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

Discover the unique process of screen printing a custom design on fabric using single-layer printing techniques. Open to all levels of experience, you will be encouraged to bring a variety of cotton fabric material to experiment with including tote bags, t-shirts and canvas.

Instructor: Nick Colabella

Saturdays, August 23 & 30, 2025

10 AM - 4 PM

Members: $175.50 / Non-Members: $195

MORE INFO & REGISTER

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.

Get ready to go big! The New Hartford Artisans Guild is thrilled to announce our upcoming Big

Works Art Show, celebrating artwork that makes a bold statement. This is your chance to showcase

your largest, most impactful pieces—the only requirement is that one dimension must be at least

24 inches. Whether it’s towering canvases, sweeping landscapes, or grand sculptural forms, we

want to fill the gallery with work that commands attention. Don’t miss this opportunity to take up

space and let your creativity shine on a larger scale!

Sun in Capricorn, Cancer Rising, Moon in Scorpio.

Elizabeth is an intuitive tarot reader with a background in astrology and a love for crystal healing. Coming from a family of artists and a strong ancestral spirituality, Elizabeth has practiced tarot for over fifteen years with a few very important teachers/guides whom she studied under; including her father. With a kitchen table approach, Elizabeth uses the art of metaphysical conversation within the cards to seek a frank, gentle insight into one’s life.

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

https://goo.gl/maps/eC7A4ZDEjenNqzpb6

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2nd Home Lounge

524 Main Street, Winsted

2ndhomelounge.com

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

GALVANIZED JAZZ BAND

Tickets: $35-50, Under 19 Free

Musicmountain.org or 860-824-7126 for tickets and more information

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!

We worship every Sunday at 10 a.m. All are welcome!

Sheilaa L. Hite, C.Ht., CLC, is a world renowned Master Tarot consultant, instructor, Intuitive and author who insightfully uses the Tarot, Astrology, Palmistry, Psychometry, Dream and Symbol interpretation, Mediumship, Channeling, Meditation, Healing and Intuitive Counseling to help her clients understand and fulfill the meaning and purpose of their lives.

Her ability to expertly interpret and use the power and energy of the Tarot is legendary. She has an accuracy rate of 95-100%.

Luigi BOCCHERINI String Quartet in A Major, G. 206

Stefano SCODANIBBIO Due canzoni messicane 

Gonzalo CASTELLANOS YUMAR Fantasía

Alfonso FUENTES Clarinet Quintet (World Premiere)

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART Clarinet Quintet in A Major, K. 581

Tickets: $30-65, Under 19 Free

Musicmountain.org or 860-824-7126 for tickets and more information

Come early for a free pre-concert talk at 2PM

Alfonso Fuentes and the Making of a World Premiere 

Pre-Concert Talk with composer Alfonso Fuentes, including sound and video samples, and Q&A. 

Step away from the demands of daily life and into a sanctuary of peace. Our five-day retreats invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace the stillness that allows your soul to awaken.

Nestled in the tranquil Litchfield Hills, Wisdom House offers the perfect setting to disconnect from the noise and rediscover the wisdom within. Each day, you’ll meet one-on-one with your spiritual companion who will walk beside you as you reflect, heal, and grow.

Let nature and silence restore you—immerse yourself in the gentle rhythm of a labyrinth walk, find inspiration in our art gallery, or simply rest by the pool under the summer sun. Take long walks along quiet country roads, read sacred texts that nourish your spirit, or pour your reflections onto the pages of a journal.

Come home to yourself. Let this time away be a gift—one of renewal, clarity, and deep spiritual connection.

We’re honored to offer scholarship opportunities to programs and retreats, creating opportunities for everyone. Please call (860) 567-3163 to find out more.

The health and safety of our guests and staff are of paramount importance to us. We follow the COVID-19 guidelines provided by the State of Connecticut and the CDC. If Wisdom House is forced to close to comply with the guidelines issued by the State of Connecticut or the CDC, we will return all funds received to date.

with various spiritual directors

Presented by Sr. Pat Torre, DW

Come away to a quiet place….

We offer these quiet days as an opportunity to disconnect from the busyness of life, and to settle into the silence.

These quiet days are self-directed. Relax at the pool in the summer sunshine, steep yourself in a meditative labyrinth walk, be inspired by the works in our art gallery, or discover the country roads surrounding our property. Bring your Bible or your spiritual reading. Bring a journal or artwork to access your inner wisdom. Bring your favorite book to read or to write. We will come together as a group once a day for a meditation and sharing.

The restful setting of the Litchfield Hills will allow you to appreciate and be embraced by the healing effect of God in the silence.

The retreat begins with dinner at 5:30 pm on Sunday, August 24 (arrive any time after 4 pm) and ends on Friday, August 29 at 10 am.

Join us for a cruise at I Know A Guy Deli! The deli is open until 8:00 PM for food and drinks. Bring your classic cars, hot rods, bikes, jeeps and enjoy some groovy acoustic tunes good times await, and there's plenty of parking out back.

Don't have a car? No worries, just come hang out

Every Monday night May through September 4-8.

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.

The Morris Public Library offers Story and Music Time for participants ages 9 mo. - 5 y.o every Tuesday at 10 am.

Please call to ask if a spot is available: 860-567-7440.

Sing songs, read a story, do a craft!

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

“Ending Redlining through a Community-Centered Reform of the Community Reinvestment Act,” book talk and signing with Morris author Josh Silver, Wednesday, August 27, 6:30 PM

 This author talk describes a new book, Ending Redlining through a Community-Centered Reform of the Community Reinvestment Act, and will explore how and why members of Congress and community-based organizations developed the CRA law that emphasizes community participation in stopping redlining and rebuilding neighborhoods experiencing discrimination.

This talk will explain:

 ·        What is redlining and how it devastates communities

·        Why CRA is relevant for rural areas and smaller towns as well as urban neighborhoods

·        How and why CRA was devised as a means to rectify redlining through community empowerment

·        The successes and limitations of CRA

·        An overview of the legislative and regulatory history of CRA since its enactment in 1977

·        Recommendations for updates to CRA, its application to other industries, and the current threats to CRA

Please register with the library: 860-567-7440 or https://morrispubliclibrary.net/library-calendar-event-registration/