Run in the Woods @ Sessions Woods

If you enjoy walking and running on beautiful nature trails then join the Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) for the 4rd Annual Run for the Woods on Saturday, September 11 at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area located on Rte. 69 about three miles south of Rte. 4 in Burlington Connecticut. CFPA advocates for people that love the outdoors with the support of the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection have organized a 10K Trail Race that begins at 8:30 a.m., a 5K Trail Race at 9 a.m. and a 5K walk at 9:00 a.m. at Sessons Woods.

SW bridge

Participants will walk or jog on beautifully maintained trails and will pass by wetlands, meadows, and a beaver pond. Lucky participants may even catch a glimpse of a pileated woodpecker, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse and a majestic broad-winged hawk.

Registration fees are $25 for the 5K run or walk, and $35 for the 10k run. On the day of the race, registration increases by $5. Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the race. If you can’t join in the events, and love the outdoors, you might consider making a general donation to CFPA or dedicating it to one of the runners or walkers. All donations go to the protection of Connecticut forests and trails. For more information, registration, and pledging guidelines visit http://www.ctwoodlands.org/run-for-the-woods/register-now-for-run-for-the-woods-2016

blog

This year CFPA’s Run for the Woods has partnered with Connecticut Trail Runners and is part of the Blue Blazed Running Series. The races, which are run primarily on the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails (BBHT), are organized and directed by a variety of running enthusiasts and clubs across the state. The Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) is grateful for their cooperation and support in making this series possible. The goals of the series are to promote and create greater awareness of trail running on the BBHT System, attract more runners to Connecticut trail running races, strengthen the running community, raise awareness for CFPA’s trail maintenance efforts and enhance the experience for the runners who already support our races through series points and recognition. For more race information http://www.ctwoodlands.org/run-for-the-woods

About Sessions Woods
The biggest threat facing CT’s wildlife is the loss of habitat. Since more than 90% of land in CT is privately owned, the Wildlife Division established the Sessions Woods Management Area to begin to meet the needs of the State’s wildlife. Sessions Woods is more than a tract of natural land set aside for wildlife, it also introduces visitors to wildlife and natural resources management through a variety of educational programs, demonstration sites, displays and self-guided hiking trails.

When you walk the trails here, you experience more than just the benefits of a healthy hike in the fresh outdoor air. Along the sides of the Beaver Pond Trail, Forest Meadow Trail and in the Backyard Habitat Demonstration Area you will find demonstrations of wildlife and habitat management practices.

About CFPA
The CFPA is Connecticut’s first nonprofit conservation organization that was established back in 1895 and is best known for maintaining the 825-mile Blue Blaze hiking system. Their mission is to protect forests, parks, walking trails, and open spaces for future generations by connecting people to the land. CFPA directly involves individuals and families, educators, community leaders, and volunteers to enhance and defend Connecticut’s rich natural heritage. CFPA is a private, non-profit organization that relies on members and supporters to carry out its mission.
CFPA envisions Connecticut as a place of scenic beauty whose cities, suburbs, and villages are linked by a network of parks, forests, and trails easily accessible for all people to challenge the body and refresh the spirit. They picture a state where clean water, timber, farm fresh foods, and

What you don’t know about Oysters

Westport Historical Society hosting a field trip to Norm Bloom & Son Copps Island Oyster Facility on Tuesday, August 30 at 9:30 am. For three generations Norm Bloom & Son has farmed and harvested oysters and clams from the clean, cold waters of the Connecticut Shore.

Participants will learn first-hand how shellfish are commercially raised and harvested, and how this valuable, green farming industry depends on good quality water. Join Norm Bloom and Harbor Watch Staff for this fun and educational experience as we board a commercial fishing boat off Norwalk, and see how oysters are harvested and processed. We will discover how water quality conditions affect the harvest of this crop. Earthplace’s Harbor Watch Program is working to improve water quality conditions in watersheds and estuaries through its local monitoring efforts at the on-site Harbor Watch/Bloom laboratory. Tour the museum which houses an extensive collection of shellfish memorabilia and artifacts about the history of this valuable local industry.

After the tour feel free to visit their adorable shop managed by Norm’s daughter Jeanne, to purchase shellfish harvested that day and other gifts related to the sea.

This tour is limited to 30 participants and you are advised to dress comfortably and bring a hat and sunscreen. WHS will provide bottled water and a light snack for all participants. To get a better view of natural wildlife, you can bring binoculars to see ospreys, gulls, terns, cormorants, egrets and other shore dwelling birds.

The tour is a $10 donation to WHS’s educational programs. Tour will be held on Tuesday, August 30 from 9:30am -11:30am. The facility is located at 7 Edgewater Place, East Norwalk. Please meet at the facility for the tour. Reservations are required. Email: sgold@westporthistory.org to reserve a spot or call 203-222-1424.

Torrington House Tour Sept. 9 & 10

The second annual Torrington House tour is taking place this year on Saturday, September 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the preview party is slated to be held on Friday, September 9 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

boh_orig

The The 2016 Torrington house tour will feature 6 interesting homes ranging in age from 1800 to 2013. These homes offer an array of style, size and personal décor. This year’s tour also includes two re-purposed dairy barns… one of which hosts an antique flea market and one of which has been restored for private events. The house tour homes have been lovingly cared for and are literally a tour through Torrington’s history.

bh_orig

The houses include the Grosskost House, a colonial revival brick house built in 1934, the Harley T. Alling House built in 1918, designed by the well-respected Torrington architect, Edwin H. Waterbury, and the Leslie E. Clark House built in the tudor style in 1930. Also on the tour is a farmhouse, Giles Whiting House, built in 1800 and listed on the State Register of Historic Places, the Alpheus Hodges House, ca 1855 at The Inn at Mount Pleasant Farm built in the Gothic Revival style home around 1855 and a large barn built in 1860 and listed on the State Register of Historic Places. The final house on the tour is called Inverness, it is a grand contemporary that was built in 2013; a highlight of this home is the 30 mile view overlooking Torrington and the Naugatuck River Valley.

ah_orig

The Preview Party on September 9 will begin with a bus tour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. of the featured homes. The party continues from 7-9 party in the restored. post and beam barn at the Inn at Mt Pleasant Farm.The party includes: food, drink ,music and great ambiance. Preview Party attendees also receive free admission to the Saturday tour.

sh_orig

Tickets for the house tour on Saturday, September 10 are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the tour. The house tour includes a tour of six homes, shuttle bus (optional), and printed program. Some of the of the featured homes will have music and refreshments. Check in and shuttle buses are located at the NW CT Chamber of Commerce 333 Kennedy Drive Torrington. Tickets are available online. For more area information www.litchfieldhills.com

America’s Pastimes: Sports and Recreation in Litchfield @ Litchfield History Museum

This season, the Litchfield History Museum located on the Green on the corner of Rte. 63 in Litchfield has planned an exhibition celebrating the world of sports in Litchfield as it exemplifies one of America’s favorite generational pastimes.

Swing

Sports and recreation are universal experiences. Whether we make it to the big leagues or never leave our backyards, these activities play important roles in our lives. They promote health and wellness as well as leisure and relaxation. They teach us about competition, but also about working together. They help build teams and form lasting relationships. Above all else, they encourage us to move, to think, and to interact.

Splash

This exhibit highlights the role of sports and recreation in Litchfield from its founding to today, showcasing the stories and experiences of Litchfield residents, players, coaches, fans, and enthusiasts. To communicate the active nature of this history, the exhibit groups together sports, games, and leisure activities of both past and present based on the actions they entail, from swinging a tennis racket to playing a game of chess. The exhibit incorporates several hands-on interactives for visitors to enjoy.

So whether you want to swing a bat with the Tri-State Champion Cowboys, race your way through the Litchfield Hills, splash around in Bantam Lake, ride a high wheel to the town green, score a basket in the school gym or play cricket with the students of the Law School, this is one exhibit you won’t want to miss!

Score

For more area information www.litchfieldhills.com

Teatime in Shelton

The Second Annual Autumn Tea, complete with fancy hats, scones, sweets, and surprises, will be hosted on Saturday, September 17, by the Shelton Historical Society. It will be held at the Huntington Congregational Church, 19 Church St. from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

11412332_849491028461150_7432838380377288388_n-1

A highlight of this event will be the unique table settings and centerpieces created by members and friends of the Society. Ladies who attend are encouraged to wear their best chapeau.

The afternoon also provides an opportunity to showcase some of the special items that the Society has in its collection. Members of the Historical Society’s youth group, the Teen Time Travelers, will assist and serve the refreshments.

The cost for the afternoon tea is $25 with proceeds to benefit Shelton Historical Society and its programs. Reservations for the tea must be received by September 7th and may be made by sending a check to Shelton Historical Society, P.O. Box 2155, Shelton, CT 06484. Please mark “tea party” in the memo line.

11864879_886214758122110_2818567323271865838_o

About the Shelton Historical Society

Shelton History Center, owned and operated by Shelton Historical Society, is located at 70 Ripton Rd. and consists of six historic structures. Late last year, the Brownson House, built circa 1822, suffered severe water damage during a storm as its roof was under repair. The Society has been working to repair and restore the house this year and all proceeds from the tea will be directed toward that cause. Other structures include the Wilson Barn, built in the 1860’s, which holds an exhibit on the development of Shelton; the Trap Fall School, a one-room school built in 1872; and three outbuildings. The mission of the Historical Society is to “preserve elements of the community’s history in order to create connections between Shelton’s past, present, and future generations through education, maintaining a museum with its collections, and providing a voice in the community regarding matters of historical significance.” For additional information including directions, please call (203) 925-1803, visit www.sheltonhistoricalsociety.org or see Shelton History Center’s Facebook page.

Take a chance on a Harley

Have you ever wanted to win a Harley — and to cruise the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut amid the beautiful firecolors of fall? If this is a dream of yours then take a chance with the clever raffle offered by the New England Carousel Museum (http://www.thecarouselmuseum.org) in Bristol.

dcaa2b32-d521-45a3-a068-76fcc8a46f41

The New England Carousel Museum draws the winning ticket for the lucky winner of its annual raffle on November 19,2016 at 7 pm! The 2500 tickets that benefit the Carousel Museum are running out, fast — to avoid disappointment buy your tickets today…it might be your lucky day!

For only $20.00 per ticket, you have a chance at this year’s first prize,a splendid 2016 Harley Davidson FLHX Street Glide motorcycle. The second prize is a 5′ x 8′ trailer, and the third prize is a $100.00 gift certificate redeemable at Yankee Harley Davidson in Bristol. Everyone is welcome to join them for the drawing but the winner need not be present. The winner is called immediately upon completion of the drawing.

Tickets can be purchased on line by visiting their homepage (http://www.thecarouselmuseum.org), just scroll down the page and download the raffle form. Fill out the form and send it along with your check for $20 to: The New England Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010 to receive your ticket and a chance to win a Harley Davidson FLHX Street Glide motorcycle! Make sure to make your check payable to the Carousel Museum!

The Museum is located at 95 Riverside Avenue, Route 72 in Bristol. For more information, call the Carousel Museum at (860) 585-5411. Fax: 860-314-0483, E-mail: info@thecarouselmuseum.org, Web site: www.thecarouselmuseum.org.

About the New England Carousel Museum

The New England Carousel Museum was founded as a nonprofit educational organization in 1990, in Bristol, Connecticut. Visitors to the Museum will tour two floors of fascinating displays, exhibits and galleries including: The New England Carousel Museum, The Museum of Fire History, The Fine Art Gallery and The Greek Museum of Art and History. In season the New England Carousel Museum also manages the historic Bushnell Park Carousel in Hartford CT.