December 31 / January 1

Happy New Year!

MUSEUM AND OFFICES CLOSED

January 3

Dark of Winter Yoga

This class will run for 17 weeks, from the change of the clock in November to the change of the clock in March. The class will meet on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m – 6:30p.m. on Zoom, but there are a few spaces in the studio for in-person students who are vaccinated (please contact Judith directly if interested). There is no previous yoga experience required. The purpose of the class is self-care during the winter season; increasing self-awareness, emotional balance, physical strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance. The class will integrate mindfulness, breath technique, yoga postures, kinesthetic awareness, and alignment in an hour of relaxing, quiet, guided movement.

$10 per class. Money can be exchanged on Venmo, Square, Cash, or Check. Please contact Judith to make these arrangements. Each class attended donates $1 to White Memorial Conservation Center!! After you Contact Judith, the link for the class will be provided.

Contact Information: Judith’s phone and text is 860-309-9489. Email can be sent to [email protected] .

Judith Ehrman-Shapiro, PhD, BC-DMT, NCC, RYT is a psychotherapist, dance-movement therapist, nationally certified counselor, and registered yoga teacher. Her private practice, the Evolving Center, is in Winsted. She is a proud member of White Memorial Conservation Center, where she has been sharing her love of yoga for over 6 years!

Thursday, January 4
Ages 3-6 Years
Nature’s Nursery, Winter 2024
4:00pm
Join us on the first Thursday of each month from January – March for an engaging program designed just for your young nature lovers. Every session will last 45 minutes – 1 hour and include a story, an encounter with a live animal, and an activity or craft. Some of our activities might be outside, so dress for the weather and wear good walking shoes. Advanced registration is required. To register, please call 860-567-0857 or visit whitememorialcc.org. Space is limited. Meet in the A.B. Ceder Room. We require that one parent/caretaker stay for the duration of the program, but our room cannot accommodate more than one adult per child. Please inquire about financial aid as needed. Members: $9/child per session or $24/whole series, Non-Members: $13/child per session or $36/whole series

January 6

Winter Walk to Old Camp Townshend with Gerri Griswold

Suit up for a pleasant stroll to the shores of Bantam Lake and through the lovely trails of Old Camp Townshend. Townshend opened in 1940, and by the end of that decade over 700 Girl Scouts visited the property. The property could house 100 campers and 28 staff members for each two-week camp session. The camp closed in the mid- 10970’s and was taken over by the Morris and Litchfield Fire Departments for training exercises. Even in the dead of winter, it is very easy to imagine what a joyful summer destination this was for so many young women. 10:00 a.m., Meet in the A. B. Ceder Room, The hike is free but please pre-register by calling 860-567-0857 or register online www.whitememorialcc.org  Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses.

January 11, February 15, March 14

Happy Hour Hiking Club with Gerri Griswold

Start the New Year with a resolution to get your body moving more! Skip that Happy Hour cocktail and calorie-laden appetizer, and take a walk with Gerri! It may be cold. It may be dark. It may even be snowing…but you can do it! Each one-hour walk will cover a different trail on the property. At the end of each hike, you’ll receive a recipe for a healthful, tasty, easy recipe to help keep you on track. Dress for the weather. Bring a head lamp or flashlight!  4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Meet in the Museum. FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses.

January 12 – 18

Museum Children Free Week

Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. John Morosani in Memory of Remy Edmund Morosani. Free admission to children ages twelve and under when accompanied by an adult.

January 13

Exploring the Lake and Butternut Brook Trails with Gerri Griswold

Enjoy a happy ramble along the sweeping Lake Trail. Witness a spectacular view of Bantam Lake from atop the Ice House ruins, then continue along the foot print of the old Berkshire Ice House. The Butternut Brook Trail may reveal the handiwork of beavers, one of nature’s most accomplished architects. Wear suitable clothing and sturdy hiking boots. Bring your hiking poles too! 10:00 a.m., Meet in front of the A. B. Ceder Room. FREE…donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses

January 15

Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

OFFICES CLOSED

January 17

Dark of Winter Yoga

This class will run for 17 weeks, from the change of the clock in November to the change of the clock in March, specifically November 8 to March 20. The class will meet on Wednesdays from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.. This class will meet on Zoom, but there are a few spaces in the studio for in-person students who are vaccinated (please contact me directly if interested). There is no previous yoga experience required. The purpose of the class is self-care during the winter season; increasing self-awareness, emotional balance, physical strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance. The class will integrate mindfulness, breath technique, yoga postures, kinesthetic awareness, and alignment in an hour of relaxing, quiet, guided movement.

The cost will be $10 per class. Money can be exchanged on Venmo, Square, Cash, or Check. Please contact Judith to make these arrangements. Each class attended donates $1 to White Memorial Conservation Center!! After you Contact Judith, the link for the class will be provided.

Contact Information: Judith’s phone and text is 860-309-9489. Email can be sent to [email protected] .

Judith Ehrman-Shapiro, PhD, BC-DMT, NCC, RYT is a psychotherapist, dance-movement therapist, nationally certified counselor, and registered yoga teacher. Her private practice, the Evolving Center, is in Winsted. She is a proud member of White Memorial Conservation Center, where she has been sharing her love of yoga for over 6 years!

Thursday, January 18
Ages Newborn–2 years
Babies in Backpacks
10:00am
Children ages newborn through 2 years can spend about an hour exploring the great outdoors with us on the third Thursday of every month from January – March. This is a place for caretakers to learn about being outside in all safe weather with babies and toddlers, to try out different hiking carriers, swap suggestions on gear, and help encourage each other to be outside more! The very flexible schedule will typically be a half hour of walking and a half hour of outdoor sensory exploration. Having fun is our only expectation! Bring any milk, snacks, and supplies you will need, but we won’t go too far from your car. Dress for the weather! We will go out in snow, rain, and sun, as long as it is safe! Caretakers must stay for the duration of the program. Meet in the Pollinator Garden. 10-11am. Advanced registration required. Register at whitememorialcc.org or call 860-567-0857. Space is limited. Please inquire about financial aid as needed. Members: $9/child per session or $24/whole series, Non-Members: $13/child per session or $36/whole series 

Saturday, January 20
Ages 10 and up
Artistry with Animals
10:00am-12:00pm
Unleash your creativity at these unique ANIMAL Life Drawing classes, led by our own artist and educator, Colleen Harrak. “Artistry with Animals” will be offered in 3 sessions – Jan. 20, Feb. 17, and Mar. 23, 2024. At all sessions, you will create realistic 2-D art using both taxidermy and live animals as your visuals. In Session 1, you’ll use charcoal and pencil to make sketches that capture both stillness and vitality. Session 2 invites you to explore mixed media, blending the textures of preserved and living subjects in your artwork. Finally, Session 3 brings this dynamic fusion to life with vibrant acrylic paints. Don't miss this chance to blend art and animal anatomy in a one-of-a-kind setting. Reserve your “easel” today! We will provide art materials, paper, and drawing boards, but you’re welcome to bring your own materials. All skill levels welcome. For Ages 10 and up. You can sign up by session or, for a discounted rate, the whole series! Members: $20/person per session or $50/whole series, Non-Members: $30/person per session or $80/whole series 

January 27

DEEP CARE Family Ice Fishing Workshop

Ice fishing is a great way to beat cabin fever and spend quality time with family and friends outdoors. Ice fishing events are an opportunity to practice skills. CARE coaches will be available to assist you start to finish, from drilling holes, setting up gear, and pulling in fish onto the ice. All tackle and bait are provided. Dress appropriately to be on the ice -- dress in layers and absolutely no sneakers. If you are interested in learning more about ice fishing, view our Let's Go Ice Fishing video and read our Ice Fishing 101 blog. For more detail on what to bring, visit our ice fishing page. NOTE: Ice fishing events are subject to a minimum of 7" of safe ice.

Learn more about the DEEP Fish with CARE program.  Classroom 10:00am to 12:00pm, Ice Fishing Trip 12:30pm to 2:30pm. Classroom session is mandatory to attend the ice fishing trip.

Meet in the A. B. Ceder Room. Pre-registration is required. CLASS IS LIMITED TO 25! Call 860-567-0857 or register online:  FREE…Donations will be accepted to help defray the Conservation Center’s programming expenses.