Neighborhood Squirrel | Playing and Saving in Greater Danbury, CT 365 Days a Year» Danbury

WCSU To Host Veterans Appreciation Weekend

365Danbury — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 21:51:47 +0000

Western Connecticut State University‘s WXCI radio station, Student Veterans Organization and Commuter Student Organization will host a Veterans Appreciation Weekend to express thanks to veterans for their service on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4 and 5, on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury, and the Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury.

On Friday, Oct, 4, there will be a buffet-style dinner and meet-and-greet at 7 p.m. in the Science Building on the Midtown campus. The events will be free and open to the public. Donations to support the T.J. Lobraico Scholarship Fund and Wounded Warrior Project will be accepted.

Saturday, Oct. 5, will feature a variety of events, including a 10 a.m. nature walk at the Westside Nature Preserve, a luncheon at noon in the Westside Campus Center Ballroom and a 2 p.m. “Hoops for Heroes” basketball game. The evening activities will include a 5 p.m.cocktail hour, followed by a 7 p.m. semi-formal dinner in the Westside Campus Center Ballroom. All of the Saturday events will be on the Westside campus. The dinner is free for WCSU faculty, staff, students and veterans. The public may attend for $20.

For more information, call the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

Manhattan Short Film Festival Coming To Palace Danbury

365Danbury — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 20:05:58 +0000

Filmgoers in Danbury, CT will unite with audiences in over 300 cities spanning six continents to view and judge the work of the next generation of filmmakers from around the world when the 16th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival screens at The Palace Danbury on Friday, October 4, starting at 7:30 PM.

From a record breaking 628 entries received from 48 countries around the world, MANHATTAN SHORT selected 10 short films as finalists. Each film is 18 minutes or under in length. Countries represented this year include the USA, England, Ireland, France, Finland and Australia. With past finalists achieving the ultimate in recognition by being nominated and even winning the Oscar in the short film category, MANHATTAN SHORT is known as a breeding ground for the next big thing in film.

These 10 short films will not only entertain a global audience but will be judged by them as well. Filmgoers will be handed a voting card upon entry into a participating theater and asked to vote for the one film they feel should win. Votes are tallied at each participating cinema and submitted to MANHATTAN SHORT headquarters where the winner will be announced in New York City as well as posted on the Internet (www.ManhattanShort.com ) on Sunday, October 6th at 10:00pm.

“In my 16 years of programming MANHATTAN SHORT, this is by far the strongest program I’ve ever put together,” says Festival Director Nicholas Mason. “There is something for everyone, from the ages of 16 to 80. This event is not going to cable TV or any form of digital download. If you don’t get down to your local cinema during the week of September 27 to October the 6^th, you missed it.” adds Mason

For the first time, MANHATTAN SHORT will name a Best Actor based upon audience voting. MANHATTAN SHORT believes the outstanding work of actors and actresses in short films is often overlooked by the general public and the film community at large. By asking the MANHATTAN SHORT audience to vote for Best Actor, MANHATTAN SHORT wants to acknowledge the crucial role an actor plays in the execution of a short film director’s vision.

MANHATTAN SHORT began in 1998, when Mason screened 16 short films onto a screen mounted to the side of a truck on Mulberry Street, Little Italy, in New York City. A year later, the Festival moved uptown to Union Square Park in New York City. In the aftermath of 9/11, MANHATTAN SHORT transformed into a worldwide phenomenon, becoming the only film festival on the planet that unfolds, simultaneously, in more than 250 cinemas on six continents, bringing over 100,000 film-lovers in all corners of the globe together for one week, via the next generation of filmmakers. Click here to read how it all began For more information on the Festival and to read detailed interviews with the 10 Finalists visit www.ManhattanShort.com or click on the following links:

Manhattan Short Film Festival is coming to The Palace Danbury on Friday, October 4 at 7:30 PM. Tickets cost $12 and may be purchased online at www.thepalacedanbury.com, by phone at 203 -794-9944, or at the box office starting one hour before showtime.

The historic theatre is located at 165 Main Street. Free parking for patrons is available behind the theater. For more information about The Palace Danbury, please visit their website at www.thepalacedanbury.com.

‘Operation Jungle Red’ Promotes Non-Violence at WCSU

365Danbury — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 21:08:52 +0000

Western Connecticut State University will hold “Operation Jungle Red” (OJR) events throughout October in promotion of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is the third year the university is hosting OJR and the program will consist of four lectures on several topics relating to violence. Events will take place at the Student Center on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury, and on the first floor of the Campus Center on the Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury. All discussions will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If weather permits, the Midtown campus events will be held outside the Student Center on the patio area.

In addition to the discussions, each event will include the opportunity to sign a pledge against violence and have a pinky nail painted red, receive a card with the pledge and a free t-shirt or wristband.

Upcoming events will include:

Tuesday, Oct. 1: “Stereotypes & Myths” – In the Midtown Student Center courtyard, attendees will participate in writing on a large banner titled “What have you been called?” prompting a discussion about myths and stereotypes related to gender, race and the realities of abusive relationships.

Monday, Oct. 7: “Fighting Words” – In the Westside Campus Center, using the banner from Oct. 1, there will be a discussion about reactions to hostile language, the impact of these words, and how to respond or intervene within those circumstances with guest speaker State Victim’s Advocate Garvin Ambrose.

Thursday, Oct. 17: “Intimate Partner Violence” – In the Midtown Student Center courtyard, there will be a display and discussion about intimate partner violence, victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and rape.

Wednesday, Oct. 23: “Campus Violence” – In the Midtown Student Center courtyard, the activities will conclude at 12:30 p.m. and the event will be moved into the Student Center Theater at which time guest speakers Executive Director of CCADV Karen Jarmoc and Attorney General George Jepsen will discuss campus violence.

“Each events’ activities are interactive and meant to prompt reflection along with buildingawareness,” said Shaun McDonough, who co-chairs the OJR Committee with Women’s Center of Greater Danbury Campus Advocate Monica Seivel. “The committee is tremendously appreciative of the support and encouragement of the campus community in our efforts to promote a better campus and larger community.”

For more information, call the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

Ladies Evening Out Danbury

365Danbury — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 00:51:52 +0000

Attention to all the women out there – Ladies Evening Out is coming to Danbury on October 17, 2013, from 6:00pm – 10:30pm.

Grab your gal pals and head to Ladies Evening Out for a fun night! The event will feature local businesses offering information, premier shopping, free or discounted services and activities, entertainment, FREE Signature Tote Bags filled with treats just for the ladies, cocktails, lots of FREE giveaways to WIN including a Couples Getaway to Woodloch Resort with a Spa Credit to their luxurious Lodge at Woodloch and much more. Escape from everyday life and spend the evening with your friends at Ladies Evening Out!

The event producers, Connectologie, will hold this fun event in the beautifully renovated Ballroom of the Portuguese Cultural Center located at 65 Sand Pit Road in Danbury, CT. Save now and purchase your advance tickets for just $12 online at www.womanologiect.com through September 30, 2013. Ticket prices thereafter and at the door will be $20. For those bringing a group of friends, special pricing is available, contact info@connectologie.com or call 203 794-6612 for rates.

Businesses wanting to become an Exhibitor or Vendor at Ladies Evening Out can also take advantage of discounted fees available now through September 30, 2013. The event is a perfect venue to reach the women of the greater Danbury Area and surrounding towns in a relaxed party setting.

Being an Exhibitor at Ladies Evening Out gives businesses a chance to reach their local market directly. “Face-to-face marketing has an advantage over other types, by appealing to all the senses and creating a personal connection between the customer and the business,” said Lisa Agresta, Partner of Connectologie LLC. “Connecting businesses with their customers is the mission of our company. In the virtual world we live in, we believe getting back to the basics of a warm handshake and getting to know customers individually can help to create long-lasting and profitable business relationships.” For information on how you can become an Exhibitor or Vendor at Ladies Evening Out, contact the organizers at info@connectologie.com or 203-794-6612.

“Ladies Evening Out” is a premier Womanologie event produced by Connectologie, LLC, www.connectologie.com. In addition to “Ladies Evening Out,” the Company has produced three successful children’s events in the Fairfield County area. The Company’s most recent production was the 2^nd Annual “Kidologie Goes Back to School” event held on August 18, 2013 at the Westfield Trumbull Mall with more than 1500 attendees. The company also produced “Kidologie Gets Ready for Summer” held in early spring 2013 at the Reed Intermediate School in Newtown which benefited the Newtown Memorial Fund. In addition, Lisa Agresta, participated in the production of a fundraiser and fun night out for women located in Bethel, CT, which benefited the EverWonder Children’s Museum in June 2012.

CityCenter Danbury’s Last Concert on the Green for the Summer

365Danbury — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 21:01:16 +0000

With music for everyone’s taste – from symphony orchestra; to tributes to the Eagles, RUSH, The Who, and the Grand Ole Opry; to West Afrikan Drumming and the Danbury Drum Corps; and the DJing of The Original Jazzy Jay – CityCenter Danbury’s Concerts on the Green have drawn a record summer crowd of 9,550, and CityCenter is not finished yet. With one more Concert on the Green to go, 2013 may reach the 10,000 mark. Dr. Ya Ya’s Gumbo Party & The Memphis Soul Machine take over the Bandshell with Mardi Gras and Southern Sounds on Friday, August 30 at 7:00 pm. Pack a picnic, bring a chair or blanket, and enjoy. There are multiple dining establishments surrounding the Green, and ample parking is available on the street and in the Patriot Garage, just behind the Bandshell. For additional information, visit www.citycenterdanbury.com or call 203-792-1711

Please note: Only one concert was cancelled this summer due to inclement weather. Back to the Garden 1969, a celebration of Woodstock, has been rescheduled to appear at the Taste of Greater Danbury on Saturday, September 14 at 2:00 pm.

When Dr. Ya Ya’s Gumbo Party comes to town, shoutin’ and paradin’ wih that BIG second-line beat, tossing colored Mardi Gras beads and doubloons to everyone, you’re in for some of the best Louisiana style musical cookin’ north of Lake Pontchartrain. Everybody deserves a Mardi Gras, 400 days a year. To administer a remedy, Dr. Ya Ya dispatches his musical minions, who resemble past and present members of rootsy rockin’ bands like The Bandidos, Hot Skillet Papas, Eight to the Bar, B. Willie Smith, The Convertibles and more. Parading into every gig with feathers flying, drums pounding, and brass horns blowing – just like Rampart Street on Fat Tuesday – the revue turns up the heat with their rock ‘n roll, rhythm & blues, funk and zydeco gumbo. It’s an all-Louisiana groove riot of party music from the land where rock was born, pumping out the classic sounds of Professor Longhair, The Meters, Fats Domino, The Neville Brothers, Lloyd Price, Lee Dorsey, Huey Piano Smith, Shirley & Lee, “Zydeco Princess” Miss Ann Goodly, and Clarence “Frogman” Henry.

The spectacular that is Memphis Soul Machine is a stomping tribute to the Southern Soul sound of the 1960s, including greats like Sam & Dave, Al Green, Otis Redding, and Wilson Pickett; the dynamite vocals of Rob “Mr. Big Stuff” Jockel; and the blazing guitar of Branford native Mike Roth, a longtime local favorite. A relentless rhythm section and brass-knuckle horns from some of New England’s most seasoned bands round out the lineup to bring to life the laid-back romance, sweaty grooves, and front-pew power of the great Southern Soul era.

Connecticut’s Annual Sales Tax Free Week 2013

365Danbury — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:09:46 +0000

Have you started your back to school shopping yet? Or maybe you need something new for yourself? Connecticut’s annual holiday from the sales tax begins on Sunday, August 18th and runs through Saturday, August 24th.

During this third week of August, individual items of clothing and footwear that cost less than $300 are completely exempt from state sales tax – other than sports equipment, specialty clothing, jewelry and accessories. Store sales, catalog and on-line purchases, purchases on layaway and rentals are exempt. In addition, the tax free holiday week includes items valued at more but discounted to under $300 with sales, coupons and similar merchant promotions.

Check those sales ads and get your coupons ready! You could score a real bargain this week! And as always, don’t forget to shop local when possible. For every $100 spent in a locally-owned business, $68 returns to the community. Spend the same amount at a national retailer and only $43 comes back. Spend it online and the local community receives $0 (Source: Civic Economics 2008 Study).

Danbury’s Amerigo Vespucci Lodge Annual Italian Festival

365Danbury — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 18:14:22 +0000

Visit Amerigo Vespucci Lodge #160 this weekend for food, rides and entertainment, live music, dancing, and more at the Sons of Italy’s annual Italian Festival!

The food menu includes: Sausage and Peppers, Pizza Fritta, Zeppole, Porchetta, Chicken Parmigiana, Linguine with Clam Sauce, Tripe for you real Italians, Ziti and Meatballs, Meatball Grinder, Eggplant Grinder, pastries and gelato from Gelato Fiasco of Maine.

Schedule is as follows:

Friday, August 2nd
5pm-11pm

Saturday, August 3rd
3pm-11pm

Sunday, August 4th
1pm-9pm

The lodge is located at 10 Christopher Columbus Ave. in Danbury. Parking and admission are FREE.

StoryWalk at Tarrywile Park & Mansion

365Danbury — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 17:15:34 +0000

Looking for free things to do with the kids this summer? StoryWalk 2013 is here! Come have fun with your kids and get your summer reading in at Tarrywile Park & Mansion. Bring a snack or lunch so you can talk about the book while enjoying the Childrens’ Garden.

July 8 – 12
“Willie Takes a Hike “by Gloria Rand & Ted Rand Description: Moving to his family’s new home in the junkyard, Willie the mouse sets out to explore his new territory and is delighted bythe area’s exciting new promise, until he has a run-in with a raccoon and a cat.

July 15 – 19
“Over in the Meadow” By Ezra Jack Keates Description: Welcome to a lush meadow bustling with activity, where one turtle digs, two fish swim, three bluebirds sing, and so on to ten fireflies that shine in the night. Keats’s collage-style illustrations perfectly complement this classic Appalachian counting rhyme

July 22 – 26
“Butterfly Birthday” by Harriet Ziefert Description: On the first day of spring, bugs of every shape, size, and color greet each other after the long, cold winter. At a spectacular party to celebrate the vernal equinox, caterpillars emerge from their chrysalises to join in the fun.

July 29 – Aug. 2
“Home Sweet Home” by Caroline Pitcher Description: Frog lives in a bucket, but suddenly, he has to find a new home! Can any of his friends in the garden take him in? Will he ever find somewhere else to live?

Aug 5 – 9
“Miss Spider’s Tea party” by David Kirk Description: Miss Spider can’t understand why insects flee in panic at her approach. She only wants to invite them over for cakes and tea. The ironic air wafting through Kirk’s rhymed tale will not be lost on young readers, and the insects in the big, brightly colored illustrations bear comically apprehensive expressions as they hastily depart . . . At last, Miss Spider is able to convince a rain-soaked moth of her good intentions.”

Aug 12 – 16
“Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell Description: As three adorable Owl chicks sit on a branch in the woods their fears and concerns become very real as they worry that their mom may not return. The striking illustrations cleverly enhance their mood as they sit, waiting and thinking, until finally all is well again.

Aug. 19 – 23
“Leo the Lightning Bug” by Eric Drachman Description: Leo wins our hearts and gains self-confidence in his struggle to make his very own light.

StoryWalk is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. Please note that rain cancels the StoryWalk. Parking is in the lower parking lot.

Tarrywile Park & Mansion is located at 70 Southern Blv. in Danbury, CT.

Summer Movie Nights at Candlewood Lake

365Danbury — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 18:36:22 +0000

Grab your family and pack your picnic baskets, blankets, and lawn chairs! It’s time for Summer Movie Nights at Candlewood Lake!

The movies are free and begin at dusk. The concession stand will be open before and during the showing.

Saturday, July 6th
The Amazing Spiderman

Saturday, July 13th
The Bucket List

Saturday, July 20th
Wreck-It Ralph

Saturday, July 27th
42

Candlewood Lake Park is located at 36 Hayestown Rd, Danbury, CT.

CityCenter Danbury’s Weekend Concerts on the Green

365Danbury — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 20:18:54 +0000

The Danbury Symphony Orchestra’s June concert on CityCenter’s Green heralded two months of musical entertainment under the bandshell, picnics under the stars, and gatherings with friends. The Symphony’s performance on June 15th drew a crowd of 700. Beginning July 12th through August 30th, CityCenter will continue its tradition of summertime entertainment every weekend on the Green, including the Sonny Carroll Orchestra, A Night at the Grand Ol’ Opry, Afrikan Drumming, and the Danbury Drum Corps. Concerts begin with opening acts at 7pm, and main performances go on at 8pm. For additional information, visitwww.citycenterdanbury.com or call 203-792-1711

Friday, July 12 ALREADY GONE (EAGLES TRIBUTE)

Opening Act: Jesse Lynch

Non-Profit in the Spotlight: Women’s Center of Greater Danbury

Formed in Houston, Texas, in 2006, ALREADY GONE has earned the reputation as the South’s premier Eagles tribute band. The band is made up of five veterans of the Houston music scene, each with outstanding lead and backing vocal talents, who have practiced long and hard to recreate the Eagles’ trademark choir harmonies.

The band performs at festivals, clubs, casinos and private and corporate events in Texas and beyond, with a song list that includes all of the Eagles’ greatest hits, such as “Take It Easy”, ”Desperado”, “Hotel California”, “Life in the Fast Lane” and “The Long Run”, each performed in vintage Eagles style. So sit back, close your eyes and take a drive down that dark desert highway at the next performance by ALREADY GONE!

Saturday, July 13 FUTURE TENSE
“The Third Time’s the Charm” Tour
Opening Act: Joe Pacelli & Jeffy Palmer

Non-Profit in the Spotlight: Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center

Future Tense is a rock dance band from Fairfield and Litchfield counties in their thirty-first year! They have one self-produced recording of original songs entitled “YBU,” and are currently in preproduction for its next original disc, “Zen Lemonade Stand.” The band most recently garnered the I-95 Best Local Band award for four years in a row, and is poised for either world domination, or a trip to Lourdes, France; whichever heals their rocking pneumonia and boogie-woogie flu.