Twilight in the Garden at Hollister House July 12

Horticultural enthusiasts and bon vivants are cordially invited to savor the enchantment of Twilight in the Garden in the cool of the evening from 6 to 8 pm on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at Hollister House Garden. In a remarkable setting of charming views in all directions and the company of like-minded gardeners and friends, Twilight in the Garden guests can enjoy the garden with a glass of wine and cheese and hors d'oeuvres.

An exciting aspect of the garden this year is the new rill, a very narrow, 28-foot long water channel on the upper lawn behind the house. The rill is a classic but uncommon element of landscape design that places the sound and movement of water into the garden.

Stars of this very English garden at its early-summer peak are an exuberant abundance of daylilies, hydrangeas and old-fashioned phlox, plus various other happy plants spilling onto walkways, tumbling over walls and climbing up arches. Dahlias add masses of color and also offer quiet moments in certain places in the garden that are surrounded by a profusion of texture and form.

A 36-year labor of love by Washington resident George Schoellkopf, gardener extraordinaire and respected Early American antiques dealer, the romantic Hollister House Garden is beautifully situated on a gently sloping hillside behind a rambling 18th century farmhouse. The garden 's intimate outdoor spaces, bordered by dramatic hedges and the natural landscape, are lavishly planted with both familiar and exotic species in often surprising color combinations and open onto stunning vistas. 

Like many great gardens, it continues to be a work in progress. Hollister House Garden is one of only 16 exceptional gardens currently designated a Preservation Project by the Garden Conservancy, whose mission is to identify and preserve important and historically significant gardens across America for the education and enjoyment of the public.

Hollister House in 2010 achieved its prestigious listing on the National Register of Historic Places and the property was also named a Town Landmark Site by the Town of Washington.

The Twilight in the Garden party is priced at $30 per person, or for HHG members at $25 person. Reservations must be made in advance either on the Special Events page of the website a www.hollisterhousegarden.org or by phone at 860-868-2200. Hollister House Garden is open to visitors every Saturday through September. For June, July and August, hours are 8 to 10 am and 3 to 6 pm; September hours are 10 am to noon and 2 to 5 pm. Directions to the garden's 300 Nettleton Hollow Road location are also available on the website.

For information on the Litchfield Hills www.litchfieldhills.com

Pickin' & Fiddlin' Contest

Forty years ago, the Roxbury Volunteer Fire Department in conjunction with it’s annual “Old Roxbury Days” sponsored a contest to display the skills of musicians playing country and bluegrass music.  Over the years this contest has grown and is now the biggest of its’ kind in the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut. Fiddlers from near and far will be competing once again this year for more than $3200 in prize money so the competition will not only be fierce but also entertaining.

This year’s event will be held at Hurlburt Park located at 18 Apple Lane Roxbury on Saturday July 12, 2014 beginning at 2:00 pm.  and the musical categories are endless. You can listen and watch talented musicians play the  Old Time Fiddle; Old Time Banjo; Mandolin; Trick and Fancy Fiddle.  There will also be  Finger Picking and Flat Picking Guitar; Bluegrass Banjo and Band Playoff. An number of bands will be interspersed between competitive categories to keep spectators entertained.

Remember to bring a lawn chair, blanket, picnic and your own beverages; but please leave your dog at home.  Food, refreshments and crafts will also be available at this popular event for purchase.

Admission is $10. Children under 10 are free. Free parking is also available. Contestant registration starts at 1:30pm. The rain date for the event is Sunday, July 13, 2014 at noon.

Torrington is New Home for Karen Rossi Studios

Internationally known artist Karen Rossi is excited to call Torrington her new home. Rossi's new studio is located in the heart of Torrington in the Allen Building at 27 East Main Street and houses a gallery, showroom, workspace and classroom area.

 Rossi is highly regarded for her original metal sculptures has created more than 500 original characters... celebrating the seasons, holidays, professions, friends and family, children, hobbies and a host of other life-inspired themes. Her whimsical work features metal as well as broken crystals, charms and other embellishments that make them eye catching and unique. 

Rossi is most known for her giftware designs known as Fanciful FlightsTM, which she has licensed to major companies, enjoying worldwide sales. Fanciful Flights are metal caricatures of people adorned by charms that tell the story of a person's hobby or profession. Long before Rossi was involved with arts licensing, her originals were commissioned and collected by the likes of Neiman Marcus, Booz, Allen & Hamilton, lobbies of Hospitals, and the Hartford Courant. 

Karen's themed groupings of artwork include: Animal Kingdom, On the Road, Celestial, Christmas, Halloween, the Glorious Garden, Just for Kids, Paradise Island, Ladies with Red Hats, Festivities of Faith, Bistro, Girlfriends, Celebration and Fanciful Flights TM. For details of this artwork visit http://www.karenrossi.com.

The 27 East Main Street destination will feature demos and crafting workshops including painting on glass and Mosaics. Rossi has been hosting Art Parties for over 30 years and is particularly excited to offer, "Make your own T-town ballerinas and Mad River Mermaids." The artist has been involved with several CT Art communities and is excited to showcase the work of comrades and guest Artisans from Hartford, New Haven, South, and the Litchfield Hills. The new studio will also feature a clearance area for sales of retired Rossi giftware.

July Concerts in Norwalk at the Beach!

Each Wednesday night throughout the summer, music lovers can head to scenic Calf Pasture Beach on Calf Pasture Beach Road in Norwalk (06851) to enjoy an evening of free musical entertainment. If you don't have a parking sticker for this beach, not to worry, there is a  nominal $5.00 parking fee  charged for cars without a Norwalk beach sticker.

On July 9 at 7 p.m. the “Cast” of Beatlemania – Return to the exciting era when the Fab Four ruled the world of rock ‘n’ roll through the artistry and talents of Carlo Cantamessa (John), Lenie Colacino (Paul), John Delgado (Ringo) and James Filgate (George) and musical director Mark Templeton.

Billy Genuario takes the stage on July 16 at 7 p.m..  He is one of the most popular vocalists in the tri-state area, that will be joined by his band, Destiny, which includes Tommy Hartlett (keyboard and vocals), Linda Fakundiny (guitar/vocals), Johnny Mennonna (bass guitar) and Ron Nihoff (drums). Genuario’s engagements have taken him from New York City to Las Vegas to Hong Kong and he is one of the most sought after vocalists on the tri-state scene.

Billy Genuario

On July 23, a summer favorite, the Classic Car Show takes place on July 23 at 6 p.m. This gathering of than 100 vehicles is hosted by the Coachmen Rod and Custom Club, an organization of men and women who enjoy classic cars. Owners of 1981 and older cars can participate in the shows, which attract owners from throughout the tri-state area. Each car show participant is asked to contribute canned food or make a donation to the St. Vincent De Paul food bank. 

The Car Show is followed by a performance of The Royal Kings at 7 p.m. The Royal Kings -- features vocalists Joey Bennett, Douglas “Ice” Dorsey, Timmy Hayes, Tommy Talercio and Richard “Cookie” Thomas. These performers have opened for headlining acts from the 50s, 60s and Bluenotes, The Coasters, The Platters, Average White Band and the Flamingos.  They continue to perform on the Oldies Rock and Roll circuit, as well as concerts and special events, and have two CDs, “Doggin’ Around” and “The Royal Kings II – Thanks To You.”

Royal Kings

To finish up the month, on July 30 the Pied Piper Petting Zoo is a feature that begins at 6:30 p.m.  Kids will love to visit with a variety of animals, including a pony, pig, goat, sheep, bunnies, chickens and ducks before the concert. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and features ABBA Girlz – This New York-based tribute group features beautiful harmonies, elaborate costumes and exciting choreography during each interactive performance. The two charismatic singers are backed by two musicians.

For information on Fairfield County visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Summer Stroll in New Preston CT

In the heart of the Litchfield Hills, a summer stroll taking place on July 5 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the riverside village of New Preston is offering more activities this year than ever before. "Downtown" on this quaint Main Street (Rte. 45) will feature a a barbecue with hot dogs in front of Nine Main. The Smithy will be serving fresh, local lemonade and cookies, and Dawn Hill & Upstairs Antiques will host a sparkling Prosecco Porch Party with nibbles.

Across the street in "Midtown" you can feast courtesy of the White Horse Country Pub. "Audrey" the vintage English taxi, there will there with bite size nibbles of British Raj chicken salad on chili dusted tortilla chips, and Key Lime and Raspberry Margarita pie bites. Pergola & J. Seitz & Co will be pouring a variety of beverages including refreshing Japanese grapefruit chuhai.

On the "Uptown" side, there will be Candy Bags at Sweets, Pamplemousse Royale at DK Shulman, and trays of Focaccia courtesy of Oliva Restaurant, while Privet House supplies the adult libations and New Preston Kitchen Goods sparkles with a summery white Sangria.

A live band, The Social Gents Club, will perform on the corner of Main Street & East Shore Road, next to Dawn Hill Antiques. County Wines and Spirits, just down the road, will host an in-store cheese tasting.

Privet House and Vol.1 will throw open the doors of their two story shop stocked full of antiques and great finds for summer entertaining. Pergola will be offering their usual great mix of everything for the garden, and treasures from their last trip to Kyoto. D.K Schulman, will feature the best of summer gift ideas plus stationery and cards. J. Seitz will offer 25% off selected Men's, Women's and Infant clothing during Stroll hours.

Planning a barbecue? New Preston Kitchen Goods has everything you need and Dawn Hill Antiques is featuring The Grilling Book, published by Bon Appetit and photographed on location in Sharon, CT., plus a beautiful collection of celadon pottery by Frances Palmer. Upstairs Antiques welcomes a new addition, Antique Wicker and Garden, be sure to visit their cozy room filled with comfy 1920's wicker that is ready for a porch or garden room.

For area information on the Litchfield Hills www.litchfieldhills.com

A Pet Parade in Litchfield to Celebrate the 4th of July!

The Litchfield Historical Society has planned a wonderful way to celebrate Independence Day by hosting the Society's annual Pet Parade and Turn-of-the-Century Festival!  The festival will take place on Friday, July 4th from 2:15 to 4:30 pm and all are invited to attend -- with or without pets.

The Litchfield History Museum and the Tapping Reeve House & Law School will also be open from 11 to 5 pm with free admission.

A highlight of the Turn-of-the Century- Fest is the ice cream social with ice cream generously donated by Peaches and Cream, a local ice cream maker that makes ice cream using traditional methods. Old-fashioned lawn games will be hosted on the Green after the parade. Fest participants will have the opportunity to compete in egg and spoon races, a tug of war, a sunflower seed spitting contest, and three-legged races.

The event is free and open to the public. Pets of any kind are welcome, but all pets must be either on a leash or in a cage and, where applicable, must come with a rabies certificate.

To register for the parade, call the Historical Society at (860) 567-4501. Registration begins at 2:15 pm and the celebration kicks off at 2:30 pm. For more information or to register, please call Litchfield Historical Society at (860) 567-4501 or email registration@litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org. Litchfield History Museum is located at 7 South St., Litchfield, CT. For more information about this or other programs, please see www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org or call (860) 567-4501.

July at the Beardsley Zoo a month of Family Fun

July at the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport on 1875 Noble Ave. has a host of activities that promises fun for the whole family. Take the Rainforest Reptiles for example that are back at the Zoo by popular demand from July 1- 31.  These reptile shows feature exotic crawlers, unusual slitherers, and fascinating creepers, all of which are creatures of the rainforest. Participants will experience direct contact with live animals, artifacts, and hear fascinating stories about these unusual animals and their natural habitats. There are two shows daily Tuesdays – Thursdays and three shows on Friday – Sunday.

To celebrate July 4, take part in the Red, White and Blue Animal Scavenger Hunt from 9 am – 4 pm.  This self-guided hunt will challenge visitors to find all of the animals sporting patriotic colors. (Ex. red wolf, white swans, (blue) poison dart frog) – and many more! Don’t miss the special “Animal Bytes” presentation about the American Bald Eagle.

There are five sessions of “Zoo Patrol”, the first from July 7-11 and the second from July 14-18. These sessions are followed by a Zoo Patrol from July 20-26; July 21 – 25 and July 28- August 1.  The Zoo Patrol offers children ages 6 – 8 the opportunity to participate in keeper talks, behind-the-scenes tours, animal related games, and crafts. Hands-on lab activities and nature studies may also be a part of the program. Sessions run on zoo grounds Monday through Friday. Each week is $140/child for Zoo members and $165/child for non-members.Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, please call 203-394-6563.

An evening lecture series is offered on July 16 at 7 p.m. on Coyotes in Connecticut. Guest lecturer Chris Vann will share the latest information about Connecticut’s growing population of coyotes, the risk they pose, and popular misconceptions about them. A $5 suggested donation is recommended. Refreshments will be served. This lecture, taking place in the Hanson Exploration Station, is part of the Evening Lecture Series, sponsored by Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Volunteer Association.

To round out the month, the ever popular and family favorite Chris Rowlands will be at the Zoo at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Rowlands is famous for getting everyone involved, as he brings animals to life through kid-friendly songs, dance, puppets, and colorful props. Chris creatively blends music, comedy, and education to create fast paced, interactive shows that teach and inspire young people. Children are invited to wear fun hats and sing along with Rowlands on stage as he shares his self- penned songs about animals and their environment. Best of all these performances scheduled on July 26 and 27 and July 31 are free with paid admission to the Zoo. Each performance is 30-35 minutes long.

The Beardsley Zoo is located on 1875 Noble Ave. in Bridgeport.  Connecticut’s only zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won’t want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers and leopard, Brazilian ocelot, Mexican wolves, and Golden Lion tamarins. Other highlights include our South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with “pop-up” viewing areas, the New England Farmyard with goats, cows, pigs, sheep, and other barnyard critters, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, pronghorn, deer, and more. Visitors can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful carousel. For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.org. For information on Fairfield County www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Litchfield’s Night Out July 3

Litchfield, CT.  Litchfield Connecticut has long been known as one of Connecticut’s most unspoiled and bucolic colonial villages with its long stately green and historic homes that grace the historic district.  On the National Register of Historic Places since 1959 Litchfield has welcomed and charmed thousands of visitors looking for an authentic place to explore. Once again this year, the shopkeepers of Litchfield have thrown open their doors and are welcoming visitors to celebrate art, music, food, and fashion on three unforgettable summer nights.

On Thursday, July 3, the first of three summer nights launches with the popular Art Walk.  Visitors to this event will be delighted as shops along the Green are transformed into evocative “art spaces” that will feature the work of local, national and regionally recognized artists.  Art receptions with refreshments will reward visitors that stroll amid the sound of music from shop to shop discovering art, collectable and fashion treasures along the way.

The opening reception for Art Spaces will take place from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. for the following artists: Matthew Best at Ollie's Pizza, Olivia Bosson at Bosson Optical, Lisa Brody at @ The Corner, Jane Doyle & Geoffrey Young at Workshop, Ted Gahl at West Street Grill, Visko Hatfield at The Village, Camille Hoffman at R. Derwin Women's, Kim Keever at Jeffrey Tillou Antiques, Joan Morosani at Kitchenworks, Richard Pasquarelli at R. Derwin Men's, Susan Spencer at Serendipity, and Anda Styler at P.S. Gallery. The art works will be on display through August 28.

Music is the perfect accompaniment to art and Litchfield will be alive with performing artists as well.  The jazz duo of Devlin Tenney & Nate DiDomizio will be performing with the ABC Music School Guitar Ensemble from 5:30-7:30 outside the West Street Grill. In Cobble Court, the No Stress Blues, will perform a mix of blues standards from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Ryan Foss will be performing West Coast folk at Ollie’s Pizzeria from 6:00-9:00. Blues will go on until 11 p.m. with the Breakdown performing acoustic classic rock inside @ the Corner’s bar from 9:00-11:00.

There are many great dining choices in Litchfield and reservations are a good idea. Try the four star West Street Grill that specializes in modern American cuisine featuring local and organic in season produce with a very modern touch. For reservations: 860-567-3885. http://www.weststreetgrill.com.  Another option is The Village Pub and Restaurant that serves great pub fare and dinner specials in a casual atmosphere. For reservations 860-567-8307.  http://www.village-litchfield.com.  @the corner is fun, casual and diverse with an eclectic menu offering a selection of new American, Italian and Southwest cuisine. For reservations: 860-567-8882. http://www.athecorner.com.

Photos Courtesy of Litchfield County Biz http://www.bzmedia.bz

New summer exhibition in Kent Connecticut - Iron, Wood and Water

Kent was literally built on the foundation of the iron industry that began in these hills before the town was even founded.

The Kent Historical Society is taking a close look this summer at iron and what it took to make the metal with  “Iron, Wood and Water: Essential Elements of the Evolution of Kent,” which opens to the public Saturday, July 5 at the Seven Hearths Museum located on 4 Studio Hill Rd. just off Rte. 7, a mile or so north of Kent center. 

The lives of people employed in the industry are revealed through careful genealogical research and large scale graphics to bring these people to life. Visitors are asked to imagine what life was like for the iron master, a furnace worker, a collier, a teamster and an ore bed miner.

Seven Hearths will be open to the public weekends during July, August and September from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information about the exhibit can be found at www.kenthistoricalsociety.org 

After enjoying the exhibit, be sure to explore the shops in the center of Kent that offer a choice selection of apparel for men and women. arts and crafts. Asian and African art and antiquities and antique and vintage jewelry. Stop in for a bite at the popular Fife n' Drum Restaurant or for a sweet treat at Kent Coffee and Chocolate Shop.

For more information on Kent and the Litchfield Hills www.litchfieldhills.com

Extreme Habitats: Into the Deep Sea at the Bruce Museum

Extreme Habitats: Into the Deep Sea  at the Bruce Museum in Greenwich  explores the vast and extraordinary deep sea.  This show focuses on the highly adapted survival strategies utilized by creatures of the deep and the technology that enables researchers to record ground-breaking observations of what is often called the last frontier on this planet.

Sea Butterfly 

Photo by Larry Madin © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 

Museum visitors might feel like they are in a deep-sea submersible as they look through view ports to observe the mesopelagic - or twilight zone - of the sea with its bioluminescent inhabitants.  The exhibit will show visitors the extremophiles that form the foundation of a hydrothermal vent as well as  the bizarre appearances and adaptations of deep-sea species.  One of the take aways from experiencing this exhibit is an understanding of the technology that makes deep-sea explorations possible.

Hydrothermal Vent Display Photo by Sean Murtha

The Bruce Museum has created highly accurate casts of deep-sea organisms such as the Pacific Viperfish, Cock-Eyed Squid, Bloodbelly Comb Jelly, Gulper Eel, Giant Tube Worms, and more, created from molds on loan from the American Museum of Natural History. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History is lending preserved deep- sea specimens collected from various deep-sea explorations and dives around the globe. The University of Connecticut is assisting with interpretation of the New England seamounts, or underwater mountain ranges.  Rare footage of creatures of the deep comes from Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is sharing cutting edge information on the deep-sea submersible Alvin as well as their expertise on deep-sea ecosystems around the world.

Bloodbelly comb jelly 

Photo by MBARI ©2002 MBARI 

The exhibition is the second in a series at the Bruce Museum looking at extreme biological, chemical and physical factors that affect different ecosystems around the world. Extreme Habitats: Into the Deep Sea opens runs through November 9.  

And when you go, don’t forget your cell phone:  This exhibition, like many others at the Bruce, will be accompanied by a compelling cell phone audio tour guide program, Guide by Cell, generously underwritten by Nat and Lucy Day.  Easy to follow Guide by Cell instructions will be available at the front admissions desk.

About the Bruce Museum

The Bruce Museum is a museum of art and science and is located at One Museum Drive in Greenwich, Connecticut. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5

pm; closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for students up to 22 years, $6 for seniors and free for members and children less than five years. Individual admission is free on Tuesday. Free on-site parking is available and the Museum is accessible to individuals with disabilities.  For additional information, call the Bruce Museum at (203) 869-0376 or visit the website at www.brucemuseum.org.