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

10:00 AM-11:15 AM
Free

Continue the Journey: Meditation for Everyday Life

Join us for additional sessions that delve deeper into the art and science of meditation—an age-old practice known to steady the mind, nourish the heart, and ground us amidst life’s constant changes. Whether just beginning or returning to refresh your practice, these gatherings offer a welcoming space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most.

Together, we will:

1. Learn practical techniques for cultivating inner steadiness—anytime, anywhere

2. Explore how to navigate common challenges and distractions in practice.

3. Sit in guided meditation sessions to experience stillness firsthand

4. Share reflections, questions, and insights in a supportive group space

5. Build a toolkit for sustaining a meaningful home practice.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to quiet a racing mind—or to greet yourself with gentle awareness—this is your invitation. Come with curiosity. Leave with clarity. All are welcome.

BIO: Sheila Klapper’s unwavering dedication to meditation spans many decades, practicing within various traditions. In 2021, she completed an intensive 2-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training program with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach through the Greater Good Science Center, Sounds True, and the Awareness Training Institute. For 9 years, Sheila taught in community centers, adult education programs, and libraries in Northwestern, CT. During COVID, she began leading virtual groups that continued for several years. She started a bi-monthly meditation group at the Litchfield Community Center more than 5 years ago that continues to serve a welcoming group of meditators.

Sheila became a certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor in 2000 and briefly ran her yoga studio in Glastonbury, CT. Later, she brought her commitment to wellness to Hartford Hospital, where she taught yoga and meditation to both staff and patients while serving as a Medical Librarian.

Registration is required

The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/category/adultlib/2025-07/

Continue the Journey: Meditation for Everyday Life
Join us for additional sessions that delve deeper into the art and science of meditation—an age-old practice known to steady the mind, nourish the heart, and ground us amidst life’s constant changes. Whether just beginning or returning to refresh your practice, these gatherings offer a welcoming space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most.

Together, we will:

1. Learn practical techniques for cultivating inner steadiness—anytime, anywhere

2. Explore how to navigate common challenges and distractions in practice

3. Sit in guided meditation sessions to experience stillness firsthand

4. Share reflections, questions, and insights in a supportive group space

5. Build a toolkit for sustaining a meaningful home practice.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to quiet a racing mind—or to greet yourself with gentle awareness—this is your invitation. Come with curiosity. Leave with clarity. All are welcome.

BIO: Sheila Klapper’s unwavering dedication to meditation spans many decades, practicing within various traditions. In 2021, she completed an intensive 2-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training program with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach through the Greater Good Science Center, Sounds True, and the Awareness Training Institute. For 9 years, Sheila taught in community centers, adult education programs, and libraries in Northwestern, CT. During COVID, she began leading virtual groups that continued for several years. She started a bi-monthly meditation group at the Litchfield Community Center more than 5 years ago that continues to serve a welcoming group of meditators.

Sheila became a certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor in 2000 and briefly ran her yoga studio in Glastonbury, CT. Later, she brought her commitment to wellness to Hartford Hospital, where she taught yoga and meditation to both staff and patients while serving as a Medical Librarian.

Registration is required:
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/category/adultlib/2025-07/

The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/category/adultlib/2025-06/

Lunch and Learn: From Clay to Kiln- Ceramics at the Mattatuck and Beyond
Join us for a delightful afternoon of good food and engaging conversations about local art and history!
Order ahead from Sweet Bella @ The MATT or bring your own lunch to enjoy. First Wednesday of Every Month | 12–1 PM

Join Assistant Curator Becca Lo Presti for an exciting exploration of the history of American ceramics! Featuring objects from the Mattatuck’s collection alongside ceramics from other museums in the US and beyond, this talk will have you looking at pottery in a whole new light.

COST
$10.00 per Adult
$5.00 per Member

Pre-registration is suggested due to limited spots.
Interested in discounts, free admission, and more? Become a member today!
Sponsored by Christine and Eugene Shugrue

144 West Main Street
Waterbury, CT 06795

https://www.mattmuseum.org/calendar/lunch-and-learn-from-clay-to-kiln-ceramics-at-the-mattatuck-and-beyond/

$7 per person at the door
* Pre-registration required by Friday, May 2.

¡Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style!
Join us for an unforgettable Cinco de Mayo fiesta filled with festive flavors and lively music! The 5-piece Mariachi band will keep the celebration alive with classic tunes and spirited performances that’ll have you dancing and singing along. Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, colorful décor, and a party atmosphere like no other. This is one event you won’t want to miss. ¡Vamos a celebrar!
Only $7 per person at the door

Litchfield Community Center
421 Bantam Road
Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-8302
https://thecommunitycenter.org/event.php?id=20829

After Hours at the Beekley with Hamish Lutris:
​The Battle of Lexington and Concord
Saturday, April 19
4:00 p.m.

Join local favorite Professor Hamish Lutris for a special lecture on the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, which marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. British troops marched to seize colonial weapons in Concord, Massachusetts, leading to a confrontation with American militiamen in Lexington, the first open fighting between the colonists and the British. Despite being outnumbered, the colonists successfully harassed the British during their retreat, demonstrating their ability to fight back against the British army. Registration suggested but walk-ins welcome.

Hamish Lutris is an Associate Professor of History, Political Science, and Geography at Capital Community College in Hartford, Connecticut. He is a well-known speaker and instructor throughout the Northeastern US with long experience in Central Europe involving education, strategic planning, and international agricultural research cooperation programs. He has also worked in some of America’s premier natural and historical sites and has led naturalist and educational programs in both the United States and Europe. His program interests cover a number of areas including Native American history, the US Civil War, World Wars I and II, and the American West as well as scientific, social and cultural history.

Beekley Community Library
10 Central Ave
New Hartford, CT 06057
https://www.beekleylibrary.org/adult-events–programs.html

The Battle of Schloss Itter with Stuart McCunn
Sunday, May 4
3:00 p.m.

Join Stuart McCunn for a special presentation about the 80th anniversary of the Battle for Schloss Itter. On May 5th, 1945, after Hitler’s death, Americans, Germans, and French patriots fought together to defend the castle from SS executioners. Stuart McCunn is Professor of History at Southern Connecticut State University.

Beekley Community Library
10 Central Ave
New Hartford, CT 06057
https://www.beekleylibrary.org/adult-events–programs.html

Introduction to DNA, Crime, & Law Enforcement
Tuesday, May 6
6:30 p.m.

The collection and analysis of DNA is an important tool in law enforcement. This presentation explores the challenge of establishing ethical and legal frameworks to guide the use of newly developed genetic technologies. How can we as a society use genetics to keep people safe, solve crimes and, at the same time, develop policies that provide appropriate safeguards and privacy protections? Join Gill at the Beekley Library for an evening of exploration and inquiry into DNA, crime, and law enforcement!

Beekley Community Library
10 Central Ave
New Hartford, CT 06057
https://www.beekleylibrary.org/adult-events–programs.html

Join us at the library for Goat Story Time on Thursday, April 17th at 10:30am with some baby goat friends! During this special story time, kids will get to learn more about how goats are cared for and what makes them such interesting animals before getting to pet a live baby goat.

David M. Hunt Library
63 Main Street
Falls Village, CT 06031

Goat Story Time

The Storyteller’s Death by Ann Dávila Cardinal is a critically acclaimed novel that offers a compelling blend of magical realism, family legacy, and cultural exploration. It is an ideal choice for thoughtful discussion and reflection.
Set in 1970s Puerto Rico, The Storyteller’s Death follows Isla Larsen Sanchez, a teenage girl navigating the complexities of identity, grief, and belonging. After her grandmother’s death, Isla begins to experience vivid visions of her ancestors’ stories—visions that both unsettle and enlighten her. As Isla unravels generations of hidden truths, the line between past and present, myth and reality, becomes increasingly blurred.
Ann Dávila Cardinal masterfully weaves together themes of intergenerational trauma, storytelling, and cultural identity in a novel that is as emotionally resonant as it is thought-provoking.
All community members are invited to participate in this literary exploration. Whether you are a longtime participant or new to the group, we welcome your insights and perspectives.

6:00 PM-7:00 PM
FREE

The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/gml-thursday-book-club-the-storytellers-death-by-ann-davila-cardinal/

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

The library invites intermediate and fluent French speakers for an hour of stimulating and immersive French Conversation.
Over the hour, participants will read articles extracted 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
www.gunnlibrary.org or call 860-868-7586

The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793
https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/french-club-for-adults/