Hello and Happy October,

Did your summer feel a bit hectic? Did September seem to pass in the blink of an eye? And now that October's here — do you feel an instinct to slow down?

Maybe it's the earlier sunsets that make us want to head home a little sooner, make homemade soup, or curl up in bed and actually finish that book on the nightstand. Even the trees are getting ready to put on a colorful show before dropping their leaves to feed and protect the ground below.

That feels especially meaningful as we enter the final weeks of Roots Run Deep: The Art of Indigenous Heritage. The exhibit has given us a chance not simply to look at beautiful artwork, but to learn from the people and stories behind it — and there are still opportunities this month to listen, ask questions, share stories, and think about our own connections to heritage and place. One not to miss: on October 14, Wangunk elder Gary "Red Oak" O'Neil joins us in the gallery for Not a Lost Tribe, an evening on the Wangunk story and their enduring ties to this land (details below).

Of course, slowing down doesn't mean hibernating. It might mean making pumpkin spice cookies one night and heading downtown for Manchester's monthly DateNight activity the next. (click for Silk City Coffee fan, Martha Stewart's cookie recipe.)

October gives us plenty of opportunities for all of the above, as there is so much HAPPENING IN MANCHESTER!

Wed, Oct 8 — Date Night: Glass Painting | 6:15–7:45 PM · Audacity British Style Pub

• A relaxed, creative night out with someone you enjoy spending time with.

Sat, Oct 10 — A monthly open house at WORK_SPACE and the Downtown & Cultural Districts

• 10:00–11:30 AM · POET-TEA
• 10:00 AM–2:00 PM · Pumpkin Painting with Ignite Your Light, CT — plus Ghost Family Portraits, Puzzle Exchange, live music, and the gallery exhibits & shop
• 12:00–1:30 PM · The Writer's Playground
• 3:00–4:30 PM · Storytelling Performances: Ancestral Stories — a companion to Roots Run Deep

Mon, Oct 12 — Indigenous Peoples Day - Town offices, including WORK_SPACE, are CLOSED.

Wed, Oct 14 — Fall Pop-Up Market | 4–7 PM · Northwest Park - Pumpkin carving, 25+ vendors, and fall-themed crafts.

Wed, Oct 14 — Roots Run Deep: Not a Lost Tribe | 6:30–7:30 PM @ WORK_SPACE | FREE

The Wangunk Story with Gary "Red Oak" O'Neil. For more than 200 years, the Wangunk have been called Connecticut's "lost tribe." But what if they were never lost? Their ancestors lived in the Connecticut River Valley for thousands of years — and their descendants are still here.

Thu, Oct 15 — The Listening Room Turns 3! | 6–9 PM @ WORK_SPACE | FREE

Celebrating three years — featuring party songs.

Fri, Oct 16 — Fall Festival | 5-8 PM @ NORTH WEST PARK | FREE

dance performances, haunted trails, food trucks, market vendors, trunk-or-treat, and more! Come by on 10/13 & 10/14 from 5-7 PM to carve pumpkins for the festival.

Sat, Oct 24 — Halloween Happenings | 11:00 AM Downtown Manchester (and WORK_SPACE) | FREE - Crafts & activities from 11:00 AM · Trick or Treat on Main Street 11:30 AM–1:00 PM · games on Purnell, a photo booth, and bag decorating.

Tues, Oct 20 - 3rd Tuesday Pizza & Planning with the ACEs (Art & Culture Emissaries) and Imagine Manchester | 6-7:30PM @ WORK_SPACE

Thurs, Oct 29 — PICTURE THIS EXHIBIT OPENING & ARTIST MEET & GREET | 5:30–7 PM · Main Street Gallery at WORK_SPACE | FREE

Celebrate the opening of PICTURE THIS: Photography & Poetry art show and meet the photographers, poets, and artists whose work is showcased in our Creative Commons throughout the building.

Be well and be kind,

Stacey

Stacey Zackin, PhD, MSW, PCC

WORK_SPACE Manager

860.647.6029 (WORK_SPACE)

860.647.3168 (ART & CULTURE)

PPS - Stay connected with Manchester Matters for town news and events, and visit Your Voice Matters Manchester to engage in projects, surveys, and community conversations. Curious about how things work behind the scenes? Explore the Boards & Commissions calendar to attend meetings and get involved: https://www.manchesterct.gov/Home/Tabs/Boards-Commissions-Committee-Meetings

When working from home are you distracted by:

a) your pet,

b) Netflix,

c) laundry or

d) all of the above?

Whatever your distraction, we've got a desk for that!

We met so many wonderful people thru our FREE FRIDAY offering in September, we are doing it again in October. Join us & and discover how productive you can be in a creative, welcoming, and supportive community. (And the coffee is FREE too!)

Need a place to meet, lead a training or retreat, or host a business event?

We have 7 meeting venues to choose from.

All include free WiFi, digital display, white boards, parking and our hospitable staff.

SATURDAY, OCT. 10th - 2ND SATURDAY CULTURAL DISTRICT OPEN HOUSE & SCARECROW CONTEST KICKOFF - 10 AM–2 PM • FREE • All Ages • No RSVP

VOTE: Local businesses and organizations will display their crazy and creative scarecrows throughout Downtown Manchester. Be sure to vote for your favorite!

LIVE MUSIC: Enjoy local musicians from the Manchester CT Songwriters Association while you explore, create, and connect.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY CRAFT STATION: Kids of all ages are invited to create Ghost Family Portraits with Britta Rankl. Walk-ins welcome • All ages • FREE

PUZZLE EXCHANGE: Leave one, take one!

COMMUNITY DONATION DROP-OFF: Bring an item to support organizations serving our community:

• MACC: Empty egg cartons, cleaning supplies, and toiletries (Special focus for SOCKtober: clean new socks)
• Local Animal Shelters, via Friends of Mayor Tito: Pet food, toys, towels, and linens
• Lions Club: Eyeglasses
• Manchester CT Women’s Club: Children’s books
• Neighbors in Need: Health supplies and medical equipment—we’ll help find them a home.
• Any warm clothes in good condition that you no longer need



POET-TEA: The Roots We Carry with Nadia Sims | 10–11:30 AM • ages 16+ • FREE

• Enjoy tea and creative camaraderie as we explore our ancestry, heritage, memories, and experiences that continue to shape who we are today.
• Through poetry and writing prompts, Nadia Sims will invite us to look back, look within, and consider how where we come from informs who we are becoming.
• New faces and first-time writers are always welcome.

WRITER’S PLAYGROUND: The Stories that Shape us! | 12–1:30 PM• ages 16+ • FREE

• Our characters may be fictional, but the emotions, struggles, choices, and turning points we write about are often rooted in our own lived experiences.
• This month, we’ll use the Hero’s Journey to explore an aspect of our own story—from the inciting incident that set something in motion, through challenges and discoveries, to breakthrough, transformation, or a new understanding.
• Come ready to write, explore, and see where your own story takes you. New and experienced writers are equally welcome.

UPROOTED STORYTELLING SHOWCASE | Sat, 10/10 | 2:00 PM

Bear witness to the stories that shaped us. Participants in the Roots Run Deep Community Storytelling Lab will share excerpts of their work exploring roots, heritage, becoming, and belonging.

PUMPKIN PAINTING & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT | 10–11:30 AM

Be part of the IGNITE YOUR INNER LIGHT SERIES:a festive, family-oriented activity perfect for all ages, encouraging creativity and seasonal fun. Participants will decorate pumpkins using paints, markers, and various art supplies, allowing for imaginative designs and family bonding. Led by Shine Your Light CT.

UPROOTED: Community Storytelling Showcase

Saturday, Oct. 10 • 2 PM (after the 2nd Saturday festivities) • WORK_SPACE • FREE

Bear witness to the stories that shaped us. Participants in the Roots Run Deep Community Storytelling Lab share personal stories exploring roots, heritage, becoming, and belonging. Come listen, connect, and celebrate the courage it takes to share our stories.Click for details.

Additional October hikes:

Sat. Oct. 3, 1:00 PM 51st silk-mill district walk with Chris Paulin, 146 Hartford Road 

Sun. Oct. 18, Noon Adaptive re-use exploratory walk and visit to Cheney Homestead, park at 146 Hartford Road

Learn about Manchester’s history on FREE WALKING TOURS. Rain or shine, extreme weather cancels. Your host, Susan Barlow, Town Historian.

Oct. 10 Bush Hill walk | 1-2:30 PM

Three-mile moderately paced walk at the former Botti farm (shorter options will be offered.) Learn more about the Bush Hill area, which included a Podunk Indian camp, as we explore the Manchester Land Trust’s 177.5-acre property in southwestern Manchester. The terrain varies from hilly to wet to flat. Sturdy shoes recommended.

Meet at the Cider Barn 330 Bush Hill Road

Free · All ages · Rain or shine - No dogs, please

Click for booklet of walks being offered this year as well as other America 250 events.

https://www.manchesterhistory.org

https://www.facebook.com/ManchesterHistoricalSociety/

WALK, RIDE & REMINISCE: MEMORY IN MOTION

Saturday, Oct. 3 • 9 AM–12 PM • Cheney Rail Trail

Walk, bike, or take a rickshaw ride along the Cheney Rail Trail while enjoying stories, music, interactive experiences, and community connection. Presented by UR Community Cares and open to all ages. Click for more info.

Join us October 14, the night before the exhibit closes, to hear from Gary “Red Oak” O’Neil, a Wangunk elder, as he shares stories of the Wangunk people and their deep roots in Manchester and the Connecticut River Valley. Click for details.

OPENING OCTOBER 29th | Picture This: An Exhibition of Photography & the Poetry It Inspires

A photograph captures a moment; a poem captures mood and meaning. Together, these two creative practices can build inspiring, dynamic conversations between artists and viewers. Picture This is a collaborative exhibit that brings photographers and poets together to do just that. Want to contribute your own companion poems or stories? Go to: https://bit.ly/PictureThisSignupSheet. Due by 10/15.

PIZZA & PLANNING: WANT TO BE AN ACE?

Tuesday, October 20 • 6–7:30 PM • WORK_SPACE • FREE • Ages 16+

ACEs: Art & Culture Emissaries are people who want to help make Manchester more creative, connected, and fun. Share ideas, make connections, volunteer, collaborate—or simply come see what’s happening. Click to let us know you are coming.

October 15th - Theme: Party Songs - CELEBRATING 3 YEARS OF THE LISTENING ROOM ***

Join us every 3rd Thursday in the Main Street Gallery @ WORK_SPACE for a melodic evening of music, poetry, and camaraderie. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just looking to enjoy some great tunes, this event is perfect for everyone. Come showcase your talent or simply sit back and relax as you listen to some amazing performances. For more info, go to: https://bit.ly/TheListeningRoomOpenMic

MANCHESTER, CT SONGWRITER'S ASSOCATION

The MCSA exists to promote, inspire and elevate the music creators of Manchester, Connecticut.

Songwriters and musicians of the Greater Manchester area are invited to join us every other Monday night at WORK_SPACE

All of the photographs for our upcoming PICTURE THIS: Photography & Poetry Exhibition have been uploaded—and now we invite you to add your words.

View the photo album and choose a photograph that speaks to you. Then create an ekphrastic response—a poem, story, or other piece of writing inspired by a work of art—based on what you see, feel, or imagine.

Space is available for two writers per photograph. To leave room for others to participate, please sign up for no more than two images.

First-time poets and writers are warmly encouraged to participate. PICTURE THIS is a family-friendly exhibition intended for audiences of all ages, so all submissions must be appropriate for public display.

Your finished piece must fit on one 8½" × 11" sheet of paper; no frame is required. Email your completed work to artandculture@manchesterct.gov by the end of the day on Thursday, October 15. We will print and hang the selected pieces, and writers will be notified before the exhibition.

View the photographs and sign up here: https://bit.ly/PictureThisSignupSheet (click album then click through to see full image, title and artists name)

The Manchester Cultural District is creating a collection of original, artist-created squirrels to help us promote the many activities, flavors, identities and experiences that make Manchester a vibrant place to live, work, visit and gather.



Draw it. Paint it. Sketch it. Collage it. Stitch it. Sculpt it. Surprise us!

We are looking for squirrels in a variety of artistic styles, perspectives, culture, and personalities - from simple stand-alone squirrels we can use throughout our promotions to squirrels enjoying some of the many things happening in Manchester.

CT residents of any age, skill level, and medium that can be reproduced are welcome.

Submission link: https://bit.ly/SubmitASquirrel

Call for Vendors: Small Business Saturday Pop-Up - November 28 | 10AM–2PM

Join us for our Annual Holiday Pop-Up during Downtown Manchester’s Holiday on Main—a festive day filled with activity all along and around Main Street!

We’re seeking local artists, makers, and small businesses to be part of this lively shopping experience. Showcase your work, connect with the community, and take advantage of increased foot traffic during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year.

$25 per table. Fee waived for Gallery Members (memberships start at just $45/year, $60 for two artists in the same household)

Creative Commons Call for Artists:

We’re proud to showcase the work of our talented member artists who bring color, texture, and imagination to every corner of WORK_SPACE. Our Creative Commons are any display areas beyond our Main St Gallery; stop by any weekday for a tour! Gallery Membership starts at $45 a year.

Submissions accepted on a rolling basis! Currently seeking art to hang from Jan. 1 - Apr. 30, 2027

Sunday, October 18, 5-7PM | FREE | 637 Main St., Manchester, CT | Live Music & Refreshments

Dragon's Den Art Gallery & Tatoo Studio invites you to Opening Night of an art exhibit showcasing the talents of licensed tattoo artists.

BELOW ARE LINKS FOR CALLS FOR ARTISTS, JOB OPPORTUNITIES & GRANTS

Click for WORK_SPACE's gallery page.

Click to see opportunities from NEFA - the New England Foundation for the Arts

Click to see the CT Arts Alliance's calls for artists and job opportunities.

Click to see the Greater Hartford Art Council's list of resources, grants and cals for artists.

Click to discover 15 active calls for artists aggregated from EntryThingy, CaFE, Zapplication, ArtCall, ShowSubmit, and independent galleries in Connecticut.

Click to see the job and submission postings on the Shoreline Arts website.

Click for submission information for Arts Center East in Vernon.

Click for submission information from the Guilford Art Center.

Click for Spectrum Art Gallery & Artisan Store FB page - seeking artwork and art teachers

Click to see artist Eddie Hall's curated list of calls in CT.

Click for artist calls in Rhode Island.

SUKHOTHAI: Free Veggie Roll with $30 purchase

FILOMENAS: Free Dessert with 2 entrees

CREAMY ROLL: Banana Split for 2 for $12

AUDACITY BRITISH STYLE PUB: Prix Fixe Dinner for 2 $50 (appetizer to share and two select dinner entrees: Cottage Pie, Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash, or the Brit Salad, followed by sticky toffee pudding.

Sat, Oct. 3 | Pet Mayor Tito's Extravaganza in the Park 10a-3p

A family affair with amazing vendors, entertainers, and spirit. All for a good cause, helping Mayor Tito support Mayor Tito's FB page.

Wed, Oct 14 | Fall Pop-Up Farmers Market 4–7 PM

Celebrate the season at Northwest Park with 25+ vendors, fall-themed crafts, pumpkin carving, and plenty of autumn fun. Learn more.

Tues Oct 13 & Wed, Oct 14 | Pumpkin Carving

5–7 PM

Help decorate Northwest Park and its Haunted Trail for Fall Festival! Pumpkins will be provided, and registration is recommended to reserve yours. Learn more and register.

Friday, Oct 16 | Manchester Fall Festival 5–8 PM

Wear your Halloween costume and enjoy dance performances, bounce houses, food trucks, market vendors, trunk-or-treat, a haunted trail, candy, and more at Northwest Park, 448 Tolland Turnpike. View Fall Festival details.

HOCUS POCUS AT THE PARK | Sunday, October 25 | 5:30PM • Wickham Park

The Anderson Sisters are flying back to Wickham Park to put a spell on you. Dinner by Carmela Catering and libations from Hops44.

$30 (10 yrs and under) and $35 (11 yrs and older).

Reservations are required. Call 860.528.0856 or click here.

WICKENDER BARE BONES DISC GOLF TOURNAMENT | Sunday, October 25 • Wickham Park

Disc golf gets a Halloween twist! This 22-hole, bring-your-own-partner doubles tournament features a special course layout filled with tricks and treats—and full costumes are required.

SANTA’S WORKSHOP AT WICKHAM PARK | December 12–23 • FREE

Visit Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves in Wickham Park’s hilltop Log Cabin for a charming, non-commercialized family holiday tradition, complete with hot cocoa and cookies. Bring a nonperishable food item to support local food pantries. Weekdays 4–7 PM • Weekends 1–5 PM.

7TH ANNUAL FIRST RESPONDERS & VETERANS APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

Friday, Oct. 9 • 11 AM–2 PM • hosted by the Greater Hartford Chamber of Commerce, 20 Hartford Rd. • $10 • Join the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce for lunch, music, games, and special recognition honoring our local first responders and veterans. Click for details.

We’re in the Spotlight—Now Let’s Put Manchester on the Map

We’re excited that the Galleries @ WORK_SPACE were selected as one of CreativeGround’s Spotlight Six for Fall 2026, highlighting creative people and places across New England.

Link to Creative Ground website.

This recognition isn’t just about us—it’s an opportunity to make Manchester’s entire creative community easier to discover. If you’re an artist, musician, performer, writer, cultural organization, creative business, or venue, create a free CreativeGround profile. The more Manchester profiles we have in this shared directory, the easier it will be for people to find local talent, spaces, resources, and potential collaborators.

Help us build one central place to discover and connect Manchester’s creative community.

Show your Manchester Pride! Pick up a free Manchester license plate sticker at WORK_SPACE and help celebrate our community's arts, culture and creativity. Designed for the windows of cars and Manchester businesses, the stickers include a QR code connecting people to arts and cultural happenings throughout Manchester.

Celebrating Contribution & Staying Power

Last month, Urban Lodge Brewing celebrated seven years in business. This month, Silk City Coffee celebrates 10 years!

With roughly half of new businesses not making it to the five-year mark, these milestones are worth celebrating—especially after navigating a pandemic. Even more impressive is the positive impact both businesses have had on Manchester, Downtown, and our Cultural District.

We’re grateful they’re here (and now in Hartford, Willimantic, Bradley Int'l Airport, and more to come.)

Is your Manchester business celebrating milestone? Let us know so we can celebrate with you.

MANCHESTER’S FIRST FALL TOWN-WIDE TAG SALE: 2nd Saturday of October (10/10/26)

Have stuff to sell? You hold the tag sale and the Manchester Women’s Club does the advertising!

For $20, your sale will be included on the town-wide online map with your hours, location, items for sale, and other details. Proceeds support the Manchester Women’s Club.

Prefer to shop? Follow the map and spend the day treasure hunting around Manchester—and stop by the Manchester Women’s Club table at WORK_SPACE from 10 AM–2 PM!

To participate or ask questions: manchesterCTwomensclub@gmail.com

Army & Navy Club, 1090 Main St., Manchester, CT

NightShift returns to Manchester

Fri., Oct. 2 | 7:30–10:30PM | 6:30PM Doors open

Dance to favorite songs from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. Bring your own food or snacks; beverages are available at the bar. Tickets are $10 in advance at the bar or $15 at the door. ANC calendar of events:

https://ancmanchesterct.org

VENDOR CRAFT FAIR - Sun., Oct. 4th | 10 AM–3PM

Shop from local craftspeople and a variety of vendors. Admission is free with a requested non-perishable food donation for the Manchester Food Bank. Raffle prizes will be offered; cash is recommended. View event details.

Come by and peruse the shop and enjoy the variety of creations on displayed, all made by fellow New Englanders.

The New Britain Museum of American Art hosts free Community Days throughout the year, featuring free admission, live music, art activities, performances, local vendors, and more. Upcoming events include:

• Halloween at the Museum - October 31



The Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford's Second Saturdays for Families program offers free admission on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10 am - 5 pm. Hartford residents also get free admission whenever the museum is open.

CAST CHILDREN'S THEATER | Click for CAST website

Creating Comedic Characters with Lily Fryburg

For ages 12-18 (Interested 11-year olds should contact CAST for approval before registering.)

Fiddler on the Roof Senior - fundraiser - Nov. 19-20

contact CAST at info@casttheatre.org or 860.649.5062

THE HARTFORD FUNNY BONE | Click for FUNNY BONE website - Looking for a night out that’s full of laughs and zero hassle? See nationally touring comedians while enjoying great food and drinks. FREE parking and NO 2-drink minimum — just pure fun! Not every town can say they have a legit comedy club in their backyard, so don’t miss out on the laughs.

LITTLE THEATRE OF MANCHESTER | Click for Cheney Hall website

GREEN RIVER - Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute (10/3)

WILD TAXI - Yusuf/Cat Stevens & Harry Chapin Tribute (10/9)

THE CORVETTES - Doo Wop Revue (10/10)

REAL LOVE - Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton Tribute (10/11)

POP DIVAS - 28 icons. Three voices. One night that changes everything. (10/16)

WIDE AWAKE - U2 Tribute (10/23)

The Free At Last Players will present a special adaptation of "Annie" on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 PM at Unitarian Universalist Society East | Oct. 27, 7-8:30p | Click for info

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 | 2PM | UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY EAST | 153 Vernon St. West, Manchester, CT

The Sustainable Living Committee invites you to a FREE showing of THE CLIMATE FUTURE FILM FESTIVAL! This ne collection of 12 short film from around the world explores our interior response to climate change - visceral, personal, artistic and emotional.

October 1–18 | Greater Hartford Theater Week

Explore live performances, special events, and exclusive offers throughout Greater Hartford.

Use code THEATERWEEK26 for BOGO tickets to select performances at select performances at the Bushnell, Hartford Stage, Theater Works, Playhouse on Park, and Heartbeat Enseble.. Explore Theater Week or view the City Guide.

WHAT REMAINS UNCONQUERED

by Shawn M. Von Briesen of Wit & Wisdom

Two roads diverged beneath a dying sun,

and I stood where all my lives seemed one—

the road behind, worn black beneath my feet,

the road ahead disappearing through the leaves.

I chose the path that asked me for my name

and found, half-buried there, the wreckage of a king:

a shattered face staring toward an empty throne,

his mighty works surrendered to the sand.

I touched the stone and understood—

click to read more

Manchester is a recognized Bicycle Friendly Community, and there are many ways to get involved:

• Take the free Bicycle Friendly Driver Training and learn how motorists and bicyclists can safely share the road.
• Learn how your business can earn the Bike Friendly Designation
• Become a volunteer pilot for Cycling Without Age and help transport seniors and individuals with mobility challenges on electric rickshaw rides through Manchester's parks and trails.
• Schedule a Cycling Without Age ride for yourself, a family member, or someone you know who would enjoy getting outdoors.
• Join BikeWalk Manchester and help shape the future of active transportation in our community.

For information about Cycling Without Age, call UR Community Cares at 860-430-4557.

The St. James Community Blood Drive is on Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 8:00 am - noon. Don’t leaf the blood supply in a crunch: Patients are counting on generous donors like you to enjoy all that fall has to offer! Schedule your blood, platelet or AB Elite plasma donation today. Your donation can help make this season even more beautiful and bright for patients in need. Come to give on October 3, 2026, and American Red Cross will say thanks with a $15 e-gift card to the merchant of your choice. Schedule your appointment here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive

If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.

At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

NAMI Continuum Connection is a signature non-traditional mental health support group model within NAMI Connecticut that focuses on meeting the needs of people ages 30+.

Continuum groups offer support and connection, creative activities, and life skills/topics that address the needs of peers who are drawn to a relaxed, interactive group setting.



Manchester Continuum groups are held on 2nd Mondays.

Center Congregational Church, Federation Room, 11 Center Street, Manchester, CT 06040

Info

Contact: NAMIManchesterCT@gmail.com