New: Lunch and Learn! Please join us for "At the Table", a Lunch and Learn Feature with special host Rachel Lenda, Director of Tourism at the State of Connecticut Tourism Office. Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Brickside Pizza in Ivoryton starting at noon with speaker at 12:30 pm Reserve your spot HERE. Members are $20 and Non-Members are $30
Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisans Store presents its annual Focus on Fall exhibition, which opened on September 18 and will continue through Saturday, November 7. The annual autumn exhibit brings together fine art and handcrafted work inspired by the colors, textures, atmosphere, and natural transformations of the fall in New England. Through painting, mixed media, photography, sculpture, fine craft, and seasonal artisan pieces, artists explore autumn’s changing foliage, landscapes, light, weather, wildlife, and harvest imagery—from brilliant color and abundance to the quieter transition toward winter. The gallery offers an ideal introduction to the exhibition for longtime collectors, visitors searching for an original seasonal piece or gift, and those who want to experience art reflecting the landscape and atmosphere of the fall season. As always, Spectrum’s Artisans Store offers new pottery, glass, fiber, home décor, jewelry, clothing, and accessories, as well as children’s books and toys. Spectrum Art Gallery is located at 61 Main St., Centerbrook, Connecticut. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information about gallery exhibits, and classes and workshops for adults, teens, and children, call (860) 767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org. Shop online at SpectrumAnytime.com with shipping available […]
The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com
Register for this virtual program HERE. Is having a trust in your estate plan the best option for you? In this session, estate planning and elder law attorney Erin Duques of Daly Perri Arnold & Knierim in Madison, will demystify trusts and explain why a trust may – or may not - be suitable for you and why. First, you’ll learn about some of the most common types of trusts and the purpose and benefits of each, such as protecting assets, avoiding probate, minimizing taxes, and keeping public benefits for a loved one with special needs. Whether you are new to trusts or even understand them well, you’ll walk away understanding how and when to use these powerful planning tools to your advantage. This Essex Library Association program is free and open to the public. Registration is required for all virtual programs.
Register and ask questions of the author here Grab a pocketful of change and get ready to dance down the street! Join us for an energetic conversation as we celebrate the joy of community and summer fun with Latin GRAMMY-winning musician Lucky Diaz, author of the sensational bilingual picture book, Paletero Man. What’s the best way to cool off on a hot summer day? Run quick and find Paletero José! Follow along with our narrator as he passes through his busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he finally catches up with him, our narrator’s pockets are empty. Oh no! What happened to his dinero? It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now. Inspired by the vibrant rhythms of Los Angeles and Diaz’s own hit song, this beautiful story invites readers into a sun-drenched neighborhood where the ring of a bell means the best treat of the day is just around the corner. Register today and discover how we can all bring a little more sweetness and community spirit into our daily lives! Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required, see above link.