Month: March 2015

Seeds are getting ready to sprout, and the Kent Historical Society wants everyone to be ready for spring planting. In another of its continuing “Sunday Series” presentations, the Kent Historical Society, in collaboration with the Kent Garden Club, will host Ken Greene, founder of the Hudson Valley Seed Library, who will present the hows and whys of preserving and growing heirloom seeds. The lecture will be held Sunday, March 22 at 2 p.m. at the Kent Town Hall.

Like all great libraries, the Hudson Valley Seed Library is filled with stories that have become essential elements of regional culture. But this library is dedicated to one of the most important parts of our horticultural heritage: seeds. Unlike heirloom antiques, seeds are alive and always changing. Their ever-evolving nature has led to the diversity of flowers, vegetables and herbs still with us today. The Hudson Valley Seed Library is a project Greene germinated in a small town library that has now blossomed into a company and farm devoted to producing organic seed for home gardeners and farmers, and fostering a regional seed-saving community.

Greene is a tireless advocate for seed diversity, security, and sovereignty, and for the cultural stories that celebrate farms and gardens. His engaging presentation will explore new ways of keeping seed heritage alive, from restoration to preservation, and growing the heirlooms of tomorrow. He is on the board of directors for Organic Seed Alliance and has given presentations at the NOFA-NY conference, Seed Savers Exchange, Young Farmers Conference, Culinary Institute of America, Organic Seed Conference, National Heirloom Expo, Cornell and many other organizations.

Hudson Valley Seed Library also celebrates seeds through art, and annually commissions original art for a select number of unique seed packs in its catalog.
For the 2015 collection, over 400 artists applied for only 16 available commissions. Greene will display some of the contemporary art commissioned by the Seed Library along with photos of the Seed Library Farm, in addition to speaking about easy, beautiful and tasty heirloom varieties for gardeners to grow at home.

Hudson Valley Seed Library memberships and a wide variety of vegetable and flower seeds from the 2015 collection will be available for purchase following the program. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Kent Historical Society.

For area information visit www.litchfieldhills.com. For more information about the Kent Historical Society www.kenthistoricalsociety.org

The Fairfield Theatre Company located on 70 Sanford Street in Fairfield has just announced a series of concerts in their award winning intimate 225 seat theatre that is consistently noted as the best caliber of the artists.

If you like the blues, don’t miss the show on Saturday, March 21 with Roomful of Blues. This band is a tour de force of horn-fired blues. So tight, and so right: a masterful combination of jumping, horn-heavy, hard-edged blues, and R&B. Since ’67, the group’s deeply rooted blend of swing, rock ‘n’ roll, jump, blues and soul has earned it a slew of accolades. But you really don’t need to know their history to join in the fun. If knowing they have earned five Grammy Award nominations, and seven Blues Music Awards gives them credibility for you, so be it.

For a change of pace, on March 29 the Pine Hill Project takes center stage. Pine Hill Project is the reunion of Richard Schindell and Lucy Kaplansky with special guest Larry Campbell. Their work together in the folk revival supergroup Cry Cry Cry represents a turning point in American folk music, and in their separate careers they have helped to broaden the definition of folk.

Each writer brings their own unique view to the project; Schindell, his esoteric story telling, and Kaplansky, her unique outlook on life. Schindell’s work is hallmarked by the unlikely heroes that he depicts. Kaplansky left behind a career in clinical psychology in order to pursue songwriting, and has been a vital voice ever since.
The April 8 headliner is Lee Dewyze. There is a special VIP package that includes a Pre-Show Meet & Greet and Acoustic

Dewyze is a cross between Cat Stevens and Paul Simon, and has certainly broken the mold of American Idol winners.
With his rough-hewn voice and laid-back Midwestern charm, DeWyze won over millions of viewers as a contestant and eventual winner of the 2010 season of American Idol. There’s an easy-going sprit on his major-label debut Live It Up — a breezy blend of rootsy pop, rock, and folk, anchored by DeWyze’s soulful, husky voice and bright-sounding acoustic guitar.

For ticket information visit http://fairfieldtheatre.org. For more event information on Fairfield County visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

This spring the Newtown Historical Society has organized a series of events sure to please the entire family. Events will take place at the historic Matthew Curtiss House located on 44 Main Street in Newtown, just down the street from the iconic giant flagpole.

On March 9 at 7:30 pm., the C.H. Booth Library Karen Karen DePauw, a Research & Collections Associate at the CT Historical Society, will help you recall the clothing of your ancestors, your parents, and your own fashion choices as she takes you on this trip through over 100 years of fashion. You can even contribute to the discussion by bringing a favorite garment and sharing your memories.

For a change of pace, the Society is offering an open house and colonial dancing at the Matthew Curtiss House from 12 noon to 4 pm on March 15. Guests will be invited to join Patricia Campbell, a Dance Caller, who will be accompanied by Fran Hendrickson on keyboards. They will conduct three sessions that will include an introduction and instruction. Each session lasts 45 minutes and is limited to 20 participants. This event is free, but registration is required by e-mailing bkwilsonhistory@yahoo.com. Please indicate which session you would like to attend (12:30, 1:30, or 2:30). This activity is appropriate for ages 8 and up.

On April 26 from 12 noon to 4 pm the Historical Society will host an open house and Victorian block building event at the Matthews Curtiss House. If you have ever wondered what children used before Legos this event is for you. Join the Society’s staff for a fun filled afternoon of block building Victorian style. The society has recently acquired a set of Richter Stone Blocks which in its day rivaled Lego Building Blocks, complete with starter kits, supplemental sets, and instructions on how to build certain models within a series.

For more information on the Newtown Historical Society visit http://www.newtownhistory.org and for area information visit www.litchfieldhills.com

The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm Trust located on 44 Upland Road in New Milford Connecticut is offering up a series of cooking classes in March featuring a wide variety of food offerings. On Sunday, March 15 for example from 11 a.m. 2 p.m. join Nancy Stuart for “Green Eggs and Ham” for ages 6 to 13 ushers in St. Patty’s day and celebrates Dr. Suess’ birthday. Kids will make an assortment of items and get recipes to take home for the family. Full participation. $45 per person.

Tuscan Holiday zings into Spring on March 21 from 6 to 9:30 pm with Chef Daniel Rosati. The menu will include: Warm Spinach Pesto Crostini with Creamy Fontina; Tuscan Leek Soup; Tuscan Pork Tenderloins “Porchetta” Style; Sweet & Savory Marinated Artichoke Hearts; and Chocolate Hazelnut Zuccotto Cake. This class offers full participation and is $90 per person.

If you like brunch, don’t miss the Sunday Brunch Classic class on March 29 from 6 to 9 pm with Chef Daniel Rosati. The brunch menu will include: Chunky Apple Cinnamon Muffins; Parmesan Herb Scones; Vermont Cheddar & Sausage Savory Bread Pudding; Asparagus & Herb Miniature Frittatas; Smoked & Fresh Salmon Hash; Classic Pecan Sticky Buns. This class offers full participation and is $90 per person.

On April 25 the Silo is hosting a special class based on the Titianic with Chef Catherine Titus Felix, CCP. This is a classic dinner that you can share with your friends and family. The Titanic – It’s the story that continues to fascinate the world. April 14 marks the anniversary when “the large luxurious ship carrying many of the wealthiest people on the globe met its doom. “The story of the Titanic isn’t just about the mysterious circumstances of the sinking, or the tragedy and loss of life. Much of our fascination with Titanic is in the details. It’s a look back at how the Edwardian-era passengers lived, dressed and of course, how they ate.” This multi-course feast, with champagne and wine, will allow you to take a journey back in time to an Edwardian world of strict class distinctions, obsession with etiquette and fashion and the era’s love of fine food. This is a demonstration class. and is $100 per person.

For more information and to register visit http://www.hunthillfarmtrust.org, or call (860) 355-0300. Registration is also available at The Silo during regular business hours. The Silo Gallery and store are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The Silo Cooking School at Hunt Hill Farm, 44 Upland Rd, New Milford, CT. 860.355.0300; www.hunthillfarmtrust.org.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com