Celebrate Native American Culture @ Maple Sugar Festival @ Institute for American Indian Studies March 11

 

Throughout the year, Native American communities give thanks for the gifts of the natural world. In this region, in late February and early March, it is a season to celebrate one of the sweetest gifts of all: the gift of maple sugar. On Saturday, March 11, from 11 am to 3 pm, join the Institute for American Indian Studies for their annual Maple Sugar Festival. 

"The Maple Sugar Festival is an excellent opportunity for families to experience nature at its finest and have fun at the same time," said Chris Combs, Executive Director of the Institute. "They'll discover how Native Americans harvested this sugary delight, and why this process has been such an important part of Eastern Woodland communities for centuries," Combs added. 

 The science of maple sugaring was discovered by Native Americans, who would set up sugar camps each year in groves of sugar maple trees. Maple sugar camps were a social as well as a working occasion. Women would tap the trees, men would cut wood for the fire needed to boil the sap, and children tended the sap as it bubbled and boiled sending a sweet fragrance into the air. 

At this event, IAIS Educator and Ecologist, Susan Scherf will demonstrate various traditional Native American techniques of collecting sap and boiling it down into syrup and sugar. Visitors will learn the importance of maple sugar to the diet of Native Americans as well as its usefulness as an item of trade. In keeping with the fun-filled traditions surrounding Native American sugar camps, children are invited to listen to Native American stories and play traditional family-friendly games that will take place throughout the day, adding to this culturally enriching experience. And, if you have worked up an appetite, no worries, the Institute is serving up pancakes topped with real maple syrup from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., which is sure to satiate your taste buds. Coffee and orange juice will also be available. 

The cost of participation for those that reserve in advance is $15 for adults, $10 for children, and $5 for members of the Institute; tickets at the door on the day of the event are an additional $5. For folks that want to indulge in the pancake feast, there is an additional $5 charge. To reserve in advance click here. 

About The Institute for American Indian Studies 

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allow visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, in Washington, Connecticut.

Learn the Art of Fly Tying @ Weekend in Norfolk

Fly fishing is a popular activity enjoyed by millions of Americans each year. It is considered to be an almost meditative activity. Spending time in nature has a calming effect on the mind and fly-fishing provides people with a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, giving them the chance to reflect and unwind.

Norfolk is a fly-fishing paradise that boasts streams and ponds that offer fly-fishermen a rich and diverse angling experience. Although Norfolk offers year-round fly fishing action in most lakes and ponds, the fly fishing season for rivers and streams runs from the third Saturday in April through the end of February. 

To fly-fishing at Campbell Falls State Park, take a woodland path to the base of the falls. Here anglers will find a deep pool perfect for fly-fishing. If you prefer to fly fish at a pond, head to Wood Creek Pond where you can fish for largemouth bass, chain pickerel, spotted bass, pumpkinseed, and black crappie. Another spot in Norfolk is the Blackberry River which is stocked by the State of Connecticut with 9,200 trout annually. For access points to the river click here.

Fly-fishing is angling with the use of a fly reel, fly line, fly rod, and leader. A fly is an artificial lure made with hair, feathers, tinsel, or thread and is used to imitate mayflies, stoneflies, or caddisflies in order to attract fish. Many consider fly-tying an art form because a fly tyer does his or her best to imitate the look, flutter, wiggle, color, and silhouette of a bug in order to present unwary fish with a delectable treat. 

At this year's Winter Weekend in Norfolk, join master fisherman and fly- tyer, Doug McDeavitt to learn the skills or sharpen your skills of making flys. This free fly-tying workshop is on Saturday, February 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, February 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fly fishing enthusiasts will learn about different flies and watch tying demonstrations. McDeavitt will offer tips on where to go for the best fly-fishing experience and trade fish tales with participants. This is the ideal event for fish enthusiasts of all ages and levels. It is sure to get you ready for the spring fishing season that begins in April.

For more information on other events happening at Winter WIN click here.

Winter Weekend in Norfolk - February 25 & 26 - Will Cure Your Cabin Fever!

 

For the past six years, Winter Weekend in Norfolk has warmed the hearts of locals and visitors alike by offering revelry as a respite from long, arduous winter days. This year, Winter WIN is taking place on Saturday, February 25, and Sunday, February 26. It is just the ticket to fight off those winter blues with a series of town-wide events held both indoors and outdoors. So bundle up and head to Norfolk and get ready to embark on a series of fun and educational winter events that are sure to please the whole family. Best of all, every event has been carefully planned by a team of dedicated volunteers, and most are free of charge. 

New This Winter 

There is nothing more exciting than the premiere of a new show. On Saturday, the Norfolk Library is hosting the world premieres of two, one-act plays, "Let's Play" and "Barren" by two local playwrights, followed by additional performances on Sunday. Both plays will be performed on February 25 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on February 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. These performances are perfect for pre-teens and up. 

 Do you want to know your future? It is easy to do @ WIN! Norfolk’s Wellness Center for Healing, Healing Nest is offering three-card Tarot Readings and 15-minute Reiki treatments from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. each afternoon at no charge. Tarot Cards are probably one of the most popularly used tools of divination in the world today. The Healing Nest also offers unique healing products to enhance individual and community wellness and well-being. 

If you have always wanted to learn about fly-fishing but didn't know where to start, don't miss the fly-fishing workshop taking place on Saturday, February 25, and Sunday, February 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hub, located at 2 Station Place in the center of town, just off Rte. 44. A local expert conducts this informative and fun workshop, and will share tips and fish tales! Whether you are a first-time fly fisher or you’ve been fishing for quite some time, this workshop is designed to enhance your skills, review the types of appropriate gear, and teach you the art of knot tying and fly picking. 

Husky Meadow Farms located on 30 Dolittle Road, a few miles from the center of town, is hosting an open house on Saturday, February 25 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This certified organic farm grows a wide variety of vegetables and tends antique fruit trees that are on the property. Visitors to the open house will be treated to delectable treats from the kitchen, and have a sneak peek at the guest rooms. A highlight of the visit is to see a shiitake mushroom inoculation demonstration and to meet the new farmer, Brett Ellis, who recently relocated to Norfolk from the prestigious French Laundry Restaurant where he was the head gardener. For those that want to extend this experience, Husky Meadows is also offering a special "Meet the Farmer Dinner" at 6 p.m. 

In recent years, the art of knitting, a craft that has been around since the 5th century has had a resurgence, and it is now popular among people of all ages. If you love to knit, don't miss the Norfolk Knitters yarn sale on Saturday, February 25; from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fine yarns, knitting books sure to inspire, and notions are just some of the offerings that can be found at this sale, where all proceeds go to help local charities. 

The Great Outdoors 

Winter is the perfect season to explore the great outdoors and there is nowhere better to do this than on Norfolk's miles of trails that are meticulously maintained by the Norfolk Land Trust. Whether you go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or simply take a stroll through the woods, there is always something to see. 

A highlight on Saturday, February 25 at 10 a.m. and at 1 p.m. is to take a walk on the wild side with Great Mountain Forest staff. On this guided walk with a wildlife professional participants will learn how to detect and understand the signs wildlife leaves us along the trail. 

For families, on February 25, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., there will be a roaring bonfire, a hot chocolate table, and skating at the Town Rink on 50 Mountain Road. This is the perfect activity for families...don't forget the marshmallows! 

On Sunday, February 26, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a winter hiking adventure at Haystack Mountain State Park located on Rte., 272. Participants will learn to identify trees and shrubs based on their winter appearance and look for wildlife that forages for food along the trail. 

For Art Lovers 

For art lovers, there is an art show of beautiful landscapes and flowers in oil by Lilly Woodworth at the Hub, an art show of Caryn King's floral paintings in oil at the Norfolk Library, and an art show at the Guilded Artisan, of works by Ani Jenkins, whose wood sculptures are breathtaking. 

Norfolk is famous for its magnificent stained glass windows. Visitors are invited to take a self-guided tour of the Tiffany stained glass windows at the Immaculate Conception Church and the Battell Chapel. 

The extraordinary stained glass windows by Tiffany at the Battell Chapel depict the four seasons. The center window shows a brilliant sunrise, to its left, are spring and summer, and to the right, are autumn and winter. In addition, there are three large stained glass windows designed by D. Maitland Armstrong of opalescent glass using a special layer technique that creates a great depth of field and a shimmering effect, especially on a sunny day. 

The Battell Chapel will be open on Saturday, February 25 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and on Sunday, February 26, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

The Immaculate Conception Church will be open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and docents will be on hand to talk about these magnificent stained glass windows. Here visitors can view ten exquisite stained-glass windows designed by architect Alfredo Taylor and created by Franz Mayer & Company of Munich, Germany. At the time, this company was awarded the status of "Royal Bavarian Art Establishment by King Ludwig II and was named by Pope Leo XIII as a "Pontifical Institute of Christian Art." Today the company is managed by the fifth generation of family members and works with renowned artists around the world. 

ABOUT THE WIN (WEEKEND IN NORFOLK) COMMITTEE 

Now in its seventh year, the all-volunteer WIN Committee organizes two town-wide events annually: the Summer WIN and the Winter WIN. Norfolk’s town officials, the Economic Development Commission, and many local organizations, institutions, and individuals support these two town-wide festivals in order to welcome people from near and far to this lovely town in the Litchfield Hills.

Love is “Taylor-Made” for Red Wolves at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

Love is in the air for animals at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, especially for one of the resident bachelors: Peanut, the red wolf.  The Zoo is now the new home for Taylor, an eight-year-old female red wolf, newly arrived from the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, North Carolina. Taylor has spent the past several weeks in quarantine, required for all new arrivals, becoming accustomed to her new home. Once she was verified to be in excellent physical condition by the Zoo’s on-site veterinarian, Taylor was gradually introduced to Peanut.  

Wolves, like people and other animals, have individual characteristics. “Taylor is very shy and it may take some time for her to be comfortable in her new surroundings,” explained General Curator Rob Tomas, adding that guests may not see her immediately, or only catch a glimpse of her at first.   

 

Taylor and Peanut are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)’s Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program, and the Species Survival Plan (SSP). Seeing a red wolf in the wild today is one of the rarest sights in nature. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Census of July 2022, a single population in eastern North Carolina remains, consisting of a total of 19-21 red wolves in the wild. There are 243 red wolves in AZA facilities across the United States. 

 

Recovery Efforts

Recovery efforts began in 1987 when the federal government reintroduced red wolves to the 150,000-acre Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina.  U.S. Fish and Wildlife introduced more than 100 wolves bred in human care into the refuge and saw the population peak at more than 225 wolves more than a decade ago. Their numbers have plummeted. Wolves have been shot by homeowners and farmers, hit by cars, and removed for doing what comes natural to wolves: roaming to find new territory. Today the only distinctly American wolf is losing its fight for survival. 

 

“Taylor is a beautiful and healthy red wolf, and an important ambassador for her critically endangered species,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “Welcoming Taylor to the Zoo gives us a platform for alerting our guests to the fragile state of red wolves in the wild. They have a very uncertain future, except in SSP programs in zoos.”

 

“The Zoo’s SSP breeding program exists to bolster the dwindling number of animals still in the wild,” explained Dancho. “It’s a real testament to our Zoo’s strong reputation for working to protect endangered species and to educate our guests about them. It’s an important part of our mission.”

 

Managed by the AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP), inter-regional transfers are arranged with careful attention to gene diversity in the hope that successful breeding will take place. 

Take a Romantic Tour Around the Zoo

The red wolves are one pair among several at the Zoo you can visit on the most romantic day of the year. Bring your sweetheart and visit:

 

North American River Otters: Sedge and Tahu

Spider Monkeys: Gilligan and his troop, Janet, Bertha, and TT

Saki Monkeys: Ollie and Harriet

Goeldi’s Monkeys: Monty and Jovi

Golden Lion Tamarins: Cricket and Leão

Howler Monkeys: Cain and his troop, Ella and Lina

Guinea Hogs: Harry and Doris

Boat-billed Herons: Burt and Lonnie

White-naped Cranes: McDuffy and Cora

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

Let Your Curiosity Run Wild! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 101st year, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tiger and leopards, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves and red wolves.  Other highlights include our Spider Monkey Habitat, the prairie dog exhibit, and the Pampas Plain with giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite from the Peacock Café and eat in the Picnic Grove.  As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org. 

 

CT Wine Trail Announces 2023 Winter Wine Trail Passport Participants completing the 12-location program become eligible to win Prizes valued at more than $6,000

 “The Winter Wine Trail offers a fun and exciting way for residents and visitors to try award-winning wines made right here in Connecticut while overlooking scenic vineyards,” said Margaret Ruggerio, of The Connecticut Wine Trail and co-owner of Paradise Hills Vineyard and Winery. “It’s the perfect way to beat the winter blues while sipping and swirling your way through winter into spring! Best of all, the Winter Wine Trail gives friends and family a way to expand their palate and learn about the history of winemaking in the state.”

The twelve participating vineyards include the following wineries that will take you on a quest on and off the beaten path making it an excellent day or weekend adventure.

Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, 56 Pole Bridge Road, Sandy Hook. This is an experience-focused, climate-neutral certified vineyard, and event venue beautifully situated on 40 estate acres. Inspired by mythological tales of powerful women and a love of astronomy, this vineyard offers nine heavenly wines seasonally. They offer a fine selection of reds, rose, whites, and zesty Sangria by the pitcher.

Bishop’s Orchards, 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford. Located in a barn dating to 1928, visitors will experience a superb assortment of award-winning fruit wines and hard ciders made from produce grown here. Bishop’s Orchard also offers a unique wine selection that includes a mix of semi-dry and semi-sweet varieties that are similar to white and blush wines.

 

Gouveia Vineyards, 1339 Whirlwind Hill Road, Wallingford. Joe Gouveia, originally from Portugal, had a dream to bring the winemaking traditions of his home country to Connecticut…and he has! Built of stone and old timbers, this rustic wine-tasting room has a spectacular hilltop location where the views seem to go on forever. A highlight here is to experience a taste of Portugal while sipping on reds and white wines made from 17 varietals that are picked by hand.

 

Hawk Ridge Winery, 26 Plungis Road, Watertown. Located on 58 bucolic acres of farmland this winery grows eight varietals of grapevines that are used in eleven of their twenty-plus wines that include an evocative selection of dry or sweet, red, white, or rose wines. In addition to wine, they offer a large menu of food and appetizers that pair perfectly with their wine, completing this relaxing experience.

 

Hopkins Vineyard, 25 Hopkins Road, New Preston. This vineyard offers vistas of the blue waters of Lake Waramaug, from its hilltop site. A family farm since 1787, the first Hopkins vines were planted in 1979, and the nineteenth-century barn was converted to a state-of-the-art winery. Wine tastings are offered and favorites can be ordered by the glass or by the bottle, along with cheeses and pates, at The Hayloft, a wine bar with a stunning lake view. This vineyard has won many awards and accolades over the years and is a Nationally designated Bi-Centennial Farm.

 

Jonathan Edwards Winery, 74 Chester Main Road, North Stonington. The highlight of this vineyard is to sample their portfolio of wines, which includes four Estate varietals from their favorite growers in California without having to make the trip out west. Estate Connecticut wine is also handcrafted here. This unique experience allows guests to sample the East and West coasts’ distinctive climates. To accompany the wine in their cozy tasting room cheese and charcuterie that is locally sourced are also available.

 

Paradise Hills Vineyards, 15 Windswept Hill Road, Wallingford. Unwind in a sunny Tuscan-styled tasting room with its hand-crafted copper bar, decorative chandelier, mahogany tables, and wood-burning fireplace. This cozy tasting room provides the perfect setting to enjoy wine while overlooking the vineyard. Paradise wines have been awarded 85+ points from several renowned wine competitions making sipping a true pleasure while dining on a charcuterie platter.

 

Priam Vineyards, 11 Shailor Hill Road, Colchester. This vineyard has won numerous International wine competition medals for its wines that are produced in the style of Northern France and Germany. It has been voted the best vineyard in Connecticut for five years. Fifteen handcrafted wines are produced throughout the year in this magical setting with its breathtaking views of the Connecticut countryside. As environmentalists, they practice sustainable agriculture and are vegan-certified.

 

Sharpe Hill Vineyard, 108 Wade Road, Pomfret. This vineyard has won over 450 medals in International tastings and offers reds, whites, and rose in a setting of great natural beauty. It is such a treat to sip on a refreshing chardonnay or a robust cabernet while gazing out over 100-plus acres with vistas that stretch to Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

 

Stonington Vineyards, 523 Taugwonk Road, Stonington. This is one of the first farm wineries established in Connecticut and a founding member of the Connecticut Wine Trail. They are best known for their barrel-fermented Chardonnay and their proprietary blends, Seaport White and Triad Rose. Their European-style table wines have won many awards.

 

Sunset Meadow Vineyards, 599 Old Middle Street, Goshen. This family-owned and operated nationally and internationally award-winning vineyard is located on over 40 acres of sloping fields overlooking the picturesque sunsets and scenery of the Western Connecticut Highlands. In addition to winning many national and international medals for their wines, Sunset Meadow has been named one of the best 101 Wineries in America by the Daily Meal. In addition to tasting by the glass or bottle, they offer specialty chocolate and wine pairing as well as a variety of cheeses from local artisans.

 

Taylor Brooke Winery, 818 Route 171, Woodstock. This family-owned vineyard has 17 acres of wine production and has recently opened a brewery on 27 acres that are adjacent to the winery offering guests a double experience. Sparkling, dry whites, semi-sweet whites, red, still rose, and dessert wines abound here. For a change of pace, try the Spirit of Woodstock brandy that is aged like bourbon.

About the Connecticut Wine Trail

The Connecticut Wine Trail is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing wine regions in the United States. Made up of 22 participating wineries and vineyards throughout the state of Connecticut, the CT Wine Trail offers a tremendous variety of wine styles and stunning scenery—enjoyable in every season.

How Cigars and BraeVal Tartan Shirts are Alike

BraeVal is the go-to shop for men and women in Connecticut for the most amazing tartan and checked shirts inspired by the patterns from the Highlands of Scotland. BraeVal is not only a destination shop (no worries, they have a website http://braeval.net) it is a lifestyle that makes me think of the finer things in life and how to enjoy them. 

Like BraeVal apparel, the woody savory aromas of cigars evoke a lifestyle that is robust, authentic, and refined. Cigars are just one of the ways some of us like to unwind, after a night on the town or a day in the field. During the two hours, it takes to smoke a cigar, you can unwind and kick back. It is the perfect time to contemplate whatever comes to mind -- or nothing at all! 

All Natural 

Cigars and BraeVal are both made from natural products. BraeVal's shirts, for example, are made from a technologically advanced, proprietary all-natural Tiera fabric that is ring spun of Merino wool and long-staple cotton that is naturally regulating and is known for its softness and high absorption rate. The fabric these shirts are made from is 100 percent natural and even biodegradable.

Cigars are made of one thing, and one thing only, pure, unadulterated tobacco that is not artificially altered to change their taste. Everything from their flavor, whether it is spicy or sweet, to their color is achieved naturally, which is part of their allure.

Artisanal

Another similarity between BraeVal and cigars is that both are artisanal products. BraeVal's colors and patterns were designed by Founder, Gregor McCluskey, and inspired by classic checks and plaids of the Scottish Highlands. Artisanal elements include a combination of features found nowhere else like a hidden vented bi-swing back, roll-up sleeve stays, a below-the-waist zippered security pocket, triple stitching, and double-layered pockets. Depending on the style of the shirt, patches on the elbows, or waxy cotton shoulder patches are also included as a feature. The end result is a uniquely comfortable shirt that is as rugged as it is sophisticated. 

Like BraeVal's shirts, on the craft side, hand-rolling a cigar is an art form that takes many years to master. Blending tobacco is an artisanal art as well. Tobacco is a natural product that is subject to the whims of nature that creates crop variations. Like wine, some years are better than others, and only a master cigar maker understands this and blends the tobacco accordingly. The beauty of this time-honored process is that no two cigars taste quite the same. At the end of the day, the taste and experience of the finest cigar are subjective and based on the natural combination of the skill of the tobacco blender, the expertise of the cigar roller, and the soil where the tobacco has grown.

Made With Pride

 BraeVal prides itself on creating the finest apparel that is comfortable and distinctive. The process of drawing patterns, choosing color combinations, integrating functionality into the design, overseeing the spinning of fabric, and the hands-on production is all part of the fun and fulfillment of creating something to be treasured for years to come. 

Cigars also go through a long process before they make it into your humidor. After the tobacco leaf is picked, it must be cured, fermented, then laid out to dry. The outer leaves that are used to wrap the tobacco have to be destemmed and deveined. Then there is the rolling process, where aged tobacco is doled out to be rolled by hand. Finally, finished cigars are sorted for color consistency and sent to the aging room before they are boxed out and shipped. Like BraeVal, cigar production requires the hands-on work and discerning eye of experts at every stage of the process.

If you love fine craftsmanship, whether it is a fine cigar, a glass of whisky, or a comfortable shirt, the joy of creation always results in something admirable, and enjoyable - and that is what the BraeValian Lifestyle and cigars are all about.

See Future Olympians @ Salisbury’s JumpFest Feb. 3-5

This year marks the 97th year of Salisbury Connecticut’s annual Ski Jump Competition called Jumpfest where spectators can watch some of the finest potential Olympic hopefuls compete on Satre Hill, at 80 Indian Cave Road in Salisbury, CT. Even if you have no snow where you live, the organizers of this event make it; so get ready to experience a winter wonderland that has a lot of action!

 

“If you have never seen ski jumping live, you have never really witnessed this sport,” said Willie Hallihan, Association Director of  SWSA (Salisbury Winter Sports Assoc.) “The hint of frost in the air, the cacophony of ringing cowbells, spectators cheering on their favorites, and the slap of skis as they hit the landing hill, make this event unforgettable.”

 

Jumpfest offers three days of heart-pounding excitement and competitions to watch. The tower stands 70 feet atop Satre Hill and jumpers perch on their bar 350 feet above the ground. As the flag is dropped they speed their way down the 300-foot run, picking up speed along the way. Imagine watching as jumpers soar up to 200 feet through the air at speeds of 50 miles an hour! There are only six ski jumping venues on the East Coast and, Salisbury is among the oldest. Satre Hill is also one of the most respected jump venues because of past hopefuls that have competed in the Olympics.

Jumpfest kicks off on Friday, February 3 at 7 p.m. with target jumping under the lights. This is an exciting warm-up for the events on Saturday and Sunday and a great time to spot your favorites and cheer them on. Target jumping is followed by a crowd favorite, the Human Dog Sled Race where teams of six compete in this madcap event for a variety of prizes. There are only half a dozen places in the country that host this event and most of them are pretty far from Connecticut making this spectacle of fun something not to be missed! If you want to compete contact info@jumpfest.org, the cost is $25 per team with proceeds going to the mission of SWSA, youth skiing programs.

 

On Saturday, February 4, the day begins at 9:30 a.m. with the Junior Competition on the 20-meter and 30-meter hills. It is thrilling to watch these young athletes that have trained so hard tackle the hills.

The Salisbury Invitational Ski Jumping Competition begins at 11 a.m. with practice jumps followed by the competition that begins at 1 p.m. Jumpers come from far and wide making it exciting to watch them demonstrate their strength, skill, and conditioning that makes them fly effortlessly through the air. At the conclusion of the competition, medals are awarded on the hill. They are the next generation of jumpers to watch.

 

To end the day on a high note, spectators are invited to attend the “Snowball” taking place at the Lakeville Town Grove at 42 Ethan Allen Street from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. There will be plenty of food and music by the Steve Dunn Band at this beautiful venue replete with a stone fireplace and chandeliers. Entry to the Snowball is $20 per person with children under 12 free.

 

On Sunday, February 5, the highly anticipated Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships begins with practice jumps that run from 11 a.m. through noon. The long-awaited annual competition starts at 1 pm. At this event, there are often Olympic hopefuls competing. These expert jumpers seem fearless as they display the tremendous coordination, skill, balance, and strength that it takes to soar so far and so high in the air and, most importantly, to land smoothly. If you want to see some of the bravest athletes in sports just stand at the bottom of a ski jump and watch them soar. It is something that you will never forget because as most jumpers will tell you, it is the closest you get to flying…without wings or a parachute!

To add to the festivities there are food trucks, craft beer, hot toddies, and bonfires on all three days. Tickets are available at the gate and are $15 for adults on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Kids 12 and under are free all three days. Parking is free. The ski jump complex is located at Satre Hill on Indian Cave Road in Salisbury. Proceeds for Jumpfest fund the SWSA youth skiing programs. Before setting out check www.jumpfest.org for updates, scheduled changes, or more information or email the Association at info@jumpfest.org.

 

ABOUT SALISBURY WINTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION

In the winter of 1926, John Satre a resident of Salisbury jumped off the roof of his shed wearing skis to show his friends and neighbors a sport he learned in his native homeland of Norway. Town residents were so amazed as they watched Satre soar through the air that they decided to build a proper ski run that summer, and form the Salisbury Winter Sports Association. The Association hosted the first ski jump competition in January 1927. JumpFest has become a highly anticipated event in Connecticut and throughout much of the East Coast.

 

W.E.B. DU BOIS SCULPTURE PROJECT ANNOUNCES MATCHING GRANT

The W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project of Great Barrington, Massachusetts has announced a matching grant in honor of the birthday of W.E.B. Du Bois, born on February 23, 1868. Donations will fund a statue of W.E.B. Du Bois in front of the Mason Public Library.

Anne G. Fredericks and Marc Fasteau will match $7,500 in donations during the month of February, which is also Black History Month,  to honor Great Barrington native son and civil rights scholar, W.E.B. Du Bois. “How wonderful that we can celebrate Du Bois’ 155^th birthday with this generous grant from Anne and Marc,” said Julie Michaels, Chair of the W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project. “It means that all donations, up to $7,500, that are made to the Project during February will be matched and doubled.”

To date, the DuBois Sculpture Project has raised more than $100,000 toward its $325,000 goal. Funds will go toward creating a life-size bronze sculpture of Du Bois, who will be seated on a marble bench in front of the Mason Public Library. Funds will also go to repairing the library’s front steps and help establish a Du Bois reading room in the Library.

 

Donations can be made online at www.webduboissculpture.org or mailed to W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project, P.O. Box 155, Great Barrington, MA 01230. “Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated; they will help us reach the goal of recognizing this great man who is part of our nation’s story,” said Michaels.

 

About the W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project

The W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project was launched in May 2022 by a volunteer group of local citizens with the goal of recognizing Du Bois’ scholarly achievements in the fight for racial equality. The Project celebrates Great Barrington, a town whose long abolitionist history and powerful commitment to public education helped shape the person Du Bois became. The Sculpture Project is endorsed and supported by town officials including the Great Barrington Select Board, the Great Barrington Library Trustees, W.E.B. Du Bois Town Legacy Committee, among many others.

About W.E.B. Du Bois

W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963) was born and educated in Great Barrington. He was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard.  A world-famous sociologist, historian, and founder of the NAACP, he wrote The Souls of Black Folk, a seminal

Jewelry Workshop Just in Time for Valentine’s Day @Institute for American Indian Studies

Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Instead of giving a box of candy or a bouquet of flowers to that someone special, this year think out of the box and give them a piece of jewelry that you have made yourself. The Institute for American Indian Studies is hosting a Jewelry Making Workshop on Sunday, January 29 beginning at 1 p.m. just in time for Valentine’s Day! 

At this fun and creative workshop, participants will learn how Native American communities across the country have used materials such as stones, shells, bone, clay, seeds, multicolored beads, and even porcupine quills to make jewelry. 

This Sunday Funday workshop provides participants of all ages with an exciting opportunity to learn a new creative outlet. The Institute’s Educational staff will be on hand to help participants decorate their very own piece of jewelry. Participants will combine traditional items from nature and multi-colored beads into a piece of jewelry that is one-of-a-kind, and more importantly, their own creation. A highlight of this workshop is to create a piece of jewelry using different colors and textures that are sure to dazzle! 

Space for this workshop is limited and pre-registration is required. To register visit our website or click here, call 860-868-0518 or email us at events@iaismuseum.org. The price of participation is $5 for members and $15 for non-members. 

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

 Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Where to Go Solo

Some of us have played around with traveling alone for one reason or another. This is especially true in the post-pandemic environment where we all want to make up for lost time on the road. Traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be completely on your own. The best way to travel solo, especially if it is for the first time, is to travel with a small group tour. This experience allows plenty of time to explore on your own without the worry of logistics. If you are not sure traveling solo is for you, try a day trip first. If you like the experience, then it might be time to book a longer trip to a destination on your bucket list.

Solo Travel in a small group allows you to experience things at your own pace

In 2022, 16% of Americans took a solo trip and, in 2023, 25% of Americans (83 million people) are considering taking a solo trip. According to Solo Traveler World, 70% of solo travelers take a tour to destinations that they are not confident in going to themselves. Moreover, 66% take a group tour because the tour manager handles all the details, and the tour company takes care of all the planning. More than 40% of those surveyed take a group tour because some adventures are only available on an organized tour. And, when it comes to safety 41% take a tour when traveling alone because they feel safer. Google data shows that post-pandemic solo travel has risen by 761.15%. Not surprisingly, 85% of women 55+ continue to travel solo.

Just like out of a storybook - Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

“Over the past few weeks, 25% of our small tour group bookings have come from those traveling alone,” says Tyler Zajacz, President of Tours of Distinction, an exclusive group tour operator for 51 years in Connecticut. “Our tours are curated to allow solo travelers plenty of time to explore on their own; knowing that all the logistics are taken care of. We always send a Group Tour Leader on our trips to keep things running smoothly and to point folks in the right direction. Going in a group is a great way for solo travelers to see the world in a way that won’t break their budget.”

Mackinac Island, the jewel of the Great Lakes

According to Tours of Distinction, some of the most popular destinations booked by solo travelers include a smattering of intriguing destinations. One favorite is Mackinac Island, the jewel of the Great Lakes where visitors get around by horse and carriage as no cars are allowed. “Solo travelers feel safe here because this destination is like stepping back in time to the Victorian era,” says Zajacz. “It is known as one of the “world’s friendliest islands” according to Travel and Leisure making it easy for solo travelers to explore.”

 

According to Tours of Distinction, another hot destination for solo travelers is Nova Scotia. “This island experience offers an extraordinary coastal getaway that is close to home with the added benefit of dining on some of the best seafood around,” says Zajacz.

Spot Eagles in West Virginia 

For those that want to get off the beaten track, Zajacz notes that West Virginia is a trending destination. “We offer an amazing scenic railroad ride along the Southern Bend of the Potomac River that is one of the best places to spot the American Bald Eagle. It seems to have attracted people that are in search of a soft eco-adventure.”

Visit the home of "the King" in Memphis

Known for their friendly people and southern charm, other popular solo destinations include Charleston and Savannah. “This past week our music cities tour that includes Memphis and Nashville has generated a lot of interest. A highlight of this trip is an exclusive tour of Graceland. It has always been popular, but it is in demand right now because of the new movie Elvis and the untimely and tragic death of Lisa Marie,” Zajacz notes.

The Palace Theater launches Annual Raffle

 

The Palace Theater’s Annual Raffle will launch today, Tuesday, January 24th at My Fair Lady. Patrons attending the hit Broadway musical will be among the first to be able to purchase 2023 Raffle tickets. 

The Raffle’s lucky first-prize winner will receive $3,000 in cash. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 203-346-2000, or in person at the Box Office at 100 E. Main St. The drawing will take place Monday, June 22, 2023, at 10:00 PM. 

 This year, participants who purchase or sell a book of tickets will be entered to win three (3)22kt yellow gold, diamond-cut bracelets appraised at $6,900. The bracelets were donated by Selim and Linda Noujaim. Tickets are $25 each and books of 10 are available for $250. Each month, raffle ticket purchasers will be entered into a drawing for a $25 LaBonne gift card. 

RAFFLE PRIZES 

Six (6) prizes are to be awarded Only 2,000 raffle tickets printed Proceeds will benefit the Palace Theater Annual Fund 

First Prize: $3,000 Cash Prize 

Second Prize: $1,500 Cash Prize 

Third Prize: $500 Gift Card Redeemable at Amazon.com 

Fourth Prize: $500 Gift Certificate Redeemable at LaBonne’s Market 

Fifth Prize: $500 Gift Card Redeemable at Home Depot 

Sixth Prize: $250 Gift Card Redeemable at Adam Broderick Salon & Spa 

About the Palace Theater 

 Located in Downtown Waterbury, Connecticut, the Palace Theater is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit performing arts center with a mission “to preserve and operate the historic Palace Theater as a performing arts center and community gathering place that provides a focal point of cultural activity and educational outreach for diverse audiences.” The Palace Theater gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support by Webster Bank, Post University, ION Bank, Savings Bank of Danbury, CT, Xfinity, Powerstation Events, Bank of America, City of Waterbury, CT DECD Office of Tourism, Republican-American and WATR Radio.