State's Flu Info Website

There are no confirmed cases of a Swine Flu outbreak in Connecticut yet, but if you're worried about it you can follow the latest updated information at the State of CT's Flu Info website:

www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch

Get Your Green On, St Patrick's Day Parades in Connecticut

2009 Greenwich Saint Patrick's Parade
Sunday, March 8, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Greenwich Hibernian Association is sponsoring their 33rd annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. The parade will form at the Greenwich, Connecticut Town Hall at 101 Field Point Road, Greenwich, CT and march down Greenwich Avenue.

2009 Greater New Haven Saint Patrick's Day Parade
Sunday, March 15th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
The Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 15 starts its march at 1:00 pm. It will step off from Derby Avenue and Chapel Street, marching down Chapel Street to Church Street. It passes the reviewing stand in front of New Haven's City Hall and continues on Church Street to Grove Street, turning right and ending on Orange Street.
http://www.stpatricksdayparade.org/


2009 Greater Hartford Saint Patrick's Day Parade
Saturday, March 14, 2009 - Starting at 11:00 am
The parade begins at Capitol Avenue by the State Capital, takes a left on Main Street, a left on Asylum, a left on Ford Street, and then ends by the Memorial Arch. The parade is held rain or shine.
http://www.irishamericanparade.com


Stamford St. Patrick's Day Parade 2009
Saturday, March 14th at noon
With more than 80 marching units, including Greenwich Pipe Band, Connecticut Firefighters' Pipes and Drum, Governor's Horse Guard, Trinity College Pipes and Drums, school and youth groups, Irish dancers, military groups, and more. It runs up Bedford and down Summer streets. For more information, call 249-3270.
http://www.ctaoh.com


2009 Mystic Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Sunday, March 22nd, 2009 at 1pm
Mystic Connecticut will host a Saint Patrick Parade on March22nd starting at 1PM. Over 650 marchers scheduled to participate and for us it is a first for our corner of Connecticut. Everyone is cordially invited to attended. Please note arrive early as parking is anticipated to be a problem. The parade accessible off Interstate 95 at either exit 89 or 90. Just follow the signs for directions.



For more St. Patrick's Day Parades around the U.S.A. please visit:
http://www.saintpatricksdayparade.com/

Looking for an Apartment in Connecticut?

I just came across this great resource. If you're looking for an apartment anywhere in Connecticut visit myapartmentmap.com to compare real-time prices. This site shows the most expensive prices ($3,026 in Greenwich) to the least expensive prices ($816 for a 2 bedroom in Waterbury). Click on a town name to search by map. It also gives you the WalkScore for the neighborhood, plus school information.

Visit myapartmentmap.com for more information.

Chimp Mauls Connecticut Woman

HARTFORD, Conn. – A 200-pound domesticated chimpanzee who once starred in TV commercials for Old Navy and Coca-Cola was shot dead by police after a violent rampage that left a friend of its owner badly mauled.

Click here for the full story.

I couldn't believe that actually happened when I saw the news last night. What was that woman thinking keeping a chimp as a pet?

They're wild animals who deserve and NEED to be in their own natural environment, not cooped up as someone's pet. Sure they're cute when they are babies, but as adults they are unpredictable and have unbelievable strength. It was wearing a diaper? Couldn't she teach it to flush? She gave him Xanex with a cup of tea?

Hopefully her friend is able to recover from this. The 911 call was terrible.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell Unveils Budget Plans

"We are Connecticut" stated Gov. M. Jodi Rell as she laid out her Budget plans today. She spoke of "pain and sacrifice," and "long overdue trimming." I don't normally post political items, but I was able to listen to the broadcast this afternoon. So here goes. She talked of families getting by on a lot less, feeling the pinch as it were, and how they were going to have to do the same.

Some of the highlights include:

• No cuts to education aid. No cuts to any state grant program.
• The elimination of 10 state agencies. Therefore eliminating duplications along the way.
  
• The elimination of 70 boards and commissions that have associated staffing, mileage reimbursement and other expenses. "We're reducing the bloat of bureaucracy and making do with less," said Rell.
• The budget cuts the fleet of state cars by 20 percent. If an employee doesn't really need one, he or she won't have one. Families are making do with less - so can we.
• Fewer laws. There are 14,000 pages of state laws in existence. The Governor proposes taking 130 unnecessary laws off the books. "We not only need a leaner government but a less intrusive one as well."
• Canceling state bond authorizations of hundreds of mostly earmark projects, totaling almost $400 million.
• A one year a hold on construction at UConn and state colleges to save debt costs.
• Municipalities can and should cut costs by sharing - sharing equipment, facilities, schools, personnel and more.
• And a new $10 million grant will be available to purchase shared equipment - snow plows, dump trucks, garbage trucks.
• Expansion of food assistance and elderly nutrition programs.
• Doing more to "green up" the state by expanding the bottle bill law to include non-carbonated beverages like water.
  

Those are just a few of the items covered by Governor Rell in the speech. Read the full text of the speech here:
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/ci_11626064

Follow this story on:
http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/

For more Budget detail visit:
http://www.ct.gov/opm/cwp/view.asp?a=2958&Q=432642&PM=1

Mystic Aquarium Debuts Baby Penguins with a new Webcam

Bored at work? Need a dose of cuteness to get you through yet another dull T.P.S. Report? Head on over to the Mystic Aquarium website and check out some baby penguin chicks on their new webcam. Is there anything cuter than a baby penguin? I have yet to hear different.

During the first 40 days, the little ones are unable to maintain their body heat, so they seek warmth under their parents. Viewers will see their heads and beaks emerge when they are hungry and when their parents feed them. Later in this period, the inquisitive chicks will slowly venture on their own into other areas of their room. Once they are weaned (around day #50), people can observe the aquarium’s trainers teaching the chicks to feed from them.

At 75 to 100 days of age, the chicks will be fully fledged. Their soft down will be replaced with juvenile plumage, and they will be ready to fend for themselves. The fledglings will either join the 26 adult African penguins on exhibit at the aquarium or go to other facilities that house the species.

The camera will be on daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional breaks when the chicks are taken out of the room.

Click here to visit the Penguin Webcam

Also while you're there visit the Beluga Whales webcam too!

Turkey and a Twenty 2008

Foodshare Sets November 2008 Drive Goals

Foodshare’s annual “Turkey and a Twenty” food and fund drive seeks to collect 16,000 turkeys and $485,000 to help hungry families in Hartford and Tolland counties.

“That’s a 10% increase over the number of turkeys requested in 2007 and a reflection of difficult economic times,” says Foodshare President & CEO Gloria McAdam.

She asks for support from the entire community so that everyone can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal and to ensure that Foodshare has the resources needed to continue distributing food for people seeing help this winter, long after the holidays are over.

To meet the goal of 16,000 Turkeys and $485,000 "We will need an army of volunteers organizing local drives to collect donations of turkeys and funds," says Gloria on her blog. To encourage those drives, a challenge has been made to new donors. If 100 new donor groups will each collect 10 or more turkeys and $200 for Foodshare, the challenger will give Foodshare another 1,000 turkeys. Visit Foodshare's web site to access a special “turkey toolkit” section with guides, tips, and materials to help meet the challenge.

Turkey and a Twenty drop off locations:

Avon
DRC Traveling Caravan/Big Y
Nov. 17 (4pm-7pm)

Bloomfield
FOODSHARE
Nov. 19 (8am-5pm);
Nov. 20 (8am-6pm);
Nov. 21 (8am-6pm);
Nov. 22 (9am-2pm);
Nov. 23 (9am-2pm);
Nov. 24 (8am-5pm);
Nov. 25 (8am-12 Noon)

Coventry
Highland Park Market
Monday, Nov. 17 – Monday, Nov 24 (8am-9pm);
Sunday, Nov 23 (8am-6pm)

East Hartford
DRC Traveling Caravan/Big Y
Nov. 16 (11am-2pm)

East Windsor
DRC Traveling Caravan/Big Y
Nov. 21 (4pm-7pm)

Ellington
DRC Traveling Caravan/Big Y
Nov. 18 (4pm-7pm)

Enfield
DRC Traveling Caravan/Big Y
Nov. 23 (11am-2pm)

Farmington
Highland Park Market
Monday, Nov. 17 – Monday, Nov 24 (8am-9pm);
Sunday, Nov 23 (8am-6pm)

Glastonbury
Highland Park Market
Monday, Nov. 17 – Monday, Nov 24 (8am-9pm);
Sunday, Nov 23 (8am-6pm)

Hartford
Gordon Bonetti’s Florist
Monday, Nov. 17 – Monday, Nov 24 (9am-5pm);
Saturday, Nov 22 (9am-1pm);
Sunday, Nov 23 (closed)

Hebron
Ted’s Supermarket
Monday, Nov. 17 – Monday, Nov 24 (8am-8pm);
Sunday, Nov 23 (8am-6pm)

Manchester
DRC Traveling Caravan/Big Y
Nov. 25 (4pm-7pm)

Highland Park Market
Monday, Nov. 17 – Monday, Nov 24 (8am-8pm);
Sunday, Nov 23 (8am-6pm)

Rocky Hill
DRC Traveling Caravan/Big Y
Nov. 24 (4pm-7pm)

Gordon Bonetti’s Florist
Monday, Nov. 17 – Monday, Nov 24 (9am-5pm);
Saturday, Nov 22 (9am-1pm);
Sunday, Nov 23 (closed)

West Side Market Place
Monday, Nov. 17 – Monday, Nov 24 (8am-8pm);
Sunday, Nov 23 (8am-6pm)

South Windsor
Highland Park Market
Monday, Nov. 17 – Monday, Nov 24 (8am-8pm);
Sunday, Nov 23 (8am-6pm)

Stafford Springs
DRC Traveling Caravan/Big Y
Nov. 20 (4pm-7pm)

Suffield
Highland Park Market
Monday, Nov. 17 – Monday, Nov 24 (8am-8pm);
Sunday, Nov 23 (8am-6pm)

Tolland
DRC Traveling Caravan/Big Y
Nov. 22 (11am-2pm)

West Hartford
Waldbaum’s Super Foodmart
Monday, Nov. 17 – Monday, Nov 24 (7am-10pm);
Sunday, Nov 23 (7am-9pm)

Check back soon, or better yet, visit their website and donate online:
http://turkeyandatwenty.org/

Holiday Light Fantasia Canceled For 2008

One of our favorite annual traditions in Connecticut was to visit Hartford's Holiday Light Fantasia in December. The event has been held in Goodwin Park every year since 1999, except 2005 due to a generator shortage following Hurricane Katrina. Unfortunately, due to the high operating costs this year's event has been canceled. The website below simply states "We Are Sad To Announce That Holiday Light Fantasia Will Not Take Place This Year."

"The costs of oil, and therefore of operating the show, spiked so radically that the only solution would have been to double the entrance fee - unthinkable at a time of cutbacks, bailouts and unemployment and families worried that celebrating the holidays will be very different and necessarily leaner than in years past,'' a press release sent out last month said. Last year's fee was $12 per car.

If you have a minute, please visit their website to let them know you'll miss them, and want them to return next year. Hope you all come back next year!
http://www.holidaylightfantasia.com/

Below are a few photos from previous events.

The all new NBC Connecticut Website

NBC 30 sets the bar high with their brand spanking new "Local's Only" themed media-rich, content driven website NBCConnecticut.com.

The new website features a scrolling gallery of the day's top news stories, local and national. Lush graphics for weather and local live traffic news from Microsoft's Virtual Earth, Sports, Around Town, polls, pictures sent by viewers and a lot more.

Check it out at: http://www.NBCConnecticut.com/

OneThing Green Conservation Expo This Weekend October 10 -12 2008

This weekend October 10-12, 2008, the Connecticut Convention Center will host a dazzling, three-day event, the OneThing Expo: Home of a Million OneThings. The expo will highlight the endless variety of OneThings that schools, businesses and residents can do to save energy and protect the environment.

Conceived as a "World's Fair of Energy Conservation," and part of Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell's OneThing campaign, the OneThing Expo will be an engaging exploration of energy topics and an unforgettable celebration of conservation. The story will be told in bright detail by hundreds of individuals and organizations across the state - and the country - representing a myriad of industries and topics, including agriculture, recreation, transportation, building technology, the arts and education, alternative energy, consumer products and much more. More than 250 exhibitors and thousands of visitors from Maine to Maryland are expected to take part.

Highlights:

Friday, October 10
A Day for Schools and Businesses What's the Deal ... OneThing "What's the Deal Registration form" This focused business-to-business event and trade show in the Grand Ballroom/Upper Level of the Connecticut Convention Center is designed as Connecticut's largest business energy conference. The day will feature more than 40 exhibitors, 600+ attendees, and a series of panel discussions and keynote speaker presentations from some of the region's most well-known energy/business industry experts. The event is presented by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, the Connecticut Power and Energy Society and the Office of Policy and Management.

Saturday, October 11, 2008 and Sunday, October 12, 2008
OneThing-Palooza! Throughout the weekend, people of all ages can tour OneThing-Palooza!, a 24,000 square foot interactive area featuring Stepping Stones Museum for Children's new "Conservation Quest" exhibit, an invention area and an energy-themed maze. The Palooza! also will showcase dozens of statewide community partners, special energy conservation programming and performances, and short films on conservation and climate change at the Connecticut Science Center Climate Change Theater. The OneThing Palooza! is being designed by the Connecticut Science Center and Norwalk-based Stepping Stones Museum for Children. The Palooza! will be open throughout the three-day Expo.

Show Hours:
Friday - 10 am - 6 pm
Saturday - 10 am - 9 pm
Sunday - 10 am - 6 pm

Tickets:
Adults - $8
Seniors - $4
Children under 12 - Free
Save $2 (click here for coupon)

Directions to the Convention Center:
Connecticut Convention Center
100 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: 860-249-6000 Fax: 860-249-6161
http://www.ctconventions.com/directions/index.php

For more information about OneThing please visit:
www.onethingct.com

Fall Driving Tours in Connecticut

The new Fall Foliage Driving Tours brochure from the Connecticut River Valley is out now with nine different self-guided driving tours in the River Valley.

The nine different self-guided driving tours in the River Valley's Fall Driving Tours each showcase a different part of the 46-town region:

1. Connecticut River - Metacomet Ridge Tour
Windsor,Windsor Locks, East Granby, Suffield.
Highlights include: Bielonko Farm, Brown's Harvest, Halladay Farm, Kuras Farm, Metacomet Trail, Noden-Reed House & Barn, Northwest Park and Nature Center.

2. Tobacco Valley Driving Tour
Enfield, Somers, Stafford, Ellington, East Windsor, Windsor Locks
Highlights include: Easy Pickin’s Orchard, Johnny Appleseed’s Farm, Trinity Farm.

3. East of the River Driving Tour
Glastonbury, Hebron, Andover, Manchester
Highlights include: Berruti’s Harvest Farm, Belltown Hill Orchards, D. Scaglia Fruit Farm, Rose’s Berry Farm, Scott’s Orchard & Nursery, Woodland Farm.

4. Farmington Valley Tour
Farmington, Avon, Simsbury, Collinsville
Highlights include: Avon Cider Mill, Flamig Farm, Pickin’ Patch, Talcott Mountain State Park.

5. Quinnipiac River and Metacomet Trail Tour
Southington, Plantsville, Cheshire, Meriden
Highlights include: Farmington Canal HeritageTrail, Hubbard Park and Castle Craig, Metacomet Trail, Shuttle Meadow Reservoir

6. Central Connecticut Tour
New Britain, Berlin, Kensington, Southington
Highlights include: Blue Hills Farm, Chotkowski Farm, DeMaria Family Farm, Karabin Farms, Laviana Orchards, Lewis Farms, Rogers Orchards,
Zarrella Farms.

7. Old Wethersfield, Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry and Brownstone Quarry Tour
Rocky Hill, Glastonbury, Portland, Cobalt, Middle Haddam, East Hampton,Wethersfield
Highlights include: Brownstone Quarry, Draghi & Sons Farm, Gram’s Farm, Hurd State Park, Q-P Farm Market, Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry, Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum.

8. Gillette Castle and Devil's Hopyard State Parks Tour
Middletown, Haddam, East Haddam, Chester
Highlights include: Chester-Hadlyme Ferry, Devil’s Hopyard State Park,
Gillette Castle State Park, Haddam Meadows State Park

9. Connecticut River Tidelands Tour
Essex, Old Saybrook,Westbrook
Highlights include: Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Ride, RiverQuest Cruises, Scott’s CT Valley Orchard, Scott’s Farm & Greenhouse.

The brochure can be downloaded from Central Regional Tourism District's website, www.visitctriver.com. To order a copy to be mailed to you, call 800-793-4480.

Halloween's Haunted Happenings in CT

(Above) West Hartford.

Here are a few Haunted Happenings in Connecticut for October 2008... if you have an event unlisted please let me know by emailing me spooky (at) thisisct.net

Scarecrows Along Main Street

Dozens of scarecrows of all sizes, shapes and descriptions will "take up residence" along the business section of Main Street in Old Wethersfield. The free event is best enjoyed during daylight hours. Old Wethersfield is a wonderful place to visit during the fall season and the scarecrows are one more reason to make the trip. Smiles are guaranteed. For more information call (860) 563-4236 or (860) 257-0366.
September 27 through October 26, 2008
http://wethersfieldct.com/node/889

The Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce

Experience the thrills and chills at this annual event. Open weekends in October. A portion of the proceeds from The Haunted Graveyard are donated to the American Diabetes Association as well as local schools and associations.
October 3 - November 1, dusk - midnight
Admission:
Combo Graveyard & Rides, Adult $27.95, Child $20.95
Haunted Graveyard Only, Adult $19.95, Child $13.95
Lake Compounce Rides Only, Adult $17.95, Child $12.95
* Click here for coupon
The Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce, 271 Enterprise Drive, Bristol, CT 06010
www.hauntedgraveyard.com



Fright Haven

FRIGHT HAVEN is CT's Newest and Greatest Haunted House Attraction, with three different haunted houses of horror all under the same roof: Dead End Manor, Pitch Black Frightmare Fear Institute and Carnival of Evil in 3D. 25,000 square ft of indoor terror (open even if it rains) - SCARIER & GORIER!Proceeds benefit our designated charity, United Way of Greater New Haven, and their statewide 2-1-1 community and human services information and referral program.
Friday, October 3, 7 pm - 10 pm
Saturday, October 4, 7 pm - 10 pm
Sunday, October 5, 7 pm - 10 pm
Friday, October 10, 7 pm - Midnight
Saturday, October 11, 7 pm - Midnight
Sunday, October 12, 7 pm - 10 pm
Thursday, October 16, 7 pm - 10 pm
Friday, October 17, 7 pm - Midnight
Saturday, October 18, 7 pm - Midnight
Sunday, October 19, 7 pm - 10 pm
Thursday, October 23, 7 pm - 10 pm
Friday, October 24, 7 pm - Midnight
Saturday, October 25, 7 pm - Midnight
Sunday, October 26, 7 pm - 10 pm
Tuesday, October 28, 7 pm - 9 pm COLLEGE NIGHT! Come in costume or make-up for prizes!!
Wednesday, October 29, 7 pm - 9 pm COLLEGE NIGHT! Come in costume or make-up for prizes!!
Thursday, October 30, 7 pm - 11 pm HAPPY PRE-HALLOWEEN! Come in costume or make-up for prizes!!
Friday, October 31, 7 pm - Midnight HAPPY HALLOWEEN Come in costume or make-up for prizes!!
Saturday, November 1, 7 pm - Midnight
1 - 3 pm MATINEE Family fun day - kids welcome "LIGHTS ON" matinee party!
7 pm - Midnight FINAL FEAR NIGHT CELEBRATION!
Tickets: $10.00 per single attraction - AVAILABLE THURSDAY & SUNDAY ONLY
$20.00 for all three attractions
$35.00 V.I.P. for all attractions
Fright Haven is located at 480 Saw Mill Road (across from Wal-Mart) in West Haven, CT
www.frighthaven.com


Ghost Hunter Lorraine Warren to Present Talk

For over 45 years, Lorraine Warren has painstakingly investigated the realm of the supernatural throughout America, Europe and Australia. Lorraine and her late husband Ed's investigative research on over 3500 cases of psychic phenomena has convinced them beyond a shadow of doubt of the existence of ghosts, demons, witches, Satanist, vampires and werewolves.
Friday, October 17, 2008, 8 pm
Tickets $20 each and can be purchased in advance by calling at (203) 332-4243, or they can be purchased at the door the night of the event.
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610
www.beardsleyzoo.org


Halloween Parade!
Come to the store dressed in your Halloween costume! There will be a parade around the store and a goodie bag will be handed out (please call ahead to register to ensure getting the goodie bag).
Thursday 23rd 4pm-5pm
Babies R Us in Milford, 1522 Boston Post Road, Milford 06460
To register please call: (203) 876-9979

Halloween Parade!

Come to the store dressed in your Halloween costume! There will be a parade around the store and a goodie bag will be handed out (please call ahead to register to ensure getting the goodie bag).
Thursday 23rd 4 pm - 5 pm
Waterford Babies R Us, 915 hartford Turnpike, Waterford, CT 06385
To register please call: (860) 447-4593


Boo at the Zoo
Free admission for children under 12 in costume accompanied by their (paying) families. The event will feature music, candy, games and crafts.
Sunday, October 26, noon - 3 pm
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610
www.beardsleyzoo.org


11th Annual Halloween "Haunted Hayride" in Old SayBrOOk
All year long, the volunteer fire department puts out fires, but during Halloween, its volunteers ignite a "blaze" of scary proportions for all to enjoy. A possessed tractor-drawn hay wagon leads visitors into the deep, dark, demented woods of Scary Old SayBrOOk. For more than 40 minutes, you will venture into the ghastly world of ghosts, goblins, and ghouls. In the eerie fog, you'll be frightened by the bone-chilling sounds of creatures of the night: which are in front, which are behind and witch are from the great, great beyond? Funds from the annual hayride event benefit the all-volunteer Old Saybrook Fire Company No. 1 Inc. and a food drive for the Shoreline Soup Kitchen & Pantries.
Friday the 17th, Trailer Rides Start at 7:00 pm (Dusk)
Saturday the 18th, Trailer Rides Start at 7:00 pm (Dusk)
Thursday the 23rd, Trailer Rides Start at 7:00 pm (Dusk)
Friday the 24th & on Trailer Rides Start at 7:00 pm (Dusk)
Saturday the 25th,Trailer Rides Start at 7:00 pm (Dusk)
Clark Memorial Field (Fireman’s Field), 210 Elm Street, Old Saybrook, (across from Pasta Vita).
Admission: $10 Adults, Children under 12 - $5.00
*Bring a can of food to donate for the Shoreline Soup Kitchen & receive $1.00 off admission .
**Please note, the haunted hayride is very scary and may be frightening to younger children (under 10 years of age), so parental discretion is advised.
www.oldsaybrookfire.com/hayride.html

Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day Saturday, September 27th 2008

Enjoy FREE Museum Admission courtesy of Smithsonian Magazine on Saturday, September 27th 2008.

16 great Connecticut museums are participating in this year's Museum Day, which offers free general admission to hundreds of museums across the country...

Visit the website below to register, and print your free admission coupon.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/

Participating venues in Connecticut

Bruce Museum
Greenwich

Bush-Holley Historic Site
Cos Cob

Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut
Niantic

Connecticut Historical Society
Hartford

Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center
Westport

Fairfield Museum and History Center
Fairfield

Florence Griswold Museum
Old Lyme

Hill-Stead Museum
Farmington

Lyman Allyn Art Museum
New London

Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center
Mashantucket

Skitch Henderson Museum
New Milford

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
Ridgefield

The Children's Museum
West Hartford

The Golden Age of Trucking Museum
Middlebury

The Slater Memorial Museum
Norwich

Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History
New Haven

Visit the Smithsonian website below to register, and print your free admission coupon.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/

Follow the Ice Cream Trail: Sundae Drives

We've had the Art Trail, the Freedom Trail, have to mention the Wine Trail, the kind of trail that goes mostly uphill, and now the Ice Cream Trail, the most delicious one of all. Sounds like my kind of trail.

A newly released brochure from the Eastern Regional Tourism District of Connecticut lists 35 places from the Quiet Corner, to the shoreline to get yourself a cold one, or a hot fudge number. From a 50s Era Ice Cream Stand in Putnam, to home or Connecticut made, farms, mansions, museums and more.

As the brochure says, "Nothing licks a hot Summer day like an ice cream cone." True, but why limit yourself to Summer?" Check out the best ice cream Connecticut has to offer on the trail.

The "Follow the Ice Cream Trail: Sundae Drives," brochure is available in PDF Format at http://www.mysticcountry.com/

50 Cent's Mansion in Farmington For Sale

OK, admit it, you're totally curious. You've always wanted a sneak-peak at rapper 50 Cent's Farmington mansion, but you don't fancy scaling the walls (yes I've heard of people trying this - and I'm not recommending it), and you're not willing to drop the reported $18,500,000 price tag. Not this week anyway, check out the listing on the real estate website below. This is how the other half lives - with 54 different places to "powder your nose".

The listing describes the fabulously crazy crib as an "Exquisite sprawling compound designed for extended households. Grand lobby with dual circular staircases and elevator, a board room, spacious office..." The palatial pad sits on 17 acres of land and also includes an elaborate Baccarat crystal dining room chandelier, an outdoor sports court, an infinity edge pool and spacious hot tub tucked behind a waterfall in the rock grotto. The entire back of the house overlooks a beautiful Koi pond with a picture perfect guest house across the water. The gate house sets the stage for state-of-the-art security behind a gated entry.

Here you can take a look around the huge 51657 sq. ft. 19 bedroom, 35 bathroom "house".
http://homes.realtor.com/prop/1081115819#Detail

Connecticut Olympians Day

Governor Rell Declares “Connecticut Olympians Day” to Honor Olympic Athletes with State Ties

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced the official U.S. Olympic flag will fly high above the Capitol this weekend in honor of the 14 Olympians with Connecticut ties competing in the Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

The Governor is declaring Friday, August 8, 2008 – the start of the XXIX Olympiad – “Connecticut Olympians Day” and requested the flag be raised tomorrow and remain there through the weekend.

From UConn basketball great Diana Taurasi to five-time Olympian and gold medalist archer Butch Johnson to twin brothers from Greenwich in the rowing competition, the group represents the best-of-the-best in a variety of sports. In addition to the athletes, Connecticut Sun Head Coach Mike Thibault is an assistant coach for U.S. Women’s Basketball.

“These 14 Olympians have spent their lifetime training for this special moment and have made tremendous personal sacrifices along the way,” Governor Rell said. “I will be cheering them on as they demonstrate the ultimate in sportsmanship and mental toughness that has earned them a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.”

The U.S. is sending 596 athletes, 310 men and 286 women, to Beijing to compete in 30 sports. The Olympics run from August 8 to August 24.

“I could not be prouder of the athletes from Connecticut who are representing our country in the 2008 Olympics. They are true role models for sports fans of all ages across the state,” Governor Rell said.

The following Olympians have ties to Connecticut:

• Emily Caruso, Fairfield – Shooting
• Michelle Guerette, Bristol – Rowling, Women’s Single Sculls
• Butch Johnson, Woodstock – Archery, Recurve. The five-time Olympian was 1996 Gold Medalist and 2000 Bronze Medalist
• Kenneth Jurkowski , New Fairfield – Rowing, Men’s Single Sculls
• Daniel Walsh, Norwalk – Rowing, Men’s Eight
• Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, Greenwich – Rowing, Men’s Pair
• Sue Bird, UConn – Women’s Basketball
• James Blake, grew up in Fairfield – Men’s Tennis
• Amanda Clark, Connecticut College – Sailing
• Sada Jacobson, Yale University – Fencing
• Courtney King-Dye, New Milford – Equestrian
• Stu McNay, Yale University – Sailing
• Diana Taurasi, UConn – Women’s Basketball
• Mike Thibault (Connecticut Sun head coach) – Women’s Basketball, Assistant Coach

Save Big with the CT Sales Tax Holiday Week

Connecticut Sales Tax Holiday on Items of Clothing and Footwear costing under $300 - August 17 - 23, 2008

Connecticut shoppers will have one week to buy items of clothing and footwear costing under $300 without paying Connecticut sales tax (hooray!). This year, the tax free week will run from Sunday, August 17 through Saturday, August 23, 2008.

More information about the rules that apply to the sales tax free week can be found here:
http://www.ct.gov/drs/cwp/view.asp?a=1514&q=318566

Connecticut Farmers Markets

Farmer's Market Freshness All Year Long

Summer brings a welcome change in temperature, extra hours of sunshine and the fresh fruits and vegetables from the farmer’s market we’ve been craving all year.

Before heading out to your local farmer’s market, consider the following tips from the Reynolds Kitchens to help you pick the best produce and keep it tasting just-picked fresh all year.

Explore your options
Don’t purchase everything from the first stand you visit, as the variety and quality of produce will likely differ from stand to stand. Take a lap around the entire market for a better idea of where the freshest produce is and you’ll walk away more satisfied with your purchases. It’s not uncommon to get all of your produce from different vendors.

What to look for
Look for produce that is free from unusual odors or colors and signs of spoilage such as mold and bruising. Remember that sometimes buying under ripe produce is a good option. Peaches, cantaloupe and nectarines are examples of fruits that will continue to ripen at room temperature after they are picked. Also, don’t be shy about talking with the vendors. They know which products are the freshest and most delicious.

If you like it, buy it
If you come across the sweetest strawberries or the most succulent squash at the market, don’t be afraid to buy in bulk. Most of the food you’ll find at the farmer’s market will last for months if frozen. Storing foods using the Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Sealing System virtually eliminates freezer burn and will help protect your produce.

Buy realistically
Certain foods fare poorly in the freezer no matter how well they’re packaged. Tomatoes, celery and potatoes lose their crispness and get watery. Avocados are only recommended to be frozen when mashed (not whole or sliced).

Many people avoid buying fresh fruits and vegetables - healthy meal staples - out of the fear that a large portion will go to waste. This summer, take advantage of fresh produce at the markets and simply vacuum freeze whatever won’t be used in a week. Doing so will save you money and ensure that your favorite summer fruits and vegetables are always available.


For a list of Connecticut Farmer's Markets please click here:
http://www.thisisct.net/2006/05/connecticut-farmers-markets.html

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Connecticut Staycation Savings

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced the launch of "Connecticut – Your Staycation Destination"-- a summer program offering discounts for Connecticut residents at more than 300 attractions showcased throughout the state.

The destinations and many great discounts are featured on the state's website.

Or click here to view the list of special offers and discounts in PDF format.

Free Swim Lessons at CT State Parks and YMCAs

Governor Rell Announces Free Swim Lessons at State Parks and YMCAs

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs are teaming up to help make certain Connecticut’s families are safe at the beach or swimming pool this summer by sponsoring numerous activities for a Water Safety Week and offering free swim lessons at YMCAs and state parks.

Governor Rell said DEP and the YMCAs have scheduled Water Safety Week for next week, June 23-28. The week will feature free water safety programs at YMCAs across the state and a special family Water Safety Extravaganza at Indian Well State Park, Shelton, on June 28 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Admission to the park will be free for this event.

The lessons are funded by DEP and three other state agencies with a strong interest in the well being of families and young people: the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Public Health and the Connecticut Children’s Trust Fund.

Information about Water Safety Week Activities and the free swim lessons at YMCAs and the state parks will be available at www.ct.gov/dep and www.nochildleftinside.org . Details on swimming programs at local YMCAs are also available at www.ymca.net

Details on Free Swim Lessons at State Parks:

Under the DEP/YMCA free swim lesson program, lessons will take place at the following state parks:

Black Rock, Thomaston

• July 2nd to August 13th - Wednesdays
• All at Black Rock State Park from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Contact Pattie Flaherty
• Waterbury YMCA 203-754-9622 ext. 112
  

Burr Pond, Torrington

• June 30th to July 15th – Monday to Thursday
• All at Burr Pond
• Contact Sabrina Smeltz, Northwestern Middlesex YMCA 860-824-2788
  

Rocky Neck, East Lyme

• July 14th to 18th – Monday through Friday
• All at Rocky Neck State Park - mornings
• Contact person Cathy, YMCA of Southeastern Connecticut 860-889-7349
  

Sherwood Island, Westport

• July 11th to August 22nd
• All at Sherwood Island – 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
• Contact Maureen Scinto or Erin Russell
• Fairfield YMCA 203-255-2834 ext. 2318 or ext. 2325
• August 4th to 8th Monday to Friday
• All at Sherwood Island - afternoons
• Contact Karin Guariglia, Westport YMCA 203-226-8981 ext. 128
  

Squantz Pond, New Fairfield

• July 28th to August 1st Monday to Friday
• All classes at Squantz Pond – afternoons
• Contact Veronika, 203-744-1000 ext. 106, or Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut 203-744-1000 ext. 106
  

Stratton Brook, Simsbury

• July 8, 15, 22 – 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Stratton Brook State Park
• All lessons at Stratton Brook
• Contact Michael Kerrigan, Greater Hartford YMCA 860-793-9631

Details on Free Swim Lessons at YMCAs

Waterbury

• June 23rd to July 16th, with two lessons at Black Rock State Park July 14th and 16th
• July 21st to August 13th, with two lessons at Black Rock State Park August 11th and 13th
• Contact Patti Flaherty, Waterbury YMCA 203-754-9622 ext. 112
  

New Britain

• June 23rd to June 27th 4:30 pm - 5:15 pm and 5:15 pm - 6:00 pm, with one lesson a field trip to Black Rock State Park
• Contact Christian Pollard, New Britain YMCA 860-229-3787
  

Stratford

• June 27th to August 22nd – Fridays, with first six classes at the Stratford YMCA and two at Indian Wells State Park
• Contact Courtney and Lisa at 203-375-5844 ext. 16
  

Bridgeport

• June 23rd to July 19th and July 27th to August 23rd at the Bridgeport YMCA, with one lesson at Sherwood Island State Park
• Contact Christine Morandi, Bridgeport YMCA 203-334-5551 ext. 16
  

New Haven

• In July, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with one lesson at Silver Sands State Park
• Contact Suzy Killbridge, New Haven Youth Center YMCA 203-776-9622
  

Danbury

• June 30th and August 11th on Mondays, with five classes at Green Knoll pool and two classes at Squantz Pond August 4th and August 11th
• Contact person Sonya Williams, Green Knolls YMCA, 203-775-4444 ext. 133
  

Hartford

• June 23rd to 27th at the Learning Corridor with three lessons at Stratton Brook State Park on July 8, 15, 22, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Contact Michael Kerrigan, Greater Hartford YMCA 860-793-9631
  

Meriden

• Seven weeks at Meriden YMCA, with two lessons at Wadsworth State park
• Contact Jamie Tennyson 860-729-9748

Save the Mark Twain House

Mark Twain's 3 Story Victorian mansion in Hartford is a Connecticut landmark, and it is in danger of closing due to financial problems.

Mark Twain said of this house, "To us, our house . . . had a heart, and a soul, and eyes to see us with; and approvals and solicitudes and deep sympathies; it was of us, and we were in its confidence and lived in its grace and in the peace of it benediction." www.twainquotes.com

To help save this landmark please visit:
http://www.marktwainhouse.org/

Staycation Connecticut Style

Staycation – a word originally coined by Brent Butt from the hit Canadian comedy Corner Gas – has been bandied about quite a bit recently. Watch the news, the ever-rising cost of filling up your tank is The Top Story in most cases. Enter The Staycation. What is a Staycation? In Brent Butt’s case, it’s an escape from his everyday life at Corner Gas. Brent takes a deckchair and sits outside his gas station with sunglasses, shorts and a case of beer, and sends “verbal postcards” to anyone who tries to talk to him as he imagines himself in some exotic locale. In our case, Staycation is a way to save money by staying local this summer. The message is you don’t need to be a tourist to visit Connecticut.

Instead of flying somewhere or driving out-of-state you can save a ton of money by taking a look at what’s available for you to do locally. Here are some suggestions for staying local this summer.

Update (7/3/2008) Today Gov. Rell introduced the Connecticut Staycation program that includes savings at 300 locations in Connecticut. Details can be found here.



Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport
Arguably Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport are Connecticut’s top tourist attraction. Now with the Mystic Sea Everything Passcard (Over $250 in value*), $49 adults $45 senior 65+, $39 youth (6-17), $20 child (3-5) this pass includes Admission to Mystic Seaport and admission to Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, a large fountain drink at both locations, a limited edition Mystic Sea Tee Shirt and multiple discounts for restaurants, shopping and lodgings in the Mystic Area. See website below for details.
Expect to pay: With the promotion Mystic Sea Everything Passcard $49 adults, $39 children.
Individually:
Mystic Seaport: $18.50 adults, $16.50 Seniors, $13.00 children
Mystic Aquarium: $23.00 adults, $20.00 Seniors, $17.00 children, Children age 2 and under are FREE
http://www.mystic.org/passcard/


Museums

Open House Day – Saturday June 14th 2008
You can visit a local museum any time of the year, but on Connecticut Open House Day, almost 200 CT attractions will open their doors to the public at dramatically reduced prices, or even free. If there’s a museum you always wanted to visit, but had put it on the back burner, here’s your chance.
Expect to pay: On Open House Day lots of bargains, or free entry. Regularly between $5 and $25 for most museums.
Click here to see the complete list of participating venues.
www.thisisct.net


Casinos

Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun Casino
There’s something for everyone at Connecticut’s casinos. From shopping and dining, to great concerts, oh, and you might win something. Add a casino to your destination this summer.

MGM Grand at Foxwoods provides a total luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment experience.
www.mgmatfoxwoods.com Mashantucket, CT

Foxwoods is the largest casino in the world, with 340000 square feet of gaming space in a complex that covers 4.7 million square feet.
www.foxwoods.com Mashantucket, CT

Mohegan Sun covers 240 acres (97 hectares) along the Thames River in scenic southeastern Connecticut.
www.mohegansun.com Uncasville, CT



Amusement Parks

Lake Compounce in Bristol, open May – October.
Play all day on rides like Boulder Dash, Zoomerang and Thunder n’ Lightning. Chill near the lake in Anchor Bay, Clipper Cove and Mammoth Falls. Little thrill seekers will enjoy Garfield’s Circus World -perfect for ages 3-10, and families can enjoy our newest addition, Zoomer's Gas n' Go!
Expect to pay: $33.95 Regular Admission (52" and taller), $33.95 Junior Admission (Under 52" tall), $24.95 Senior Admission (Over 60 years of age), $17.95 After 5 pm $17.95, 3 years and under FREE
www.lakecompounce.com

Quassy Amusement Park in Lake Quassapaug Middlebury, open May – October.
Rides for kids and adults, Quassy Beach & Saturation Station and Family Entertainment Center.
Expect to pay: Saturday Carload - 5pm -10pm (Parking charge included! May 24-Aug. 30) $20.00
Adult (45 inches and taller) All-Day Ride & "Saturation Station" Pass $21.00
Kids (under 45 inches) All-Day Ride & "Saturation Station" Pass $17.00
Senior Citizens All-Day Ride & "Saturation Station" Pass $17.00
After 5pm Ride Pass (Excludes July 4) $9.00
Visit the website below for a printable coupon.
http://www.quassy.com/coupons.htm

Out of State, but still local:
Six Flags (Springfield, MA)
http://www.sixflags.com/newEngland/index.aspx

The Big E
For 17 days each September, Eastern States Exposition Center hosts the largest fair in the northeast and the 8th largest in North America, The Big E, in West Springfield, MA. Over 1.2 million visitors experienced the Big E last year.
This year’s Exposition is from September 12 - 28, 2008.
http://www.thebige.com/



Local Animal Parks

Action Wildlife, Route 4 in Goshen, CT
An animal haven with a petting zoo and drive-through Safari.
Expect to pay: $10 adults, $8 children under 12
www.actionwildlife.org

Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport, CT
Over 80 years as Connecticut's only zoo.
Expect to pay: $11.00 adult (ages 12 & older), $9.00 child (ages 3 -11), $9.00 Senior (62 & older), Under 3 years FREE
www.beardsleyzoo.com

Mystic Aquarium, Mystic, CT
CT’s top attraction with Beluga Whales, African Penguins, Sting Rays, Sharks and more.
Expect to pay: $23.00 adults, $20.00 Seniors, $17.00 children, Children age 2 and under are FREE
www.mysticaquarium.org

The Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk, CT
Highlight: Great White Alligator (only 44 exist)
Expect to pay: Value Pass (Aquarium + Daytime IMAX Movie + Ride Film*) $21.50 adults, $17.50 child, $20.00 Senior
Aquarium Only $11.00 adults, $9.00 child, $10.00 Senior
www.maritimeaquarium.org

Out of State, but still local:
Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, RI www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org
Highlight: Flutterby: Butterflies in Bloom (May 24 – September 1)


Riverfront Recapture
From June through October there are over 20 free events on the riverfront in Hartford. Events include free concerts, ballet, Riverfest, the Riverfront Grand Prix, festivals including, a Taste of the Caribbean, Dragon Boat Races, a Celtic festival and more.
www.riverfront.org


State Parks and Beaches

More than 800 miles of hiking trails. 2,000 miles of rivers and streams. 1,300 campsites in 14 parks. 9 historic sites. 237 lakes and ponds. It all adds up to some amazing natural resources and recreational activities. And it’s all right here, in Connecticut’s 138 State Parks and Forests!


Expect to pay: Varied Parking
http://www.nochildleftinside.org/parks/map.php

Beaches
Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, CT
Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven, CT
Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme, CT
Sherwood Island State Park, Westport, CT
Silver Sands State Park, Milford, CT
Expect to pay: Varied Parking
http://www.ct.gov/dep/


CT Wine Trail
The Connecticut wine trail is a state approved winery and vineyard awareness program complete with special directional signs, brochures and special events. No matter where you are in Connecticut there is one or more wineries open to visitors within a 45 minute drive. There are 16 wineries in CT.
Expect to pay: Varied
For a complete list please visit:
http://www.thisisct.net/2007/03/connecticut-wine-trail.html


Connecticut Fairs
From July through October there are over 50 major fairs, local fairs, district fairs and 4-H fairs all over Connecticut.
For a complete listing please click here:
http://www.ctfairs.org/fair_map.aspx


Sports
Connecticut's Summer Sports include Basketball, Baseball, Tennis and Golf.

Connecticut Sun (Basketball)
May – August, Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT
Expect to pay: $16
www.wnba.com/sun

Bridgeport Bluefish (Baseball)
May – September, Bridgeport, CT
Expect to pay: $6.00, $10.00, $14.00, and $20.00
All season long residents of Bridgeport will receive $2 off any WALK-UP ticket.
www.bridgeportbluefish.com

New Britain Rock Cats (Baseball)
May – September, New Britain, CT
Expect to pay: Club $12, Field Box $10, Reserved - Adult $8
Reserved - Senior / Child $6, General Admission $5
www.rockcats.com

Connecticut Defenders (Baseball)
May – September
www.ctdefenders.com

Travelers Championship, Cromwell, CT
June 16 - 22, 2008
Expect to pay: $25 online purchase, $32 at gate, kds 15 and Under Free, when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
www.travelerschampionship.com

Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament, Yale, CT
August 15 – 23, 2008
Expect to pay: $16 - $40 adult, $8 - $20 Junior
www.pilotpentennis.com

Uconn Football
August – December, Rentschler Field, East Hartford, CT
www.UCONNhuskies.com


Racing

Lime Rock Park
http://www.limerock.com/

Waterford Speedbowl
http://www.speedbowl.com/

Thompson International Speedway
http://www.thompsonspeedway.com/


Ice Cream
Take an Ice Cream Tour of Connecticut
http://www.thisisct.net/

Orange County Choppers visit Mystic Aquarium

Love bikes? Love Penguins? What's not to love I say! Tomorrow (April 30) Mikey Teutul from the very popular Discovery Channel show Orange County Choppers will be at Mystic Aquarium filming a segment for the show because the O.C.C. crew has created a penguin-themed bike (can't wait to see this).

Get the whole story here:
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/entertainment/x170777145

New Connecticut Teen Driving Laws

In a ceremony at Conard High School in West Hartford this afternoon, Governor M. Jodi Rell signed a bill into law that tightens restrictions on teen drivers and levies tougher penalties for teens who violate the rules of the road. The bill, spearheaded by Governor Rell, toughens restrictions and penalties, rolls back the evening curfew for teen drivers and provides for more on-the-road training of teen drivers.

“We have lost far too many irreplaceable young lives in recent years,” Governor Rell said. “What makes these terrible tragedies on our roads even harder to bear is that every single one is avoidable. This new law will strengthen our legal tools for training and protecting young drivers, and I believe it will help to save lives. Connecticut will now have some of the strongest graduated driving licensing regulations in the country.”


So, what does the new Connecticut Teen Driving Law mean for you?

• Drivers under 18 must be off the road by 11 p.m., one hour earlier than now; exceptions are allowed for jobs, school and religious reasons.
• Parents must attend two hours of instruction on teen-driving laws before a child takes his or her license test.
• Fines are increased for certain moving violations and for violations of the passenger restriction, the curfew restriction and for cell phone violations.
• On-road training is doubled, from 20 hours to 40 hours, for teens getting learner's permits after August 1.
• Penalties are increased for teen drivers' passengers not wearing seat belts.
• Suspension periods are increased for 16- and 17-year-olds for reckless driving and motor vehicle racing. (Suspension of six months for the first offense.)
• License suspensions are established for speeding (60 days) and for use of cell phones (30 days) by 16- and 17-year-olds.
• Teens who violate provisions of the graduated license rules would lose their privileges for 30 days.
• To regain a suspended license, the 16- or 17-year-old and his parent or legal guardian must appear in person at the police department, state police barracks, or other designated location and sign a written acknowledgement of its return.
  

“I thank all the members of my Teen Driving Task Force,” Governor Rell said. “They did the leg work and the research, held the meetings, listened to the public’s ideas and made recommendations. I commend the legislature for this bipartisan effort."

“I also thank the public for providing our task force with valuable input during the statewide forums. You shared stories about your loved ones. You spoke of personal tragedies that could have been prevented. You had a major impact in crafting this law.”

The law, HB-5748, “An Act Concerning Teenage Drivers,” takes effect August 1, 2008.

For more information please visit:
http://www.ct.gov/teendriving/cwp/view.asp?Q=413528&A=3369

First Night Celebrations in Connecticut 2007!

Bring in the new year with First Night celebrations around Connecticut.

First Night Danbury

There will be music, dancing, and children’s entertainment with fireworks on the Green at 8:00 PM.
Downtown, Danbury, CT 06810
December 31, 2007 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Admission: $5.
Phone: (203) 792-1711
www.citycenterdanbury.com



First Night Westport Weston/Westport
First Night WW is an alcohol-free Celebration of New Year's Eve through the Arts. Not only can you enjoy 9 hours of unequaled entertainment, you can enjoy the safe surroundings of beautiful downtown Westport while you walk in the town's holiday atmosphere. Or you can also choose to ride the free shuttle buses between the venues.
Admission: $10
Button Sales Locations: Available online
Chef's Table, 44 Church Lane, Westport
Phone: (203) 226-3663

Trader Joe's, 400 Post Road East, Westport
Phone: (203) 226-8966

Oscar's Deli, 159 Main Street, Westport
227-3705

Senior Center, 21 Imperial Ave., Westport
Phone: (203) 341-5098

Westport Public Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport
Phone: (203) 227-8411

Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport
Phone: (203) 341-1111

Westport-Weston Family Y, 59 Post Road East, Westport
Phone: (203) 226-8981

Commerce Bank, 185 Main Street, Westport
Phone: (203) 341-0490

Whole Foods/Wild Oats, 399 Post Road West, Westport
Phone: (203) 227-6858

Webster Bank, 244 Post Road East, Westport
Phone: (203) 291-7880

People's United Bank, 371 Post Road East, Westport
Phone: (203) 227-1284

Super Stop 'n Shop, 1790 Post Road East, Westport
Phone: (203) 254-2188

Weston Hardware Store, 190 Weston Rd., Weston
Phone: (203) 227-7995

Chef's Table, 1561 Post Road, Fairfield
Phone: (203) 255-1779

Wilton Family Y, 404 Danbury Rd., Wilton
Phone: (203) 762-8384

Green Demolitions, 19 Willard Rd., Norwalk
Phone: (203) 354-7355
http://www.firstnightww.com/

---

First Night Hartford 2008
It is Hartford's premiere New Year's Eve party, a multicultural, artistically unique, alcohol-free New Year's experience with hundreds bof professional musicians, artists, performance groups and exhiits.
Fireworks at 6 pm and midnight. For more information about First Night Hartford, call 860-722-9546
Admission to all First Night Hartford events is available with the purchase of one button:
Adults: $15 Youth: $2 (under 15)
Button Sales Locations:
Buttons will be available for purchase from Friday, November 23 at the following locations:
American Automobile Association
Both Big Sky Fitness Locations
Bushnell Box Office
CT Transit Information Booth
Hartford Stage
Hartford Welcome Center
Highland Park Markets
Old State House
Sovereign Bank
http://www.firstnighthartford.org/



HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE NEW YEAR 2007!!

Winter in Connecticut

Starting to feel like winter now with all the snow, and the ice packed on! Click here to visit our homepage for a sideshow of winter images in Connecticut.

My brother is visiting me from Australia this week -- he arrives on Thursday night -- I'm pretty sure the 30-ish degrees Celsius temperature drop is going to wake him up after that 22 hour flight! I'm excited to show him a New England Winter!

Uniquely Connecticut Gifts

Looking for a uniquely Connecticut gift to give this holiday season? Or any other time of year for that matter! Here are a few ideas!


The Governor's Residence Ornament featuring The Charter Oak. The ornament is $15.00 and all proceeds benefit the Governor's Residence Conservancy. To purchase please call Carol at 860-524-7355, or Nancy at 860-524-7356. *Ornaments will also be available for purchase at the annual Holiday Open House.

Subscription to Connecticut Magazine. At time of writing, a 12-month subscription to the magazine costs under $12.




Connecticut Wines make a great gift. Connecticut is home to 15 wineries visit the CT Wine Trail page for a list of wineries.


Bridgewater Chocolate A delicious and tempting selection of chocolate treats made in Brookfield, CT including: toffees, crystallized fruit, Coconut, Marzipan Peanut Butter, Chocolate Bars, cookies and more. Gift boxes are available.
Bridgewater Chocolate, 559 Federal Road, Brookfield, CT 06804
Phone: 800-888-8742
www.bridgewaterchocolate.com



Woodbury Pewter Since 1952 Woodbury Pewter has been the manufacturer of over 350 hand-crafted pewter products all made from the highest quality, lead-free Pewter, in Woodbury, CT. Items available include candlesticks, baby gifts, dinnerware, lamps, bar ware, cutlery, trophies and much more.
Woodbury Pewterers, Inc., 860 Main Street South, Woodbury, CT 06798
Phone: 800-648-2014
www.woodburypewter.com


Larry Brautigam Master Crafted Toys
Rugged Toys for Active Kids Solidly constructed of pine - doweled or bolted - and finished with three coats of polyurethane. Heavy-duty wheels on ½" solid steel axles.
Larry Brautigam, 222 Stockings Brook Rd., Kensington, CT 06037
Phone: (860) 828-6141
http://www.madeinct.com/brautigam.htm



The Copper Weathervanes of John Garret Thew John Garret Thew is an artist, an engineer, and an inventor who, for nearly 50 years, has been creating something magical in full bodied, hand hammered, copper weathervanes. He lives in Nofolk Connecticut with his wife Eve, an accomplished artist in her own right.The "guard dog" keeps the whale (shown) on the post where it belongs and is John's trademark. Each weathervane full bodied, hand hammered copper and is signed, dated, and numbered. The copper has not been treated and will age into a rich patina over time. Available through The Connecticut Store of Waterbury.
http://www.ctstore.com/Thew.htm


Vintage Baseball Factory VBF offers the largest line of 19th century baseball goods including uniforms, caps, baseballs gloves and bats. Great for collectors and fans of vintage baseball.
Vintage Baseball Factory, 100 Wells Street, Suite 320, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (800) 730-8119
http://www.vbbf.com/


MGC's Custom Made Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles and Fine Art. Amazing hand crafted wooden jigsaw puzzles custom made for Adults and Children. Every puzzle is a Personalized, ONE OF A KIND Jigsaw Puzzle with as few as 4 to as many as 5,000+ puzzle pieces.
MGC's Custom Made Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles and Fine Art
31 Bogue Lane, East Haddam, CT 06423
Phone: (860) 873-3093
http://www.mgcpuzzles.com/


Wooden Bow Ties Sculptor and Author Marv Beloff has some rather unique bowties, made of wood, and they're cute too! Guaranteed, if you gift this to someone, they won't already have two in their closet.
International Wooden Bow Tie Club
24B Rosemary Lane, Middlefield, CT 06455
Phone: (860) 349-9328
http://www.woodbowties.com/Content/Selection.asp


Custom Action Figures
Looking for a custom action figure that looks just like you or someone you love? These unique gifts make the perfect present for Birthday gifts, Mothers Day Gifts, Fathers Day Gifts, Christmas Gifts, Retirement Gifts, Military Gifts, Corporate Incentives, there is no event that these would not be welcome. They can make your custom action figure in just 2 weeks. They also have an interesting selection of political and pop culture figures available.
HeroBuilders.com
198 Goodhill road, Oxford, CT 06478
Phone: (203) 888-0147
http://www.herobuilders.com


Liberty Candle Company
Dedicated to Connecticut's heritage of quality create an incredible selection of hand-made scented candles in a huge variety of styles and fragrances. Votives, tapers, pillars, tarts, tea lights, floaters, and a whole range of candle jars and bottles in over 70 different fragrances. Liberty's candle wicks are also Made in the United States and are Lead Free.
Available through The Connecticut Store
Phone: (800) 218-8845
http://www.ctstore.com/liberty.htm


Books About Connecticut Click here for a list of Books about Connecticut available from Amazon.com


For more great ideas visit:
The Connecticut Store, 120-140 Bank St. Waterbury CT, 06702
Phone: (800) 474-6728
www.theconnecticutstore.com


Do you know of any other great things that are made in Connecticut and should be mentioned here? Email me linzi @ thisisct.net or post a message in the comments.

Best Places To Live in CT

Do you live in one of the Best Places in America? Money Magazine has put out it's annual list of the best places to live for 2007, and four Connecticut towns were on the list!

In its annual "Best Places to Live in America" list, MONEY ranks Rocky Hill number 35th, Somers number 53rd, Trumbull 68th and North Haven 86th nationwide.

With an initial list of 2,876 places that have populations between 7,500 and 50,000, data provider OnBoard of New York City and consultant Bert Sperling of Bestplaces.net, helped MONEY's editors narrow the list to a select group of promising towns.

The Best List is based on economic vitality, job availability, safety, resident's health, ethnic and racial diversity, cultural amenities, green space and other economic and quality-of-life measures. Acknowledging what's on readers' minds right now, this year's rankings gave extra consideration to home pricing and property taxes. MONEY reporters also personally visited each town on the list, interviewing residents and community leaders to assess the town's pride of place and sense of community.

Middleton, Wisconsin won the No. 1 spot.

To read the full article, please visit:
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2007/

Linzi
Managing Editor
www.ThisIsCT.net
connected to connecticut.
things to do. web. blog. events.

Can You Do One Thing Green Today?

Can you do one thing green today?

Ready to get your green on? Today Governor M. Jodi Rell announced the launch of a brand new website, statewide marketing effort and advertising campaign that will help Connecticut residents save money on their energy bills and make a positive contribution to the environment: OneThing.

OneThing builds on the enormous impact that could be achieved if every person in Connecticut did one thing, every day, to help conserve all forms of energy – from electricity and gasoline to natural gas and renewable resources.

“Energy is a global issue and sometimes we have trouble getting our arms around it – not just the ‘we’ of policy-makers but the ‘we’ of you and me.”

“Think about it: If everyone in Connecticut did one thing that would be 3.5 million OneThings. If everyone in the state did one thing a day, every day, that would be more than a billion OneThings over the course of a year – a billion ways to reduce greenhouse gases, save energy and save money. That’s enough to have a truly profound impact, to make a real difference. OneThing really can change everything,” the Governor said.

If every household in the nation replaced just one incandescent bulb with a CFL it would save enough energy to light 3 million homes, save $600 million in energy costs or remove the equivalent of 800,000 cars’ worth of greenhouse gas emissions, according to Energy Star estimates.

“Of course, this is just the first of the OneThings I plan to do,” Governor Rell said. “I will also be advocating this program on a regular basis, including publicly recognizing those who have firmly demonstrated a commitment to OneThing and working with state lawmakers to foster their commitment to the idea. I truly believe that all of our OneThings will add up to thousands of things that will save money for consumers and business alike, reduce energy consumption and protect our earth – and ultimately, these are the things that matter the most.”


The OneThing campaign comprises several elements, including print, radio, television and outdoor advertising as well as a spectacular event planned for fall 2008 at the Connecticut Convention Center: the OneThing Expo: Home of a Million One Things. The Governor said more details of the planned Expo will be released in the coming weeks.

Among the website's suggestions for "OneThing" that you can do are:

• onething your utility company is doing to help you conserve energy is giving you a reward for saving! If you use less electricity this summer than you did last summer, you can earn a credit on your electric bill.
• onething one CFL can save enough to buy 35 ice cream cones.
• onething take a 10 minute shower in 8 minutes, you'll save energy and get just as clean.
• onething wash clothes in cold water, and dry in the air outside.
• onething Try a solar iced-tea. Take a 1/2 gallon pitcher or jar and fill it with water and 6 tea bags. Put it in a sunny spot for several hours and let the sun do its thing. Add ice and a slice of lemon and sit back and think about how much energy you saved by not boiling water.
• onething buy locally-grown food if possible. It saves a truckload of transportation fuel.
• onething go outside and play more. It uses less energy than tv and video games. Install a pool timer to run your pool pump or heater only when you need to.
• onething keeping your tires properly inflated saves lots of gas.
• onething Turn off a light when the day is bright.
  

A couple more suggestions:

• Recycle. Anything and everything. Cans, bottles, paper products, clothes and shoes (donate or resell)...
• Ride the bus, a bike or walk whenever and wherever you can...
• Turn the air conditioner up in the summer, and the heating down in the winter....
• Unplug cell phone chargers and other items when not in use...
• Pick up trash when you come across it instead of walking by.
  
• Use the re-useable canvas bags at the grocery store instead of paper or plastic. They're surprisingly sturdy, and can carry just as much as the plastic ones, and they look good! Green goes with everything!!

One wise lady once said to me "We can make a difference if we try".

For more information, and to submit your own OneThing ideas please visit:
http://www.onethingct.com/

Harry Potter Events and Parties in Connecticut

We are counting down the days until Harry James Potter's date with destiny, which also happens to be July 21st, the publication date of the seventh, and final blockbuster novel from author J.K. Rowling. So far we have read 3341 pages of Harry's story, and a mere 784 pages of a marathon overnight reading session remain.

I have been pouring over Mary Grand-Pre's illustrations searching for clues... Neglecting that growing pile of other great books I promised myself I'd read, I am returning to book six, Half-Blood Prince so that I am caught up in time to catch the Knight Bus to the Mid-night opening at my local Borders. So many questions to be answered. Is professor Snape good or evil? Who will meet their end in the final chapters? Will Harry find the Horcrux in time? Who is the mysterious R.A.B.? Will Hermoine be a bridesmaid at Bill and Fleur's wedding?

Ok, so Bill & Fleur are a little lower on the agenda for me, but like you, I am excited about the final book, and trying to find ways to occupy myself until the big date. So, below are a few of my suggestions, along with the list of Connecticut Harry Potter Parties and events that are happening at Midnight on July 21st.

Quiz Time
While you're waiting take the Ultimate Deathly Hallows Prediction Exam at the Leaky Cauldron, while you're there listen to the Harry Potter Podcast, listen to the audio on your PC, or download it to your MP3 Player. Want to brush up on your Harry Potter 101 or really test your knowledge? Take the Say What Quiz and impress all your friends.


Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Have fun watching previous four Potter movies while you wait.... or go see OOTP, released on July 11th, at a theater near you and join Dumbledore's Army. Get your tickets here.



Harry Potter Events and Parties in Connecticut

The wait is almost over! Booksellers such as Borders, Barnes & Noble, Kmart and a few other independent retailers are staging parties and midnight openings to celebrate the release of Book 7.

I've tried to make this list as comprehensive as possible. If you know of any events that are not on this list, please send me an email.

From outside Connecticut? Find local Harry Potter events here: http://www.scholastic.com/


Borders Presents the Grand Hallows Ball
An evening of wizardly activities, fantastical games, and stupendous giveaways! Get your copy at the stroke of midnight. Below is the list of Borders, Borders Express and Waldenbooks in Connecticut participating in this event on July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am or until the last guest receives their copy.


Danbury
Borders, 110 Federal Road, Danbury, CT 06811
Phone: (203) 798-1100
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Farmington
Borders, 1600 South East Road, Farmington, CT 06032
Phone: (860) 674-8110
Bookclub Discussion of Book Six and the Great Snape Debate. July 13, 7:00 pm
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Fairfield
Borders, 1499 Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
Phone: (203) 256-1619
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Farmington - Westfarms Mall
Borders Express, 433 Westfarms Mall, Farmington, CT 06032
Phone: (860) 521-6579
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Greenwich
Borders Express, 173 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, CT 06830
Phone: (203) 869-6342
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Manchester
Borders, 59 Pavilions Drive, Manchester, CT 06040
Phone: (860) 649-1433
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Meriden
Borders, 470 Lewis Ave., Meriden, CT 06451
Phone: (203) 237-5510
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Milford
Borders, 1201 Boston Post Rd., Milford, CT 06460
Phone: (203) 878-3333
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Simsbury
Borders, 500 Bushy Hill Rd., Simsbury, CT 06070
Phone: (860) 651-7305
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Southbury
Waldenbooks, New Haven Avenue, Southbury, CT 06488
Phone: (203) 264-2324
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Stamford
Borders, 1041 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06905
Phone: (203) 968-9700
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Trumbull
Waldenbooks, Main Street, Trumbull, CT 06611
Phone: (203) 374-1182
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Waterbury
Waldenbooks, 495 Union Street, Waterbury, CT 06721
Phone: (203) 597-0125
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Waterford
Borders, 915 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford, CT 06385
Phone: (860) 442-3366
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Waterford - Crystal Mall
Borders Express, 850 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford, CT 06385
Phone: (860) 442-8684
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Westbrook
Borders Outlet, 314 Flat Rock Place, Westbrook, CT 06498
Phone: (860) 399-0019
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Willimantic - Eastbrook Mall
Borders Express, 95 Storrs Rd., Willimantic, CT 06226
Phone: (860) 456-3168
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Wilton
Borders, 14 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897
Phone: (203) 834-0600
Grand Hallows Ball, Friday, July 20, 2007, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am



Barnes & Noble Present Midnight Magic Parties
Parties may include a costume contest, trivia scavenger hunt, magic potion demonstration, amulet and magical creature making, photo opportunities with your favorite characters, and much more.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers Enfield
Enfield Commons, 25 Hazard Ave, Enfield, CT 06082
Phone: (860) 745-7315
Midnight Magic Party, Friday, July 20, at 7:00 pm - 1:00 am

Barnes & Noble Booksellers Farmington
1599 South East Road, Farmington, CT 06032
Phone: (860) 678-9494
Midnight Magic Party, Friday, July 20, at 7:00 pm - 1:00 am

Barnes & Noble Booksellers Glastonbury
175 Glastonbury Blvd., Glastonbury, CT 06033
Phone: (860) 657-1636
Midnight Magic Party, Friday, July 20, at 7:00 pm - 1:00 am

Barnes & Noble Booksellers Milford
1375 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT 06460
Phone: (203) 301-0371
Midnight Magic Party, Friday, July 20, at 7:00 pm - 1:00 am

Barnes & Noble Booksellers North Haven
North Haven Crossing, 470 Universal Drive North, North Haven, CT 06473
Phone: (203) 234-1805
Midnight Magic Party, Friday, July 20, at 7:00 pm - 1:00 am

Barnes & Noble Booksellers Waterbury
Brass Mill Commons, 235 Union Street, Waterbury, CT 06706
Phone: (203) 759-7125
Midnight Magic Party, Friday, July 20, at 7:00 pm - 1:00 am

Barnes & Noble Booksellers Canton
The Shoppes at Farmington Valley, 110 Albany Tpk #305,
Canton, CT 06019
Phone: (860) 693-0115
Midnight Magic Party, Friday, July 20, at 8:00 pm - 1:00 am

Barnes & Noble Booksellers Buckland Hills Mall
270 Buckland Hills Dr. Suite 1024, Manchester, CT 06040
Phone: (860) 648-1008
Midnight Magic Party, Friday, July 20, at 8:00 pm - 1:00 am

Barnes & Noble Booksellers Orange Town Center
109 Boston Post Rd, Orange, CT 06477
Phone: (860) 799-1266
Midnight Magic Party, Friday, July 20, at 8:00 pm - 1:00 am

Barnes & Noble Booksellers Norwalk
360 Connecticut Ave, Norwalk, CT 06854
Phone: (203) 866-2213
Midnight Magic Party, Friday, July 20, at 8:30 pm - 1:00 am

Barnes & Noble Booksellers Danbury Square
Danbury Square, 15 Backus Ave, Danbury, CT 06810
Phone: (203) 730-2733
Midnight Magic Party, Friday, July 20, at 9:00 pm - 1:00 am

Barnes & Noble Booksellers Westport
Post Plaza Shopping Center, 1076 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880
Phone: (203) 221-7955
Midnight Magic Party, Friday, July 20, at 10:00 pm - 1:00 am


Stew Leonards

Muggles and wizards of all ages are invited to Stew Leonard’s for the midnight release of the new Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Enjoy a costume contest, crafts, treats and a first chapter book reading. 40% off the book, and a free soda with purchase.
Friday, July 20, 10:00 pm - 1:00 am

Stew Leonards Norwalk, 100 Westport Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851
Phone: (203) 847-7214

Stew Leonards Danbury, 99 Federal Road, Danbury, CT 06811
Phone: (203) 790-8030

Stew Leonards Newington, 3475 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111
Phone: (860) 760-8100
www.stewleonards.com


Kmart stores with with Midnight Openings

Cromwell Kmart,
45 Shunpike Road, Cromwell, CT 06416
Phone: (860) 635-0400
Friday, July 20, 10:00 pm - 1:00 am

Milford Kmart,
589 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford, CT 06460
Phone: (203) 877-6036
Friday, July 20, 10:00 pm - 1:00 am

Southbury Kmart,
100 Main Street North, Southbury, CT 06488
Phone: (203) 264-7227
Friday, July 20, 10:00 pm - 1:00 am

Torrington Kmart,
681 Main Street, Torrington, CT 06790
Phone: (860) 489-1332
Friday, July 20, 10:00 pm - 1:00 am

Vernon Kmart,
295 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT 06066
Phone: (860) 872-8391
Friday, July 20, 10:00 pm - 1:00 am

Waterbury Kmart,
881 Wolcott Street, Waterbury, CT 06705
Phone (203) 753-2191
Friday, July 20, 10:00 pm - 1:00 am

Watertown Kmart,
595 Straits Turnpike, Watertown, CT 06795
Phone: (860) 274-9204
Friday, July 20, 10:00 pm - 1:00 am



Independent Booksellers with Midnight Openings

The Book Vault Deathly Hallows Release Party
As with the last Harry Potter book, we are planning a midnight release party, which will begin the night of Friday, July 20th. As before, your ticket into our gala party is the purchase of the book at The Book Vault. Books will be handed out, beginning at midnight, in the order in which they were reserved.
Friday, July 20, 10 pm - 1 am
The Book Vault, 9 North Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492
Phone: (203) 269-7323
www.thebookvault.net/events.html

Just Books Harry Potter Party
Must pre-purchase book to attend event. Fun, games, wand making, movie warching, pumpkin juice, butter beer and other fun Potter stuff.
Just Books, 28 Arcadia Road, Old Greenwich, CT 06870
Phone: (203) 637-0707
Friday, July 20, at 8:00 pm - 12:00 am

The Hickory Stick Bookshop
This is definitely the not to be missed event for Potter fans of all ages. Guess how many disgusting jelly beans are in the jar. How many questions will you be able to answer in the Sorting Hat Trivia Game? Enter our raffle for all kinds of prizes. You have heard all the theories others have suggested, but what do you think will happen in #7? Will we see Dumbledore again? Whose side is Snape on anyway? Can Voldemort be defeated and how? Who will live, who will die? Who will end up with whom? Will Hogwarts reopen? Where are the Horcruxes? Be here to wonder and wait with us.
Friday, July 20, 10:30 pm
The Hickory Stick Bookshop, 2 Green Hill Road, Washington Depot, CT 06794
Phone: (860) 868-0525
www.hickorystickbookshop.com

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Release Party!
The Book Barn is hosting a midnight party for the final installment of the Harry Potter chronicles. A full evening of Harry Potter fun and entertainment! Books will be distributed at 12:01 AM on July 21. Pre-registration is necessary and dressing up is strongly encouraged.
Friday, July 20, 10:30 pm
The Book Barn, 41 West Main St., Niantic, CT 06357
Phone: (860) 739-5715
www.bookbarnniantic.com

Linda's Story Time,
447 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06615
Phone: (203) 459-1579
Friday, July 20, 12:00 pm - 1:00 am

Bank Square Books,
53 West Main Street, Mystic, CT 06355
Phone: (860) 536-3795
Friday, July 20, 12:00 pm - 1:00 am

The Yale Bookstore,
77 Broadway, New Haven, CT 06511
Phone: (203) 777-8440
Friday, July 20, 12:00 pm - 1:00 am

Bank St. Book Nook,
50 Bank Street, New Milford, CT 06776
Phone: (860) 354-3865
Friday, July 20, 11:59 pm until the last guest leaves.

Books on the Common,
Copps Hill Common, 109 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877
Phone: (203) 431-9100
Friday, July 20, 12:00 pm - 12:00 am

RJ JULIA HARRY POTTER LAUNCH PARTY
Harry Potter fans of all ages -- this is it! The long-awaited final book in the series, and the final fabulous launch party at R.J. Julia.
Friday July 20, 10:00 pm
RJ Julia Booksellers, 768 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 06443
(203) 245-3959
www.rjjulia.com

UConn Co-op Bookstore
Live owls, live music, costume contest, a fortune teller, jugglers, and many surprises. The purchase of a book etitles you and your family to attend. Sign up now. Pre-orders are 30% Off.
Friday, July 20, 10 pm - 1 am
UConn Co-op Bookstore,
2075 Hillside Road, Unit 1019, Storrs, Connecticut 06269
Phone: (860) 486-5027
www.bookstore.uconn.edu



LIBRARY EVENTS

West Hartford Public Library
The West Hartford Public Library is offering a variety of programs this month to celebrate the release of the final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Sunday July 15, 2:00 pm "Magic for Muggles"
Monday July 16, 7:15 pm "Care of Magical Creatures: Iguanas"
Wednesday July 18, 7:00 pm "Legilimency Lessons! "
Thursday July 19, 3:00 pm @ Children's Museum "Dumbledore's Astronomy"
Friday July 20, 8:00 pm @ Borders Books, Farmington - "Wizard's Ball"
Faxon Branch of Library, 1073 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110
Register by calling: (860) 561-8203
www.westhartfordlibrary.org


Harry Potter Day at the New Milford Public Library
Games, crafts and refreshments. Registration required. Call 860-355-1191 ext. 204 for more information.
Wednesday July 18, 1:30 pm
Memorial Hall for grades third grade and up.
24 Main St New Milford, CT 06776
Phone: (860) 355-1191
www.biblio.org/newmilford


Movie & Midnight Release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at Danbury Library
Watch Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azakaban and be one of the 10 lucky winners to receive a free copy of the new book! If not, you might be one of the luck winners to receive the opportunity to check out one of the 25 books reserved just for those attending this program.
Friday, July 20 -- 9:30 pm - Midnight
Harry Potter Trivia Challenge. Compete in one of the four houses and test your knowledge of the seven books. Questions will range from easy to hard and the house who gets the most correct answers will get a prize. No one really loses as we will have fun, snacks and prizes. Dress as your favorite character and test your knowledge.
Thursday, July 26 from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm.
Danbury Library 170 Main Street Danbury, CT 06810
Phone: (203) 797-4505
www.danburylibrary.org


Again, please let me remind you, I've tried to make this list as comprehensive and accurate as possible. If you know of any events that are not on this list, but should be, please send me an email.

Linzi
Managing Editor / Muggle
www.ThisIsCT.net
connected to connecticut.

things to do. web. blog. events.

Ice Cream Tour of Connecticut

There's truly nothing like a delicious scoop of ice cream on a hot summers day. My sister-in-law and her family roamed America's third smallest state in search of yumminess last summer... and this is what they found, and how they rated...



So, What's with all the Spoons?

The Ratings




Don't bother...




Getting better... but factor in the cost of gas before you go.




That's what I'm talkin' about!


If this establishment were ever taken over by a foreign power and the invaders erected a 20-foot electrified barbed-wire fence AND posted sharp-shooters all around the perimeter AND dug a 30 foot moat AND stocked it with piranha... I would die trying to liberate it.


Hartford County


Tulmeadow Farms
255 Farms Village Road, West Simsbury, Connecticut
Phone: (860) 658-1430
Map and Directions
Sweet nectar of life... man this is good stuff.
I love the SWEET CREAM flavor the best, but be advised that it's not sold by the scoop, you have to go into the attached store and buy it by the pint or the quart. If you just want what's at the stand... go for the PUMPKIN. Remember though, this is a working farm so interesting smells abound. Be prepared to jump in your car and leave after you score your ice cream.


Fairfield County

Cafe Cogolulu
991 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897

Phone: (203) 544-6000

Map and Directions
I gelato-ed my way through 5 different cities in Italy, and this place beats 3 of them. WHIPPED CREAM... need I say more? If it's available, try the GRAPE. It doesn't have that artificial flavor more accurately described as PURPLE. It looks and tastes like, well, grapes!



Dr. Mike's Ice Cream Shop

158 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, CT

Phone: (203) 792-4388
Map and Directions

If you accidently drive past Dr. Mike's, don't worry about it... but make sure to turn around and go back. Tucked in the back of a plaza, this tiny place serves up some of the best ice cream. Try the FRENCH SILK.


Timothy's Ice Cream

2974 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT

(203) 366-7496
Map and Directions

The ice cream was good... but not great. I was more impressed with their waffle cones, made right behind the counter.



Sweet Ashley's

248 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06855

Phone: (203) 866-7740
Map and Directions

The best CAKE BATTER ice cream I've ever had... and believe me, my experiments in this area have been thorough! Just a great all-around ice cream place.



New Haven County


Big Dipper Ice Cream & Yogurt Parlour

91 Waterbury Road, Prospect, CT 06712

Phone: (203) 758-3200
Map and Directions

The only place I've ever been to that sells the ice cream by weight, which is great when you have small children. Go for the TOASTED ALMOND if you get the chance.



Rich Farm Ice Cream Shop

691 Oxford Rd, Oxford, CT

Phone: (203) 881-1040
Map and Directions
Livestock and ice cream... what a combination! Throw the kids into the car, bring 'em here, then let 'em run wild. If you venture in on a day when MANNY'S BANANIE is available, go for it. The kids will love COOKIE MONSTER.



Wentworth Homemade Ice Cream

3697 Whitney Ave, Hamden, CT

Phone: (203) 281-7429
Map and Directions

Warm peanut butter available... how dreamy. Go in, grab yourself a waffle cone full of S'MORES, then cut your guilt in half by walking it off at the Sleeping Giant State Park right down the street.




New London County

Hall Mark Drive In

113 Shore Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371

Phone: (860) 434-1998
Map and Directions

Tasty flavors like GINGERBREAD and RASPBERRY OREO COOKIE await you at this long shack near the beach. Be advised... this place is packed during the summer months.


Litchfield County, Tolland County, Windham, and Middlesex Counties

Nothing to report from these necks of the woods... check back later. Do you have anything to add? Have you found a fabulous scoop and want to share the secret? Email me at linzi at thisisct dot net.

See Related posts about Ice Cream in Connecticut.

Connecticut Weather

The Connecticut Weather Center
Radar loops, current conditions, forecasts, cancellations and historical weather data.

AccuWeather.com - Hartford, CT
Extended weather forecasts from AccuWeather.com. View a 15 day weather forecast for the Hartford area.

DEP: Connecticut's Weather Fun Facts
Connecticut's Weather Fun Facts Abstract: Description: Connecticut's Weather Fun Facts By Month.

Intellicast's 10 Day Forecast for Hartford
The Authority in Expert Weather. 10 Day Forecast for Hartford. Available pages include national and local weather maps, text and graphical forecasts, tropical storm and hurricane information and forecasts, current weather, text information, NWS watches and warnings for 38000+ worldwide locations.

Connecticut Ski Resorts By Weather Underground:
Mohawk Mountain
Mount Southington
Ski Sundown
Winding Trails XC
Woodbury Ski Area

West Hartford Weather Forecasts on Yahoo! Weather
Search Yahoo! Weather by zip code for your town.

Connecticut Weather - WxUSA
Weather links and detailed forecasts for Connecticut and over 1500 US cities includes weather forecast, weather radar, weather maps, current weather, severe weather info, weather cams, hurricane updates, kid's weather, local information, international weather links, news, sports, travel and ski reports.

Connecticut Weather
The latest weather from courant.com and The Hartford Courant

Connecticut Weather - Allergy Alerts

FOX 61 WEATHER WATCH
The Hartford Courant weather columns from John Carroll and Michael Friedmann from Fox 61.

Pollen.com - Connecticut Pollen reports and forecasts
Pollen.com - current, local and accurate allergy reports and forecasts for every ZIP code in the Continental United States.

Connecticut : Weather Underground

Weather | Fox 61 WTIC-TV Connecticut

Hartford Weather, National and Local Forecasts, Weather Reports, Radar and Maps – Weatherplus
Hartford weather, National weather forecast, weather reports, radar and maps are available online. Find local weather forecast, tools and information on our meteorologists on the official NBC Weather Plus website.

WFSB Early Warning Weather
Channel 3 Early Warning Weather - Pinpoint Doppler, Connecticut weather forecasts, maps, video, temperatures.

WFSB.com - Channel 3 Live Doppler Radar

WTNH.com - Connecticut News and Weather

WTNH.com - Weather Bug
Live weather data from around CT.

WTNH.com - Wind Chill Calculator

Jobs In Connecticut

Connecticut Has Jobs.com
Lists jobs in Connecticut by Employer, by career field. Also lists career fairs, and internships in Connecticut.

CT Jobs.com
Search by career field, with job search resources, company profiles and more.

News Times CT Job Finder.com
Greater Danbury area resource. Post your resume, search by category, receive email alerts.

Job CT.com
Search local jobs, and post your resume with a photo, and Resume Blast your resume to thousands of recruiters in your area.

Jobs In CT.com
Job seeker resources, category search, and also lists seasonal jobs in Connecticut.

Hartford County Jobs
Fairfield County Jobs
New Haven County Jobs
New London County Jobs
Search jobs by town and County in Connecticut by category or keyword.

CareerBuilder.com From the Hartford Courant.
Search jobs, post resume, career advice and more.

Work Connecticut.com
Register with site, post your resume, and search Connecticut jobs.

Connecticut State Jobs
State of Connecticut Department of Administrative Services state

Connecticut Job Bank
Part of America's Job Bank. Search by zip code, military, title and keyword.

Craigslist | Hartford | Eastern CT | New Haven | North West CT | Fairfield County

Careers In Connecticut
Search for jobs in Connecticut by category, location or keyword.

Greater Hartford Arts Council Jobs Listings

Net Temps
Find a temporary or contract job in CT by category.

Jobster.com
Search by location in Connecticut. Interestingly, it also has comments from people talking about their experiences with the company who posted the listing.


Other sites:

CT DOL Job Fairs Listings
Career fairs around Connecticut.

CT Occupational Employment and Wages
Compare your salary with others in CT.

AmericanCompanies.com
Connecticut page lists information about the state's major employers.

Yahoo! HotJobs.com

Monster.com


Got a tip for us? Submit a new link to me here.

Connecticut Farmer's Markets

Updated June 2007.

From the www. CT.gov website:

there are 87 farmers' markets scattered throughout the state of Connecticut. The demand for farmers' markets is increasing, and each year there are a number of requests to establish new ones. The markets provide a benefit for farmers and consumers alike. They provide an opportunity for farmers to sell their crops, and they provide a convenient one stop shopping facility for consumers to purchase fresh, high-quality produce and other farm specialty items.

The farmers markets are affiliated with a program to provide seniors (Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program) and women with children who are nutritionally at risk (The Women, Infants, and Children Farmers' Market Nutrition Program) with nutritious fruits and vegetables and to expand local market for Connecticut Grown products. The program is authorized by Public Act 94-187. The seniors program is a state-private partnership, and the women and infants' program is authorized and co-funded by Congress. Program participants number about 48,000 WIC clients and 15,000 Senior recipients and receive $15 worth of vouchers that can be used at designated farmers' markets for the purchase of Connecticut grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Participating farmers are reimbursed for the face value of the vouchers at any state financial institution.

If you would like more information on market locations, crop availability or if you are a farmer and would like to participate in the farmers' markets call Rick Macsuga, Connecticut Department of Agriculture at (860) 713-2544.

Below is a by county listings of 2007 Season Farmer's Markets In Connecticut.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY FARMER'S MARKETS

BETHEL FARMERS' MARKET

Rte 6, Bethel & Fairfield County Extension Service Building

67 Stony Hill Road Opposite Stony Hill Inn

Saturdays 9am - 1pm

July 7 thru October 27

WIC CERTIFIED

BRIDGEPORT FARMERS' MARKET I

McLevy Green

Intersection, Bank and Main Streets

Fridays 9am - 2pm

July 20 thru October 26

WIC CERTIFIED

EBT-Food Stamp Certified

BRIDGEPORT FARMERS' MARKET II

United Congregational Church

877 Park Avenue

Thursdays 2pm - 6pm

July 19 thru October 25

WIC CERTIFIED

EBT-Food Stamp Certified

DANBURY CITY CENTER FARMERS' MARKET

Kennedy Park

Main Street & Kennedy

Fridays 11am - 4pm

July 13 thru October

WIC CERTIFIED

DARIEN FARMERS' MARKET

Mechanic Street

Behind Fire House

Wednesdays 11am - 6pm

June 13 thru Mid December

FAIRFIELD FARMERS' MARKET

Greenfield Hills

1950 Bronson Road

Saturdays 1pm - 4pm

June 2 thru October 22

GEORGETOWN FARMERS' MARKET

Intersection of Main Street & Georgetown & Route 57

Sundays 10am - 2pm

June 10 thru October

GREENWICH FARMERS' MARKET

Commuter Parking Lot

Arch and Horseneck Streets

Saturdays 9:30am - 1pm

May 19 thru November 17

WIC CERTIFIED

NEW CANAAN FARMERS' MARKET

Old Center School Parking Lot

South Avenue and Maple Street

Saturdays 10am - 2pm

June 9 thru November 25

WIC CERTIFIED

NORWALK FARMERS' MARKET

At The Maritime Center

North Water Street Parking Lot

Wednesdays 12 Noon - 6pm

July 18 thru October 24

WIC CERTIFIED

SANDY HOOK ORGANIC FARMERS' MARKET

Sandy Hook Center

5 Washington Avenue

Tuesdays 2pm - 6pm

June 19 thru October 9

WIC CERTIFIED

SANDY HOOK VILLAGE FARMERS' MARKET

Corner of Glen Roads and Rte. 34

Sundays 9am - 2pm

June 3 thru October 14

SHELTON FARMERS' MARKET

Corner of Cornell and Canal Streets

Wednesdays 3pm - 6pm

Saturdays 9am - 1pm

July 14 thru October 20

WIC CERTIFIED

STAMFORD DOWNTOWN FRENCH MARKET

Latham Park

Lower Prospect and Forest Streets

Saturdays 10am - 2pm

June 2 thru November

WIC CERTIFIED

STRATFORD FARMERS' MARKET

Deluca Field

Main Street

Mondays 1pm - 5pm

July 16 thru October 29

WIC CERTIFIED

TRUMBULL FARMERS' MARKET

Long Hill Green

Main Street

Thursdays 3pm - 6pm

June 14 thru October 25

WESTON FARMERS' MARKET

Route 157 at High Acre Road

Saturdays 8am - 12 Noon

June 2 thru October 13

WESTPORT FARMERS' MARKET

The Westport Country Playhouse

25 Powers Court

Thursdays 10am - 2pm

June 14 thru November

WIC CERTIFIED

WESTPORT FARMERS' MARKET II

Westport Senior Center

Sundays 10am - 2pm

June 24 thru November

WIC CERTIFIED

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HARTFORD COUNTY FARMER'S MARKETS

BLOOMFIELD FARMERS' MARKET
Bloomfield Town Hall
800 Bloomfield Avenue
Saturdays 9am -1pm
July 7 thru October
WIC CERTIFIED

BRISTOL FARMERS' MARKET
Old Bristol Centre Mall
100 North Main Street (Opposite City Hall)
Wednesday 3pm - 6pm
Saturdays 10am - 1pm
July 7 thru October 27
WIC CERTIFIED

BURLINGTON FARMERS' MARKET
First Congregational Church of Burlington
Route 4
Fridays 3pm - 6pm
July 6 thru October
WIC CERTIFIED

COLLINSVILLE FARMERS' MARKET
Parking Lot of the Collinsville Historical Society
Downtown
Sundays 10am - 2pm
June 24 thru October
WIC CERTIFIED

EAST HARTFORD FARMERS' MARKET
Raymond Memorial Library
840 Main Street
Fridays 9am - 1pm
July 6 thru October 26
WIC CERTIFIED

ENFIELD FARMERS' MARKET
Enfield Town Green
Town Hall, Route 5
Wednesdays 3pm - 6pm
July thru October
WIC CERTIFIED

HARTFORD - CAPITOL AVENUE FARMERS' MARKET
First Presbyterian Church Next To Bushnell
156 Capitol Avenue
Mondays 10am - 1pm
July 9 thru October 29
WIC CERTIFIED

HARTFORD - DOWNTOWN FARMERS' MARKET
Old State House
800 Main Street
Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays 9am - 2pm
June 1 thru Thanksgiving
WIC CERTIFIED
EBT-Food Stamp Certified

HARTFORD - FARMERS' MARKET AT BILLINGS FORGE
559 Broad Street
Thursdays 11am - 3pm
July 5 thru October
WIC CERTIFIED

HARTFORD - PARK STREET FARMERS' MARKET
Walgreen's Parking Lot
Corner of Park and Washington Streets
Mondays 9:30am - 1pm
July 9 thru October 29
WIC CERTIFIED
EBT-Food Stamp Certified

HARTFORD - WEST END FARMERS' MARKET
United Methodist Church - Back Parking Lot
571 Farmington Avenue
Tuesdays & Fridays 4pm - 7pm
June 26 thru September 26
WIC CERTIFIED
EBT-Food Stamp Certified

HARTFORD REGIONAL MARKET
101 Reserve Road
I-91, Exit 27
Open Year Round 5am - 9am

MANCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE FARMERS' MARKET
Main Courtyard
Wednesdays 2pm - 5pm
May 2 thru October
WIC CERTIFIED

MANCHESTER FARMERS' MARKET
Town Parking Lot
Corner of Main and Forest Streets
Saturdays 8am - 12:30pm
July 7 thru October 27
WIC CERTIFIED

NEW BRITAIN - URBAN OAKS FARMERS' MARKET
Urban Oaks Market
225 Oak Street
Fridays 3pm - 6pm
Saturdays 10am - 1pm
August 3 thru October 27
WIC CERTIFIED
EBT-Food Stamp Certified

NEW BRITAIN FARMERS' MARKET
St. Ann's Church
109 North Street
Thursdays 10am -1pm
July 12 thru October
WIC CERTIFIED

SUFFIELD FARMERS' MARKET
Town Green
North Main and High Streets (Rte. 75)
Saturdays 9am - 12 Noon
June 9 thru Mid October
WIC CERTIFIED

WEST HARTFORD - WHOLE FOODS FARMERS' MARKET
Whole Foods Parking Lot
50 Raymond Road
Mondays 10am - 1pm
June 11 thru October
WIC CERTIFIED

WEST HARTFORD FARMERS' MARKET
LaSalle Road Public Parking Lot, Across from the Post Office
Intersection of Arapahoc and LaSalle Roads
Tuesdays & Saturdays 9am - 1pm
Thursdays 11am - 3pm
May 5 thru December. Nov & Dec Saturday Market only
WIC CERTIFIED

WILSON - WINDSOR FARMERS' MARKET
CT Service For The Blind
184 Windsor Avenue
Tuesdays 3pm - 6pm
July 10 thru October 30
WIC CERTIFIED

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LITCHFIELD COUNTY FARMER'S MARKETS

KENT FARMERS' MARKET
Kent Green
Saturdays 9am - 12 Noon
May 12 thru Mid October

LITCHFIELD HILLS FARMERS' MARKET
Center School
125 West Street
Saturdays 11am - 3pm
June 30 thru October 13
WIC CERTIFIED

NEW MILFORD FARMERS' MARKET
Town Green
Main Street
Saturdays 9am - 12 Noon
May 19 thru October 27
WIC CERTIFIED

RIVERTON FARMERS' MARKET
Riverton Fair Grounds
Rte. 20
Sundays 11am - 2pm
May 20 thru September
WIC CERTIFIED

THOMASTON FARMERS' MARKET
Town Green - Seth Thomas Park
Main Street
Thursdays 2:30pm - 6pm
June 21 thru October 27
WIC CERTIFIED

TORRINGTON FARMERS' MARKET
Staples Plaza
South Main Street
Tuesdays 3pm - 6pm
Saturdays 10am -1pm
June 9 thru October
WIC CERTIFIED

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MIDDLESEX COUNTY FARMER'S MARKETS

CLINTON - CHAMARD VINEYARDS FARMERS' MARKET
Chamard Vineyards
115 Cow Hill Road, Clinton
Sundays 12 Noon - 3pm
June 17 thru October

DEEP RIVER FARMERS' MARKET
Deep River Library
Main Street
Thursdays 3pm - 6pm
June 7 thru October 18
WIC CERTIFIED

ESSEX FARMERS' MARKET
Town Green
Main Street
Fridays 3pm - 6pm
June 22 thru October 27
WIC CERTIFIED

MIDDLETOWN FARMERS' MARKET
South Green
Old Church Street
Tuesdays & Thursdays 8am - 12 Noon
July 17 thru October 31
WIC CERTIFIED

OLD SAYBROOK FARMERS' MARKET
Cinema Plaza
210 Main Street
Saturdays 9am - 1pm
Wednesdays 10am - 1pm
June 30 thru October 31
WIC CERTIFIED

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NEW HAVEN COUNTY FARMER'S MARKETS

DUDLEY FARMERS' MARKET

2351 Durham Road

North Guilford

Saturdays 9am - 12:30pm

June 23 thru October 25

HAMDEN - SPRING GLEN

Spring Glen Church

1825 Whitney Avenue

Tuesdays 9am - 1pm

July 10 thru October 30

WIC CERTIFIED

HAMDEN FARMERS' MARKET

Town Center Park, Next to Miller Library

2623 Dixwell Avenue

Fridays 1:30pm - 5:30pm

July 13 thru October

WIC CERTIFIED

MADISON FARMERS' MARKET

Madison Historic Town Green

26 Meeting House Road

Fridays 3pm - 6pm

June 8 thru October 26

WIC CERTIFIED

MERIDEN FARMERS' MARKET

Butler Street Parking Lot

Corner of West Main and Grove Streets

Saturdays 8am - 12 Noon

July 14 thru October 27

WIC CERTIFIED

MILFORD FARMERS' MARKET AT WALNUT BEACH

Walnut Beach

East Broadway

Mondays 3pm - 6pm

July 9 thru October

NEW HAVEN - DOWNTOWN FARMERS' MARKET

On The Green

Church Street

Wednesdays 11am - 4pm

July 11 thru October 31

WIC CERTIFIED

EBT-Food Stamp Certified

NEW HAVEN - EDGEWOOD PARK FARMERS' MARKET

Edgewood Park

Corner of West Rock and Whalley Avenues

Sundays 10am - 2pm

July 15 thru October 28

WIC CERTIFIED

EBT-Food Stamp Certified

NEW HAVEN - FAIR HAVEN FARMERS' MARKET

Quinnipiac River Park

Near corner of Grand Avenue and Front Street

Thursdays 3pm - 7pm

July 12 thru October 25

WIC CERTIFIED

EBT-Food Stamp Certified

NEW HAVEN - WOOSTER SQUARE FARMERS' MARKET

Russo Park

Corner of DePalma Court and Chapel Street

Saturdays 9am - 1pm

May 19 thru December 15

WIC CERTIFIED

EBT-Food Stamp Certified

SEYMOUR FARMERS' MARKET

Community - Senior Center Front Parking Lot

Pine Street

Tuesdays 12 Noon - 6pm

May 15 thru November 6

WIC CERTIFIED

WALLINGFORD GARDENERS' MARKET

Railroad Station Green

Quinnipiac - Hall Avenues and Colony Road (Route 5)

Saturdays 9am-12 Noon

July 14 thru September 15

WATERBURY FARMERS' MARKET II

Brass Mill Center Mall

Sear's Parking Lot

Thursdays 2pm - 5pm

July 5 thru October 25

WIC CERTIFIED

WATERBURY FARMERS' MARKET ON THE GREEN

Downtown Green

West Main Street

Thursdays 11am - 3pm

July 12 thru October 25

WIC CERTIFIED

EBT-Food Stamp Certified

WEST HAVEN FARMERS' MARKET

West Haven Green

Corner of Campbell & Main

Thursdays 12 Noon - 6pm

Saturdays 10am - 2pm

July 5 thru October 27

WIC CERTIFIED

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NEW LONDON COUNTY FARMER'S MARKETS

COLCHESTER - PRIAM VINEYARDS FARMERS' MARKET
Priam Vineyards, Shailor Road
Rt 2, Exit 16, Turn Right, Follow Signs
Sundays 1pm - 5pm
July 8 thru October 7

GROTON FARMERS' MARKET
Groton Shopping Plaza
Next to the Post Office, Route 1
Wednesdays 2pm - 6pm
June 13 thru October
WIC CERTIFIED

JEWETT CITY FARMERS' MARKET
2nd Chance Consignment, Rear Parking Lot
37 Main Street
Mondays 3pm - 6:30pm
June 4 thru October 29
WIC CERTIFIED

LEBANON FARMERS' MARKET
Town Hall Green
Saturdays 9am - 12 Noon
June 30 thru October 27
WIC CERTIFIED

MYSTIC FARMERS' MARKET
Quambaug Fire House
50 Old Stonington Road
Tuesdays 2pm - 6pm
June 5 thru October
WIC CERTIFIED

MYSTIC/DENISON FARMERS' MARKET
Across from the Denison/Pequotsepus Nature Center
120 Pequotsepus Road
Sundays 12 Noon - 3pm
June 3 thru October 28
WIC CERTIFIED

NEW LONDON FARMERS' MARKET
Municipal Parking Lot
Corner of Eugene O'Neil Drive and Pearl Street
Tuesdays & Fridays 10am - 2pm
July 6 thru October 30
WIC CERTIFIED

NORWICH DOWNTOWN FARMERS' MARKET
Howard Brown Park
Chelsea Harbor Drive (Route 2)
Wednesdays 10am - 1pm
June 6 thru October 31
WIC CERTIFIED

NORWICH FARMERS' MARKET
Uncas on the Thames, 100 Campbell Building
401 West Thames Street
Mondays & Fridays 10am - 1pm
July 6 thru October 29
WIC CERTIFIED

STONINGTON FARMERS' MARKET
Stonington Borough
Town Fishing Fleet Pier
Saturdays 9am - 12 Noon, Rain or Shine
June 9 thru October 13
WIC CERTIFIED

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TOLLAND COUNTY FARMER'S MARKETS

COVENTRY REGIONAL FARMERS' MARKET
Route 44 - North River Road
Connecticut Glass Museum
Sundays 11am - 2pm
June 3 thru October 28
WIC CERTIFIED

ELLINGTON FARMERS' MARKET
Arbor Park
Route 286, Town Center
Saturdays 9am - 1pm
May 5 thru October
WIC CERTIFIED

ROCKVILLE FARMERS' MARKET
Court House Plaza
Route 74 (East Main Street)
Sundays 10am - 1pm
July 1 thru September 30
WIC CERTIFIED

STAFFORD SPRINGS FARMERS' MARKET
Mocko's Lot
Junction of Routes 32 and 190 (West Stafford Road)
Mondays & Thursdays 11am - 2pm
July 5 thru October 25
WIC CERTIFIED

STORRS FARMERS' MARKET
E.O. Smith High School, Front Parking Lot
Storrs Road, Rte. 195, Storrs Center
Saturdays 3pm - 6pm, Rain or Shine
May 12 thru November 17
WIC CERTIFIED

TOLLAND FARMERS' MARKET
Tolland Green
Saturdays 9am - 12 Noon
May 5 thru November 17
WIC CERTIFIED

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WINDHAM COUNTY FARMER'S MARKETS

ASHFORD FARMERS' MARKET
Pompey Hollow Park
Across from Town Hall
Sundays 9am - 12 Noon
July 15 thru October
WIC CERTIFIED

DANIELSON FARMERS' MARKET
Killingly Memorial Library
25 Westcott Road
Saturdays 9am - 12 Noon
Wednesdays 4pm - 6pm
June 9 thru October 31
WIC CERTIFIED

PLAINFIELD FARMERS' MARKET
Recreation Office/Senior Center
482 Norwich Road (Route 12)
Tuesdays 4pm - 6pm
June 12 thru October 30
WIC CERTIFIED

PUTNAM FARMERS' MARKET
Dunkin' Donuts Parking Lot
325 Woodstock Avenue
Mondays & Thursdays 4pm - 6pm
June 7 thru October 29
WIC CERTIFIED

SCOTLAND FARMERS' MARKET
Scotland Green
Junction Routes 14 and 97
Wednesdays 3pm - 6pm
June 13 thru October 31
WIC CERTIFIED
EBT-Food Stamp Certified

WILLIMANTIC FARMERS' MARKET
Corner Jackson and Union Streets
Near the Frog Bridge
Tuesdays 12:30pm - 3pm
Saturdays 8am -11:30am
Tuesday Market - July 3 & Saturday Market - June 9. Both thru October
WIC CERTIFIED
EBT-Food Stamp Certified

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Related Links

CT Farmers Markets

CitySeed

CT Farm Fresh

Coventry Regional Farmer's Market

Connecticut Tax Free Shopping Week

Connecticut Sales Tax Holiday on Clothing Items August 19th - August 25th, 2007 Connecticut shoppers will have one week to buy items of clothing and footwear costing under $300 without paying Connecticut sales tax (hooray!).

This year, the tax free week will run from Sunday, August 19 through Saturday, August 25th.

More information about the rules that apply to the sales tax free week can be found here:

http://www.ct.gov/drs/cwp/view.asp?a=1514&q=318566

We All Scream For....

All this hot, hot, icky, sticky weather over the past week or so has got me thinking about ice cream. Cold, creamy, delicious. In a non-scientific poll I've surveyed the best places in Connecticut to get some of that cold sweet relief.

Dippin' Dots "The Ice Cream of the Future!" Try some delicious Orange (my favorite!), or try mixing different flavors together such as Rainbow Ice and Watermelon to see what you like best. It stays cold for a long time, and there's no messy spills involved. (Various locations in CT).

Cold Stone Creamery "this ice cream rocks and the world agrees" according to their website. I'm with them! They're famous for "smooshing" their ice cream with your choice of toppings, and they're not skimpy on portions either. I recently had a "small" Strawberry Shortcake (Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, yellow cake, and strawberries smooshed together) and wow, it was so big I could hardly finish it. (But I did). (Various locations in CT).

AC Petersen Farms Fresh store made ice cream in an old-fashioned family atmosphere, sundaes topped with hand-whipped cream. Voted Best Family Dining in Hartford County. You can buy huge tubs, more like vats really, to take home with you. (West Hartford, CT).

Buttonwood Farm Farm Fresh Ice Cream, Yogurt, and sorbet made by the Button family since 1998. So many flavors that there is something for everyone here. Purple Cow anyone? (Griswold, CT).

PRALINE'S of MIDDLETOWN say they have "The Best Scoop in Town," and were voted Best Ice Cream Shop in a Hartford Advocate 2004 Readers Poll. (Middletown, CT).

I quote my two-year-old niece when I say "Nummeeeeee!" Where's your favorite place to go for ice cream?