News

Aug 06, 2023

Community news for the Vernon edition

SOUTH WINDSOR – The Friends of Wood Memorial Library & Museum will celebrate CT

SOUTH WINDSOR – The Friends of Wood Memorial Library & Museum will celebrate CT Open House Day, Saturday, June 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the grand opening of their new research and reference library. Visitors can explore a variety of reference books and learn how to use the primary source materials in the collections to conduct research on local history pertaining to South Windsor and the greater southern Connecticut River Valley area, Native American tribes and cultures of the region, and the birds of the South Windsor Meadows and Station 43.

Light refreshments will be offered and Friend's Archivist, Leith Johnson will be on hand to answer questions. At 1 p.m., Johnson will use the Grant Family Papers from the archives and the example of Dr. Primus Manumit as a case study of some of the puzzles and challenges researchers of local history face.

The exhibit, South Windsor Unearthed: Rarely Seen Indigenous Artifacts, will be on display indoors at Wood Memorial Library and Museum and outdoors in Nowashe Village. Come and discover some interesting facts about the material culture remains of South Windsor's Indigenous Peoples. Details are available at www.WoodMemorialLibrary.org. Wood Memorial Library & Museum is located at 783 Main St. Nowashe Village at 787 Main St., directly behind the library.

SOUTH WINDSOR – In celebration of CT Open House Day, Nowashe Village is hosting its 3rd annual Artifact Identifications Day on Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring in their arrowheads, stones, pottery, baskets, jewelry, etc. (up to three artifacts) for experts to help identify.

Special guests including UConn Archaeologist Dr. Kevin McBride; Friends of the Office of State Archaeology (FOSA) Excavation Field Supervisor Scott Brady; and Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) Board Member Craig Nelson, will be on hand to answer questions. Members of the Lapidary and Mineral Society of Central CT's Nancy Najarian, Bob Reynolds, and Al Pereira will be showcasing an assortment of rocks and minerals found right here in Connecticut.

Visitors can also try their hand at spear throwing with atlatl specialist Gary Nolf, who will also be demonstrating flint knapping throughout the day. Visit www.Nowashe.org for more information. Nowashe Village at 787 Main St., directly behind the library.

SOUTH WINDSOR – A veterans coffee hour will take place at the South Windsor Community Center, 150 Nevers Road, the third Thursday of the month at 9 a.m. The next meeting is June 15.

Hang out with other veterans, meet new friends and connect with old. Coffee and Gerry's donuts will be available. For more info, call Ken Lewis at 860-416-5276.

SOUTH WINDSOR – The Friends of the South Windsor Library will hold an expanded used book sale on Saturday, June 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Shoppers who sign up or renew their membership will get a Friends bag at no charge. The library is located at 1550 Sullivan Ave.

SOUTH WINDSOR – Ruth Shapleigh-Brown, founder and executive director of the Connecticut Gravestone Network, will present a workshop on Friday, June 9, at 10 a.m. at God's Acre, aka The Old Burial Ground, aka the Edwards’ Cemetery, located on Main Street, between the intersections with Oxbow Lane and Strong Road.

This cemetery, opened in 1708, contains stones going back over 300 years. Her workshop, The Do's and Don'ts of Gravestone Cleaning, will last for about one hour. She will discuss different gravestone materials, the best tools used to clean gravestones, how to photograph them and how to use mirrors to bring out the details on them. Those who wish to practice cleaning will have time to do so. This program is sponsored by the South Windsor Historical Society; the fee for members is $5 and the non-members’ fee is $7. Call 860-291-9958 to register, as organizers need a minimum number of attendees for the program to take place. In case of inclement weather, this program may be postponed. Visit southwindsorhistory.org for more information.

MANCHESTER – Fresh from his time in India, kirtan musician/songwriter Matthew Andrews will lead an evening of music and mantra on Friday, June 9, at 7 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Society East, 153 W. Vernon St. His poetic, inspiring lyrics, interwoven with Sanskrit and Tamil mantras create a musical invitation to spiritual awakening.Visit https://matthewandrewsmusic.com for more information. All are welcome. A $20 donation is requested at the door, but no one is turned away. Chair seating is provided. BYO floor cushion, if desired. Footwear is optional. UUS:E is a scent-free space.

MANCHESTER – It's the Connecticut Museum Open House Day on Saturday, June 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come visit and discover the Woodbridge Farmstead Museum, a property of the Manchester Historical Society and a welcome pastoral property in the middle of the city. The 18th century barn and the 1830 farmhouse will be open to the public.

Check out the displays inside the Visitor Center Barn showing the history of the Manchester Green area. Crafts and games will be available for children. The museum is located at 495 East Middle Turnpike.

GLASTONBURY – St. James’ Episcopal Church, 2584 Main St., is hosting a Red Cross blood drive on Friday, June 16, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

It is recommended that you streamline your donation experience by scheduling an appointment. Signing up in advance helps the team to marshal the necessary staffing, equipment and supplies and ensures that there is time set aside for you. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org, select Donate Blood and Schedule an Appointment and enter Glastonbury.

GLASTONBURY – Hot Cat Jazz Band will lead the music on Sunday, June 11, at St. James’ Episcopal Church. The six-piece band will perform during the 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist service, as well as provide instrumental music before, after, and during the service. The Eucharist will be celebrated outside (weather permitting). Bring a lawn chair and sun attire.

A community breakfast will be offered before the service at 8:45 a.m. Joining St. James’ will be Lutheran Church of St. Mark and St. Luke's Episcopal Church, both in Glastonbury. The service is open to the public, and all are invited to attend at St. James’ Episcopal Church, 2584 Main St. For additional information, visit www.stjamesglastonbury.org or contact the church office at 860-633-8333.

SOUTH GLASTONBURY – Hops on the Hill Brewery invites all to join them for a Father's Day celebration on Saturday, June 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. Treat your dad to an evening filled with mouthwatering BBQ, flavorful brews, premium cigars, and live music under the stars.

For $60 per person, tickets can be purchased online at https://checkout.square.site/buy/Y4U3JBPJFMY3WTMD5ZOYK2VN. The ticket price includes a 16 oz. craft beer, cigars provided by Penthouse Cigar Shop & Lounge, a plated BBQ dinner served by Rolling Smokehouse from 5-7pm, and live music performances by East Chicago Joe from 4 to 7 p.m.

The event will take place under a large tent at Hops on the Hill Brewery, located at 275 Dug Road. The brewery will be open from 1 to 6 p.m., providing an opportunity for ticketed attendees and the public to explore exceptional craft beer offerings. Additionally, Penthouse Cigar Shop & Lounge will be present in a small tent, offering a selection of hand-rolled cigars for all guests to enjoy throughout the day. Visit www.hopsonthehillbrewery.com for more info or to purchase tickets.

ELLINGTON – Hall Memorial Library, 93 Main St., is hosting the following programs. Visit https://library.ellington-ct.gov/ for more information.

Understanding Your Electrical Rates & Suppliers: Are you frustrated by the rising cost of utilities? Do you know how to read your monthly electric bill? Confused about how to choose an electrical supplier? Taren O’Connor, from the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) will be here on Monday, June 12, at 6 p.m. to discuss what you can do to lower your utility rates. Pre-registration is required.

Adult Quilting: Ellington Country Quilters Guild members will teach you to make a pint-size bowl cozy; all materials are provided. Attend either the Tuesday, June 20, 1 p.m. class or the Wednesday, June 21, class at 5:30 p.m. There is a $10 per person non-refundable materials fee that must be paid within seven days of your registration to hold your spot.

When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Dessert: Mary B is back on Thursday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m. to teach you to make sweet, tart and zesty desserts with fresh lemons. There is a $10 per person non-refundable materials fee that must be paid within seven days of your registration to hold your spot. Please pre-register.

Star Party at Pinney Fields: On Thursday, June 22, at 9 p.m., Chris Markiewicz of the Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford will help guests to view the wonders of the night sky including the Hercules Cluster, Ring Nebula and several galaxies around the Big Dipper. You can bring your own telescope or take turns looking through one provided. This program is a partnership with the Ellington Trails Committee and will take place at Pinney Fields, 63 Pinney St.

Live Music Coffeehouse: Popular local artist Acoustic Rick has been pickin’ and singin’ for over 30 years. With a repertoire of over 2,000 songs covering all styles, he's sure to play one of your favorites on Friday, June 23, at 7 p.m. This show will be held outdoors (weather permitting). Bring lawn chairs. The music is free but please pre-register.

ELLINGTON – The Ellington Historical Society will be hosting Barnyard Babies Day on Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nellie McKnight Museum, 70 Main St. Bring the entire family to get up close to piglets, alpacas, chickens, calves, lambs and more.

The Farm Exhibit, Crystal Lake Showcase and Nellie's Mercantile will be open during the event. The Crystal Lake Showcase explores the diverse history of Ellington's long ago resort destination. From the early settlers through the 1970s, visitors will be amazed at the backstory of Crystal Lake – once dubbed a "Little Coney Island." Enjoy an incredible collection of photographs, original artifacts, and stories from the lake's history. You can even purchase a hot dog from the recreation of Jimmy's refreshment stand.

ELLINGTON – Puppy Love featuring live music by Bill Benson will take place at the Ellington Farmers Market in Arbor Park on Main Street from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 10.

Several local dog rescues will be present with adoptable dogs and puppies. Specialty dog vendors will join the regular 40-plus vendors of locally grown and produced food and handcrafted products. The market accepts and doubles SNAP up to $25 and the Kids Power of Produce Club kicks off this week, too.

VERNON – A grand opening for the new Heritage Center at Valley Falls Farm will be held Saturday, June 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. Located at 345 Valley Falls Road, visitors can tour the historic stable, dairy barn, root cellar and three additional unique buildings. Most items on display are original to the property. Interpretive information panels, tools and household items tell the story of the farm, its former owners and the Valley Falls area. Admission is free; park in the lot where the Red Barn is located or at Valley Falls Park and walk the short path to the Farm.

This summer, the Heritage Center will be open 1 to 4 p.m. June 18 and 25, and 1 to 4 p.m. every Sunday in July and August. Visit www.friendsofvalleyfalls.org for more information.

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