Monroe's Rails Trails Tour

On Saturday, May 31 the Monroe Historical Society is offering a look back to the Golden Age of Railroading for its annual spring glimpse into the past and is offering the newly revamped Rails Trails Tour.

 The Rails Trails Tour covers the sites of four old wooden railway stations once vital to the rhythm of life in Monroe-Stepney and Stevenson Depots, and will also include Pepper Crossing and a stop off at Hammertown Road, known simply as Monroe Station.

Participants will board a motorcoach that will depart from the Monroe Senior Center on 235 Cutler's Farm Rd. in Monroe at 10 a.m. Box lunches will be for sale as there is a noon stopover for lunch in Wolfe Park.  There is also a ten-minute screening of the Great Train Robbery produced by Thomas Edison Studios in 1903 that will be shown before the motor coach departs and after it returns.  This is the first commercially viable movie with sequential scenes. 

The tour will include two morning stops and two stops in the afternoon and the motorcoach will head out rain or shine.  Due to safety considerations, no private automobiles, motorcycles or bicycles are permitted on the tour. A special highlight of each tour will be the illustrated presentations at each site by railway historians: John Babina, Bob Belletzkie and Monroe's town historian, Ed Coffey.

Displays will show how the steam engine was the lifeline for distributing farm products that drove the Monroe economy in the 1840s.  At this time, the rail lines were the primary link to the outside world with its jobs and high schools in Bridgeport. The rail line also gave Monroe's merchants access to goods and brought the farmers supplies like seed, fertilizer, feed and agricultural machinery. 

With the advent of the automobile, by the 1930s passenger service was virtually discontinued. At the same time trucks became a more dedicated alternative for transporting the needs of business although limited use of the tracks for commerce continued until recent years.

The cost of the Rails Trails Tour is $10 for members, $15 for non-members, discounted to $5 for seniors and students. Tickets are available at the Monroe Senior Center and the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library. Space is limited.  Additional information is available from Marven Moss at mmoss36@yahoo.com

“Jazz Great” Bucky Pizzarelli at The Silo Hunt Hill Farm

The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm located in Litchfield Hills is "Saluting Jazz" in style on May 24 at 7 p.m. when they will be  hosting jazz great Bucky Pizzarelli at the Canterbury School in New Milford. Pizzarelli, a , world-renowned jazz guitarist, will be accompanied by Ed Laub. The duo has been performing for audiences all over the US and Canada in clubs, concert halls and jazz festivals for the past 12 years after a lifetime association as teacher/student.

Pizzarelli and Laub combine instrumental and vocal arrangements with an emphasis on the Great American Songbook and well as some of the classic 1930's guitar duos made popular by Carl Kress/ Dick McDonough, Eddie Lang and George Smith. Their great friendship of over 45 years is evident in their sound and the way they interact together.

 All proceeds from the concert will benefit The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offering programs and family events that enrich the community, including art gallery exhibitions, cooking classes, live music, literary readings and more.

Tickets begin at $30 for general admission, with reserved seating tickets at $50 and $75 levels. A pre-concert reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., also at the Canterbury School, with tickets for the reception and concert at $100. Sponsor and Underwriter levels are available as well.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.hunthillfarmtrust.org, or call (860) 355-0300. Tickets are also on sale at The Silo during regular business hours. The Silo Gallery and store are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Ticket prices are: $30 General Admission  $50 Reserved Seating,  $75 Front and Center, $100 Jazz Lover (includes pre-concert reception and "Front and Center" reserved seating), $250 All Star Patron (includes pre-concert reception, "Front and Center" reserved seating and program credit as a patron),  $500 Premier VIP (includes pre-concert reception, "Front and Center" reserved seating, CD and program credit as an underwriter).

About Hunt Hill Farm Trust
Located in New Milford, Conn., the Hunt Hill Farm Trust operates The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm, a non-profit organization and Smithsonian Institution Affiliate dedicated to preserving the unique history of this farm.

The Silo is as devoted to protecting this piece of New England agricultural history – its buildings, stone walls, and fields – as it is to the cultural legacy of Ruth and Skitch Henderson, the founders who brought 'new life to old barns.'™

The Silo continues traditions of education, conservation, artisanry and excellence in the Cooking School, the Skitch Henderson Museum, the Hunt Hill Farm Land Preserve, the Gallery and the Silo Store and is a vibrant and unique regional resource, offering the public opportunities to explore music, art, cuisine, and permanently protected historic open space. For more information, please visit www.hunthillfarmtrust.org, and connect with the bank on Facebook and Twitter (@thesilohunthill).

For information on Litchfield Hills www.litchfieldhills.com

Celebrate May at the Beardsley Zoo

The Beardsley Zoo has a series of exciting events planned for the lovely month of May that promises fun for the entire family.

The Beardsley Zoo is offering two special deals in May one for Moms to celebrate Mother’s Day on May 11 and the other for Veterans to commemorate Armed Services Day on May 17. To thank all moms on Mothers Day, bring your mom to the zoo and her ticket is on the Zoo!  On Armed Services Day, Veterans and active service people are free and their family (up to 6 individuals) receives a 15% discount on admission.

On May 13 and 14, the Zoo is hosting Zoo tots at 10:30 a.m. for children accompanied by an adult that are 22 months old to four years old. This popular monthly program may include: stories, games, crafts, and a live animal presentation. A special highlight is the "Garden Critters" session that will focus on animals that like gardens. The admission is $10 for Zoo members and one child; and $15 for non-members and one child. Participants may sign up for either day. To reserve a space in the program, pre-register by calling the Zoo's Education Department at 203-394-6563.

To commemorate the Endangered Species Week, the Beardsley Zoo is holding a series of endangered species awareness events from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. from May 16- May 18.  The events will encourage people of all ages to learn about the importance of protecting endangered animals and plants and what actions can be taken to help preserve their future.  A highlight of this event is for children and families to take part in a scavenger hunt featuring exotic and domestic endangered animals! 

If you have been thinking about adopting a pet, head to the Zoo on May 17 for Pet Awareness and Adoption Day that takes place from noon to 3 p.m.  Together with regional animal adoption and rescue organizations, you'll learn about the wonderful animals we live with every day - our pets! The Zoo is hosting experts on pet care and safety, and a series of special craft programs for kids will be part of the fun along with other surprises.

The month of May ends with an evening lecture on May 21 at 7 p.m. in the Hanson Exploration Station. The lecture series engages audiences of all ages, especially lifelong learners, who have an appetite for delving deeper into the wonders of wildlife. Attending these programs allows visitors to live vicariously through the Zoo’s experts, who often have had incredible close encounters with creatures across the globe. There is a suggested $5 donation for the lecture. Refreshments will be served.

About Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Connecticut's only zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won't want to miss the Amur (Siberian) tigers and leopard, Brazilian ocelot, Mexican wolves, and Golden Lion tamarins. Other highlights include: the 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 a colorful carousel. For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.org.

For area information on Fairfield County www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

The British Are Coming!

The Westport Historical Society will host a lecture on Saturday, April 26, at 2 p.m. marking the 237th anniversary of Tryon's Raid, the Revolutionary War engagement that began with 1,500 British troops landing at Compo Beach.

Compo Beach

This four-day raid, which started on April 25, 1777, saw the British march to Danbury, where they burned Patriot supplies, then return to their ships, two battles with Colonial forces along the way. The incursion was led by Maj. Gen. William Tryon, Royal Governor of the New York province.

As his troops marched back to Compo, Tryon got wind that Patriots under Brig. Gen. Benedict Arnold were waiting for him at a bridge at Kings Highway where he had to cross the Saugatuck River. Luckily for Tryon, he was accompanied by a unit of Loyalists, one of whose members had lived in this area. The Loyalist was able to lead the invaders across the river at a ford upstream near present-day Red Coat Road, helping the British avoid the ambush. The site of that crossing is now designated by a historical marker.

The episode inspired the book "The Bridge Not Taken" by Wilton land surveyor Damon Greenleaf Duncan, copies of which are available in the WHS' gift shop.

The lecture will be given by Ed Hynes, whose interest in the American Revolution dates to his childhood in Wilton, where he lived next to a home that was partially burned by Tryon's soldiers. Hynes will look at the raid in the context of the war and discuss the commanders on both sides and "things quite smart and not so smart" on both sides, including how "the Brits outwitted" the Patriots on their return to Compo. This incident took place in our own back yard and highlights an interesting aspect of the war: the extent to which local Colonists were divided for and against the Revolution.

Hynes will speak for about 50 minutes, then take questions from the audience. There will be a handout of maps to help attendees follow the action. The cost of the program is $5 and reservations are required, please call (203) 222-1424 or visit http://westporthistory.org for more information.  For information about Fairfield County www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

April Fun at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

The Beardsley Zoo located in Bridgeport on 1875 Noble Ave. has a trio of exciting events planned in April.

On April 8 and 9 at 10:30 a.m. for example, the Zoo is hosting its' monthly 45 minute program called Zoo Tots.  This special program has been created for kids (accompanied by an adult) ages 18 months to three years old and is an excellent family fun learning opportunity. Kids activities may include: stories, games, crafts, and live animals. A special highlight is the "Fur, Feathers, and Scales" session that will explore the differences between mammals, reptiles and birds. The cost is $10 for Zoo members and one child; $15 for non-members and one child. Participants may sign up for either day. To make a reservation, pre-register by calling the Zoo's Education Department at 203-394-6563.

Activities at the Zoo are not only for young children. On April 16, the Zoo is hosting an evening lecture at 7 p.m. at the Zoo’s Hanson Exploration Station.  The lecture series engages audiences of all ages, especially lifelong learners, who have an appetite for delving deeper into the wonders of wildlife. Attending these programs allows visitors to live vicariously through the Zoo’s experts, who often have had incredible close encounters with creatures across the globe. There is a suggested $5 donation for the lecture. Refreshments will be served.

To round out the month of April, the Beardsley Zoo is celebrating Earth Day on April 26 and 27 with its annual Party for the Planet event that takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The Zoo’s Earth Day event is about encouraging local, organic, earth-friendly choices as a way of promoting better health for everyone including our planet. Environmentally friendly vendors will be on hand with everything from green cleaning products and recycled fashion accessories to better lawn care for you and wildlife! A highlight of this event is the Zoo’s special citizen science corner where visitors can learn about online science projects that you can participate in. This is the perfect event to learn what you can do to make the planet a healthier place for you and your family.

About Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Connecticut's only zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won't want to miss the Amur (Siberian) tigers and leopard, Brazilian ocelot, Mexican wolves, and Golden Lion tamarins. Other highlights include: the 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 a colorful carousel. For more information, visit www.beardsleyzoo.org.

For area information on Fairfield County www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Celebrate Fairfield Connecticut's Musical Heritage

Fairfield’s new exhibit, Fairfield’s Rockin’ Top Ten that celebrates 10 musicians who have helped create this community’s musical legacy features rare photographs, music videos and iconic artifacts from a diverse list of artists, including: Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson, The Remains, Leonard Bernstein, David Brubeck, Jose Feliciano, Chris Frantz & Tina Weymouth, Richard Rodgers, Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards, Keith Richards and Donna Summer. This exhibit runs through April 28, 2014.

Several interesting programs are taking place at the Fairfield Museum and History Center that compliment this program.  The first program takes place on February 9 at 3 p.m. and is titled A Friendship in Music and will feature pianist and Fairfield University professor Orin Grossman. This performance and lecture traces the influential friendship between Leonard Bernstein and Aaron Copland, with live accompaniment of their early collaborations. Members: $5; Non-Members $10.

On February 14 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. there will be a family focus session focusing on the Genius of Love.  Participants are invited to listen to the fun music and songs of love from Fairfield’s Rockin’ Top Ten while making some cool crafts. This event is free with admission.

Orin Grossman

On February 23, at 2:30 p.m. there is an adult lecture called Home of the Happy Dancers: The Story of Bridgeport’s Ritz Ballroom with author Jeffrey Williams. This lecture will focus on the roaring twenties to the rockin’ sixties, when the Ritz was one of New England’s foremost dance palaces and offered a respite for people who danced their cares away. The cost of the lecture is $5 for non-members and members free.

The Fairfield Museum is located on 370 Beach Street in Fairfield. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. For additional information www.fairfieldhistory.org.  For area informationwww.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

In the Dark at the Bruce Musuem

The dark is a place of mystery. Sometimes scary, always intriguing, the darkness inspires the imagination and encourages exploration.

Darkness is also a natural evolutionary selective pressure that has caused plants and animals to adapt to dark ecosystems like caves, the forest and desert at night, and underneath the ground.

In the Dark: Animal Survival Strategies, on view through April 13 at the Bruce Museum, in Greenwich on One Museum Drive invites visitors to explore different environments of darkness and the unique life forms that inhabit them through a combination of hands-on and whole-body interactives, specimens and walk-through dioramas.

Since prehistoric times, humans have sought to understand the function of darkness and have invented ways to change it. With this immersive, entertaining and family-friendly exhibition that explores four environments – fragile caves, deep soil, and the forest and desert at night – people of all ages will discover how animals adapt to living in the dark and learn how we can help preserve fragile worlds without light.

March Programs

Look & See: In the Dark!

Wednesday, March 12; 12:30 – 1:15 pm

A program especially designed for children ages 3-5 years and their adult caregivers, who will explore the Museum’s exhibition through hands-on experiences, stories and more. Children will explore the exhibition and then make their own animal of the dark! $5 for members and $7 for non-members per child, per class. Parents/guardians are free. Please make reservations by calling the Museum at 203 869-0376.

Animals of the Dark Family Day

Sunday, March 30; 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Explore the exhibition to find out which animals survive best at nighttime! Make your own night-creature crafts in the workshop! At 2:00 pm and again at 4:00 pm, Live Night Creatures with animal specialist Rob Mies from the Organization for Bat Conservation, who will teach us all about some animals that live in the dark such as owls, bats and sloths. All activities are suitable for students of all abilities ages 5 years and up. Free with Museum admission.

About the Bruce Museum: Explore Art and Science at the Bruce Museum, located at One Museum Drive in Greenwich, Connecticut. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm; closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for students up to 22 years, $6 for seniors and free for members and children under 5 years. Individual admission is free on Tuesday. Free on-site parking is available and the Museum is accessible to individuals with disabilities.  For additional information, call the Bruce Museum at (203) 869-0376 or visit the website at www.brucemuseum.org.  For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com