SCCA NEW ENGLAND REGIONALS AT LIME ROCK PARK POSTPONED UNTIL 2021

The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and Lime Rock Park have agreed to postpone SCCA’s New England Regionals originally scheduled for June 12-13, 2020. The amateur racing event is rescheduled for 2021 with a pending date of June 11-12, 2021. 

Given the current guidelines and associated limitations regarding public events of this type, Lime Rock Park and series officials have agreed that it is in the best interest for all involved to postpone the event until next year. Current ticket purchases will be valid for the 2021 event date.

Please sign up to receive the latest news and information from Lime Rock Park by visiting www.limerock.com/jointhefanclub. Updated announcements will also be made on www.limerock.com and on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/limerockpark. For additional questions, Lime Rock staff can be reached by emailing info@limerock.com or by calling (860) 435-5000.

Institute for American Indian Studies Opens Outside Museum

The Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut has opened a redeveloped Outside Museum. This Outside Museum experience is included in admission.  The staff and education directors have developed safe and educational opportunities for visitors to experience on their grounds on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Guests are invited to visit the rebuilt 16th-century replica Algonkian Village and to learn about Native American community life prior to European contact. A highlight of the Village is the opportunity is to learn about food sustainability and natural healing methods in the traditional Three Sisters and Medicinal Plant Gardens.  There will also be games to enjoy as well as educational scavenger hunts along the Institute's woodland trails. And, for those interested in the science of archeology don't miss the chance to explore the outdoor Archaeology Pavilion that demonstrates how museums like the Institute can learn from the past.

As the Institute welcomes visitors back to their Outside Museum and encourages guests to engage with the more than 10,000 years of Native American history, the safety of visitors, members and staff is a priority. Please visit the Institute for American Indian Studies website for the most up-to-date information on their safety policies.  

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16^th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Norwalk Oyster Festival cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns

Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the Norwalk Seaport Association (NSA) is canceling the 43^rd annual Norwalk Oyster Festival, previously scheduled for September 11-13, 2020.  Prioritizing the health and safety of everyone involved, the decision comes after careful deliberation between the NSA Board of Trustees, and Festival Exhibitors.

“We are disappointed that we’re unable to hold this highly anticipated event,” said NSA President Mike Reilly.  “But, based on the information we have today, we know it’s the right decision to make.” With that said, Reilly continued, “The Norwalk Oyster Festival raises more than $100,000 that contributes to the maintenance and restoration of the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse and to support our educational programs. Without this festival taking place in 2020, we will be facing a challenging year. We are hoping for the continued support of all the friends of the Seaport and the Norwalk Oyster Festival to help us continue with our mission.”

“From Seaport leadership and regional partners like the long time event sponsor, First County Bank, to the artists, performers, vendors, and volunteers who work so tirelessly to stage the Norwalk Oyster Festival each year,” Mike continued, “We thank everyone for standing with us in making this difficult call. We are counting the days to restaging the festival and celebrating our maritime heritage together again in 2021.”

 The NSA team is exploring options to coordinate an online experience or a smaller event to showcase this historic, beloved event – one of the most popular in Connecticut and the Northeast. In the interim, we urge everyone to follow federal, state, and local COVID-19 mitigation advice.

To keep updated on our planned activities, please follow our Facebook Page,
email us at info@seaport.org or visit us at www.seaport.org

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo to Reopen June 1, 2020

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo will reopen June 1, 2020. They are implementing a new online ticketing system to welcome everyone back safely and efficiently. The Zoo will be splitting the day into two sessions allowing for up to 500 guests per session.

They will open the Zoo at 9am and will close at noon for cleaning. We will then re-open at 1pm and close at 4pm.  They will also be requiring all guests to wear a mask. And the more creative the better!

They have created a one-way loop around the Zoo so guests can explore while social distancing. All buildings will be closed to the public; however, guests will be able to pre-order food online from the café and pick it up from our take-out window. Also, the gift shop will be open for online purchases which will be made available for pick up at gift shop kiosk.  

 

Ticket prices will be reduced from $16 to $15 for an adult and from $13 to $10 for a child and a senior and as always children under 3 are free.  They will not be able to accept coupons or allow for any partner discount at this time. We also will not be able to rent wheelchairs or strollers.

 

As they welcome visitors back under these new circumstances, they will appreciate your patience as they look to be able to provide you the best Zoo experience in the safest manner possible.

 

Please continue to check their website www.beardsleyzoo.org and their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. 

Three Ways to Display Your Travel Memories

Do you love collecting objects throughout your trip and, then returning home wonder what on earth to do with all the things you have accumulated? We have all faced that dilemma at one time or another. Rather than tossing these precious items out or stashing them in a box that just adds to the clutter why not organize them creatively? The stay at home order is a good time to do this and we have three creative ways for you to showcase your keepsakes.

Vacation Memory Jar
If you have scooped up powder white or black sand from an exotic beach or the desert, collected shells from far away islands, or collected lava rocks and other interesting natural treasures, why not store them in a mason jar or artfully shaped vase. Before filling your mason jar with your treasures you can laminate a photo of the destination and attach it to the inside of the jar.  After the photo is firmly attached, fill your vacation memory jar with layers of sand, shells, rocks, flowers, and other items from your trip.  A vacation memory jar can be placed on a shelf or in a bookcase as a decorative and meaningful memento.

ShadowBoxes
We like the idea of a shadowbox because the space is so flexible. There are so many places to purchase shadowboxes online and if you are handy they are pretty easy to make. Include those items that caught your eye along the way, add your impression of the destination on the back of a postcard, and jot down a poem or song lyrics that remind you of your trip.  It is important to have a smattering of three dimensional and flat objects to make the shadowbox interesting.  Don't forget to have colorful pens, markers, and glitter on hand, often they add to the final product. 

Most shadowboxes are deep enough to arrange a variety of your favorite trip memorabilia from bulky items to slimmer paper keepsakes like currency, maps, plastic room keys, tickets, photos, brochures, and menus that you have saved. It is fun to organize these items in a colorful and meaningful collage. Shadowboxes look great hung on a wall or placed on a shelf.  The shadowbox by Frame YI and Love-Kankei are highly recommended on Amazon.

Scrapbooking 
A time tested tried and true way to document your travels is by scrapbooking. There is something nostalgic about preserving memories this way. The most common scrapbook size is 12x12 that fits four to six photos per page. Make sure you have some plastic page protectors if you are using a three-ring binder, a sharpie for writing bold titles, and a pen for more detailed captions. Some of the pages should have a plastic pocket where you can include your bulkier finds and trinkets. 

It is always important to consider the layout for each page. Think about how you want to organize them...by day or by attraction. Play around with the placement before you attach the images and other items. After you are happy with your layout it is time to layer and add extra elements especially if you have left space between the photos to write down certain memories or add postcards and ticket stubs.

Whatever method you choose to save your travel memories we hope that these ideas have inspired you, not only to look back on the good times you have had but to all the journeys that await you with Tours of Distinction based in Connecticut.

Summer Camp @ Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford

Registration is still open for the Bartlett's 2020 Summer Immersion Experiences! Due to COVID-19, camp groups will be limited in number this summer. Please consider signing up soon! We will be following all cleaning and check-in protocols mandated by the State of CT Office of Early Childhood.

Bartlett camp programs offer immersion into the natural world through the exploration of the Arboretum's 93 acres of forest and gardens. Programming is hands-on, and incorporates STEAM concepts (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) in age-appropriate contexts. In addition to week-specific programming, each camp segment allows time for games and relaxation appropriate to the age level. Our aim is to make nature inviting and engagement fun. Please note that due to the state's COVID reopening timelines, Week 1 has been canceled.

The camp is open to students entering Kindergarten-entering 5th Grade. Membership discounts are available - consider joining as a family member for $75/year to save to take advantage of our best camp prices and additional discounts on other Bartlett programs and events!  Join here!
Visit our website to learn more about each weekly camp experience and to sign up!

Hiking @ Great Mountain Forest -One of CT's Oldest Forests

The Great Mountain Forest (GMF) encompasses more than 6,000 acres of contiguous forestland in the towns of Norfolk and Canaan, Connecticut. GMF is owned and managed by The Great Mountain Forest Corporation, a not-for-profit 501 © 3 private operating foundation. They strive to promote the working forest as a renewable resource, a habitat for wildlife, and an outdoor classroom for education. They have a network of trails and roads open to the public, daily during daylight hours.

Photo Credit GMF

As a working forest, scientists carry out tomographic scans on trees, specifically the American beech, sugar maple, and yellow birch to measure the rate of decay. An Experiment Station has also been set up that surveys invasive insects and evaluates their impact. A Chestnut orchard has been established and has established a backcross breeding program in order to breed an American Chestnut that is highly resistant to the chestnut blight and is native to Connecticut. Being a unique old-growth coniferous forest, one of the few in the state, birds are also monitored for productivity and survivorship. The University of Connecticut has also set up a program to monitor bears and moose.

Photo Credit GMF

The forest trails at Great Mountain Forest are currently open to the public during daylight hours. They ask that hikers follow the CDC guidelines by keeping at least six feet of distance between people on the trails. For a map of the trails and roads, please click here. The forest supports an abundance of diverse wildlife from resident whitetail deer to moose, black bears, and turkeys, waterfowl, and many birds. All visitors must sign in and out at one of the visitor registers by the gated trails located on Windrow Road in Norfolk and on Canaan Mountain Road in Cannan. Pedestrian use is limited to main woods roads and designated trails. Bicycle use is limited specially designated bicycle trails. Leashed dogs are permitted on trails but horses are strictly prohibited.

Summer Internship offered @ Institute for American Indian Studies for Washington CT Residents

​Are you a Washington resident in college or graduating high school student who wants to support a local non-profit while building your resume and getting paid for it?

You can gain a variety of work experience this summer helping on projects at The Institute for American Indian Studies​, thanks to the generous financial support of the Washington Scholarship Foundation.

The selected student can earn $2,000 working 20 hours/week while gaining real-world work experience in areas such as sustainable gardening and archaeological digs, as well as educational events, marketing, and research.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Washington high school or college student to gain a deeper understanding of environmental issues, the historical facets of Native peoples and culture, and the operations of non-profit and museum-related organizations.

The Trustees and Staff at The Institute for American Indian Studies want to thank the Washington Scholarship Foundation for funding this intern opportunity to help local students learn more about our organization’s mission.

For further information or to apply for this internship, contact Chris Combs, Executive Director, at the Institute for American Indian Studies:

Institute for American Indian Studies

Website:  https://www.iaismuseum.org

Email:   ccombs@iaismuseum.org

Phone:  860-868-0518

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL® ANNOUNCES ONLINE STREAMING

GFour Productions, whose collective shows have won 56 Drama Desk and 44 Tony Awards^®, announced that their international hit show MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL® is now temporarily available for online streaming starting today through. The Palace Theater in Waterbury is proud to be a marketing partner for the stream. Twenty-five percent of all net ticket sales will go to the venue which has been dark since mid- March.

In addition, G4 Productions is very generously donating ten percent of all sales to The Actors Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance to performing arts and entertainment professionals and has continued this aid during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Since March 18, 2020, The Fund has distributed $7,528,663 million in assistance to 6,382 people for basic living expenses such as essential medications, to help prevent evictions, cover health insurance, and to pay for food or utilities.

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL® is now available for streaming and can be purchased by clicking here  https://bit.ly/PT-MTM.

GFour Productions CEO Seth Greenleaf said, “In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, as producers, we wanted to bring the joy and relief of theatre to our audiences, in whatever way we could. With the help of Actors’ Equity Association and the original cast and crew of our Breast Cancer Survivor Tour, we’re able to make this available to audiences for a limited time. We hope to bring some much-needed cheer and humor to a challenging situation. As for the men quarantined with their menopausal spouses, we recommend viewing it as an educational survival tool.”

“Now more than ever, GFour feels the need to help support our performing arts community and the ongoing work of The Actors Fund. Over the past 19 years, we have raised over $1 million for various women’s charities, and this is a time for us all to pitch in where we can,” Greenleaf added.

Frank Tavera, Palace Theater CEO knows the value of this show has presented it in the past. “ Since people can’t come to the theater right now, we thought we’d bring the theater to them. We chose to offer this show’s funny and uplifting message to the public in this unique way at this time when we all need some lighter moments”.

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL® continues to empower women across the globe, keeping hot flashes “HOT” through 19 years of production, playing to more than 17 million fans worldwide. The cast of the MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL online stream features TERI ADAMS (Iowa Housewife), JUDY BLUE (Soap Star), LINDA BOSTON (Professional Woman) and MEGAN CAVANAGH (Earth Mother). The performance was originally filmed in Aurora, IL as the launch of the “Survivor Tour” in 2015 in partnership with Susan G. Komen® Foundation. All actresses are breast cancer survivors or co-survivors.

ABOUT THE CAST

TERI ADAMS (Iowa Housewife) has been with MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL® since 2006, where she first played the Iowa Housewife at The American Heartland Theatre in Kansas City. Regional credits include BLUES IN THE NIGHT, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, I LOVE YOU BECAUSE (American Heartland Theatre), LEND ME A TENOR, BABY, 25^THANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Great Plains Theatre), RUTHLESS!, DIRTY BLONDE, and the World premiere of Gregg Coffin’s RIGHT NEXT TO ME (Unicorn Theatre). She is a two-time featured soloist at The Kennedy Center and has appeared on NBC’s THE TODAY SHOW as a cast member of MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL®. Teri is a longtime member of the Actors’ Equity Association. 

JUDY BLUE (Soap Star) is delighted to be a part of the MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL® family since 2004.  Her credits include productions at theatres across the country including Steppenwolf Theatre, The Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Dallas Theater Center, Theatre Three, Arkansas Repertory, Drury Lane, B Street, and many others.  Some roles have included (Margaret) RICHARD III, (Baker’s Wife) INTO THE WOODS, (Edith Piaf) PIAF, (Eva Peron) EVITA, and (Desiree) A Little Night Music.  Recent television and film credits include CHICAGO MED, CHICAGO PD, BREAKFAST WITH JOE, THE ONION, and HOLLYWOOD JEROME.  Judy is also a theatre director and can be found on Audible narrating lots of Audiobook Mysteries! A long-time member of Actors' Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, she is a founding member of The Shakespeare Project of Chicago, Artistic Associate of Chicago Dramatists, and company member of T.H.E.M. and Syzygy Theatre of L.A.

LINDA BOSTON (Professional Woman) has decades of performing, literary, and teaching arts experience. Her collaborations include Tyler Perry, Mary Wilson (Supremes), Whitney Houston, Pearl Cleage, Michael Eric Dyson, Dick Gregory, Jesse Jackson, Tavis Smiley, and more. She was a requested opening vocalist for Detroit's 2006 Mayoral Inauguration, President William Clinton, several Detroit Branch NAACP events, NBC’s THE TODAY SHOW as a cast member of MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL®, and a host of weddings and home-goings. Requested return for the one-woman show MOMS MABLEY: THE NAKED TRUTH remains ongoing for decades. Linda is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association since 1987 and a SAG-AFTRA member since 1988.

MEGAN CAVANAGH (Earth Mother) is most recognized as Marla Hooch, from the Penny Marshall movie A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN. Other film credits: Mel Brooks’ ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS (Broomhilde) and DRACULA: DEAD AND LOVING IT (Essie). She starred with Tim Allen in FOR RICHER OR POORER (Levinia Yoder), and voiced Judy Neutron in The Academy Award Nominated Animated Feature JIMMY NEUTRON: BOY GENIUS. TV credits include: Recurring character Trudy (who married Al) on HOME IMPROVEMENT. She was a series regular (Chris) on BOB wIth Bob Newhart and Betty White. She guest starred on DRUNK HISTORY, FRIENDS, WILL & GRACE, JUST SHOOT ME, ER, and many others. She has performed in MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL®since 2004. Noted Regional Credits include: BLITHE SPIRIT (Madame Arcati), A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM (Pseudolus), JUBILEE (Queen/Butch), HIGH SPIRITS (Madam Arcati). Megan is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association since 1987, and a SAG-AFTRA member since 1988.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Set in a department store, four women meet while shopping for a black lace bra at a lingerie sale. After noticing similarities among one another, the cast jokes about their woeful hot flashes, mood swings, wrinkles, weight gain, and much more. These women form a sisterhood and unique bond with the entire audience as they rejoice in celebrating that menopause is no longer “The Silent Passage.”

Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL® was created as a celebration of women who find themselves at any stage of “The Change.” The laughter-filled 90-minute production gets audience members out of their seats and singing along to parodies from classic pop songs of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. 

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL® is now in its 19th year and 14th as the longest-running musical in Las Vegas history performed nightly at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Seen by more than 17 million, it has played every state in the continental U.S. and more than 500 cities worldwide and has been translated into nine languages. For more information, visit www.MenopauseTheMusical.com.

About GFour Productions

GFOUR PRODUCTIONS are proud producers of some of the world’s most highly awarded shows, from regional theatre to Broadway and the West End, including recent productions: THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG on Broadway and U.S. tour, winner of London’s Olivier Award for Best Comedy; THE INHERITANCE, winner of four Olivier Awards recent nominee of six Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Play; TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL on Broadway; SIX THE MUSICAL currently in the West End, on tour in the U.K. and posted to open on Broadway; the Tony Award®-nominated production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF currently touring the U.S.; AMERICAN BUFFALO posted to open on Broadway starring Sam Rockwell, Laurence Fishburne and Darren Criss; AMERICAN SON starring Kerry Washington, which was recently adapted for television and released on Netflix; AN EVENING WITH WHITNEY: THE WHITNEY HOUSTON HOLOGRAM TOUR in partnership with BASE Entertainment and the Estate of Whitney Houston; and the West End premiere of David Mamet’s BITTER WHEAT, starring John Malkovich. Other highlights include winning the 2013 Tony Award® for their production of Edward Albee’s WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF; co-financing the 5-time Tony Award®, 5-time Drama Desk Award, and 7-time Olivier Award winner for Best Musical, MATILDA THE MUSICAL; and producing 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. Their combined shows have been nominated for 121 Tony Awards^®, winning 44 and 110 Drama Desk Awards, winning 56. Their smash hit MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL^®, now in its 19th year including 14 years as the longest-running musical in Las Vegas history, can be seen nightly at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas strip as well as on tour around the U.S. and is touring in Australia, Canada, Croatia, France, Hungary, New Zealand and Slovenia in 2020. Seen by more than 17 million fans, it has played every state in the continental U.S. and more than 500 cities in 17 countries worldwide, and has been translated into nine languages. Their newest play, MIDDLETOWN® by Dan Clancy, opened in February 2020 in Marietta and Chicago after a successful premiere last year, and will continue its U.S. tour later this year. For more information, visit GFourProductions.com.

About The Actors Fund

THE ACTORS FUND is a national human services organization that fosters stability and resiliency, and provides a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals over their lifespan. Through offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, The Fund serves everyone in film, theater, television, music, opera, radio and dance with programs including social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and insurance counseling, housing, and secondary employment and training services.

About Actors’ Equity Association

ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 45,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence.

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About the Palace Theater

The Palace's primary purpose is to revitalize the Greater Waterbury community through the presentation of the performing arts and educational initiatives in collaboration with area cultural and educational institutions. Its mission is to preserve and operate the historic Palace Theater as a performing arts center and community gathering place that provides a focal point of cultural activity and educational outreach for diverse audiences.

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

Look for a Mother's Day Gift? How about Cricket Hill Garden's Peonies

Cricket Hill Garden in Thomaston on 670 Walnut Hill Road is expecting to be in full peony bloom soon. Founded in 1989 by Kasha and David Furman with a focus on Chinese Tree Peonies they were one of the first nurseries in the United States to sell true-to-name varieties of these rare and beautiful plants. Like all of nature's creations, peony blossoms come in a variety of shapes with interesting names from Lotus that is a semi-double bloom to hundred proliferate that is a double bloom and thousand petals crown just to name a few types of blooms.

This year Cricket Hill Garden is open for curbside pick-up on Tuesdays - Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To choose your plant, be sure to browse their selection of potted peonies and potted fruit trees and berry bushes before you arrive. It is easy to place your order online and to pick the plants up. The plants will be in the pickup area with your last name and order number clearly marked.

If you are in the market for a Mother's Day gift, Cricket Hill Garden will be happy to ship the peonies of your choice with the added bonus of 15% off to commemorate Mother's Day. Peonies available for shipping include the magnificent imperial reign, rose scattered with gold, multi colored butterfly, capital red, Hubei blue, cinnamon pink, ancient red, paeonia anomala and paeonia japonica.