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Welcome Spring!

2026 Upcoming Early Spring Events

With the arrival of Spring our Vernon nonprofit organizations have a full schedule of activities. 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 book sale, several walks, a holistic health fair, plus a program on the Civil War. Another newsletter next month will cover May events.

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 our town a little better.

Click on images for a larger view.

» Go to The Tankerhoosen website.

Jon Roe   


The Vernon Chorale's Spring Concert 'The Moment'

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 7:30 P.M.: The Vernon Chorale is celebrating its 45th Anniversary with a reunion concert. In 'The Moment' they honor the legacy of their past while embracing the beauty of the present. The performance will feature special guest appearances by Chorale alumni.

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 First Congregational Church of Vernon UCC, 695 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students.

Tickets can be purchased online, at Arts Center East, or at the door.

The Vernon Chorale's last concert of the season, "A Vocal Tapestry" is Saturday, June 6 at St. John's Episcopal Church.

» Learn more.


ACE: Concert - Rogers & Schmidt

SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 4 P.M.: Arts Center East presents the heart-opening harmony and musical chemistry like no other as SALLY ROGERS and CLAUDIA SCHMIDT continue to win over the folk community with their double dulcimer work and shared joy of performing.

Starting with their soaring harmonies,fascinating double dulcimer work, the mix of 6 and 12 string guitars, then brought together with a wide choice of material encompassing their originals, traditional, and choice compositions of contemporary songwriters, a concert by these two masters of their craft is an immensely satisfying and restorative experience. Time has only deepened and enriched the music they create together.

Cost: $30/$25 for ACE Members. ACE is located at 709 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon.

» Learn more and get tickets.


Vernon Historical Society's Annual Book Sale

April 23-25 & May 2-3: 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.

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.


Greater Vernon Holistic Healthfest

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 10 A.M.-4 P.M.: The 13th Greater Vernon Holistic Healthfest returns to VCMS 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.

Vernon Volunteers' Collaborative organizations will have booths with Arts Center East, Friends of Valley Falls, Strong Family Farm and the Vernon Historical Society. There will also be town displays by the Vernon Planning Department, 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.


FOVF: April Wildflower Walk

SUNDAY, APRIL 26 at 10 A.M.: April Wildflower Walk - CAROL HATCH will help us find the many early spring wildflowers that can be found peeking out of the ground after a long winter.

On May 17 Carol will lead us on a second walk through the woods to find spring wildflowers typically overlooked in the park; often we discover Lady Slippers.

All walks are free. Meet at the Valley Falls Park pavilion, 300 Valley Falls Road in Vernon.

» Learn more.


NECWM: Marching Still: 'A Musical Tribute'

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 3-5 P.M.: The New England Civil War Museum (NECWM) hosts a program by composer RYAN MASCILAK and the MARCHING STILL ENSEMBLE in a very special event. Enjoy a collection of poems about the American Civil War set to original composition and arrangements in a tribute to the everyday people of the era.

Marching Still is a collection of poems about the American Civil War set to original music composed, arranged, & performed by composer Ryan Mascilak. In 2018, Ryan visited Gettysburg National Military Park. After purchasing the book "Poetry of Civil War", Ryan wrote melodies that would accompany the texts using a passion for sacred American virtues. Marching Still brings the stories and emotions of the authors to heart.

The program is free but seating is limited. It will take place at the NECWM, 14 Park Place in Rockville.

» For more information and tickets.


FOVF: The Birds In Valley Falls Park

SUNDAY, MAY 3, 7 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.

Biologist Denise, who works in the Department of Allied Health Science at UConn, will share her wealth of knowledge about our feathered friends. In the past, we have typically identified over 30 bird species found in the park during spring migration. Bring binoculars if you have them; bird apps such as Merin, and bird lists are welcome.

Free. Meet at the Valley Falls Park pavilion, 300 Valley Falls Road in Vernon.

On Saturday May 17 at 9:30 a.m. there will be a History Walk and on Saturday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m. a Wildflower Walk.

» Learn more.


VGC: Annual Plant Sale

SATURDAY, MAY 9, 8-11:30 A.M.: The Vernon Garden Club (VGC) is holding 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 have 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 17. For information call (860) 926-4332.


Canoe/Kayak Paddle of Upper Bolton Lake

SATURDAY, MAY 9, 9 A.M.: The Northern Connecticut Land Trust sponsors their 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.

Meet at the boat launch area off Hatch Hill Road at 9 AM. Must bring your own boat, paddles, and life vests. Call Karl at (860) 649-4949 with questions.

» For more information.


Coming Up In May

  • May 9 - Vernon Garden Club - Spring Plant Sale
  • May 17 - Friends of Valley Falls - "Spring Wildflower Walk"
  • May 17 - Strong Family Farm - 5k Chicken Run
  • May 19 - Vernon Greenways Volunteers Kickoff with DEEP Trails & Greenways Coordinator
  • May 21 - NE Civil War Museum - Alden Skinner Grave Rededication At Grove Hill
  • May 24 - Talcottville Memorial Day Parade
  • May 25 - Rockville Memorial Day Parade
  • May 30 - Friends of Valley Falls "History Walk"

To receive our May newsletter

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