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Stars Hollow Coming to Life!

Courtesy of Entertainment Weekly

On October 21, 22, and 23 Washington Connecticut, the town widely known as the home to many of the sites Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino gathered inspiration from for her original script, will transform into the fictional Stars Hollow and host the Gilmore Girls Fan Fest. This weekend will give Gilmore Girls fans the chance to visit and stroll through the town where the story took place.
Fans will be able to experience familiar events from the show, such as tea at the inn, a cake tasting at the market, coffee at the hardware store, a staged knit-a-thon, and a Friday night dinner.

One of the highly anticipated events is a cast panel which will take place on Saturday, October 22. Confirmed appearances during the festival include: Jackson Douglas (Jackson, Rini Bell (Lulu), Aris Alvarado (Caesar), Biff Yeager (Tom), Kelly Bishop (Emily), Yanic Truesdale (Michel), Vanessa Marano (April), Rose Abdoo (Gypsy) and Ted Rooney (Morey). 

Other events include:
-    Town troubadour
-    Screening of the pilot on Friday and the finale on Sunday.
-    A cocktail hour and a Friday Night Dinner (food truck style)
-    Screening of the top two episodes (by vote) on Saturday at the Town Hall
-    A cooking segment to introduce the new 'Eat Like a Gilmore’ cookbook. Kristi Carlson, the author of the cookbook (coming out the end of October), will also be on hand to discuss recipes you might find at Luke's Diner or Sookie's kitchen.
-    Photo Opps "on the Green"
-    Book Readings at The Hickory Stick Bookstore
-    A Dance Recital at The Pavilion
-    Antique Shopping in Washington Depot & New Preston     
-    Gilmore Trivia

Courtesy of Entertainment Weekly

What comes to mind, for me, every time I think about the festival, is a direct quote from Amy Sherman-Palladino in a 2001 Desert News interview about her thoughts on the series. Pulling one from Amy's book I'll say, 'If I can make people feel this much of what I felt walking around this fairy town, I thought that would be wonderful'. And that's really why we're doing this, it's all for fun, for fellow fans.

The festival offers fans a chance to experience parallels of the fictional town, Stars Hollow, highlighting some of the most crucial elements that made the town so impressionable to the creator. 

*The event is sold out.

For more details about the event go to www.gilmoregirlsfanfest.com. 
 

 

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Join Us for Fall Fun with Steep Rock Association!

Check out the fun-filled and educational nature exploration programs that Steep Rock is hosting this fall. From studying reptiles and insects to historical hikes in our beautiful Steep Rock Preserve, there is something fun for everyone!

Space is limited! Register online to secure your spot for one of these great programs!

Snakes of Connecticut                               

Tuesday September 20, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Join Brian Kleinman of Riverside Reptiles for a power-point presentation on the natural history and identification of Connecticut's native species of snakes. This will be followed by an introduction to several of Connecticut's snakes, including the famous Northern Copperhead.

The program will be held at the Gunn Memorial Library: 5 Wykeham Road, Washington CT.

For Ages 12+ - children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information on this program visit their website.

River Bug Hunt!

Saturday September 24, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Join Rory Larson, Steep Rock Association's Land Steward, for a morning in the Shepaug River. Scour submerged rocks immediately upstream of the riding ring bridge in Steep Rock Preserve and identify the dislodged bugs! All equipment (nets and bins) will be provided.

The program will start in the parking lot near the riding ring in the Steep Rock Preserve.

All ages welcome – children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information on this program visit their website.

Hike with us on the Roxbury-Tunnel Road Connector

Saturday October 1, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Hike from the Tunnel Road from the Steep Rock Preserve Riding Ring in Washington, to Roxbury’s Battle Swamp Preserve during a collaborative Roxbury Land Trust – Steep Rock Association hike. Guides from both the Roxbury Land Trust and Steep Rock Association will lead the three-mile, one-way hike. Along the way, these hike leaders will discuss, among other things, the history of the preserves, land trust resource management, and the Shepaug River.

The program will start in the parking lot near the riding ring in the Steep Rock Preserve.

For Ages 15+ - children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information on this program visit their website.

Nature on the Go…at the Library!

Saturday October 1, 1:00 p.m. for families

Tuesday October 4, 3:00 p.m. for K-1st graders

Thursday October 6, 3:30 p.m. for 2nd and 3rd graders

Explore nature indoors with stories and crafts. Nature books read to you by Steep Rock Association (SRA) staff & volunteers surely add delight to your day. From sunflowers to butterflies, children will discover some of nature’s joys and mysteries.

The program will be held at the Gunn Memorial Jr Library.

Please contact the Gunn Memorial Library for registration: 860 868 2310

For more information on this program visit their website.

Blessing of the Animals

Sunday October 2, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

In honor of St. Francis Assisi’s birthday, an interfaith Blessing of the Animals will be held at the Riding Ring near the main parking lot of Steep Rock Preserve.  Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, hamsters, parakeets...all creatures great and small are welcome to bring their human companions and receive a blessing for health and well-being. Photographs of beloved animals who are no longer with us can also be brought for blessing. Volunteers from Steep Rock Association will welcome you while First Congregational Church of Washington volunteers will be on hand to offer blessing and refreshments of all sorts for animals and their human attendants.

Registration is not necessary!

For more information on this program visit their website.

Holiday House Hike into History

Saturday October 15, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Join Steep Rock Trustees for a historic trip back in time to explore the ruins of the magnificent hotel designed by Architect Ehrick Rossiter, which once stood on a Steep Rock hillside overlooking the Shepaug River, and examine how the Holiday House impacted the lives of so many of its visitors.

The program will start at the parking lot near the riding ring in the Steep Rock Preserve.

For more information on this program visit their website.

 

 

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Come Celebrate the Arts in Litchfield County this Weekend!

 

A Story of Place

A cocktail party will be held on Saturday September 10 in honor of the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council. Guests are invited to join for cocktails and explore the newly restored 1769 Benton/Anderson Farm studio of artist Michael Quadland.

The tickets are limited so RSVP at ncac9-10-16.eventbrite.com or call 860 618 0075. Tickets are $55, and the event is located at 232 Benton Road, Morris (4:30-6:30 p.m.).

“What can an old house tell us about the past life and times of the people who lived there? And what can its restoration and repurposing tell us about the present and future?"

 

Support the Arts & Humanities in Litchfield!

The Litchfield Historical Society is holding a Barn Bash Fundraiser on Saturday September 10. The Barn Bash features cocktails, dinner, and entertainment from jazz singer Wanda Houston. Proceeds from the event will support the LHS’s educational programs and their new Tapping Reeve Landscape project, which will recreate elements of landscapes long found in Litchfield.

Tickets for the bash start at $125 per person. The Barn Bash is located at the White Barn at South Farms, 21 Higbie Road, Morris (6:30-11:00 p.m.). For more information visit their website or call 860 567 4501.

 

 

Bridgewater’s Finest: Art Show & Studio Tour

The Burnham Library in Bridgewater is having a reception on Saturday September 10 to celebrate the opening of a group show, the event includes six artists who have opened their studios for a tour.

This is a free event sponsored by the Friends of the Library. The reception is located at the Burnham Library 62 Main Street South, Bridgewater (4:00 – 6:00 p.m.). The show will be up until September 29. Maps are available at the library and studios. For more information visit their website or call 860 354 6937.

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Celebrate the end of summer with our two favorite land trust picnics!

Steep Rock Association and Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust invite you to join them for their Annual Family Picnic and Fall Celebration!

On Saturday September 10, Steep Rock Association is hosting their annual family picnic from noon until 2 p.m. There will be complimentary programs, hamburgers, hotdogs, fixings, lemonade, and cookies! The picnic will take place at the Steep Rock Preserve in Washington Depot.

No registration required!

For more information and directions go to their website

On Saturday September 17, Weantinoge Heritage Land Trust is having their Fall Celebration from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The program includes breakfast, hot air ballooning (weather permitting), hayrides, annual meeting, BBQ lunch, nature hikes, live music by Switch Factory, face painting, and arts & crafts. Located across from Smyrski Farm: 238 Merryall Road, New Milford CT.

 All day family fun!

For more information visit their website

                

 

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Don't miss out on the Bridgewater Country Fair fun!

Make sure to stop by the Bridgewater Fair this weekend for a traditional fair experience. Focused on preserving the character of country fairs, the Bridgewater Fair is an event where farmers and other country folk come together to compete with their prized livestock, produce, and arts and crafts.

                                            

Photo Courtesy of The Bridgewater Country Fair

Besides the contests there is a lot to see and participate in at the Fair. Events offered all weekend include: rides, amusements, commercial tents, industrial and agricultural exhibits, hunting and fishing expo, dunking booth, mechanical bull, and knocker ball. Check the schedule for the livestock shows, children’s pedal tractor pull, antique tractor pull, children’s pet parade, pie eating, hay bale throwing, baking contests, home and art contests and much more, to make sure that you don’t miss out!

                        

Photo Courtesy of The Bridgewater Country Fair

There is also a large variety of great food tents throughout the fairgrounds serving all kinds of treats from hotdogs to chocolate covered bacon. Make sure to try the famous roast beef sandwiches, chicken breasts, and corn!

On Friday evening the Annual Bridgewater Fair Parade will kick off the weekend festivities. The parade starts at 6:45 pm with marching bands, color guard, and many other attractions making their way down Main St, Bridgewater. The parade features Volunteer Fire Companies from Connecticut and New York. They will be carrying their colors and showing off their newest trucks and antique fire equipment. 

                                             

Photo Courtesy of The Bridgewater Country Fair

Photo Courtesy of The Bridgewater Country Fair

A great family outing with something fun for everyone!

Check out their website for more information on hours, location and tickets (Parking is Free!).

 

South Farms in Morris, CT

South Farms offers an authentic country experience set in the most beautiful farm landscape. In addition to being an historic working farm, there is now an interior space that is rustic but with a modern, industrial vibe that is perfect for special events. Sarah Worden, who used to work at The Matthews Group, has teamed up with Ben Paletsky, the farm's owner and manager, to create an amazing setting for weddings, photo shoots, on-site film locations and other significant occasions. Sarah is the most exceptional events planner as well as being a sought after floral designer.

South Farms is redefining traditional New England agriculture by creating a venue that offers a wide range of agricultural products, services, and attractions. Ben Paletsky believes that farmland preservation is best accomplished by creating and nurturing sustainable farmland businesses that excel within a blended, value-added agricultural and agri-tourism environment. An entrepreneurial spirit is a common theme as exemplified in the relationship between the farm and Pioneer Hops who grows and processes hops for Connecticut craft beer brewers. .

We were able to spend some time with both Ben and Sarah and ask them what they love about South Farms.

Ben, you came back to run the business and revitalize this iconic farm. What is your mission?

"Farming is a lifestyle.  This lifestyle is a dream for many, contrasting the fast constant pace of city living.  The credibility of modern farmer extends beyond their ability to produce sustenance from the land, it includes their social impact.   South Farms is a living model of the reinvented farm.  We're focused on highlighting the uniqueness on New England agriculture, through an experiential blend of what's produced in the fields, in-house programs and events, and an awarding historic farm venue. The architectural essence of The White Barn at South Farms overlooking pastures extending to the horizon instantly reconnects our guests to generations of hard-working tradition, while inspiring them to the future."

 

A Vintage Vehicle with Farm Hay

Ben, what makes South Farms unique and how does it benefit the County?
 

"It puts the area on the map showcasing the uniquesness of New England agriculture. We offer Galloway grass fed beef which is a top Scottish breed and we use rotational grazing as well as feeding only hay cultivated on the farm. We also have Heritage Breed Pork, a three century old breed discovered in Berkshire County UK, which is known for its juiciness, flavor and tenderness. We have a seasonal Farmer's Market every Sunday from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm starting June 12th where our beef and pork are available for sale and we also have several other farms offering their farm fresh goods, live music, activities for children, The Winivan Farm Food truck and donuts along with other baked goods sold out of the AmandaBakes Airstream trailer."

 

Sarah, why is the space so special for events?

"The White Barn at South Farms stands out as an event venue in Connecticut and beyond because it combines qualities that are hard to find in one place: authentic charm through its agricultural history, and practical amenities like restrooms, heat/air conditioning, lighting and parking. Most clients looking for a rustic farm setting will find that as much as they want the authentic feel of a real farm or barn, they don't want to compromise on comfort and style. With South Farms, you don't have to. It's also flexible enough to host a range of varied types and sizes of events from intimate farm dinners to large weddings, fundraisers and festivals."

An Outdoor Ceremony at South Farms

A Charming Arrangement of Flowers and Plants

A Quiet Moment for the Bride and Groom at South Farms

Sarah Worden and Ben Paletsky

 

To learn more about South Farms, please click here.

To book an event or for more information about the farm, click here.

PLEASE NOTE: The White Barn is a year round venue with a heated barn with 5,000 sg ft renovated space within a 20,000 sq ft structure. 

 

BOOK NOW FOR YOUR NEXT SPECIAL EVENT AND DON'T MISS THE FARMER'S MARKET ON SUNDAYS!

 

The After School Arts Program (ASAP) will offer an engaging series of performances, projects and classes throughout the month of February. Their vision and mission is inspiring: "to honor children's imagination, invite them to create, encourage them to take risks, and trust their resourcefulness, they will become the empowered and resilient adults the world really needs." 

There will be a 'Music in the Schools, In School Performance' at Shepaug High School this Tuesday, February 9th, 2016. There are two snow dates; Wednesday, February 10th and Thursday, February 11th.

Who doesn't want to be a rock star? Playing in the Band for Grades 6-12 will take place on Tuesday, February 23 from 2:30pm – 4:15pm. It will be taught by Joe Bouchard in the Shepaug School Band Room.

ASAP will Present Pilobolus on Friday, February 19th and Saturday, February 20th at 7 pm. The performances with the Inter-District Project and Communith Dance Project will take place at Pomperaug Regional High School, 234 Judd Road, Southbury, CT 06488. The snow date is Sunday, February 21st at 2 pm. Tickets are selling fast so make sure to register for this spectacular event!

Calling all child chefs! Anne Gallagher will teach a Pre-K cooking class on Wednesdays, February 17th through March 2nd from 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm. The class will take place in Wersebe Hall.
 

About The After School Arts Program:
ASAP is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing?young people with opportunities to create beautiful and meaningful works of art in a creative?and collaborative environment. By inspiring the next generation to discover and embrace?their own creativity.ASAP hopes to not only enrich lives, but to change them forever.

For more information about these programs and about ASAP, please click here.

Leitz Leather Bracelets with Gemstones and Luxury Hardware

KMR Arts Gallery will host the dynamic husband and wife team Eric and Sherry Leitz who will be showing theit latest collections of accessories. The holiday shopping experience will take place today, Friday December 11th and tomorrow, Saturday, December 12th from 11 am to 5 pm at the gallery which is located at 2 Titus Road, Washington, CT 06794.

Leitz Luxury Leather accessories are the epitome of bohemian chic. and the rock and roll chic bags, belts, cuffs and bracelets are individually hand crafted. Their clients read like a who's who of Hollywood and includes such stars as Tom Cruise, Janet Jackson and Will Smith. Their newest collection of bracelets and necklaces combine leather with cultured pearls for a sexy, modern look.

Gallery owner, Kathy McCarver Root is a big fan of the collection, "The Leitz leather designs strike the perfect balance: bold yet cool, sophisticated yet utterly wearable. Eric's sense of color, proportion and materials is impeccable. I love that each piece can be custom, with handsome embossed initials, stitching, and color choice. It's great to stay local, it really makes a difference to small businesses.... and who doesn't need a little rock n roll this time of year!"

Eric and Sherry Leitz with a Signature Handbag and Weekend Bag

 

HAPPY HOLIDAY SHOPPING ALL!