Open Your Eyes Studio Tour in Litchfield Hills

The Northwest Connecticut Arts Council is proud to announce the 10th Annual Open Your Eyes Studio Tour on August 24 and 25 in Winsted and New Hartford, CT. Twenty-nine artists will open their creative spaces to the public and share their art practice and processes with visitors. This is a unique opportunity to visit local working artists from a variety of artistic backgrounds while exploring the beauty of Northwest Connecticut. Learn about each featured artist and reserve your map of the tour at OpenYourEyesTour.org! For a small donation, a map can be mailed to you before the tour weekend.

This year’s artists include painters, potters, photographers, sculptors, fiber artists, basket weavers, textile artists, mixed media artists, printmakers, gourd carvers, ceramicists, calligraphy and book arts, and jewelers. The artists and artisans in New Hartford are Carol Taylor, Carlton Taylor, Karen Carvalho, Deb Strid, Holly Hall, David Skora, Ginny August, Pam Chambers, and Susan Rood. In Winsted, the artists and artisans are MaryPat Leger, Victor Leger, Cheryl Bartley, Sharon Lee Dougherty, Jane Durchame Hoben, Gail O’Connor, Monica Rosenberg, Amy Richardson, M.Wilk, Katheleen Borkowski, Donna Davis, Amy Grosclaude, Jeanne Morningstar Kent, Debra Lill, Kiki Michalek, Heather Neilson, Tina Puckett, Julie Rego, Karen Rossi, and Gay Schempp.

During the tour weekend, there will be two information stations where visitors can check-in for the tour, get maps or pick up pre-ordered maps, posters, and t-shirts, ask questions, and make donations to the Arts Council. The Winsted Info Station is at Whiting Mills, 100 Whiting St., Winsted, CT 06098. The New Hartford Info Station is at Beekley Community Library, 10 Central Ave., New Hartford, CT 06057. Each Info Station will only be open during the hours of the Studio Tour – from 10 am – 5 pm on 8/24, and 10 am – 4 pm on 8/25.

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Rare Amur Leopard Cubs make their Debut @ Beardsley Zoo

Two of the rarest (and littlest) of the big cats on earth made their official debut today at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo! The Zoo’s Amur leopard cubs (Panthera pardus orientalis), a male, Orion, and a melanistic (an extremely rare black color variant) female, Kallisto, have slowly been acclimating to their new habitat, and are now available for Zoo guests to view from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and again from 2:00-4:00 p.m. daily.

Amur leopards are critically endangered, which means they face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, with approximately 80 animals remaining there. There are approximately 200 in human care worldwide, with slightly more than 100 in Russia and Europe, and slightly fewer than 100 in the U.S. With such a small population, each Amur leopard born is extremely important to the survival of the species. So far in 2019, there have been five births in accredited zoos, with only three cubs surviving, including Orion and Kallisto.

“We’ve worked with the cubs for the past few weeks, gradually acclimating them to the outdoors, their new surroundings, and the sounds, sights, and smells they’ve encountered for the first time,” said the Zoo’s Deputy Director Don Goff, who as exotic cat expert and co-chair of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)’s Felid Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) has overseen the care of the cubs from birth. “Our guests and supporters have anxiously awaited a chance to meet Orion and Kallisto, and we appreciate everyone’s patience. As always, the physical, emotional and mental welfare of the cubs is our first responsibility.”

The cubs will be out in their habitat from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and then again from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. each day, but Goff cautioned that the cubs will have free choice to their holding areas, and they may choose to go inside where they can’t be seen. “We want everyone to have a chance to visit these precious and rare leopards, but they’re still quite young and may need rest time out of sight of our guests,” he explained. “If they’re not visible from the viewing window, visit other parts of the Zoo and make another trip to the leopard habitat at a later time,” he advised.

About Amur leopards

A rare subspecies of leopard that has adapted to life in the temperate forests from Northeast China to the Korean peninsula and the Russian Far East, Amur leopards are often illegally hunted for their beautiful spotted fur. The Amur leopard is agile and fast, running at speeds up to 37 miles per hour. Males reach weights of 110 pounds and females up to 90 pounds.

They prey on sika, roe deer, and hare, but the Amur leopard has to compete with humans for these animals. They live for 10-15 years in the wild, and up to 20 years in human care. In the wild, Amur leopards make their home in the Amur-Heilong, a region that contains one of the most biologically diverse temperate forests in the world, vast steppe grasslands, and the unbroken taiga biome.

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo:

Let your curiosity run wild! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 97thanniversary this year, features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers and leopards, American alligators and Spur-thigh tortoises, Mexican and red wolves, and Golden Lion tamarin. Other highlights include the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat, our South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with “pop-up” viewing areas, plus the Pampas Plains featuring maned wolves, Chacoan peccaries and Giant anteaters. Guests can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful, indoor carousel. For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.org.

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Summer Concert @ Bartlett Arboretum July 21

The Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford is hosting a series of summer concerts in their spectacular gardens. On Sunday, July 21 from 5 pm – 7 pm the Cutouts will perform.

The Cutouts are a classic rock quartet based in Connecticut with four decades of entertaining throughout the greater New England/NY-metro area. The band members are Bruce Domizio (lead vocals/lead guitar), Daria Verelley (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Mario Pirulli (drums), and David Verelley (bass). Their credits include performing live with legendary singer/guitarist Jose Feliciano in 2001 and opening for a renowned vocalist, Tony Bennett, at the 2004 Waterbury Palace gala concert.

The concert will take place on the Great Lawn or in our Silver Educational Center, in the event of rain. Bring chairs or a blanket along with a picnic dinner. Wendy’s Weenies Food Truck will also be on-site!

Tickets are $5 for members, $10 for non-members, and free for children 12 & under. Tickets are purchased on-site the day of the concert. Cash, check or cards accepted. If you are interested in becoming a member, please click here. Be sure to arrive early to get a prime parking spot and please carpool if possible!

For our complete summer concert series, please visit our website. For more information about Litchfield Hills and Fairfield County click here.

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Jazz in the Garden @ Torrington Historical Society

If you are looking for an unusual way to spend Saturday night, July 20, look no further than the very special fundraising concert hosted by the Torrington Historical Society from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm. The highlight of this event is the rare opportunity to hear top jazz musicians perform in the Hotchkiss gardens.

The Torrington Historical Society is located on 192 Main Street in a grand colonial home once belonging to the Hotchkiss family. The gardens are in full bloom and have a lovely reflecting pool that is the centerpiece of the garden. The concert will feature jazz standards and original compositions by various members of the sextet, all noted jazz musicians. Musicians are Peter McEachern, trombone/ compositions; Dave Santoro, bass/compositions; Dave Ballou, trumpet/ arrangements; Mike DiRubbo, alto saxophone; Zaccai Curtis, keyboards, and Ian Carroll on drums.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an evening of rhythmic, forward-leaning and exciting jazz! The musicians have shared the stage with many of the important figures of the jazz idiom in their long careers. All of the musicians are faculty members at the Litchfield Jazz Camp.
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Concert attendees are encouraged to bring a comfortable lawn chair and a picnic basket. Tickets are $15 per person, to purchase online click here.

In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in the Torrington Historical Society Carriage House Gallery.

For more information about Litchfield Hills and Fairfield County visit www.visitwesternct.com

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How to Save Footprints on the Moon @ New Canaan Historical Society

On July 20, 1969,  Neil Armstrong put an American flag on the moon. As we stare up at the moon in the summer night sky, some of us remember this amazing technological accomplishment, and think, this is when the history of the moon was forever changed by the presence of mankind.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission’s return to earth, the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society is proud to present New Canaan residents, Michelle, and Tim Hanlon. They will speak on July 24th at 7 pm about their foundation, For All Moonkind, and its efforts to enact lasting preservation laws for outer space. Come see their incredible power point, hear about the history of moon exploration, and learn about the work they are doing to protect the moon from exploitation. The program is free and refreshments will be served.

As Michelle Hanlon explains, “It has been said that Neil Armstrong may well be the only human being of our time remembered 50,000 years from now. Yet, the boot prints he and Buzz Aldrin left on the Moon, and all they memorialize and represent, are not recognized or protected by any binding law. This means they may be accidentally or intentionally damaged — or erased — without penalty. For All Moonkind is working to change that. 

Each of the lunar landing and similar sites in outer space is a fundamental part of our human story, marking an achievement unparalleled in human history. As unique and irreplaceable cultural and scientific resources, they must be protected from intentional or accidental disturbance or desecration. The current law governing outer space is silent about preservation.

For All Moonkind is the only organization in the world focused on creating an effective system to manage and preserve our common human heritage in outer space, including the very first Moonsteps. It is one of only 44 organizations designated as a Permanent Observer at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. It is comprised of an entirely volunteer international team of space lawyers, policymakers, scientists and communicators, all working to develop reasonable and practical protocols that will balance development and preservation. In developing systems to select, manage and study relevant sites, they seek to promote education, and exploration, as well as open the debate on equally pressing issues of property and resource extraction.”  At this program, guests will learn what is being done to protect our “outer space” heritage.

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BBQ on Sheffield Island is Smokin Hot – July 27, 2019

Is there anything more American than BBQ? The Spanish conquistadores brought BBQ to the American South after enjoying it in the Caribbean and on July 27 the Seaport Association is hosting an authentic southern BBQ. Only 49 lucky guests will cruise to the island and enjoy a down-home slow cooked southern bbq in the Association’s new wood framed pavilion. The boat departs the dock at 5:30 p.m. to and returns at 9 p.m. For tickets click here.

Like BBQ, the Lighthouse on Sheffield Island has a long history and, this year, the Lighthouse will be 151 years old. Over time, four distinct styles of bbq developed in the U.S. including Carolina, Texas, Memphis, and Kansas City. Along the way, a few European spices were mixed in, and the techniques modified here and there resulting in the four basic types of BBQ found here today. No matter what style of bbq you favor, this bbq cruise to Sheffield Island is still doing today what it did from day one, which is bringing friends old and new together over great food.

The menu for the Sheffield Island BBQ includes all the classics – baby back ribs cooked low and slow, smoked pulled pork sliders, grilled wings – sweet and spicy, shrimp on the barbie plus classic salads, soft drinks, and dessert. Feel free to BYOB and don’t forget your plastic cups! An added bonus of the Sheffield Island BBQ is that guests dine as the sun sets over Long Island Sound making for memorable photo opportunities.

This event does require advance reservations so get your tickets early! The Seaport Association dock is located on 4 North Water Street adjacent to the Maritime Aquarium Imax Parking Lot. Parking is available at the adjacent Maritime Garage

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