Event Schedule

Photo Gallery

NEW FOR 2008
Extreme Trampoline Show
(performances at 11:30, 1, and 2:30/Lawn)
Flippenout Productions has been bringing extreme trampoline shows, featuring Olympic medalists and world champions, to major league sporting events and festivals worldwide. These explosive shows feature 25 feet of height, snowboards, skis, triple flips and crazy twists and much more! Held outdoors rain or shine, so plan accordingly.
Trolley to and Tour of the Mort and Irma Handel Performing Arts Center
(departs from front of Fuller Music Center at 11:15/45, 12:15/45, 1:15/45, and 2:15)
Relive the old and get a preview of the new. Take a trolley ride down the road to the University's soon-to-open Mort and Irma Handel Performing Arts Center. There, you'll enjoy a brief guided tour of this exciting new center for dance and theatre, located at one of the key gateways to the City of Hartford.
Webster's Dictionary Marathon Relay Kickoff
(Chernak-Fox Park adjacent to the front steps of Gengras Student Union)
The University's President's College teams up with West Hartford's historic Noah Webster House to kick off a six-month marathon reading of the contents of the 1828 edition of Webster's Dictionary (approximately 63,000 headwords) that will conclude at the Noah Webster House's 250th-anniversary celebration of the lexicographer's birth in October.
Premiere Showing of UHarriet Women's Living History Project
(showings at 1 and 2:30 with a Q&A panel discussion in between, Gengras WCC)
Wick Griswold, assistant professor of sociology at Hillyer College, led a group of University of Hartford faculty and students (including Educational Main Street), Harriet Beecher Stowe Center staff, Fox middle school girls and their grandmothers in creating a video/oral history of Hartford women’s social activism in the last half of the 20th century. The resulting video history documentary will have its premiere showings at Community Day. Video segments from the life and work of Harriet Beecher Stowe will be interspersed with the grandmothers’ oral histories, demonstrating the ongoing, living legacy to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s commitment to Hartford and social activism.

CELEBRATING EARTH DAY WEEKEND
Park River Watershed Revitalization Initiative Presentation and Display
(formal presentation at 11:15 in Gengras WCC, exhibits on display throughout event)
Electronic and posterboard presentations offering a bit of history, current urban infrastructure improvements, and a summary of how our lifestyle choices impact our local environment.
Living the Green Dream Production and Display
(production at noon in Gengras WCC, exhibits on display throughout event)
With just a little effort, families can have a profound impact on the environment. This production features kids sharing ideas about "living green" with other kids and their parents. Presented by The Green Vibration.
Nature Photo Display
(Gengras Student Union, Wilson Conference Room)
Award-winning local photographer Jeff Feldmann shares some of his favorite photos of the Park and Connecticut Rivers. Enter a free drawing for one of Jeff's scenic Connecticut River photographs, framed and ready to be hung.
The Environment Wing in Hawk Hall
(Lawn)
Students living in a special environment wing of our newest residence, Hawk Hall, will hand out mini pots of soil for youngsters to take home. Environmental information sheets for children will also be distributed. Sponsored by Student Government Association.
Department of Environmental Protection Exhibit
(Gengras Student Union)
Learn how Connecticut families and visitors alike are enjoying all the recreational resources and outdoor activities available in Connecticut's state parks, forests and waterways.
Girl Scouts of Connecticut Display
(Gengras Student Union)
Stop by and see the effects that pesticides have on our waterways.
Joseloff Gallery Exhibition: Beyond Green: Toward a Sustainable Art
(Joseloff Gallery, west wing of Gray Center)
Balancing environmental, social, economic, and aesthetic concerns, sustainable design has the potential to transform everyday life and is reshaping the fields of architecture and product design. This exhibition explores the ways in which sustainable design philosophy resonates with the work of an emerging generation of international artists.
Earth Day Bookfest
(Bookstore, Gray Center west wing)
Books on display, and available for purchase, celebrating Connecticut's natural history, sustainability, and the environment. A carbon footprint education and calculation station will be avialble for kids. Special guest Dr. Sandy Anagnostakis, a horticultural scientist with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, will appear between 11 and 1, signing copies of two books that contain her expert writings on the comeback of the American chestnut tree.

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
Instrumental Show 'N Play
(Gengras Student Union)
Students from The Hartt School's chapter of the National Association for Music Education let youngsters experience a range of orchestral instruments.
The Joy of Ballet
(11:15 and 1:30 in Gengras South Cafeteria)
A 30-minute preview of what it takes to be a ballet dancer. Led by Susan Brooker, this program includes demonstrations and performances by dancers from The Hartt School Community Division Dance Department's Intensive Ballet Program.
Dance Classes
(Berkman Auditorium, Fuller Music Building)
Each session scheduled for 45 minutes with start times as follows: hip hop lesson, 11:15; "Be A Ballerina" ballet stories and class, noon and 2:15; jazz dance lesson, 12:45; swing dance lesson, 1:30.
Piano Concert
(noon to 1 in Gengras South Cafeteria)
Enjoy solo piano performances by students from The Hartt School Community Division.
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, A Short Children's Play
(performed at noon in Auerbach Auditorium on the first floor of Hillyer Hall)
The University Players and Dramatis Personae present Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes and adapted by Kevin Kling.
The Epilogue Student Illustration Exhibit
(Silpe Gallery, Hartford Art School)
Illustration students share their works in this special show featuring the eye-opening work of the senior class.
Be An Anchor Interactive TV Experience
(Kent McCray Television Studio, Gray Center east wing)
Have you dreamed about being on TV? Here's your moment of fame as you sit at the anchor desk and, with the videotape rolling, deliver the Olympic news recap in our state-of-the-art TV Studio.
First Steps in Music Classes
(sessions at 11 a.m. and noon in Fuller Music Center Room 120)
The Hartt School Community Division invites families of young children to sample First Steps in Music, a series of music and movement classes for youngsters, birth to five, and their parent or caregiver. Based on the rich body of traditional children's folk songs and rhymes, these classes are intended to enable all children to reach their full potential in music and movement. Children, parents and siblings (for Community Day only) are welcome to enjoy this exciting introduction to music and movement. Come join Connie Greenwood, singer, guitarist and educator. Special chance for children to make their own paper tambourines at the end of each session.
Rhythm & Spirit Drum Circle
(Gray Center Ampitheater)
This drum circle will consist of children (of all ages) coming together to participate in a creative and self-expressive experience of unity and community. Instruments provided on a first-come, first served basis.
University of Hartford Dance Team
(11:45 a.m. performance followed by workshop with kids/Lawn)
Watch the dance team go through a routine or two and then join them.
Musical Performances
Students from the Hartt School Community Division will perform throughout the day outside of the University Bookstore and at the Community Division information booth near the walkway adjacent to the Fuller Music Center.
UHa Steppaz
(1 p.m., Gengras South Cafeteria)
Step in and watch this step dance performance.
Joseloff Gallery Exhibition: Beyond Green: Toward a Sustainable Art
(Joseloff Gallery, west wing of Gray Center)
See detailed listing in Earth Day category above.
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HEALTH, WELLNESS AND SAFETY
Project Horizon Interactive Zone
(Gengras Student Union)
Yoga, meditation, holistic eating, and more. Blood pressure and heart rate station. Project Horizon is a University of Hartford community outreach initiative focusing on hands-on caring and education.
Bike Rodeo (bicycle safety clinic)
(Held in Parking Lot K)
Just in time for the spring and summer biking season! Presented by the Physical Therapy Student Association. Be sure to bring your bikes.
University Physical Therapy
(Gengras Student Union)
Stop by and learn more about the services of this clinic, which welcomes patients year-round from Greater Hartford.
Safety Row
(Lawn)
Tips and demonstrations from local, state, and University public service agencies. Fire prevention education.
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THE SPORTING LIFE
Youth Soccer Hour
(noon to 1/Lawn)
Practice your soccer skills with the University of Hartford women's soccer team. Children of all ages and skill levels welcome.
Hawks Softball vs. Albany
(1 p.m. doubleheader, fair weather only)
Head on down to our new fields and catch all the excitement as the Hawks meet America East Conference foe Albany. Special free admission when you mention Community Day at the gate.
Hartford Hawks Sports Circle
(Lawn)
Shoot, hit, and swing. You'll meet University of Hartford student-athletes in the process.
Presented by the Student-Athlete Advisory Council.
Fencing Demonstration
(1:30 p.m., Gray Center quad)
This sport has been featured at every modern Olympics and today you'll get an up-close look at this fascinating competitive sport.
University of Hartford Cheerleading Team
(performance at 1:15 followed by workshop with kids/Lawn)
Root, root, root for the home team. The cheerleaders will perform and then work with youth on some of their favorite cheers.
Howie the Hawk
He's been a fixture at Community Day and has been spotted kicking the soccer ball, being filmed at the TV studio, or just mingling with guests. Be sure to stop Howie and say hello.
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TOURS AND OPEN HOUSES
University of Hartford Magnet School Tours
(Held at 12:30 and 2:30)
Discover this appealing learning environment.
Kinderplace and Li'l Place Open House
(Held from 1 to 3 at the University of Hartford Magnet School)
A perfect opportunity for families to learn about these programs for Summer Place's youngest campers.
WWUH Radio Open House
(WWUH studios, Gray Center east wing)
Serving the greater Hartford community with alternative programming since 1968, WWUH (91.3 FM, wwuh.org) invites you to tour its studios, meet show hosts/station staff, and learn about volunteer opportunities.
Gray Conference Center Drop-By Tours
(Gray Center Rotunda)
Planning a business or social function? The Gray Conference Center may be the perfect venue. Stop in at any time today for a tour of the facilities, including meeting rooms and dining facilities.

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INFORMATIONAL/EXHIBIT BOOTHS
SummerPlace Programs
Learn more about the five different camp opportunities each summer for children from preschool through 12th grade.
The Hartt School Community Division
With nearly 2,700 students and a professional faculty of over 150 members, The Hartt School Community Division of the University of Hartford is a prestigious community arts school for music and dance. Learn about its programs for adults and children.
Special Olympics
More than 1,000 athletes from eastern and central Connecticut along with 300 coaches, family and friends, will be coming to the University of Hartford, and neighboring Weaver High School and Watkinson School, for the Special Olympics Connecticut Eastern Regional Games in May.
Relay for Life
The University will be participating come fall in Relay for Life in the fall, a fun-filled event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society.
Charter Oak Cultural Center
Charter Oak Cultural Center, “Hartford’s epicenter of cool,” is also one of the city’s best kept secrets. Located in an historic building just south of downtown, Charter Oak hosts art exhibits, dance performances, live theater (including the state’s only Spanish language theater), films, lectures and live music.

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KIDS ZONE
JuggleJoy Magic Workshop
(11:30 to 1:30/Gray Center Quad)
Create magic with JuggleJoy, artists-in-residence at Summer Place. Make and take home your own marvelous magic tricks. Learn the world’s fastest card trick, make objects vanish, pull a string right through your neck, and more. Step right up and discover the secrets that will amaze your family and friends!
Vex Robots
(Back Patio, Gengras)
Take a look at what students at the University High School of Science and Engineering have built. Then, try your hand at driving these tabletop robots.
Amusements
(Lawn)
A chance for the kids to bounce, crawl, and slide.
Goldfish
(Lawn)
Presented by the Student Government Association
Face Painting
(Back Patio, Gengras)
Courtesy of campus sororities
Arts and Crafts
(Back Patio, Gengras)
The Informer student newspaper at the University offers painting, coloring, and crafts. Sponsored by the Student Government Association

FOOD
Free snacks will be available as supplies last, courtesy of the University Bookstore, Coca-Cola, Rockland Bakery, Garelick Farms, and Frito Lay.

Complimentary brownie bar from the University of Hartford Magnet School.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, and soft pretzels will be available for purchase at special Community Day, family-friendly prices.

Our popular ice cream shop will be in the Gray Center Rotunda with $1 Coke and Root Beer floats and complimentary ice cream treats as they last.

PRIZE PASSPORT
Get your card stamped at select Community Day attractions and be eligible for one of more than a dozen great prizes. Courtesy of the Gray Conference Center, campus units, and area businesses. Prizes will be mailed out to winners the week of April 23.

SPECIAL THANKS
Special thanks to the University Red Caps, who will be greeting and directing you on campus today. We also extend our appreciation to members of service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, who, for the fourth consecutive year, are suppying full-day assistance at select event sites. We also extend a thank you to Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity, whose members are doing double duty today—helping with the prize passport and providing tours at the Mort and Irma Handel Performing Arts Center. Other student organizations have become involved in this special day, and they are recognized in the appropriate individual event listings.