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The Wings Butterfly Garden is
at its best in May with azaleas
and rhododendrons in bloom.

Upcoming May 2023 Events

May is probably the month of the year with the most activities taking place in Vernon. To help you plan your May activities this email highlights ten events through the end of the month. They include an interesting variety with walks, a road race, wildlife programs, poetry, book and plant sales, and two Memorial Day parades. There are events for families and adults.

A complete list of 2023 events is shown 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. You can learn more about VVC on their website. Check organizer's websites for any last minute changes.

We'll send another newsletter in late May covering June, July and August events. 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.

The Early Spring newsletter included two events that continue into May - The Vernon Historical Society's Annual Book Sale and the Dionysus Theatre Company's play "Pvt. Wars." To learn about them see our Early Spring newsletter.

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» Go to The Tankerhoosen website.

Jon Roe   


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.


Sedgwick At Chancellorsville

THURSDAY, MAY 4, 7:30 P.M.: The New England Civil War Museum (NECWM)

The New England Civil War Museum (NECWM) presents Civil War historian RICK FORZIATI on "John Sedgwick at Chancellorsville." He will present his research on Connecticut General John Sedgwick's performance at the Battle of Chancellorsville, 1863.

Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick was the highest-ranking Union casualty of the war, and widely beloved by his soldiers and his superiors. During the Chancellorsville Campaign in May 1863, Sedgwick’s men successfully stormed Marye’s Heights above Fredericksburg, but were unable to prevent a disastrous Union defeat at Chancellorsville.

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

On Thursday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. GREG SUSLA will do a program titled "Letterman and Modern Medicine."

» 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.

Take a leisurely tour of this pristine lake setting, perfect for bird-watching, photo opportunities, or just a quiet morning enjoying the outdoors. Please 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.


Vernon Garden Club's Annual Plant Sale

SATURDAY, MAY 13, 8-11:30 A.M.: The Vernon Garden Club (VGC) holds their annual Plant Sale and fund raiser. Perennials for sun and shade, bulbs, herbs and unusual plants from members' own gardens will be available along with a gardener's white elephant table.

A great place and good prices to buy seasonal plants from the experts who know what grows well in Vernon. For members its a fun day to see what we’ve grown and share the bounty with our community. Each VGC member brings 10 or more perky, potted, and clearly labeled garden plants.

The sale will be held in the parking lot of the Vernon Center Middle School, 777 Hartford Turnpike. In the event of pouring rain the sale will be held on May 14. For information call (860) 926-4332

» Learn more.


The Birds Of Valley Falls Park

SATURDAY, MAY 13, 8 A.M.: The Friends of Valley Falls are hosting DENISE ANAMANI, who will introduce you to the "Birds In The Park." The walk is a leisurely ramble, two hours or less.

Learn about the birds of Valley Falls led by biologist Denise, who works in the Department of Allied Health Science at UConn. Observe and identify the bluebirds and other native – and some migrating – species found in their various habitats at the park. Bring your bird apps and binoculars.

Free. Meet at the Valley Falls Park gazebo, 350 Valley Falls Road in Vernon.

On Saturday, May 27 there will be a Wildflower Walk and on Saturday June 3 at 10 a.m. there will be a Tree Walk.

» Learn more.


Civil War Day Camp For Kids

SATURDAY, MAY 13, 9 A.M. - 2 P.M.: Take a trip back in time. Children ages 8-13 will be transported back to the Civil War and learn about life and how to survive during the Civil War. This will include living conditions, communication, cooking, marching in formation and much more. A fun day for boys and girls.

Bring along a blanket to be made into a bed roll, a bag lunch and wear long pants and shoes (no sandals). Each participant will be supplied a canteen and a special tee shirt to keep.

Presented by members of the Alden Skinner Camp #45 of the Sons of Union Veterans in Rockville, 14th Connecticut Reenacting members, and volunteer help from the New England Civil War Museum. The camp will be held at the Strong Family Farm, 274 West Street, Vernon.

Cost: $10 including canteen and tee shirt. Limited to 40 students. If interested register soon. Almost full already.

» Learn more & register.


VGV Kickoff: The Eastern Coyote

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 6 P.M.: It's a new season as the Vernon Greenways Volunteers (VGV) hold their annual Spring Kickoff Meeting. In addition to reviewing what was done in 2022 and what is coming in 2023, there will be a program on the Eastern Coyote.

Join RAY HARDY, DEEP Master Wildlife Conservationist, naturalist and artist for an informative program about our frequently sighted (and heard!) neighbor, the Eastern Coyote.

The free event will be held at the Lodge on Camp Newhoca, 186 Grier Road on Bolton Lake. Questions: DON BELLINGHAM: (860) 872-6061 or Vernongreenways@att.net.

» Learn more about the Vernon Greenways Volunteers.


Strong Family Farm 5K Chicken Run

SUNDAY, MAY 21, 9 A.M.: Strong Family Farm hosts their 6th annual Chicken Run - 5K (3.1 mile) run, 2 mile walk or 1/4 mile children’s race beginning at 9 a.m. Each year this is Vernon's first big outdoor event of Spring.

There will also be free fun family activities to complement the Chicken Run, including: the arrival of the baby chicks, a special appearance from our chicken mascot and rabbits, chickens and goats.

Strong Family Farm is located at 274 West Street in Vernon. (860) 874-9020.

» Learn more.


Poetry Rocks

SUNDAY, MAY 27, 2 p.m.: Arts Center East presents "Artists/Poets"

A special opening of a visual arts exhibit and poetry reading by CT artist/poets reading, including CT State Poet Laureate and photographer ANTOINETTE BELL-BRIM, AARON CAYCEDO-KIMURA, GARRETT PHELAN and more!

The exhibit of both art and poems will run from May 27 - June 17 in the Eureka Gallery.

ACE is located at 709 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon.

» Learn more.


Talcottville Memorial Day Parade

SUNDAY, MAY 28, 9 a.m.: Each Memorial Day the town of Vernon has two parades. The primary parade is held in Rockville on Monday, but on Sunday one of the state's shortest parades takes place in Talcottville.

Marchers begin at the Talcottville Congregational Church and proceed to the Civil War monument in the cemetery where ceremonies are held. The parade usually includes Vernon's mayor and council members as well as the fire and police departments, scout groups and veterans.

Mount Hope Cemetery is the home of Vernon's earliest Civil War monument, an obelisk at the highest point in the cemetery. The cemetery was dedicated in 1867 and the memorial monument was dedicated two years later in 1869. The memorial is engraved with the names of those from the area who gave their lives in the war.

Everyone is welcome to march in the parade and it's short enough for the kids. Assemble in the church parking lot at 10 Elm Hill Road at 8:30 a.m.

On Monday, May 29 Vernon's Memorial Day Parade will be held in Rockville.

» Learn more.


Coming Up In June

To receive the June newsletter Join our Mailing List.

  • June 1 - NECWM presents "Letterman & Modern Medicine"
  • June 3 - National Trails Day's FOVF "Tree Walk At Valley Falls"
  • June 3 - The Vernon Chorale's Concert "A Choral Tapestry"
  • June 10 - Connecticut Open House Day
  • June 10 - Grand Opening of the Valley Falls Heritage Center
  • June 11 - Vernon Historical Society program "Rockville High School's 150th Anniversary"

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