The Merryall Center in New Milford, CT is now accepting submissions for Expressing Motherhood (Connecticut).

Expressing Motherhood is a stage show of personal stories, songs, and skits all about the journey of motherhood. Since 2008, moms have been sharing their stories at Expressing Motherhood performances across the country. Submissions from moms, dads, grandparents, and reflections about mothers are all welcome.

The show is built for the non-famous, non-published, and people who want to get out and express themselves. The average cast consists of ten people. Performers submit in advance and are chosen based on the power of their stories.

Submission deadline - June 30th, 2025. No auditions. Email Submissions to: aschuette@merryallcenter.org

A new play by Dorothy Lyman

Three generations of women meet upstate over President’s Day weekend to decide the fate of their family farm and its matriarch.

Senior Clay Hand-building

Friday, MAY 9th - 6 weeks

10:00-12:00PM 60+

We're excited to offer another chance for you to enjoy the relaxing and creative world of clay hand-building!

Join us in a welcoming, inspiring atmosphere where you can explore pottery sculpture—no experience needed. Our expert instructor, Andrea, will guide you step-by-step as you bring your artistic visions to life.

Class Details:

• Cost: $70 (includes instruction, all supplies, glazing, and firing)
• Location: Pottery Studio, 1 Church Street – fully handicap accessible
• Instructor: Andrea, experienced and encouraging!

Spaces are limited—reserve your spot today!

To sign up, complete the registration form and submit payment.

Need more info? Call us at (860) 354-4318. We’d love to hear from you!

villagecenterarts.org

Looking for the perfect night out? Whether it’s a girls' night, date night, or just a fun evening to unwind, our Sip & Paint class is the ultimate way to get creative while enjoying great company. No experience? No problem! I’ll guide you through the painting process step by step, making it easy, stress-free, and fun.

Each registered participant will get to create two stunning pour paintings. Our experienced instructor, Christy B will guide you through the process, ensuring that everyone has a blast while expressing their creativity.

With a glass of wine in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, you’ll create two unique masterpieces to take home. Laugh, sip, and paint the night away in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere!

Includes: One 8x8 canvas, one 10x10 canvas, wine, and delicious snacks! (Non-alcoholic options available.)

Instructor: Christy Bonaiuto

It’s best to allow the paintings to dry for a day before moving them too much, but if the participants want to take them with them, they can.

Caroline and Nancy sing as the duo "The Girls from Away", and have been working and singing together for years. They love to explore the rich musical heritage and connections between the British Isles and Americas through their songs and rich harmonies. They perform locally and really enjoy researching and sharing traditional songs as well as writing their own. They have produced and performed programs such as "From Maritimes to Mountains - The Songs of the Eastern Seaboard from Newfoundland to the Carolinas" and the upcoming "Songs for the Women".

Caroline has loved to sing since before she could speak. She is an award-winning, published poet who writes in Scottish Gaelic and has been featured in programs on the BBC Radio for her original songwriting. She also loves to spin, weave, celebrate nature, and travel. Her songs can be found at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-tYC3-HEgufl445tmzm4QQ.

Nancy began playing guitar and singing in church at the age of 13. It was the music of

John Denver that inspired her to branch out from Christian worship songs to folk music. She has also written songs about family and the New England coast. Nancy’s other interests include walks in the country, kayaking, visiting Maine, and being creative (painting, drawing, decorating). You can find a few of her songs on reverbnation. https://www.reverbnation.com/nancywalsh

Open to all prospective families. Come get a tour of the building, and get to know our staff, students, and parents!

This event is open to walk ins, but if you would like to receive email reminders about this event, you can RSVP at the link here.

UConn Extension Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer your home gardening questions. Look for their table inside the library. They will be on site 10am-12pm on May 10, June 7, July 5, August 2, and September 6.

Free admission for spectators, Car show entries $15 donation.

Funding - coats for kids, special olympics, food bank, veterans causes.

Food, Trophies, door prizes for exhibitors and a DJ

Celebrate (a late) National Poetry Month with the us on Saturday, May 10, 1-4 pm!

This event is FREE for both poets wishing to share their work, verbally or otherwise, as well as guests wishing to be an audience for our poets to read to and network with.

Poets will have an opportunity to share poetry with other poets and express themselves through the spoken word. For those who do not feel comfortable sharing their poetry out loud, poems can be displayed around the community center for attendees to read and enjoy.

Come witness the talent of the poets in our broader community!

Bill Cloutier from the John J. McCarthy Observatory will be on hand to talk about signs of life in our solar system. Shortly after NASA was established in 1958, the agency began a broad-based effort to look for life on other worlds and/or places that would support life, now or in the past. This talk will provide some history on that pursuit, the challenges of defining life, and the status of NASA’s current and future missions related to the search. For ages 8 and up. 

May 10th is our annual Family Fun Day and Fishing Derby at Lynn Deming Park! Join us for an evening of family fun and catching fish followed by Shrek at 8:30 pm. Shrek is sponsored by Dawn Hough with Coldwell Banker.

For more information, or to register for the Fishing Derby, please visit newmilfordct.myrec.com!

Family Fun Day is FREE to attend.

Registration for the Fishing Derby is $5.00.

When: May 10, 2025, 6PM - 8PM (RAIN DATE, May 17)

Where: Lynn Deming Park, 134 Candlewood Lake Road North

A morning of family fun, PRIZES and don't forget your cameras!

Please bring your fishing pole, bait, and bucket! 

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Only youth (under 15 years of age) are eligible for derby prizes.

Pre registration is required. 

Dirty Date Night

"Where Romance Meets Clay – A Night to Remember!"

Saturday, May 10th 6:30-9:30 PM

Spring is in the AIR!

Grab someone special and come get dirty....with clay!

This is a two-day course (plus a day for glazing) where you will throw one piece of pottery on the wheel, & trim the base during the second visit. You can glaze your piece at your leisure once it's out of the kiln. $245 per couple. Needs a minimum of 2 couples to run this class. BYOB and a snack to share to make it more fun! BYOB

Pre-registration is required.

Can't make this one? Check our website for other dates.

Located at 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT

(860) 354-4318

Free Star Party and presentation

“Is There Space For NASA”

All are welcome to observe the sights of the spring night sky through a variety of telescopes ( weather permitting).

Children will explore with paint, oil pastels, clay and other medium to create their own masterpieces. They will complete and take home a different art project each week!

Requirements:

Clothes that you don't mind getting paint on!

Coordinator:

Roberta Baker

Ages 6-9

Grades 1-4

This class will give students the fun of playing the guitar, and with Musical Associates’ methods, a beginner learns how to play a tune in the very first lesson! Students will have the opportunity to perform for each other and for their parents in a recital at the end of the year.

All genres of music will be included as part of the program so that students get a well-rounded artistic experience. The music club will pick up where school music programs leave off, a chance for students to get that extra attention and increased opportunity to perform. 

Instruments: K-2 children will need a half sized (30”-34”), nylon-strung acoustic guitar for the program, such as this: 

ADM 30” Classical or a 

Music Alley 34" one or

one of these by Best Choice Products 

Older children may need a three-quarter sized (36”-39”) nylon-strung acoustic guitar for the program such as this one: Pyle Beginner Acoustic Guitar 

Please retain your receipts in the unfortunate case that the class does not meet our 4 student minimum.

Instrument rental for use during class is available. Rental fee is $20 for the 6 week session.

The Merryall Center in New Milford, CT is now accepting submissions for Expressing Motherhood (Connecticut).

Expressing Motherhood is a stage show of personal stories, songs, and skits all about the journey of motherhood. Since 2008, moms have been sharing their stories at Expressing Motherhood performances across the country. Submissions from moms, dads, grandparents, and reflections about mothers are all welcome.

The show is built for the non-famous, non-published, and people who want to get out and express themselves. The average cast consists of ten people. Performers submit in advance and are chosen based on the power of their stories.

Submission deadline - June 30th, 2025. No auditions. Email Submissions to: aschuette@merryallcenter.org

This program takes place on two nights--May 15 and 22. Each night dinner will be served. Please sign up for both nights.

THE EMPOWERED CAREGIVER:  Each of these topics programs teach caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia: 

• Building Foundations of Caregiving explores the role of caregiver and changes they may experience, building a support team, and managing caregiver stress. 
• Supporting Independence focuses on helping the person living with dementia take part in daily activities, providing the right amount of support and balancing safety and independence while managing expectations. 
• Communicating Effectively teaches how dementia affects communication, including tips for communicating well with family, friends and healthcare professionals. 
• Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors details common behavior changes and how they are a form of communication, non-medical approaches to behaviors and recognizing when additional help is needed. 
• Exploring Care and Support Services examines how best to prepare for future care decisions and changes, including respite care, residential care and end-of-life care  

We need your help — and invite you to be a part of something special! Please join us for a fundraising screening of Out There: A National Parks Story, as we raise funds to send four NMHS teachers on an incredible professional development experience. These educators will spend five days immersed in environmental education and stewardship, thanks to our partnership with STEAM.

Out There is a documentary created by filmmaker Brendan Hall and NMHS Assistant Principal, Anthony Blake. It chronicles a 10,000-mile journey through the National Parks, highlighting the inspiring human stories within these treasured landscapes.

Watch the trailer (here) and learn more about the film by visiting the website (here).

Event Details

Date: Thursday, May 15th

Location: NMHS Theater

5:30 PM - Environmental Opportunity Fair

Come explore the amazing sustainability work happening in our school and community, including projects by students, staff, community members, and our Environmental Impact Club!

7:00 PM - Screening of Out There

8:30-9:00 PM - Panel discussion with the filmmakers and special guests (to be announced)

Tickets: $12

All proceeds directly support our teachers’ participation in this enriching professional development opportunity.

Click here to purchase tickets

If you have questions or are interested in showcasing your work at the Environmental Fair, please contact Assistant Principal Anthony Blake at blakea@newmilfordps.org.

Thank you for your support — we look forward to seeing you there!

Join us for a special screening of the award-winning feature documentary Out There: A National Parks Story in western Connecticut! The film's director Brendan Hall will be joining for a post-film conversation, alongside other to-be-announced guests who are protectors of Connecticut's land and waters.

In the documentary, a young filmmaker sets out on a 10,000-mile exploration of the national parks with his childhood friend during the centennial year of the formation of the National Park Service. Along the way, they share experiences of the people that work in the parks and those that come to enjoy them, as part of the rich tapestry of the history of the park system emerges. They hear profound stories from people of all ages and walks of life who have come to the parks seeking tranquility, healing, motivation, and connection to the natural world. This stunning road trip film is a tribute to the national parks and their history, and is also a recognition of the people that appreciate them and work to preserve their beauty.

After a sweeping film festival run and screenings with organizations across the country, the filmmakers are excited to bring this film to their home state as a fundraiser for teachers in New Milford High School to attend STEAM in the Park, a leading program for educators to experience national parks and bring lessons back to their communities. The evening will also feature an environmental career and opportunity fair for middle to high school students to browse before the film. For more information on the documentary, view our trailer and website here.

Out There has toured film festivals across the country to sold-out audiences, winning a number of awards and headlining screening events including the National Parks Friends Alliance, Public Lands Alliance, the Explorers Club, and Pixar Animation Studios.

We look forward to sharing this ode to the natural world with you as we reflect on our role in protecting these parks for future generations.

Senior Clay Hand-building

Friday, MAY 9th - 6 weeks

10:00-12:00PM 60+

We're excited to offer another chance for you to enjoy the relaxing and creative world of clay hand-building!

Join us in a welcoming, inspiring atmosphere where you can explore pottery sculpture—no experience needed. Our expert instructor, Andrea, will guide you step-by-step as you bring your artistic visions to life.

Class Details:

• Cost: $70 (includes instruction, all supplies, glazing, and firing)
• Location: Pottery Studio, 1 Church Street – fully handicap accessible
• Instructor: Andrea, experienced and encouraging!

Spaces are limited—reserve your spot today!

To sign up, complete the registration form and submit payment.

Need more info? Call us at (860) 354-4318. We’d love to hear from you!

villagecenterarts.org

Sherman School Jazz at the JCC

Friday, May 16th at 6:00PM

This event is free, donations greatly appreciated!

Featuring students, faculty and alumni from the Sherman School's Jazz program! Dont miss out on the jazziest night of the year!

Saturday, May 17th 10-6 PM

Village Center for the Arts

12 Main Street, New Milford, CT

We want to invite you all to a fun and interactive event with activities for all ages, including a pottery smash tent, face painting, a fundraising art auction, art demonstrations, and more (think block party!). We believe that art has the power to bring people together, and we are passionate about making art accessible to everyone in New Milford and beyond.

In addition to our events and exhibitions, we offer programs like tuition assistance, our Studio Affair (a free monthly gathering), and the Unexpected Artist program, all designed to help people of all ages and backgrounds connect with their creative potential.

You can learn more about us at www.villagecenterarts.org and @villagecenterarts on Instagram and Village Center for the Arts on Facebook.

(860) 354-4318

The Art of Watercolors

This 4 hour workshop will get you started on learning the magical world of watercolor.

Liz will teach you the most important basic techniques to start you off and get warmed up!

Then we will focus on learning how to control your watercolors to create both loose washes and fine details.

Beginner and intermediate watercolor painters are welcome.

Supplies are included but if you already have watercolor supplies (please bring them) especially brushes.

Fun day of learning and finding your new voice in art!

This workshop is 4 hours, from 11-4 with a break for snacking etc..