Mark your calendars . . .

2009 Summer Concerts

in Ridgefield's Ballard Park

Ridgefield, CT (USA)

June 30th - September 1st

The 2009 Summer Concert Series in Ridgefield's Ballard Park features the following line-up of performers:
June 30th, Amy Speace and the Tearjerks
July 2nd, Harry Manx
July 7th, Martyn Joseph
July 9th, Synergy Brass Quintet
July 14th, Crooked Still
July 21st, Slaid Cleaves
July 23rd, Stonehoney
July 28th, Old School Freight Train
July 30th, The Fairfield Counts
August 4th, The Duhks
August 11th, Dana Fuchs Band
August 13th, The McDades
August 18th, Eliza Gilkyson
August 25th, C. J. Chenier & His Red Hot Louisiana Band
September 1st, April Verch

All concerts begin at 7 PM and are FREE.

For More Information:

Sponsor: Town of Ridgefield
Address: Ballard Park, Main Street, Ridgefield, CT
Telephone: (203) 431-2700
www.chirpct.org (Please check website for updates)

Weekend smilers . . .

Greenwich Library
101 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
http://www.greenwichlibrary.org/


Friends Family Films

MONGOL

Date: 6/26/2009
Start Time: 8:00 PM
End Time: 10:00 PM

MONGOL
(2007-Russia)

Directed by Sergei Bodrov. With Tadanobu Asano, Khulan Chuluun, Amadu Mamadakov.

Delves into the dramatic and harrowing early years of Genghis Khan, who was born as Temudgin in 1162. It follows him from his perilous childhood to the battle that sealed his destiny. It paints a multidimensional portrait of the future conqueror, revealing him not as the evil brute of hoary stereotype, but as an inspiring, fearless and visionary leader.

120 min.
In Mongolian with English subtitles.
Rated R
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
Presenter: Wayne Campbell

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Saturday, June 27, 2009

VOLUNTEER DAY:

Invasive Plant Removal
9:30 am – 12:00 pm

Join Audubon volunteers for a morning of invasive plant removal in an effort to protect Audubon’s meadows from hostile takeover. A few of the well-known plant pests include purple loosestrife, porcelain berry and the ever-present phragmites. After the clean-up, bring a bag lunch and enjoy a presentation by Andy Brand (see below). Sign up by calling the Nature Store at 203-869-5272 x221. No fee or previous experience necessary. Please come prepared with long pants and sturdy shoes.

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FOLLOWED BY:
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SPECIAL TALK:

Homeland Diversity:

Inviting Mother Nature home again
12:00–1:00 pm

Bring a bag lunch and join Andy Brand when he discussed how to increase biodiversity in our yards, the importance of native plants, and highlights local butterflies and their specific host plants. Andy Brand co-founded and is past President of the Connecticut Butterfly Association, long-standing member of the New Haven Bird Club, and actively volunteers for the New England Plant Conservation Program. To show what is possible in one’s yard with very little effort, Andy will share pictures of some of the 1000’s of species found in his Hamden yard. No charge but suggested donations are $5. Call the Nature Store to sign up at 203-869-5272 x221.
*****

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

*****
Now in its second century, Audubon connects people with birds, nature and the environment that supports us all. Our national network of community-based nature centers, chapters, scientific, education, and advocacy programs engages millions of people from all walks of life in conservation action to protect and restore the natural world. www.audubon.org


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Mark your calendars . . .

ALIVE @ FIVE

Star-Studded Concerts

Stamford, CT (USA)

June 25 - August 6, 2009

ALIVE @ FIVE is a concert series with live music from national and regional headliners, which attracts after work crowds and families. Columbus Park in Stamford, CT, is the place to be during the summer as Stamford Downtown produces great music, great dancing and great times!

ALIVE @ FIVE, presents the following headlining music acts in seven Thursday evening concerts, so mark your calendars!!!

The star-studded roster includes:
June 25th, Smash Mouth
July 2nd, Gilby Clarke, of Guns N' Roses and Supernova
July 9th, Better Than Ezra

July 16th, Tonic
July 23rd, Josh Gracin, American Idol 2003
July 30th, Bo Bice, American Idol 2005
and the series closes
August 6th with Sugar Ray

All concerts begin at 5 PM in Columbus Park in Stamford Downtown.
Admission is $5.

For More Information contact:

Stamford Downtown Special Services District
Telephone: (203) 348-5285
Email: dssd@stamford-downtown.com
www.stamford-downtown.com

Hope to see you there!

*****

Another trivia smiler . . .

June is National Accordion Awareness Month.

National Accordion Awareness Month was established in 1989 to promote the accordion, help spread the word about the resurgence in popularity in the accordion and to educate people about the accordion.

Accordion Trivia:
The accordion is a member of the reed family, not the keyboard family.

The word accordion comes from the German word “akkord,” which means “agreement, harmony.”

For more interesting accordian trivia check out: Mr. Smarty Pants's Accordion Facts.

Welcome the Summer Solstice . . .

“Gardens of the Heart”

Piano and Poetry in

Celebration of Summer Solstice

Monday, June 22, 2009

2:00 PM– 3:00 PM

Come for a relaxing, reflective time with Margot Dilmaghani and hear the lyrical, creative expressions by the Romantics and 20th century composers and poets. She has recorded 5 piano CDs and the proceeds from them are donated to not-for-profit organizations working for women’s health and environmental causes. CDs available at the event.

Suggested donation: $5.
Call the Nature Store to sign up at 203-869-5272 x221.

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

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Happy Father's Day . . .

Smiler and Father's Day Trivia: Today is the birthday of Albert Hirschfeld (June 21, 1903 – January 20, 2003), caricaturist. He is famous for his caricatures of famous people and his habit of hiding his daughter’s name within each drawing. Visit the Al Hirschfeld official site to see some of his artwork - www.alhirschfeld.com.

"Hirschfeld is known for hiding the name of his daughter, Nina, in most of the drawings he produced since her birth in 1945. The name would appear in a sleeve, in a hairdo, or somewhere in the background. Sometimes 'Nina' would show up more than once and Hirschfeld would helpfully add a number next to his signature, to let people know how many times her name would appear. Hirschfeld originally intended the Nina gag to be a one-time gimmick but it soon spiraled out of control. Though Nina was a popular feature in his illustrations, with many enjoying the game of searching for them, on more than one occasion Hirschfeld would lament that the gimmick had overshadowed his art. On occasion he did try to discontinue the practice, but such attempts always generated harsh criticism." direct quote source (1)

Weekend smilers . . .

Greenwich Library
101 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830

www.greenwichlibrary.org

Friends Family Films

After The Wedding

Date: 6/19/2009
Start Time: 8:00 PM
End Time: 10:00 PM

AFTER THE WEDDING

(2006-Denmark)

Directed by Susanne Bier. With Mads Mikkelsen, Rolf Lassgard, Sidse Babett Knudsen.

A man who cares for street kids in India is lured back to Denmark by a $4 million dollar offer he can’t refuse. At a wedding, things begin to get out of control and complications ensue.

Kinetic camerawork, unusual editing, and sudden turns jazz up a wedding, a birth, a death, a funeral, and other things that keep up your interest.

120 min.

In Danish with English subtitles.

Rated R
Admission to the Friends Friday Films is FREE

This series is made available by membership contributions

Show time is 8:00 PM

Doors open at 7:40 PM

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

*****

pARTy in the Park

Outdoor Arts Festival

Norwalk, CT (USA)

Saturday, June 20, 2009

From noon to 10 PM, Norwalk's pARTy In The Park, a musical, cultural, community happening takes place, featuring outdoor yoga, dancers, musicians and entertainers performing at various stages.

Plan to experience this family event, an Outdoor Arts Festival hosted by the Norwalk Arts Commission.Take the trail from the Maritime Aquarium and walk along the river guided by art and activities, stroll through Heritage Trail and Oyster Shell Park to Mathews Park, home of Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum and Center for Contemporary Printmaking.

As the evening beckons, concerts take center stage. Local artists showcase their works all day throughout the park. Admission is FREE.



For More Information:

See Press Release
Sponsor: Norwalk Arts Commission
Address: 125 East Ave, Norwalk, CT
Telephone: (203) 434-5506
www.norwalkarts.org

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Smiler trivia . . .

A Happy Birthday Salute to James Montgomery Flagg (June 18, 1877 – May 27, 1960) artist, illustrator and cartoonist. He is best remembered for his posters, particularly his 1917 Army recruitment poster. Visit ASIFA to view some of his cartoon work.

"His most famous poster was created in 1917 to encourage recruitment in the United States Army during World War I. It showed Uncle Sam pointing at the viewer (inspired by a British recruitment poster showing Lord Kitchener in a similar pose) with the caption 'I Want YOU for U.S. Army'. Over four million copies of the poster were printed during World War I, and it was revived for World War II. Flagg used his own face for that of Uncle Sam (adding age and the white goatee), he said later, simply to avoid the trouble of arranging for a model." direct quote source (1)

Poster image source (1)

A smiler for the Bard . . .

A Midsummer Night's Dream
Outdoors in Rowayton and Greenwich
Norwalk, CT (USA)

June 16th - July 12th, 2009

For 2009, Shakespeare on the Sound presents a bold new interpretation of the play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, with music by 2008 Tony Award-winning singer-songwriter Stew, choreographed by David Neumann, and featuring set design by Andrew Lieberman.

Performances take place in Rowayton's Pinkney Park from June 16th to 28th (except Monday) and in Greenwich's Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, July 4th to 12th (except Monday.)

All performances begin at 7:30 PM

Admission is FREE

Suggested donation: $20 adults / $10 students.
No reservation necessary.
Bring your own blanket or folding chair any time after 4PM.
A limited number of prime seats are available for $50 fee with an advance reservation. Please call (203) 299-1300 to reserve.

For more information:

visit www.shakespeareonthesound.org

and/or contact Shakespeare on the Sound
address: P.O. Box 15, Norwalk, CT 06853
telephone: 203-299-1300
email: info@shakespeareonthesound.org

Sunday smiler . . .

Black Rock Day 2009

Family Festival

Bridgeport, CT (USA)

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Black Rock Day 2009, a day's worth of family fun celebrating Black Rock, CT (USA).

"This year's Black Rock Day is in memory of Jan Williams.

The Williams Family was instrumental in the creation of Black Rock Day back in 1976 under the direction of the Black Rock Community Council's first president Kaye Williams (Jan’s father). Throughout the years, Jan continued to be an active and enthusiastic supporter of Black Rock Day and recently established Captain's Cove as a major sponsor. The Black Rock Community Council is pleased to honor Jan by holding this year's event in her memory.

Black Rock Day continues to grow in popularity as a great way to kick off the summer.

Fun! Fun! Fun! and Much, Much More!" (direct quote from website)

The day features a 9 AM Run for the Rock 5k road race, a Bed Race and Parade starting at noon and from 1-6 PM, festivities at Ellsworth Field that include food, music, a drum & bugle presentation, lots of kid's activities and more.

What Up Funk is the headlining entertainment.

For More Information:

Sponsor: Black Rock Community Council
Address: 2470 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT
Telephone: (203) 334-0293 Ext. 14

www.blackrockcc.org

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Mark your calendars . . .

THE FIFTH ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE DAY

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2009.

Connect – or reconnect – with tourism attractions and cultural organizations
throughout the state. Enjoy free or discounted admission and other special

incentives just for Connecticut residents.

OPEN HOUSE DAY SPECIALS

(Offers vary, see details online.)
• FREE ALL-DAY ADMISSION
• FREE ADMISSION TO THE FIRST 100 VISITORS
• SPECIAL OFFERS IF VENUE IS ALREADY FREE
• COMPLIMENTARY REFRESHMENTS
• INTERACTIVE OR SPECIAL TOURS
• COSTUMED GUIDES
• SPECIAL VISITOR GIFTS OR OFFERS
• SITE-RELATED BOOK SIGNINGS
• SIGN-UP TO BE A CT AMBASSADOR

For more info and a list of participating sites see Connecticut Visit.

Weekend smilers . . .

Greenwich Library
101 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830

www.greenwichlibrary.org

Friends Friday Films

Federico Fellini's 8 1/2

Date: 6/5/2009
Start Time: 8:00 PM
End Time: 10:00 PM

8 ½

(1963-Italy)

Directed by Federico Fellini. With Marcello Mastroianni, Claudia Cardinale, Anouk Aimee.

First time seen in a long time. Usually on everyone’s 10 Best List.

This is Fellini’s masterful autobiographical fantasy brimming with dazzling visuals and storytelling as the director in the film comes up empty with no new ideas, until . . .

138 min.

In Italian with English subtitles.

Admission to the Friends Friday Films is FREE

This series is made available by membership contributions

Show time is 8 PM

Doors open at 7:40 PM

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

*****

Greenwich Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show

in East Norwalk, CT

Jun 6, 2009

8:30 AM to 6:30 PM

The Greenwich Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show takes place from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, at Taylor Farm Park, and features more than 150 unique breeds competing in conformation, obedience and rally trials.

There is also a Meet the Author Book Signing and book reading and illustration by the authors of The Dangerous Book for Dogs, a parody written from a dog's point of view, show tours, show tours, puppy groups & best puppy in show competition, a silent auction, AKC's Canine Good Citizen® test, D.A.W.G.S. (Disaster and Wilderness Ground Search) rescue group demonstrations, booths and exhibits.

Admission with parking is $10 per car.

For more information, visit: www.GreenwichKC.org

For More Information:

Show Entry Information
Sponsor: Taylor Farm Park
Address: Canfield Ave. & Calf Pasture Road, East Norwalk, CT (USA)

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French Market in Downtown Stamford

Jun 6th - Oct 31st, 2009

Saturdays from 9 AM to 2 PM on Bedford Street at Forest Street

Celebrate Stamford's French Farmers' Market with exciting new vendors offering the freshest fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods and more! Straight from the farm and right to your home.

For More Information:

Sponsor: Stamford Downtown Special Services District
Address: Bedford and Forest Streets, Stamford, CT
Telephone: (203) 348-5285
Email: dssd@stamford-downtown.com
www.stamford-downtown.com

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Greenwich Concours d'Elegance

Greenwich, CT (USA)

June 6th - June 7th, 2009

The 2009 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, features American and imported automobiles.

On view are many of the pre-WWI brass-era, the grand classics of the late 1920s and '30s, and such storied marques as Rolls-Royce, Marmon, Pierce Arrow, Lagonda, Cord, Auburn, Packard, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati; and post-WWII cars with big fins, and outsized engines.

There are sports and competition cars including two historic Indy 500 race cars.

A highlight is the : Flying Car.

Hours are: 10 AM to 5 PM both days.

Admission is $20 per day or $30 for both days; children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

For More Information:

Sponsor: Greenwich Concours d'Elegance
Address: Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, 100 Arch Street, Greenwich, CT (USA)
Telephone: (203) 618-0460
E-mail: GreenwichConcour@aol.com

Advocate Newspaper Article

Beneficiary:

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Smilers at Barnum . . .

The Society of Connecticut Sculptors (SCS), an association of sculptors whose work is derived from and inspired by the real world, will present a juried exhibit titled, From Models to Monuments, from June 2 to June 28 in the People’s United Community Foundation Gallery at the Barnum Museum, 820 Main Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut (USA).

"The narrative for From Models to Monuments, will describe the artist’s creative process from the attainment of a commission to the sculpture model and after many discussions, the installation of the final sculpture,” noted John Molloy III, President of The Society of Connecticut Sculptors.

The exhibit will include smaller scale versions of The FDR Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. by Neil Estern; the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. and Virginia Civil Rights Memorial on the grounds of the state capitol in Richmond, Virginia by Stanley Bleifeld, as well as the Holocaust Memorial, permanently on exhibit at Temple Israel in Westport by Steffi Friedman.

An opening reception will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2009 from 1:30PM to 4:30PM  and the public is welcome.

For more information about From Models to Monuments, visit www.ctsculptors.org. For Barnum Museum hours, please visit www.barnum-museum.org or call 203-331-1104, ext. 100.

What: From Models to Monuments –Exhibition by the Society of Connecticut Sculptors (Press Release)

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

When: From Tuesday, June 2 through Sunday, June 28, 2009

Opening Reception: Sunday, June 7, 2009 from 1:30PM - 4:30PM

Cost: The event is free with General Admission 

Adults: $7

Seniors and college students: $5 

Children 4 - 17: $4

Under 4: Free