Author: Janet

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

Native American Culture Keeper Experience Women’s History Month @ Institute for American Indian Studies

During his message commemorating the first-ever National Women’s History Week in 1980, President Jimmy Carter said “From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”

To capture the spirit and to celebrate Women’s History Month, the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut is hosting a special virtual program that explores the life and legacy of Dr. Gladys Iola Tantaquidgeon (Mohegan) with her great-niece, Rachel Sayet (Mohegan) on Saturday, March 23 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tantaquidgeon, born in 1899 was a Mohegan Medicine Woman, whose family members began passing down herbal knowledge to her at a young age. Educated at the University of Pennsylvania beginning in 1919, she studied anthropology and focused on researching the use of herbal medicine among Native American communities living on the East Coast of the United States. For her work, she was awarded many honors and honorary degrees from prestigious universities and organizations including Yale, the University of Connecticut, and the National Organization for Women. She also was honored for her accomplishments by many Native American tribes.

Among her many contributions, socially, environmentally, and politically, was helping with the founding of the first Native American Museum in 1931. The Tantaquidgeon Indian Museum located in Uncasville, Connecticut is the oldest Native American-owned and operated museum in the country. The mission of this museum is to acquaint visitors with Mohegan culture, traditions, and beliefs.

Dr. Gladys Iola Tantaquidgeon is widely considered to be an important Keeper of Native American Culture. This virtual conversation virtual presentation and discussion featuring Rachel Sayet, who has a master’s degree in anthropology and museum studies from Harvard University will focus on the life and legacy of her great aunt, Gladys Tantaquidgeon, who passed away at 106. The conversation will highlight her work as an anthropologist, ethnobotanist, and herbalist and will touch on how her knowledge influenced her family and the Native American community.

To join this Zoom presentation, on Saturday, March 23, please register online at https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/15531, email events@iaismuseum.org or call 860-868-0518. The cost of participation is $10 for non-museum members and free for members of the museum.

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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Brewing Up April Fun with the Seaport Association @ SpaceCat Brewery

The Norwalk Seaport Association is hosting an event sure to cure what ales you at the SpaceCat Brewery located at 57 Chestnut Street in Norwalk on Monday, April 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Get ready to discover one of the finest craft breweries in Connecticut located right here in Norwalk. This is a night to be remembered with the artful fusion of small-batch brews and hard cider with chef-driven appetizers by Ripkas Beach Café that will complement each sip. SpaceCat brews range from robust IPAs to crisp lagers sure to please the most discerning palate. Part of the fun is to find out how SpaceCat Brewer’s creative touch brings out the best in their diverse range of beer by using the finest grains, hops, and yeasts sustainably. Guests are sure to savor the diverse tapestry of flavors of beer at this event which is a fundraiser for Norwalk’s Sheffield Island Lighthouse.

Spacecat Brewery

At this fun and relaxed event, guests will also enjoy learning about what the Seaport Association has planned for 2024 from the cruise schedule and new renovations at the Lighthouse to the 2024 Norwalk Oyster Festival, and new membership levels. This is the perfect opportunity to find out about how to volunteer for this established non-profit organization that has been around since 1978.

Tickets include two drink vouchers and appetizers, all for a good cause. This event does require advance registration. Tickets are $35 per person and are limited to the first 100 people. Tickets are available online by clicking here or by calling the Seaport Office at 203-838-9444, so get them today so you don’t miss out on the fun. Proceeds from this event will be used for the maintenance of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut’s Maritime Icon.

About the Seaport Association
The Seaport Association in Norwalk 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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BraeVal and Rob Roy!

One of the leading men’s outdoor apparel companies, BraeVal, headquartered in Litchfield is well known for its field duty collection of shirts and jackets perfect for outdoor adventure. The foundation of this brand is on form and function in the field, at the office, or on a night in the town. One of the founder’s uncles brought the Rob Roy MacGregor tartan, known today as Buffalo Plaid to America in the 1800s. Today, the neckline and cuffs of every shirt and jacket hand-crafted by BraeVal are lined with Buffalo plaid.

Hero or villain, Rob Roy made an indelible impact on Scottish history for his dastardly deeds of cattle raiding and robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. The legend of Rob Roy is known throughout the world. It has been made popular by books, poems, and movies. There is even a drink created in his honor that dates back to 18th-century New York City.

One of the ways to stay ahead of the pack as a hotelier and restaurateur in NYC in the 1890s was to create a new cocktail sensation and name it after a popular production to draw clients in the door. That said, most folks believe that the birthplace of the Rob Roy cocktail was at New York City’s infamous Waldorf Astoria in 1894. At that time, the Waldorf was located where the Empire State Building now stands. Just down the block from the Waldorf, The Herald Square Theater, was producing Reginald De Koven’s operetta called “Rob Roy,” based on the life of the Scottish folk hero. The bartender at the Waldorf decided to create a new drink, the Rob Roy, to promote the hotel and the opening of this performance. Similar to a Manhattan, the bartender prepared his new Rob Roy creation with scotch instead of rye whiskey. It was a sensation and became popular across the country.

Historian David Wondrich’s recent research led him to conclude that the Rob Roy cocktail was a creation borrowed from Duke’s House in Hoboken, New Jersey. The story goes that a salesman for Usher’s Scotch was invited to join a table of men drinking Manhattan’s at Duke’s and he said he would only join them if a round of drinks were made using his company’s scotch. The bartender, Henry A. Orphal, created the Rob Roy using Usher’s Scotch and it was a hit. Another historian claims that the birthplace of the Rob Roy was the swank Fifth Avenue Hotel, just up the street from the Waldorf.

Regardless of who created this cocktail, it is still popular today. Essentially a Rob Roy is a Manhattan created for a scotch lover. It is less sweet than a Manhattan because the scotch adds a touch of smoke to vermouth’s sweetness, giving this drink balance. It is made by combining scotch with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters and served either with a Maraschino cherry or a twist of lemon… be decadent, have it with both!

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Litchfield Restaurant Week Returns for 2nd Year March 22 – 29

Litchfield Restaurant Week returns for a second delicious year on March 22 – 29 and will feature 20 destinations ranging from bakery cafes and delis to pizza places, gourmet shops, and fine dining establishments.

West Street Grill

Each venue will offer a three-course prix fixe menu at $25, $35, or $45, some for lunch/during the day, others for dinner, and some for both lunch and dinner. See the official Restaurant Week page on the Visit Litchfield CT website (visitlitchfieldct.com) for a full list of participants, their locations, and their website and social media links. Restaurant Week menus will be added to the page in early March.

@ the corner

Litchfield Restaurant Week includes Connecticut’s Chef of the Year for 2023, David DiStasi, and his Materia Ristorante in Bantam, which was named Restaurant of the Year in Litchfield County by the Connecticut Restaurant Association and honored with a 2024 Overall Excellence award from Connecticut Magazine’s dining experts.

Many other participants also earned top awards from Connecticut Magazine’s dining experts, including Best Traditional American for The Village Restaurant, Best New American for West Street Grill, and At the Corner – which also won a Best Beer List award. Petraroia Deli won for Best Deli/Sandwich Shop, and Meraki for Best Lunch, Hidden Gem, and Best Deli/Sandwich Shop.

Litchfield Distillery is also participating in Litchfield Restaurant Week, and last year the craft distillery donated a bottle of its spirits to each participating restaurant that featured a cocktail or food item incorporating those award-winning spirits.

Visit Litchfield CT is the official source of news and updates about Litchfield Restaurant Week, which is sponsored by the Town of Litchfield CT Economic Development Commission.

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Shamrock Shindig in Kent

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Kent Chamber of Commerce during a Shamrock Shindig on Friday, March 15. This traditional Irish holiday honoring the 5th-century bishop has become a cultural celebration across the globe, and Kent is no exception!

Following on the heels of the recent and wildly popular Scottish Burns Supper in January, “We wanted to create another community event,” explains Gary Kidd, a member of the board of the Chamber of Commerce and of the Kent CommUNITY Group. “There’s definitely a desire for folks to be able to come together for social gatherings and have fun,” he continues.

The evening of festivities will include:

Irish Ceilidh Dancing with 45 on Main Coffee and Creamery

Live Music with bagpiper Jesse Ofgang and friends and Dueling Pianos

Luck of the Irish Game with Merryall Center

Irish Whiskey and Liquor Tastings with Town Center Wines + Spirits

Corned Beef and Cabbage Tastings with Old Oak Tavern

In addition to the Shamrock Shindig, other businesses in Kent will have festive offerings in honor of the Irish holiday. Visit the shops, restaurants, art galleries, and other Main Street businesses to get in the spirit and show your support.

This event will take place at the Kent Community House located at 93 N Main Street in Kent, CT on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 7 to 10:30 pm. Tickets are required for entry and can be purchased online HERE or in-person with cash at 45 on Main Coffee and Creamery. All attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided; no full meals. Attendees are welcome to bring their own beverages. All proceeds benefit the Kent Chamber of Commerce.

About the Kent CT Chamber of Commerce

For over 50 years, the Kent CT Chamber of Commerce has been bringing local businesses together to develop and promote balanced economic growth that enhances the quality of life in our community. We host many events throughout the year, including a seasonal weekly farmers market, Sidewalk Sale Days, Pumpkin Run, and more. To stay in the loop, sign up for our newsletter HERE.

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Tequila Tasting to Benefit the Weston History & Culture Center

Start your Cinco de Mayo fun a week early at the Weston History & Culture Center’s Tequila and Mezcal Tasting Party on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 7pm – 10pm. Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased at: https://westoncthistory.org.

Ticket includes a variety of tequila and mezcal samples, a tasting talk led by the publisher and editor of Modern Distillery Age, Gregg Glaser, hearty appetizers by Old Mill Market & Cafe, specialty cocktails, beer and wine service. Bid on fabulous silent auction items that include JetBlue tickets, an overnight stay at the Union League Club, and more! All to support the Weston History & Culture Center’s mission to discover, collect, and preserve Weston’s history! Sponsored by Diageo. Attendees must be 21 and over. IDs will be checked at the door.

About the presenter: Gregg Glaser is the Publisher/Editor of Modern Distillery Age, a weekly trade magazine covering the spirits business; Editor in Chief Emeritus of Yankee Brew News, a bimonthly consumer newspaper covering craft beer in the Northeast; and the founder and producer of the Great International Beer, Cider, Mead & Sake Competition, the largest such professional competition on the East Coast. For many years he was a contributing editor for Modern Brewery Age, a trade magazine for the beer business established in 1934, and also a News Editor for All About Beer Magazine, a consumer magazine. Gregg has a degree in Communications with concentrations in Cinema, Television, and Radio from Ithaca College. He studied comparative media in Britain at the BBC, IBA, and Pinewood Film Studios and in Italy at RAI and Cinecittà.

The Weston History & Culture Center is located at 104 Weston Road Weston, CT. Parking and entrance is on High Acre Road. The Weston Historical Society D/B/A The Weston History and Culture Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Center would like to thank its annual sponsors: Fairfield County Bank and KMS Team at Compass as well as the Daniel E. Offutt, III Charitable Trust. For more information and how to donate, visit www.WestonCTHistory.org email: info@westoncthistory.org or call: 203-226-1804.

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