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!

🌻 Join Us This Summer at Arethusa Farm 4-H Camp! 🌻

Located on a beautiful 140-acre nonprofit farm in Litchfield, CT, Arethusa Farm 4-H Camp is more than just summer fun—it’s a hands-on journey into sustainable agriculture, animal care, and environmental science!

🧒 Open to youth ages 5–13

📅 10 weeks of weekday camps | June 16 – August 22, 2025

🕘 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM daily

• 🌿 Discovery Camps (First 6 weeks): Explore farm animals, horticulture, environmental science, ag mechanics, and more!
• 🐑 Specialty Camps (Last 4 weeks):Choose from Vet Science Camp or Farm Camp for a deeper dive into animal care and sustainable farming.

This camp is part of a larger mission to reconnect youth and families with the land, promote food security, and build a healthier, more resilient community.

🔗 Register now

📧 Questions? Email us at arethusafarm4Hcamp@gmail.com

🌐 Learn more: www.arethusafarmfoundation.org

Let’s grow, learn, and thrive—together! 🌾

Presented by Rev. Dr. Eileen Epperson

We all react differently to the loss of a loved one. Whether it be from old age, terminal illness or accident, we are never prepared for the tsunami of feelings and the shattered sense of life. In this support group, “Grieving With Wisdom,” we take one day at a time accompanied by a caring facilitator and others who know what this journey is like. You are not alone. There are resources to help you along your journey.

This is an 8-session grief support group starting Monday, May 19 through July 7. Participants are urged to commit to all 8 weeks to receive the full benefit of the content. Signing up for May 19 registers you for all sessions.

10:30 AM-11:45 AM

We will gather within the comforting space of Wisdom House with a seasoned facilitator and have the opportunity to speak and listen and discover we are not alone at all.

“This group means the world to me at present. It is a safe place to come and let my real feelings out. I don’t have to pretend to be stronger than I am. I can just be myself.”

A grief group participant after eight months.

Eight Mondays: May 19-July 7

limited to 12 participants

This program is offered on a donation basis, and your generosity is deeply appreciated.

Donations can be made at online registration via the Wisdom Fund or in-person upon arrival.

Join us each month for one year as we explore 12 influential Presidents through selected biographies spanning from George Washington through John F. Kennedy.

About the Series:

When selecting biographies, we decided an author should only appear once on our list and that their work should be accessible. Each month, read the selected biography then join us as historian, author and teacher Peter Vermilyea leads the discussion exploring Presidential personalities, opportunities and failures, challenges, and legacies. Through lecture and discussion, we will delve deeper into our Presidential and shared history.

July Selection:

In July, we will be exploring Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow - A Pulitzer Prize winning book.

About the Presenter:

Peter Vermilyea teaches history at Housastonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village, CT and at Western Connecticut State University. A graduate of Gettysburg College, he serves as the scholarship director of his alma mater’s Civil War Institute. He is the author or editor of five books and fifteen articles, most on aspects of Civil War history.

Physical books are available at OWL to borrow, and e-books and e-audio books are instantly available for OWL card holders.

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.

Tuesdays at 6:00 PM - July 1 - August 5

For children of all ages and their grown-ups

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. 

REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR EACH PROGRAM!

7/1: 6-8pm - Bring the Hoopla (Hula Hoop Program)

Bring the fun back into fitness with this high energy, unique Hoopla hoop program!

7/8: 6-8pm - Mini Golf to Go!

Play a round of mini golf in the stacks at OWL!

7/15: 6-7pm - “Predator & Prey” LHAS Outdoor Bird Watching Program

The Litchfield Hills Audubon Society presents this fascinating bird watching program!

7/22: 6-8pm - Pokemon Party

Pizza and Pokemon?! What a perfect combo!

7/29: 6-8pm - Harry Potter Digital Escape Room Party -

Use your HP trivia skills and general knowledge to unlock digital escape rooms! 

8/5: 6-7pm - Science Heroes - 

Science Heroes is back with another exciting and interactive STEM program!

Learn About Fostering a Pup: How to help prepare a dog to assist people with disabilities

Come and see the puppies!! Nothing brightens your day than puppies, and we will have plenty on hand to meet, greet and connect with during this special presentation.

ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities) is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to training and placing service dogs. ECAD has placed hundreds of service dogs with individuals all over the country, making a positive impact in many lives. Companion service dogs assist people with a variety of daily life challenges. Recipients of these amazing animals might be children with autism or veterans with PTSD for example.

Volunteer puppy fosters help raise and socialize future service dogs! Fosters provide love, care, and basic training to young puppies in their own homes for 6 months, preparing them for their life-changing roles. Join us to learn more about how you can get involved and help change lives—one puppy at a time!

For more information about ECAD, visit their website at https://www.ecad1.org/

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.

The Hickory Stick Bookshop is delighted to host the book launch of “Lost Love” by Orenaug Mountain Publishing, its most recent poetry collection, on Thursday, July 10th at 6 pm.

Local contributors to the collection, including Sam Gluck, Ed Dzitko, Martin Giroux, Sandy Carlson and others will read from the collection. There will be refreshments and books will be available for purchase.

 ABOUT THE BOOK

The poets from around the world who contributed their work to “Lost Love” reflect on what it means to love, to remember, to say good-bye, and to long for one more word or moment with a loved one. 

The collection was edited by Orenaug Mountain Publishing managing partner Sandy Lee Carlson, who says the collection was inspired by the story “of a friend who lost a son without having the opportunity to say good-bye.  I began to think of all those last encounters with others that didn’t seem final until they were—and then they became momentous, living in the heart as abiding love that wanders alone.”

Martin Giroux, a contributor from Bethlehem, Connecticut, says he welcomed the opportunity to contribute a poem about his son: “This collection of poetry is a powerful and lovely testimony to the most universal of human journeys, that of loss. I feel privileged to be considered among such talent.”

 ABOUT ORENAUG MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING

Orenaug Mountain Publishing (orenaugmountainpublishing.com) seeks to be a beacon for poetic expression by creating a platform for poets to share their work with the world. We publish high-quality work that challenges, inspires, and connects readers through language.

 This event is free and open to the public.  If you are unable to attend this event, you may reserve signed copies of “Lost Love” by calling The Hickory Stick Bookshop at (860) 868 0525, or shop our website 24/7 at www.hickorystickbookshop.com.