How Much Money is Left in TSA Bins!

We all hate going through airport security but understand it is a necessary evil in the modern-day world of travel.  The hustle and bustle of the line, regardless if you are six feet apart or close together, the removal of shoes, spare change, and keys just adds to the experience that we all want to get through as quickly as possible. And, when we are in a hurry, sometimes we forget to take things out of the bins after going through security.

n the Fiscal Year of 2019 according to TSA Officials, $926,030.44 was the amount of unclaimed money left behind by passengers at airport security checkpoints, including $18,899.09 in foreign currency. At the end of FY 2019, TSA had $1,518,696 in unobligated funds available for use. At Bradley International, $4,056.66 was left behind in 2019. The top five airports where passengers left the most money behind are;
1. JFK - $98,110
2. San Francisco - $52,668.70
3. Miami International - $47, 694.03
4. McCarran International - $44,401.76
5. Dallas/Fort Worth - $40,218.19

Heading into security, all items from pockets must be removed including wallets and loose change. As a travel tip that TSA concurs with is that it is best to place those items in your carry on so you don't forget your wallet or loose change in a bin. For a complete list of unclaimed money at airports in Fiscal Year 2019 click here.

TSA works hard to reunite items left behind by passengers. If someone returns to a checkpoint right away to claim an item left behind, it is easily returned to them. I once left my laptop in a bin and within minutes realizing what I had done, I went back to the checkpoint and was relieved to see that it had been pulled aside and was waiting for me. After I showed my boarding pass and I.D. it was returned to me. It did help that my business card was attached to the handle of the carrier case the laptop was in.

If you leave an item behind and don't realize it until after you board, it is best to contact any of the TSA's lost and found offices at airports across the country to track down your belongings. For the link for TSA, offices click here.  Due to the Covid-19, some office in-person pick-ups are suspended. You can also search Rejjee, a private company specializing in reuniting owners and their property that is contracted by TSA. To search for your missing items through Rejjee click here.

For tour and travel information and tour planning contact Tours of Distinction, a Connecticut Tour Operator in business since 1971.

Glebe House Reopening for Reserved Guided Tours

The Glebe House, built about 1740, is celebrating its 93rd year in operation in 2018 as a historic house museum and garden.  It was the home of Rev. John Rutgers Marshall, his wife Sarah, nine children, and three slaves from 1771 to 1786 and is furnished with period furniture including a wonderful collection of furniture made in Woodbury during the 18th century.

In 1771 Woodbury's first Anglican minister, John Rutgers Marshall of New York City arrived with his wife Sarah. By the end of the Revolutionary War, John Marshall and his family had endured the oppression suffered by many New England Anglicans who were often presumed to be loyal to the king.

Only weeks after American independence was secure, a group of Connecticut Anglican clergy met secretly at the Glebe House to make a momentous decision; to take part in the building of a new nation while upholding their religious heritage. The group elected the Reverend Dr. Samuel Seabury to go to London to argue before Parliament to become the first Bishop in the new world, a decision that assumed both the separation of church and state and religious tolerance in the new nation.

After the Marshalls had moved from the Glebe House, Gideon B. Botsford, a silversmith, lived in the house. Botsford lived and worked at the Glebe House with his wife and family of eight children through the mid-19th century. By the 1920s the house had passed through several owners and fallen into great disrepair.

As plans were discussed to tear down the house, it was saved by the Seabury Society for the Preservation of the Glebe House, which repaired the building, began collecting furniture, and raised funds to ensure continued operations as a museum.

The Glebe House was restored in 1923 under the direction of Henry Watson Kent, a pioneer of early American decorative arts and founder of the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. One of the early historic house museums in the country, The Glebe House opened its doors to the public in 1925.

The Glebe House Museum will be reopening for reserved guided tours beginning Friday, August 7th. The Museum is following all current State & CDC guidelines for the health & safety of their visitors, volunteers & staff. Guided tours will be limited to the first floor of the historic Glebe House. Tour length will be limited to 15 minutes within the Museum with extra time in the Garden for Docents to answer questions or elaborate on areas of interest. Masks and social distancing protocols are required. Each tour is limited to 4 adults traveling together. Groups will not be mixed. 

A limited number of tickets will be available for each time-slot. Tickets are available up to 24 hours in advance, through Eventbrite by following the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/glebe-house-museum-tours-tickets-114193495820?aff=ebdssbeac

Located in the 

Two Outdoor Events August 29 and 30 @ Institute for American Indian Studies

Finding the perfect end of the summer outing can be a challenge.  Not to worry, the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut is offering two good options on August 29 and 30. The special programs planned will get parents and children out in the fresh air and participating in a variety of activities that make the Institute a perfect spot for a late August day trip.  These innovative programs are sure to bring you and your family closer to nature creating the perfect backdrop for a hands-on experience. 

The first program, on Saturday, August 29 takes place from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. If you want to learn more about river ecology and bugs, this program is a must! Families and youngsters will take a half-mile walk to the Shepaug River to look for the creatures that live in and around the water. This interactive program will teach families about the bugs and the animals and fish that live in and near the river. Kids will enjoy the challenge of spotting bugs, frogs, and other creatures. A highlight will be to learn about what these animals tell us about the health of this ecosystem and the steps we can take to help preserve it. It is suggested that participants wear water shoes so that they can get into the action on the river.

The second outdoor program offered by the Institute will take place on Sunday, August 30th from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will focus on the natural history of birds, bears, and beavers. Lead by Susan Scherf, museum educator, and former wildlife rehabilitator, attendees will participate in an interesting discussion about the wildlife that can be found in northwest Connecticut. It is fun to learn about the habitat that these wild animals live in. This wildlife experience will bring out the "naturalist" in all participants and give tips on how to spot local wildlife and the steps we can take to protect these beautiful animals.

 These two events at the Institute for American Indian Studies are included in the price of admission; $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children. Members are free. Due to COVID-19, the Institute is practicing social distancing at all outdoor events. The museum is also open and if visitors want to visit it before or after an event, masks are required. 

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 the 16^th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that 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 on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

The Zolla Boys to Perform on Torrington Historical Society Grounds August 28

The Torrington Historical Society is pleased to announce the return of The Zolla Boys for an outdoor concert featuring their one-of-a-kind bluegrass brothers harmony. The concert, sponsored by Northwest Community Bank, will take place on the grounds of the Torrington Historical Society on Friday, August 28, 2020, at 6 pm (rain date: August 29, 2020).  Due to COVID-19, seating will be limited to 31 socially distanced locations. Each location is $20 and can seat a household group or social bubble of 1- 4 people. Attendees must wear masks and are asked to bring their own chairs or blanket.  Reservations are required; to purchase a ticket visit the Society’s website.

The Zolla Boys are brothers, Ben (guitar), and Sam (mandolin), along with their dad, Larry (bass). Based out of Northwest Connecticut, they perform throughout New England and the Northeast and have been featured on award-winning festival stages—including the Grey Fox Emerging Artist Showcase and Joe Val Bluegrass Festival—and have performed live on Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour.

 Ben and Sam started playing music with their dad, Larry, in the spring of 2012.  What started as a hobby quickly grew into regular bookings at bluegrass music festivals, music venues, concert halls, and radio stations. Their tight, brother harmony vocals have attracted tens of thousands of fans to their music videos on Facebook and YouTube. From traditional brother duets to contemporary driving bluegrass, or songs from the legendary singer/songwriters of the ’60s and ’70s, the Zolla Boys interpret and perform music in a   unique style.

The Torrington Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to collecting,         preserving and sharing Torrington's rich and diverse history.  The museum is located at the historic Hotchkiss-Fyler estate in downtown Torrington. For more information about the Society visit www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org

Stamford Restaurant Week - August 17-September 7, 2020

This year the Stamford Restaurant Week is bigger than ever! There are over 20 participating restaurants that are serving up a multi-course fixed price menu for two weeks! The prices for lunch range from $14.20 or $22.20 and dinner ranges from $28.20 or $40.20. Stamford Restaurant Weeks are presented by Stamford Tables & Stamford Downtown.

Reservations are highly recommended, so book your tables early. Click here to make reservations
Participating restaurants below:
Restaurants offering $14.20 Lunch and $28.20 Dinner:
Acuario Restaurant – RW Menus Coming Soon – (203) 998-7722
Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar – RW Menu Coming Soon – 203-348-4800
Bedford Hall Craft Kitchen & Bar- RW Menus – 203-973-7888 – Make Reservations
Cask Republic – RW Menus Coming Soon – 203-348-2275 – Make Reservations
Fiesta on Main – RW Menus – (203) 323-4300
Flinders Lane – RW Menus – (203) 323-3137 – Make Reservations
Hudson Social – RW Menus – 203-883-8600 – Make Reservations
InThai Restaurant – RW Menus – (203) 569-6626
Kouzina Greek Taverna – RW Menus Coming Soon – (203) 588-0110
Kyushu Ramen & Sushi – RW Menus – (203) 614-8689
ONE CLUB Tequila Lounge at the Residence Inn – RW Menus Coming Soon – (203) 564-5000
Riviera Maya – RW Menus – (203) 588-9400
Tutti Pazzi – RW Menus – 203-324-7000 – Make Reservations

Restaurants offering $20.20 Lunch and $40.20 Dinner:

Bar Rosso – RW Menus Coming Soon – 203-388-8640
Blackstones Steakhouse – RW Menus – 203-595-5415 – Make Reservations
Bull Pan – RW Menus Coming Soon – (203) 569-9618
The Capital Grille – RW Menus Coming Soon – 203-967-0000 – Make Reservations
Columbus Park Trattoria – RW Menus – 203-967-9191 – Make Reservations
Fin II Japanese Restaurant – RW Menus Coming Soon – (203) 359-6688
FISH Restaurant & Bar – RW Menus Coming Soon – 203-724-9300 – Make Reservations
Kashi Japanese – RW Menus – (203) 890-9995
Kotobuki Japanese Restaurant – RW Menus Coming Soon – (203) 359-4747
Siena Ristorante – RW Menus – (203) 351-0898

 

 

Fun in Litchfield's Tapping Reeve Meadow August 18-20

 The Tapping Reeve Meadow, named after Judge Tapping Reeve, the gentleman that started the first law school in America is hosting crafts week from August 18-20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Located in Litchfield, behind the Tapping Reeve House and Law School participants will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment. There are many newly installed outdoor exhibits and, visitors are invited to take part in crafts and games inspired by the fight for women’s right to vote. 

A highlight of this event includes Ballots for Both: The Fight for Equal Voting Rights Exhibit! Visitors are invited to explore the newest outdoor exhibit exploring the battle for woman suffrage in Litchfield and the state of Connecticut.  Kids can make their own Votes for Women pin and discover historic buttons in the Society's collection and make a suffrage-inspired button.  Participants will also see the artwork of Adelaide Deming, painter, and a local leader of the suffrage movement. Be inspired by her paintings and paint your own landscape.  To top off the fun there is also croquet on the lawn.

To protect the safety of attendees and to eliminate overcrowding, we are requiring attendees to pre-register for an arrival time. Visitors required to wear a mask at all time, to stay with their family groups, and to stay at least six feet from other groups.  All equipment used by visitors will be thoroughly cleaned between groups. In the event of rain or inclement weather, the program will not be held.   

The Glass House: Benefit Auction 2020

 The Glass House in New Canaan is one of Connecticut's treasures founded by Philip Johnson. A tour here includes a visit to Philip Johnson's studio, the Glass House, the Painting Gallery, Sculpture Gallery, outdoor sculpture, and Da Monsta. The walk through this amazing property is about one mile on paths and grass. 

This summer the Glass House is hosting a Summer Benefit Auction that provides the unique opportunity to discover and collect art from a curated selection of artworks across all mediums - photography, sculpture, painting, etc. For a link to the auction click here. 

The auction also features luxury experiences as well as select design items for the home. Many famous artists have donated their work to the Glass House and all proceeds provide critical support towards the preservation of the Glass House. 

All lots ship from New Canaan, CT. Pre-arranged pick-up is also available. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer. Please contact specialist@artsy.net with further inquiries and for shipping quotes. Please note there is no sales tax on any lots purchased in The Glass House benefit auction. Online bidding closes on Saturday, August 15th, at 4:00 pm EST.

Actress "Gidget" Born Today in Connecticut!

 Today in Connecticut history, actress Deborah Walley was born in Bridgeport in 1941. With nationally famous ice skaters and choreographers Edith and Nathan Walley as her parents, young Deborah caught the show business bug at an early age, performing on the ice with her parents for the first time at the age of three. She soon expressed a preference for acting over choreography and enrolled in New York City’s American Academy of Dramatic Arts as a teenager.

Walley’s first big film breakthrough was the 1961 summer hit Gidget Goes Hawaiian, a sequel to the popular 1959 film Gidget starring teen sensation Sandra Dee. The film’s producers were originally concerned that the film might bomb owing to Dee being replaced with a relatively unknown actress, but audiences loved Walley and the film was a smash hit at the box office. Walley was even named Photoplay magazine’s Most Popular Actress of 1961.

Gidget Goes Hawaiian launched Walley’s career as an actress who specialized in ingenue-style roles, and she went on to star in a number of comedies and beach-themed films over the next few decades. In addition to starring opposite Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello in Beach Blanket Bingo and Elvis Presley in Spinout, Walley starred in the hit 1974 film Benji — one of many Disney-related roles she held throughout her show-business career. 

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, she also enjoyed several high-profile cameos in popular TV shows like Wagon Train, The Virginian, and Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C. Even as Walley’s on-screen presence diminished in the 1980s, she maintained a productive relationship with Disney, where she occasionally worked as a writer and voice actor. In 2001, she passed away at the age of 59 from esophageal cancer.

Outdoor Sunset Yoga @ Stamford Museum and Nature Center

If health, wellness, and the great outdoors appeals to you then head to the Stamford Museum and Nature Center next week for an outdoor sunset yoga session. Participants will be led by Carol Shwidock, a Certified Kripalu Yoga Instructor, Occupational Therapist, Reiki Master, and owner of Harmony Yoga Studio. Space is limited to social distance for a safe experience and pre-registration is required. Please note that class will be held outdoors rain or shine - the Overlook Terrace is protected by a large awning.

 The cost of these yoga sessions are $30 a class for members and $40 for nonmembers. An eight class yoga package is also offered at $210 for members and $280 for non-members. The classes will be held on August 17, 20,24. 31 and September 3,10,14,21. To register for individual classes click here To register for the package of 8 classes click here.  Admission to the SM&NC is included with your registration - you are welcome to arrive early and walk through the farm before class!

Another alternative to arriving early is to visit the current exhibit in the gallery, Art and the Animal which will be on view through September 7. Art and the Animal ​ is a flagship exhibition of The Society of Animal Artists, which is regarded worldwide as the most prestigious artist membership organization dedicated to the theme of animals in art. A juried exhibit for art and animal lovers alike, visitors will get a chance to view more than 50 diverse artworks combining natural history and fine art in various styles and ranging in medium from oils, and watercolors, to exquisite pencil and ink works, paper cutouts and sculpture.

What your next cruise could look like

Cruise companies are implementing a series of changes and improvements to ensure the health and safety of their passengers and crews. Cruise experts note that 2021 cruise bookings industry-wide are up 4%, and river cruises are up 30%. Here are some of the changes that passengers might expect when cruises resume in 2021. 

 

Expect More CDC Oversight - Although many cruise companies are not U.S. companies, the CDC is considered the gatekeeper, and many work with them on a voluntary basis. Cruise lines will not cruise until the CDC gives them the "thumbs-up." The CDC will be looking very closely at all health protocols put in place to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

 

Strict Health Screening - Expect to go through multiple screenings especially those traveling to meet their ship via air travel. Health screening could include regular temperature checks when boarding and disembarking. There could even be COVID-19 testing for each passenger before boarding, especially if the technology improves and becomes more automatic. It is expected that crew members will also be tested regularly.

 

Improved Medical Facilities - New policies, new equipment, better air filtration systems, and increased facilities and professional healthcare workers dedicated to the health of the passengers will be available.  All cruise ship members of Cruise Lines International Association, the largest industry trade association, are required to have medical facilities with highly trained medical professionals and physicians available 24/7. 

 

New Public Space Layout - The cruise industry is in the midst of rethinking how all public spaces will be laid out to ensure social distancing.

 

Changes in Dining - The self-service buffet is most likely to become a thing of the past.  Self serve stations for cold drinks and ice cream may also be limited and have a crew member serving you in order to avoid cross-contamination. Dining rooms will be reconfigured to allow more space between tables to ensure social distancing in an area where masks cannot be worn. There may be an increase in the type and amount of food you can get delivered to your cabin. Cruise lines may offer main dining room meals delivered to cabins for balcony dining.

 

Capacity Limits - In order to comply with stricter capacity limits, a system of reservations could be implemented and become commonplace for dining and entertainment venues onboard. 

 

More Cleaning and Mask Wearing - There will be places on the vessel where mask-wearing has a place. Also, expect a higher level of cleaning onboard and the possible use of technology to help with this.

 

Fewer Sailings/Itinerary Changes -  One thing that consumers can count on happening is that there will be fewer sailings and fewer ports of call. There is also speculation that there will be fewer people on board for a variety of reasons including less demand and the restriction of the number of people cruising in order to practice social distancing. When booking a cruise keep the terms and conditions in mind, this allows cruise lines to change the itinerary without passengers recourse.

 

Smaller Scale Travel and River Cruises - Cruise line gurus see a trend that indicates that people are shifting from large cruise ships to smaller vessels like a cruise on the Douro River or the Seine. River cruising is also trending because the boats are smaller and get people closer to nature.

 

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Mourns the Loss of Red Panda Meri

 The family at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is saddened to announce the passing of Meri, a seven-year-old female Red panda, on July 27, 2020. The Zoo’s animal care team found that she had passed away in her sleep during the night, with no obvious signs of distress. A post-mortem necropsy showed that the cause was a cardiac condition.

 

Born on June 27, 2013 at the Detroit Zoo, Meri came to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo on January 11, 2018 from the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington, Delaware. She was named for Meriadoc Brandybuck, a character in J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Lord of the Rings. She was a beloved member of the Zoo family.

 

 “Meri will be deeply missed by all of us here at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “She had a unique personality and related well both to her companion, Rochan, and to her animal care staff. It has been our privilege to have known her for the past two years.

The Zoo remains home to Rochan, a six-year-old male Red panda who has been part of the Zoo family since October 2015. The Natt Family Red Panda Habitat opened in October 2018, a gift from Bob and Helen Natt of Easton, also funded by monies raised by supporters and from the Werth Family Foundation. The Red panda habitat offers indoor and outdoor viewing access for the Red pandas with air-conditioned indoor living quarters and a yard landscaped with bamboo and plenty of treetop spots for sunbathing. 

Rochan and Meri were part of the Species Survival Program (SSP), a breeding and management program designed to preserve the long-term sustainability of captive-based animal populations. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will work with the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) Species Survival Plan to identify another female Red panda as a new companion for Rochan. 

About Red Pandas

Red pandas (Allurus fulgens fulgens) resemble raccoons, are solitary animals, and are nocturnal by nature. Like their larger and better-known black and white cousins, Red pandas primarily eat bamboo but will occasionally eat fruits, berries, young leaves, and certain tree bark. Rochan, which means “light,” “brilliant,” and “celebrated” in Hindi, is six years old, and weighs nearly 15 pounds. 

Red pandas are not true pandas, rather, they are a unique species whose name “panda” is derived from a Nepalese word ”ponya,” meaning “eater of bamboo.” Like many in the Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s animal collection, the Red panda is threatened in the wild by territory loss and fragmentation, resource depletion, and are frequently hunted for their beautiful fur. 

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo

Spend the day a world away! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 98^th year, features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tigers and leopards, maned wolf family, and Mexican and Red wolves. Other highlights include our new 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. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a non-profit organization approaching its 100^th year at a time when the mission of helping fragile wildlife populations and eco-systems is more important than ever. 

The Zoo reopened on June 1 at 50% capacity. Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org. Face masks are required for everyone over the age of two, with the exception of those with medical conditions that preclude wearing them. 

 

Virtual Weekend in Norfolk - July 31, August 1 and August 2

For the past four years, the bucolic village of Norfolk, Connecticut has welcomed visitors to a town-wide festival where all the events are free. Rather than totally canceling the event because of the pandemic more than 25 businesses, organizations, and individuals have come together to welcome folks from near and far to a Virtual Weekend in Norfolk​ on July 31, August 1, and August 2. This year all events will be online, some will be live, and others will be On-Demand allowing viewers to watch them from home at their convenience. Best of all, every event is free of charge.

A special Virtual Weekend in Norfolk website​ has been set up that lists live and On-Demand events by category. The length of each video and description is included to make planning your viewing time easy. On-Demand events begin at 12:01 a.m., July 31, and run through August 2. Five live events are also scheduled.

 On-Demand Event Highlights

Natural foods and herbs have been used medicinally for centuries. If you want to learn more about how to prepare healthy food don't miss the 39-minute video by Wendy Roberts from Norfolk's Mountain View Green Retreat​ on how to prepare a variety of food from Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers, Chocolates with coconut oil, good for HDL cholesterol levels, a virgin Pina Colada, Nut Cheese made with heart-healthy raw cashews, and fresh-pressed juice to supercharge your health. These fun and instructive videos guide viewers in a step-by-step presentation with recipes included.

Viewers are invited to take a 20-minute virtual walking tour of the delightful village of Norfolk. Highlights of this tour include the classic village green, an extraordinary fountain, and interesting architectural buildings, and homes. The highlight is a tour of Battell Chapel's​ Stained Glass windows designed by D. Maitland Armstrong and Louis Comfort Tiffany. An in-depth view of the techniques used that make these windows special and a discussion on the restoration process of these historic gems makes this video riveting. 

One of the most interesting ways to understand the history and cultural heritage of a town is to visit a graveyard. The backstory told on the gravestones helps to define the character and tradition that gives people a sense of place. Don't miss the chance to dive into Norfolk's history with Historian William Hosley​, former curator of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, and the former Director of the Connecticut Landmarks Society. Hosley's fascinating 12-minute video visits Norfolk's Center Cemetery established in 1757. Every stone here tells a story from first settlers dating back to the 1770s and war heroes, to children, ministers, and politicians. A highlight is the story of Jupiter Morris. No rural town has the depth and richness of African American history as Norfolk; this video explains why.

If you have always wondered what it was like to live on a farm with goats, chickens, and pigs, then plan to spend a few minutes to see what life is like on Lost Ruby Farm​ in Norfolk, makers of some of the best goat cheese you will ever taste. Join owners Adair Mali and Antonio Guindon as they share their life on the farm and the love they have for their animals, and their commitment to fresh healthy food. 

If architecture is of interest don't miss the four-minute architectural glimpse of four of Norfolk's most historic homes with Tom Mc Gowan. Highlighted homes include The Joseph Battell House circa 1799 known locally as "The White House," Knolly Brook circa 1875 that offers a mélange of architectural styles, Beechwood Cottage, 1895 that looks like it should be in the English Cotswolds, and the Victorian style Tea Cozy Cottage, circa 1898. Another video details the story of the Victorian-styled Norfolk Library​ that was designed in the 19th century's Golden Age of architecture and compares it to different libraries throughout the U.S. designed in a similar style.

 Kids are not forgotten at this year's Virtual Win. They can tune in any time over the course of this three-day weekend to watch a fun, 18-minute video with artist and printmaker, Susan Rood. Kids and adults are guided through the process of printmaking using paper, paint, leaves, and found material. This video encourages imaginations to run wild with artistic creations!

Live Events

Virtual Weekend in Norfolk also features five live streaming videos including a Puppet Show​ called Lisa the Wise on Friday, July 31, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. that is perfect for kids and family fun. On Saturday, August 1 there are two different concerts by The Norfolk Chamber Music Festival's Emerging Artist Showcase​ at 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon and from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. For art lovers don't miss Saturday's watercolor workshop with artist Pamela Harnois​ from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. On Sunday, August 2, the final live virtual workshop from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. is with renowned artist and metal sculptor, Karen Rossi​; participants will learn how to make metal flowers with soda cans! Visit the website​ to register for a live event. After registration, a Zoom link will be sent about 30 minutes before the event streams live. 

Beardsley Zoo Second Annual Photo Contest

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is proud to announce its second non-juried photography exhibition will be held online this year, an opportunity for the Zoo’s many dedicated amateurs and professional photographers to submit their best work for public viewing. Photographers are invited to upload their submissions at https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/photography-exhibition.html. Judging will take place the first week in August, with a Facebook Live Winners Presentation held afterward.

 

Exhibit Rules

· Each photographer can submit three photos, with a $10 fee per photo.
For the best quality for viewing the photos online, the recommended image size is 1088 x 816 pixels with a maximum file size of 1MB.
· Photos must include animals from Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. They may be older photos from the previous year as well as current photos.
· Milford Photo will provide First, Second, and Third prizes in the form of gift certificates to the store. First prize is $200, second prize is $100, and third prize is $50.
· In addition to the judged photos, a People’s Choice will be selected. The general public can vote on their favorite by making a one-dollar donation for each vote.
· Photos are due to be submitted by July 31, 2020.
· If you have questions, email Jessica Taylor at jtaylor@beardsleyzoo.org.

 

“Art is a natural way for people to express their love of animals and appreciation of nature,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “Our second Photography Goes Wild online exhibit helps to showcase the stunning diversity of species at the Zoo, and we hope, encourage people to focus on preserving wild habitats and animal conservation in new ways.”

In preparation for the Exhibit, a Zoom photography class will be offered by experienced animal photographer and Zoo Volunteer, Jack Bradley. Date and details to be provided online.

 

Westport's Virtual Museum

In addition, the Westport Historical Society is offering a Virtual Museum highlighting 100 objects. In this exhibit 400 years of the towns, history is told using 100 different objects. Each week the museum posts new photos and descriptions of items that tell the story of Westport's history. By clicking on each item, visitors to this virtual website can learn more about the featured object and its relationship to a specific period. The virtual museum also has history project recipes, happy hour videos and puzzles, and games for kids.

On July 31 from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. join the Westport Historical Society with a  Live discussion on Zoom with Westport resident Edward Gerber who will discuss his personal connection with local artist George Hand Wright, in whose Westport home Gerber lives in. Gerber will go through the impacts of Wright’s artwork, as well as the book George Hand Wright: An Artist’s Life Examined, before taking questions from viewers.  This is a free program but registration is required. to Register, click here.

 

Skug: Snakes in the Eastern Woodlands - New Exhibit @ Institute for American Indian Studies

Native people have adapted to their changing environment over the course of thousands of years. Adaptation involves the transfer of knowledge from one generation to the next, for Native people, this is done through oral tradition and symbols. Among the most important symbols is the snake, which had different meanings to different communities and, different meanings throughout the centuries. The Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington Connecticut has just opened a new exhibition called Skug: Snakes in the Eastern Woodlands that highlights the perception of snakes in the pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial world. 

Prior to colonization, Native people used stories to inform each other about the surrounding environment, including the animals present in that environment. These stories and symbols, about animals like the snake, have very practical applications. An example of this is the game known as “snow snake.” This winter sport is still widely practiced by many Native communities and is usually played in teams that compete to see who can throw the wooden "snake" the farthest in a long track of snow.

 

During colonial times, American settlers were impressed and fearful of snakes, particularly, rattlesnakes. They first heard about rattlesnakes from indigenous people. Rattlesnakes were something settlers had never encountered before and they considered them ferocious. Consequentially, colonists adopted the rattlesnake as a symbolic identity that differentiated early colonists in America from people they left behind in continental Europe. The imagery of snakes, in general, continued to change and evolve over time and the colonial portion of this exhibition highlights examples of how, when, and why this occurred.

 

One of the highlights of the exhibit details the historic account of the Schaghticoke Rattlesnake Club in South Kent, Connecticut that dates back to the late 19^th century. Every June, club members would head up Schaghticoke Mountain in knee-high boots armed with two-pronged eight-foot sticks to capture snakes. The majority of the club members were newspapermen from as far as New York City. The adventures of these rattlesnake hunts by the Schaghticoke Rattlesnake Club detailed in this exhibit offer a fascinating glimpse into the Native adaptations to colonialism and detribalization in the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

 

The Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut has opened the Indoor Museum where this new exhibit can be seen. The Outdoor grounds have trails, a replicated outdoor Algonkian Village, a three sisters garden, and an archaeological pavilion. The Museum and Grounds are open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 12 noon to 4 p.m. The Museum and Staff follow strict safety protocols. For more information on the safety policy implemented please click here.