Torrington Historical Society to Offer Cemetery Tours October 27th

The Torrington Historical Society is excited to once again offer guided tours of Center Cemetery on Friday evening, October 27th . The tours are being presented in conjunction with the Halloween Hoopla event in downtown Torrington, scheduled for the same evening. In the event of rain, the tours and the Halloween Hoopla event will be held on Saturday, October 28th. Admission is $10 per person and registration is required. Proceeds from the tour will benefit educational programming at the Torrington Historical Society. 

Center Cemetery is the only remaining burial ground in Downtown Torrington. The Society’s 2023 tour will feature interesting information about the cemetery as well as some of the past residents buried within its boundaries. Tour guides carrying lanterns will take groups to seven gravesites where actors portraying former Torrington residents will bring these individuals to life. Jack-o-lanterns will line the route throughout the cemetery. 

The tours are a fun way for attendees to discover the history of Center Cemetery and learn some of the fascinating tales of Torrington residents. Tours will begin at the Torrington Historical Society where they will enter from a gate on the Society’s property. Each tour will end at the main entrance to Center Cemetery, located behind City Hall. 

Attendees are asked to be at the Society at least five minutes prior to their scheduled tour and are encouraged to bring flashlights or lanterns. Six tours will be offered, each limited to 20 people. Tours will begin promptly at the following times: 6:00, 6:20, 6:40, 7:00, 7:20 and 7:40 pm. To register, visit: www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org

Friday the 13th - What Could Go Wrong?

The Bristol Historical Society spends a lot of time celebrating things that have gone well: firsts, inventions, and successes. In the spirit of this month's Friday the 13th, however, they're going to focus on some things that...haven't gone as well. From the seedy to the sinister to the strange, they'll run through a few highlights (low points?) of Bristol 50, 75, and 100 years ago, to see how themes that played out across the country have turned up in some of our city's less successful news stories.

Join the Bristol Historical Society for a cider, donuts, and largely light-hearted tour through these moments, on Friday, October 13 at 7 p.m. at the Bristol Historical Society, 98 Summer Street. This program is free for members with a suggested donation of $5 for non-members. Doors open at 6:30 and additional parking can be found in the rear of the building. 

FINDING YOUR BEARINGS OCTOBER 15 @ INSTITUTE FOR AMERICAN INDIAN STUDIES

Did you know there was something besides Google Maps or Waze for directions? For centuries people around the world have used a variety of techniques to mark their boundaries, measure distances, and find their sense of place.                                                 

Native Americans used many different means to navigate their environment. Different methods were used to mark tribal territories and hunting boundaries, as well as to designate their trails and, to convey important messages. It is fascinating to learn how the natural environment was used for directions.

If you want to learn about the various ways to find directions, including traditional indigenous techniques as well as how to read a map and a compass, don’t miss the “Find Your Bearings Orienteering Workshop” on Sunday, October 15 at 1 p.m. at the Institute for American Indian Studies at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

Participants will join IAIS educator and ecologist, Susan Scherf for an interactive in-person workshop to learn how to get their bearings should their GPS lose its signal! A highlight of the workshop is to practice these newly acquired skills by completing an orienteering scavenger hunt on the Museum’s colorful autumn trails, which add to the fun.

Most of this program is being held outside, and some of the woodland terrain may be uneven, so wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Space is limited and pre-registration is requested at http://www.iaismusueum.org or by calling 860-868-0518 or via email at events@iaismuseum.org. This program costs $10 for non-members and $5 for members.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

BraeVal New Fall Collection and the History of Houndstooth!

BraeVal located in the center of Litchfield Connecticut is one of the most unique stores in New England offering a superlative collection of distinctive clothing for men and women who love the great outdoors as well as a night out on the town.

Over the past 25-plus years BraeVal's collection of apparel has been thoughtfully curated by owner and designer Gregor McCluskey whose uncle, Big Jock McCluskey brought Scotland's Rob Roy MacGregor tartan to America in the 1800s. Part of BraeVal's new Fall 2023 collection includes shirts for men and women made out of houndstooth, named because this pattern resembles the uneven outline of a hound dog's tooth, hence its namesake.

Houndstooth originated sometime around 360 AD in the Scottish Lowlands near the Anglo-Saxon border, which is why it's also called Border Tartan. That said, Houndstooth is one of the most iconic patterns in fashion besides tartans and plaid. Although many tartans are associated with a clan, Houndstooth is thought to have been created by a non-clansman. This pattern was first worn by shepherds as camouflage because it made them look as though they were far away in the distance. Eventually, Houndstooth became a popular pattern of the upper-class society of the United Kingdom and is said to be a favorite of King Charles III. By the 1950s, it became a favorite of Christian Dior's designs, and many other designers followed suit. Houndstooth gained international fame in the 1960s, because of the optical illusion art movement. From 2010 onward this pattern has become a staple for ready-made and designer clothes, proving its iconic appeal.

That said, Houndstooth is one of the most timeless patterns in fashion besides tartans and plaid. This fall's new BraeVal shirts, vests, and JacShirt releases feature this striking pattern. "We are really excited about this collection because it is a perennial fall and winter favorite," says company Founder, Gregor McCluskey, . "Our new collection features several different styles of shirts and vests for men and women," McCluskey added. BraeVal has even included the Scottish traditional black-and-white and maroon and grey patterns in the new collection.

Houndstooth is one of the most unique patterns in the plaid family that can be differentiated from other types of plaid by the shape of its woven pattern, which follows uniform, straight-lined checks in an almost geometric block. It is characterized by a two-toned plaid made up of four bands, two of which are light colored and two are dark colored, in both the warp and weft weave. The result is a stunning contrast of the classic check and block shape that is Houndstooth.

Today Houndstooth is a very versatile pattern in terms of color and contrast, size, shapes, and scale. It has been adopted by many designers from McQueen to Vuitton, Chanel to BraeVal. This pattern has continued to evolve in many colors - bright or neutral and dark contrasting colorways and at BraeVal we get that and we embrace it with a BraeVal style. So get ready to experience Houndstooth like never before and to wear what you want to be. For BraeVal and Houndstooth information http://braeval.net

Spooktacular Time @ Whiting Mills Artist Studios October 7

On Saturday, October 7th, ghosts, goblins, witches, and other heroes of horrors will abound in Whiting Mills located at 100 Whiting Street,  from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thirty Artists' Studios will be open and brimming with frightful delights, oddities, tantalizing treats, and whimsically spooky creations. In addition to exploring working artist studios decked out for Halloween, there will be scavenger hunts, a costume contest for adults and children, an interactive monster display, and candy for all trick-or-treaters!

One studio not to be missed is Tina's Baskets and Woven Arts which has been expertly decorated with the help of certified balloon artist, Shelley Thibault, owner of Cuz We Can Balloons. Shelley has been creating spectacular and in this case spooktacular balloon art for more than 22 years throughout the country.

Tina Puckett is an internationally award-winning woven artist specializing in everything from intricate baskets and bowls to woven sculptures and wall hangings. When visiting her studio don't miss the chance to enter the drawing to win a festively colored Halloween basket, full of goodies that is clutched by an artfully shaped balloon cat replete with iridescent green eyes created by Shelly!

If you can't make it to the Spooktacular event @ Whiting Mills on October 7th, no worries, Tina's studio will remain decorated through October and will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about this award-winning artist as well as information about her classes visit tinasbaskets.com.

Enjoy the Harvest Celebration and Fall Foliage @ Husky Meadows Farm Stay

 

Some of the most stunning fall foliage in the Litchfield Hills and Southern Berkshires peak during the second and third week of October making it an age-old New England tradition to celebrate the harvest. This autumn, Husky Meadows, a certified organic farm, is capping off the season with a Harvest Celebration Farm Stay from Friday, October 20, through Sunday, October 22 – think wool sweaters, beautiful colors, walking the splendor of the garden and orchard, sipping a cocktail around the fire pit, cooking classes with the season’s latest hits, and unwinding in one of our luxurious suites. 

On this farm stay, Husky Meadows is honoring our staff’s amazing labor-intensive work on our certified organic farm by treating guests to an unforgettable weekend that includes farm-to-table food, cooking classes, and plenty of downtime to enjoy the landscape - artfully painted in fire colors by Mother Nature. Many guests enjoy the short walk on one of Husky Meadows's many trails. A favorite is the walk to Wood Creek Pond, where guests find the canoe, compliments of Husky Meadows, and wildlife provided by Wood Creek Pond. 

The Harvest Celebration Farm Stay at Husky Meadows means so much more than just a few colorful gourds! There are real health benefits of working and enjoying the great outdoors and, when combined with cooking classes celebrating the certified organic produce of the season, the experience becomes a time of regeneration with the joy of doing things together - with friends, old and new. 

Guests will have a sneak peek at Husky Farm’s root cellar which is brimming with tasty root vegetables along with a guided walk through the garden to learn how we harvest winter squash, onions, garlic, and hardy winter vegetables like kale, Swiss chard, and chicories. A highlight will be visiting the greenhouses and helping to plant next season’s garlic crop. And, this weekend’s cooking classes, using veggies from the harvest will show guests how to eat farm to table, at home, during the cold New England winter. 

Farm stays include two nights lodging in one of four elegantly appointed and very private guest suites. A favorite among guests is the Pergola Apartment because it has two bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, a sitting area, a kitchenette, and even a balcony. This totally separate guesthouse is perfect to book with four friends or family members. Another favorite guesthouse is called The Coop, which is the most private of all the rooms. It has a cozy loft bedroom and a large sitting room replete with a rustic stone fireplace. 

All meals with beverages and cocktails are included in the farm stay package. Highlights of the package include a Friday night welcome dinner around a communal table, light breakfast, and lunch, a Saturday evening cooking class dinner, and a sumptuous and healthy Sunday brunch. 

To book your stay visit https://huskymeadowsfarm.com 

About Husky Meadows Farm 

Situated on three hundred bucolic acres in Norfolk, Connecticut, Husky Meadows Farm grows certified organic produce for its kitchen, farm stand, and community-supported agriculture membership. The farm kitchen offers year-round prepared foods. At the height of the growing season from May - October the farm also offers intimate farm stays, cooking classes, community dinners, and special workshops on a variety of farm-to-table and ecological topics.

Brew-Ski In Salisbury – Connecticut’s Most Unique Brew Fest -Sunday, October 8

 

Munich may be home to Oktoberfest and Frankenmuth, America’s Little Bavaria may have a Beer Expo, but something is brewing in Salisbury, Connecticut! The 14th Annual Brew-Ski Fest sponsored by Stateline Wine and Spirits returns to the Salisbury Ski Jumps on Sunday, October 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. with music, pumpkins, cornstalks, and nearly 40 craft breweries offering visitors well over 200 examples of their best brews. The brew line-up boasts popular beers and local favorites as well as a distinct selection of hard cider, hard soda, and distilled spirits by Full Moonshine, On the Rocks, and the Berkshire Mountain Distillery. 

This popular event is set against the magnificent backdrop of Satre Hill on 80 Indian Cave Road, in the bucolic town of Salisbury where the oldest Ski Jump Competition on the East Coast takes place every February. The Salisbury Winter Sports Association is hosting the Brew-Ski Fest, to help defray the cost of the internationally acclaimed Salisbury Ski JumpFest and other programs for young ski jumpers this non-profit organizes. Tickets are on sale now online @ http://brewskifest.com for $30 and will be available at the gate for $35, with all proceeds going to the Salisbury Winter Sports Association. 

Among the many things that make Brew-ski unique is its alpine location which helps set the mood. Best of all, Brew-ski affords the opportunity for folks to chat with the makers of the featured brews from around the country without waiting in long lines. If you love to try new things and are ready to branch out from industrial lagers then don’t miss Brew-Ski which celebrates craft beer and more. As for food, Sunday in the Country,  a local non-profit is preparing a hardy mix of brats, hotdogs, hamburgers, and more for you to pair with your new favorite beer. 

In addition to beer, there will be live music by the Steve Dunn Band, winners of the Mohegan Sun Casino’s Battle of the Bands, and nominated for the prestigious Telly Award in 2021. The fun doesn’t stop there. Make sure you participate in the only and only Ski Jump Golf Ball Roll! All you have to do is buy a numbered golf ball and watch as hundreds of them roll down the ski jump landing hill… the ball like the skier that travels the furthest wins the prize! And as for prizes, don’t forget to take your free pumpkin home when you leave the Fest! 

ABOUT SALISBURY WINTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION 

 In the winter of 1926, John Satre a resident of Salisbury jumped off the roof of his shed wearing skis to show his friends and neighbors a sport he learned in his native homeland of Norway. Town residents were so amazed as they watched Satre soar through the air that they decided to build a proper ski run that summer, and form the Salisbury Winter Sports Association. The Association hosted the first ski jump competition in January 1927. JumpFest has become a highly anticipated event in Connecticut and throughout the East Coast.