Name: Spring into the Wood! Reopening Dedication, Performance and Free Lunch
Start: 2026-05-21T11:30:00-04:00
Location: Wood Memorial Library & Museum

Wood Memorial Library & Museum

We invite you to join us on Thursday, May 21 as we come together to celebrate renewal, stewardship, and the Wood’s recommitment to serving as a vibrant cultural home for our town.11:30am Dedication of our new HVAC system A moment of gratitude and looking ahead to a well-preserved and cool future!12:00pm Lunch &amp; Community Connection Live musical performance in the heart of the Wood, featuring singer Alice Matteson and pianist David GarridoFood and community: free lunch

Local Event: Spring into the Wood! Reopening Dedication, Performance and Free Lunch

Hartford County

Jay Kenney

Hartford Metropolitan Area

South Windsor

Connecticut

Spring into the Wood! Reopening Dedication,...

We invite you to join us on Thursday, May 21 as we come together to celebrate renewal, stewardship, and the Wood’s recommitment...

Spring into the Wood! Reopening Dedication, Performance and Free Lunch

Digital Events

Virtual Presentation!
Abraham Lincoln traveled to New England only twice. In 1848, he was an unknown “Sucker Whig” from the western frontier. In 1860, he was a political celebrity from the Lincoln-Douglas Debates.
This virtual presentation by David J. Kent takes you along for the ride as we discover how Lincoln became the man we came to know, and how Connecticut helped Lincoln become president. David’s most recent book, Lincoln in New England: In Search of His Forgotten Tours, was published in March 2026.
Get free tickets to receive the Zoom link!
This program series is generously supported by Camille and Gregory F. Servodidio.
About the speaker: David J. Kent is an Abraham Lincoln historian, former scientist, avid world traveler, and multi-book author, the most recent being Lincoln in New England: In Search of His Forgotten Tours. David is the Immediate Past President of the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia, on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Abraham Lincoln Institute, and a member of the Board of Advisors of the Lincoln Forum. He is a frequent speaker on Abraham Lincoln topics and served as Master of Ceremonies for the Lincoln Memorial Centennial program in 2022. David has won numerous awards both for his scientific work and as an Abraham Lincoln historian. His books include Lincoln: The Fire of Genius: How Abraham Lincoln’s Commitment to Science and Technology Helped Modernize America and Lincoln: The Man Who Saved America, both of which were finalists for several book awards, as well as Tesla: The Wizard of Electricity, a worldwide bestseller translated into several languages.<a href="https://eventvesta.com/events/143262/t/tickets" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">View Tickets &amp;&nbsp;More Info</a>

Local Event: Lunch and Learn – A Sucker Whig in Connecticut’s Court: Abraham Lincoln Comes to New England

Greater Hartford

Lunch and Learn – A Sucker Whig in...

Virtual Presentation!
Abraham Lincoln traveled to New England only twice. In 1848, he was an unknown “Sucker Whig” from the...

Lunch and Learn – A Sucker Whig in Connecticut’s Court: Abraham Lincoln Comes to New England

Town of Avon Senior Center

NAMI Farmington Valley Annual Meeting &amp; Speaker Presentation 
Join us for an insightful presentation with Dr. Christine Shapter, a board-certified psychiatrist whose work with the Connecticut Probate Court offers a unique perspective on the intersection of mental health care, individual rights, and the justice system.
Drawing from her real-world experience evaluating individuals with serious mental illness across Connecticut, Dr. Shapter will explore the complex challenges of balancing psychiatric needs with legal protections. This thought-provoking talk is a continuation of last year’s important conversation on this compelling topic.
Whether you are a caregiver, advocate, mental health professional, or community member interested in these issues, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 💚<h2>About our Speaker</h2>
Dr. Christine Shapter&nbsp;is a board-certified psychiatrist who has devoted her career to the Probate Court. She achieved her Medical Doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine after working many years as a registered nurse. She subsequently completed psychiatry residency from the Institute of Living in 2018. Since that time, she has been traversing the State of Connecticut on a daily basis performing evaluations for the Probate Court, navigating the intersection between the psychiatric needs and the legal rights of our state’s most seriously mentally ill and vulnerable patients.
Dr. Shapter is board-certified in Psychiatry, and is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She is an adjunct professor in the graduate nursing department at University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT. She has co-authored articles published in Psychiatric Times, Aging and Disease, and Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, and Obesity, and has given numerous presentations at national conferences. She was the winner of the Daniel F. Caruso Public Service Award in 2023, which was presented at the Connecticut Probate Assembly Annual Meeting in April. She is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law.REGISTER&nbsp;NOW!

Local Event: Navigating the Intersection of Mental Illness and the Justice System: A Psychiatrist’s Perspective

Navigating the Intersection of Mental Illness...

NAMI Farmington Valley Annual Meeting & Speaker Presentation 
Join us for an insightful presentation with Dr. Christine...

Navigating the Intersection of Mental Illness and the Justice System: A Psychiatrist’s Perspective

Cedar Hill Cemetery

Monuments attributed to James Batterson’s prolific granite company are scattered throughout Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Andrius Banevicius highlights some of the company’s most extraordinary work including the Colt, Heublein, and Keney memorials on this tour of the historic cemetery.
Admission to the program is $10.00 and free for Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation members. Advance reservations are recommended and may be made online at <a href="https://www.cedarhillfoundation.org." rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">cedarhillfoundation.org.</a>
Cedar Hill Cemetery is located at 453 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford. The walking tour begins at the flagpole at the end of the entrance drive.
No pets allowed, except for service animals.

Local Event: A Monumental Man: The Art of James Batterson 

A Monumental Man: The Art of James Batterson 

Monuments attributed to James Batterson’s prolific granite company are scattered throughout Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Andrius...

6:00pm&nbsp; Reception: free food + drinks and community connection
7:30pm Noah Baerman Jazz Trio Live jazz in the heart of the Wood! Join us for an inspiring, toe-tapping performance by Noah Baerman, a celebrated jazz pianist and composer, along with upright base and drums. 
Reserve your seat in our intimate venue!

Local Event: Spring into the Wood! Reception and Jazz Concert - Free! 

Spring into the Wood! Reception and Jazz...

6:00pm  Reception: free food + drinks and community connection
7:30pm Noah Baerman Jazz Trio Live jazz in the heart of the...

Spring into the Wood! Reception and Jazz Concert - Free! 

Connecticut Museum of Culture and History

Join us for an immersive dance workshop exploring the elegance and enduring style of Chinese classical dance, taught by choreographer Kaili Chen, founder and director of Li Garden Dance Company and a current SNEAP (Southern New England Apprenticeship Program) Mentor.
In this workshop, learn fundamental elements of Chinese classical dance, including expressive hand gestures, focused eye work and facial expression, refined walking patterns, and short movement combinations that highlight rhythm and flow. The session also introduces the historical background and distinctive aesthetics of Liyuan Dance, a classical form rooted in Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) court traditions.
Participants will also explore creativity through traditional face painting, designing their own classical-inspired makeup details such as the mei xin (forehead ornament) and dimples. The workshop includes hands-on experience wearing Han-style costumes and using flowing silk scarves (pibo) to embody grace and everyday etiquette.
Blending movement, history, fashion, and self-expression, this workshop invites participants to experience Chinese classical dance as both an art form and a way of life.
Workshop choreography is geared towards female participants ages 8 and up. Please wear a fitted top and pants. Light-colored socks required.
TICKETS $20 General Admission $15 Members Free for Member levels $150+ Cost covers all materials.
About the Artist: Kaili Chen is the founder and director of Li Garden Dance Company, a nonprofit organization established in 2017 in Stamford, Connecticut. Dedicated to preserving and sharing traditional Chinese culture.
Originally from Taiwan, she was a principal dancer and rehearsal director with the renowned Han-Tang Yuefu Music and Dance Ensemble in Taipei for over 30 years and trained extensively in Liyuan Classical Dance, a court dance tradition originating in the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), and studied martial arts at the Shaolin Temple. Her work has been presented at major international venues including Lincoln Center Theater, The Joyce Theater, Théâtre de la Ville and Théâtre National de Chaillot in Paris, and the Palace Museum in Beijing, as well as festivals such as Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival.
This program is generously supported by the Auerbach Schiro Foundation.<a href="https://eventvesta.com/events/143274/t/tickets" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">View Tickets &amp;&nbsp;More Info</a>

Local Event: The Elegance and Style of Chinese Classical Dance: Intro to Liyuan Dance with Kaili Chen

The Elegance and Style of Chinese Classical...

Join us for an immersive dance workshop exploring the elegance and enduring style of Chinese classical dance, taught by...

The Elegance and Style of Chinese Classical Dance: Intro to Liyuan Dance with Kaili Chen

Come to the Museum for a special evening edition of our popular Behind-the-Scenes tours. Celebrate 250 years of American independence with a close-up look at object highlights from our American Revolution collection. After the tour, relax with refreshments and cocktails while you do a fun themed craft and play trivia games. Perfect for date night or friend groups!
Questions? Contact Natalie Belanger, Public Programs Manager, at nbelanger@connecticutmuseum.org.
Space is limited! Get tickets to reserve your spot.
Tickets $20 General Admission $15 for Members Free for Connecticut Museum Member levels $150+<a href="https://eventvesta.com/events/145053/t/tickets" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">View Tickets &amp;&nbsp;More Info</a>

Local Event: Date Night: The American Revolution

Date Night: The American Revolution

Come to the Museum for a special evening edition of our popular Behind-the-Scenes tours. Celebrate 250 years of American...

South Congregational Church

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Hartford. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Drake at South Congregational Church under the gentle glow of candlelight.
General Info Venue: South Congregational Church Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector Duration: 60 minutes. Doors open 45 minutes before the show. No entry once it starts Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult Accessibility: this venue is ADA compliant View the FAQs for this event <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fqz4hCVNabtyw56hpfHUKVRCw-ZPUR8kbvZfmPABY9Q/pub" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">here</a> Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click <a href="https://candlelightexperience.com/groups/#groups-form" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">here</a> Check out all the <a href="https://feverup.com/en/hartford/candlelight" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Candlelight concerts</a> in Hartford To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click <a href="https://feverup.com/m/133071" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">here</a>
Tentative Program
<ul><li>Passionfruit</li><li>Marvins Room</li><li>Teenage Fever</li><li>Headlines</li><li>Take Care</li><li>Laugh Now Cry Later</li><li>God's Plan</li><li>Controlla</li><li>Fair Trade</li><li>Crew Love</li><li>Over</li><li>In My Feelings</li><li>One Dance</li><li>Hold On, We're Going Home</li></ul>
Performers
<ul><li>String Quartet</li></ul>
Seating Map
<a href="https://eventvesta.com/events/146298/t/tickets" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">View Tickets</a> &amp; More Info

Local Event: Candlelight:  Tribute to Drake

Candlelight:  Tribute to Drake

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen...

Michael Lemanski

West Hartford

Wethersfield

Newington

Rocky Hill

Windsor

Chris Dehnel

Manchester

Glastonbury

Farmington

Avon

We invite you to join us on Thursday, May 21 as we come together to celebrate renewal, stewardship, and the Wood’s recommitment to serving as a vibrant cultural home for our town.11:30am Dedication of our new HVAC system A moment of gratitude and looking ahead to a well-preserved and cool future!12:00pm Lunch &amp; Community Connection Live musical performance in the heart of the Wood, featuring singer Alice Matteson and pianist David GarridoFood and community: free lunch

Join Legacy Builders for our 2nd Annual Mothers on a Mission event, “Heels &amp; Hustle” — an empowering afternoon for women to connect, celebrate, and be poured into.
Enjoy food, vendors, games, prizes, raffles, powerful conversations, and a beautiful atmosphere centered around purpose, wealth-building, and sisterhood.
Date/Time: May 30, 2026, 3–7 PM 
Location: Woodsedge Condominium Clubhouse, Newington, CT 
Tickets: $65 General Admission | $75 VIP 
Hosted by: Legacy Builders Agents, LLC 
Website: <a href="https://www.legacybuildersus.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.legacybuildersus.com</a>

Local Event: Mother’s On A Mission: Heels & Hustle

Mother’s On A Mission: Heels & Hustle

Join Legacy Builders for our 2nd Annual Mothers on a Mission event, “Heels & Hustle” — an empowering afternoon for women to...

Town of West Hartford

The Celebrate! West Hartford&nbsp;FUNd&nbsp;RUNS&nbsp;are the most family-friendly fitness runs in the Greater Hartford region. Featuring a non-competitive Kids' K dash and a 5K race, these events have something for ages 3-83+. Held in conjunction with the Town's two-day outdoor festival, it's a great opportunity for individuals or whole families to enjoy a healthy activity together while supporting West Hartford families in need. A portion of proceeds is donated to the&nbsp;The Town That Cares&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Leisure Services Scholarship Fund&nbsp;which helps children from low-income families attend swimming lessons, camps during school vacations and other life-enhancing programs throughout the year.
- The morning starts with a non-competitive Kids' K around Blue Back Square for kids up to 10 years old with medals for all finishers. - The 5K course takes runners north through historic West Hartford Center and includes a long stretch on the scenic paved Trout Brook Trail before finishing in Blue Back Square. This course is USATF certified (#CT24001JHP). - After the race, join us for the Awards Ceremony and Refueling Reception at Town Hall (50 South Main Street) in the Festival Dining Tent. - Known for giving great rewards, prizes are awarded to the first, second, and third place 5K finishers in the male and female divisions in ten age categories: 10 and under; 11-14; 15-18; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70-79; 80+. - The overall first place male and female finishers as well as to the first place male and female from West Hartford (one per winner) receive prizes valued at at least $100. The first place male, female and over 65 finishers also get trophies. - All 5K participants can enter a drawing for raffle great prizes valued at $25+. - 5K (only) participants who register by May 22 are guaranteed a race T-shirt.<a href="https://eventvesta.com/events/143578/t/tickets" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">View Tickets &amp; More Info</a>

Local Event: Celebrate West Hartford FUNd RUNS: 5K & Kids' K

Celebrate West Hartford FUNd RUNS: 5K & Kids' K

 The Celebrate! West Hartford FUNd RUNS are the most family-friendly fitness runs in the Greater Hartford region. Featuring a...

Celebrate the start of summer at the 39th annual Celebrate! West Hartford, one of Connecticut’s most cherished community traditions. Set against the scenic backdrop of Town Hall Common, this two day festival brings together the very best of local culture, creativity, and community spirit, all made even more special this year with a commemorative America250 celebration woven into the festivities.
At the heart of the event is the renowned Arts &amp; Crafts Show, a nationally recognized, juried showcase featuring over 150 master artists and artisans from across Connecticut and the East Coast. With nearly 40,000 visitors each year, it’s a vibrant marketplace where longtime favorites meet fresh new talent! This is perfect for collectors, gift seekers, and casual browsers alike. Beyond the art, guests can enjoy a lively mix of carnival rides, family-friendly games, and a bustling food court offering everything from gourmet bites to classic festival favorites. Live musical performances from regional bands and local school jazz ensembles fill the air throughout the weekend, adding to the dynamic atmosphere.
Taking place Saturday, June 6 (10am–6pm) and Sunday, June 7 (12–6pm) at 50 South Main Street, this free event offers something for everyone and is a celebration of everything that makes West Hartford shine. On Sunday, join us for special performances from:
- 12 to 1:30 p.m: RipChord - 102nd CT Army Reserve Band is a nine-member ensemble of America’s finest civil servants playing a mix of pop, rock, funk and R&amp;B.
- 2 to 3:30 p.m: The KC Sisters Band&nbsp;– Queens of rhythm and country, this CT-based sister-quartet blend their vocal and instrumental talents to create a rootsy Americana sound.
- 4 to 6 p.m: Locomotion – This nine-piece high energy dance band is a regional favorite guaranteed to make every occasion memorable and fun.<a href="https://www.westhartfordct.gov/town-departments/leisure-services/celebrate-west-hartford" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">View Tickets</a> &amp; More InfoThis event will be on the following dates: 2026-06-06 - 10:00AM to 6:00PM 2026-06-07 - 12:00PM to 6:00PM

Local Event: Celebrate West Hartford 2026 + Arts and Crafts Show

Celebrate West Hartford 2026 + Arts and Crafts...

Celebrate the start of summer at the 39th annual Celebrate! West Hartford, one of Connecticut’s most cherished community...

Celebrate West Hartford 2026 + Arts and Crafts Show

SightMD Connecticut Enfield

At SightMD Connecticut Enfield, we are proud to provide the community with exceptional eye care close to home. Our team of experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists is committed to delivering personalized, compassionate care to patients of all ages. Whether you’re seeking routine eye exams, advanced treatment for complex eye conditions, or life-changing vision correction procedures, we are here to help you see your best. SightMD offers a wide range of services including cataract surgery, LASIK and other refractive procedures, treatment for glaucoma and retina conditions, corneal disease management, pediatric ophthalmology, oculoplastic surgery, and dry eye care. We combine state-of-the-art technology with a patient-centered approach to ensure every visit is comfortable, informative, and tailored to your unique needs. As part of the SightMD network, patients also benefit from seamless access to a trusted team of specialists across Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Our Mission: We work hard to provide an unparalleled care experience for patients with convenient access to world-class quality eye care in the convenience of their local neighborhoods, delivered by a dedicated, caring, and talented healthcare team. Our Vision: To be the greatest eye care company the world has ever seen. We look forward to welcoming you to our Enfield office and becoming your lifelong partners in eye health.

Enfield

At SightMD Connecticut Enfield, we are proud to provide the community with exceptional eye care close to home. Our team of experienced...

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South Windsor, CT|Featured Event

Spring into the Wood! Reopening Dedication, Performance and Free Lunch

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