Celebrate the Holiday Season @ Lockwood Mathews Mansion

On Sunday, December 11, 2016, 12-4  p.m. at 295 West Ave., Norwalk, CT the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will collaborate with the Norwalk Public Library, New Canaan Dance Academy, Matthew Surapine Studio, and North Pole’s Santa Claus to create a festive event and several hours of entertainment for people of all ages.

Visitors will have an opportunity to view the exhibit, Holiday Splendor at the Mansion: Christmas and New Year’s Celebrations, enjoy music and dance surrounded by the glittering lights and beautiful displays throughout the first floor, and stop by the Mansion’s Café, featuring complimentary refreshments served by the Mansion’s costumed interpreters courtesy of Stew Leonard’s.

The event begins with a  Special Reading  from 12 noon to 12:30 p.m. Children of all ages are welcome to the festively adorned Mansion Rotunda, where white and colored snowflakes will be the background for a special holiday reading offered by the Norwalk Public Library.

 At 12:30 Santa Claus with Reindeer  and his  loyal reindeer will make their way into the Music Room.  Santa will spend a full hour greeting children and hearing their Christmas wishes before they head back to the North Pole for their big night.

New Canaan Dance Academy  takes center stage from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.  This performance celebrates the Mansions 50^th Anniversary at the Holiday Open House with an exciting dance performance by New Canaan Dance Academy, one of the most dynamic and talented dance schools in Fairfield County. In September, NCDA students were chosen to be the Madison Square Garden back up dancers at the half -time show of the WNBA Liberty game with Laura Marano; they will also be performing at the NBA game on March 5, 2017. At the Holiday Open House, NCDA will be performing a mix of Hip-Hop, Jazz, Tap, and Lyrical dance performances. NCDA was founded in 2001 by Elaine Young.

Matthew Surapine Studio will  perform a selection of holiday favorites, ranging from classical masterpieces to music from the Great American Songbook from 3 pm to 3:45 pm.  Mr. Surapine, a nationally acclaimed opera singer who has been welcomed at major opera houses across the United States, including the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Opera, to name a few, will see one of his students perform at Carnegie Hall in the spring of 2017 as part of the All High School Voice Festival. 

For more information on schedules and programs please visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, e-mail info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call 203-838-9799.  To sign up for a monthly newsletter on travel tips for Fairfield County and Litchfield Hills visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Holly Jolly Saturday! in Wilton!

What could be more in-the-holiday-spirit than a chance to confide in Santa, see chuffing trains run, savor the scent of cloves and gingerbread, have an heirloom-quality silhouette portrait made, and find one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends? Saturday, December 10 is a Holly Jolly day at the Wilton Historical Society, with something for everyone.  From 11:00 – 2:00 Santa will be visiting! Workshops in pomander-making and gingerbread cookie decorating will be open for drop-in fun from 11:00 – 2:00 in the 1860 Abbott Barn.  Silhouette artist Debbie O’Connor will be creating her amazing portraits in miniature, (12:00 – 4:00) and offering them by appointment; call 203-762-7257 to reserve a booking now.

The Great Trains Holiday Exhibit: An Interactive Wonderland will be open from 10:00 – 4:00. Dressed for the holidays, the Society’s historic 18th and 19th century buildings have been transformed into a train-lovers delight with eight different train layouts winding through tiny towns with many different kinds of buildings, tunnels, cable cars, and two working Ferris Wheels. The interactive display enchants visitors of all ages with lots of buttons to push and knowledgeable “train engineers” on hand to “talk trains”.  In a special train play room for the youngest guests, there are buttons galore to push, plus Thomas the Tank Engine and a Brio set for hands-on fun.

The Betts Store museum shop, which is freshly stocked and brimming with an eclectic mix of beautifully hand-made items, many made locally, is a “best bet” stop for great gifts.  Admission to the Great Trains Holiday Exhibit: An Interactive Wonderland: Free for all children and Members, $10 per adult Non-member.  Holiday Workshops -- includes both pomander making and gingerbread men cookie decorating -- are $5.00 per person.   

The Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road/Rt 7, Wilton, CT  06898   203-762-7257 www.wiltonhistorical.org

Holiday Juried Art Show and Sale @ Sharon Historical Society

Once again this year the Sharon Historical Society located on 18 Main Street in Sharon has put together the popular "What's the Big Idea 2?", a juried exhibition and sale of small scale artworks in varied mediums by local artists. This show runs through December 16.

Just in time for the holidays, the show is once again juried and judged by Sharon residents Carl Chaiet and Lynn Kearcher, creators of the Earnest and Telford series of children's books. Cash prizes of $100, $75, and $50 will be awarded opening night to three works selected by the judges. In addition, guests who attend the show's opening will have the opportunity to select their favorite work of art which will receive the "SHS Crowd Pleaser" award. The wine and hors d'oeuvres reception and awards presentation to which the public is invited free of charge will be held on Saturday, November 5 from 5:00 to 7:00PM. All purchases support the Sharon Historical Society & Museum's mission.

Carl Chaiet was born in New York City and grew up in Mt. Vernon, NY. He attended Hunter College as an undergraduate, Lehman College for graduate work, and completed his doctorate in Aesthetics at New York University. Chaiet taught painting and drawing in the New York public school system for many years. As an artist he worked in a variety of mediums from the 1970s through the 1990s, primarily sculpture and painting, before teaming up with his wife, Lynn Kearcher, to create their book series. His work has been exhibited throughout the Northeast.

Lynn Kearcher is a Sharon native who was raised to love restaurants. Her father owned The Woodland Restaurant in Lakeville. As a teenager she took cooking classes with James Beard in New York and later attended schools in California, New York and London. While living in New York she was a lifestyle editor for GQ magazine and a senior editor for Penthouse magazine, writing articles about food, wine and men's fashion. Kearcher was very involved with The Gallery @the SHS in its early days and currently works with artist Jasper Johns.

The Gallery @the SHS is located at the Sharon Historical Society & Museum, 18 Main Street, Route 41, Sharon, CT. The Gallery and Museum are open Wednesday through Friday from 12-4, Saturday from 1-5 and by appointment. For more information and directions to The Gallery @the SHS, call (860) 364-5688. For additional information about the Sharon Historical Society & Museum and The Gallery @the SHS, visit www.sharonhist.org.  To sign up for our monthly newsletter visit the homepage of www.litchfieldhills.com

Frosty and Friends @ Beardsley Zoo!

Frosty the Snowman was a popular song written in 1950 and became an overnight classic by being adapted to a popular television special. The song of Frosty recounts the fictional tale of a snowman that is magically brought to life through a black top hat that a group of children place atop his head. Although Frosty enjoys frolicking and romping throughout town with the children who constructed him, the sun becomes too much for him to bear and Frosty is forced to leave town, promising his friends that he will return.

On December 10 & 11, 17 & 18, and 12/24: The Beardsley Zoo is getting into the holiday spirit by offering a special "Breakfast with Frosty & Friends" that will take place from, 9 a.m. - 10 am. Families are invited to join Frosty and his friends for breakfast at Connecticut's only Zoo. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Amanda Bolanos at (203) 394-6574. The cost of this special event that includes Zoo admission and breakfast is $10 per person for Zoo members and $15 per person for non-members.

ZOO GIFT GIVING IDEAS:
As the holidays are approaching fast if you are looking for something unique you might consider picking up an unusual and thoughtful gift from the Beardsley Zoo for everyone on your list!

Membership to Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo for example can be enjoyed year-round. Your loved one gets free admission to the Zoo and free or discounted admission to over 150 zoos and aquariums nationwide. Membership also includes ZooBucks, carousel rides & guest passes! Contact Amanda Bolanos at 203-394-6574 for more information.

If you are looking for a more permanent gift, consider purchasing and engraving a Zoo Brick for someone special. Bricks will be displayed at the Zoo's Front Gate for all to see! Contact Emily Bobowick at 203-394-6569 for more information.

If you have a real animal lover on your list, consider a gift of Animal Sponsorship. With this gift, you will receive a Sponsorship Certificate, Fact Sheet & Photograph of your sponsored animal that you can visit at the Zoo.

If you are seeking something different, don't forget to check out the gift shop at the Zoo. The Beardsley Zoo's fabulous gift shop offers everything from children's games and handmade jewelry to clothing and animal-themed Christmas ornaments. You'll be amazed at the wide selection of gifts for him and her and for the little ones, too!

Give a Zoo Birthday Party -- Party like an animal and make your loved one's wishes come true by gifting a party at the Zoo! Connecticut's only zoo is available on Saturdays and Sundays year round for birthday parties. Make a lasting impression with a

Zoo animal guest, a critter craft, and a ride on our colorful carousel! Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is a fun and exciting place for any child's birthday party. To learn more, call (203) 332 4243 or email lisner@beardsleyzoo.org for more information!

To sign up for a monthly newsletter on what to see and do in Litchfield Hills and Fairfield County www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

About Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo celebrates its 90th birthday in 2012 and is closer than you think! Connecticut's only zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won't want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers, Brazilian ocelot, Red wolves, and Golden Lion tamarins. Other highlights include our 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 Grasslands 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 our colorful carousel. For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.org

Holiday Lunch and Boutique @ Keeler Tavern

Ridgefield's Christmas Luncheons and Holiday Boutique at the historic Keeler Tavern Museum have become a holiday tradition. Keeler Tavern is located in the heart of Ridgefield on 132 Main Street.

Guests dine in the festively decorated Garden House overlooking the brick walled Garden designed by American architect Cass Gilbert which is lovely, even in December and especially with a dusting of light snow.  The luncheons will be held this year from Tuesday, December 6th to Saturday, December 10th.

There will be two seating's each day at 11:30 AM and 1:15 PM. The cost will be $25 per person by prepaid reservation. Guests will be invited to visit the seasonally decorated rooms of the Tavern Building.

If making a reservation for more than one person, please list the names of other members of your group. Reservations and payment may be made securely on line at keelertavernmuseum.org or by calling the Museum and paying by charge card or by mailing a check directly to the Keeler Tavern Museum. For further information or the menu to be served call the Museum at 203-438-5485.

Holiday Boutique

The Holiday Boutique in the Gilbert Dining Room and Museum Gift Shop will be overflowing with gifts for everyone and every occasion. A new selection of Christmas ornaments, unique decorations of the season, gifts for children and adults will fill the area.  These unusual gifts will make filling your gift giving needs easy.  The gift shop will be open from 10:30 AM to 4 PM November 28 through December 21, 2016. In addition it will be open Sunday, December 9th from 1 PM - 4 PM. During these days, talented crafters will bring products that will enrich the variety of gifts available. And, don't forget to buy a gift for yourself.

 To sign up for a monthly newsletter on Litchfield Hills and Fairfield County www.litchfieldhills.com

Twiggy exhibition @ Lockwood Mathews Mansion

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, in collaboration with The Westport Artist Collective, will present The Westport Artist Collective Explores the Revolutionary Sixties, a group exhibition opening to the public through January 8, 2017, with a reception on Oct. 27, 2016, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 295 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT. The 1960s were fraught with change. The artwork in this exhibition reflects a multitude of changes as societal norms evolved, and whereby art became the experimental voice for many for whom words were not possible. 

The artists invited to exhibit include: Bevi Bullwinkel, Miggs Burroughs, Trace Burroughs, Linn Cassetta, Daisy Dodge, Mary Harold, Kerry Heftman, Niki Ketchman, Diane Pollack, Steve Parton, Maryellen Hendricks,, Lynn Poppat, Marlene Siff, Barbara Ringer, Barbara Ringer, Lisa Silberman, Katherine Ross, Binnie Birstein, and Florence Zolan.

One of the artists, Trace Burroughs has sold over 300 abstract paintings, one of which was accepted into the Westport Permanent Art Collection, featuring works by local and international artists including Picasso, Matisse, Calder, and others. During his various incarnations as a national game show contestant, rock drummer, animator, announcer for Nickelodeon, and Guiness Book of World Records holder, Trace has enjoyed national acclaim, and many TV appearances, including an interview with David Frost.

Another artist, Daisy Dodge, Dodge graduated from the Columbus College of Art & Design in Columbus Ohio with a BFA in Advertising Design, with Illustration & Printmaking focus. She loves to take common objects and present them in an uncommon way. Although her method is consistent, the results vary greatly as the process continues to grow and morph as a natural occurrence of repetition. Relying on "a combination of technical precision and happy accident," each painting forms its own personality through the process of its creation

The exhibit will be on view as part of LMMM's tours, Wed.-Sun. at noon, 1, 2, and 3 p.m. General Admission: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $6 for children and young adults, ages 8-18. The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark. For more information on schedules and programs please visit: www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, e-mail info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call 203-838-9799.

For more area information and to sign up for our monthly newsletter www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Wreath Festival @ Woodcock Nature Center

Wreaths are considered to be iconic symbols of the season by many people. At the Woodcock Nature Center in Wilton a series of "Celebrate and Decorate Nights" for wreath making are being offered this year on Tuesday – Friday, November 29 – 2nd, December 6-9  and Dec. 13th – 14th with two sessions each night at 6:30-8:15 pm OR 8:30-10:15 pm.

All you have to do is to gather a group of friends for 1.5 hours of decorating, preceded or followed by socializing in the Center's warm and cozy pavilion. Relax in front of the fireplace! Bring your finest delectables and libations! Using a wonderful array of natural dried flowers, grasses, nuts, fruits, berries and cones, you will leave with an incredible balsam fir holiday wreath. All materials are included in this Ladies-Night-Out event, the proceeds from which benefit the Woodcock Nature Center.

The cost for this fundraising event is $65 per person. Your ticket includes a 22" balsam wreath (outer diameter), all decorating materials and an experiential festive evening among friends. Celebrate & Decorate Nights are 21 years of age and over. Advance ticket purchase is required and tickets are non-refundable. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED and is not refundable for this fundraising event. Registration is only available online at http://www.woodcocknaturecenter.org/wreathfestival.

The Woodcock Nature Center is also offering two family days of wreath making on December 3 and 10 from Noon-4pm. Family Days are open house, so come anytime (plan to arrive no later than 3 pm). The cost is $45 per wreath with an additional $10 discount on the first wreath for any mom who is also coming to Ladies' Night. No reservations are required (however, if you are planning to come with a large group, please let them know ahead of time so they can plan space and materials accordingly).There will be hot cocoa served!

The Woodcock Nature Center is located on 56 Deer Run Road in Wilton. For more information 203-762-7280.

Thanksgiving Weekend Waddle @ New Canaan Nature Center

The New Canaan Nature Center located on 144 Oenoke Ridge is offering a program on Saturday, November 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. that will help you walk off some of those holiday calories. Grab the entire family (and any lingering holiday visitors too!) and head on down to the New Canaan Nature Center! You won't want to miss this awesome annual event, a long-time favorite for both members & guests.

Join the NCNC Naturalists for a healthy, invigorating Trail Trek to work off that holiday meal. While "waddling" the trails, we'll search for some of nature's most treasured gifts (apple trees, maple trees & honey bees to name a few) and learn why the end of autumn may not be quite as quiet as you may think. In fact, autumn is a busy time of year for many wild animals such as deer, squirrels & birds!

As an extra Thanksgiving bonus, after our hike, you'll also get to enjoy a FREE behind the scenes tour of our Animal Care facilities & Birds of Prey Exhibit - our way of saying "thank you" to the community.

Naturalists will be departing with groups from the Sugar Shack for Trail Treks at 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM (sign up is on a first come, first serve basis with limited spots for each).

This event will take place rain or shine and is a drop in program that is free for members and non-members and promises family fun from one years old to ninety!

For more area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Westport's 30th annual holiday house tour and soiree Dec. 3 & 4

This year marks the 30th Anniversary Holiday House Tour which has become a highly anticipated December tradition for many visitors and residents alike.  This year's holiday house tour is taking place on December 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature six historic houses all built before 1850, in addition to the Adams Academy, Westport's first school.  All the homes and the school will be festooned with festive seasonal décor.

To recognize this special 30th anniversary, each home was carefully selected for its architectural merit and interesting stories. Each house has been preserved to retain its period style facing the street, while the backs have been " blown out" to create kitchens and living spaces that modern families require. Careful attention has also been paid to preserving and recreating authentic dry stack stonewalls.

Some highlights include:

• A major museum-quality restoration of a c. 1760 house in the Kings Highway North Historic District. Its owner will provide fascinating insights into its history and the restoration process.

• A house noted for its seven hearths all of which will be ablaze on the tour day and features a mystery mural in the stairway.

• The former residence of H. Daniel Webster who designed the Minuteman Monument at Compo; an expanded renovation that includes a tavern room;

• The circa 1700 John Platt House documented as one of the oldest houses in Westport

• The Adams Academy, Westport’s one-room schoolhouse.

• A home featured on this tour 25 years ago that is proposed to be part of the newly designated National Register Historic District on Bridge Street. Let's see if anyone recalls it from that tour!

The Soiree will be held at the beautiful Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum, in Norwalk on Saturday, December 3,  from 6 pm -9 pm. On view will be six beautiful homes on the house tour plus the Adams Academy, Westport's first one- room schoolhouse! 

For ticket information visit http://westporthistory.org. To sign up for our monthly newsletter go to www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Kent Champagne Stroll Nov. 25 & 26

Dreaming of holiday shopping , strolling through a quaint New England village while sipping sparkling wine? Well, dream no more and come to Kent's fourth annual Holiday Champagne Stroll. The Stroll is held Friday and Saturday, November 25 and 26, 2016. Pour times are from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm and shops stay open until 8:00 pm for late-night shopping.

Considered the benchmark for all holiday strolls, the town of Kent offers more than 30 shops, serving more than 30 champagnes and bubblies, and presenting more than 30 different promotions and sales. Kent has distinctive shops operated by the owners themselves. You can find everything from stylish clothing, teas and coffees, jewelry to books, birdhouses and outdoor apparel. Stop in at the Covered Wagon Country Store and step back in time.

You'll find old-fashioned snacks and candies and nostalgic home goods in this cute and rustic shop. Black Sheep Yarns, named #1 yarn shop in the state by Connecticut Magazine, is having fabulous markdowns and Annie Bananie Ice Cream has the Stroll Selfie Station! Kent Greenhouse and Gardens will host a roaring fire pit and hot cider.

All shops are pouring champagnes, sparkling wines, hot ciders, and interesting non-alcoholic beverages. Strollers begin by visiting The Swift House, 12 Maple Street, or Kent Kitchen Works, 6 Kent Green Blvd., to check in and purchase a champagne flute and map to use as a guide for the evening.

The map divides the town into four zones. Visit at least three businesses in each zone: get your map stamped and your name will be entered into the drawing for one of three great bottles of champagnes: a Dom Perignon 2004 valued at over $200, a Tattinger Brut Française and a Roederer "Estate" vintage.

As the evening winds down, strollers are invited to stay and enjoy dinner at one of Kent's great restaurants.

Rising Tide: Fairfield's Coast: Past to Future @ Fairfield History Museum and Center

The feature exhibition, Rising Tide: Fairfield's Coast: Past to Future at the Fairfield Museum and History Center located on 370 Beach St. just off the green in Fairfield is on display through February 28, 2017.

This timely exhibition explores the past and future of Fairfield's coast, as rising sea levels are expected to reshape the experience of living in shoreline communities. Rising Tides looks at the history of the coast, from fishing, shipping, and recreation to how residents have dealt with devastating storms in the past. Looking towards the future, explore how rising sea levels are affecting the region and the efforts being made to promote coastal resiliency.

1954 Hurrican

In conjunction with the exhibition, the Museum will host a variety of programs for all ages, including panel discussions, community forums, teacher workshops, family hikes and sailing tours. Program partners include the Town of Fairfield, Soundwaters, Save the Sound, Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), UCONN, CTDEEP, The Nature Conservancy, Common Ground High School and CT Audubon Center.  Visit http://www.fairfieldhistory.org for a complete list of events.

Fairfield Beach, CT, December 1, 2012–This home was one of the seven that collapsed in Fairfield Beach. FEMA is in the area with Hazard Mitigations specialists who are trained in proper rebuilding techniques for coastal homes. Photo by Marilee Caliendo/FEMA