Guilford Generations Jubilee Kick Off December 31

On Tuesday, December 31, Guilford Generations Jubilee launches a year of signature celebrations marking the founding of Guilford in 1639. The day-long event (12-8 p.m.) takes place at several venues on and around the Guilford Green.

The day opens in front of Guilford Town Hall, where Katharine Kiernan Photography will take an aerial photo of all gathered below from the bucket of a firetruck. Following the photo, Grand Marshal Sam Allery, the Guilford student who came up with the name Guilford Generations Jubilee, will lead a band of pot-banging, horn-blowing noisemakers in a discordant gig around the Green.
During the afternoon, young and old can participate in varied activities and games, such as glitter tattoos at the Guilford Free Library, and the following at the Community Center:

    Face painting by “Z” Face Painting
    Photo-taking in the Studio 99 Productions photo booth
    Dance lessons – hula, Latin, aerobic, Tai Chi, ballroom line dancing – from groups taught by
    Joanne  Wilder, Christine Reasks, Barbara Corso,   Martin Reichgut, and Karen Pfrommer
    Browsing of Arts & Crafts handmade by senior citizen students Emer Gearhart, Carlotte DeGrado,
    Loise Terrible, and Juliet Calabrese
    Kids Arts & Crafts activities, including snow globes, masks, and mural drawing/painting
    A hands-on, interactive presentation of exotic and unusual animals
    A pool tournament
    Carnival-type games

Not enough to pique your interest? There’s more!
Stop in at the meet-and-greet reception for Anne Kubitsky, creator of the “Look for the Good” Project. Share your own good things 2013 has brought by adding them to the “door,” and learn how you can spread the message in 2014.

Join in on the Bubble Wrap Stomp, courtesy of the Guilford UPS Store and DJ Ron Glick from Studio 99 Productions. Stomp to your heart’s content – all ages welcome!

Also in the afternoon, nearly 20 musical groups will present concerts at Christ Episcopal Church, Christian Science Church, First Congregational Church, and St. George Church (wristbands needed-click here for cost and information). The music and dance festival will provide nonstop musical entertainment – Broadway, classical, jazz – by 16 individual artists and groups. Coordinated by Kevin Buno, they will include:

    Schuyler Beeman
    Bravura Strings
    Kevin Buno
    Joe Cardinale
    Diana Dart Harris
    Brian Gillie
    Guilford Brass Ensemble with Joe Boughton, Dan Fisher, Jeff Tucker and Brian Wolek
    Chad Hardin and Michael Gracco
    Lara Herscovitch
    Keely Baisden Knudsen and Stephanie Stiefel Williams
    Emily Pecoraro
    Apollo Smile
    Mark Sullivan
    The Conn Artists
    GHS Voices and the Student Coffee House Showcase

At twilight, a bonfire will be lit at the northern end of the Green for all the vexations of 2013 to make way for a fresh beginning in 2014. All are invited to watch, get warm, or help fan the flames with bad paperwork, including report cards and “Dear John” letters you’ve received throughout the year.

Lighting up the darkened sky and capping the Guilford Generations Jubilee will be a high-shoot fireworks display visible from the Green and surrounding streets.

Are you ready now to join us? It’s a party for all Guilford Generations and visitors, family and friends and will be remembered by Generations to come!

Ordinary Materials Extraordinary Message

A favorite holiday excursion for my family has been our visit to the Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven.  Since 2004 the Museum has featured an exhibition of crèches from around the world.  Some have been very rustic made of simple materials and small in size while others have been more elaborate, made with beautiful materials and life-size.  But regardless of size or craftmanship all have been accompanied by the history of the region/country that they represented, which was fascinating and educational.

The Knights of Columbus Museum’s annual crèche exhibition for this season, Ordinary Materials, Extraordinary Message: Christmas Nativities in Paper, is open to the public now through Feb. 2, 2014.

Designed in cooperation with Italy’s Friends of the Crèche Association, the display includes 39 Nativity Scenes from throughout Europe and the United States, ranging from small and simple depictions of the Holy Family to large, multifaceted visuals.

The Nativity scene or Christmas crèche has been an important part of Western Christianity for more than 600 years. The tradition’s roots are traced to St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) who devised a living crèche in a stable setting, with actual people and animals, as a visual reminder of the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. This led to the annual practice of using figurines to portray the Nativity scene in villages, churches and homes. During the centuries, crèches have developed into both ornate works of art as well as simple folk pieces.

“The message of the crèche is profound,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. “Through these Nativity scenes we recall and represent the extraordinary gift that God gave us in his son. This exhibition also demonstrates the depth and breadth of Christian devotion across the world.” Read more

The Knights of Columbus Museum has featured crèches as the centerpiece of its yearly Christmas exhibition to show the popularity of the custom and the vastness of cultural expression for several years. Previous exhibitions included collections from Canada, Africa, Asia, Latin America, Poland, Italy and other locations across the world.

The Knights of Columbus Museum has been ranked by USA Today as one of the “10 great places to explore religion in artistic detail.”

Parking and admission to the Museum are free.

So Many Nutcrackers, So Little Time

One holiday event that is always looked forward to is Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.  This imaginative tale has delighted millions since its inaugural performance in 1892.  The story of a Christmas toy coming to life, leading an army of Gingerbread Men and Tin Soldiers against the Mouse King; dancing with the Snowflakes in the Pine Forest; and finally landing in the Land of Sweets with the Sugar Plum Fairy is reenacted over and over again during the Christmas season.  The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It was adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann's story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.  It premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, on December 18, 1892.  From a historical perspective, the original production was not a huge success, but since the 1960s, it has enjoyed enormous popularity, especially in the U.S., and is now performed by countless ballet companies, primarily during the Christmas season.

For Connecticut residents this coming weekend will provide many opportunities to experience this wonderful ballet.  New York City Ballet’s sensations, Sara Mearns and Amar Ramasar will leave audiences spellbound at Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s 12th Captivating Season of The Nutcracker!  Share Clara’s adventure and be transported by magical sailing vessel to an enchanted seaport in 1850’s New London.  Along the way, shimmering snowflakes dance for Clara and the sparkling Sugar Plum Fairy eagerly awaits her arrival.  Children of all ages will love the opening party scene filled with laughter and surprises as well as the thrill of battle on the high seas between the brave Nutcracker, Sailors, Pirate Rats and the dreaded Rat King.  Enjoy the legendary music of Tchaikovsky performed live by Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and the energetic dancing of more than 100 professionally-trained Eastern Connecticut Ballet dancers.  Bring family and friends to the Nutcracker of Choice and follow Clara’s journey that takes her around the world in one spectacular night! It all takes place in our own backyard at the historic Garde Arts Center, 325 State Street in New London.  Performances are December 14 at 1:30 pm & 7:00 pm and December 15 at 1:30 pm.  For tickets, call The Garde at (860) 444-7373 or online at gardearts.org.  SPECIAL Military, senior, and group discounts available.

New Haven Ballet performs the holiday classic with a beautiful production that includes all the costumes, scenery, and magic to bring Clara’s dream to life. Performed in the historic Shubert Theater in downtown New Haven, the 2013 production will feature Maria Kowroski, principal dancer with New York City Ballet and Charles Askegard, former principal dancer at New York City Ballet and the New Haven Ballet Orchestra conducted by Richard Gard.  Performances are Friday, December 13 at7pm, Saturday, December 14 at 1 & 5:30pm, and Sunday, December 15 at 1pm.  For tickets click here.

The Nutcracker Spectacular performed by Mystic Ballet follows the enchanting adventures of Clara, through two acts, with a time travel twist.  You will be caught up in the magic, the excitement, the experience of dance, special effects and interactive sets as the artists dive into, leap from and get “crushed” under. Get ready to expect the unexpected.  Performances are at Foxwoods Resort Casino on Saturday, December 14 & 21 at 7pm; and on Sunday, December 15 & 22 at 2pm.  For tickets click here.

Connecticut Ballet will bring its outstanding performance to the Palace Theatre in Stamford.  Performances will feature American Ballet dancers Veronika Part and Alexandre Hammoudi in the December 14 and 22 program and Julie Kent and Jared Matthews (also from ABT) on the 15 & 21.  All performances are at 2pm.  For tickets click here.

Enjoy!

Create A Memorable Holiday Experience

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, an annual Christmas stage musical produced by MSG Entertainment, has been a New York Christmas tradition since 1933. What young dancer doesn’t dream about being in the famous Rockette Dance Line?  The perfectly synchronized choreography, the high kicks, the fabulous costumes, the spectacular sets and the incredible talent make the annual Christmas Show a wonderful holiday tradition.  Did you know that you can be a part of that amazing experience?   Have a Rockettes Experience if you are an Intermediate to Advanced Dancer aged 10 and up with training in tap, jazz and ballet!

DANCE WITH THE ROCKETTES gives dancers an opportunity to learn tap and jazz combinations, the world famous kick line and actual Rockettes choreography in a workshop taught by one of the iconic Rockettes.  Demonstrate your skills and stand out in a mock audition, participate in an exclusive Q&A and snap a picture with one of the Rockettes! Complete the experience with the Radio City Stage Door Tour - go backstage and learn the secrets of the Radio City Music Hall.

Participants Receive
•    2-hour dance class taught by a Rockette
•    Mock audition and Q&A session
•    Photo op with a Rockette
•    One (1) Orchestra Ticket to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular®
•    One (1) Radio City Stage Door Tour* Tickets
•    One (1) Popcorn & Soda Voucher

It all happens at the historic Radio City Music Hall.  For schedule, reservations and
pricing click here.

Lyme Academy College Hosts Nationally Recognized Artist & Author - Sarah Louden

Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts is proud to present nationally acclaimed artist and author Sharon Louden, who will give a talk and a book-signing at the College on Tuesday, December 10.  Louden will discuss her new book, Living & Sustaining a Creative Life: 40 Artist Essays at 7pm after a reception with wine and hors d'oeuvres at 6pm.  Louden's talk will take the form of a conversation when she chats with faculty in front of the audience before a question and answer portion open to all in attendance.  A book signing will follow.  Tickets are $10 per person.

A refreshing and honest look at the reality of sustaining a creative practice over time, Louden's book is already in its second printing - the first sold out almost immediately.  The book is a collection of essays from 40 artists who share their approach to juggling their creative lives with making a living.  All are unique stries with the same common thread of sustaining a creative life in and outside the studio.  "It's the truth of the day-to-day living that I am after in this book..." says Louden in the book's preface.  She continues, "The power of creativity does not just lie in an artist's work, but also  in how he or she continues to create regardless of the obstacles life places in the way."  Hear Louden share stories of sustaining a creative practice by turning obstacles into opportunities at this event.  Seating for this event is limited and by reservation only.  For reservations, contact Ann de Selding at 860.434.3571, ext. 117 or by email adeselding@lymeacademy.edu by December 5. 

Lights of the Season

 I have always loved the sights, sounds and smells of this holiday season.   Checking out the window displays in the stores in New York City, smelling the chestnuts on the vendor carts lining the streets, seeing the light display in Rockefeller Plaza and then of course the huge tree twinkling with lights and ornaments has been something that I look forward to each December.  But if a trip into Manhattan is not on your calendar there are plenty of wonderful sights, sounds and smells locally.

Many of our Shoreline towns took advantage of the Thanksgiving weekend to hold their annual tree lighting ceremony.  But many are still to come!  This Thursday, December 5, New Haven will hold its annual tree lighting festivities on the New Haven Green beginning at 4pm - including performances by Neighborhood Music School, opportunities to purchase holiday crafter and of course a visit from Santa Claus.

On Friday, December 6 you can head to Company 1 Firehouse in North Branford for their annual event, which features the North Branford High School Chorus singing holiday songs.

The Guilford Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the Guilford Town Green so mark your calendars and bring the entire family to this joyous community event, also scheduled on Friday, December 6 starting at 6:00 p.m., to ring in the holiday season.  From 4-5pm enjoy the Firelight Festival at the Henry Whitfield Museum to include a reading of The Night Before Christmas.  At 5:30pm The North Guilford Congregational Church Handbell Choirs will perform a program of holiday favorites at St. George Church (Whitfield Street on the Green).  Free will offerings will benefit Meals on Wheels.  The official tree lighting happens at 6pm after which you can choose from many activites and performances happening around the Green.  The Candlelight Stroll down historic Broad Street is a favorite sponsored each year by the Guilford Garden Club.  The street will be closed to traffic from 6 – 9pm.  Guilford High School Holiday Concert is taking place at the First Congregational Church.  Tickets are still available for the 9pm performances on both Friday and Saturday evening.  Tickets are available at La Rostecceria, 500 Village Walk, Guilford.  The nationally recognized United Girls Choir will be in concert at 7pm at the First Church of Christ, Scientist on Park Street on the Green.  Free will offering will also benefit Meals on Wheels.  Christ Episcopal Church is featuring a performance by the Christ Church Choir and the Greater New Haven Community Chorus- Chamber Choir titled Music for the Philippines.  Free will offering will benefit the typhoon relief efforts. And all are invited to enjoy free Cookies for the Community in the St. George Church Parish Hall sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

Lyme/Old Lyme will also have their annual tree lighting on Friday, December 6 from 4-5pm at the Town Hall.  Following the tree lighting one can visit the Florence Griswold Museum’s The Magic of Christmas: A Holiday Tradition celebration featuring Fantasy Trees, Miss Florence’s Artist Tree with 140 works by artists from across the country who have donated to this one-of-a-kind tradition, and the Griswold House decorated to celebrate Christmas in 1910. Or head to the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts for the Student Holiday Art Sale Opening Reception.  Or return to Old Lyme on Saturday for the third annual Light Up Old Lyme. |

Old Saybrook offers a Winter Stroll on December 6, 5:00-9:00 p.m. Join the Main Street Business Association for a fun evening of hayrides, a visit with Santa, music, treats and events at each business along Main Street.

Portland is going to be lighting 55-foot Blue Spruce at an annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Monument Square.  The tree was chosen by the city's forestry section and will be lit with more than 3,000 LED lights.  The event is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. Friday and includes performances by the Maine State Ballet and Rick Charette and the Bubblegum Band.

The Killingworth Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to attend Christmas at the Farm on Saturday, December 7th at Parmelee Farm on Route 81, Killingworth.  The Chamber has partnered with the Killingworth Lions Club and TD Bank to sponsor this annual holiday gathering. The event will open at 2:00 PM and conclude with the tree lighting at 4:30 PM. Come out and enjoy horse drawn carriage rides across the Farm's picturesque fields, storytelling with Santa, refreshments and crafts.  The highlight of the evening will be sing-a-long caroling with local children's choirs and the lighting of our fabulous Christmas tree on the Farm's front lawn. There will also be Shop Local opportunities from some of Killingworth's local businesses inside our heated tent. Vendors will offer gifts, crafts, gift certificates and food as well as home improvement and end of year planning advice.  Event parking is at the adjacent HK Middle School. There is a well-lit trail from the parking area to this FREE event.

The 25th Annual Niantic Light Parade & Winterfest 2013 will take place on Saturday, December 7th and promises to be the biggest and best ever. Two great events, one awesome holiday tradition. The day starts with the 2013 Winterfest beginning at 2:00 pm on Main St. This prelude to the parade, will feature the popular Chowder & Chili Cook-off, Pictures with Santa, Magic Shows, Face Painting, Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, Ice Sculptures and much, much more!  Then, beginning at 6:30 p.m., Fireworks will kick off the 25th Annual Light Parade. Come see the beautifully built and lighted parade floats, dance groups and Santa himself as they parade down beautiful Main St. in Niantic.

On Sunday December 8 you can venture to Madison and/or Westbrook for their annual holiday festivals.  Meet on the Westbrook Town Green at 4pm for the annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting.  Bring the family and visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, sing carols, make crafts, watch some great performances, decorate your bikes, take a carriage ride, or make S’mores.

In Madison, Santa will be available for children’s visits from 1:30 to 3:30pm on the porch of the Cafe Allegre, 725 Boston Post Road, Madison.  The parade will begin at 4pm at the eastern end of the Stop & Shop and continue down the Post Road, through the center of town and end at the Town Green for the tree lighting.  This year people are encouraged to march in the parade to help usher Santa into town.  Participants may start at the beginning of the parade route or join in the fun along the way, and pets are welcome.  Luminarias will light the parade route so that parade participants and Santa can find their way.  Caroling and cocoa will accompany the tree lighting. The Madison A Better Chance (ABC) Program will present its Holiday Concert at 4pm in the First Congregational Church.  This annual event features many local performers including the Shoreline Youth Symphony Orchestra, Daniel Hand High School’s ENCORE, Guilford High School’s Voices, Shoreline Chorale and a special appearance by Yale’s oldest co-ed a cappella group, Redhot and Blue.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Enjoy!