11am-4pm
First Annual Benefit For Our Firefighters & First Responders
AT THETHE CAMA SHOWGROUNDS
ADMISSION BY DONATION
Catch more than just one good bargain during the Kent Sidewalk Sale Days scheduled for Thursday August 7 through Sunday August 10, 2025.
Click here for a list of events
Fusing magic with allegory, acclaimed magician Belinda Sinclair performs her theatrical magic with captivating sleight of Hand, featuring stories about magic in the hands of women. The experience is an interactive, entertaining, historical journey into the life and art of magic and its female masters.
The 90 minute experience exposes how they convinced the world that magic is real and that miracles are plausible. For adults 12 and up.
From 7:30-9:30 pm
Reservations required.. phone and info located on website
THE HUGHES MEMORIAL LIBRARY
35 Lower River Road
West Cornwall, Connecticut 06796
http://conjurecamp.com
Journey of Life Event Series at Rifugio Litchfield Hills
Dates: August 21–24, 2025
Location: Rifugio Litchfield Hills (and select partner venues)
A four-day celebration of movement, mindset, and meaningful connection, the Journey of Life Event Series blends wellness, outdoor adventure, and community gathering in the heart of the Litchfield Hills. Hosted by Rifugio Litchfield Hills and led by MC Collin Daulong, this immersive weekend features expert speakers, guided rides and runs, family-friendly activities, and post-event socials in stunning local settings.
Schedule of Events:
Thursday, August 21 | 5:30–8:00 PM
Real Food, Fake Food with Larry Olmsted
Aperitivo, talk & Q&A with NYT bestselling author
$40 | 25% off for Rifugio Members
Friday, August 22 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Family Adventure & Social Run
Guided adult run + kids games & crafts | Après snacks
Free for Members | $25 General Admission (includes children)
Saturday, August 23
Fuel, Flow & Ride
– 8:00–8:30 AM: Pre-Ride Stretch with Julie Haesche ($5 GA)
– 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Guided Group Ride + Demo Bikes
– 12:00–1:30 PM: Nutrition Demo & Recovery Q&A with Dr. Cassie Maximenko & Julie Haesche
Free for Members | $25 General Admission
The Inner Game with Dr. Heidi Meldostad
3:30–6:00 PM | Talk & Q&A on performance psychology
$40 | 25% off for Rifugio Members
Sunday, August 24 | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Bike & Brew at Norbrook Farm Brewery
Guided e-bike rides, kids ride, and post-ride brewery social
Free for Members | $25 General Admission (includes children)
Rifugio Litchfield Hills
461 Bantam Rd.
Litchfield, CT 06759
“Journey of Life” Event
Spend an afternoon writing poetry that draws on your own work experiences, surrounded by AMPs monumental artistic tribute to workers.
About the Workshop
Write about the work that shaped your life—surrounded by an indoor mural that honors it. This half-day workshop invites older adults to explore their own stories of work, purpose, and identity through poetry.
Guided by poets Steve Straight and Elizabeth Thomas, you will reflect on personal experiences, draw inspiration from AMP’s mural, and craft original poems in a relaxed, artistic setting. No prior writing experience is needed.
Who It’s For
Adults ages 55+ who are interested in exploring creative writing, whether you’re a longtime journaler or trying poetry for the first time, you’ll find resonance with others in a group where every story matters.
What to Expect
A guided creative poetry writing workshop designed for older adults
Inspiration drawn from AMP’s 120-foot indoor mural of American workers
Supportive instruction from two respected poet-educators
Opportunities to explore, create, share, and connect
Time to explore AMP’s inspiring mural gallery
Meet the Instructors
Steve Straight is a poet and retired professor of English and director of the poetry program at Manchester Community College. His book Affirmation received the 2023 William Meredith Award for Poetry.
Elizabeth Thomas is a poet, educator, and founder of UpWords Poetry. A Master Teaching Artist for the Connecticut Office of the Arts and The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, she leads poetry workshops nationwide.
About the Mural Gallery at AMP
AMP’s spacious mural gallery, set in a renovated historic mill building, combines industrial charm with a distinctive artistic atmosphere. Its centerpiece is the incredible indoor mural—120 feet long and five stories high—that celebrates American workers on a grand scale.
With the mural as the backdrop to the workshop—and three levels for viewing and reflecting—you’ll have a rare opportunity to write in a space that honors creativity, work, and the stories that shape us.
You will leave with new poems, fresh inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for your own work stories—and how those stories connect to others and to the mural.
Register today!
American Mural Project
90 Whiting Street, Winsted CT 06098
https://www.americanmuralproject.org/poetry-workshop
Imagine, Write, Create!
Led by author and artist Dana Rau
September 13 I 1:30pm
It’s not every day your child gets to play word games with a published children’s book author. Dana Rau brings a fun, hands-on approach to writing and art games, sparking creativity and curiosity in kids of all ages. Through a series of imaginative activities, kids will explore storytelling and art—and enjoy the thrill of creating together while making something truly their own.
Whether your child loves words, pictures, or just wants to try something new, they’ll leave feeling inspired about what they’ve created and excited to keep exploring. Mark your calendar and join the fun!
About Author-Artist Dana Rau
Dana Meachen Rau is the author of over 350 books for children, spanning early readers, nonfiction, and picture books. As a teacher with a background in both writing and visual art, Dana brings a lively, interactive approach to her workshops, encouraging kids to express themselves through words, images, and play.
Part of AMP’s Family Day series in Winsted, CT, this hands-on workshop invites kids and parents to explore writing and art with a published children’s author—perfect for sparking creativity at the start of the school year.
Schedule of Activities
Doors Open 10am
Teen Art Studio 10:30am
Story Time & Craft 11am
Art & Explore 12pm
All-ages art activity, scavenger hunt, kid-friendly tour
Interactive Program 1:30pm
Imagine, Write, Create!
Sponsors
AMP’s Family Days are supported by the generosity of the Comis Foundation and Torrington Savings Bank. The Teen Art Studio is made possible in part by the Torrington Savings Bank Foundation.
Event Location
American Mural Project
90 Whiting Street,
Winsted CT 06098
Event URL
10:00-11:00 PM
Free
Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough
Just in time for the colder months, the Gunn Memorial Library and the Hickory Stick Bookshop are partnering to host authors Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough for a talk on their latest book, Cold Canning: The Easy Way to Preserve the Seasons Without Hot Water Processing.” They will address the groundbreaking, stress-free way to preserve peak-season produce—without the hassle of traditional canning.
Bestselling authors and trusted culinary voices Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough present 425 inventive recipes to help you preserve the world—from strawberry jam and peach-ginger preserves to Sri Lankan lime pickles and homemade sambal oelek. With Cold Canning, capturing the flavors of the season has never been easier—or more delicious.
Books will be available for purchase and signing at the end of the program
Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough are the authors of the bestselling Instant Pot Bible series of cookbooks, among more than thirty-five others. They are the owners of MediaEats, a culinary production company, were nominees for 2011 and 2015 James Beard Awards, won a 2015 IACP Award, and were the longest-serving columnists on WeightWatchers.com, as well as regular contributors to the Washington Post, Eating Well, Fine Cooking, and Cooking Light. They host a weekly podcast and a TikTok channel called “Cooking with Bruce & Mark.” They live in rural Connecticut.
Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793
Gear up for Wine & Wheels Weekend at Spring Hill Vineyards, Oct 10-12!
Show off your impressive cars (not just classics!) on Saturday, Oct 11, 12-6 PM, and motorcycles on Sunday, Oct 12, 12-6 PM! Enjoy live music and food trucks all weekend.
a group show with an avian theme
Opening reception 4-7pm
Come shop the tabletop and apparel brand’s hand-dyed items. Live custom embroidery on any piece. These are perfect gifts and also amazing for your own summer entertaining!
11 AM – 3 PM
Come shop the tabletop and apparel brand’s hand-dyed items. Live custom embroidery on any piece. These are perfect gifts and also amazing for your own summer entertaining!
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