Into the Wild: The BraeVal Cover Dog Classic Returns April 17-19

This spring, the scenic highlands of Ellenburg, New York will set the stage for an extraordinary celebration of sport, tradition, and partnership. From April 17–19, 2026, BraeVal—a nationally acclaimed, outdoor sporting apparel brand for men and women proudly hosts the BraeVal Cover Dog Classic at the William P. McFadden Trust, 449 Steam Mill Road. This event brings together bird dog enthusiasts, upland hunting devotees, and dedicated sporting competitors for a weekend that embodies the very essence of field trial excellence. 

Founded by Gregor McCluskey, creator of BraeVal, the Cover Dog Classic was established to honor the extraordinary bond shared between humans and their bird dogs. McCluskey’s vision celebrates how these remarkable dogs enrich our lives—with unwavering dedication, noble spirit, and a language beyond words. His vision extends beyond competition, embodying BraeVal’s core values of attention to detail, camaraderie, and conservation throughout every aspect of the event. His goal is to create the best Class Field trial in the country. 

 A Premier Weekend for Dogs & Handlers 

 The BraeVal Cover Dog Classic stands as more than just a field trial—it's a three-day celebration of the grit, grace, and camaraderie that define the upland sporting tradition. Set across six expertly managed wild bird courses, competitors and spectators alike will witness the exceptional teamwork of dogs and handlers as they navigate the dense, authentic grouse and woodcock habitat on the trust’s grounds. Each team competes in 45-minute braces through a variety of courses, that they are drawn on including: Stone Creek, Inukshuk, Upland Almanac, Bertucci Field Watch, Muller Field Choke, MPE/Warner Sporting, and Pepi Family Taxidermy. Judges, handlers, and a gallery of enthusiasts follow each brace through tangled woods and overgrown thickets, witnessing the artistry and precision of performance pointing class bird dogs. 

Handlers and dogs are vying for Grand National Invitational, and the Cover Dog Points. No birds are shot; instead, dogs are judged solely on their ability to find, point, and hold wild birds in their natural cover. Beyond the field, attendees will enjoy a festive awards dinner recognizing the top-performing dogs and handlers, with a coveted rotating trophy prize package valued at over $2,500. And important handler and dog points for the Grand National Invitational and Cover Dog Points. Additional awards and giveaways are offered to spectators and handlers alike throughout the weekend. The BraeVal Cover Dog Classic is sure to deliver an unforgettable sporting experience. 

 Why Cover Dog Trials Matter 

 When it comes to testing the mettle of a sporting dog, nothing compares to the challenge of cover dog trials. Unlike open field trials with pen-raised birds, these events are held in dense, unpredictable woodlands. They demand far more than basic obedience—they require sharp instincts, keen noses, and unwavering stamina. 

Cover dog trials are not simply about speed or style—they are about genetically bred bird dogs honed genetically selected pedigrees for top bird dog traits through generations and the unspoken teamwork between dog and handler. Cover dog trials rely on the dog's ability to hunt to the front, thoroughly check likely cover, and remain steady on point until released. The unique partnership between dog and handler is at the forefront. Handlers sing to their dogs and listen intently to the direction of the dogs bell, sometimes the only clue that a dog has locked on point is the sudden silence of its bell, signaling the handler to search and locate the dog on point and flush for the dog. 

Two game birds stand out in these trials—the elusive Ruffed Grouse and the wily Woodcock, also known as the “Timberdoodle.” The Ruffed Grouse is known for being cunning, wary, fast-running, and quick to flush, presenting a true test of a dog’s ability. In contrast, the Woodcock tends to hold tighter, demanding that dogs rely on their noses and patience. While a grouse find is considered the gold standard in the field, a woodcock find is equally essential for proving a dog’s true field worth. 

The BraeVal Cover Dog Classic invites competitors, spectators, and newcomers alike to experience an immersive weekend where sporting tradition seamlessly blends with heritage-inspired style—what we proudly call #BraeValStyle. Attendees can explore scenic courses, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy thrilling wild bird dog competitions, complete with exciting sponsor surprises along the way. For event updates, follow BraeVal on Facebook or reach out directly to Gregor McCluskey at 860-539-9696.

Norwalk Seaport Association to Launch 2026 Season at Space Cat Brewery

The Norwalk Seaport Association is kicking off its 2026 season in style with a not-to-be-missed bash at Spacecat Brewing Company on Tuesday, April 14; from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join fellow community members at 57 Chestnut Street, Norwalk, for an evening that blends exceptional craft beverages, flavorful bites, and maritime pride into one unforgettable evening. Best of all, every sip supports one of Connecticut’s most treasured landmarks, the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse. 

Guests can look forward to a thoughtfully curated tasting experience featuring small-batch craft brews, hard ciders, and wine, paired with chef-driven appetizers prepared by Harbor Harvest. Each pairing has been carefully selected to complement Spacecat Brewery’s innovative beverage lineup, offering a dynamic mix of flavors designed to delight both casual sippers and craft connoisseurs alike. 

Beyond the food and drink, the evening offers an inside look at what’s ahead for the Association in 2026. Get a preview of new initiatives; special cruise information, Lighthouse renovations, and plans for the Norwalk Oyster Festival. Discover how to get involved and help continue the Association’s mission to educate, preserve, and celebrate Norwalk’s maritime heritage, a tradition since 1978. 

Tickets are $40 per person and include two drink vouchers (beer, wine, or hard cider) along with appetizers. With only 100 tickets available, advance registration is required. Tickets may be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/norwalk-seaport-associations-2026-season-kickoff-event-on-april-14th-tickets-1984503604703?aff=ebdsoporgprofile, or by calling the Seaport Office at 203-838-9444. Proceeds from the evening directly support the upkeep and preservation of the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse. 

About the Seaport Association

The Seaport Association in Norwalk was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

Great Mountain Forest Opens Sugarhouse for Maple Sugaring Day, Sunday March 22, 2026

On Sunday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Great Mountain Forest invites the community to experience the art and science of maple sugaring at its sugarhouse on 201 Windrow Road. Visitors can meet GMF foresters, learn how sap becomes syrup, and take home a bottle of the forest’s acclaimed “forest-to-table” maple syrup. 

For more than 80 years, Great Mountain Forest has combined maple sugaring with research and sustainable forestry. Its sugarbushes not only produce high-quality syrup but also support wildlife habitat for migratory birds. As Connecticut’s first bird-friendly maple syrup producer, GMF exemplifies how healthy forests can benefit both syrup enthusiasts and native wildlife. 

 Maintaining healthy sugarbush forests is more important now than ever as warming temperatures and shifting weather patterns challenge maple trees and the species that depend on them. This year, GMF is at the forefront of a new research initiative studying how sugarbush stands support early-season pollinators—an essential part of the regional ecosystem. 

A unique feature of GMF’s sugaring program is its Sap House diary, a record kept for over 80 years that tracks sap production, syrup yields, weather patterns, migratory bird arrivals, and tree budding cycles. Executive Director Mike Zarfos calls it “an insightful window into the forest’s past and an invaluable resource for studying our changing climate, forest health, and syrup production.” It offers crucial, long-term data on climate change impacts, forest health, and the intricate relationship between trees and wildlife. 

Location: Great Mountain Forest Sugarhouse, 201 Windrow Road, Norfolk, CT Time: Sunday, March 22, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 

About Great Mountain Forest 

Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, recreational and health benefits from their forests—now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,200 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village Connecticut.

Great Mountain Forest Hosts Workshop @ The Annual Connecticut Land Conservation Conference, March 21

 The Annual Connecticut Land Conservation Conference is scheduled for March 21, 2026, at Wesleyan University, in the Frank Center for Public Affairs. This gathering is the state's premier one-day event for those involved in land conservation. It welcomes land trust professionals, community stewards, agency leaders, volunteers, and advocates to discuss key conservation issues. 

This year's conference agenda is packed with workshops and panels on vital themes, including effective conservation, stewardship, climate resilience, community inclusion, and leadership. One of the standout sessions hosted by Great Mountain Forest is titled "Building Bridges Between Land Trusts and Researchers: Lessons from the Field." The workshop will feature notable conservation leaders such as: Michael Zarfos, Ph.D., Executive Director, Great Mountain Forest, Kate Regan-Loomis, Forester, Great Mountain Forest, Dr. Danica Doroski, State Urban Forester, James Fischer, Research Director at White Memorial Conservation Center, Bill Gridley, Chief Steward, Aton Forest, Vince LaFontan, Executive Director, Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust, and Dr. Elizabeth Ward, Agricultural Scientists, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. 

This roundtable will explore the integration of research and conservation efforts, emphasizing the unique role land trusts can play in supporting research that improves conservation decision-making and our essential understanding of nature. Participants will gain insights into initiating research collaborations, overcoming challenges, and using research to inform stewardship and outreach efforts. This session is designed to inspire connections, share achievements and challenges, and motivate participants in their conservation endeavors. 

About Great Mountain Forest 

Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, and recreational and health benefits from their forests—now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,200 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village, Connecticut. 

For additional details and registration information, please visit the conference's web page Connecticut Land Conservation Conference page.

Bringing Women’s History Out of the Shadows

When we think of history, it’s easy to picture the famous kings, generals, and founding fathers—but what about the women whose lives were woven into the tapestry of revolution and empire? The Middlebury Historical Society invites you to a fascinating lecture, “Four 18th-Century Women of the Time of Rochambeau,” where these stories finally take center stage. Join historian and author Jini Jones Vail on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Shepardson Community Center for a fresh look at women who made their mark—often in the background, but always essential. 

Vail’s talk will introduce you to remarkable figures from every corner of society: Queen Marie Antoinette, shining brightly at Versailles amidst growing unrest; Countess de Rochambeau, balancing diplomacy and the uncertainties of military life; Martha Washington, standing steadfast beside her husband through war; and an unnamed camp follower, whose tireless support kept armies marching. By sharing these diverse experiences, Vail brings to life a more vibrant and complete picture of the American Revolution. 

After the video presentation, you’ll have the chance to join an in-person discussion with Jini Jones Vail herself. Whether you’re a dedicated history buff or simply curious, this is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, share thoughts, and connect with fellow community members. 

Admission is free, and all are welcome! 

Location: Shepardson Community Center, Middlebury, CT 

Details: middleburyhistoricalsociety.org 

This event also highlights the Society’s ongoing work on the Rochambeau Monument Project at Meadowview Park, commemorating the pivotal 1781 French army encampment in Middlebury. If you’re interested in supporting this effort or learning more about the project’s impact, please visit the Society’s website. Let’s celebrate the past—and the remarkable women who shaped it—together!

The Danbury Concert Association presents Ilya Yakushev, piano Sunday, March 22 at 3:00 p.m.

Renowned pianist Ilya Yakushev will make his Danbury debut at the stunning Visual & Performing Arts Center of Western Connecticut State University on Sunday, March 22 at 3:00 p.m. The third of four concerts in the Danbury Concert Association’s 2025/26 series will feature works by Beethoven, Bach, Rachmaninoff, Gershwin, and Liszt, and be followed by a meet-the-artist reception that is open to all. Tickets will be available on WCSU’s Eventbrite page for $25, and admission is free for ages 18 and under courtesy of a grant from the Danbury Cultural Commission. 

Ilya Yakushev, Prize Winning Pianist

 About the Artist 

Ilya Yakushev has mesmerized audiences at major venues around the world, including Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall; Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco; Sejong Performing Arts Center in Seoul, Korea; Great Philharmonic Hall in St. Petersburg; and Victoria Hall in Singapore. His many awards include first prizes at the 2005 World Piano Competition in Cincinnati and, at age 12, the Young Artists Concerto Competition in his native St. Petersburg. A New York Times critic has noted that “Mr. Yakushev...cultivates a fiery, impetuous persona with both energy and brash humor...ready to pounce but delicate…at the keyboard he can do just about anything he wants.” 

About the Visual & Performing Arts Center (VPAC)

The VPAC’s Veronica Hagman Concert Hall (located at 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury) has been a premier performance venue since it opened in 2014. The acoustics are excellent, and the vibe is at once casual and refined. With the hall’s open, in-the-round seating (for up to 350) each concertgoer can sit back and enjoy the artist–audience connection. Mark your calendar for the fourth and final performance of the series, featuring cellist Sophie Shao & Friends, on Sunday, June 7 at 3 p.m. See https://www.danburyconcert.org/ for details. 

About the Danbury Concert Association 

The DCA, a 501(c)(3) organization, has a local, volunteer board that organizes its series. Thanks to support from individual and corporate donors, and granting organizations like the Danbury Cultural Commission, it brings exceptional artists to the stunning concert hall on WCSU’s west side campus. The DCA invites everyone who wants to experience “beautiful music, where they live” to come to its concerts.

Winter-Weary Eyes Will Bloom at Holland’s Tulip Time Festival

Let’s face it: winter’s gray skies can really dampen your sparkle. But come May, Holland, Michigan pulls a Cinderella and transforms into a technicolor wonderland, all thanks to millions of tulips strutting their stuff for the nationally acclaimed Tulip Time Festival. Travelers lucky enough to snag a spot on Tours of Distinction’s exclusive “new” Mackinac Island feat. The Tulip Time Festival escorted tour get a front-row seat to a spectacle that’s so vibrant, even the tulips can’t help but show off. Consistently crowned one of the best small-town festivals by Reader’s Digest, Tulip Time isn’t just another pretty face; last year, USA Today anointed it America’s No. 1 Flower Festival. But don’t be fooled—behind those picturesque petals lies a celebration steeped in Dutch heritage and centuries-old tradition.

From “Tulip Mania” to Michigan Marvel The festival’s roots (pun absolutely intended) go way back to 16th-century Europe when botanist Carolus Clusius basically started the world’s first floral craze. When they bloomed the following year, “tulip mania” swept the Netherlands and eventually spread around the globe. Dutch settlers later brought their love of tulips to Holland, Michigan, where the tradition took firm root. The festival itself began modestly. In 1927, a local biology teacher proposed a one-day celebration honoring the tulip and the community’s Dutch heritage. The idea blossomed. In 1928, the city sold tulip bulbs to residents for a penny each, leading to the first Tulip Time event in 1929, featuring 100,000 blooms. Today, the festival has grown into a spectacular showcase of more than six million tulips planted throughout the city. Events range from parades and Dutch dance performances to quilt shows, art fairs, concerts, carnival rides, cultural exhibitions and even tulip painting parties. There is truly something for everyone.

Dutch Delights Await Among the standout experiences on the Tours of Distinction itinerary is a visit to Windmill Island Gardens, where over 100,000 tulips create a dazzling sea of color. Guests can pose beside “De Zwaan” (The Swan), an authentic 125-foot-tall Dutch windmill — the only one of its kind operating in the United States. A costumed guide leads visitors through 36 acres of manicured gardens, dikes and canals. The grounds also feature the Post House, a faithful replica of a 14th-century Dutch inn. Guests can enjoy a ride on the carousel and purchase stone-ground flour milled on-site as a unique souvenir. Another highlight is Nelis' Dutch Village, a charming 10-acre attraction that transports visitors to a traditional Netherlands setting. With authentic Dutch architecture, canals, wooden shoe (Klompen) dancers and the spirited sounds of the Amsterdam Street Organ, the village captures old-world charm. Shoppers will find a wealth of Dutch treasures — from heirloom-quality gifts and artwork to specialty foods and handcrafted goods.

A Celebration in Full Bloom More than a flower festival, Tulip Time honors the deep cultural roots of Holland’s Dutch community while welcoming visitors from across the country to share in its vibrant traditions. For anyone longing to shake off winter’s chill, the brilliant colors and lively festivities of Tulip Time promise a joyful and unforgettable spring escape. To book this small group tour visit https://www.toursofdistinction.net/tours/overnight-tours/holland-tulip-festival/

Did You Know? Fun Facts About Tulips! Every spring, Holland, Michigan transforms into a vibrant sea of color as more than six million tulips bloom for the annual Tulip Time Festival! With over 3,000 tulip varieties across 150 species—including 75 wild types—there’s truly something special for every flower lover. These elegant blooms are known for their symmetrical beauty and are categorized into fifteen distinct groups, each defined by their size and petal shape. While most tulips display a single flower bud, some unique varieties can surprise you with up to four flowers on a single stem! Although tulips are famous in the Netherlands, they actually originated in Central Asia, journeyed through Turkey, and finally flourished in Dutch gardens. Belonging to the lily family, tulips bloom for just three to seven days each spring, offering a fleeting but stunning burst of color in almost every shade except blue. Tulips aren’t just a feast for the eyes—they carry deep meanings too. Generally, they symbolize love and the arrival of spring, but did you know that red tulips stand for true love, white say “I’m sorry,” and purple represent royalty? And here’s a quirky fact: tulips are actually edible! During World War II, people even made tulip bread when food was scarce. Today, the Netherlands remains the world’s leading tulip producer, exporting an impressive three billion bulbs each year. Whether you’re a gardener, a romantic, or just a fan of beautiful blooms, tulips have a fascinating story to tell!