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..

Join us for a Studio Affair

Saturday, May 17th

21+ 6:30 - 10:00PM - Free

Unleash Your Inner Artist

Express your Creativity

Bring your Passion

Do you have a craving to unleash your creativity but aren't sure where to start? Well, look no further! We aim to create a vibrant space for our community to gather, socialize with friends, and even make new ones. Our focus is on inclusivity and fostering creativity.

If you're already working on a masterpiece, feel free to bring it along and showcase your skills. You don't have to be a professional artist to join in; all you need is the passion to create. Just bring your enthusiasm, and we'll supply a variety of materials for you to play around with.

Spread the word, invite your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable experience! Plus, if you're feeling thirsty, don't forget to bring your own beverages.

Located at 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT

(860) 354-4318

https://www.villagecenterarts.org/eventscalendar

Back by Popular Demand. Not Your Father’s Storytelling! Come join us for an exciting evening of tough, funny, poignant stories from some of NYC's and the Northeast region's most dynamic storytellers!!! Neil Intraub hosts an evening filled with Moth Grand Slam/Story Slam winners who have also been spotlighted on PBS’ Stories From the Stage.

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.

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  

Join us and other business professionals to connect and network at this informal networking opportunity with Active Health 

* Free and open to the public

* Bring your business cards

* Bring a friend/colleague

* Food and beverages

* Door prizes welcome to help promote your business

Sponsored this month by:

Candlewood Valley Country Club

Ives Bank

Horizon Bound Adventures

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

Just in time for warmer weather! In this 2 hour workshop Andrea Dener will teach you how to properly create a beautiful, and useful, macrame plant hanger. You will leave this workshop with a ready to go planter and the knowledge of how to make more on your own! One clay pot is included with this workshop (plant not included). This workshop is $15 with an additional $15 materials fee paid to the instructor the day of class, cash or checks accepted!

🔍 Discover a new way to see the world through your lens! Whether you're using a professional camera or just your phone, this workshop will transform how you capture images.

Join photographer Terry Tougas for an engaging discussion on photography composition, where you’ll learn how to frame, balance, and enhance your shots with expert techniques. Then, take your newfound skills into the heart of downtown New Milford on a guided photo walk, where you'll uncover hidden details, dynamic perspectives, and one-of-a-kind moments waiting to be captured.

🌟 See beyond the ordinary. Capture the extraordinary. 🌟

📸 No experience needed—just bring your camera or phone and your creative eye!

📌 Spots are limited—sign up today and start seeing the world differently!

11 Railroad Street

New Milford, CT

Relax and unwind while doing origami!

Women, Wine, & Wheel

Saturday, May 24th 6:30-9:30PM

"Gather, Sip, and Create – A Night of Art and Fun!"

Ready for some serious fun with friends? Picture this: laughter, creativity, and a pottery wheel at your fingertips!

Join us for a super fun 2-day pottery adventure. On day one, you'll dive in and create your first masterpiece on the wheel. Then, come back for day two and give it a perfect trim. On your third visit, you can glaze your creation however you like (no rush, take your time!). All this for just $129 each. It’s the perfect blend of fun and art—grab a spot and let’s get spinning!

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

https://www.villagecenterarts.org/eventscalendar

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.