Month: August 2018

The lazy days of August, one of the hottest months of the year in Connecticut are upon us. One way to cool off is to take an Acoustic Wednesday night cruise through Norwalk Harbor and Islands with the Seaport Association of Norwalk. They have lined up a series of five acoustic on the water excursions for adults on August 22 and 29 that feature a roster of different performing artists that are sure to delight passengers.

On August 15 and August 29, join the New Orleans Beatniks on an evening cruise and relax to the music of New Orleans with a little bit of funk and a lot of soul! Their unique musical style and the way they interact with their audience will make this cruise unforgettable.

On August 22, Pierce Campbell will perform. Campbell was appointed as the Connecticut State Troubadour for 2007-2008, and is well known as a storyteller and a fabulously talented melodic fingerstyle guitar, piano and acoustic base player. Passengers will unwind to his well-crafted songs, his rich and powerful voice and dazzling guitar work, with a story or two thrown in to round out an excellent night of entertainment.

To add to the ambiance, don’t forget to pack a picnic snack and your favorite bottle of wine or beer.

How to Book the Acoustic Cruise

The Seaport Wednesday Acoustic Cruise is available in June, July, August, and September. The vessel leaves the dock at 6:30 p.m. and returns at 8:30 p.m. Passengers should arrive 30 minutes before departure, boarding begins at 6:15 p.m. Passengers are welcome to bring snacks and their favorite bottle of wine or beer aboard…don’t forget to bring plastic glasses! The vessel 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 Garage. Tickets for this Adult cruise only is $25 ($26.87 with service fee).

For tickets click here https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3342004?cookie_header=1

About the Seaport Association

The Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens in Norwalk who had a vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. This year makes the 150 anniversary of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse.

The Norwalk Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation and consideration for our environment and how the preservation of historic buildings and nature contribute to our quality of life.

It is our belief that preservation strengthens the perpetual partnership between the past, the present and the future. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment and maritime heritage.

By early August, Connecticut is in full bloom with ragweed. This flowering plant is in the genus Ambrosia in the Aster family. Most ragweed pollen is released between August and October and is one of the most important causes of fall hay fever symptoms. Pollen counts are highest in the morning hours on windy days or shortly after a rainstorm when the plant is drying out. Native Americans found many valued this pesky plant for medicinal uses and took advantage of its topical and internal applications.

About Annual Ragweed
Ragweed can be found just about anywhere this time of year from roadsides to fields, vacant lots and meadows. They are annual and perennial herbs and shrubs. Many species grow anywhere from a few inches high to about three feet high and their flowers contain both male and female flowers. The male flowers are found in the cylindrically shaped spike on the top of the flowering stalk and the female flower is found on the axils of the leaves. The plant produces two types of leaves. Large leaves divided into three to five lobes with serrated edges and long petioles are located on the lower part of the stem. Smaller, lanceolate leaves, covered with hairs on the bottom side can be seen near the base of the flowers.

Common annual ragweed produces diamond shaped seeds after wind- induced pollination. A single plant may produce about a billion grains of pollen per season that is transported on the wind. Ragweed pollen is light and fluffy and can stay airborne for days and travel great distances affecting people hundreds of miles away from where the pollen originated.​

In addition to medicinal uses, Native Americans found several other uses for ragweed. There is evidence that Native Americans planted, cultivated, and harvested ragweed seeds. These seeds have an amazing percentage of crude protein (47%) and fat (38%) making them an important food source during the long winter months. It is said that the seed tastes like wheat. The sturdy stems of ragweed were also used by Native Americans to make rope.​

Medicinal & Other Uses of Annual Ragweed
The Cherokee used annual ragweed as a ceremonial plant as an ingredient in their green corn medicine. The plant was also used as a dermatological aid; the leaves were crushed and rubbed on an insect bite, an infusion of the leaves were also used to treat hives. The Delaware made a poultice out of the plant and applied it to wounds to prevent blood poisoning. The Iroquois and the Dakota compounded a decoction of the leaves and the top part of the plant to treat diarrhea and an infusion of the roots was used as a heart medicine. The Lakota made an infusion of the leaves and used it to treat swelling. The Houma uses a decoction of this root for menstrual trouble.

The Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS has an outdoor Three Sisters and Healing Plants Gardens as well as a replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village. Inside the museum, authentic artifacts are displayed in permanent, semi-permanent and temporary exhibits from prehistory to the present that allows visitors a walk through time. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut and can be reached online or by calling 860-868-0518.

The Institute for American Indian Studies preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality, and knowledge of Native American cultures. Through archaeology, the IAIS is able to build new understandings of the world and history of Native Americans, the focus is on stewardship and preservation. This is achieved through workshops, special events, and education for students of all ages.

Three days of fun, food, entertainment on multiple stages, plus special events for families and friends, from nine to ninety marks just some of the activities to be found at the 2018 Norwalk Oyster Festival hosted by the Seaport Association on Friday, September 7, Saturday, September 8, and Sunday, September 9, 2018 at the 35-acre Veterans Memorial Park in Norwalk. “This is a special year for the Seaport Association, we have entered our 41st year as an organization and we are also celebrating the 150th anniversary of Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Our mission has always been to preserve our maritime heritage, the environment of Long Island Sound, and to have children experience Sheffield Island Lighthouse,” says Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Oyster Festival.

Headliner of Oyster Festival Steve Augeri, Journey, former lead singer Sept. 8

Get ready to take a musical “journey” with Steve Augeri, the former lead vocalist for Journey who will perform on Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. at the 2018 Oyster Festival. Expect fan friendly audience interactions, a strong stage presence, soaring vocals and hit after hit of iconic classic rock songs like Don’t Stop Believing, Anyway You Want It, Faithfully, Loving, Touching, Feeling and many other hits. Fans may even be in for an exclusive treat if Augeri decides to include an original new song or two in the mix that have thrilled audiences worldwide.

The musicians in Augeri’s band really deliver in duplicating the guitar riffs and solos of Journey that launched millions of radio spins. “We are thrilled to bring Steve Augeri former lead vocalist of Journey; one of the most popular American rock bands of all time to this year’s Oyster Festival on Sept. 8. We would like to acknowledge that First County Bank is our presenting sponsor for the eighth year in a row.” says Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Oyster Festival.

Hailing from the heart of Brooklyn, Augeri debuted on Journey’s seven times platinum Armageddon soundtrack continuing the legacy of this super group from 1998 to 2006. For nearly a decade, Augeri recorded three additional albums with Journey and performed on multiple world tours to millions of adoring fans. At present, Augeri is releasing new music and touring nationally and internationally with his band.

Main Stage Performances Sept. 7, 8, & 9
Music on the Main Stage is scheduled for all three days and features a variety of crowd pleasing musical entertainment. “The Oyster Festival is the last big thing that takes place before the end of the summer. This is the perfect time for folks to come to the Festival and say goodbye to the summer of 2018; and to help us celebrate 150 years of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse,” says Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Oyster Festival.

Main Stage -Funky Dawgz, Sept. 7

On Friday, Sept. 7, the first night of the festival, audiences will be entertained by the high-energy horns of Funky Dawgz, one of today’s premier touring acts on the live music scene. Funky Dawgz, the opening act of the night is plugging in at 7 p.m. They have traveled from coast to coast selling out shows. Their exuberant performance combines a contagious upbeat mix of traditional New Orleans R&B, original music, hip-hop, funk, and today’s top hits played with a brass twist. This music will have you tapping your feet and, dancing as the sun sets! After hearing them play, you will understand why they were chosen as one of the “Live for Live” Music’s Brass Bands You Need to Know.

Main Stage – Deep Banana Blackout, Sept. 7

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Headliner Act, Deep Banana Blackout takes the Main Stage on Sept. 7 @ 9 p.m. and are a special treat because they all hail from Connecticut and have traveled far and wide to great national and international acclaim. This amazing New Orleans style jazz- funk band is a force to be reckoned with! The Norwalk Oyster Festival audience will be treated to Graeight-piece This eight piece musical ensemble is a legendary musical force on the East Coast underground funk, jazz and jam scenes and considered by many to be one of the hottest, hippest live shows to be heard in the Northeast.

Performing since 1995, they have released a couple of CDs and have toured endlessly throughout the United States developing a large and loyal fan base, the “Funk Mob.” Their soulful groove and tight horn section is deeply rooted in funk that carries the torch of great funk bands like Tower of Power, Sly and the Family Stone, and James Brown into the 21st century. The music of Deep Banana Blackout is sure to have you grooving and moving for the rest of the night!

Main Stage Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, Sept. 9

Great ready to escape to “Margaritaville” at the Oyster Festival on Sunday, September 9, beginning at 4 p.m. when the ultimate beach party tribute band, Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band plugs in and lights up the stage…after all, it is almost 5 o’clock!

The goodtime vibe of the Jimmy Kenny Band will put you in an endless summer state of mind. So put on your best “Parrothead” gear – your favorite Hawaiian shirt, straw hat, and flip-flops, grab some food and drinks from one of our nearby vendors and get ready to sing and dance along to some of the best of Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney and the Zac Brown Band plus a variety of country favorites, summer pop, reggae and tropical classics that are the perfect finale to the 2018 Oyster Festival.

Multiple Stage Performances Sept. 7, 8 & 9
In addition to Main Stage performances, the 2018 Oyster Festival features dozens of local and regional acts on multiples stages. For a complete list of multiple stage performers check out our website https://seaport.org/Entertainment.

About the Oyster Festival
Proceeds go to The Norwalk Seaport Association (a not-for-profit 501 C3 organization) that is wholly responsible for organizing and financing the annual Oyster Festival. Funds raised from the Oyster Festival allow the Seaport Association to continue its educational programs, stewardship for the 1868 Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Norwalk Islands, habitat restoration projects with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and other services. The First County Bank has been a presenting sponsor for eight years.

If your kids are restless as summer draws to a close one solution is to enroll them in a brand new week-long program at the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington Connecticut on 38 Curtis Road that is sure to engage them. This program is perfect for kids 5-13 years old and will focus on skills used in the Eastern Woodlands for centuries by Native Americans.

Participants will experience a variety of interesting and unusual topics that they are sure to share with their friends when the school year begins. Skill lessons learned will include ecology, archaeology, survival skills and Native American culture. Team building games will increase their knowledge of nature and will connect kids with a culture that has more than 10,000 years of history in the area. Just some of the activities include learning to identify different plants and animals, learning about the science of archeology from staff archaeologists, and visiting an authentic Algkonian Indian Village, and listening to Native American stories that always teach a valuable life lesson.

The program runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is $125 per child for the week and $95 for the second child from the same family or member of the Institute. Pre-registration is required in order for the Institute to provide a valuable and safe learning experience for your child. These programs are best for children 5-13. Children should pack a bag lunch. To call (860) 868-0518, extension 103 or email the Institute’s camp director at gbenjamin@iaismuseum.org for more information and to reserve your child’s spot.

All forms must be completed by the beginning of the first day of camp. Complete payment is due on or before the beginning of the first day of camp. We accept cash, checks, or credit cards.

The Amistad is a replica of a Spanish Schooner and is Connecticut’s official flagship and Tall Ship Ambassador. Each summer this vessel becomes a floating classroom, the crew consists of about eight high school students who remain on the ship for about two weeks along with the Captain. In addition to getting a firsthand lesson in American History, the students come away with many teambuilding experiences that are learned when sailing this massive ship.​

​The Amistad will be mooring off of Sheffield Island in Norwalk on July 26 and August 14 that will give visitors cruising to Sheffield Island on these days a special look at this 136 ton, 129-foot schooner.​
History of the Amistad

The Amistad was made famous by a slave revolt made by Mende captives in 1839. The captives were illegally purchased African slaves being transported from Cuba aboard the Spanish built Amistad. The mutiny was successful and the African captives seized the ship, killing two members of the crew and ordered the survivors to sail the ship to Africa.

The surviving crew, however, steered the Amistad north where it was intercepted by an American brig off the coast of Long Island, and the crew and slaves were taken to Connecticut where they were interned. The two Spaniards that enslaved the Africans were freed by the Americans, and the slaves were imprisoned.
At a hearing in Hartford, a federal court judge ruled that the Africans were not liable for their actions because they were enslaved illegally. The case proceeded to the Supreme Court where former President, John Quincy Adams defended the Africans, arguing they should be granted their freedom. The Court agreed because international slave trade was illegal and, further, that people escaping should be recognized as free under American Law.

About the Sheffield Island Ferry Cruise and Tickets

To get a unique and close up view of this historic ship on July 26 and August 14, book your tickets on the Sheffield Island Ferry. On this cruise you will tour the island, the lighthouse and the captain will cruise around the Amistad Vessel for close up and unique views. On August 14, the Ferry departs the dock at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Be sure to arrive about 30 minutes prior to boarding to snag the best seat and to facilitate boarding. For tickets click here https://seaport.org/TICKETS.​

Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury, Connecticut has announced several upcoming dates for goat yoga sessions at their North Barn. Come stretch, laugh, and cuddle with the goats at a yoga session you will find both relaxing and exhilarating at the same time and are not soon to forget!

Classes are scheduled for Sunday, August 12th at 10AM as well as Sunday, September 9th at 10AM and Sunday, September 16th at 9AM. Experienced yoga instructors will be leading guests during these one-hour gentle yoga classes which are suitable for all ages. Adorable Nigerian dwarf goats will be frolicking & cuddling with guests as they flow through gentle poses at the picturesque Flanders farm.

Participants should keep in mind that they’ll be practicing with live animals and some degree of messiness (and a LOT of silliness) may be involved so they should dress accordingly, wearing comfortable clothes and bringing along a yoga mat or towel.

The programs will be held at the Flanders North Barn which is located at 644 Flanders Road in Woodbury just beyond the intersection of Flanders and Church Hill Road. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members for adults and $10 for ages 15 and under accompanied by an adult. Rain cancels the classes. Check the Flanders facebook page for any weather announcements. Guests will have the option of attending a rescheduled date or a refund.

Proceeds of goat yoga go to the Flanders farming program. Space is limited and those interested need to register online at http://www.flandersnaturecenter.org or call 203-263-3711, ext. 10, for more information.

About Flanders

Flanders is a community organization dedicated to preserving our environment and history through land acquisition, conservation and management, and using its stewardship of land to foster better understanding and appreciation of nature, art and the wonders of the natural world. Our vision is a future in which our important forests, wet lands, agricultural lands and wildlife habitats are preserved forever, and in which we follow best practices for land stewardship, be a leading center for environmental education for all ages, partner with all levels of government and private organizations to conserve our natural heritage, and insure the financial resources needed to achieve these goals.