Spring 2026 Schedule

The Spring Open House will take place on Friday, February 27 at 1:00pm at the Killingly Community Center Auditorium. All are welcome to attend to hear about the Spring programs and enjoy a presentation by a guest speaker. Programs are on Mondays and Fridays and run from March 16 through May 15. Space is limited to the first 200 people.

View the Spring Programs by Category

If you would like to register for any of these programs, please use our Contact page.

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March

The CT Audubon Society protects Connecticut’s birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through conservation, education and advocacy. Learn about the many programs and activities available to the region. Celebrate the artwork of former Sterling, CT resident, David Stumpo, whose exceptional watercolors capture our bird species beautifully.
The Victorian Age is often seen as a time when men were true gentlemen and women were gentle. However, it was also an age when many people from all walks of life were spending more time outdoors, not just working, but recreating and studying nature and science. It was a time when “common people” ventured outside to study botany and insects. You will be introduced to some of these naturalists and scientists and will discuss the importance of their work in today’s world.
From social media to banking and shopping, we are all using mobile devices and computers to share our personal identifying information. More than ever, we need to protect this information and ensure that we are being safe online. Learn important tips to protect your personal information from scammers who want nothing more than to steal your identity. Don’t be a victim! Knowledge is your best defense.
Bev will present the challenges that women felt during the war and share stories of six women. Wearing different hats and using some material from primary sources, she will introduce courageous Americans and their contributions, including camp followers, a spy, and a soldier.
Strengthen your body while calming your mind naturally with Tai Chi. Slow controlled moves help you relax, improve posture and stay flexible. It's a moving meditation emphasizing mindfulness, internal energy (Qi) flow, effortless action and connecting mind, body, and spirit to find natural harmony, both for self-defense and well-being. Karyl will discuss and demonstrate some of the moves.
As America celebrates its 250th Birthday, Joan has investigated her genealogy records and has discovered 23 Patriot ancestors. All were from the New England states. In this presentation, she will tell the stories of some of them: in one case, a father and his five sons who enlisted on the same day in 1775.
This nonprofit brings people together to construct homes and communities, and to build hope, It has already constructed 112 homes in parts of Windham, New London, and Tolland Counties. Habitat partners with volunteers to construct the homes, and also rely on the donation of goods as well as volunteers’ time to operate our ReStores (the re-sale of building and household items). One store is in Plainfield! Can your unused items help this cause?
“Life in Balance” is a multi-disciplinary and movement disorder and wellness program designed to help with balance, strength, coordination, cognitive thoughts process and fine motor skills. This program has been globally recognized and has revolutionized the treatment of Parkinson’s. Dillon Roberts has been teaching this program at Rude Dog Boxing and will explain (and show) how it works.
See how to modify the structure of your home to help you or loved ones stay safe, comfortable, and independent at home: for life! Discover practical tips, creative solutions, and vital community resources. Reimagine aging together in your home with confidence, joy, and lasting peace of mind!
There are mental health needs that often arise in later life, and there are resources available to support older adults and their caregivers. Yes, dementia, depression, and anxiety are some of the concerns, but there are other challenges such as grandparents raising grandchildren or concerns about a disabled child outliving you. We will review practical tools, community support, and local services that strengthen well-being and resilience.

April

The City of Norwich was a patriotic hotbed during the American Revolution; however, not all its residents wished to separate from England. Join us in this engaging presentation as we explore the lesser-known stories of Norwich’s loyalist-leaning residents and what it really means to be a traitor during this engaging presentation.
While most travelers find the idea of going to Machu Picchu the most enticing thing about a Peru trip, the South American country has so much more to offer than the iconic historical site. From its gorgeous mountainous scenescapes to the nightlife of Cuzco and Lima, its capital, the nation has everything any kind of traveler could want. In addition, we’ll travel towards Lake Titicaca and a natural gorge that is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon!
Scientists are learning more about how plants communicate with each other. Learn how plants get their messages to each other and what they are saying. Fascinating new scientific findings on the battle tactics and alliances between plants, insects and fungi (including the discovery of the Wood Wide Web) should make us rethink some gardening practices.
People living with dementia may exhibit certain behaviors to communicate their needs and feelings as the disease progresses. Learn how dementia can change a person’s behavior, possible triggers, and person-centered care approaches to address these behaviors. It could prevent frustration for both the person and the caregiver.
Out of a confused political morass, an extraordinary woman supported by some talented men nurtured what we now call the Elizabethan age. She was helped by a spymaster, a playwright, a pirate, a politician, an explorer and a few aristocrats. Three powerful women at that time were troublemakers. She survived and dealt with them. This is the story.
Putnam MuralFest is a public art collaboration that welcomes “The Walldogs”: legendary sign painters and muralists from across the country and around the world. In a three-day flurry of painting, they will capture Putnam’s rich history in a series of storytelling murals painted on public and private buildings. This massive project will also include local people of all ages and interests.
The story of Mary Sergeant Grace is unique and timely as we celebrate America's 250th. Mary was a teenager who witnessed Bunker Hill firsthand and worked for Martha Washington while Martha was in residence in Boston. The girl was bringing water to the troops. Did her mother know where she was? Her simple act made her a brave patriot.
In the years before the Revolutionary War, Norwich, CT, was a hotbed of radicalism. As a trade and transportation center, its merchants took a leading role in objecting to British taxes and laws that threatened their livelihood. Norwich author Tricia Staley tells the little-known story of Eastern Connecticut’s role in the American fight for independence from Britain and the Norwich residents who were at the forefront of the revolution.
Do you remember the 1969 film If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium? If so, you’ll be able to appreciate this whirlwind tour into Central Europe. In ten days, we covered parts of five countries, yet the richness and beauty of what we did see made it all worthwhile. Come along to visit Hungary, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia and Germany! (And you can do it in an hour or so!)
Walking 174 miles? Why not! Join us on the pilgrimage route of the Portuguese Camino. You will see photographs of the fascinating cities, cathedrals, ancient settlements and beautiful countryside. You will hear human stories and the historical background of this area. You may want to be a pilgrim yourself!
Different scams are emerging EVERY DAY! Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly popular tool in perpetuating scams. This program will include sharing and discussing how to stay safe at home and in public, relative to having increased awareness of surroundings, as well as a review of different types of scam tactics: What you need to know and How you can identify a possible scam, preventing becoming a victim of a scam.
Come along with Bill to visit a bit of eastern Washington state and the scenic states of Montana and Idaho. See historic sites, western cities, stunning Glacier National Park, Lake Coeur d’Alene, the worthwhile Smoke Jumpers’ Museum, roadside beauty and some “interesting” local sites.
Learn the regional history and the preservation of traditional ways of life and national heroes. Visit the beautiful medieval Bled Castle high on a cliff in Bled, Slovenia. See the Roman amphitheater in Pula, Croatia. Learn about traditional silk production done in the home at the gallery of Antonia Ruskovic in Gruda, Croatia. Visit Albania's capital city of Tirana. See the beautiful town square and changes made after the 1991 fall of Communism.

May

Explore the history of Italian immigration from the late 1800s to World War II, including regional origins, motivations, settlement patterns, and the enduring cultural impact on American society. How has this immigration affected the northeast corner of Connecticut? Did your ancestors experience a similar situation?
Near the junction of 3 states, Pierre duPont bought farmland in the Brandywine Creek Valley to preserve the trees. Wanting to entertain his friends, he transformed a simple country farm into nationally known horticultural display gardens. Today the 1,100-acre Longwood Gardens offers indoor and outdoor gardens, from formal to naturalistic, and is fully available to the public.
When we hear that name, does the famous race car driver come to mind? OR is it the creator of Newman’s Own Salad Dressing that we think of? Does an Oscar Award for Best Actor tickle our memory? In this, his 100th birthday anniversary, we will think about the many aspects of this unusual man…and his close link to eastern Connecticut!
But which movie? The one that made him most famous? Or the one that won him an Academy Award? Absence of Malice earned Paul Newman an Academy Award Best Actor nomination. This 1981 American drama neo noir thriller film directed by Sydney Pollack will keep you engaged until the closing scene. Be here to enjoy the Paul Newman movie ABSENCE OF MALICE. Running time 2 hours Closed captions.
In the 21st century, there is a renaissance of discoveries and treatments. We live in a world of fascinating science. Every day, technology can be brought directly to patient care, finding new ways to learn about cancer, to detect it early, to test the genetics behind it, to work to prevent it, and to bring out better treatments of it. These are exciting times in the field of Hematology and Oncology.
Walter knows he will be speaking to fellow retirees, and he would like to tell you of the many years he and his wife, Ann, have traveled, from their time as a young married couple until today. Their trips have been many and varied--with many interesting destinations, most recently to Paris and the Normandy beaches. They hope to keep going and to be able to encourage some of you to follow in their footsteps, regardless of your age.
As we celebrate the "semiquincentennial" (250th anniversary) of our country, we will discover that many participants from Eastern Connecticut were instrumental in the successes (and some failures) of the revolution. Ruth will discuss some of these heroes and the roles they played, providing insight and information.
The Taming of the Shrew is an early Shakespearean play. It is about two strong-willed individuals and their battles before finally coming to an “understanding”. A brief introduction to the play will begin the day’s presentation, followed by the beautiful Zefferelli film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Hmmm… typecasting? (Please note: from 1:00- 3:00 pm)
“Princess” Laura Crosetti will grace us with her presence to declare why Christopher Heights Assisted Living of Webster is the fairest in the land for the aging population of our region, of any income or asset level. She will explain the differences between assisted living, supported care, and nursing homes, and why assisted living may be the perfect solution for YOU or a loved one.
In addition to visiting the usual tourist sites, this trip focused on the culture of Japan. A formal tea ceremony was held as well as group meditation with a Buddhist monk. Learning to make sushi and tying a kimono required both skill and assistance. An attempt at calligraphy had limited success while viewing the beauty and understanding the formation of the gardens was lovely and peaceful.