Connecticut Travel

On Friday, Feb 4, the Warner Theatre’s Independent Film Festival Weekend opens with Harvest, winner of the CT Film Festival’s 2010 “CT Grown Award” at 7pm followed by an Industry After Party/Fundraiser in the Warner’s main theatre lobby featuring live music, open bar and food by Michael Bick’s Something Fishy catering. Guests will include: Actress Barbara Barrie, Writer/Director Marc Meyers and Producer Jody Girgenti among others. Tickets for this event are $50 for screening and after party or $8.50 for screening only ($7.50 for seniors and students showing ID).

Harvest, written and directed by Marc Meyers is the story of three generations of a family who come together one summer around the eventual passing of the family patriarch. Gathered at the family home, it is a poignant story that is ultimately uplifting, with moments of humor anchoring this realistic portrait of a family hanging on to what was, what is, and to each other. Harvest was filmed entirely in the state of Connecticut.

The cast includes: Academy Award nominee Robert Loggia, Academy Award nominee Barbara Barrie, Jack Carpenter, Arye Gross, Tony Winner Victoria Clark, Peter Friedman, along with Daniel Eric Gold, Adriana Sevan, Kel O’Neill, and Christine Evangelista.

The Warner’s Independent Film Weekend will feature 3 days and nights of over 40 independent films, dozens of industry workshops and panel discussions and three after parties/receptions. For information on all of the weekend events, visit the Warner Theatre website at http://www.warnertheatre.org

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If you are interested in learning about how overfishing is impacting the environment, our food, and our future be sure not to miss the special film “End of the Line” presented by the Audubon Greenwich this Friday, Jan. 28, 2011 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 p.m.

In this moving documentary, Rupert Murray dives deep to illuminate the cold truth about industrial pillaging of Earth’s oceans with his film, “The End of the Line”. This is the first major feature documentary film to reveal the devastating effect that global over-fishing is having on fish stocks and the health of our oceans. Researched and shot over a two year period, the film follows the indefatigable investigative reporter Charles Clover as he confronts the politicians and celebrity restaurateurs who exhibit little regard for the damage their policies-and their menus-are doing to the oceans. Narrated by Ted Danson and endorsed by and with major marketing support from National Geographic, Greenpeace and the Waitt Family Foundation, “The End of the Line” is a must-see for all who love the ocean and its creatures.

In addition to the film, attendees are in for a special treat and discussion. Jamie Pollack will attend the event as the New York Representative for the Pew Environment Group’s ‘National Fisheries Reform Project’ which focuses on ending overfishing by 2011. She is also the Co-Founder of Shark Savers, a international shark conservation organization focusing on lowering the demand for shark fin soup and setting up shark sanctuaries around the world. The Pew Environment Group is currently working on a campaign to ban surface longline fishing in the Gulf of Mexico which they use to catch swordfish and yellowfin tuna. While longlines kill swordfish and yellowfin, they also kill bluefin tuna, marlin, sharks and sea turtles as well. This method of fishing is extremely destructive and indiscriminate because It kills everything in its path. She will be on hand to take questions from the audience, distribute sustainable seafood cards and explain the innovative “fishphone” app that is available on cell phones.

Space is limited and RSVPs are required. Suggested donation only $12 online or $15 at the door. Under 21 years old: $5 suggested. Includes an organic wine & cheese reception from 6:00-7:00 pm. To reserve your seat online, visit: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/144027. To check for door ticket availability, contact Jeff Cordulack at 203-869-5272 x239 or jcordulack@audubon.org. For more information about the film & event, visit: http://greenwich.audubon.org/Programs_SpecialEvents_EndoftheLine.html or http://endoftheline.com

A snowy winter means mountains of fun in Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills, where opportunities for many kinds of outdoor recreation abound.

Imagine the quiet swoosh of a cross country skier gliding across the winter landscape in one of the many state parks and nature centers that abound in this unspoiled northwest corner of the state. Here are a few of our favorite spots to cross country ski.

White Memorial Foundation, on 71 Whitehall Rd. (off Rte. 202) in Litchfield offers 35 pristine miles of trails to explore. The Apple Hill Trail is especially scenic for x-country skiing as it meanders for approximately two miles from Laurel Hill to the summit of Apple Hill, the highest point around Bantam Lake. An observation platform located on top of Apple Hill provides stunning views of the lake, hills and unspoiled countryside as far as the eye can see. Gliding through open fields and forests you may catch a glimpse of a white tailed deer or a red fox.

Burr Pond State Park, on Burr Mountain Rd. in Torrington offers a lovely blue blazed three mile trail with very little elevation that circles Burr Pond making it easy to ski on. The trail takes you through a portion of Paugnut State Forest with its sheltering pines and hemlocks. In addition to including many fine views of the pond – popular with ice fishermen, you will also glide through a variety of habitats.

Collis P. Huntington State Park on Sunset Hill Rd., in Redding is a quiet hideaway park that offers several unexpected charms. The hill at this park is excellent for sledding and sliding and the network of trails here, most were former roads offer excellent and easy cross -country skiing. The Blue Trail circles the park in a 5.7-mile loop that is perfect for an afternoon excursion. A highlight of the park is the unique bronze animal sculptures made by Anna Vaughn Hyatt, one of America’s most prolific sculptors.