CHOCOLATE DINNER TO BENEFIT AUDUBON CENTER, SATURDAY, MARCH 3, HERITAGE HOTEL SOUTHBURY

Let the Bent of the River take you on a Chocolate Holiday! New Morning’s The Provender will transport you to Mexico through Chef Carol Byer-Alcorace’s Mexican Antojito inspired menu. Your palate will take you to the winter destination of the beautiful birds that summer here in Southbury CT and the Bent of the River. Tickets are now on sale for the annual Chocolate Dinner being held on Saturday, March 3rd at the Heritage Hotel in Southbury, to benefit Southbury’s very own Audubon Center at Bent of the River. Tickets are $85 per person. EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Tickets only $70 if purchased by February 17th. Visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/219802 or stop in at New Morning Market on Rte. 6 in Woodbury CT to purchase tickets. The evening will begin with a ‘Cocktail Hour and a Half’, where guests can mingle, visit the live Birds of Prey exhibit, enjoy creative, Mexican inspired appetizers like Chocolate, Spinach and Cheese Quesadillas and taste wines from local vineyards; White Silo, Walker Road and Hopkins. During the dinner hour, Laura Volpintesta, originally from Mexico City, and the Sol Shine Band will be performing live suave ensembles. Latin dance demonstrations and lessons are being provided by Fred Astaire Studios. Here’s a sneak peak at some of the dishes crafted by Chef Carol: Mole Chicken, Coconut and Shrimp Seviche, and Chocolate Chili Cake, just to name a few. Woodbury’s own Winding Drive Jams will also be serving a spicy, sweet chocolate brownie dessert. Why Audubon & Chocolate? Each year, the menu draws from a locale where cacao is grown. The Audubon’s dedication to the preservation of habitats for birds and wildlife is well known. As the snow flies in New England, so fly the birds- to warmer climate and, to the lands where chocolate originated. Bird migration, habitat protection and community engagement are integral to Audubon’s mission. The Atlantic Flyway Initiative (AFI) is a strategic Audubon initiative that targets bird habitats needing preservation from South America to Canada. The Flyway is the migration route for millions of birds each season. About The Bent of the River

The Audubon Center at Bent of the River lies on 660 acres in Southbury, Connecticut, near the historic village of South Britain. It’s an inviting, outdoor sanctuary with 15 miles of walking trails and an environmental education center with inspiring programs. Please come and enjoy yourself, learn more about the important work of the Bent, and discover the value you’ll gain from a relationship with the Bent. www.bentoftheriver.audubon.org About New Morning Market New Morning Market Located on Rte. 6 in Woodbury Connecticut, New Morining is a purveyor of natural, organic and eco-friendly foods and wellness products. They also offer nutritional counseling and free classes regularly. The 7,500 square foot retail center is currently located at 738 Main Street South in Middle Quarter Mall. Construction is being completed on a brand new, larger facility which will be located two miles north at 129 Main Street North in Woodbury. The move is scheduled for later this year. More information can be found at www.newmorn.com About Heritage Hotel

Heritage Hotel Golf, Spa, Conference Center, 522 Heritage Road, Southbury, CT 06488. (I-84 Exit 15). (203) 264-8200, (800) 932-3466. Set in the Litchfield Hills, the resort features 163 guestrooms, state-of-the art conference and banquet facilities, indoor and outdoor heated pools, fitness center, racquetball, tennis, sauna, whirlpool, a challenging 9-hole golf course, pub with billiards and wide screen TV, award-winning dining and extensive wine list at Eight Mile Brook, and Tres Jolie Day Spa. Located off I-84, just 90 minutes from New York City. For getaway package information contact us at: 1-(800) 932-3466. www.heritagesouthbury.com.

Sweet Deals for Valentine’s Day!

If the winter doldrums have set in, a welcome cure is in sight...Valentine's Day! Whether you want to get out on the ski slopes or retreat to a fireside, the inns and resorts of Connecticut's Fairfield County and Litchfield Hills are offering a host of special packages for Valentine's Day. Interlaken Inn in Salisbury is offering a Valentine's Day package on Feb. 11 that includes overnight accommodations and breakfast fro two, a red rose for her, a complete three-course dinner for two, and a glass of house wine or cocktail for each of you. This page is $259 plus tax for two. Call 1 (800) 222-2909 or www.interlakeninn.com.

Rock Hall Luxe Lodging in Colebrook is offering a Valentine's Day Package from 02/10-02/15 and features one Night's Stay, Champagne, Chocolates, Mediterranean Breakfast with Mimosa. Available add-ons: Spa services couple's massage, flowers, as well as Valentine's Dinner at Sunset Meadow Vineyards on Saturday 2/11 (www.sunsetmeadowvineyards.com) and Valentine's Chocolate Decadence & Wine at Haight-Brown Vineyards 2/12 & 2/14 (www.haightvineyards.com). The cost is $375 per couple per night. For details call 860-379-2230 or www.19rockhallroad.com.

Mayflower Inn located in Washington Connecticut is also offering a Valentine's Day Package on Feb. 14 that includes a romantic retreat to Mayflower Inn & Spa's five-star, five-diamond accommodations. Relax with a bottle of champagne in room upon your arrival and enjoy an incredible fine dining experience with Mayflower Inn & Spa's special Valentine's Day Pre-Fixe Dinner. Rooms start at $750; the pre-fixe 3 course dinner is $85 per person. For details call 860-868-9466 or www.mayflowerinn.com.

Torrington's Quality Inn is offering a Wine and Stay Package that includes a bottle of wine, flowers and jacuzzi room on Feb. 14th for $144.99 plus tax. For details call 860-496-8808 or visit www.choicehotels.com.

Southbury's Heritage Hotel is offering a Valentine's Day Package from 02/10-02/14 and includes overnight accommodations and a special Valentine's Day Dinner for two (including tips and gratuities) and breakfast for two the next morning. Rates start at $229. For more information call 203-264-8200.www.heritagesouthbury.com.

Winvian is offering the "Essence of Love Package" from Feb. 12-16. The package includes a one night stay double occupancy in a five-diamonds Cottage accommodation – American Breakfast – Couple 60 minutes Swedish Massage – Bubble bath, in-cottage, following massage – 3 Course Dinner with Winvian Signature Martini (others beverages not included) in our five-diamonds restaurant. Rates start at $1070. www.winvian.com.

Bella Alpacas Bed and Breakfast is offering a "Love and Peace" romantic Valentine's Day getaway through March 30. Stay in our lovely rooms that overlook the alpacas and lots of land, All room have private bath, queen log beds, sitting area, bamboo floors. Take a hike on our 50 acres then sit down and pet the alpacas and the pigs and enjoy a yoga class. Jump into a hot tub, under the stars.Breakfast included. Rates $215 per couple for one nite, $400 for weekend. 860- 946-3076 or www.bellaalpacas.com.

Danbury's Ethan Allen Hotel offers a Valentine's Day Dinner at Fairfield's Restaurant & Bar from 02/10 – 02/14. The cost is $95.00 (plus tax and gratuity) per couple. Call (800) 742-1776 ext. 185 to make reservations. www.ethanallenhotel.com.

The Doubletree by Hilton in Norwalk is offering a Champagne Dinner for two that includes overnight accommodations and a 3 course dinner for Two. This offer is availabile Feb. 10-12, 2012 and is $159.00 inclusive of all taxes and gratuties. Call 203 853 3477. www.norwalk.doubletree.com.

The Hilton Garden Inn Norwalk is offering a Valentine's Day Package thru Feb 29th. The package includes: Luxurious overnight accommodations for two, Chilled bottle of champagne, Gourmet chocolates, PLUS $50 gift certificate at the Great American Grill (May be redeemed for room service!) and a Full American breakfast. Rates for this package start at $169. Call: 203-523-4000.www.norwalk.stayhgi.com.

On Valentine's Day, the Sheraton Stamford Downtown is offering a complimentary Valentine's Day dinner from pre-fixe menu, one bottle of sparkling wine, and a chocolate or fruit, plus a Full American breakfast for two and a 4pm late checkout (based upon availability). Rates start at $239, Call (203) 358-8400 for details. www.sheratonstamford.com.

The newly renovated Hyatt Regency in Old Greenwich is offering a "Amour" Package that includes chilled champagne upon arrival, breakfast for two in Winfield's Atrium Restaurant, valet parking, evening turndown service and 3 p.m. late check out. Rates start at $209 plus tax. Call 203-637-1234 for details or www.greenwich.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels.

Annual Polar Bear Open Feb. 12, 2012

It’s time to get ready for the first golf tournament of the year at the Burlington Golf Center, Route 4, in Burlington, Connecticut. The Seventeenth Annual Polar Bear Open will be held on Sunday February 12, 2012. The nine-hole event with holes ranging from 150 to 250 yards was established by Chet Dunlop, Connecticut PGA Teacher of The Year, founder of the Burlington Golf Center and Director of The New England School of Golf. The Polar Bear Open began in 1994 as an informal event between Chet and other local pros caught in the deep freeze of a tough New England winter. It proved so popular that Dunlop decided to make it an official annual event. Over the years players have contended with everything from ice and snow, to thunder, lightning and mud. This group of hearty New Englanders seems to revel in the challenge of the elements.

With temperatures some years hovering near 10 degrees a full field of men and women’s and junior divisions vie for first, second, and third place prizes, as they ignore the calendar. Each loop brings the participants back to the Pro Shop for free mugs of hot mulled cider and tasty treats from Hogan’s Cider Mill, also located on the property. Players warm themselves by the wood-burning stove as they discuss their strategy before heading out to brave the elements and the whims of the golf gods. The Polar Bear Open will begin at 10AM and runs through mid-afternoon. Participants must register in advance. Entry fee is $25 per player. The Burlington Golf Center is on Route 4 in Burlington, Connecticut. For more information call 860-675-7320 or email: info@burlingtongolfcenter.com or visit www.newenglandschoolofgolf.com About Chet Dunlop PGA Golf is a sport that anyone can play, and everyone can play better. Chet believes that the game of golf is accessible to every student who wants to play, and his mission is to help each player discover their own ability in a relaxed and supportive environment. He knows he cannot give his student a swing, but he can help that student find their own. It is this approach to teaching that is sustainable as this method allows the student to become their own coach, recognizing their strengths and reinforcing them as they play. As the Director of the New England School of Golf for over 25 years Chet has coached thousands of students utilizing his particular approach to the game of golf. In that time he has been named Teacher of the Year by the CT PGA, while receiving recognition for his coaching ability not only by national publications including Golf Magazine and Golf Digest, but he has also been featured in Japan’s own Golf Magazine. Chet’s impact on his students reveals their natural ability and helps them find their own way into the game. As long time local golfer Norm August explains: “Chet helped me find my natural swing, (and showed me how not to) let all the other stuff that I was trying to do get in the way, and it was perfect … it was just natural.” Chet is pleased to be a part of the Canton Indoor Golf Center Team and looks forward to exploring the game with his students in CT’s own world class practice and teaching venue. Please call 860-675-7320 to schedule an appointment. www.newenglandschoolofgolf.com.

Ski Jump Thrills In The Litchfield Hills Feb. 10-12, 2012

The 86th annual Jump Fest, slated for February 10 to 12 at John Satre Memorial Hill in Salisbury features the Eastern U.S. Championships, where the region’s best will show off their skill and grace, reaching speeds up to 50 miles per hour as they soar over 200 feet in the air.

Jump Fest begins Friday night with a chili cook-off at 6:30 p.m.. This is followed by target jumping under the lights starting at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, the Salisbury Invitational Competition for juniors goes on from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring 20 and 30 meter jumps, and leaps of 65 to 98 feet. Saturday also brings the event that has become a tradition along with ski jumping, the 11th annual Ice Carving Competition from 11 a,.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds at Salisbury’s Scoville Memorial Library. Another tradition, open to all, is the Snow Ball Dance with live music, to be held at the Lakeville Firehouse on Saturday night at 8 p.m.

On Sunday the Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships begins at 1 p.m. Participants will be aiming to beat the course record, an impressive 231-foot jump!

The all-volunteer Salisbury Winter Sports Association, long-time boosters of the sport and hosts of the annual championships, provides cross-country and jumping equipment and training to area children and maintains cross-country ski trails at several sites in town.

For additional information about this event contact www.jumpfest.org. For information about Litchfield Hills www.litchfieldhills.com

Get Funky at Stage One Jan. 27!

The Fairfield Theater Company has featured more funk bands recently and is proud to present a new, young band on the rise. The buzz-worthy Brooklyn-based nine-piece powerhouse Sister Sparrow delivers a refreshingly cool blend of gut-busting soul, horns, earthy rock, and new school funk.

The band is led by singer Arleigh Kincheloe who is backed up by her brother Jackson on harmonica, Bram Kincheloe on drums, Aidan Carroll on bass, Sasha Brown on guitar, Ryan Snow on trombone, JJ Byars on alto saxophone, Johnny Butler on baritone saxophone, and Phil Rodriguez on trumpet. While Kincheloe is the main lyricist, the entire ensemble works together to produce the the musical arrangements.

As the New York Daily News puts it "Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds has been tearing up local clubs since 2008 with its rollicking blend of soul, funk and backwoods Americana rock 'n' roll, which draws even indifferent hipsters onto the dance floor. The pint-sized singer packs a voice that shakes the rafters, while her brother shreds the harmonica — which they've dubbed "the Mississippi saxophone."

If you're down with a solid group of talented young artists reviving one of the most timeless musical genres, inspired by Parliament Funkadelic, James Brown, The Meters, Deep Banana Blackout and Phish, Sister Sparrow is the show to see. One Facebook fan describes them as "a cross between Amy Winehouse and Tina Turner with Mick Jagger and a dose of the Squirrel Nut Zippers?"

Glide Magazine gushes, "The lead off track "Untie my Shoelaces" carries a swank strut and smooth guitar swing from Sasha Brown. Kincheloe's voice immediately jumps out front with a sexy, smoky vibe that belies her young age and will bring the boys up front all night long. Horn accents provide faultless fits and starts of melody both propelling the music forward and offering precise counterpoint to the bass and vocals. When backup vocals swerve in at the end, the bootays will shake and the lips will smile. This is just fun."

Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds

Date: Friday, Jan. 27
Doors: 7:00 PM
Show: 7:30 PM
Venue: StageOne 70 Sanford St., Fairfield, CT 06824
Tickets: $12 Buy tickets: Box Office: 203.259.1036 or buy online: www.fairfieldtheatre.org

FTC on the Horizon: Upcoming Shows to Watch Out For

Thu., Jan. 26 @ StageOne: The Malone Brothers – A collaboration of artists from The Radiators and The Subdudes
Sat., Jan. 28 @ StageOne: The English Beat – Punk reggae/ska masters
Sat., Feb. 4 @ StageOne: Christopher Robin Band – Fairfield's southern rocker with tales of pain, love and truth

Winter Carnival Hi-Jinks in Salisbury CT Jan. 28 and 29

A new Winter Carnival Weekend January 28th and 29th will be a festive prelude to the annual Jumpfest Ski Jumping Championships in Salisbury, the town in Connecticut's Litchfield Hills that has been a mecca for ski jumping for nearly a century.

The Carnival Weekend highlight will be a wacky Gelande Jumping Exhibition, from 5 pm – 7 pm on Jan. 28th and from 11 am – 2 pm on Sun., Jan. 29. This event, also known as "Alpine Skiing" is where skiers burdened with downhill equipment try to emulate the ski jumpers who will soon be showing for real what it takes to excel at this challenging sport.

Another new event debuting during Winter Carnival will be the Human Dogsled Race that will feature five people pulling a sixth on a sled over a .5 k course. The race will be held around 2 pm on Sunday after the Gelande Jumping event ends. In addition, activities for youngsters such as ice carving and the Children's Ski Jumping Meet from 1pm – 3 pm have been planned.

Admission to all events is $10 for adults, children 12 years old and under free. For happy viewing, the Association recommends that spectators dress warmly in lots of layers. Satre Hill is on Indian Cave Road, off Route 44 in Salisbury. Signs in the center of Salisbury point the way to ample free parking. For up to the minute information, please visit: http://www.jumpfest.org. For dining and lodging information visit www.litchfieldhills.com.

About SWSA

A Salisbury Connecticut tradition for 80 years, this all-volunteer organization has fostered the exhilarating sport of ski jumping among all ages and generations. SWSA continues to improve its snowmaking capabilities, ensuring that the Eastern National Ski Jumping Championships will remain an annual event in Salisbury, CT.

Charlie Hewitt Cut & Printed at the Center for Contemporary Crafts Jan 22- March 12

The Center for Contemporary Crafts in Norwalk CT has announced a new exhibit that will be on view from January 22 to March 12, 2012. The name of the exhibit is Charlie Hewitt: Cut and Printed, Recent Color Woodcuts. The opening reception is on Sunday, January 22 from 2 PM to 5 PM.

Charlie Hewitt is a printmaker, painter and sculptor, who has taught extensively since 1986 at schools including Dartmouth College and Fordham University. He has had many solo exhibitions and has his work in major private and public collections including the Museum of Modern Art, The Whitney Museum of Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Brooklyn Museum, the New York Public Library, The Library of Congress and the Portland Museum of Art.

In addition to the exhibition, Charlie Hewitt will be leading a workshop, "Wet-On Wet Woodcut Intensive", with Master Printer David Wolfe from February 17th – 19th at the studios located at the Center for Contemporary Crafts. They will co-teach this workshop in multi-colored woodcut and relief printing methods. Students cut and print using a wet-on-wet ink process that produces a spontaneous, immediate print. The workshop concentrates on creating unique print variations by working with a variety of cutting and inking techniques. Participants need to bring their own tools if they have them. Tools will also be available for those that do not own them. To register please visit the website at www.contemprints.org, or call 203-899-7999.

Two additional workshops are offered in January. Mezzotint with Carol Wax is offered from Jan. 27 through Jan. 29 from 10 AM – 4 PM. This worshop features direct, non-toxic engraving with the resulting luminous prints with rich tones and dramatic lighting effects. Participants will learn the most efficient way to prepare a mezzotint ground, proper care and handling of tools, image making and printing techniques, alternative grounding methods (no rocking!), use of mezzotint with other intaglio techniques, color printing, registration methods, cool tricks and more.

There is also a 6-week evening workshop on Carborundum aquatint that takes place on Wednesdays, from January 18 through February 21. The workshop includes 6 hours of studio time per week, during the workshop session.

Carborundum aquatint is a painterly intaglio technique in which the artist paints directly on a Plexiglas plate with a mixture of carborundum grit and acrylic medium. When dry, the plate is inked and wiped as an etching. Using a variety of sizes of grit, a printmaker can achieve a wide range of tones. Participants will also explore multiple plate registration methods and printing in color.

The Center for Contemporary Printmaking is located in Mathews Park, 299 West Avenue Norwalk, CT 06850 203.899.799. The website is www.contemprints.org.

Stay on Route 6: The Best Unique, Iconic, and Fun Company Towns in ...

Stay on Route 6: The Best Unique, Iconic, and Fun Company Towns in ...: Drive all 3,652 miles of cross-country US Route 6, and you'll discover the ideas and products that made our country great.  From a "Johnny ...

Quassy’s New Roller Coaster Named Attraction Of The Year

Quassy Amusement Park’s “Wooden Warrior” roller coaster has been named Attraction of the Year in a poll conducted by the theme park enthusiasts’ Web site Behind The Thrills.In making the announcement today, Racheal and Erik Yates, who operate the popular site, said the “Wooden Warrior” has been a huge success for Quassy, a small family-owned park in Middlebury, Conn.

“We’re absolutely delighted by the news,” said Quassy President Eric Anderson. “We were up against some other fantastic attractions from throughout the world.”

Attraction of the Year was a new category added to a list of 10 awards presented by Behind The Thrills. Nominations for this distinguished award were submitted by readers.

“We received over a hundred different attractions (nominations) from parks all over the world,” the Yates said in announcing the honors. “Not all of the attractions were new. In fact, a lot of the new attractions barely made our top 30 to be placed on the ballot.”

Roller coasters, dark rides and some classic attractions at large theme parks were among the nominations.

The Yates went on to say: “The little roller coaster (“Wooden Warrior”) stood up against an army of bigger, meaner, more technologically advanced rides and came out victorious!”

Quassy’s new coaster captured 35 percent of the vote with * “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” TM, at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure, coming in second with 12 percent of the tally. “The Voyage” roller coaster at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Ind., placed third in the voting.

The “Wooden Warrior” has received praise from coaster and theme park enthusiasts since opening last April.

“The ride speaks for itself,” noted George Frantzis, a Quassy owner. “It’s a small ride that offers a fantastic experience for its size. We’ve been told that time and again by our guests and coaster experts who have traveled great distances to ride it.”

The 1,250-foot ride was designed by The Gravity Group of Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the first “junior coaster” in the firm’s portfolio. In addition, Quassy selected The Gravity Group’s sister firm, Gravitykraft, to provide its state-of-the-art Timberliner train for the ride. The “Wooden Warrior” is the first new coaster in the United States to feature the sleek train.

“The resulting ride is fast, smooth and a lot of punch for a little coaster,” the Yates said in their award statement.

Quassy Amusement Park will open its 104th season on April 28. For more information visit www.quassy.com.

Also, visit these related Web sites: www.behindthethrills.com and www.thegravitygroup.com.

Weir Was here – Secret Rooms, Doors and Windows Now On Exhibit Through May 31, 2012

Weir Farm National Historic Site commissioned New York photographer and former Artist-in-Residence Xiomáro to create a photographic record of the interiors of the Weir House, Weir Studio, and Young Studio. The results of this photo expedition comprises the current show that is on view in the Burlingham House Visitor Center. The Center is open on Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., now through March 31, 2012 and from April 1st through May 31st, from Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

All three buildings are currently empty allowing Xiomáro the chance to focus on the details of these spaces — features that might otherwise go unnoticed in a fully furnished setting. This is the first artistic collection of photographs of the building interiors in the site’s history, and captures the beauty and texture of these intimate spaces. “There is a mystery and secrecy to these relatively empty spaces,” Xiomáro explained, noting how “the same eyes and hands that created works of Impressionism also unlocked these doors and opened the shutters to take in the inspiring landscape framed by the windows.”

The selection of the images that comprise the new exhibit titled “Weir Was Here – Secret Rooms, Doors, and Windows”, offers visitors a small glimpse into the historic structures of Weir Farm while they remain closed to the public.

A special highlight of this show will be five gallery talks presented by Xiomáro from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm on January 7, February 5, March 4, April 1 and May 6. There is no fee to participate in the gallery talks, but registration is required. For more information on the exhibit, or to register for one of the gallery talks, please call (203) 834-1896 x12.

To learn more about Xiomáro and his photography, visit www.xiomaro.com.

About Weir Farm National Historic Site

Weir Farm National Historic Site was home to three generations of American artists. Julian Alden Weir, a leading figure in American art and the development of American Impressionism, acquired the farm in 1882. After Weir, the artistic legacy was continued by his daughter, painter Dorothy Weir Young and her husband, sculptor Mahonri Young, followed by New England painters Sperry and Doris Andrews. Today, the 60-acre farm, which includes the Weir House, Weir and Young Studios, barns, gardens, and Weir Pond, is one of the nation’s finest remaining landscapes of American art. For more information about Weir Farm National Historic Site, please visit www.nps.gov/wefa or call (203)834-1896.

Woodbury CT’s New Morning Natural and Organic Store Announces their January Class Schedule

New Morning Market announces their schedule of free classes for January, to be held at the Woodbury Public Library. Classes support living a natural lifestyle are open to the public, however registration is required due to space limitations. Registration can be done online at www.newmorn.com, by calling Julie at 203-263-0673 ext. 317, or in person by stopping into the store in Woodbury.

On Tuesday January 17, 2012 from 5:30 to 6:30pm at the Woodbury Library the focus will be on The Art of Tea Blending and the presenter will be Alison Birks MS, AHG, CNS. This class will cover the basics of how to create a signature tea blend for well-being. Participants will learn about the many varieties of tea, including: green, black, white, rooibos, honeybush, tulsi and several herbal tisanes. Everyone will take home one-ounce of a unique signature blend that they create in class. The many health benefits of tea will be discussed as well as how to use tea and herbal infusions in cooking, body care and more! This class is free. www.newmorn.com

On Tuesday January 24, 2012 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Woodbury Library the subject will be Improving Your Mood with Natural Medicine, presented by Dr. Shawn Carney ND. Did you know that an estimated 15% of people will experience depression at some point in their lives? Join Dr. Shawn M. Carney, a naturopathic physician at Northeast Natural Medicine, LLC, for this informative talk on effective ways of improving your mood with Natural Medicine. He will review how dietary and lifestyle changes can improve mood. He will also discuss scientific research supporting the use of herbal therapies or nutritional supplements for patients with mild to moderate depression. This session is free. www.northeastnatmed.com.

To end the month, on Tuesday January 31, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the Woodbury Library the discussion will focus on “Inspiring U!”, and will be led by Yota Schneider a Life Transitions Coach. Think about it — we are in a brand new year, full of new beginnings and a sense of infinite possibilities! Are you ready? This session suggests that right now is the perfect time to reflect, renew and recommit to living your life to the fullest. In this interactive workshop with Yota Schneider you can explore and discover or reconnect with what makes your heart sing. This event is free. www.openforsuccess.com

First Night Danbury -- Just Around the Corner!

This year, First Night Danbury enters its 22nd year as the city’s popular family friendly, alcohol free New Year’s Eve celebration, its “Looking Up & Moving Forward.” That’s this year’s theme, a nod to the fest’s venerable history and to the Danbury Main Street Partnership, for which First Night serves as a year-end acknowledgement of the ongoing excitement of what’s happening downtown.

Buttons, providing entry to all events, are $7.50 and may be purchased at City Center Danbury http://citycenterdanbury.com and at various local outlets http://www.firstnightdanbury.org/buttons. Groups of 20 or more may purchase buttons at $5.00 each at the CityCenter offices until 8:00PM on Friday, December 30th. Phone: 203-792-1711 for details.

The City swings into action on December 31 with its popular Run into New Year 5 K race that begins at 3:00 PM on the Danbury Green. Runners sprint down Main Street, through Rogers Park and back to City Center where the race began. There aren’t any water spotters, so make sure you are hydrated before you start your run on this fairly flat course.

The entry fee is $20 through December 30th, and $25 on Race Day. Register on active.com through Friday, December 30th. Or, register on Race Day from 1:30 to 2:30 pm at the Danbury Arena, 1 Independence Way, adjacent to the Green. There you can also pick up your Race packets and a First Night Danbury button to provide entrance to this year’s entertainments. All pre-registered runners will receive a 5K commemorative T-shirt. Overall Winners will receive trophies, and medals will be awarded to Winners in their Age Groups.

The fun continues throughout the afternoon with stilt walkers, giant puppets, storytellers, comic opera, gospel singing, Chinese puppet theatre, salsa dance classes, and much more, ending with a Grand Finale at 7:30 pm on Library Plaza. The centerpiece of the event, a vaudeville at the 1928 Palace Theatre http://thepalacedanbury.com features the Airborne Jugglers, that lets audience members steal the show; Boston funny man Peter Gross, whose interactive comedy has entertained visitors far and wide; and Israel’s Natalia Paruz, “The Saw Lady,” who has presented her contemporary vaudeville with major symphony orchestras worldwide.

Another highlight of First Night is being served up by the Danbury Museum and Historical Society. Colonial Dance Master, Fran Hendrickson offers family fun at the Danbury Museum and Historical Society www.danburymuseum.org. by explaining colonial dancing, music and history from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This is a participatory activity and all are welcome to come in costume. This event is free and open to the public.

The historic Rider House, owned by the Danbury Historical Society and located in the heart of Danbury on 43 Main Street will provide the setting for a traditional, colonial meal. Dinner will include Butternut, Parsnip & Pear Soup, White Bean & Turkey Stew with Root Vegetables; Corn Bread and Indian pudding. The historical society will also offer a vegetarian version of this colonial feast.

The cost of the dinner is $15/adult and $10/child but will be discounted if you present a First Night Button to $10/adult and $6/child. First Night Buttons are now available for sale in the museum gift shop. Dinner will be served on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are recommended and can be made by emailing info@danburymuseum.org or calling 203.743.5200.

First Night Danbury concludes with fireworks at 8:30 p.m. For a complete list of venues and events visit http://citycenterdanbury.com.

Guided Tours of the Hotchkiss Fyler House through Dec. 30

The elegant Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum, 192 Main Street, opened its doors to holiday visitors on Saturday, December 10, 2011. Tours will continue through December 30, 2011. The Hotchkiss- Fyler House was built in 1900 and was home to two generations of the family for more than half a century. THe home remains furnished as it was in 1956 when occupied by Gertrude Hotchkiss, daughter of Orsamus and Mary Fyler.

Christmas at the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum features turn-of-the-century holiday decorations and lavish displays of greenery and flowers. Exquisite floral arrangements are provided by the Garden Committee of the Torrington Historical Society and by local horticulturalist Gwenthye b.Harvey.

The dining room table is set for a Christmas dinner with fine china, crystal, silverware, and linens that belonged to Gertrude Fyler Hotchkiss. A number of trees are displayed in the house, including a table-top tree in the Sunroom which is decorated with late-19th and early 20th century ornaments on loan from a private collector and a full-size tree in the Reception Room that is covered in handmade Victorian-style ornaments and vintage ornaments from the Society’s collection. Antique toys, also from the Society’s collection, are displayed beneath the Reception Room tree. This year visitors will find decorations and displays throughout the house that feature birds and feathers, a tribute to Mrs. Hotchkiss’ love of animals and nature.

Guided House Tours are offered Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m., tours are on the half hour, the last last tour is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.. Admission is $7 for adults, free for members and children under age 12. The house is closed on Mondays and will be closed on December 24th and December 25th.

An evening tour is scheduled for December 20th at 7 pm. Participants will be treated to a special tour of the House Museum decorated for the holiday season with wreaths, Christmas trees, garlands and flower arrangements. The Hotchkiss-Fyler House at night is a beautiful sight with candles glowing and a fire in the library fireplace. The museum never looks so magical as it does at night during this time of year.

After touring the museum visitors will be escorted to the Carriage House for coffee and dessert. The walls of the Carriage House Gallery display historic photographs of Downtown Torrington. The event will conclude at about 8:30 p.m..

Tickets for this special fundraising event are $20 per person ($15 for members of the Historical Society). Space is limited to about 25 people and reservations are required. To make a reservation call the Historical Society at 860-482-8260 or email at torringtonhistorical@snet.net. For more information about the Hotchkiss Fyler House visit www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org

Unique Holiday Gift Ideas

The countdown to the holidays has begun! If you are trying to think of some off-the-beaten-track gift ideas, for special friends and family, below you will find a list of suggestions. So, if you are looking for a unique gift, you might want to check out the following institutions that work hard all year round to make our lives more culturally fulfilling.

The Fairfield Museum and History Center www.fairfieldhistory.org Gift Shop can be the ideal spot to find all of the gifts on one's list or special last-minute treasures. The shop, which will be opened until 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, offers a range of unusual Christmas ornaments and stocking stuffers along with jewelry, books, note cards and a host of children's gifts. If you want to buy local, Fairfield artisans and jewelry manufacturers have created about 25% of the inventory. Museum members have already received a 20 percent discount card through the mail and non-members visiting the shop can still pick up a 20 percent discount card. All shop proceeds support the Museum's exhibitions and education programs and new members receive a 10 percent discount.

The Westport Historical Society www.westporthistory.org offers a wonderful range of products including beautifully framed pictures, Westport dish towels, glass blown ornaments, jewelry, sweatshirts, books, mugs, stationary, postcards, and a new Westport calendar for 2012. Best of all there is no tax on anything you buy! The shop is open 10 to 4 Mon.- Fri. and Sat. noon to 4.

The New England Carousel Museum www.thecarouselmuseum.org in Bristol offers a whimsical selection of carousel themed pieces, woodcarvings, books, Victorian gifts, jewelry, quilts, prints, and paintings. They even offer full size reproduction hand carved carousel pieces! The gift shop is open during Carousel Museum hours, Monday thru Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm. The Museum is located at 95 Riverside Avenue in Bristol, 860-585-5411.

The Bruce Museum www.brucemuseum.org in Greenwich is offers a unique blend of gift ideas from science kits for young experimenters and Josh Simpson contemporary glass planets, an other-worldly gift; to Jewelry from the sublime to the whimsical and Geode bookends for literature lovers. The gift of membership to The Bruce Museum is 50% off. Holiday shopping hours are: Tues. – Sat., 10 am – 4:30 pm, Sunday, 1 pm – 4:30 pm, and Mon., Dec. 19, 10 am – 12 noon.

The Bartlett Arboretum on 151 Brookdale Rd. Stamford www.bartlettarboretum.org is offering a stunning four season calendar that features beautiful images from the photography club of lower Fairfield County as well as a number of gift certificates that can be used for classes, events, plant sales and in the gift shop. A give one and get one free family membership to the Bartlett is being offered through 12/31/11 (please note, limit one per customer). This is a great way to save 50% and give a gift that will be treasured throughout the year.

If you are looking for original artwork, stop in at the Greenwich Historical Society's Storehouse Gallery Shop www.hstg.org that is hosting a sale of works by 2011′s Greenwich Community artists through January 25, 2012. Art in a variety of media from paintings to photography to sculpture will be on sale and may be taken as soon as it is purchased. Fresh works will replace the pieces that are sold throughout the holiday shopping season. Buy one of these beautiful creations as a gift, and you'll not only be able to bestow something totally unique, you'll support the Historical Society as well.

For racing fans, Lime Rock Park, the Road Racing Center of the East in Lime Rock CT is offering a holiday 15% discount for 2012 events at the Park through Dec. 31! By ordering online www.Tickets.limerock.com or by calling 860.435.5000, you can save 15% on all General Admission tickets for 2012. If you purchase Lime Rock Park tickets and Season Passes before December 31 you won't have to pay the new 10% surcharge.

Just in case it's fallen off your radar screen, starting January 1, 2012, the state of Connecticut requires most entertainment venues, including Connecticut's race tracks, to collect a 10% Admissions Tax on tickets, whether purchased in advance or at the gate.

Happy Shopping!

Lime Rock Park’s Christmas Holiday Discount Ticket Sale is Underway!

Lime Rock Park, the Road Racing Center of the East is offering special discounts for 2012 this holiday season! By ordering online (http://tickets.limerock.com) or over the phone (860.435.5000), you can save 15% on all General Admission tickets for 2012.

You can even buy a 2012 Season Pass, which gets you into the track every day of every major event. That's 12 days of admission, plus three SCCA Race Days, PLUS Premium Parking, for just $230. (That's a $156 savings compared to the gate weekend ticket prices!) Doesn't that sound like a great Holiday Gift? If you are undecided, you can even purchase a Lime Rock Park gift certificate in any dollar amount.

If you are looking for something really unique and unusual for the person that has everything... then you might want to consider two of Lime Rock Park's "high-end" offerings!

Do you know someone on your shopping list who's been dying to drive on Lime Rock Park's famous track? Why not surprise that person with a BYOC Track Day, courtesy of the private Lime Rock Drivers Club. BYOC? That's "Bring Your Own Car!" Yes, for $995, you get a gift certificate for four hours of track time, driving your car, coached the whole time by a racing driver/instructor. Lime Rock will provide a wonderful lunch and will even provide the helmet. If you have a "car nut" that you're buying a Christmas present for, this tops the list.

Another option is to make someone a member of the aptly named "Insider's Club". For every race day of every major event, Insider's Club members get the VIP treatment in the beautiful Lime Rock Chalet, near the top of the Infield Spectator Hill. "Insiders" get wonderful catered food beautifully presented by Lime Rock's own chefs, terrific personal service, souvenir programs, VIP Parking... and even the chance to get to know some of the more famous Insider's Club members such as Sam Posey and John Fitch. Only a small, limited number of Insider's Club memberships are available every year at $975, so if this sounds appealing, call soon. This will be a gift that will be appreciated all year long!

Looking ahead to 2012 Lime Rock has already scheduled the following events:

May 25-27- * Sports Car Championships (main event Trans-Am) & Royals Car Show

July 6-7- (no Monday races) * American Le Mans Series (ALMS) Northeast Grand Prix

July 21- Ferrari Challenge

Aug. 31 – Sept. 3- Historic Festival 30 & Sunday in the Park Concours

September 28-29 - * Grand-Am Rolex Championship Finale