On July 20, 2006, Willimantic's Third Thursday celebration will be bursting with sunshine!  Community Health Network of Connecticut, Inc., The One with The Sun!, presents the finale of SOLARTz: What is your interpretation of the sun? Contest at the Windham Art Center and Gallery (located at 866 Main Street in Willimantic).  Over 100 entries have been received from Willimantic Middle School students. All of the contestants will perform and show their art, dance, poetry and music to be judged by a panel consisting of volunteers from local Windham County organizations such as The Access Agency, Generations Family Health Center, Windham Art Center and Gallery, WILI AM/FM radio station, Windham Chamber of Commerce, and more. 

This is not just an ordinary contest-the top three winners in each of the four categories-Visual Art, Poetry, Dance and Music-will win cash prizes-1^st place wins $500, 2^nd place wins $250, and 3^rd place wins $100!  "Providing this contest is a way we can offer unique programs for Connecticut communities," stated Jacqueline Buster, Director of Marketing & Community Relations at CHNCT.  "Willimantic is so supportive of the Arts, we just knew it was the best community to hold the first Sol Artz contest.  We wanted this initiative to truly allow students to pursue their love of the Arts.  We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the local organizations and are completely taken aback by the talent of the students here."

For those who would like a sneak peak at the entries, the art will be on display at the Windham Arts Center and Gallery from July 11^th through August 3^rd between the hours of 12:00 noon- 5:00 pm.  The Windham Area Arts Collaborative's mission is to foster and promote the arts and cultural life of the Windham region.  The multifaceted, multidisciplinary arts organization includes gallery spaces, a public performance space, and artist work studios. Join us there for the conclusion of this extraordinary contest! 

Community Health Network of CT, Inc, The One with The Sun, located in Wallingford, CT is a not-for-profit community health plan that provides free or low cost health insurance to children and families in CT who qualify for the HUSKY program --HUSKY is Healthcare for Uninsured Kids and Youth in CT.  We recently also started administering the SAGA program in CT. CHNCT is committed to building healthier communities throughout the state in collaboration with our staff, healthcare professionals, provider sites and members.  For more information on what CHNCT has to offer, call 1-888-SUN-2345 or log onto our website at www.chnct.org.