Share the Goodness: Community Events
At New Morning Market, not only can you discover new foods, flavors and products, but also a whole community of goodness.
Check out upcoming local events below:
20th Annual Celebration of Young Writers: Call for Submissions | ASAP! | February 1 – April 1, 2025
ASAP!’s 20th Annual Celebration of Young Writers empowers students to share their love of writing with the world. Public, private and homeschooled students from across Connecticut are invited to submit for a chance to be recognized for their outstanding work, and read their piece in front of a live audience. The Celebration of Young Writers stage is a place where student voices are amplified, and their passion for writing can be shared with the world. 2024 top selected works will be presented to the public and shared through ASAP!’s website. Submissions to the Celebration of Young Writers are free.
Celebration of Young Writers was inspired by ASAP!’s objective to foster children’s creativity and imagination in the literary arts. It was established with the help of Ellen and Frank McCourt, Ann and Denis Leary, and Susanna Salk.
SUBMISSIONS
February 1 – April 1, 2025
Big Game Watch Party | Judy Black Memorial Park & Gardens | February 9th 6PM
Kick off game day with food, fun, and football frenzy! We’re hosting the ultimate Big Game Watch Party, and you’re invited to be part of the action.
Huddle Up for:
🎥 Big screens, big plays. Enjoy every moment of the game from the best seats in the house.
🍔 Free food from The Meraki Truck*, courtesy of Bouyea & Associates (*RSVP required to get your ticket to free deliciousness.)
💸 Football Squares. Get in the game to win big and support a great cause.
🏐 Football-themed fun. Activities that’ll have you doing a victory dance.
📅 When: Feb 9th, 6pm
📍 Where: The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens, One Green Hill, Washington Depot, CT
🛑 Don’t fumble this opportunity! RSVP now to reserve your free food ticket and claim your spot for this all-star event.
RSVP Here!
Dear Elizabeth | Judy Black Memorial Park & Gardens | February 1st 6PM & 2nd 3PM
The Connecticut Theater Exchange will be performing “Dear Elizabeth” by Sarah Ruhl at The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens on Saturday, February 1 at 6 pm and Sunday, February 2 at 3 pm.
From 1947 to 1977, poets Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Bishop exchanged more than four hundred letters. Even as they were worlds apart, their connection was palpable, and their correspondence would become one of the greatest in American literary history.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration HERE is required due to limited seating.
National Puzzle Day Trio of Events | Woodbury Public Library | Wednesday January 29
On Wednesday, January 29th, Woodbury invites puzzle enthusiasts of all ages to celebrate National Puzzle Day with three unique events designed to inspire community connection and mental stimulation.
Morning Puzzle Swap at the Senior Center
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Woodbury Senior Center will host a Puzzle Swap in their pool table room. Bring your gently used jigsaw puzzles or puzzle books to trade and discover something new. Participants can also craft a “puzzle people pin” to wear or share. For more information contact the Woodbury Senior Center at 203-263-2828
Team Puzzle-Making Race: Puzzle Palooza
In the evening, join the Parks and Recreation Department for Puzzle Palooza, a lively team puzzle-making competition starting at 5:30 p.m. Teams of up to four players will race to complete identical 500-piece puzzles, with prizes awarded to the fastest group. Teams must register with Parks and Rec by January 20th, and light snacks will be provided. For more information contact the Woodbury Parks and Recreation Department at 203-263-3113
Live Puzzle Swap at the Woodbury Public Library
Cap off the day at the Woodbury Public Library from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for a Live Puzzle Swap. Bring up to five complete jigsaw puzzles (500, 750, or 1,000 pieces) to trade. Participants will draw numbers to determine trading order and exchange tickets for new puzzles in a round-robin format. For more information please contact the Woodbury Public Library at 203-263-3502.
Join the Celebration
Woodbury’s National Puzzle Day events offer a fun and engaging way to sharpen your mind while connecting with fellow puzzle enthusiasts. Please note that the Senior Center and the Library also lend puzzles out, for those who like to puzzle every day of the year.
Website Design for Creatives Using CARRD | Woodbury Public Library | January 28th 6PM
Are you ready to create a stunning website to showcase your portfolio or launch your blog? Join artist Sam Wilder at the Woodbury Public Library on Tuesday, January 28 at 6:00 PM for an engaging, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to build your own website using Carrd! In this workshop, Sam will walk you through the process of creating a personalized website, from selecting the perfect template to customizing layouts and adding interactive elements. You’ll discover how to harness Carrd’s user-friendly features to transform your ideas into a beautiful, fully functional website. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a site you can proudly share with the world. No coding experience is required—just bring your creativity. Space is limited; register on the Library’s website www.woodburylibraryct.org or call 203-263-3502.
Nonnewaug High School Senior Showcase | Woodbury Public Library | February 4 – 27 2025
The Woodbury Public Library is delighted to once again host the Nonnewaug High School Senior Showcase featuring the award winning art of NHS Seniors Jackson Brent, Logan Feng, Kayleigh Gingras, Molly Hartmann, Kiera Jacobi, Ava Parks, Audey Rogers, Zodie Smith, and Sophie Solury. The student’s work will be on display in the Library’s Gallery Space February 4-27, 2025 with a reception for the artists on February 8th at 2:00 PM. The students were taught by NHS Art Teacher Leeza DesJardins, an award winning artist in her own right. Her students go on to receive many art awards and many pursue a career in the arts after high school. For more information visit www.woodburylibraryct.org or call 203-263-3502.
Sound Bath with Gong by Nick Switz & Brianna Magnotti | Woodbury Public Library | Saturday, February 1 10am
Immerse yourself in the soothing and transformative experience of a Sound Bath with Gong with Nick Switz and Brianna Magnotti at the Woodbury Public Library on Saturday, February 1st at 10:00 am. This unique class combines the ancient practice of sound healing with the powerful vibrations of a gong and other instruments, offering a holistic approach to relaxation and well-being.
Participants will begin with a brief guided meditation followed by sound immersion as the facilitator plays the gong and other instruments, creating an immersive soundscape. The vibrations and tones of the gong promote deep relaxation, reduce stress, and support mental clarity.
This class is suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners. Comfortable clothing is suggested, bring a yoga mat or cushion to lie on. Registration is required for this program;
call 203-263-3502 or register on the Library’s website www.woodburylibraryct.org
OLLI Open House | Woodbury Public Library | Saturday, February 8 10am-12pm
People over 50 are invited to join OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) for PowerPoint presentation sharing an overview of OLLI, what courses they offer, and explain how registration works and more at the Woodbury Public Library on Saturday, February 8, 10:00 -12:00 PM.
OLLI at UConn is a member-driven lifelong learning program offering courses, lectures, events, and social activities for people 50+ who want to engage socially and intellectually. Their guiding principles are dedication to lifelong learning, accountability, inclusivity, and fostering collaboration and core values are to support a community of adult learners and instructors in pursuit of new experiences in lifelong learning, to create an environment where everyone is welcome and offered the opportunity to be engaged and involved, to build a sense of belonging and friendship in a safe, inclusive, and collaborative environment, and to strive for an environment of honesty and fairness.
OLLI has two ten-week semesters, one in the fall, and one in the spring. They offer approximately 150 courses every year, and have special events such as guest lectures, end-of-semester celebrations, open houses, and lunch-and-learn sessions. Olli’s Spring 2025 semester begins March 3.
For those who have mobility issues, or live too far from the Waterbury UConn campus, OLLI offers online learning classes Mondays – Thursdays. To register for the presentation or for more information, visit the Library’s website at www.woodburylibraryct.org or call 203-263-3502.
The Southbury Public Library Youth Services
The Southbury Public Library Youth Services department is pleased to announce additional offsite and virtual events for October 2024 for children and their caregivers. All programs are generously sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library. For more information and to register online please visit our website: www.southburylibrary.org/events/
Sour and Savory: Mastering the Art of Fermented Foods | Southbury Public Library | January 23rd 7-8:30PM
Join us as we take you on a journey through the delicious world of homemade pickles, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods. From classic dill pickles to spicy kimchi, we’ll cover all the key steps for success and give you the tools to create your own signature fermented foods at home.
Mark Gostkiewicz is the owner of Tri Gable Lea Farm. Mark’s passion for sustainable farming began with his first job at the certified organic Highland Thistle Farm in Canterbury, CT, where he learned about holistic management and sustainable practices. He later worked at Hart’s Greenhouses, where he was inspired by the successful farm business run by Dave and Joyce Hart. Register here.
Rhythm and Hues: The Harlem Renaissance and Its Legacy | Southbury Public Library | Friday February 7th 2-3:30PM
The Harlem Renaissance, a cultural explosion in the 1920s, saw African American artists challenge stereotypes and celebrate their heritage. From the poetic simplicity of Jacob Lawrence to the cosmopolitan portrait photographs of James Van Der Zee, this era produced works that continue to resonate today. Discover the visionaries who gave voice to the African American experience and forever changed the landscape of American culture.
Jane Oneail is an independent scholar and holds a Master’s in Art History from Boston University and a Master’s in Art in Education from Harvard University. Jane is a New Hampshire native and has worked at some of the state’s most esteemed cultural institutions, including the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, where she served as Executive Director, and the Currier Museum of Art, where she held the role of Senior Educator.
Like all Southbury Public Library programs, this program is free to attend and open to anyone regardless of town of residency. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library. Registration is required. Zoom invitation links will be sent via email on the day of the program. Please visit the link below for more information and to register.
Registration Link: Zoom https://www.southburylibrary.org/event/zoom-rhythm-and-hues-harlem-renaissance-and-its-legacy-43849
Unsung Heroes of the Civil Rights Era | Southbury Public Library | Tuesday, February 11th 2-3:30PM
We’ve all heard of Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks and Malcolm X–each household names for their involvement with the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. But this Black History Month, join us as we explore the lives of some of the unsung heroes who helped re-shape the American scene.
Led by Dr. Bill Thierfelder, a retired college professor who taught a variety of Arts and Humanities courses for 32 years at several New York universities and colleges, including St. John’s University and Dowling College. He holds a Ph.D. in English, with minors in theater, art history and music history.
Like all Southbury Public Library programs, this program is free to attend and open to anyone regardless of town of residency. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library. Registration is required. Zoom invitation links will be sent via email on the day of the program. Please visit the link below for more information and to register.
Registration Link: Zoom https://www.southburylibrary.org/event/person-unsung-heroes-civil-rights-era-44428
Like all Southbury Public Library programs, this program is free to attend and open to anyone regardless of town of residency. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library. Registration is required. Zoom invitation links will be sent via email on the day of the program. Please visit the link below for more information and to register.
Registration Link: Zoom https://www.southburylibrary.org/event/zoom-rhythm-and-hues-harlem-renaissance-and-its-legacy-43849
The Quiet Man | Southbury Public Library | Friday, February 21st 2-3:30PM
How did director John Ford beat the odds to film this timeless big screen valentine to the people and culture of Ireland. Join us as we explore the history of the classic film: “The Quiet Man.”
Entertainment historian John Kenrick has worked in the theatre at every level from amateur to Broadway, eventually serving as personal assistant to six Tony Award winning producers, including the team behind the original production of Rent. He has taught musical theatre history courses at New York University’s Steinhardt School, The New School University, and Philadelphia’s University of the Arts.
Like all Southbury Public Library programs, this program is free to attend and open to anyone regardless of town of residency. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library. Registration is required. Zoom invitation links will be sent via email on the day of the program. Please visit the link below for more information and to register.
Registration Link: Zoom https://www.southburylibrary.org/event/zoom-quiet-man-44389
Dark of Winter Yoga | White Memorial Conservation Center | First Wednesdays November 6 – March 5
Dark of Winter Yoga as a monthly online workshop. Meet the first Wednesday of each month, from November 6, 2024, through March 5, 2025. On these 5 dates – November 6, December 4, January 8 (the second Wednesday), February 5, and March 5.Sessions can be taken individually or as a series. Judith will be using qigong-infused slow yoga this year, focusing on the energetic body, breath, and restoration during the winter months. No experience in yoga or qigong is necessary. Class meets on the Zoom Platform, in a private classroom.
5:30pm-6:45pm., $12.00 per class. Money can be exchanged on Venmo, Square, Cash, or Check. Please contact Judith to make these arrangements. Each class attended donates $1 to the White Memorial Conservation Center! After you Contact Judith, the link for the class will be provided.
Contact Information: Phone or text 860-309-9489. Email can be sent to judith.ehrmanshapiro@gmail.com
Judith Ehrman-Shapiro, PhD, BC-DMT, NCC, RYT is a psychotherapist, dance-movement therapist, nationally certified counselor, and registered yoga teacher. Her private practice, the Evolving Center, is in Winsted. She is a proud member of the White Memorial Conservation Center, where she has been sharing her love of yoga since 2015!
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