On Saturday, March 26, 2011, the Drakeville Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting their 2^nd Annual Dinner and Comedy Show Fundraiser at the Torrington Elks Club.
This year, the event is co-sponsored by Carl’s True Value and Dick Cooper TV and Appliance. As you may know, many volunteer fire departments rely heavily on outside donations in order to maintain and operate their stations.
The proceeds from this event will be put towards the general fund of the Drakeville V.F.D. and be used towards training, equipment, and vehicle maintenance, as well as general operating expenses.
The doors will open at 6:30pm with a cash bar and raffle followed by a full dinner buffet beginning at 7:30pm. The two comedian show will begin at 8:30pm.
This year, we are pleased to welcome Jay-Dee and Justin McClure to the stage. Both are quite funny and will be sure to please everyone!
Tables seat eight and can be reserved accordingly. Tickets are $40 per person.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting Carl’s True Value, located at 78 North Elm Street, Torrington; or you can see any member of the department. Additional questions and tickets can also be obtained by contacting Kristen Harmon at (c) 860-387-3183 or (h) 860-201-4282.

For the 14th consecutive year, Alan Feinstein will divide $1 million among hunger fighting agencies nationwide to help raise funds during March and April 2011. The million dollars will be divided proportionally among all agencies participating in the "Million Dollar Challenge."

The more donations made to Friendly Hands Food Bank, Inc. from March 1 to April 30, the more they will receive from the Feinstein Challenge. These donations can include cash, checks and food items. Each food item will be counted as $1.00 per item.

All food donations must be totaled and signed for because documentation is very important. Please help us fight hunger in our area. You may bring donations to:

Friendly Hands Food Bank, Inc.
50 King Street
Torrington, CT 06790
Monday through Friday
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

BERLIN, CT - Twenty-six high school teams from CL & P and Yankee Gas' service territories have been awarded a total of $18,000 in grants to help fund their efforts in the upcoming 2011 FIRST Robotics Competition Northeast Utilities FIRST Connecticut Regional.

In January, teams were invited to apply for the grants.

Applications were judged on five items: team diversity, what types of fundraising the teams were involved with, how these teams have helped mentor other FIRST Robotics teams, and commitment and involvement in community service.

"We had twice as many applications from teams this year, compared to 2010, they were from across the state," said Jeff Butler, president and chief operating officer for CL & P. "It is not only great to see so many students showing an interest in the event, but what I find even more exciting is their interest in what is often referred to as "STEM" - science, technology, engineering and mathematics. There are skills that are vital to this country's future."

The team at Southington High School, the CyberKnights, received the largest grant at $3,000.

Five teams received the second largest grant of $1,000. Operation PEACCE - a 4-H/JC Penney Youth Robotics Team out of Explorations Charter School in Winsted were the recipients of a $1,000 grant.

There was a total of 20 teams that received $500 grants, several of which are from Litchfield County.

Watertown High School's team, Black Magic; Housatonic Valley Regional High School's team Who's CTEKS; and Litchfield High School's team, Litchbots were all recipients of the $500 grant.

The 2011 FIRST Competition Northeast Utilities FIRST Connecticut Regional is March 31 to April 2 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.