Event Schedule
Community Day 2010
Saturday, April 17
You may view and print out a copy of the event schedule here.
Remember to bring your bikes for a free spring safety check at the bike rodeo.
Mobile Petting Zoo
(Lot B, top of main parking area)
It's a zoo on wheels. Sponsored by the Hawk Spirit wing of our newest campus residence, Hawk Hall.
Mark Twain Triple Anniversary
Community Day joins the national celebration of Mark Twain in 2010. It's the 100th anniversary of his death, the 125th anniversary of the publication of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and the 175th anniversary of his birth.
Old-Time Trolley
(Board at circle in front of The Hartt School)
Relive the old and get a preview of the new. Take an old-time trolley ride down Mark Twain Drive to the University High School of Science and Engineering. Teachers and students from UHSSE will show off their new school and share their outstanding and eye-opening projects with the community. After all, Twain had a love within him for science and technology. Shuttle runs continuously with departures from both the main campus and UHSSE every 20 minutes.
President's College Marathon Reading: The Works of Mark Twain
(Mortensen Library)
The President's College continues its tradition of keeping literature and language both alive and fun. This year, enjoy or take part in a marathon reading from Mark Twain's works, including from the classic, Adventures of Tom Sawyer. In the event of rain, thius marathon reading will be held in Mortensen Library.
Meet Mark Twain
Our Twain presenter brings this American icon to life. Long before he had white hair and wore his famous white suit, Mark Twain was touring the country—and the world— entertaining packed houses every evening with his wit, wisdom, and musery. Twain's humorous, wise, and slightly irreverent counsel is as needed today as it was then— perhaps more. Watch for Mr. Twain walking around the event site with formal shows kicking off the President's College marathon reading at 11 a.m. in Mortensen Library and then at 2:15 p.m. in Mark Twain Alley (Gengras Student Union).
Mark Twain Alley
Family activities to celebrate this American icon. White-picket fence painting, mechanical frog jumping, bookmark decorating, and more.
Mark Twain House Exhibit
(Mortensen Library)
A selected group of exhibits from Hartford's renowned Mark Twain House will be on display.
University of Hartford Bookstore
(Gray Center, west wing)
Mark Twain sketchbooks, Huckleberry Finn, and Tom Sawyer books will be given away to the first 50 Community Day guests who visit the bookstore. Free drawing for TV/DVD player combo and basketball hoop. Search through the Buck-a-Book clearance featuring books for kids and adults.
Health, Wellness, and Safety
Bike Rodeo
(Parking Lot K-Visitor)
Join the Physical Therapy Student Association for this important bicycle safety clinic. Bring your bikes and be ready for the spring and summer biking season. Helmets courtesy of CCMC as supplies last. Additional safety give-away items for bike rodeo participants. In the event of rain, this event will be inside Gengras Student Union (no riding). If the weather is more showery, look for the canopy at the top of the main parking area (Lot B).
Project Horizon Interactive Zone
(Gengras Student Union)
Comfort station, blood-pressure and heart-rate checks, the "Nurse is In" consultation area, and more. Project Horizon is a University of Hartford community outreach initiative focusing on hands-on caring and education.
Safety Row
(Lawn)
Tips and demonstrations from local, state, and University public service agencies.
Visual and Performing Arts
Musical Performances
In Concert: Lifted
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Gengras Student Union
Hartford, Connecticut's new up-and-coming band, Lifted, has been conquering local clubs and venues since its live debut in September 2009. Hailing from New Hampshire, Maryland, and Connecticut, the members of Lifted can be described as some of the premier musicians in their genre. The musicians of Lifted all currently attend the University of Hartford. With every member enrolled in The Hartt School, it is no wonder why the band is able to achieve such dynamic range. Alex Petropulos is on drums and vocals, Ari Lesser on guitar and vocals, and Chris Petropulos on keyboards and vocals.
In Concert: The New Band!
1 to 3 p.m., Gengras Student Union
Members of Farmington Valley bands "Back In Time" and "The Threads" have joined together to form "The New Band!" with University of Hartford VP for Student Affairs Lee Peters on guitar, harmonica and vocals. Also featuring Roger Auclair on keyboards and vocals, Jonathan Edwards on drums, T. Fleisher on guitar and vocals,and Kenn Johnson on bass. The New Band! provides a smooth yet eclectic mix of blues, some jazzy tunes and good old rock and roll.
Family-Friendly Play: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
2 p.m., Auerbach Auditorium on the lower level of Hillyer Hall
Dramatis Personae, the drama club on campus, will perform its special free children's production for Community Day guests.
Be An Anchor Interactive TV Experience
Be a TV star for a day—or at least a few minutes. Deliver a newscast at the anchor desk and then take home a DVD with you. Current wait times and guide near main food area outside Gray Center. DVDs and related supplies courtesy of Follett Campus Bookstore.
Joseloff Gallery Exhibition
(Gray Center, west wing)
Chuck Close: A Couple of Ways of Doing Something. A traveling exhibition from the Aperture Foundation featuring photographs by Chuck Close and poems by Bob Holman.
Sherman Museum of Jewish Civilization
(11 a.m. to 2 p.m., inside Mortensen Library entrance)
Welcome to Fox CT TV and Connecticut's Biggest Mouth
Auditions held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
FOX CT television is searching for Connecticut’s Biggest Mouth. The TV station is looking for THE most opinionated person in the state of Connecticut—someone who isn’t afraid to speak his or her mind about anything and everything. Contestants get one minute to say their piece on a topic(s) of their choosing. No scripts, no retakes—just one minute “off the cuff” to say what they are thinking. Look for the FOX CT booth to register and audition to be Connecticut’s Biggest Mouth.
Kids Zone
events held on Gengras and Gray Center lawns and Gengras back patio (inside Gengras Student Union in the event of rain)
Bounce Houses
Bounce, crawl, climb, and slide with our always popular bounce houses.
Sand Art
Kids love to fill these fun-shaped containers with colorful sand. Sponsored by Phi Gamma.
Balloon Artist
Get a twist to your day, courtesy of Educational Main Street, celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Howie the Hawk
The University's popular athletics mascot is always a hit with the youngsters.
Face Painting
Stations on Gengras back patio and in Gray Center quad. Sponsored by Panhel, an organization of University of Hartford campus sororities.
Circus Workshop
1 to 2:30 p.m., Gengras lawn
Juggling lessons, dance sticks, plate spinning, hula hoops, and more. Presented by Juggle Joy, Summer Place's artists in residence.
Math Toss
It's a game of numbers, sponsored by Beta Alpha Psi accounting and finance honor society.
Bag Decorating
Regents Park and Park River, two student residential communities on the University of Hartford campus, sponsor this bag-decorating station.
Kiddie Pool Color Ducks
Kids match color game pieces to rubber ducks in a small pool and walk away with a goody bag. Sponsored by the staffs of Regents Park and Park River.
Water Balloon Toss
Presented by the Student Government Association
The Sporting Life
Division I live sporting events
Hartford Hawks Lacrosse vs. Vermont, Alumni Stadium, 1 p.m.
Hartford Hawks Baseball vs. Albany, Fiondella Field, 1:30 p.m.
A special treat for Community Day guests. Admission to either or both events is free for adults and children with a validated Community Day passport. Pick one up at either information center. In the event of a steady rain, baseball will not be played. Lacrosse will be played in any weather with the exception of a thunderstorm.
Hartford Hawks Sports Circle
Gengras lawn
Meet student-athletes and have the kids test try skills in a variety of sports. Youngsters will also learn about the importance of good sportsmanship.
University of Hartford Cheerleading Team
11:30 a.m. performance on Gengras lawn
Root, root, root for the home team. The cheerleaders will perform and then work with youth on some of their favorite cheers.
Student Showcase
University High School of Science and Engineering
(Take trolley boarding at Hartt circle)
Come welcome the newest school to the University campus and be amazed. Three students from a small high school accepted early decision to M.I.T.—that says it all. Learn about this amazing high school and meet the students, teachers, and administrators.
Food
Dessert Table
Brownies, cookies, chocolate. It’s our popular dessert table courtesy of the students, teachers, and staff of the University of Hartford Magnet School.
Dorothy Goodwin Café
Stop by the University's newest gathering spot at the entrance to Mortensen Library. Coffee and other hot beverages for sale.
New England barbecue
(Gengras lawn by Bank of America)
Hot dogs, hamburgers, snacks, and cold drinks available at family-friendly prices.
Community Engagement
Center for Community Service: Hartford for Haiti Cash Cube
(Gengras lawn)
The University's Center for Community Service continues its efforts to support the recovery efforts in Haiti. Community Day guests are invited to play and win some great prizes while donating to an important cause. Prizes include gift certificates to local restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
Great American Bake Sale
(Gengras Student Union, Suisman Lounge)
Help support ending childood hunger. Children will also have a chance to decorate their favorite-character NickJR cupcakes.
Get on the Ball
It's hard to miss the giant ball that members of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity roll around. It's all part of the organization's philanthropic efforts for the Children's Miracle Network. Add your signature to the many on the ball and show your support. (All are encouraged to sign the ball, a donation is not required.)
Informational/Exhibit Booths
(located on Gengras lawn or inside Gengras in Suisman Lounge unless otherwise indicated. In the event of rain, all of the below in Gengras Student Union)
SummerPlace Programs
Learn more about the five camp opportunities each summer for children from preschool through grade 12.
Kinderplace and Li'l Place Open House
(held from 11 a.m. to noon at the University of Hartford Magnet School)
A perfect opportunity for families to learn about these programs for Summer Place's youngest campers.
University Physical Therapy
Stop by and learn more about this clinic, located on campus, which welcomes patients from across the region.
Center for Professional Development/Entrepreneurial Center
At one time in our lives, we all face the inevitable question: What is my next step? The goal at the University's Center for Professional Development is to help you determine where you are going and how to get there. The Center specializes in management/leadership development, retention strategies, individual career management, professional development, and entrepreneurial training.
Special Olympics Connecticut
Once again this May, the University will host the Special Olympics Connecticut Eastern Regional Games. Learn about this event and volunteer opportunities.
Best Buddies
A University chapter of the national organization that places individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in one-on-one friendships with University students.
West Hartford News
The West Hartford News, a free community newspaper, will be on site to cover
the event, take photographs, meet neighbors, and offer instant updates live from Community Day to its online followers via Twitter.
Education First Educational Homestay Programs
EFHSP is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering international education, language learning and cultural exchange at the middle school and high school level. This year, more than 3,500 students from nearly 20 countries will take part in a uniquely American experience. The organization will bring 127 students to the Greater Hartford area to live with volunteer host families.
University Resource Center
Take a free copy of the University's colorful magazine, collect information about our undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and pick up our summer-course schedule.
Informer
The University of Hartford's student newspaper invites children to pick up short newspaper stories and color the corresponding pictures.
Hartt School Community Division
A comprehensive community arts school providing instruction in music and dance for individuals of all ages and experience levels, the HCD is a valuable resource for the Greater Hartford community. Discover a program that's righth for you or your child.