Mini-Grants Awarded

OLD SAYBROOK - The awardees of eight mini-grants have been announced at a Feb. 6 ceremony at the Saybrook Point Pavilion as part of a partnership between the Youth and Family Services Commission and the Healthy Communities Healthy Youth program.

According to a commission press release, "For asset building to be woven into the fabric of community life, it needs to be reinforced everywhere - in homes, schools, congregations, places of employment, service clubs, organizations, and policy making offices."

A grant received by the Acton Public Library will go toward a weekly intergenerational knitting program and chess club.

The programs are meant to foster connections between elementary school students and older role models and the project is open to all members of the community.

The Estuary Council of Seniors will use their grant towards promoting the sport of billiards by having their billiards club teach skills to middle school students during a multi-week program.

Advancing a rocket launch outreach program is how the Cub Scout Pack 21 will use their grant.

Senior scouts will work closely with younger children in the elementary school's homework club to build rockets planned to be launched during Family Day festivities.

Visitors going to The General William Hart House will see first-hand how the Old Saybrook Historical Society is using their grant through their junior docent project.

High school students will provide historical information to the public after being mentored and trained by Historical Society members

The Old Saybrook High School Book Club will use their grant toward coordinating a book fair.

Proceeds from the book fair, which will be open to community members, students, and faculty members, will go toward the school's library.

The club will also meet with staff members of the Acton Public Library on deciding new materials for the Library's teen section.

During the club's monthly meetings, potential books will be discussed and selected by the students.

Tracy Art Center will be using their grant to organize and assist with a Saturday Art Club for students in grades six through eight.