Night at the Museum – The Bruce Museum!

Come dressed in your pajamas to the Bruce Museum on Friday, February 22, 2013, from 5:00 – 9:00 pm, for Night at the Museum. This will be a fun; activity-filled and family-focused event with proceeds benefitting children’s education and scholarship programs at the Bruce.

A visiting Szechuanosaurus
A visiting Szechuanosaurus

The Museum is creating a night to remember for the entire family. This event is being offered in conjunction with the upcoming exhibition Chinasaurs: Dinosaur Discoveries from China scheduled to open at the Bruce Museum on January 26, 2013.

Guests will be treated to dino-themed activities including movie screenings and craft activities. There will be pizza for the children, and adults can enjoy wine and beer as well as delicious, upscale Asian food compliments of ChinaWhite modern organic kitchen.

Monolophosaurus_attacking_Tuojiangosaurus_Web

Chinasaurs: Dinosaur Discoveries from China welcomes visitors to walk among the skeletons, skulls, nests and eggs of more than a dozen of these rare Asian dinosaurs. From the huge 30-foot long, meat-eating Yangchuanosaurus to the gazelle-sized plant eaters such as Psittacosaurus, the prehistoric fossils of the Far East provide an exciting experience for dinosaur enthusiasts. Chinasaurs offers a glimpse of the unprecedented evolution of dinosaurs and their dominance over the world for more than 155 million years.

Velociraptor_Skull_Web

Individual tickets for Night at the Museum are $75 per adult and $25 per child (children under 3 are free). Patron level tickets, which include special benefits, will be available for $250, $500, $750 and $1,000. For more information or to receive an invitation, please contact Jen Bernstein, Special Events Manager, at 203-413-6761 or jbernstein@brucemuseum.org

For information on the Bruce Museum www.brucemuseum.org. For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

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The Litchfield Historical Society, along with the Torrington Historical Society and the League of Women Voters of Litchfield County, are pleased to introduce two documentaries with riveting new footage illustrating the history of civil rights in America. These three organizations will offer a series of programs once a month in February and March in 2014.

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Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities that uses the power of documentary films to encourage community discussion of America’s civil rights history. NEH has partnered with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History to develop programmatic and support materials for the sites.

The Litchfield Historical Society is one of 473 institutions across the country awarded a set of four films chronicling the history of the civil rights movement. Each film is available on the historical society’s website to view before each formal program led by local humanities scholar. The schedule of films is as follows:

Thursday, February 20, 2014 7:00 pm, Torrington Historical Society: “The Loving Story”

Our second civil rights film discussion will take place at the Torrington Historical Society. Led by Tom Hogan, former lawyer and legal history professor at UConn, we will take a look at a groundbreaking case that dealt with the legality of interracial marriages. The documentary brings to life the Lovings’ marriage and the legal battle that followed through little-known filmed interviews and photographs shot for Life magazine. Participants will view film clips from the HBO documentary.

Thursday, March 20, 2014 7:00 pm, Litchfield Historical Society: “Freedom Riders”

Litchfield blogger and history professor Pete Vermilyea brings to light the activities of the freedom riders in the last of our film series. Freedom Riders tells the terrifying, moving, and suspenseful story of a time when white and black volunteers riding a bus into the Deep South risked being jailed, beaten, or killed, as white local and state authorities ignored or encouraged violent attacks. The film includes previously unseen amateur 8-mm footage of the burning bus on which some Freedom Riders were temporarily trapped, taken by a local twelve-year-old and held as evidence since 1961 by the FBI.

Each of the films was produced with NEH support, and each tells remarkable stories of individuals who challenged the social and legal status quo of deeply rooted institutions, from slavery to segregation. Created Equal programs bring communities together to revisit our shared history and help bridge deep racial and cultural divides in American civic life. Visit www.neh.gov/created-equal for more information.

The Created Equal film set is made possible through a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, as part of its Bridging Cultures initiative, in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

These programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required—please register by calling (860) 567-4501 or emailing registration@litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

For more information on these programs, please check our website, www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org/tours/createdequal.php or call 860-567-4501.

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Winter Wonderland Children’s Ball February 23

Calling all little princes and princesses! Stepping Stones is rolling out the red carpet as the museum transforms into a snow-kissed wonderland for its fifth annual Winter Wonderland Children’s Ball on Saturday, February 23 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm. Children are invited to dress up in their party best for a memorable evening of fun and entertainment.

Moms and Dads, sons and daughters will be treated like the princes and princesses that they are as they enjoy a magical wintry celebration featuring dancing, hors d’oeuvres and full access to all the exhibits in the museum. Families will enjoy posing for the paparazzi as they arrive, learning ballroom moves from Robin Poska’s Ballroom Magic of Norwalk and making wonderful winter crafts.

Be sure you bring your camera. Photo opportunities abound as we celebrate the magic and wonder of the season amidst a whimsical winter backdrop of a lighted courtyard, a play-sized igloo, a life-sized snow globe, spectacular winter murals, snowflake-adorned galleries and a myriad of snow people.

Tickets for this unforgettable evening for the whole family cost $10 per person for museum members and $12 per person for non-members. Children under the age of one will be admitted for free. Winter Wonderland Children’s Ball tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Registration is required. Space is limited, so register early. Call 203 899 0606, ext. 247 or visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/wonderland. For area information visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

About Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, Conn., is an award-winning, private, non-profit 501(c)(3) children’s museum committed to broadening and enriching the lives of children and families. Located on five acres in Mathews Park, the LEED Gold certified museum encompasses five hands-on galleries, state-of-the-art Multimedia Gallery, Family and Teacher Resource Center, cafe and retail store.

Stepping Stones is located at 303 West Avenue, exit 14N or 15S off I-95 in Norwalk. Museum hours are Monday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Admission is $15 for adults and children. Children under 1 are free. To learn more, call 203 899 0606 or visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org.

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Valentines Day Getaway Ideas

If the winter doldrums have set in, a welcome cure is in sight…Valentine’s Day! Whether you want to get out on the ski slopes or retreat to a fireside, the inns and resorts of Connecticut’s Fairfield County and Litchfield Hills are offering a host of special packages for Valentine’s Day.

It’s a Sweet Deal for Sweethearts at the Shelton Inn Hampton on 695 Bridgeport Ave. minutes off Rte. 8. They invite you to celebrate this Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart and are offering a romantic evening for two that includes deluxe king bed accommodations for one night for two, a complimentary breakfast for two, a $50 gift certificate to Vazzy’s Cucina Restaurant (free shuttle service) and champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. This offer is available Feb. 8-17. To reserve 203-925-5900 (use promo code PDK) or www.hamptoninnshelton.com.

Hampton Inn Shelton
Hampton Inn Shelton

It’s Valentine’s Day all year round at the Hilton Stamford Hotel & Executive Meeting Center. Their “Stay in Love in Stamford Romance Package” includes your choice of wine or sparkling juice upon arrival*, a $25 food and beverage credit, and more. Visitors must book at least three days prior to arrival and stay a minimum of two nights. Rates start at $149. To book your room call (203) 967-2222 or www.hiltonstamfordhotel.com.

Hilton Stamford Hotel & Executive Meeting Center
Hilton Stamford Hotel & Executive Meeting Center

For a fun Valentine’s Day getaway try the “Stay Here, Play There NYC Train Package” at the award winning Sheraton Stamford Hotel. The package includes overnight Stamford accommodations from $156 per night, two adult round trip Metro North train tickets from the Stamford station to Grand Cental, complimentary shuttle service to/from the hotel and Stamford station and Breakfast for two in restaurant 700 Main. To reserve call 203-358-8400 or visit http://deals.sheraton.com/Sheraton-Stamford-Hotel-3616/so.htm

Sheraton Stamford
Sheraton Stamford

The Bridgeport Holiday Inn on 1070 Main Street is offering a Valentine’s Day Package for $214 that includes a champagne toast on arrival with a chocolate heart, a gourmet 4 course dinner for two, an overnight stay in a deluxe king bedded guest room and free validated parking. This package is only available on Feb. 14. To reserve your spot call (203) 334-1234 or http://www.hibridgeport.com.

Bridgeport Holiday Inn
Bridgeport Holiday Inn

The Hilton Garden Inn Norwalk is offering a Valentine’s Day Package through Feb 28 that offers luxurious overnight accommodations for two, chilled bottle of champagne, gourmet chocolates and a full American breakfast at the Great American Grill all for $109. To reserve your room call 203-523-4000 or http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/connecticut/hilton-garden-inn-norwalk-ORQNWGI/index.html.

Hilton Garden Inn Norwalk
Hilton Garden Inn Norwalk

The Hyatt Regency in Greenwich is offering a romance package at their newly renovated hotel that is sure to provide an unforgettable setting with all the romantic touches. The romance package offers breakfast buffet for two in Winfield’s, champagne delivered to room upon arrival, complimentary valet parking for (1) vehicle, evening turndown service, and 3 p.m. late checkout for just $20 more than the rate of the day. This package is available through 12/30/2013. To reserve call 203-409-4340 or http://www.greenwich.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-greenwich/offers/details.jsp?offerId=103003&isBookable=true.

Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Regency

If you are a fan of Love Potion # 9 you might want to book at stay at Rock Hall Luxe Lodging on 19 Rock Hall Road in Colebrook that is offering a Love Potion #19 Valentine’s Package. Add this Valentine’s package to your luxurious accommodation, and receive a romantic fireside essential oil Couple’s Massage, afternoon “Snowball” cocktails, and a hand’s on session with Rock Hall’s herbalist to create a unique love potion, a pair of imported Turkish towels, and a Rock Hall cocktail shaker. The package is $475 with the purchase of accommodation and is available Feb. 8-17. To book this call
860-379-2230 or visit www.19rockhallroad.com

Rock Hall Luxe Lodging
Rock Hall Luxe Lodging

The fabulous Falls Village Inn located in the heart of historic Falls Village is not only creating a special menu for Valentines Day they are offering a Hooray For Love package that includes an overnight stay in a luxury king room with private bath, a complimentary welcome bottle of Falls Village Inn Signature Label Wine, corkscrew and glassware for two, a sample of locally made chocolate & nuts, and continental breakfast for two. Rates start at $209 and the package is available from Feb. 14 – Feb. 17. For more information call 860-824-0033 or visit www.thefallsvillageinn.com

Falls Village Inn
Falls Village Inn

Overlooking the Farmington River, The Old Riverton Inn on Rte. 20 in Riverton is offering a Valentine’s Cupid County Inn Romance overnight package on Feb. 14 only Overnight accommodations, flowers, candy and bottle of champagne in your room, plus a romantic valentine’s candle light dinner for two and a full country breakfast in the morning make this package a delight. Rates start at $230 for a small room or $270 for a large room, all decorated with Hitchcock furniture. To book your room call 860-379-8678 or www.rivertoninn.com.

Old Riverton Inn
Old Riverton Inn

The Heritage in Southbury’s Be My Valentine package offers a perfect getaway and includes overnight accommodations for two, a complimentary bottle of moscato champagne delivered to your room, dinner for two in the elegant Heritage room, and access to amenities such as the heated indoor pool/whirlpool, sauna & steam rooms. Rates start at $179 and are available only on Feb. 14. For more information call 1-800-932-3466 or www.heritagesouthbury.com.

Heritage Inn
Heritage Inn

On February 9 Interlaken Inns’ Valentine’s Day Package offers a red rose for her, a cozy and romantic night away, plus a fabulous dinner with to live music throughout dinner, then – dancing to the region’s premiere 13-piece Big Band. The complete package offers a three-course dinner for 2, Glass of house wine or cocktail for each of you, A red rose for her, Dancing, Overnight accommodations for 2, Breakfast for 2. Complete Valentine’s Day Package is $279 per couple (total package is $334.98 per couple including tax and service charge). To book call 1-800-222-2909 or visit www.interlakeninn.com.

Interlaken Inn
Interlaken Inn

Litchfield Inn is celebrating February for Lovers month and is offering a romance package for the entire month that includes deluxe overnight accommodations, a three course dinner at Bantam Bistro, bottle of Sunset Meadows Wine and cheese, lovers dessert platter delivered to your room and breakfast for two. The cost is $359 per couple and can be booked by calling (860) 567-4503 or visiting www.litchfieldinnct.com.

Litchfield Inn
Litchfield Inn

The stately Mayflower Inn located in the heart of Washington is offering a Valentine’s Day package on Feb. 14 that includes a very special Valentine’s Day Dinner for 2 (exclusive of beverages), a Bottle of champagne in room upon arrival and Continental Breakfast. Rates start at $950.00 and Suites at $1,250.00. To book call 860-868-9466 or www.mayflowerinn.com.

Mayflower Inn
Mayflower Inn

In Southbury, Valentine’s Day at Crown Plaza Southbury is being celebrated on Feb. 14 – 16 in style. Enjoy a scrumptious dinner and relaxing overnight stay with your sweetheart at the Crown Plaza Southbury. The package includes deluxe overnight accommodations, Special Valentine’s Dinner for two in the Arrowhead Restaurant, and a full breakfast buffet the next morning all for $199. Call 203-598-7600 or http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/southbury/hvnsb/hoteldetail.

Southbury Crown Plaza
Southbury Crown Plaza

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Salisbury Jumpfest and Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships Feb. 8 -10

Despite last week’s rain and 50 degree temperatures, there will be no shortage of snow at Satre Hill this weekend when the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) hosts ski jumping for the 87th year during Jumpfest Weekend in Salisbury, CT, drawing some of the best junior jumpers in the East- many with Olympic aspirations.

Human_DR_Alpine2013,_David_Newman copy

SWSA president Ken Barker said “The night time temperatures dropped right after the warm spell and we’ve been making snow ever since.” Barker added “We have two snow guns that produce huge volumes of snow.”

With overnight temperatures remaining low this week SWSA directors will continue snowmaking to add extra cover to the landing hill.

photo credit Jonathan Doster
photo credit Jonathan Doster

“Our biggest problem,” Barker said “is that because there isn’t much snow on the ground out there, people may think that we don’t have any either. Right now, our ski jump facility looks like a big white patch in a otherwise brown world.”

The three-day Jumpfest will include Target-Jumping Under the Lights as well as the Human Dogsled Race, a crowd favorite where five humans pull one human on a sled around a .3 mile course. Teams get very creative with both their costumes and sleds.

photo credit: Jonathan Doster
photo credit: Jonathan Doster

Junior jumpers, many of whom have recently completed in the junior jump camp, will show off their new-found skills as they compete on the 20 and 30 meter hills.

Ice carving will return to the Scoville Memorial Library again this year, but with a new twist. In place of an actual competition, the event will feature multiple-block demonstration pieces by some the areas (and country’s) best carvers that will be sure to impress. To add to the fun, the areas best restaurants will compete in a chili cook-off. At night, Snow Ball revelers can dance to the rock and roll music of Common Folk and Treetop Blues featuring Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult fame.

Schedule of Events

Friday
Nite Lites

6:30 pm- Chili Cook-off
7 pm- Target-Jumping under the lights.
Following jumping- Human Dogsled Race

Saturday

9 am- Nordic Kids 20 and 30 meter competition
11am-noon- practice for Salisbury Invitational ski jumping competition
1pm-3pm- Salisbury Invitational Competition
11am-3pm- Ice Carving Demonstration featuring area’s best carvers, Scoville Memorial Library, free admission
8pm-midnight- Snow Ball, featuring opening band The Common Folk and treetop Blues with Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult fame, at the Lakeville Hose Co., admission: Adults $12, children 12 and under free.

Sunday

Pancake Breakfast at Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance building
11am- Practice 87th Annual Eastern Ski Jumping Championships
1pm- Competition including Junior Olympic hopefuls.

All jumping events held at Satre Hill in Salisbury.
Unless otherwise noted, admission for all events: $10 for adults and children 12 and under are free.

Proceeds from Jumpfest Weekend will fund SWSA’s children’s skiing programs.

For updates and program changes go to www.Jumpfest.org. For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

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Savoring Connecticut at the Naugatuck Historical Society Feb. 23

The Naugatuck Historical Society is offering a program called Savor Connecticut that will feature a Connecticut only tasting and presentation on Saturday, February 23, 7-10pm. Guests will be able to sample the flavors of Connecticut, including different wines, beers and food. They will enjoy a presentation and exhibits featuring the History of Connecticut Foods by authors Eric Lehman and Amy Nawrocki.

naugatuck image savor ct

Visitors will sample drinks from Cambridge House Brewery, Two Roads Brewery, Avery Soda as well as taste wines from local vineyards. Food to be sampled will include items on the menus of the following restaurants: Tequila Grill, A1Pizza, Dottie’s Diner, Santos’ Restaurant, Jesse Camille’s, Ayash-Man, Nardelli’s Grinder Shop, Newman’s Own, G’s Burgers, Fascia Chocolates and more.

The tasting will allow guests to sample the flavors of these local venues while strolling through the historic railroad station and enjoying the temporary exhibit The Flavors of Connecticut featuring artifacts from Avery Soda, the oldest soda company still bottling in Connecticut, Nardelli’s Grinder Shop, featured on the Travel Channel and Fascia’s Chocolates, a family run business for generations. The exhibit will also include artifacts from the Naugatuck Historical Society archives including pieces from Peter Paul, Naugatuck Creamery and Diamond Ginger Ale.

Eric Lehman and Amy Nawrocki, authors of “A History of Connecticut Food: A Proud Tradition of Puddings, Clambakes & Steamed Cheeseburgers” will kick off the evening with a presentation on the history of Connecticut foods. Their book includes the history and even the recipes of some historic dishes long forgotten and some still being made in our eateries today.

The authors sampled the rich fare to be found in Connecticut and their book shares their experiences and reflects their passion for Connecticut, its history and all that make this state a wonderland of dining experiences. They will also have copies available of “A History of Connecticut Wine: A vineyard in Your Backyard” from their presentation last year available. The authors will be on hand for a book signing and to answer questions. For more information on the book http://booksnewhaven.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/283/

Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members, $25 at the door. Tickets are available at the Naugatuck Historical Society, 195 Water Street, Naugatuck, CT, Mountview Plaza Wines and Liquors and the Naugatuck Tax Office or by contacting wendy.murphy@snet.net. Tickets include admission to the presentation, tasting, exhibit and give-a-ways.

For more information call us at 203 729 9039 or email Naugatuckhistory@sbcglobal.net. To visit the website www.naugatuckhistory.com. For area information www.litchfieldhills.com.

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