Art quilts by Catherine Whall Smith are on exhibit at the Windham Mills Textile & History Museum, as well as UConn’s Babbidge Library. The museum will hold a tour, gallery talk and artist’s reception from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012. This quilt: (sold) 2011 “My Turn – Me First” (Roasting Marshmallow Series)
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The Windham Theatre Guild holds open auditions for a November performance of the musical “Always, Patsy Cline,” on Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. at Windham Middle School, Quarry Street, Willimantic.
The show revolves around two main characters – famous country/pop star Patsy Cline and her biggest fan Louise Seger.
Auditions will include vocal, acting and improvisational sequences. Prepare a musical number for the vocal audition. Piano accompaniment will be provided. Readings from the script will be provided that evening.
We are filling the following roles:
Patsy Cline – This role is vocally demanding, singing lead on more than 20 songs. The ideal candidate sounds like Patsy Cline;
Louise Seger – This is a large acting role with lots of monologues. We are looking for a great actress;
Back-up singers – Four back-up singers needed, two male and two female.
Director is Victor Funderburk. Musical director is Ken Clark.
Performance dates are Nov. 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16 and 17 at the Burton Leavitt Theatre at 779 Main Street in Willimantic, with a special benefit performance on Nov. 4.
For more information, contact the Windham Theatre Guild at windhamtheatre@aol.com
Posted September 2, 2012
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Free “Sunday Music in the Park” concert will feature Full Gael at Alex Caisse Park/Park Springs, Route 195, Willimantic (near the East Brook Mall), starting at 2 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
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Coming up this week in the HTNP readership area…
Sunday Sept. 2
FARMERS MARKET — ASHFORD
The Ashford Farmers Market is open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the old post office next to Route 44 across from town offices.
FARMERS MARKET — COVENTRY
The hugely popular Coventry Regional Farmers Market, with a theme and related special events every week, is open every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the month of October at the Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South St., Coventry. (See the web site http://coventryfarmersmarket.com for details and info on how to receive a weekly newsletter.)
MUSIC IN THE PARK – WILLIMANTIC
Free “Sunday Music in the Park” concert will feature Full Gael at Alex Caisse Park/Park Springs, Route 195, Willimantic (near the East Brook Mall), starting at 2 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Concerts performed in the memory of Phyllis Foster. Rain location at Windham Middle School, Quarry Street. For information call (860) 423-2988.
Monday Sept. 3 Labor Day
CONCERT – HAMPTON
Hampton Recreation and Community Activities Commission will present a Labor Day concert with the Hoolios. Doors open at 7 p.m. The Hampton Community Center is located at 178 Main Street (Route 97). The hall will be set up cabaret-style for a trademark “folk-tailgating.” Feel free to BYO-whatever! $15 for adults; children accompanied by an adult admitted free. Reservations are strongly recommended. Info: (860) 455-2056.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL – COLUMBIA
The Columbia Democratic Town Committee hosts its annual Ice Cream Social on the Town Green in Columbia from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring family and friends for a relaxing afternoon of ice cream sundaes, live music and a chance for folks to share some time together before the end of the summer. Entertainment will be provided by local musician Bruce John. $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the event or by contacting any member of the Columbia Democratic Town Committee.
Tuesday Sept. 4
PARENTS – SCHOOL TRANSITION TALK
Residents of Andover, Hebron, Marlborough and Columbia are invited… The AHM Family Resource Center will host a breakfast discussion “Making the Transition to School a Success” from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Family Resource Center at Gilead Hill School in Hebron. Join Sandra Plummer, the clinical director at AHM Youth Services, in this supportive discussion. Topics to be shared include – your role in supporting your child, dealing with your emotions and how to navigate the transition from summer break to school success. Refreshments will be served and child care is available for $3 per child. To register, call Laurie Larsen at (860) 228-0871, or e-mail at ahmfrc@hotmail.com.
BD OF DIRECTORS, ACCESS AGENCY – WILLIMANTIC
Access Community Action Agency Board of Directors holds its regular meeting at 4 p.m. at Access Community Action Agency, 1315 Main St., Willimantic. Public invited. For information: www.accessagency.org
AUTHOR TRAIL SPEAKER – S. WINDHAM
CT author Trail Joan Hall will discuss her humorous poetry and the creative writing process at the Guilford Smith Memorial Library, 17 Main St., South Windham at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments served.
Wednesday Sept. 5
SEWING AND SERVICE – WILLIMANTIC
The Interfaith Sewing and Service Group meets at the First Congregational Church, 199 Valley St., Willimantic, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Projects: School bags, CWS; receiving blankets for Hartford City baby Showers; Red flag blankets for WMH. Info. (860) 228-9658.
BLOOD PRESSURE – MANSFIELD
Mansfield Senior Center, 303 Maple Road, Storrs, offers blood pressure screenings at 11 a.m. No appointment necessary for free screenings.
MASSAGE THERAPY — MANSFIELD
Mansfield Senior Center, 303 Maple Road, Storrs, offers massage therapy with Faith Manning from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call Kathy for an appointment at (860) 429-0262.
BEREAVEMENT GROUP – MANSFIELD
Open to residents of Mansfield and surrounding towns. Hospice of Eastern Connecticut hosts the “Evenings After” bereavement group for those who have suffered a recent loss. Group is located at 34 Ledgebrook Drive, Mansfield (behind East Brook Mall). It is held from 6 to 8 p.m. Come join others for support and discussion. Group is open to the community. Info: (860) 456-7288, ext. 293.
AUDITIONS – WINDHAM
The Windham Theatre Guild holds open auditions for a November performance of the musical “Always, Patsy Cline,” at 7 p.m. at Windham Middle School, Quarry Street, Willimantic. The show revolves around two main characters – famous country/pop star Patsy Cline and her biggest fan Louise Seger. Audition will include vocal, acting and improvisational sequences. Prepare a musical number for the vocal audition. Piano accompaniment will be provided. Readings from the script will be provided that evening. Filling the following roles: Patsy Cline – This role is vocally demanding, singing lead on more than 20 songs. The ideal candidate sounds like Patsy Cline; Louise Seger – This is a large acting role with lots of monologues. We are looking for a great actress; Back-up singers – Four back-up singers needed, two male and two female. Director is Victor Funderburk. Musical director is Ken Clark. Performance dates: Nov. 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16 and 17 at the Burton Leavitt Theatre at 779 Main Street in Willimantic, with a special benefit performance on Nov. 4. For more information: contact the Windham Theatre Guild at windhamtheatre@aol.com
SENIOR ART SHOW – COLUMBIA
The Beckish Senior Center, 188 Route 66, Columbia, sponsors a Senior Art Show in honor of Rose Marrotte the week of Sept. 17-21. A $100 first prize as well as a $50 “People’s Choice Award” will be presented. Awards will be made at a luncheon on Sept. 21 from noon to 2 p.m. Seniors interested in exhibiting their material can call (860) 228-0759 for details. Items to be shown will be accepted at the Senior Center on Monday, Sept. 17 between 9 a.m. and noon.
JOYFUL NOISE REHEARSALS – MANSFIELD
Joyful Noise, Children’s Community Choir for ages 6-12 will hold rehearsals from 6 to 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 29 Puddin Lane, Mansfield. Pre-registration or info: (860) 423-1130
Thursday Sept. 6
CONVERSATION WITH BETTY — MANSFIELD
A Conversation with Betty will take place at the Mansfield Senior Center, Wellness Center, 303 Maple Road, Storrs, at 11 a.m. Topic: “Our Role as Mentors.” Info: (860) 429-0262
DINNER AND ENTERTAINMENT – MANSFIELD
At 5:30 p.m. at the Mansfield Senior Center, 303 Maple Road, Storrs, for a potluck dinner followed by entertainment at 6:30 p.m. by “ One Accord” from the Tolland Senior Center. No charge, but everyone is asked to bring a dish to feed 8 to 10 people.
PIZZA PARTY, BOOK DISCUSSION – S. WINDHAM
The Guilford Smith Memorial Library, 17 Main St., South Windham will host a “tween” pizza party and Nutmeg book discussion of “Matched” by Ally Condie at 6:30 p.m. Books available at the library.
Posted September 1, 2012
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
Open fields are a lovely backdrop for the Heritage Garden at the Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House and Museum in Lebanon, CT. Photo copyright 2012 by Brenda Sullivan
While there are many good reasons to visit Lebanon, CT, including the beautiful town green – where you will see people jogging and strolling year-round – if you are a garden lover, you might want to visit the Heritage Garden.
It’s a small garden, but chock full of history and beautiful plants and it’s located at the Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House and Museum (right on the green).
The museum, itself, is interesting for its information about the Revolutionary War era and the three generations of Trumbulls who are an important part of Connecticut history.
Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. (1740–1809) was General George Washington’s secretary during the American Revolution, and later was an eight-term governor of Connecticut.
The garden adds to the museum experience.
You can park at the back of the Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House and walk over to the garden. You will notice a mailbox next to the entry arbor and inside are pamphlets with information about the plant choices in the Heritage Garden.
Buddleia blooming in August in the Victorian section of the Heritage Garden at the Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House and Museum in Lebanon, CT. Photo copyright 2012 by Brenda Sullivan
Basically, the garden is grouped according to three time periods – Victorian, Colonial and Contemporary.
In the Victorian section, which reflects the “parterre” style of that time, you will find such plants as buddleia, phlox, peonies and dusty miller.
The Colonial section of the garden reflects the kitchen gardens of that time, so it includes herbs such as chives, hyssop, borage and lavender.
Flowers include yarrow, hollyhocks, coreopsis and boltonia – and there are grape vines and morning glories on the split-trail fence.
By the way, the adjacent open fields create a beautiful backdrop for the garden.
The Contemporary section of the garden contains some plantings that, while more common in today’s gardens and landscaping, actually have their origins in the Colonial era.
Hibiscus in the Heritage Garden at the Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House in Lebanon, CT. Photo copyright 2012 Brenda Sullivan
This part of the garden includes hibiscus, ornamental grass, astilbe and a dwarf maple.
The Heritage Garden was created through a collaboration of the Jonathan Trumbull Junior House Museum Committee and the Lebanon Garden Club.
While you’re there, depending on the day of the week and the time of day you go, you can also visit the West Green Farm for fresh fruits and vegetables. They are open to the public Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
And at the end of the green is the Lebanon General Store where you can buy a sandwich and cold beverages.
While many flowers fade as the summer comes to an end, the seed heads of these are still lovely – at the Heritage Garden, Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House and Museum, Lebanon CT. Photo copyright 2012 Brenda Sullivan
If you happen to be there on a Saturday between 9 a.m. and noon, from now until Oct. 13, you can also visit the Lebanon Farmers Market next to the library – just up the road from the town green.
If you visit Lebanon, please share your experiences with us in the comment section.
Posted August 15, 2012
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
The Lebanon Country Fair kicks off the Connecticut fair season this weekend, Friday through Sunday, Aug. 10, 11 and 12.
Since 1960, The Lebanon Lions Club has operated the Lebanon Country Fair and it has been the main event in Lebanon ever since.
The fair takes place the weekend of the second week in August of every year. This year, that’s Friday through Sunday, Aug. 10, 11 and 12.
The Lebanon Country Fair started on the Lebanon green and moved to its current location in 1970.
Each year brings new and exciting things to the Lebanon Country Fair. If you have never visited, this is the year to do it!
The fair boasts many fine food choices freshly prepared by the Lebanon Lions Club, numerous local churches and non-profit organizations and commercial vendors.
The Lebanon Country Fair also offers entertainment on a center stage and first class amusements.
Local non-profit organizations utilize the fair as their main fundraiser. And many of Connecticut’s charitable organizations also benefit from the money raised at the fair, such as the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, the CT Lions Low Vision Centers, CRIS Radio, Yale eye research.
Money is also directed to the Lebanon community through scholarships to Lebanon High School students, for food and holiday gifts for those less fortunate, eye exams/glasses and many other activities.
Here are some of the 2012 Lebanon Country Fair events:
On Friday
Opening Ceremony – 6 p.m.
Pony Pull – 7 p.m.
Miss Lebanon Fair pageant – 7:30 p.m.
Entertainment on Main Stage (King Cake Blues) – 9 p.m.
Helicopter Rides all night
On Saturday
Helicopter Rides all day
Horse and Oxen Pulling – 8:30 a.m.
Little Miss Lebanon Fair Pageant – 11 a.m.
Stock Truck & SUV Pull – 1 p.m.
Monster Truck Show – 9 p.m.
Entertainment on Main Stage
1 p.m. – Magic with Pete Haddad
3 p.m. – Vinyl Encore (Classic Rock)
6 p.m. – Scarlett Fade (Progressive Rock)
9 p.m. – Katie Perkins (Country Rock)
On Sunday
Modified Tractor Pull – 9 a.m.
Sheep Show – 11 a.m.
Helicopter Rides – starting at 11 a.m.
Children’s Peddle Pull – noon
Master Gardener Demonstration – 1 p.m.
Horseshoe Tournament – 1 p.m.
Demolition Derby – 4 p.m.
Entertainment on the Main Stage
2 p.m. – Time Travelers (Oldies)
5 p.m. – Monthie Brothers Band (Country Rock)
Check the Lebanon Country Fair web site for more details and directions at http://www.lebanoncountryfair.org. The fairgrounds are located at 122 Mack Road, Lebanon, CT 06249 – see info on the web site about shuttle buses.
Admission is $10 each for adults (age 12 and up), $9 each for senior citizens and free for children under age 12. Also, active, disabled or retired members of the Military (must show documentation) will be admitted free.
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
The students at Capitol Theater Arts Academy (CTAA) in Willimantic, CT will present public performances of the award-winning musical, Singin’ in the Rain on Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 9, 10 and 11, at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Aug. 11.
The students at Capitol Theater Arts Academy (CTAA) will present public performances of the award-winning musical, Singin’ in the Rain on Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 9, 10 and 11, at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Aug. 11.
The Academy – an arts magnet school – is located in downtown Willimantic at the beautifully renovated, air-conditioned Capitol Theater, 896 Main St.
Featuring 43 students, ages 8-15, CTAA’s Summer Musical Theater Program includes students from Amston (in Hebron), Chaplin, Columbia, Colchester, Coventry, Hampton, Manchester, Mansfield (including Storrs, Mansfield Center), Norwich, Scotland, South Windsor, Tolland and Windham (including North Windham and Willimantic).
Regular tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children under 12.
To order your tickets now, please call EASTCONN’s Capitol Theater Box Office between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, at 860-465-5636.
The box office window is also open 45 minutes before show time for walk-up ticket sales if still available.
This production is sponsored by the Savings Institute.
Posted August 1, 2012
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
The Belltown Antique Car Club will host its 46th annual Vintage Motorcar Meet on Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012 (rain or shine) at the Haddam Neck Fairgrounds off Rt. 151 in East Hampton, CT. The show opens at 8 a.m. Photo courtesy of BACC
The Belltown Antique Car Club will host its 46th annual Vintage Motorcar Meet on Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012 (rain or shine) at the Haddam Neck Fairgrounds off Rt. 151 in East Hampton, CT.
The show opens at 8 a.m.
Antique cars and trucks from the dawn of the motoring age through 1971 will be celebrated.
Stock, unmodified vehicles will be classified and judged, with trophies awarded at 3 p.m. There are 24 classes, with three trophies per class. Registration is from 8 a.m. until noon.
There also will be display-only parking for 1972-82 models and hot rods (not judged).
Also, enjoy a flea market catering to the antique-car hobby.
Food and refreshments will be sold.
Drive your old car to show, or just bring the family and share your enthusiasm for old cars. Show car admission is still only $5 and includes all occupants.
General admission is also only $5 per person (or $3 for seniors age 65 and up). Children under age 12 will be admitted free but must be accompanied by an adult. (Please, no bicycles or pets.)
Note: Most of you know of our beautiful bell trophies that we award at our shows. These are made by Bevin Bros., a sixth-generation company making only bells since 1832 in East Hampton (Belltown USA). They are the last bell company in America. On the night of May 26, 2012 a devastating fire swept through the factory and destroyed 180 years of East Hampton’s (and America’s) history. There is hope that they will rebuild soon and continue the tradition. To help, visit their Web site at http://keepthebellsinbelltown.com
Posted July 4, 2012 as edited and added to by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on Twitter at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
Put on your best bunny slippers and join enjoy the library’s first-ever Family Pajama Party, with a number of after-hours crafts and activities, ending with a cozy read-aloud and a snack to send you on your way.
“Dream Big” is the 2012 all-ages summer reading program. It begins Wednesday, June 20, and runs through Friday, Aug. 17.
Anyone of any age who enjoys reading for fun is eligible to take part, including young children who are being read to.
Register online or in person at the Mansfield Public Library beginning Wednesday, June 20.
Each week, you let the library know what books you’re reading. Kids can pick a weekly prize. Teens and adults will be entered into weekly drawings.
June 22 – Come to the library in your jammies
A Family Pajama Party from 6 to 7:30 p.m. will be hosted by the library on Friday, June 22. All ages are welcome.
Put on your best bunny slippers and join enjoy the library’s first-ever Family Pajama Party, with a number of after-hours crafts and activities, ending with a cozy read-aloud and a snack to send you on your way.
June 26 – Magic show
David Alan & Bogus, a family magic show will entertain you at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26. All ages are welcome. Stick around after the 35-minute show for a balloon-animal giveaway!
June 27 – Catch some dreams
Dream Catchers is a craft program for Tweens and Teens, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 27. Keep all your dreams sweet, make your own personalized dream catchers!
June 28 – Stamp out boredom
Be a Stamp Artist, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 28. Stamp a work of art using a variety of stamps and different types of paper. All ages are welcome.
Storytime for the little ones
Here are programs planned for June.
“Wonderful Wednesdays,” June 20 and 27 at 10:30 a.m. in the Program Room. Stories and activities such as puzzles, simple crafts and Play-Doh for Preschool children (must be accompanied by a parent or other adult caregiver.)
“Toddler Time,” Fridays, June 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 10:30 a.m. in the Buchanan Auditorium (connected to the library). Designed for children under 3 years old and their caregivers, the library hosts a mini-story time and specialized play group with riding toys, an activity table, play kitchen, toy tool bench, soft toys, a safe play area for babies and lots more.
“Family Story Time,” Saturdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the Program Room Stories, songs, finger plays and crafts for young children and their families to share. Stories last about half an hour, then move on to a craft activity.
Did you know?
You can sign up to receive the library’s monthly newsletter on the Town of Mansfield’s QNotify system. Go to the town website at www.mansfieldct.gov and click “Email Notifications” on the right side of the screen. Enter your email address, then scroll down to the “At the Library” section and choose “Library Newsletter.” Click “Join” at the bottom, and you’re all set!
Posted June 6, 2012
Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News. https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on Twitter at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )
“We’d love for you to participate in the photo shoot if you can. ‘Extras’ will be needed to show people walking, peeking in storefronts, dining outdoors or interacting with friends, children or pets.”
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