September 14: National Line Dance Week

1. There is a 20 percent chance of rain today and the high temperature is 83 °F. It will be partly sunny and the wind will come from the south, becoming west, at speeds between 5 mph and 9 mph. There is a 20 percent chance of rain tonight and the overnight low is 57 °F. The wind will come from the west at a speed of about 6 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

2. The Suffield Board of Finance approved additional funds of about $175,000 to be moved from the Town Hall renovation fund to a fund for a fire pump needed at Suffield High School.

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 at 860-621-8805 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 at barbbres@live.com, and I'll feature them in a future "5 Things" column.