Connecticut shines brightest when we come together to celebrate the many cultures, traditions, and voices that shape our communities. From restaurants to music, sports, and festivals, our state’s diversity enriches daily life and it’s up to us to support and uplift the businesses, artists, and events that make it possible.
Located in the middle of a lively, diverse Manchester community, the UR Community Tech Center and Cycling Without Age Manchester thrive on the culture and connections all around us. This weekend’s Silk City Fest in Manchester will bring the community together. Stop by for a ride on our rickshaw.
Some of my favorite ways to experience different cultures is by trying new foods, savoring Asian, Ecuadorian, British, and Thai cuisine as I travel around the state. But culture is more than just what’s on our plates. It’s found in the laughter of local comedians, in the powerful words of poets like Manchester’s Poet Laureate Nadia Sims, if you get a chance to see her, ask her about her hot dog poem, you will be laughing for days.
The upcoming months are filled with opportunities to honor and learn from one another’s traditions:
September: Hispanic Heritage Month! Please join us in celebrating at our Salsa of Manchester fundraiser on Sept. 15th, from 5-8 pm at Frontera Grill. Reserve your table at this wonderful Mexican restaurant, located at 170 Slater Street, Manchester by clicking here. Watch this family business in action, I got to see the whole family in action!
October: Filipino American History Month, German American Heritage Month, Italian American Heritage Month, Polish American Heritage Month, Global Diversity Awareness Month, LGBTQ History Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
November: National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, Diwali, and more…
December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Human Rights Day, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
Every celebration is a chance to support local businesses, attend cultural events, and listen to the voices that make our state so vibrant. When we show up, whether at a family-owned restaurant, a cultural fair, or a community performance, we’re not just enjoying a meal or an event; we’re strengthening the fabric of Connecticut.
Let’s commit to celebrating, learning, and lifting up the people and cultures that make our state so extraordinary. Together, we can ensure Connecticut continues to thrive as a welcoming, diverse, and inspiring place for all.
Being gluten-free, I have found it’s easiest for me to eat at Mexican, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese restaurants. I love trying new dishes! Please feel free to send us a gift card, and we will create a video showing our favorite dishes.
I had the opportunity to go to Frontera Grill in Manchester this week, and the owner’s daughter showed me around. Check out our YouTube video by clicking here.
Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director, UR Community Cares
860-430-4557
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