Calendar

Today

INVASIVE PLANTS: Doug Tallamy, the nationally recognized author of Bringing Nature Home, will share his knowledge of the impact of invasive plants on populations of native insects and animals, with “How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens and Surrounding Landscapes,” for the next Salisbury Forum, on Friday, May 12, 7:30 p.m. at the Hotchkiss School, Route 112, Lakeville. The program is followed by a Q&A session and is cosponsored by 11 Land Trusts in the area. All Salisbury Forum programs are free and open to the public. Everyone is invited.

PASTA DINNER: Torrington Boy Scout Troop 3 is hosting a Pasta Dinner fundraiser on May 12 from 4 - 7 p.m. at Center Congregational Church, 155 Main Street, Torrington.

LOURDES SHRINE: The Shrine of Lourdes in Litchfield, 50 Montfort Rd., Rte. 118, Litchfield, begins its 59th Pilgrimage Season. Mass is celebrated Tuesday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m. outside in the Grotto; inside if it rains. The Grotto Gift Shop and the Grotto Café, are open. For further information, call 860567-1041, email: lourdesshrinect@gmail.com or visit www.shrinect.org.

NATHAN HALE LECTURE: The Barkhamsted Historical Society presents Connecticut State Historian and Associate Professor of History @ UCONN, Walt Woodard speaking on “The Burning Question about Nathan Hale” at the Barkhamsted Senior Center, 109 West River Rd., Pleasant Valley, May 12 at 7 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Questions call: Noreen Watson 860-738-1152.

NEW BEGINNINGS: The David M. Hunt Library, 63 Main St., Falls Village, will feature the exhibit New Beginnings, a group show by Canaan Art League featuring painting, photography and sculpture. A reception with refreshments for the artists will be held on Friday May 12 from 5-7 p.m. and the exhibit will be on display through June 10. The public is welcome and there is no charge. A portion of the sales will benefit the library. For details call 860-824-7424 or visit huntlibrary.org.

Saturday, May 13

CANCELLED SOCIAL: A Town Wide Ice Cream Social for Winsted has been rescheduled to May 19, 4-6 p.m. at East End Park. The event was set for Saturday at 1 p.m. but a rainy weekend is expected. Live music and face painting for children provided. The ice cream is being provided by the Northwest Hills Council of Governments. Winsted residents answered the most planning surveys of the twenty-two towns in the NHCOG this past winter.

HOUSE TOURS: The Seth Thomas Bradstreet House will be open on weekends until June 24 (except Memorial Day weekend) and from Sept. 9-Oct. 30. Tours are held at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.; to arrange an alternate visit, call 860-283-5253.

ROAST BEEF DINNER: The Morris Congregational Church will sponsor a family-style Roast Beef Dinner, May 13, 4:30–7 p.m. in the Morris Community Hall. This all-youcan-eat menu includes roast beef, mashed potatoes, 3 bean salad, vegetables, rolls and beverage. Homemade pies and desserts will follow dinner. Tickets are $14 for adults, $4 for children 12 and under. For further information, call 860567-3769.

COOKING CLASS: Come to Wisdom House on, Saturday, May 13 from 2-3:30 p.m. for a “Taste and See” program and learn how to make some wonderfully palate-pleasing foods from succulent summer strawberries. For the fee of $25 per person you’ll get to see the demonstration, taste the fruity fare and leave with recipes, presented by Wisdom House Head Chef Margaret Jacobs. $25 per person. Pre-registration is required. For more information click on Wisdom House Retreat Portal email: programs@wisdomhouse.org or call 860-567-3163.

STEAM VENT COFFEE HOUSE: First Church of Winsted’s STEAM VENT Coffee House continues its spring season May 13, 6-10 p.m. Featured performers are Robert Alan Scala, Bill Benson, Melanie Michaud, Nothin’ But Blue, Morning Star Rising and the Lone Piper and Ken Storrs. Open mic from 6-7 p.m. sFor more information call 860482-3491.

CHICKENS FOR EGGS: Raising Chickens for Eggs will be held at the Harwinton Public Library on May 13, 10:30 a.m. with Paul Carrier, who will talk about the benefits, the expenses, and the responsibilities of raising your own chickens. Program is free, open to ages 12 and up. To register, call 860-485-9113.

SOULFUL SATURDAY: Soulful Saturday” will be held May 13 At InSpirit Healing Studio And Healing Arts Sanctuary, 346 Main St. South, Woodbury, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., with Amp Up Your Life talks, inspirational workshops, vendor tables, food providers and live remote KBJB radio coverage. Admis--

sion is free.

WATER BABIES: William Burt: “Water Babies: The Hidden Lives of Baby Wetland Birds” Lecture and Book Signing will be held May 13, 7:30 p.m. at White Memorial Conservation Center’s Carriage House in Litchfield. Members $10, guests $15. Registration is required; go to www.flandersnaturecenter.org or call 203-2633711, ext. 10.

NORFOLK MARKET: Special themed farmers market “Outdoor Days: a celebration of the outdoors” kicks off the Norfolk Farmers Market, May 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the lawn at Norfolk Town Hall, 19 Maple Avenue. Activities include Orvis/Doug McDevitt - Fly fishing basics and casting seminars plus fly tying demonstrations; Green Mountain Forest, Casting for Recovery’s canoe raffle, and Rails to Trails/Dave Beers- a local initiative to develop a multiple use, handicap accessible trail through Norfolk that utilizes parts of the existing railroad bed. For a vendor list and information go to www.norfolkfarmersmarket.com. The market will be held weekly through October.

TAC MEETING: Harwinton Public Library’s Teen Activity Council will meet May 13, 2 p.m. for grades 6 and up. Paint the summer reading banner, set up summer projects in advance and lear more about the group. Registration required; go to www.burlingtonctlibrary.info.

MOTHER’S DAY FLOWER SALE: The Barkhamsted Women’s Club will hold its 20th annual Mother’s Day Flower Sale, May 13, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Barkhamsted Town Garage, Route 44 in Barkhamsted.

ANNUAL PLANT SALE: The New Hartford Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale, May 13, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at New Hartford Town Hall, Main Street, New Hartford. Shoppers will find tomato and vegetable plants; perennials provided by member gardeners; hypertufa planters filled with plants ready to gift or to enjoy in your garden; hanging baskets and more.

BAKED POTATOES: Eureka Grange is hosting a Baked Potato Extravaganza and Bake Sale on Saturday, May 13, 5 p.m. at Eureka Grange Hall, 777 Litchfield Turnpike (Route 202), in the Nepaug section of New Hartford. Baked potatoes with be served with all the toppings, including chili. Beverages are included, $5 per person. Eureka Grange will also be having a Bake Sale as part of the event. For more information call Earl Phillips at 860482-1111or 860-307-7000.

WALKING TOURS: Litchfield Historical Society will hold a walking tour Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m. leaving from the history museum on South Street. The theme is Architecture of Litchfield.