Presented by Rt. Rev. Br. Mark D’Alessio

Mary Oliver is a favorite of poetry lovers of all ages for her lyrical, intimate, and sensitive poems, many of which use nature as a lens for exploring a wide spiritual spectrum of human emotions, from love and joy to sorrow and despair. The best Mary Oliver poems remind us to pause and take a breath, revel in our surroundings, and encourage us not to take anything for granted. 

Join us this August for our annual Mary Oliver Retreat Day, led by Br. Mark, one of Wisdom House’s most popular facilitators. Through reflection, discussion, and contemplative practice, we’ll explore the ways in which Oliver’s poetry teaches us to see the world with greater simplicity, and deeper wonder and gratitude. Together, we’ll support each other awaken to life’s everyday miracles and embrace poetry as a spiritual practice. 

Whether you’re familiar with her poetry or encountering her work for the first time, we hope that this year’s theme. The Beauty of the World, will move you with some of her best poems, including her own favorites — and perhaps inspire you to write some poems of your own. 

Though, sadly, Mary Oliver passed away in 2019, her poems serve as a poignant reminder to be present in every moment, whether it be a joyous occasion or a quiet, somber one. Join Br, Mark for an in-person retreat day poetry, reflection, and spiritual discovery as we, too, can learn what it means to be "saved by the beauty of the world.”

Guests are welcome to come overnight Friday, August 22 through Saturday, August 23. See the room options using the registration button below.

Lunch is included. Opportunities to stay overnight are also available.

This workshop will offer a comprehensive introduction to portraiture, still life and landscape photography. With access to professional lighting equipment, learn to manipulate lighting, shadows and compositional elements to create captivating imagery.

Instructor: Thaddeus Kubis

Saturdays, August 23, 30 & September 6, 2025

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Ages: 15+

Members: $121.50 / Non-Members: $135

MORE INFO & REGISTER

Learn to utilize reference photos to paint in a creative, personal and expressive way. Dismiss the sense of obligation to create your subject exactly as it appears and manipulate your composition, assuring vitality and making the painting your personal creation.

Instructor: Souby Boski

Saturday, August 23, 2025

12:30 - 4:30 PM

Members: $72 / Non-Members: $80

MORE INFO & REGISTER

Saturday, August 23rd, at 7 PM, 2nd Home welcomes back Orb Mellon with Dave Robbins. Orb Mellon (https://www.facebook.com/orbmellon/) is the blues moniker of Mike Malone, founder and guitarist of the seminal 1990s indie rock band and Sony/Epic recording artists Dirt Merchants. Orb Mellon mines the raw energy of 20th Century American roots music, particularly whiskey fueled house party delta blues. They are one of the most dynamic performers we've had, and we don't use "don't miss" lightly. We are very much looking forward to having them back!

For reservations (encouraged but not required) call 860-238-4500 or email us at momanddad@2ndhomelounge.com

See our complete event list - https://2ndhomelounge.com/events/

Google Street View

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2nd Home Lounge

524 Main Street, Winsted

2ndhomelounge.com

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For Kids 6-10

$200 *Financial Hardship Discounts available!

Join us for an imaginative adventure where kids will create their own worlds using upcycled materials! From sketching maps and designing flags to building 3D sculptures and clay creations, each day brings new ways to explore and bring their ideas to life. With games, crafts, and a celebratory art show, this camp is packed with creativity, fun, and discovery!

Join us for Story Time on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 for new books, free play, and fun crafts!

Join us for Story Time on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 for new books, free play, and fun crafts!

For the first year, we will be hosting a summer market located at Franklin Plaza on the same nights as our Summer Concert Series. Each Thursday between June and August, check out vendors of all different varieties from meats, veggies, maple syrup, handcrafted goods, and more! Check out our full vendor list soon! Inquire above if you would like to be a vendor!

Check out some of our confirmed vendors:

• Misfit Farms
• Sunset Meadow Vineyards
• Dancing Ferns Houseplants
• Oracle Mushroom Co
• Hathor Hill Farm
• Bloom Where Planted
• Bantam Bread
• Laura Rubino Crafts
• Forever Connected LLC
• and more!

Come check out the Torrington Recreations 2025 Summer Concert Series at Coe Park! Over the course of 14 weeks, every Thursday, starting June 5th and running through September 4th, we will be hosting 14 different bands who will perform a range of different genres. Concerts will be held on the outside portico at the Coe Memorial Park (101 Litchfield Road) from 6pm-8pm. Bring your blankets, chairs, food and drinks to enjoy our concerts in the park!

The Torrington Symphony Orchestra will be performing a wide range of selections consisting of Broadway favorites, familiar melodies, and more!

Friday, August 29th, at 7:00 PM, Ian Campbell (https://iancampbellmusic.com/home) returns to 2nd Home, and we are excited to have him back. Ian grew up in Connecticut with seventeen entertaining and musical brothers and sisters. Outrageous family dinner time jam sessions, with instruments like "salt shaker" and "nose" gave Ian a love for music and performance. Ian is a director and teacher for the National Guitar Workshop, and a full time, traveling singer/songwriter, He has honed the sound, communication, experience, and feels, of a powerful live performance. His goal is to have you leave with your spirits raised.

For reservations (encouraged but not required) call 860-238-4500 or email us at momanddad@2ndhomelounge.com

See our complete event list - https://2ndhomelounge.com/events/

Google Street View

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https://goo.gl/maps/NWGK4NRyk6MNfmWZ6

2nd Home Lounge

524 Main Street, Winsted

2dhomelounge.com

Join our mailing list - https://2ndhomelounge.com/email-sign-up/

Paint and sip located above Toothpick on Water Street in Torrington!

BYOB! Painting new types of still life's every week.

All materials included in price

RSVP online

This workshop will offer a comprehensive introduction to portraiture, still life and landscape photography. With access to professional lighting equipment, learn to manipulate lighting, shadows and compositional elements to create captivating imagery.

Instructor: Thaddeus Kubis

Saturdays, August 23, 30 & September 6, 2025

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Ages: 15+

Members: $121.50 / Non-Members: $135

MORE INFO & REGISTER

Saturday, August 30th, at 7 PM, Center Line Duo are back at 2nd Home Restaurant/Lounge! It's been too long since they've been here, and we're thrilled to have them back again.

For reservations (encouraged but not required) call 860-238-4500 or email us at momanddad@2ndhomelounge.com

See our complete event list - https://2ndhomelounge.com/events/

Google Street View

https://goo.gl/maps/eC7A4ZDEjenNqzpb6

https://goo.gl/maps/NWGK4NRyk6MNfmWZ6

2nd Home Lounge

524 Main Street, Winsted

2ndhomelounge.com

Join our mailing list - https://2ndhomelounge.com/email-sign-up/

Join us for Story Time on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 for new books, free play, and fun crafts!

Join us for Story Time on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 for new books, free play, and fun crafts!

Out in the Corner and the David M. Hunt Library are partnering for a LGBTQIA+ game night on the first Thursday of the month, from 5:30-7 pm. Bring your own games, play those provided, or just hang out. Snacks are provided!

Come check out the Torrington Recreations 2025 Summer Concert Series at Coe Park! Over the course of 14 weeks, every Thursday, starting June 5th and running through September 4th, we will be hosting 14 different bands who will perform a range of different genres. Concerts will be held on the outside portico at the Coe Memorial Park (101 Litchfield Road) from 6pm-8pm. Bring your blankets, chairs, food and drinks to enjoy our concerts in the park!

The Eddie Foreman Orchestra, is a western MA polka band that has been performing before audiences since 1968. Eddie Foreman started the band while he was still in high school, and has been creating and recreating music ever since. EFO is known for their standard Polkas with Polish lyrics, giving their fans an abundance of music to enjoy!

Friday, September 5th, at 7:00 PM, Bobby Pirotta returns to 2nd Home. Everyone has a great time when Bobby is here, and this time will be no different. Come down and enjoy some great music, food, drinks, and have fun.

For reservations (encouraged but not required) call 860-238-4500 or email us at momanddad@2ndhomelounge.com

See our complete event list - https://2ndhomelounge.com/events/

Google Street View:

https://goo.gl/maps/eC7A4ZDEjenNqzpb6

https://goo.gl/maps/NWGK4NRyk6MNfmWZ6

2nd Home Lounge

524 Main Street, Winsted

2ndhomelounge.com

Join our mailing list - https://2ndhomelounge.com/email-sign-up/

Join the Friends of the David M. Hunt Library for their monthly book sale on the first Saturday of every month from 10 am to 1 pm. New, used, cds, dvds, coffee table books, recent fiction and mystery, children's books- there is something for everyone! All proceeds benefit the library.

This workshop will offer a comprehensive introduction to portraiture, still life and landscape photography. With access to professional lighting equipment, learn to manipulate lighting, shadows and compositional elements to create captivating imagery.

Instructor: Thaddeus Kubis

Saturdays, August 23, 30 & September 6, 2025

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Ages: 15+

Members: $121.50 / Non-Members: $135

MORE INFO & REGISTER

Inspired by the big band swing era, musical theater and early American folk music, with an upright bass, violin, an occasional accordion and any other willing participant recruited along the way, that's the amazing - Caravan of Thieves. This is the night, not to be missed.

Join us for Story Time on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 for new books, free play, and fun crafts!

Join the Monthly Critique sessions at Five Points Arts Center – Bring in an original work for personal, constructive feedback and discussion with Founder and Executive Director, Judy McElhone. All skill levels and mediums are welcome!

Free and open to the public

Tuesday, September 9

2 – 3 PM

Five Points Arts Center

MORE INFO & RSVP

Join us for Story Time on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 for new books, free play, and fun crafts!

Friday, September 12th, 2nd Home is excited to have Kala Farnham (https://www.kalafarnham.com/) here for her first time. Kala Farnham crafts folk songs with roots and wings, weaving age-old truths into modern grooves. The 18th Connecticut State Troubadour and Rose Garden Performing Songwriter Contest winner invites listeners into conversation with intimate, fireside-style performances. With soul-stirring vocals and mystical folk harp, piano, and guitar, she draws audiences into a transcendent journey—one that lingers long after the final note fades. Come down and make Kala feel welcome for her first time here.

For reservations call 860-238-4500 or email us at momanddad@2ndhomelounge.com

See our complete event list - https://2ndhomelounge.com/events/

Our Google Street View is online, and it looks amazing:

https://goo.gl/maps/eC7A4ZDEjenNqzpb6

https://goo.gl/maps/NWGK4NRyk6MNfmWZ6

2nd Home Lounge

524 Main Street, Winsted

2ndhomelounge.com

Join our mailing list - https://2ndhomelounge.com/email-sign-up/

Free admission and programming on the Second Saturday of each month.

Access for All Initiative sponsored by Art Bridges Foundation

Do you know the stories of how your ancestors came to America? What about the ones left behind? NOTES TO THE MOTHERLAND is a spellbinding psychological thriller that unearths the hidden experiences of Paul Rajeckas’ family during WWII, turning one son’s search for his immigrant past into a gripping theatrical journey.

Playing a multitude of characters in this riveting one-man show, Rajeckas blends physical theater with a darkly incisive portrait of the 21st-century immigrant experience. This transformative performance brings the audience center stage into a powerful exploration of identity, history, and the secrets that shape us—an unmissable experience for anyone seeking to understand who we are and how we got here.

Join us for Story Time on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 for new books, free play, and fun crafts!

Join us for Story Time on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 for new books, free play, and fun crafts!

Join our FREE block party concert series downtown with live music on Bank Street, street games, local eats, sidewalk sales and fun! Grab your chairs and join us downtown for an evening of safe and community-involved entertainment:

Sept 18, with a Rain Date of Sept 19: Struggle Monkey