Norfolk Hosts Dragon Boat Festival 
The Connecticut-Asia Cultural Center will hold a Dragon boat festival on Saturday, June 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its campus at 207A Westside Road. Children will be able to participate in dragon boat racing activities, arts and crafts, and have their photo taken in an actual dragon boat from Taiwan. Festive vegetarian food will be served from noon to 1 p.m. Tours of the Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist cultural exhibits will be available, along with other activities.

Art Exhibit: Jeffrey Kay
The photographs of Jeffery Kay will be on display at the Norfolk Library for the month of June in an exhibit entitled “Embers & Flames: 50 Years of Light & Lenses.” Kay is a photographer from New York City telling visual stories through rare and unusual vintage lenses. The opening reception will be held on Sunday, June 2, from 4 to 6 p.m., hosted by the Library Associates. 

Aldo Leopold film “Green Fire” at the Library
Aldo Leopold is one of the best-known conservationists of the 20th century. “Green Fire” explores Leopold’s personal journey of observation and understanding and reveals his vision of a community that cares about both people and land. The film will be screened at the library on Thursday, June 6, at 7 p.m. Director Steve Dunsky will participate in a conversation at the conclusion of the 73-minute film. Register at www.norfolklibrary.org or call front desk circulation 860-542-5075 ext. 2.

Friday Nights on the Green Are Back
The popular community gatherings restart with a bang on June 7 at 6 p.m. with pizza, games and music from Lucy Morningstar, sponsored by the Botelle School and the Norfolk Hub. See the insert in this issue of Norfolk Now for a full roster of the 16 planned events, which include ice cream socials, community BBQs and lots of other fun events sponsored by organizations around town.

The Sweet History of Honey
Learn about what makes honey light or dark and get answers your honey-related questions during an engaging talk by the Humble Bee Honey Company at the Norfolk Library on Sunday, June 9, at 2 p.m. Tastings will be offered. Register at www.norfolklibrary.org or call front desk circulation 860-542-5075 ext. 2.

Summer Reading Kick-Off
Come to the Norfolk Library on Monday, June 17, at 6 p.m. for a Karaoke Adventure, presented by the award-winning karaoke company FM Productions, to kick off our 2024 Summer Reading program. Pack a picnic for a family diner beforehand on the library lawn and then come inside for karaoke until 6:45 p.m. Children will receive their summer reading log, along with a sweet send-off. The adventures will continue through a series of exciting Monday evening programs, so stay tuned. Register at www.norfolklibrary.org or call front desk circulation 860-542-5075 ext. 2.

Calling All Pets (And Their Pals)
The 4^th annual pet parade will take place on Friday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m. as part of Friday Nights on the Green. Sponsored by the Norfolk Library, this year’s categories are Best Costume, Best Trick, and Judges Favorite—plus the new Best Dashing Duo for all pets and their owners who come decked out as a pair.

Juneteenth Book Discussion
The book “Barracoon” by Zora Neal Hurston tells the true story of one of the last survivors of the Atlantic slave trade. On Tuesday, June 18, at 5:30 p.m. at the library, we will discuss this book on the eve of the Juneteenth holiday. The first 10 people to register for this discussion will receive a copy of “Barracoon” to keep. The book is also available at the library and from other libraries through interlibrary loan. Register at www.norfolklibrary.org or call front desk circulation 860-542-5075 ext. 2.

Flora to Feast
Join the Norfolk Curling Club on Saturday, June 28, for a tour of some of Norfolk’s most spectacular gardens followed by a dinner and silent auction at the club. Garden tours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dinner is at 6 p.m. Tickets for the annual fundraiser are available through the club at www.norfolkcurlingclub.org. 

NCA to Unveil Second Sculpture
Join the Norfolk Community Association on the village green at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 28 for the debut of the second sculpture commissioned for the Norfolk Sculpture Trail. Norfolk sculptor Elizabeth Knowles will be on hand, along with collaborator Eric David Laxman, to welcome a colorful and whimsical addition to Norfolk’s artistic scene. There will be live music and goodies served.

Mindfulness Series with Miranda Lee
Mindfulness practitioner Miranda Lee continues her series in June with the theme Connecting with Nature. Classes meet via Zoom on Fridays from 9:15 to 10:00 a.m. Anyone can join at any time. Please visit the Norfolk Library website www.norfolklibrary.org to register for the Zoom link or call front desk circulation 860-542-5075 ext. 2.

Look to July for a Creative Pop-Up
Artist Leslie Watkins will offer art classes throughout July in the pop-up space in the Royal Arcanum Building at 3 Station Place. Classes include watercolor painting, paper crafting and journal making. The opening reception on Friday, July 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. will commemorate the Artisans Guild. The pop-up will be open from Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A “crafternoon tea” will be held on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration required; call Leslie at (860) 542-3920 for more information.