CT National Guard 102d Army Band

Watercolor is the perfect medium to lose oneself, explore color and

serendipitous occurrences, and share experiences.

What You’ll Learn:

~ Basic Watercolor Techniques

~ Color Theory

~ Composition & Perspective

~ Special Effects

~ Subject Exploration

Email Rose at rose444@icloud.com for a list of suggested materials.

Thursdays at 1:30 PM, July 17, 24 & 31

For Grades K - 5

Registration is Required at our website.

Do you love drawing? Each week we will discuss a different author/illustrator and create a project in their signature style.

7/17 Bob Shea – Author/illustrator of the Dinosaur vs. books and the Ballet Cat series, Bob Shea uses stamped shapes as the basis for his iconic characters.

7/24 Dav Pilkey–Creator of Captain Underpants and Dog Man, Dav Pilkey is known for his bold, vivid illustrations and cartoonish, exaggerated style

7/31 Jeff Kinney–Jeff Kinney uses black and white sketches to great comedic effect in his famous Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

A Live Theatrical Performance

“It's difficult to find the words to describe the wonder of what you do!” “Riveting...” “Spellbinding...” 

The stories in My Summer Vacation bring gasps and giggles. In “The Nice People” (1890), a charming young couple innocently brings mystery to a rustic resort: well, they seem nice . . . A different surprise is “Miss Esther’s Guest” who—although invited—is thoroughly unexpected.

Michèle LaRue has toured nationally performing her one-woman plays for more than 23 years. As an editor and writer, she has collaborated on numerous prominent theatre publications. Visit her website at http://michelelarue.com

Join us for a joyful exploration of nature & art!

Fridays at 1 PM - August 1, 8 & 15

For ages 8 & up

Registration is Required at OWL website

Did you ever want to explore true magic in the universe? This program series is an invitation into an artistic movement that focuses on the magic of the natural world. All are welcome, bring your individual talents and interests. All supplies will be provided. 

Ms. Ammirati is an artist, wildlife intuitive/naturalist/activist, and master gardener. 

Come join us for a Saturday on the Arethusa Farm. Enjoy the animals, be creative with a farm related craft/game, and story time with author & illustrator Ms. Parmelee! 

Saturday's starting 7/19

9:00 - 11:00 AM

Ages 5 & under

$35 per family

For questions, email: erikae@arethusafarmfoundation.org

To register and pay, please visit: www.arethasatarmcoamdation.org

The Litchfield Farmers Market is one of the few year-round markets in the Connecticut. The weekly Saturday market offers fresh seasonal produce, fruit, berries, herbs, sustainably sourced fish; artisanal cheeses, breads and baked goods, local honey, maple syrup and gifts - all raised, grown or crafted by 15+ local vendors. 

The market occasionally hosts live music and supports non-profits from throughout the Litchfield area.

INDOOR MARKET - November through mid-June (intermittent Saturdays through the winter months -- check the website for dates.) Open Saturdays 10am - 1pm at the Litchfield Community Center located at 421 Litchfield Road, Litchfield, CT.

OUTDOOR MARKET - mid- June through October located at Center School, Litchfield.

Storytime and Stay to Play at OWL

Saturdays: August 2 & 9

Perfect for 3 - 5 year olds, but fun for everyone!

Join Mrs. Tricia for a classic library storytime--books, songs, bubbles, and more! Come for early literacy skills, social connections, and fun! We will meet outside each week, weather permitting. 

Weekly starting June 7 through August 16

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: The Litchfield History Museum

Cost: Free for Members, $10 for non-Members

Registration Requested

The Litchfield Historical Society’s weekly walking tours are the perfect way to discover Litchfield’s vibrant history and explore the town’s celebrated Historic District. The history and stories of old Litchfield are preserved in the architecture of the town. Each tour provides visitors with an overview of Litchfield’s history - from the stories behind famous landmarks to anecdotes about past residents to appreciation of prominent buildings. 

The walk will begin at the Litchfield Historical Society (7 South Street) and lasts approximately 1 hour. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. Walking tours are free for members and $10 for non-members.

Walking Tours are sponsored by Berkshire Alarm

The Galapagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, are famous for their unique wildlife and as a source of inspiration for Charle Darwin’s theory of evolution. These glorious islands are a province of Ecuador and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet British Explorer, Stewart McPherson as he introduces you to the extraordinary animals that inhabit the Galapagos Islands. Stewart’s company, Redfern Natural History Tours has donated a trip for two to the Galapagos as first prize in our annual Family Nature Day Raffle (drawing on September 27)! Meet the man, learn about the islands, buy some raffle tickets! A reception precedes McPherson’s talk. 6:00 p.m. Reception in the Museum. 7:30 p.m. talk in the A. B. Ceder Room. Please pre-register: www.whitememorialcc.org FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses.

Step right up to our delightful BLT - Bagels. Lox. Tefillin. event! Join us on Sundays from 10:00 to 10:45 AM, running from July 4th to August 25th, for a heartwarming experience.

Wrap Tefillin, recite a prayer, and relish in the scrumptious bagels, lox cream cheese, paired perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. It's more than just a meal; it's a chance to truly connect, to embrace your Jewish traditions, and simply enjoy each other's company. Don't worry if you don't have your own Tefillin - we've got you covered with our guidance and equipment.

No prior knowledge required - just bring yourself and an open heart. This event is family-friendly, so bring along the little ones for a meaningful and delicious experience. Come hungry, leave happy - we'll take care of the rest!

Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary Hosts Book Launch to Raise Awareness for Donkey Slaughter Crisis and Expand Humane Education Programs

LITCHFIELD, CT — Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary invites the public to a heartfelt book launch and vegan fundraiser on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at The Lost Fox Inn in Litchfield, celebrating the release of Rico’s Road Home, a children’s book forages 7+, based on the true rescue story of Rico, a rare donkey-zebra hybrid (zonkey) who survived unimaginable abuse.

Light refreshments will be served including vegan cheeses, wine from local vineyards and non-alcoholic beverages. There will be a silent auction, book signing and more!

The event will raise critical funds for the sanctuary’s expansion and launch of The Stewardship Project: Compassion, Conservation, and Community, a long-term initiative that combines animal rescue, humane education, environmental stewardship, and animal-assisted therapy programs for children and families in Connecticut.

“This event is more than a celebration of a book—it’s a call to action,” said Lisa Miskella, founder of Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary and cancer survivor. “We want to raise awareness about the suffering of donkeys around the world and the critical need for sanctuary space, education, and healing—both for the animals and for the people who connect with them.”

Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary to Host Children’s Book Launch and Fundraiser on August 3rd in Litchfield, CT

Event celebrates true rescue story of Rico the zonkey and raises funds for a new sanctuary site and educational programming.

LITCHFIELD, CT — On Sunday, August 3, 2025, Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary will host a heartfelt book launch and fundraising event at the charming Lost Fox Inn in Litchfield, celebrating the release of Rico’s Road Home, a children’s book based on the powerful true story of a rescued zonkey.

The event will raise critical funds for the sanctuary’s relocation and expansion through The Stewardship Project: Compassion, Conservation, and Community, an initiative to integrate animal rescue, environmental education, and therapeutic programming for children and families across Connecticut.

Founded in 2018 by Lisa Miskella, Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary was born from a deeply personal journey. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2012, Lisa sought meaning and healing through connection with animals. Her research led her to the shocking truth that farm animals are among the most abused and neglected beings on the planet. Fueled by compassion and a desire to make a lasting difference, Lisa founded the sanctuary to provide a forever home to animals no one else would save.

Since then, over 100 animals have been rescued from cruelty, abandonment, and slaughter pipelines.

One such animal is Rico, a donkey with zebra stripes—later confirmed to be a rare zonkey—who was rescued from a kill pen after enduring horrific abuse, starvation, and trauma. Though blind in one eye and severely dehydrated, Rico made a long journey across the country to the sanctuary, where he now lives in peace. Rico’s Road Home tells his story of survival, healing, and learning to trust again—offering young readers an inspiring message about kindness and hope.

📚 Event Details:

• What: Book Launch & Fundraiser for Rico’s Road Home
• When: Sunday, August 3, 2025
• Where: The Lost Fox Inn, 571 Torrington Road Litchfield, CT
• Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm
• Highlights: Signed copies of Rico’s Road Home, Wine and light refreshments, including vegan cheeses, as well as non-alcoholic beverages, silent auction with amazing items up for bid, and information on The Stewardship Project

All proceeds from the event and book sales will benefit Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary’s capital campaign to relocate and build a new sanctuary facility with dedicated space for:

• Humane education programs for children and teens
• Animal-assisted therapy for individuals with emotional and physical needs
• Environmental initiatives like pollinator gardens, rainwater systems, and composting
• Community involvement through seasonal events, volunteer opportunities, and off-site programming

“This event is more than a celebration of a book—it’s a call to action,” said Lisa Miskella. “Through The Stewardship Project, we’re creating a place where people can learn to care more deeply—not just for animals, but for one another and our planet.”

🐾 About Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary

Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Connecticut, providing lifelong sanctuary to abused, neglected, and abandoned farm animals. With a mission rooted in compassion, conservation, and community, FFAS is expanding to educate and empower the next generation through hands-on humane education and environmental stewardship.

7/14 Super Hero Day

7/21 Music and Movement, Interactive Hoop Dancing with special guest Judi Jones

7/28 Suprise Day

8/4 Circus Days with Matica Arts

Join your friends on the playground for a fun, filled morning. Free Play, Activity Stations, Group Activities and Story Time.

Remember to bring water, a hat, sunscreen and a snack.

This program is suitable for children from birth to kindergarten age.

Quinoco Energy Services proudly sponsors this program.

Mondays in August: 4, 11,18 at 10:30 am

For ages 4 - 8 & their caregivers

Parents and caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers. Ensuring that your child learns to read to their highest potential is one of the greatest gifts that you can give them. Using Letters are Characters and Letters are Builders trademarked play-based methods, we will laugh and play our way to literacy and deep reading and empower you to be a confident and competent literacy guide for your child!

Visit our website or call to register.

This program is funded by the generous support of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation. 

Come join us for a FREE COMMUNITY YOGA class at Charym in Litchfield every Monday at 5pm. This class is for both the young, and not so young, designed to help you release aches and pains while building strength and flexibility. Whether you're new to yoga or looking for a gentle practice, this class offers a sequence of basic postures that stretch and strengthen the body. The flow is moderately paced, allowing you to move with ease while focusing on proper alignment and mindfulness. Each posture is taught with an emphasis on safety and awareness, helping you feel more grounded, centered, and stronger with each class. Come as you are and experience the benefits of yoga in a supportive, welcoming environment.

An interactive STEM program with Pizza for all!

Tuesday, August 5 : 6-8 pm

For children of all ages and their grown-ups

Registration is required. Visit our website or give us a call.

This summer, Tuesday evenings at OWL are all about families--take the stress out of planning dinner and an activity and instead have some complimentary pizza and then play! This program is for children of all ages and their grown-ups. 

Presented by Eric Frenette

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected? This insightful presentation offers practical tools to help you reconnect with your inner purpose and move forward with clarity. Drawing from mindfulness practices, cognitive reframing techniques, and core principles of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), we’ll explore how to navigate life’s challenges with greater intention. Whether you’re coping with anxiety, depression, grief, or simply adjusting to a new season of life, this session offers guidance for rediscovering purpose—both from a spiritual perspective and a grounded, everyday one.

Lunch is included.

Shanks Waterfront Dining @ Clinton Marina & Shopping at Clinton Outlets

Enjoy lunch on your own at the marina while watching boats pass by under shaded canopies then we will head to the outlets to take advantage of Back To School sales.

* Pre-registration & pre-payment required.

Wednesday August 6 at 10:30 am

Perfect for 18 - 36 months, but fun for everyone!

Lots of rhymes, a sprinkling of songs, and one or two shared board books round out this library program that is perfect for little ones who need to get those wiggles out. Stay to PLAY! After the rhymes, stay for some unstructured play time with other kiddos.