Jewelry Workshop Just in Time for Valentine’s Day @Institute for American Indian Studies

Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Instead of giving a box of candy or a bouquet of flowers to that someone special, this year think out of the box and give them a piece of jewelry that you have made yourself. The Institute for American Indian Studies is hosting a Jewelry Making Workshop on Sunday, January 29 beginning at 1 p.m. just in time for Valentine’s Day! 

At this fun and creative workshop, participants will learn how Native American communities across the country have used materials such as stones, shells, bone, clay, seeds, multicolored beads, and even porcupine quills to make jewelry. 

This Sunday Funday workshop provides participants of all ages with an exciting opportunity to learn a new creative outlet. The Institute’s Educational staff will be on hand to help participants decorate their very own piece of jewelry. Participants will combine traditional items from nature and multi-colored beads into a piece of jewelry that is one-of-a-kind, and more importantly, their own creation. A highlight of this workshop is to create a piece of jewelry using different colors and textures that are sure to dazzle! 

Space for this workshop is limited and pre-registration is required. To register visit our website or click here, call 860-868-0518 or email us at events@iaismuseum.org. The price of participation is $5 for members and $15 for non-members. 

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 a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present 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 at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Where to Go Solo

Some of us have played around with traveling alone for one reason or another. This is especially true in the post-pandemic environment where we all want to make up for lost time on the road. Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be completely on your own. The best way to travel solo, especially if it is for the first time, is to travel with a small group tour. This experience allows plenty of time to explore on your own without the worry of logistics. If you are not sure traveling solo is for you, try a day trip first. If you like the experience, then it might be time to book a longer trip to a destination on your bucket list.

Solo Travel in a small group allows you to experience things at your own pace

In 2022, 16% of Americans took a solo trip and, in 2023, 25% of Americans (83 million people) are considering taking a solo trip. According to Solo Traveler World, 70% of solo travelers take a tour to destinations that they are not confident in going to themselves. Moreover, 66% take a group tour because the tour manager handles all the details, and the tour company takes care of all the planning. More than 40% of those surveyed take a group tour because some adventures are only available on an organized tour. And, when it comes to safety 41% take a tour when traveling alone because they feel safer. Google data shows that post-pandemic solo travel has risen by 761.15%. Not surprisingly, 85% of women 55+ continue to travel solo.

Just like out of a storybook - Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

“Over the past few weeks, 25% of our small tour group bookings have come from those traveling alone,” says Tyler Zajacz, President of Tours of Distinction, an exclusive group tour operator for 51 years in Connecticut. “Our tours are curated to allow solo travelers plenty of time to explore on their own; knowing that all the logistics are taken care of. We always send a Group Tour Leader on our trips to keep things running smoothly and to point folks in the right direction. Going in a group is a great way for solo travelers to see the world in a way that won’t break their budget.”

Mackinac Island, the jewel of the Great Lakes

According to Tours of Distinction, some of the most popular destinations booked by solo travelers include a smattering of intriguing destinations. One favorite is Mackinac Island, the jewel of the Great Lakes where visitors get around by horse and carriage as no cars are allowed. “Solo travelers feel safe here because this destination is like stepping back in time to the Victorian era,” says Zajacz. “It is known as one of the “world’s friendliest islands” according to Travel and Leisure making it easy for solo travelers to explore.”

 

According to Tours of Distinction, another hot destination for solo travelers is Nova Scotia. “This island experience offers an extraordinary coastal getaway that is close to home with the added benefit of dining on some of the best seafood around,” says Zajacz.

Spot Eagles in West Virginia 

For those that want to get off the beaten track, Zajacz notes that West Virginia is a trending destination. “We offer an amazing scenic railroad ride along the Southern Bend of the Potomac River that is one of the best places to spot the American Bald Eagle. It seems to have attracted people that are in search of a soft eco-adventure.”

Visit the home of "the King" in Memphis

Known for their friendly people and southern charm, other popular solo destinations include Charleston and Savannah. “This past week our music cities tour that includes Memphis and Nashville has generated a lot of interest. A highlight of this trip is an exclusive tour of Graceland. It has always been popular, but it is in demand right now because of the new movie Elvis and the untimely and tragic death of Lisa Marie,” Zajacz notes.

The Palace Theater launches Annual Raffle

 

The Palace Theater’s Annual Raffle will launch today, Tuesday, January 24th at My Fair Lady. Patrons attending the hit Broadway musical will be among the first to be able to purchase 2023 Raffle tickets. 

The Raffle’s lucky first-prize winner will receive $3,000 in cash. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 203-346-2000, or in person at the Box Office at 100 E. Main St. The drawing will take place Monday, June 22, 2023, at 10:00 PM. 

 This year, participants who purchase or sell a book of tickets will be entered to win three (3)22kt yellow gold, diamond-cut bracelets appraised at $6,900. The bracelets were donated by Selim and Linda Noujaim. Tickets are $25 each and books of 10 are available for $250. Each month, raffle ticket purchasers will be entered into a drawing for a $25 LaBonne gift card. 

RAFFLE PRIZES 

Six (6) prizes are to be awarded Only 2,000 raffle tickets printed Proceeds will benefit the Palace Theater Annual Fund 

First Prize: $3,000 Cash Prize 

Second Prize: $1,500 Cash Prize 

Third Prize: $500 Gift Card Redeemable at Amazon.com 

Fourth Prize: $500 Gift Certificate Redeemable at LaBonne’s Market 

Fifth Prize: $500 Gift Card Redeemable at Home Depot 

Sixth Prize: $250 Gift Card Redeemable at Adam Broderick Salon & Spa 

About the Palace Theater 

 Located in Downtown Waterbury, Connecticut, the Palace Theater is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit performing arts center with a mission “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.” The Palace Theater gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support by Webster Bank, Post University, ION Bank, Savings Bank of Danbury, CT, Xfinity, Powerstation Events, Bank of America, City of Waterbury, CT DECD Office of Tourism, Republican-American and WATR Radio.

Registration is Open for the Human Dog Sled Team @ JumpFest & the U.S. Eastern Ski Championships in Salisbury, CT

 

Organized by the Salisbury Winter Sports Association, 97th JumpFest & the Eastern Ski Jumping Championships, are taking place this year on Friday, February 3, Saturday, February 4, and Sunday, February 5 @ Satre Hill. This prestigious event isn’t just about the aspiring Olympic ski jumpers, it also offers loads of fun, and one of the quirkiest competitions found anywhere… the Human Dog Sled Race! 

The good news is that registration is now open for the Human Dog Sled Race, which is taking place on Friday, February 3. The Human Dog Sled Race begins just after the Target Jumps scheduled for 7 p.m. end. This is the chance for you and five of your friends to get together and be creative with the added bonus of entertaining others. It is easy and fun to do and worth at least a year of bragging rights and Instagram photos! 

At Friday’s February 3rd Human Dog Sled Race your team will compete for trophies in men's, women's, and mixed categories as well as a people's choice award for best costume/sled. This evening event is professionally announced and a crowd favorite. To register for this entertaining and unforgettable event contact Brian @ info@jumpfest.org and tell them that you want to register. The Association will respond with all the documentation and rules. Registration is just $25 per team and is used to help sustain the mission of the Association. 

Participating is easy. All you have to do is to gather up a kennel of friends who are at least 18 years old and have a moderate level of fitness because this course is not without peril! The course is just over .3 miles in the snow. The teams consist of six people that include five pulling and one riding. Many contestants dress for the occasion to raise team camaraderie. 

Next, and this is when the fun really starts, you will design your own sled that can be anything from elaborate, whimsical, or techy, to something as simple as an inner tube. The point is to have fun for a good cause because proceeds go to help sustain the mission of the Salisbury Winter Sports Association. 

 Also, keep in mind that Friday night of Jumpfest is a great time! An eighth of a mile of luminaries guide you to the site where there are two roaring bonfires to keep you toasty, and plenty of food and beverages to snack on. The target ski jumping and the Human Dog Sled Races are held under the lights!  

ABOUT SALISBURY WINTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION 

The mission of the Salisbury Winter Sports Association is to acquaint the public with Nordic ski-jumping, cross–country, and Alpine skiing, and to teach the skills necessary for their enjoyment. One way of fulfilling this mission is to host the annual Jumpfest Competition on Satre Hill to sustain and ski jumping in Salisbury, Connecticut, and the Eastern United States.