This week’s letter is about the slow things moving through the Northwest Corner.

A quick update on our Summer Social at Lost Fox Inn. Half the table is already full, and the room is starting to feel like exactly what we hoped it would be: one beautiful summer evening.

Turtles are beginning their spring crossings, which means the one in the road is probably not lost. She may be looking for a place to lay eggs.

Glad you’re back.

Patrick
The Litchfield Ledger

Tue — 81° / 61° · 🌤️ Partly cloudy
Wed — 84° / 60° · 🌤️ Partly cloudy
Thu — 74° / 53° · 🌤️ Partly cloudy
Fri — 73° / 55° · 🌤️ Partly cloudy
Sat — 73° / 50° · 🌤️ Partly cloudy
Sun — 72° / 51° · 🌤️ Partly cloudy
Mon — 72° / 53° · 🌤️ Partly cloudy

Half the table is already full.

The Summer Social is starting to feel real: one private upstairs dinner at Lost Fox Inn, 40 guests, good food, music, and a room full of people who want to meet more of their neighbors.

We’ve got a live jazz guitarist to play us through dinner and really ease into the night.

It’s just a beautiful summer dinner with the kind of people you’ve probably been meaning to meet.

Come solo, come as a couple, or come with friends.

Save your seat here.

See you soon!

Patrick

Around this time of year, turtles start appearing in the least convenient places.

The shoulder of Route 202. The middle of a back road. The edge of a driveway.

They are usually not lost. In late spring and early summer, many female turtles leave ponds, streams, and wetlands to look for a place to lay their eggs. Sometimes that means crossing the same roads we use every day.

But roads are only the latest strange problem turtles have had with people.

In the early 1900s, diamondback terrapins became luxury food. They were the turtle behind turtle soup, a dish served in fancy restaurants and private clubs. Demand got so high that terrapin populations dropped along parts of the East Coast.

And here is the odd detail: the soup was often made with sherry.

Then Prohibition happened.

When alcohol became harder to get, terrapin soup lost part of what made it fashionable. Demand faded, and the pressure on terrapins eased. In a strange way, one of the most famous drinking bans in American history may have helped some turtles recover, allowing them to cross roads today.

That is part of what makes the turtle in the road more interesting. It is not just a cute spring sight. It belongs to a group of animals that has survived predators, roads, habitat loss, and, apparently, rich people with soup bowls.

Now, they are facing a more ordinary danger: getting across the road to lay eggs.

If you see one crossing and it is safe to help, move it in the direction it was already going. Do not turn it around. Do not relocate it to a “better” pond.

The turtle probably knows where it is going. We are the ones who built a road through the route.

Market Street Creatives, Torrington – Small business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to Skip the Slop – Marketing for Humans, an interactive seminar led by marketing strategist Sarah Blecher. Learn how to combine smart AI tools with authentic human-centered marketing strategies through a live campaign walkthrough designed to help businesses stand out and connect with real customers. 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM MARKET SMARTER

The Parish House at St John’s Episcopal Church, Washington – Step into the rhythm of Argentine Tango during this free open house with dance instructors Galletto & Guzmán celebrating one year of teaching in Washington. Enjoy a beginner-friendly intro class, a special tango performance, and a welcoming evening for dancers of all experience levels. 7:00 PM DANCE TANGO

Action Wildlife Foundation, Goshen – Parents and little explorers are invited to Safari Walkers Club for a fun morning of fresh air, animal encounters, storytime, crafts, and scenic walks through the wildlife park. Enjoy hands-on enrichment, playscape time, and up-close views of animals while getting active outdoors together. 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM WALK WILD

Litchfield Community Center, Litchfield – Enjoy an evening of delicious food, wine, music, and community spirit at the 8th Annual A Tasteful Event benefiting Friends in Service to Humanity. Sample savory and sweet creations from local restaurants and beverage makers, bid in the silent auction, and support neighbors facing food insecurity and housing challenges. 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM GIVE & GATHER

Bank Street, New Milford – Head downtown for a lively evening of live music, local eats, sidewalk sales, and community fun during the free Rock the Block concert series on Bank Street. Featuring 100 Proof performing modern rock and country favorites, this outdoor block party is the perfect way to kick off a spring night in town. 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM ROCK DOWNTOWN

Gunn Memorial Library, Washington – Join the GML Thursday Book Club for a discussion of A Burning, a gripping and thought-provoking story exploring ambition, injustice, and survival in contemporary India. Through unforgettable characters and powerful storytelling, this acclaimed novel examines how lives become dangerously intertwined in the shadow of fear and political power. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM DISCUSS BOOKS

Bad Dog Brewing Company, Torrington – Kick up your boots for an energetic night of line dancing with Tanna at Bad Dog Brewing Company at the Old Firehouse. Beginners can join the lesson starting at 7 PM, while experienced dancers can jump right into the fun with plenty of dances for every skill level. Check-In by 6:45 PM | Dancing 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM LINE DANCE

Woodbury Brewing Company, Woodbury – Kick off your weekend with live music from Struggle Monkey at Woodbury Brewing Company. Expect a lively night of crowd-pleasing tunes, cold drinks, and a fun brewery atmosphere perfect for a Friday night out. 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM ROCK NIGHT

David M. Hunt Library, Falls Village – Get creative during Crafts & Cocktails, a fun adults-only evening of crafting, drinks, and community as participants create upcycled wreaths using embroidery hoops and egg cartons. Enjoy cocktails, small bites, and a relaxed social atmosphere while crafting something unique and sustainable. 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM CRAFT & SIP

Hollister House Garden, Washington – Learn how to create stunning garden designs through intentional plant pairings during Better Together – Designing with Plant Combinations with landscape designer Caitlin Bird Francke. Discover practical techniques using color, texture, and contrast to build beautiful container gardens, borders, and landscape compositions that feel both vibrant and balanced. 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM DESIGN BLOOMS

Coe Memorial Park, Torrington – Celebrate strawberry season at the 8th Annual Torrington Strawberry Festival with handmade vendors, food trucks, train rides, family entertainment, and Connecticut’s famous fresh strawberry shortcake. Enjoy a full day of sweet treats, shopping, photo ops, live fun, and festive community vibes in beautiful Coe Memorial Park. 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM EAT STRAWBERRIES

De Hoek Farm, New Milford – Celebrate creativity, courage, and community during ASAP!’s annual fundraising event featuring live performances, youth art exhibitions, music, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and special surprises throughout the evening. Enjoy inspiring showcases from young writers, photographers, and performers in the beautiful countryside setting of De Hoek Farm. 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM CELEBRATE CREATIVITY

Hidden Valley Preserve, Washington Depot – Celebrate the launch of the new Passport to the Trails Program with an afternoon of hiking, exploration, and family-friendly outdoor fun. Pick up a trail passport, visit activity stations, collect impressions along the trails, and earn a special prize while discovering the beauty of Steep Rock’s preserves. 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EXPLORE TRAILS

Hopkins Vineyard, Warren – Spend a relaxing afternoon at the vineyard with free live music featuring Frandango. Sip wine, soak in the scenic views, and enjoy laid-back spring vibes with great music and good company. 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM SIP & LISTEN

Troutbeck, Amenia – Explore Echoes in the Margin, a powerful solo exhibition by Delano Dunn curated by Mickalene Thomas in collaboration with the Wassaic Project. Through layered collage and painting, Dunn reimagines Black identity, memory, and historical narratives within the culturally rich setting of Troutbeck. Opening Reception: June 25, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM SEE HISTORY

🙂 The best way to help us grow is sharing with a friend you know. 🙂