One Night Stand @ Silvermine Arts Center

Bring your date and a bottle of champagne and learn how to throw on the potter’s wheel on Friday, February 10 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Silvermine Arts Center in New Canaan.  

The class will start with the raw brown stoneware clay.  Instructors  will  go over all the basic skills to form the clay into a bowl. After creating the bowl an optional demo participants will be shown how to alter the shape of the bowl into a heart. The addition of color will be the final touch and will be done by using tinted liquid clays called slips. This project will take approximately six weeks to be fired.

The next "one night stand" is scheduled for March 3 and the subject is The Art of Decoupage.  Participants will make unique glass plates done with decoupage-cut and glued paper-that make great gifts for all occasions. Any type of imagery, color and the ability to personalize these plates let you express your creative ideas. The plates can be used for display or serving. These plates are fun and quick to create- come join us. Participants will be shown quick and simple steps to finish their plates at home. If you wish to use personal photos to use on your plate, please bring them.

This class  is an opportunity to experience various forms of fine art in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, without the long commitment. These mini evening workshops hosted by the Silvermine are perfect for participants with no experience in the arts or for those who have experience but not in that area of study.

Each session has a different instructor and a different art experience. You can invite your spouse, friends and family to spend time together while creating works of art and enjoying each other’s company. You are welcome to bring a bottle of wine and some snacks, and be creative. These workshops are for ages 17 and up only. Art materials will be provided for all workshops. All Levels are Welcome, the cost is $50 and you can sign up online or by calling 203-966-9700.

Celebrate the year of the Rooster @ Beardsley Zoo!

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, the state's only zoo, invites families to celebrate Asian New Year on Saturday, February 4, 2017 from Noon to 3:00 p.m. This year marks the year of the Rooster and the Zoo will celebrate all the fowl that resides at the zoo! To the Chinese, the Rooster is almost the epitome of fidelity and punctuality. For ancestors who had no alarm clocks, the crowing was significant, as it could awaken people to get up and start to work. In Chinese culture, another symbolic meaning of chicken carries is exorcising evil spirits.

At the Beardsley Zoo Year of the Monkey festivities will feature activities for the entire family including a special children's parade around the Zoo grounds, storytime, crafts, and many more fun activities. Don't miss a visit to the colorful indoor Carousel. Here you will meet some of the Zoo's  special lizard guests and be invited to partake in the festivities. A special "Zoo" highlight  is the Rochan, a visiting Red Panda, has been charming Zoo guests since his arrival in October. The Zoo is currently raising funds to give Rochan a permanent home and has a $75,000 challenge grant, so every dollar  given  will be matched dollar for dollar to help make Rochan's new home a reality.  Another exhibit not to be missed is the miniature horses in the New England Farmyard.

About Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo celebrates its 94th birthday in 2016 and is closer than you think! Connecticut's only zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won't want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers, Brazilian ocelots, Red 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 http://www.beardsleyzoo.org

Stitch Your Heart Out Cross Stich Sachet Workshop for Kids

The Wilton Historical Society located on 224 Danbury Road is hosting a fun and easy workshop for kids.  During this workshop kids  will stitch up their own lavender-scented 4” square sachet.

Children will be working with a Heather Lins Home kit, which includes a 5” wood embroidery hoop, heart artwork printed on organic hemp/cotton blend fabric, organic lavender buds, embroidery floss, and embroidery needle. This is perfect for Valentine's Day because it is fun to slip the lavender-scented sachet into a drawer and enjoy the fragrance.  

The cost of this program is: Members: $10, plus $10 materials fee; Non-members $15 plus $10 materials fee. Please register by contacting info@wiltonhistorical.org or call 203-762-7257.

Did You Know?
“Have you ever used a needle and thread? Do you like to sew? There was a time in American history when girls were REQUIRED to sew! Young girls took classes in school and outside of school to learn cross stitch, which is a form of embroidery that looks like tiny “X’s” and can be found all over the world.

Cross stitch samplers became a requirement for girls in schools by the seventeenth century. The first sampler by young girls was called a “marking” sampler, designed with letters and numbers. Girls learned their alphabet while practicing the job of labeling clothing and linens. Textiles were very expensive and took time to make, so putting a household’s initials on them was a valuable skill.

In addition to teaching girls their alphabet and numbers, schools also had the girls sew verses, poems and messages of pious behavior.” — From the New-York Historical Society

PALACE THEATER TOURS OFFER BACKSTAGE ACCESS

After taking a hiatus through the holidays and the month of January, the Palace Theater will resume its popular monthly tours beginning Friday, February 3 at 11:00am. The tour that lasts approximately an hour and a half, is an opportunity to stroll through 95 years of theater history and view this outstanding example of early 20^th century architecture, that went through a thirty-million dollar restoration before reopening in 2004. Admission is $5.00 per person and can be purchased online  by phone at 203-346-2000, or in person at the Box Office, 100 East Main St. in Waterbury. Groups larger than ten people are asked to contact the Box Office to book their reservations in advance.

During the tour, attendees are led on an educational exploration through nine decades of stunning architecture and backstage magic related to the Palace’s rich history. A new feature of the tour will include information about the recent infrastructure work to the theater’s ceiling to accommodate the chandelier in the production of Phantom of the Opera that is slated to play the venue for a two-week engagement in November.  In addition to exploring the theater, tour patrons also have the opportunity to visit areas normally hidden from public view - the green room, wig room and star dressing rooms, plus have a chance to walk across the stage and view the venue’s hidden backstage murals featuring artwork painted and signed by past performers and Broadway touring companies. Guests are also invited to browse a rarely seen collection of the theater’s pre-restoration photos, in addition to viewing elements from the Palace’s Tenth Anniversary History Exhibit, which include a visual timeline of historic milestones dating back to 1922, as well as original theater seats from the 1920s.

Each tour is led by a team of engaging volunteers well-versed in the theater’s rich history, architectural design and entertaining anecdotal information. It is important to note that the walking tour covers five floors of history and architecture, including grand staircases from the 1920’s. While elevator access is available, guests with walking challenges or other health concerns, are asked to inform the Box Office ahead of time, so that the tour guides can make the proper accommodations.

For more information, visit www.palacetheaterct.orghttp://www.palacetheaterct.org/. 

New Photography Show @ Sharon Historical Society

The Gallery @the SHS of the Sharon Historical Society & Museum presents an exhibition and sale of photographs by eight members of the Housatonic Camera Club, which runs from January 14 through March 3, 2017. An opening wine and hors d'oeuvres reception to which the public is invited free of charge will be held on Saturday, January 14 from 5:00 to 7:00PM. All purchases support the Sharon Historical Society & Museum's mission.

The Housatonic Camera Club was started in the mid-1950's by Sharon resident Ward Hutchinson and is now composed of members from communities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York who meet to share their love of photography, their experiences, travels, and expertise, and to educate one another and the public. Members work in prints, film, digital, color, and black & white mediums. Members exhibiting in this The Gallery @the SHS show are Jeffrey Breitman, William DeVoti, Lazlo Gyorsok, John Landon, George Mudge, Birgitt Pajarola, Jane Rossman and Bert Schmitz.

The Gallery @the SHS is located at the Sharon Historical Society & Museum, 18 Main Street, Route 41, Sharon, CT. The Gallery and Museum are open Wednesday through Friday from 12-4, Saturday from 10am-2pm and by appointment. For more information and directions to The Gallery @the SHS, call (860) 364-5688. For additional information about the Sharon Historical Society & Museum and The Gallery @the SHS, visit www.sharonhist.org.

Photo: Jane Rosssman http://www.housatoniccameraclub.com

Sea turtles and chocolates... @ Maritime Aquarium Norwalk

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk is offering a recipe you just can't beat... especially if you are a foodie, chocoholic and animal lover!  Once again, on January 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, one of Connecticut's top attractions, is hosting one of the one of the largest and most unique consumer chocolate events in the United States.  

Chocoholics will have the opportunity to sample chocolates from 40 local and regional vendors – including top area chocolatiers that will fill the Aquarium galleries, offering samples and sales of their gourmet chocolates, baked goods and specialty foods. In addition, guests can meet “Willy Wonka’s” original Mike TeeVee and sit in on free presentations by celebrity chefs Barret Beyer, Tony Albanese and Larry Rosenberg, as well as famed mentalist The Amazing Kreskin.

To pack it all in, the Aquarium will stay open two hours longer than normal – until 7 p.m.  The sweetest part of the day, however, is that admission on Jan. 29 costs less than a regular Aquarium ticket. For one day only, guests can enjoy jellyfish and gelato, tree frogs and truffles, crabs and caramels – all at discounted prices, especially with advance online purchase.

Festival attendees will find traditional and gourmet chocolates, as well as specialty offerings like chocolate-covered bacon, chocolate tarts, candy apples, fudge, chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate vinaigrettes, and even chocolate-infused Brussels sprouts and chocolate-scented candles.

For ready-to-eat treats, Aurora Gourmet will have their chocolate fountains flowing, while Crazy Crepe Café will be making delicious crepes and Pika’s Farm Table will serve authentic Belgian-style waffles dipped in a choice of white, dark or milk chocolate. Screme Gelato will scoop a variety of unique flavors.

Non-chocolate goodies to be sampled and sold include gourmet tomato sauces, hot sauces, empanadas, nut butters, jams, syrups, sodas, pickles, coffees, horseradish, honey, popcorn, cannolis, cakes, pies, tarts and more. You can even bring home specialty treats for your dog!

Buy your tickets online – even on the day of The Chocolate Expo – for the deliciously discounted prices of $15 for adults and $10 for children 3-12. (Under 3, free.).  Tickets purchased at the door will be $20 for adults and $15 for children.  Paid admission on Jan. 29 is required of Maritime Aquarium members: $13 for adults and $8 for children.(Regular admission to The Maritime Aquarium is $22.95 for adults and $15.95 for children.) This year, for the first time, an off-peak ticket for admission between 5 & 7 p.m. is available for $10 per person; an even greater discount.

There will be no IMAX® movie presentations on Jan. 29, so the theater can be used for special presentations, including free 30-minute demonstrations by three celebrity chefs:

–  Tony Albanese, pastry designer and former assistant to Buddy Valastro of TV’s “Cake Boss,” at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

–  Barret Beyer of Fox TV’s “Hell’s Kitchen” at 2 and 4 p.m.

–  and Larry Rosenberg, recipe-book author, owner of Bacon Bites and soon-to-be-seen on Food Network, at 1 & 5 p.m.

Plus, at noon, be astounded by The Amazing Kreskin. With a showman’s flair, a comedian’s wit and the capacities of a bona fide mentalist or thought-reader, The Amazing Kreskin dramatizes the unique facets of the human mind. For six decades, he has been wow-ing audiences and talk-show hosts – including Carson, Letterman, Stern and Fallon – with his unknowable insights and answers.

Seating of 310 for the chef demonstrations and The Amazing Kreskin will be on a first-come, first-seated basis.  The chefs will be available throughout the day for pictures and autographs.

This year’s Chocolate Expo also celebrates cinematic chocolate history by welcoming Paris Themmen, who played Mike TeeVee – the boy in the cowboy outfit – opposite Gene Wilder in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” Themmen will sign autographs and pose for photographs throughout the day.

Annual Chocolate Expo in Southbury Jan. 29

It is that sweet time of year again when chocolate lovers come together at the 24th annual Chocolate Expo on January 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wyndham Southbury, formally the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  With chocolate lovers in mind, this event showcases many of the area's finest chocolate delights and specialty food items from a wide variety of exhibitors and culinary schools.

Expo goers are invited to sample a plentiful assortment of scrumptious chocolate, specialty and gourmet foods provided by well-respected local businesses. Vendors will also be offering unique gifts, products, and services. Attendees can shop for Valentine's Day or pick-up treats for Super Bowl parties, while enjoying music, a silent auction, special drawings, door prizes, and demonstrations.

Adult tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children's tickets (ages 5-12) are $5. For tickets or exhibitor information please contact Faith Hull, 203-754-5141 ext. 251. Proceeds benefit the programs and services of Easter Seals, serving the special needs of infants, children, and adults with disabilities in greater Waterbury, central, and northwestern Connecticut.  Tickets available online. Visit the website www.easterseals.com/waterbury 

Cooking Classes @ The Silo in February

When the days outside are cold and stormy one fun way to spend your time is in a nice warm kitchen cooking, or learning how to cook at The Silo in New Milford.  This February they are offering a delightful variety of classes sure to please young and old alike.

On February 4 you can learn how to make edible gifts for your valentine from 11 a.m.  to 2 p.m.  The class will concentrate on heart healthy Omega 3’s and flavonoids that are blended together to form a healthy luxury that ‘s not so bad for your health, and known to enhance your mood! You will learn how to make basil oil, and move on to individually designed organic chocolate bark. You’ll leave with beautifully packaged gifts for your sweetheart. Perfect for Valentines Day!

Just in time for Valentines Day, on February 11 from 6 pm to 9 pm the Silo is offering a Romantic Dinner for two class with Abby Dodge.   The menu will include: Toasted Walnut Gougeres, Fig-Pear Pastry Tart, Apple-Sausage Fennel Crepes with Salad and make ahead Double Chocolate Souffles.  This class is $75.

Tapas is a trend in the restaurant industry that is sweeping the country.  This class concentrates on small bites that boast huge flavor paired with innovative cocktails. To learn about tapas, take the class on February 18 with Maria Laura Quintero from  11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu is extensive and consists of: Duck breast pastrami "Slab" with cherry/port compote over polenta cube, Tostones de Camaron (gluten free) – Green fried plantains topped Shrimp, pickled cabbage, chipotle mayo and avocado mash Choripan – Argentinian sausage on baguette with "chimichurri argentino" Grilled Pizzeta – Blood Sausage, grilled apples, caramelized onions, Octopus Tostada – Chile morita souce, shaved radishes, cilantro leaves, and Strawberry/Blood orange "Mille Feuille" served with powder vanilla pastry cream and candied "burnt" lemon sirope.

On February 25, learn how to make one of the most famous dishes of Spain, Paella with Chef Melanie Cecilio. The class takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the menu consists of Paella Valenciana- seafod dish from Valencia province of Spain, Manchego with Membrillo- manchego cheese with quince jam, Croquetas de jamon y queso- traditional béchamel based croquettes, Gambas al Ajillo-Garlic Shrimp, and *Sangria. 

Chef Melanie Cecilio is teaching a second class on February 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. called Paris Bistro.  The menu for this full participation class includes specialties such as:  Soupe à l'oignon- Onion Soup, Gratin Dauphinois- A rich gratin of sliced potatoes and cream, Duck Confit Express, Frisée aux Lardon- Frisée salad with poached egg, and Tarte tatin with Crème Frâiche- Lightly spiced apples with caramel sauce.

The final class for February is Italian Cooking Basics and takes place on the 26th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  with Chef Melanie Cecillio.  The menu includes: Fritto Misto (Calamari and Artichokes) with Aioli, Bruschetta, Fresh Egg Pasta, Pappardelle all Bolognese Ragu and Tiramisu.

On March 4 a very special South American Food & Wine Pairing Dinner from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is being held at the Silo prepared by Chef Anne McClelland who will dazzle you with a fabulous South American cuisine paired with wines to please your palate. New spices and textures will awaken your desire to explore the foods this culture offers. There will be four courses plus dessert. The cost is $110 per person.

The Silo is located on 44 Upland Road in New Milford. Classes maybe booked online or by calling 860-355-0300.

Sea turtles and Chocolate turtles @ Chocolate Expo at the Maritime Aquarium Jan 29

The Maritime Aquarium is offering a recipe you just can't beat... especially if you are a foodie, chocoholic and animal lover!  Once again, on January 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, one of Connecticut's top attractions, is hosting one of the one of the largest and most unique consumer chocolate events in the United States.  

Chocoholics will have the opportunity to sample chocolates from 40 local and regional vendors – including top area chocolatiers that will fill the Aquarium galleries, offering samples and sales of their gourmet chocolates, baked goods and specialty foods. In addition, guests can meet “Willy Wonka’s” original Mike TeeVee and sit in on free presentations by celebrity chefs Barret Beyer, Tony Albanese and Larry Rosenberg, as well as famed mentalist The Amazing Kreskin.

To pack it all in, the Aquarium will stay open two hours longer than normal – until 7 p.m.

The sweetest part of the day, however, is that admission on Jan. 29 costs less than a regular Aquarium ticket. For one day only, guests can enjoy jellyfish and gelato, tree frogs and truffles, crabs and caramels – all at discounted prices, especially with advance online purchase.

Festival attendees will find traditional and gourmet chocolates, as well as specialty offerings like chocolate-covered bacon, chocolate tarts, candy apples, fudge, chocolate-covered pretzels, chocolate vinaigrettes, and even chocolate-infused Brussels sprouts and chocolate-scented candles.

For ready-to-eat treats, Aurora Gourmet will have their chocolate fountains flowing, while Crazy Crepe Café will be making delicious crepes and Pika’s Farm Table will serve authentic Belgian-style waffles dipped in a choice of white, dark or milk chocolate. Screme Gelato will scoop a variety of unique flavors.

Non-chocolate goodies to be sampled and sold include gourmet tomato sauces, hot sauces, empanadas, nut butters, jams, syrups, sodas, pickles, coffees, horseradish, honey, popcorn, cannolis, cakes, pies, tarts and more. You can even bring home specialty treats for your dog!

Buy your tickets online – even on the day of The Chocolate Expo – for the deliciously discounted prices of $15 for adults and $10 for children 3-12. (Under 3, free.).  Tickets purchased at the door will be $20 for adults and $15 for children.  Paid admission on Jan. 29 is required of Maritime Aquarium members: $13 for adults and $8 for children (Regular admission to The Maritime Aquarium is $22.95 for adults and $15.95 for children.)  This year, for the first time, an off-peak ticket for admission between 5 & 7 p.m. is available for $10 per person; an even greater discount.

There will be no IMAX® movie presentations on Jan. 29, so the theater can be used for special presentations, including free 30-minute demonstrations by three celebrity chefs:

–  Tony Albanese, pastry designer and former assistant to Buddy Valastro of TV’s “Cake Boss,” at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

–  Barret Beyer of Fox TV’s “Hell’s Kitchen” at 2 and 4 p.m.

–  and Larry Rosenberg, recipe-book author, owner of Bacon Bites and soon-to-be-seen on Food Network, at 1 & 5 p.m.

Plus, at noon, be astounded by The Amazing Kreskin. With a showman’s flair, a comedian’s wit and the capacities of a bona fide mentalist or thought-reader, The Amazing Kreskin dramatizes the unique facets of the human mind. For six decades, he has been wow-ing audiences and talk-show hosts – including Carson, Letterman, Stern and Fallon – with his unknowable insights and answers.

Seating of 310 for the chef demonstrations and The Amazing Kreskin will be on a first-come, first-seated basis.  The chefs will be available throughout the day for pictures and autographs.

This year’s Chocolate Expo also celebrates cinematic chocolate history by welcoming Paris Themmen, who played Mike TeeVee – the boy in the cowboy outfit – opposite Gene Wilder in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” Themmen will sign autographs and pose for photographs throughout the day.