The SUMMER THEATER ARTS PROGRAM is back by popular demand!

Newington, CT- Back by popular demand, the Newington Children’s Theatre Company’s five-week full-day SUMMER THEATER ARTS PROGRAM, for kids ages 8-15, gives participants the opportunity to learn and strengthen their musical theatre skills by working with theatre professionals in acting, dance and music. Participants receive hands-on experience by having the opportunity to apply the skills that they are learning throughout the program while preparing for a fully staged production of the beloved musical, ANNIE.

The SUMMER THEATRE ARTS PROGRAM runs July 2^nd through August 5^th, Monday through Friday from 9:00am-4:00pm at the NCTC Performing Arts Theatre located at 743 North Mountain Road in Newington. Before and aftercare are available. The SUMMER THEATRE ARTS PROGRAM will be run by NCTC’s Executive/Artistic Director, Claire Van Cott and choreographed by NCTC vet, Jessie Sattler. Every registered participant will receive a role in the show. Public performances will be August 2^nd-5^th, Thursday-Saturday at 7:00pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2:00pm. The cost for this five-week program is $1,250. For more information, please call 860.666.NCTC or visitwww.NCTCArts.org.

More About the NCTC Performing Arts Theatre

NCTC Performing Arts Theatre provides year-round quality entertainment and hands-on educational programs in the performing arts to children and young adults from preschool through college. NCTC Performing Arts Theatre is the home of the Newington Children’s Theatre Company, Connecticut’s longest operating children’s theatre and Newington Mainstage, a new acting company for adults. www.NCTCArts.org

Irish dancers at last year's CT Irish Festival

North Haven, CT – Join us for the family-friendly Irish Festival at the North Haven, CT Fairgrounds (located on Washington Ave. in North Haven, Exit 12 off I-91) on June 23rd and 24th, 2012 in North Haven, CT. Saturday Hours are 11am – 11pm and Sunday begins with Mass at 8:15am and Festival ends at 7pm.

There will be a Ceili Tent (pronounced Kay-Lee) with Irish music, Guinness, Smithwick’s, and other Irish favorites. There is an “Irish Tea House”serving tea, cakes & scones. The Irish Geneology Society will be on hand to help people trace their ancestry.

At the main tent, we will have dance shows and music throughout the day. This year’s entertainers include The Rogues, The screaming Orphans and Mactall Mor. The Irish Festival’s food vendors will include corned beef sandwiches (required by ancient Celtic law), sea food, gourmet grilled chesse sandwiches, gourmet cup cakes, ice cream and much more! sandwiches, along with corned beef sandwiches for lunch, and much more.

Sunday is the day of the feis (pronounced fesh, the Gaelic word for an Irish dance competition, with Irish sports, music, and Irish soda bread baking contests), and also pony rides, a petting zoo, sheep shearing and herding, tin whistle lessons, demonstrations of bread baking, spinning, weaving and knitting, carving, and Scottish dance.

A mass will be celebrated Sunday morning at 8:30AM to bless the Feis competition immediately followed by a traditional Irish Breakfast served.

View Saturn, Mars and the Moon on May 26th

West Redding, CT – The Discovery Center, in conjunction with the New Pond Farm Observatory, 101 Marchant Rd., West Redding, is hosting an astronomy program that is open to the public on Saturday, May 26th starting at 8:30 PM. Participants will see Saturn and its magnificent rings as well as Mars. The moon will be a few days before first quarter, which is a time when shadows help make various craters and mountains stand out. A number of gaseous nebula, star clusters and galaxies will be viewed.

While the observatory has an adjacent, heated classroom building, participants should dress warmly and bring a flashlight for the walk from the parking area to the observatory. The program is $4 per person for Discovery Center members, with a maximum of $16 per family. For nonmembers, the charge is $6 per person, with a maximum of $24 per family. Registration is required. Visit the Discovery Center website to register or call 203-438-1063. If it looks as if the skies might be cloudy, check the website after 4:00 PM for program status.

The Color Me Rad 5K takes place May 26th in Hartford

Hartford, CT – More than 6,000 Hartford runners are prepping to be hit with a tsunami of color on May 26, 2012 as they take on Connecticut’s inaugural Color Me Rad 5K and we want you to win tickets! As white-clad participants wind through Rentschler Field they’ll be bombarded with color throughout the course until their face, shirt and body cross the finish line looking like a silkscreened tie-dyed hippy. A portion of the proceeds of the race goes to support the YMCA of Greater Hartford. Read more about the race here.

To enter to win tickets, simply like us on Facebook and answer the question below. We’ll be announcing ONE winner EACH day at 7pm for the next 4 days! If you don’t win the first day be sure to come back and try again!

Friday 5/18 Winner: Lorin Richardson

Saturday 5/19 Winner: Samantha Queen

Sunday 5/20 Winner: Dave Tomczak

Monday 5/21 Winner: Alana Benito

The giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for entering!

*Only one entry per person per day will be considered.

All Proceeds to Support Mystic Rotary Club’s Community Charities

Mystic, Conn. - Mystic Seaport plans to kick off the summer season and prepare for the cracking of thousands of lobster claws at the 27th annual Lobster Days during Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday through Monday, May 26-28.

Members of the Mystic Rotary Club will serve lobsters-in-the-rough from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Diners can enjoy their picnic-style meal under Mystic Seaport’s open-air Boat Shed where they can watch boats cruising on the Mystic River.

More than 3,000 lobsters will be cooked and served over the course of the weekend with all proceeds going to support the Rotary Club’s community organizations and projects.

In addition to a great meal, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the water as the Museum’s boat rental dock opens for the season, and the 1908 steamboat Sabino and catboat Breck Marshall will be operating a regular schedule of brief cruises on the Mystic River.

On Monday, May 28, the Museum will hold its annual Decoration Day ceremony. Costumed role-players will conduct an 1876 tribute and procession to honor those killed in the Civil War beginning at 10:30 a.m.

A special combination ticket of Museum admission and a single lobster dinner is available for $39, offering a $6 savings. The youth combination ticket (ages 6-17) is $32, offering a $4 savings. A senior combination ticket (ages 65 and older) is available for $37, offering a $6 savings.

A lobster dinner can be purchased separately from Museum admission for $21 (single lobster) and $37 (twin lobster). Lobster platters include coleslaw, corn on the cob, drawn butter, and choice of iced tea or lemonade. Hot dog platters are available for $7. Coastal Gourmet, the Museum’s food service provider, will also be offering wine and beer for purchase.

In the past, Lobster Days have raised as much as $20,000 for the Rotary’s charitable causes. Recipients include community enterprises such as Little League, the Stonington Community Center and college scholarships for local students.

For more information, visit http://www.mysticseaport.org/Lobster Days

About Mystic Seaport

Mystic Seaport is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Founded in 1929, the Museum is home to four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the Charles W. Morgan, the last wooden whaleship in the world. For more information, please visit www.mysticseaport.org.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children is hosting a Canine Carnival

Norwalk, CT – Stepping Stones Museum for Children will host a day-long festival celebrating the powerful and important bonds between humans and their animal friends. The second annual BooZoo’s Canine Carnival will take place on Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., on museum grounds and is free with museum admission.

The Canine Carnival is hosted by BooZoo, the museum’s fictional puppy mascot for early childhood learning and literacy, and will feature carnival games for families and dogs, face painting, crafts, a meet-and-greet with BooZoo, storytelling, canine cinema and more.  All canine friends, accompanied by owners, are welcome to take part in carnival activities in the Stepping Stones bus circle until noon.

Rick Caran and his trio of performing dogs, known as Team Jilli, will captive audiences with a special show of dog tricks at 3 p.m. These amazingly talented dogs have been featured on Animal Planet, The Disney Channel and Regis and Kelly. Jilli Dog, an amazing 5-pound Yorkie is one of America’s top trick dogs. She is a certified therapy dog that plays cards, basketball and more.

“Animals teach children important social and emotional skills such as effective communication, empathy and how to manage emotions,” said Hyla Crane, director of education at Stepping Stones. “BooZoo’s Canine Carnival was designed to showcase the importance of pet-friendly play and the learning opportunities provided by our pets,” she said.

Old-fashioned carnival features a performance by renowned dog trick ensemble Rick Caran and Team Jilli, plus games, face painting, dog awards, dog walk and more

BooZoo’s Canine Carnival will also include a guest appearance by William Berloni, the leading trainer of animals for live performances. For more than 30 years, William Berloni Theatrical Animals has trained animals for Broadway, ballet, film and television.

Visitors are invited to enter their dog(s) in the museum’s Crazy Canine Contest at 11:30 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded by a panel of judges to three dogs in each of the following categories: best dressed, dog and owner look-alike, fastest tail wager, fluffiest, best mystery mutt, best smile, best ears and walks with attitude. Each dog can participate in up to three categories. Dogs must be licensed and accompanied by people who are 15 years or older.

Throughout the event, the North Shore Animal League, the World’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, will be on hand to answer questions and showcase some of their adoptable friends.

This fun-filled, pet-friendly event promotes early childhood development, reading literacy and intergenerational learning between children, parents and caregivers.

BooZoo’s Dog Walk

The day also includes a Dog Walk through Mathews Park starting at noon with proceeds benefitting the museum’s early childhood initiatives. Participants are encouraged to find sponsors for their dog, dress them up in a favorite costume and walk for a great cause. The cost to enter the Dog Walk is $10 per dog in advance, and $15 per dog at the door.

Perfect Pet Photo Contest

In conjunction with BooZoo’s Canine Carnival, the museum is looking for pet photos to be a part of a multimedia presentation that will be part of the regularly scheduled programming for the Multimedia Gallery during the summer of 2012.  All submissions will be featured on the museum’s Facebook page and one lucky winner will receive a family membership and a BooZoo prize pack. Photos will be judged on originality, creativity and the ability of entry to express the happy, healthy nature of your pet. The winner will receive a family membership and a BooZoo prize pack. The deadline to submit photos is May 21 at 5 p.m.

The presentation will premiere at the BooZoo Canine Carnival. Participants may submit photos online or mail an actual photo. There is a $5 fee for each photo submitted. For complete details and instructions, visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/CanineCarnival.

More about BooZoo

Building on the commitment to promote early childhood development and reading literacy for young children, the museum developed the BooZoo character two years ago. BooZoo is a fictional puppy who lives in Tot Town™, the museum’s toddler exhibit. He’s smart, incurably curious and loves reading books.

For additional information about BooZoo’s Canine Carnival and details about registering for the Dog Walk, visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/CanineCarnival.

Free Admission on Friday, May 18

Hartford, CT, May 14, 2012 – The Wadsworth Atheneum is pleased to announce that it will offer free admission on Friday, May 18, 2012 as part of the Association of Art Museum Directors’ (AAMD) Art Museum Day, also coinciding with International Museum Day.

In recognition of the important role museums play in their communities, the Wadsworth Atheneum will encourage visitors to share their museum experiences during Art Museum Day on a special printed form available at the museum and via social media with the hashtag #ArtMuseumDay in a collective public response.

“Art museums create opportunities for the public to engage directly with works of art in new and meaningful ways—from transformative educational initiatives to innovative public partnerships.” said Chris Anagnos, Executive Director of AAMD.  “AAMD believes that art should be accessible and relevant to all, and we are so pleased that the Wadsworth is joining with us and the global community of museums to celebrate the role museums play in their communities and to encourage visitors to share their museum experiences.”

The Wadsworth Museum in Hartford offers free admission on May 18 as part of the Association of Art Museum Directors’ (AAMD) Art Museum Day, also coinciding with International Museum Day

AAMD’s beliefs align with the core mission of the Wadsworth’s Community Engagement Initiative (CEI). Launched in 2008 by museum Director and C.E.O., Susan L. Talbott, its overall goal is to define and measure community impact; implement sustainable programs; enhance the experience of all visitors; and improve the cultural life of greater Hartford.

AAMD member museums, located across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, include regional museums as well as large international institutions.  International Museum Day is organized annually around the world by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).  AAMD’s Art Museum Day is an opportunity to focus attention on the role of art museums in North America, as part of ICOM’s global celebration of museums.

A comprehensive list of participating AAMD member art museums will be available in the newsroom of the AAMD website, http://www.aamd.org/newsroom/.

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is located at 600 Main Street in Hartford, Connecticut. The museum is open Wednesdays to Fridays, 11 am – 5 pm and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am – 5 pm, and the first Thursday of every month 11 am – 8 pm.  Please visit www.wadsworthatheneum.org for more information.

Alpaca Day with Bella Alpacas Farm is Saturday, June 2, 2012

Washington, CT - For the first time, The Institute for American Indian Studies will host an “Alpaca Day with Bella Alpacas Farm”.  The event takes place Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 2:00pm. Two beautiful alpacas will be visiting from the Bella Alpaca Farm with their eight year old trainer Nico! For centuries Native South American Peoples have kept alpacas as pack animals and for the use of their wool, one of the softest in the world!

Learn all about these wonderful animals. See how the fiber is spun and knit into clothing, then watch Nico demonstrate how he has trained the alpacas to show! A fun and informative day for everyone!

Fee: $8 Adults; $6 IAIS Members; $4 Kids. For more information visit www.iaismuseum.org

Soupstock

SHELTON, CT - The third annual SOUPSTOCK Music and Arts Festival will be held once again in downtown Shelton, CT on “The Slab” on June 9, 2012.  The festival, which is the annual fundraiser for the Mary A. Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund, will feature music on two stages, an art exhibition by local student artists, over 30 craft and food vendors, a Kids Fun Zone including a bounce house, Arts n’ Crafts, and Kids Olympics and much more.  The central attraction for the event is the Soupstock Pro/Amateur Soup Competition, hosted by local award-winning restaurant Liquid Lunch.  Members of the public can make a small donation to enter the soup tent, and vote for the finalists.  There is no charge to attend the festival.

The net proceeds from the festival will benefit the Mary A Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund, a local non-profit organization which exists to further the cause of creative education and career guidance for children and young adults in the southern CT region.  The fund is named for the late Mrs. Schmecker, maternal grandmother of two of the fund’s officers, who was a fixture at the local Boys and Girls’ club in Shelton until her passing in 2008.  She was the ceramics teacher at the club for 35 years and was one of the initial classes of honorees inducted into the Lower Naugatuck Valley Boys and Girls Clubs’ Hall of fame in 2007.  The fund wishes to continue her legacy of enabling creativity in children and empowering them with the confidence to explore their creative nature.

More information about SOUPSTOCK 2012 and The MAS Turtle Shell Fund can be found at www.soupstockfestival.org.

Soupstock

As white-clad participants wind through Rentschler Field they’ll be bombarded with color.

Hartford, CT - More than 6,000 Hartford runners are prepping to be hit with a tsunami of color on May 26, 2012 as they take on Connecticut’s inaugural Color Me Rad 5K. As white-clad participants wind through Rentschler Field they’ll be bombarded with color throughout the course until their face, shirt and body cross the finish line looking like a silkscreened tie-dyed hippy. Finishers, coated from head to toe in blue, green, pink, purple and yellow, will then toss individual bags of color in the air every fifteen minutes—not to summon rain from heaven—but to create a final “blitzkrieg of color” in celebration of their accomplishment.

Click here for your chance to win tickets!

As race organizer Scott Crandall explains, “You’ll start off with a shirt as pure and white as your grandpa’s dentures and you’ll wind up looking like a pack of Skittles.” While the color dust dowsing each participant is made of non-toxic colored cornstarch, most will likely pass on tasting this rainbow.

“We just want to brighten your day, your life...but probably not your teeth."

This race continues Color Me Rad’s nation-wide tour, which was created by four friends who wanted to make colored tears of joy run down the faces of the masses. “We just want to brighten your day, your life…but probably not your teeth,” Crandall said. “We also hope to get a lot of people involved in fitness who maybe otherwise wouldn’t come out for your typical 5K. If you make it about fun instead of about shin splints, you’re more likely to want to give running a shot.”

A portion of the proceeds of the race goes to support the YMCA of Greater Hartford. Waves of 1,000 people will take off every five minutes beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday May 26, 2012. Participants of all ages can run or walk the course, as it’s not a timed event. “As long as they finish before sundown,” Crandall advised.

Color Me RadTM holds races across the US and Canada in over 20 cities. For more information on this event and to see additional race locations, visit www.colormerad.com or check out what fans have to share on Facebook at www.facebook.com/colormerad5k.

Click here for tickets and additional information!

Prepare for a final “blitzkrieg of color” in celebration of your accomplishment.