Mark your calendar . . .

Celebrating Late Life Creativity

Years in the Making: Ageless Artists, Ageless Art

at Westport Historical Society

May 25th - September 7th, 2009

Westport Historical Society presents Years in the Making: Ageless Artists, Ageless Art, an exhibit of recent works by fifty Westport and Weston artists all over age seventy - still actively working, exhibiting and inspiring a new creative generation.

These talented individuals have created bodies of work over their lifetimes that are much admired and represented in some of the world's finest museums and collections.


An Opening Reception takes place May 31st from 3-5 PM.
Hours are: Monday - Friday, 10 AM - 4 PM and Saturday, noon - 4 PM.

For More Information:

Sponsor: Westport Historical Society
Address: 25 Avery Place, Westport, CT
Telephone:(203) 222-1424
Email: info@westporthistory.org
Website: www.westporthistory.org

Group image source (1)

Smilers for the weekend . . .

Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend!
Link to list of parades in Fairfield County, Connecticut (USA).

*****

Some of our team will be celebrating in Hollywood at the 63rd Annual Reuben Awards. Hope they bring back some pictures. :)

*****



Main Library
One Public Library Plaza
Stamford, CT 06904
Telephone: (203) 964-1000
www.fergusonlibrary.org

Lumina String Quartet
Free Concert

Saturday May 23, 2009
2PM

Ferguson Library will host a FREE concert by the Lumina String Quartet performing works of Shubert at 2PM Saturday, May 23rd in the third floor auditorium of the main library at Braod and Bedford Streets in Stamford.

For information, call (203) 351-8208

*****

2nd Annual Memorial Day Community Picnic
FREE

Monday, May 25, 2009
12:00 pm

Description: After the parade continue the fun! Bring your blankets and picnic to the Fairfield Museum for an afternoon of games and fun.

Fairfield Museum and History Center
370 Beach Road
Fairfield, CT
Telephone: (203) 259-1598

For more information contact: info@fairfieldhs.org
www.fairfieldhs.org

Mark the date . . .

2009 Annual RFR Realty 5K
Corporate Run/Walk in Stamford
Thursday May 21, 2009
7PM

To Benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford.

Last year, corporate and individual sponsors raised $72,000 to help the organization and its programs.

All race participants will be entered into a raffle with a grand prize of two round trip domestic tickets on JetBlue Airways. For more information on the raffle, call the event organizers at RFR Realty at 203-328-3606.

Visit
www.rfr5krun.com
to register today!

Check out Mead Farm . . .

One of our favorite clents, Mead Farm, was highlighted in our local newspaper, The Advocate.

"The Dart is a Monday feature in which staff members toss a dart at a map and seek out a story near where it lands. This week, after several tosses that refused to stick to the map, the Dart landed in the Mianus River. The corner of June Road and Guinea Road, where Mead Farm is located, was the closest dry location." direct source quote (1)




Here is the link to the article.

Weekend Smilers . . .

Greenwich Library
101 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830

www.greenwichlibrary.org

Friends Friday Films

COEURS
Private Fears In Public Places

Date: 5/15/2009
Start Time: 8:00 PM
End Time: 10:00 PM

COEURS
Private Fears In Public Places
(2006-France)

Directed by Alain Resnais. With Sabine Azema, Isabelle Carre, Laura Morante, Pierre Arditi.

Paris in the snow is the setting as six people collide and influence each other's lives in significant ways.

The latest from the legendary Alain Resnais, who first caught the world's attention with his mystifying Last Year at Marienbad in 1961.

120 min.
In French with English subtitles

Admission to the Friends Friday Films is FREE

This series is made available by membership contributions.

Show time is 8PM
Doors open at 7:40PM

Library: Greenwich Library
Location: Cole Auditorium
Contact: Wayne Campbell
Contact Number: 203-622-7922

*****

Annual Outdoor Crafts Festival
Saturday and Sunday
May 16 - 17, 2009
10AM - 5PM

Held on the grounds of the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, CT (USA). The Festival features more than 80 exhibitors specializing in ceramics, jewelry, wood, wearable and decorative fiber, metalwork, leather, paper arts and glass, all available for purchase.

The Festival also includes many fun, educational craft activities throughout both days for children and families related to techniques used by the exhibitors.

Food vendors offer international cuisine, and two classical guitarists will perform both days.

Admission to the Outdoor Crafts Festival is free to members
$8 nonmembers, and free for children under five

FREE early shopping hour 10AM - 11AM

Tickets include all Festival activities plus admission to the Bruce Museum galleries, which are open to the public during Festival hours, from 10AM to 5PM on both days.

For additional information contact:

Bruce Museum
101 Field Point Rd.
Greenwich, CT, 06830
Telephone: (203) 869-0376
www.brucemuseum.org

~~Special Museum Alliance Annoucement~~

*****

Bartlett Arboretum Gardens
151 Brookdale Road
Stamford, CT (USA)
Telephone: (203) 322-6971
www.bartlettarboretum.org

Nature Walk Series:
Spring Wildflower
May 16, 2009

Admission: free with garden admission
Event Time: 11 AM to 12 PM

Located in North Stamford, the Bartlett Arboretum's 91-acres offer the perfect backdrop for a variety of fun and educational guided walking tours. Become a nature detective on each themed walk, in search of clues to correctly identify flora at different stages of development. Guided tours last approximately one hour and start at the Visitor Center terrace. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are suggested.

Tours are free with garden admission.

For information:
Call 203-322-6971 for questions or
visit www.bartlettarboretum.org or
email visitorservices@bartlettarboretum.org


~~~~~

Plein Air Art Auction
May 16, 2009

Bartlett Arboretum Gardens
151 Brookdale Road, Stamford
Telephone: (203) 322-6971

Admission: Free
Event Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

On Saturday morning May 16, 2009 local selected artists will paint plein air within a 10 mile radius of the Bartlett and paint until late afternoon.

The artists will meet back at the Arboretum to have their paintings displayed.

At 6:00pm all work will be auctioned by our guest auctioneer Mayor Dan Malloy.

For information:
Call 203-322-6971 for questions or
visit www.bartlettarboretum.org or
email visitorservices@bartlettarboretum.org


Open to the public every day of the year
8:30am to sunset
$6.00 admission charge for adults
Admission is free to members and children under the age of 12
Wednesdays are FREE

Bartlett Arboretum
Route 137 off High Ridge Rd.
151 Brookdale Road
Stamford, Connecticut (USA)
Telephone: (203) 322-6971
www.bartlettarboretum.org

*****
Easel image source (1)

Do robots smile? . . .

Robot Demonstration at Norwalk Hospital
Thursday, May 14, 2009
11AM to 7PM

Can you imagine what it would be like to operate a robot?

Both adults and children will have the opportunity to do just that during a demonstration of the daVinci Robotic Surgical System at Norwalk Hospital on Thursday, May 14 from 11AM to 7 PM in the main lobby. Come and enjoy this family event!

This community health education event is being offered FREE as a public service to provide information about the new and expanding field of robotic surgery. Norwalk Hospital doctors will be presenting informal educational programs in the lobby during the day.

For more information about robotic surgery, please attend the May 14th event, or call the Norwalk Hospital Community Relations Department at (203) 852-2250.
*Official Event Annoucement

Norwalk Hospital
34 Maple Street
Norwalk, CT 06856

www.norwalkhospital.org

More smilers . . .

It is National Nutty Fudge Day!
May 12, 2009

"Researchers have some news for chocolate lovers: it may be good for you. Scientists reported preliminary evidence recently that cocoa and other chocolates may keep high blood pressure down, your blood flowing and your heart healthy." direct quote source (1)

"Chocolate contains alkaloids such as theobromine and phenethylamine, which have physiological effects on the body. It has been linked to serotonin levels in the brain. Scientists claim that chocolate, eaten in moderation, can lower blood pressure." direct quote source (1)

This is another great reason to visit your local chocolate shop.

There is a delightful one in Stamford, CT (USA).


Schakolad Chocolate Factory
172 Bedford St
Stamford, CT 06901
Telephone: (203) 359-1886
www.schakolad.com

*****

Jacques Pepin:
My Life in the Kitchen

Tuesday, May 12, 2009
7PM to 8:30PM

World-renowned chef Jacques Pepin shares some stories from his memoir The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen, as well as cooking advice from his latest book More Fast Food My Way in a talk and book signing at the Bethel Library beginning at 7 PM.

Books are available for signing, with proceeds going to the Bethel Public Library Capital Campaign.

Held at the Main Room Bethel Library.
Space is limited so registration is required and can be made at (203) 794-8756 ext. 4.

For More Information:

Bethel Public Library
189 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, CT
Phone: (203) 794-8756
Email: adult@bethellibrary.org
www.bethellibrary.org

*****

It is National Etiquette Week!

Yes, there is a National Etiquette Week . . . so brush up on your manners.

The theme for National Etiquette Week is about spreading courtesy, kindness and good manners in all areas of American life (business, social, dining, travel, technology, wedding and international protocol).

National Etiquette Week was established by Children’s Etiquette Consultant Sandra Morisset in 1997 and is an annual event beginning the second Monday in May. This event is a self-assessment on the current status of civility in the United States.

Etiquette & Protocol of Connecticut
P.O. Box 274
Middlefield, CT 06455
Telephone: (860) 704-8493
www.etiquettect.com

The Protocol School of Washington
"We are more than experts -
We are the experts that train the experts."
www.psow.com

*****
*recipe for Nutty Fudge

Monday smiler . . .

Newtown Historical Society

Meets a Robber Baron

Great Scot! It's Andrew Carnegie

Monday, May 11, 2009 at 7:30 pm

They were called the Robber Barons, those men of the nineteenth and early twentieth century American industry, men of greed unfettered by conscience. 

Yet, the charitable legacies they left us are immense; the Newtown Historical Society will examine this paradox in the form of a re-enactment of the life of Andrew Carnegie.

Community Room, Booth Library 
25 Main Street (Route 25)

Presenter - Richard Clark

For more information contact: 

The Cyrenius H. Booth Library

25 Main Street

Newtown, CT  06470

Telephone: (203) 426-4533

www.chboothlibrary.org

Weekend smilers . . .

Greenwich Library
101 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830

www.greenwichlibrary.org

Friends Friday Films
FREE

WALL-E

Date: 5/8/2009
Start Time: 8:00 PM
End Time: 10:00 PM

WALL-E 

(2008)

Directed by Andrew Stanton. Robot WALL-E chases EVE across the galaxy and sets into motion one of the most exciting and imaginative animated comedy adventures ever brought to the big screen. Includes a hilarious cast of characters.

97 min.
Admission to the Friends Friday Films is FREE.

This series is made available by membership contributions

Show time is 8 p.m.
Doors open at 7:40 p.m.

Library: Greenwich Library
Location: Cole Auditorium
Contact: Wayne Campbell
Contact Number: 203-622-7922

*****

International Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, May 9, 2009

Birding & Breakfast with Bridget Stutchbury

6:30-8:00 am – Birding
8:00-9:00 am – Birders Breakfast (Breakfast: $8/person - RSVP required for breakfast. RSVP to Store: 203-869-5272 x221.)
9:30-10:30 am – ‘Voices for the Birds’ by Bridget Stutchbury

Enjoy Audubon’s tradition of early morning birding and breakfast in the barn. Bridget will join the birding and breakfast and then present a special lecture on conservation biology and highlight connections between coffee plantations and birds. 

She is author of Silence of the Songbirds, and an advocate for conservation that has led to her being called the Rachel Carson of the 21st Century. 

She is a professor and Canada Research Chair in Ecology and Conservation Biology at York University, Toronto. Since the 1980s, she has followed songbirds to their wintering grounds in Latin America and back to their breeding grounds in North America to understand their behavior, ecology and conservation.

Lecture: $5 suggested donation.
RSVP to Jeff Cordulack: 203-869-5272 x239.

Plus…

Meet David Sibley - Bird Artist Extraordinaire
5:30-7:30 pm

First there was Audubon, then Peterson – and today we have Sibley! Join Audubon for a memorable lecture and reception with David Sibley. 

David Allen Sibley is a naturalist, birder and artist who has been painting and drawing birds since he was seven years old. He surprised everyone (including himself) when his work of many years was transformed almost overnight into a national bestseller—the fastest-selling bird guide of all time, with more than 600,000 copies in print : THE SIBLEY GUIDE TO BIRDS. People everywhere sang its praises, hailing David Allen Sibley as the heir apparent to John James Audubon. As the New York Times wrote: “Once in a great while, a natural history book changes the way people look at the world. . . . In 1838, Audubon’s Birds of America was one, and in 1934, Roger Tory Peterson produced Birds of North America…. Now comes The Sibley Guide to Birds, an encyclopedic illustrated guide to the birds of North America.” Sibley followed up this book with THE SIBLEY GUIDE TO BIRD LIFE & BEHAVIOR – a book Time magazine called “A treasure of valuable information.” David Sibley has created a new landmark in bird guides. Most recently he has completed THE SIBLEY GUIDE TO TREES which will be published by Knopf in late August 2009.

Sibley books will be available in the store.
$20 per person includes refreshments.
Advance tickets on sale now.
RSVP required.
RSVP to Jeff: 203-869-5272 x239

For additional information contact:
Jeff Cordulack
Events and Communications Manager
Audubon Connecticut
613 Riversville Road
Greenwich, CT 06831
203-869-5272 x239
email: jcordulack@audubon.org
website: www.greenwich.audubon.org

*****

Lake Quassapaug
Route 64
2132 Middlebury Road
Middlebury, CT 06762
1-800-FOR-PARK


Visit Quassy Amusement Park!

Treat Mom To A Free Dinner - It's Mother's Day and you can treat mom to a free dinner and all-day wristband just by bringing her to Quassy! Mom must be accompanied by a child for this special offer, and please note that ONLY mom can redeem the free wristband and dinner voucher she will receive when entering the park.

This year Quassy Amusement Park celebrates its 101st season.

Eric Anderson and George Frantzis
Carousel Ride

For more information contact:
Ron Gustafson, director of public relations
Telephone: 203-758-2913 ext. 109
email: ron@quassy.com
www.quassy.com

*****

Special Message From Myrna's . . .

Dear Friends and Customers,

Today, there are many new chain restaurants in the Stamford and Greenwich area, and as you can imagine, it becomes harder each year for local merchants to remain in business.

Myrna's Gift Cards

We know that these times are not only difficult for us but also for you, and in recognition of your patronage, we are offering for a limited time only a significant savings on Myrna’s Gift Cards purchased by May 31st.  (Menu with coupons)**

Spend $100 and receive an additional $20 in added value on the Gift Certificate.

Spend $200 and receive an additional $50 in added value on the Gift Certificate.

Please come in or call our restaurant in Stamford 203-325-8736 or Greenwich 203-869-2007 to purchase your unlimited gift Certficates or email us at myrnasbistro@aol.com.

Myrna's Gift Cards are ideal gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Birthdays, Anniversaries or any occasion!

more message with coupons** . . .

Wishing you a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Love,
Myrna, Pierre and Georgie

www.myrnas.com

www.myrnasgreenwich.com

p.s. – I recently became a mother to my precious little boy, George, this year and would like to thank you for your generous and thoughtful notes and gifts. They were greatly appreciated.

**time sensitive/link will expire**

Mark your calendars . . .

Path of a Patriot: 

The Political Journey of Mr. B

Discussion and book signing

On Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m., The Barnum Museum will present a talk by legendary Connecticut Republican insider Frederick K. Biebel about his book, Path of a Patriot: The Political Journey of Mr. B.

The 82-year-old Biebel, former Chair of the Connecticut Republican party, Deputy National Chairman of the Republican Party and President of the Barnum Festival, retired just three years ago from his position as director of the governor’s Southwestern office in Bridgeport. Biebel is a GOP power broker, who was a guest of President George W. Bush at last year’s White House Christmas party and has been rubbing elbows with the political elite – or helping them get elected – for five decades. He still has strong opinions about government and politics.

"But as I wrote the book ... and stopped ... and started writing again numerous times,” reflected Biebel, “I began to realize it was important to write about the generations of my family, on both sides, who were actively involved in this nation’s founding, even going back to the Mayflower itself."

Biebel is like a walking encyclopedia of the nation’s political history in the second half of the 20th century and said that he wrote the book in part, to provide a record of that experience. Another theme Biebel stresses in his book is how important it is for young people to learn and know their heritage.

The Barnum Museum has three floors of absolutely fascinating exhibits that illustrate the extraordinary life of Phineas Taylor Barnum. P.T. Barnum, one-term mayor of Bridgeport and four-term member of the Connecticut General Assembly, was born July 5, 1810 in Bethel and died April 7, 1891 in Bridgeport. The original museum building, owned by the City of Bridgeport, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is handicap accessible.

What: The Path of a Patriot: The Political Journey of Mr. B

When: Thursday, May 7 starting at 6:30 p.m.

Where: The Barnum Museum, 820 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT

Cost: The event is free with General Admission Adults: $7, Seniors and college students: $5, Children 4 - 17: $4, Under 4: Free

Regular Barnum Museum Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Noon - 4:30 p.m.

Call 203-331-1104 ext. 102 or 

visit www.barnum-museum.org

*****

Just a peek . . . for a smiler

Just a peek at the National Police Week Parade 2009
Stamford, Connecticut (USA)

Save this date . . .

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

National Police Memorial Week begins Sunday. The Stamford Police Department and Stamford Police Association will begin observances on Wednesday, May 6, with a memorial parade and ceremony at Police Headquarters, followed immediately by a fundraising benefit at The Palms, 78 West Park Place, Stamford, CT (USA).

Post Parade Benefit Party & BBQ
Open to the Public
See Live Music from the band Short Bus
Food and Refreshments will be served.
Doors open at 7:30 PM


The parade will begin at 6:30pm from Veteran's Park on Atlantic Street and proceed to Police Headquarters on 805 Bedford St, Stamford, CT. See police from over 55 police departments, from Yarmouth, MA, to Lancaster City, PA. There will be officers, mounted units, motorcycles, historic police vehicles, police aircraft flyover, honor and color guards, several pipe and drum bands, including the Philadelphia Police Department and the United States Marine Corps will be featured.

All proceeds will go to the Stamford Police Association's Killed in the Line of Duty Fund.

For additional information or if you wish to participate contact:
Officer Jessica Bloomberg (203) 667-8019
www.stamfordspa.com

Images source (1)

Smiler in Bethel . . .

Getting Ahead in These Times:

Getting Financial Control through Feng Shui
with Ned Farrell, Feng Shui Consultant

Tuesday, May 5, 2009
7 PM to 8:30 PM

Bethel Library presents a talk by Feng Shui Consultant Ned Farrell who has helped home and business owners across the United States utilize the tenets of this ancient practice to achieve the best results in personal and work-related matters.

Ned Farell pinpoints the five hotspots in our homes to address in order to improve our finances and how Feng Shui can be applied to improve our financial situation.

Main Room, Library
Cosponsored by the Friends of the Bethel Public Library.

Registration is requested for this program. Register at the Reference Desk or call (203) 794 8756 ext. 4

For More Information:

Bethel Public Library
189 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, CT
Phone: (203) 794-8756
Email: adult@bethellibrary.org
www.bethellibrary.org

*****

Vespa Open House 2009 . . .

We had a great time at the Open House this year! Here is a peek at some of the fun - Be sure to check for next year's Open House and be prepared for some of the best home-made chili in town. Thanks alot to all at Branchville Motors in Ridgefield, CT.

BRANCHVILLE MOTORS
Spring Open House

2009

Vespa of Ridgefield/Branchville Motors
71 Ethan Allen Highway, Route 7
Ridgefield, CT 06977
Telephone: (203) 544-7600
www.branchville.com

The band that played was called Lakeside, and their lineup is as follows:

Juff Duggan, guitar and vocals
Jack Huray, Drums
Chris Zward, Guitar
Sean Votier, Bass
Lucy Moore, Vocals and tambourine

Once again, we had a great time! Thanks to all at Vespa of Ridgefield/Branchville Motors.

*****

Weekend Smilers . . .

*****

Greenwich Library
101 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830

www.greenwichlibrary.org

Friends Friday Films
FREE

The Real Dirt on Farmer John

Date: Friday, May 1, 2009
Start Time: 8:00 PM

THE REAL DIRT ON FARMER JOHN
(2005)

Directed by Taggart Siegel. Life story of Wisconsin farm boy John Peterson who turned hippy, then who rebounded from failure by "reinventing" his life. Unusual documentary that is both funny and thoughtful and also a fine portrait of the Great Midwest. Some call this the greatest documentary they have seen, full of humor and feeling.

83 min.
Admission to the Friends Friday Films is FREE

This series is made available by membership contributions.

Show time is 8 p.m.
Doors open at 7:40 p.m.


Library: Greenwich Library
Location: Cole Auditorium
Contact: Wayne Campbell
Contact Number: (203)622-7922

~~~~~

Musicians from Marlboro
Cole Concert Series
FREE

Date: 5/3/2009
Start Time: 4:00 PM
End Time: 6:30 PM

The Musicians from Marlboro will return to Greenwich Library as part of the Friends of Greenwich Library's Cole Concert Series. The program will feature works by Nielsen, Hadyn and Schubert.

The concert is free and open to all through the support of the Friends of Greenwich Library.

Library: Greenwich Library
Location: Cole Auditorium
Contact: Friends Office
Contact Number: (203)622-7938

*****


Saturday, May 2, 2009
SPRING BIRD WALK
7:00-8:45 am at Audubon Greenwich

Rise and shine for this annual tradition. No fee or RSVP required.
Bring binoculars. Some loaner binoculars may be available.
Meet in main parking area on Riversville Road.

~~~~~

Saturday, May 2, 2009
Naturalist Workshop: Birding By Ear
9:30 am–NOON

Indoor discussion of how and why birds vocalize, introduction to useful bird
sound recordings, and outdoor walk to practice Birding By Ear skills.

For adults & teens.
Registration required.
$12 adults. No charge for teens.
RSVP to Ted: 203-869-5272 x230.

~~~~~

Saturday, May 2, 2009
Family Pond Exploration
2:00-3:30 pm

Bring your family to discover the amazing variety of insects, amphibians and other
organisms which call our Indian Spring Pond home.

All ages RSVP to Store: 203-869-5272 x221.

~~~~~

Saturday, May 2, 2009
CITIZEN SCIENCE: Regional Owl Research Project
7:30-9:30 pm

Did you ever wonder if owls, those mysterious creatures of the night, live in your backyard? If so, join researchers from the Mianus River Gorge Preserve, the American Museum of Natural History, and City University in partnership with Audubon Greenwich for a region-wide study to determine where owls occur throughout the Westchester/Greenwich area. This program includes a lecture on the ecology of owls and training on the study methods. Your participation in this new citizen scientist effort requires only 20 minutes a month and you never have to leave your home! The workshop will conclude with a night walk to call for owls.

This presentation will take place at the Audubon Greenwich, 613 Riversville Road.
Pre-registration required.
Contact Ted Gilman at 203-869-5272 x230 to register.

For more information about this project, visit: www.mianus.org/owlcall.

Jeff Cordulack
Events and Communications Manager
Audubon Connecticut
613 Riversville Road
Greenwich, CT 06831
203-869-5272 x239
email: jcordulack@audubon.org
website: www.greenwich.audubon.org


*****

Special Invitation from

BRANCHVILLE MOTORS
Spring Open House

Sunday May 3, 2009

10AM TO 2PM

Join us for a day of food, bikes, and comradery. Our annual store Open House coincides with Triumphs National Anniversary Days Open House.

Great Deals on New non-current Triumphs, Moto Guzzis and Vespas. Find great bargains on select gear from Dainese, First Gear, Triumph, Belstaff, Hein Gericke, and more.

FREE food, beverages and great atmosphere.

WHAT BETTER WAY TO SPEND A BEAUTIFUL SPRING DAY?

For additional information:

Vespa of Ridgefield/Branchville Motors

71 Ethan Allen Highway, Route 7

Ridgefield, CT 06977

Telephone: (203) 544-7600

www.branchville.com

*****

Owl image source (1)