Honoring Native American Veterans on November 5 @ The Institute for American Indian Studies

Veterans’ Day is a National holiday that honors the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It keeps the importance of those who protect our homeland close to our hearts and reminds us of their bravery and valor. Native Americans have fought valiantly in the United States military in every conflict since the American Revolution, even before Native Americans gained U.S. citizenry in 1924.

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Honoring Native warriors and veterans has always been part of indigenous culture. It keeps the importance of those who protect our homeland close to our hearts and reminds us of their bravery and valor. Each year, in honor of Veterans Day, the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington Connecticut honors the exceptional military service of Native Americans in a formal dedication. This year, the Institute is once again inviting the public to participate in the program that will honor Native and non-Native Americans whose passion and loyalty have helped to make America what it is today on Sunday, November 5 at 12:30 p.m. The Institute is located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

At this year’s event, veteran Gary Tinney, Paugussett, will lead the ceremony. New at this year’s event is the Yootay Singers Drum Group based out of Mashantucket, CT, which will perform honor songs recognizing the rich contributions of Native and Non-Native Americans who have bravely served side by side in the U.S. Armed Forces. Allan Madahbee (Ojibwe) will also join the ceremony and play Amazing Grace on his traditionally crafted flute. Attendees will be immersed in a meaningful ceremony that is a powerful experience.

The ceremony will be outside so attendees are advised to dress appropriately for the weather. In the event of rain, the ceremony or portions of it will be held inside the museum. This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration and donations are always appreciated. Registration is at http://iaismuseum.org. For questions please call (860) 868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS)

Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. We have an outdoor replicated 16th c. Algonkian Village, the award-winning Wigwam Escape, and a Museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that 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 at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

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Aer Lingus Extends Schedule for Nonstop Service from Bradley International Airport to Dublin, Ireland

The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) is pleased to announce that Aer Lingus has extended the schedule for its popular nonstop service from Bradley International Airport to Dublin, Ireland, beyond the summer season, making it an almost year-round service.

The Irish flag carrier relaunched operations from Bradley International Airport to Dublin Airport earlier this year and will now continue, offering almost year-round connectivity. The Bradley International to Dublin route offers customers seamless connections to up to 28 key UK and European airports, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, and Prague, and more.

The new schedule has been expanded to include:
Now through October 26, 2023: Daily Flights
October 28, 2023 through January 5, 2024: 3 x Weekly Flights
January 6, 2024 through March 12, 2024: No Flight Operations
March 13, 2024 through March 28, 2024: 3 x Weekly Flights
March 30, 2024 through October 2024: Daily Flights

The route is operated by an A321neo LR aircraft, one of the most sustainable aircraft crossing the Atlantic, delivering up to 20% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions and close to 50% reduction in noise footprint when compared to previous generation aircraft.

Individuals traveling with Aer Lingus will also benefit from the added convenience of Dublin Airport, which offers U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance. This means that Bradley International Airport-bound passengers will be able to complete all necessary US-entry requirements in Dublin ahead of their departure. Dublin Airport is one of only a few airports outside North America that offers a U.S. Preclearance facility. At Bradley International Airport, travelers arrive at the airport’s main terminal, Terminal A.

To purchase tickets and for up-to-date information on flight schedules and fares, visit aerlingus.com.

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Finding Your Bearings October 15 @ Institute For American Indian Studies

Did you know there was something besides Google Maps or Waze for directions? For centuries people around the world have used a variety of techniques to mark their boundaries, measure distances, and find their sense of place.

Native Americans used many different means to navigate their environment. Different methods were used to mark tribal territories and hunting boundaries, as well as to designate their trails and, to convey important messages. It is fascinating to learn how the natural environment was used for directions.

If you want to learn about the various ways to find directions, including traditional indigenous techniques as well as how to read a map and a compass, don’t miss the “Find Your Bearings Orienteering Workshop” on Sunday, October 15 at 1 p.m. at the Institute for American Indian Studies at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

Participants will join IAIS educator and ecologist, Susan Scherf for an interactive in-person workshop to learn how to get their bearings should their GPS lose its signal! A highlight of the workshop is to practice these newly acquired skills by completing an orienteering scavenger hunt on the Museum’s colorful autumn trails, which add to the fun.

Most of this program is being held outside, and some of the woodland terrain may be uneven, so wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Space is limited and pre-registration is requested at http://www.iaismusueum.org or by calling 860-868-0518 or via email at events@iaismuseum.org. This program costs $10 for non-members and $5 for members.

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 the 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 at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

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New Fall Designs @ BraeVal feature Houndstooth

BraeVal located in the center of Litchfield Connecticut is one of the most unique stores in New England offering a superlative collection of distinctive clothing for men and women who love the great outdoors as well as a night out on the town.

Over the past 25-plus years, BraeVal’s collection of apparel has been thoughtfully curated by owner and designer Gregor McCluskey whose uncle, Big Jock McCluskey brought Scotland’s Rob Roy MacGregor tartan to America in the 1800s. Part of BraeVal’s new Fall 2023 collection includes shirts for men and women made out of houndstooth, named because this pattern resembles the uneven outline of a hound dog’s tooth, hence its namesake.

Houndstooth originated sometime around 360 AD in the Scottish Lowlands near the Anglo-Saxon border, which is why it’s also called Border Tartan. That said, Houndstooth is one of the most iconic patterns in fashion besides tartans and plaid. Although many tartans are associated with a clan, Houndstooth is thought to have been created by a non-clansman. This pattern was first worn by shepherds as camouflage because it made them look as though they were far away in the distance. Eventually, Houndstooth became a popular pattern of the upper-class society of the United Kingdom and is said to be a favorite of King Charles III. By the 1950s, it became a favorite of Christian Dior’s designs, and many other designers followed suit. Houndstooth gained international fame in the 1960s, because of the optical illusion art movement. From 2010 onward this pattern has become a staple for ready-made and designer clothes, proving its iconic appeal.

That said, Houndstooth is one of the most timeless patterns in fashion besides tartans and plaid. This fall’s new BraeVal shirts, vests, and JacShirt releases feature this striking pattern. “We are really excited about this collection because it is a perennial fall and winter favorite,” says company Founder, Gregor McCluskey. “Our new collection features several different styles of shirts and vests for men and women,” McCluskey added. BraeVal has even included the Scottish traditional black-and-white and maroon and grey patterns in the new collection.

Houndstooth is one of the most unique patterns in the plaid family that can be differentiated from other types of plaid by the shape of its woven pattern, which follows uniform, straight-lined checks in an almost geometric block. It is characterized by a two-toned plaid made up of four bands, two of which are light colored and two are dark colored, in both the warp and weft weave. The result is a stunning contrast of the classic check and block shape that is Houndstooth.

Today Houndstooth is a very versatile pattern in terms of color and contrast, size, shapes, and scale. It has been adopted by many designers from McQueen to Vuitton, Chanel to BraeVal. This pattern has continued to evolve in many colors – bright or neutral and dark contrasting colorways and at BraeVal we get that and we embrace it with a BraeVal style. So get ready to experience Houndstooth like never before and to wear what you want to be. For BraeVal and Houndstooth http://braeval.com

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Have a Spooktacular Time on Saturday October 7 @ Whiting Mills and Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art

On Saturday, October 7th, ghosts, goblins, witches, and other heroes of horrors will abound in Whiting Mills located at 100 Whiting Street, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thirty Artists’ Studios will be open and brimming with frightful delights, oddities, tantalizing treats, and whimsically spooky creations. In addition to exploring working artist studios decked out for Halloween, there will be scavenger hunts, a costume contest for adults and children, an interactive monster display, and candy for all trick-or-treaters!

One studio not to be missed is Tina’s Baskets and Woven Arts which has been expertly decorated with the help of certified balloon artist, Shelley Thibault, owner of Cuz We Can Balloons. Shelley has been creating spectacular and in this case spooktacular balloon art for more than 22 years throughout the country.

Tina Puckett is an internationally award-winning woven artist specializing in everything from intricate baskets and bowls to woven sculptures and wall hangings. When visiting her studio don’t miss the chance to enter the drawing to win a festively colored Halloween basket, full of goodies that is clutched by an artfully shaped balloon cat replete with iridescent green eyes created by Shelly!

If you can’t make it to the Spooktacular event @ Whiting Mills on October 7th, no worries, Tina’s studio will remain decorated through October and will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about this award-winning artist as well as information about her classes visit tinasbaskets.com.

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Enjoy the Harvest Celebration and Fall Foliage @ Husky Meadows Farm Stay

Some of the most stunning fall foliage in the Litchfield Hills and Southern Berkshires peak during the second and third week of October making it an age-old New England tradition to celebrate the harvest. This autumn, Husky Meadows, a certified organic farm, is capping off the season with a Harvest Celebration Farm Stay from Friday, October 20, through Sunday, October 22 – think wool sweaters, beautiful colors, walking the splendor of the garden and orchard, sipping a cocktail around the fire pit, cooking classes with the season’s latest hits, and unwinding in one of our luxurious suites.

On this farm stay, Husky Meadows is honoring our staff’s amazing labor-intensive work on our certified organic farm by treating guests to an unforgettable weekend that includes farm-to-table food, cooking classes, and plenty of downtime to enjoy the landscape – artfully painted in fire colors by Mother Nature. Many guests enjoy the short walk on one of Husky Meadows’s many trails. A favorite is the walk to Wood Creek Pond, where guests find the canoe, compliments of Husky Meadows, and wildlife provided by Wood Creek Pond.

The Harvest Celebration Farm Stay at Husky Meadows means so much more than just a few colorful gourds! There are real health benefits of working and enjoying the great outdoors and, when combined with cooking classes celebrating the certified organic produce of the season, the experience becomes a time of regeneration with the joy of doing things together – with friends, old and new.

Guests will have a sneak peek at Husky Farm’s root cellar which is brimming with tasty root vegetables along with a guided walk through the garden to learn how we harvest winter squash, onions, garlic, and hardy winter vegetables like kale, Swiss chard, and chicories. A highlight will be visiting the greenhouses and helping to plant next season’s garlic crop. And, this weekend’s cooking classes, using veggies from the harvest will show guests how to eat farm to table, at home, during the cold New England winter.

Farm stays include two nights lodging in one of four elegantly appointed and very private guest suites. A favorite among guests is the Pergola Apartment because it has two bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, a sitting area, a kitchenette, and even a balcony. This totally separate guesthouse is perfect to book with four friends or family members. Another favorite guesthouse is called The Coop, which is the most private of all the rooms. It has a cozy loft bedroom and a large sitting room replete with a rustic stone fireplace.

All meals with beverages and cocktails are included in the farm stay package. Highlights of the package include a Friday night welcome dinner around a communal table, light breakfast, and lunch, a Saturday evening cooking class dinner, and a sumptuous and healthy Sunday brunch. To book your stay visit https://huskymeadowsfarm.com

About Husky Meadows Farm
Situated on three hundred bucolic acres in Norfolk, Connecticut, Husky Meadows Farm grows certified organic produce for its kitchen, farm stand, and community-supported agriculture membership. The farm kitchen offers year-round prepared foods. At the height of the growing season from May – October the farm also offers intimate farm stays, cooking classes, community dinners, and special workshops on a variety of farm-to-table and ecological topics.

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