New Milford arts studio features work of Tarol Samuelson, more

The following programs, events, and happenings are taking place in the greater New Milford area:
Gallery 25 and Creative Arts Studio’s May featured Artist will be Tarol Samuelson. There will be an opening reception at Gallery 25 May 7 from 2-4 p.m.
Samuelson is a self-taught artist working in multiple media. She has done set design, solo and group exhibitions and is currently the Creative Director for a trade magazine in Newtown.
The studio is at 11 Railroad St., New Milford. For more information, call 860-355-6009 or visit www.Gallery25CT.com.
Bridgewater: Poems & Paintings with Desiree Alvarez: A Personal Ecopoetics
The Burnham Library in Bridgewater presents Poems & Paintings with Desiree Alvarez: A Personal Ecopoetics.
Alvarez will read from her recent book of poems, Raft of Flame as well as her first book, Devil’s Paintbrush. A fourth-generation Bridgewater resident, she will give a slide talk about how growing up with Bridgewater’s nature and history has influenced her work as a writer and artist. The event is May 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. There is no charge for this program but registration is required. RSVP at burnhamlibrary.org. Call 860-354-6937 for more information.
Ukrainian Benefit Spaghetti Supper in Roxbury, May 7
The Roxbury Congregational Church is sponsoring a Spaghetti Supper to benefit relief efforts for Ukraine May 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. The Church is located at 24 Church St., Rt. 317 in Roxbury Center.
The supper will feature spaghetti, sauce and meatballs, salads, bread, and dessert. There will be gluten-free options available. Coffee, tea, and other drinks are also included. The cost is adults and seniors $15, youth 5 to 12, $10. Children under 5 can get in for free. Tickets are available at the door. The Supper will support the relief efforts for Ukrainian war victims and refugees, and World Central Kitchen. For more information, call 860-355-1978 or visit roxburychurch.org.
Housatonic Valley MRC awarded a $10,000 medical reserve corps operational readiness award by the National Association of County and City Health Officials
The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the country’s nearly 3,000 local health departments. HVMRC will use this ORA Award to ensure standardization of medical and non-medical volunteers and all volunteers. These awards, made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response’s Medical Reserve Corps Program Office, will build the operational readiness capabilities of MRC units to meet the emergency preparedness and response needs of local, regional, and statewide stakeholders, a release said.
More than $1 million in awards will support 129 units to build MRC response capabilities (Tier 1) or strengthen MRC response capabilities (Tier 2). Housatonic Valley Medical Reserve Corps received a Tier 2 award.
Megan McClintock, the Public Health Preparedness Coordinator and MRC Unit Leader for HVMRC noted “Housatonic Valley Medical Reserve Corps is honored to receive this award to assist in the call for COVID-19 assistance. Our volunteers have worked hundreds of hours to ensure the needs of the community, such as testing or vaccinations, have been met. This award will not only push us forward in our efforts, but empower us to keep moving forward, no matter how hard the days may be.”
Housatonic Valley MRC (HVMRC) has played a vital role in this Region’s COVID-19 response, vaccinating thousands of adults and children while assisting with contact tracing efforts.
Lisa Morrissey, Director of Health for Housatonic Valley Health District, stated that “Our community’s volunteers have been instrumental in the success of our COVID-19 vaccination and testing clinics. This grant award represents not only an opportunity to continue our COVID-19 efforts but is also an acknowledgment of the dedication and hard work of our volunteers.”
McCarthy Observatory, Second Saturday Stars
The event will be May 14 from 8 to 10 p.m. at the
McCarthy Observatory located behind New Milford High School. It is weather permitting. It is a free star party. All visitors are required to wear a mask while inside the observatory. For more information, visit mccarthyobservatory.org.
Sharon Playhouse presents “Marie Antoinette” Starring Lauren Ambrose
On Saturday, May 14, the Sharon Playhouse will present a staged reading of David Adjmi’s brassy comedy Marie Antoinette, starring Tony and Emmy nominated actress Lauren Ambrose in the title role.
In this contemporary take on the young queen of France, Marie is a confection created by a society that values extravagance and artifice. But France’s love affair with the royals sours as revolution brews, and for Marie, the political suddenly becomes very personal. From the light and breezy banter at the palace to the surging chants of “Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité!” in the streets, Marie Antoinette holds a mirror up to our contemporary society that might just be entertaining itself to death, a release said.
The staged reading will begin at 7 p.m. and tickets are $50. For more information and to buy tickets, visit sharonplayhouse.org.
Washington: Spring Hill Arts Gathering June festival
An Opening Night Celebration will take place on June 16, followed by a weekend of art and music, June 17-19.
Headliners Grateful Shred and Cautious Clay are joined by Lido Pimienta, BJ The Chicago Kid, Abraham Alexander, Raye Zaragoza, and Nat Myers, with Pride Party co-headlined by Betty Who and Deborah Cox.
Spring Hill Arts Gathering, also known as SHAG, launched a new website and shared its lineup for the June Festival. The celebration of art, music, and community takes place at Spring Hill Vineyards (292 Bee Brook Road, New Preston). This second-annual incarnation shares the same spirit of nature, creativity, and collaboration while reducing ticket prices to $25 (children 12 and under attend for free). Tickets are available at springhillartsgathering.com, with weekend passes available for $65.
For the Opening Night Celebration on June 16, Zachys will present female winemakers Alessia Antinori of Marchesi Antinori, and Elisabetta Geppetti of Fattoria Le Pupille, who will engage guests and pour throughout the evening. Star chef Norberto “Negro” Piattoni and his beloved pop-up The Modestos will return to SHAG as chef-in-residence, June 17-19.
Kent Art Association announces Juried Photography Show
The show runs to May 22 and is open Thursday to Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The opening for the show is May 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. There is a $500 cash prize for Best of Show. On May 14 at 10 a.m., photographer Pam White will discuss her work and photography as an art medium at KAA’s monthly Coffee Talk. These talks are held with a different artist each second Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. Come and join KAA artists and the community!
KAA is preparing for the KAA Outdoor Festival and Artists Tag Sale Weekend May 27 to May 29. The hours are Friday 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Kent Art Association is at 21 South Main Street (Rt. 7) in the town of Kent. For more information, visit [email protected].
Washington: H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut’s Volunteer Day
The Humane Organization Representing Suffering Equines (H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut), now celebrating their 41st year, will hold its Spring Volunteer Day May 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The rain date is May 8.
Volunteer Day invites people over 12 years old to help with the various needs of the farm and horses. Volunteers may help with grooming, hand walking horses, cleaning paddocks and barns or repairing fences and outbuildings. Dress comfortably, wear waterproof shoes and bring your own tools if you have them. Lunch will be provided.
There will be a tack sale from noon to 3 p.m. for those looking for saddles, blankets and other equipment. H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut is at 43 Wilbur Road, Washington. For more information, visit horseofct.org or call 860-868-1960.
Washington Depot: Rossiter Run 5K race and fun run/walk
Are You Up for the second Annual Steep Rock 5K Challenge?
Steep Rock Association’s 2022 Rossiter Run 5K Race and Fun Run/Walk will be May 15 at 9 a.m. in Steep Rock Preserve.
The racecourse follows a scenic route with a gradual incline along the Shepaug River in the Steep Rock Preserve, gifted by founder, Ehrick Rossiter, in 1925.
Eligibility and prizes: This race is open to all levels of runners with awards given to the top male and female finishers in each age division and the overall male and female winners.
Registration: Online registration ends May 14 at 11:59 pm. Day of race registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and will be cash or check only. Early registration fee for adults is $25 online and will increase to $35 on race day. The registration fee for youth racers is $10. Please note, registration is non-refundable. There is no registration fee to participate in the untimed Fun Run/Walk.
Go Green: To show a love of the environment, please bring your own water bottles; they will have water to refill them. For more information, visit steeprockassoc.org/5k.
Washington: Byrde + the b holds exhibit of photographs of Richard Pomerantz
Pomerantz will be showing large scale nature photographs. He has had his work published in The New York Times, National Geographic, Frommers Travel Guide and the Sierra Club. The event will be May 7 from 5-6:30 p.m. for an artist’s reception. For additional information, contact The Byrde + the b, 10 Titus Road Washington or by email at [email protected] or call 860-619-0422. Richard Pomerantz “Recent Photos” to June 4.
Gunn Historical Museum, Washington, the Ecology of Lake Waramaug
On May 16 at 6:30 p.m., the Gunn Historical Museum in Washington will present the Zoom guest lecture “How the Lake Waramaug Task Force Brought the Lake Back from the Brink” with Sean Hayden, executive director of the Lake Waramaug Task Force.
Registration is required to receive the link for this free virtual program. To register, visit gunnlibrary.org.
Historically, Lake Waramaug was a clean, clear lake, but the lake started to exhibit signs of real distress beginning in the 1950s and continued worsening throughout the 1970s and into the early 1980s, a press release said.
The lake’s eutrophication (the gradual dying of a lake) was accelerating dramatically and something needed to be done as persistent toxic algae blooms, hazardous to human health were becoming a continuous problem, the release said. Recreational activities on the lake were curtailed, real estate values were falling and the future of the lake did not look promising. Uncontrolled run-off from farms, septic systems, lawns, houses and roads in the lake’s watershed area produced phosphorus levels that soared to over 30 parts per million. In response to this critical situation, the Lake Waramaug Task Force was founded in 1975 by a group of concerned lake residents.
Through the dedicated efforts of volunteers, the Task Force raised substantial funds from federal, state and private sources to support cutting-edge scientific research in limnology (the study of lakes). There are many water-quality projects and programs that the Task Force has been developing and implementing over the past four decades, and Hayden will present a photo-rich tour through all that the Task Force does for Lake Waramaug and its watershed, the release said.
The museum is at 5 Wykeham Road, Washington. For more information, visit gunnmuseum.org or call 860-868-7756.
Sherman Library activities and events
At the Sherman Library Book Sale, peruse the collection of new and gently used books while supporting the library. Early Bird and Dealers’ hour is May 28 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and costs $10 for admittance. Regular hours are May 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and May 29 from 9 a.m. to noon.
On June 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Sherman Library will host its third annual Golf Tournament fundraiser to be held at the Whippoorwill Country Club, 150 Whippoorwill Road, Armonk, NY. There will be complimentary on-course refreshments, a post-round barbeque, socializing, silent auction, and open bar.
Tickets are available at shermanlibrary.org/golf.
Classic Book Discussion Group through Zoom: May 6, 10:30 a.m. “Beloved” by Toni Morrison, discussion led by Sheila Kaplan. Copies of the book are available at the library.
Yoga Nidra through Zoom: May 6 at 7 p.m. with Mariya Hurwitz. Yoga Nidra is a wonderful way to relax and unwind, a release said.
Lovers Leaps through Zoom, May 12 at 7 p.m.: Join Paul Wegner of the Institute of American Indian Studies for a discussion on Lovers Leaps. Truly fatal falls, legends of romantic tragedy, or both?
Pollinator Gardens through Zoom, May 18, 7 p.m.: Join Sherman resident Michelle MacKinnon to learn about pollinator gardens, why they’re important and how to create your own.
Book Discussion Group through Zoom: May 20, 7:30 p.m. “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell, discussion led by Pat Corrigan. Copies of the book are available at the library. To participate, email [email protected].
Golf Tournament, library fundraising event, June 27, registration is at 9 a.m., tee off 10 a.m.
Children’s program: Pom Pom Palooza, May 13, 3:30 p.m.: Make Spring Pom Poms. Using pom pom makers, yarn, “googly eyes,” and low-heat glue guns, make key chains, zipper pulls for your backpack or jacket, pom pom-topped pencils, and more. All materials will be provided. This is recommended for children ages 8 and over. To register, email [email protected] or visit the website.
Roxbury, Minor Memorial Library to host “Temperance in Litchfield County”
The event will be at the Mine Hill Distillery May 6 at 5:30 p.m. There is no charge for this program. All attendees must RSVP and be over the age of 21.
The Temperance movement has a long history in Litchfield County. Peter Vermilyea, history teacher and Litchfield County expert, will tell tales of imbibing and abstinence through the centuries, a release said.
Following the talk, adjourn to the distillery for a tour and craft cocktails featuring Mine Hill’s award-winning beverages. Call 860-350-2181 or visit minormemoriallibrary.org for more information and directions.
Gunn Historical Museum: “Merchants of Washington”
On May 10 at 6:30 p.m., the Gunn Historical Museum’s Washington History Club at Night will meet on Zoom to discuss “Merchants of Washington, Past & Present.”
A lively group conversation, moderated by long-time Washington resident Dimitri Rimsky, about memorable shopkeepers, pharmacists, barbers, grocers, etc from Washington’s history.
To receive the Zoom link for this free program, register at: gunnlibrary.org/. Call 860-868-7756 for more information.
House of Books, Kent — Upcoming events
Visit HouseOfBooksCT.com/events for more information and a list of participating stores.
Event calendar: ● Ann Hood in conversation with Dani Shapiro on Saturday, May 7 ● Sergio Troncoso on Friday, May 27 ● Courtney Maum in conversation with Victoria Hood on Saturday, May 28 ● Victoria Buitron on Friday, June 10 ● Lisa Taddeo on Thursday, June 16.
All of the upcoming events are free.
Community Culinary School offers children’s summer Cooking classes, New Milford
The Community Culinary School announces summer cooking classes for children ages 8 and up. The “Cooking as a Life Skill” sessions will provide children with skills that will benefit them for a lifetime, a release said. This enriching, exciting, and healthy summer experience will allow each child to get the most out of their summer break.
Utilizing cooking as a creative outlet, children will gain an understanding of basic cooking techniques and nutrition. Classes will also include safe food practices.
The summer classes include two 5-day sessions: Aug. 8-12 and Aug. 15-19 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tuition is $300 per child. Early registration is encouraged due to small class size.
To enroll your child, please contact the school at 203-512-5791 or visit communityculinaryschool.org for more information.
Knights of Columbus Housatonic Council to have car show, New Milford
The Knights of Columbus, Housatonic Council in conjunction with the 4th Degree will be hosting a car show on May 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, 26 Chestnut St.
They are looking for potential sponsors for this event that can contribute any kind of donation. Proceeds will go to the Ukraine relief support and the Church.
Washington Art Association presents artists Greenberg, Spilner
Both Marilyn Greenberg and Candy Spilner have been inspired by ceremonies experienced in southeast Asia ranging from Balinese dance to funerary rites and festivals. Both artists have brought these experiences home to their studios like mystical treasures to enrich the western canon of 20th century abstract painting, a release said.
All of the work is made on and with paper.
“Evoking the Muse” will be on exhibit to June 5, Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday at noon to 4 p.m.
New Milford library young adult events
Here are May young adult events for grades 6-12. Most events are in person at the Marsh Parish House unless otherwise indicated. RSVP for all programs at [email protected].
· Sunflowers for Ukraine! Weave some sunflowers with Jody Hyman. May 13 from 4-5:30 p.m.
· Let’s Talk About “Encanto”! Play “Encanto” kahoot, then make some decorations for the Teen Zone. May 26 from 4-5:30 p.m.
· Dungeons & Dragons meets May 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
· Game On: Games & Chess Club is May 10 from 6:30-8 p.m.
· Graphic Novels Book Club is May 15 from 3 to 4 p.m.
· Write Stuff is May 19 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. with creative writing expert Alice Schuette.
New Milford Public Library events
Foreign Film Fridays in May, a series at The Maxx from 4 to 6 p.m. Popcorn and drinks will be served.
May 6 – The Red Star, Spanish w/English subtitles, not rated, 72 minutes – A mockumentary about the fictional Leila Salama, a mysterious woman who may have contributed to the capture of Adolf Eichmann in Buenos Aires in 1960, but was neglected by official history.
May 13 – The Truffle Hunters, Italian w/English subtitles, PG-13, 84 minutes – Guided by a secret culture passed down for generations as well as by their expertly trained dogs, a group of men in Italy hunt for the rare and expensive white Alba truffle.
May 12, 7 p.m. at the Marsh Parish House
Backyard Gardening for Nature
Explore ways with Elizabeth O’Connor, naturalist educator, to attract wildlife and make your property a healthier and safer place for all, a release said.
May 14, 10 a.m. to noon at the Marsh Parish House, Sunflowers for Ukraine
Come weave a sunflower to hang in your home to show your support for Ukraine.
May 19, 7 p.m. at the Marsh Parish House
Zentangle
Zentangle is an American method for drawing, which not only promotes concentration and creativity but at the same time increases personal well-being, a press release said.
Bridgewater library to display art by Denise Schlesinger
Burnham Library will display works in acrylics by artist Denise Schlesinger of Sherman. The show is entitled “Big, Little Details” and will be on display to May 28.
The Burnham Library is at 62 Main St. in Bridgewater. For additional information, visit burnhamlibrary.org or call 860-354-6937.
Sherman Library Women’s Soiree Sip
The event is May 27, offering a chance to socialize, sip wine, nibble on passed hors d’oeuvres, and celebrate summer’s arrival by scoring a fashion victory or two, a release said.
This event features a silent auction and the sale of handbags, scarves, jewelry, and other accessories, all to benefit the Sherman Library.
The Soiree also presents spring-cleaners with an opportunity to donate new or gently-used treasures for a good cause. They are accepting donations of new or like-new handbags, wallets, etc., quality scarves (cleaned and ready to wear) and jewelry. Drop off donations by May 11 during library hours.
Advance tickets are $30 and are available for purchase at the library or online through 6 p.m. on May 26, after which tickets will be $35 online and at the door. Online ticket sales close at noon on May 27. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit shermanlibrary.org/soiree, or contact Jamie Cantoni at 860-354-2455 or [email protected].
The Sherman Library presents “Through My Eyes,” paintings by Ed Smith
Smith’s paintings are a combination of realistic and impressionistic, capturing the beauty around us, its moods, and light. Smith’s show will be on display at the Sherman Library to June 1.
Ed Smith’s paintings cover a wide range of subjects including, cityscapes, landscapes, and portraiture. To see more, visit edsmithartist.com.
HVHD offers mental health programs virtually and at senior centers
Feeling stressed and isolated from the pandemic? Housatonic Valley Health District will be offering two-hour sessions to learn more about promoting positive mental health and combating feelings of anxiety, stress and loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To raise awareness about mental health, Housatonic Valley Health District will begin hosting “Coping During Times of COVID-19” programs in the community.
Topics will include general information regarding mental health, facts and myths regarding mental health, how to promote positive mental health through a healthy lifestyle, tips to combat stress, tips to deal with COVID related stress and anxiety, and supporting the senior community with the effects of the COVID pandemic.
To attend this program virtually, join the Housatonic Valley Health District on May 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. To register for the virtual program, visit hvhd.us/event/coping-during-times-of-covid-19/.
GMS Rowing Center to host spring open house
Learn-To-Row Events GMS Rowing Center in New Milford will host an open-house ‘Learn-To-Row’ event, which is free to those age 13 and older. Younger participants are also welcome and can try their skill on the rowing machine or ‘erg’ on land. The Learn-to-Row open house will take place May 14 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome and participants should be able to swim. Call 860-350-4004 for more information.
Restoring Riparian Habitat: An Exploration in Nature, in Washington
Are you concerned about the health of streams and rivers, and the growing threat their natural communities face with increasingly erratic weather patterns and warming temperatures?
Join Steep Rock Association (SRA) to discuss stewardship actions that build climate resilience and witness our efforts to restore waterways in Steep Rock Preserve firsthand.
Meet at the main Steep Rock Preserve parking lot at 2 Tunnel Road, Washington Depot, May 7, rain or shine. Embark on a level, 3-mile round trip hike, first stopping at a site on the Shepaug River before continuing to one of its tributary streams. The two completed habitat enhancement projects the group will visit are the removal of a dysfunctional culvert and stabilization of a severely eroded riverbank.
There is much to learn from the complexity of these undertakings, including measures landowners can readily employ to improve riparian habitat on private property, a release said. Registration is required and donations are gratefully accepted. Please register at steeprockassoc.org/events-programs/.
Tim Donoghue collages at Roxbury Library
“Tim Donoghue Collages,” an exhibit of works by Tim Donoghue at Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St., Roxbury, will begin with an opening reception May 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. The show will continue during regular library hours through June 25 except when the Community Room is in use for a special library program. Call the library at (860) 350-2181 for information and directions.
Mother’s Day weekend: Kent Historical Society and KECNS for an interactive walking tour of Kent
The event is May 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees receive a commemorative ticket that provides eco-friendly mobile access to a self guided tour. Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door. Proceeds benefit KECNS, Kent Nursery School.
Washington’s Hollister House Garden is giving a series of “Barn Talks”
The lectures are taught by experienced garden professionals and are designed to inspire and educate new and experienced gardeners. Reservations are strongly suggested.
May 7 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Barn Talk: Shade Revealed: How to Garden Successfully in Low Light, presented by Amy Ziffer
May 21 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Barn Talk: Development of a Garden, presented by Leslie Needham
May 28 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Barn Talk: Container Counsel: Tips and Tricks for Creating Successful Container Plantings, presented by Robert Clyde Anderson
Barn Talks are held on Saturday mornings from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the renovated 18th century barn at Hollister House Garden. Reservations can be made at hollisterhousegarden.org/lectures.
HHG members pay $25, other pay $35.
The garden will also offer a full program of art and photography workshops. A complete listing of dates, times and registration links for all upcoming events can be found at www.hollisterhousegarden.com/events.
Washington: “The Alternative Photography of Robert Gumpper”
At Gunn Memorial Library, Valerie Gumpper shares a collection of photographs by her father, Robert Gumpper, showing a wide range of antique processes.
Gumpper’s photographs will be on display at the Gunn Memorial Library to June 11.
Gunn Memorial Library is at 5 Wykeham Road. For more information call 860-868-7586 or email [email protected].
Gallery 25, Creative Arts Studio holds “Sounds of Spring” and new featured artist show, “A Summer Place”
Paintings are by Christine Lombardi. Gallery members are bringing in new photographs, paintings, pottery, jewelry, fused glass and woodworks to celebrate spring. The Gallery show will be up through May 28. For more information, visit gallery25ct.com.
New Milford Rotary Club holding shredding day
The Community Document Shredding Day is on May 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pettibone Community Center, 2 Pickett District Road. No appointment is necessary, there is no limit to the number of boxes brought to be shredded. Staff from the shredding company will handle the documents and will shred. The shredded material will then be recycled. The cost is $10 per standard copy paper-type box.
For more information or those with a large number of boxes, call 860-866-7141, email [email protected] or visit nmrotary.org.
Roxbury library presenting art exhibit by Gerry Sacks
Roxbury library artist to Gerry Sacks will present “Art in Motion,” an exhibit at Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St., through May 7. Call 860-350-2181 for more information and directions.