Fall Fun at the Weston History & Culture Center

Fall in love with history this autumn at the Weston History & Culture Center (WHCC), located at 104 Weston Road in Weston, CT. Every Thursday in November, as well as on Sunday, November 2, 2025, and Sunday, December 7, 2025, the Center opens its doors from 1pm to 4pm for an afternoon of exploration and fun. Tickets are just $5 for adults, $3 for kids ages 5–17, and free for children under 4 and WHCC members—making it the perfect family outing!

Step into the past with our brand-new, interactive exhibit, "Weston at Work," set in the historic Coley Barn. Here, you'll discover the rich history of agriculture, manufacturing, and textile production in Weston and Connecticut. Kids can card wool, weave on a loom, and even raise a hay bale using an old-fashioned rope and pulley! With fascinating hands-on activities, rare Bradley Axe tools, vintage farming implements, a working loom, and countless historic photographs, this exhibit brings history to life for visitors of all ages.

Don't miss a guided tour of the award-winning Coley House, where you'll get a glimpse into what life was like in the 1940s. This isn't just any old historic house—it's the only one in Connecticut to focus on this iconic era! Walk in the footsteps of the Coley family during World War II, and let the children play with classic 1940s toys, build with Lincoln Logs, type on a vintage typewriter, or even dial a rotary phone.

While you're here, stop by the Visitor’s Center to explore three engaging exhibits:

• "Twelve Stories of Weston History"—featuring highlights like the Weston Meteorite and the dramatic Flood of 1955
• "Images of a Forgotten Village: Valley Forge"—offering haunting photos of a community now beneath the Saugatuck Reservoir
• "May I Have This Dance?"—a delightful pop-up display about the history of social dance, complete with music and memorabilia

Take a break outdoors and bask in the beauty of autumn on the WHCC’s scenic property. Bring along a picnic lunch and stroll through the whimsical Daniel E. Offutt, III Sculpture Garden, featuring the unique works of former Weston resident Daniel E. Offutt, III.

Parking is free! Primary parking is available on High Acre Road, with overflow parking along the same street. Come join us this fall and make history an adventure for the whole family!

The Danbury Concert Association presents “Piano Four Hands” with Andrew Armstrong and Jeewon Park on Sunday, October 26 at 3 p.m.

The Danbury Concert Association (DCA) will present “Piano Four Hands” when two virtuosos, Andrew Armstrong and Jeewon Park, take to the keyboard together on Sunday, October 26, at 3 p.m. The second concert of the DCA’s 2025/26 series, featuring Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” Grieg’s “Four Norwegian Dances, op. 25,” and other works by Fauré, Mozart, and Schubert, will take place at the Visual & Performing Arts Center of Western Connecticut State University.

Single tickets are available at $25 from https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dca-presents-andrew-armstrong-and-jeewon-park-piano-tickets-1757648858049?aff=ebdsoporgprofile. Subscriptions to the remaining three concerts of the 2025/26 series can be purchased on www.danburyconcert.org. Free admission for ages 18 and under, courtesy of the Danbury Cultural Commission, lets young music lovers experience a live concert – and even meet the performers in person at a meet-the-artists reception that’s open to all. 

About the Performers
New Canaan native Andrew Armstrong has been praised for his passionate expression and dazzling technique, delighting audiences across Asia, Europe, Latin America, Canada, and the United States. He has appeared at notable venues such as Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center. He also serves as Artistic Director of several music series in South Carolina, New York City, and Worcester, MA. 

Since her debut at age twelve with the Korean Symphony Orchestra, Jeewon Park has captivated audiences worldwide. Her playing has been described as “ravishing in execution, radiant in timbre,” exhibiting “ultimate grandeur and sheer delight,” with warm musicality and effortless virtuosity.

About the Visual & Performing Arts Center (VPAC)
The Veronica Hagman Concert Hall has been a premier performance venue since the VPAC opened on the university’s west side campus in 2014. The acoustics are excellent, and the atmosphere is both 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.   

Upcoming Performances
The DCA’s series will continue with pianist Ilya Yakushev on March 22, 2026, and cellist Sophie Shao & Friends on June 7, 2026. Concerts are on Sundays at 3 p.m., and each is followed by a meet-the-artists reception. For details, see www.danburyconcert.org. 

About the Danbury Concert Association
The Danbury Concert Association, a 501(c)(3) organization, has a volunteer board that organizes its series. Kathryn Taylor Kloss, President, notes that “Community music began flourishing in the early days of the U.S.! In the 1930s, Danbury was fortunate to have a very active group (the Danbury Music Centre), which led to the creation of the DCA, devoted to presenting professional performances. Today, thanks to support from individual and corporate donors, and granting organizations like the Danbury Cultural Commission, we continue that mission, now in the beautiful concert hall on the WestConn campus. We invite everyone who wants to experience live music ‘where they live’ to come to our concerts.”

Pedal Through Autumn Splendor: Tour de Forest Bike Event Returns October 18

Cyclists and nature lovers alike are invited to gear up and get outside for this year’s Tour de Forest on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with proceeds supporting two local nonprofit organizations: Great Mountain Forest and Norfolk Rails to Trails.

This one-of-a-kind annual event is the perfect chance for gravel riders of all experience levels—including newcomers- to explore the sweeping beauty of Norfolk’s Great Mountain Forest, one of Connecticut’s largest undeveloped woodland areas.

There’s a course for every rider: tackle the challenging 30-mile Icebox Gravel route starting at 9:30 am, or opt for the classic 13-mile Tour de Forest ride at 10 am. Both routes wind through a mix of gravel and paved roads, offering breathtaking views and a high chance of spotting local wildlife along the way. The roads are carefully maintained to support conservation, research, and recreation—so you’ll be riding for a good cause!

The day kicks off at the Norfolk Curling Club, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. After your ride, refuel with delicious shots of maple syrup made by the Great Mountain Forest team and a cash bar at the club. All proceeds benefit the programs of Great Mountain Forest and Norfolk Rails to Trails, organizations dedicated to preserving the land and improving public access to Norfolk’s unique natural resources.

Registration is just $50 per adult, $25 per teen, and free for young riders. So why not gather your friends and family and make a day of it? As Mike Zarfos, PhD, Executive Director of Great Mountain Forest, says: “When we are in the forest, we feel inspired, healed, and strengthened. Join us for a ride that’s good for your heart and soul—and enjoy sweet and savory treats at the finish!” 

Register here to secure your spot http://www.bikereg.com/norfolk-ct-tour-de-forest

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.

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.