Five Animals Announce Candidacy for Mayor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

 Five animal candidates are vying for the much sought-after title of Mayor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. This important election will decide the Zoo’s first Mayor, the highest-ranking animal official who will showcase the important role of animal ambassadors. The five candidates who have made it past the primary rounds to the general election are:

 

·      Peaches the Nigerian dwarf goat. Peaches is the mother of two sets of triplets and a set of twins. She has raised all the kids on her own, demonstrating her can-do spirit. She’s quiet and friendly unless she needs to assert herself and is rarely in a baaaaad mood.

·      Wiggles the 18-year-old chinchilla. As a long-time animal ambassador and a veteran of ZooMobile visits to senior centers as well as starring roles at children’s birthday parties, Wiggles has the experience and know-how to get the job done. Plus this crepuscular rodent has very cute ears.

·      Matilda the red-footed tortoise. Matilda is one of the quietest candidates, signaling her position on issues with head movements. Her campaign materials state that while she may not have lightning speed, she believes that slow and steady wins the race. 

·      Jolene the Whistling duck.  Jolene is a born politician. Sociable, boisterous and noisy, she has supported the rights of ducks who prefer to walk on land as well as those who prefer to perch in trees. She considers all ducks equal under the law.

·      E.O. the Giant anteater. E.O., named for famed American biologist E.O. Wilson, shares Wilson’s love of science. A devoted father of two with his partner Pana, E.O. champions ambitious science-based agendas when not enjoying an insect slurry. 

 

This highly contested race will be decided by online votes. The general public can vote for the candidate of their choice by making a one-dollar donation for each vote at https://CBZMayor.givesmart.com. Voting begins on Wednesday, October 21. Polls close at four p.m. on Tuesday, November 3. 

 

“Similar to other elections taking place around the country, the race for Mayor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is highly contested as each candidate attempts to win the support of voters,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “Unlike other elections, we encourage people to vote early, vote often, and stuff the ballot box.”

 

The winning Mayor will hold a 12-month term. All donations to the ballot box will be used to support the Zoo’s mission of conservation, education, research and fun. 

It Takes A Village - New Exhibit @ Keeler Tavern Ridgefield

The Keeler Tavern House Museum in Ridgefield is hosting an award-winning exhibition that explores the interdependency of farms, families, and businesses across Ridgefield’s history–showcasing individual trades and their tools. For much of its history, Ridgefield was a farming community, however, no family farm could be entirely self-sufficient. Members of the community developed specialized trades to accommodate the needs of a growing village, and by the turn of the 19th century, the nature of Ridgefield’s Main Street shifted to reflect this new market. Small enterprises had sprung up all over town, and by 1820, roughly one-third of Ridgefielders were engaged in some type of manufacturing. An online exhibit—combining maps, narrative text, and multimedia content—takes visitors on a virtual tour of the businesses on Ridgefield’s 19th-Century Main Street. To visit the online exhibit click here.

In addition to the virtual event, a number of trades and their tools will be featured in the Carriage Barn. The barn is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 1 - 4 p.m., through November 8. Pre-registration for timed entries required. COVID-19 guidelines apply, including masks, social distancing, and one-way traffic. FREE admission.

FREE family demonstrations will be offered outdoors on weekends, including blacksmithing this coming Sunday (see photo) and shoemaking on November 1. No pre-registration needed for outdoor demonstrations. For timed registrations and additional details click here.

And, for those of you that love scarecrows, the 8th annual scarecrow contest is going on until October 31. Voting for the scarecrow of your choice is taking place on the museum's FACEBOOK page. The scarecrow with the most "likes" by 11:59 PM on October 31 will receive a prize. Check out the pinned post at the top of our Facebook page, and cast your vote today! Vote here

35th Annual American Artisan Show Returns to Benefit Wilton Historical Society

The Wilton Historical Society will host the 35th annual American Artisan Show – but with a big change! The important benefit will take place online for an entire month, from Thursday, November 5 – Thursday, December 5! Shop online at your convenience from a “by-invitation” group of makers. There is plenty of time for thoughtful gifting and shipping for the holidays. Go to www.wiltonhistorical.org to start shopping!

 Every purchase will support the Wilton Historical Society, as well as the talented artisans who have hand-made wares for sale of states represented by artisans. According to Janet Foster, President of the Board of Trustees of the Wilton Historical Society, “We will really miss having the show and a festive party in our beautiful historic buildings, but this year that is just not possible. So we have worked very hard to find a new way to support these wonderful artisans who are hard-hit by a lack of fairs and shows at which to sell. 

You won’t have to spend a frustrating time searching online for well-made and interesting items. The American Artisan Show has pre-selected a terrific group for you, just like our usual show.” The event is an important fundraising effort for the Wilton Historical Society, supporting the education and historic preservation mission. 20+ highly-skilled artisans from across the country will be presenting their hand-crafted contemporary and traditional furnishings and wearables in an easy to use online shopping venue. Furniture, art, pottery, fine leather goods, Nantucket-style baskets, candles, Windsor chairs, art, tavern signs, fine jewelry, photography, and much more – will be available for purchase. Every purchase benefits the Wilton Historical Society. Plus, a fabulous Silent Auction is also accessible from the same site, with a diverse selection, including vintage evening purses, art, and other surprises. 

The Silent auction will run at the same time as the American Artisan Show, November 5 – December 5.

All Hollow's Eve @ the Glebe House in Woodbury October 24

As the leaves are changing color and the hint of the first frost is in the air get ready to celebrate autumn at the All Hollows Event event hosted by the Glebe House located on Hollow Road in Woodbury on Saturday, October 24. This celebration takes place during the witching hours of 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tours go out every hour. To reserve your time, click here.

Ghosts, goblins, and assorted scary creatures will be on hand along Hollow Road, following a path lit by over 300 luminaries, some of Woodbury's earliest citizens will come back from the dead to lead mystery tours of the nearby Ancient Burying Grounds.

You will walk amongst the dead in burying grounds over 350 years old and hear stories of those mortal remains that lie beneath your feet as their spirits rise for the occasion and are dying to share their true-yet often-dark tales. New surprises will await visitors as the cemetery comes to life in a flurry of spectral activity. The Museum will be following all current State & CDC guidelines for the safety of our staff, volunteers, and visitors. **Due to current COVID-19 safety guidelines there will not be a haunted museum or any indoor activities. Masks and social distancing rules will be observed.

Tickets will be limited to maintain safety standards. Tours will be available by timed ticket entry beginning at 5:30 pm and will leave the grounds of the Museum every fifteen minutes, ending at 9:00 pm. To ensure your participation, pre-purchased tickets are strongly suggested. Once, a tour-slot is full, walk-ins will not be added. Tickets are $10 per adult, children 5-12 years old $5, and children under 5 years of age are free. Rain Date: Sunday, October 25th. Parking for the evening will be in Hollow Park, whose entrance is next to the Glebe House.