6th Annual Stamford Health, Health Wellness & Sports Expo

The 6th Annual Stamford Health, Health Wellness & Sports Expo 2017 presented by WABC-TV will return to Chelsea Piers Connecticut, 1 Blachley Road, in Stamford, Saturday, October 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, October 22, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

This is the premier health, wellness and sports expo in Connecticut where visitors will find health education provided by Stamford Health, fun activities for children, special guests, plus the latest information, products, services and demos from over 100 exhibitors and much more. Visitors are encouraged to bring nonperishable food for The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County and receive a free raffle ticket or raffle tickets can be purchased for $5 each. Over 100 raffle prizes will be announced throughout the weekend, including two grand prizes: a two-night weekend stay for two at the Stamford Marriott with breakfast and an Agora Spa signature couples massage and a tour for 10 of WABC-TV which includes watching a live broadcast of Eyewitness News at Noon.

All visitors will receive a Passport For Life, provided by Healthcare News, to record their Expo participation. Those who visit 40 exhibits can receive a complimentary day pass to Chelsea Piers Connecticut.

New attractions this year include “Discover Scuba” classes with Capt. Saam’s Scuba School at the Chelsea Piers pool on Sunday, October 22 from noon to 5p.m. There will be four two-hour sessions which will include one hour of instruction on land and the second hour in the pool environment. Equipment will be provided. The cost is $35 per person and participants will also receive a $50 coupon towards future lessons at Capt. Saam’s in Stamford. The class is open to children 10 and over. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.  Contact Capt. Saam’s a 203-327-2822 to register and download the waiver at www.hws-expos.com

Special guests include Gillian Neff of News 12 Connecticut and Billy Blanks Jr. of Shark Tank fame who will conduct his popular Dance It Out fitness class on Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Chelsea Piers Athletic Club. To register for the free class, download the waiver at www.hws-expos.com Visitors can meet additional “As Seen on Shark Tank” wellness entrepreneurs at the Expo’s Shark Tank Health Zone.

Expo 2017’s Healthy Restaurant Sampling Zone will showcase 18 area restaurants and food and beverage exhibitors offering healthy cuisine tastings. This year, Expo 2017 is also introducing The Loft Healthy Seminars, a series of ten 45-minute presentations in a lounge setting on timely food topics such as, the Benefits of Indian, Thai and Mediterranean foods by representatives from The Mumbai Times, Bedford Thai Restaurant and Myrna’s Kitchen; a discussion about organic wines and eco-friendly vineyards with Jeb Fiorita from Val’s Putnam Wines & Liquors; Mindful Eating: How to Stay Present and Enjoy Your Food by Jenna Hourani, RDN, retail dietitian Grade A ShopRite; and Fuel Your Body Naturally: how Rise Brewing Co. is redefining the Energy drink space with Jarrett McGovern of Rise Brewing Co. Visit www.hws-expos.com for updates and schedule information.

There will also be flu shots provided by CVS Health (insurance and/or cash payments accepted) and many interactive exhibits, such as martial arts for kids with EBMAS CT Martial Arts, blood pressure screening by ReCor Medical which is conducting a clinical trial with Stamford Health to reduce blood pressure, essential oil sampling from Young Living, product sampling from the Hemp Lifestyle Network, new health apps from AT&T, an introduction to Sacred Heart University’s new center for healthcare education, health product information from Costco which is donating 1,000 cans to The Food Bank, and more.

Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum Offers Ghostly Fun for Halloween Season

Whether you like tricks or treats for Halloween, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum has a Halloween event for you. The Museum is inviting visitors of all ages to celebrate Halloween by exploring the darker history of this iconic landmark with vampires and ghost tour. All proceeds will benefit the Museum's educational and cultural programs.

Ghostly Sightings Tours October  20, 21,22,27,28 and 29 and run from 5 p.m. to 8 pm. The 5 pm and 5:30 tours are children friendly. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This year the tours will feature a troupe of living history volunteers. The Witches, Vampires, & Ghosts Tours at the Mansion will highlight the history of witchcraft, from colonial times to the Victorian era, the New England Vampire Panic, the darker Mansion history, and real life ghostly sightings.The Ghostly Sightings Tours are $20 per person.

The tours will take place inside the Mansion cloaked in darkness, on the first and second floors, where interpreters, dressed in costume, will lead visitors by candlelight and share the haunting history of Connecticut's witch-hunts and their famed trials. Tours will expose how The New England Vampire Panic began and reveal several ghost sightings that have taken place at the Mansion in the past several decades.

Ghosts, Vampires, and Witches will share center stage with the Mansion's interpreters during these very spooky tours. As doors open and close, rooms are entered and left behind, visitors can expect the unexpected. Ticket buyers beware...visitors may run into a Victorian era witch, vampire, or ghost, but only during these very special and spooky Halloween tours.

About Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark located at 295 West Avenue in Norwalk. Tours are offered Wednesdays through Sundays, at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admittance is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for children. Children under 8 are admitted free. For more information on tours and programs, visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, e-mail info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call 203-838-9799.

Ride a Train to a pumpkin patch

It's the Fall harvest season so what better way to celebrate and welcome in the cooler weather than with a short ride on a vintage train to the Danbury Railway Museums Pumpkin Patch. This popular annual family event will take place on  Saturday, October 14, 21 and 28 and on Sunday, October 15, 22 and 29 s from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with the last train at 3:30 p.m. The train will depart hourly 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm. Admission is $12.00 for ages 2 and over; children under 24 months are free.

This ride includes a free pumpkin for every child plus free cider and cookies.  Kids will ride the vintage train through the railyard
see  the restored 1903 station and rail yard,look at the museum displays and operating layouts.  A highlight is the option to explore inside real trains and to have fun at the coloring station or to get a temporary tattoo.

Visitors will ride the Pumpkin Patch Train through the historic rail yard in a 1920's passenger coach, pulled by a vintage ALCo RS-1 diesel-electric locomotive* to the special pumpkin patch where each child will receive a free pumpkin. 

Of course, the exhibits, artifacts, and multiple operating model train layouts inside the restored 100-year old Danbury station will be open for your education and entertainment. The kids can also enjoy the free activities such as the "coloring station," temporary tattoos, cider & cookies, and more. There is a fully-stocked gift shop on the premises. No reservations are required; the event will be held rain or shine. Children are encouraged to come in costume.

The Danbury Railway Museum is a non-profit organization, staffed solely by volunteers, and is dedicated to the preservation of, and education about, railroad history. The museum is located in the restored 1903 Danbury Station and rail yard at 120 White Street, Danbury, CT and has many artifacts of area railroading on display, including over 70 vintage railroad cars and locomotives. For further information, visit the Web site at http://www.danburyrail.org, or call the museum at 203-778-8337.

Enchanted Forest @ Sharon Audubon and More!

Family fun is in the works at the Sharon Audubon Center the last two weekends in October. A trio of events are "non scary" and geared toward families with children pre-K through 2nd grade.

The Audubon's popular Enchanted Forest will be held on Saturday, October 21. Guided groups will meet friendly costumed animal characters along a candlelit trail and hear how the animals live their lives on the Audubon grounds. After the tour, which lasts approximately 45 minutes, participants can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate inside the Center building before taking a hayride back to the parking area. This non-scary program is ideal for children up to 8 years old and their families. Tours begin every 10-15 minutes between the hours of 6:00 and 7:30 p.m.. Participants should bring an extra flashlight. Admission is $4 per person. Children under 2 are free.

Wild Waterfowl Day is taking place on Saturday, October 28 from 8 am to 12 noon. Fall is one of the best times of year to witness amazing waterfowl migration. Many species come through Litchfield Hills, including Audubon Sharon and surrounding areas and we will have a great opportunity to view these marvelous fliers. We will begin at Audubon Sharon at 8 a.m. and explore a few of the ponds before driving to Bantam Lake, which is a stopover spot for migrating waterfowl. Transportation to Bantam Lake is not guaranteed, but carpooling is likely.

Audubon Kids' Day is taking place on Sunday, October 29 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. This is a fun, autumn afternoon for young children and their families and features carnival-type games, kids' crafts, a petting zoo, a hay bale maze, hay wagon shuttles, professional face painting and glitter tattoos, a large leaf pit for jumping, balloon twisting and good food such as burgers, hot dogs, chili, apple cider and homemade goodies. Children are encouraged to come in costume and join in the costume parade led around the Center grounds. The event is held rain or shine and is ideal for children PreK-3rd grade. Admission.

Waveny Park Then and Now

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Town of New Canaan's acquisition of 300 acres from former resident Ruth Lapham Lloyd, the New Canaan Historical Society is proud to announce Waveny Now and Then.

This lovely park in New Cannan's centerpiece is "the castle" built in 1912 built by William Tubby and that is surrounded by 300 unspoiled acres of land that was landscaped by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. The house was built for Lewis Lapham, one of the founders of Texaco who spent many summers here with his family. The family gave the Town of New Canaan most of the estate land and sold the estate to the town in 1967.

The house was used for exterior shots for the fictional 'Cortlandt Manor' on the soap opera, All My Children for many years; exteriors of the estate were also used in the 2004 remake film, The Stepford Wives.

This art exhibit features drawings, paintings, photographs and sculpture of work inspired by and/or created in Waveny Park. Mark Markiewicz, Torrance York, Antonia Betancourt, Dmitri Wright, Audrey Klotz, Drew Klotz and Jeanna Shepard will have work on display. The art will be for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to the Historical Society. The show will run through December 22.

In connection with this show, Torrance York will give an artist's talk on October 19 at 1:30 p.m. Landscape architect Keith Simpson will give a talk about the original garden plans for Waveny Park and the work he is doing to rebuild the grounds on October 5 at 6 p.m.    

Party like its 1830 in Barkhamsted!

At one time Squire's Tavern built in the 1830s  and located on 100 East River Road in Barkhamsted was one of six taverns in Barkhamsted that serviced travelers on this popular stagecoach route. Today, Squires Tavern is home to the Barkhamsted Historical Society whose goal is to preserve and disseminate the history and culture of the Town of Barkhamsted.

On October 21, beginning at 7 p.m. the Squire's Tavern will once again come alive with music, food, and drinks as the historical society is hosting a "tavern night"!  The tavern will be open for business just like it was in the 1800's and guests are invited to wear period clothes as they join in the fun.  There will be food, drinks, games, and music. There will even be contra dancing in the "Ballroom" after dinner at 8 p.m.

The cost to participate is $10 per person, kids are free. Tickets may be purchased at the Tavern during regular hours (Wed. 9 a.m. - 12 noon and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or call 860-738-1152. The tickets will be limited to 50 so be sure to reserve early.

All Hollow's Eve @ the Glebe House in Woodbury October 24

As the leaves are changing color and the hint of the first frost is in the air get ready to celebrate autumn at the All Hollows Event event hosted by the Glebe House located on Hollow Road in Woodbury on Saturday, October 24. This celebration takes place during the witching hours of 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tours go out every hour. To reserve your time, click here.

Ghosts, goblins, and assorted scary creatures will be on hand along Hollow Road, following a path lit by over 300 luminaries, some of Woodbury's earliest citizens will come back from the dead to lead mystery tours of the nearby Ancient Burying Grounds.

You will walk amongst the dead in burying grounds over 350 years old and hear stories of those mortal remains that lie beneath your feet as their spirits rise for the occasion and are dying to share their true-yet often-dark tales. New surprises will await visitors as the cemetery comes to life in a flurry of spectral activity. The Museum will be following all current State & CDC guidelines for the safety of our staff, volunteers, and visitors. **Due to current COVID-19 safety guidelines there will not be a haunted museum or any indoor activities. Masks and social distancing rules will be observed.

 

Tickets will be limited to maintain safety standards. Tours will be available by timed ticket entry beginning at 5:30 pm and will leave the grounds of the Museum every fifteen minutes, ending at 9:00 pm. To ensure your participation, pre-purchased tickets are strongly suggested. Once, a tour-slot is full, walk-ins will not be added. Tickets are $10 per adult, children 5-12 years old $5, and children under 5 years of age are free. Rain Date: Sunday, October 25th. Parking for the evening will be in Hollow Park, whose entrance is next to the Glebe House. 

Spooktacular...Fright Haven...

Fright Haven is Connecticut's Largest and Scariest INDOOR Haunted House with over 20,000 of scares in 20,000 square feet that is open from Sept. 23 through October 31 rain or shine at 7 p.m.  Visitors explore the Dead End Manor, the Deadly Grounds and the 3-D Carnival of Evil. General Admission Tickets - Gets you into the entire haunt in advance online are $20.00 and ticket purchase at the door is $25.00. A V.I.P. Cut the Line Speed Pass - Jump to the front of the line online is $39.00 and $49.00 at the door. 

Legend tells us that the deserted Dead End Manor was once home to Count Drake Romania Dudley. One Halloween, he threw a party, and the town showed up, eager to dance and drink the night away. But once the townsfolk entered that party, they were never seen again. Instead, those few who did not attend the party found this: no bodies, but congealing blood dripping down the wallpaper.

If you aren't afraid of the dark, you will be after exploring the Deadly Grounds. Imagine yourself in the pitch black woods with no lights and no way to escape. In this haunt, brave wanderers venture through a land of torture and horror without their eyes to guide them. Is it their own imagination that betrays them? What is around every corner, lurking just out of sight?

Forced into retirement, the clowns and entertainers at Carnival Retirement Home have a lot to prove. They've set up their own circus in Eveville to resurrect their craft, and they've invited the whole gang, including clowns from the grave and those who were locked up for reasons unknown to their Carnival of Evil in 3-D.

This spooktacular venue is located at 411 Barnum Avenue CutOff in Stratford, CT next to L.A. Fitness & 99 Restaurant across from Home Depot/Walmart. 

Celebrate Fall at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center Oct. 14 & 15

Once again this year the Stamford Museum and Nature Center is hosting a family fun weekend at their annual Harvest Festival on October 14 & 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fair goers can watch an apple-cider making a demonstration, try the hay bale climb, take a llama trek, and enjoy fun activities for the whole family! Other activities include antique farm tool demonstrations, animal meet 'n' greets, live music with Jay and Ray, face-painting, storytelling with Ms. Karen, and children's crafts - including our new Kindness Rocks table.

If you are hungry no worries as you can feast on the delicious fare at an array of locally popular food trucks on the Meadow, or buy a fresh cider donut (or two) from our Food Stand on Heckscher Farm. 

Cast your vote in a scarecrow contest, and wear a costume and participate in the costume parade each day! 

Apples for our popular slingshot at Bendel Pond will also be available for purchase, and the Museum Galleries will be open with the Illustrations of Imaginative Literature: The Korskak Collection exhibition.

Daily admission is $5 per person for members and $10 per person for non-members.

41st Annual Kent Pumpkin Run Oct. 29

Join the fun this year in Kent on  Sunday October 29, 2017, for the 41st running of the Kent Pumpkin Run where the #1 Fall Foliage town in New England will be the spot for dazzling scenery, homemade pumpkin soup and costumes galore.

With events for the entire family, the Kent Pumpkin Run is a fun-filled day for both racers and spectators. One of the oldest races in Connecticut, the Kent Classic attracts both elite runners and those who just want a beautiful walk in the Litchfield Hills with or without their canine BFFs!

The Pumpkin Run kicks off with a Kids Fun Run at 11:15 AM followed by the five mile race/walk at Noon. In the Halloween spirit, many prizes are awarded for costumes as well as finishing times.

The gorgeous course has its own reward at the end as all are invited to the Post-race Party with great food, face painting for the kids and gift certificates from Kent's charming shops.

For up to date information and details on how to register for the race visit the Kent Chamber of Commerce website.

“Where the Wild Things Run” 5K & Kids Fun Run @ Woodcock Nature Center

Once again this year the Woodcock Nature Center located on 56 Deer Run Road is hosting a kids fun run, "Where the Wild things Run" on Sunday, Oct. 15.  Registration opens at 7:30 a.,. and the kids fun run starts at 8:30 a.m.; the 5K run starts at 9 a.m. Registration cost for the kids fun run is $20 and $35 for the 5K run.

The 5K course is almost entirely run on the trails maintained by the Center for more fun and adventure. It will be approximately 90% trail with a mix of groomed trails, rugged trails and narrow bridges/boardwalks. The challenging terrain will highlight the diversity and beauty of the property. Runners, joggers and walkers of all ages are welcome. This trail is NOT stroller friendly.

The Kids Fun Run course is a fun course appropriate for all ages. Parents are welcome to accompany their children.

Parking for the event is available along Deer Run and Fawn Place. It is somewhat limited and will require up to a 1/3rd mile walk to the start. Please arrive early to ensure you get to the start on time and think about car-pooling.

Howl-O-Ween and Boo @ the Zoo

Howl-O-Ween  is an annual Halloween themed event at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo.  This family fun event takes place on Oct. 16, 21, 27 & 29 from 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

This family-oriented event features activities and attractions geared toward children from 8-15, although brave youngsters have found the event to be quite enjoyable.

For the more timid, there are events such as magic shows, face painting, fortune tellers, dancers and more. Braver children (and parents!) can enter the zoo's special haunted attractions: The Haunted Hayride, Farmer Beardsley's Farmstead, and the Ghastly Greenhouse.

Tickets for Howl-O-Ween are $12 presale & for Zoo members (see below to purchase) and $15 on the night of the event. Your ticket purchase includes two haunted houses, haunted hayride, all performances, face painting, carousel rides & more. Food and beverage are not included, but the Zoo's Peacock Cafe is open during the event. Parking at the Zoo is free of charge. For tickets and more information http://beardsleyzoo.org/howl-o-ween.

While at the Zoo don't miss the Parade of Scarecrows that line the grass by the Greenhouse as you enter the park and don't forget to vote for your favorite that will be chosen on October 29 at the Boo at the Zoo event that will be held from 12 noon to 3 pm.  If you are 12 and under and come dressed in a costume and are accompanied by a paying adult you will get in Free. There will be hayrides, activities, seasonal favorites and even candy!

Historic Business District Walking Tour/ National Hall

Join the Westport Historical Society on Saturday October 14, for a walking tour of the town’s Business Center District and discover facts about such historic sites as National Hall and the former Westport Bank & Trust Company building. Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The one-hour walk kicks off at 3 p.m. at Jesup Green and will be led by Bob Mitchell. “This tour demonstrates how critical the Saugatuck River was to the commercial and economic development of Westport,” says Mitchell.

The riverbank area near Jesup Green is where Ebenezer Jesup, one of the town’s most successful early businessmen, had his wharf, warehouse and store. In 1807, Jesup donated some of his land to the Connecticut Turnpike Company for the Post Road bridge over the river.

From Jesup Green the history tour will cross the Saugatuck to National Hall, built in 1870 by another prominent Westport entrepreneur, Horace Staples, to house his bank. Over the years this red-brick and cast-iron building has also been home to a newspaper, a furniture company, a plumbing store, and the Inn at National Hall.

The tour will then return to the east side of the river, where  Bob will discuss the old Westport Library, the former YMCA, and the wedge-shaped Westport Bank & Trust Company Building. The Y was built by Westport philanthropist Edward T. Bedford in 1923 on the site of the old Westport Hotel. The bank, also constructed in 1923, was purchased by a local developer in 2005 and is now occupied by Patagonia. The tour will go inside to view two murals that Westport artist Robert L. Lambdin painted for the bank in the 1960’s.

On the way back to Jesup Green, Mitchell will talk about No. 76 Post Road East, which was formerly the site of Petrie’s Ice Cream Parlor and the Fine Arts Theater. The first theater in the area to show foreign films, the Fine Arts was closed in 1999 and its building remodeled and is now Restoration Hardware.

There is a $10 suggested donation. Ages 12 and under are free.  Meet at Jesup Green  in front of  Westport Public Library’s lower entrance. Parking is available at the town lot on Jesup Green (Taylor Public Parking Lot). For more information about the tour and to register, call (203) 222-1424. Join us at a local watering hole for a complimentary drink.

Tour of Audubon Miles Wildlife Sanctuary

On Saturday, October 14^th the Sharon Historical Society is sponsoring a bus tour to the Audubon Emily Winthrop Miles Wildlife Sanctuary. The tour will be conducted by Ed Kirby who will talk about his experiences growing up on the estate, the life and career of poet and artist Emily Winthrop Miles, and the sanctuary’s unique geology and ecosystem.

The bus will leave the historical society (18 Main St.) at 10:00am, so please arrive by 9:45 a.m. A tour charge of $20 will defray the cost of the bus. Those wishing to participate can purchase tickets at www.sharonhist.org or by mailing a check to the Sharon Historical Society, P.O. Box 511, Sharon. Tickets can be purchased the day of the event, but please reserve a spot by emailing director@sharonhist.org or calling 860-364-5688. 

The tour will consist of about one mile of walking, a historical review by Ed Kirby and a review of the current Audubon use of the property by Mike Dudek, the sanctuary manager. We anticipate returning to the historical society by 1 pm.

About the Estate

Emily Winthrop Miles (1893-1962) was born in New York City to Grenville Lindall Winthrop and Mary Talmadge Trevor Winthrop. She was a direct descendant of Governor John Winthrop, one of the founders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Emily Winthrop was privately educated in the arts and became a superb artist as a sculptor, painter, and portraitist. She studied sculpting under famous sculptors Daniel Chester French and Harriet W. Frishmuth. Her several large-scale sculptures received wide acclaim including the 7.5-foot aluminum casting of a dancer (Diana) which was exhibited in the American Pavilion at the 1939-1940 New York World’s Fair. In 1924 Emily Winthrop married Corey Lucien Miles who in 1930 purchased and operated the former North Canaan Airport.

A discriminating collector of Wedgwood, 19^th century glass, Audubon’s and various English and American artworks, Mrs. Miles was also a designer of furniture and jewelry, a published poet and photographer. Today her collections are housed in numerous locations including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the Southern Vermont Art Center and several university collections.

Brew-Ski in Salisbury October 8

Beer, brats, and live music, hard soda, and cider are featured as the 8th Annual Brew-Ski Fest returns bigger and better than ever to the Salisbury Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, at Satre Hill in Salisbury located on 80 Indian Cave Road.

The event is hosted by the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) boasts a record number of breweries in attendance this year with more than 30 breweries signed up.  Popular brands like Big Elm, Back East Brewing, Black Hog, Brewery Legitimus, Broadbrook Brewing, Firefly Hollow, Goose Island, Half Full, Hanging Hills, Harpoon, Lagunitas, New England Brewing, Powder Hollow, Still Hill, Stowe Cider, Strongbow Apple Cider,Two Roads, Thomas Hooker and Samuel Adams among others.

Live music also returns to the Brew-Ski this year when the popular local band The Nice Ones perform. NASCAR Dave and his group will serve up brats and burgers with proceeds to benefit the Country Food Drive.

Tickets for Brew-Ski Fest cost $30 per person in advance and are available at Stateline Wine and Spirits in Canaan, 860 824-7295 and Ledgebrook Spirit Shop in Winsted 860 379-4216. Tickets will cost $35 the day of the event.  The tented tasting will be held rain or shine.  For more information visit http://www.brewskifest.com.