Your guide to the heart of Litchfield County:
Discover local stories, hidden gems, and must-know events.

Friday, January 16-Sunday, January 18
Emotional Healing through Expressive Writing Retreat
Many of us are turned off to poetry because a high school English teacher thought poetry is about answers. Poetry is not about answers, it’s about questions. And the kind of healing verses discussed during Peter Yaremko’s January poetry weekend can go a long way toward smoothening some of life’s rough edges.

Numerous studies have shown that writing poetry has exceptional healing power over emotional trauma, enhancing immune system function, reducing physical symptoms and pain, and improving sleep.

The healing poems discussed in the program are easy to understand, beautiful, uplifting, and helpful in easing the stresses of a bad diagnosis, a divorce, death of a loved one – just about any emotional trauma we face.

Participants will do their own writing throughout the program and share if they want to. It’s a supportive, no-critique, safe space – not an academic class about writing better, but more a contemplative approach to feeling better.

Topics covered during the weekend include:
• The science of Expressive Writing & its therapeutic benefits
• Poetry versus journaling
• Writing to heal: three secrets
• Loneliness and healing poetry
• Writing poetry for self-discovery, self-healing, and self-reliance
• Life’s silver linings – Humor, Gratitude, Hope
• Cherishing yourself

Here’s what some past participants have said about their experience in Mr. Yaremko’s programs:

• “Your workshops unlocked something inside me that yearned to come out!”

• “Your class has opened a new world to me, and I’m so appreciative.”

• “I will treasure these memories in the future, and plan to continue on this path of self-discovery and appreciation for everyday life.”

• “Writing poems has been a great outlet for me and I thank you so much for introducing me to this. It’s very therapeutic and healing.”

$335 | PRIVATE BEDROOM WITH PRIVATE BATH
$305 | PRIVATE BEDROOM WITH HALL BATH
All meals are included: Dinner on Friday through Lunch on Sunday

Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center
229 E Litchfield Rd
Litchfield, CT 06759
https://www.wisdomhouse.org/program-calendar/expressive-writing

Tuesday Mornings – Jan 6, 2026 – March 31, 2026 from 9:00am – 10:00am
OR
Wednesday evenings Jan. 7 2026 – April 1 2026 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Welcome Creatives!
Journey through Julia Cameron’s Artist’s Way with us!
Have you heard of The Artist’s Way? Have you had the book for years and never done it? Have you gotten into a few weeks only to lose momentum? Have you never heard of it before? Have you done it a zillion times?
Whatever your answer is…. The Wisdom House is excited to share this offering.
Begin the New Year with the intention to get UNSTUCK! Spend this 13-week journey with CREATIVES like YOU!

Weekly Zooms
Tuesday MORNINGS beginning 1/6/2026, 9 am-10 am EST
13 week journey ends 3/31/2026
Wednesday EVENINGS beginning 1/7/2026, 6pm-7pm /EST
13 week journey ends 4/1/2026
Weekly meetings will include a brief welcome, commencement, Morning Pages check in,
Weekly Topic Discussion, Conclusion and Closing.
Meetings will be one hour.

Think of The Artist’s Way as a PILGRIMAGE. Think of Karrie as your guide, cheerleader, coach, timekeeper, peer. Think of the weekly Zooms as TOUCHSTONES. We are committed to provide you the space, container, scaffolding and gentle facilitation.
Event Location

Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center
229 E Litchfield Rd.
Litchfield, CT 06759
Meetings will take place online via ZOOM. Call 860-567-3163 with any questions.
https://www.wisdomhouse.org/program-calendar/artists-way

Desert Spirituality: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Seekers
Saturday, January 24
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
with Nicholas Bartoli

In this one-day retreat, we will immerse ourselves in the spiritual wisdom of the Desert Fathers  and Mothers, as well as early Christian hermits who sought solitude in the desert as a path to inner peace and divine union. Drawing from the teachings of Evagrius Ponticus and other early monastics, participants will explore the stages of prayer, purification of the heart, and the battle against inner thoughts.  We will reflect on the timeless relevance of desert spirituality for modern life, where solitude, silence, and simplicity can cultivate a deeper relationship with the Divine amidst the noise and distractions of contemporary life.

COST | $75, lunch included

Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center
229 E Litchfield Rd
Litchfield, CT 06759
https://www.wisdomhouse.org/program-calendar/desert-spirituality

Saturday, January 24
2:00 PM-3:30 PM
Join us for a cozy and delicious culinary experience celebrating the simple joys of homestyle cooking. In this interactive demonstration, participants will watch as comforting, approachable dishes come together—made with everyday ingredients and plenty of heart. Whether you’re looking for fresh inspiration in the kitchen or simply love the art of good food, this session offers a welcoming space to learn, savor, and connect.

More details, including featured recipes and presenter information, will be added soon. Stay tuned!
COST | $30

Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center
229 E Litchfield Rd
Litchfield, CT 06759
https://www.wisdomhouse.org/program-calendar/homestyle-foods

Historian John Cilio presents: “America’s First Cookbook”
Friday, January 9 at 1 pm
In-Person and Zoom. Registration required for In-Person.

Step back in time to explore the rich tapestry of the nation’s first-ever native cookbook. Self-published in 1796, American Cookery is considered a culinary milestone in American history. It was penned by the enigmatic American orphan Amelia Simmons and was backed by prominent Federalist politicians.

It shows the recipes of early American cuisine, the melting pot of European traditions, Native American ingredients, and innovative cooking techniques. American Cookery isn’t just a cookbook; it’s a culinary time capsule that captures the practicality and creativity of early American kitchens. John Cilio’s 50-minute presentation showcases the groundbreaking 13-edition cookbook, the evolution of cookbooks in early America, and highlights the impact of cast iron stoves and the development of cooking schools.

JOHN CILIO is a fascinating historical storyteller, author, and researcher who has been captivating audiences with his tales of the past for over 15 years. As a proud member of the Organization of American Historians and the Association for the Study of Connecticut History, John has shared his knowledge through numerous articles in national magazines and newspapers. Through his captivating storytelling and in-depth research, John continues to inspire and educate. Prepare to be transported through time and experience history through period stories and vintage photographs.

Oliver Wolcott Library
160 South Street
Litchfield, CT 06759
https://www.owlibrary.org/adult-events.aspx#anchor_cilio

Ageless Seniors: An exercise class for senior women with Nancy Schuler.

In-Person & on Zoom:
Tuesdays in January: 6, 13, 20, & 27: 10:15 – 11:00 AM*
Registration required for in-person.

Let’s talk balance, posture and well being. Join this senior women’s exercise group on Tuesdays at 10:15 and let’s work to keep moving at any age.
You may attend the class in person or online in the privacy of your home.

Oliver Wolcott Library
160 South Street
Litchfield, CT 06759
https://www.owlibrary.org/adult-events.aspx#anchor_ageless

OWL Saturday Family Storytime & Stay to Play at 10:30 am

Saturdays in January, 10, 17, 24, 31 (no class 1/3)
No registration required.
All ages welcome!

Come to OWL for an all ages storytime in the children’s room Saturday at 10:30 then stay to play.
In addition to our puppet theater, dollhouse, wooden blocks, and train set, we now have sorting toys! Our craft table is home to drawing supplies, as well as seasonal coloring sheets for younger children.
And most importantly, come in to browse our collection of print books, Nutmeg nominees, and Wonderbooks!

Oliver Wolcott Library
160 South Street
Litchfield, CT 06759
https://www.owlibrary.org/childrens-events.aspx

Baby Storytime at OWL
Tuesdays in January at 10:30 AM

Perfect for Birth – 18 months, but fun for everyone!

Meet us in the Children’s Room for Baby Time! This calm, cozy program is designed for pre-walkers who aren’t quite ready for the high energy of Rhyme Time. We will focus on nursery rhymes, lullabies, and bonding with your baby.

Oliver Wolcott Library
160 South Street
Litchfield, CT 06759
https://www.owlibrary.org/childrens-events.aspx

\Our winter market is back every Saturday12/13 – April 9:30-12:30 At St. John’s Episcopal Church in new Milford. Join local farmers and Specialty vendors For the best seasonal shopping around. Indoor community setting great for families.
Event Location

St. John’s Episcopal Church 7 Whittlesey Avenue New Milford, CT 06776 – enter on Whittlesey Avenue at the side door.
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http://www.newmilfordfarmersmarket.com

My Vibe: Mood Boards

Explore your personal aesthetic and define your style using the power of collage art. We’ll use magazines, fabric scraps, and more to construct a mood board that captures your current “vibe” or visualizes a future goal. This is a chill, hands-on session perfect for translating complex feelings and ideas into art!

Register here: https://www.mattmuseum.org/calendar/vibe-moodboards/

Non-Members – $15
Members – $10
Adventure Passholders – $0
Waterbury Students – $0

Support provided by American Savings Foundation and Post University.

Mattatuck Museum
144 West Main Street
Waterbury, CT

Free Parking is available behind the museum in lots on Park Place

2026-01-17

https://www.mattmuseum.org/calendar/vibe-moodboards/