Joyful Noise - Horns and the Annual Holiday Concert Norwalk Symphony!

On November 30 at 4:45 p.m. at the Norwalk City Hall in the Mary McCarthy Room the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra is hosting a special program, Joyful Noise: Horns that is not just for kids!

The (Not) Just for Kids program is geared toward young children to introduce them to the joys of music and being able to create music through various instruments.   Time is set aside - a "petting zoo" - for the children to hold an instrument and make music themselves!

On December 15 the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra will be hosting its annual holiday concert, from Bach to Pops Holiday starting at 5 p.m. This concert will feature the Bach Magnificat as well as seasonal musical treats. Soloists Amelia Watkins, Devony Smith, Augusta Caso, William Ferguson, and Matthew Curran will be featured in the Bach, along with The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut, Founder and Director Dr. Carole Ann Maxwell. In addition, dancers from the New England Academy of Dance will join us for a special presentation of the Dance of the Snowflakes from The NutcrackerFinally, Christmas and Chanukah favorites and Handel’s immortal Hallelujah chorus round out our special family-centered celebration.

Described as having “A rich, glowing lyric sound destined for the heights" (Opera News), soprano Amelia Watkins has performed with leading orchestras and opera companies in North America, Europe and Asia, including the Los Angeles Opera, New York City Opera, Prague National Opera, Carnegie Hall, Weill Hall, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Verbier Festival, Leipzig Gewandhaus, National Arts Center, and in concert in Hong Kong. Embracing musical styles from Bach to Berio and beyond, Amelia specializes in the works of living composers. She recently drew praise for her performance as Brainy Woman in Michael Gordon and Deborah Artman’s Acquanetta, directed by Daniel Fish at the 2018 Prototype Festival.   Ms. Watkins can be heard on Albany Records in New Growth, the Grammy nominated Bobby McFerrin album Vocabularies, Missy Mazzoli’s Song From the Uproar, the upcoming studio recording of Acquanetta, and in various film and television scores. A familiar face at the Norwalk Symphony, she is always delighted to make music with Jonathan Yates, as a recital partner or conductor! www.ameliawatkins.com

Devony Smith is a versatile soprano excelling in both contemporary and traditional repertoire with her “sensuous” and “strong” voice (New York Times). A California native, Devony makes her mark on New York City as a professional member of Musica Viva NY, where she recently performed the soprano solos for Vivaldi’s Gloria,  Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem, and Carmina Burana. This year, Devony was the recipient of the Lyndon Woodside award in the Lyndon Woodside Oratorio-Solo Competition at Carnegie Hall. Also at Carnegie, she participated in the prestigious Song Continues Workshop with Marilyn Horne, Renée Fleming, and Graham Johnson. In 2019, she will present a recital in a partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Citywide Concerts.

Recently on the operatic stage, Devony performed Kate Soper’s self-accompanied opera Here Be Sirens at National Sawdust, the title role in the workshop of Matt Aucoin’s new opera Eurydice as a part of Cincinnati Opera’s Opera Fusion: New Works program, Micaëla (Carmen) at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, Violetta (La Traviata) at the Narnia Festival, Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro) with Bronx Opera, and the title role in Cendrillon with Utopia Opera.   

Devony relishes the opportunity to perform contemporary works. As a Sorel Fellow at Songfest, she performed John Harbison’s “Simple Daylight” at Zipper Hall. As a 2017 fellow at Ravinia Steans Music Institute, she collaborated with composer William Bolcom in a concert of his music. Also at Songfest, she performed the world premiere of Ben Moore’s “John and Abigail” and the west coast premiere of John Musto's “Six Scottish Songs.”

Augusta Caso, mezzo-soprano, made her Metropolitan Opera debut in the 2017-2018 season as a Flowermaiden in Wagner’s Parsifal under the baton of Maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and her LA Opera debut as First Twin in Getty’s Canterville Ghost, a role she also sang with Center for Contemporary Opera (CCO). She sang Isaura in Tancredi rifatto at Teatro Nuovo with Maestro Will Crutchfield and covered the title role in the mainstage production of Tancredi; she also sang the title role of Carmen with New York Opera Collaborative. The New York Times called Ms. Caso’s 2016 performance of Andriessen’s Anaïs Nin with CCO “compelling” and “courageous”; she then made her European debut in the same role at the Musiekgebouw aan’t IJ (Amsterdam), which Volkskrant called “a star role.” She looks forward to returning to Anaïs Nin in Europe in 2019, again in Amsterdam and at Opera Rotterdam; she also sings the title role of Artemisia in a new opera by Laura Schwendinger, and creates the character of Marilyn Monroe in a new work by composer JacobTV in 2020. Last season, Ms. Caso made her mainstage debut at the Spoleto Festival USA as Gilade in Vivaldi’s Farnace; sang the roles of Suzuki in Madama Butterfly and Hélène in La Belle Hélène with Opera North; and sang Blanche in Dialogues of the Carmelites with Resonanz Opera. Other recent performances include Dorabella in Così fan tutte; Prince Charming in Cendrillon; the title role in La Cenerentola; Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle; Mahler’s Rückert-Lieder; and Berlioz’s Les nuits d’été. Augusta holds degrees from Williams College and the University of Oklahoma. She grew up in Phoenix, Maryland and studies with Andrea DelGiudice.

A native of Richmond, Virginia, tenor William Ferguson appeared with the Santa Fe Opera as Caliban in the North American premiere of Thomas Adès’ The Tempest and bowed in Sydney with Opera Australia singing Truffaldino in a new production of The Love for Three Oranges—a recording of which has since been released on the Chandos label. In New York, Ferguson has performed Beppe in I Pagliacci at The Metropolitan Opera as well as Candide, Nanki-Poo, the Funeral Director in A Quiet Place, Hérisson de Porc-Épic in L’Étoile, and most recently The Electrician in Powder Her Face at New York City Opera. Additional credits include appearances as George in Our Town at Central City Opera; Don Basilio/Curzio with the Los Angeles Philharmonic (Dudamel conducting) and Milwaukee Symphony (de Waart conducting); Remendado, Spoletta, and Guillot de Morfontaine at The Dallas Opera; a staged production of Handel’s Messiah with the Pittsburgh Symphony (Honeck conducting); Powder Her Face at Opéra Festival de Quebec; Andres in Wozzeck at Opera Festival of New Jersey; Male Chorus in Rape of Lucretia at Opera Memphis; Ferrando in Cosi fan Tutte at Aspen; Fenton in Falstaff and Gonzalve in l’Heure Espagnole at Tanglewood (both with Maestro Ozawa); Bentley Drummle in Miss Havisham’s Fire at Opera Theatre of St. Louis; Frederick, Nanki-Poo, and Jupiter in Semele at Opera Omaha; Frederick at Virginia Opera; Dido and Aeneas with Gotham Chamber Opera, Turandot with Opera Philadelphia, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at both The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia in Valencia, Spain, and Teatro Massimo in Palermo, Sicily.  He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music degree from The Juilliard School.

A passionate concert and recital performer, Mr. Ferguson has appeared with The American Symphony Orchestra, BBC Orchestra (London), Boston Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (England), Houston Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Milwaukee Symphony, Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, Musica Sacra New York, National Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Opera Orchestra of New York, Oratorio Society of New York, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Radio Filharmonisch Orkest (Netherlands), and San Francisco Symphony; as well as the local symphony orchestras of Bellingham, Duluth, New Haven, Omaha, Orlando, Richmond, Santa Barbara, South Dakota, Wheeling, and Winston-Salem.  Furthermore, he has performed for the 92nd Street Y, Bard Music Festival, Marlboro Music Festival, and New York Festival of Song. Prizes include First Place in the Oratorio Society of New York Solo Competition, The Alice Tully Debut Recital Award, and awards from Opera Index, The Bagby Foundation, and Opera Orchestra of New York. Mr. Ferguson appears as Brian on the recording and DVD of Not The Messiah, an oratorio based on Monty Python’s Life of Brian recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall.

Matthew Curran, bass, is a Princeton native. Praised for his smooth, rich sound and stylish power by The Baltimore Sun, he brings a blend of intelligent musicianship and strong dramatic instincts to a variety of roles. Having sung on the stages of the Zürich Opera, Seattle, Atlanta, Memphis, and many other regional opera houses, he is a major talent on the rise. His operatic repertoire includes Filippo in Verdi’s Don Carlo, Sarastro in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Oroveso in Bellini’s Norma, Frère Laurent in Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette, and Colline in Puccini’s La Bohème. On the concert stage, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s, Verdi’s, and Brahms’s Requiems, and the great Bach Oratorios. His most recent season included Sparafucile in Rigoletto with Opera Carolina, Opera Grand Rapids, and Toledo Opera, Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd with Baltimore Concert Opera, Simone in Gianni Schicchi with Opera Delaware, and Zuniga in Carmen with the Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice. 2016-2017 engagements included Orbazzano in Rossini’s Tancredi with Baltimore Concert Opera and Opera Southwest, a debut with Odyssey Opera to sing Basil in Lowell Liebermann’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, Terry in Breaking the Waves, a new opera by Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek in its New York premiere at the Prototype Festival, and Thomas Betterton in the New York premiere of Carlisle Floyd’s new opera Prince of Players with Little Opera Theater of New York. Concerts included Handel’s Messiah in Prescott, Arizona, Jesus in Bach’s St. John Passion at Duke University Chapel, Mozart’s Requiem at University of Georgia and Verdi’s Requiem at Hamilton College. 2015-2016 included the roles of Ramfis in Aida at Opera Southwest and Baltimore Concert Opera, Don Iñigo Gomez in L’Heure Espagnole with Opera Memphis, and Pistola in Falstaff with Opera Delaware. www.matthewcurran.net

The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut (MCC) was founded in 1984 by alumni of the Fairfield University Chamber Singers who wished to continue their musical association with Dr. Carole Ann Maxwell. Under Dr. Maxwell’s leadership, the Choir has performed a wide range of repertoire in New England, New York, and many European capitals. The Choir’s renditions of the world’s greatest choral masterpieces have earned it a reputation as one of the leading vocal ensembles of the region. Its diverse programming reflects an extensive repertoire from all periods and genres – from classical to contemporary and from opera to theater, film, and pop. The MCC embraces a mission of developing and promoting the choral arts – a mission that begins with the training of its own members and reaches out to the entire community of Fairfield County.

The Choir’s repertory has included Bach’s Magnificat, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Meeresstille und gluckliche Fahrt, Schubert’s Miriam’s Siegesgesang, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Brahm’s Alto Rhapsody and Liebeslieder Waltzes, Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius, Vaughan Williams’s Sea Symphony and Toward the Unknown Region, Honegger’s King David, Orff’s Carmina Burana and Citulli Carmina, Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky, and the Stabat Mater and the Armed Man Mass of Karl Jenkins. The MCC has performed Requiem settings by Mozart, Verdi, Faure, Durufle, and Rutter, as well as American songbook entries from Gershwin, Sondheim, and many others and film score chorales by John Williams and Patrick Doyle. Opera in concert has been a recurring feature, including performances of Verdi’s Aida, Bizet’s Carmen, and Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.

Over the years, the MCC has been honored to present the world premieres of The Child in Us All and the Prologue from North and South, by Tony Award winner Charles Strouse, Stephen Schwartz’s Academy Award-winning song “When You Believe” from Prince of Egypt, and “Chief Seattle” by Gregg Smith. In celebration of its Silver Anniversary, the Choir commissioned a work by Randal Alan Bass, O Divine Music, which it premiered in May 2010. That same year MCC also introduced Connecticut composer Edward Thompson’s What the Ivy Said to the Fallen Snow. In 2014 the Choir premiered Child of War by Jin Hi Kim, a setting of texts by the Vietnamese peace activist Kim Phuc.

The Choir has performed regularly with the symphony orchestras of Bridgeport, Norwalk, Wallingford, and New Haven. The ensemble has appeared several times in Carnegie Hall under the auspices of both Distinguished Choirs International and Mid-America Productions. In addition to a memorable performance at the 2006 National Pastoral Musician’s Conference in Norwalk, the Choir has also sung to enthusiastic audiences in Rome, Florence, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Galway and Dublin.

Beyond its artistic achievements, the MCC plays an important civic role through its local outreach programs, notably its Mendelssingers ensemble. The Mendelssingers regularly perform in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities and at various community events to bring the wonder and awe of live choral music to the broadest spectrum of the Connecticut public. The Choir receives support from the Connecticut Office of the Arts, the Carstenson Foundation, and many generous corporations, businesses and individuals throughout Fairfield County.

One of America’s preeminent conductors of collegiate, community and professional choral ensembles, Carole Ann Maxwell, DSM, has been the Director of Choral Activities at Fairfield University since 1980. She is also the Founding Artistic Director and Conductor of The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut. In these and all her affiliations, Dr. Maxwell continuously strives for choral excellence through the total commitment and magnificent voices of thousands of gifted singers who gladly audition and travel great distances for the opportunity to work with her.

Noted for immense energy, consummate professionalism and complete dedication to the choral arts, Dr. Maxwell’s mission is to inspire and challenge each singer’s musical potential. Combining her talent with a wonderful sense of humor has set Dr. Maxwell aside from other conductors, making her extremely unique, and placing her in great demand. Her distinctive style and artistic leadership have produced critically acclaimed results from podiums throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. In addition, Dr. Maxwell is a favorite Chorus Master for area orchestras and is a member of the Board of The Fairfield County Children’s Choir. 

Dr. Maxwell has been recognized for her artistic achievements with numerous awards. In 1992, Immaculata College presented Dr. Maxwell with the prestigious “Distinguished Music Alumna” award. The National Music Honor Society, Pi Kappa Lambda, honored her with membership citing her excellence and outstanding contributions in the field of choral music. The Connecticut Post named Dr. Maxwell a recipient of the “Woman of Substance” Award, celebrating outstanding women of the region, and Oxford Health Care honored her with its Humancare Award for her exceptional efforts in the community. In 2000, Dr. Maxwell was named “Woman of the Year” by Fairfield University Women’s Studies Program and is the 2016 recipient of the Fairfield University Distinguished Faculty/Administrator Award. Dr. Maxwell has been named to the National Jesuit Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Nu

Native American Holiday Arts and Crafts Market

Litchfield Hills is dotted with many holiday fairs and festivals.  For those that are looking for something really unusual, take a trip to the Institute for American Indian Studies  on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut to shop for authentic Native American Arts and Crafts.

At the Institute’s annual Native American Holiday Arts and Crafts Market you will find a wide array of unusual holiday gifts from local Native American crafters.  The Native American Holiday Arts and Crafts Market is taking place at the Institute on November 24 and 25, December 1 and 2, and December 8 and 9.  This special Native American Holiday Market will be open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 noon to 5 p.m.  The entrance to the Holiday Market is free!

Here you will find something truly unique for everyone from Native American jewelers, and artists that offer their creations at a variety of price points!  A highlight of the Market is the chance to meet and buy directly from the artists while learning about contemporary Native American art, crafts, and cultures. Just some of the treasures to be found here are decorative gourds, pottery, jewelry, rattles, artwork, flutes, and much more!

Litchfield Hills Archaeology Club Lecture

If you are at the Holiday Market on December 2 and have an interest in archeology and Native American Culture you might want to pop into the Litchfield Hills Archaeology Club Lecture Series from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.   Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni, Associate Professor at UCONN and emeritus State Archaeologist, will be discussing his new book The Long Journey Home: The Repatriations of Henry ‘Opukah’ia and Albert Afraid of Hawk. 

The book chronicles the repatriation of the remains of two Native men and the efforts of those involved in the process.  Dr. Bellantoni will give a lively talk discussing his involvement in the project and the writing of his book. Copies of his book will be available in the gift shop for purchase and Dr. Bellantoni will be on hand after the lecture to answer questions and sign books.

About Institute For American Indian Studies
Located on 15 woodland acres the IAIS has an outdoor Three Sisters and Healing Plants Gardens as well as a replicated 16th c. Algonquian Village.  Inside the museum, authentic artifacts are displayed in permanent, semi-permanent and temporary exhibits from prehistory to the present that allows visitors a walk through time. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut and can be reached online or by calling 860-868-0518.

The Institute for American Indian Studies preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality, and knowledge of Native American cultures. Through archaeology, the IAIS is able to build new understandings of the world and history of Native Americans; the focus is on stewardship and preservation.  This is achieved through workshops, special events, and education for students of all ages.

Kent Champagne Stroll November 23 &24

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 23 and 24, 2018. 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. The event coincides with Small Business Saturday, a marketing event campaign created by American Express, celebrating the small businesses that are the backbone of local economies.

Interested parties can register on-line at www.kentstroll.com. The ticket price is $22 for advanced registration. If you purchase your ticket at the door the price is $25. For more information, contact the Kent Chamber of Commerce, 860-592-0061

Schwenke November 30th Fine Estates Auction Offers Over 500 Lots With Focus on Americana/Folk Art

On Friday, November 30^th Schwenke Auctioneers will auction a diverse group of over 500 lots consigned from several separate estates and consignors from Connecticut and New York. The auction includes several fine groups of American country and formal furniture and decorations, American folk art, Asian decorative arts, Mid-Century Modern decorative arts, English and Continental furniture and decorative arts, English & other sterling silver, jewelry, fine art, miscellaneous decorative arts, and estate oriental rugs. Featured property includes an interesting collection of tobacciana consigned by a Westchester County collector; an important collection of European decorative arts consigned by a Litchfield County collector; a fine group of Americana and folk art from a New Haven County estate; an important group of English and American furniture and decorative arts from a Fairfield County collector; and an important collection of folk art hooked rugs from a Litchfield County collector.

Americana, Formal/Country and Folk Art

This auction has at its core a sizable group of American formal and country furniture, decorations and folk art consigned from several estates and private collections. A private collection in Fairfield County yielded several fine pieces, including a pair of gilt stenciled rosewood classical card tables, thought to be from the workshop of Duncan Phyfe or a contemporary New York City craftsman. The tables have cross-banded "D" shaped folding tops on substantial gilt acanthus carved standards, quadruped carved paw footed gilt highlighted bases with ebonized paw feet, and measure 29" high, 36" wide, 18" deep closed, 36" deep open.  The same collection yielded a Philadelphia Sheraton mahogany game table with lobed top on tapering reeded legs; a very fine Chippendale cherrywood four drawer chest with serpentine shaped top, straight front, four graduated drawers, and ogee bracket feet, probably Rhode Island or Connecticut; a Delaware Valley Chippendale two-drawer blanket chest with spurred bracket base; and a Rhode Island queen Anne mahogany porringer top tea table with densely figured mahogany top on turned tapering legs ending in pad feet.

Another Connecticut private collection has consigned two Duncan Phyfe carved mahogany chairs, one side, and a second armchair; a New Hampshire federal inlaid card table likely Dunlap school; and a Portsmouth area Hepplewhite inlaid mahogany swell front chest with multiple veneered flame birch panels and a drop panel within a flared bracket base. Also from the same collection is an “as-found” New York carved mahogany classical four post bed with elaborate acanthus carved posts in an old crusty finish.

  

Folk art and country furniture from another Fairfield County estate include a fine diminutive Connecticut cherry two-part secretary desk, the upper section with tombstone paneled door opening to a fitted interior over a desk compartment above four graduated, molded drawers on a shaped bracket base, provenance Kenneth Hammett Antiques; a diminutive maple Queen Anne tea table, the molded tray top on an ogival base on turned tapering legs with pad feet; and several early American country items including many fine Windsor armchairs, featuring one with a grain painted crest with scrolled ears and shaped handholds, remains of old painted surface.

From the same estate are many folk art paintings and small artworks, including a Pennsylvania folk art fraktur; a folk art painting of a boy with kite; a folk art painting of a young girl with cat; a folk art painting of two children with a dog; a folk art painting of a boy with dog; and a folk art painting of a masted schooner.

Tobacciana Collection

Over seventy five lots of tobacciana are being sold for a Westchester County collector. Items include many English carved and fitted tobacco boxes; a collection of pipe and other smoking tools; tobacco related music boxes; a group of Asian tobacco boxes and related items; tobacco signs and advertising material; and a wonderful large carved pipe form trade sign of two piece construction in old orange brown paint, bowl with carved "embers" with wrought iron mounts, 18" high, 35 1/2" long.

Hooked Rug Collection

Over fifteen fine American hooked rugs are being offered for a Litchfield County private collector. The collection includes rugs acquired during over twenty-five years of collecting and sourced from many prominent New England dealers and auctions. Featured are several pictorial rugs, including one with facing roosters; geometric weave rugs; basket weave examples; floral designs; equestrian theme rugs; two so-called “penny rugs”; and a very rare set of fourteen hooked stair riser rugs, each depicting a different farm/rural scene, with each panel having floral end motifs, each measuring 7" long, 26" wide, provenance from Patricia Ann Reed Antiques, Damariscotta, Maine.

Continental and English Decorative Arts

The sale includes many fine pieces of formal English furniture from Connecticut estates. Among the offerings are a George III mahogany linen press; two Georgian mahogany canterburys; an interesting barley twist based inlaid stand; several Biedermeier furniture items; a Regency inlaid mahogany banjo barometer; an English mahogany tall cased clock; a pair of George III mahogany knife boxes; an English Sheraton inlaid mahogany sideboard; a pair of French baroque carved walnut upholstered side chairs; a pair of George III style chinoiserie “cockpen” chairs; a George III carved mahogany chest on chest with brushing slide; an English Queen Anne mahogany dressing table; a George III mahogany Pembroke table; an English George III mahogany corner chair; a Continental miniature carved walnut coffer; a Continental painted cupboard; an English oak blanket chest; an unusual vintage English oak library ladder; a Queen Anne giltwood mirror and a Chippendale gilt phoenix fretwork mirror; a large Regency center column round dining table; and a Continental, probably Swedish, painted and gilt rectangular marble top center table in pale blue paint with grey marble inset top on a foliate pierce carved base on turned and reeded tapering legs, 28" high, 39" wide, 23" deep, with provenance from a Fairfield County private collection.

English and Continental decorative arts are expected to draw interest and in particular a group of early items from a Litchfield County estate. Among the items are a fine Regency tortoiseshell tea caddy; an early Continental applique velvet table runner; an early Continental silver engraved plaque; and early Continental silver figural needle case; an early Continental brass belt; an early Continental cased sewing kit; a group of three early shoe form snuff boxes; a very rare early French perpetual almanac; several lots of early German and Austrian coins, thalers and kronenthalers; a group of German “E. Heinrechsen” lead soldiers in original boxes, comprising the 30 Years War, Battle of Waterloo and Battle of Leipzig; and a rare early 1710 manuscript, dated 1710, with painting attributed to Pater, "Livre de Morales" a petite illuminated manuscript on vellum by P.C. Gilbert, Paris, 1710 with painted pastoral scene attributed to Jean-Baptiste Pater (French, 1695-1736); from a pencil inscription on the F.F.E. Bearing inked inscription dated November 1814, finely bound red leather with gilt detail attributed to Bozerian.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver lots on the block from Fairfield and Litchfield County estates and collectors include many lots of sterling bowls, vases, trays and other vessels; an early English sterling baleen handled ladle; a group of Towle sterling flatware; three groups of sterling stemmed cups; a set of twelve English gilt sterling demitasse spoons; a pair of Gorham weighted sterling three light candelabra; a pair of J.E. Caldwell sterling tazzas; an International sterling flatware service for twelve in the "1810" pattern comprising twelve forks, twelve salad forks, twelve soup spoons, one tablespoon, twenty-three teaspoons, twelve knives, twelve butter knives, pair sugar tongs, two ladles, two servers, three serving spoons, three serving forks, together with seven small sterling utensils including a pair of Tiffany & Co. baby spoons, monogrammed, comprising 115.38 ozt; and another cased James Robinson sterling flatware service, monogrammed, comprising sixteen dinner forks, seven luncheon forks, twelve fish forks, twelve seafood forks, twelve dinner knives, twelve luncheon knives, twelve fish knives, one butter knife, twelve tablespoons, twelve spoons, twelve teaspoons, together with twelve S. Kirk and Sons soup spoons, twelve Dominick & Haff grapefruit spoons, four small sterling handled utensils, three silver plate serving spoons, and twelve silver plate iced tea spoons, all in a mahogany case with keys, weighable silver 178.700 ozt, offered for a New York City collector.

Of special interest from a Westchester County collection is a rare early demi-lune barley twist carved silver cabinet on casters, fitted with a Joseph Rodgers & Sons silver plate service for twelve, together with a cased set of six fish knives and forks, case dimensions 30" high, 35 1/4" wide, 19 1/4" deep.

Mid-Century Modern

Several fine lots of Mid-Century Modern are hitting the block in this sale. Notable lots comprise several pieces of Betty Woodman ceramic pottery consigned by a New York City estate, including an interesting ceramic teapot with applied latticework in a  sand glaze with splashes of green and blue to body, turquoise interior, unsigned, 11 1/2" high, 9" wide. Betty Woodman (American, 1930 - 2018) was a sculptor and one of the foremost American contemporary ceramists. A Fairfield County estate is selling a Miguel Berrocal horse form puzzle sculpture, 14 1/2" high, 14" long, 7" deep. The work by Berrocal (Spanish,1933-2006), 'Caballero Casinaide" signed, titled in mane, numbered on base 578/2000, is offered together with a book, in Spanish, on the artist containing five pages of step by step photographs of the sculpture assembly.

Asian Decorative Arts

The Schwenke firm has become known for upside surprises in the area of Asian decorative arts, ever since the sale a few years ago of a double-sided jade panel for a record $392,000.  This sale has several lots of Asian decorative arts on offer, including a fine large carved and pierced censer, the lid with Fu lion finial, body with reserves of various figures on claw feet, 14 1/4" high, 13 1/2" wide, from a Fairfield County estate; and from the same estate a large two-part Meiji Period bronze censer, the pierced lid with hawk and snake decoration on tripod base, 21 1/2" high, 9" wide. Of special interest from a Westchester County collection is an unusual large framed Japanese 1824 map of Lake Biwa area. frame size: 36" high, 56 3/4" wide; and from the same collection is a fine pair of Chinese elm yoke back arm chairs. A New York private collector has consigned a pair of Chinese blue and white porcelain vases with lotus decoration, 18 1/4" high, 7" wide. And a Connecticut private collector is selling several bronze figures, including a bronze Buddha figure with a stamped mark on base, 8" high, 6 1/2" wide.

Oriental Carpets

The sale also includes over 35 fine estate oriental carpets including Persian, Caucasian and Turkoman room and scatter sized rugs, and other regional and modern rugs of varying sizes. Of particular interest are rugs from a Fairfield County estate collection which have been in storage for several years, featuring a very fine Caucasian rug 76" long, 47 1/2" wide. Another piece from a different Fairfield County source is a Persian room size garden carpet, having flower, plant and leaf patterns with unusual variegated brown and white foliage, 17' 4" long, 11' 6" wide.

The catalog for the sale is viewable at www.woodburyauction.com. Internet, absentee and phone bidding are available for this live-online auction by registering directly with Schwenke Auctioneers. The sale will be broadcast for live internet bidding on the firm’s own site Hibid, and also on Live Auctioneers, Invaluable and Bidsquare. For additional information please call Schwenke Auctioneers at 203-266-0323.

Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens Best Hiking Trails for You and Your Dog

If you are looking for a place that offers fresh air, scenic views, and exercise for both you and your best fur friend check out Stamford's Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens. Here you will find 93 acres of beautiful hiking trails to choose from that are good for you and great for your dog.

RED OAK TRAIL

From the visitor parking lot, find the kiosk, where you can grab a map of all of the trails. Right next to it, you will find the start of the Red Oak Trail. Follow the red-marked trees to stay on the trail. This trail can be a bit challenging to start off, with large tree roots and rocks throughout. But don't worry—the scenic views are sure to make it worth it! After crossing a long bridge and climbing up a short set of rugged stairs, you and your pup have made it through the most difficult part.

BROOK TRAIL

Atop the stairs, you should find a sign indicating the intersection between the Red Oak trail and the Brook Trail. You'll want to take a right on the Brook Trail toward Brookdale Road. This will be a longer, more relaxing stroll through the beautiful wooded trail. Fido is sure to love all of the scenery as much as you do, along with the fresh air and open space to roam. The Brook Trail has several boardwalks, preventing you from having to take a muddy dog back to your home.

POND TRAIL

As you near the end of the Brook Trail, you will see a sign for the Pond Trail. The serene view of both the pond and the stunning greenery surrounding it is the perfect reward for finishing your hike! While swimming (for both humans and canines) is not permitted in the pond, take time with your dog to enjoy the view, play in the leaves, and appreciate the world around you.

The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens dog-friendly hiking trails are waiting for you and Fido to explore! Try out the Red Oak, Brook, and Pond Trails and many more the next time you and your best furry friend come to visit.

Armistice and Triumph Norwalk Symphony Orchestra

In honor of the centennial of the Great War, the Norwalk Symphony will perform Armistice and Triumph on Saturday, November 10 at 8 p.m. at St Mark's Episcopal Church located on 111 Oenoke Ridge Rd. in New Canaan.

The concert will feature songs by Berlin, Ives, Butterworth, Cohan, Poulenc's Organ Concerto and the Faure' Requiem. 


The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut will be joined with choir members from St Mark's and the Fairfield County Chorale. 

You will not want to miss this memorable evening!  

Seating is limited and all seats are General Admission!  It is best to arrive early to get the best seats.  For tickets click here.

Institute for American Indian Studies to Honor Native American Veterans Charles Lindberg Kilson and Earl Anderson Kilson November 10

 The origin of Veterans Day goes back to Nov. 11, 1918, and is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I hostilities between the Allied Nations and Germany.  As many of us remember and honor those who have served the United States in the military, many of us remain unaware of the major contributions Native Americans have made to our armed forces. 

It is interesting to note that Native Americans served in the U.S. military in greater numbers per capita than any other ethnic group and that they have served with distinction in every major conflict in our history. 

It is estimated that more than 12,000 Native Americans served in World War I and that 44,000 Native Americans, out of a total population of 350,000 served with distinction between 1941 and 1945.  During WWII on the home front, more than 40,000 Native Americans left their reservations to work in factories and other war industries.  Many of these battle-hardened Native American Indians that served in WWII also served in the Korean War along with new Native American recruits like Charles Lindberg Kilson and his late brother, Earl Anderson Kilson.  More than 42,000 Native Americans, 90% of them volunteers fought in Vietnam, and Earl Anderson Kilson was one of the many Native Americans that continued to serve their country in the Vietnam War.  Today, there are almost 200,000 Native American military veterans.

Each year on November 10, The Institute for American Indian Studies, located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington holds a traditional ceremony at 12 noon that includes prayers and drumming to honor the contributions and valor of Native American Veterans. This year there will be a very special traditional ceremony at the Institute for American Indian Studies to honor Charles Lindberg Kilson, Senior, as well as the memory of his brother Earl Anderson Kilson, Senior of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. Both brothers served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Earl also served during the early years of the Vietnam War.  The Institute is inviting the general public, veterans and non-veterans alike to join them in a moving traditional ceremony to honor these two Native American brothers.  After the ceremony, visitors are invited to a light lunch in the museum to learn more about the fascinating story of these two brothers.  This event is free and open to the public. 

About Charles Lindberg Kilson

Charles (Lindy) was born on May 16, 1931, and currently resides in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. For many years, he and his family lived on the Schaghticoke Indian Reservation in Kent, CT where he is an active member with the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation.  He has many memories that remain alive of his younger days of hunting and fishing on his land.

The War Years

On December 29, 1950, Charlie took the train from Kent, CT and traveled to the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York where he enlisted and was sworn into the United States Navy. Shortly after boot camp, he was assigned to duty on a destroyer named, the USS Purdy. Afterwards, he was assigned to another destroyer named, the USS Dickson #708. Both homeports of both vessels were located in Newport, Rhode Island and both ships, at different times, were at port off the Korean coast during the Korean War patrols.

On October 19, 1952, Charlie had to undergo major surgery at the Newport Naval Hospital, which involved removing part of his left lung. This particular medical procedure kept him hospitalized for nearly six months.  While in the hospital, Charlie's father, Earl Kilson, Sr. was able to visit his son with the assistance and kindness of a Kent Resident State Trooper who drove him there. Upon Charlie's release from the naval hospital, he immediately requested to be put back on the USS Dickson where his brother Earl, Jr. was stationed. Earl had enlisted in the Navy four years prior. The Navy granted Charlie's request and both brothers served together until Earl's transfer to submarine service where he worked in fire control ignition. Charlie also requested a transfer and was denied due to the complexity of his surgery.  Naval officials told Charles that he and Earl were the first brothers to be put on a naval ship together, since the death of the Sullivan Brothers during World War II.

Back Home

While on the USS Dickson, Charlie was a 1st Class Seaman­ Gunner's Mate. He specialized and assisted in bow guns, which were 5 inch-38s. Charlie stayed on the USS Dickson until January 1954, when he returned home to the Schaghticoke Reservation, where his family resided with his younger brother, Russell.  He found work with the Thompson Brothers Excavation Company. Shortly after his return home, Charlie met Mildred (Millie) Fagan the woman that he was to spend the next 63 years with.  Together, they began a family and moved to Sandy Hook where, in 1970, they both were employed with the Newtown High School, Charlie as a School Custodian and Millie as a Cafeteria Assistant. After 42 years at the Newtown High School, both Millie and Charlie retired.

On November 11, 2009, the Town of Kent dedicated a monument for veterans serving in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam War Veterans, and both Charlie and Earl, Jr. names are listed on it and were present for the dedication ceremony.  Charlie still has his Enlistment Card and still remembers his serial number.

Charlie is a profoundly proud member of his Tribe, the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation (STN). He has always been active within his Tribe & attends every Tribal meeting and every social event.  Many believe that Charlie is the oldest living member and that his many titles include Lindy (to his family) Charlie (to his many friends) Dad, Pop, Grandpa, Uncle, Cousin, Big Dog and Elder/STN Tribal Member.

About Earl Anderson Kilson

Earl (Bub) Kilson was born on July 11, 1928, and lived with his family on the Schaghticoke Reservation in Kent, for much of his young life. Upon his death, he was an active member of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. Earl had many memories of his hunting and fishing days on his land.

War Years

Earl enlisted into the United States Navy in 1946.  Shortly after his graduation from boot camp during World War II, he was stationed and onboard an aircraft carrier in the Sea of Japan.  He was later assigned to a destroyer and was stationed at the Naval Base in Newport, Rhode Island. His brother, Charlie, along with Earl both served on the USS Dickson, which was scheduling patrols off the Korean coast during the Korean War. Earl, later, transferred to submarine service working in fire control ignition. His first ship was an old diesel-operated submarine and his next advancement was serving on the USS Seawolf, the second atomic-operated submarine in the U.S. Fleet.  Most of Earl’s submarine training took place in Connecticut at the sub base in Groton.

During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the submarine that Earl was serving on was part of the blockade and was under orders to stay in position during that crisis.  At another point in Earl's naval career, he was stationed in the Pacific at Pearl Harbor during the initial stages of the Vietnam War.  At this time he served in the Atlantic Fleet as well as the Pacific Fleet. The final submarine that Earl served on was the USS Trigger.

Back Home

After 20 years of service, Earl retired from the Navy with the rank of Chief Electronics Petty Officer in 1966.  He, along with his wife Lillian, and their children moved to Dover, New Hampshire where he was employed at the Portsmouth Naval Yard in Kittery, Maine.  There, Earl participated in the sea trials associated with new submarines that were being constructed; his wife, Lillian was proud to be present at several sea trials.   

Earl retired from the Portsmouth Naval Yard after 20 years.  He was an active member of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation and for many years would travel to attend the Schaghticoke Tribal meetings and socials.  He resided in Dover with his family until his death on March 16, 2014.

World War Women: The Unsung Heroines of WWII

The Naugatuck Historical Society is excited to bring back Judith Kalaora, on November 11 at 2:30 pm. Kalaora brings history to life and will be sharing the stories of World War II women whose major roles in the war are mostly untold. 

The program will take place at St. Michael's Parish Hall, 210 Church Street in Naugatuck. Judith Kalaora from History At PlayTM embodies the spirit of international women who risked their lives to defeat Fascism in World War II. World War Women is a suspenseful program reliving of the terrors and triumphs of some of our greatest heroines. 

The event is sponsored by the CT Community Foundation and Liberty Bank. The presentation will include a light luncheon and be held in St. Michael’s Parish Hall. Tickets are $30, $25 for members. For more information call the Naugatuck Historical Society at 203-729-9039.

Felting Workshop for Kids: Making Felted Mittens

On Saturday, November 10 from 11 am to 12:30 pm the Wilton Historical Society is hosting a workshop on felting for kids. One of the world’s oldest textiles felt is created from wool or other animal fibers that are densely matted together. It is ideal for protecting against cold and insulating against heat, thus it has long been used for hats, mittens, blankets, rugs, yurts, boots and clothing. In this Felting Workshop for Kids, Museum Educator Lola Chen will discuss the origins of felting and lead the children in making felted mittens from recycled sweaters. The kids will help make their own snack.

Suggested for ages 6 – 12. Wilton Historical Society Members $10 per child, maximum $25 per family; Non-members $15 per child, maximum $35 per family. Please register: info@wiltonhistorical.org or call 203-762-7257.

Did You Know?

Making felted hats, Danbury was known as “Hat City” . . . and hatters suffered “Danbury Shakes”

“The origins of Danbury’s hat-making industry date back to the late 18th century. It was then that Zadoc Benedict, having stumbled upon a way to make felt by adding heat, moisture, and pressure to animal pelts, began using his bedpost to mold felt into hats. He then hired a journeyman and two hat-making apprentices and started producing three hats per day. Danbury proved an ideal location for hat making thanks to its abundant populations of beavers and rabbits for pelts and thickly wooded forests for firewood. . . . In the early 1800s, Danbury produced mostly unfinished hats. Hatters softened and dyed the felt through an 18- to 20-hour boiling process, and molded the pieces into their proper shape. They then rolled the hats up by twos into paper and placed them in a linen bag, and from there, into a leather sack for shipment to New York by coach. Once in New York, craftsmen trimmed and finished the hats.” – ConnecticutHistory.org, a program of CT Humanities

The expression “as mad as a hatter” is believed to have its origins in the deleterious effects of mercury nitrate exposure on workers in hat factories. During the mid-19th century, the term “hatter’s shakes” became commonplace in the United States and Europe. It referred to the tremors experienced by workers whose prolonged exposure to the toxic mercury used in making headwear had devastating effects. In Connecticut, the physical condition was termed the “Danbury Shakes.”