Tag: Litchfield Hills CT

Vanishing America at the Sharon Historical Society

The Sharon Historical Society, located in the Litchfield Hills of northwest Connecticut is hosting an art exhibit by Jeffrey L. Neumann titled Vanishing America: The Disappearing Commercial Landscape of the 20th Century through October 25.

Painting By Jeffrey L. Neumann
Painting By Jeffrey L. Neumann

This exhibit is a celebration of the exuberance and independent spirit of life in post WWII America tempered by the inexorable march of time. With a focus on the mom and pop eating establishments, motels and movie theaters of roadside America, Neumann’s paintings take the viewer on journey down the two-lane highways of the twentieth century. They allow us to experience a part of our past that is being rapidly replaced by the widespread influence of corporate conformity.

The cultural and anthropological aspect of Neumann’s work is balanced by his uniquely personal vision. The artist, born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1953 and currently residing in Copake, NY, cannot be considered a regional painter. The subjects of his oil and watercolor paintings come from all across the nation. They are influenced by Neumann’s childhood years living in New Mexico and California and his numerous trips on Route 66 in the back of the family station wagon. His work is noted as finding profound meaning in places often overlooked.

On October 13 at 3 p.m. there will be a gallery walk and talk with the artist.

Running concurrently with Neumann’s Vanishing America exhibit in The Gallery @the SHS, the Sharon Historical Society & Museum will present Now you see it…in the exhibit galleries. This exhibit will take its audience backwards in time, challenging the viewer to use objects and images that are familiar today as a roadmap to the past. Focusing primarily on the changes that have occurred in town from 1850 to the present day, visitors will be confronted with familiar scenes, such as the Sharon War Memorial, the Sharon Fire Department, Mudge Pond Beach, the Sharon Valley Tavern, Sharon Hospital and the Sharon Center School, and with the help of objects from the museum collection, will be transported back in time to pivotal junctures in the town’s development.

About the Sharon Historical Society
The Sharon Historical Society and Museum is located at 18 Main Street, Sharon, Connecticut 06069. For more information, call 860-364-5688 or visit www.sharonhist.org. Museum Hours are Wednesday & Saturday from 10AM – 2PM, Thursday & Friday from 10AM – 4PM and by appointment.

For information on Litchfield Hills visit www.litchfieldhills.com

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27th Annual Antiques Show in Litchfield Hills – Washington CT

The 2013 Washington Connecticut Antiques Show will take place October 4-6, opening at Washington Primary School with the traditional Preview Night cocktail party on Friday from 6:30 to 9:00pm. Cellist Mary Costanza will serenade guests during this opportunity for advance buying and browsing from an impressive assortment of exceptional antiques and contemporary collectibles.

The following evening, the Collectors Party will be held – Saturday, October 5 from 6:30 to 9:00pm. Visitors will enjoy browsing while listening to the smooth sounds of The Kerry Linder Brazilian Jazz Trio in an alluring setting of curated treasures and modern curiosities from around the world.

Reservations for the Friday and Saturday evening parties are highly recommended and can be made by visiting www.gunnlibrary.org. Entrance to each party begins at $125 per person. Daytime show hours are Saturday, October 5, 10am to 3pm and Sunday, October 6, 11am to 3pm. Daily admission to the show is $10, payable at the door. For additional information, please contact the Gunn Memorial Library at 860-868-7586 or email gunndevelopment@biblio.org.

Founded in 1985, the Washington Annual Antiques Show consistently draws dealers of the highest quality and offers diverse furnishings and decorative arts for both the period and modern home. The show features 21 dealers from the east coast. Visitors will find larger furnishings, works of art, exquisite jewelry, intimate furniture and decorative accessories.

This year the exhibitors includes:
Behnke Doherty Gallery
Washington, CT
www.behnkedoherty.com

Brad Reh Fine Estate Jewelry
Southampton, NY
www.bradreh.com

Brennan & Mouilleseaux
Northfield, CT
www.antiqueseclectic.com

C.M. Leonard Antiques
South Salem, NY

The Cooley Gallery
Old Lyme, CT
www.cooleygallery.com

Dallas Boesendahl
New York, NY

Donald Rich Antiques
New Canaan, CT

Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge
White Plains, NY
www.vandekar.com

Eckert Fine Art
Millerton, NY
www.eckertfineart.com

Embellish Antiques
Chapel Hill, NC
www.embellishantiques.com

George Champion Modern Shop
Woodbury, CT

KMR Arts
Washington Depot, CT
www.kmrarts.com

Melody Rodgers
New York, NY
www.melodyrodgers.com

Mountain Thistle Antiques
Waynesboro, VA
www.rubylane.com/shops/
www.mountainthistleantiques

Nemati Collection
New York, NY & New Preston, CT
www.nematicollection.com

Nula Thanhauser
East Hampton, NY
www.nulathanhauser.com

Ober Gallery
Kent, CT
www.obergallery.com

R.M. Barokh, Inc.
Bethlehem, CT
www.rmbarokhantiques.com

Roberto Freitas American Antiques
& Decorative Arts
Stonington, CT
www.robertofreitas.com

R.T. Facts
Kent, CT
www.rtfacts.com

Vintage Poster Art
Monroe Township, NJ
www.trocadero.com/vintagepa

The Museum’s current exhibit, “Coming to America: Washington’s Swedish Immigrants,” will be open to visitors free of charge Saturday and Sunday October 5 & 6 and features photographs and artifacts from its collection, on loan from descendants, and from local dealers Dawn Hill Antiques and Eleish van Breems Antiques. Rhonda Eleish and Edie van Breems, noted Scandinavian style experts, will present the lecture “The Elements of Swedish Style” and sign copies of their new book Reflections on Swedish Interiors on Sunday, October 6, at 1pm in the Wykeham Room of the Gunn Memorial Library.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

JanetLeave a comment

Lincoln Scholar Harold Holzer to Speak at Keeler Tavern Museum

Nationally renowned Lincoln scholar and author Harold Holzer will speak on the topic of “Why Lincoln Matters,” on Sunday, September 29th, at 4 p.m., at The Keeler Tavern Museum’s Garden House, 132 Main Street, Ridgefield.

keeler tavern

Holzer, who has authored, co-authored or edited 46 books about the nation’s 16th president and the Civil War era, will engage the audience in exploring the connections many Americans have felt—real and imagined, political and emotional—to Abraham Lincoln. His remarks on the 29th will explain how Lincoln’s actions and words have been interpreted and used by politicians and thought leaders up to the present day, “often seeking to consecrate their own policies with his imagined blessing, sometimes inspiringly, sometimes ludicrously,” according to Holzer.

Harold Holzer is Chairman of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation, official successor organization of the U. S. Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, which he co-chaired for nine years, appointed by President Bill Clinton. His most recent book, The Civil War in 50 Objects, tells the story of the war through the collections of the New-York Historical Society, for which he serves as a Roger Hertog Fellow. Holzer’s How Abraham Lincoln Ended Slavery in America (2012) is the official young-adult companion book for the Steven Spielberg film Lincoln, for which he served as script consultant.

Holzer_head_shot_with_AL_Sculpture

Holzer lectures throughout the nation. One of his programs, “Lincoln Seen and Heard,” with actor Sam Waterston, has been staged and broadcast from such venues as the White House, the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library, the Clinton Presidential Library, the Library of Congress, and Ford’s Theatre. Holzer also appears frequently on C-SPAN and the History Channel, and served as an on-air commentator on PBS, NBC, the BBC, and the National Geographic Network

In his full-time professional career, Holzer serves as Senior Vice President for Public Affairs at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where he has spent the last 20 years.

Reservations to attend his lecture and the wine and hors d’oeuvres reception that follows, both of which are limited-capacity events, may be made online at keelertavernmuseum.org or by calling the Museum at (203) 438-5485. Fees are $50 for the lecture and reception ($35 for Museum members and students) and $25 for the lecture only ($20 for Museum members, $15 for students). Free parking is available on site.

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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.

#1_-_The_Mailhot_House_-_26_Sunset_Avenue (1)

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.

#2_-_The_Guernseytown_Schoolhouse_-_1121_Guernseytown_Road

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.

#3_-_The_Hotchkiss_House_-_237_Skilton_Road (1)

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.

#4_-_The_Silo_-_25_Caruso_Drive (2)

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.

#_5_-_The_Wasilauskas_House_-_89_Maple_Avenue (3)

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

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

CFPAs_Run_for_the_Woods_(4)-By_William_Breck copy

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.

CFPAs_Run_for_the_Woods_(2)-By_Marty_Gosselin

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