Author: Janet

I like to share travel deals, destinations, and travel tips!

17th Annual Rhubarb Festival At White Silo Farm and Winery

The White Silo Farm & Winery is hosting their 17th annual Rhubarb Festival, on June 8th from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be four food items highlighted that are made with farm-fresh rhubarb. These delicious items include a Pulled pork sandwich with rhubarb BBQ sauce and rhubarb slaw; rhubarb three-bean salad; a small cheese plate with rhubarb jam, mustard, and pickles; and strawberry rhubarb ice cream for dessert. A vegetarian option is available. There is indoor and outdoor seating available. The cost to participate is $28 per person and reservations are required for food, but all are welcome to attend without a reservation.

Reservations are limited and can be made on their whitesilowinery.com website. Music with Emma Henning 1-4:30. The event is a child and pet-friendly event.

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Strawberry Moon Volunteer Day Algonkian Village @ Institute for American Indian Studies

By filling critical roles, volunteers are an integral part of the operation of many museums nationwide. It is fulfilling to work together toward a common goal. Being a volunteer offers the chance for people to give back, become engaged, learn new skills, and connect with like-minded members of the region. If you are looking to get involved, head to the Institute for American Indian Studies on Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to noon, or from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to participate in the first Algonkian Village Maintenance Day with the staff of the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut.

As a volunteer for this event, you will gain a greater appreciation for the traditional lifeways of local Native American communities while supporting an award-winning non-profit institution. This special day is a hands-on outdoor program that will take place in the authentically Replicated Algonkian Village on the grounds of the Institute. The Village consists of several traditional dome-shaped structures known as wigwams that are made from bark, saplings, and reeds, as well as drying racks, a Three Sisters Garden, and more to show how indigenous people lived in the Eastern Woodlands for thousands of years. The Village is an important component of the Institute’s educational programs that requires ongoing maintenance.

A highlight of this program is to learn about the traditional tools and techniques used by Native American communities to maintain their village; and to try your hand at them. Since this program requires physical work, an adult should accompany all minors. Participants should dress for the weather, wear appropriate shoes, and bring along a set of gloves. Although strawberry-themed light refreshments will be offered, it is suggested that you bring water and lunch, especially if you are staying for both time slots.

This is a free event, but pre-registration is requested. To register online visit http://www.iaismuseum.org, email events@iaismuseum.org, or call 860-868-0518.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allow visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, in Washington, Connecticut.

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Celebrate Oysters and More with the Norwalk Seaport Association June 8, 2024 @ Norm Bloom and Sons Dock

The Norwalk Seaport Association’s signature event, Docktails and Oysters, hosted by Norm Bloom and Sons, a fourth-generation oyster farm in Norwalk, is taking place on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The proceeds from this sell-out event will be used to refurbish the lighthouse to its golden years in the 19th century when it guided ships safely through Norwalk Harbor.

This Sheffield Island-inspired party is casual and fun where you will see old friends and make new ones as you listen to live music, sip beer or wine, and slurp the freshest oysters you will ever taste! “It’s a chance for people to celebrate the Seaport Association’s mission of preserving the Sheffield Island Lighthouse for future generations and have a little fun at an authentic oyster farm,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association.

Oysters have a long history in Norwalk that started with the Native Americans. Today, the techniques and processes used to farm Copps Island Oysters by Norm Bloom and Sons have been used for centuries, making them an extra special treat. If you have never had oysters, literally fresh off the boat, this is your chance to eat your fill of them – so make sure you come hungry! It’s fun to watch the pros shuck the oysters right before your eyes (they make it look so easy) and set them on trays with lemons and an assortment of delicious sauces. The food and fun doesn’t stop there, as guests can snack on passed and stationed appetizers such as bite-sized cheeseburgers, mini chicken biscuits, southern fried chicken, Jimmy’s fried clams, grilled shrimp skewers, truffle mac and cheese tarts, and scrumptious charcuterie and crudité table catered by Seaside Sliders.

A highlight of the event is its location — right on the water at Norm Bloom and Sons dock. Guests are invited to tour the Oyster Museum and to learn how oysters are grown and harvested here and then shipped all over the world. The oyster beds are incubated under the dock where this event takes place. Part of the charm is to see how small oysters actually are when they are young! As soon as they are big enough, the oysters are “planted” on the sandy bottom of the Sound that surrounds the docks. This time-honored system of growing oysters makes them some of the best that you will ever taste; they are prized the world over for their sweet briny flavor and plump meat. Best of all, this is your chance to eat your fill of them for a good cause!

Tickets to this event are limited to 200 people and are $85 online. It is highly recommended to reserve your tickets in advance because this popular event sells out every year. For tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-docktails-oysters-tickets-888586806057?aff=ebdsoporgprofile, if you have questions, please call 203-838-9444.

About the Norwalk Seaport Association
The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The 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 the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. 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 our maritime heritage.

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The Power of Storytelling Darlene Kascak, Schaghticoke Tribal Nation Wins Prestigious Spencer Shaw Award

In the age of our impersonal, worldwide, sprawling electronic communication networks, telling and listening to stories, in person, remains a powerful communication tool that is intrinsic to humanity. Telling stories, especially those that are passed down through generations is one of the best ways to build connections and relationships with one another and, with the world around us.

Carol Glynn, education program manager Darlene Kascak receiving award – photo L.E. Agnelli

Award-winning Storyteller, Darlene Kascak, of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation understands and cherishes the importance of telling stories as a way to keep knowledge and traditions alive. “As a storyteller in Native communities, I bear a profound responsibility. I am entrusted with the task of preserving, protecting, and passing down oral stories that are hundreds, if not thousands, of years old. This role is not just a duty, but also a deep-rooted passion that I hold dear. I am driven by the urgency to keep this tradition alive so that future generations can experience the beauty of learning through storytelling. It is a commitment that I take very seriously.”

In April, Kascak won the prestigious Spencer Shaw Award for Nurturing Education through Professional Storytelling & Storytellers in Connecticut Classrooms & Afterschool Programs for Connecticut Children, from the Connecticut Storytelling Center. This award, named after a famous storyteller, is given to one person annually for their exceptional contributions to storytelling and education. For Kascak, an educator at the Institute for American Indian Studies winning the award was a humbling and gratifying experience because it stands as a testament to the profound significance and value of storytelling in our society. “I am deeply connected to the Connecticut Storytelling Center, not just as a recipient of this prestigious award but also as a member who actively contributes to the organization’s mission of promoting storytelling and cultural exchange. I encourage people to learn the history and stories of their own cultures and share them with their families. It helps them to understand who they are and where they came from, instilling a sense of pride in their ancestors.”

Darlene Kascak – photo L.E. Agnelli

Kasack’s role as an educator at the Institute for American Indian Studies allows her to educate thousands of children about the history of Connecticut’s Indigenous Peoples through their student field trips and outreach programs. Telling the stories not only keeps them alive, they also imparts valuable life lessons to the next generation. “I enjoy telling children’s stories the most because of the lessons they contain within them. “ How Rabbit Got His Long Long Ears,” teaches children how to be kind to those who are different from them. “The Maker of All Things” teaches the consequences of being selfish and demanding and how that affects others. “Why Canines Sniff Each Other’s Tails” and “Turtle Learns to Fly,” teach that everyone is unique and different; we have something special that we are supposed to share with the world. For that gift to come out, we need to be true to ourselves and not try to act like someone we are not. These stories, with their universal themes and engaging narratives, are not just entertaining but also serve as powerful tools for character development and moral education. “

Inspired as a child by her mother’s cousin, Trudie Lamb Richmond, Kascak learned about the beauty of her culture and how to act respectfully with the world. “I heard the stories of the survival of my ancestors who endured rough times and still held onto their beliefs. I watched as she stood up for our people by fighting for causes important to us. I am proud of her work, which included advocating for the inclusion of our history in the Connecticut Education Curriculum. These stories and experiences helped to shape who I am today—a strong, compassionate, and proud Schaghticoke woman.”


About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, in Washington, Connecticut.

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Cornwall Bridge Pottery Celebrates 50 Years @ Annual Memorial Day Sale

It is hard to believe that Cornwall Bridge Pottery has been making beautiful lamps, pots, and more for homes across the country for 50 years. What a wonderful milestone and testament to owner Todd Piker’s extraordinary skill as a master craftsman.

As Piker says, “Making pots is an all-consuming activity. Of course, physicality leads the list. Throwing a pot is an isometrically grueling endeavor. And, for a wood-fire potter, there are mountains of wood to move and stack. Kilns to be built and long hours to be spent at the firings. But ultimately, it is the emotional toll that requires perseverance.” That said, many items will be on sale on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and this is a sale not to be missed. The sale is located at his working pottery barn on 69 Kent Road South in Cornwall Bridge.

Cornwall Bridge Pottery is acclaimed to be one of the most prolific sources of woodfired pots for everyday use. Here you will find a unique abundance of planters, plates, mugs, bowls, and lamps. At this sale, many pieces will be discounted to 50%; and can go as deep as 80%. Discounts are based on the length of storage time, quantity, and condition.

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Visit Two Historic Lighthouses in Norwalk June 8 and July 13 Sheffield Island Lighthouse and Greens Ledge

The Norwalk Seaport Association and the Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society have teamed up to offer a five-hour exclusive cruise that includes an hour-and-a-half stop at both Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the recently opened Greens Ledge Lighthouse on Saturday, June 8, and July 13. The boat will depart the Seaport’s new dock at 70 Water Street at 10 a.m. and return at 3 p.m. This tour is open to the public and offers the rare opportunity to visit two architecturally unique lighthouses that have guided ships with welcoming beacons through Norwalk Harbor for hundreds of years. Tickets are available online at http://www.seaport.org.

This fascinating cruise begins as the Seaport’s vessel wends its way through Norwalk Harbor passing a necklace of habited and uninhabited islands, to its first stop, Greens Ledge Lighthouse. This recently refurbished Spark Plug Lighthouse sits on a reef named after Pirate Green, who sailed with the infamous Captain Kidd. Local legend has it that Pirate Green was tied in chains to Greens Ledge as a warning to deter the dastardly deeds of marauding buccaneers.

Greens Ledge, on the National Register, is only one of 33 remaining spark plug lighthouses in existence in the United States. Named sparkplug because of their unique shape and water-tight structure made of metal, Greens Ledge construction was completed in 1902, for $60,000 ($2.5 million in 2024 dollars) to help mariners through the rocky shoals at the west entrance of Norwalk Harbor. Today its 90-foot tower remains an active aid to navigation with its automated light and foghorn maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. This lighthouse, whose Rip Rap was added from the Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center excavation in 1932 is thought to be the inspiration for the legendary “Green Light” in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby. It was occupied by lightkeepers for 70 years and is owned by a non-profit that restored it for 2.5 million in 2023.

Visitors on this cruise will be able to tour both the inside of the Lighthouse as well as the outside pad and lower decks. The indoor tour includes the Trombos Research Center, the Pettee Family Gallery, the Bunkroom, Kleeman Keeper Quarters, the Maclean Watch Room, DeChellis Lookout, and the Beacon Room with its automated light. Afterward, passengers can relax at the picnic tables and in Adirondack chairs located on the deck.

Located at the southern end of the outer harbor, Sheffield Island Lighthouse, on the National Register, is the final stop on this maritime excursion. Constructed in the Victorian style in 1868 of limestone masonry, Sheffield is a classic lighthouse replete with a distinctive metal octagonal light tower in the gable that offers views of the Manhattan skyline.

This lighthouse has a fascinating history of industrious lighthouse keepers before being decommissioned in 1902 by the opening of Greens Ledge. After it closed, the island became a haven for rumrunners during prohibition, a sanctuary for mothers and children during the cholera epidemic, and the location for a country club, before the Norwalk Seaport Association saved it in 1978. Visitors can climb the tower that affords splendid views and tour the many rooms of the lighthouse that are being reinterpreted to the way lightkeepers would have lived here in the 19th century. Afterward, there will be enough time to picnic in the wooden pavilion, walk along the beach, use the telescope, and explore the adjacent Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, a birding hot spot.

It is suggested that you pack a picnic lunch and beverages for this excursion in coolers or carry-ons that can fit beneath the seats of the vessel (18-20 inches). It is best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. If the trip is canceled due to weather conditions, you will be notified by email. For safety reasons, wear closed-toe shoes and pack plenty of sunscreen, and don’t forget to bring your sense of fun and adventure to this extraordinary experience.

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