In observance of Christmas the City Municipal Building and Groton Utilities Offices will be closed Monday, December 25th.

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS:

• November 27 at 6:00pm | Committee of the Whole
• November 30 at 2:00pm | Retirement Board
• December 4 at 7:30pm | Mayor and Council
• December 5 at 6:00pm | Conservation Commission
• December 6 at 5:30pm | Economic Development Commission
• December 7 at 4:30pm | Eastern Point Historic District Commission
• December 11 at 6:00pm | Special Committee of the Whole Meeting
• December 11 at 7:00pm | Council Group Committees
• December 12 at 6:30pm | Special Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting

• December 13 at 7:00pm | Beach & Parks Committee
• December 14 at 6:00pm | Harbor Management Commission
• December 18 at 5:30pm | Board of Ethics
• December 18 at 7:30pm | Mayor and Council
• December 20 at 10:30am | Groton Utilities Commission
• December 21 at 6:00pm | Police and Community Together Committee
• December 25 – Christmas | City Offices Closed
• December 27 at 7:00pm | Zoning Board of Appeals
• December 28 at 6:30pm | Youth Advisory Committee

CITY OF GROTON POLICE DEPARTMENT HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

STUFF A CRUISER

Stuff a Cruiser

Sunday, December 10th, 10 am - 2 pm

City of Groton Municipal Building

The City of Groton Police Department will be holding its sixth annual “Stuff a Cruiser" family-friendly event. Help us fill a police cruiser with toys to distribute to local children to ensure all have a joyous holiday season. We will also collect non-perishable food for our local food pantries, and are collaborating with St. John’s Christian Church of Groton to collect new and/or gently used coats.

GROTON ELKS OFFICER OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to Officer Alejandro (Alex) Rosa on being the Groton Elks Lodge #2163 Officer of the Year!

The department celebrated at the Groton Elks on October 27th with many other local police departments. Thank you to the Groton Elks Lodge #2163 for hosting this event.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATES!

On Wednesday, November 15th, we celebrated our last session of the Citizens Police Academy. Thank you to all who participated and to the officers who taught.

Our next session will be in February of 2024. Additional information will be posted at a later date.

THE CITY OF GROTON POLICE DEPARTMENT IS HIRING!

The City of Groton Police is hiring for the following positions:

1. Certified Police Officer
2. Entry Level Police Officer
3. Police Dispatcher

Please apply at policeapp.com. 

If you have any questions, contact the Police Department at policedept@cityofgroton-ct.gov or call us at 860-445-2451.

(For emergencies, please dial 911)

For the Fire Department email us at fire@cityofgroton-ct.gov or call us at

860-445-2456.

2023 LEAF COLLECTION

Leaves will be collected throughout the City of Groton on the following Wednesdays:

• November 29th
• December 6th

Please read the following important information on leaf disposal:

• Place leaves only in biodegradable paper bags, trash cans or cardboard boxes not larger than thirty-five (35) gallons.
• Do not use plastic bags – leaves will not be collected.
• Grass clippings will not be collected. Compost or mulch on your lawn. Do not blow into the street.
• Do not sweep leaves into the street. Leaves accumulate into the catch basins and clog them up, creating drainage problems.
• Place tree twigs or hedge trimmings in with regular trash.

More information on the City of Groton's leaf collection can be found here.

SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING CONTAINERS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

Large solid and recycling containers are available for purchase to City of Groton residents. You can purchase 65-gallon trash or recycling containers for $79 each and 95-gallon trash containers for $89 each.

The design is compatible with automated and semi-automated lifters to fit onto City of Groton garbage trucks. The two-wheeled containers are nearly maintenance-free and are easy to tilt and roll.

For more information or to order a container, contact the City of Groton Public Works Department at 860-446-4127.

If you have any questions please contact the Public Works Department at highway@cityofgroton-ct.gov or call us at 860-446-4127

SCARECROW TRAIL WINNERS

Congratulations to the winners of the Scarecrow Trail, and to everyone who participated and showed off their creativity! Pictured above, clockwise from top left, are the winners for Best City Spirit, Most Original, Funniest, and Spookiest. See a full list of winners on our Facebook page.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS TRAIL

Monday, December 5th through Thursday, December 14th

Show your family’s holiday spirit! Register your City address as participating on our website or with our office by Thursday, November 30th. No fee to enter!

A Holiday Lights Trail Map will be posted for all to follow and vote for their favorites. City Award, Airy Award, Spirit Award and People’s Choice will all be awarded!

For more information Visit City of Groton Parks & Recreation (recdesk.com) or call 860-446-4128 for further details.

HOLIDAY BUS TRIP TO NEW YORK CITY

Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Show at Radio City Music Hall

Sunday, December 3rd

It's not too late to join us and see this spectacular show! Come see NYC all decked out for Christmas! Bring your family and get into the holiday spirit. We will be dropped off very close to Rockefeller Center to see the famous Christmas tree, and you'll have free time to shop and eat on your own. Show starts at 5 pm, doors open at 4 pm for entrance (50th Street).

Leaves: 8:30 am from the Groton City Municipal Building, 295 Meridian Street

Bus Departs: Directly after the show (about 6:45 pm) getting us back to Groton about 9:30 - 10 pm.

Seats: Orchestra seating 

Fee: $170 per person (includes bus, gratuity and show ticket). Under 2 free on parent lap. 

Deadline: To register is Tuesday, November 29th

Register online or call 860-446-4128

THE GREAT REINDEER ESCAPE!

Santa’s Reindeers have escaped and are loose around the City of Groton! Starting on Friday, December 7th, help Santa get them back to the North Pole by locating all 9 reindeer signs.

Mark down their locations on the form found on our website. Email us your sheet at pr@cityofgroton.com or put it in the blue Drop Box at the City Municipal Building by Monday, December 18th. All entries will be included in a prize drawing!

LETTERS TO SANTA

MEMORIAL TREE IN CITY MUNICIPAL BUILDING

We invite the public to place an ornament of your choosing on our Memorial Tree in honor of a lost loved one or join us Sunday, December 10th at our Pop-Up Market from 11 am - 2 pm to make a memorial ornament to hang. This memorial tree will be on display through the first week in January.

CITY OF GROTON FARMERS' MARKET

The City of Groton Farmers' Market is holding a series of indoor pop-up markets at the City of Groton Municipal Building from 11 am to 2 pm on the second Sunday of each month, now through May.

The City of Groton Holiday Market kicks things off on Sunday, December 10th. We have some great things planned as well as some amazing vendors attending. Lots of gift ideas and amazing baked goods. Stay tuned for a list of all our vendors.

There's still time to sign up to be a vendor! Email us at cogfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Other upcoming markets include:

• January 14
• February 11
• March 10
• April 14
• May 12

The market's mission is to provide a venue for local farmers and artisans to sell their produce and products directly to the diverse and integrated population of southeastern Connecticut. Visit the Parks & Recreation website for more information.

EASTERN POINT SEASON PASSES AVAILABLE

Just in time for holiday giving, gift certificates toward a 2024 Eastern Point Beach season pass are now available in the Parks & Recreation office!

YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE OPENINGS

We currently have two member and two alternate vacancies on the Youth Advisory Committee.

The purpose of the Youth Advisory Committee is to assess the needs of the community’s youth, identify existing resources available to meet those needs, and make recommendations on actions the City can take either on its own or in conjunction with other organizations to meet the unmet needs of the community’s youth.

Authority: R-21-11-169 

Available Seats: 2 Members & 2 Alternates

Term: 3 years. Appt. by Mayor & Council

Meetings are held in the City of Groton Council Chambers at 6:30 pm on the fourth Thursday of the month.

For more information, contact Mary Hill at hillm@cityofgroton-ct.gov. To apply to be on this committee, click here. 

FALL/WINTER PROGRAM BROCHURE AVAILABLE

The latest Program Brochure for our Fall/Winter events and classes from the City of Groton Parks & Recreation Department is now available. Copies have been mailed to residents and are also available online and at the Parks & Recreation office.

RENT THE ZBIERSKI HOUSE AT EASTERN POINT BEACH

Small party, year-round rental venue at Eastern Point Beach with breathtaking views of Long Island Sound! Holds 50 people, tables and chairs are included. Limited kitchen on premise along with 2 bathrooms. Additional parking fees apply during open beach season. 

City of Groton residents: $30 per hour      

Non-residents: $60 per hour 

$100 security deposit is required (refundable as long as the contract is not broken)

Visit cityofgroton.recdesk.com or call 860-446-4128 for further details.

PERSONALIZED PAVERS AT EASTERN POINT BEACH

Arranged around the flagpole in front of the Tyler House.

$225 / 4 lines maximum (9 characters max per line, includes spaces). Payment is due with order form.

Order form can be picked up at our office or found online at recdesk.com.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

• December 6th at 5:30 pm Economic Development Commission
• December 11th at 6:00pm Department Presentation at Special Committee of the Whole — Community Resilience Planning Update
• December 12th at 6:30 pm Special Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
• December 14th at 4:00 pm Groton City Business Stroll

PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING ON DECEMBER 12TH

We heard you!!! You want walkability and bike-ability, ice cream shops and other niche retail/ service businesses, outdoor amenities and additional housing options.

An amendment to the City of Groton Zoning Regulations is being heard on Tuesday, December 12^th at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers. The Planning and Zoning Commission will review text change applications that will allow mixed-use development along Bridge Street and the northern tip of Thames Street (the span between Bridge St. to Broad St.); please see the application and zoning map below.

GCR-Zoning-Amendment-11-9-23.pdf (cityofgroton.com)

Current Zoning Regulations allow two dwelling units per parcel in the General Commercial Zone. The application before the Planning and Zoning Commission proposes text changes allowing:

• Up to four stories of residential and/or commercial uses with Site Plan approval by the Planning & Zoning Commission; and
• Up to six stories of residential and/or commercial uses by Special Permit, which would require a public hearing.
• Parking changes to bring the City regulations into compliance with State Statute.

You are invited to attend and participate in this public hearing. Public comments (written or presented in person) are encouraged. For more information or to submit written comments please contact Leslie Creane at Creanel@cityofgroton-ct.gov

COMMUNITY RESILIENCE PLANNING UPDATE

Since the adoption of the City of Groton's Community Resilience Plan in May 2022. The City continues to witness the increase of climate related hazards. Climate change is causing noticeable rise in sea levels, worsening storms, higher air temperature and an increase in severity of drought events. The City of Groton is already experiencing flooding during storm events and deforestation, as our tree canopy succumbs to the northern migration of diseases and pests into Connecticut.

The Planning & Economic Development Department will continue building the City’s capacity to address the recommendations identified in Chapter 4 of the Community Resilience Plan. Capacity building will involve a series of meetings and workshops where Departments will collaborate with each other and representatives from SLR Consulting, the Nature Conversancy, CIRCA, and UConn Extension to further assess and implement recommended action items.

The City of Groton in partnership with The Nature Conservancy has submitted a grant application to the Long Island Sound Future Fund to develop a hydrologic assessment of the Five Corners area that will serve as the basis for developing nature-based solutions and Best Management Practices to address stormwater flooding (Recommendation 4.1.1) Timothy Clark, Project Manager for the Nature Conservancy, provided an overview of the project, partnership, and grant submission during the October 23rd Commitment of the Whole. You can watch the presentation at City of Groton Committee of the Whole 10/23/23 - YouTube

In early 2024, SLR Consulting will lead Departments through a 2-Part Capacity Building Workshop, where we will learn about various resilience-based solutions and work at a more detailed level with the above mentioned groups on furthering identified projects. 

• Part 1: A 2-hour meeting reviewing the City’s resilience objectives & recommendations and learning about potential resilience solutions;
• Part 2: A half-day workshop, where representatives from City of Groton departments and the above-mentioned organizations will further develop proposed resilience solutions. 

Similar to the City’s Plan of Conservation and Development, the Community Resilience Plan is our guide to build climate resilience awareness and internal capacity, establish partnerships, prioritize next steps, and proceed towards implementation of selected actions. 

To review the 2022 Community Resilience plan please visit Community Resiliency Plan – Groton (cityofgroton.com). All parties interested in resilience planning are encouraged to connect with Cierra Patrick at Patrickc@cityofgroton-ct.gov

SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY! VOLUNTEER ON:

Planning + Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission is responsible for land use planning and coordinated development of the City in accordance with the City Charter, the Plan of Conservation and Development, and State Statutes. The Commission establishes land use regulations, and proposes plans and policies that guide the physical development of the City. The Commission rules on a wide variety of land use applications including special permits, site plans, subdivision plans, amendments to land-use regulations, and re-zoning requests.

Authority: CT General Statutes – Planning and Zoning Commission, Section 8-3

Available Seats: 3 Alternates

Term: 3 years. Appt. by Mayor

Meetings are held in the City of Groton Council Chambers at 6:30 pm on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

For more information, contact Leslie Creane at creanel@cityofgroton-ct.gov 

Zoning Board of Appeals  

The ZBA’s foremost responsibility is to review requests for variances from the Zoning Regulations. These requests are filed when a strict application of the regulations poses a hardship of a non-monetary nature, preventing reasonable use of the property. ZBA gives due consideration to conserving public health, safety and welfare when making these decisions. ZBA applications require a public hearing that allows applicants to explain their hardship and requested remedy. Neighbors can express favorable or unfavorable comments. Variance applications must receive at least four out of five favorable votes to be granted approval. The ZBA also hears appeals of decisions made by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.

Authority: CT General Statutes – Zoning Board of Appeals, Section 8-5

Available Seats: 3 Alternates

Term: 5 years. Appt. by Mayor

Meetings are held in the City of Groton Council Chambers at 7:30 pm on the 4th Tuesday of the month.

For more information, contact Leslie Creane at creanel@cityofgroton-ct.gov 

Economic Development Commission

Formed with the purpose of promoting and developing the City of Groton’s economic assets. The Commission consists of 8 regular members and 2 alternates members committed to the growth and success of the local economy. The commission is authorized to; improve the function and appearance of the City’s commercial districts; encourage a diverse business environment; emphasize the strengths of locating business in the City; and support, promote, and celebrate the success of local entrepreneurs.

Authority: CT General Statutes Sections 7-136 and 8-188

Available Seats: 2 Regular Members; 2 Alternates

Term: 3 Years

Meetings are held in the City of Groton Council Chambers at 5:30 pm on the 1st Wednesday of the month.

For more information, contact Cierra Patrick at patrickc@cityofgroton.com

CALLING ALL CITY OF GROTON COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS

Are you looking to renovate or build a new development? Schedule a one-on-one meeting with the Planning & Economic Development team to discuss your ideas and plans for your property. To schedule an appointment please email Patrickc@cityofgroton-ct.gov.

Do you have available commercial space for sell or rent? There's a growing interest for commercial space from enthusiastic entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their business to the City of Groton. If you have available space, please email Cierra Patrick, the City of Groton's Economic Development Manager, with the following information:

• Property address
• Property size by square feet
• Number of floors 
• Available space in square feet 
• Lease/sale price 
• Realtor's contact information, if applicable
• Property brochure, if available  

CITY OF GROTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM

For more information please contact Cierra Patrick, City of Groton Economic Development Specialist at Patrickc@CityofGroton-CT.gov 

GREATER GROTON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLATFORM

Join the Conversation!



Click here to sign-up for the Greater Groton Community Engagement Platform and participate in community discussions and planning efforts throughout Groton.  

Have you signed up for the City of Groton's Bi-weekly Business Update?

Sign up here! and receive bi-weekly business updates prepared by the City of Groton's Economic Development staff covering:

• Upcoming Webinars & Training

• Workforce Development Opportunities 

• Industry Events

• Funding Opportunities

• Business Support Services

Check out some of our featured Business Newsletter updates below!



CT SUPPLIER CONNECTION GROWTH SUMMIT

The 7th Annual CT Supplier Connection Growth Summit is designed to specifically help the region’s small and diverse suppliers meet with large buyers and prime contractors in Connecticut, and strengthen the local supply chain community and its ability to grow in a post-pandemic market. The centerpiece of the Supplier Connection Growth Summit is the Business MatchMaker. Suppliers will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one (virtually) with buyers from some of the largest buying organizations in our area. MatchMaker Meetings will take place over one and half days, with each lasting approx. 15 minutes.  

Registration deadline: Sunday December 3rd  

Note: The sooner you register, the better chance you will have to secure meetings with the buyers you want.

Register

NEW GROTON UTILITIES WEBSITE!

We are excited to announce the launch of our new website! Beginning today, when you visit grotonutilities.com you will be directed to the new website.

Our team has been working hard to create an enhanced user experience and provide you with more valuable content. The new website features a fresh, modern design and improved navigation to make it easier for you to find the information you need.

Here are some highlights of what you can expect from our new website:

1. User-Friendly Interface: We have redesigned the website with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. Our intuitive interface will make it effortless for you to navigate through the various pages and sections.
2. Updated Content: We have refreshed all of our content to ensure it is accurate, up-to-date, and informative.
3. Enhanced Search Functionality: Our improved search function allows you to quickly find what you are looking for. Simply enter a keyword or topic, and our website will provide you with relevant results.
4. Mobile-Friendly Design: Our new website is fully optimized for mobile devices, ensuring a seamless experience on both desktop and mobile platforms. You can easily access our site from anywhere, anytime.

We hope you find the new website easy to use and easier to find what you are looking for.



*Please be aware that if you have any sub-pages from the current website bookmarked in your web browser those links may no longer function. The new site makes it very easy to find what you are looking for. But just in case you can’t find it, use the Search function in the upper right-hand corner of the front page.

For those of you looking to pay your bills online, it is as easy as ever. Look for the “Online Bill Pay” button (shown at right) and then simply choose whether you are a Groton Utilities or Bozrah Light and Power Customer. It’s as simple as that!

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to providing you with an enhanced online experience!

Groton Utilities wants you to know that you can pay your utility bill anytime, from anywhere, and anyway you want!

• Mail a Check: Send to Groton Utilities, PO Box 4109, Woburn, MA 01888-4109

• Pay By Phone: Call (860)-446-4000, Select Option 1.

• Pay Online: Go to www.grotonutilities.com and click Online Bill Pay.

• Pay with Autopay: Go to www.grotonutilities.com, click Pay Your GU Bill and then go to Autopay options. Or scan the QR Code below.

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA FAMILY DAY AT THE SUBMARINE FORCE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

Holiday Extravaganza Family Day

Saturday, December 2nd, 10 am - noon

Submarine Force Library and Museum

Bring the whole family out to the Submarine Force Library and Museum for a day of holiday fun! The Fitch High School Jazz Band will play, and there will be hands-on children's activities hosted by the Niantic Children’s Museum and Submarine Base Librarian. Santa Claus will arrive by fire truck at 10 am and be available for photos.

3RD ANNUAL TOMMY TOY FUND DRIVE AT OUTER LIGHT BREWING COMPANY

Outer Light Brewing Company is hosting its third annual Tommy Toy Fund Drive on Saturday, December 2nd.

From noon to 8 pm, receive a raffle ticket for each donation of a new, unwrapped toy and be entered in a drawing for a great prize. The celebration also includes a new beer release, pizza from Luigi's Wood Fire Pizza Risto, vehicles from the Groton City police and fire departments, and a visit from Santa Claus and the Grinch.

For more information, click here.

TUBAS AT THE MUSEUM – CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG

Tubas at the Museum – Christmas Sing-a-Long

Saturday, December 2nd, 4 pm

Custom House Maritime Museum, New London

You're sure to get in the spirit of the season as five brass players bring a special holiday treat to the New London Custom House! Join in the fun and sing along to your favorite Christmas songs.

MORE INFO 

BOAT FOR VETS

General Dynamics Electric Boat is hosting the final session of its Boats for Vets program. Registration is now open for sessions taking place from December 4-6 at the Westerly Education Center. Explore EB's Ships Testing Organization, Inspection & Supervision opportunities. Contact Heather Lee at hlee1@gdeb.com to sign up or for more information.

FRIENDS OF FORT GRISWOLD HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AND BONFIRE

Friends of Fort Griswold Holiday Open House and Bonfire

Saturday, December 9th, 11 am - 2 pm

The Friends of Fort Griswold holds its annual festive gathering around a glowing bonfire on the grounds of Fort Griswold Battlefield. Enjoy a roaring fire, sip some warm cider, enjoy tasty sweets, and toast marshmallows. Try your hand at an old-fashioned game or two, and climb the 166 steps to the top of the monument for an amazing view. Do some last minute holiday shopping in the Monument House Museum store for great books, patches, and other Revolutionary War memorabilia.

Docents will provide guided tours of the fort at 11:30 am 1 pm, retelling the fascinating history of the Revolutionary War battle that took place at Fort Griswold. Special guest Saxophone Santa arrives at 12:15 pm.

In the event of rain, the festivities will take place inside the Monument House Museum.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT AVERY-COPP MUSEUM

Celebrate the Season Holiday Open House

Sunday, December 10th, 3-5 pm

Avery-Copp Museum

Experience the magic of Christmas past and explore the museum decorated for the holidays as it might have been a century ago. Refreshments will be served. Please bring a Groton Food Bank donation. Free community event!

MORE INFO

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE ON DECEMBER 20TH

SHOP LOCAL FOR GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS!

Garde Arts Center Tickets

50% off select available ticket inventory available for select 2023-2024 Garde Arts Center presentations listed above! Available through December 31st! Box office only.

In addition, purchase $100 in Garde gift cards, and receive a complimentary 4-pack single ticket admission to the 2024 Breezeline Winter Cinema Series in a Stocking Stuffer just for you!  

Disclaimer: Enter discount code at checkout. Not valid on VIP, Meet & Greet, Garde Circle or Front Loge tickets. Limit 4 tickets per order. Offer not valid on previously purchased tickets. Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Order processing and per ticket fees not discounted. Some restrictions may apply. Limited quantities available in select locations. All ticket purchases are final, once the order has processed discounts cannot be applied. No refunds. No exchanges.  

Need help? Call the Garde box office! (860) 444-7373 ext 1. 

Thames River Heritage Park Cruise Passes

20% off Hop-on Hop-off Harbor Cruise Season Passes purchased online until December 31st using promo code MerryDays. 

Purchase $100 in TRHP Gift Cards before December 31st and receive a complimentary 4-pack for a Happy Hour or Sunset Harbor Cruise during the 2024 summer season. (Limited to cruises without special guests or hosts. Some additional restrictions and limitations may apply)

Disclaimer: Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. Order processing and per ticket fees not discounted. Some restrictions may apply. All ticket purchases are final, once the order has processed discounts cannot be applied. No refunds. No exchanges.

Need help? Call (860) 333-6706. 

Friends of Fort Griswold Online Shop

Check out Friends of Fort Griswold's gift shop for fun revolutionary memorabilia and unique gift items sure to please the history buffs in your family.

Art = Gift 2023

Art=Gift 2023 at Hygienic Art features handcrafted, affordable art by local and regional artists, priced to be especially affordable for the holiday season. Art=Gift includes a wide array of exquisite art includes paintings, prints, photography, glass art, jewelry, hand-printed T-shirts, knitted garments, drawings, wood-turning, holiday cards, ornaments and more. 

Submarine Force Library and Museum

Nautical bells made locally by Belvin Bells, great submarine movie classics, items celebrating "Rosie the Riveter" (Naomi Parker Fowler), apparel, home furnishings, books, jewelry, stationery and toys...the Submarine Force Library and Museum Store has something for everyone on your list!

EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS AT LYMAN ALLYN ART MUSEUM

Blue Seeds: Reflections on Foster Care and the pop-up exhibition Timeless Ties: The Art of Childhood will be on display through Sunday, December 3rd. Elizabeth Enders: A Different Time, A Different Place will be on view through Sunday, January 14th and Building Collections: Recent Acquisitions will be on view through Sunday, January 21st.

Upcoming events include:

Gallery Talk - Elizabeth Enders: A Different Time, A Different Place

Wednesday, November 29th, 5:30 - 7 pm

Join artist Elizabeth Endres and Lyman Allyn Curator Tanya Pohrt for a special exploration of the exhibition "Elizabeth Enders: A Different Time, A Different Place." Reception at 5:30 pm, talk begins at 6 pm. $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

Virtual Talk - Blue Seeds: Reflections on Foster Care with Jac Lahav

Thursday, November 30th, 1-2 pm

During this "lunch and learn" online program, artist Jac Lahav discusses his exhibition "Blue Seeds: Reflections on Foster Care." Learn more about Lahav’s development of the series and some of their experiences as a foster care parent.

Winter Wonder Day

Saturday, December 2nd, 11 am - 2 pm

The Lyman Allyn Art Musuem invites you to its third annual Winter Wonder Day! Admission is free, and families can enjoy special crafts and activities inspired by the Wonderment exhibition. Santa Claus will also be at the museum to meet with visitors and take photos.

Blowing Holes in Traditional American Portraiture with Dr. Kelli Morgan

Tuesday, December 5th, 6-8 pm

This virtual lecture with renowned scholar Dr. Kelli Morgan explores issues of power, shared traditions, and contemporary manifestations when considering the history, and future, of American portraiture.

Paint a Plate

Thursday, December 7th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

The Lyman Allyn Art Museum invites people to an evening of artmaking and drinks on the first Thursday of every month. December's activity will be painting a plate to use for your favorite holiday treat. Tickets include two drinks, light bites, and creative materials. $20 for members, $25 for non-members.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Running Fence and the Sublime in an Age of Earth Art

Wednesday, December 13th, 5:30 - 7 pm

This is the final lecture of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum's fall art history series centered around nature through different times and places with our guest lecturer Dr. Robert Baldwin, Associate Professor of Art History at Connecticut College. $20 for members, $25 for non-members.

Science Saturday - The Science of Snowflakes

Saturday, December 16th, 11 am - 1 pm

This drop-in program on the third Saturday of each month, designed for children ages 7-11, encourages participants to explore the intersections between art and science. December's event explores the beauty and science behind snowflakes as the winter solstice approaches, and participants will create a fun snowflake themed suncatcher.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE BILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY

The Bill Memorial Library has a series of recurring events, including Music and Movement, fall story times, a LEGO Club for Kids, and Girls Who Code. Visit the library's Facebook page for a full list of events.

Upcoming special events include:

Coffee Hour with State Senator Heather Somers

Thursday, November 30th at 8:30 am

Enjoy coffee and a conversation with State Senator Heather Somers. Coffee and refreshments will be provided. 

Cooking Class for Kids

Thursday, November 30th at 4 pm

Instructor Erica Benvenuti, RD, a community nutrition program educator with the UConn Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, will lead kids in creating tasty tacos and salsa! The program is intended for students in grades 3-5. Registration is required and space is limited.

Drop-In Craft for Kids

Wednesday, December 6th at 10 am

Create a beautiful holiday card from scrap paper. All supplies will be provided by the library and will be available during normal library hours. Younger children will need an adult to help them do the craft. 

Holiday Sing-Along for Kids with Freddie the Mascot

Wednesday, December 13th at 10:30 am

Join Miss Mary-Jane and her musical friends plus special guest Freddie the Library Mascot for this fun, interactive program – bring your singing voices and your enthusiasm! The sing-along will feature story time favorites as well as classic children’s holiday tunes. 

Celebrate Jolabokaflod with the Bill Memorial Library

Wednesday, December 20th at 10 am

Jolabokaflod, or the Yule Book Flood, is a beautiful Icelandic tradition of exchanging books on December 24th and then spending the evening reading them and eating chocolate. Starting on Wednesday, December 20th, the Bill Memorial Library will have beautifully wrapped books with chocolate available for pickup. The gifts will be available under December 23rd or until they are gone, whichever comes first. Limit one per patron.

UPCOMING SHOWS AT HYGIENIC ART

Art = Gift 2023, an exhibition featuring handcrafted, affordable art by local and regional artists, will be on display through Saturday, December 23rd. Hygienic Art is also showcasing the exhibition Inner Reflections, featuring the art of JD Trejo-Maya and Ko Smith, during this period.

Upcoming events at Hygienic Art include:

An Evening with Author Dr. Terrlyn Curry

Saturday, December 2nd, 5-6 pm

Dr. Terrlyn Curry will read selections from her book, Dismantling Racism: Healing Separation from the Inside Out. Dr. Curry tackles the subject of racism with finesse and instills hope that it is possible to achieve racial equity, and provides the tools and insights that can help you move beyond symbolic gestures.

Open Mic Night

Thursday, December 7th, 5:30 - 7 pm

Hygienic Art's Open Mic Night takes place on the first Thursday of every month, hosted by comedian Dame Fk. All talents are welcome! Time slots are five minutes for comedians and poets, two songs for musicians. Signups begin at 5 pm.

An Evening with Author Miosotys Santiago

Saturday, December 9th, 5-6 pm

Miosotys Santiago will read selections from her self-published memoir, God's Diamond. Santiago is the founder of Exemplify to Edify LLC, an organization that focuses on healing, and a faith-driven walk with purpose. God's Diamond discusses the lifetime trials and tribulations she experienced and healed from, the most transformational of which was surviving the terror attacks of September 11th, 2001.

Crafts and Cocktails

Thursday, December 21st, 5-7 pm

Crafts and Cocktails invites people to share the creative process of creating art, and enjoy a craft cocktail as well! December's craft is quilling holiday ornaments, and the cocktail is a Cranberry Aperol Spritz. $10 per person; registration required.

UPCOMING SHOWS AT THE GARDE ARTS CENTER

Upcoming shows at the Garde Arts Center include:

The Nutcracker

Saturday, December 9th at 1:30 pm and 7 pm

Sunday, December 10th at 1:30 pm

The Eastern Connecticut Ballet's treasured holiday tradition returns to the stage! The performance features stars from New York City Ballet and a stage transformed into a New London winter seaport in the 1850s. Tchaikovsky’s celebrated music carries the audience through an enchanting journey as Clara and her new friend, the Nutcracker, travel through a magical world of Arctic ice fields where whaling ships once ventured on harrowing voyages!

Artrageous

Saturday, December 30th at 4 pm

Art, music, theater, singing, dancing, audience interaction…all on one stage. Artists create a masterpiece before your eyes, accompanied by captivating vocals, intricate choreography and exciting music. The troupe of artists, musicians, singers and dancers pays tribute to a variety of art forms, icons and musical genres throughout the evening. It all culminates in a gallery of fabulous finished paintings.

EXHIBITIONS AT THE ALEXEY VON SCHLIPPE GALLERY

Two exhibitions are on view at the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery at the University of Connecticut - Avery Point through Sunday, December 10th — Floating Points: Observing the Plastisphere with NASA and Waterbodies: Works by Marsha Borden, sTo Len, and Etty Yaniv. Click here for more information on these exhibitions and gallery hours.

seCTerRise

Entrepreneurs and existing business owners now have access to free advising services paired with growth funding up to $20,000 from seCTer, the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region, through its seCTerRise business retention and expansion program. Industries of focus include childcare, cybersecurity, agriculture, and sustainable energy. Business owners will be able to work with seCTer staff in applying for the funds and determining how best they can be used to sustain and expand their business. For eligibility criteria, eligible uses, application details, and more information, visit seCTerRise - seCTer or contact SeCTer's Business Retention & Expansion Specialist Joe Violette at 860-437-4659 or jviolette@secter.org.

COMING SOON: NEW CITY OF GROTON WEBSITE