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

11:00 AM-12:00 PM
FREE

Back by popular demand, Jeanine Chayka returns to offer meditation and sound healing. Her sessions activate the body’s relaxation response, calm the mind, release physical tension, and restore balance to the nervous system.
Using the soothing sounds of crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, drums, and other vibrational instruments, Jeanine leads participants through immersive meditations that transport them to a state of deep healing and renewal.
Jeanine believes that self-care is the foundation of true healing. She approaches every session with the belief that each individual is worthy of compassion, care, and inner peace. Through her work, she helps others cultivate balance, positivity, and spiritual nourishment.

Jeanine Chayka is the founder of Inspired Vibrations. She is a certified Practitioner of Sound and Vibrational Therapies, holds Reiki I & II certifications, and is a skilled meditation guide. Since 2020, she has facilitated sound meditations, guided sessions, and private retreats for individuals and groups—creating customized, deeply restorative experiences for each participant.

Registration is required at www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/

The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/the-art-of-sound-meditation-4/

11:00 AM-12:00 PM

The annual Winter Reading Challenge officially begins with “The Booker Challenge: First Chat & Kick-Off.” This community event celebrates two decades of outstanding literature honored by the Booker Prize. Readers of all ages are invited to join the launch, share their favorite Booker Prize titles, and explore new recommendations from past winners and shortlisted authors.

The Booker Prize is one of the most prestigious literary awards in the English-speaking world, presented annually to the best original novel written in English and published in the UK or Ireland. Established in 1969, the prize aims to celebrate outstanding fiction and highlight exceptional literary talent, often bringing international attention and readership to its winners.

This year’s Winter Reading Challenge focuses on Booker Prize and Booker-shortlisted works from the last 20 years, giving participants the chance to discover acclaimed titles from around the world. The kick-off chat will highlight contemporary classics and hidden gems—perfect inspiration for winter reading goals.

Attendees will share what they’ve read, what they’ve loved, and what they recommend from the Booker lists of the past two decades. New to the Booker Prize world? Come for inspiration and leave with a great reading list.

The winter book display at the library will also present a rich curated selection to help readers choose titles based on genre, theme, and reading preferences.

How to Participate:

The Winter Reading Challenge runs from January 12, 2026 to March 2, 2026. Participants can join by signing up at the library front desk and participate in all the library programs during this time. All readers—whether lifelong Booker fans or newcomers to the prize—are welcome.

The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/the-booker-challenge-first-chat-kick-off/

3:00-4:00 PM
Free

Immerse Yourself in an Hour of French Conversation at the Gunn Memorial Library

If you are an intermediate or fluent French speaker, join us for an hour of stimulating and immersive French Conversation.

Over the hour, participants will read articles from French magazines covering cultural topics and current events. Guided conversations will encourage lively exchanges, helping participants refine their French while deepening their appreciation for Francophone culture.

This program is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow Francophiles, share perspectives, and experience the richness of the French language in a welcoming environment.

Join us for a meaningful cultural and linguistic experience!

Registration is required.

The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/french-club-for-adults-jan26/

1:00-2:00 PM
Free

Author John Kessler presents his new book, Reflections on Death, a deeply moving collection of poetry and prose that explores the raw and intimate emotions experienced after the loss of a loved one, and the healing journey that follows.

In his work, Kessler offers readers a powerful literary journey through grief, memory, and healing. With sensitivity and honesty, each piece captures the nuances of mourning—ranging from sorrow and confusion to moments of peace and acceptance.

A graduate of Georgetown University, John A. Kessler spent more than 35 years in Corporate Human Resources. He has also been a speaker for the American Management Association and taught evening programs at Fairfield University and Western Connecticut State University.

He is the author of several books, including “Reflections of An Ordinary Person,” “Reflections in Poetry,” “That’s Life” and “Ready, Aim, Retire.”

John’s mission, which he hopes to accomplish through his writing, is to communicate hope, peace and self-fulfillment to his readers.

Reflections on Death will be available for signing by the author.

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/author-talk-with-john-kessler-reflections-on-death/

Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/author-talk-with-john-kessler-reflections-on-death/

Figaro Apothecary will be at Rentrayage Kent Barns on Sunday!

High vibrational botanical skincare brand Figaro Apothecary will be at Rentrayage in Kent Barns with their perfectly gift-able boxed sets and candles.

Sunday November 30th
11-5
Rentrayage
Kent Barns
6 N Main Street
Kent CT

Rentrayage
Kent Barns
6 N Main Street
Kent CT

Join Our Cozy, Guided Class With A Pastry Chef!

Sunday, Dec. 7th, 2025 at 4:00PM
$75/gingerbread house

Includes the following:
-Take home your own gingerbread house!
-Master icing secrets with our decorating instructor Megan
-Enjoy festive sips & treats
-Exclusive Gift – 30% off store treasures!

Perfect for friends, date night, or treat yourself to a fun, festive night!
Great to enjoy or gift during the holidays!

Space is limited; purchase your ticket today!

*This ticket is non-refundable/non-exchangeable

Home & Earth
641 Main St. South
Woodbury, CT 06798
Gingerbread Decorating Class

This holiday wreath workshop at the Goshen Public Library is for children and teens. Reserve your free spot by emailing the Children’s Coordinator, Courtney at Children@GoshenPubLib.org. Space is limited. All supplies are included.

Goshen Public Library

Join us for Holiday Bubbles & Browsing! ⁠
Eleish Van Breems Home⁠
11 Main Street, New Preston⁠
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Fridays & Saturdays · 3–6 PM⁠
Nov 28–29 • Dec 5–6 • Dec 12–13 • Dec 19–20⁠
⁠
Festive bites by @bleu_catering⁠
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#NewPreston #NewPrestonCT #EVBHome #EleishVanBreems⁠
#HolidayBubblesAndBrowsing #HolidayInNewPreston⁠
#ScandinavianHoliday #NordicInspiration⁠
#FestiveSeason #CozyGatherings⁠
#ShopLocalCT #LitchfieldCounty #BleuCatering #HolidayEventsCT

Eleish Van Breems
11 Main Street
New Preston

Kick of your holiday shopping with Eleven Six Knitwear Trunk Show at Rentrayage at Kent Barns!
November 29th
11-5
Rentrayage
Kent Barns
6 N Main Street
Kent CT

Photo caption: “Nubble Lighthouse”, oil on panel by Washington Depot artist Vincent Giarrano, will be featured in the Holiday Group Art Show at Studio Hill Gallery along with art from over 20 local artists. An opening reception is set for Friday, December 12, 2025, 5pm-8pm.

Woodbury – Studio Hill Gallery, 507 Main ST S, Woodbury, will be presenting its Annual Holiday Group Art Show featuring the works of over 20 local artists including Melody Asbury, Theresa Bates, James Carter, Annachiara Chacchia, Vincent Giarrano, Cynthia Gillette, Tracy Hambley, Helga Hechiane, James Hinkle, Jan Kasle, John Kildahl, Mike LaChioma, Susan Lerner, Amber Maida, Marla Thornington Martin, Scott Martin, Polly Miller, Lora Noyes, Viktoria Stockmal, Brian Walter II, and Matt Wood.
The show opens on Friday December 12, 2025, and will run through Sunday January 11, 2026. An Opening Reception to meet the artists will take place on Friday December 12th, from 5p.m. to 8p.m.
Studio Hill Gallery will also be celebrating its 5th Anniversary on December 12th during the Opening Reception. The public is invited to visit the Gallery, meet the artists at the Holiday show, enjoy some refreshments and then do some holiday gift shopping.
The Design Shop will be set up for the Holidays featuring handmade ornaments and prints by local artists, artisan-made gifts such as jewelry, blown-glassware, and ornaments, as well as children’s books, and books by local authors, handmade European works of art such as handmade nativities and angels from Italy and German wood pyramids, smokers, nutcrackers, and other unique gifts. There is something for everyone.
The Gallery is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm, Sundays 12pm to 5pm, and by appointment. For more information, call 203-405-6500, email ncascini@studiohillct.com. Follow Studio Hill on Facebook & Instagram @studiohillct.

Studio Hill Art Gallery
507 Main St S
Woodbury, CT 06798
http://www.studiohillct.com