Torrington Democrats to hold fundraiser

TORRINGTON — The Torrington Democratic Town Committee will hold a fundraiser celebrating Hispanic and Italian Culture on Oct. 12 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Chatterley’s Banquet Facility, 371 Pinewoods Road, Torrington.

The event will feature food from both cultures as well as beer and wine. The candidates in November’s municipal election will be in attendance.

For more information, contact Danielle Palladino at 860-8061503 or danielle.l.palladino@gmail.com or Paul Summers at 860 626-1485 or paulsun06790@yahoo.com.

Singers, musicians wanted for choir

TORRINGTON —The Crossroads Ecumenical Choir, sponsored by First Congregational Church of Torrington, under the direction of Ken Beyer, will present the cantata “Let the Whole World Sing” by Joel Raney and excerpts from Handel’s “Messiah” on Dec. 17 at 3 p.m.

Interested singers and instrumentalists are invited to join the performance, Rehearsals begin Sunday from 2-3:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 835 Riverside Ave. Contact Ken or Betsy at 860-496-1289 or beyermusic@snet.net if interested.

Order treats, food from Wisdom House

LITCHFIELD — Wisdom House is holding a food fundraiser for holiday meals and treats and to support the center’s ministry. Turkey dinners, cookie trays and Yule log desserts are available for pickup during the fall and winter holiday season. Orders are being taken through the holidays. The menu, photos and details are at www.wisdomhouse.org. Call 860-567-3163 to place an order.

Families invited to scavenger hunt

WOODBURY — Flanders invites families to the Van Vleck Sanctuary in Woodbury for the second annual Family Fun Scavenger Hunt on Oct. 15 from 1-3 p.m.

Check in at the historic Van Vleck House, located at 5 Church Hill Road in Woodbury, to pick up a map and list of clues, then set off on an independent hike to search for the butterflies and other pollinators on their list and discover fascinating facts about them.

There will also be hayride shuttles up the hill to explore the botany pond and butterfly gardens. After enjoying the fall hike together and collecting all their facts, families will turn them in at the studio to claim a prize and enjoy refreshments. Flanders offers this fun family event as a way to encourage families to enjoy the outdoors together and create awareness of the importance of pollinators to our food system and world. The hikes are family friendly and appropriate for all ages and skill levels.

The cost is $10 per family. All proceeds benefit Flanders programming. Register at www.flandersnaturecenter.org or call 203-263-3711, extension 10.

Walking tour explores escaped slave’s story

LITCHFIELD —The Litchfield Historical Society’s Saturday morning walking tours are exploring new sites in town. On Oct. 14 at 10 a.m., learn about William Grimes’ Litchfield. Join an education staff member and explore the life of William Grimes, who escaped slavery and settled in Litchfield. Grimes authored what is now considered to be the first fugitive slave narrative. It was published in 1825 and tells the story of his 30 years spent in captivity, followed by his escape in 1814 from Savannah, Ga. When he escaped to Connecticut, he found work as a barber at the Tapping Reeve Law School. He also ran a successful livery and eventually purchased his freedom. Explore his life and more on this walking tour.

Each tour lasts about an hour; make sure to bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable shoes. Meet at the Litchfield History Museum at 10 a.m. for each tour. Registration is required for walking tours, which are free for members and $5 for non-members. Space is limited and registration is required. Payment is required at time of registration. To register, call 860567-4501 or email registration@litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org. For more information about this or other programs, visit www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

Lourdes of Litchfield to hold tag sale

LITCHFIELD — A giant tag sale will be held at the Shrine of Lourdes in Litchfield in Pilgrim Hall, located on the shrine grounds, 50 Montfort Road, Route 118, Litchfield, Oct. 19-21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Oct. 22, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Donations may be dropped off at Pilgrim Hall on Oct. 17-18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. No upholstered furniture, box springs, mattresses, computers, monitors or paint will be accepted. All donated items must be in good condition and all electronic items must be in working order.

All donations from sales help with the upkeep of the shrine. Call 860-567-1041 or email lourdesshrinect@gmail.com for information.