Step Into a Halloween Wonderland: Art, Oddities & Handmade Treats at Whiting Mills Spooktacular Weekend Event

Mark your calendars for a hauntingly delightful experience on Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whiting Mills, at 100 Whiting Street, will magically transform into a Halloween wonderland brimming with ghosts, goblins, witches, and wickedly creative fun!

Step inside over 30 vibrant artists’ studios, each open and ready to enchant you with frightful delights, curious oddities, and whimsically spooky creations. Whether you’re searching for handmade treats, unique Halloween décor, or simply want to soak in the festive spirit, there’s something spooktacular for everyone.

Looking for a hauntingly delightful stop this Halloween season? Don’t miss Tina’s Baskets and Woven Arts, Studio #305, where internationally acclaimed artist Tina Puckett transforms her studio into a celebration of spooky splendor! Step inside a world of creativity, with baskets, sculptures, and wall hangings all dressed up for frightful fun. As you wander through her festively decorated studio, don’t forget to enter the drawing for a chance to win a stunning Halloween basket—expertly handwoven, adorned with bittersweet vines, and filled to the brim with delicious Halloween treats! 

Can’t make it during the ghostly gathering weekend? No worries! Tina’s ghoulishly gorgeous studio will remain Halloween-ready every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout October. And if you’re inspired by her magical creations, you can learn more, sign up for her popular classes, or browse her breathtaking woven artworks that include wall hangings, baskets, bowls, and sculptures at www.tinasbaskets.com 

Meet the Artist 

Tina Puckett isn’t just any artist—she’s a true visionary who has been weaving her magic since 1981, using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet vines, and natural found materials like beads and seagrass. Her awe-inspiring creations have graced galleries around the world, but you can experience them up close right in her Winsted, Connecticut studio at Whiting Mills, Studio #305. Catch Tina in action on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or schedule a private visit by texting 860-309-6934. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this hauntingly beautiful celebration of art!

oundbreaking Ceremony Announced for Rochambeau Memorial in Middlebury

The Middlebury Historical Society is proud to announce a groundbreaking ceremony for the Rochambeau Memorial, scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Meadowview Park, Middlebury. This significant event marks the official commencement of construction on a bronze monument dedicated to General Rochambeau and the French soldiers whose historic march through Middlebury played a pivotal role during the American War of Independence. The public is warmly invited to attend this milestone occasion, which will proceed rain or shine.

Esteemed guests at the ceremony will include Tony Falcone, the sculptor entrusted with creating the memorial, and Larry Janesky, the benefactor whose generous leadership support has been instrumental to the project’s realization. They will be joined by officers of the Middlebury Historical Society and local public officials. 

As Robert L. Rafford, President of the Middlebury Historical Society, notes, “This is the moment where vision becomes reality. The Rochambeau Memorial will honor the alliance that helped secure America’s independence and remind us of the sacrifices made on our own soil.”

The groundbreaking also launches a comprehensive fundraising campaign, inviting individuals, families, and businesses to contribute to the creation of this lasting legacy. Donors will be recognized both at the memorial site and in all campaign materials as the project progresses.

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About the Rochambeau Memorial Project

An initiative of the Middlebury Historical Society, the Rochambeau Memorial Project seeks to commemorate the crucial French contribution to American independence, with emphasis on General Rochambeau’s army encampment in Middlebury. The bronze statue, crafted by Tony Falcone, will be prominently located in a new plaza at Meadowview Park.

About the Middlebury Historical Society

Celebrating its Golden Anniversary in 2025, the Middlebury Historical Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Middlebury, Connecticut. The Society maintains archives, offers educational programs, and spearheads community initiatives to foster a deeper appreciation for local heritage.

Get Ready for an Out-of-This-World Halloween Adventure!

This October, the aliens have landed—and they’ve picked East Haven, CT as one of their first targets! This October, Earth is under attack—and the invasion starts right here in Connecticut! THE HAUNTED TROLLEY is back at the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven for its fourth unforgettable year, and this time, the aliens have landed. Experience “ALIEN INVASION: CONNECTICUT,” an all-new, interactive Halloween adventure that blends theater, comedy, and just the right amount of UFO mystery aboard a historic trolley.

Forget everything you know about traditional haunted attractions—there are no zombies, no clowns, no chainsaws, and definitely no waiting in long lines! Instead, you'll become part of a hilarious, immersive storyline where you and your fellow passengers help decide the fate of the world (or at least, East Haven). Each ride is limited to just 40 guests, so every ticket holder gets to be part of the action. Plus, it all kicks off with a special audio-visual orientation to get you ready for the alien antics ahead.

The fun runs for select nights in October (3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18,19,24,25, 26, 31 and November 1) with showtimes at 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm, each evening—including family-friendly options for younger space explorers. Tickets are just $29 in advance (with limited $49 VIP upgrades for first boarding and a free souvenir shirt!), and all ages are welcome—just be sure anyone under 16 brings an adult along for the ride.

Produced by Charles F. Rosenay!!! and directed by Broadway’s Kristin Huffman, this Halloween event

is not to be missed. So, gather your crew, secure your seats, and prepare for a Halloween experience that’s

truly out of this world!

Ready to save Connecticut from alien invaders? Book your seat now at www.ticketleap.events/tickets/alien-invasion/Halloween before these adventures sell out. For more details, visit www.TheHauntedTrolley.com or call (203) 795-4737. Let the extraterrestrial fun begin! 👽

The Norwalk Seaport Association Launches First-Ever Oktoberfest Celebration in Norwalk!

 Munich might be famous as the birthplace of Oktoberfest, and Frankenmuth may hold the title of “America’s Little Bavaria,” but this fall, Norwalk is joining the celebration! The Norwalk Seaport Association is delighted to hold its inaugural “Oktoberfest Celebration” on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 3 PM to 6 PM at the lively 314 Beer Garden in Norwalk. Get ready for an afternoon filled with festive cheer, delicious brews, and all the fun traditions that make Oktoberfest a favorite around the world. For tickets, click here.

Experience the spirit of Bavaria at our festive event, where camaraderie and community—what the Germans lovingly call “Geselligkeit”—take center stage. Step into the inviting atmosphere inspired by a traditional beer garden, filled with laughter, lively conversations, and the clinking of mugs. As you celebrate, you’ll also be making a meaningful contribution to Connecticut’s maritime heritage by supporting the preservation of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse and its ongoing educational mission. Join the Norwalk Seaport Association for an unforgettable gathering that brings people together for a great cause!

“We are thrilled to host Oktoberfest and invite the community to eat, drink, and celebrate while championing a cause that’s close to our hearts,” says Rick McQuaid, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association. “Proceeds from this event will help preserve the Sheffield Island Lighthouse and ensure future generations can enjoy its rich history.”

 

For the cost of the ticket, guests are invited to enjoy an exceptional afternoon featuring unlimited beer, wine, cider, and soft drinks, accompanied by a delicious spread of warm pretzels with beer cheese, bratwurst and sauerkraut, and wood-fired pizza. In addition to these culinary delights, attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn more about the Seaport Association and discover ways to become more involved with an organization dedicated to preserving Norwalk’s seafaring legacy since 1978.

 

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 (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/