we felt it was important to strenghthen our standard of care at summer camp. Enter our first ABCD winner of the night, Patty Albert! Patty was our first camp nurse, and she has definitely expanded and improved our department since her arrival. Additionally, she takes the lead in assuring reliable nurse scheduling, she making sure we have sufficient inventory of top-ofthe-line supplies, and that we are following all proper procedures. She can always be seen with an ice pack and a smile, ready for whatever ailment may come her way!
JOE ARCHER
Joe is truly one of our “MVPs”. You can count on Joe to bring his enthusiasm and attention to detail to everything he does. He is eager to take on tasks and loves to be busy. All tasks are done with a smile and completed beyond expectations. Although he is designated as our Tuesday weeknight supervisor, you can find him supporting the department helping where needed and usually enjoying our Thursday night outdoor concert series! Joe is a part time employee with a full time dedicated attitude and approach to his shift. It is individuals like Joe who really make our SWPRD family whole. We are lucky to have such a passionate person on our staff.
SAM BAUM
It was a no-brainer for this next winner to receive the ABCD title, and it would only take a few minutes of interaction with him for anyone to agree! Since 2015, Sam Baum has been mastering the skill that is so important as a camp counselor: letting his silly, joyful personality allow him to be a “big kid”. In addition to his contagious energy, he has shown his ability to always think ahead, be responsible, and go the extra mile planning activities that he knows his campers will enjoy. Sam is a “yes” on all accounts. He even insists on wearing our mascot costume at these concerts...every week!!! His enthusiasm is unmatched! Our special events and summer camps are truly made better by Sam’s presence, and for that, we thank you!
ASHLEY CASIANO
Although Ashley is a relatively newer member to the SWPRD family, she has quickly shown her maturity beyond her years, dedication and strong work ethic. In fact, if you didn’t know better you’d think she has been with us for many years already! Ashley was originally hired as our sports program coordinator and now assists in multiple facets of the department. It isn’t easy to find someone who can make independent sound department decisions on the fly in all situations, but we have certainly found that person in Ashley! Nearly immediately upon being hired, she took lead roles at special events and programs. Ashley is not only extremely reliable but she goes above and beyond her role with every task at hand. She has been a wonderful addition to our department and continues to provide great program experiences for our residents.
KATRINA CLOUTIER
Katrina Cloutier is no stranger to ABCD activities. She has been with our department since 2013 and has worked in a variety of roles from 4th “R” program leader, camp counselor, event exuberance extraordinaire, hodge podge specialist, and most recently, 4th “R” site director. Katrina’s bubbly personality and engaging spirit is so captivating, it’s no wonder she’s worked in nearly every rec department program or event! Katrina’s sense of humor is unparalleled, and not only does she keep everyone around her cracking up, but she uses her humor to teach staff, connect with kids, and put parents at ease. Whether she’s sharing stories from her travels to all seven continents, writing a poem about her cat mocha, or describing her favorite order at subway, Katrina can connect with anyone about anything! Because of this, she is consistently a fan favorite at whatever program she is working. Katrina’s “over the top” attitude perfectly aligns with our “over the top” department vision, and we are grateful to have her as part of our team!
A.B.C.D. AWARDS
CHRIS CORKUM
Since 1984, Chris Corkum has been director of Chris Corkum’s Baseball Inc., the business he founded to blend his love of teaching kids with his love for the game of baseball. Anyone who can make a lifetime living from a boyhood game has got to be special – and Chris is just that – special! South Windsor has been honored to have Coach Corkum and staff, most of who are his past players, host his week long baseball camp at our Ayers Road Complex each summer for the past 28 years. His enthusiasm for baseball is contagious, and you will often see Coach Corkum in full uniform, but no less the gentleman. We are thankful for his dedication to teaching youth the skills of the game, but most importantly the love of the game.
JAKE DONALD
There is an all encompassing word to describe Jake Donald, and that word is steadfast. Sticking true to the definition, Jake is always “resolutely firm and unwavering”. Day in and day out at our camp programs, Jake comes in with a positive, encouraging attitude, no matter what he may face that day. Jake has been with our department since 2017, working on our inclusion team for the past two summers. He is frequently navigating from one scenario to another, and helps us immensely in ensuring our mission of including and supporting all participants, regardless of their abilities. Jake, our “gentle giant” makes our department better just by being a part of it and just by being you. Thank you!
JUSTIN HAUSER
Justin is a natural fit for an ABCD award winner. Although he has only been with our department for 2 years, he quickly proved himself to be an energetic, ever-smiling, dependable member of our team. His passion for the department at 4th R, camp and special events is obvious and genuine. When there was a director vacancy at 4th “R” in 2018, Justin’s leadership, reliability, and dedication to our department made him an obvious choice for the promotion! Justin’s greatest attribute is his positive, joyful nature, and this makes him admired and respected by kids, parents, and staff. Justin has also been a tremendous help at our department’s special events, doing anything that is asked of him, even filling in at the last minute more than once to help make the event a success. He is consistently there to lend a hand, take on a project, or complete a task, and always with a smile! Justin tells us it’s easy for him to be so positive because he makes the choice to be happy each day. We are so fortunate that he chooses SWPRD as the place to share his enthusiasm, passion, and talents! To quote Justin…. “love it!” ALAN MENASIAN
Our next ABCD winner is a man “behind the scenes,” though we would bet that nearly everyone here is familiar with his work! Alan is the owner of A.R.M. Screen Printing Company, and he is the man that prints our SWPRD clothing! If you’ve seen an 06074 shirt, a 4th “R” staff sweatshirt, a basketball jersey or a camp t-shirt, you can thank alan. Though it is his business, he routinely goes above and beyond to make sure we have what we need for each of our programs. He is always happy to share his expertise and recommend a specific t-shirt texture, material for a sweatshirt, or bring in samples so we can choose what best fits our needs. A current project for our department has him searching far and wide for a glittery gold ink for our 50th anniversary promotions (stay tuned!), and he is always happy to help. While working with the fastpaced, ever changing needs of our department may not always be easy, alan always gets the job done professionally, quickly, calmly and in style. He literally makes our department look good!
MARISSA PERUCCIO
When Marissa first found out she was receiving this award, her first words were the infamous, “I’d like to thank the academy….” This funny banter is a true representation of the joy and humor Marissa brings to our department. But, it does not stop there! As the assistant director of our Adventure Unit camp, Marissa is a key piece to keeping the well-oiled machine going. Her organization and forward-thinking is unmatched, and she is continuously and confidently putting out fires before they have a chance to burst into flames. Her willingness to grow and learn is admirable, as she is eager for feedback and accepting of increasing responsibility. Marissa’s passion for SWPRD summer camp is evident day in and day out, and we appreciate her unwavering commitment to our department!
RON PIRES
Coach Ron Pires and his Boys’ Basketball Camp have been a part of our community for over 26 years. His passion to develop youth basketball players is very evident when you step into his gym. In a camp of nearly 70 participants, he will not only know each child’s name by the end of the week but will usually give a nickname to each player. You know you’ve got a winner when kids don’t want to leave the gym when it’s time to go home! He amazingly continues to engage his former players with the important work of mentoring current youth and giving back to the sport they love. Wherever Coach Pires goes, there is usually someone who knows him by name and most likely has been positively impacted by his coaching and assuring personality. Coach Pires successfully guided the E.O. Smith High School boys’ basketball program for over 35 years. We are thankful he continues to contribute to our community.
HALL OF FAME
The Hall of Fame Award is reserved for those exceptional folks who have dedicated themselves to Parks & Recreation exhibited over a long term. Specifically, it is “To honor and recognize those individuals who, because off their outstanding dedication, have contributed immeasurably to the establishment, maintenance and continuation of community parks and recreation in South Windsor.”
MATT GALLIGAN
Imagine it is 1996 and in walks our brand new town manager Matthew B. Galligan, not Gilligan, Galligan. I remember thinking to myself this guy’s a finance wizard, what’s in store for us? Well, we were a small department then – only 4 full time employees and an annual tax-based operating budget of $400,000 for delivering yearround receational programs. Fast forward to 2019, and we
Matthew B. Galligan have evolved and grown into a traditional Parks & Recreation departmemt emplopying 21 full time professional staff and over 200 part time and seasonal staff. Our recreation division operates with a $3m self-supporting non-taxed subsidized budget delivering over 400 programs annually. Our tax supported parks division in addition to our operation in 2010, is responsible for the care & control of every inch of town owned property, parks, athletic fields & courts, pools, etc and they do so with an annual budget of $1.5m. Quite a difference I’d say! We are what and who we are because of that “Financial Guy” who walked into town hall 23 years ago!
Why?
Because Matt supported Parks & Recreation. Because Matt believed in Parks & Recreation. Because Matt paved the way for our special revenue recreation fund that now provides over 400 annual programs independent of taxation. Because Matt had faith in me and my staff to provide top-notch programs, services and parks. This is especially special to me as I have cherished our terrific working relationship. Matt has enabled me to grow in my role as director and advance my career beyond what I ever imagined, and for that I thank him. FRANK MACCHI
Frank has been involved with SWLL for 31 years serving in numerous capacities including offices on the board, including president. You know someone is truly committed to the love of the game when they remain involved long after their children have aged out of the program!
He is still actively coaching the astros major legue team that he started with 23 years ago. He has been his life-long friend, al maximino’s “left-hand” man the entire time. Frank is also well known in town as “the voice” of little league opening day! And, the largest borrower of our portable P/A system! In addition Frank successfully coached for years in Parks & Rec. Youth basketball so much so that he had nearly poerfect attendance at his weekly practices with his high school age teams - now that’s an accomplishment! He informs me that he has no intentions of letting up!
AL MAXIMINO
Al has been active with the SWLL for 29 years serving in numerous capacities including offices on the board, including president, a position he currently holds and which he has held for the last 24 years. Like Frank, Al is truly committed to the love of the game as he too has remained involved long after his children have aged out of the program! Al is best known as the “voice of reason” for the oldest and largest youth sport organization in town. He leaves the microphone up to Frank. Al also successfully coached for years in Parks & Rec. Youth basketball often going head-to-head for bragging rights with life-long friend Frank Macchi. It certainly made for some very interesting play-off games!! In partnership with Parks & Recreation, Al is responsible for the Little League Complex evolution of improvements that have made the home of SWLL the envy of visiting teams and mimicked by many other towns! He too has no intentions of giving it up any time soon!
HALL OF FAME
Frank Macchi and Al Maximino
South Windsor Community Foundation SOUTH WINDSOR COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Back in 2003 with little to no capital funding for park improvements, I went out on a limb and proposed the concept of creating a non-profit park foundation to develop a boundless playground with features that were accessible to children of all abilities. I proposed that notion to none other than Matt Galligan. Being the financial wizard that I knew he was he totally supported the endeavor. We all knew a playground of this magnitude would be a great asset to the town but would require hundreds of thousands of dollars and we needed a fund raising mechanism. Enter Mr. Roy Normen, former town councilor and agent with national executive service corps (nesc) a non-profit specialzing in helping other non-profits with start-up and consultation services. Together Roy and I co-founded what became known as the South Windsor Community Foundation. Their mission statement: “The South Windsor Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in South Windsor for all residents of all ages by furthering the development of community based programs and projects”.
Current Board of Directors includes: Ralph Alexander, Scott Andrusis, Saud Anwar, Michael Blezard, Cile Decker, Kevin McCann, Michael Mundo, Roy Normen, John Rucco, Janice Snyder, Joe Wood. Accomplishments for which they served as fiduciary or provided grant funding in support of Parks & Recreation projects and programs include:
MFP Kevin’ Kourt Denfeld Playground Monday Night Social Club Festival of Lights SW Community Band Down to Earth Garden Club Friends of SW Bark Park S.W.W&W.W.
Most of these would not have been possible were it not for the generosity and commitment on the SWCF!
