Community News

Sam Guindon December Exhibit
Norfolk painter Sam Guindon’s show, “Observations,” is on view through Dec. 29 at the Hub during regular opening hours.

Listening Circle
The UCC welcomes all who may be dealing with loss to a Listening Circle on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m., in Battell Chapel. Please contact the United Church of Christ at 860-542-5721 for more information.

Who Doesn’t Need a Sock Monkey?
Join artist Hilary VanWright fireside at the Norfolk Library on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 7 p.m., for an adult workshop on the art of crafting a sock monkey, the iconic 1930s stuffed animal. Limited to 15 adult participants, registration is required online at norfolklibrary.org or by calling 860-542-5075.

Classic Films at the Library
Enjoy classic films on the library’s big screen. On Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., film historian Robert Dance will introduce “Touch of Evil,” written and directed by Orson Welles. A classic holiday film will be featured on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m.

Holiday Stroll Downtown
Take a festive stroll through downtown Norfolk on Saturday, Dec. 6. Find holiday pop-ups and more all afternoon and while stores are open late, from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit Les Renards bookshop, the Hub, Ruthann Olsson Interiors, Joe Stannard, Icebox Cafe, Berkshire Country Store and more. Plus, 10 percent of retail sale proceeds will benefit the UCC Food Pantry.

Winter Mindfulness Series
Learn how to use Mindfulness tools in daily life at Miranda Lee’s Zoom classes, sponsored by the Norfolk Library, every winter Saturday from 9:15 to 10 a.m., starting Dec. 6. Anyone can join at any time. Please visit norfolklibrary.org to register.

Heather Neilson Exhibit at the Library
“Shifting Meridian,” a solo exhibition of new works by Connecticut-based abstract painter and mixed media artist Heather Neilson, will be on display at the Norfolk Library for the month of December. A reception for the artist will be hosted by the Library Associates on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Norfolk Library Cookbook Group
The Cookbook Group will focus on cookbook author Dorie Greenspan for their gathering on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. Participants check out a copy of the chosen cookbook and bring a favorite dish. To register, please visit norfolklibrary.org or call 860-542-5075.

Leland Faulkner: World of Wonder
On Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 3:45 p.m., the Norfolk Library will host a journey around the planet with Leland Faulkner. This is a unique and original theater production using magic, comedy, pantomime and animation. Children will need a note to get off the school bus at the library. Adults also welcome. To register, please visit norfolklibrary.org or call 860-542-5075.

Winter Solstice Gathering
Celebrate the winter solstice around the fire in the Norfolk Library’s Great Hall on Sunday, Dec. 21, from 4 to 5 p.m. There will be refreshments, a rolled candle craft, short readings and shared solstice poems or reflections. Limited to 16 adults; please register at norfolklibrary.org or call 860-542-5075.

Gizmo’s Pawsome Guide to Mental Health
Aimed at elementary schoolers, this program at the Hub on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 to 11 a.m., teaches key concepts in mental health, positive coping strategies, stress management and resilience. Visit norfolkhub.org for more information and to register.

Christmas Cookie Exchange
The holidays are sweeter with a cookie exchange! Bring at least 2 dozen of your homemade favorites (12 to share and 12 to swap) for an evening of sweet treats and community cheer on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Hub.

Dance for Fun on Saturday Mornings
Kristin Mudge leads a new dance class at Battell Chapel on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. No prior dance experience needed—all are welcome. A $10 donation benefits the UCC Norfolk. Please text or call 203-240-8813 for the class schedule.

Blue Christmas Tree
Hang a blue ornament in honor or memory of a loved one on the UCC Blue Christmas Tree outside the Battell Chapel. Find ornaments under the tree or bring your own. For more information, please call the church office at 860-542-5721.

Christmas Angelicus Returns
On Saturday, Dec. 20, at 4 p.m., the United Church of Christ will host a concert of seasonal choral music and readings performed by Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus, featuring Chion Wolf of NPR as the Narrator. Tickets at chorusangelicus.com.

Children’s Day—“Joy to the World!”
A child-friendly worship service with music and a children’s sermon will be held on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m., in the UCC Meetinghouse, followed by Christmas-themed activities, crafts and snacks in Battell Chapel.

Christmas Eve Worship
UCC Norfolk’s Christmas Eve schedule on Dec. 24 includes an early service with readings and carols at 5 p.m., and a candlelight worship service at 10 p.m.

Evening Embers
Beginning Jan. 5, come read by the warmth of the fire in the library’s Great Hall on Monday and Thursday evenings, from 4 to 7 p.m. The fire will also be roaring on Fireside Friday afternoons when the Norfolk knitters meet from 3 to 4:45 p.m. All are welcome.

Art Exhibit at the Hub—Jeremiah Bickford
Norfolk artist Jeremiah Bickford will show his large-scale watercolors at the Norfolk Hub gallery space in January and February. A reception will be held on Sunday, Jan. 11, from 3 to 5 p.m.

“Mad Honey” at Book Lites
Join the Book Lites group on Sunday, Jan. 11, after the service in Battell Chapel for a discussion of “Mad Honey” by Jodi Picoult. No need to have read the book—listen in and enjoy the fellowship.

Seniors Lunch & Learn
Norfolk Library is offering a new monthly program for seniors that will offer lunch and community connection with a speaker at each gathering. Transportation will be provided upon request. The first meeting will be Monday, Jan. 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please call the library to register at 860-542-5075.

Norfolk Food Pantry Change to Service Area
The Norfolk Food Pantry, housed in Battell Chapel, is now open Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., serving residents of Norfolk, Winsted, Canaan and Colebrook. For more information, please call UCC Norfolk at 860-542-5721.

Clothes Closet Donations Needed
The Clothes Closet at UCC Norfolk is accepting donations of gently used men’s, women’s and children’s winter clothing. Items can be dropped off at the Norfolk Food Pantry Tuesday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; at the church office Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; or at the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department.

Robert Burns Celebration
Celebrate the life and poetry of Robert Burns in the coffee house setting of the Norfolk UCC on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. Music by Andrew Thomson and Kenneth Storrs; coffee and desserts provided. A free-will offering or coffee donation for the food pantry appreciated. Call 860-542-5721 for more information.

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