<![CDATA[Sheldon Oak - Blog]]>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:59:01 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Colorful Garden Beds]]>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:24:47 GMThttps://www.sheldonoak.org/blog/colorful-garden-bedsA huge shoutout to Heads Up! Hartford for their incredible work in our garden! 🌱🎨

Their amazing team spent two days prepping, painting, and sealing our garden beds, transforming them into vibrant works of art. They brought so much color, creativity, and life to our garden, all while working under the summer sun. The results are absolutely beautiful, and we couldn't be more grateful for their dedication and hard work.

They also joined us in celebrating our Northend/NHAH II reopening, making the day even more meaningful by sharing in the experience with our community.

As if that wasn't enough, Heads Up! Hartford generously provided us with two picnic tables that their youth participants built and stained themselves. These thoughtful contributions will provide a welcoming space for our children and families to gather, learn, and enjoy the garden for years to come.
​
Thank you, Heads Up! Hartford, for investing your time, talent, and generosity in our garden and our community. Your kindness has made a lasting impact, and we are truly thankful! 💚
]]><![CDATA[Northend Celebration]]>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:06:39 GMThttps://www.sheldonoak.org/blog/northend-celebrationOn June 25, we proudly celebrated the reopening of our Johnson-Stewart Community Center at 127 Martin St with the new police substation, laundromat, and newly renovated homes on Martin, Nelson, and Garden Streets.

The day was filled with community spirit, connection, and excitement as neighbors, partners, and supporters came together to mark this special milestone.

A heartfelt thank you to our local vendors, inspiring speakers, contributors, and everyone who joined us in making this celebration such a success. Your support and dedication continue to strengthen our community, and we're grateful to celebrate these new beginnings together!
]]><![CDATA[June Garden Updates]]>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:20:18 GMThttps://www.sheldonoak.org/blog/june-garden-updatesStay up to date with the latest news, seasonal highlights, and stories from our garden on 123-125 Martin St. For even more updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming events, follow us on our social media channels!
]]><![CDATA[Stay Connected with Sheldon Oak Central!]]>Mon, 21 Jul 2025 18:51:44 GMThttps://www.sheldonoak.org/blog/stay-connected-with-sheldon-oak-centralWant to stay updated on community news, housing opportunities, and upcoming events?
​
Follow Sheldon Oak Central, Inc. on all your favorite social media platforms!
Just click the icons below to connect with us, and don’t forget to like, share, and follow @SheldonOakCentral!

Together, we’re building stronger communities.
​
]]><![CDATA[Family & Friends Community Garden!]]>Mon, 21 Jul 2025 18:44:37 GMThttps://www.sheldonoak.org/blog/family-friends-community-garden
Picture
We are proud to introduce the new Family and Friends Community Garden located at 123-125 Martin St, adjacent to our Johnson-Stewart Community Center at 127 Martin Street. 

It was developed in response to requests from local residents who wanted a clean, green space and to grow fresh, healthy, and locally sourced food. The garden also serves as a place to beautify the neighborhood, foster community connections, and promote environmental education and skill-sharing. What makes this garden especially unique is its dedicated sensory area designed to support individuals, particularly children with autism. This inclusive space offers a calm and engaging environment, reflecting the community’s commitment to wellness, sustainability, and learning. 
​
Mission: Our mission is to cultivate a welcoming, inclusive green space where neighbors grow fresh, healthy food, build meaningful connections, and learn together. Rooted in sustainability and community wellness, our garden features a unique sensory area that supports individuals of all abilities, fostering beauty, education, and belonging for all.

The grand opening will take place on Friday, August 1, 2025.

]]><![CDATA[Exciting Update: The MLK Apartments Are Almost Ready!]]>Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:08:19 GMThttps://www.sheldonoak.org/blog/exciting-update-the-mlk-apartments-are-almost-readyWe’re thrilled to share that construction is nearly complete, and the brand-new MLK will soon be ready to welcome residents later this year!

This brand-new community offers spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes, thoughtfully designed for comfort, convenience, and a true sense of belonging. 

Scroll through the photos below for a sneak peek at the progress!
You’ll notice banners and QR codes onsite; feel free to scan them if you're in the area to learn more or share with friends.

Click the link below to join the Interest List, gather more information, and be the first to receive updates!

www.mlkhartford.com
​
]]><![CDATA[A Heartwarming Holiday Gathering at Vine St]]>Wed, 29 Jan 2025 17:57:12 GMThttps://www.sheldonoak.org/blog/a-heartwarming-holiday-gathering-at-vine-stDecember 25th, 2025
Our annual holiday gathering with the senior residents of Vine St was a heartwarming success! Some of our residents don’t have family nearby for the holidays, so this event was especially important in bringing everyone together. Thanks to the generosity of our Board members, staff, and donors, we were able to provide gift bags filled with necessities, toiletries, and fun recreational items.

Led by our Resident Service Coordinator and Community Engagement Manager, the day was filled with music, drum circles, games, and lively conversation. For those unable to attend, we delivered meals so everyone could join in the celebration, no matter where they were.
​
It was a day full of connection, joy, and community—reminding us all of the importance of togetherness during the holiday season. We’re already looking forward to next year!
]]><![CDATA[Celebrating the Season with Our Community]]>Thu, 07 Nov 2024 21:39:36 GMThttps://www.sheldonoak.org/blog/celebrating-the-season-with-our-community
This fall, we hosted a fun community event at the 54 S Prospect Center, where both kids and adults could enjoy a little seasonal joy. We handed out candy goodie bags, set up arts and crafts stations with activities like fall coloring pages, paint, and other crafts, and created a space for everyone to get creative and festive. It was a wonderful way to connect with neighbors, share some treats, and celebrate the season together. 
​
In addition to the gathering at 54 S Prospect Center, Kathy our Resident Service Coordinator (RSC) distributed candy goodie bags at our other two community centers at 127 Martin St and 4- Vine St, spreading the joy to even more families and friends across the neighborhood.  We can’t wait to do it again next year!




]]><![CDATA[Celebrating 40 Years of Community: Bacon Congregate Senior Housing Anniversary]]>Thu, 07 Nov 2024 19:23:53 GMThttps://www.sheldonoak.org/blog/celebrating-40-years-of-community-bacon-congregate-senior-housing-anniversary
On November 1st, 2024, we celebrated the 40th Anniversary of Bacon Congregate Senior Housing, marking a significant milestone in its rich history. Some of our long-term residents have called Bacon Congregate home for many years, with one resident—pictured with flowers—having lived here for an impressive 30 years! In 1984, Sheldon Oak Central converted the Bacon Bottling Factory into what is now known today as Bacon Congregate, serving 23 units for low-income elderly. These one-bedroom apartments are provided with social and recreational services by full-time on-site staff. 
​
Many of our residents love to sing and dance, so to honor the occasion, Elderly Housing Management arranged for an entertainer to perform and bring music and joy to the celebration in both English and Spanish. This event featured catered food, and residents were joined by their families, community members, and others in attendance! This special event was made possible thanks to the hard work and coordination of the Resident Service Coordinator Maritza Maldonado and Property Manager Kathy Russello from Elderly Housing Management. 
 
The anniversary celebration not only honored the building's legacy but also celebrated the history of Hartford and, most importantly, the wonderful residents who make our community truly special. As a gift from Sheldon Oak Central and its Board members, we proudly presented a community TV and karaoke machine to the residents to help rekindle the lively gatherings that bring our residents together—whether it’s singing and dancing, or bonding over a favorite movie or TV show.
]]><![CDATA[Air-drying Clay Fun!]]>Mon, 23 Sep 2024 19:05:28 GMThttps://www.sheldonoak.org/blog/air-drying-clay-funThis past weekend, the Charter Oak Cultural Center hosted another engaging arts and crafts activity for our residents and children at 54 South Prospect St. This time, we explored the creative world of air-drying clay! The kids had a fantastic time letting their imaginations run wild, using paint, colored pencils, and various tools to mold and shape their clay creations. It was fun to see their creativity!
]]>