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

Jackie’s Restaurant Is Grateful for Customer Loyalty

By Joseph Montebello

So many businesses were challenged during this past year and continue to adjust to the pandemic environment. Restaurants, in particular, were forced to be in emergency mode, bowing to restricted hours and limited number of tables and patrons.

Jackie’s Restaurant has been a staple in Bantam for over thirty years. Serving breakfast and lunch, it has attracted scores of loyal patrons. It’s the combination of a casual, pleasant environment combined with comfort food that has made it a success. Then came the pandemic and everything changed.

“We were forced to shut down the restaurant and provide takeout only,” says Sarah Owens, who has owned the restaurant for 11 years. (And yes, once upon a time it was owned by someone named Jackie and the name just stuck.)

“We got the phone call about four days before we had to close,” Owens says. “I had just put in a huge food order and I kept thinking about how it would all go to waste. I was filled with fear and didn’t know what to do first.”

As soon as she was able, Owens set up for takeout and as the warmer weather came, put together an outdoor area in the parking lot, with umbrellas, tables, and chairs. Her landlord cut back on the rent for two months, which was a godsend and relieved some of the pressure.

“I had four full-time employees, one of them being my mother, and one part-time that I had to take care of,” says Owens. “Our cook left and so I took over the kitchen operation, which I am still doing.”

She recovered from the initial fear and has been operating at 60 percent capacity, mainly because she has not yet installed the required Plexiglas partitions.

“We can still have 50 people in the restaurant, which is working out for us.”

This seems to be the new normal and Owens is working within the necessary parameters, and with the adjustment has taken on a new attitude.

“We have had to rethink the way we do things,” she explains, “and we were pushed out of our comfort zone. As a single mom, I had to homeschool my daughter and take care of my mother. In the restaurant we are very conscious of sanitizing everything and trying to make people feel safe and cared for. We have created an online takeout menu to make it easier for people to order. And I think that social media has played an important part of keeping us connected to our clients and friends.”

With the warm weather upon us, outdoor seating at Jackie’s has resumed, the menu remains consistent, her daughter went back to school, Sarah’s in the kitchen, and all seems right with the world, in spite of the ongoing pandemic.

“We are all in this together,” says Owens, “and a huge thank you to everyone who has helped us through this trying time.”

Jackie’s Restaurant
920 Bantam Rd
860-567-0770

Driving cars the way they were meant to be driven

By Clementina Verge

SPONSORED CONTENT

Imagine escaping gridlock and driving without speed limits while maintaining control of more than 3,000 pounds of metal and hundreds of horsepower.

For 64 years, Lime Rock Park has been a world class racing facility attracting greats such as the legendary Paul Newman, NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Gordon, and owner Skip Barber, founder of the distinguished racing school bearing his name.

For car enthusiasts, the best way to enjoy this historic Salisbury venue is by being a Lime Rock Drivers Club member. Privileges include private track driving time, car control clinics, exciting spectator events and hospitality, guest services, terrific camaraderie, reciprocals at Thompson and Palmer race tracks, and perhaps the most cherished perk of all—outstanding coaching.

“It is the single most valuable thing that we offer our members,” conveys Simon Kirkby, internationally-renowned coach, and director of Lime Rock Drivers Club. “What we give to all is a methodology they can take to any race track in the world.”

Whether novices interested in defying personal limits or experienced members desiring a racing license, the coaching is customized because the best drivers are made through practice and repetition, Kirkby says.

The thrill of excessive speed is one thing. Knowing how to safely maximize performance by mastering proper techniques is another. The 1.5-mile course looks simple, but elevation changes and seven adrenaline-inducing turns are no easy feat, especially when milliseconds count. Ultimately, each lap proves an intellectual exercise rooted in passion and surprisingly rewarded by tranquility.

“No matter if they are golfers or have other interests, driving is the only thing members do where their minds never wander to clients or business or other responsibilities,” notes Kirkby. “It requires complete focus, which is great for relaxation.”

Michael Gershon, a four-year member and winner of numerous events, agrees.

“It’s my favorite place on the face of the earth,” he declares, recounting his first Lime Rock race—in pouring rain—when the adrenaline rush and third place finish proved greater than fear. The idyllic setting and supportive club atmosphere left no doubt that he wanted to become a member. “It is the most beautiful track I’ve ever been on and what I learned here has made me comfortable at every other track I’ve been to.”

The appeal has been further enhanced by a newly-paved, almost 1-mile proving grounds track used for car control, fully-paved paddocks, new restrooms, gardens, ponds, landscaping, and spectator areas canopied by beautiful shade trees.

Ultimately, Lime Rock allows drivers not only to challenge personal capabilities, but to experience a vehicle’s maximum potential, whether it is a Ferrari 488 Pista or a humble racing Spec-Miata. Featuring outstanding handling and technologies, such cars are capable of breathtaking maneuvers and fulfill their aptitude only on track, notes club administrator Jeanette Veitenheimer. Newman once declared, “The best gift you can give yourself is the gift of possibility.” Lime Rock’s lap record currently stands at 43.112 seconds. Schedule a track day and experience the possibilities once the green flag waves you through.

Two Sons Follow in Their Father’s Footsteps

By Joseph Montebello

It is not uncommon for a son to have a career in the same business as his father. But it’s unique for two sons to follow a parent’s line of work and be successful at it. Such is the case with actor Robert Clohessy and his sons Byron and Myles. All three are thriving in the world of entertainment. Clohessy, a West Cornwall resident, is a seasoned actor who has done his share of acting on stage, in the movies, and on television, most recently as Lieutenant Sid Gormley in “Blue Bloods,” now entering its 11th season. In a sea of cop shows it is among the most popular.

“I keep thinking they are going to kill me off,” Clohessy jokes. “But I make them all laugh on the set so they decided to keep me. Tom Selleck does a great job of focusing the whole show. In addition to the drama and conflict, the family seated around the dinner table in the closing scene, resonates with so many viewers.”

Neither son grew up aspiring to be an actor. Both were involved in sports at a high level, with Myles winning a soccer scholarship and playing for the Olympic Development Team. Byron, the older of the two, went to school for music, but when he started doing plays in college, the acting bug took hold of him as well.

Myles attended the Conservatory of Acting at SUNY Purchase, where, coincidentally, Clohessy himself went to school. Ironically his first acting role was in an episode of “Blue Bloods.”

Clohessy never encouraged either son to follow him into acting, although he did drag them to the theater whenever he was performing.

“As a lifestyle acting is difficult,” says Myles. “But my dad never discouraged us and has always been supportive in every aspect of our lives.”

Both sons grew up watching their father act and heard his complaints as well as his love of acting and took it all in stride.

Both boys recognize the work ethic followed by their father.

“Thanks to my dad we have a really positive attitude about acting. He is very relaxed but has worked so hard and I know how important the work ethic is,” says Myles. “I try not to get discouraged. You can go on countless auditions and then land the one role that changes everything. Acting is playing pretend and it should be fun for you.”

The three men have acted together in several episodes of “Blue Bloods.” Additionally, Clohessy has made five films with son Byron and four with son Myles. Most recently they completed two movies for Amazon Prime: Honor Amongst Men and Equal Standard.

Meanwhile Myles is acting in the YouTube series “Liza on Demand” and will then go on to Fire Island to act in a film appropriately called Fire Island. Byron continues to follow his two passions: music and acting. Clohessy senior has written his first play Welcome Home, Johnny, which was set to debut in 2020 at the Charles R. Wood Theater In Glens Falls, NY. Sadly due to the pandemic the opening has been postponed to later this year.

By Clementina Verge

SPONSORED CONTENT

This tattooed, motorcycle-riding, holistic, Reiki master with a passion for nutrition and yoga also has a way with scissors that leaves clients feeling and looking refreshed. Meet James Serra, a second generation barber who Litchfield Magazine readers voted “Best Barber” for three consecutive years. Now entering his third year with BYRDEMAN at Byrde + the b, Serra is a longtime expert in the art of classing barbering, but with modern touches.

After owning a barber shop for 26 years and desiring new challenges and adventures, Serra joined Byrde + the b’s BYRDEMAN—an award-winning, full-service luxury salon and barber shop in Washington Depot—bringing passion and decades of experience.

“My dad was a barber,” Serra reminisces. “My aunt and great aunt were hairdressers. They owned a side-by-side barber shop and beauty salon, and it was my second home.”

While still in high school, he attended barbering school, opening his business at 22.

“I love being creative,” he notes. “It’s a wonderful release. I also enjoy learning from my clients, from their stories and hobbies. I love connecting with people.”

An appointment with Serra is more like visiting a friend, except that this one is capable of making you look dashing. Because there is no “one size fits all” haircut, Serra considers each client’s needs, paying attention to head contour and hair texture. Whether using scissors to blend or clippers to achieve a close cut, it is important for a style to look great not only while fresh, but to maintain its appeal between visits.

“Self-care is not just for women,” he remarks. “Men need to pamper themselves as well, which is why coming in is an event.”

Men can use a private side door and go unnoticed by the happenings of Byrde + the b. In addition to an inviting atmosphere, the lineup includes luxurious and nourishing grooming products, including Italian favorite and top brand Proraso, BYRDEMAN shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and the vitamin A-infused and globally recognized Environ brand. Affected by seasons and aging, hair texture changes, Serra explains, sometimes requiring products that add weight or lift.

Most men who come in for haircuts prefer to indulge in a hot shave, a true old-school and relaxing experience that provides a break from the rushed, at-home routine. Hot aromatherapy towels and luxe skincare translate to exfoliation, brighter skin, rejuvenation, and relaxation.

Salon owner Scott Bond praises Serra’s skills and connection with clients.

“He just oozes cool energy, calm, and tranquility, and you can actually have a conversation with him,” he declares. “You’ll leave feeling like a hot dude and feeling good.”

Ultimately, that is Serra’s goal, noting that external changes often inspire internal changes. As someone with a strong connection to tradition, he encourages the barber shop as a bonding experience for fathers and sons, whether it marks a baby’s first haircut, outings during the teen years, or at any other stage of life.If desired, manicures, pedicures, LED light therapy facials, and other anti-aging services, including cosmetic injections with Dr. LaFrance, are also available.

Joel Viehland has worked at award-winning restaurants such as New York’s Gramercy Tavern, Noma in Copenhagen, Herbsaint and Bayona in New Orleans, before becoming opening chef at Community Table where he was nominated for three James Beard Awards and named Best Small Town Chef in America by Cooking Light. In 2017 Joel opened Swyft in Kent. When the pandemic hit, Joel decided to sell Swyft opting to focus on special events for private clients.

What are your favorite local farmers markets?

I’ve been going to the Litchfield Farmers’ Market since I moved here in 2010. It’s always been the largest and most consistent in our little area but recently I’m also impressed with the Washington Farmers’ Market in the Depot. It has an incredible selection of great quality stuff for its size. I typically look for really nice berries or heirloom tomatoes. I love white currants so if they have them I’m definitely buying them.

Where do you like to pick up fresh bread? 

When I’m not making my own bread, Bantam Bread makes a solid loaf, especially their olive bread. Whitney, formerly of 9 Main, makes a great country loaf under the name Farmers & Cooks.

Where do you like to get local tomatoes? 

If the weather isn’t optimal for tomatoes to ripen sufficiently or if there is too much rain and blite sets in, then I’ll usually seek out a farm that uses green houses or a hoop house to grow them. So for this I will go to Megan Haney at Marble Valley Farm in Kent or March Farm in Bethlehem. If the season is great weather wise there are several great options: Helmstead Farm, Waldingfield Farm, Rock Cobble Farm, and Vibrant Farm all grow superb tomatoes.

Do you have a favorite dairy farm? 

So Thorncrest Farm & Milk House Chocolates to me is the most unique farm in the region. They have the highest quality and best tasting milk in probably all of New England. They take that incredible milk and make artisan handmade cow specific chocolates from cocoa beans. Kim Thorn is a milk sommelier and has one of the better palates in the area. This place is a must visit, everything they do is awesome.

Your favorite local fish, beef, pork, and chicken suppliers? 

For pork and chicken there are many options, Earth’s Palate Farm raises amazing pigs. They also have a wonderful poultry program. For beef, Rock Cobble Farm has hands down the best beef program in the region. For fish, if you can’t access the docks at the shore then the two best places to buy retail fish are either Tilden’s Seafood in Litchfield or New Morning Market in Woodbury. Call the farm a few weeks ahead and find out when they will have what you want to ensure your product will be as fresh as possible when you pick it up and not prefrozen.

Your favorite places for ingredients? 

Tienda Latina in New Milford is my go to for Latin American ingredients and spices. I also love Indian Food & Spice in Danbury, they have a great spice selection and really awesome Indian products. The Dutch Epicure in Litchfield also has some great hard to find Northern European ingredients that you can’t get around here. And for legit Italian products I buy from Gustiamo.

Your favorite easy summer menu for a gathering?

Caviar with homemade tater tots and crème fraîche. A crudo dish of raw fish, I usually like to serve this with something citrusy, something spicy, with herbs and something for texture in the dish. For a main course I’d probably want my pizza or a perfectly roasted whole chicken. For a dessert I love simple things like a seasonal fruit based tart with either meringues or with a light custard or sorbet.

New Owners and a New Beginning for The Pantry

By Joseph Montebello

A big smile, cozy atmosphere, good food, unique merchandise. These are a few of the things one can always rely on at The Pantry in Washington Depot. Michael Ackerman, who supplied those big smiles, has been the face of The Pantry since he and his wife Nancy purchased it in 1986.

“It was founded by Audrey and Jim Patterson in 1977,” explains Ackerman. “They had developed the concept. It was what people knew, and except for expanding the catering and adding new resources to the retail shop, we have kept it intact. The selections we offered grew as the food business evolved. In the ‘80s you could go to a specialty store like ours for many things you can now find in an upscale grocery store. As the food world evolved we needed something special. I have fantastic memories of traveling to the West Coast and to Europe finding things we could offer in the shop.”

During COVID The Pantry has been doing curbside service and takeout.

“Our servers are not back yet,” says Ackerman, “but one can also place an order, including a glass of wine, sit down at one of the indoor tables, and be comfortable. The store is also open for shopping,”

Ackerman, who resides in Litchfield, grew up in Milton where his grandfather had a little store at the turn of the century. “My father followed the retail tradition, so I guess it’s part of my genealogy. After college I moved back home and began working at The Pantry.”

For Ackerman it has been a labor of love and over the years customers have become friends. Employees whose first job was working there have gone on to start their own businesses. And in fact, he is delighted that the business will remain within The Pantry family.

“We’ve had a succession plan in place for some time,” says Ackerman. “I am so pleased that our manager Zoë Velush Rogers and chef Keith Bisciotti, who have been by our side for over a decade, will take up The Pantry mantle.”

What will Ackerman miss the most?

“The people. It’s always been about the wonderful people I’ve gotten to know. When Nancy was hostess on Saturdays it was like a great party.”

And what would he like to be remembered for?

“Kindness,” he replies. “It’s what I’ve always aspired to. Nancy and I both have welcomed this amazing opportunity to practice kindness and enjoy the opportunities we’ve had.”

Rogers and Bisciotti have taken over the reigns and couldn’t be happier.

“We are so grateful for what Nancy and Michael have given us. They make The Pantry feel like home to the staff and the customers. We will carry on that tradition in their honor and welcome old and new friends to what they have created for us.”

The Pantry
5 Titus Rd
860-868-0258

By Charles Dubow

Christian Hunter is not shy about his ambitions. “I want to win a James Beard Award,” he says. No argument here. Since arriving as the new chef at Community Table in New Preston last May he has been cooking the kind of inventive—and delicious—food that the prestigious foundation is famous for recognizing.

“Every plate I put on the table I want to tell a story,” says Hunter. “I want people to sit back and say ‘Wow. This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten.’” What makes his cooking sing is the combination of experience and tastes that has informed his palette. A native of Lexington, Kentucky, he earned a culinary degree from Paul Smith’s College in upstate New York and cooked at Relais & Châteaux’s Lake Placid Lodge and The Weekapaug Inn in Rhode Island. It was when he moved to South Carolina that his cooking really took off. “I had technical proficiency but the restaurant scene in Charleston is incredibly exciting, and it introduced me to all kinds of new ingredients and ideas.”

Being the chef at CT (as the local favorite is commonly known) is a big deal given the restaurant’s reputation in Litchfield and beyond. “I knew that CT needed an energetic, sophisticated chef to lead the kitchen team into our future,” says Jo-Ann Makovitzky, CT’s managing partner and a veteran restaurateur. “When interviewing Christian, he was easy to get along with and we had the same views and philosophies about food, restaurants, and how growth and change occurs.”

When he was invited to be the chef at CT he was already familiar with the area, having worked previously at the former Millstone Café in Kent. “One of the most exciting things about cooking here now is the explosion of small organic farms in the area,” he says. “Everything we do at CT is seasonal and almost all our ingredients are locally sourced. It’s an intimate thing, working with farmers. Getting to know them and their culture really informs how I feel about the food I make.” To him the great advantage of working seasonally is that not only is he always getting the freshest ingredients but it also permits him to continually innovate with the menu and provide his guests with an exciting variety of new dishes. “People don’t want the same thing all the time. They want an experience that will give them a memory.”

Exploring and juxtaposing global flavor profiles are key to his cooking. Hunter takes what at first glance might appear to be your standard New American fare but gives it an extra zing by adding unexpected ingredients or spices. Take for example his grilled marinated quail, which comes with asparagus, white beans, and mushrooms, but he punches it up with chermoula, a traditional North African cumin-based marinade. Or his roasted rack of lamb that is served with freekeh, a North African barley. He also draws on tastes from South America, such as piquillo peppers, which are a key component of his slow-poached monkfish, as well as sourcing bourbon from Litchfield Distillery for his New England seafood chowder.

Hunter has been extremely grateful to CT’s regulars, who kept the kitchen busy despite the pandemic. “When I arrived last spring it was incredibly challenging but my team here is excellent and our patrons rolled with it. We had to change the dynamic of the restaurant and switch to doing take-out meals and outdoor dining, which was totally new for CT but we did it. You’d think that because of COVID we would have been quiet but it’s been crazy since I got here.” Hello? James Beard Foundation?

Community Table
223 Litchfield Turnpike
860-868-9354

By John Torsiello

You may have seen a stunning Irish setter striding around Litchfield Center with its owner. “What a gorgeous dog,” you might say. Attractive yes, but that dog, if it is BraeVal Bearcat Laddie, has more than good looks; he’s a champion.

“Laddie” is owned, trained, and handled by Gregor McCluskey, the man behind the BraeVal line of sporting apparel. He moved his retail outlet from Route 202 in Harris Plains to the center of town two years ago. BraeVal Bearcat Laddie is a national champion at finding and pointing birds. He’s been good almost from the start of his career, being voted the New England Field Trial Horse Black Dog of the Year—Puppy. Horses and their riders are often used to track the dogs afield.

Laddie has acquired a number of other titles along the way, including being the National Champion Shooting Dog and RU National Championship Amateur All-Age at the Red Setter National Field Trial Championship. His most recent tour de force occurred in May of 2019 when he won the International Amateur Woodcock Championship held in Rhode Island. He was the first red dog to win the prestigious title.

According to McCluskey, the sport of bird hunting itself is dominated by English pointers and English setters. “Light or white dogs are easier to see in the field or thickets than a red dog,” says McCluskey. “It’s very rare to have an Irish red setter compete and beat the white dogs. The Amateur Woodcock title was his biggest win yet. This was a major event and he was up against some top dogs.”

By definition, a bird dog is a type of “gun dog” or “shooting dog” used to find, hunt or retrieve birds or other small game animals by tracking their scent in the air. The term bird dog refers to dog breeds such as the pointer, English pointers and setters, red (Irish) setters, German shorthair pointers, Brittany, and other pointer breeds.

“At the competitions, finding birds is important, but it is not about the number of birds the dog points, but a combination of the class, style and the race—how fast they move to get the job done,” explains McCluskey. “Many times dogs win trials with less finds than other competitors. A dog finding two or three birds is the average (the birds are not shot at competitions) and speed and style points are very important.”

Laddie didn’t come about his greatness by merely liking to run through fields, thickets, and woods. McCluskey has put in hours upon hours training his wonder dog and the eight-year-old canine logs miles on training runs. “He can run fast, with style and grace and points with his tail up in the air in classic 12 o’clock pointer fashion.”

McCluskey says a “class” shooting dog must handle; have a high, fast pace, known as a race; run edges; work on the correct side of the wind; seek out “birdy” objects or structures in the field or woods. When the dog “makes game” it must point with tail and head high, show “staunchness,” and be steady to the “wing and shot.” If another dog has a bird find or point first, the dog must honor and back the pointing dog. He can’t run past the pointing dog.

Last year’s top bird dog events were canceled because of COVID-19, says McCluskey, and the owner/handler is unsure about Laddie’s 2021 schedule. “We’ve been asked to compete in Michigan but I don’t know if we will go. Everything is up in the air.”

By Allie Steers

After a long and isolated year at home, the good news is there’s plenty to do with kids around Litchfield County this summer. Whether you are looking for camps, classes, hikes, swimming spots, or tutoring programs—we have an extensive list of ideas for you. Please check individual COVID-19 guidelines and regulations as things are constantly changing. Have a fun summer in Litchfield County!

1. Explore, discover, and create at ASAP! Summer Camp in Washington. Campers will engage in hands-on learning through art, outdoors.

2. Join an engaging nature program at the Sharon Audubon Center.

3. Visit White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield and explore their 4,000-acre wildlife sanctuary featuring murals, dioramas, live animals, rock cave, and more.

4. Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury allows children to explore nature, art, agriculture, and ecology in a stimulating outdoor environment.

5. Visit the animals from goats to deer and kangaroo at Highwire Deer & Animal Farm in Woodbury.

6. Rent a kayak or canoe at Lake Waramaug State Park and take in the beautiful surrounding views.

7. Cool off at Sandy Beach on Bantam Lake—the largest natural lake in CT. Kids can enjoy a dock with a slide, picnic areas, horseshoe pits, and volleyball nets.

8. Join a course or workshop at Titus Tutors and build upon existing foundations. Kids will be challenged with proactive learning strategies and critical thinking skills that wil stay with them throughout their entire academic careers.

9. Nurture creativity and make something at Reis Learning Center. They offer exciting classes, summer programs, and artisan workshops for all learners.

10. Go for a hike at Steep Rock Preserve.

11. Have a picnic at Topsmead State Forest. There is lots of room to spread out and explore the 510 acres of forests and meadows.

12. Pick your own fruit at one of the local farms.

• Maple Bank Farm
• March Farm
• Litchfield Hills Blueberry Farm
• Ellsworth Hill Orchard Berry Farm
• Evergreen Berry Farm

13. Go for a swim at Mount Tom State Park in Bantam and hike the trail to the stone tower for a beautiful view.

14. Grab ice cream or milkshakes on a hot day at a local ice cream shop

• Arethusa Farm Dairy Creamery
• Peaches n’ cream
• Roxbury Market & Deli
• Marty’s Cafe

15. Hike or drive to the top of Haystack Mountain in Norfolk and go up to the observation tower for some breathtaking views.

16. Hike the falls at Kent Falls and bring a picnic.

17. Enjoy some fun outdoor dining at Popey’s Ice Cream Shoppe in Morris.

18. Engage in multi-sensory activities that sparks curiosity and motivates learning at KidsPlay Children’s Museum in Torrington.

19. Schedule a tour at Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy and enjoy the diversity of waterfowl on display.

20. Take riding lessons at Fox Crossing Equestrian in Morris or join their summer camp.

21. Visit over 50+ alpacas at Southwind Farms in Watertown.

22. Let your kids experience the joys of boating and other water sports like wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and tubing at Connecticut Watersports on Bantam Lake.

23. Enjoy the beautiful outdoor sculpture exhibit by sculptor Denis Curtiss in Kent. Sculpturedale has three acres of tended garden for visitors to stroll.

24. The newly renovated Miniature Golf course is open and ready for play for all ages at The Litchfield Golf Center.

25. Bike the Railroad Ramble bike path in Salisbury and Lakeville.

26. Float above the Litchfield Hills in a hot air balloon and create a memory you’ll never forget with Aer Blarney Balloons in Bethlehem.

27. Bring out the artist in your kids. Village Center for the Arts in New Milford has a variety of creative programs and camps for kids of all ages.

28. Sign up for Eagle Rock Day Camp in New Preston. Your kids will spend the summer outdoors doing a variety of programs and special events to make their summer memorable.

29. Head to the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington. Kids will learn the lifeways and lessons of the Natives while hiking in the woods, playing games, and doing crafts.

30. Join Pratt Nature Center’s summer program, explore the trails, and go for a swim in the East Aspetuck River.

31. Take riding lessons at Lee’s Riding Stables in Litchfield.

32. Spend a night camping at Cozy Hills Campground in Bantam.

33. Check out the Hidden Valley Preserve and visit the Thoreau Bridge.

34. Join the Grumbling Gryphons Theater Arts Summer Camp in West Cornwall for drama, dance, art, music, and filmmaking.

35. Be a detective for a day and solve a mystery at Pursue the Clues in Torrington.

36. Take a self defense class at Blue Boy Boxing in Thomaston.

37. Go bowling at New Milford Lanes. They have glow bowling on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 6:30pm!

38. Spend the day geocaching all around Litchfield County! Download the geocaching app on the app store.

39. Volunteer together at the Community Kitchen of Torrington.

40. Open up your kids’ world by heading to the local farmers markets around.

• New Milford Farmers’ market
• Bethel Farmers’ market
• Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh market
• Kent Farmers’ market
• Washington Farmers’ market

41. Have a picnic at Harrybrooke Park in New Milford, and then head to Lovers Leap for a beautiful view.

42. Visit R&B Sports World in Winsted for mini golf, go karting, batting cages, and more.

43. Watch the annual water ski show on Bantam Lake.

44. Warner Theater in Torrington offers five camp sessions throughout the summer where kids can develop their artistic talents in an encouraging atmosphere.

45. Play tennis at the local public courts. Shepaug Valley School and the Washington Primary School are open throughout the year. Courts are available on a first come first serve basis, and you must bring your own racket and balls.

46. Go for a walk at the Orzech Family Preserve in Roxbury. Once you cross the bridge there is a nice spot with a picnic table and a small sandy area.

47. Grab an art kit from Art Room Atelier or check out their private classes and zoom camps.

48. Take dance classes at Studio D in New Milford. They have classes ranging from ballet to gymnastics to hip-hop.

49. Join a program at The Glebe House in Woodbury. These interactive programs will stimulate your child’s interest in history, horticulture, and early American trades and the arts.

50. Have a family fun weekend at the Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival in Goshen. There are great activities for children including games and crafts.

By Harry Harwood

In August of 1978, John and Ann Winter, along with their four children, moved from New York City to Litchfield where they opened up a paint and wallpaper business with John’s brother. With the need for a new paint store in Litchfield, the Winter’s business was off to a successful start. Being the person who interacted most with customers, John fondly recalls his experience working with the people of Litchfield: “The business was supported by it’s great customers, and we became friends in many cases.” While John worked with the customers, Ann operated the office. “As far as I’m concerned, she did the harder work.”

In 1990, facing an expiring lease and the nearby George J. Switzer’s Lumber Yard going out of business, the opportunity to relocate to this more visible location was an obvious choice for the Winters. They moved their business from Sports Village to the old lumber yard, right off the road and easily accessible. The Winters business has remained and flourished there for the past 31 years. When asked what it was like working with his spouse for all those years, John says with a laugh, “Considering what I hear, it went very well!”

Years ago the couple decided they were ready to move on from the day to day of running the business, and after searching for the right new owner, the Winters recently sold Litchfield Paint and Wallpaper to Bessy’s Paint Company, previously located in Torrington.

With all of the changes going on, John will remain working in the shop for three months to get everyone acclimated to the new owners and company. One of these changes includes the new business name, The Litchfield Paint Company.

John believes the business will remain successful despite thew new changes, and pointed out 2020 has been one of its strongest years yet. “It’s a great opportunity for the new store, being that more people have time now (at home) to update and do things with their homes.”

Most popular paint color? “For a while it was a color I made up. The owner of the Oliphant shop and I made up the color for her store, it was called Oliphant Grey. We did that three years ago and it’s been the most popular grey,” John says.

The second most popular color is another self made classic, Litchfield Green, which the owners of the new store will have the formula to create.

As for retirement, John intends to stay on, working at the store a couple days a week to keep himself happily occupied and to help the new owners. “Retirement isn’t really in my vocabulary, I don’t have hobbies like golf, and I’ve been in the store for 43 years,” John says.

With new owners and updates but the same friendly atmosphere, the Litchfield Paint Company is open this summer and ready for business.