Al Capp won the National Cartoonists Society's Reuben Award in 1947 for Cartoonist of the Year, and their 1979 Elzie Segar Award (posthumously) for his unique and outstanding contribution to the profession of cartooning.
Al Capp was born in New Haven, Connecticut, USA and he attended Bridgeport High School. He lost his right leg in a trolley accident at the age of nine, this tragedy, some believe may have attributed to his slightly cynical worldview that appeared in his artform.
Today is the birthday of Thomas Nast (September 27, 1840 – December 7, 1902) , a famous caricaturist and editorial cartoonist in the 19th century, considered to be the Father of the American Cartoon.
The image/portrait (to the right) depicts Thomas Nast sharpening his pencil (weapon) to get ready to draw a picture of William Tweed (Boss Tweed).
Thomas Nast's fame rests on his caricatures and political cartoons. He introduced the donkey to typify the Democratic party, the elephant to typify the Republican party, and the tiger to typify Tammany Hall, and introduced into American cartoons the practice of modernizing scenes from Shakespeare for a political purpose.
"Thomas Nastinvented the image popularly recognized as Santa Claus. Nast first drew Santa Claus for the 1862 Christmas season Harper’s Weekly cover and center-fold illustration to memorialize the family sacrifices of the Union during the early and, for the north, darkest days of the Civil War. Nast’s Santa appeared as a kindly figure representing Christmas . . . continue article . . ."
Thomas Nast's Original 1865 "Santa Claus"
Nast's most famous drawing,
"Merry Old Santa Claus,"
from Harper's Weekly,
January 1, 1881, p.8-9
1. Nast Santa image source (1) 2. Nast Santa image source (1)
Weir Farm Art Center Presents the 14th Annual Jazz in the Garden featuring the Brubeck Brothers. Bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy the cool music of the Brubeck Brothers on the lovely terraced grounds of the Weir Farm Historic Site, generously sponsored by Wilton Bank. Proceeds benefit the Weir Farm Art Center's Artist in Residence program. Event Time: 4:00PM - 6:00PM.
The Weir Farm Art Center, in cooperation with Weir Farm National Historic Site, will present its 14th annual outdoor concert, Jazz in the Garden, featuring the acclaimed Brubeck Brothers Quartet on Sunday, September 27, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The Brubeck Brothers Quartet, with Chris Brubeck on trombone and bass, Dan Brubeck on drums, Chuck Lamb on keyboard and Mike DeMicco on guitar, will return to the stage at Weir Farm National Historic Site as part of its national fall tour which includes the Calgary Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Jazz Festival, Stockton Symphony and the Cazenovia Jazz Festival. Chris Brubeck’s tour also includes several performances of Ansel Adams: America, the full orchestra piece co-written with his father, Dave Brubeck, and an appearance at Lincoln Center with the Sao Paulo Orchestra.
Commenting on the concert, Chris Brubeck said, "Jazz in the Garden allows members of the community and jazz aficionados alike to enjoy music at one of the most unique sites in America, all in support of the Weir Farm Art Center’s great programs. As such, returning to Weir Farm has great personal meaning to me."
Charles Burlingham, Jr., President, WFAC Board of Trustees, said, "This annual event in the wonderful landscape made famous by J. Alden Weir and other important American Impressionist painters, has helped put Weir Farm on the regional jazz map. We are delighted to be working with the National Park Service as co-hosts."
Concert-goers can enjoy the jazz music while picnicking with friends and family and helping to support the Weir Farm Art Center`s Artist in Residence Program. Jazz in the Garden visitors also have the opportunity to win an original work of art by Wilton artist Ann Kromer by participating in the Paint Brush Raffle. Raffle tickets will be sold at the event for $15 or three tickets for $40.
Prior to the concert from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., the National Park Service will be screening the 15-minute introduction to Ken Burns’ new PBS film The National Parks: America’s Best Idea in the Burlingham Barn. The preview is a chance to get a sneak peek at the upcoming 12-hour, six-part documentary that will premiere nationwide starting later that evening on your local PBS station. For more information about the program, please visit www.pbs.org/nationalparks.
Concert tickets in advance are $15 for members, $20 for general admission and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets on the day of the event are $20 for Weir Farm Art Center members at the gate, $25 for general admission and $5 for students. Children 12 and under are free. Buying tickets in advance not only reduces the price, but also speeds your arrival at the event.
For more information or to reserve tickets, please call the Weir Farm Art Center at (203) 761-9945 or by email at Jazz@weirfarmartenter.org. Tickets are also available at The Wilton Bank, located in Wilton Center at 47 Old Ridgefield Road.
To preserve and protect the park, all parking is at the Branchville Elementary School on Florida Road, off of Rt. 102, across from Ancona`s Market in Ridgefield. Free shuttles will run from the school to Weir Farm National Historic Site continuously between 3 and 7 p.m. No parking will be available at Weir Farm National Historic Site.
Jazz in the Garden concerts are held in memory of Les Young, a long-time Weir Farm Art Center supporter, education advocate, and State Representative from New Canaan.
Today is the birthday of Winsor McCay (September 26, 1867 – July 26, 1934), cartoonist and animator, credited with significant influence in the development of American comic strips and motion picture animation.
His two best-known creations are the newspaper comic strip Little Nemo in Slumberland, which ran from 1905 to 1914, and the animated cartoon Gertie the Dinosaur, which he created in 1914.
Spring Lake, Michigan was the hometown of legendary cartoonist and animator Winsor McCay.
Visit Meeting McCay a blog that serves as a source of information to Anyone wanting to learn more about the brilliant Winsor McCay: his life, his work, and the many ways he's been honored. It also serves as a means to introduce McCay fans around the world to his hometown, Spring Lake, Michigan.
*See more Winsor McCay images at the Ohio State University Treasury of Fine Art, Cartoon Research Library - just search for Winsor McCay in their database.
The 2009 Norwalk International In-Water Boat Show features more than 750 of the newest and best in luxury motor and sailing yachts, sport fishers, performance boats, sailboats, marine accessories and more. This year, Time Bandit Co-Captains John and Andy Hillstrand of Discovery Channel's show Deadliest Catch are on hand throughout the show. There is also an Affordability Pavilion, a mini-lake, where kids can ride paddleboats for free, free boat rides and more.
Sailboats At Docks
Enoy the scenic beauty of Norwalk Cove Marina waterfront and live music throughout the day.
Rock out at concerts featuring top local and regional acts, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, beginning at 2pm and continuing after hours till 10pm!
Thursday, September 24th 2PM - 6PM Alpine Squeeze 6PM - 10PM The Austrian Boys
Friday, September 25th 2PM - 6PM Alpine Squeeze 6PM - 10PM Alex Meixner Band
Saturday, September 26th 2PM - 6PM Zany Oompah Band 7PM - 10PM Green Machine (special performance by Norwalk's favorite cover band)
Sunday, September 27th 2PM-6PM Die Spitzbuam
Hours are 10 AM to 6 PM daily. Admission is $8 and $15. Buy online for a $2 discount for tickets purchased before 9/23/2009.
For More Information:
Norwalk International In-water Boat Show Norwalk Cove Marina 48 Calf Pasture Beach Rd Norwalk, CT Telephone: (212) 984-7001 Website: www.boatshownorwalk.com
Join in this exciting Audubon At Home program and learn how to transform your new or existing home into a greener home! This series of evening programs will feature a panel of noted experts in the field of energy efficient green building and home design, and conclude with an in-depth Q&A session.
GREEN HOMES 101: INTRO TO GREEN BUILDING AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY Tuesday, September 22, 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm
This session is designed for homeowners who want to learn how they can incorporate green building techniques into their existing or new home. The focus will be on the many steps homeowners can take to make their home more energy efficient, and discuss the government tax rebates available to you. *****
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEMS Tuesday, October 20, 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm
This in-depth session will focus on the basics of geothermal heating and cooling systems (the system that powers the Audubon Center) and explain how geothermal can be installed in new and existing homes to reduce your carbon emissions and energy costs. *****
SOLAR ENERGY AND WIND SYSTEMS Tuesday, November 17, 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm
Join in as we explore in detail the many—and sometimes confusing—micro-wind applications, solar hot water, and solar photovoltaic options available to homeowners. Residential solar and wind power systems are improving and increasing each day, and our experts will help you determine what works best for your home. *****
HIGH EFFICIENCY RESIDENTIAL HVAC SYSTEMS Tuesday, December 15, 2009
7:30pm - 10:00pm
Do you want to improve the energy efficiency of your home, but your house isn’t suitable for an alternative energy system such as geothermal or solar? A range of options exist to make your conventional HVAC system more efficient and less costly to operate. *****
Suggested admission: $10 *Please RSVP to Jeff Cordulack at (203) 869-5272 ext. 239
Are you looking to volunteer your time? Do you need community service hours for school? Audubon Greenwich is always in need of dedicated volunteers. Please contact Brian O’Toole at (203) 869-5272 ext. 221 to learn about upcoming volunteer events and opportunities.
A Message from Executive Director/Curator: Kathleen Maher of the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, Connecticut (USA).
Join us for The Big Read, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest.
The Big Read provides communities with the opportunity to read and discuss a single book. This year we will be reading Dashiell Hammett's 1930 detective novel, The Maltese Falcon.
Throughout The Big Read, major events are held free of charge to the public; events such as, adult lectures, book discussions, family programs, film screenings, theatrical readings, plays, museum exhibits and much more. Join us!
Thursday, October 1 - Saturday, October 31 Mystery Hunt at The Museum Barnum Museum 820 Main Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 10:00am - 4:30pm Daily Sunday, 12:00pm-4:30pm
Come to The Barnum Museum and try your hand at being a detective. Create a detective badge and follow the clues to find the missing sculpture.
Thursday, October 1 - Saturday, October 31 Create a Bookmark! Barnum Museum 820 Main Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 10:00am - 4:30pm Daily Sunday, 12:00pm-4:30pm
Come on down to The Barnum Museum and create a bookmark; use it in your favorite book.
Sunday, October 4 - Saturday, October 31 Art of Deception, Exhibition Barnum Museum 820 Main Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 10:00am - 4:30pm Daily Sunday, 12:00pm-4:30pm
In collaboration with the Music and Arts Center for Humanity and the University of Bridgeport, The Barnum Museum will host an extraordinary collection of student art and writing that will speak to the themes of Dashiell Hammett's 1930 detective novel, The Maltese Falcon. Through visual exploration, the exhibition will challenge the viewer to look beyond the obvious to discover deeper meanings intended by the artists. The presentation will stimulate and inspiring creative and strategic thinking and offer the viewer an opportunity to experience new visions and ways of seeing.
Sunday, October 4 Art of Deception, Exhibition Opening Reception Barnum Museum 820 Main Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us as we celebrate Bridgeport and Shelton's 3rd Annual National Endowment for the Arts Big Read! Setting the stage for one of the best detective novel's ever written, Dashiell Hammett's, The Maltese Falcon, award winning historian and author, Mark Albertson, will present the backdrop of this brilliant literary work. A thriller, love story, and dark comedy, The Maltese Falcon is fascinating and fun, while being deeply socially conscious.
Mr. Albertson is a lifelong buff of old movies: Citizen Kane, Casablanca, The Quiet Man, The Searchers, Twelve Angry Men, Inherit the Wind, A Walk in the Sun, to name just a few, but the Maltese Falcon is one of his favorite movies of all time. These movies represent an era when acting and dialogue were the prerequisites to superior filmmaking. Indeed, this truly was Golden Age of film.
Tuesday, October 6 Day Trip to Gillette Castle Watermark 3030 Park Avenue Bridgeport, Ct 06604 11:00am-4:00pm Estimated time of departure 9:00am
Join us for a tour of one of Connecticut's extraordinary mansions, Gillette Castle. Born in Hartford, CT, William Gillette was aspired to perform on the stage from a young age. His family did not support his pursuit of acting as a profession, but he went on to make his own fortune writing, producing and starring in plays.
The eccentric Gillette, best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, completed the medieval inspired castle in 1919, which features fascinating interior elements including hidden mirrors, intricate hand-carved doors, secret passages, and hidden compartments. Gillette chose to design and build his "castle," on the peak of the hills overlooking the Connecticut River as it widens near Long Island Sound. The glorious 24-room mansion is indeed reminiscent of a medieval fortress on the Rhine River, and its 184-acre natural surroundings are laced with pathways ideal for an easy walk with family and friends. *Gillette image source (1)
Thursday, October 8 Deception of Dress Lecture Barnum Museum 820 Main Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 6:30pm-7:30pm
Barnum Museum Executive Director/Curator Kathleen Maher will discuss how fashion through the ages has served to enhance, exaggerate, embellish, and deceive. From 19th century hoops and bustles to the scandalous flapper age, the presentation will explore how the art of dress has transformed our ideals of beauty from generation to generation.
Saturday, October 10-November 21 Big Read Mystery Lab Discovery Museum 4450 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06604 10:00am-5:00pm
The Discovery Museum's Big Read Mystery Lab will bring out your inner detective, whether you're a puzzle-ponderer by nature or not. Visitors can gather clues and examine evidence to solve totally fictional, historically hokey "Crimes of Science". Included with general admission.
Saturday, October 10 Mystery In Our Life, Memoir Writing Class Bridgeport Public Library Historical Collections 925 Broad Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 2:00pm-3:00pm
Participants share and write about their personal and family memories of how the stock market crash of 1929 impacted their lives and how they made it through the years of the Great Depression. Examine how the crash of 1929 has influenced us today as American's live through another challenging economic time.
Sunday, October 11 - November 22 Art of Deception, Special Exhibition Barnum Museum 820 Main Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 10:00am - 4:30pm Daily Sunday, 12:00pm-4:30pm
A special exhibition presented in the historic Blue Parlor period room at The Barnum Museum. Art of Deception will present the extraordinary moment in time just at the edge of America's Black Tuesday; the day the Stock Market crashed on October 24, 1929. Examining the carefree days of the pre-depression epoch, the exhibition will focus on the unbridled, frivolous attitude that captured much of society's imagination. Breaking free of strict 'Victorian' styles, the emergence of urban living, votes for women, automobiles, and radio, the exhibit will take you on a journey of society's self exploration and self indulgence. From Jazz to prohibition, flappers to gangsters, the age of the 'Roaring Twenties" set the stage for a modern America.
Thursday, October 15 The Maltese Falcon Film Showing Downtown Cabaret Theatre 263 Golden Hill Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 7:00pm-9:00pm
One of the best detective novels ever written, Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon is a brilliant literary work, as well as a thriller, a love story, and a dark, dry comedy. Mystery and intrigue set the stage for this 1941 classic.
Humphrey Bogart brings Hammett's legendary character, Sam Spade to life. Detective Spade becomes embroiled with a mysterious client, avenges the death of his partner, and chases a priceless treasure in this classic American private-eye novel. A "Talk Back" discussion with award winning historian and author, Mark Albertson, will immediately follow the film. Not rated - 101 minutes
For over 45 years, Lorraine Warren has painstakingly investigated the realm of the supernatural throughout America, Europe, and Australia. Lorraine Warren and her late husband's investigative research on over 3,500 cases of psychic phenomena has convinced them beyond a shadow of a doubt of the existence of ghosts, demons, witches, satanists, vampires, and werewolves.
Held in the Carousel, doors open at 7:00 P.M.
Tickets are $20 and may be purchased in advance or at the door.
For tickets, call (203) 332-4243.
Friday- Thursday, October 16-17 Maltese Falcon 24 Hour Read-A-Thon University of Bridgeport 124 Park Avenue Bridgeport, Ct 06604 12:00pm-12:00pm
Beginning at Noon on October 16, a 24 hour read-a-thon will kick-off at the University of Bridgeport's campus. All are welcome to sign up to be a 'reader' of an assortment of excerpts from Dashiell Hammett's timeless mystery tales, as well as poems and narratives that compliment the themes of The Maltese Falcon.
Tuesday, October 20 Big Read for Little Tykes Barnum Museum 820 Main Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 11:00am-12:00pm
Come to the Barnum Museum and listen to a mystery book. This program is geared for pre-k and includes making a craft at the end.
Thursday, October 22 City Lights Student Art Show City Lights Gallery 37 Markle Ct Bridgeport, Ct 06604 5:00pm-7:00pm
Illustrating the themes and symbols cloaked in the lines of Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon, Bridgeport Public Schools students will present their artistic interpretations of the great detective story.
Thursday, October 23 and Friday, October 24 The Rocky Horror Show Playhouse on the Green 177 State Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 8:00pm-10:30pm
12 Midnight-2:30am
It's Alive! Following last Fall's smash hit production, The Rocky Horror Show returns to the Playhouse on the Green. Experience this new Bridgeport tradition for the first time, or come "do the Time Warp Again!"
This cult classic by Richard O'Brien is a mysterious, campy, sci-fi rock musical and features the local band Greasewheazer and hilarious audience interaction. It's perfect Halloween-time fun, and 3 special Midnight Shows give you the full Rocky experience!
Saturday, October 24 CT Seaside Ghosts Barnum Museum 820 Main Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Join us at the Museum for a fascinating journey into the mysterious. Donald Carter, a case researcher with the New England Paranormal Research Group will be giving a presentation based on his published book: Connecticut's Seaside Ghosts. Mr. Carter will not only give the background on local legends but will also show us the tools and technology used to unearth the information.
Monday, October 26 Tales of the Super-natural in Bridgeport's Palace and Majestic Theaters and other Locations Barnum Museum 820 Main Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 7:00pm
Presented by The Bridgeport Community Historical Society, James Myers of the Paranormal Police will present a fascinating program featuring tales of super-natural episodes at the historic Palace and Majestic Theaters in Bridgeport. Join us for this wonderful and spine- chilling talk, and discover the mystery that surrounds many of the city's haunted places!
For more information and ticket prices, contact The Bridgeport Community Historical Society at (203) 332-5550, or (203) 371-6397.
Tuesday, October 27 Big Read for Little Readers Barnum Museum 820 Main Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 2:00pm-3:00pm
Join us as we read a mystery book geared for K-3 and then make a craft for you to take home.
Wednesday, October 28 Mysteries of Bridgeport Past: Crime Stories That Will Chill Your Spine Playhouse on the Green 177 State Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 6:30pm-7:00pm
Friday, October 30 War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast Barnum Museum 820 Main Street Bridgeport, Ct 3:00pm-4:30pm
On October 30, 1938 a live radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds by Orson Welles and Mercury Theater caused mass hysteria. The broadcast, performed as a special Halloween presentation of H. G. Wells' 1898 science fiction novel The War of the Worlds, was remarkably realistic and lead thousands of listeners to believe that an actual Martian invasion was in progress. The program's 'news-bulletin' format was condemned as cruelly deceptive by many newspaper professionals and public officials, and, leading to an outcry against the perpetrators of the broadcast network. The episode; however, launched Orson Welles to legendary fame. Come and listen to an original version and decide for yourself!
Thursday, October 29 Friday, October 30
Saturday, October 31 The Rocky Horror Show Playhouse on the Green 177 State Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 8:00pm-10:30pm
12 Midnight-2:30am
It's Alive! Following last Fall's smash hit production, The Rocky Horror Show returns to the Playhouse on the Green. Experience this new Bridgeport tradition for the first time, or come "do the Time Warp Again!"
This cult classic by Richard O'Brien is a mysterious, campy, sci-fi rock musical and features the local band Greasewheazer and hilarious audience interaction. It's perfect Halloween-time fun, and 3 special Midnight Shows give you the full Rocky experience!
Saturday, October 31 Phantom of the Opera Film Showing Downtown Cabaret Theatre 263 Golden Hill Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 5:30pm & 8:30pm Shows
This 1943 version of the classic tale is filmed "In Flaming Technicolor" and stars Nelson Eddy, Susanna Foster and Claude Rains as the Phantom.
BYOBeverage & PICNIC!
Not Rated - 92 minutes.
Tickets are on sale now for this performance. (203) 576-1636
Saturday, October 31 Come in Costume, Get in Free! The Barnum Museum 820 Main Street Bridgeport, Ct 06604 10:00am - 4:30pm
Children of all ages! If you come to The Barnum Museum dressed in your Halloween Costume, your admission is Free! You will also receive a free red clown nose as a special Halloween treat!
For more information contact:
Kathleen Maher Executive Director/Curator
The Barnum Museum 820 Main Street Bridgeport, CT 06604
Tickets (by reservation only): $35/person, $17 children 3-12.
Call (203) 778-8337 for reservation.
*****
Antique Wheels Event Danbury Railway Museum Danbury, CT (USA) September 19th, 2009
Danbury Railway Museum's Antique Wheels events features antique cars, trucks, military vehicles, fire engines, iron horse and hot rods on display as well as children's activities and rides.
Hours are: 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $4-$6.
The Danbury Railway Museum is a non-profit organization staffed solely by volunteers. The Museum, located in the historic station and rail yard in downtown Danbury, Connecticut, offers railroad history, tours, train rides, a collection of original and restored rolling stock, and opportunities for hands-on railroad work at "12 inches to the foot" scale.
For More Information:
Danbury Railway Museum 120 White Street, Danbury, CT Telephone: (203) 778-8337 www.danbury.org/drm/
**Help Request . . .
The Danbury Railway Museum always has need for Railroad related items, especially items that can help in the operation and restoration of the equipment.
If you have any information on a good source, or If you could donate an item, or for additional information, call the museum (203)778-8337.
***** Invite from Audubon Greenwich . . .
Autumn Migration Bird Walk
Saturday, September 19th, 2009
7:00-8:45 am
Join us to seek out the flood of migrants heading for the tropics as well as other species arriving from the north to spend the winter with us.
Bring binoculars and hiking shoes.
Loaner binoculars may be available.
No fee or RSVP required.
Meet at the main sanctuary at 613 Riversville Road.
Contact the Nature Store at (203) 869.5272 x221 for more information.
*****
HawkWatch Festival & Green Bazaar
September 19th & 20th, 2009
11:00 am-5:00 pm
(Rain or Shine)
Come out and celebrate the amazing annual migration of hawks and other raptors often seen above Audubon Greenwich’s hawk counting site, the Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch. This 2-day event will include games, animal exhibits, hikes, talks, live birds of prey shows (1 & 3 pm), special shows (2 pm), and your last chance to enter the hybrid car raffle. Loads of eco-friendly vendors and great food on-site.
Audubon memberships and tickets available at the gate.
No RSVP required.
For more info contact: Jeff Cordulack Events and Communications Manager Audubon Connecticut/Audubon Greenwich 613 Riversville Road Greenwich, CT 06831 Telephone:(203) 869-5272 x221
***** Invite from Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum . . .
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum Second Annual Flea Market Sunday, September 20th, 2009 9am to 4 pm
Attention, shoppers!
The second annual Flea Market is scheduled to be held September 20th, 9 am-4pm on the Mansion's lawn.
Come for a great barbecue, home-baked goods and, of course, plenty of bargains! This will be a great day for the whole family to enjoy and help the arts in the community as proceeds will benefit the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum. Items for display and purchase will include toys, clothes, textiles, jewelry, glassware, decorative accessories and bedding.
General admission to the event is free. Proceeds benefit the Mansion.
For More Information:
The Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum 295 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850 Telephone: (203) 838-9799 www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com
**Volunteer Alert message . . .
The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is currently seeking more volunteers!
Volunteer positions are available for docents, monitors, gift shop attendants, and much more! If you are interested in volunteering at LMMM, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Susan Gilgore, at (203) 838-9799 or at volunteer@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com.
Attention Boomers and Boomers to be . . . Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 24th, 2009 from 4PM-8PM, to attend the Fourth Annual FREE Boomers and Beyond Expoto be held at the Trumbull CT Marriott.
The Fourth Annual WICC St Vincent's Medical Center Boomers and Beyond Senior Expo sponsored in part by Wesley Village, St Joseph's Manor, and Associated Neurologists of Southern Connecticut. Besides the many exhibits, there will be free health screenings provided by personnel from St. Vincent's Medical Center of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Boomers And Beyond is an event designed to bring together medical care providers, social services, community resources, financial planning, elder law advisors, holistic care and wellness programs. Come join WICC personalities, St. Vincents Medical Center and many local resources for a fun and informative day.
The Garden Education Center of Greenwich presents its 2nd annual dahlia show, featuring hundreds of striking flowers in a judged competition among members of regional garden clubs, individuals, and The Garden Education Center.
Entries: All dahlia floral classes, single or triple stem. In clear glass vases. Non competitive floral arrangements.
Dahlias may be available for sale on Sunday, September 20th, 2009.
Join as a registrant and/or a volunteer!
Hours are:
1-4 PM Saturday
1-3 PM Sunday
For More Information:
Contact: Barbara Collier (203)532-1505 or Adrienne Parker (203) 869-9242 x14 or Lisa Beebe (203) 869-9242 x13
Bob Smith will return to Greenwich Library for the ninth installment of his Shakespeare series. This time it is - The Merchant of Venice.
The series is on Wednesdays, September 16th to October 28th, at 7 p.m. in the Cole Auditorium.
Bob Smith will delve into the subjects of a daughter trapped by her father's eccentric will, a successful merchant snared by a bizarre and injudicious contract and an alien money lender entangled by an obscure Venetian law.
The program is free and open to all. Copies of the play will be provided. For more information, please contact Matthew Sgritta at (203)-622-7972.
Irish in Film Free Series at Fairfield University Fairfield, CT (USA) September 16th - Oct 29th, 2009
The Irish in Film is a movie series sponsored by The Irish Studies Committee at Fairfield University. They will present 4 compelling films - each film will show a different perspective of Ireland.
The films are shown in the Multimedia Room of the DiMenna-Nyselius Library on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM.
The screenings include:
September 16th, Veronica Guerin
Veronica Guerin is a 2003 film directed by Joel Schumacher and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. The movie is based on the true story of Irish journalist Veronica Guerin.
*****
September 30th, The Crying Game
The Crying Game is a 1992 Irish/British drama film written and directed by Neil Jordan. The film explores themes of race, gender, nationality, and sexuality against the backdrop of the Irish Troubles.
*****
October 14th, High Spirits
High Spirits is an 1988 comedy film directed by Neil Jordan. Set in a remote Irish castle, High Spirits is a topsy-turvy comedy with thematic leanings towards Ireland's rich folklore regarding ghosts and spirits where the hotel starts to come to life.
*****
and October 29th, True Confessions
True Confessions is a 1981 film directed by Ulu Grosbard, based on the Black Dahlia murder case in 1947. The film stars Robert De Niro and Robert Duvall. It was produced by Chartoff-Winkler Productions. It is based on the novel of the same name by John Gregory Dunne.
*****
Admission is free and refreshments are offered.
For More Information:
Sponsor: Fairfield University Address: 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT Phone: 203-254-4000 Website: http://www.fairfield.edu
11th Annual Teddy Bear Clinic Greenwich Medical Building Sunday, September 13th, 2009 Noon-3PM
The Teddy Bear Clinic is geared to children ages 3-12, and accompanying adults, too. Bring the family!
Fun and educational, the Teddy Bear Clinic teaches youngsters about healthy habits, and puts a friendly face on medical care. As children become more familiar with hospital staff and procedures, they often have fewer fears about going to the doctor. Who knows…your child might even be inspired to go on to a healthcare career!
11th Annual Teddy Bear Clinic Sunday, Sept. 13th – Rain or Shine! 12 Noon– 3pm Greenwich Medical Building Parking Lot 49 Lake Avenue (right behind the hospital) FREE.
Parking available in the hospital’s staff lot on Lake Avenue.
Questions? Call (203) 863-3627 or toll-free (888) 357-2409.
*****
Fair Winds Brass Quartet in Concert at Westport Library Westport, CT (USA) September 13th, 2009
At 2 PM, Westport Library presents the first performance of the Music @The Library season, the Fair Winds Brass Quartet perform many styles of music including Baroque, Classical, and Jazz. Admission is free.
Norwalk Seaport's Oyster Festival Norwalk, Connecticut (USA) September 11th - 13th, 2009
Norwalk Seaport Association's 2009 Oyster Festival features performances by Chuck Wicks, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Beatlemania Now, as well as arts & crafts vendors, food, harbor cruises, demonstrations and displays, rides and more.
Hours are: 6 PM to 11 PM Friday; 11 AM to 11 PM Saturday and 11 AM to 8 PM Sunday
Audubon Greenwich has posted the newest edition of the "In Flight" newsletter at www.greenwich.audubon.org. There are many interesting articles and a calendar full of great events. Some highlights from this edition of the newsletter are:
Habitat enhancements near the Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch.
Details about the Legislative Forum on December 16th.
The latest news on the battle against the Mile-A-Minute vine and the weevil recently released to fight this invasive plant.
Information about the hybrid car raffle to be drawn at the HawkWatch Festival & Green Bazaar on Sept. 19th & 20th.
Be sure to check it out!
*****
Press Alert!!!
New operating hours
at the Nature Store:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 12pm - 5pm
*****
Friday, September 4th, 2009
The World of Bats and Moonlight Walk
7:00-8:00 pm
Learn about the local bat neighbors, get an update on the ‘white-nose syndrome’ endangering the bats of the Northeast, and watch for bats emerging from their daytime roosts for a night’s hunting. Ages: 5 & up. RSVP to Nature Store at x221.
*****
Autumn Migration Bird Walks
Every Saturday ~ 7:00-8:45 am
September: Meet at Audubon Greenwich
October: Meet at Fairchild Sanctuary
Join in the fun and seek out the flood of migrants heading for the tropics as well as other species arriving from the north to spend the winter in Connecticut. Bring binoculars and hiking shoes. Loaner binoculars may be available. No fee or RSVP required. For September dates, meet at the main sanctuary at 613 Riversville Road. For October dates, meet at the Fairchild parking area on North Porchuck Road in Greenwich. Contact the Nature Store at x221 for more information.
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Saturday, September 5th, 2009
Autumn Migration Bird Walk: Audubon Greenwich
7:00-8:45 am
Join in the fun and seek out the flood of migrants heading for the tropics as well as other species arriving from the north to spend the winter with us. Bring binoculars and hiking shoes. Loaner binoculars may be available. No fee or RSVP required. Meet at the main sanctuary at 613 Riversville Road. Contact the Nature Store at x221 for more information.
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Saturday, September 5th, 2009
Nature on the Move: The Mysteries of Migration
2:00-3:30 pm
Come join in, first, for a brief talk indoors about animals that migrate: from monarch butterflies and dragonflies, to hawks, bats, fish, seals, and whales and then, take a walk on the Audubon grounds in search of migratory animals. All ages. RSVP to Nature Store at x221.
Today is the birthday of Beetle Bailey (begun on September 4, 1950), an American comic strip set in a United States Army military post, created by Mort Walker. Private First Class Beetle Bailey is the main character. It is among the oldest comic strips still being produced by the original creator.
Mort Walker had his first comic published at the age of 11, and sold his first cartoon at 12. At 15 he worked as a comic-strip artist for a daily newspaper and by 18 he became chief editorial designer at Hall Bros. (Hallmark Cards).
"You learn just by trying and experimenting. By the time I was 14, I had my own comic strip in the Kansas City paper." - Mort Walker
"Laughter is the brush that sweeps away the cobwebs of your heart." - Mort Walker
"Seven days without laughter makes one weak." - Mort Walker
Here's to you, Mort, may your day be filled with joy and laughter.
Hi, I'm Debra, the roving blogger and online media rep for Mort Walker's The Best of Times magazine. It is a Full-Featured Family-Friendly Fun Magazine. We are currently to be found in the "Gold Coast" of Connecticut/New York and looking forward to being in all 50 states in the U.S.A. If you are interested in becoming an Associate Publisher - please contact us.
Hurricane Katrina brought me to CT/NY from New Orleans. Craig's List "introduced me" to Mort Walker and his magazine The Best of Times (in case you haven't heard, Mort Walker is the creator of Beetle Bailey, the founder of the National Cartoon Museum and an all around nice guy).
So . . . what really got my attention was the magazine's name, The Best of Times. It intrigues me. Yes, I mean intrigues, defined as: to arouse the curiosity or interest of, by unusual, new or otherwise fascinating or compelling qualities; appeal strongly to; captivate; to achieve or earn by appealing to another's curiosity, fancy, or interest. Yes, Yes, Yes, to arouse interest and curiosity in The Best of Times. What does it mean? Are we living in The Best of Times, if so what are we doing and if not, why not?
So, I have voluntarily taken on the task of asking Who, What, When, Where, Why and How do we, are we having The Best of Times.
Those Whacky Cartoonists
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Saturday Cathing Up Day.
There has never been a lot of information published about cartoonists. A
little bio here and there, a few biographies of the bi...
Stripper's Guide is Moving!
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Those of you with a long memory might remember an announcement back in
April 2022 that I was working on a new website for Stripper's Guide. Over
two yea...
Today is the birthday of Alfred Gerald Caplin (September 28, 1909 – November 5, 1979), better known as Al Capp, cartoonist and humorist best known for the comic strip Li'l Abner. He also wrote the comic strips Abbie an' Slats and Long Sam. 
