National Line Dance Week

1. According to Weather.com, the Tolland forecast calls for isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon with strong winds and small hail possible. The high will reach 80˚F. Tonight, skies will be clear with a low of 57˚F. 

2. You can stop by the Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to say Hi to your local Patch editors and reporters, discuss goings on in your community, score some free Patch schwag, or just suggest new features, articles or other news you’d like to see on Patch. And, of course, they’ll still be all the fresh, bountiful, locally grown produce you’ve come to expect from the MCC Farmers’ Market available for purchase. The market is held Wednesdays from late June through Oct. 19 at the Manchester Bicentennial Band Shell on the MCC campus.

3. This week, September 12 to 17, is a week to celebrate line dancing. Annually, on the second Monday in September through the following Saturday, is National Line Dance Week. Although many country music clubs have closed in Connecticut since the 1990s, line dancing is still a great way to exercise and meet people, and fortunately enough, we've got line dance resources nearby.
 
4. Joanna's Cafe in Somers offers a beginner's line dancing class on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. followed by an intermediate skill level line dancing class at 7:20 p.m. , please contact Kevin and Lynn Connolly at 1-413-783-1447 or via email at two4kix8@aol.com.
 
Also nearby, the Knights of Columbus hall on Elm Street in Windsor Locks has line dancing through the East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department. All levels and all ages are welcome for these sessions, which take place three times a year – fall, winter and spring. To register, visit East Hartford Parks and Recreation at this link.
 
At the Mansfield Community Center, folks from age 14 and upcan sign up for line dancing classes with instructor Sandra Burbage. Their online brochure can be found here and will provide you with cost, date and other details.
 
Seniors can check with their local senior centers, as many now offer line dancing. Also visit the World Line Dance Newsletter for other line dancing contacts and locations in Connecticut.
 
5. Whether you're looking to dance, ride a mechanical bull or relax to the twang of country tunes in a rustic saloon, there are still a few of these country bars left in Connecticut, although they are few and far between. 
 
The Cadillac Ranch in Southington has been called New England's Nashville showcase and features dance lessons, line dancing, a mechanical bull and live music. Past performers have included Wynonna Judd and Brad Paisley. Visit them online or give at call at860-621-8805 for upcoming events.
 
The Georgetown Saloon in West Redding has won Best Live Music Spot awards in recent years and features open mic nights and, of course, live music acts. They even have kids karaoke, Lobster Nights and other special events. They can be found online or reached at 203-544-8003.
 
Illusions Dance Club in Wolcott is by no means a country bar, but rather a sports bar with pool tables and sports on TV. However, they do offer country dance lessons and a mechanical bull. Visit them online for details or give a call at 203-879-4785.
 
If you know of other country bars or organizations that teach folks how to scoot, shuffle, shimmy and slide, drop me a line atbarbbres@live.com, and I'll feature them in a future "5 Things" column.