New Milford Chamber of Commerce

Sunday Speaker Series: Sometimes I Think I Suck: A Conversation About Self-Criticism, Confidence, and Finding More Ease
2025-09-14 09:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | JCC in Sherman, 9 Route 39 South, Sherman, CT
Join author and life coach Tal Fagin for an engaging conversation about the harsh inner voice that plagues so many of us—and how to quiet it. Drawing from her book Sometimes I Think I Suck, Tal will share simple, actionable strategies for breaking free from self-criticism and embracing a more compassionate, confident way of being.
About the Author/Speaker:
Tal Fagin is a certified life coach and former attorney who helps people develop greater self-awareness, confidence, balance, and ease. Her coaching work and her book, Sometimes I Think I Suck: Life-Changing Strategies for Self-Critical People, are grounded in science, compassion, and lived experience. Tal lives in Washington, CT with her husband, three children, and their Golden Retriever.
Books will be available for purchase and signing the day of the event.

Gilmore Girls - Inspired Yarn Bowls
2025-09-14 12:00 - 14:00 | Create Escape Studio, 143 West Street - Unit U, New Milford, CT, 06776, United States
Life’s short, so knit fast! Uplevel your knitting game by creating your very own ceramic yarn bowl.
Enjoy an afternoon relaxing with friends, or making new ones while painting ceramics. Incorporate Gilmore Girls-inspired designs, or decorate in the style of your choice to create a unique and useful yarn bowl. Our talented staff will provide instructions on glazing and offer guidance to help you create a lovely yarn bowl. Refreshments are welcome.
Fees: $36 per person
Includes bowl, glazing materials, and firing fee.* * We are happy to ship your finished & fired pieces to you for an additional fee.

Educational program – topic, date, time and location TBA
2025-09-15 03:00 - 04:00 | CT
Check back for program name, confirmation of date and time, and location.

Raptor Migration Watch @ Deer Pond Farm
2025-09-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Deer Pond Nature Preserve, 57 Wakeman Hill Rd., Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Birds of prey are on the move! Hawks, vultures, falcons, and eagles will be heading south to their wintering grounds. Join us for this FREE event anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 PM as we watch the skies for migrating raptors at Deer Pond Farm! Our main campus at 1,200 feet elevation is the perfect perch to catch the action. Lori Lichtenauer, Sanctuary Manager/Naturalist, will be set up on our teaching terrace with a spotting scope, extra binoculars and raptor ID resources. Come enjoy the view with us! This program meets at 57 Wakeman Hill Rd., Sherman, CT 06784
To register for the Raptor Migration Watch, visit https://www.ctaudubon.org/2025/07/register-raptor-migration-watch-2/

Singing Workshop with Laurie MacAllister of Red Molly
2025-09-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Merryall Center, 8 Chapel Hill Road, New Milford, CT, 06776
Laurie MacAllister of Red Molly
Singing Workshop: “The Authentic, Believable Singer”
Genuine honest singing, from the heart, has the power to captivate listeners and leave them wanting more. This course will help you increase the believability of your voice and have a greater impact on your audience. The very best performances are ones that move a listener emotionally. In this class, we’ll explore a wide variety of things that will allow you to achieve greater authenticity in your vocals, including deeply inhabiting your material, creating a strong connection to your audience, and clearly enunciating your lyrics, so that you are fully understood. We’ll also look at how intentional variety in phrasing, and intentional variety in volume (dynamics) can increase the power of your delivery. We’ll look at stage fright and how to overcome it, in order to sing your very best. We’ll get creative with our vocals, purposely altering melodies to add sparkle and interest. And we’ll hit on important concepts like the power of regular practice, and the critical importance of health. I’ll sing for you, to illustrate skills and concepts, and will also ask for a few volunteers, so that you can learn from other students as they try out new things. The environment will be warm and supportive, judgment-free, and focused on improvement and growth. You’ll leave this class a better singer than when you walked in!

MADZ Muzic
2025-09-20 15:00 - 17:00 | JCC in Sherman, 9 Route 39 South, Sherman, CT
Easy listening, fun covers. Covering all genres and decades!
Madeline has been singing for as long as she can remember. She grew up in Kells, Co. Meath, Ireland in a pub, listening to all sorts of musicians. Her father loved performing in theatre and choir and her mother was a classical piano player, partial to jazz music. Her grandma taught her piano from an early age and she can’t ever remember a day not singing! She has spent years in a choir, which is great training and most memorably, taken lessons from professors at Sacred Heart University, which was so meaningful to her. Currently, MADZ enjoys a jazz acoustic sound with the amazing Phil Forbes on guitar.

Laurie MacAllister of Red Molly
2025-09-20 15:30 - 17:30 | Merryall Center, 8 Chapel Hill Road, New Milford, CT, 06776
SOLO DEBUT TOUR
Laurie MacAllister co-founded the beloved Americana trio Red Molly, which released seven acclaimed albums and toured both the U.S. and internationally, including appearances at MerleFest, Cayamo, and Boston Symphony Hall. jingle for a national TV commercial.
In 2024 Laurie MacAllister embarked on an exciting new chapter, launching a solo career with a sold-out performance at the legendary Club Passim.
Her 2018 solo album “The Lies the Poets Tell” is a heartfelt tribute to the contemporary folk music scene, celebrating a handful of its best songs and songwriters. It features duets with six male artists, including the late Americana master Jimmy LaFave. SiriusXM praised the album as “Defining. A curated collection packed with emotional vibrancy.”
Laurie’s earlier solo album “The Things I Choose To Do” was produced by folk luminary Cliff Eberhardt and was first released independently. Hearing it, Barnes & Noble re-released it as an exclusive on their label, saying, “MacAllister wholly inhabits these songs as subtly as a chameleon, convincingly taking on the persona’s skin, quite simply singing her heart out.”

a Studio Affair
2025-09-20 18:30 - 22:00 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
a Studio Affair
Saturday, September 20th
6:30-10:00 PM
Ages 21+
Do you have a craving to unleash your creativity but aren’t sure where to start? Well, look no further! We aim to create a vibrant space for our community to gather, socialize with friends, and even make new ones. Our focus is on inclusivity and fostering creativity.
If you’re already working on a masterpiece, feel free to bring it along to work on. You don’t have to be a professional artist to join in; all you need is the passion to create. Just bring your enthusiasm!
Guests are welcome to bring along their own projects, or simply explore the creative materials we’ll have available, including watercolors, pastels, oil pastels, magazines, and beautiful paper. No prior experience is required—just a passion for creating.
Spread the word, invite your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable experience! Plus, if you’re feeling thirsty, don’t forget to BYOB.
This is a free community event.
Located at 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT
villagecenterarts.org

Gogh to the Pumpkin Patch - Canvas Painting workshop
2025-09-21 01:00 - 15:00 | Create Escape Studio, 143 West Street - Unit U, New Milford, CT, 06776, United States
Create a Rustic Van Gogh-Inspired Pumpkins & Sunflowers Canvas
during this 3-Part Workshop
Capture the golden warmth of fall with bold brushstrokes and swirling color in this rustic painting workshop inspired by the style of Vincent van Gogh.
In this three-week workshop, our instructor will guide you step-by-step through the steps to create this vibrant autumn scene featuring abstracted pumpkins and sunflowers—brought to life with expressive texture, rich color, and that unmistakable Van Gogh flair. Learn new painting techniques in each session as you create this lovely design. No experience needed—just a love of the season and a willingness to play with paint!
Perfect for fall décor or a creative evening out with friends. All materials provided. Reservations are required to secure your spot and supplies.
$85 per person,
Ages 12+
Refreshments are welcome

Chamber Members Breakfast Networking
2025-09-23 04:00 - 05:00 | The Maxx, 94 Railroad Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Members Only Speed Networking & Breakfast Presented by the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce
Monday, September 23 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM The MAXX – 94 Railroad Street, New Milford, CT
Start your week off strong with a fun and focused members-only networking event!
Enjoy a light breakfast and take part in speed networking, where each attendee will have a quick moment to introduce themselves, pitch their business, and make meaningful connections in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Bring your business cards! Build relationships, expand your network, and boost your visibility — all before 9 AM!
This event is exclusively for Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce members.
Space is limited – RSVP today!

Foliage & Feathers (Class & Walk) at Deer Pond Farm
2025-09-27 06:00 - 08:00 | Deer Pond Nature Preserve, 57 Wakeman Hill Rd., Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Get ready for fall foliage season. The study of seasonal change is called phenology. Autumn is a great time to learn about how light, temperature, soil moisture, and species impact the timing and intensity of autumn tree colors. Deer Pond Farm Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer will also review the many variables of bird feather molting over the seasons. After a short classroom session, we’ll head outside for a bird and nature walk to observe how environmental conditions are influencing this year’s leaf color display. This program meets at 57 Wakeman Hill Rd., Sherman, CT 06784
$5 members, $10 non-members
To register for the Foliage & Feathers Class & Walk, visit https://www.ctaudubon.org/2025/07/register-foliage-feathers-class-walk/

Pinch Pot Pumpkins & Ghosts - clay workshop for all ages!
2025-09-27 12:00 - 14:00 | Create Escape Studio, 143 West Street - Unit U, New Milford, CT, 06776, United States
Hand-Building with Clay: Pinch Pot Pumpkin & Ghost Workshop.
Learn how to turn a ball of clay into a beautiful ceramic pumpkin to be cherished for years.
Ages 3 – 100
$28 per person
The price includes guided instruction, materials, and firings for one pumpkin and one small ghost.
Additional clay for more pieces can be purchased at the workshop.
*Note pumpkins must dry completely before firing; they will be ready for glazing mid-October

Mike Latini - Mike & The Mysteries Ride Again Concert
2025-09-27 15:00 - 17:00 | JCC in Sherman, 9 Route 39 South, Sherman, CT
MIKE LATINI developed his musical style in New York City and Boston, performing in rock bands and singer song-writer venues throughout the Northeast for years. His immediately accessible music, engaging performance style, and unique lyrical perspective help him ride the rails from the sublime to the ridiculous, and make all the stops in between. Mike has recently been playing in clubs and on concert stages in the New York, New Jersey, New England area, with occasional forays into the heartland. His five studio albums are available on most internet platforms, and a sixth -“In The Aftermath”- is currently in production.
“THE MYSTERIES” – (Dan Bonis, Tom Durante, Jim Nowak and Dave Wonsey) are an excellent ad hoc association of fine musical friends and the perfect support for Mike’s eclectic musical offerings.

Michael Ford: Contemporary Piano
2025-09-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Merryall Center, 8 Chapel Hill Road, New Milford, CT, 06776
Michael Ford’s compositional and improvisational style draws on many influences, but it is rooted in a classical music aesthetic that stems from a life dedicated to the piano.
Ford describe his music as having hints of impressionism, progressive rock, jazz and Americana. He loves a good melody and enjoys rhythmic explorations. His music ranges from sadness to jubilant.
Music critics and fellow musicians have said this about his music and piano works,

“His music drifts from the darkness of intimate dream-like visions quickly into the bright sunlight of vivacious perpetual motion works.”
“Michael Ford has this rare ability to transport listeners to deep emotional places with his music. It is rich with color and movement, and we travel alongside every note.”
“His music is very uplifting, inspiring and emotional.”

YardScapes 20th Annual Quad-Am Golf Classic
2025-09-29 - 2025-09-30 | Bull’s Bridge Golf Club, 71 Bull's Bridge Rd, South kent, 06785
The Annual YardScapes Quad-Am Golf Classic has, to-date, raised $145,000 for local non-profit organizations and last year we presented a $8,000 check to Pratt Nature Center. Player registration has SOLD OUT in record time for another consecutive year and we are now seeking event sponsors and donations to the silent auction and raffle.
Once again, the tournament will benefit Pratt Nature Center, a (501c3) 205-acre wildlife preserve and environmental education center in New Milford, CT. They boast a fantastic nature-based school program, outdoor Pre-K/K Nature School, summer camp, and a variety of programs throughout the year for all ages. Complete information can be found on their website www.prattcenter.org
The YardScapes Quad-Am Golf Classic has grown into an exclusive event and this tournament is a great way to get your name, goods, and services directly in front of our very generous golfers, clients, and social media followers.
Visit www.YardScapesLandscape.com/golf for complete information.

Coffee Talk
2025-10-02 10:00 - 11:00 | New Milford Public Library, 24 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Join NMPL’s Amy and Laura as they review new books–hot off the presses!

Fall Leaves Zentangle
2025-10-02 13:00 - 14:00 | New Milford Public Library, 24 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Relax and zentangle your way to beautiful autumn leaves!

First Friday Hike @ Deer Pond Farm in Sherman
2025-10-03 06:00 - 08:00 | Deer Pond Nature Preserve, 57 Wakeman Hill Rd., Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Join us for the First Friday Hike led by our dedicated volunteer guides. We’ll explore the trails together and enjoy the sights and sounds of early fall. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors and connect with nature. To register for the October First Friday Hike, visit https://www.ctaudubon.org/2025/07/register-october-first-friday-hike/

Poetry Showcase: Season Of The Witch
2025-10-03 19:00 - 21:30 | JCC in Sherman, 9 Route 39 South, Sherman, CT
A spooky evening of Poetry and mystical vibes…
Live Music
Featured Poet Readings
Open Mic Poetry
& More
Featured Poet/Musician Duos:
Cindy Davis & Mike Latini
Sandy Carlson & Bernie Kaplan
Amber & Chris Vlangas
Sam Cross & Mike Latini
Join us at the JCC for a night made for the spooky season poetry lover! Bring along your best autumn, mystical, or spooky themed poetry to share during the open mic portion of the event!
Tickets: $5 per person
Wear a costume and get FREE ENTRY
BYOB – Bring Your Own Beverage or Snacks!
Some Refreshments Provided

Poetry Showcase: Season Of The Witch
2025-10-03 19:00 - 21:30 | JCC in Sherman, 9 Route 39 South, Sherman, CT
A spooky evening of Poetry and mystical vibes…
Live Music
Featured Poet Readings
Open Mic Poetry
& More
Featured Poet/Musician Duos:
Cindy Davis & Mike Latini
Sandy Carlson & Bernie Kaplan
Amber & Chris Vlangas
Sam Cross & Mike Latini
Join us at the JCC for a night made for the spooky season poetry lover! Bring along your best autumn, mystical, or spooky themed poetry to share during the open mic portion of the event!
Tickets: $5 per person
Wear a costume and get FREE ENTRY
BYOB – Bring Your Own Beverage or Snacks!
Some Refreshments Provided

Sign Up:

www.jccinsherman.org
860-355-8050

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The Poetry Showcase: Season of the Witch
2025-10-03 19:00 - 21:30 | JCC in Sherman, 9 Route 39 South, Sherman, CT

Fire Prevention Day
2025-10-04 10:00 - 14:00 | John Pettibone Community Center, 2 Pickett District Road, New Milford, CT, 06776
Fire Prevention Day will feature local and area fire departments and other public safety professionals with the goal of broadening public education related to fire safety. Participation is FREE for the public and fire departments to attend, display apparatus and conduct a demonstration.
There will be live demonstrations, food vendors, games, face painting, local vendors and friendly competition with muster events including:
• Deadman Drag
• Barrel Chase
• Midnight Drill
• Tug of war
The only fee associated with the event is for fire department team registration in the muster events. There is a registration fee of $100 for each team of 4. Call 860-355-6099 or email firemarshal@newmilfordct.gov with questions.

Clay Play
2025-10-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Village Center for the Arts, 12 Main Street, New Milford, CT, 06776
Clay Play
Saturday: October 4th or November 8th
1:00 – 3:00PM
Grab your friends and have fun with clay! This class is for all ages!
(7 and under can sit on parents lap)
This is your chance to try the pottery wheel and get your hands in some clay.
We show you how, then you get on the wheel right away. This class is perfect for all ages—little ones are welcome to sit on their parent’s lap and join the fun.$50 ea.
Each date is the start of a new class.
Pre-registration is required.
Needs a minimum of 4 people to run this class.
Village Center for the Arts
12 Main Street, New Milford, CT
(860) 354-4318
https://www.villagecenterarts.org/eventscalendar

Expressing Motherhood
2025-10-04 13:30 - 15:30 | Merryall Center, 8 Chapel Hill Road, New Milford, CT, 06776
Expressing Motherhood is a gathering of voices and stories all about the journey of motherhood. Since 2008 #ExMoShow has showcased women (and men) sharing their personal stories on stage. Initially created and produced in Los Angeles by “two moms who had never done anything like it before.” Since, Expressing Motherhood has been taken on the road to an Off-Off-Broadway theater in New York City and to numerous other cities from Boston to Tacoma.
The Merryall Center is thrilled to be its next stop in bringing these stories to our stage for our Litchfield County community. It’s an opportunity to share with one another in spoken word, monologue, skit, or song all the nuances and experiences that are forever attached to motherhood.

2025-10-04 16:00 - 18:00 | RiverFest at Young’s Field
New Milford River Run 5K & Kids’ Superhero Sprint – Benefiting The Ostomy Foundation Saturday, October 4 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Young’s Field, New Milford, CT Held during New Milford RiverFest
Lace up and join us for the 5th Annual New Milford River Run 5K!Support The Ostomy Foundation, enjoy the beautiful Housatonic River views, and challenge yourself on a fast, flat, USATF-certified course (CT18028JHP) — ideal for runners aiming for a PR and walkers looking to move for a cause.
5K starts at 4:30 PM Walkers welcome! Medals and prizes awarded on the main stage at 5:45 PM Stick around or show up early for RiverFest’s live music, food trucks & festivities!
Kids’ Superhero Sprint – Starts at 4:00 PMA fun and festive dash for kids 10 & under with medals, treat bags, and prizes for our little heroes! Just $5 per child – Costumes encouraged!
REGISTER BELOW NOWEarly sign-up encouraged – spots fill fast!
Professionally timed by iRunCT All proceeds benefit The Ostomy Foundation, supporting ostomates, educational programs and raising awareness nationwide.
Bring your energy, your friends, and your capes – it’s a race for a cause and a day of celebration you don’t want to miss!

Mallas & Coombe - Live Music
2025-10-04 19:00 - 21:00 | JCC in Sherman, 9 Route 39 South, Sherman, CT
An evening of original music featuring songs from both of their new albums, Louise’s titled “Paris” and George’s titled, “Within These Walls”
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Louise Coombe grew up in McEwen, TN on a cattle farm – riding horses and writing poetry. She began writing songs after college while working in TV/radio in Knoxville. Louise started writing songs about the South – what she knew and where she grew up. In 2008, she began working on a new album eventually to be called “Home” because she’d come full circle in her “voice” as a writer. The album was a mix of bluegrass, country and folk and as she weaved in lush stories and songs about southern life.She ended up winning top awards at Kerrville Folk Festival, Wildflower! Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival. “Home” debuted at #1 on the Folk DJ charts in January 2010 and went on to be one of the most played albums that year for that chart. In 2014 she released her second album, ‘Lay it Down.’ An album of love, loss and surrender and produced by Cliff Eberhardt.
George Mallas is a Singer/Songwriter based in North Salem, NY. Having been a student of the piano since age 6, the instrument is a natural extension of who he is. His experiences in life, love and family have profoundly inspired his songs, his style, and his passion for playing.George was influenced by some of the great singer/songwriters of his youth, namely Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Jackson Browne, James Taylor and Cat Stevens. His songwriting started at this time during his early teen years. After a hiatus from writing while his two sons were young, George has recorded 4 full length albums of original music since 2015 and is excited to share a sneak peek of his fourth and newest album titled ‘Within These Walls.’ George writes of love, longing and redemption amongst other subjects. George has graced the stages of The Bitter End, The Towne Crier, Uncle Cheefs and Cafe Lena to name a few. His melodic piano based songs touch the heart strings.
Sign Up:

www.jccinsherman.org
860-355-8050

Fall Photo Walk at Deer Pond Farm
2025-10-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Deer Pond Nature Preserve, 57 Wakeman Hill Rd., Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Learn how to capture nature’s beauty with photography tips on composition and technique with local photographer Christy Bonaiuto. This fun and confident beginner-friendly photo walk through the stunning fall foliage at Deer Pond Farm is perfect for all skill levels. Just bring your camera or smartphone and a love for the outdoors! To register for the Fall Photo Walk visit, https://www.ctaudubon.org/2025/07/register-fall-photo-walk/
