SoNo Smiler . . .

33rd Annual SoNo Arts Celebration

July 31st - August 2nd, 2009
South Norwalk, CT (USA)

The 33rd Annual SoNo Arts Celebration supports original art, music and community spirit. Works from over 130 juried fine artists and crafts people are showcased while live performers entertain throughout the weekend on three stages with a diverse mix of music, theater and dance.

The Puppet Parade, on Sunday afternoon, is a highlight of the event with giant puppets created by local participants.

Hours are:
Friday, 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM,
Saturday, 10 AM to midnight
Sunday, 11 AM to 6 PM.

For More Information:

Sponsor: SoNo Arts Organization
Address: S. Main St. and Washington St., S. Norwalk, CT
Telephone: (203) 866-7916
Email: info@sonoarts.org
www.sonoarts.org

Smiler in Stamford . . .

Street Beat
Street Corner Concerts
July 29th - August 5th, 2009
Stamford, CT (USA)

Stamford Downtown Street Beat on two Wednesdays, July 29th and August 5th, beginning at 6:30 PM, features acoustic musicians performing on street corners throughout Stamford Downtown. Stroll around the Stamford downtown area and listen to some fabulous sidewalk concerts.

For More Information:

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

Cartoon Smiler Trivia . . .

Check this out: The Library of Congress has a fantastic exhibition of cartoon art. Built around the donated personal collection of cartoonist James Arthur Wood, Jr., the site includes everything from 19th-century political cartoons by Thomas Nast to 1980s comic strips. The J. Arthur Wood Collection of Cartoon Art at the Library of Congress.

Cartoon America Exhibit

James Arthur Wood, Jr., began collecting original cartoon art as a childhood hobby. Wood worked diligently throughout his professional life as an editorial cartoonist to showcase his collection. He ultimately turned to the Library of Congress to preserve and present his collection to the American people and the world. The Library's Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature contains more than 36,000 original cartoon drawings. The 102 drawings selected for this exhibition reflect Woods primary collecting interests and the vitality of an innovative and evolving art form.

Smiler Alert from Audubon Greenwich . . .

“TWO ANGRY MOMS”

Saturday, July 25th, 2009

A special movie presentation with Amy Kalafa, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and the Director/Producer.


6:30 pm: Enjoy refreshments and meet the Filmmaker
7:00-9:00 pm: Film Screening / Q&A with the Filmmaker

Are you concerned about your children’s health, and the quality of the food that they eat each day at school? Join Audubon and filmmaker Amy Kalafa for this special showing of “Two Angry Moms,” the documentary that asks the question: What happens when two “fed-up” moms try to change the school lunch program?

“Two Angry Moms” shows not only on what is wrong with school food; it offers strategies for overcoming roadblocks and getting healthy, good tasting, real food into school cafeterias. The movie explores the roles the federal government, corporate interests, school administration, and parents play in feeding our country's school kids.


For more information about this documentry film, visit: www.angrymoms.org.

No charge or RSVP required.

Meet at Audubon Greenwich, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT 06831.

For additional information contact:

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

Smiler Alert from Southport . . .

"The Biggest and Best Book Sale in New England"

49th Annual Pequot Library Sale

July 24th - July 28th, 2009

Southport, CT (USA)

The Pequot Library sale offers over 140,000 books, as well as a media tent with CDs, DVDs and tapes; rare books and "specials," sheet music, comic books, prints and great food.

Sunday is Young Readers Day with entertainment including a concert, face painting, crafts and more.

No Admission Charge.

Hours are:

Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM

Saturday & Sunday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM

Monday, 9 AM to 8 PM

Tuesday, 9 AM to 2 PM


For More Information:

Sponsor: Pequot Library
Address: 720 Pequot Avenue, Southport, CT
Telephone: (203) 227-1611
www.pequotlibrary.com

Smiler Alert from Bridgeport . . .

In celebration of its 10th anniversary Season

Connecticut Free Shakespeare

presents

A Midsummer Night's Dream

FREE and under the stars at

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Don't miss your opportunity to experience this extraordinary, beautiful, enchanting, and hilarious show. Perfect for fans of Shakespeare, theater or anyone who appreciates fantastic entertainment -- this show has something for everyone. And you can't beat the price!

Wednesday, July 22nd through Sunday, July 26th, 2009
Wednesday, July 29th through Saturday, August 1st, 2009

Performances are free and begin at 8:00 pm, but the Zoo opens at 6:30 pm -- so bring your chairs, blankets, friends, and family and have a pre-show picnic!

Parking at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is free for these performances. Performances are cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

For information: (203) 393-3213 or visit www.ctfreeshakespeare.org

This year, the show features special guest stars at each performance.

Come to cheer on your friends and colleagues on the following evenings:

Thursday, July 23rd
Bruce McDonald, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Bridgeport Hospital

Friday, July 24th
Kathy Maher
Executive Director & Curator
The Barnum Museum

Sunday, July 26th
Mary-Jane Foster
Associate Vice President, University Relations
University of Bridgeport

Wednesday, July 29th
Rina Bakalar
Small Business Institute Director
Community Economic Development Fund

Friday, July 31st
David D'Addario
D'Addario Industries

Smiler in Westport . . .

Circo Comedia

on Stage at Westport's Levitt

July 22nd, 2009

Westport, CT (USA)

Westport's Levitt Pavilion presents a FREE performance of Circo Comedia at 7PM.

ABOUT CIRCO COMEDIA
Unpredictable thrills, side-splitting comedy and daredevil stunts are the signature style of Circo Comedia starring the fantastic duo Jean Saucier & Patrick Côté from Montreal - performing their distinctive style of humour, acrobatic tricks, daring feats, magic and eccentricity.

For More Information:

Sponsor: The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts
Address: Jesup Road, Westport, CT
Telephone: (203) 221-2153
Email: info@levittpavilion.com
www.levittpavilion.com

Smiler trivia . . .

A Birthday Salute to Max Fleischer (July 19, 1883 – September 11, 1972), pioneer in the development of the animated cartoon. As the head of Fleischer Studios, he brought such characters as Betty Boop, Koko the Clown, Popeye, and Superman to the movie screen.

Max Fleischer was responsible for a number of technological innovations.

• "Fleischer came up with a concept to simplify the process of animating movement by tracing frames of live action film. His patent for the Rotoscope was granted in 1915, although Max and his brother Dave Fleischer made their first cartoon using the device in 1914. Extensive use of this technique was made in Fleischer's Out of the Inkwell series for the first five years of the series, which started in 1919 and starred Koko the Clown and Fitz the dog." direct quote source (1)

Enjoy Betty Boop: More Pep (1936) from the Fleischer Studios.

Weekend smilers . . .

31st Annual

Summer Festival & Sidewalk Sale

July 17th - July 19th, 2009

Bethel, CT (USA)

The 31st Annual Summer Festival and Sidewalk Sale in historic downtown Bethel, features live music, activities, demonstrations, craft vendors, contests and more.

Enjoy Historic Downtown Bethel's many fine shops and restaurants!

Bring the Whole Family…There's something for everyone!

Hours are: 10 AM to 5 PM Friday and Saturday and 11 AM to 4 PM on Sunday.

For More Information:

Sponsor: Bethel Chamber of Commerce
Address: 16 P T Barnum Square, Bethel, CT
Telephone: (203) 743-6500
www.bethelchamber.com

*****

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Home Composting Basics

3:00-4:30PM

Did you know…trashing food waste creates air pollution, can raise taxes and causes you to miss an opportunity for free, fresh soil for your lawn or garden? Join Greg Moonie, a Master Gardener, for an interesting presentation that highlights several easy approaches to composting at home.

Call the Nature Store to sign up at (203) 869-5272 x221.

Suggested donation: $5. RSVPs appreciated but not required.

An Audubon At Home Event.

*****

OR

*****

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Family Pond Exploration

3:00-4:30PM

Don’t miss this opportunity to search for the amazing creatures that call Indian Spring Pond home. You will have a hands-on chance to look for amphibians, insects and other organisms living in the pond.

If parents are on-site, another adult or an older sibling should accompany any children under 7 years old. All ages.

Call the Nature Store to sign up at (203) 869-5272 x221.

Pond program fees: Members: Adults $3.00/Children and seniors: $1.50; Non-members: Adults $5.00/Children and seniors $3.00.

For additional information contact:
Jeff Cordulack
Events and Communications Manager

Audubon Connecticut
613 Riversville Road
Greenwich, CT 06831
Telephone: (203)869-5272 x239
email: jcordulack@audubon.org
www.greenwich.audubon.org

*****

Bats with Caroline

July 17th, 2009

Westport, CT (USA)

Earthplace offers its Friday Family Campfire featuring Caroline Glaser, bat expert who shares her knowledge and tall tales of local bats. Ambassador bats will make an appearance.

There is also marshmallow toasting and s'mores making. Bring a blanket or folding chair.

The cost is $8 per member, $10 per person.

Pre-registration required.
7:30-9 PM

For More Information:

Sponsor: Earthplace
Address: 10 Woodside Lane, PO Box 165, Westport, CT
Telephone: (203) 227-7253
Email: info@earthplace.org
www.earthplace.org

*****

36th Annual

Westport Fine Arts Festival

July 18th - July 19th, 2009

Westport, CT (USA)

The Westport Fine Arts Festival, presented by the Westport Merchants Association and taking place at Parker Harding Plaza, features over 140 juried artists, musical performances, unique entertainment and children's activities.

About the Festival

• Westport’s annual Fine Arts Festival is held in one of the most affluent communities in the country. Nestled along the picturesque Saugatuck River, the show is located in the quaint, downtown commercial district with some of the finest shopping and dining establishments within a commutable distance to New York City. Original artwork will be viewed by thousands of shoppers who reside in Westport year round as well as many summer residents who call this upscale beach community home during the month of July. With a long-standing tradition as an artistic community, the Westport Fine Arts Festival remains a highlight on the calendars of collectors from New England and Manhattan each year.

Hours are: 9 AM to 6 PM on Saturday and 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday.

For More Information:

Sponsor: Westport Downtown Merchants Association
Address: Parker Harding Plaza, Westport, CT
Telephone: (203) 505-8716
www.westportfineartsfestival.com

More smilers . . .

Greenwich Library
101 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830

www.greenwichlibrary.org

Harry Potter Trivia Show

Summer Reading

July 16th, 2009

Children's Program

Who knows the most about Harry Potter? Test your knowledge during the Harry Potter Trivia Show with Christopher Hurlbert on Thursday, July 16th at 5 pm, coinciding with the release of the sixth Harry Potter film on July 17th.

Children are invited to attend, dressed as their favorite character from the Rowling novels. For ages 8 and up. No younger siblings, please.

Date: 7/16/2009
Start Time: 5:00 PM
End Time: 6:00 PM

Library: Greenwich Library
Location: Meeting Room
Contact: Deirdre Sullivan
Contact Number: (203) 622-7940
Presenter: Christopher Hurlbert

*****

Kids' Circus Skills Workshops

Bridgeport, CT (USA)

July 16th - July 23rd, 2009

The Barnum Museum in Bridgeport offers two, one hour circus skills workshops for kids age six to twelve . The programs take place Thursdays, July 16th and 23rd from 1:30 to 2:30 PM and are presented by Joe Barney of Center Ring Productions in Bridgeport, CT (USA).

Be a Clown, Be a Clown

July 16th, 2009

1:30 – 2:30PM

Ever wanted to try on a giant pair of shoes, a red nose and crazy hair? Well, now is your chance to learn how to be a clown from a real Red Nosed Funster.

Join Joe Barney as he slaps on the grease paint and gives you some pointers about being a clown in the Center Ring. This is a drop off program.

Join the Circus

July 23rd, 2009

1:30 – 2:30PM

Experience the exciting and magical world of the circus. Try your hand at circus skills such as, juggling, magic and clowning. You will learn the skills necessary to join the circus with the help of a certified circus coach from Center Ring Productions. For more than twenty years, Center Ring has produced circuses for major theme parks and festivals across the country.

Phineas Taylor 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.

The sessions are free with general admission to the museum, which is $7 for adults, seniors and college students pay $5, and children 4-17 pay $4. Children under 4 are free. RSVP at (203) 331-1104 x106.

For More Information:

Sponsor: The Barnum Museum
Address: 820 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT
Telephone: (203) 331-1104
Email: KMaher@barnum-museum.org
www.barnum-museum.org

*****

Smiler Alert . . .

UNDER OUR SKIN

Lyme Disease Documentary on Screen

at Avon Theatre in Stamford, CT (USA)

Stamford, July 15th, 2009

7:30 PM

Avon Theatre Film Center presents the documentary Under Our Skin, a contemporary investigation of Lyme disease.

"ABOUT THE FILM: A dramatic tale of microbes, medicine and money, Under Our Skin plays like a taut thriller—but it is our own lives that may be at stake. This riveting film, a documentary with the propulsion of a narrative, investigates the untold story of Lyme disease, an emerging epidemic larger than AIDS. Each year thousands go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, told that their symptoms are "all in their head." Following the stories of patients and physicians as they battle for their lives and livelihoods, the film brings into focus a haunting picture of our health care system and its ability to cope with a silent and growing terror, and the even more terrifying response the medical status quo has given it." quote source (1)

There is a post-film Q&A with Andy Abrahams Wilson, director/cinematographer and Dr. Charles Ray Jones, pediatric Lyme disease specialist.

Tickets are:
Carte Blanche – Free
Members$6
Students & Seniors - $7
Nonmembers - $10

For More Information:

Avon Theatre Film Center
272 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT
Telephone: (203) 967-3660
Email: info@avontheatre.org
www.avontheatre.org

Smiler Alert From Barnum . . .

P.T. Barnum to spend the summer

on Long Island

An Exhibit Celebrating P.T. Barnum

Opens at

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization

in Stony Brook

Beginning Sunday July 12, 2009 the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Education and Cultural Center in Stony Brook Village Long Island will host an exhibit featuring the life of Phineas Taylor Barnum, known to most of the world as the Greatest American Showman. The exhibit, Celebrating P.T. Barnum ...The Man was created with items on loan from Bridgeport’s Barnum Museum, and will be on display through Sunday August 23, 2009.

Among the many items on display from The Barnum Museum’s collection will be authentic Tom Thumb miniature furniture, authentic Jenny Lind, “the Swedish Nightingale” memorabilia, circus memorabilia, a photographic montage of P. T. Barnum and much more. All visitors will be able to visit beautiful Stony Brook Village and register to win a family four-pack of tickets to see the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Boom A Ring Circus appearing at Coney Island through September 7, 2009.

The Grand Opening on July 12, 2009 from noon to 4PM will feature entertainment by famous Ringling Bros. clowns, games, prizes and loads of circus fun for children of all ages.

On Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 6:30PM Kathleen Maher, Executive Director/Curator of The Barnum Museum will give a talk on the life of P.T. Barnum. The presentation will reveal many little known facts about this fascinating and eccentric showman whose fame once extended around the world.

For those on the Connecticut side of Long Island Sound, the Port Jefferson/Bridgeport Ferry is offering a special Monday through Thursday rate (excluding holidays) of $67 round trip for a ferry ride with car and unlimited passengers. Call (631) 473-5138 for reservations or group rates. For walk-on visitors, call Lindy’s Taxi (631) 444-4444 for a ride that will be waiting at the dock to take you by car to the village. The taxi fare is $10 for the first passenger and $1 each for each additional person, up to four passengers.

Phineas Taylor 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: Celebrating P.T. Barnum …The Man

Where: Ward Melville Heritage Organization Education and Cultural Center, Stony Brook Village Center

When: Sunday, July 12 through August 23, 2009; Open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

Cost: Free with General admission to the Ward Melville Heritage Organization Educational and Cultural Center. Adults, $5 and Children under 12, $3


For more information call (631) 689-5888 and/or

visit www.wmho.org or www.stonybrookvillage.com

*****

Smiler Alert . . .

GRAND OPENING PARTY!!

!LAST DAY OF PRE-SALE DISCOUNTS!

LA BOXING OF NORWALK

Join in the Grand Opening Celebration

July 11th, 2009

9AM-3PM

THE ROAD TO

A BETTER YOU

GOES THROUGH

LA Boxing Norwalk

“You Don’t Have to be a Fighter to Train Like One”

Food, Music, Free classes, and exhibition shows all day!

All classes are one hour long, co-ed, and cater to all fitness and skill levels.

Each class focuses on a full body conditioning workout as well as instruction from a professional fighter.

The facility includes a full line of state of the art cardio machines, weight machines, free weights, a full-size boxing ring, 35 150lb Muay Thai Heavy Bags and 500 square feet of floor mats dedicated for Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Stop in for a Free Class!

For information:

LA Boxing Norwalk
30 Belden Ave. #2
Norwalk, CT 06850-3319
Telephone: (203) 354-3540
Email the GM for updates: NorwalkGM@laboxing.com

Summer smilers . . .

CityCenter Danbury

Summer Series

Concerts on the Green

Danbury, CT (USA)

July 10th - August 29th, 2009

CityCenter Danbury's Concert Series on the Green has a fun-filled line-up of music this summer and is the largest free concert series in the Northeast! Bring a chair (chair rentals are available), a picnic basket and enjoy the show!

The schedule of performers:

Friday, July 10th, Limelight Rock/Tribute Band

Saturday, July, 11th, NV/Billboard Favorites from the 60's, 70's & 80's

Thursday, July, 16th, Third Thursday Family Night

Friday, July, 17th, Doug Wahlberg

Saturday, July, 18th, Mighty Ploughboys/Irish music

Friday, July, 24th, Shrdlu Blues, Rock/R & B

Saturday, July, 25th, Yesteryear/ 50's, Oldies

Friday, July, 31st, Cross Purpose

Saturday, August, 1st, Curtis T Blues/Soft Rock

Friday, August, 7th, Murphy's Law

Saturday, August, 8th, Ridgefield Symphony Classical

Friday, August, 14th, Shoofly Blues

Saturday, August, 15th, West Afrikan Drumming

Thursday, August, 20th, Third Thursday Family Night

Friday, August, 21st, Philly LoPresti/Clark EnoBand/Standards

Saturday, August, 22nd, Gunsmoke/ Country

Friday, August, 28th, Whitewood/ Southern Rock

Saturday, August, 29th, J & B Band/Woodstock Revival

Performances take place at 7:30 PM and are FREE.

For More Information:

Sponsor: CityCenter Danbury
Address: 186 Main Street, Danbury, CT
Telephone: (203) 792-1711
Email: info@citycenterdanbury.com
www.citycenterdanbury.com

*****

Free Performances

The Tempest

in Stamford, CT (USA)

July 10th - July 18th, 2009

Curtain Call's 6th Annual free outdoor Shakespeare on the Green presentation is The Tempest, directed by Peter Barbieri, Jr.

Performances take place at 7:30 PM.

The Sterling Farms Complex park opens for seating at 6 PM.

For More Information:

Sponsor: Curtain Call Inc.
Address: 1349 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT
Telephone: (203) 329-8207
www.curtaincallinc.com

*****

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Butterfly Identification & Counting Basics

10:30-11:30 AM

A family-friendly introduction to local butterflies and how to participate in the official butterfly count process. Start indoors and head out on the Audubon Center grounds to view our butterfly gardens and begin the official counting for the day. All ages. Call the Nature Store to sign up at (203) 869-5272 x221.

FOLLOWED BY:

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Annual Butterfly Count

11:30 – 5:00 PM

Annual Butterfly Counting continues throughout the day. Audubon naturalists will survey the sanctuary and record the species found on-site. 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

*****

Mark your calendars . . .

Free Preview Performance from

Connecticut Free Shakespeare's

A Midsummer Night's Dream

sponsored by the

Downtown Special Services District of Bridgeport

For info: (203) 335-3800

www.CTFreeShakespeare.com

Smiler alert . . .

Second Annual

Greenwich

Awesome Tree

Contest

Call for Entries!

Please submit an entry form for up to 5 trees by October 16, 2009.

Prizes to be awarded to winning entries.

Prizes will be awarded for:

• Best Climbing Tree
• Favorite Shade Tree
• Best Wildlife Tree
• Favorite Park or School Tree
• The Fattest Tree

Prizes will be awarded at a Ceremony on Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 3PM at The Garden Education Center.

Download the poster for more information.

Forms are available on-line at: www.greenwichtreeconservancy.org or at:

Greenwich Town Hall, Audubon Greenwich, Bruce Museum, Garden Education Center, Greenwich Land Trust and Greenwich Libraries.

For information: Telephone: (203) 869-1464 or email: treeconserv@optonline.net

COMMEMORATIVE TREE PROGRAM

Working in partnership with the Town of Greenwich, this program is designed to encourage the planting of trees on municipal lands in town. Trees may be planted to commemorate service or accomplishments, or in honor of, or in memory of individuals or notable events. Download the brochure for more information.

Join them in reaching their goal of planting 370 trees by Greenwich's 370th Anniversary in 2010.

Mark your calendars . . .

Pops in the Park

in Columbus Park

Stamford, CT (USA)

July 8th - July 22nd, 2009

Free concerts return to Stamford Downtown with Stamford Symphony's Pops in the Park concerts in Columbus Park at 6:30 PM.

Scheduled programs are:

July 8th, 2009
The Magic of Mancini with the Stamford Symphony, filled with love songs and movie magic

July 15th, 2009
The Stylistics - YesterDaze, R&B masters with hits including You are Everything and You Make Me Feel Brand New

July 22nd, 2009
The New York City Big Band, with music from the American Songbook. The rain venue is the Palace Theatre on Atlantic Street.

For More Information:

Sponsor: Stamford Downtown Special Services District

Telephone: (203) 348-5285
Email: dssd@stamford-downtown.com
www.stamford-downtown.com

Smiler for P. T. Barnum . . .

Happy Birthday!!!

He’s 199 years old and still hosting hilarious parties!

Be part of P.T. Barnum’s Birthday Bash in Bridgeport

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

The Barnum Museum wants everyone to enjoy the annual Birthday Bash for P.T. Barnum, famed showman, philanthropist, and one of Bridgeport’s best-known citizens. The 199th party is being held on Barnum’s birthday, Sunday, July 5th from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the museum, 820 Main Street in downtown Bridgeport, CT.

The party will feature on-going activities and crafts with balloon animals by Joe Barney from noon to 1:00 p.m. The popular and hilarious Amazing Andy will begin his magic stage show at 1:00 p.m. A delicious birthday cake donated by Luigi’s Italian Pastry shop will be served after the performance. Children may immerse themselves in art projects while their parents register to win tickets to one of the October 2009 performances of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Over the Top at Arena at Harbor Yard.

Bridgeport Free Shakespeare 2009 will be at the party starting at 2:00 p.m. rehearsing some scenes and talking about their open rehearsals through July 11 for A Midsummer Night’s Dream which opens at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo on July 17. For more information on these performances contact Ellen Lieberman at ellen@ctfreeshakespeare.org or (203) 232-8805.

Phineas Taylor 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: P.T. Barnum’s Birthday Bash

Where: The Barnum Museum, 820 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604

When: Sunday, July 5, noon to 3:00 p.m.

Who: Families and Children of All Ages

Cost: A discounted admission of $3.00 per adult and $2.00 per child will be in effect for this special event. As always, children under the age of 4 will be admitted free.

For more information call Jaime Knoedler, at 203-331-1104, ext. 106 or visit www.barnum-museum.org

Comic trivia smiler . . .

A Happy Birthday salute to Reuben Garret Lucius Goldberg, better known simply as Rube Goldberg (July 4, 1883 – December 7, 1970) cartoonist, sculptor, author, engineer, and inventor. He is famous, some might say infamous, for his Rube Goldberg machines. He received a 1948 Pulitzer Prize for his political cartooning.

The Reuben Award of the National Cartoonists Society is named in his honor.

Goldberg image source (1)

Happy 4th of July!!!

Wishing Everyone

a Happy Fourth of July!!!

Here is a partial list of firework celebration events in Fairfield County, Connecticut (USA) . . .

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

Greenwich

Two fireworks displays are planned, one at Greenwich Point and the other, at Binney Park, Old Greenwich. The Binney Park show should begin at about 9:10 PM and fireworks at Greenwich Point, at approximately 9:30 PM. The Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department Band entertains at Binney Park and a disc jockey will provide music at Greenwich Point Park in the South Concession area. Cooking is allowed only in designated areas at Greenwich Point. For information on parking and more, go to: www.greenwichct.org. The rain date is July 5th.

Norwalk
Norwalk's fireworks display is at Calf Pasture Beach with live entertainment. At 6 PM, there is The Amazing Andy Show; at 7 PM, a deejay and at Shady Beach, Sugar on Top performs as does Bill Genuario & Destiny. For non-residents, a parking fee of $20 per car will be charged. The rain date is July 5th. Calf Pasture Beach, Calf Pasture Beach Road, Norwalk.

Stamford
Stamford's FREE fireworks display takes place off of Cummings Beach. Police suggest arriving in the Shippan area before 8 PM, as access will be restricted to residents after that. There are food vendors on the beach and fireworks' start time is approximately 9:15 PM. The rain date is the 5th. Cummings Park, Shippan Avenue. Stamford.

Stratford
Stratford's fireworks take place at Short Beach Park at 9:30 PM. There is a rain date of July 5th. Short Beach Park, Dorne Drive, Stratford.

Westport
The fireworks display is hosted by Westport P.A.L. at Compo Beach at sundown. Tickets are $30 per car and must be purchased in advance. They are available at the Westport Parks and Recreation offices at Longshore Club Park during business hours, and also at Westport Police Headquarters, anytime. Compo Beach closes at 4 PM on July 3rd and reopens at 5 PM for fireworks ticket holders. The fireworks show begins at approximately 9:15 PM. Compo Beach, Compo Beach Road, Westport, Telephone: (203) 341-5090.

Saturday, July 4th, 2009

Fairfield
The Town of Fairfield's fireworks should launch around 9 PM from the waters off Jennings & Penfield beaches. The Atwood Oldies Band entertains at Jennings Beach from 5-7 PM and In Harmony, performs at Penfield Pavilion from 7-9 PM. The rain date is July 5th.

New Canaan
New Canaan's fireworks take place at Waveny Park which opens to the public at 5 PM. The display starts around 9 PM. Required parking passes must be purchased in advance and are $25 per family for residents, $60 for non-residents. They are available online at www.newcanaan.info. The rain date is July 5th.

Ridgefield
Fireworks take place at Ridgefield High School, where the gates open at 6 PM. Bring folding chairs or blankets and a picnic supper. Admission is FREE and the fireworks are scheduled to start at dusk. The rain date is July 5th. Ridgefield High School, 700 N Salem Road, Ridgefield.

Rowayton
Rowayton's fireworks are launched from a barge off of Bayley Beach, beginning at 9:15 PM. There is music starting at 6 PM. The rain date is July 5th. For parking information, directions and road closings, go to: www.rowaytonct.com/fireworks.html.

Weston
The Town's celebration takes place at the Weston Middle School complex where gates open at 4: 30 PM. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children 3-17. The full schedule is: 5 - 9 PM barbecue food is for sale. Entertainment includes: at 5 PM, the American Concert Band; at 6:15 PM, the Westport Community Band. Also at 6:15 PM, the Magic Genie performs. From 7:30 PM until the fireworks at 9:20 PM, the Straight Note Chasers Band takes the stage. They continue after the fireworks, til 11 PM. The rain date is July 5th. Parking is in School Rd. parking lots and St. Francis Church. Shuttle busses from St. Francis begin at 7 PM until after the fireworks. There is no entry from Lords Highway after 6:30 PM, only via School Road and Route 57. Weston Middle School, School Road, Weston.

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Bristol
Lake Coumpounce
9:30 PM
Fireworks over The Lake start at 9:45pm on July 4th! Go early to enjoy the park and then get a good spot to enjoy the extraordinary display! For more info: www.lakecompounce.com

Middlebury
Quassy Amusement Park

9:00 - 10:15 PM
"3-D" Fireworks - Have a blast this July 4th at Quassy. Special "3-D" fireworks presentation after dark to benefit Prevent Blindness Tri-State. Viewing glasses will be sold for $1. Parking $7 on July 4th. Presented by Naugatuck Savings Bank, Gibraltar Pools, Price Chopper. For info: www.quassy.com

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Happy 4th of July from Beetle Bailey!

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info source (1)

More smilers . . .

Yoga Basics with Basil Jones

Wednesdays from 2:00-3:30 pm

July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th

& August 5th, 2009

Join Basil Jones (CYT), acclaimed yoga teacher for Martha Stewart and Kathy Smith, to learn yoga basics and how to live in better alignment with nature and our planet.

Each week, the Pigeon, Peacock, Crow, Flying Crow, Eagle, Bird of Paradise postures will be explored in depth and some classes will be held outdoors in the sanctuary.

All levels of practitioners welcome.

No previous experience required.

Meet in the main hall at Audubon.

$20 per class or pay for five classes and the last class is free.

Space is limited.

RSVP to Basil at (646) 338-9299

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Thursday, July 2, 2009

Fireflies – Nature’s Mini-Fireworks

8:30-9:30 pm

Learn how and why fireflies flash and then go outdoors and watch the different patterns that are signatures for each firefly species. We’ll also take a look at our pond to search for night time activity.

All ages.

Call the Nature Store to sign up at (203) 869-5272 x221

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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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