New summer exhibit at Kent Historical Society, more news

“Put It Down Over There: Musings on Early Chairs” is being presented in the Seven Hearths Museum on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 5.

Free admission to the exhibit for members; $5 suggested donation for non-members.

Regional Hospice opens suites at New Milford Hospital, partners with Nuvance Health

Regional Hospice of CT opens two new hospice suites at New Milford Hospital, and named “Preferred Provider” by Nuvance Health.

Nuvance Health’s New Milford Hospital is celebrating the opening of two brand new private suites for hospice care, which are supported by Regional Hospice’s staff of RNs, social workers, Chaplains, specialized therapists and hospital nurses, all specially trained in hospice support, providing 24/7 care.

Regional Hospice has also been named a “Preferred Provider” by Nuvance Health, a system of hospitals serving patients throughout western Ct and Hudson Valley.

Bridgewater Fair

The 69th Bridgewater Country Fair is Aug. 19-21. It’s unique in its charm and warmth of a small town yet brings this amazing event like a big city would. With live music, animals, special acts, shopping, amusement, contests, a chance to win a Toyota Tacoma, it really is an event-packed weekend and fun family outing.

The Annual Bridgewater Fireman’s Parade and opening ceremonies begin at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19, featuring over 30 Fire companies from throughout CT. Then come join the fun with Ride Bracelets on Friday only, from 5-10 p.m. The entire family and all ages will enjoy the new events all weekend long including The Majestic Spectacular Motorcycle Thrill Show which returns with their Wheel of Death. The Dock Diving Dogs return to show off their skills, as well as the Border Collie Herding Demonstrations. There will be new and more craft Vendors and new music and entertainment.

The Fair has the enthusiasm of its historic features and charm like Racing Pig contests, livestock and agricultural displays, games, amusement rides, famous food, cooked by our own firemen, such as the roast beef sandwiches, pulled pork, corn, chicken and tacos. Art and photography shows, flower, baking, vegetable and fruit competitions, needlework, hobby displays, adult and children’s pie eating contest on Saturday, Hay bale and skillet toss, tractor, oxen and pony pulls/shows, crafts, and more.

The Lions Club returns on Saturday, from 10 AM to 3 PM, to do their eye screening for young children ages 2-7. Through their program they have been able to refer hundreds of children who have vision issues that have been detected and can be corrected at an early age. Look for them inside the Firehouse near the Art and Photography exhibits.

Entertainment for the weekend begins Friday with Pig Racing, at 4:30, 7:30, and 10:30 PM; School of Rock at 5 PM; Tractor Mac at 5:30 PM. Dock Diving Dogs at 6 PM; Majestic Spectacular Motorcycle Thrill Show at 5, 8 PM; Flashback on the bandstand at 8:30 PM; Skillet Toss at 8:45 PM.

Most people don’t know that the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department is supported solely by the profits of the Fair and Raffle. We get no money from the Town, State or Homeland Security. We have not had a Fair in two years, so we are depending on your enthusiasm and joy, to support our volunteer Fire Department this year.

Admission is $10 for Adults, $8 or Seniors, and children 12 and under are free. Three day passes are available at the Mobil Station and Bridgewater Town Hall for $20.

Parking is free. No pets allowed on the Fairgrounds, please leave them home. The Bridgewater Fair is located at 100 Main St South, Bridgewater. For more information go to: www.bridgewaterfair.com.

New Preston thrift shop

The Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County’s Thrift Store is operated by a dedicated group of local and devoted volunteers who have been volunteering at the thrift store for many years.

The store is filled with gently used clothing, houseware, giftware, linens, books, and children’s items. They welcome donations and can be dropped off at 233B Litchfield Turnpike (Route 202), New Preston, during their regular business hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday from 10 am-2 pm and Thursday and Friday from 10 am – 4pm.

All the proceeds from every sale directly benefit the patients of Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County. Each donation is appreciated and helps so many of our neighbors in need. They are also looking for volunteers to help with sorting and tagging merchandise and assisting customers. To become a volunteer, please call Martha Babbitt at (860) 379-8561.

Kent Chamber Sidewalk Sale Days

The annual Kent Sidewalk Sale Days will run through Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participating merchants include Heron American Craft Gallery, Silver & Sage Trading, Scribble Art Workshop, Sundog Shoe & Leather, Fife ‘n Drum Gift Shop, House of Books, Kent Greenhouse & Gardens, Koblenz & Co. Antique & Estate Jewelry, Foreign Cargo, Rolling River Antiques, Chestnut Woodworking, Tarot in Thyme, Terston Home Accents & Apparel, and the Kent Station Pharmacy.

The long weekend will also feature the return of the St. Andrews Annual Tag Sale along with the Roger Sherman Chapter DAR Tag Sale on Main Street next to St. Andrews Church.

The Kent Memorial Library will continue its Outdoor Book Sale for all four days plus you can purchase a raffle ticket to win a 2012 Mini Cooper Base Convertible! This year we will hold a raffle for a basket of items and gift certificates totaling $400.

Tickets will be on sale during the Sale Days. Drawing will be held on Monday August 8. Winners do not need to be present to win.

There will be craftspeople, beer, food-to-go and more at the Farmers Market. The Kent Art Association will have a sale on select local artist works. The Golden Falcon Lot (on North Main Street) will feature non-profits with information about their organizations. Parking is available on Main Street and on the Kent Green property. For more information and a schedule of sales & events, visit www.kentct.com.

Roxbury Congregational Church tag sale, bake sale

The Roxbury Congregational Church is holding its 18th annual tag/bake sale Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A light lunch will be available. It will be on the front lawn unless it rains, in which case it will be inside.

The church is located at 24 Church Street (Rt. 317), Roxbury.

Rent an 8-foot table for $25 or a space (bring your own table) for $20. It is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please reserve early. Your payment holds your space.

If you love to bake, we’d love to have your goodies for our bake table. For information and sign-up, call Sue at 860-354-1274 before 7 p.m.

Methodist Church in New Milford has solar panels

The Methodist Church on Danbury Road in New Milford has a new look. It’s absolutely covered with solar panels.

The congregation worships outdoors in the Chapel in the Pines during the summer months and have recently installed large tent-like structures over the outdoor seating.

The indoor service is streamed, the outdoor service is live and zoomed. They are finally noticing a huge difference in their electric bills and are looking forward to storing some for the colder, cloudier weather, a release said.

The Education Center attached to the church uses natural gas since it was able to be added when it became available in the neighborhood. All are welcome. Services are Sunday at 9 a.m.

Sherman Library programs

Adult programs and events

Left Turn: Paintings by Carolyn Cohen, Open Until Aug. 24: The Sherman Library presents “Left Turn,” mixed media paintings by Carolyn Cohen. In her work, Cohen experiments with variations of color, textures, shapes, and techniques creating layered images with acrylic paint, her medium of choice. Cohen’s paintings are on display at the Sherman Library through Aug. 24 and on the library website — www.ShermanLibrary.org.

Relaxation with Yoga Nidra, Aug. 5, 7 p.m.: Join yoga instructor Mariya Hurwitz for a session of gentle yoga and guided relaxation. This program, currently offered remotely through Zoom, is a wonderful way to relax and unwind. Classes are free and are open to all adults and no experience is required.

Golf Tournament, Fundraising Event, Aug. 22, registration at 8:30 a.m. It’s set on 170 majestic acres. Come out and play a great golf course at this unique private club, have an excellent barbeque, and help raise money for the Sherman Library at the same time. To register, visit shermanlibrary.org/golf.

Sherman Chamber Ensemble summer series continues with Women of Genius

Since 1982, the Sherman Chamber Ensemble, under the artistic direction of Eliot Bailen, has inspired audiences with creative programming and brilliant performances.

On Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13, its Signature Summer Concert Series continues as the Ensemble and friends celebrate with Women of Genius. The 7:30 p.m. Friday evening concert will take place at St. Andrew’s Church in Kent. On Saturday, the Ensemble will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC in Sherman.

The performance features the works of three female composers spanning two centuries: Valerie Coleman, born in 1970; Florence Price, 1887-1953, and Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, 1805-1847.

Musicians include Artistic Director Eliot Bailen (cello), Susan Rotholz (flute), Lis Perry and Doori Na (violin), and Richard Wolfe (viola).

Composer Coleman was featured as one of the “Top 35 Women Composers” by The Washington Post, and named Performance Today’s 2020 “Classical Woman of the Year,” an honor bestowed on an individual who has made a significant contribution to classical music as a performer, composer, or educator.

Her composition, Umoja, Anthem for Unity, was chosen by Chamber Music America as one of the “Top 101 Great American Ensemble Works” and is now a staple of woodwind literature. It was commissioned by the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2019. This was a very special achievement, because it marked the first time that a living African-American woman composer was commissioned by the Philadelphia Orchestra.

The Ensembles will perform Coleman’s Maombi Asante, for flute, violin and cello, which takes its name from the Swahili, in which it means “a prayer of thanksgiving.”

Price is best remembered as the first African-American woman to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra. In 1933, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra played her Symphony in E minor. That orchestra also premiered her Piano Concerto the following year.

Each movement in Price’s Five Folksongs in Counterpoint takes for its theme from an African American spiritual, hymn or folksong from the Black American tradition. She filtered the familiar songs through the practices of traditional chamber music.

The movements are the African American spiritual Cavalry, the ballad Clementine, the folk song Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes, Black folk song Shortnin’ Bread, and the beloved African-American folk melody Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. Throughout all five songs, Price’s music presents these well-known African American songs with sophisticated pride and dignity.

The program ends with the String Quartet in E-flat Major by Mendelssohn Hensel, composed in 1834 but not published until 1988. This work is one of the very first significant string quartets composed by a woman.

General Admission tickets are $25. Children ages 15 and under are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased online at www.SCEmusic.org. General Admission tickets will be available at the door. For information or reservations call 860-355-5930 or email [email protected].

Artfest at Sherman’s Jewish Community Center

Area residents are invited to celebrate art at this year’s Sherman Artfest a first-year collaborative endeavor by the Sherman Artists Association SAA and the Sherman Jewish Community Center, JCC.

Hosted at the Jewish Community Center, 9 Route 39, the Artfest will feature jewelry, paintings watercolors, acrylics, oils, photographs and fused glass art by local artists. The opening reception is Aug. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. with light refreshments and live music. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 6, and Aug. 7.

Dog licensing in Bridgewater

All dogs six months of age and older are required to be licensed in the Town of Bridgewater. The Dog License registration period began June 1 and registration can be done by mail or in person at Bridgewater Town Hall (44 Main Street South). Proof of current rabies immunization is required. For first time dog licensing, a certificate of neuter/spay, if applicable, is required.

The current late fee to license an unaltered dog is $20 and $9 for an altered dog. Late fees of $1 per month per dog began July 1 for unlicensed dogs. Call the Town Clerk’s Office at 860-354-5102 with questions.

Washington’s Gunn Memorial Library hosts Monday movie matinees

The Gunn Memorial Library (5 Wykeham Road in Washington) will be hosting Monday movie matinees at 1 p.m. at the library this August.

The lineup of movies to be screened at the library include “Montana Story” on Aug. 8; “Let Them All Talk” on Aug. 15; “The Lost City” on Aug. 22; “The Duke” on Aug. 29, and “Unchartered” from Aug. 1.

To register in advance, go online to www.gunnlibrary.org/programs.

Restless Mountain Band concert in Roxbury

The Minor Memorial Library (23 South St. in Roxbury) is excited to continue its Summer Concert Series on the library’s lawn with Restless Mountain Band on Aug. 6 at 3 p.m. we welcome the “Restless Mountain Band.

Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic, lawn chairs or blanket and enjoy the music. Cocktails from Roxbury’s Mine Hill Distillery will be available for purchase with proceeds benefitting the library.

The library’s next Summer Concert will be on Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. and will feature Roxbury Station Band.

For more information, call the library at 860-350-2181 or visit www.minormemoriallibrary.org.

New Milford poetry contest for Connecticut senior citizens

Candlewood Valley Health and Rehabilitation New Milford recently announced a poetry contest designed especially for Connecticut seniors ages 55 and older. Open until Aug. 30, the contest welcomes any style of poetry as long as it’s an unpublished work. Up to three poems will be accepted per individual. The prizes will be awarded in the form of Visa gift cards ranging from $100 to $250.

To enter or learn more, contact jo[email protected], or call 860-355-0971, extension 111.

Sherman Primaries

Both the Republican and Democratic Primaries will be held Aug. 9 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sherman Emergency Services Facility/Firehouse 1 Route 39 North.

Regular office hours for Registrars of Voters are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays.

Gaylordsville’s Merwinsville Hotel offers Sunday tours, scavenger hunt

The historic Merwinsville Hotel 1 Browns Forge Rd in Gaylordsville recently welcomed the return of its Summer Sunday tours. Visitors can step back into time as the tour’s hosts share information about the hotel’s history. Railroad buffs may be fascinated by the interior that includes a replica ticket counter and other items used during the hotel’s active railroad period. Free tours are offered this summer on each Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. through Aug. 28.

The hotel will also be welcoming the return of its Glass Orb/Sphere Scavenger Hunt. With 22 area historic sites and organizations participating in the hunt, each site will hide numbered and dated glass orbs either inside or outside on their property. Participants can search for and keep any glass orb that they find and register it on the Merwinsville Hotel website at www.merwinsvillehotel.org. They can also upload a photo onto the website and share their find on social media.

For further information, call 860-350-4443 or visit www.merwinsvillehotel.org.

Bridgewater library exhibit by New Milford artist Dennis Stuart

The Burnham Library (62 Main St S in Bridgewater) is exhibiting landscapes of the Housatonic Valley and Litchfield Hills as captured by New Milford artist Dennis Stuart through Aug. 27. For additional information, visit www.burnhamlibrary.org or call 860-354-6937.

Kent Memorial Library summer reading program

As part of the Kent Memorial Library’s 32 N Main St summer reading program, patrons ages 18 and older are invited to read and fill out a bingo card with tasks related to reading for them to complete.

After registering at the library’s front desk, participants can mark off simple tasks related to reading, such as reading a book with a cover they like. Each time they complete rows on the card, they can put a raffle ticket in the raffle jar. Patrons can complete as many bingo cards as they like for the chance to win a basket filled with local gourmet and cooking produce and gift certificates. There will be three drawings for three baskets

Visit the website www.kentmemoriallibrary.org for more information.

Gaylordsville Historical Society offering scholarship

The Gaylordsville Historical Society is offering a Continuing Educational Scholarship valued up to $500 to Gaylordsville residents with a mailing address of 06755.

This scholarship is open to residents of all ages wishing to further their educational experience. This may include a college course for college sophomores, juniors, seniors or graduate students; an enrichment course for senior citizens; a certification course; or an adult education course.

Applications are due Aug. 15, and can be obtained by calling 860-354-8239 for an application or by picking one up at the Gaylordsville post office.

Washington: Invasive plants as food, library program

Residents are invited to join The 3 Foragers at Gunn Memorial Library on Aug. 11 for a virtual program on invasive plants as food.

Beginning at 6:30 p.m. over Zoom, the presentation will increase residents’ awareness of invasive plant species and teach them how to combat the spread of invasive species by using their appetites as an innovative weapon, attempting to control invasive plants one bite at a time. Identification of edible invasives and preparation for meals will be discussed, as well as recipe suggestions.

For more information, visit www.gunnlibrary.org.

Sherman Library community survey, and programs

Aug. 5 at 7 p.m., yoga instructor Mariya Hurwitz will lead a session of gentle yoga and guided relaxation for library patrons and community members over Zoom. The class is free and open to all participants; no experience is required.

Aug. 16, the Sherman Library and JCC in Sherman will co-host “Great Decisions: The Quad Alliance” at 7 p.m. over Zoom. To register or for more information, visit www.jccinsherman.org/greatdecisions or contact [email protected].

Due to inclement weather, the Sherman Library’s golf tournament fundraising event has been rescheduled to Aug. 22. Registration is at 9 a.m. while tee time is at 10 a.m. Tournament participants can enjoy a great game at Whippoorwill Club 150 Whippoorwill Rd in Armonk, N.Y., eat barbecue and help raise money for the library all at the same time. To register, visit https://www.shermanlibrary.org/golf.

Deer Pond Farm hosting nature programs in Sherman

Deer Pond Farm 57 Wakeman Hill Rd in Sherman is having a variety of nature programs, and opportunities to offer area residents this summer. Registration is required at www.ctaudubon.org.

From algae to oak trees, residents are invited to check out the virtual museum iNaturalist.org for observations of any living thing and help in identifying photographs of different species. They might also want to try https://ebird.org/home to keep track of their birdwatching adventures and learn more about what birds to expect at different times and places.

The farm’s trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. Visitor parking and guided programs will meet at 57 Wakeman Hill Rd, and all onsite programs are held outside. For more information, call 860-799-4074.

Washington Art Association and Gallery presenting poetry event

POEM – ing

Washington Art Association & Gallery is presenting POEM-ing on Thursday, August 18 at the WAA Gallery in Washington Depot.

Created as a kind of “poetry on the tongue” event, several local poets including Davyne Verstandig, and Dimitri Rmsky will improvise poetry inspired by the music of Barry Blitt, Doug White, Don Bracke, and Nick Jacobs.

There might even be some music improvised in response to longer recited poems.

The audience is invited to participate by drawing pictures that are inspired by the words, and the music at the event.

Sketchbooks, and colored crayons will be provided.

Join the nonprofit organization at 6 p.m. for refreshments, and enjoy the “Drawn to Love” members exhibition in the gallery. The free 90-minute exhibit starts at 6:30 p.m.

There will be an opportunity to make a donation to benefit the non-profit organization.

McCarthy observatory expands Second Saturday Stars program, New Milford

NASA’s next generation space telescope, the James Webb, has commenced science operations after a much-anticipated launch, complex deployment, traveling almost a million miles to its deep-space destination, and six months of commissioning.

The John J. McCarthy Observatory is an official host site and contributor in a NASA-sponsored public engagement initiative to share the first images from this ground-breaking infrared telescope.

The program at the Observatory’s August 13, Second Saturday Stars open house will delve into the technology that made the images possible and explore the science that can be mined from the light in this region of the electromagnetic spectrum that is inaccessible to Earth-bound telescopes.

Join them for an evening dedicated to discovering the universe. Weather permitting, there will be a number of telescopes set up around the facility, and operated by the Observatory’s knowledgeable volunteers. They invite the public to enjoy the wonders of the summer sky, including our solar system’s crown jewel, Saturn, which will rise as the Sun sets. This program is free and will begin at 8 p.m.

Live musical performance at the Judy Black Park and Gardens in Washington Depot

The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens will host the band Widely Grown for a concert on Sunday, August 14 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Widely Grown is a relatively new band on the music scene, having formed out of a year of life on the road. Band lead James Calleo had been performing as a solo musician when he set out on his travels.

The band’s music is the inevitable sound that culminates from living a year without a permanent home. Traveling across the country with his wife and dog in a tiny Subaru, Calleo spent 2020 camping in the Appalachian Mountains, spending starry nights in Bighorn National Forest and swimming in the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest.

The pull towards Roots, Rock and Americana came as natural as the moon tugging at the tide. From those roots emerged thoughtful and reflective storytelling, now accompanied by a widely grown band of musicians from across New Jersey, including fiddler Sean-David Cunningham, drummer Dave DeRiso and upright bassist Dave Lockhart.

This concert is free and open to the public. We invite the community to join us for what we know will be a spectacular musical event.

The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens is located at 1 Green Hill Road, Washington Depot.

New Milford Silo begins first artist-in-residence show and ‘Fifty Years of the Silo’

The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm recently hosted a special event in preparation for the upcoming “Fifty Years of the Silo” celebration.

The Saturday, July 23, event marked the unofficial start to a year-long celebration of Ruth and Skitch Henderson’s vast legacy of music, cooking, art, conservation and land preservation that will soon culminate with the 50th anniversary of The Silo.

The Hendersons purchased the Upland Road property in 1968 and created a world-renowned mecca for musicians and artists of all ages, along with its well-known Silo Cooking School, founded in 1972.

The recent program included an opening reception for “Fractions of a Part,” an exhibit by Guilherme Lepca of Brazil, who is The Silo’s first artist-in-residence; hors d’oeuvres prepared and presented by The Silo Cooking School Director Nancy Stuart; and a concert with guest artists.

Stuart chose some of Skitch’s favorite recipes from Ruth’s cookbooks.

The concert featured singer Martina Fišerová, who has appeared as guest singer at the Jazz Conservatory of Prague and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., accompanied by Matthew Weber, who is the lead associate bass player with the Karlovy Vary Symphonic Orchestra and member of the National Symphonic Orchestra of the Czech Republic.

In addition, singer/songwriter Sophia Lily and piano extraordinaries Lou Katz and Joseph Diblasi performed, playing Skitch’s venerable “Old 199” the world’s most sought-after Steinway piano ever built.