VETERANS, ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY GET IN FREE IN NOVEMBER @ MARITIME AQUARIUM NORWALK

To honor the men and women who have served – and are serving – our country, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is offering free admission to veterans and current active-duty military during the month of November.

The Maritime Aquarium offers a $10 admission discount to veterans year-round. But, throughout the month in which we mark Veterans Day, we are happy to expand our offer to veterans for completely free admission. Admission is always free to those currently serving in any branch of the military, not just in November.

Maritime Aquarium admission is $22.95 for adults, $20.95 for youths (13-17) and seniors (65+), and $15.95 for children (3-12). Admission includes a 40-minute IMAX^® movie.

ID/proof of service is required at the door to receive the veterans’ and active-duty discounts. (The offer is not available with advance online purchases.)

Also thoughout the month of November, Aquarium guests will be encouraged to fill out thank-you notes, which will be forwarded by Operation Gratitude to those currently serving in our Armed Forces.

As a bonus during Veterans Day Weekend, on Sat., Nov. 11 and Sun., Nov. 12, three military vehicles will be onhand for exploration and photos during “Military Touch-A-Truck.” Sit inside a World War II Jeep, a 1950 M38 Jeep and a 1987 Humvee (HMMWV) during the special visits. You can even pop a helmet on for a photo!

In addition, on Sat., Nov. 11, who better to join in on the Aquarium’s three daily seal-training demonstrations than a decorated former U.S. Navy SEAL? Capt. Peter Wikul retired in 2009 after a 39-year Navy career with the honorific title of “Bullfrog 13” as the longest-serving active-duty SEAL. His roles included deputy commander of Special Operations Command South and commanding officer of the Kennedy Irregular Warfare Center at the Office of Navy Intelligence.

Wikul will participate in the seal trainings on Nov. 11 at 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 & 3:45 p.m.  He actually will be the second Navy veteran in the Aquarium’s seal exhibit: in the 1980s, Rasal the harbor seal was trained by the Navy to retrieve objects from the sea floor.

Between the demonstrations on Nov. 11, Wikul will be onhand to talk with Aquarium guests about the Navy and his experiences as a SEAL.

Plus, on Nov. 11^th, 12^th & 13^th, veterans are free to come aboard The Maritime Aquarium’s special “Scenic Coastal Cruises,” departing each day at 1 p.m. (Tickets for non-veterans are $29.95, or $24.95 for Aquarium members.) Space aboard the R/V Spirit of the Sound^™ is limited, so advance registration is strongly suggested for these 2-hour cruises, which will follow the beautiful Connecticut coastline as Aquarium educators point out historic lighthouses, gorgeous waterfront homes and other sights. Advance registration is by phone only: (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206. Tickets will be sold at the dock, space permitting. ID/proof of service is required at the dock prior to boarding.

Get details about all of the Aquarium’s current exhibits, programs, IMAX^® movies and more this fall at www.maritimeaquarium.org.

Make a Wreath at Audubon Center @ Fairfield Nov. 18

The Audubon Center at Fairfield is hosting a special organic wreath making workshop with Sal Gilbertie on November 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. 

Herb wreaths wrap up the scents and symbols of the holiday season. For those who would like to fashion their own fresh and dried herb wreath, this is the perfect workshop to attend!

Sal Gilbertie, renowned as one of the country's leading experts in herbs, will lead this class creating a wreath out of organic fresh and dried herbs harvested from Gilbertie's Herb Farm.

Participants will learn how to create a beautiful herbal design using color, texture, and balance. This 15" diameter fragrant wreath will contain a variety of organic herbs including fresh bay, rosemary, thyme, sage, and lavender. Your holiday wreath will undoubtedly be full of herbal cheer! 

The cost is $45 for members and $50 for non-members. All materials are included.  To register visit the website.    And, don't forget to bring your scissors.

"Have A Seat" New exhibition @ Sharon Historical Society

The Gallery @the SHS of the Sharon Historical Society & Museum presents “Have a Seat,” a juried exhibition and sale of artworks by local artists. 

Artists were invited to submit works in any medium (e.g. Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Photography, Pastel, Ink, Graphite, Drawing, Print, Mixed Media, Sculpture, Assemblage, Fabric, Stone, Clay, Metal) that respond to, and reflect the artist’s interpretation of the themes of chairs, sitting or seating. 

Cash prizes will be awarded to three works. In addition, guests who attend the show’s opening night will have the opportunity to select their favorite work of art which will receive the “SHS Crowd Pleaser” award. 

The show will be presented in conjunction with an exhibition of the museum’s collection of antique chairs from various times and sources in Sharon’s history. 

Both exhibits run from November 4 through December 15. 

An opening wine and hors d’oeuvres reception to which the public is invited free of charge will be held on Saturday, November 4 from 5:00 to 7:00PM.  All purchases support the Sharon Historical Society & Museum’s mission. 

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 10-2 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, visit www.sharonhist.org.

If These Stones Could Talk Presented at Long Hill Burying Ground, Shelton

Long Hill Burying Ground is the oldest cemetery in Shelton.  Tucked away on lower

Long Hill Avenue near the intersection of Constitution Blvd. adjacent to Route 8, it will be

the location of a program, If These Stones Could Talk, jointly presented by the Shelton Historical

Society and the Long Hill Burying Ground Association on Saturday, October 28 at 1:00 p.m.  A

$5 admission for adults will benefit both organizations while students are welcome at no cost.   

            Presenter Marty Coughlin has done an extensive amount of research so that we may

better understand the background of those who once lived in the region. A Revolutionary War

private from a family with divided loyalties; an ambassador to Belgium; and members of

Shelton’s founding families are a few of the individuals whose lives will be discussed.  Find out

why early settler Daniel Shelton was thrown in jail.  Because this is a walking tour through the

cemetery, appropriate clothing for weather conditions and sturdy shoes are recommended. 

Parking along the street is limited.  In case of rain, the event will take place on Sunday, October

29 at 1:00 p.m.   

For additional information, please call (203) 925-1803, see Shelton History Center’s

Facebook page where there will be a notice in case of rain, or visit

www.sheltonhistoricalsociety.org