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Happening this Week

by CHARLOTTE PENROSE

THOMAS MERTON & THE SPIRITUAL IMAGINATION
September 7 & 8th, Friday 6PM through Saturday 3:30PM

Remembering poet, activist, and Trappist monk Thomas Merton in the 50th Anniversary year of his death, this program by Wisdom House Retreat will explore his contributions to the spiritual imagination. Looking at his life and his writings, you’ll examine his enormous impact on the literary, moral and mystical imaginations and lasting legacy. The accompanying art exhibition at the retreat center is called A Hidden Wholeness: The Zen Photography of Thomas Merton. Enjoy a talk from the archivist of the Merton Collection, Dr. Paul M. Pearson, to be followed by a reception. $115 to attend the programs or go ahead and stay over at the retreat center for a night of imaginative contemplation ($140-185).
Wisdom House Retreat Center. 229 East Litchfield Rd. Litchfield CT. 860.567.3163

ANIMATION IN MOTION: R.O. BLECHMAN LECTURE & DINNER
September 8th, Saturday, 6 - 7:30PM and 7:30 - 9PM

Great animation captures our imaginations and transports us to places beyond our wildest dreams. In the case of R.O. Blechman’s work particularly, animation conveys powerful narratives of human endurance and survival. Join the famed artist for a behind-the-scenes discussion on the making of his classic specials, Candide and the Emmy-winning The Soldier’s Tale (featuring the music of Igor Stravinsky and starring Max von Sydow as the Devil). Excerpts from both films will be screened during the talk. Enjoy a glimpse of animation history’s amazing rarities and discover what it took to make them in an age before omnipresent CGI. After the 6PM talk, stay for a lovely dinner at Casana and ask any questions you have for this animat(ing/ed) genius. Lecture is free, dinner is $30 and is RSVP only.
Casana Tea House. 2633 State Rte. 23. Hillsdale NY. 518.325.6105
While in Hillsdale discover our favorite things!

FIRST AID TRAINING: EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
September 9th, Sunday, 8:30AM - 5PM

Though this may mark a departure from the typical event included in this column, changing tides in the way we understand mental health issues and their prevalence demand that we all be prepared to respond—just like we would use CPR if someone were choking. Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour training to teach participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorder. The program offers simple tools and important questions—starting simply with “what do I do” and “where can someone find help?” And as with all other events in Happening This Week, this program will enrich your life and can perhaps save someone else’s. Free.
Sand Road Animal Hospital. 136 Sand Road. Falls Village CT. 860.471.6715
While in Falls Village discover our favorite things!

GARDEN SPIRITS: A MIXOLOGY CLASS
September 12th, Wednesday, 2-5PM

Learn how to make fabulous garden-inspired cocktails in this creative workshop using botanicals and spirits from the Berkshires and beyond. Billy Paul, a beloved Berkshire bartender, will teach you all about how you can use local and seasonal inspiration to impress your guests at your next party. You will learn about the history, geography and specific terroir of some of the world’s most wonderful herbs, flowers and flavors and practice the techniques to incorporate the summer bounty into delicious summer cocktails. Participants will try different cocktails and have one full cocktail while enjoying the view from Naumkeag's top lawn. Make sure to register in advance before it fills up!
Naumkeag. 5 Prospect Hill Road. Stockbridge MA. 413.298.3239
While in Stockbridge discover our favorite things!

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