Cultural Events

Flagpole Photographers To Open New Year With Munno & ‘Zen Of Landscape Photography’

Published: Jan 02, 2026 7:30 am

Flagpole Photographers will kick off the new year with “The Zen of Landscape Photography,” an inspiring presentation by photographer John Munno.

This free, public event will explore how landscape photography can capture not only scenic beauty, but also emotion, story, and the healing power of nature. The program will be offered on Thursday, January 8, at 7:30 pm, at Newtown Senior Center, 8 Simpson Street.

Munno’s lifelong connection to the outdoors began in childhood and deepened through years of work as a wilderness guide, white water rafting guide, and ski instructor, as well as extensive travel to remote natural landscapes around the world. With a background in forestry, holistic healing, and photography, he brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of immersion in nature.

His “healing photo art” is featured in hospitals and medical facilities across Connecticut, including UConn John Dempsey Hospital and Yale Greenwich Hospital, where his images support well-being and restoration.

Flagpole Photographers will then host its monthly competition night on Thursday, January 22, beginning at 7:30 pm (social time at 7), both in person at the senior center and online. Categories include Nature, Open Color, Open Monochrome, Assigned Subject, and Monthly Challenge.

The January theme is White on White, with a Monthly Challenge of Sunrise/Sunset.

Flagpole Photographers is a nonprofit camera club open to photographers of all experience levels. Meetings and competitions are free to attend, with members enjoying additional opportunities including workshops, field trips, community programs, and annual exhibits.

A member field trip to the New York Botanical Gardens is planned for this month.

More information can be found at flagpolephotographers.com.

“Embrace of Acadia” by John Munno, who will lead the first presentation of the new year for Flagpole Photographers Camera Club.

Mildred Noble Burr

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My darling, You were the best GRANDmother a child could ask for. You created so many great memories & traditions that I have passed down to your Great grandchildren. You brought joy into every room you stepped into. Your laughter, singing, whistling and the signature Rockettes high kicks, is something I will always hold in my heart. There was something about walking into your home and being greeted by your beautiful face. *kiss on each check* followed by HELLOOOOOO Darling! The classical music playing softly in the background and your love and comfort made your home, a safe space. Somewhere, where love knew no boundaries. It was so much more than a home. I aim for the same in my home, and play the classic music 24/7, but it will never be the same. I pray I can be 1/4 of GRAND, you put in GRANDmother. You were so resilient. You found the positive in every situation. I look up to you so much. I remember begging Mom and Dad for years to change my name to “Carmen”. They didn’t officially change my name, but eventually started calling me “Carmenita” as I am a little you. THE HONOR. You were there for me, no matter the day or hour. You were always the one who would talk me through whatever hard situation I was going through. When my baby passed away, I refused to talk to anyone for 3 weeks. Except for you. You said to me “Better days are coming, babes. There’s always a rainbow after the storm”. Of course, you were right, because you are GRAND. I picture you in heaven dancing and laughing with him. Uncle Jay playing the money game with him. To know you are with your children again & with mine does bring me some joy. Twas the night before Christmas & New Year’s Eve, will never be the same. Another tradition you created. A memory that will last forever. Not just with me, but for generations to come. It may not be the same, but we won’t let it die. It will live on, in your name. To be your first GRANDchild was a blessing. I could write an entire book about you & all the amazing things about you. Even though we were robbed of time together & it makes me angry, I know I will see you again. This isn’t a goodbye, but a “see you later”. Just like we ended every phone call. Ciao, darling. I love you. MWAH MWAH! Love your GRANDchild, Kimberly aka Carmenita

Carmen Accashian

Unfortunately, I think this is likely to get worse, not better... Based on both public comments and private conversations, I’m increasingly concerned that our newly elected First Selectman intends not just to install these cameras, but to expand their use for full-blown enforcement and fines. Try getting a straight answer out of him about the long-term plan and you quickly realize how vague the responses become. Tyler is absolutely right to raise the privacy issue. These systems don’t just “catch speeders” — they quietly build a database of where we drive, when we drive, and who is in our vehicles. Once that infrastructure is in place, it becomes very easy to justify expanding its scope: more cameras, more locations, more uses, and eventually more automated enforcement. If Newtown is going down this road, residents deserve clear, written answers to some basic questions before anything is expanded: What limits will be placed on how and where cameras are used? Will footage and plate data be used only for speed enforcement, or for other investigations too? How long will data be stored, and who can access it? What safeguards will prevent vendors and individuals from abusing this information? Without firm, enforceable rules in place, “just a few cameras to slow traffic” can turn into something very different over time. I support safe roads — but not at the cost of unchecked surveillance and vague promises from our leaders. You try getting straight answers out of our First Selectman, myself and others have not been able to...

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Real people were just in a frightening car accident. To immediately frame their misfortune as rhetorical ammunition against new housing — affordable housing included — feels less like concern for “health and safety” and more like opportunistically using a scary moment to support a pre-existing position. If we’re going to debate this proposal, we should do it honestly: with data on traffic volume, accident history, engineering recommendations, and the town’s housing needs, not by seizing on a single crash as proof that 300 apartments are inherently unsafe. Newtown deserves a thoughtful, fact-based conversation about growth, safety, and affordability — one that doesn’t turn other people’s bad day into a political talking point.

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Flagpole Photographers To Open New Year With Munno & ‘Zen Of Landscape Photography’

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