Great Mountain Forest (GMF) Joins Forces with Leading Advocate For Local Wood Use at Upcoming Haystack Book Festival

 Great Mountain Forest (GMF) will spotlight the power of New England’s forests to provide climate-smart solutions at this year’s Haystack Book Festival. GMF Executive Director Mike Zarfos and acclaimed author Brian Donahue will lead a dynamic program on Sunday, October 5, exploring the ways New England’s forests can provide climate-smart solutions to today’s housing and environmental challenges. 

The day begins with an 8:00 AM guided forest walk at GMF, followed by an 11:00 AM conversation, “Building Local, Building Green.” Together, Zarfos and Donahue will examine the environmental costs of conventional homebuilding, share strategies for resilient communities, and highlight Donahue’s firsthand experience constructing a timber-frame home with wood harvested from local forests. 

Donahue, author of Slow Wood: Green Building from Local Forests, is one of NE’s foremost advocates for sustainable wood use. He argues that the region could meet all its wood needs by managing roughly half its land under ecological forestry. “Ecological forestry alone won’t save the world,” Donahue writes in the newsletter, From the Ground Up, “but it can slow the damage—one woodlot and one wood-framed house at a time.” 

Zarfos, a conservation biologist, calls Donahue’s work “a blueprint for meeting housing needs while stewarding forests.” He adds: “Together we’re pushing for a future where New England relies only on its own wood—harvested in ways that fight climate change, protect biodiversity, and strengthen communities. It’s a vision we are excited to share.” This unique collaboration promises a thought-provoking and inspiring program that bridges ecology, housing, and the future of New England’s forests.

Event Details: 

Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025 

Time: 8:00 AM Forest Walk | 11:00 AM 

Location: Great Mountain Forest, 200 Canaan Mountain Road, Falls Village, CT 

Register here: https://www.haystackbookfestival.org/register (tickets are free)

The Haystack Book Festival runs October 3–5, bringing together leading writers, thinkers, and readers to explore ideas that shape our world. Learn more at haystackbookfestival.org 

About Great Mountain Forest 

Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship, one of the largest research, education, and recreation forests in southern New England. For more than a century, we have demonstrated how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we spread 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 6,300 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village, Connecticut - a true jewel in the heart of NW Connecticut.

Brian Donahue, Professor Emeritus at Brandeis, is the author of Slow Wood and other works on farming and forestry, and serves on several conservation boards, including the Massachusetts Woodland Institute 

Mike Zarfos holds degrees from Colby College, Syracuse University, and a PhD in Conservation Biology from SUNY ESF, where he studied how acid rain, climate change, and invasive species affect hardwood forests.

Great Mountain Forest Undertakes Bold Climate-Smart Forestry Initiative

Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is taking a powerful step in the fight against climate change with an innovative approach to forest stewardship that strengthens ecosystem health, boosts biodiversity, and prepares its forest for an uncertain future.

Thanks to the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s (CLCC) Climate Smart Land Stewardship Grant Program, GMF has launched a forest management project based on a proven silvicultural technique called Pre-Commercial Thinning (PCT), a science-based method that removes competing trees in dense, young stands. In three 20-year-old forest stands, GMF foresters thinned trees, retaining those trees from species resilient to climate change and disease, while also selecting the most diverse cohort possible. These trees will make up GMF’s canopy for years to come.

By reducing competition for sunlight, nutrients, and water, PCT promotes vigorous growth of desirable species, creating conditions where wildlife and diverse plant communities can thrive, and encourages lush herbaceous growth and tree seedlings, thus fostering a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.

Before forest thinning

This effort goes beyond improving forest health—it serves as a living classroom for the next generation of forest managers, continuing a legacy inspired by GMF Forester Emeritus Jody Bronson’s pioneering work.

With climate change driving more frequent severe storms, pest outbreaks, and other disturbances, GMF’s proactive strategy ensures that its forests are poised for rapid recovery and long-term vitality. “As New England faces intensifying climate pressures, resilient and diverse forests are more important than ever,” said Mike Zarfos, GMF’s Executive Director. “This kind of pre-commercial thinning builds diverse, adaptive ecosystems capable of withstanding unpredictable climate disruptions.”

Kate Regan-Loomis, GMF’s Natural Resource Manager, adds: “By investing in young forests now, we’re preparing them for a healthier and more balanced future. Thanks to CLCC's support, we're able to demonstrate what climate-smart forestry looks like on the ground.”

After Tree Thinning

This climate-resilient project underscores GMF’s century-long commitment to innovation, sustainability, and science-based land management—ensuring that the forests of today will continue to provide ecological, economic, and recreational benefits for generations to come

 

Funding for this project was provided by the Climate Smart Farming: Agriculture and Forestry Grant awarded and administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and the Connecticut Land Conservation Council. 

 

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About Great Mountain Forest

 

Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship, one of the largest research, education, and recreation forests in southern New England. For more than a century, we have demonstrated how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we spread 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 6,300 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village, Connecticut - a true jewel in the heart of NW Connecticut.

Middlebury Historical Society Presents: “Seizing the Fourteenth State”

The Middlebury Historical Society is pleased to welcome back Dr. Francis Michael Coan, Professor of History Emeritus at Tunxis Community College, for an engaging and insightful lecture, “Seizing the Fourteenth State: The American Invasion of Canada in 1775.” Join us as Dr. Coan, a respected historian and educator, sheds light on one of the American Revolution’s most ambitious—and ultimately unsuccessful—military campaigns. 

An illustration accompanying this lecture, “Battle_Redoubt_Don_Troiani”, is used with permission of historical artist Don Troiani.

This presentation will guide attendees through the origins, strategies, and consequences of the American attempt to bring Canada into the fold as the fourteenth state. Dr. Coan’s nuanced perspective promises to reveal the motivations, challenges, and lasting impact of this often-overlooked episode in Revolutionary history. 

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM, and join us at the Shepardson Community Center Auditorium, 1172 Whittemore Road, Middlebury. Admission is free, and no reservations are necessary. For more details, reach out to the Society via email at secretary@middleburyhistoricalsociety.org or visit www.middleburyhistoricalsociety.org Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of our nation’s history!

Discover Kent: Experience Tina Puckett’s Woven Wonders at the Kent Art Association this September

 More than just scenic beauty, Kent offers inspiration in every direction. Miles of winding trails guide you through lush forests, revealing breathtaking vistas at every turn. A classic covered bridge crosses the Housatonic River, while the state’s tallest waterfalls thunder nearby. At the center of it all, a vibrant business district pulses with creative energy—a gathering place where art and life seamlessly intertwine.

For over a century, Kent has been a haven for artists, writers, and photographers in search of fresh perspectives. In 1923, nine legendary artists—the founders of the Kent Art Association (KAA)—made this town their home. These weren’t just painters; they were visionaries like bird illustrator Rex Brasher, American Impressionist Eliot Clark, Regionalist Floyd Clymer, and figural painter F. Luis Mora, among others. Their legacy lives on, transforming Kent into a beacon for creative minds and a popular destination for visitors.

This September, the Kent Art Association invites you to experience their latest triumph: the Invitational Sculptural Arts Show. This is no ordinary gallery event—it’s a dynamic celebration of creativity, featuring works from eight extraordinary artists. Among them is the acclaimed Tina Puckett, owner of Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art, whose boundary-pushing woven sculptures are national treasures. 

Her evocative pieces, such as the handwoven poppy Amapola Flora and the narrative-rich A Journey in Transformation, are an intricate tapestry of bittersweet vines and reeds; each piece reveals a mastery of color, texture, and imagination.

Don’t miss Mississippi River, Puckett’s abstract ode to one of America’s iconic waterways, or the graceful, brightly colored woven panels of Angelfish, inspired by the beauty of aquatic life. 

The Kent Art Association Gallery is located at 21 South Main Street and is open Thursday through Saturday from 1 pm to 5 pm and Sunday from noon to 4 pm. Don’t miss your chance to experience Kent’s rich artistic legacy, its stunning natural wonders, and an exhibition that promises to leave you inspired.

About Tina Puckett

Tina Puckett, a nationally acclaimed weaver of baskets and woven art, owns Tina’s Baskets at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Since 1981, she has been weaving her artistic magic using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet, and various objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased in galleries across the United States, and she often can be found weaving at her gallery/studio on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Custom orders are warmly welcomed, and appointments can be made by texting 860-309-6934.

 

 

Celebrate the End of Summer in Style at the 47th Norwalk Oyster Festival

 Make the most of summer’s last hurrah at the Norwalk Oyster Festival, taking place September 5–7 at Veterans Park (42 Seaview Ave., Norwalk). Hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association and presented by Mohegan Sun Online Casino, this vibrant festival is more than just a celebration—it's the largest annual fundraiser supporting the preservation and restoration of the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, a true Connecticut maritime icon. With tickets available online and at the gate, this festival offers exceptional value, especially with all entertainment included in the price of admission and free entry for children 12 and under on Sunday with a paying adult, sponsored by Nuvance  Health-GoHealth Urgent Care, making it one of the most family-friendly events around.  

Norwalk Oyster Festival, Chairman Mike Reilly says it best: “This year’s entertainment lineup is the best value around. We’re bringing arena-sized bands to the Oyster Festival in addition to nationally acclaimed family entertainment, all included with admission to the festival. “It’s a tradition that we’re proud of,” adds Reilly, “and the last big event of the summer at a beautiful seaside venue.”

A Star-Studded Music Lineup

This year’s Norwalk Oyster Festival is turning up the volume with an unforgettable lineup that’s sure to have you dancing all weekend long! From national recording artists on the Optimum Main Stage to regional favorites under the Abbey Tent, music takes center stage. Music lovers are in for a treat with this year’s impressive entertainment line-up. Country sensation, Parmalee, the most-played group on Country Radio in 2022 and 2023, will headline Saturday night. Their high-energy performance will feature fan favorites like “Carolina,” “Close Your Eyes,” and their latest single “Cowgirl.” The musical excitement kicks off Friday with Nashville and Margaritaville night - Rock Country Nights, will open for Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, the ultimate tribute band to Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, and the Zac Brown Band. Sunday wraps up with VOYAGE: Celebrating the Music of Journey, performing fan favorites like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms.”

 

Introducing the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Lounge

This year, the Mohegan Sun Online Casino is unveiling its exclusive VIP Lounge — a luxurious, casino-inspired escape right in the heart of the festival. For just $50 per day, guests aged 21+ will get admission to the festival, all-day access to plush seating, three complimentary adult beverages, and a selection of tasty bites. But the VIP perks don’t stop there. Lounge guests will also be treated to exclusive giveaways and premium swag. One-day passes are available for September 5, 6, and 7, so grab yours online or at the gate. As Colin Mulhern, Event Manager for Mohegan Sun Online Casino, puts it: “Mohegan Sun Online Casino is proud and excited to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Norwalk Oyster Festival 2025! Our partnership with the festival and the Norwalk Seaport Association continues to be an amazing relationship for our business and our presence in the community. This year, we are looking forward to providing attendees with an incredible experience underneath the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Tent that will bring world-class Mohegan Sun hospitality right to Norwalk residents’ backyards!”

 

Unforgettable Family Fun: Lumberjacks & Leaping Dogs!

The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show is packed with laughter, action, and jaw-dropping feats that bring the world of logging to life. Watch as burly World Class and World Champion Lumberjacks go head-to-head in epic battles of muscle vs. machine, showcasing skills like logrolling, axe throwing, and springboard chopping. From the razor-sharp Misery Whip crosscut saw to dragster-speed chainsaws, this high-energy show blends tradition with modern-day excitement—and it’s been wowing audiences across the globe for over 33 years!

The Ready Go Dog Show takes entertainment to new heights—literally! Featuring a cast of rescued canine athletes, this high-flying, tail-wagging performance combines comedy, talent, and heart in one unforgettable package. Watch Frisbee-catching, high-jumping, water-diving dogs steal the show with their amazing stunts and boundless energy. These pups do it all with passion, and after the show, you can even meet the stars during a special "meet n’ greet". As seen on FOX, ESPN, and The Today Show, the Ready Go Dog Show is paws-down one of the most exciting family-friendly events around!

 

Savor Global Flavors & Shop Local Artistry

Food lovers, get ready for a culinary journey around the world—without ever leaving town. Indulge in a vibrant menu that spans continents, alongside classic New England seafood favorites, including buttery lobster rolls, creamy clam chowder, and freshly shucked oysters delivered right off the boat. If you love to shop and explore one-of-a-kind finds, don’t miss the Arts and Crafts area, where talented artists and crafters showcase everything from whimsical trinkets to practical pieces. Whether you're on the hunt for handmade jewelry, eye-catching paintings, stunning pottery, or wearable art, there’s something here to match every style and budget. 

Festival Essentials

Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for kids 5-12. Children 12 and under are Free with an adult paid ticket on Sunday, sponsored by Nuvance Health GoHealth Urgent Care, and children under 5 are free every day. Festival hours are Friday, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wristband specials with unlimited rides for Saturday & Sunday (11a-3p) are available for only $35! Tickets for the festival and the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Tent are available online and at the gate. Click here for ticket information. For detailed parking shuttle information, visit https://www.seaport.org/norwalk-oyster-festival

 

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival

Now in its 47th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the Seaport Association and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. This is a three-day festival celebrating the maritime heritage of Norwalk that is held every September. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for music, a wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village

 

About Mohegan Sun Online Casino

Mohegan Sun Online Casino is Connecticut’s premier online casino app with an array of online slots, table games, and live dealer games. Download the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app today to receive exclusive promotions, rewards, and game offerings. Also, link your Mohegan Sun Momentum Card to the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app to earn Momentum Dollars and Status Points from anywhere in the state of Connecticut. https://ct.mohegansuncasino.com/

 

 

Attention Classical Music Lovers: Pre-order Your Subscription to the Danbury Concert Association’s 2025/26 Performance Series and Save!

The Danbury Concert Association (DCA) proudly announces its 2025/26 performance schedule. Concertgoers can save on the full, four-concert series by ordering a subscription during August at the discounted rate of $75 per adult, just $18.75 per concert – a fabulous price for such world-class musicianship. 

First in the concert series is the triple Grammy-nominated chamber orchestra, A Far Cry, returning to the Visual & Performing Arts Center at Western Connecticut State University on Sunday, September 21st at 3 p.m. The 15 Boston-based “Criers” will perform works by Caroline Shaw, Komitas, Osvaldo Golijov, and Benjamin Britten. 

Upcoming Performances

Mark your calendars for the rest of the series, which includes “Piano Four Hands,” with Andrew Armstrong and Jeewon Park on October 26; pianist Ilya Yakushev on March 22, 2026; and cellist Sophie Shao & Friends on June 7, 2026. All concerts are on Sundays at 3 p.m. and each is followed by a meet-the-artists reception open to all. For details, visit https://www.danburyconcert.org/.  

To order your discounted subscription, download a printable order form at https://www.danburyconcert.org.

Beginning August 21st, single tickets to A Far Cry’s concert will be available on Eventbrite at the regular price of $25 per adult. Admission is free for ages 18 and under, courtesy of the Danbury Cultural Commission. 

 

For music lovers of all ages, The Danbury Concert Association presents world-class entertainment at incredible prices – join us and see for yourself! 

About the Visual & Performing Arts Center (VPAC)

The Veronica Hagman Concert Hall at VPAC at Western Connecticut State University has been a game-changing venue since raising its curtain in 2014. Featuring a tri-level, in-the-round seating experience for audiences of up to 350, this elegant space is where beautiful form meets the highest standards of functionality. State-of-the-art acoustics and lighting create exceptional sensory experiences for patrons and performers alike, rivaling the best concert halls in the country.

About the Danbury Concert Association

Nearly 100 years young, the Danbury Concert Association (DCA) is a 501(c)(3) organization. Their singular mission since their inception has been to present a series of local, affordable, live concerts by exceptional professional musicians who perform in the world’s greatest concert venues. Through the tireless work of their all-volunteer board, the DCA continues to attract the highest caliber of performance artists to Danbury, giving music lovers a rare opportunity to experience the finest in classical entertainment without having to travel to New York, Boston, Philadelphia, or any far-off concert venue. For more information about the DCA (or to donate to their worthy mission), visit https://www.danburyconcert.org/.

Dive Into a Storybook Weekend at the Norfolk Library’s Annual Book Sale!

Book lovers, treasure seekers, and fans of small-town charm—get ready for one of Connecticut’s most beloved summer traditions! The Norfolk Library’s Annual Book Sale is back from August 23–25, and it’s more than just a chance to stock up on great reads—it's a celebration of community, curiosity, and connection. Join us on Saturday, August 23, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM to kick things off. Then come back on Sunday, August 24, from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM—because starting at 3 PM, all books are absolutely FREE! But it doesn’t end there—Monday, August 25, is the grand finale, and you won’t want to miss it. From 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, everything under the tent is completely FREE!

Imagine strolling through tables overflowing with over 30,000 books—from mystery and memoir to cookbooks and children’s classics—all nestled in the picturesque setting of the historic Norfolk Green. Hosted by the Norfolk Library Associates, this three-day event brings people of all ages together to support free cultural programming at the Library. 

Whether you're a lifelong book lover or someone who just appreciates the charm of a beautifully bound hardcover, you're in for a treat! From rare vintage gems to eye-catching photography and art books that are perfect for your coffee table, there's a little something for 

Celebrate with the Institute for American Indian Studies

 The Institute for American Indian Studies is celebrating 50 years since its founding in 1975 with two summer events.  On Sunday, August 10, we will present our renowned Green Corn Festival in Hollow Park, Woodbury.  The 20^th year of this festival recognizes that corn is an integral part of the annual life cycle of Native American People and celebrates the time when the first tender ears are ripe for picking.  Welcome the first corn of the season with drumming, dancing, Indigenous-focused activities, vendors, Native storytelling, and more!  Enjoy the Native Nations Dance Troupe led by Erin Lamb Meeches (Schaghticoke Tribal Nation) and flute music by Allan Madahbee (Ojibwe).   The event will occur rain or shine from noon to 4:00 pm. Tickets are available on the website: www.iaismuseum.org, and on the day of the event.

On Thursday, August 14, we will celebrate our 50^th Anniversary with a gala at Hopkins Vineyard.  Honorary Chairs Darlene Kascak (Schaghticoke Tribal Nation) and Matt Kent, Pilobolus Artistic Director, invite you to join IAIS for hearty hors d’oeuvres, wine and other libations, flute music by Allan Madahbee (Ojibwe), and a special dance performance by Pilobolus.  Darlene, the Institute’s Outreach Ambassador and acclaimed Native storyteller, collaborated with Matt Kent to provide narration and insight on Indigenous-inspired dances.  The evening will also acknowledge founding member Edmund Swigart, respected archaeologist and teacher, and the inspiring guidance provided by Adelphena Logan, an esteemed elder of the Onondaga Tribe.   

Gala tickets range from Quinnetukut, Wigwam, and Three Sisters sponsorship levels to individual tickets.  Reservations are available at www.iaismuseum.org.  For additional information, email events@iaismuseum.org or call 860-868-0518.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

The Institute for American Indian Studies is a museum and research center dedicated to tracing more than 12,000 years of Indigenous accomplishments and celebrating the vibrant lifeways of contemporary Indigenous communities.  Exhibits, programs, and a replicated Algonkian village provide opportunities to learn about the Woodland Indians who have lived in the northeast since time immemorial. 

ART LOVERS: A Covered Bridge, a Woven Hand, and a Mystery Name Await in West Cornwall

 Nestled along the picturesque banks of the Housatonic River, the village of West Cornwall in the heart of the Litchfield Hills beckons artists and art lovers alike. Known for its iconic red-covered bridge, dating back to 1864 and proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this historic landmark has long captured the imagination of painters, photographers, and visitors who seek to experience the area's enduring rural charm.

Crossing the bridge feels like stepping into a world of inspiration and charm, where every corner invites you to discover something unique. This vibrant, creative community is brimming with delightful finds that blend artistry and craftsmanship. Stop by the Ingersoll Furniture Showroom to admire beautifully handcrafted Shaker furniture, or explore Michael Trapp’s one-of-a-kind collection of antiques, architectural gems, and his beautiful garden. For those who love mixing old soul with modern flair, Macaire + Kristoph offers vintage treasures that add instant character to any home. And don’t miss the Souterrain Gallery in the Wish House, where boutique vibes meet gallery sophistication through a curated blend of art, fashion, and accessories. There's truly something special waiting around every corner!

On Saturday, August 2, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Soulterrain Gallery at the Wish House will host an opening reception for Tina Puckett, an award-winning American Master Weaver celebrated for her stunning woven art nationwide. Tina's work—ranging from stunning sculptures, baskets, bowls, and wall hangings to her imaginative series of woven hands titled Perceived Languages—is deeply inspired by nature. Using bittersweet vines and hand-dyed reeds influenced by her South American roots, Tina transforms a once-noxious weed into pieces of grace, color, and texture. Her ability to harmonize shape and form makes each of her creations truly one-of-a-kind.

Adding an interactive twist to the exhibit, guests are invited to name Tina’s latest sculpture—a striking centerpiece of the show. This unique opportunity allows attendees to actively participate in the creative process and leave their mark on the exhibit. The show runs through September 28, offering ample time to explore the collection and join in the fun. The Soulterrain Gallery is open Thursday - Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Also featured is the compelling photography of Sarah Blodgett. With two visionary artists under one roof, this exhibition promises an unforgettable experience for art enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.