Savor Connecticut at Naugatuck Historical Society Feb. 23

The Naugatuck Historical Society is offering a program called Savor Connecticut that will feature a Connecticut only tasting and presentation on Saturday, February 23, 7-10 p.m.  Guests will be able to sample the flavors of Connecticut, including different wines, beers and food. They will enjoy a presentation and exhibits featuring the History of Connecticut Foods by authors Eric Lehman and Amy Nawrocki.

Visitors will sample drinks from Cambridge House Brewery, Two Roads Brewery, Avery Soda as well as taste wines from local vineyards. Food to be sampled will include items on the menus of the following restaurants: Tequila Grill, A1Pizza, Dottie’s Diner, Santos’ Restaurant, Jesse Camille’s, Ayash-Man, Nardelli’s Grinder Shop, Newman’s Own, G’s Burgers, Fascia Chocolates and more.

 The tasting will allow guests to sample the flavors of these local venues while strolling through the historic railroad station and enjoying the temporary exhibit The Flavors of Connecticut featuring artifacts from Avery Soda, the oldest soda company still bottling in Connecticut, Nardelli’s Grinder Shop, featured on the Travel Channel and Fascia’s Chocolates, a family run business for generations. The exhibit will also include artifacts from the Naugatuck Historical Society archives including pieces from Peter Paul, Naugatuck Creamery and Diamond Ginger Ale.

Eric Lehman and Amy Nawrocki, authors of “A History of Connecticut Food: A Proud Tradition of Puddings, Clambakes & Steamed Cheeseburgers” will kick off the evening with a presentation on the history of Connecticut foods. Their book includes the history and even the recipes of some historic dishes long forgotten and some still being made in our eateries today.

The authors sampled the rich fare to be found in Connecticut and their book shares their experiences and reflects their passion for Connecticut, its history and all that make this state a wonderland of dining experiences. They will also have copies available of “A History of Connecticut Wine: A vineyard in Your Backyard” from their presentation last year available. The authors will be on hand for a book signing and to answer questions. For more information on the book http://booksnewhaven.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/283/

Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members, $25 at the door. Tickets are available at the Naugatuck Historical Society, 195 Water Street, Naugatuck, CT, Mountview Plaza Wines and Liquors and the Naugatuck Tax Office or by contacting wendy.murphy@snet.net. Tickets include admission to the presentation, tasting, exhibit and give-a-ways.

For more information call us at 203 729 9039 or email Naugatuckhistory@sbcglobal.net. To visit the website http://www.naugatuckhistory.com.  For  area information www.litchfieldhills.com.

February Fun at White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield Hills

The White Memorial Conservation Center, an Environmental Education Center and Nature Museum, is located in the heart of the 4000-acre White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield.

The Conservation Center operates a Nature Museum with exhibits focusing on the interpretation of local natural history, conservation, and ecology, as well as a Museum Nature Store.

The grounds includes the wildlife sanctuary maintained by the White Memorial Foundation that comprises 4000 acres of fields, water, and woodlands, trails, campground and boating facilities.

In February, White Memorial is planning some exciting programs for children and adults.  On Feb. 3 for example, at 1 p.m. learn to paint a winter sunset in watercolor with internationally celebrated botanical artist Betsey Rogers-Knox. Step by step instruction will be offered for all levels for ages 12 and up. The cost is $30 for members and $40 for non-members and pre-registration and payment is required.

The Center is also hosting the 2nd Annual Adult Museum Sleep In: A Sense of Wonder!  So, pack your sleeping bag, your love of nature, sense of childlike wonder, and hearty appetite and stake out your floor space in the Museum or the Carriage House Bunk Room and celebrate the life and times of Rachel Carson! Night walks, day walks, and readings by Ilvi Dulac and David Leff, sing-alongs too are all part of the fun. This program is limited to 20 happy campers! All meals provided but BYOB! Members: $70.00 Non-members: $ 90.00. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

If you are interested in winter wildlife tracking, don’t miss the free walk on Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. with Deneen Bernier to look for clues left behind by animals that tell the story of how they live this time of year.

The Star Party, an astronomy program organized by members of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club and the Mattatuck Astronomical Society is back on February 15.  The topic will focus on our magnetic sun and weather permitting there will be star gazing after the program at 7 p.m. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You are invited to bring your own telescope or binoculars.

 

On February 16, Gerri Griswold leads participants on a winter walk through five ponds to look for animal tracks and listen for birds.  This brisk stroll is capped off with hot chocolate and a sweet treat in the A.B. Ceder Room.  Meet at the museum at 2 p.m. and head to the trailhead to start this invigorating walk.

White Memorial Foundation is located on 80 White Hall Rd. in Litchfield.  For program information call 860-567-0857 or http://www.whitememorialcc.org.  For area information www.litchfieldhills.com.

Super Bowl Bingo at the New England Carousel Museum

A large crowd is expected to attend the annual Super Bowl Sunday Bingo on Sunday, February 3, 2013. The bingo will again be held at St. Stan's Church hall, 510 West Street, in Bristol, to benefit the New England Carousel Museum, a non-profit, educational and fun organization.

The bingo is scheduled as a pre-game event, ending in time to watch the Super Bowl football game. The doors at St. Stan's Church Hall will open at 1 o'clock, and the first bingo game will start at 2:15 P.M. 22 games will be played, with a total pay out of $1,225.00.

Packages will be sold for $20.00 at the door. Packages include: the entry fee and the paper package and paper specials for $10.00; two specials, purple and blue, with four strips at $1 each for $8.00 a package; and four quickies at 50 cents each for $2.00 a package. Additional specials and quickies may be purchased.

Go early and get your favorite seat, purchase lunch prepared by the Museum's volunteer group and enjoy free coffee. Door prizes will also be awarded. This bingo gives people the opportunity to support the Museum while having a good time. For more information about the bingo or the Carousel Museum call 585-5411 or visit www.thecarouselmuseum.org.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com.