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Upcoming Early Spring Events

Welcome Spring!

With the arrival of Spring our nonprofit organizations have a full schedule of activities for Vernon. To help you plan your Spring this newsletter highlights nine events taking place locally through early May. Upcoming events include an interesting variety with music, a play, book sale and holistic health fair, plus programs on raptors, recovering a Civil War diary, and the Tankerhoosen River. A second newsletter next month will cover May and June.

A complete list of 2023 events are listed on the Vernon Volunteers' Collaborative Events page. Also check the Vernon Town Calendar.

Most of the organizations sponsoring these events are members of the Vernon Volunteers' Collaborative (VVC). You can learn more about VVC on their website. Check organizers' websites for any last minute changes.

This is just a sampling of what Vernon has to offer. We hope you'll take advantage of these activities to get to know your town a little better. To help you do this the Rockville Public Library is hosting our first Vernon Community Meet & Greet on April 27.

If you would like advance notice by email of this type of event please join our MeetUp Group. We also send reminders of these events on our Facebook Page.

Click on images for a larger view.

» Go to The Tankerhoosen website.

Jon Roe   


The Vernon Chorale's 'The Vocal Spectrum'

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 7:30 P.M.: The Vernon Chorale revels in various vocal genres showcasing the ability of the human voice. From the classical to the contemporary, sea shanties to movie soundtracks, and folk music to just pure fun, join them for an entertaining night of eclectic music from across the vocal spectrum.

The Vernon Chorale was established in 1980 to offer residents of Vernon and the greater Tri-Town area an opportunity to participate in a community chorus that prepares and performs a wide variety of choral music.

This concert will be held at the First Congregational Church of Vernon, 695 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students.

The Vernon Chorale's last concert of the season, "A Chorale Tapestry" is Saturday, June 3 at St. John's Episcopal Church.

» Learn more.


Reconstructing the Lost Diary of a Civil War Soldier

THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 7:30 P.M.: The New England Civil War Museum (NECWM) hosts a program by Museum Director MATTHEW REARDON titled, "Preserved For History: Reconstructing the Lost Diary of Charles H. Culver."

Thousands of original Civil War items have been lost or even thrown out over the decades since the war. Most, sadly, by descendants who did not realize their historical value.

This was the case with the diary of Private Charles H. Culver, who served in Co. G, 8th Connecticut Infantry. Hear the story of how Reardon rediscovered the lost diary of Private Culver, how he put it back together, and what the diary revealed about Culver’s wartime experiences.

The program is free and will take place at the NECWM, 14 Park Place in Rockville.

On Thursday, May 4 the NECWM will hold a program on "Sedgwick at Chancellorsville."

» Learn more.


Greater Vernon Holistic Healthfest

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 15 & 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: The 11th two-day Greater Vernon Holistic Healthfest returns to VCMS after Covid with booths, workshops and an on-site café. Vendors offer gems and minerals, Tibetan singing bowls, herbal products, soaps, teas, green products, healing sessions, gifts and much more.

This fair is unique for two reasons: the focus is on holistic practitioners and health, and it is a partnership between the holistic community and the Town of Vernon. Proceeds go to the Vernon Youth Services Bureau to support their programs and summer youth employment.

The Tankerhoosen is a Gold Sponsor this year. In addition to our booths there will be displays by Strong Family Farm, Vernon Park & Rec, the Vernon Conservation Commission, and other local trail and outdoor groups.

Healthfest is held at the Vernon Center Middle School (VCMS), 777 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon. Cost is only $5 including all workshops. Visit their website for a listing of exhibitors and workshops.

» Learn more.


Raptors Among Us

MONDAY, APRIL 17, 7-8:30 p.m.: Join the Vernon Garden Club for Horizon Wings “Raptors Among Us.”

Horizon Wings cares for raptors that cannot be released back into the wild due to their injuries or length of captivity. They will bring four or five raptors, including an eagle to visit. This is your opportunity to be up close to one of these exciting birds.

Guests are always welcome at our meetings and children are encouraged to attend. Call (860) 926-4332 for details.

The program will be held at the First Congregational Church of Vernon, 695 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon.

» Learn more.


Vernon Community Meet & Greet

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 6-8 p.m.: Meet your neighbors and learn about the Vernon Community. A variety of organizations including the Vernon Volunteers' Collaborative nonprofits and Town departments will be on hand to share information and answer your questions. Light refreshments will be provided.

This event will provide new and current residents the opportunity to connect with nonprofit organizations and town departments.

The program will be held at the Rockville Public Library, 52 Union Street in Rockville.

» Learn more.


Vernon Historical Society's Annual Book Sale

April 28-30 & May 6-7: The Vernon Historical Society's annual book sale runs for two weekends.

There are 15,000 books carefully sorted into categories for an easy, pleasant shopping experience. The annual Book Sale features a wide selection of used hardcover and paperback books, DVDs, and books on CD.

All of the hardcover and paperback fiction is alphabetized by the author's last name. Non-fiction books are separated by subject categories.

The Vernon Historical Society building, located at 734 Hartford Turnpike (Route 30) in Vernon, is handicapped accessible. Admission is free.

» For hours and to learn more.


Pvt. Wars

APRIL 28 TO MAY 13: The Dionysus Theatre Company presents James McLure's play "Pvt. Wars" at Arts Center East (ACE). It is a comedy about three men, with strong compassionate undertones and great poignancy. It does not dwell on the war in Vietnam itself, but on the small talk that conceals the inner turmoil of the patients. “You can get out of here anytime you want” and “I don’t want to talk about it” resonate throughout the play as a common thread that binds and also bonds these three together.

We capture glimpses of their mundane activities and conversations. It is both compassionate and very funny whilst remaining uncompromisingly honest; it’s full of the soldier’s sexual banter and frustration and shines a light on what war does to people both physically and mentally.

Tickets: $18 General Admission, $15 for ACE Members/Students/Seniors. The play begins Friday, April 28 and runs two weekends through Sunday, May 13. Times vary. ACE is located at 709 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon.

» Learn more & reserve tickets.


Cruising Down The Tankerhoosen

THURSDAY, MAY 4, 12 P.M.: The Friends of Rockville Public Library's May program will imagine traveling down the Tankerhoosen River to see the beauty of the river, as well as learn a little of its history.

The Tankerhoosen River is only five miles long flowing east to west across Southern Vernon - from Walker's Reservoir to the Hockanum River. It passes through two Wildlife Management Areas, a Land Trust, three villages, over ten dams, under eight bridges and past seven historic mill sites.

You'll be one of the very few to explore the entire length of the river and will come away with a new appreciation of this Vernon treasure. Your tour guide will be JON ROE, webmaster of The Tankerhoosen.

Programs are held in the Community room of the library. Rockville Public Library is located a 52 Union Street in Rockville. Everyone is welcome.

» Learn more.


Canoe/Kayak Paddle of Upper Bolton Lake

SATURDAY, MAY 6, 9 A.M.: The Northern Connecticut Land Trust sponsors this annual canoe and kayak exploration of Upper Bolton Lake, which in historical times was known for its cedar trees and in the early 1800's was also the site of a saw mill.

Take a leisurely tour of this pristine lake setting, perfect for bird-watching, photo opportunities, or just a quiet morning enjoying the outdoors. Bring your own boat, paddles, and life vests.

Meet at the Upper Bolton Lake Boat Launch Area on Hatch Hill Road in Vernon for this free event. Call KARL at (860) 649-4949 for information.

» Learn more.


Coming Up In May

To receive the May newsletter Join our Mailing List.

  • May 13 - Vernon Garden Club - Spring Plant Sale
  • May 13 - Strong Family Farm - Civil War Day Camp
  • May 13 - Friends of Valley Falls - Birds of Valley Falls Walk
  • May 15 - Vernon Garden Club - Seed Workshop
  • May 18 - Vernon Greenways Volunteers - Spring Kickoff Meeting - "The Eastern Coyote"
  • May 21 - Strong Family Farm - 5k Chicken Run
  • May 25 - NE Civil War Museum - Alden Skinner Grave Rededication At Grove Hill
  • May 27 - Friends of Valley Falls - Spring Wildflower Walk
  • May 27 - Arts Center East - Poetry Rocks
  • May 28 - Talcottville Memorial Day Parade
  • May 29 - Rockville Memorial Day Parade

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