Summer Events Need Your Help A Call for Volunteers-Projects 2K

Projects 2K

With Summer Solstice just a few weeks away Projects 2K is gearing up for another spectacular multi-media presentation in the Stony Creek Quarry.  Projects for a New Millennium was established in 1993 by Joy Wulke, environmental artist, as a non-profit corporation to create collaborative events that foster the fusing of art, science, and ecological concerns as a means of discovery, appreciation, and stewardship of the natural world. Joy passed away on February 25 but Projects for a New Millennium and its collaborators continue to aspire to extend presentations and educational programming illustrating a useful and wondrous philosophy of life, a worldview that celebrates our differences while recognizing the importance of our timeless common goals of peace and freedom in an environmentally sound world.  Terra Tractus: The Earth Moves celebrates the 20th Anniversary of P2K by providing spectacular, thought provoking and educational programming June 19, 20, 22 and June 25-29, 2014! This dynamic multi-media marvel tells the story of the quarry’s geological and human history through the past, present and future, through laser light, original music, kinetic sculpture, LED’s, dancers, projections, rock climbers, fireworks, shadow puppetry, pyrotechnics and much much more.

Many volunteers are needed for this spectacular event. Please contact
p2kvolunteer@gmail.com and consider giving some time in one or more of these positions:

Bus Shaman -  Like a bus monitor, this position requires the volunteer to interact with the public. The Bus Shaman will ride with each shuttle bus providing guests with a scripted, yet entertaining explanation of the history of Projects for a New Millennium, the overall performance schedule/endeavor, and provide only brief hints about the Terra Tractus experience.

Trail Guides - The Trail Guide volunteer will greet passengers as they offload from the buses at the Quarry, and corral them into groups of 10 to 16 to guide them up a designated secondary trail, culminating at the Box Office tent for ticket taking and last minute admission changes.

Production Assistants - The volunteer will work directly with the production crew. Knowledge of theater production is a plus, as well as experience with stage crew, lighting and/or audio equipment. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Must be comfortable on rough terrain.

Pre-Show Tai Chi (experience preferred but not absolutely necessary)
Assist in enhancing the pre-show quarry atmosphere 6pm-to show time. Each Tai Chi participant will be assigned a block at a strategic location to practice Tai Chi routines and poses.

Parking and Security - Volunteers will be scheduled up to 2 hours before show time (6p).  A limited amount of VIP tickets will be available for purchase which include parking on-site at the Quarry.  Volunteers will guide cars into provided parking areas and direct audience members to Trail Guides

VIP Area - Need 1 Bartender and 1 Artist Docent each night

Merchandise and Exhibit area

Clapping on Two and Four

Clapping on Two and Four

After a year hiatus while Music Director Angela Clemmons was on tour with The Rascals, Shoreline Soul Gospel Choir returns this Sunday as part of the Music at the Meetinghouse series in the First Congregational Church, Madison.  The free concert begins at 3pm though early arrival for seating is strongly recommended.  Twice yearly Anglea puts a call out to singers far and wide to participate in a five-week Gospel singing workshop.  Whether it was a result of the year off or perhaps a sign of the times and the need for something uplifting registration topped out at 125 singers this season.  Sopranos, altos, tenors and basses came together and in five weeks mastered the pieces scheduled for this Sunday's performance.  Several members of the chorus as well as special guests will perform the solos with chorus back-up.  Shoreline Sould will be accompanied by a three-piece band.

Part of every Shoreline Soul concert includes an audience participation segment where Angela teaches a song (or two).  By the end of intermission all are on their feet and clapping in time to the music. (Clapping on two and four in Gospel).

Don't miss this uplifting, spiritual and fun Sunday afternoon event.  You are guaranteed that you will walk out feeling better than when you walked in.  Hallelujah!

Music has always held an important role in the church’s history. Our Music at the Meetinghouse concert series is dedicated to bringing others closer to Christ by hosting music events for everyone to enjoy in our sanctuary.  If you would like more information on these events, please contact Nathan Bayreuther, at: (203) 245-2739, ext. 21, or e-mail him at: nbayreuther@fccmadison.org.

Knights in Shining Armor+ Damsels in Distress = Fun-Filled Weekend

All the Faire is a stage with jousting knights, armored combat, belly dancers, fire eaters, acrobats, musicians, and many other shows as the CT Renaissance Faire returns to the Guilford Fairgrounds-Saturdays and Sundays through June 8. Forget thy cares and share a day of laughter & merriment with us. Enjoy continuous entertainment throughout the day both on-and-off stages all included with your admission. Cheer for your favorite knights as they joust and battle on the field of honor; cringe as fire eaters and sword swallowers ply their ancient art; laugh at the antics of silly jesters; be amazed with our magicians; and prepare thyself to share a day of interactive fun that will brighten your spirits and make thy day.

Some stories begin with “Once upon a time” and some others begin with “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” However your favorite story goes, feel free to dress the part and come visit us for the day. This weekend will be a favorite for kids, as they have a chance to interact with 

characters Snow White, Sleepy Beauty, Rose Red and Cinderella as they explore the festival.

• Fairy Story Time: Something magical is happening in Sherwood Forest when the Fairy Queen stops in for a visit. Sit down for a spell and hear fairy stories told by the Queen of the Fairies (Spring Thyme or Summer Fairy if inclement weather). Treat included while they last. Meet at the front gate for 12:00 to walk with the Fairy Queen to her throne for 12:30 Story Time.
• Kids Costume Contest: Enter this fun costume contest to win cool prizes! Prize for best Youth costume with an emphasis on knights, fairies, wizards, trolls, princesses, unicorns, the perfect man, and other things of fantasy. Please arrive 10 – 15 minutes early. No advance registration required.
• BOGO Youth Admission: Join our email list before May 29 and receive a special Youth Admission BOGO coupon through our newsletter.

Sunday (June 1)

• Dragon Egg Hunt: (Ages 0-6 only) Time: 3:00. Your wee ones are invited to join us for a dragon egg hunt at the Faire. Don’t miss this timeless photo opportunity for your child.
• Fairy Story Time: Something magical is happening in Sherwood Forest when the Fairy Queen stops in for a visit. Sit down for a spell and hear fairy stories told by the Queen of the Fairies (Spring Thyme or Summer Fairy if inclement weather). Treat included while they last. Meet at the front gate for 12:00 to walk with the Fairy Queen to her throne for 12:30 Story Time.
• BOGO Youth Admission: Join our email list before May 29 and receive a special Youth Admission BOGO coupon through our newsletter.
• Men in Tights: Gentlemen put your best leg forward and show off those strong legs. Compete in a variety of short tights-required competitions to win the ultimate prize: Manliest Legs. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early. No advance registration required.

Guilford and the Civil War: A Day of Tribute

History comes alive when Guilford and the Civil War:  A Day of Tribute takes place on the Guilford Green on Saturday, May 31st, from 11 am to 7 pm.  The Guilford 375th Anniversary Signature Event commemorates the Civil War, in which more Guilford townspeople fought than in any other war.

The names of 56 of these soldiers are inscribed on the pink and gray granite soldiers’ monument that stands in the middle of the Guilford Green.  There is nothing unique about the monument itself, for it is similar to other Civil War monuments–some with infantrymen, some with obelisks–that pepper all the New England states. However, what is important about the monument is that it focuses attention on the soldiers who fought and gave their lives in the deadliest war in American history.  For the celebration, a kiosk will be erected on the Green, where visitors will find a wealth of information about some of the soldiers whose names are listed on the monument, as well as on others whose names are not.

Throughout history, virtually no family has escaped the pain of war, and Guilford is no different. As sons, fathers, brothers, friends and neighbors marched off to Civil War battles, the entire Guilford community rallied behind them, offering care and support.  The women of the Soldier’s Aid Society made socks, quilts, jellies, barrels of vegetables and other items, which were sent to soldiers or brought to them by the Reverend William S. Smith and other Guilford men.  Today, Guilford continues to recognize the contributions of its servicemen and servicewomen. The Guilford 375th Anniversary Committee will provide a complimentary copy of its keepsake commemorative book, 375 Years of Guilford, Connecticut 1639 – 2014, to each one and to their families.  Through their “Cookies for Heroes” program, Girl Scouts from Guilford collect money for cookies to send to those in military service.  They also encourage residents to write letters to them.

Education and Fun for the Entire Family

Although Guilford and the Civil War:  A Day of Tribute commemorates a serious time in history, the event is packed with education and fun for you and your entire family.  Here are some things you can do:

    Visit an encampment on the Green, where 20 – 40 re-enactors from Company F, Fourteenth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, headed by Irving Moy, will provide a look into the life of a Civil War soldier.

    Stop in at the First Church of Christ Scientist, originally built as an abolitionist church, and listen to short plays depicting stories told by Guilford residents of the time.

    Meet Toby Armour, the playwright who wrote the works being performed at the First Church of Christ Scientist.

    Take in a program of musical and dance performances developed by Guilford resident William Boughton, Music Director and Principal Conductor of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra.

    Travel up Park Street in an 1850’s-style, two-to-four person horse-drawn carriage, supplied by Allegra Farms.

    Climb up onto a 16-person hay wagon pulled by two horses and make yourself comfortable as you journey along Boston Street from the Bethel Assembly of God Church to the Thomas Griswold House and the Hyland House Museum.

    Ride the Guilford Preservation Alliance bus, available at a minimal charge, along a route that highlights historic buildings and homes once occupied by Civil War soldiers.

    Stop at the Dudley Farm open-air market on the Green, which will offer baked goods and handmade items for sale.

    Relax with the kids.  There’ll be games on the Green, as well as picnic tables where they can color and enjoy a snack.

    Take a look at a large, seven- by two-foot map of Guilford displayed on the Green that identifies the homes of over 100 soldiers.  Do you know if a soldier ever lived in your home?

Guilford and the Civil War:  A Day of Tribute is possible only because of the generous donations of the Guilford 375th Anniversary and Guilford and the Civil War sponsors, as well as the hundreds of volunteer hours of the Guilford and the Civil War Committee members.

Blinding Truth: King Lear Talk Tour

Shoreline Arts Alliance in collaboration with Shakesperience Productions, Inc., the James Blackstone Memorial Library, Evergreen Woods Retirement Community and Guilford Free Library will be presenting the Blinding Truth Talk Tour in anticipation of this summer’s Shakespeare on the Shoreline production of King Lear.

In anticipation of this summer’s production and to engage the audience in the underlying themes found in King Lear and to understand the ‘family friendly’ interpretation of this Shakespearean tragedy we invite you to join Emily Mattina and Dr. David Richman as they tour the region to speak about their imaginative, provocative, and free production of King Lear.  Presentations will take place on the following days and locations:

June 4, 3pm – James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main Street, Branford
June 11, 7:30pm – Evergreen Woods Retirement Community’s Auditorium, 88 Notch Hill Road, North Branford.  This venue is open to the public.
August 6, 2pm – Guilford Free Library, 63 Park Street, Guilford

Director Emily Mattina's King Lear explores the choices we make for our children and family as well as the overall welfare of children: physically, emotionally, and educationally. We explore the essence of blindness, both literally and figuratively, to our own actions, consequences and blessings. Dr. David Richman, published author, actor, director, and professor at The University of New Hampshire, stars as King Lear. Dr. Richman's real-life blindness gives a literal portrayal of the "blindness" in his character. This signature Shakesperience should not be missed!

Shakesperience strives to bring thought-provoking, relevant, theatre, rich in music, poetry, art and ideas. The annual Shakespeare program serves as a platform for significant issues facing our society and as a cultural and economic generator for our region. 

The main stage production will take place on the Guilford Green August 6 – 10, 7:30pm nightly.  Performances are FREE but audience is encouraged to bring blankets, beach/lawn chairs and picnic dinners for the 13th annual ‘theatre under the stars.’

An Event With a Purpose

An Event With a Purpose

The M.J. Petretto Foundation mission is to help fund local organizations that support education, health and quality of life to build stronger Connecticut communities.  Inspired by the care her nephew, Jesse, received at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare following a near fatal auto accident, the Foundation focuses on annual, targeted gift giving and raising awareness about the extraordinary impact local resources provide.

Be a part of the 5th annual MJ Petretto Foundation Golf Classic at Clinton Country Club and sign up for a day full of food, fun and relaxation.  Singles, doubles and foursomes of all levels are welcome.  Proceeds will help improve the quality of life for area residents.

        Great Food: Happy Hour and Dinner
        Great Golf: Shotgun Start at 12:30pm
        Great Prizes: Women, Men and Mixed Foursomes

Beneficiaries of this year's event will be: Gaylord Hospital's Spinal Cord Injury Program, VNA Community Healthcare's Parkinson's Exercise Classes. and Shoreline Arts Alliance's Student Programs.  The event is hosted by Retirement Planning Group - Insurance and Financial Services.

For Sponsorship Opportunities or to register to play contact MJ Petretto at 203-453-2320 or contact@mjpfoundation.org or contact Shoreline Arts Alliance at 203-453-3890 or office@shorelinearts.org.

Gaylord Hospital's Spinal Cord Injury Program is dedicated to a single goal – guiding clients to the most independent, productive life possible. They offer comprehensive, integrated rehabilitation that is designed to maximize each patient’s abilities. The program draws on the expertise of a complete team of specialists, as well as the latest technologies and research. Gaylord is a member of the New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center (NERSCIC), one of just 14 programs nationwide to be designated as a Spinal Cord Injury Model System by the U.S. National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).

They also understand that each patient has unique needs, talents and abilities, so our therapies focus on the “complete patient” – body, mind and spirit. With an expert team, innovative technologies and a patient-centered approach to care, you can be assured that if a spinal cord injury presents you or a loved one with special challenges, we can provide the skills to overcome them.

VNA Community Healthcare offers several programs to support individuals with Parkinson Disease, and their families.  The Parkinson Exercise Group meets in Guilford every Tuesday and Thursday.  Participants tell us how important the comraderie and exercise is in their lives. 

Shoreline Arts Alliance Student Programs provide scholarships and awards to children ages 7 - 17 to pursue the arts.  These include Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Theatre and Visual Arts.  The organization believes strongly in the impact that the arts have on learning, community, and quality of life and want every child regardless of circumstances to have the opportunity to experience and participate in the arts.

Greater New Haven Community Chorus will perform the world premiere of Voices of One, a commissioned choral piece by award-winning composer Jake Runestad at its 50th anniversary spring concert – Spirit – on Saturday evening, May 31 at 8:00 p.m. at Battell Chapel on the Yale University campus.  A special pre-concert presentation by the composer will take place prior to the concert at 7:00 pm.

The choral composition Voices of One, is the final stage of the chorus’ year-long creative development process:  Photography and poetry contests encouraged amateur photographers and poets from the Greater New Haven area to contribute to the creative process through their art forms.  Poems, based on winning images chosen in the photo contest, were then offered to Runestad as a basis of the text for the choral work, which he set to music.

The concert will also include Rejoice in the Lamb by Benjamin Britten, as well as works by Gwyneth Walker, Gerald Finzi and Frank Ticheli.  Tickets are on sale at www.gnhcc.org or at the door the evening of the performance.  More program information can be also be found at their website.

Runestad (b. 1986) is noted for his versatility and wide range of expressive capabilities with music driven by soaring melodies, driving rhythms, and lush textures.  Considered “highly imaginative…with big ideas” (Baltimore Sun) and “stirring and uplifting” (Miami Herald), Jake has received commissions and performances from leading ensembles such as Seraphic Fire, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, VocalEssence, the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble, Cantus (Minnesota), and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.  A diverse composer, Mr. Runestad’s prolific body of work represents many genres – including music for wind band, chorus, orchestra, chamber ensembles, jazz ensembles, and opera.  He has received awards and grants from ASCAP, the American Composers Forum, the Peabody Conservatory, the Otto Bremmer Foundation, VocalEssence, the Virginia Arts Festival, the National Association for Music Education, the Association for Lutheran Church Musicians, and the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota.

Jake Runestad holds a Master’s degree in composition from the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University where he studied with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts.  He has also studied extensively with acclaimed composer Libby Larsen. Mr. Runestad currently lives in Minneapolis, MN.

Mr. Runestad, who is also a conductor and has worked with student, volunteer, and professional ensembles across the U.S. will lead a sight reading workshop for choral singers on May 28 at Hamden High School sponsored by GNHCC. An advocate of new music, he has conducted the premiere of several of his own works.  His acclaimed choral work I Will Lift Mine Eyes will be used in the workshop.  Registration for the event can be found at www.gnhcc.org.

Greater New Haven Community Chorus is a non-auditioned chorus of approximately 100 voices which draws its membership from throughout the greater New Haven area.  GNHCC strives to embrace the wide diversity of the community and is committed to making quality music accessible and approachable for audiences and members alike.  Greater New Haven Community Chorus was founded in 1963 as a venture in community singing and continues to perform with pride and distinction.

For more information about GNHCC, please visit www.gnhcc.org or email: info@gnhcc.org.