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

Housatonic Valley Association’s (HVA) Explore-a-thon event gets people outside to help support a healthy environment during the entire month of June!

Explore any part of the nearly 2,000 square mile, tri-state Housatonic River Watershed by doing things like hiking, biking, walking, taking photos, or just enjoying the scenery.

Go it alone or form a team and participate in fun competitions like most miles hiked, best team name, or best bird photo for prizes like REI and Patagonia gear, a guided overnight trip on the river, hiking boots, a private chef’s dinner for six at Troutbeck Hotel in the Hudson Valley, and more.

You can also visit one of our partner breweries and toast to the environment! All proceeds go toward HVA’s work in keeping our waterways, lands, and wildlife protected. Register today!

ASAP!’s spring fundraising gala, ASAP! Celebrates Community, will be held on Saturday, June 4 at The Frederick Gunn School in Washington.

Actor and arts advocate Tim Daly will host this festive evening of local food, cocktails, and dancing celebrating the ASAP! community, and honoring longtime board member Rob Parker. Rob’s passion for education and arts-infused learning has propelled ASAP! to where they are today.

ASAP! Celebrates Community host Tim Daly (Wings, The Sopranos, Superman: The Animated Series, Madam Secretary) is board president of the Creative Coalition, which tackles issues of direct importance to the arts and entertainment community, including First Amendment rights, public funding for the arts, and arts education in the public schools. He has also spoken at the White House in support of the arts in education. ASAP! is thrilled to have a passionate advocate speak about the impact that ASAP! has in the CT community, and the vital importance of arts practices and creative expression in the development of all young people.

Founded in 1999, ASAP! is a social profit institution recognized for its high-quality, portable, immersive learning experiences. What began as a small after school arts program has evolved into a wide-ranging education organization whose arts-infused programming is brought into schools and community spaces throughout northwest Connecticut. During his tenure, board member Rob Parker was instrumental in enabling ASAP! to broaden its reach to more schools in northwestern Connecticut, and helped establish Celebration of Young Photographers.

He says, “I’m very proud to have been part of ASAP!, whose mission—to inspire kids through creative hands-on learning—is a fundamental imperative for our community.” Rob’s powerful support has allowed ASAP! to expand its programs and continue delivering creative spaces for exploration, collaboration, and discovery vital to a journey of joyful learning.

Two ticket tiers for 5pm and 7:30pm are available. Ticket sales will support ASAP!’s mission to foster hands-on learning through the arts.

To learn more, please visit their website asapct.org.

ASAP Community Party – June 4

ASAP!’s annual fundraising gala celebrates community with a festive evening hosted by actor and producer Tim Daly. There will be live music, beautifully crafted local food and an open bar.

Great Country Mutt Show @ Lime Rock Park – June 5

Free and open to the public, the Great Country Mutt Show is a Westminster-style Dog Show that celebrates all breeds. Held rain or shine at Lime Rock Park.

Music Mountain Concert – June 5

Don’t miss Music Mountain’s 93rd Season Opening Benefit Concert featuring the Rolston String Quartet and Paul Neubauer on viola. There will also be German food trucks!

Kent Fireman’s Ball – June 11

Enjoy a night of dancing, dinner, food, and community at the Kent Volunteer Fire Department’s annual ball. There will be raffles with a variety of prizes and a live DJ. Tickets and further information are available at kentfire.org

Gunn Memorial Library Annual Fundraiser – June 11

Start your evening with cocktails at the Gunn Memorial Library then head to a private dinner with engaging conversation and the company of a 2022 Library Luminary.

Art Tripping – June 11

Art Tripping brings the Litchfield Maker’s Market to the Litchfield Green. The weekend-long event will feature artists, craftspeople, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities.

SHAG Festival – June 16-19

Celebrate with SHAG at Spring Hill Vineyards and immerse yourself in four days of nature, creativity, and collaboration. This year’s festival features a great lineup of performers, food, and drink vendors.

Books & Blooms – June 17

The Cornwall Library’s biggest fundraiser of the year is the annual garden tour known as Books & Blooms. This year, the renowned garden writer Page Dickey will kick off the festivities with a presentation entitled “Bringing Meadows into the Garden.” On Saturday, the fun continues with some truly magical gardens to inspire visitors. A special addition to the mix this year are the gardens of the legendary Cornwall Castle which has been featured on the cover of Litchfield Magazine. Following Page Dickey’s presentation, there will be a Cocktail Reception outside the library under a tent, for ticket holders of the talk and sponsors of Books & Blooms.

Ticket Information:
Tickets $30 for the talk, $30 for the garden tours or $50 for both.
Please register and purchase on the website or contact the library.

Ripley Waterfowl Annual Benefit – June 18

An evening filled with live music, cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, featuring a catered summer dinner, open bar, and auctions in support of the Conservancy’s mission.

If you’re a garden lover, then get your tickets for this Saturday, May 14! That’s when Trade Secrets™ moves to its new home at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville. With more than 50 of the finest growers, dealers, and artisans from across the country and around the Northeast, you’re sure to find that unique treasure for your garden.

This year, the Trade Secrets garden tour boasts six gardens—three private and three public gardens. The private gardens include Bunny Williams and John Rosselli, Michael Trapp, and Clove Brook Farm. In addition, there will be three public gardens on tour—two in New York, Wethersfield in Amenia, and Innisfree Garden in Millbrook, and Hollister House Garden in Washington.

Regenerative treatments for skin, hair, and body

By Clementina Verge

After long winter months, it is time to walk confidently into the increasing sunshine, and Byrde + the b is the beauty destination for all your spring sprucing, from luxurious hair, to rejuvenated skin, and an energized body.

The award-winning Washington Depot luxury salon offers an impressive array of services to prepare you for the summer ahead. Whisk away winter reminders from your hair, whether with a fabulous new style and color by stylists Lucy Callaway and Angela Zweifel, or with a flattering haircut by James Serra, voted “Best Barber” for three consecutive years. Now entering his fourth year with BYRDEMAN at Byrde + the b, Serra is a longtime expert in the art of classic barbering, but with modern touches. 

In addition to its own line, Byrde + the b features haircare products such as Davines, free of synthetic additives, silicones, petrochemicals, phthalates, or artificial fragrances. Instead, an appointment with any of the stylists ensures that what touches your hair is infused with natural goodness—such as organic red celery extract. Equally important are the Aura hyaluronic acid smoothing treatments that speed drying, reduce frizz, and hydrate. 

Along with healthy, shiny tresses, skincare is especially important since the body’s largest organ has endured through many cold, dry days. From acne to wrinkle removal, shake off the winter blues with personalized facials and treatments by Danielle Occhialini, a former beauty advisor and resident artist at luxurious labels including Lancôme and Chantecaille. 

Occhialini custom-blends peptides and creates individual serums for each client, while Fon-Lin Nyeu, a practitioner of Chinese medicine, stimulates sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles using acupuncture and Gua Sha massage.

Personalized facials in tandem with medical-grade Celluma and POLY LED light therapy, and the salon’s plethora of superior skin care products—such as the Vitamin A-infused Environ line, scar-reducing Mederma lotions, and melasma, acne, and anti-aging treatments—enhance overall skin health rather than merely concealing superficial signs of aging, notes owner Scott Bond. Expect brighter tone, reduced sagging, restored muscles, and increased collagen and elastin. 

The benefits of a salon visit extend to the entire body, especially when using the lymphatic compression drainage suit—a contactless massage that breaks down and discharges toxins, waste, and excess fluids from the body, along with promoting weight loss and cellular rejuvenation, and improved circulation.

Likewise, the salon’s BEMER devices use pulsed electromagnetic fields and are a groundbreaking innovation in modern preventative medicine. A session improves circulation by 30 percent, notes Bond, and supports the body’s natural healing and recovery processes. 

“We stand for more than just great hair and skin,” he assures. “We are committed to all-over health.”

Whether you want to shake off the winter blues with a hot shave, a scalp treatment, a gentle laser or Botox treatment with Dr. Jeffrey LaFrance, or an anti-aging LED light therapy session, give Byrde + the b a call. Jessie Edholm, the salon coordinator who seamlessly organizes and orchestrates appointments, will make sure you’re ready to stand in the spring sunshine with confidence and beauty.

byrdeandtheb.com
10 Titus Rd., Washington Depot
860-619-0422

Holistic Mental Health and Development

By Clementina Verge

Whether caused by traumatic events, significant life changes, an accumulation of stressful situations, or our increasingly complex society, mental pressure is mounting in people of all ages. For some, the tension becomes unmanageable, resulting in overwhelming thoughts and emotions. Help, however, is readily available.

With locations in Bantam and Torrington, Challenging Minds LLC was established in 2019 by Andrew Matusiak, a licensed clinical social worker. After working in human services with various mental health organizations for 12 years, Matusiak failed to see many clients improving. The reason, he explains, is that while traditional treatments help some people, most need a holistic approach that does not treat symptoms in isolation. Motivated by the desire to integrate various coping methods, he opened Challenging Minds.

While providing therapeutic support for a variety of mental health conditions, the Wellness Center also offers homeopathic alternatives for those who prefer to avoid allopathic medicine. Some of the treatments include Reiki, massage, reflexology, and an infrared sauna by Sunlighten. 

“When a client’s whole self is considered, the outcomes are always better and more sustainable,” remarks Matusiak, who is also certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). “Through a holistic approach to mental health needs, clients often feel more empowered, especially as they learn techniques that they can practice on their own, such as meditation and breathwork. Complex anxiety features and chronic conditions involve the body, mind, and spirit, and if we leave any of those elements out, we’re incomplete, so the healing is incomplete.” 

The clinical group includes a licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed professional counselors, and licensed clinical social workers—who are all proficient in diverse treatment specialities. Three clinicians are trained in ART, one of the best treatments for anxiety, depression, trauma, and phobias, Matusiak informs.

“Each of our providers has years of experience and provides the treatment options in a setting that was designed to be very relaxing,” he assures. 

Clients represent all stages of life, whether new parents or aging adults, and the group is highly committed to working with teens, especially as the community rebounds from the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Unfortunately, many teens are already “in a desperate phase when someone finally listens. We want to be proactive,” he explains, noting the group’s recent involvement with Litchfield High School students and participation in an upcoming mental health day at Torrington Middle School. “We want to teach them how to take care of their mental health, how to meditate, how to identify problems and correct what’s happening. There is no need to go into a state of fear as a default state.” 

“It used to be that trauma only existed in war time or after a terrible event, but we now know that this is not true,” Matusiak informs. “It can feel and look like anxiety, like depression, and neither makes people feel good. But it’s important to know that trauma can be dealt with, and no one is destined to live a life of endless suffering. We also promote healing methods that can minimize the need for medication-only interventions. Individuals can achieve healing and personal freedom.”

Challenging Minds
860-361-6204

SHAG Returns for a Second Summer

By Joseph Montebello

Stephanie and Tim Ingrassia created Spring Hill Vineyards in 2006. In 2018 they had a vision and took the property to new heights with its Five Senses Festival, produced with Pilobolus. Last year, as the country experienced the shock of the pandemic, they expanded the event into SHAG—Spring Hill Arts Gathering. It ran over two summer weekends and featured singers, songwriters, Broadway actors, a drag queen, young writers from the After School Arts Program, and an interview with publisher Graydon Carter—to name but a few of the attractions. The extraordinary event brought together the community and established a unique and exceptional outlet for talent.

The venue created by The Ingrassias is ideal: 6,500 square feet of open entertainment space, a multi-use barn, an amphitheater created by sculptor Mark Mennin, and a silo repurposed as an artistic grotto.

“Last year was a major experiment,” explains arts strategist Dana Gluck and now Executive Director of SHAG. “We had never done anything like this and it was a great learning process. Each day offered a unique variety of programs for both adults and children, as well as events celebrating Pride in the Hills and the LGBTQ community. It all worked so well and we are excited to be back again this year.”

Gluck has worked with an array of clients from small arts organizations, CEOs, artists, art galleries, hospitality businesses, and larger institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum, which is where she and Ingrassia first met.

“Stephanie is on the board and we got to know each other during my time at the museum and I began consulting for her. In 2019 she asked if I would consider coming on full-time to work with Pilobolus. So I did and we love working as a team.”

Plans are being put in place for the second SHAG celebration, which will occur over one weekend from June 16th to 19th. 

“Last year’s event took place in August and we decided that June would be a better showcase, to really initiate the summer season and capture more of the community,” says Gluck.

Thus far, Friday night will open with an ASAP! Celebration of Young Writers, Nat Meyers, Raye Zaragoza, Abraham Alexander, Grateful Shred, and an innovative wine and food event. Sunday’s lineup includes Lido Pimienta, Cautious Clay, and special educational programs.

Chris Herrmann, co-founder of Pride in the Hills, is excited to be back again working with Ingrassia and Gluck. His lineup of talent on Saturday will include Pilobolus, songstress and hostess Shequida Hall, singer Vincint, and Betty Who, vocalist and songwriter.

“Last year was our first time out and it was a great learning experience for us,” says Ingrassia, and we will expand on what worked and take what we’ve learned and make this year’s celebration even better. We are thrilled to have a community that has been so supportive. We believe in the power of art to bring people together.”

Science and Artistry in Facial Aesthetics
By Clementina Verge

New Preston Dermatology continues to offer comprehensive and highly specialized dermatological care to residents in Litchfield County and beyond, ranging from laser and injectables to expert facial treatments.

“Our skin needs daily attention and care, the same way our teeth do,” notes Dr. Andreas Boker, whose commitment to patient care, honesty, and professionalism has earned him multiple accolades in the last decade, including one of the highest patient ratings of any dermatologist in Manhattan, and the coveted “Top Doctor” award by Castle Connolly for the past five consecutive years. “Skin gets exposed to external as well as internal threats: ultraviolet light from the sun, environmental pollution, and harsh chemicals from the wrong skin care products. Internally, our skin suffers damage from oxidative stress from the wrong diet, stress, and lack of sleep. So daily skin care as well as procedures to restore it to its optimal health are crucial.”

Dr. Boker, who balances time between his private practice in Uptown Manhattan and teaching duties at NYU, opened his Connecticut office last summer.

His personality and attention to detail are reflected in every corner of his CT office; from the art displayed on the walls, to the meticulously sourced antique apothecary beakers, everything has a purpose: to deliver top notch care in a beautiful and chic environment.

“The most rewarding part of my job is all the interesting people I meet,” he relays. “It is such a treat to be able to help people improve their skin while also getting to know them, hearing their stories, and building a strong rapport.”

He cautions that yearly skin cancer checks are paramount, as is establishing daily care routines focused on preventing skin aging. Such treatments can include chemical peels or resurfacing to restore the skin’s outermost layer, or lasers and micro needling techniques to boost deeper restructuring of collagen layers. Lastly, injections of natural hyaluronic acid gel fillers can restore lost volume and restructure an aging face.

The office also offers a comprehensive array of facial treatments and skin care services performed by Barbara Tilley, a skilled licensed aesthetician with special certifications in intimate hair removal, full body sugaring, microcurrent, dermaplaning, and brow/lash enhancement. Her work has been recognized in Litchfield Magazine’s annual Reader’s Choice Awards for three years running, in categories including Best Spa, Best Facial, Best Brows, and Best Lashes. She believes that beautiful skin is healthy skin and best achieved through a partnership with knowledgeable skin care professionals and a simple, consistent at-home regimen.

“The important thing to remember is that the approach to skin care needs to be comprehensive and address different aspects with separate procedures or products which work in concert to deliver the best results,” Dr. Boker advises. 

New Preston Dermatology
18 E Shore Rd., New Preston
 860-339-6606

Deer, Oh Deer

By Clinton Kelly

When Mary Beth, the editor of this fine magazine, asked me if I’d like to write something for her garden-themed issue, I said, “Absolutely! Let me pen a column about how deer are a gigantic pain in my A-double-squiggle.” (I’m paraphrasing.) Mary Beth said she wasn’t sure that was a good idea, adding some gibberish about the hordes of people who allegedly like deer. Whatever. I assured her that I would not advocate harming the insatiable monsters in any way. I’m nice! And if she received any scathing criticism from the deer lobby—or from any perturbed deer—she could forward it directly to me and I would handle it. What I didn’t tell her is that by “handle,” I meant “promptly delete without reading.”

Here’s the deal: Deer are basically overgrown mice.

Oh, shush. If you can put your rodent prejudices aside, mice are kinda cute. The perky ears, the elongated snout, the charmingly dopey personality. But don’t be fooled. You get a mouse living in your wall and it will drive you legally insane. He’ll run across your toes when you sleep. He’ll eat your best Gouda when your back is turned. He’ll poop in a corner, repeatedly.

A deer will do pretty much the same thing in your garden! Will that deer be freakin’ adorable? Of course! But—and this is a big but—he will trample your precious baby tomato plants! He will chomp your hydrangea buds the split second they burst forth into this world! He will leave a pile of Milk Duds right smack in the middle of your fieldstone pathway, but don’t be fooled—those aren’t Milk Duds!

When we bought our house, it had an electrified deer fence surrounding it, basically three parallel wires anchored into several trees. I didn’t even notice the fence, because we bought the house in the summer. But when the leaves fell and the ferns withered away, those wires became very noticeable and gave the vague impression that we were living in an Estonian detention center. 

I said, “These are offensive to my highly developed sense of aesthetics!” Or maybe something less pretentious, like, “Man, those are butt-ugly.” I can’t remember. But I do recall thinking that I didn’t want the zapping of hapless deer on my already-sketchy karmic bank account. So, I hired a contractor to venture into the woods and clip the wires. I’m such an idiot.

The wires came down and that spring the deer population of northwest Connecticut helped themselves to no less than $5,000 worth of annuals, perennials, and vegetables. Rude!

I tried urine, mostly my own and my dog’s. (As a deterrent, just to be clear.) I would even invite my guests to pee in the flower garden, but surprisingly few took me up on it. As it turns out, terrier and human urine don’t work anyway. Coyote urine is effective, but finding a consenting coyote with a full bladder is no easy feat. Some of my followers on social media suggested that I shave bars of Irish Spring soap into the garden. But I don’t like the artificial scent; it’s neither Irish nor spring—discuss. Others said I should go to the local barber shop and ask for a bag of human hair clippings but, honestly, I can’t think of anything I want less in life than a garden filled with the DNA of complete strangers.

Now, I’ve resigned myself to compulsively spraying Liquid Fence Animal Repellent on anything resembling a stick or a leaf. It’s pretty effective, the only downside being that it smells like a week-dead woodchuck covered in Tabasco sauce. And half the time, thanks to a stiff headwind, I end up smelling the same. You get used to it.

But I guess my point is, this is the price I’m willing to pay to peacefully coexist with Nature. Even though, sometimes I’d really like to give it a swift kick in its A-double-squiggle. Figuratively, speaking of course.