St Patrick

Greetings and Happy St. Patrick's Day! We are warming up and on our way to spring. We've got lots of great stuff in this week's issue. See you soon!

This Week’s Weather ❄️☁️

Tue 17 — ☀️ Mostly Sunny — 35° / 19°
Wed 18 — ☁️ Mostly Cloudy — 33° / 23°
Thu 19 — 🌤️ Partly Cloudy — 41° / 30°
Fri 20 — 🌤️ Partly Cloudy — 46° / 35°
Sat 21 — 🌧️❄️ Rain/Snow Showers — 49° / 34°
Sun 22 — 🌦️ PM Showers — 42° / 24°
Mon 23 — 🌤️ Partly Cloudy — 36° / 22°

I just wanted to start by sharing this cool map I found that shows where Irish immigrants settled during the 1800s and 1900s. I know my grandparents came here from Mayo County, Ireland, on a small boat. I was actually able to find my grandmother's papers from Ellis Island, which listed her as unemployed because she was 19 years old, but her father was a tinsmith. I always found that interesting.

Here is a link to the full map.

Why go? You get a genuinely good meal from local chefs, a piece of handmade pottery, and the straightforward satisfaction of knowing your $20 fed someone in your own community who couldn't otherwise afford it. Family-friendly — kids 5 and under are free, and families cap at $50 total.

When & where? Thursday, March 19, 5–7:30 pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 837 Charles St, Torrington, CT.

Tickets? $20 general (includes bowl). $10 meal-only without a bowl. Call Marilyn at (860) 482-0356.

CLICK HERE

The correct answer to last week's question of what is the name of the stunning waterfall visited by thousands of people each year?

The Answer: KENT FALLS!

Kent Falls draws over 107,000 visitors each year.

This part of Connecticut was once made of ancient coral reefs. As the Iapetos Ocean closed when Europe and Africa moved closer, these reefs were squeezed, buried, and transformed under heat and pressure — the former coral reefs turned to marble. The alternating hard and soft layers of that marble are what create the series of cascades today.

Congrats to:

Mary, Janice, Jill, Michael, Rachel, Mariann, and Jeanne!

OK, that brings us to this week's question (no googling, please!)

In East Canaan, a massive blast furnace still stands that once drew hundreds of Irish Famine refugees, who came to lay railroad tracks and never left. At its peak, it produced some of the finest iron in New England. Today it's a state park. What is it called?

Each week, we’ll ask a question, and the winners will be announced the following week.

Just reply to this email with your answer :)

In the early 1850s, Irish immigrants in Falls Village had no church.

They gathered where they could, in homes, in a small schoolhouse, and sometimes outdoors beneath an apple tree on Beebe Hill Road, the priest traveling in to meet them.

In 1851, their community became official. St. Patrick’s Church was established as the first Catholic parish in northwest Connecticut. A small building followed a few years later.

The land was sold for one dollar.

An 1863 deed from the Falls Village Water Power Company granted a small parcel for that symbolic price, with a condition attached. It had to remain a Catholic church. If it ever ceased to be, the land would return.

Even in acceptance, there were limits.

The original building still stands today as a private home. But before there was land, before there were walls, there was a hillside, and a congregation gathered beneath a tree, making something permanent out of almost nothing.

I'm trying a new section here called travel plans. It's about places we have already visited or plan to go to soon. (Feel free to suggest some locations we should visit next. ) New Paltz is about 1.5 hours west of here in the Hudson Valley. It's also the home of the SUNY New Paltz campus.

One of the things my family and I love most is exploring the incredible Hudson Valley, a region that somehow keeps revealing new gems no matter how many times we venture out. You've likely heard of Kingston, but New Paltz deserves its own spotlight. Settled in 1678 by a small group of French Huguenot refugees fleeing religious persecution in Europe, New Paltz is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the United States. Those early settlers built stone houses along what is now Huguenot Street, many of which still stand today, making it one of the most remarkably preserved colonial streetscapes in the country.

Fast forward a few centuries, and New Paltz has grown into a vibrant, quirky college town nestled beneath the dramatic ridgeline of the Shawangunk Mountains. We stayed at a wonderful Airbnb and immediately fell in love with the place. There's something quietly electric about a college town. The energy of young people spilling out of cafés, bookshops, and restaurants gives it a liveliness that's hard to manufacture. The food and coffee scene alone is worth the trip.

No visit to the area would be complete without getting out into nature, and Minnewaska State Park Preserve in nearby Gardiner did not disappoint. Situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain Ridge, the park spans over 22,000 acres of gorgeous mountain landscapes with crystalline lakes, sheer cliffs, and dense hardwood forests. We hiked the trails and were treated to sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains in the distance, the kind of scenery that stops you in your tracks and reminds you why you live in this part of the world. We also made our way to Awosting Falls, a stunning waterfall that cascades roughly 60 to 65 feet off a sheer cliff into a large pool below. Early Bird on the Trail. It's one of those sights that photos simply cannot do justice. Truly breathtaking. Hope you get to visit!

The Ledger will always be FREE. But thank you to everyone who has donated recently. Your support means the world! We've been brainstorming ways to make supporting the Litchfield Ledger easier than ever, and we figured the best place to start was simply to ask. So, we put together a quick poll to hear what works best for you when it comes to supporting local media.

Last month, I asked the best way to support the Ledger — and many of you said the same thing: a real-life item you can hold in your hand.

Here is the first mock-up!

This is the cap you'll reach for on your way out the door. The one you grab before a hike up Mohawk Mountain, a Saturday at the Litchfield Farmers Market, a paddle down the Housatonic River, or a long wander through the White Memorial trails.

Handsome green corduroy. Soft, unstructured. Breaks in like a good trail.

Do you like the design? Let me know!

Barden Farm Market, New Hartford – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a festive Leprechaun Hunt through downtown New Hartford. Follow clues left behind by mischievous leprechauns, collect treats and prizes along the way, and finish with a goodie bag at the final stop. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM HUNT

Gunn Memorial Library, Washington – Discover the history behind surnames and family crests in this creative Makerspace workshop presented with the Gunn Museum. Explore historic crest examples from the museum’s collection and stitch your own monogrammed bookmark using the embroidery machine. Registration required; ages 18+. 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM STITCH

Armory Kitchen, Torrington – Unwind at Cups & Canvases, a guided painting class hosted by Torrington Recreation. Sip coffee, tea, or hot chocolate while creating a cheerful spring-themed canvas in this relaxed, instructor-led evening of creativity. 5:00 PM PAINT

Tarot in Thyme, Kent – Gather for Tea & Astro Tarot, a small-group reading experience exploring the energy of the Pisces New Moon. Led by Regina Olson, this intimate session blends tarot and astrology to spark reflection, conversation, and insight—no experience required and decks are provided. 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM REFLECT

Oliver Wolcott Library, Litchfield – Practice French in a fun and welcoming class led by Madame S, a certified teacher from a francophone country. Through games, cultural activities, and sweet macarons, participants will learn language basics while enjoying a lively introduction to French culture. Registration required. 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM PARLEZ

Woodbury Brewing Company, Woodbury – Enjoy a night of live Americana and folk-rock as North County Band takes the stage with special guests Bill Dempsey + The Simple Math. Expect heartfelt songwriting, rich harmonies, and an energetic live performance paired with great brews and a lively taproom atmosphere. 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM FOLK NIGHT

Belden House & Mews, Litchfield – Celebrate Litchfield Restaurant Week with a special prix-fixe menu featuring seasonal dishes and refined flavors. Enjoy a thoughtfully crafted lunch or dinner including sourdough focaccia with koji butter, entrée selections like hanger steak frites or steelhead trout, and a sweet finish of Fior Di Latte. Lunch 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Dinner 5:00 PM – 8:45 PM DINE

Empty Bowls — 16th Annual, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Torrington – A beloved community tradition where a $20 ticket gets you soups, breads, coffee, and desserts from local restaurants, plus a handmade ceramic bowl to keep. All proceeds benefit neighbors who can't afford food. Family cap at $50 total; kids 5 and under are free.

5:00–7:30 PM at 837 Charles St, Torrington, CT. EMPTY BOWLS

Steep Rock Association, New Preston – Celebrate the arrival of spring with a cozy Firepit Gathering honoring the volunteers who support Steep Rock’s conservation work. Enjoy light refreshments, warm firelight, and relaxed conversation with fellow community members and staff in this outdoor evening of appreciation. 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM GATHER

Wisdom House Retreat & Conference Center, Litchfield – Celebrate the arrival of spring with Spring Equinox: Awakening the Seeds Within, a restorative sound meditation led by Jeanine Chayka. Through crystal bowls, chimes, drums, and guided meditation, this reflective session helps clear winter’s heaviness and invite fresh energy, creativity, and intention for the season ahead. 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM ALIGN

Maitri Farm, Amenia – Join the Winter’s End Gentle Reset for Women, an intimate half-day retreat designed to help participants slow down, release stress, and gently prepare for spring. Through guided practices and discussion on nervous system balance, this restorative gathering offers tools for relaxation, reflection, and renewal in a supportive community setting. 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM WELLNESS

Hopkins Vineyard, Warren – Sip and explore during the Self-Guided Cork Hunt, a fun vineyard adventure where guests search the grounds for hidden corks to win prizes. Your ticket includes a glass of wine, plus live music, scenic views of Lake Waramaug, and a special SoNo1420 Distillery tasting on Saturday. 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM HUNT

White Hart Inn, Salisbury – Celebrate the season at the Cornwall Child Center’s annual Spring Fling Dinner & Dancing fundraiser. Enjoy dinner, drinks, live music with DJ Sam Jones, raffles, and a silent auction in an elegant evening supporting local early childhood education. 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM DANCE & DINE

Village Center for the Arts, New Milford – Gather your friends for Women, Wine, & Wheel, a fun pottery night where beginners learn to throw clay on the wheel and trim their piece during a second visit. Bring your favorite beverage and snacks as you laugh, learn, and create a handmade ceramic piece to glaze once it’s fired. 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM THROW

Litchfield Community Center, Litchfield – Enjoy a lively night of Celtic music and storytelling with The McKrells in concert. Expect rich melodies, engaging stories, and spirited rhythms in this festive evening celebrating Irish-inspired music and culture. Guests are welcome to BYOB and food for a relaxed community concert experience. 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM LISTEN

Undermountain Pantry, Canaan – Learn the art of handmade pasta in this hands-on cooking class where you’ll prepare both semolina and egg pasta from scratch. Create classic dishes like Cacio e Pepe, butternut squash ravioli, and maltagliati with quick tomato sauce before sitting down to enjoy the meal together. 11:00 AM PASTA

BES, Millerton – Discover the art of natural dyeing in Introduction to Natural Dyes, a hands-on workshop exploring vibrant plant-based colors. Participants will dye cotton handkerchiefs and napkins using materials like logwood, osage, madder root, and cochineal to create beautiful shades of purple, yellow, peach, and pink. 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM DYE

Tri Corner F.E.E.D. Market, Millerton – Learn how to make fresh ricotta with Peter Berely in this hands-on culinary workshop. Participants will discover the process of crafting ricotta at home and then transform it into a delicious dish—ricotta gnocchi. 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM COOK

Create Escape Studio, New Milford – Design your own Fused Glass Butterfly Votives in this hands-on glass art workshop. Learn to cut and arrange colorful glass pieces, decorate with frit and glass dots, and create a beautiful butterfly-inspired votive holder that will be kiln-fired and ready for pickup later. 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM FUSE

Norbrook Farm Brewery, Colebrook – Enjoy a lively afternoon of live music with The Decker Bandits performing at the brewery. Grab a craft beer, relax with friends, and soak in the upbeat tunes in Norbrook’s scenic farm setting. 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM JAM

Litchfield Community Center, Litchfield – Roots of Wonder is a nature-based enrichment program for children ages 3–5 that encourages curiosity, creativity, and exploration through outdoor play and hands-on learning. Led by environmental educator Katie P, this engaging session helps young learners build connection and appreciation for the natural world. 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM EXPLORE

The Litchfield Ledger is free, independent, and community-run.
If you’re able to chip in, your support keeps it going—and keeps local stories alive.
Thank you,
Patrick