Archives for November 2014
The Resident 11/26/14
Carpenters Christmas Performance – A MUST See!
by Maya Jung
Three songs by the Carpenters – “We’ve only just begun”, “Close to you”, “Rainy days and Mondays”. Took a moment to come back from a trip down memory lane didn’t it? And therein lies the magic of the music created by sister and brother Karen and Richard Carpenter – it is timeless, forever touching, sealing moment in time and place to lyric and melody. Now for the greatest of news for Carpenters fans – Mohegan Sun has again come through with a major booking coup! Save the date of Friday, December 5th, get to the Wolf Den early, because at 8:00PM – The sound of the Carpenters lives again!
An act that has sold out in Las Vegas, New York, and everywhere else it has performed is “We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered”. It is the result of incredibly gifted musicians coming together in common love of two of the greats of the past and the music they created.
Front and center and the Star of the show is the immensely gifted solo vocalist Michelle Berting Brett. Blessed with the same rare three octave range voice as was Karen Carpenter, Michelle is wondrous to hear and enjoy. Her stage presence is mesmerizing, her rapport with the audience embracing, and her knowledge of and devotion to the creators of the songs she sings endearing.
Michelle voice is backed by a seven member assemblage of amazingly talented musicians! To play the incredibly complex compositions created by Richard Carpenter requires rare talent and mastery of diverse and thus seldom used elsewhere Instruments such as the French Horn and Oboe.
THE RESIDENT had a chance to speak with Michelle Berting Brett from her busy Tour schedule last week, she is charismatic and modest. “I am honored to be able to sing the songs that Karen and Richard created and sold over 100 million records of,” Michelle stated. “Every performance we do I see tears of joy and remembrance in the eyes of the audience!” Michelle also paid tribute to her musicians, “Immensely gifted and the nicest of professionals to Tour with!” and her Husband Mark, “My Love, My Best Friend, My Producer!”
THE RESIDENT will be at The Wolf Den on December 5th! As do all of you, We LOVE the music of the Carpenters! See you there!
Dr. Stephen Coan is Distinguished Crawford Awardee
by Alexis Ann
Foxwoods Resort Casino rolled out the red carpet for the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut’s William Crawford Distinguished Service Award recipients from earlier years to this year’s honoree, Dr. Stephen M. Coan, President and CEO Sea Research Foundation, which operates Mystic Aquarium. The Chamber gives this award to an outstanding member of the community who exemplifies the spirit of service and who contributes to the quality of life in Eastern Connecticut.
Tony Sheridan, President and CEO, CCECT, states, “The Crawford Award has a long history of honoring those among us who have contributed a great deal to our region, and this year’s winner is no exception. Steve follows in the tradition of those who came before him.”
As an officer of Sea Research Foundation since 2001, Dr. Stephen Coan was appointed chief operating officer in 2004, and completed a radical restructuring of the organization’s financial platform, including reduction of $20-million in debt. He became president and CEO in 2006. Under his stewardship, the foundation boasts record-setting fundraising and took over the management of JASON Learning from National Geographic Society in 2010. In 2014, Mystic Aquarium was awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service at the White House in recognition of its unique array of community and national programs serving at-risk youth and people with special needs.
The Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley presented the guest of honor with a handcrafted sign, “We Love Immersion mentoring”.
Chairman Rodney Butler, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, recalled that the Tribe’s work with the Aquarium dates back to the 1990’s. “I’m grateful for the people you’re touching,” announced Rodney. A story blanket and wampum necklace were gifted to Steve by two young Tribal members participating in the Jason Learn Program.
The common theme of all speakers who participated in honoring Steve during this gala was that of accomplishing the mission with his tireless efforts for conservation and marine research. “He’s got a mission and a vision…He’s an educator and visionary who gets things done,” said George Milne,Trustee, Mystic Aquarium.
Exclusive to THE RESIDENT is a reporting by evening security staff at the Mystic Aquarium that at the exact moment that Dr. Coen received the Crawford Award the following occurred – Belugas sent up salutatory spouts, Penguins danced, Seals applauded with their flippers, and fishes formed up to spell out “Proud of You, Doc!” Nature knows all THE GOOD NEWS as does THE RESIDENT!
Captain Jerry Desmond Retires
by Maya Jung
Born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, since age 5 he has been in Stonington. A product of Stonington Public Schools, he served those schools for decades after graduating. He excelled on the playing fields and later made sports possible for those that followed him. He first drove the streets of Stonington as a teenager; as a Police Officer he protected those streets for 35 years. Jerry Desmond is the personification of Stonington Strong.
Born the middle child of James and Phyllis Desmond, Jerry attributes his work ethic, drive, and demeanor to his late parents. “Dad worked at EB and Mom at various dining spots. They gave my brother Walter, sister Patty, and I a great childhood. More so, they modeled that each has an obligation to help others and to give whatever we were doing our full and complete effort,” Desmond recalled. This gave Jerry the drive to be the first in his family to go to college.
An Education Major at SCSU, Jerry graduated when teaching jobs were scarce. “I was worried,” Desmond said. “I had worked so hard to earn my degree and it seemed I would not be able to use it.” Fate intervened as one of Jerry’s boyhood heroes, Stonington Police Officer Dave Erskine.
Erskine, who went on to be Chief of the Stonington Police, encouraged Desmond to apply as a patrol officer. Jerry also applied as assistant football coach at his alma mater as well as Head Girl Gymnastics Coach for the same beloved Bears. In 1980 Desmond became a Police Officer and Coach and stayed for over 35 years.
“Working with youth has been the most rewarding part of my career as both a Coach and Police Officer. To see kids grow from boys and girls into solid citizens and to be a part of that process is a gift to my life,” said Desmond. Coaching saw Desmond mold citizens and produce champions. A high point was the 1991 SHS State Championship Football Team.
“A wonderful group of young men,” Desmond stated. “They and my friend Coach Bob Mitchell gave me a season of a lifetime!”
A small town police department requires a myriad of responsibilities and expertise. With the encouragement of Chief Carl Johnson and Captain Charles Lopresto, Jerry attended every training program his schedule allowed. Desmond graduated from the FBI Training Academy and received a Masters Degree in Homeland Security from UCONN.
Days ago, Jerry Desmond retired. He began a new career and has more time to enjoy the best things in life. These are his beloved wife Jacquelyn, Nurse and co-owner of Babies Natural in Westerly, R.I., children Kyle and Katie and spouses, and grandchildren Landon and Charlotte. Arriving in December is new Granddaughter Cecile who will be adopted after a family trip to China!
THE RESIDENT salutes Captain Desmond. Jerry Desmond – Stonington Strong!
Holiday Events That Rock
Downtown Westerly/Pawcatuck
18th Annual Holiday Stroll and Luminaria
The 18th Annual Holiday Stroll and Luminaria will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 in downtown Westerly-Pawcatuck from 5:00-9:00 PM. This annual holiday event is sponsored by the Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association.
The Annual Holiday Stroll is a wonderful evening full of hospitality, friendship and community spirit. Bundle up and start your holiday shopping by supporting the wonderful shops, boutiques, and art galleries in Downtown Westerly. The streets will be lined with beautiful luminaria and caroling groups will fill the air with holiday music. Come have dinner at your favorite restaurant before strolling through the Downtown area. Go on a horse-drawn hayride or stop for complementary hot chocolate and cookies and keep an eye out for Santa Claus, he will be roaming the streets to greet you and spread holiday cheer!
Come to Downtown Westerly and ENJOY your Holiday shopping this year!
For any questions, please contact The Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce at 401-596-7761 or visit our website at www.westerlychamber.org.
Santa’s Arrrival November 28th 6pm
December 3rd Holiday Stroll & Luminaria 5-9 pm
January 9th: SECT 40 Under 40 Foxwoods 6pm
East Haddam
Irving Berlin’s ‘Holiday Inn’
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014, 2:00 pm
The Goodspeed Opera House,
6 Main St., East Haddam, CT , 06423
Connecticut inn open for business only on holidays, overflows with dance, romance and Irving Berlin songs; through Dec. 28;
tickets start at $28, all prices subject to change based on availability; .860.873.8668.
New England Traditional Sleigh Rides at Allegra Farms
P.O. Box 455
East Haddam, CT 06423
860.680.5149
860.537.8861
There is nothing so enchanting as the sound of sleigh bells and the whisper of runners on fresh snow! Have a “Courrier and Ives” experience as you bundle up in your lap robes and hand muffs, and let the sleigh take you from this bustling century to a more tranquil time. Bring your own refreshments to warm your body and spirit.
Essex
Essex Steam Train Polar Express
Address: Essex Steam Train 1 Railroad Ave. Essex, 06426
Date(s): November 14, 2014 — December 28, 2014
Time(s): Departures: 5 pm, 5:35 pm, 7 pm, 7:35 pm
Description: Board the locomotive-powered sleigh for a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole. Every coach becomes a stage for a live, musical performance of The Night Before Christmas. Celebrate the spirit of the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sing-a-longs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies.
Traditional event highlights include a trip to the North Pole to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus, trackside displays, and each child meets with Santa and receives a small gift. Children are invited to wear their favorite pajamas.
Train runs: November 14-16, 20-23, 28-30, December 2-23, 26-28.
Admission: Parlor Car tickets: $63, Coach $30.
Phone: 860.767.0103
Groton
Groton Lights Parade:
Saturday, December 6 at 5pm and will be a fantastic kick-off to this year’s holiday season. March from Poquonnock Road at South Road, along Long Hill Road to the Groton Shopping Plaza.
Guilford
Night Before Christmas Storytime
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, 11:00 am
Henry Whitfield State Museum, 248 Old Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT , 06437
Join us for hourly readings of the classic holiday tale in front of the Great Hall fireplace, plus discounts on children’s books, toys, and games in the gift shop. Admission includes self-guided tours of the 1639 Whitfield House and the exhibit “Holidaze: The Real Story of Halloween, Thanksgiving & Christmas.” Free parking.
Ledyard
Ledyard Parade & Carol Sing
November 30, 2014 at 5:00 pm
Parade starts at Ledyard Center School
Come see Santa, enjoy FREE hot cocoa and cookies! Gather around the bon-fire while singing Holiday Carols!
Madison
DEC. 4 – Ladies Day & Night Out!
Love Your Locals and Shop, Shop, Shop! @ Madison shops & restaurants 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Stop by at participating stores and receive your bracelet. Stores and restaurants will be offering specials on Dec. 4th, Dec. 11th and 18th! Most stores will be open until 9pm. Make a date with friends and head downtown for great shopping and a tasty meal!
Santa Visits, Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
When: December 7, 2014 @ 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Cost: Free
Contact: Eileen Banisch 203.245.7394
Mystic
Mystic Lighted Boat Parade
Mystic River Park
November 29, 2014 starting at 6:20 pm
Decorated vessels parade down Mystic River and return to the Mystic River Park, where spectators and judges gather. Boats are judged on creativity and team spirit.
New London
Celebration of Lights & Song
Downtown New London
Saturday 29 November 2014, 04:00 pm
Shop local for a unique gift and experience. Visit with Santa at Nathan Hale School House 3-5 pm. Holiday tree lighting and community carol sing at 5 pm.
Eastern CT Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker
Garde Arts Center
325 State St., New London, CT , 06320
Performances at 1:30 and 7 pm Saturday and 1:30 pm Sunday. Eastern CT Ballet presents its 13th annual Nutcracker at the Garde Arts Center in New London. In this classic holiday tale with a seafaring twist, New York City Ballet dancers Sara Mearns and Jared Angle will delight audiences alongside over 100 pre-professional ECB students from local communities. With musical accompaniment by the Eastern CT Symphony Orchestra, dancers showcase a fantasy world where toys and treats come to life, flowers can waltz and holiday memories are made.
Tickets are available through the box office at 860.444.7373 x1.
Niantic
Niantic Main Street Stroll 11/29, 3-7 pm
Niantic, Conn. Niantic Main Street
Niantic’s downtown revitalization organization is ready to spread holiday cheer throughout Niantic with their 11th Annual Holiday Stroll. The event will be held on Saturday, November 29, from 3 to 7 pm and is free and open to the public.
Planned entertainment and activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, a donut eating contest by Giuliano’s Donut & Bake Shop, carols by the Connecticut Yuletide Carolers, a s’mores station, characters from the Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” complimentary hot cider and cocoa, “Holiday Idol” on the Liberty Green, a snowflake drop and the arrival of Santa on a shiny red fire truck at the town green at approximately 5:20 pm, immediately after the annual tree lighting ceremony.
Niantic Holiday Stroll Schedule:
3-7 pm Store & restaurant specials
3-7 pm Complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides
3-7 pm DJ Chris Turkington on Liberty Green
3-7 pm Heritage Properties’ Toys for Tots Drive on Liberty Green
3-7 pm Children’s arts & crafts at the Police Department with East Lyme Youth Services
3-4:30 pm S’more station at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties
3-4:30 pm Letter writing to Santa at Children’s Museum of SECT
3-4:30 pm Holiday Idol performance on the Liberty Green
3-5 pm April’s Balloon Creations at Weichert Realtors
4-4:30 pm Giuliano’s Donut&Bake Shop’s Donut Eating Contest
4-7 pm The Connecticut Yuletide Carolers stroll Main Street
5:10 pm Countdown to the tree lighting
5:15 pm Snowflake Drop
5:20 pm Arrival of Santa
5:30 pm Visits with Santa and letter delivery
6-8 pm Heartbeat Dixieland Jazz Band plays at Smarty’s
Children can bring their yearly letters and wish lists to Santa for bringing back to the North Pole, or they can stop in to the Children’s Museum to craft their letter. Visits with Santa are free; parents are encouraged to bring a camera to capture the moment.
For more information and a list of participating shops and restaurants, visit www.nianticmainstreet.org or call 860-739-2550.
TV LEGEND BOB BARKER FUNDS ‘LION’S SHARE’ OF SUCCESSFUL MISSION TO SAVE CIRCUS ANIMALS IN PERU
TV LEGEND BOB BARKER FUNDS ‘LION’S SHARE’ OF SUCCESSFUL MISSION TO SAVE CIRCUS ANIMALS IN PERU
Los Angeles, US and Lima, Peru: Philanthropist and multi Emmy award-winning TV legend Bob Barker has generously donated $500,000 to fund the ‘lion’s share’ of an epic mission by Animal Defenders International (ADI) to help enforce the Peruvian Government’s wild animal circus ban and relocate the animals in what will be largest rescue of its kind ever undertaken.
Following months of work all over Peru, including trucking animals hundreds of miles across the Andes, ADI has just this week emptied the last wild animals from Peru’s traveling circuses as part of this record-breaking mission.
30 African lions are now in the care of ADI – 21 at their Spirit of Freedom Rescue Center near Lima and 9 in Colombia (following Colombia’s ban), which are due to join the Lima group for the Spirit of Freedom airlift to the US. The lions are being prepared for their journey to their forever home at a sanctuary in Colorado. Although the main operation is completed, ADI has asked the public to be on the lookout for any sightings of now-illegal wild animals in circuses and let them know immediately, so that they can also be relocated.
ADI is also relocating 9 primates from circuses and the illegal wildlife trade to sanctuaries in the Amazon.
The legendary US game show host, Bob Barker said “I am delighted and honored to be able to play a part in this important rescue mission. Circus animals suffer terribly and, thanks to ADI, Peru’s wild circus animals are being freed from their cages and chains and have a brighter future ahead of them. It is the US’ shame that such acts are still permitted here.”
Peru’s ban on wild animal circuses was secured in 2012 following an ADI undercover investigation of cruelty in animal circuses and a joint campaign involving Peru’s animal protection groups. The cornerstone of the successful campaign was a two-year ADI undercover investigation, which revealed the widespread suffering of circus animals in South America. The shocking exposé led to public outrage and calls for action across the continent. Nationwide bans followed in Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and El Salvador, with other countries considering taking action.
Many of the circus animals rescued by ADI have lived brutal lives in terrible conditions, some in isolation, others in severely overcrowded cages. The animals are often in need of veterinary treatment – like Pepe, a rescued spider monkey, who underwent surgery to repair the damage done when the circus snapped off his canine teeth. Despite his brutal treatment, Pepe is gentle and trusting of his new caregivers. Many of the lions have suffered smashed and broken teeth as a result of brutality.
The substantial donation from the former Price is Right host has helped fund the construction of quarantine facilities and veterinary care and, when the animals are ready to travel, will also help pay for their flight to freedom. ADI is raising more funds to relocate all of the animals and build facilities for the monkeys in the Amazon sanctuaries.
Jan Creamer, President of ADI, said “Bob Barker’s overwhelming generosity allows ADI to free circus animals in Peru from a life of deprivation and suffering – Bob Barker is truly a hero for the animals, all over the world.”
This is not the first time that Bob Barker has provided ADI with financial assistance to enable them to rescue and relocate animals in distress. In 2011, Barker donated nearly $2 million to fund ADI’s rescue of two groups of circus lions and other animals in Bolivia and construction of facilities at two sanctuaries in the US. The mission, known as Operation Lion Ark, is documented in the multi award-winning action-adventure movie LION ARK, which has recently been signed into global distribution with world-leading ITV Studios Global Entertainment.
A total of 28 countries worldwide have banned the use of all or wild animals in circuses, with similar prohibitions under discussion in several more. In the US, ADI is working to end the use of wild animals in traveling circuses through the Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act (TEAPA).
ADI welcomes donations to help care for the animals and fund their flights to the US, free from suffering: DONATE US $ http://bit.ly/1iztQbjTV LEGEND BOB BARKER FUNDS ‘LION’S SHARE’ OF SUCCESSFUL MISSION TO SAVE CIRCUS ANIMALS IN PERU
Los Angeles, US and Lima, Peru: Philanthropist and multi Emmy award-winning TV legend Bob Barker has generously donated $500,000 to fund the ‘lion’s share’ of an epic mission by Animal Defenders International (ADI) to help enforce the Peruvian Government’s wild animal circus ban and relocate the animals in what will be largest rescue of its kind ever undertaken.
Following months of work all over Peru, including trucking animals hundreds of miles across the Andes, ADI has just this week emptied the last wild animals from Peru’s traveling circuses as part of this record-breaking mission.
30 African lions are now in the care of ADI – 21 at their Spirit of Freedom Rescue Center near Lima and 9 in Colombia (following Colombia’s ban), which are due to join the Lima group for the Spirit of Freedom airlift to the US. The lions are being prepared for their journey to their forever home at a sanctuary in Colorado. Although the main operation is completed, ADI has asked the public to be on the lookout for any sightings of now-illegal wild animals in circuses and let them know immediately, so that they can also be relocated.
ADI is also relocating 9 primates from circuses and the illegal wildlife trade to sanctuaries in the Amazon.
The legendary US game show host, Bob Barker said “I am delighted and honored to be able to play a part in this important rescue mission. Circus animals suffer terribly and, thanks to ADI, Peru’s wild circus animals are being freed from their cages and chains and have a brighter future ahead of them. It is the US’ shame that such acts are still permitted here.”
Peru’s ban on wild animal circuses was secured in 2012 following an ADI undercover investigation of cruelty in animal circuses and a joint campaign involving Peru’s animal protection groups. The cornerstone of the successful campaign was a two-year ADI undercover investigation, which revealed the widespread suffering of circus animals in South America. The shocking exposé led to public outrage and calls for action across the continent. Nationwide bans followed in Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and El Salvador, with other countries considering taking action.
Many of the circus animals rescued by ADI have lived brutal lives in terrible conditions, some in isolation, others in severely overcrowded cages. The animals are often in need of veterinary treatment – like Pepe, a rescued spider monkey, who underwent surgery to repair the damage done when the circus snapped off his canine teeth. Despite his brutal treatment, Pepe is gentle and trusting of his new caregivers. Many of the lions have suffered smashed and broken teeth as a result of brutality.
The substantial donation from the former Price is Right host has helped fund the construction of quarantine facilities and veterinary care and, when the animals are ready to travel, will also help pay for their flight to freedom. ADI is raising more funds to relocate all of the animals and build facilities for the monkeys in the Amazon sanctuaries.
Jan Creamer, President of ADI, said “Bob Barker’s overwhelming generosity allows ADI to free circus animals in Peru from a life of deprivation and suffering – Bob Barker is truly a hero for the animals, all over the world.”
This is not the first time that Bob Barker has provided ADI with financial assistance to enable them to rescue and relocate animals in distress. In 2011, Barker donated nearly $2 million to fund ADI’s rescue of two groups of circus lions and other animals in Bolivia and construction of facilities at two sanctuaries in the US. The mission, known as Operation Lion Ark, is documented in the multi award-winning action-adventure movie LION ARK, which has recently been signed into global distribution with world-leading ITV Studios Global Entertainment.
A total of 28 countries worldwide have banned the use of all or wild animals in circuses, with similar prohibitions under discussion in several more. In the US, ADI is working to end the use of wild animals in traveling circuses through the Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act (TEAPA).
ADI welcomes donations to help care for the animals and fund their flights to the US, free from suffering: DONATE US $ http://bit.ly/1iztQbj
Manhattan Theatre Club’s World Premiere of Lost Lake
Manhattan Theatre Club’s
World Premiere of Lost Lake
Opens at MTC at New York City Center – Stage I (131 West 55th Street)
Manhattan Theatre Club’s world premiere of Lost Lake, the new play by Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner David Auburn, directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan, featuring Oscar nominee John Hawkes (The Sessions, Winter’s Bone) and Tracie Thoms (Rent, “Cold Case”), opens at MTC at New York City Center – Stage I (131 West 55th Street).
The team behind the Pulitzer Prize-winning Proof and The Columnist returns to MTC with Lost Lake, a riveting and spirited world premiere play by Tony winner David Auburn, directed by Tony winner Daniel Sullivan.
The lakeside rental Veronica (Tracie Thoms) has managed to afford is a far cry from the idyllic getaway she and her children so desperately need. And the disheveled property owner, Hogan (John Hawkes), has problems of his own – problems that Veronica is inevitably and irrevocably – pulled into.
An engrossing and revealing portrait of two strangers bound together by circumstance, Lost Lake is a vivid new work about the struggle for connection in an imperfect world.
The creative team for Lost Lake features J. Michael Griggs (scenic design), Jess Goldstein (costume design), Robert Perry (lighting design), Fitz Patton (original music & sound design), and Thomas Schall (movement consultant).
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Lynne Meadow and Executive Producer Barry Grove, MTC has become one of the country’s most prominent and prestigious theatre companies. Over the past four and a half decades, MTC productions have earned numerous awards including 6 Pulitzer Prizes and 19 Tony Awards. MTC has a Broadway home at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street) and two Off-Broadway theatres at New York City Center (131 West 55th Street). Renowned MTC productions include Casa Valentina; Outside Mullingar; The Assembled Parties; Venus in Fur; Master Class; Good People; The Whipping Man; Time Stands Still; The Royal Family; Ruined; Come Back, Little Sheba; Blackbird; Shining City; Rabbit Hole; Doubt; Proof; The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife; Love! Valour! Compassion!; A Small Family Business; Sylvia; Putting It Together; Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune; Crimes of the Heart; and Ain’t Misbehavin.’
For more information on MTC, please visit www.ManhattanTheatreClub.com.
TICKETING INFORMATION
Tickets for Lost Lake are available by calling CityTix at 212-581-1212, online by visiting www.nycitycenter.org, or by visiting New York City Center box office (131 West 55th Street). All tickets are $90.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
- <!–[if !supportLists]–> <!–[endif]–>MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30 (THANKSGIVING WEEK): Monday through Wednesday at 7 PM; Friday and Saturday at 8 PM. Matinees on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 PM.
- <!–[if !supportLists]–> <!–[endif]–>MONDAY, DECEMBER 1 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7: Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 PM; Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM. Matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM. There are only seven performances on sale to the general public this week.
- <!–[if !supportLists]–> <!–[endif]–>MONDAY, DECEMBER 8 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21: Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 PM; Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM. Matinees on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 PM.
HE MARK TWAIN HOUSE & MUSEUM ROLLS OUT A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE HOME
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THE MARK TWAIN HOUSE & MUSEUM ROLLS OUT A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE HOME
Look around the Mark Twain House in a whole new way with a new room added every Monday morning!
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Starting on Monday, November 10, and continuing every Monday through February, The Mark Twain House will be rolling out a new 360-degree panoramic Virtual Tour of the Mark Twain House. See the house is a whole new light, and prepare for an in-person visit!
Rolling out this first Monday is an exterior view of the house, which starts with the startling shot above. Enjoy being able to examine the intricate detail of this picturesque gothic mansion and the wonderful view of the front yard and Carriage House.
Subsequent Mondays will show the Front Hall, the Drawing Room, the Dining Room, the Library, and then on to the second and third floors of Mark Twain’s wonderful historic home. National Geographic recently named The Mark Twain House “one of the ten best historic homes in the world” in The 10 Best of Everything book. Only two other homes in the United States made that list–Monticello and Mount Vernon.
Visit the new interactive map of the house to see these panoramic virtual tours, and enjoy a taste of what people on the house tours experience in person! (The Virtual Tours can also be found by clicking on the House tab on the home page of the MarkTwainHouse.org, then clicking on Virtual Tours on the right side menu.)
Executive director Cindy Lovell believes the virtual tours will boost visitation to the House. “We have undertaken a serious initiative to increase tourism and are confident these 360-degree virtual tours are a step in the right direction,” she said. “Seeing the unique details of the home, such as the Tiffany stencils or the angel bed, should sufficiently intrigue viewers to come visit. We also realize that there are millions of Mark Twain fans around the world who may never have the opportunity to visit in person. This offers the next best thing.”
Photographer Chris Bain (chrisbain.com) created the tours on a sunny, fall morning. “I have photographed many beautiful sites all around the world, but there is something extraordinary about this place,” he said. “When I first walked into the Front Hall, I turned my head in every direction, immediately wanting to create a 360-degree virtual tour. It is easy to imagine the family appearing at any moment. The house feels lived in.”
Mark Twain was fascinated by technology, including the evolving process of photography. The Kodak camera was invented during his lifetime, which enabled just about anyone to become a photographer. “Kodak” became a verb as people “kodak’d” everything and everyone in sight. Twain playfully wrote in Following the Equator, “Crossed the equator. In the distance it looked like a blue ribbon stretched across the ocean. Several passengers kodak’d it.” There is no telling what he would say about these virtual tours of his home, but it is likely he would approve.
The Mark Twain House & Museum (www.marktwainhouse.org) has restored the author’s Hartford, Connecticut, home, where Samuel L. Clemens and his family lived from 1874 to 1891. In addition to providing tours of Mark Twain’s restored home, a National Historic Landmark, the institution offers activities and educational programs that illuminate Twain’s literary legacy and provide information about his life and times. The house and museum at 351 Farmington Ave. are open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 860-247-0998 or visit www.marktwainhouse.org. Programs at The Mark Twain House & Museum are made possible in part by support from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts and the Greater Hartford Arts Council United Arts Campaign. |
Issue: 11/12/14
Habitat Helps Make a Dream Come True
story & photos
by Karen Butera
Sometimes dreams do come true. With the help of Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut (HFHECT), dreams came true this month for the Robidas family. On October 19, Lorielle Robidas and her three children, Jillian, 11, Samuel, 9, and Jonah, 4, were presented the keys to their new home.
Lorielle, who has been living with her parents and sister for the past four years said, “I am very excited and nervous. This has been like a dream. I have been praying for this for a long time.”
“This home had been a current Habitat home that is now remodeled with a new kitchen, bathroom, plumbing and electrical,” said Terri O’Rourke, Executive Director of HFHECT.
Tony Falzarano, Mayor, Putnam, was on hand to welcome the family to Putnam. A hand-knitted blanket was presented to Robida by Barbara Phaneuf of the HFHECT Board of Directors. It was a blanket that is presented to all new HFHECT homeowners. A quilt came from the Ninegrit Quilters of Westerly. Pastor Lane Lavender of the Lighthouse Church in Plainfield was there to give a blessing over the house.
While addressing her family, friends and volunteers who helped with the house, Robida said, “This is the best day of our lives. I can’t believe we are finally here.” The work was long and hard, but with lots of family support and help from others, the keys were handed over to the Robida family. The key turned in the lock and the door opened to welcome everyone inside the three-bedroom home, complete with a leaf-filled yard for the kids to play in.
Families can apply to Habitat by attending an Applicant Information Meeting to receive a pre-application. A selection committee makes their decision with three things in mind; the need an applicant has for decent affordable housing, the ability to pay the mortgage and other fees that come with owning a home and being able to collaborate with HFHECT to provide 400 hours of “sweat equity.”
For more information, you may contact the HFHECT office at 860-442-7890 or visit www.theresident.com!