Tag: CT events

8th Annual Watertown House Tour Sept. 28

The 8th Annual Watertown House Tour will take place on Saturday September 28 from 11a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. Five fabulous homes will be featured in this year’s tour.

The Mailhot House at 26 Sunset Avenue was built in 1900 and was originally going to be a barn. Today, this quaint house with its’ split rail fence and lovely front porch has beautiful woodwork throughout and is appointed with furniture made by the current owner. Outside there is a display of classic cars.

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The Guernseytown Schoolhouse at 1121 Guernseytown Road was built in 1848 and served as a school for 84 years until it was closed in 1932. The current living room was the original classroom area.

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Hotchkiss House at 237 Skilton Road built around 1800 has a modern addition. Entering the old section of the house visitors will notice wide chestnut floors, horsehair walls and low sloping ceilings. Interesting collections from the owners’ travels are displayed though out the house.

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The Silo at 25 Caruso Drive overlooks Lake Winnemaug, a man-made lake that was created as a feeder pond for the Oakville Company, also known as the Pin Shop. This house, with its distinctive silo and cobblestone driveway, was designed to look like a barn by the homeowners in collaboration with Litchfield architect Clifford Cooper in 2010.

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The Wasilauskas House at 89 Maple Avenue built in 1910 has the distinction of being in the same family for nearly one hundred years. This arts and crafts style bungalow with its columned wraparound porch recently went through a major facelift, but it remains on the original footprint. Before you leave don’t miss the beautiful grounds and fieldstone barn.

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The Watertown Historical Society Museum and the Nova Scotia Schoolhouse at 22 DeForest Street will also be open for viewing.

The Watertown House Tour is a benefit for the Watertown Historical Society Museum in Watertown, CT. The Watertown Historical Society is a private, nonprofit, all volunteer organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing Watertown and Oakville’s history through the Museum.

Advance tickets are $25 per person, and will be $30 the day of the tour. Tickets for this self-guided house tour are non-refundable & can be purchased by mailing a check or money order to:

Watertown House Tour
22 DeForest Street
Watertown, CT 06795

Checks should be made payable to the “Watertown Historical Society”. Tickets can also be purchased online with a credit card or Paypal at: www.watertownhistoricalsociety.org

Tickets and maps will be mailed to those that make advance purchases. Advance orders must be received no later than Friday September 20th. Requests for tickets after this date will be held for pick-up on the day of the tour at the Museum.

Tickets are available at the following retail locations: LaBonne’s Market in Watertown, Chubba’s in Watertown, the Health Complex, The Watertown Library, Hosking’s Nursery, Depot Square Farm Shoppe, and Jimmy’s of Watertown. On the day of the tour tickets will be available at all of the businesses, all of the houses and at the Museum, which will be tour headquarters. Call the Museum at 860-274-1050 or view www.watertownhistoricalsociety.org for more information.

The artist is Lorraine LeRoy.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

JanetLeave a comment

Waterbury Symphony Orchestra Opens 76th Season with: Force of Nature

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A new season, a new brand! The Waterbury Symphony is launching it’s 76th season with a new brand to exemplify the creative and imaginative concert performances that they offer.

The season opening concert, “Force of Nature” set for Saturday, September 28 at 8 pm, at the NVCC Fine Arts Center will feature programming from two American composers; Alan Hovahness and John Williams, sandwiched between works from two European composers, Bedřich Smetana and Ottorino Respighi.

The spotlight will be on the harp when the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra presents “On Willows and Birches.” The soloist will be Ann Hobson Pilot who was a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra for 40 years, 28 as principal. In addition to the Williams piece, three other composers are on the evening’s program. Smetana’s “The Moldau,” Respighi’s “Pines of Rome” and Hohaness’ “Mysterious Mountain”. Each piece conjures natural beauty and the wonders of nature.

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In addition to the concert, patrons are invited to a Champagne Reception in honor of Ruth Ann Leever, philanthropist and longtime supporter of the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra, in the Playbox Theater at the NVCC Fine Arts Center, from 6:30p.m. -7:45 p.m. on the evening of the concert. Reception tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased in conjunction with a Premium concert ticket for $75.

Tickets for the Force of Nature concert are $20, $30, and $50. Student tickets are $5, (rush only), please remember to bring your student ID. For tickets or more information, please call: 203-574-4283 or www.waterburysymphony.org.

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2013 Taste of Greater Danbury

The Taste of Greater Danbury is one of the area’s most anticipated family fun annual events that offers a world map of cuisines and music.

NEW ZEALAND 2011

The Taste provides an affordable family outing that provides for every taste and is scheduled for Saturday, September 14 from noon to 10:00pm and Sunday, September 15 from noon to 7:00pm on the CityCenter Danbury Green.

THE FOOD:
A diversity of state, regional, and international cuisines awaits: Italian. Indian, Middle Eastern, Jamaican, Thai, BBQ, South American, and of course, American. Top your tastings off with Ice Cream, Italian Ice, and Dessert. Newcomers include Green Brook Sugar House, Mimi’s Meatballs, The Pretzel Princess, Olive Oil Factory, and Tom Reid Rippin’ Hot Sauce.

THE MUSIC:
On the Bandshell Main Stage

Saturday, September 14

12:00pm – 1:00pm Opening Ceremony -Welcome-Bantam Band

1:00pm – 1:45pm Marc Huberman & Deborah Gillespie

2:00pm – 4:00pm Back to the Garden 1969

4:15pm – 5:15pm Easy Street wth Ethan James

5:30pm – 7:00pm Pete Herger

8:00pm – 10:00pm Edwin McCain

Long time touring friends with Hootie and the Blowfish, Edwin McCain has been recording music since 1991, winning fans with such signature songs as “I’ll Be” and “3 a.m.” His latest – and tenth album, “Mercy Bound,” is a first full-album collaboration with Maia Sharp. This pop-rock troubadour has morphed, over two decades, into a road warrior playing throughout North America most of each year. (McCain will also appear on the Bandshell Main Stage on Sunday, September 15 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm.)

Sunday, September 15

12:30pm – 1:30pm The Traveling Danburys

2:00pm – 3:30pm Edwin McCain

5:00pm – 7:00pm Philly LoPresti the Clark Eno Big Band

THE COOKING DEMOS:

On the Fairfield County Bank Ives Street Stage

Saturday, September 14

2:00pm – 5:00pm -An afternoon block party with guest chef and food bloggers cooking up awesome demos, fantastic “penny” beer tastings by Saranac brewery, and “food challenges.” Pro Player Insiders will be on hand with great giveaways, a fun “touchdown dance competition” and surprise current and former pro athletes. Williams Sonoma of Danbury will also be on hand helping out. Your host, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and featured on Food Network, ABC’s “The Taste,” and Jamie Oliver’s “Food Tube” is Chef Plum from Plum Luv Foods, who will be joined by Sarah Caron, Alicia Ghio, Chef Jeanette Chen, and Melissa Mahler. Presented by Fairfield County Bank, Plum Luv Foods and Pro Player Insiders.

THE KIDS’ ACTIVITIES

Balloon Bouncers, Sand Art, and the return of Curious Creatures with their host of alligators, turtles, rabbits, chinchillas, ferrets, and geckos are sure to occupy the kids while Mom and Dad share Thai spring rolls, shish kabobs, cannoli, or fajita wraps.

Parking
Parking is readily available at the Patriot Garage (behind the Bandshell), the Bardo Garage (off Main Street on Library Place), and throughout CityCenter. For more information, call CityCenter Danbury at (203) 792 1711.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

JanetLeave a comment

Run for the Woods on September 7

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If you enjoy walking and running on beautiful nature trails then join the Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) for the 2nd Annual Run for the Woods on Saturday, September 7 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 and together with the support of the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Fleet Feet they 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 9:15 a.m. at Sessons Woods.

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. 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 www.ctwoodlands.org/runforthewoods2013.

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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 other products of the land make a significant contribution to our economic and cultural well being.
For more information http://www.ctwoodlands.org. For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

JanetLeave a comment

Kissable Camels at Beardsley Zoo

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Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is known for offering special family programming during the summer months. In years past, the zoo has featured a free flight bird show, Rainforest Reptiles, and last year’s Galapagos tortoises were a huge hit with the public. This summer, two camels have called Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo home through Labor Day.

The camels, named Toby and Goliath, may be found on the greenhouse lawn and rides will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for $5 per person, which includes photos. Visitors will be able to purchase ride tickets at the front gate, gift shop, carousel, and at the camel ride. While there are no age restrictions for riders, anyone five years old and younger requires an adult rider with them. The zoo also is offering a combo ticket for both a carousel and camel ride for $6.00.

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Fun camel facts, courtesy of Environmental Graffiti:

Bactrian camels have two humps while Dromedary camels have one hump. (Toby and Goliath are Dromedary camels.)
The name camel comes from Arabic, meaning “beauty.”
A camel’s hump stores fat – not water – as many believe.
Camels can drink up to 40 gallons at one time.
Camels can go for long periods of time without drinking because of the shape of their red blood cells, which are oval, and allows them to flow easily without clumping. They are the only mammals to have this kind of blood cell.
Camels can kick in all four directions with each leg.
Camels can eat anything without injuring their mouths – including thorny twigs.
Camels can close their nostrils against wind and sand when necessary.
Their coats reflect sunlight and insulate them from the desert heat.
“Spitting” is actually a way that camels defend themselves. They don’t actually spit but rather throw up a nasty smelling fluid when provoked.

For more information about Connecticut’s only zoo visit www.beardsleyzoo.org. For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

JanetLeave a comment

Kent Historical Society presents art of George Laurence Nelson

Portrait of the Hirschberg/Nelson family by George Laurence Nelson
Portrait of the Hirschberg/Nelson family by George Laurence Nelson

The Seven Hearths, the Kent Historical Society Museum, will re-open this summer after being closed for two years with a series of new art exhibits focusing on the life and work of George Laurence Nelson. The Seven Hearths Museum is located on Rte. 7 north of Kent center on the corner of Studio Hill Road in Kent in the historic Flanders area that was once the original center of Kent.

George Laurence Nelson, trained at the Art Students League and the National Academy, and began teaching at the Art Students League in his early 20s. Nelson was among the founders of the Litchfield Hills Art Colony, and later one of the nine founders of the Kent Art Association.

The Litchfield Hills Art Colony played a meaningful role on a national scale in twentieth century American art. George Laurence Nelson’s studio in Seven Hearths is the only remnant of the colony that is open to the public today.

Set within Nelson’s beloved pre-Revolutionary Seven Hearths, which he donated to the Historical Society located on Rte. 7 in Kent Connecticut in the heart of the Litchfield Hills, the Historical Society is presenting three changing exhibits of Nelson’s work in August, September and October.

Nelson portrait of Arturo Toscanini Credit: Kent Historical Society
Nelson portrait of Arturo Toscanini Credit: Kent Historical Society

The August exhibit beginning on the 3rd and running through the 25th will feature large and interesting selection of Nelson portraits. He made his money by doing portraits, and the subjects range from well-known celebrities such as Arturo Toscanini, to NYC society dames, to familiar local faces such as Frank Goodsell as a child.

In September from the 1st to the 29th Nelson’s floral paintings will be on display. While he made money-painting portraits, his heart was devoted to stunning renditions of the lovely flowers that he and his wife Helen grew in their gardens at Seven Hearths. Some are exquisitely colored oil paintings and some are perfectly detailed pencil drawings. Some even are featured on the cover of matchboxes!

Floral painting by Nelson, Kent Historical Society
Floral painting by Nelson, Kent Historical Society

A show that will fill the Seven Hearths Museum with works by Nelson that are borrowed from private collections will be the final exhibit of the season and will take place from October 5 – 27.

The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the month.

Call the Historical Society office, 860-927-4587 or visit the web site for more information www.kenthistoricalsociety.org.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

JanetLeave a comment