Largest Cacti and Succulent Show planned

Calling all lovers of cactus and succulents to the largest show of its kind on the East coast, the 34 annual Cactus and Succulent Show and Sale on April 1 and 2 in Waterbury at the Naugatuck Valley Community College located on 750 Chase Parkway.  Best of all the admission to this event that takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 1 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 2 is free - an added bonus is that the first 50 families to attend this event each day will be given a free plant!

There will be a huge and diverse selection of cacti and succulents for sale as well as a large selection of rare and hard to find books on cacti and succulents.  There will be a good selection of cacti that are hardy and good for growing outdoors in Connecticut as well as hand made garden pottery and hypertufa. To round out the fun, there will be a rare and specimen plant auction each day. 

There is also an educational aspect to this event that hosts a series of lectures on each day. On Saturday, starting at 11:30 a.m. there will be a talk on the ABCs of growing cacti; this lecture will be followed by an auction at 12:30 pm. In the afternoon, there will be another auction at 2:30 pm that is followed by the final lecture of the day at 3:30 called Growing Succulents under the light.

On Sunday, the lecture series begins at 11:30 am with a talk on Living Stones that is followed by an auction at 12:30 pm. In the afternoon there will be a lecture at 1:30 pm on succulent bromeliads  that is followed by the final lecture of the show at 2:30 pm on cold frame cacti - really!

Powerful yet Fragile: Connecticut's Waterways

The Stamford Museum and Nature Center located on 39 Scofieldtown Road in Stamford has organized an exceptional photography exhibit featuring images by members of the Women Photographers of Connecticut Collective that opens on Feb. 17 and  runs through Monday, May, 29. The opening reception of this show is on Friday, February 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bendal Mansion.

This exhibition explores the importance of water in our lives and how human activity impacts the waterways of Connecticut. It also explores how impacted waterways can be reclaimed and natural ecosystems restored.

These concepts are explored through dramatic and poignant images captured by the Women Photographers of Connecticut, a diverse group of women photographers from across the state. This exhibition is being presented at a critical moment for the community, as the National Weather Service has recently reclassified the ongoing drought in Fairfield County as severe, with ground water, wells, rivers, and streams all below normal levels.

There are two events connected with this exhibition, the first is the Farm to Table Dinner that is being held on Febraury 25 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. This sumptuous farm to table dining experience in the elegant setting of the Bendel Mansion, will feature the cuisine of Executive Chef Carlos Baez of The Spread in South Norwalk, Connecticut. Rave reviews from food critics and bloggers, not to mention a highly touted appearance on the Food Network's "Beat Bobby Flay," have earned Carlos a devoted following among local foodies. A Connecticut Magazine Reader's Poll cited his to be the Best Apps in the state, helping The Spread to win the award for Best New Restaurant and a second-place nod for Overall Excellence.

On March 8 there will be a hands on workshop with Julie Avellino  a photographer with work that will be on display  to move participants from the idea and hobby you love to a profitable and scalable business opportunity designed by you, for you, and in support of your life goals.  On March 26, Heather Liebensohn, whose work is also on display will explain her journey from taking everyday photos to becoming a professional photographer.

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

MapleFest 2017 @ Sharon Audubon March 25

Once again this year on March 25 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. the SharonAudubon Center located on 325 Cornwall Bridge Rd. in Sharon is hosting the annual Maplefest.

Visitors will enjoy on-going, guided, 45-minute tours through the Center’s sugaring operation, including a working sugarhouse and a re-creation of Native American and early colonial sugaring methods. Watch as pure sugar maple sap is collected from the trees and turned into delicious maple syrup.  Be sure to wear warm clothes and boots, as much of the tour is outdoors. 

Fresh, homemade maple baked goods and coffee will also be available for purchase during the day as part of the Maple Bake Sale. Each treat will be made with the Center’s very own maple syrup!  Fresh syrup will be available for purchase, while supplies last, as well as locally made maple candy.

Admission: $6.00 adults and $4.00 children (2 and under free)

While visiting the Center don't miss the raptor aviaries. Audubon Sharon houses various species of Birds of Prey such as hawks, owls, falcons, and an eagle that have been determined non-releasable—meaning that they would not be able to survive on their own in the wild. The birds reside in large, outdoor aviaries, which are just a short walk from our Visitor Center building.

Luau on Long Island Sound @ Maritime Aquarium @ Norwalk

Hang 10 on a surfboard, sip a fruity frozen drink and carve some Spam^® as The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk helps you imagine a tropical getaway March 18 & 19 during its annual “Long Island Sound Luau.”  Both days, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Maritime Aquarium is offering a sunny selection of fun special activities, crafts, tropical drinks and special IMAX^® movies to usher out the final weekend of winter.

Among the “Long Island Sound Luau” highlights is an inflatable surfing machine featuring a rollicking surfboard, billed as “a real-life surfing experience without getting wet.” Aquarium guests can take turns testing their surfing skills on the ’board, in a manner similar to bull-riding machines. (The “wave action” will be adjusted for younger guests.) Cowabunga, dude: the surf machine is free with Aquarium admission.

Also during Luau weekend, guests can compete in Spam-Carving Contests. (Why Spam? Hawaiians have been eating Spam since the canned meat was introduced as an important staple during World War II. Still today, the island state has the largest consumption per capita of Spam.) The Spam-Carving Contests will be held at 1 & 3 p.m. both days. Aquarium guests paying $5 will receive a can of Spam, a tray and a plastic knife, and have 30 minutes to sculpt a masterful Spam creation. Contestants can work as individuals, couples, families or other teams. Aquarium staff will judge the entries, with first prize in each of the two daily competitions receiving a Maritime Aquarium membership.

Also during the Luau, Aquarium guests can decorate straws at a craft station and then use their straws to enjoy free fruity non-alcoholic frozen drinks at a Tiki Slushies Bar. Plus, on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., The Maritime Aquarium will be filled with the tropical sounds of the Roylety Steel Pan Band, a local ensemble led by Jim Royle. On both days, Aquarium educators will staff a station with hands-on artifacts focusing on tropical ocean currents and the animals who use these “ocean highways” to their advantage, including certain species of whales, sea turtles and – unfortunately – invasive lionfish.

Even The Maritime Aquarium’s IMAX Theater will go tropical for the weekend, with special screenings of “Journey to the South Pacific” on the six-story screen. Narrated by Academy Award^®-winner Cate Blanchett, “Journey to the South Pacific” takes audiences on a breathtaking giant-screen adventure to lush and remote West Papua, where life flourishes above and below the sea. Dive in with a young island boy on a journey of discovery to encounter whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays and other iconic creatures of the sea. Show times are 11 a.m. and 1 & 3 p.m. both days. (One daytime IMAX movie is included with Aquarium admission. Also playing during “Luau” weekend is “Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Secret Ocean” at noon and 2 & 4 p.m.)

And, of course, “Luau” guests can linger at exhibits featuring animals found not just in Long Island Sound but also in tropical regions as well. Imagine snorkeling alongside the Aquarium’s two green sea turtles or diving over the coral reef alive with tangs, angelfish and other species in a rainbow of colors. For more details about the “Long Island Sound Luau” at the popular Connecticut family attraction, go to www.maritimeaquarium.org.

“Westport School Days 1703-Present” @ Westport Historical Society

Westport Historical Society proudly presents a new exhibit, "Westport School Days 1703-Present" in our Sheffer Gallery. The opening reception will take place on Sunday, January 29, from 3 – 5 pm immediately following our Annual Meeting. This exhibit highlights the evolution of formal education in Westport. The story begins with the 1650 Code of Connecticut which describes the educational requirements for the parishes in Connecticut. Beginning with the first formal teacher in Green's Farms in 1703; the exhibit will chronicle what the eight public and several private schools of Westport were like.

There will be a progression map from 1858-2016 detailing each school's earliest location and development. A brief history of the benefactors who initiated new schools, memorabilia, and early photos will also be displayed. Group photos of student classes from the late nineteenth century to the present day will also be highlighted. This comprehensive exhibit will include lively tours of Westport's own Adams Academy, on North Morningside Drive, which was built in 1830 as a private school, and shows you an actual one-room schoolhouse and exemplifies early education in the community.

The Mollie Donovan Gallery will highlight the Westport Public Library from its original building on Post Road to what the future plans hold for an ever changing community resource. Westport Historical Society hopes this exhibit will bring back many fond memories, as well as focus an educational light on Westport's growth as an exceptional center for learning. The Sheffer Gallery is open Monday through Friday 10 am to 4 pm. Saturdays from Noon – 4 pm. The exhibit runs through March 24. There is no charge, however donations are always welcome.  For more information, call 203-222-1424 or visit westporthistory.org.

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

Syrup Saturday @ New Canaan Nature Center

The New Canaan Nature Center's Syrup Saturday festival returns on Saturday, March 18 from 10:30 am – 2:00 pm.  This annual event celebrates the New England tradition of maple syrup making and includes a pancake brunch with different varieties of syrup, including the Nature Center's own.

To celebrate the bounty of the 2017 syrup season, we'll be serving up flapjacks, syrup and an array of tasty toppings (fruit, chocolate chips, and more!) in the Visitor Center. All are welcome and encouraged to dress in their PJS!

How does it work?  Freezing temperatures create suction that draws water in through a tree's roots, and warm periods create pressure which causes the sap to flow out through a tap hole where it's collected in buckets.  This sap, a combination of water, salt and sugar, serves as the tree's food and is the sole ingredient of pure maple syrup.

During Syrup Saturday, visitors will get a chance to observe the entire process from tree tapping to boiling into syrup at the "sugar shack".  Educators will also demonstrate historic methods of maple syruping.

Local maple syrup and maple baked goods will be for sale.  Guests can test their taste buds on real vs. fake syrup and learn what the different grades mean.

A highlight of this event is the Family Lumberjack Challenge! ry your hand at wood heaving (how far can you throw a log of firewood?), before tackling our firewood stacking competition. Does your family have what it takes to complete our entire log rolling obstacle course? Join us to find out!  This event is primarily held outdoors and activities will be ongoing throughout the day.

Members: $10/per person / Non-Members: $15/ per person. To sign up for a monthly newsletter on Litchfield Hills or Fairfield County www.litchfieldhills.com or www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Wilton Historical Society -Finding Our Place: Evolving American Identity.

Once again this year the Wilton Historical Society and the Wilton Library have teamed up to present a history lecture series in March and April. Each year a theme is developed, and respected scholars are engaged to provide a lively, thought-provoking talk on their specialty subject. The lecture is followed by a question and answer period and reception. All lectures take place at the Wilton Library located on 137 Old Ridgefield Road in Wilton.

This year the lecture series will focus on the global perspective and the United States' place in the world, specifically WWI and its aftermath. Topics of discussion will examine art as an expression and maker of place, place determined by work, finding one's place when a technology defines a newer sense of identity, and the United States' identity today and in the future.

On Sunday, March 12 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Emery Roth will focus on place in society defined by our work, specifically the Connecticut brass industry and its collapse. Connecticut's Naugatuck River valley was where the brass industry thrived until the last factory closed in 2013. The talk is derived from Roth's book, Brass Valley: The Fall of an American Industry (Schiffer Books, 2015). The book tells the story of the last working brass mill, how Brass Valley came to be, the men and communities that made Brass Valley and the culture we call the American Dream. The talk is accompanied by vivid photographs of Brass Valley from the book and others taken more recently; the author shares experiences and discoveries made while capturing images and talks about what it means to try to find Brass Valley, a place in time that has not quite vanished. Q&A and book signing after.

Emery Roth, Southwest CT Arts Council, has been shooting photographs since childhood. He studied both design and language arts at Carnegie-Mellon University, simultaneously earning degrees in architecture and literature. After forty years living and teaching in Connecticut's Northwest Hills, he became fascinated with the old mill towns of Connecticut and their history, and he began following tracks through old ruins until he was led to the last working brass mill in Brass Valley. His book documents his journey into time and culture; it seeks to revive in words and pictures, a place in time, perhaps a place in the American Dream.

The lecture on March 26, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.  will focus on navigating the new digital landscape. Professor Julia Adams will highlight the role of women in 'tech culture' within our emergent digital environment. Drawing on her research on Wikipedia and academic knowledge, and on the uses of journalism and fake news in the recent presidential election, Professor Adams will discuss the promise and peril in the emergent digital landscape of knowledge.

Julia Adams is Professor of Sociology and International and Area Studies and Head of Calhoun College at Yale University. She was previously the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor and Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Michigan. At Yale she has chaired the department of Sociology, directed the Division of the Social Sciences and the International Affairs Council. She currently codirects YaleCHESS (Center for Historical Enquiry & the Social Sciences). Her book, The Familial State: Ruling Families and Merchant Capitalism in Early Modern Europe (Cornell University Press) won the Gaddis Smith Book Prize.

The final lecture in this series will take place on April 2 and will focus on 9/11 and America's World View. Professor Matthew Warshauer will summarize the series, focusing specifically on two themes: who are we now and who can we expect to be? In his lecture, Dr. Warshauer will reflect on America's response to the 9/11 attacks. He will also examine our memory of the tragedy as well as where the nation is today more than 15 years later.

Dr. Warshauer received his B.A. in history from Central Connecticut State University in 1990. He completed his M.A. (1993) and Ph.D. (1997) in American Studies at Saint Louis University. He joined the faculty at CCSU in the fall of 1997 and has served as editor of Connecticut History from 2003 to 2011. In 2007, Dr.Warshauer won the Connecticut State University Trustees Research Award and in 2012 he was awarded the Kidger Award for Inspiring Scholarship and Teaching by the New England History Teachers Association. Dr. Warshauer's book publications include: Andrew Jackson and the Politics of Martial Law; Andrew Jackson in Context; Connecticut in the American Civil War; and Inside Connecticut and the Civil War: Essays on One State's Struggles.

To register for these lectures please visit the website .

Learn the Art of Lithuanian Folk Egg Decorating @ Mattatuck Museum

Join lead Museum Educator Valerie Rodgers at the Mattatuck Museum on Wednesday, March 8 at 10:00 a.m. for a folk art experience celebrating the rich cultural legacy of the Baltic country of Lithuania. Participants of this workshop will learn margučiai, the Lithuanian art of egg decorating, using the scratch and carve method.

The workshop is $8 for Museum members, $12 for non-members, and free for BRASS members. All supplies will be provided. No experience necessary. Pre-registration is appreciated.

Located in the heart of downtown Waterbury’s architectural district, the Mattatuck Museum is a vibrant destination, known locally and regionally as a community-centered institution of American art and history. For more information on all of the Museum’s programs, events, and exhibits visit the website at mattmuseum.org or call (203) 753-0381.