Month: May 2011

Sheffield Island Opens for the Season

The Norwalk Seaport Association has kicked off its summer season with the opening of Sheffield Island that is home to the 142-year-old Sheffield Island lighthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

From May through September, visitors can board the Seaport Association’s 45-foot C.J. Toth catamaran for a cruise to the island then tour the lighthouse, observe wildlife in their natural habitat in the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, hunt for shells along the beach, dine on a picnic lunch, play on the lawns around the lighthouse or simply unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them. A special treat when visiting the island is a climb to the lighthouse tower that affords magnificent views of Long Island Sound and, on a clear day, of the New York City skyline.

A special offering by the Seaport Association is the Wednesday Sunset Harbor Cruises from 6:30 p.m to 9:30 p.m. This relaxing sunset cruise on the Seaport’s new 45-foot ferry is a spectacular way to explore the beauty of Fairfield County’s “gold coast”, Norwalk Harbor and Long Island Sound. Advance reservations for the popular sunset cruise are strongly recommended.

A favorite of young and old alike is the Thursday Evening Clambake at Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Every summer, the Seaport Ferry in South Norwalk carries hundreds of hungry passengers to the historic 1868 Sheffield Island Lighthouse for this famous Thursday night outing. A true New England dining experience, the evening allows participants to dine in the festive tented pavilion on the lighthouse lawn, with tours of the lighthouse itself included in the cost. Roundtrip cruise and dinner is either $58 or $78 per person, depending on entree. Advance registration only. To dine in the shadow of the historic 1868 Sheffield Island Lighthouse and look out to the skyline of Manhatten is truly and unforgettable summer experience. The Clambake begins June 30, 2011 and runs through August 25, 2011.

The Seaport Association also offers a popular Bird Watching Cruise that leaves the dock at 7:30 am and returns at 10:30 am. Birding enthusiasts will join Larry Flynn, Master Wildlife Conservationist, Division of Wildlife, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, aboard the Seaport Association’s ferry, to learn about the birds that make Long Island Sound their home. The first tour for 2011 is Saturday, June 4 from 2 pm to 4 pm. This years dates for the special birding crusies are: Sunday, June 12 and 26; Sunday July 10, Tuesday July 12, Sunday July 24, Saturday July 30, Sunday August 7 and Wednesday August 10. For reservations call 203-838-9444.

The ferry service to Sheffield Island is Monday-Friday — 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and on weekends and holidays the ferry runs at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Round-trip ferry tickets: $22 adults $20 seniors/NSA members $12 ages 4-12; $5 ages 3 and younger. To buy tickets call 800-838-3006 (24/7) visit the website http://www.seaport.org or call 203-838-2898 on the day of the ferry ride.

The ferry leaves from the Sheffield Island Lighthouse dock located at the corner of North Water Street and Washington Street in Historic South Norwalk. Parking is available adjacent to the dock and the Norwalk Maritime Center Garage. The 2011 Season begins May 28, 2011 and ends September 25, 2011. It is advised to arrive at the dock 15 minutes before departure.

The Norwalk Seaport Association was established in 1978 and stewards the Sheffield Island lighthouse, which celebrates 142 years as the jewel in Long Island Sound.

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Classic Schooner Sails SoundWaters Opens this Weekend!

Anyone who has ever dreamed about gliding full sail on a classic schooner should visit SoundWaters, an environmental education organization located in Cove Island Park in Stamford. They offer regular sails on the SoundWaters, an 80-foot three-masted replica of a 19th Century sharpie schooner, which leaves from Brewer Yacht Haven Marina in Stamford.

Afternoon sails from 3 to 5 p.m. on selected dates from June through August are great for families with children age 5 and up, offering the chance to help hoist the sails and raise the trawl to discover who lives underwater. This summer, afternoon sails are offered on the following dates: Sunday, May 29, Sunday, June 12, Saturday, June 25, Sunday, June 26, Sunday, July 3, Saturday, July 9, Saturday, July 16, Sunday, July 17, Saturday, July 23, Saturday, July 30, Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14.

Sunset Sails on selected weekends and weeknights from June through August are intended for adults, who are invited to bring dinner and their favorite beverages on baord and relax while watching the sun go down. These sails are intended for Adults, as alcohol is often brought on board. Sunset Sails are offered 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm on the following dates this season: Sunday, May 29, Sunday, June 12, Saturday, June 25, Sunday, June 26, Tuesday, June 28, Sunday, July 3, Wednesday, July 6, Friday, July 8, Saturday, July 9, Friday, July 15, Saturday, July 16, Sunday, July 17, Wednesday, July 20, Friday, July 22, Saturday, July 2, Wednesday, July 27, Friday, July 29, Saturday, July 30, Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14.

On July 2 Soundwaters is offering a “Fireworks Sail”, that is truely an unforgettable event that is set against the dramatic backdrop of Long Island Sound from 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm. Tickets for this very special sail are $75 per person.

Tickets for Afternoon and Sunset Sails are $30 per person and all children must be at least five years old. To reserve your space please call 203-406-3335 with a credit card. Prior to the day of the sail, tickets are also available at the SoundWaters Center in Cove Island Park and can be purchased by credit card, cash or check. Spaces on day of sail are available first come first served. Passengers can pay in person (cash or check) on the day of sail dockside (Brewers Yacht Haven Marina). Note that these spaces are not guaranteed. For any additional questions or if you would like to make advance resevations phone (203) 406-3335 or email hstarks@soundwaters.org.

To reach the Marina coming from the North on I-95:-Take I-95 South to Exit 7. Merge onto N State St (merge into the middle lane, the far left lane will take you back to I-95 South). Turn left on to Washington Blvd (5th Traffic Light) Washington Blvd will turn into Dyke Lane Continue on Dyke Lane. Take a right onto Batemen Way. Turn left into Brewer Yacht Haven Marina and follow the pavement to the southwest corner of the marina. The Schooner SoundWaters is located at Dock S1.

Coming from the South on I-95: -Take I-95 North to Exit 7.-Merge onto S State St-Turn right onto Washington Blvd-Washington Blvd will turn into Dyke Lane- Continue on Dyke Lane.- Take a right onto Batemen Way- Turn left into Brewer Yacht Haven Marina and follow the pavement to the southwest corner of the marina. The Schooner SoundWaters is located at Dock S1.

The gate into Brewer Yacht Haven Marina is open Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am – 1:00pm. If your sail is after 5:00 pm on a weekday, after 1:00 pm on Saturday, or on a Sunday, a SoundWaters staff member will be at the entrance gate into Brewers Yacht Haven Marina 30 minutes prior to the start of the sail to check in passengers and direct you to parking. You must check in at the gate 5 minutes prior to the start of the sail.

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Lake Compounce Offers Discounts for Military Families Memorial Day Weekend

Lake Compounce located in Bristol Connecticut proudly offers military members and their families showing valid ID 50% off regular admission on May 28, 29 and 30, in honor of the Memorial Day holiday. Any member who shows proof of being in a military family is eligible, and all tickets must be purchased at the gate.

“We at Lake Compounce deeply appreciate what those in the military, both retired and current members, as well as their families do and sacrifice for our country.” Said Jerry Brick, the park’s General Manager. “And we would like to express our gratitude by honoring them on Memorial Day weekend.”

Regular admission is $35.99, and discounted tickets will be $17.99 each. The park will be open on May 28 and 29 from 11:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., and on May 30 from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

About Lake Compounce

Lake Compounce is part of the Palace Entertainment family of parks and is New England’s Family Theme Park as well as the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America. Straddling both Bristol and Southington, Connecticut, the park is now open for its 166th season and is the oldest continuously operating Amusement Park in the United States.

Season passes are now on sale for the 2011 season, and can be purchased for $69.99 for a limited time (Regularly $79.99). Unlimited parking passes are available to all season pass holders for $33.00. Regular admission price for the 2011 season will be $35.99. Junior admission, which is for guests under 52 inches tall, is $25.99. Senior admission, for ages 61 and up, will be $17.99. Children 3 years of age and younger are admitted free.

All tickets and season passes may be purchased by visiting http://www.lakecompounce.com.

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A Workshop for Fiber Enthusiasts in Litchfield Hills

If you are thinking of taking an unusual weekend country retreat to recharge a unique workshop featuring the art of fiber preparation is being offered in the Litchfield Hills. The workshop takes place at Sachem Farm B&B that is situated serenely overlooking Lake Waramaug, Connecticut’s second largest natural lake. Here you will learn about sheep, knitting, spinning, and felting along with discussions on wool processing and fiber preparation in a setting of great natural beauty. Join Kim Goodling from VT Grand View Farm June 10-12 for a weekend workshop, taking a fleece through the stages of skirting, washing, and carding.

This workshop will explore fiber preparation, from skirting a newly shorn fleece, to carding techniques and everything in between. You will explore different breeds of sheep and how the care and health of a sheep affects wool quality. You will learn how to wash a fleece and how to use both hand cards, and a drum carder to create wonderful batts for felting or spinning. You’ll leave this workshop with the confidence to purchase and process your own fleeces. Best of all, you don’t need to know how to spin to appreciate this workshop, although by the end of the retreat …. you’ll want to learn!

The Sachem Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast, overlooking Lake Waramaug provides the ideal venue for this weekend workshop. Guest rooms are elegantly decorated with fine antiques, comfortable reading chairs, and luxurious beds. A leisurely breakfast featuring fresh eggs from the farm and local produce is included in every stay. Here you can take time to enjoy the pastures and sheep as you learn about working and living on a small fiber farm. You may want to spend your free time knitting on the porch that overlooks majestic Lake Waramaug, take a stroll down a country lane or explore the ring road along the Lake by bike. Nearby bucolic villages provide endless shopping and restaurants for dining. As an added bonus, Hopkins Vineyard is just up the street for wine tasting and vineyard walks.

Workshop Itinerary:

Friday, June 10

Arrive at 2:00pm (Early Check-in offered, with time to relax and unwind)

Spend the afternoon knitting or spinning on the porch.

5:00pm-6:00pm Complimentary Wine Tasting featuring local wine from Hopkins Vineyard.

Dinner on your own (there are many fine area restaurants to choose from or, get take-out and eat by the lake)

Saturday, June 11
8:00am-9:00am Breakfast on the porch

9:30am-12:00pm Morning Workshop

Different Wools

– Discuss different types of sheep wool

– Discuss other available animal fibers, i.e. angora, llama, etc.

– Discuss animal care and health of fleece

– Selecting fleeces and hands-on skirting

12:00pm-1:00pm Picnic Lunch by the sheep pasture

1:00pm-3:00pm Afternoon Workshop

– Fiber Preparation

– Discuss methods for cleaning wool

– Hands-on washing a fleece

Self-serve coffee and tea is always available in our B&B living room and on the porch. Enjoy an afternoon or evening of knitting or spinning with a fantastic view of the lake!

Dinner on your own (there are many fine area restaurants to choose from or, get take-out and eat by the lake)

Sunday, June 12

8:00am-9:00am breakfast on the porch

9:30am-12:30pm Morning Workshop

– Hand Carding Wool and creating spinning rolags

– Using a drum carder to blend and create fibers into wonderful

batts for spinning and felting

12:30pm-1:30pm A “working” lunch on the porch if extra time is needed for carding.

Check-out will be extended until 4 pm for those who would like to explore the area or enjoy the lake front.
Please note….any guest wishing to help with farm chores can assist with sheep feeding at the barn in the morning, before breakfast.

Fiber Preperation Workshop Weekend Special June 10-12
Lodging cost: Friday & Saturday night, (breakfast included)
$535.00 lake view room with private bath (accommodates two, $40.00 for 1 additional person on rollaway cot) (CT state occupancy tax included)
$335.00 shared bath room (accommodates two) (CT state occupancy tax included)
Workshop fee $175.00 (lunch, afternoon tea & materials included) Accommodations and workshop availability are limited.
For workshop registration and reservation requests: Phone (860)-868-0359 Email: info@thesachemfarmhouse.com http://www.thesachemfarmhouse.com

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Woodbury Auction’s 2nd Anniversary Antique and Fine Art Auction

Woodbury Auction’s 2nd Anniversary Antique and Fine Art Auction has been scheduled for May 21, 2011 at 11 am. This auction will be in the heart of historic Woodbury,Connecticut at 670 Main Street South – Sherman Village.

Thomas Schwenke commented that “this space in a centrally located and highly visible location allows us to get the auction set up much more efficiently and also provides maximum exposure for the auction, all to the benefit of our consignors and buyers. Attendees will find ample parking in the commercial mall also occupied by Ovens of France, a charming French bakery, and Zee Burger, the newest culinary offering by noted Woodbury chef Carole Peck.

A beautiful mid-spring ride to Woodbury, called by many the “Antiques Capital” of Connecticut, and situated on the “Connecticut Antiques Trail”, will bring attendees to Woodbury Auction LLC’s anniversary event, featuring American and European furniture, country Americana, folk art, and decorative and fine art. Premier items in the sale include a pair of Joseph H. Sharp watercolors, a rare New Jersey silvered dial tall clock by Aaron Lane, a stunning Continental crystal chandelier, and a Pennsylvania walnut Queen Anne dressing table descended in the family of William Pinckney, Maryland statesman.

Also offered in this anniversary sale, Woodbury Auction’s sixth sale since inception in May of 2009, will be furniture, paintings, country Americana, folk art, porcelain, vintage toys and general collectibles from estates and consignors in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Rhode Island. Absentee, phone and online bidding (through Live Auctioneers) will be available. Preview will be held from May 18th through the morning of the sale.

“Woodbury Auction is an auction house with well-qualified dealer experts in service to appreciators of not only fine arts and antiques, but of the art of the auction itself,” noted Mr. Schwenke, founder of the enterprise. “Connecticut is really at the heart of America’s historic property preservation and antiquities interest. Being located on the “Connecticut Antiques Trail”, we have real time visitors and clients from all over the country. And since our auctions are also conducted live on the internet we offer the opportunity for fine pieces to change hands on a world wide selling platform.”

As owner and proprietor of Thomas Schwenke, Inc. Antiques, one of Woodbury’s largest shops, Schwenke is widely regarded as one of the country’s top antiques experts having over four decades of experience in the antiques business and boasting a broad established network of dealers, appraisers and collectors.

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New Canaan Nature Center Art Exhibit The Little Things by Melissa Kircher

A exhibit of original paintings and photography by Melissa Kircher will be on display at the New Canaan Nature Center through June 14. The exhibit, entitled “The Little Things,” is a series of floral and nature inspired photographs that combine elements of color, light, and texture, both man-made and natural. Kiircher says “I find the often overlooked aspects of nature appealing, taking joy in spotting a hidden flower, leaf, or an unusual scene. These works are about discovering the beauty in little things.”

The photographs have all been processed with different fine art elements to create unique and truly original works of art. Melissa Kircher attended Gordon College in Massachusetts where she studied drawing, printmaking, graphic design, and sculpture. She earned a BFA in Visual Arts with a concentration in sculpture. Melissa is currently a self employed artist in the fields of painting, photography, photo-processing, graphic design and freelance writing. Her home and studio is in Norwalk, Connecticut and her work has been displayed in various Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York City locations. Melissa’s artwork can be seen on her web-site: http://www.melissakircher.com.

For more information please call 966-9577. A portion of proceeds from the sale of the artwork will benefit the New Canaan Nature Center

The New Canaan Nature Center is an environmental education center and sanctuary dedicated to helping people of all ages better understand, appreciate and care for the world of nature. The Nature Center’s grounds, which include a Birds of Prey exhibit and gardens, are open from dawn to dusk daily. The Visitor’s Center and Discovery Room are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

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