Faith Tabernacle has been in existence for more than 40 years and is led by Pastor Kent Elliott since 1992. The Pentecostal Church has more than 250 congregants. Throughout the year it is involved in many overseas ministries, and every few years the men's group travels to Guatemala to assist in building churches and schools.
It can be a little tricky to determine which road is the driveway to the East Lyme Library and Community Center, but once in the parking lot, there is plenty of space. The library is easy to find upon entering.
The facilities are typical of libraries in this area, with a somewhat limited collection but with borrowing access to other local libraries, and an adequate number of computers for those who want access to the internet. Check its website for current programs and classes.
New England's oldest continuously operated public library, Durham Public Library, has grown from a travelling collection of books to an important community gathering place. The library's collection includes thousands of books, magazines, DVDs and other publications and resources. The library also offers free Wi-Fi to visitors and has 12 public computers. Age-targeted sections of the library make it an easy place to find what you're looking for. The library also serves as a meeting place for many town departments. A dedicated staff and many volunteers help make the library a great place to visit.
The Durham Public Library is one of only a few libraries in Connecticut to offer "Self-Check."
You can visit the library's Facebook page here.
River Dale has 250 camp sites and is located on a 100-acre colonial farm. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and there are many nearby attractions for everyone to enjoy. Full-service sites are available, as well as a range of exciting recreational activities.
The Waterford Public Library, located just down the street from Town Hall, offers a huge variety of various media, from traditional newspapers and magazines to online publications and audio books. Next to the library is a tranquil duck pond, part of Civic Triangle Park, the perfect spot to begin your new read. The library offers a wide variety of programs and classes for adults and children, along with a children's section.
The library opened in its present location in 1961 after having been housed in a rent-free location next door for forty years. The library is in the middle of a three-year strategic plan which will increase operating hours, provide self-serve checkout access and reduce overdue fines. It has already achieved many goals, such as increased attendance for children and teen programs; an increased number of books loaned to teens and the addition of a youth librarian position. The Friends of the Library supports the Family Showcase and Sunday Showcase programs, which offer music and artistic venues for visitors. A quiet reading room opened in the fall of 2010 on the second floor. The library also now offers online registration for children's programs.
The Mystic YMCA, formerly known as the Mystic Community Center, is part of the Ocean Community YMCAs. Members of the Mystic YMCA can also use the facilities in Westerly and Wyoming, Rhode Island.
The YMCA offers adult and child fitness classes and has basketball courts, a swimming pool, beach and tennis courts.
Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut was founded in 1951 by the Rev. Joseph Pouliot. Today the nonprofit organization operates 14 retail stores with donation centers throughout western Connecticut. It also helps people with disabilities, economic disadvantages and other hardships find work by running career centers that offer resume building, interview training and more.
Both conservative and egalitarian in its beliefs and practices, Temple Beth El is a welcoming place for interfaith families, Jews by Choice and those in the LGBT community. Founded in 1920 and headed by Rabbi Joshua Hammerman, Temple Beth El provides a wide variety of classes, activities, workshops and special events for adults, children and senior citizens. The synagogue, which currently serves approximately 575 families, also has a Hebrew School for children in grades k through seven; a nursery school was scheduled to open in the fall of 2011.
Wesleyan Potters is a non-profit cooperative guild that promotes the learning and development of skills in crafts. Studio classes are conducted year-round, with lectures, exhibits, demonstrations and films scheduled as special events with visiting craftsmen. Wesleyan Potters also has a gallery and gift shop.
The Meriden YMCA is a non-profit organization that strives to better the surrounding community. The large facility offers gym equipment, for both strength and cardio workouts, a full-size pool and fitness classes. Children's programs and camps are available throughout the year. Student, senior, and family membership discounts are available.
The United Congregational Church of Westerly and Pawcatuck was formed by the union of two separate 19th-century churches in Pawcatuck and Westerly. The two churches joined together in 1931, and in 1957 the union became part of the United Church of Christ. The church is very active in the community and directs a number of socially minded missions.
NBC 30 is located on New Britain Avenue, just before the Westfarms Mall. It offers local news, weather, traffic, entertainment, events, breaking news and more. Its creative services director is Lowell Briggs and the president is David Doebler. Visit its website to obtain further information on the latest breaking news stories.
A drive inland from Stamford brings you to private park with history. The Bartlett Arboretum offers great diversity of flora and fauna and even a spooky cemetery. There are organized events that take advantage of arts and crafts, plant sales, guided tours of the trails, fall foliage walks and children's events; this is a great place to get away. Private group tours also available. Dog-walking is allowed, but dogs must be leashed at all times and owner must pick up after the dog.
Curtain Call is a nonprofit community theater located on the grounds of Sterling Farms Municipal Golf Course. Performances can be seen year-round, and auditions are open to all. The theater also offers acting workshops for children, teens and adults. See the website for audition announcements and performance showtimes.