Heather Neilson Exhibit at the Library

Heather Neilson’s latest work, “Transcending Ground,” is a series of abstract paintings that explore human relationships to the landscape. The paintings suggest spaciousness, serenity and the feeling of being rooted. The show is on view at the library Sept. 3-29. Please join us for the opening reception for the artist on Sunday, Sept. 4, from 4 to 6 p.m., graciously hosted by the Library Associates.

Ted Talks via Zoom

Join the library for a discussion series “Top 10 TED Talks That’ll Change Your Life.” Watch a selected TED Talk ahead of time and then meet virtually through Zoom on Mondays from 1 to 2 p.m. to discuss. The discussion group runs through Sept. 19 (no meeting on Labor Day, Sept. 5). Visit the library website for the schedule of TED Talks.

Cellist at Colebrook Historical Society

The Colebrook Historical Society will host a social gathering on Friday, Sept. 9, featuring a presentation by noted cellist Melissa Meell. Meell performs throughout the world as both a soloist and a chamber musician, and The New York Times has called her “a cellist with a fine singing quality and a poetic sensibility that proves memorable.” The evening will begin at 7 p.m. with refreshments at the Colebrook Historical Society and Museum, followed by the presentation at 7:30 in the Town Hall meeting room next door. More refreshments will be available afterward. For more information, contact Carol Lord at carol.9508@yahoo.com or 860-738-8244.

Land Trust Annual Trail Race

The Norfolk Land Trust’s annual trail races will be Saturday, Sept. 10, starting and finishing at the Barbour Woods trailhead on Lovers Lane. The Haystack Mountain Challenge half-marathon kicks off at 9:30 a.m. and the 10k at 10:45 a.m. The 5K will start at 11 a.m. Registration is available at ultrasignup.com. Each race is capped at 100 runners. This is a cupless event; please bring your own water bottle. Finishers will receive a special race treat. Contact Kate Johnson with any questions at katebjohnson@mac.com.

Better Solutions Sampling Saturday

The final in the Better Solutions series, on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Norfolk Hub, will feature a surprise eco-friendly giveaway. The Better Solutions series is sponsored by National Iron Bank. For more information, contact jenp@norfolkfoundation.net.

Spilling the Beans with Linda Garrettson 

On Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m. at the Norfolk Hub, Linda will dispel food fads and myths, offer solutions to chronic health problems and encourage common sense in making food choices. There will be a 30-minute slide show followed by a Q&A with soup and salad. This program is part of the Norfolk Foundation’s Food Focus series. For more information, contact jenp@norfolkfoundation.net or register at www.norfolkfoundation.net/hub-events.

A Conversation About Safety

On Thursday, Sept. 15, Jeanne Fusco and Jennie Panchy, of the Susan B. Anthony Project in Torrington, will lead a discussion about safety and sexual violence at 6 p.m. at the Norfolk Hub. For more information, contact jenp@norfolkfoundation.net or register at www.norfolkfoundation.net/hub-events. 

Books & Boots Hike 

Read “Finding the Mother Tree,” by Suzanne Simard, then lace up your hiking boots to hit the Ells Crane Trail on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 8:30 a.m. Meet Kelly Kandra Hughes and Hartley Mead at the trailhead on Rt. 44. Bring water and insect repellent. All hiking abilities welcome. This Norfolk Library program is in partnership with the Norfolk Land Trust. Visit the Norfolk Library website or call 860-542-5075 ext. 2 to register. No rain date. There will be a post on the library website and social media by 7:30 a.m. if the hike is canceled.

Janice Nimura to Talk at Colebrook

Historical Society

On Friday, Sept. 23, Norfolk resident and author Janice P. Nimura will give a presentation at the Colebrook Historical Society. Her most recent book, “The Doctors Blackwell,” was a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the 2022 Pulitzer Prize in biography. Copies will be available for purchase, with the proceeds going to a scholarship fund in memory of former CHS president Jan Rathbun. Event starts at 7 p.m. with refreshments at the Colebrook Historical Society and Museum, with the presentation at 7:30 in the Town Hall meeting room next door. Refreshments will also be available afterward. For further information, contact Carol Lord at carol.9508@yahoo.com or 860-738-8244.

Retirement Readiness

Preparing for retirement? Recently retired? Examine how to budget for retirement expenses, potential sources of retirement income and potential risks, such as long-term care and health care costs. Presented by financial adviser Cailyn Paradise and life insurance professional Kerri Ouellette on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m. at the Norfolk Hub. For more information, contact jenp@norfolkfoundation.net or register at www.norfolkfoundation.net/hub-events.

How to Make the Most of the Transfer Station

On Tuesday, Sept. 27, 6 p.m. at the Norfolk Hub, transfer station attendant Jimmy Powelzyk will bring examples of what can and cannot get recycled at the station and will give other helpful tips for using the transfer station. Kelly Kandra Hughes will talk about Norfolk NET’s Norfstoms and what items can be donated. For more information, contact jenp@norfolkfoundation.net or register at www.norfolkfoundation.net/hub-events.

Save the Date: Bocce Tournament Oct. 2

The fourth annual bocce tournament will be held on Sunday, Oct. 2, 3-6 p.m. on the bocce court behind 10 Station Place. Eight teams of four will compete, and there’ll be a pizza truck and beverages for players and fans. Walk-ons welcome if spots available. Email Lindsey at lboucher@norfolkmgmt.com to preregister a team or if you have questions. 

Save the Date: Tour de Forest Oct. 9

The annual Tour de Forest fundraiser for Norfolk Rails to Trails will be held Sunday, Oct. 9. A new addition to the 13-mile ride through Norfolk and Great Mountain Forest is a 30-mile ride, dubbed the Icebox Gravel. Sign up at bikereg.com/norfolk-ct-tour-de-forest-2022 and spread the word.