Explore the Wonders of Wood Creek Pond in Norfolk, Connecticut

Wood Creek Pond located in Norfolk Connecticut is a hidden gem that offers year-round recreation. The shoreline of Wood Creek Pond is lined with a mixture of hardwood and evergreen trees that are punctuated with Mountain Laurel, the showy powder-pink blossom that is the State Flower that blooms in May and June. Reaching the pond, the only sounds you will hear come from your surroundings. A turtle basks in the sun on a rock, a chipmunk darts among the thickets near the shoreline, a majestic Great Blue Heron stalks fish in the shallows, and a chorus of birds serenade you, this is nature at its best.

Wood Creek Pond is considered to be a birding hot spot in Connecticut where more than 103 species have been observed including Bald Eagles, Broad-winged Hawks, and Red -Tail Hawks. There are common sightings of Red-winged Blackbirds, American Redstart, Yellow Warblers, Canada Geese, Mallards, Barn Swallows, Black-throated Green Warblers, Cedar Waxwing, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Common Merganser, among many others. How amazing is that! The most rewarding thing about birding at Wood Creek Pond is that you never know what might fly by — get your camera ready!

Wood Creek Pond is small enough to explore by paddling in a couple of hours. The water is clean and cold, and so clear that most of the time you can see right down to the bottom and watch as fish frolic – think of it as an all-natural aquarium! Paddling is a good way to get up close to see things that you wouldn’t see otherwise. You may catch a glimpse of a muskrat or beavers “literally” busy constructing their dams. There are vast patches of water lilies and old tree stumps that rise out of the shallow water. Some say, that the shapes of these stumps are so interesting, that they have imagined that it is something that a fairy or water spirit might have built as a castle… and looking around, you really can’t blame them, it’s just beautiful here.

For fishermen, Wood Creek Pond is paradise. Its cold spring water is teaming with Large Mouth Bass, Brown Bullheads, Yellow Perch, Chain Pickerel, and Blue Gills that love to hide under the lily pads. There is some shoreline fly-fishing, but canoeing is the way to explore this pond. Much of it is quite shallow although there is a deep channel between the islands once you clear the boat launch area. For information on fishing licenses including one-day fishing licenses click here If you need to launch a canoe, Wood Creek Pond has a small boat launch on 428 Ashpohtag Road, minutes from Husky Meadows Farm.

Wood Creek Pond offers something special every season. During the spring watch nature renew with ephemeral flowers and the first green leaves of the season. Summer is bountiful and ideal for bird watching, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Autumn is simply spectacular with the fall colors reflected in the pond’s clear waters. Winter is energetic thinking of the days to come with its textured white and the ice that forms on the pond making it perfect for ice fishing and skating

Liz Callaway to perform Broadway Rhapsody on July 1 with Sherman Chamber Ensemble in New Milford

The Sherman Chamber Ensemble announces a special event that music lovers won’t want to miss! This unique concert will showcase the cultural richness and diversity of American music, bringing together two of the most beloved genres – the timeless melodies of Broadway tunes and the iconic sounds of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue – in a stunning performance. It will be an unforgettable evening.

BROADWAY RHAPSODY, a night filled with iconic and timeless Broadway hits featuring the incredible Liz Callaway will take place on Saturday, July 1 at 7 pm at the Maguire Auditorium at Canterbury School in New Milford.

The Ensemble’s Executive Director Liba Furhman said, “Get ready for an evening of unbeatable music! Liz is a superstar, and has a unique ability to captivate the audience and make them feel like they are a part of the experience.”

In addition, Furhman said that following the performance, audience members can “go down the hill from Canterbury and enjoy the fireworks in downtown New Milford to top off the night!”

Callaway is an award-winning actress, singer, and recording artist, who has graced Broadway stages in Miss Saigon, Cats, and Baby. She is well-known as the singing voice of Kiara in The Lion King II, Princess Jasmine in the Aladdin sequels, and Anya in the Oscar-nominated film Anastasia.

Callaway has an international following and is in demand, traveling extensively from coast to coast. Her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence is drawing in crowds and leaving them wanting more.

The concert will showcase George Gershwin’s masterpiece, Rhapsody in Blue from the Jazz Age of the 1920’s – one of the most recognizable and beloved compositions. The Ensemble is excited to give their audience the opportunity to experience noted pianist Ted Rosenthal’s unique take on its timeless magic.

Joining Callaway and Rosenthal are Susan Rotholz (flute), Michael Roth and Jane Chung (violin), Sarah Adams (viola), David Bailen (double bass) and Artistic Director Eliot Bailen (cello). Together, they’ll transport you to the world of Broadway with their renditions of some of the most beloved songs of all time.

General Admission tickets are $45, and include an After Concert Toast. Children ages 15 and under are admitted free.

In addition, premium tiers of seating including Patron and Maestro, start at $125 and $250 respectively and include Reserved Seating and a Pre-Concert Celebration, kicking off at 6 pm.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.SCEmusic.org. General Admission tickets will be available at the door. For information or reservations call 860-355-5930 or email info@SCEmusic.org.

Beethoven’s contributions to classical music are immeasurable, and his legacy is still felt today. The Ensemble will showcase some of his greatest works at a pre-season “All Beethoven” concert on Saturday, June 17, 7:30 pm at the JCC in Sherman. The program includes a Duet with Two Eyeglasses for viola and cello, Serenade for flute, violin and viola, and Trio in C Minor, Op. 9 No. 3. Performers are Susan Rotholz on flute, Doori Na on violin, Sarah Adams on viola, and Eliot Bailen on cello.

On August 11 at St. Andrews Church in Kent, and August 12 at the JCC in Sherman, at 7:30, the Ensemble will present “Lullabies and Dreams.” The program includes Lullaby for String Quartet by George Gershwin, Lyric for Strings, by George Walker, Quintet in A Major, Op. 51 For flute, violin, two violas and cello, by Friedrich Kulau and String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10, by Claude Debussy. Featuring Susan Rotholz (flute), Doori Na (violin), Lis Perry (violin), Richard Wolfe (viola), Eliot Bailen (cello)

The summer season ends with “Gone Fishing” on Friday, September 1, at St Andrew’s Church in Kent and Saturday, September 2, at the Lake Mauweehoo Club, at 7:30 pm. Selected works include Five Pieces for flute, violin and piano by Dmitri Shostakovich, A Fish Will Rise for flute, clarinet and piano by Chris Rogerson, Techno Parade for flute, clarinet and piano by Guillaume Connesson and Trout Quintet in A Major, D-667 by Franz Schubert. Performers are Susan Rotholz (flute), Alan Kay (clarinet), Doori Na (violin), Margaret Kampmeier (piano), Sarah Adams (viola), Eliot Bailen (cello), Peter Weitzner (bass)

Tickets for these concerts are $25 and children ages 15 and under are admitted free. A three-concert subscription is also available. To download the complete season schedule and purchase tickets, visit http://www.SCEmusic.org.

ABOUT THE SHERMAN CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
World Class Music, Close to Home
Founded in 1982 by cellist Eliot Bailen, Artistic Director, and flutist Susan Rotholz, the Sherman Chamber Ensemble offers a year-round schedule of performances for all ages at venues in Connecticut and New York.

Guided by its mission to bring world class musicians to our communities and schools to perform a diverse range of music with an approach that is intimate and inclusive, the SCE has been described by The New York Times as “about as close as it gets to the Platonic ideal of a chamber music concert.”

SCE’s music spans from Baroque to contemporary classics, including a summer chamber music series, educational activities and a year-round slate of musical events showcasing the best of live musical performance, from classical to bluegrass to jazz – plus children’s and family concerts, school residencies and pop/rock coffeehouses.

In addition to concert subscription and ticket sales, support comes from private foundations, local businesses and many generous individual donors as well as the State of Connecticut Department of Community and Economic Development Office of the Arts, from CT Humanities and from the NW CT Arts Council.

Litchfield Road Race Sunday, June 11

Road Race Weekend is here! Always held the second weekend in June, the 46th Litchfield Hills Road Race begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, with the awards ceremony taking place on the Green at approximately 2:45 p.m.

Road Race Weekend is also jam-packed with lots of other events and activities that will delight non-runners, including Connecticut Open House Day, when several Litchfield attractions/destinations are doing something special.

Pro Tip: As you plan your agenda, pick up a free road race program book at lots of venues in town, including Ace of Litchfield, the Litchfield Post Office, Litchfield Hills Fitness, and the restaurants on the Green. It has details on children’s races, a race map, parking info, and more. Also, be sure to follow @litchfieldhillsroadrace on Instagram and watch the www.lhrr.com website for up-to-date details.

What’s Happening and When

Road Race Weekend festivities kick into high gear on Saturday, and the Connecticut Open House Day events also taking place in town will bring added appeal and energy.
There will be not one but two art shows on the Green, including the Litchfield Makers Market on the north side of the Green from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The annual Grill Days event at Ace of Litchfield takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with grilling demos, food samples, a free grill giveaway, and more.

The Block Party in Litchfield Center, featuring The Tradesmen playing Rock, Blues, Country, and classics, is 7 to 10 p.m. It’s sponsored by the Town of Litchfield CT Parks and Rec department.

Sunday: It’s Race Day

Best Places to Watch the Race:
The start/finish line on West Street next to the Green is a prime spot for spectators. There you can also catch the various children’s races that start at noon and continue through about 1:16 pm. Other prime spots include alongside St. Anthony Cemetery on Whites Woods Road; the stretch has been dubbed “microwave mile” and runners pass by twice. The corner of Constitution & Whites Woods Road adjacent to the cemetery is another great spot and there will even be a band playing there. Gallows Lane, the grueling hill and big test for runners near the end of the course, is also a great spot. (Here’s a list of other bands and their locations.)

Where to Park:

Page 31 of the road race program has a map showing these recommended parking locations: Center School, Community Field, the Congregational Church, Litchfield Fire Department, St. Anthony’s Church, the Town Garage, Litchfield Town Hall, and lot behind Union Savings Bank. There is also parking in the municipal lot behind the West Street shops and restaurants, but given that road will be closed, it works for those who plan to arrive early, by 10:30, and linger after the race, leaving around 3:30 or later.

When to Arrive:

Roads in Litchfield center and elsewhere affected by the route of the race close at 11 a.m., so plan to arrive and park by around 10:45.

After the Race:

Restaurants and shops in Litchfield Center are typically open on race day, and some even have special menus. So come early for coffee and breakfast, and stay after the race to shop, stroll, and dine.