​Pearls from Carol is a delightful local author book based on 20 years of writing by Connecticut resident, Carol Ruggiero. Upon her death, her husband, Albert, compiled over 300 short stories and poems into a volume of writings. It is a charming book that is both very funny and easy to read. One chapter is devoted to Carol’s poetry that runs the gamut from very amusing and clever to biting poignancy. 

Registration begins December 31st

Thursday, January 11th 

​Mel Schwartz escaped the Great Depression on a bicycle adventure he’d remember for the rest of his life. But when Alzheimer’s takes Mel’s memories away, it’s left to his grandkids to recreate the life-changing bike trip and find those memories again. 
 
Guided by old photographs of the 1945 trip, they search for places aged by time. But while searching for Grandpa Mel’s past, the two are confronted with their own fraught history. If they’re going to complete the turbulent journey, they’ll have to face their own emotional potholes and tumultuous relationship.
 
With the help of a grandmother learning to live alone for the first time, Mel’s lifelong friend and co-adventurer on the bike trip, and a family collection spanning 1950s film reels to 1990s video tapes, Cycle of Memory explores the importance of intergenerational connection, healing painful pasts, and leaving a meaningful time capsule for the future.
 
“Powerful, inspiring, and moving.” - Eilon Caspi BSW MA PhD, Gerontologist & Dementia Behavior Specialist 
 
“Cycle of Memory is beautiful, thoughtful, real, poignant and fitting for all ages and audiences. The care, authenticity, and courage that it takes to love and stay connected to family was very inspirational.” - Lisa Peterson, Nationally Board Certified Music Therapist working with seniors with memory loss and their caregivers
 
“Cycle of Memory is very moving, with a real sense of family and place; there is much for reflection or discussion, suitable for an audience that wants to stick around after a viewing.” - Mark Poarch, CEO Alzheimer’s BRACE

Registration begins December 17th
 
Thursday, January 4th at 6pm

​Chris Lengyel is a close up magician and illusionist who has performed his show "Faster Than The Eye" (formerly Nothing Up My Sleeves) at venues all over the east coast of the United States. He has been featured on national and international television, and has performed for numerous celebrities including The Impractical Jokers, WWE Hall of Famer, Scott Hall, The cast of NBC's "The Voice", YouTube Sensation, Kevin "LA Beast" Strahle, and the legendary Las Vegas magician duo, Penn and Teller.
Chris has been working on sleight of hand for over 15 years. He specializes in intimate magic that will leave any audience, big or small, baffled and scratching their heads!
Offstage, he played a big part in the re-branding and return of Crystal Pepsi, he has overcome ulcerative colitis, a disease that nearly killed him, and plans on one day performing for a sold out crowd at "The World's Most Famous Arena", Madison Square Garden.

Registration begins December 20th ​

Thursday, December 28th 6pm
Saturday, December 30th 12pm

Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.

No experience necessary. Join Vanessa in reviving old and damaged jewelry. Participants are encouraged to bring old, sentimental, and broken costume jewelry to repair or transform into new pieces. Additional costume and vintage jewelry pieces to work with will be provided by the instructor. ​

The FOCUS Autism Spectrum Unplugged is an informative and unique presentation by a panel of experts. Comprised of FOCUS alumni, students, staff, and parents, the Spectrum Unplugged is facilitated by Executive Director, Donna Swanson.  
Panel members provide honest perspectives and share their personal experiences about living with autism. Audiences will learn strategies and interventions, the importance of relationships, and common misconceptions about living with autism. Panel presentations are an effective tool for increasing awareness and understanding. ​