Presented by Imam Gazmend Aga, Monsignor Joseph Donnelly and Rabbi Eric Polokoff 

Join Rabbi Eric Polokoff (Rabbi Eric), Monsignor Joe Donnelly (Father Joe), and Imam Gazmend Aga (Imam Gazi)—affectionately known as The Three Amigos—for a day of interfaith dialogue and spiritual exploration.

For years, these three faith leaders have engaged in meaningful conversations across Connecticut, fostering understanding between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Their discussions highlight the deep connections among their traditions and the shared values that unite them.

During this special retreat day, they will explore Faith as a Relationship with God, reflected in and lived through our relationships with others. Through engaging presentations and open dialogue, participants will gain insights into how these three faith traditions approach faith, connection, and community.

The retreat will also include a dedicated time for questions, allowing attendees to interact directly with The Three Amigos and deepen their understanding of interfaith connections.

Well known in the Waterbury region for their interfaith advocacy and engaging discussions at local religious gatherings and the Osher Adult Learning Center at UCONN Waterbury, The Three Amigos bring wisdom, warmth, and a spirit of friendship to their shared ministry.

Join us for a transformative day of learning, dialogue, and connection.

Lunch is included.

Culturally Curious Art Lecture Series: Perennial Muses: Flowers in Art

Perennial Muses: Flowers in Art

This is a wonderful program for Garden Clubs!

Have you ever wondered about the hidden messages blooming within famous

paintings? Throughout the history of art, flowers have been more than just beautiful decorations - they've served as powerful symbols, carrying secret meanings known to artists and their patrons. From the purity of lilies in Renaissance Madonnas to the fleeting nature of life represented by wilting bouquets in Dutch still lifes, each petal and stem tells a story. This fascinating exploration of flora in art will unveil the language of

flowers, revealing how these delicate blooms have shaped our visual culture and continue to inspire artists - and flower lovers! - to this day.

Join fellow opera lovers to view and discuss L'Incoronazione Di Poppea

Running time is approx. 3 hrs and there will be one short interval when coffee will be available.

FREE, Donations Welcome

Meeting will be held in the Jamie Gagarin Community Room

Book to be discussed:

Stony the Road: Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow 

by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

The abolition of slavery in the aftermath of the Civil War is a familiar story, as is the civil rights revolution. But if emancipation sparked "a new birth of freedom" in Lincoln's America, why was it necessary to march in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s America? This history moves from the Reconstruction Era to Jim Crow, through to World War I and the Harlem Renaissance. 

Book groups are open to all - books are available to borrow at the library

Meeting in the Jamie Gagarin Community Room

Book to be discussed:

Acts of Forgiveness by Maura Cheeks 

Will the country’s first female president pass the Forgiveness Act, giving Black families $175,000 if they Maura Cheeks are the descendants of slaves? For an ambitious single mother, the bill could be a long-awaited form of redemption. She’s living with her parents and daughter while trying to help run her father’s struggling construction company from going into bankruptcy. Could the Forgiveness Act uncover her forgotten roots while also helping save their beloved home and her father’s life’s work?

Book groups are open to all - books are available to borrow at the library

STEVE PARLATO BIO

Middlebury artist Steven Parlato’s work has graced theater posters and book covers, and he’s exhibited his collage series, They Are Not Disposable, throughout CT and in NJ, PA, and OH. An award-winning poet and college professor emeritus, Parlato is the author of two young adult novels, The Namesake (winner of the 2011 Tassy Walden Award for New Voices in YA Fiction) and The Precious Dreadful. Both explore grief, loss, and hope. His poetry has appeared in Freshwater, MARGIE, Borderlands, Peregrine, CT River Review, and other journals. On stage, he’s played roles ranging from the Scarecrow to Macbeth. Parlato offers writing workshops at venues throughout CT and creates artwork on commission. Follow him on FB at Steven Parlato Author and IG: @stevenparlato.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

They Are Not Disposable should not need to exist. However, the persistent plague of systemic racism in America (and beyond) makes this artwork necessary. With the collage series complete, the sixteen initials within the works unite to make the declaration, “BLACK LIVES MATTER.” It is absurd this statement should need to be made; tragic it should still be met with resistance. 

Since this is the reality of our world, I ask that you meet threats to justice with your own resistance, in whatever creative form you choose. The only wrong way to approach racism, and all other forms of evil, is to remain silent. As I reflect on the creation of these images, I’m daunted by the work to be done—and overwhelmed by the fact that there are a near-infinite number of potential subjects, countless lives stolen by the evil of white supremacy. 

My hope is that this work leaves an impression, reminding viewers of the intrinsic humanity of each subject, and that of each individual we encounter. If my portraits of the stolen have touched you, I encourage you to learn more about these sixteen people, to keep their memories alive as I’ve attempted to do. And together, let’s confront the issues of inequity and racial violence that continue to claim innocent lives.

STEVE PARLATO BIO

Middlebury artist Steven Parlato’s work has graced theater posters and book covers, and he’s exhibited his collage series, They Are Not Disposable, throughout CT and in NJ, PA, and OH. An award-winning poet and college professor emeritus, Parlato is the author of two young adult novels, The Namesake (winner of the 2011 Tassy Walden Award for New Voices in YA Fiction) and The Precious Dreadful. Both explore grief, loss, and hope. His poetry has appeared in Freshwater, MARGIE, Borderlands, Peregrine, CT River Review, and other journals. On stage, he’s played roles ranging from the Scarecrow to Macbeth. Parlato offers writing workshops at venues throughout CT and creates artwork on commission. Follow him on FB at Steven Parlato Author and IG: @stevenparlato.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

They Are Not Disposable should not need to exist. However, the persistent plague of systemic racism in America (and beyond) makes this artwork necessary. With the collage series complete, the sixteen initials within the works unite to make the declaration, “BLACK LIVES MATTER.” It is absurd this statement should need to be made; tragic it should still be met with resistance. 

Since this is the reality of our world, I ask that you meet threats to justice with your own resistance, in whatever creative form you choose. The only wrong way to approach racism, and all other forms of evil, is to remain silent. As I reflect on the creation of these images, I’m daunted by the work to be done—and overwhelmed by the fact that there are a near-infinite number of potential subjects, countless lives stolen by the evil of white supremacy. 

My hope is that this work leaves an impression, reminding viewers of the intrinsic humanity of each subject, and that of each individual we encounter. If my portraits of the stolen have touched you, I encourage you to learn more about these sixteen people, to keep their memories alive as I’ve attempted to do. And together, let’s confront the issues of inequity and racial violence that continue to claim innocent lives.

Live, In-Person:

One of Litchfield’s most recognizable buildings is the Historic Courthouse on the Litchfield Green. The courthouse was built it 1889 but now in 2025 the beautiful building has taken on a new function. Join the new owners, David Boyd and Kevin O’Shea as they take us on a visual journey of turning an 1889 building into a 2025 boutique hotel, the Abner.

David and Kevin will also invite you to stroll over to the hotel after their presentation to see the inside of the hotel and to enjoy a cocktail as their guest.

Join local historical costuming enthusiast Abigail Yanaway to learn to make an 18th C "pocket" or "purse" - What? They didn't have pockets? Come learn more and leave knowing how to make this essential accessory so you can be ready for 2026.

The workshop is in Classroom 9 of the Pilgrim House. Do let Abigail know you are coming so she can have enough material - or even better, bring your own!

The Hickory Stick Bookshop is delighted to welcome back NY Times bestselling author and perennial fan favorite Marie Bostwick who will be signing copies of her new book “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” on Saturday, May 10th at 3 pm.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Margaret Ryan never really meant to start a book club . . . or a feminist revolution in her buttoned-up suburb. By 1960s standards, Margaret Ryan is living the American woman's dream.  She has a husband, three children, a station wagon, and a home in Concordia--one of Northern Virginia's most exclusive and picturesque suburbs.  She has a standing invitation to the neighborhood coffee klatch, and now, thanks to her husband, a new subscription to A Woman's Place--a magazine that tells housewives like Margaret exactly who to be and what to buy.  On paper, she has it all. So why doesn't that feel like enough?

Margaret is thrown for a loop when she first meets Charlotte Gustafson, Concordia's newest and most intriguing resident.  As an excuse to be in the mysterious Charlotte's orbit, Margaret concocts a book club get-together and invites two other neighborhood women--Bitsy and Viv--to the inaugural meeting.  As the women share secrets, cocktails, and their honest reactions to the controversial bestseller The Feminine Mystique, they begin to discover that the American dream they'd been sold isn't all roses and sunshine--and that their secret longing for more is something they share. Nicknaming themselves the Bettys, after Betty Friedan, these four friends have no idea their impromptu club and the books they read together will become the glue that helps them hold fast through tears, triumphs, angst, and arguments--and what will prove to be the most consequential and freeing year of their lives.

“The Book Club for Troublesome Women” is a humorous, thought provoking, and nostalgic romp through one pivotal and tumultuous American year--as well as an ode to self-discovery, persistence, and the power of sisterhood.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When not curled up with a good book, Marie Bostwick can usually be found in her office, trying to write one.  A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nineteen uplifting works of historical and contemporary fiction, Marie’s books are beloved by readers across the globe.  

Drawing on her lifelong love of quilting and her unshakable belief in the power of sisterhood, Marie’s popular Cobbled Court Quilt series has been embraced by quilters and non-sewers alike.  Her standalone books have also found a passionate following among lovers of women’s fiction.  Marie’s novel, “The Second Sister” was adapted into the 2018 Hallmark Hall of Fame feature film “Christmas Everlasting”, starring Patti LaBelle.  Marie’s novel, “Hope on the Inside”, was published in March 2019 and was chosen as a Reader’s Digest “Select Editions” book.  Marie’s books have been published in fourteen different languages.

Marie lives in Washington state with her husband and a beautiful but moderately spoiled Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

"This is a novel about ambitious women and the mentors that inspired them to excellence . . . Bostwick carves an unforgettable path for her characters."--Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of The Good Left Undone

“In The Book Club for Troublesome Women, the talented Marie Bostwick says this, 'Acquaintances abound, but true friendships are rare and worth waiting for, ' capturing the essence, and the heart, of this story.  If you love stories about friendships, strong women, the 60s, and the power of the written word, this is the book for you.”--Marybeth Mayhew Whalen, author of Every Moment Since

“Bostwick's latest is ideal for fans of historical fiction and those who enjoyed Bonnie Garmus's Lessons in Chemistry, Kristin Hannah's The Women, or Kate Quinn's The Briar Club, which explore the historical roles of women and the challenges they faced within a society structured to define and limit their roles in and out of the home.'--Library Journal Starred Review

This event is free and open to the public.  If you are unable to attend this event, you may reserve signed copies of “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” by calling The Hickory Stick Bookshop at (860) 868 0525, or shop our website 24/7 at www.hickorystickbookshop.com.  

Join local historical costuming enthusiast Abigail Yanaway to...

• Ask questions about 18th century sewing Access resources related to 18th century sewing
• Get help with your own 18th century projects
• Meet other people interested in historical sewing
• Join other historical sewing enthusiasts to work on projects together

Shakespeare’s Queens

Shakespeare grew up under the reign of Elizabeth I, a mercurial, intelligent, powerful queen. And her influence is written across many of Shakespeare’s finest female characters. Whether in his dangerous siren-queens like Lady Macbeth and Margaret, or in playful, wayward leaders like Titania and Kate, or in redemptive characters like Hermione and Miranda, Shakespeare seems fascinated by how each of these women wielded power and made choices. Should they speak their minds, or keep to the shadows? Work together or stand alone? And where does their power lie: in mystery, wordplay or swordplay? Created and performed by Shakespearean actress, Poornima Kirby, this jewel of a play dances between Elizabeth’s story, and Shakespeare’s own life as a writer and father to two strong-minded daughters. With history, humor and sparkling poetry, Shakespeare’s Queens is a heartfelt and refreshing exploration of some of the bard’s loveliest verse.

Cost: "Give Local" Donation at door or online

* Pre-registration required for lunch.

All are welcome to join us for relaxing and reflective music to close the day.

Today: Mad River Quartet

Performances are followed by a reception with refreshments.

* Pre-registration required for reception

Don't know the rest if the story? Come and hear about this important event in Litchfield's Revolutionary War era history!

Even if you've heard the story every year since you were little, come and celebrate this finally being marked!

As their main America 250 project, the members of the Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution are grateful to have been supported by the William Pomeroy Foundation and the Seherr-Thoss Foundations.

Marilyn Maye in Concert

* Join us as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary throughout the year!

A Celebration of Song with Internationally Acclaimed Performer Marilyn Maye

Savory Fare, Specialty Cocktails & Full Bar

5:30PM - 6:30PM

Marilyn Maye & Guests, Accompanied by Piano, Bass & Drums Trio

7:00PM - 8:00PM

Cost:

$200 Per Person

$1200 for Table of 6

Bring a picnic and enjoy a perfect spring evening in the company of this wonderful guitar ensemble that will perform a variety of genres.

Michael Stubblefield (b. 1989) is an American composer, guitarist, and music educator based in Hartford, Connecticut. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Michael began his higher education studies in music at Diablo Valley Community College, ultimately transferring to California State University, East Bay where he earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music. Michael is also a graduate of The Hartt School at the University of Hartford with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Composition and a minor in Music Theory.

Michael's interests outside of music include animals (especially exotic reptiles), reading, hiking, cooking, the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, and coffee. Michael is currently working throughout New England in a variety of music relation activities, as a composer, a private teacher in guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, voice, composition, and music theory, and at The Hartt School as an administrative assistant and tutor of music theory and music history.7:00pm , Activity Shed, All tickets: $10.00. Please pre-register online : www.whitememorialcc.org In the event of cold weather, the concert will take place in the Carriage House.

Join local historical costuming enthusiast Abigail Yanaway to...

• Ask questions about 18th century sewing Access resources related to 18th century sewing
• Get help with your own 18th century projects
• Meet other people interested in historical sewing
• Join other historical sewing enthusiasts to work on projects together

Join local historical costuming enthusiast Abigail Yanaway to...

• Ask questions about 18th century sewing Access resources related to 18th century sewing
• Get help with your own 18th century projects
• Meet other people interested in historical sewing
• Join other historical sewing enthusiasts to work on projects together

On Exhibit in the Jamie Gagarin Gallery: May 25 - July 10

"Impermanence" - Mixed Media

ARTIST STATEMENT:

“My work is driven by experimentation, essential for my growth as an artist. I explore shape, texture, and color using various media, finding inspiration in unexpected materials like rusted metal or beach debris. I create interesting textures with coal, tissue paper, eggshells, and more, utilizing quick-drying acrylics and latex paints for spontaneity. My style blends conceptualism, minimalism, and abstract expressionism, reflecting impermanence and the beauty of contrasts. The seemingly chaotic final result embodies my mind transitioning to calm, capturing fleeting moments before they take shape, free from expectations and regrets.”

ABOUT THE ARTIST: 

Erika Larskaya is an abstract artist who specializes in acrylics and mixed media. Originally hailing from St. Petersburg, Russia, she made the journey to New York City in the late 1980s at the age of 21, eager to learn English and build a new life for herself. After studying design at the American Business and Fashion Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina, she briefly pursued a career as an interior designer. However, her true passion lay in being at home with her children and dedicating time to painting. She began exhibiting her work in 2008. While she has received formal training and appreciates traditional foundational skills like figure drawing, her love for experimentation and pushing artistic boundaries has led her to develop a unique methodology and technique that allows her to express the emotions that are felt but not easily seen. Inspired by other female artists who have overcome adversity and societal challenges, she creates her art from her studio in northwestern Connecticut.

For more information about Erika, visit her website at https://www.erikalarskaya.art/

Presented by Steven Parlato

In conjunction with an exhibition of his 16-piece collage series, “They Are Not Disposable,” artist/author and college professor Steven Parlato will offer a program (including audience Q&A) discussing his process and inspiration in creating the series, which depicts 16 Black Americans whose lives were stolen due to racial violence. Part tribute, part call to action, the presentation, featuring Parlato’s poetry honoring those lost, will offer an opportunity for community conversation. If time allows, attendees will be encouraged to write their own poem inspired by an issue--for example, social justice, or the climate crisis--of particular personal relevance. 

Lunch is included.

Date: Friday, July 4

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: The Litchfield History Museum

Cost: Free for Members, $10 for non-Members

Registration Requested

Celebrate Independence Day with our popular Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour on Friday, July 4 at 10:00 a.m. Discover Litchfield's Revolutionary history and how Litchfield's residents young and old contributed to the founding of the nation.

The walk will begin at the Litchfield Historical Society (7 South Street) and lasts approximately 1 hour. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. Walking tours are free for members and $10 for non-members.

Walking Tours are sponsored by Berkshire Alarm

Date: Saturday, May 31

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Location: The Litchfield History Museum

Cost: Free for Members, $10 for non-Members

Registration Requested

Explore Litchfield’s town center through the words, sketches, paintings, and photographs of artists. See how they saw Litchfield and expressed it through their artistic work on our Artists of Litchfield Walking Tour on Saturday, May 31 at 1 p.m.

The walk will begin at the Litchfield Historical Society (7 South Street) and lasts approximately 1 hour. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. Walking tours are free for members and $10 for non-members.

Walking Tours are sponsored by Berkshire Alarm

Join local historical costuming enthusiast Abigail Yanaway to...

• Ask questions about 18th century sewing Access resources related to 18th century sewing
• Get help with your own 18th century projects
• Meet other people interested in historical sewing
• Join other historical sewing enthusiasts to work on projects together

From Graffiti to Museum Galleries: The Art & Advocacy of Keith

Haring

This is a great Pride Month program! Keith Haring's vibrant and iconic art captured the spirit of 1980s New York City, blending pop art, graffiti, and social activism. What made his bold, energetic figures and symbols so universally appealing? Haring's work, characterized by its simplicity

and accessibility, addressed pressing issues including AIDS awareness. From

subway stations to museums, Haring's art continues to inspire and provoke thought decades after his untimely death.

FREE / Donations Welcome

* Pre-registration is advised

Bonus! Evening Glow Performance

Gustavo Miranda ~ Concert Pianist

"Prelude to Summer Solstice"

Reception with refreshments following performance.

All are welcome to join us for relaxing and reflective music to close the day.

* Pre-registration required for reception

Date: Friday, June 6

Time: 4:00 p.m.

Location: The Litchfield History Museum

Cost: Free for Members, $10 for non-Members

Registration Requested

Join us Friday, June 6 at 4:00 p.m. to learn how the town has marked moments of celebration and commemoration. This tour is being held in conjunction with the Litchfield Historical Society’s newest exhibit, Litchfield Remembers: The American Bicentennial & Beyond. We suggest arriving early to see the exhibit!

The walk will begin at the Litchfield Historical Society (7 South Street) and lasts approximately 1 hour. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. Walking tours are free for members and $10 for non-members.

Walking Tours are sponsored by Berkshire Alarm

Join local historical costuming enthusiast Abigail Yanaway to...

• Ask questions about 18th century sewing Access resources related to 18th century sewing
• Get help with your own 18th century projects
• Meet other people interested in historical sewing
• Join other historical sewing enthusiasts to work on projects together

Join local historical costuming enthusiast Abigail Yanaway to learn how to make a true 18th century cap. Beware - you may not know this but the mobcap you think of is probably NOT correct for 1776. Come learn and be ready for 2026!

The workshop is in Classroom 9. Do let Abigail know you are coming so she can have enough materials - or even better, bring your own.

"Opera" on our Theater Screen

Doors Open: 5:30

Join fellow opera lovers to view and discuss Falstaff

Running time is approx. 3 hrs and there will be one short interval when coffee will be available.

FREE, Donations Welcome

* Pre-registration encouraged

Join local historical costuming enthusiast Abigail Yanaway to...

• Ask questions about 18th century sewing Access resources related to 18th century sewing
• Get help with your own 18th century projects
• Meet other people interested in historical sewing
• Join other historical sewing enthusiasts to work on projects together