Katie Atkinson at the Library
The work of artist/illustrator and Norfolk resident Katie Atkinson will be on display at the Norfolk Library in February. Katie has licensed her art as greeting cards, magazine covers, including over 50 Bookmarks covers, and gift products. The exhibition “Seasons of Painting” shows her evolution as an artist. She will give an artist talk on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 3 p.m.

Evening Embers
On Monday and Thursday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m., the fire will be lit in the Norfolk Library’s Great Hall. Come read the paper or enjoy a book by the warmth of the fire. The fire will also be lit on Fireside Friday afternoons when the Norfolk knitters meet from 3 to 4:45 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join.

Creative Voices in Documentary Films
Filmmaker Sloane Klevin has chosen documentaries that represent the latest in creative filmmaking. On Feb. 6 at 7 p.m., director Sasha Wortzel will introduce “River of Grass,” an ode to the Florida Everglades. “Natchez,” to be shown on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m., is a journey through an antebellum tourist destination at a crossroads, as it grapples with a deeply troubled history that is thoroughly ingrained in its present. For more information and to register, please visit www.norfolklibrary.org or call front desk circulation 860-542-5075 ext. 2.

GMF Winter Lecture Series
The Great Mountain Forest is hosting two fascinating talks about the natural world at the Norfolk Library in February. On Feb. 7 at 4 p.m., Dr. Elizabeth Ward will speak about promoting forest health in the aftermath of invasive pests and pathogens. On Feb. 28, ecologist Dr. Sara Kuebbing will discuss her research on how we as humans can make informed decisions about protecting and conserving landscapes and ecosystems. To register, please visit https://www.norfolkhub.org/events.

Stamp Love
On Saturday, Feb. 7, children between the ages of 6 and 14 will have an opportunity to design their own card and stamp for Valentine’s Day with the help of Antonio Alcalá, who designs the real thing for the U.S. Postal Service. The workshop will be held at the Norfolk Library from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and co-led by Eileen Fitzgibbons. Participants should come with an address! Registration through www.norfolklibrary.org or a call to front desk circulation 860-542-5075 ext. 2.

All About Postage Stamps
It’s always fun to see the new stamps issued by the United States Postal Service. On Sunday, Feb. 8, at 3 p.m., come hear Antonio Alcalá, art director for the USPS, describe the process of bringing a stamp to life. He will speak about the history of stamp making, the design elements involved, and his own journey that brought him to this work. A reception honoring the three-person team behind the Norfolk Post Office will follow, sponsored by the Economic Development Commission. To register for this program, please visit www.norfolklibrary.org or call front desk circulation 860-542-5075 ext. 2.

Lunch & Learn at the Library
Come to the Norfolk Library for lunch and community connection. The next program for seniors is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is required as space is limited. Betsy Gill will speak about the early history of Great Mountain Forest. Please call the library to register 860-542-5075 ext. 2 or visit our website.

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane!
The Isabella Eldridge Club Players will debut their first—and only—performance of “Gilligan’s Island” on Feb. 10 at 4 p.m. in Battell Chapel. Admission is free. Better known for erudite presentations at their monthly meetings, the Izzies will hold nothing back in the comedic production directed by Ann DeCerbo and Kristin Mudge. The membership organization was founded in 1912 by none other than Isabella Eldridge.

Chocolate Dessert Bake-Off
The Norfolk Hub is hosting a “Chocolate Dessert Bake-Off” on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. Bakers of all ages and experience levels are welcome to share their favorite chocolate creations in a friendly, community-focused event. Participants can bring any chocolate dessert—baked or no-bake, vegan or gluten-free. If possible, bring two batches (about 12 servings each) so participants and share, swap and vote. Registration is online at
www.norfolkhub.org/events.

WIN Weekend Concerts
On Saturday, Feb. 21, at 11 a.m., a Yale Brass Quintet will perform at the Norfolk Library. The following day, at 3 p.m., classical pianist Po-Wei Ger returns to Norfolk where he was a fellow in the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival in 2019. An avid chamber musician, Po-Wei won the Manhattan School of Music Concerto Competition in 2024. To register for these concerts, please visit www.norfolklibrary.org or call front desk circulation 860-542-5075 ext. 2.

Taste the Sweet Life
The sugarhouse at Great Mountain Forest at 201 Windrow Road will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22. Step inside to watch sap bubble into syrup and breathe in the rich, caramel scent of boiling sap, while learning how careful forest stewardship makes it all possible. It’s a cozy, educational stop for all ages. Registration requested through the Norfolk Hub: https://www.norfolkhub.org/events.

Chapel Coffee House: Love Songs & Stories
Join an evening of storytelling and songs celebrating the spirit of Valentine’s Day on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at Battell Chapel. Enjoy coffee and desserts in a relaxed coffeehouse setting. Free will offering at the door or donate coffee for the food pantry. Call Church of Christ Congregational at 860-542-5721 for more information.

Book Lites: Reading Together
The next read will be “The Personal Librarian” by Heather Terrell and Victoria Christopher Murray, which tells the story of Belle Da Costa Greene, J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian. Meet Sunday, Feb. 22 at 11 a.m. in Battell Chapel.

Film Screening: “Traces of the Trade”
The Just Humanity Team at the Church of Christ Congregational, will host a viewing of the feature documentary, “Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North,” on Sunday, March 1 at 4 p.m. In this documentary, filmmaker Katrina Browne discovers that her New England ancestors were the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history. This free event will be catered by Berkshire Country Store and Icebox Cafe. To register, please call the church office 860-542-5721 by Feb 22. Hosted by the Church of Christ Just Humanity Team.

Dance for Fun
A new dance class led by Kristin Mudge has started at Battell Chapel on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. No dance experience required—just a love of moving to lively, energetic music and perhaps a sense of humor. A $10 donation benefits the United Church of Christ. Please text or call 203-240-8813 for the class schedule.

Mindfulness Series with Miranda Lee
Learn how to use mindfulness tools in your daily life as Miranda Lee holds her weekly classes on Saturdays from 9:15 to 10 a.m. through the winter. Sponsored by the Norfolk Library, this course is offered via Zoom. 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.