Archive for the ‘General’ Category

Kids bowl for free this summer in Fairfield, Brookfield

Monday, May 20, 2013 by:Linda Tuccio-Koonz
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This summer, local alleys in Fairfield, Brookfield and New Milford will participate in Kids Bowl Free — a program that allows kids to bowl two free games every day at their participating center.

Over the past five years, this program has served more than 5.2 million kids.

Bowling is a great way for parents to keep kids active — and it’s fun. Did you know bowling two games burns between 320 and 580 calories?

For more details on all of the bowling alleys that are participating, and to register, go here.

I know what you’re doing this summer

Friday, May 17, 2013 by:Jonathan Lucas
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Where are the fans of summer plans?

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, area residents will have just about 100 days to find ways to enjoy what this “unofficial” stretch of summer has to offer. Will you stay to play or travel some distance away to find your bliss?

Do you plan to take a hike, stroll along a main street, take in the sun and surf, hike up a mountain, listen to some music or give outdoor theater a try? Will you be sailing into the sunset or scaling a rock wall? Will you take to the roads, the rails or the water to arrive at your favored destination?

We want to hear from readers about their favorite summer activities and destinations, whether close to home or within a day or two away. Do these activities or places have special meanings? Are they part of a family tradition? Do you have plans to try something new this year?

Send your suggestions to localnews@scni.com by Wednesday, May 22. Please include your name and phone number. We plan to publish the entries during the Memorial Day weekend, which begins Saturday, May 25. Memorial Day is May 27.

Here are a few categories to get you thinking — or daydreaming — about where you’ll be putting your beach blanket or just chilling out this summer. Hit the comments link below to share your suggestions.

Summer, in waves

Fairfield County residents have no lack of waterways in which to play this summer. From the broad expanse of Long Island Sound to the many rivers and streams that crisscross the area, be ready to get your toes wet.

Making a day of it

Connecticut features a multitude of attractions and activities, and there are even more beyond the state’s borders. Whether you take to the roads, the rails or the water to achieve your destination, where are people going?

Having some fun, naturally

Trails, forests, parks, campgrounds and other open spaces will be feeling the tread of visitors’ feet this summer.

Entertaining evenings

Summer nights will be alive with the sound of music, stage craft and cinema.

Youthful pursuits

When the inevitable complaint of boredom crosses your youngsters’ lips, you will be well served to know there are more than a few activities and venues that can turn that frown upside down.

Bruce Hornsby’s May 19 Ridgefield show rescheduled

Friday, May 17, 2013 by:Linda Tuccio-Koonz
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The Bruce Hornsby show scheduled for Sunday, June 19 at the Ridgefield Playhouse is postponed because of a vocal problem the singer is having, according to the Playhouse.

The issue is affecting Hornsby’s ability to speak and sing. The show has been rescheduled for Sunday, Sept. 29.

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, May 17, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
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There are other events, of course, too, some of which stretch into the next week.

Aspiring illustrators plan to gather in Westport to enjoy the town library’s first comics convention. Musical fans have several year-end concerts to enjoy, including a performance by the Stamford Young Artists Philharmonic. Christine Lavin will make a return to the Edmond Town Hall in Newtown. Jean-Michel Cousteau will be at the Maritime Aquarium early next week. James McCartney (yes, Paul’s son) will be in New Haven. And, Melissa Ferrick will feature songs from her new record during an appearance in Fairfield.

Like the “American Idol(s)” of today, Jenny Lind captured the attention of America back in 1850, during a tour of the country organized by P.T. Barnum. The singer’s influence continues today with Saturday’s Jenny Lind competition that is part of the Barnum Festival. Meanwhile, Danbury band Standby hopes to attract some attention during a release party at Heirloom Arts Theatre. The Connecticut Choral Society delivers some music, as well.

On stage, A.R. Gurney’s “Black Tie” will receive its Connecticut premiere this weekend in Stratford. And community dancers will take to the stage to raise funds for Curtain Call.

Phew! But, wait …

You can see Pilobolus at the Shubert Theater in New Haven. There will be a full weekend for endangered species at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. A parody of “Harry Potter” comes to Hartford. You can see the stars in Stamford or Danbury. Singer Summer Williams will entertain in Bethel. Westfair Singers will put on a concert in Greenwich. The Travelin’ McCourys and Karla Bonoff will be in Mamaroneck, N.Y. The Capitol Theatre will welcome Iron & Wine and Secret Sisters. Or, perhaps it is a spring doo wop you seek. Motley Crue anyone? Soundgarden? Rave On will be in Westport. And, Connecticut Playmakers will begin two weekends of popular hits.

“Connecticut Inventions and Innovations” will open in Bridgeport. Lidia Bastianich and Faith Middleton will be in Simbsury. And Boothe Memorial Park will mark the beginning of a season in style. You can help the Norwalk Seaport Association open its season on Saturday. You can check out Adopt-A-Dog and Westhill High School’s combined cause. Or, you can walk in support of breast cancer research.

Until next time …

P.S. The Bruce Hornsby show, originally scheduled for Sunday, May 19, at the Ridgefield Playhouse has been postponed because the singer is coping with a “persistent vocal issue,” according to the Playhouse. The show has been rescheduled to Sept. 29. A recent news statement indicated that previously purchased tickets will be honored.

Alive @ Five 2013 openers announced

Tuesday, May 14, 2013 by:Scott Gargan
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We’ve already heard and reacted to the news about this year’s Alive @ Five line-up, which includes the Wallflowers, Bret Michaels and Michael McDonald.

Now, the bands that will support the headline acts have been announced, via the Stamford Downtown Special Services District (check them out, below).

The openers were chosen from a pool of 400 submissions, with each band matched up with its corresponding headliner according to genre, according to the DSSD.

The summer concert series is to begin on Thursday, June 20 and continue every Thursday — with the exception of July 4 — until Aug. 15. Attendees age 12 and younger will be admitted free, but must enter before 7 p.m. The openers go on at 5 p.m.

Shelton family competes on ‘Feud’

Tuesday, May 14, 2013 by:Scott Gargan
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Pictured: With “Family Feud” host Steve Harvey are members of the Baldyga family of Shelton, from left, Kristen, her sister Kellie, her sister Kim, her husband Ken, and her father Ken.

For one Shelton family, “It’s time to play the Feud!”

Taking the stage in front of a live studio audience in Atlanta, the Baldyga family squared off against the Patel family of Chicago in an episode of “Family Feud” airing Tuesday.

“Regardless of winning and losing, it was so much fun,” said Kellie Baldyga, an account director in Norwalk. “It was by far one of the best experiences we had individuals and as a family. It’s definitely one of the top three experiences in our life.”

As for Steve Harvey, the show’s waggish host, Baldyga said, “He was the nicest, most charming guy.”

“It’s like you’re in audience for an eight-hour comedy show every day,” recalled Baldyga, who, along with her family members, sat in the crowd as they waited for their turn to compete. “He makes you feel comfortable on stage.”

The Baldygas got the chance to play on “Family Feud” after winning a contest hosted by Foxwood Resort and Casino last year. As the family learned, the “Feud” starts long before the actual competition.

“You have to re-audition when you get to Atlanta,” Baldyga said. “If you’re not enthusiastic enough, or nervous on the stage, you could be sent home. Even then it’s a gamble.”

Fortunately, The Baldygas succeeded. But did they go on to win the $100,000 prize?

Tune into find out when the Baldygas episode of the “Family Feud” airs Tuesday, May 14 at 10:30 a.m. on Channel 20 WCCT and at 5 p.m. on My 9, WWOR; or on Tuesday, July 2 at 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 5 p.m. (check back for information on the channels).

 

One more day to have your say in ‘revolutionary’ campaign

Tuesday, May 14, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
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OpSailAt right, a flotilla of small craft fill Niantic Bay off East Lyme, Conn., as the USS Carter Hall is moored offshore Friday, July 6, 2012, to kick off festivities in OpSail 2012. Niantic currently tops the list of “Fan Favorite” towns in a contest sponsored by Connecticut’s Office of Tourism. Voting in the competition ends tomorrow. (photo/The Day, Sean D. Elliot)

It appears the smaller the better when it comes to the voting in Connecticut’s “still revolutionary” campaign to pick the top fan-favorite town or city in the state.

Voting ends tomorrow in the program, which is running on the Visit Connecticut Facebook page. As of this post, Niantic is at the top, followed by Mystic. The remaining towns within the top 15, in order, are Putnam, New Haven, Old Saybrook, Wethersfield, Essex, Hartford, New London, Newtown, Willimantic, Wallingford, Bridgeport, Waterbury and Milford.

The top 10 will enjoy a summer of promotion from the state’s office of tourism.

Niantic has been at the top since the contest began last month. The commitment is high in this small village. You can see that dedication in a video that was made with 34 local businesses and community groups (see below). The competition brings attention to the state’s tourism tagline, “Still Revolutionary,” by asking participants to vote for those places that are known for “original ideas, inspiration and innovation,” according to a recent news release. Further, specific businesses, destinations and attractions within those towns and cities can be designated as the best within the best.

This is the first year the state is seeking a top town. Last year, it only sought destinations and attractions, which enabled several Fairfield County sites to enter the top 10, including Stamford’s Curtain Call, Inc. and Westport’s Levitt Pavilion and Westport Country Playhouse.

For those who prefer the pen-and-paper route, you can mail in your vote by including a first and last name, date of birth, telephone number and email address on a 3×5 card. List a town and destination or business that inspires you and mail it by May 15 to “Connecticut Fan Favorite Town” Sweepstakes, 220 East 42nd St., New York, NY 10017 Attn: Jennifer Kohanim.

 

Out and about: Things to see and places to be this weekend

Friday, May 10, 2013 by:Christina Hennessy
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Growing up, Lucie Arnaz did not have far to go to be surrounded by great musicians and great songwriters, she said recently. Early on, this daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz was exposed to the kind of music that teamed winning melodies with moving lyrics.

Arnaz, a Weston resident, is set to appear in Ridgefield on Friday to share some of these classics of the American songbook, but with a twist. She will deliver them with a Latin flavor, honoring her father’s roots. As she noted in a recent article:

He had such a great love of music that all he did was want us to enjoy it with him

Arnaz is not the only musical act set to entertain this weekend. The Fab Faux will be at the Capitol Theatre. Brian LaBlanc will bring out the Diamond on Saturday. Norwalk singer Tangela Smith gives a hometown show on Saturday, which happens to be the same day that Stanwich Congregational Church offers up a spiritual welcome to spring. Barry Manilow can be found at Mohegan Sun.

There’s plenty more music. The Sherman Chamber Ensemble performs Sunday. Nellie McKay comes to the Emelin. Huey Lewis and The News will be in Tarrytown, N.Y., along with Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin. The Fairfield County Children’s Choir will share “The Miracle of Singing,” while Musicians from Marlboro will share their talent in Greenwich. There also will be a tribute to Chet Baker in Westport.

Robert Dean, Tom Shillue, Mike Epps, Donnell Rawlings, Nazareth, Lily Tomlin and Jodi Weiner are some of the comics making their way to stages throughout the state. On stage you can find “Cirque Ziva,” “Seascape,” “The Dixie Swim Club,” “30! TAW Celebrates,” “Of Mice and Men,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Showstoppers on Stage” all on area stages.

If you plan to go out, there is the Norwalk Regional Tree Festival and art exhibitions up on display at the Glass House grounds. There is a special evening of art and music planned at the site for Friday. Meanwhile, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is hosting a Mother’s Day event (consider this a reminder: Mother’s Day is Sunday.) The Bartlett Arboretum will be hosting a plant sale, too. Or, even if you plan to stay in, you can hear from someone who has his eyes to the outside. Audubon Greenwich will welcome Alvaro Jaramillo, senior biologist at the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, for a talk about birder’s brains.

Dance events include the Center Stage showcase in Stamford, “Dance Across China” in Ridgefield and a performance of “Snow White” in Purchase, N.Y. The visual arts offer up a number of events, as well, including several openings and ongoing shows. These include new shows at the Loft Artists Association, New Canaan Library, Bruce Museum, and Flinn Gallery and Stamford’s Mayor’s Gallery.

If you are looking for a cool day trip, get yourself onto a train into Grand Central to check out the Parade of Trains, just one of many events scheduled this year to honor the terminal’s 100th anniversary.

Until next time …

 

 

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