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

By Clinton Kelly

Emmy award winner and Litchfield County resident Clinton Kelly is a TV personality, author, and lifestyle consultant. He shares his guide to the seasons and what, in his opinion, we have to look forward to in 2024.

I’ll be honest with you, 2023 was a real stinker—and I’m not even factoring national or world events into that declaration, just personal garbage I’d prefer to shove deep down into the darkest crannies of my psyche. Nevertheless, I’ve decided I’m going into 2024 with a positive attitude, intent upon spreading joy to the masses in a way the masses have never experienced in the history of masses! How exactly I’m going to do that … no freakin’ idea. But when you do feel a tingle of joy this year, you can thank me for it.

My guide to the seasons of Litchfield County. You’re welcome.

May: My Back is Killing Me Month

This is the month during which you must spend every waking moment working on your house and property so you can (kind of) relax and enjoy the next four months. Window screens need cleaning. Gutters need clearing. Paint needs retouching. Gardens need mulching. And, most importantly, your muscle-relaxer prescription needs refilling. Fun!

June, July & August: Literal Heaven on Earth

This glorious chunk of time is why the people (who are not nuts) choose to live in Litchfield County. Not a day goes by when I don’t have the urge to twirl on my luscious lawn like a dirndl-clad Julie Andrews. And some days I do, because let’s face it, a fitted bodice can be very flattering. The hills are alive, people, with the taste of fresh strawberries and corn and tomatoes. Oh, my. (Pardon me for mixing my gay metaphors but I’m positively delirious just contemplating summer!) Sure, I might spend seven hours a day pulling weeds and jabbing deer-shaped voodoo dolls, but as Judy Garland sang in In The Good Old Summertime, I don’t care! (Three gay references in one paragraph: I’m on fire! And if you haven’t seen Judy’s swingy-armed performance, Google it THIS INSTANT. You’re welcome.)

September: The Best Month of Them All and Don’t Try to Argue With Me Because I Will Cut You

Teachers hate this month because they have to deal with kids. I love this month because I don’t have to deal with kids—and I don’t even have kids! I just enjoy knowing they’re locked away for seven hours a day someplace I can’t hear or see them. Oh yeah, and the skies are clear, the humidity’s gone, the bugs are dead. And in the evening, you just need a light sweater to top your dirndl.

October: Month of the Leaf Blower

Oh, it’s a gorgeous 31 days, don’t get me wrong. J’adore regarding a thoughtlessly artful display of gourds and mums whilst sipping warm cider. (Insert eye roll emoji here.) But nothing kills a perfectly autumnal vibe like that neighbor with the burning desire to fire up his gas-powered back-strapped windbag at the ass-crack of dawn. Oh, and he doesn’t even have to be your next-door neighbor! That SOB can live five miles away and he’ll still sound like he’s in your kitchen.

November: Thanksgiving Month

The morning after Halloween I switch from watching Pornhub to the complete videography of Ina Garten. ’Nuff said.

December: We Should Totally Get Together Month

You: “OMG, I haven’t seen you in forever! Let’s grab a drink!”

Them: “Yassss! I’m free Thursday from 6 to 7:30!”

You: “Done. Cannot. Wait.”

Repeat 752 times and remember why you only see these ding-dongs once every 12 months.

January, February, March, April: Dark Night of the Frickin’ Soul

I hate you I hate you I hate you I hate you. I hate the cold. I hate the constant gray skies, and I double-hate that I sold my apartment in Miami Beach during the pandemic. Oh, excuse me. Did I say that out loud? I meant: It takes a certain kind of person to appreciate Mother Nature’s downtime. There’s a yin for every yang, a bong for every bang. I literally don’t even know what I’m talking about here because I’m typing this article through a stream of tears. Whatever. Leave me alone.

That’s the year in brief. Have an amazing holiday, neighbor! I’m free on Tuesday from 2:15 to 2:20 if you want to grab a drink. Except I don’t drink before 5:00, so we could grab a coffee. Except my caffeine cutoff is at 2:00. So, let’s get a hot chocolate. Except I’m cutting down on sugar. So, yeah, maybe we could do a barbecue on Memorial Day. Except my parents are coming over so… Yeah, I’ll just see you next whenever.

Max and Ted’s Excellent Cinematic Adventure

By Cynthia Hochswender

Photos by Eli Hill & Colin Bazzano

When talking about “community theater,” people usually think of earnest amateurs performing song and script from beloved 20th-century musicals. A new generation of Litchfield County artists has given those words a fresh meaning, with a homegrown film called The Salesman.

The 30-minute feature was written by North Canaan native Max Vadakin, and filmed by Vadakin and his friend Ted Perotti—with the help of their extended circle of family and friends. 

The group included Vadakin’s mother, artist and actress Beth Miller; his grandmother, Pat Miller, who owns the Falls Village Package Store, where the film is set; and his brother, Dylan Vadakin, who did the musical score.

Perotti and Vadakin are close friends with Salisbury resident Liam Grimaldi, who has a small part in the film as a policeman. They all graduated from Housatonic Valley Regional High School in 2016, as did Josh Johanessen and Eli Hill, both of whom appear in the film. Johanessen also contributed to the film by assisting in sound recording. In school, the three were friends with Malcolm Scott of Sharon, son of actor Campbell Scott (an accomplished film and television actor). They called on Malcolm to see if his father would play the role of a traveling salesman who is murderously obsessed with selling a floor mat to the manager of a small-town package store.

“When Max sent me his script for The Salesman it was an easy decision,” Scott says. “It was funny and unique and, I thought, sophisticated in a dry kind of way.”

Scott’s wife is actress Kathleen McElfresh. Her brother, Justin McElfresh, has done several acting projects before with his brother-in-law. He was called on to play the pivotal role of the package store manager. 

The film was shot in Falls Village, in and around the package store, in October 2022. It then took Vadakin and Perotti about a year to edit the film.

Both young men, aged 25, were trained in shooting and editing while at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, not only in the school’s film classes but also in the Civic Life Project, led by filmmakers Dominique Lasseur and Catherine Tatge.

The film was ready by autumn 2023; Vadakin decided to show it in the recently revived Colonial Theatre in downtown North Canaan. He and his friends had seen films at the Colonial as youngsters, before it closed in the early 2000s (it opened again in April 2023). Vadakin and Perotti rented the space for one night in November, expecting 20 people to show up. To their surprise, about 100 turned out, including some they’d never met before.

Best of all, everyone seemed to understand what Vadakin was trying to communicate.

“I got all the reactions I was hoping for: Laughs where I wanted laughs, silence where I wanted stillness,” he says.

To see The Salesman go to vimeo.com/pigironfilms.

Let’s start the new year right by enjoying Litchfield County January events including art openings, yoga classes, workshops, author talks, and hiking!

January 6

Cornwall Landscapes, CORNWALL
In his upcoming show (January 6 thru February 17) at The Cornwall Library, artist Robert Adzema presents energetic watercolors that capture his love of the Cornwall landscape. January 6–February 17; Artist’s Reception on Saturday, January 6, 5–7 PM

Winter Walk to Old Camp Townshend, LITCHFIELD
Suit up for a pleasant stroll to the shores of Bantam Lake and through the lovely trails of Old Camp Townshend.

January 7

Youth Activism: Tomorrow’s Protest Today, WASHINGTON
“Youth Activism: Tomorrow’s Protest Today” presented by Common Ground with Jane Whitney. Common Ground is thrilled to welcome the community back to in-person shows at The Frederick Gunn School! January 7th at 4 p.m. for the first show of 2024.

January 8

Timeless Impact, WATERBURY
100 Years of Embracing the Power of Community invites you to explore Connecticut Community Foundation’s work and impact over the past century and to reflect on how a community comes together to build strength, meet challenges, nurture its residents, and look toward its future. November 4, 2023, to January 28, 2024

Monday Movie Matinee: Asteroid City, WASHINGTON
Come join Gunn Memorial Library for a Monday movie matinee with a showing of Asteroid City. 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Monday Scholars – Shakespeare’s Tragedies, VIRTUAL
Monday Scholars combines the best of online learning with live virtual discussion! All you need to do in advance is be eager to learn and discuss. Each week, you will log in and together, via Zoom, all of us will watch approximately one hour of this lecture series, then, via Zoom, OWL’s Caroline Ugurlu will lead everyone in a discussion of what we just watched.

January 9

Lunch & Chat – with Four Nonagenarians, LITCHFIELD
Join the Oliver Wolcott Library and their panel of four nonagenarians and find out their secrets to longevity. Diet? Exercise? Sleep? Luck? Bucket lists? Ask away and find out if there is a secret to living a long and vibrant life.

Choice Clarity Workshop, WASHINGTON
Gunn Memorial Library, Burnham Library and Minor Memorial Library are collaborating on a workshop series this January with seasoned choice coach, entrepreneur, author, and speaker Kim DeYoung on navigating life’s choices with intention and insight. Every Tuesday from January 9th – 30th, 6:00 pm. – 7:00 pm.

January 10

NMPL’s Cookbook Club, NEW MILFORD
Grab a recipe from this month’s cookbook and start cookin’! All will share their creations and chat about how they made them. Every 2nd Wednesday of the Month 6:00 – 7:00.

NYBG Train Show, LITCHFIELD
Take a trip to the New York Botanical Gardens for the Holiday Train Show! After viewing the train show, group members will have the day to themselves to explore the garden more, and enjoy lunch on the grounds, at either of their featured restaurants.

January 11

Happy Hour Hiking Club, LITCHFIELD
Start the New Year with a resolution to get your body moving more! Skip that Happy Hour cocktail and calorie-laden appetizer, and take a walk with Gerri! It may be cold. It may be dark. It may even be snowing…but you can do it!

New Year Clothing Swap, KENT
Whether last year’s dress or a purse that was never used, gather a few pieces to part with and join us at the Library for a stylish (yet thrifty) clothing swap party!

OWL’s January Book Groups, LITCHFIELD
Come discuss At the Existentialist Café: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails by Sarah Bakewell at 2pm and The Hours by Michael Cunningham at 3pm! Book clubs are open to ALL! Books are available to borrow at the library.

January 12

Musical Reading, LITCHFIELD
Join the Litchfield Community Center for a Musical Story time with the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra on Early Dismissal Day! Enjoy a musical reading of Ralph’s Secret Weapon with music by a WSO Bassoonist. 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (ages 4-8).

January 13

Author Talk with Joseph Gosler, WASHINGTON
Gunn Memorial Library is pleased to host author Joe Gosler for an eye-opening discussion of his memoir Searching for Home: The Impact of WWII on a Hidden Child. 1:00pm – 2:30pm.

Exploring the Lake and Butternut Brook Trails, LITCHFIELD
Enjoy a happy ramble along the sweeping Lake Trail. Witness a spectacular view of Bantam Lake from atop the Ice House ruins, then continue along the foot print of the old Berkshire Ice House.

January 14

In concert: The Afro-Semitic Experience celebrate the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, WEST HARTFORD
The Afro-Semitic Experience is coming to West Hartford to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. They will be sharing stories, and playing some of his favorite pieces. Come join the experience!

January 15

Sharon Playhouse: On-Site Classes, SHARON
Teen and young adult workshops are available at the Sharon Playhouse! Learn from great instructors, like Michael Kevin Baldwin, Sarah Cuoco, Dana Domenick, Jacob Caroll, and Andrus Nichols. January 15th – February 23rd.

Washington Gives, WASHINGTON DEPOT
Join The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens on Martin Luther King Day for a day on, not off! In partnership with the town of Washington, the park invites you to learn about ways you can volunteer with and support local nonprofit organizations to make a difference in our community.
9:00am – 11:00 am.

January 16

Museum Children Free Week, LITCHFIELD
Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. John Morosani in Memory of Remy Edmund Morosani. Free admission to children ages twelve and under when accompanied by an adult. Starts Jan 16th @ 3:00pm – 6:00pm.

January 17

Hoopskirts to Flappers, LITCHFIELD
This program will walk you through our Costume and Textile collection to see how women’s clothing transitioned from the iron reign of the hoopskirt to the relative freedom of the flapper dress.

Dark of Winter Yoga with Judith Ehrman-Shapiro, ZOOM
This class will run for 17 weeks, from the change of the clock in November to the change of the clock in March, specifically November 9 to March 8. The class will meet on Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30.

The Kenn Morr Band, NEW MILFORD
The Kenn Morr Band is on a roll in 2023, pleased to be touring in support of its impending latest release, “Still Shining”.

January 18

The First Ladies with Author Victoria Christopher Murray, ZOOM
Writers & Readers Club Presents Live, on Zoom: Author Victoria Christopher Murray.

Ways of Listening: The Journey of the Countess, LITCHFIELD
The Marriage of Figaro has been called “the most perfect opera ever created.” It is a romantic comedy that evokes both Shakespeare and Broadway, full of divine music, bawdy humor and rich characters.

Babies in Backpacks, LITCHFIELD
This is a place for caretakers to learn about being outside in all safe weather with babies and toddlers, to try out different hiking carriers, swap suggestions on gear, and help encourage each other to be outside more!

January 19

18+ Trivia Night, LITCHFIELD
Trivia Night ft. Bar Rated Entertainment, BYOB & Snacks to test your knowledge.

January 20

The Shabbat Experience, LITCHFIELD
The service are led in the beautiful traditional manner but are tailored to the individual’s needs.

Eclipse @ the Warner, TORRINGTON
Garet&Co contemporary dance presents the second annual “ECLIPSE,” an evening-length show of contemporary dancers searching for peace within chaos. Performances are Saturday, January 20 at 7 pm and Sunday, January 21 at 2 pm in the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre.

Great Artist or Thief?, CORNWALL
Was Roy Lichtenstein a great artist, a thief, or both? That is the question addressed by director James L. Hussey’s documentary film, WHAAM!BLAM!

Kerri Powers Concert, NEW HARTFORD
Concerts at the Beekley Library are back, under a new name – Between the Stacks. The year will kick off with the Kerri Powers trio, which includes Marco Giovino.

Painting Class with Shaari Horowitz, FALLS VILLAGE
Local artist Shaari Horowitz will lead a painting class at the David M. Hunt Library from 10 am to noon.

Tangerine Film Event, MILLERTON, NY
Join Boondocks Film Society and The Moviehouse for another riotous evening at the movies as they celebrate Sean Baker’s haywire, hyperkinetic 2015 comedy-drama Tangerine.

Wild Flower Seed Starting Jug With Steep Rock Association, WASHINGTON
Learn about native plants and winter sowing. A simple method of planting seeds in a recycled jug and leaving it outdoors over the winter.

Connecticut in the Movies, KENT
Join KML immediately following their annual meeting for an author talk with Emmy-nominated actress and writer, Illeana Douglas.

Artistry with Animals, LITCHFIELD
Unleash your creativity at these unique ANIMAL Life Drawing classes, led by artist and educator, Colleen Harrak. “Artistry with Animals” will be offered in 3 sessions – Jan. 20, Feb. 17, and Mar. 23, 2024.

Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market, LITCHFIELD
The weekly Saturday market offers fresh seasonal produce, fruit, berries, herbs, sustainably sourced fish; artisanal cheeses, breads and baked goods, local honey, maple syrup and gifts – all raised, grown or crafted by 15+ local vendors.

January 22

Monday Movie Matinee: Barbie, WASHINGTON
When Barbie is kicked out of Barbieland for not being perfect enough, she sets out on an adventure to find her place in the world.

January 23

Antique Appraisal, LITCHFIELD
A Special Talk on Antiques and Appraisal with Specialist and Curator Nicholas Thorn of LITCHFIELD COUNTY AUCTIONS.

January 25

Signal Fires with Author Dani Shapiro, LITCHFIELD
From the beloved author of Inheritance: a haunting, moving, and propulsive exploration of family secrets.  Two families. One night. A constellation of lives changed forever.

January 26

Jen Allen – Jazz Piano Series, WINSTED
The American Mural Project kicks off their new Piano Series Friday, January 26th, with jazz composer and pianist Jen Allen.

Cheese and Beer Tasting, LITCHFIELD
Led by connoisseur, Susan Guletsky from Litchfield’s own, “The Discerning Palate”, you’ll embark on a journey through the world of 5 artisanal cheeses.

January 27

Global Community Engagement Day, NEW MILFORD
Every year on this day, the world seeks to encourage organizations, individuals, and businesses to better engage with each other.

Three Celebrated Authors, CORNWALL
The discussion will focus on how the authors choose subjects, choose genres, and choose how to respond to the great world.

Fire & Ice Fest, LITCHFIELD
Enjoy Ice Sculptor Games, Winter Hay Rides, Crafts, Food, Family Fun, Fireside Storytelling, Fire Pits and so much more!

January 29

Monday Movie Matinee: BlackBerry, WASHINGTON
This is a cautionary tale about the dangers of complacency and a reminder that even the most successful companies can be brought down by changing market conditions.

January 30

DayTrip: Ventfort Mansion, LITCHFIELD
A day trip to Ventfort Mansion & Guilded Age Museum with Victorian Tea/Light Lunch.

Movie Trivia Night, MILLERTON
Join hosts David Ruchman and Jeremy Boviard in the screening lounge for a fun night of Movie Trivia.

America Reads with RSVP Volunteer Recruitment, LITCHFIELD
The New Opportunities Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) will be recruiting senior volunteers (55+) who are interested in volunteering at the Litchfield Center School (K-3rd) to help children learn to read.

January 31

Live, Learn, Lunch, LITCHFIELD
This session is an interactive look at how our bodies influence the way
we are perceived, as well as a fun dive into the newest (often curious) slang.

Writing a Legacy Letter, LITCHFIELD
A legacy letter is a short written document that allows you to share your life lessons, express your values and transmit blessing to future generations.

Bourbon Dinner, BREWSTER
Join the Clock Tower Grill in Brewster, NY for an intimate five-course dinner paired with five sought-after and hard-to-find bourbons.

Celebrating 100 Years of Philanthropy

By Clementina Verge

A current exhibit at Mattatuck Museum goes beyond highlighting art. Images and stories showcase a century of generosity that has strengthened the Litchfield Hills and Greater Waterbury area by advancing equity in education, addressing healthcare disparities, and expanding pathways to a thriving and more inclusive economy. 

On display through January, Timeless Impact: 100 Years of Embracing the Power of Community encapsulates the Connecticut Community Foundation’s history.

”We have a long legacy of profound local impact, through grants, scholarships, philanthropic services, and other on-the-ground work with many partners, and we have spent nearly a century learning, evolving, and transforming to meet the changing needs of the region we serve,” notes Julie Loughran, president and CEO. 

In 1923, seven Waterbury leaders created the first community foundation in Connecticut, and one of the first in the country. 

Recognizing that the area’s unique mix of people, industries, and social and political systems prompted challenges that required local leadership, resources, and solutions, they established the Waterbury Foundation to be “permanent, responsive, and flexible enough to meet the community’s needs as they changed over time.”

Since then, the organization—renamed Connecticut Community Foundation in the early

2000s—expanded its scope to serve 21 towns in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills. 

Today, the foundation manages an endowment of approximately $150 million and distributes more than $6 million in grants and $1 million in scholarships each year.

From assisting older adults with home repairs to benefiting literacy outreach, after school programs, and numerous land trusts—including Litchfield, Goshen, Steep Rock Association, and Roxbury—the foundation has distributed 463 grants exceeding $1,750,000 to Litchfield County-based nonprofits in the past decade. 

More than 100 beneficiaries include Friends of the Litchfield Community Greenway, Litchfield Community Center, Northwest Connecticut Arts Council, FISH in Torrington, and Judea Garden in Washington. 

Grants for Susan B. Anthony Project have supported its Rebuilding Lives program, providing crisis and support services to domestic violence and sexual assault victims, while grants for Connecticut Junior Republic have funded care, treatment, education and family support for at-risk youth and youth with special needs.

Intent on making the greatest impact, the foundation is resolute in reducing disparities within the region and creating “an equitable, inclusive, just, and vibrant community where all residents have what they need to thrive,” states Loughran.

The success is credited to area donors and volunteers on whom the foundation depends. 

More than 600 local individuals, families, and businesses—many from Litchfield County—have established charitable funds over the past 100 years, Loughran notes. 

“We work closely and flexibly with donors to craft plans that reflect their values, philanthropic priorities, and financial circumstances to help make their philanthropic visions for the community a reality,” she explains.

In addition to donor-established funds, broader-based giving includes the annual 36-hour online Give Local campaign. 

“Since the campaign began in 2013, more than 170 Litchfield County organizations have received more than $6.9 million through Give Local to support their important local efforts,” Loughran notes. “This underscores the very strong sense of community philanthropy in Litchfield County.” —conncf.org

Litchfield County New Year’s Eve events include outdoor hikes, special dinners, and concerts for all.

December 30

Morning Hike to Little Pond Boardwalk with Gerri Griswold, LITCHFIELD
Ring in 2024 on an early morning hike to White memorials beloved Boardwalk! Sparklers and a glass of cheer will be supplied after this peaceful early morning walk in Litchfield.

December 31

First Night SKI 2024, NEW HARTFORD
Celebrate First Night 2024 with Ski Sundown and ski in the New Year! All night lift tickets will be extended from 10:00pm to 11:30pm for no extra charge. A torchlight parade will be performed by their Ski Patrol a few minutes before the clock strikes midnight (weather permitting).

Community Table Prix Fixe Dinner, NEW PRESTON
Enjoy their special New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe dinner that includes delicious delights such as a lobster bisque, shellfish crudo, Hudson Valley foie gras, butter poached halibut, grass fed rib-eye of beef, bittersweet chocolate Bouche de Noel, and more by the talented chef Bolivar Hilario.

80’s New Year’s Eve with the Pop Rocks at the Woodbury Brewing Company, WOODBURY
It’s an 80s rocking eve with The Pop Rocks performing from 9:00pm – 12:30am. Admission for this event must be purchased in advance. .

Troutbeck New Year’s Eve (Manor) House Party, AMENIA
After a festive family-friendly à la carte New Year’s Eve dinner, Troutbeck is hosting a New Year’s Eve “House” Party in their Manor House. There will be dancing (for those of you who went last New Year’s Eve, you know Troutbeck is serious about this) courtesy of DJ Tim Love Lee and DJ Taraka and a celebratory midnight Champagne toast, included in the price of tickets.

1754 House New Year’s Eve Dinner, WOODBURY
New Year’s Eve plans? Not only does the 1754 house have some amazing food being served, including a pre-fixe, 4-course menu, they will also have a live jazz duet featuring Phil Forbes and Kevin Callahan from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Grab a seat at the bar before or after dinner!

Seating starts at 5:00 pm. Call for reservations: 203.405.3735.

New Year’s Eve tasting dinner at Clocktower Grill, BREWSTER, NY

Bring in the new year with an intimate 12 course tasting dinner presented by chefs Rich Parente and Lucas Diehl with the music performed by acoustic singer songwriter Dan Zlotnick.  Dinner will be inspired by lifes greatest memories! 7:00 PM

January 1

WFM New Year’s Concert, WASHINGTON
Washington Friends of Music New Year’s Day Concert and Party January 1st at 4pm at the Frederick Gunn School Arts Center.
A stellar group of 12 musicians from leading orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the New York City Ballet Orchestra will perform a festive program of Handel, Vivaldi and others to celebrate the New Year. Gathering after the concert.