A documentary for teens, an event for families and a Manresa Island study workshop

Updated, 1:39 p.m.: Manresa Island survey link made functional.

NORWALK, Conn. —  Here’s a sampling of imminent Norwalk happenings:

• A documentary: ‘Screenagers’
• YMCA free community event
• Workshop for Manresa Island Reuse Study

SoNo Library offering two screenings of ‘Screenagers’

The SoNo Branch Library and the Friends of the Norwalk Public Library is hosting a  screening of “Screenagers” with Spanish subtitles, from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the branch, 10 Washington St.

“Young people spend an average of 6.5 hours a day on cell phones, computers and other devices,” a press release said. “That doesn’t include the time they use screens for school and homework. The documentary explores parental struggles over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction and offers solutions to help kids find balance.”

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion, with Norwalkers Tristan Fields, KIPP NYC teacher; Eloisa Melendez, Norwalk Common Council member; Eric Niederer, Esq., Co-Chair SpEd Partners; Vicki Oatis, Norwalk Public Library Director of Children’s Services; Daniel Rodriguez, Norwalk Public Library—SoNo Branch Library Assistant; Darlene Young, City of Norwalk Human Relations & Fair Rent and Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program.

The documentary will be shown again from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, with a different panel of Norwalk residents and Norwalk Public Schools representatives: Craig Creller, Norwalk Public Schools Instructional Specialist – Math; Yvel C. Crevecoeur, Ph.D., Norwalk Board of Education member; Julia Moore, Founder/President, YLTrapped Organization Inc. Mentoring Program; Lisa Story, Norwalk Public Library Teen Librarian; and Ralph Valenzisi, Norwalk Public Schools Chief of Technology, Innovations & Partnerships.

Norwalk YMCA’s FREE Community Celebration

The Norwalk YMCA is holding a “free community event to inspire more kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active,” a press release said.

The event, from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at Mount Zion Baptist Church, located at 96 South Main St., will feature kids activities including arts and crafts, face painting and games, DJ Billy Bush from HOT 93.7, Zumba, health & wellness screenings and services, informational displays from local merchants, door prizes, handouts & giveaways, demonstrations, and “so much more!” the release said.

The release said:

“Norwalk YMCA’s Community Celebration aims to get more kids and families moving and learning.   ‘As part of the Y’s commitment to healthy living, through Norwalk YMCA’s Community Celebration our goal is to improve the health and well-being of kids and families and inspire habits they can continue throughout their lives,’ said Bob McDowell, CEO, Riverbrook Regional YMCA.

“In celebration of Norwalk YMCA’s Community Celebration, the Y offers the following tips to help families develop healthy habits:

“High Five the Fruits and Veggies – Make sure kids get at least five servings a day, the minimum number nutritionists recommend to maintain healthy childhood development.

• “Foster an Early and Ongoing Passion for Books – Read to and with your kids. Help children read at every age and every stage of their development.
• “Team Up for Athletic Events – Set a family goal of great health by teaming up for community or charity events like races, walks, fun runs. Bike rides, etc.
• “Volunteer Together – Find a cause that matters to the kids. Open their eyes to a world beyond themselves and the rich rewards that come from making a difference.
• “Lead By Example – Be a good role model – kids can be influenced by seeing how hard their parents work at home or on the job, and how rewarding that experience is.

“For more information, contact the Norwalk YMCA at 203.762.8384 x213.”

Public workshop Monday for Manresa Island Reuse Study 

Norwalk is working in a public/private partnership with the Manresa Association and their consultant, Fitzgerald & Halliday Inc. of Hartford, to conduct an economic analysis and develop a reuse plan for the former Manresa Island Power Plant property.

In support of this effort, a public workshop will be conducted at 6 p.m. Monday, May 22, in the City Hall Community Room, Mayor Harry Rilling announced in a press release.

The workshop will begin with an open house session that will be followed by a formal presentation starting at 6:30 pm.

“Residents are invited to take an online survey to help the team and consultants learn more about what you think,” the press release said.

You can take the survey here. 

The release said:

“The goal of this effort is to assess potential future uses of the property and to identify measures that the City can take to encourage a desirable reuse of the property.  Mayor Rilling noted that ‘the City seeks to ensure that future uses of the site will add to the health and well-being of Norwalk, be complimentary to the surrounding neighborhoods, and will adequately address environmental concerns associated with the site.’

“Fitzgerald & Halliday Inc. is the lead consultant on this project and is working closely with the City of Norwalk and the Manresa Association.  Inquiries can be directed to Francisco Gomes, Senior Project Manager.”