Community Corner

Halloween Activities, a Fun Run, an Olympian, and More in New London This Weekend

Check out what is going on in the region this weekend.

A Hempsted Halloween
Friday, 6 p.m. - Explore New London's oldest house by candlelight. Hear about colonial myths and superstitions, and enjoy refreshments of the season. Not recommended for young children. The cost is $5 per person or $10 per family. It is free for Connecticut Landmarks members. More information is available at https://www.facebook.com/events/172129156287802/.

Prison Awareness and Prevention Gathering
Saturday, 9 a.m. - This year’s theme is “Prevention of Crime: Mentoring Our Youth.” Join as ways to keep youth safe within our communities are identified. Network with service providers, recognize and support youth mentoring programs, and begin new ones. Age appropriate youth workshops and adult workshops will be offered. There will be a keynote guest speaker, essay/art contest entries and winners, and so much more. Light refreshments will be served and the event is free and open to everyone.

Girls on the Run Trick or Trot Fun Run
Saturday, 9 a.m. - Girls on the Run of Southeastern Connecticut is proud to host the first annual Trick or Trot Halloween Fun Run/Walk, will be held on Saturday. The 3.5-mile fun run will be clock timed, with prizes awarded to the top three male and female finishers. At 9:15 a.m., there will be a 1/2 mile kid's fun run. Join for a great fall morning filled with Halloween fun, games, and food. Prizes will also be awarded to those who show up in the best costume, so be sure to dress to the nines in your best Halloween outfit. The first 100 people registered will receive a GOTR Trick or Treat bag. Be sure to sign up early. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for local businesses. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please e-mail an inquiry to Kristen Lincoln at kristen.e.lincoln@gmail.com. For more information, visit http://www.gotrsect.org/.

Mystic Aquarium's Fall-o-Ween
Saturday, 9 a.m. - Ghosts and ghouls of all ages - celebrate crisp, glorious fall at Mystic Aquarium’s family-friendly Fall-o-Ween! The aquarium will be decked out with fall decorations. Celebrate with fun activities such as scavenger hunts, Halloween crafts, be amazed by a juggler, and so much more. Check out the talented divers who not only carve pumpkins, but they are so good they can carve pumpkins underwater. The fish really get in on the action, with pumpkin being a favorite treat. Be mesmerized by a magician whose tricks and illusions are sure to leave you confounded. Come dressed in your Halloween getup and compete in our costume contest for a chance to win great prizes or get your face transformed by our talented face paint artists (for an extra fee). Catch up with your aquatic friends, experience a pirate themed California sea lion show, and enjoy some scary-good seasonal treats from Penguins Cafe. For more information, visit mysticaquarium.org.

Panera Bread Spook-a-Thon

Saturday, 10 a.m. - Panera Bread/Howley Bread Group announces the 3rd Annual Panera Bread Spook-a-Thon to benefit the Connecticut Sports Foundation (CSF) based in Old Saybrook. The family-fun pre Halloween party encourages fundraising teams to "Dress Up to Scare Cancer" and walk in masquerade or dance to the music of live bands. There will also be a Haunted Locker Room and batty cages, hay rides, a bouncy house, cookie decorating and trick-or-treating, as well as pie eating and costume contests for prizes. Bagels, pastries and coffee will be provided by Panera Bread during the morning check-in from 10 a.m. until 110 a.m. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available at lunchtime for a nominal donation to CSF. Register your team today at www.spookathonct.org to start raising funds today or tickets are just $5 at the door.

Halloween Mask-Making Workshop

Saturday, 1 p.m. - Make your own spook-tacular mask and enjoy cider and cookies. This event is open to people of all ages. The cost is $5 per person or $10 per family. It is free for kids who wear their Halloween costumes. It is also free with regular admission for house tours and for Connecticut Landmarks members. More information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/520924831317986/.

Sarah Trowbridge: Journey to the 2012 Olympics
Saturday, 5 p.m. - Connecticut native and 2012 Olympian Sarah Trowbridge has made six national teams from 2007-2012, highlighted by two golds and four silvers at international championships. Trowbridge will discuss both setback and triumphs on her journey to the Olympics and her experiences competing in the women’s double sculls. The event is open to the public and free of charge. Donations gratefully accepted. Seating is limited, so please arrive early.

"Unite Against Bullies" Pageant

Sunday, 9 a.m. - Connecticut's 2013 USA "Unite Against Bullies" Pageant will be hosted by Miss Teen USA 2012, Logan West, the first state resident ever to win the Miss Teen USA competition. West seeks to raise awareness and funds to support her national educational foundation - "Unite Against Bullies Today." The pageant, holistic and natural, has a mission to help boys and girls, young men and women, to develop self-confidence, poise, public speaking and interview skills, a sense of fashion, modeling experience, perform a special talent, and develop an appreciation for community service. Further, West will be recruiting and educating anti-bullying ambassadors to promote her message and program throughout Connecticut and the United States. October is anti-bully awareness month across America. For information, application, and sponsor opportunities, visit ctusaextravaganzapageant.moonfruit.com.

Fall Foliage Walk in the Arboretum
Sunday, 10 a.m. - Set aside an hour to enjoy the beauty of the brilliant fall color in the Arboretum with Glenn Dreyer, the Charles and Sarah P. Becker ’27 Director of the Arboretum. He will point out the species with the most colorful foliage, and also explain a bit of the science behind the phenomena. Registration is suggested. Contact Kathy Dame at ktdam@conncoll.edu.

L+M Community Baby Shower
Sunday, 10 a.m. - All expectant and new parents are invited to the annual community baby shower at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital on Sunday. The annual event gives expectant and new parents the opportunity to learn about hospital programs and community resources, as well as meet with vendors. Tours of the hospital’s maternity unit will also be available. Area health care providers will also be on hand to answer questions and discuss pregnancy and baby health information. Raffles and giveaways will happen throughout the day, too. There is no cost for the event. Reservations are not required. For more information, contact Leigh-Anne Sastre at 860-442-0711, ext. 2300.

The Power of Purple Hot Cider Walk and Rally
Sunday, noon - This event will take place rain or shine and registration will begin at noon. The Walk around Washington Park and Historic Groton will begin at 1 p.m. Refreshments, resources, and a rally will take place at 2:30 p.m. The event is free. Pre-Register at www.SafeFuturesCT.org. First registrants will receive t-shirts. Teams are welcome. For more information, call 860-884-8945.


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