Opportunities for Social Connection!
Monthly Events
Join us each month for our Good News Girls Socials—happy hour and dinner at an area restaurant where we spotlight one woman we find particularly inspiring. In addition, we schedule 1-2 hikes a month (sign up for our Meetup group) and every few months a Workshop with a special focus.
Travel Adventures
Are you like us, still longing to go visit new countries and cultures in the company of good friends? Send us some of your dreams and longed-for destinations and let's make them happen together!
Regional Retreats
Imagine gathering for a day-long or weekend event, with ample opportunity to meet your GNG friends in person, share some fun activities, and build new relationships...with a little yoga and delicious food thrown in for good measure...
Event Listings
MeetUps, Socials, and Special Events
Meetup Group:
If you're in Connecticut or nearby, check out free upcoming MeetUp events with our Women 50+ Get Active MeetUp Group.
Simple to join, varied activities, always wonderful new women to meet!
Monthly Socials:
Each month, we gather together at a local restaurant to hang out, meet new friends, and hear from that month's chosen speaker on a range of relevant, entertaining, thought-provoking topics. Sign up for our monthly newsletter below.
The Good News Girls Coastal Retreat
New London, CT | July 25, 2026
A Day to Reset, Reconnect, and Look Ahead
Saturday, 9am-7pm
Spend the day with us on the Connecticut shoreline for a retreat designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and think about what’s next for you in a real, practical way.
Start with a beautiful hike and house tour at Harkness Memorial State Park, break for lunch, then experience a Life Design Workshop. Dinner and beach walk conclude the day!
You’ll leave with:
- A clear vision for your next chapter to implement right away.
- A practical way to test new ideas without overthinking or overcommitting.
- A simple decision-making approach you can use on a daily basis.
- Meaningful connections with women who will support you going forward.
CLICK HERE for full details, to learn about the workshop, and to register:
https://thegoodnewsgirls.com/retreat-july-2026/
About the WorkshopDesigning Your Way Forward into a Next Chapter You are not done yet. No matter your age or where you are in life, you have the potential for many lives still ahead of you. Life Design is a creative, practical method for imagining possible futures, testing them with small, low-risk experiments, and building the collaborative team that helps you get there. In this afternoon workshop, you'll create your own “Odyssey Plan,” prototype your ideas, discover concrete ways to test them, and identify the people who will champion your next chapter. Simple, practical, and surprisingly eye-opening. |
Day Retreat Pricing (Saturday July 25 only)
This includes the full retreat experience: workshop, meals, mansion tour, and all activities. |
Overnight Stay Option (July 24-26, very limited)We are offering a small number of overnight spaces at our retreat home for those who want the full weekend experience. Only 4 rooms available. |
Past Events
The Smash Bash Mosaic Workshop
Join us for a fun artistic experience at Market Street Creatives!
Come earlier if you want to buy a glass of wine or beer to bring to the workshop.
Register quickly, we’re limited to 20. Members: $45. Nonmembers: $55.
To Register: Please Venmo ASAP to reserve a spot since we are limited to 20 participants: @Susan-Wheeler-40.
Don’t Venmo? Text Susan to reserve a spot (860-307-5901) then mail your check to her at 150 West Side Road, Goshen, CT 06756)
Description: Learn the history and basics of mosaics in this sip and smash workshop. Create a beautiful stepping stone, hot plate or picture frame using broken tile, china and other odd bits. No experience is necessary, just an enthusiasm to be creative and learn something new!
🍂 TheGood News Girls Fall Retreat 🍂
Hillsdale, NY |September 26–28, 2025
Everyone welcome to the Saturday one-day workshop. For the full overnight experience, we have a few spots left.
✨ Saturday One-Day Experience – $75 (members) | $90 (non-members)
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Morning hike through the beautiful Hudson Valley trails
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Delicious lunch with the girls
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Life Design Workshop led by the incredible Mary O'Neill
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Happy Hour & Dinner
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Campfire storytelling with a mix of urban legends, mysteries & true crime
🧭 DesigningYour Life Retreat Workshop
Join Dr. Mary O'Neill in a retreat-style Designing Your Life workshop exploring an essential part of life design—assessing and understanding where you are in life with non-judgment and self-compassion and exploring steps you can take to move toward a life of greater coherence and alignment.
Design Your Third Act:
A Canvas for Reinvention
A Good News Social
Sept. 10, 6-8:30pm
Come join us for happy hour and dinner. Socialize, meet new friends, and get inspired by our special guest, Candace Freedenberg, founder of Untapped Potential.
Market Place Kitchen & Bar,
336 W Main St, Avon, CT 06001
RSVP so we’ll have a head count - Text Susan at 860-307-5901
Cover charge at door: $15 (Members free)
Invite your friends!
Design Your Third Act:
A Canvas for Reinvention
A Good News Social
TUESDAY, August 12, 6-8:30pm
Come join us for happy hour and dinner. Socialize, meet new friends, and get inspired by our special guest, Candace Freedenberg, founder of Untapped Potential.
Market Place Kitchen & Bar,
336 W Main St, Avon, CT 06001
RSVP so we’ll have a head count - Text Susan at 860-307-5901
Cover charge at door: $15 (Members free)
Invite your friends!
Retreat Day at the Shore
Saturday, June 21, 9am-8pm
(Rain date: Sunday, June 22)
Start your summer off right! Join us as we hike one of the most scenic sections of the CT shore, enjoy an elegant meal together in historic surroundings, dive into a fun and enlightening workshop to learn more about our personalities, and top it all off with wine and more delicious food.
Schedule:
· 9am Hike and explore beautiful Bluff Point State Park in Groton – Easy 4-mile hike along the coast.
· 12pm Summer luncheon at GNG member Beth Cooper’s 1760s home in Ledyard, catered by Josh Cooper, professional chef (and Beth’s husband!)
· 2pm Personality Patterns Workshop at the Cooper’s.
· 4pm Happy Hour at Maugle Sierra Winery
· 6-8pm Dinner at a nearby restaurant
$55 members
$65 nonmembers
Cost covers the catered lunch and workshop. Participants are responsible for wine and dinner.
Please Venmo ASAP to reserve a spot, since we limited to 25 participants: @Susan-Wheeler-40
Don’t Venmo? Text Susan to reserve a spot (860-307-5901) then mail your check to her right away at 150 West Side Road, Goshen, CT 06756)
Redefining You:
Mindset Shifts for Midlife and Beyond
A Good News Social
WEDNESDAY, June 4, 6-8:30pm
Come join us for happy hour and dinner. Socialize, meet new friends, and get inspired by our special guest, Cyndi Walter.
Learn from Cyndi how to build more confidence and move forward with purpose! Invite your friends.
Marketplace Tavern, 7 North Street, Litchfield
RSVP so we’ll have a head count - Text Susan at 860-307-5901
Cover charge at door: $15 (Members free)
Invite your friends!
Designing a Life at any Age
A Good News Social
WEDNESDAY, May 21, 6-8:30pm
Come join us for happy hour and dinner. Socialize, meet new friends, and get inspired by our special guest, Mary O'Neill.
From teaching her popular Philosophy of Happiness class to college students to leading Life Design workshops for people over 50, Mary is passionate about what she offers!
Marketplace Kitchen & Bar, 336 W. Main, Avon, CT
RSVP so we’ll have a head count - Text Mimi at 860-485-2208
Cover charge at door: $15 (Members free)
Invite your friends!
The Upcycled Fashion Show
Reimagine • Restyle • Reinvent
thursday, May 1, 6-8pm
Fashion Over 50 with Confidence & Creativity!
Join us for a fabulous evening celebrating sustainable style and the power of reinvention! Discover how to refresh your wardrobe, repurpose forgotten pieces, and embrace fashion that’s as unique as you are.
What to Expect:
A runway show featuring your friends in upcycled & reimagined outfits
Tips on curating a stylish, sustainable wardrobe
Inspiration for fashion over 50—confidence at any age!
Fun, laughter, and a fresh take on personal style
Location: Rachel’s Quality Consignment
Tickets: $25 in Advance / $30 at the Door (Members $20/25)
Tickets in advance
- Venmo @Susan-Wheeler-40or mail a check: Susan Wheeler, 150 West Side Rd. Goshen, CT 06756
- Please RSVP no matter how you’re paying! Text Susan: 860-307-5901
Location: Rachel’s Quality Consignment, 465 Bantam Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759
Special store discounts for this event only!
15% off on purchases under $199
20% off for purchases over $200
Morning Attire:
Choosing the Right Mindset
A Good News Social
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 5:30 - 8:30pm
Come join us for happy hour and dinner. Socialize, meet new friends, and get inspired by our special guest, Cindy Donaldson!
As we explore fashion this month for women over 50, let’s also consider the importance of choosing the “outfit” with which we attire our minds each morning—we can make the choice to “put on” our best selves each day. Cindy will share ideas and tools to help! Cindy is a seasoned coach, mentor, entrepreneur, and all around inspirational Bucket List gal, living her dreams!
Marketplace Tavern, 7 North Street, Litchfield, CT 06759
RSVP so we’ll have a head count - Text Mimi at 860-485-2208
Cover charge at door: $15 (Members free)
Invite your friends!
CEO of Your New Life!
Come join us for happy hour and dinner to socialize, meet new friends, and hear from our special guest, whose work is to help women emerge from prison and successfully recreate a life for themselves.
At York Correctional Institute in Niantic, Beth Cooper leads women through Defy Venture’s “CEO of Your New Life” curriculum in preparation for their re-entry into the working world. And guess what--some of the principles apply to all of us! Beth has many fascinating to stories to share, including a few about her own transition at this stage of life. I know we’ll all be inspired!
Saturday, March 29, 5-8 pm
110 Grill, The Shops at Farmington Valley, 110 Albany Turnpike, Canton,CT
Food and drink available for purchase.
Cover charge: $15 nonmembers/ $10 GNG members.
Please Venmo ASAP to reserve a spot, since we will have a full house: @Susan-Wheeler-40 (Don’t Venmo? Text Susan to reserve a spot and pay at door – 860-307-5901)
Join our Clothing Drive – At the event, we will be collecting clothing to help these women, so please contribute if you can. They’re in need of interview-appropriate and business casual attire in great condition, including dress slacks, blouses, and jackets. Do you have something in your own closet you never wear? Also, if you’re a smaller size, please consider stopping at the Goodwill to find an outfit in much-needed large or plus sizes.
Blooming Collages: A Creative Journey into the New Year
Saturday, January 18, 2025
· 2-5 pm. Two-part Workshop
· 5-8 pm. Happy Hour/Dinner (optional)
110 Grill, The Shoppes of Farmington Valley, 110 Albany Turnpike, Canton
Cost: Member $40, Nonmember $50
Register here to save your spot:
Venmo - @Susan-Wheeler-40
OR Paypal - @SusanVWheeler
A workshop that offers a fun and creative journey weaving together art-making and personal reflection. As women over 50, it’s easy to let uncertainty hold us back from exploring what’s next. The time to act is now. Don’t let 2025 slip by without making real moves toward the things you’ve been dreaming about. Let’s wake up our innate creativity, consider those back-burner dreams, and take the first step to make this year one of discovery, purpose, and adventure.
Workshop Description
Part I: Floral Visions
Let’s start by igniting your creativity! In this hands-on guided activity, you’ll craft a vibrant floral still life through a step-by-step collage process. No art experience? No problem! This is about curiosity, exploration, and creativity, not perfection. By the end, you’ll have a beautiful piece of art to brighten up your winter!
Part II: From Reflection to Action
Ever find yourself asking, What now? or feeling stuck about what’s next? In this interactive session, we’ll access simple tools to spark curiosity about your life and shift from indecision to action. Through reflective activities and discussions, you’ll discover how small steps can quickly shift your life toward more happiness, enjoyment, and purpose in the present moment.
Cookie Swap & Giving Event at the Bad Dog Brewery
Thursday, December 5, 2024, 6-8 pm
For Members and Non-members, come one, come all!
Reserve your spot today—space is limited! Venmo $25 to: @Susan-Wheeler-40
Your $25 covers:
- A delicious spread of pizza and salad
- A contribution to our Susan B. Anthony Foundation gift baskets
- A spot in the cookie swap
What to Bring: 4 to 5 dozen of your favorite Christmas cookies to swap. At the end of the night, you’ll leave with a beautiful tray of assorted cookies for the season. Plus, you’ll help us spread joy by contributing to the Susan B. Anthony Foundation, supporting victims of domestic violence.
Good News Girls Beach Castle Retreat
October 5-9, 2024
Our first GNG retreat was a remarkable experience for the group of us who were able to gather at the "Beach Castle" in Wellfleet!
The blend of hiking, healthy food, ocean views, beach walks, laughter, and meaningful conversation was life-giving to all of us!
Stay tuned for Retreat 2025!
Eating to 100: The Flavors of Wellness
Cooking Class and Dinner with Terry Walters!
National Best-Selling Cookbook Author
September 13, 2024, 5-9 pm
Author of CLEAN FOOD, CLEAN START, EAT CLEAN LIVE WELL, and most recently, NOURISH, Terry is a James Beard Foundation Award finalist, recipient of the Nautilus Gold and Silver Book Awards, and recipient of the World Gourmand “Second Best Vegetarian Cookbook in the World” and “Best Vegetarian Cookbook in the United States” Awards. With her wisdom and expertise, she’ll inspire us toward healthier living!
Event highlights:
- Guided by Terry, prepare six delectable plant-based recipes.
- Learn about the benefits of seasonal produce and healthy cooking methods.
- Savor the dishes we create at our tapas-style dinner.
- Take home some delicious samples to share!
First Congregational Church, 21 Torrington Road, Litchfield CT
Hollister House Garden Tour:
Date: Friday, June 28, 2024
Time: 6 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Hollister House Gardens, 300 Nettleton Hollow Road, Washington, CT
Cost: Founding Members Free / $25 non-members
- Private Garden Tour: Enjoy a privately guided, serene, and beautiful stroll through the enchanting Hollister House Gardens.
- Wine & Hors d'Oeuvres: Savor a glass of wine and delectable hors d'oeuvres as you take in the stunning surroundings.
- Great Conversation: Just bring your wit and charm!
Frequently Asked Questions
We are a really welcoming and inclusive community…and we try to make joining and participation easy! If you don’t see your questions here, please email us: mimi@thegoodnewsgirls.com.
