This Is Connecticut

Twitter!

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:17:00 +0000

Finally we are on Twitter. You can follow my updates here:
http://twitter.com/this_is_ct

Fourth of July Fireworks in CT

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Fourth of July fireworks displays and Independence Day Parades and Events in Connecticut.

Welcome new visitors, we're glad you found our site. Please bookmark us and come back again soon! Or join the mailing list, at the top of the page, to receive updates about events and things to do in Connecticut. If you have any I should list please let me know by emailing me at linzi (at) thisisct.net Thank you! (This page updated on 6/30/2009)

Organized alphabetically first by date and then by town. Fireworks times are after dark unless otherwise stated. Raindates are listed where available.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

6/30/2009 Westbrook, Fireworks at 9 p.m.
Location: Waters Edge Resort, Boston Post Road
Entertainment & childrens activities from 1 p.m.
Contact: 800-222-5901
Rain date: Wednesday, July 1

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

7/1/2009 Oxford, Fireworks time 9:45 pm
Location: Quaker Farms School, 30 Great Oak Road
Contact: 203-881-5230

7/1/2009 Vernon, time 9:40 pm
Location: Fox Hill Tower, Henry Park, Town of Vernon
www.vernon-ct.gov/july_in_the_sky.html
Rain Date: 7/2/2009, and 7/3/2009

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

7/2/2009, Middletown, time dusk
Fireworks festival
Music begins at 5 p.m. at Riverview Plaza
Fireworks: Municipal Building Lawn, DeKoven Drive and Court Street
Rain date: 7/9/2009
www.cityofmiddletown.com

7/2/2009 Moodus, time: 9 pm
Sunrise Resort Grounds, Sunrise Resort - $5 per carload
www.sunriseresort.com

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

7/3/2009 Madison, Fireworks at dusk
Location: Madison Surf Club
Fireworks are visible from all town beaches and Hammonasset State Park.
Contact: Beach & Rec., 203-245-5623
Rain date: 7/10/2009
www.madisonct.org

7/3/2009 Manchester, Fireworks at 9:30 pm (moved to Sunday)
Location: Manchester Community College
Dutch Forgarty Independence Day Celebration starts at 4 pm
Cost: $7 in advance, $8 on the day if tickets are left.

MILFORD FIREWORKS & LIVE CONCERT
Sponsored By The Westfield Mall Milford
7/3/2009, time 4:00 pm
General Admission $ 1.00 Adults (collected at the door)
Kids under 10 FREE
Concert & Fireworks For All AGES
Family Amusements & Activities, Food, Drinks & More
The Westfield Connecticut Post Mall
1201 Boston Post Road, Upper Level Parking Garage, Milford, CT
www.WESTFIELD.com

7/3/2009 Wallingford, Fireworks at dusk
Location: Sheehan High School
Contact: Parks & Rec - 203-294-2120

7/3/2009 West Haven, Fireworks at dusk
Location: Bradley Point in West Haven
Rain date: 7/5/2009

Saturday, July 4th 2009

7/4/2009 Barkhamsted, Parade at 10:00 am
Location: West River Road, Pleasant Valley
Contact: Lions Club, 860-379-1138
Rain date: 7/5/2009

7/4/2009 Bristol, Fireworks at 9:30 pm
Location: Lake Compounce Theme Park
Cost: Park admission
Contact: 860-583-3300
www.lakecompounce.com

7/4/2009 Chester, Road Race
Location: Start at flag pole, Main Street, Chester Center
31st Annual four-mile road race, sponsored by Rotary Club.
Cost: $20 before June 24, $25 after
Contact: 860-526-2122

7/4/2009 Colebrook, Annual celebration at 11:00 am
Location: Colebrook Meeting House
Guest speaker will be Michael F. Hurd.
Contact: Jan Rathbun, 860-379-9756

7/4/2009 Columbia, Parade at 10:00 am
Location: Horace Porter School, Schoolhouse Road
Contact: Tracy Verrastro, recreation director, 860-228-0110 x21

7/4/2009 Essex, Parade at 10:00 am
Location: Ivoryton Village
Contact: Susie Beckman, 860-767-9755
Rain date: 7/5/2009

7/4/2009 Groton, Parade at 10 a.m.
Location: Poquonnock Plains Park to Groton Shopping Plaza
Contact: 860-536-5680
www.town.groton.ct.us

7/4/2009, Litchfield, Parade begins at 2:30 to 4:30 pm
Location: Litchfield History Museum
Pet parade, part of "Turn of the Century Fest"
Contact: 860-567-4501
www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org

7/4/2009 Madison, Parade at 11:00 am
Location: Samson Rock Drive to Surf Club
Contact: Beach and Rec., 203-245-5623

7/4/2009 Madison, Concert at 5:00 pm
Location: Town Green
Shoreline Youth Symphony followed by Wallingford Symphony.
Contact: Beach & Rec 203-245-5623

7/4/2009 Middlebury, Fireworks at 9 pm
Location: Quassy Amusement Park
3-D fireworks begin between 9 and 10:15 pm
Cost: Viewing glasses, $1; Parking, $7
Contact: 1-800-367-7275
www.quassy.com

7/4/2009 Mystic, Parade at 1pm
Location: Mystic Seaport
Cost: Mystic Seaport admission
Contact: 860-572-5315
www.mysticseaport.org

7/4/2009 New Britain, Fireworks at 9:00 pm
Location: Stanley Quarter Park
Great American Boom, including Souled Out from 5-9 pm
Contact: 860-329-2127
Rain date: 7/5/2009
www.new-britain.net

7/4/2009 New Haven, Fireworks at 9:00 pm
Location: Long Wharf Park
The IKEA New Haven July 4 fireworks show.
Contact: Barbara Lamb, 203-946-8378
Rain date: 7/5/2009

7/4/2009 New Milford, Fireworks at dusk
Location: Youngs Field Park, Youngs Field Road
Sponsored by Village Center Organization of New Milford.
Rain date: 7/5/2009

7/4/2009 Norwich, Fireworks at 9:30 pm
Location: Norwich Marina at American Wharf
Celebration with food and vendors begins at 3 pm
Contact: American Ambulance, 860-886-1463

7/4/2009 Ridgefield, Fireworks at dusk
Location: Ridgefield High School
Gates open at 6 pm. Bring folding chairs or blankets and a picnic supper. Fireworks will start at dusk.
Rain Date: 7/5/2009

7/4/2009 Stafford, Fireworks at 9:15 pm
Location: Stafford High School football field
Part of Summerfest celebration, which begins at noon.
Contact: 860-684-1777
Rain date: 7/5/2009

7/4/2009 Washington, Fireworks at 9:30 pm
Location: Shepaug Valley High School
Gates open for entrance 3 pm - 8:45 pm; food vendors on site
Cost: $20 per car, car passes from last year still valid
Contact: 860-868-1519
Rain date: 7/5/2009

7/4/2009 Windham, Boom Box Parade at 11:00 am
Location: Starts at Jillson Square, Main Streeet
Formation starts at 9 a.m. Anyone can march or enter a float.
Contact: 860-465-3046

7/4/2009 Woodstock, Fourth of July Jamboree at 11:00 am
Location: East Woodstock Congregational Church, 220 Woodstock Road
Entertainment, food and crafts.
Contact: 860-928-7449

Sunday, July 5th 2009

7/5/2009 Guilford, Concert on the Green at 6:30 pm
Location: Town Green, Guilford
Head downtown with a blanket or lawn chair and relax while you listen to the smooth sounds of jazz quartet Marcel & Magnifique.
Admission: Free
Phone: (203) 453-3890

7/5/2009 Manchester, Fireworks at 9:30 pm
Location: Manchester Community College
Dutch Forgarty Independence Day Celebration starts at 4 pm
Cost: $7 in advance, $8 on the day if tickets are left.

7/5/2009 New London, Concert at 2 pm
Location: Leamy Hall Auditorium, USGC Academy
U.S. Coast Guard Band plays music of John Philip Sousa.
Contact: 860-701-6826

7/5/2009 Norwich, Semiseptcentennial Parade 1:00 pm
Location: Broadway to Franklin Square, Norwich
As part of Norwich’s 350th Anniversary celebration the town will pull out all the stops for a parade that includes floats, bands, antique cars and dignitaries from all over the world! Admission: Free. Phone: (860) 823-3742
www.norwichct350.com

Thursday, July 9th 2009

7/9/2009 Farmington, Fireworks at 9:00 pm
Location: Union School, 173 School St., Unionville
Tunxis Hose Firemans Carnival starts at 6 pm
Contact: 860-675-2534
Rain date: 7/10/2009

Saturday, July 11th 2009

7/11/2009 Coventry, Fireworks at 9:00 pm
Location: Patriots Park, 124 Lake St.
A patriotic ceremony will be held (Color Guard) at 8:30 pm
CoventryFest starts at 2:30 pm
Cost: Suggested $5 donation.
Rain date: 7/12/2009

7/11/2009 Guilford, Fireworks at dusk
Location: Guilford Fair Grounds
Rain date: 7/12/2009

7/11/2009 Hartford, Fireworks at 9:30 pm
Location: Connecticut River
Riverfest Celebration runs from 4-10:30 pm
Contact: Riverfront Recapture at 860-713-3131
Rain date: 7/12/2009
www.riverfront.org

7/11/2009 New London, Fireworks at 9:30 pm
Location: Fishermans Pier, New London
Sailfest: Arrive early for best viewing and to enjoy free entertainment.
Rain date: 7/12/2009

Sunday, July 12th, 2009

7/12/2009 Enfield, Fireworks at 9:45 pm
Location: Town Green, Enfield
Finale of three-day celebration.

Saturday, July 18th, 2009

7/18/2009 East Lyme, Fireworks at 9:00 pm
Location: Main St.
Celebrate East Lyme
Starts at 3 pm and ends with the fireworks at 9 pm

7/18/2009 Newington, Fireworks at 9:30 pm
Location: Mill Pond Park
Newington Extravanganza.

7/18/2009 Portland, Fireworks at 9:15 pm
Location: Portland Fairgrounds, north end of Main Street
Rain date: 7/19/2009

Thank you for visiting www.thisisct.net have a safe and happy Independence Day holiday!

- Linzi Strong, Owner

Win Tickets to Rascal Flatts This Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:35:00 +0000

The Rascal Flatts kicked off their American Living Unstoppable tour earlier this month and will be hitting the Comcast Theater in Hartford this Friday, June 26th.

Thanks to some good people at JCPenney we have a pair of tickets to give away for this show that also includes a meet and greet with the band!

To enter this exclusive competition simply email me rascalflatts@thisisct.net with Rascal Flatts Competition in the subject line. Please include your name, phone and address in the body of the email. The winner will be selected at random, and notified by phone, and through this website on Thursday.

And the winner is. . .

Congratulations to Karen Wilson of Uncasville, CT who won the tickets to tomorrow's meet and greet with Rascal Flatts and concert!

Rascal Flatts American Living Unstoppable tour:

For their summer tour, the Rascal Flatts will be outfitted in all American Living apparel, embodying the look and feel of both their sound and the summer. In conjunction with the tour, Rascal Flatts have written "American Living," a new song inspired by the brand. The song can be heard right now on the official site for the Rascal Flatts American Living tour: http://www.jcp.com/rascalflatts.

Fans can pick up a special version of the band's Unstoppable CD at any JCPenney store – all proceeds from the sale of those CDs will be donated to the J.C. Penney Afterschool Fund, which provides children in need with access to afterschool programs.

Connecticut Open House Day This Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:30:00 +0000

Connecticut Open House Day is tomorrow, Saturday, June 13, 2009. CT Open House Day is a great way for residents and visitors alike to discover or rediscover all that is happening in the Great State of Connecticut.

Take advantage of the many special offers available on CT Open House Day and discover the wealth of treasures right here in our own backyard. Special offers include free or reduced admissions, discounts, tours and a lot more!

For a complete list of participating venues and offers please visit:
http://www.ctvisit.com/featured.aspx?id=65

Connecticut Science Center Opens

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:15:00 +0000

New England's biggest new attraction opens today in Hartford, CT. The $164 million Connecticut Science Center with the "magic carpet roof" has 150 interactive exhibits, 10 galleries, plus a 206-seat 3-D theater in around 40,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Exhibits include: Exploring Space, A River of Life; Invention Dimension, The Picture of Health, Kidspace, Sight and Sound Experience, Energy City, Sports Lab, Forces In Motion, and Planet Earth, plus a traveling exhibition gallery and an interactive WSFB Weather Studio (look out Scott Haney).

Beyond the exhibits, the Science Center is also home to the new Hoffman 3D Science Theatre featuring the latest state-of-the-art digital and audio technologies with stadium-seating for over 200 people.

Admission: $16 adults; $13 children. 860-724-3623; www.CTScienceCenter.org.

Kylie Minogue Tours USA

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:45:00 +0000

The amazing Ms. Kylie Minogue will tour the USA and Canada later this year! I got my tickets baby! I'm just so happy!! October seems like years away, I can't wait!

The Fever singer, 40, will kick off the seven-date tour on 30 September in Oakland, California, wrapping up at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom on 12 October. Minogue's tour also takes in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago and Toronto.

"I've wanted to tour in America and Canada for years," Minogue said in a statement on her website.

"I know that fans have been waiting a long time for this and I'm thrilled that the opportunity has finally arrived."

Tickets will go on widespread release on Friday 15 May.

Visit Kylie.com for details!

President Barack Obama Plays with the UConn Women

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:58:00 +0000

The UConn Women were excited to be honored By President Obama earlier this week, and the White House has just released this brilliant video of the NCAA champions playing President Obama in a game of PIG, a shorter version of HORSE on their YouTube channel.

"He only missed one shot out of five shots. In 20 years, I'll remember that I could not make one jump shot at the White House. My clothes hindered me. I couldn't extend my arms," senior Renee Montgomery told the Hartford Courant.

When the President met with the team, he said he was proud of them and made a special note that, as a dad of two girls, it is teams like the UConn Huskies who helped women make a name for themselves in professional basketball.

Full Story at the Hartford Courant.

State's Flu Info Website

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:10:00 +0000

There are no confirmed cases of a Swine Flu outbreak in Connecticut yet, but if you're worried about it you can follow the latest updated information at the State of CT's Flu Info website:

www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch

So, You Think You Know the Red Sox?

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:18:00 +0000

A StarPilot Production coming this fall to NESN, "The Batter's Box," will hold tryouts for its Boston Red Sox Trivia Game Show on April 25th

Test your knowledge on one of the greatest sport franchises in American history as A StarPilot production debuts this fall on NESN "The Batter's Box," a Boston Red Sox trivia game show.

Interested contestants will get thirty seconds on Saturday, April 25th at 4:00pm in The Cabaret Theatre to prove why they should be selected for the show. Sixteen contestants will be chosen but there can only be one winner.

"The Batter's Box" is a StarPilot production coming this fall to NESN (New England Sports Network). The show will be shot this summer in front of a live studio audience at Mohegan Sun. More info on the show is available at www.thebattersboxshow.com.

For more information on "The Batter's Box" and other great events at Mohegan Sun, visit mohegansun.com.

Restaurant Week in New Haven

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

It's Restaurant Week in New Haven! Challenge yourself to try something new!

The week-long epicurean celebration runs from April 19 - April 24 and features 25 of New Haven’s finest restaurants, serving up mouthwatering menus for lunch ($16.38 - the year New Haven was founded) and dinner ($29).

116 Crown, 116 Crown St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 777.3116
Wine & Small Plates Lounge
Menu: Dinner only

Barcelona, 155 Temple St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 848.3000
Spanish Wine Bar
Menu: Dinner only

Basta Trattoria, 1006 Chapel St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 772.1715
Southern Italian
Menu: Dinner only

Bentara, 76 Orange St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 562.2511
Spicy Malaysian
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Bespoke, 266 College St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 562.4644
Modern American
Menu: Dinner only

Carmen Anthony, 660 State St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 773.1444
American Steakhouse
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Caseus, 93 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 624.3373
Fromaggerie & Bistro
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Central Steakhouse, 99 Orange St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 787.7885
Steak, Seafood, Wine
Menu: Dinner only

Consiglio's, 165 Wooster St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 865.4489
Authentic Italian
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Downtown @ the Taft, (formerly Hot Tomato's), 261 College St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 624.6331
Modern American
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Foster's, 56 Orange St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 859.6666
Modern American
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Heirloom, 1157 Chapel St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 503.3919
Modern American
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Ibiza, 39 High St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 865.1933
Creative Spanish
Menu: Dinner only

John Davenport's, 155 Temple St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 772.6664
Classic American
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Kudeta, 27 Temple St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 562.8844 Trans-Asian
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

L'Orcio, 806 State St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 777.6670
Contemporary Italian
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Miso, 15 Orange St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 848.6472
Contemporary Japanese
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Miya's, 68 Howe St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 777.9760
Creative Sushi Bar
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Pacifico, 220 College St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 772.4002
Nuevo Latino
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Scoozzi Trattoria & Wine Bar, 1104 Chapel St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 776.8268
Northern Italian
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Soul de Cuba Cafe, 283 Crown St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 498.2822
Traditional Cuban
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Thali, 4 Orange St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 777.1177
Regional Indian
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Tre Scalini, 100 Wooster St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 777.3373
Regional Italian Cuisine
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Union League Cafe, 1032 Chapel St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 562.4299
Parisian Style Brasserie
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

Zinc, 964 Chapel St, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 624.0507
Modern American
Menu: Lunch & Dinner

For more information about Restaurant Week in New Haven, click here:
http://www.infonewhaven.com/restaurantweek

All Things Connecticut Debuts this Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:53:00 +0000

This Thursday (April 23rd) Connecticut Public Television (CPTV, www.cptv.org) debuts a new series "All Things Connecticut", a new eight-part weekly series, which tells the stories that make the Nutmeg State a unique place to live, work and play.

From the rugged low-tech joys of orienteering to eco-friendly recycled handbags, from fascinating biographies to stunning video essays, this new series focuses on every strange and wonderful facet of Connecticut life.

Hosted by Positively Connecticut's™ Diane Smith and a contributing staff of reporters who will bring fresh talent and homespun stories to the show. All Things Connecticut airs on Thursdays at 8 p.m. beginning April 23, with rebroadcasts on Mondays at 11 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5 p.m.

Each episode will highlight Connecticut’s myriad of delights via five noteworthy segments—Spotlight on the Arts, Inside Out, Treading Lightly, Positively Connecticut™ and Capturing Connecticut.

Episode one of All Things Connecticut—premiering on April 23—will feature the theme Something Old Is New Again. Segment highlights include:

Treading Lightly (Helping viewers go green with a look at our state through viridian-tinted glasses).
Positively Connecticut™ (Shining the spotlight on people who’ve helped craft our state’s history and on places that provide unique ideas for weekend excursions).
Inside Out (Taking viewers out of their homes and into Connecticut’s natural playground).
Spotlight on the Arts (Highlighting local artists, while underscoring the economic vitality and quality of life their work provides for Connecticut).
Capturing Connecticut (Inviting viewers to sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of Connecticut through compelling video essays).

Airdates and Times

All Things Connecticut
Airs Thursdays at 8 p.m., starting April 23
(Rebroadcasts on Mondays at 11 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5 p.m.)

For more information about All Things Connecticut, please visit
http://www.cptv2.org/allthingsct/

UConn Women's Basketball Team Day in CT

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:06:00 +0000

Congratulations to Maya Moore, Renee Montgomery, Tina Charles, amd everyone on the UConn Women's Basketball team for their perfect 39-0 Season and win over Louisville 76-54to become year's National Champions!

Today Gov. M. Jodi Rell has declared today "UConn Women's Basketball Team Day" in the State of Connecticut.

For more information, please visit
http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3675&Q=438186

Not a Fool

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:54:00 +0000

I was thinking about April Fool's Day, and the Conficker worm that (so far knock on wood) has failed to attack the web. Was it a huge hoax, a digital April Fool? So much has been written and blogged about the Conficker worm. There are 12 million computers worldwide infected by it since autumn, and Microsoft has announced a $250,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the Conficker authors.

Visit the Museum of Hoaxes to see the most famous April Fool's pranks of all time. I think my favorite has to be the Left-Handed Burger that was announced by Burger King in 1998, or the Swiss Spaghetti Harvest a BBC prank from 1957 (click here for the video). Last year the BBC had the excellent and elegant Flying Penguins (click for video).

See the full list of 100 Top Hoaxes here:
http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/

How To Add Events To Our Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:40:00 +0000

Calling all events promoters! Submit your events to the ThisIsCT.net calendar. How to do so? Simply email me calendar @ thisisct.net Please put the words "Events for Calendar" or something similar in the subject line.

What we need from you:

The event title, a brief description, admission prices if applicable, contact phone if applicable, location (address), and website URL if available. You can also attach an image if you have one I can use.

Thank you much!

Earth Hour in Connecticut

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:24:00 +0000

Are you taking part in Earth Hour 2009?

The World Wildlife Fund is asking individuals, businesses, governments and organizations around the world to turn off their lights for one hour – Earth Hour – to make a global statement of concern about climate change and to demonstrate commitment to finding solutions.

There are four cities in Connecticut officially taking part in this international event that began in Sydney, Australia in 2007. Simsbury, Darien, Greenwich and Fairfield. Each participating location will turn off all their non-essential lights for one hour on Saturday, March 28, 2009, at 8:30 pm local time.

To find out more about Earth Hour and how you can participate visit:
http://www.earthhour.org/

Get Your Green On, St Patrick's Day Parades in Connecticut

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:00:00 +0000

2009 Greenwich Saint Patrick's Parade
Sunday, March 8, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Greenwich Hibernian Association is sponsoring their 33rd annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. The parade will form at the Greenwich, Connecticut Town Hall at 101 Field Point Road, Greenwich, CT and march down Greenwich Avenue.

2009 Greater New Haven Saint Patrick's Day Parade
Sunday, March 15th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
The Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 15 starts its march at 1:00 pm. It will step off from Derby Avenue and Chapel Street, marching down Chapel Street to Church Street. It passes the reviewing stand in front of New Haven's City Hall and continues on Church Street to Grove Street, turning right and ending on Orange Street.
http://www.stpatricksdayparade.org/

2009 Greater Hartford Saint Patrick's Day Parade
Saturday, March 14, 2009 - Starting at 11:00 am
The parade begins at Capitol Avenue by the State Capital, takes a left on Main Street, a left on Asylum, a left on Ford Street, and then ends by the Memorial Arch. The parade is held rain or shine.
http://www.irishamericanparade.com

Stamford St. Patrick's Day Parade 2009
Saturday, March 14th at noon
With more than 80 marching units, including Greenwich Pipe Band, Connecticut Firefighters' Pipes and Drum, Governor's Horse Guard, Trinity College Pipes and Drums, school and youth groups, Irish dancers, military groups, and more. It runs up Bedford and down Summer streets. For more information, call 249-3270.
http://www.ctaoh.com

2009 Mystic Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Sunday, March 22nd, 2009 at 1pm
Mystic Connecticut will host a Saint Patrick Parade on March22nd starting at 1PM. Over 650 marchers scheduled to participate and for us it is a first for our corner of Connecticut. Everyone is cordially invited to attended. Please note arrive early as parking is anticipated to be a problem. The parade accessible off Interstate 95 at either exit 89 or 90. Just follow the signs for directions.

For more St. Patrick's Day Parades around the U.S.A. please visit:
http://www.saintpatricksdayparade.com/

Connecticut Summer Sports Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:50:00 +0000

Just spent some time updating the ThisIsCT.net Events Calendar with Connecticut's Summer Sports listings. The Traveler's Championship, The Pilot Pen Tennis tournament, Connecticut Sun Basketball (home games), and baseball home games from the Connecticut Defenders, the New Britain Rock Cats, and last but not least the Bridgeport Bluefish. That was a LOT of baseball, and now my hands hurt, whooo!

If you have a listing for me please email calendar (at) thisisct.net

The Haunting in Connecticut Movie

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:08:00 +0000

Been waiting on this movie for a while, why wasn't it out at Halloween? Or a Friday the 13th?

The chilling of tale The Haunting in Connecticut which stars Virginia Madsen, is based on a true story. The terrifying, real-life encounter of the Campbell family with the dark demonic forces of the supernatural.

When the family moves to upstate Connecticut (apparently Southington) they soon learn that their charming Victorian home has a disturbing history: not only was the house a transformed funeral parlor where inconceivable acts occurred, but the owner's clairvoyant son Jonah served as a demonic messenger, providing a gateway for spiritual entities to crossover. Now unspeakable terror awaits, when Jonah, the boy who communicated with the dead, returns to unleash a new kind of horror on the innocent and unsuspecting family. The family seeks the help of ghost hunters and the Catholic Church, which performs an exorcism. (Description from Lionsgate).

Several years ago I was introduced to this creepy story thanks to the Discovery Channel "reality show" A Haunting which documents real life cases of hauntings with some of the worst acting you will ever encounter. The case was originally handled by noted occult investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.

Find tickets and showtimes.

Official website of The Haunting in Connecticut Movie.

The Haunting in Connecticut is released on March 27th, 2009.

Looking for an Apartment in Connecticut?

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:14:00 +0000

I just came across this great resource. If you're looking for an apartment anywhere in Connecticut visit myapartmentmap.com to compare real-time prices. This site shows the most expensive prices ($3,026 in Greenwich) to the least expensive prices ($816 for a 2 bedroom in Waterbury). Click on a town name to search by map. It also gives you the WalkScore for the neighborhood, plus school information.

Visit myapartmentmap.com for more information.

Chimp Mauls Connecticut Woman

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:51:00 +0000

HARTFORD, Conn. – A 200-pound domesticated chimpanzee who once starred in TV commercials for Old Navy and Coca-Cola was shot dead by police after a violent rampage that left a friend of its owner badly mauled.

Click here for the full story.

I couldn't believe that actually happened when I saw the news last night. What was that woman thinking keeping a chimp as a pet?

They're wild animals who deserve and NEED to be in their own natural environment, not cooped up as someone's pet. Sure they're cute when they are babies, but as adults they are unpredictable and have unbelievable strength. It was wearing a diaper? Couldn't she teach it to flush? She gave him Xanex with a cup of tea?

Hopefully her friend is able to recover from this. The 911 call was terrible.

Hey Thanks Puck Daddy!

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:02:00 +0000

Hockey Blogger Puck Daddy reports that"professional superbrat" Sean Avery is now skating with the Wolf Pack, and hey, he used my picture of those Wolfpack mascots! I was excited!!

Here's the link...

Bristol Palin named after ESPN?

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:01:00 +0000

If things couldn't get any stranger.... In a recent interview with Esquire Magazine former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin said she named her daughters Bristol in part for Bristol, CT, home of the sports network ESPN.

“When I was in high school, my desire was to be a sportscaster,” she said. “Until I learned that you’d have to move to Bristol, Connecticut. It was far away. So instead, I had a daughter and named her Bristol.”

http://www.ci.bristol.ct.us/

Gov. M. Jodi Rell Unveils Budget Plans

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:59:00 +0000

"We are Connecticut" stated Gov. M. Jodi Rell as she laid out her Budget plans today. She spoke of "pain and sacrifice," and "long overdue trimming." I don't normally post political items, but I was able to listen to the broadcast this afternoon. So here goes. She talked of families getting by on a lot less, feeling the pinch as it were, and how they were going to have to do the same.

Some of the highlights include:

No cuts to education aid. No cuts to any state grant program.
The elimination of 10 state agencies. Therefore eliminating duplications along the way.
The elimination of 70 boards and commissions that have associated staffing, mileage reimbursement and other expenses. "We're reducing the bloat of bureaucracy and making do with less," said Rell.
The budget cuts the fleet of state cars by 20 percent. If an employee doesn't really need one, he or she won't have one. Families are making do with less - so can we.
Fewer laws. There are 14,000 pages of state laws in existence. The Governor proposes taking 130 unnecessary laws off the books. "We not only need a leaner government but a less intrusive one as well."
Canceling state bond authorizations of hundreds of mostly earmark projects, totaling almost $400 million.
A one year a hold on construction at UConn and state colleges to save debt costs.
Municipalities can and should cut costs by sharing - sharing equipment, facilities, schools, personnel and more.
And a new $10 million grant will be available to purchase shared equipment - snow plows, dump trucks, garbage trucks.
Expansion of food assistance and elderly nutrition programs.
Doing more to "green up" the state by expanding the bottle bill law to include non-carbonated beverages like water.

Those are just a few of the items covered by Governor Rell in the speech. Read the full text of the speech here:
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/ci_11626064

Follow this story on:
http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/

For more Budget detail visit:
http://www.ct.gov/opm/cwp/view.asp?a=2958&Q=432642&PM=1

Mystic Aquarium Debuts Baby Penguins with a new Webcam

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:34:00 +0000

Bored at work? Need a dose of cuteness to get you through yet another dull T.P.S. Report? Head on over to the Mystic Aquarium website and check out some baby penguin chicks on their new webcam. Is there anything cuter than a baby penguin? I have yet to hear different.

During the first 40 days, the little ones are unable to maintain their body heat, so they seek warmth under their parents. Viewers will see their heads and beaks emerge when they are hungry and when their parents feed them. Later in this period, the inquisitive chicks will slowly venture on their own into other areas of their room. Once they are weaned (around day #50), people can observe the aquarium’s trainers teaching the chicks to feed from them.

At 75 to 100 days of age, the chicks will be fully fledged. Their soft down will be replaced with juvenile plumage, and they will be ready to fend for themselves. The fledglings will either join the 26 adult African penguins on exhibit at the aquarium or go to other facilities that house the species.

The camera will be on daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional breaks when the chicks are taken out of the room.

Click here to visit the Penguin Webcam

Also while you're there visit the Beluga Whales webcam too!

Bulkeley Bridge Goes Red For Women!

noreply@blogger.com (LGS) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:36:00 +0000

In honor of The American Heart Associations' Go Red For Women Day on February 6, Riverfront Recapture, in partnership with the DOT, will illuminate the Bulkeley Bridge in RED!

The lights will go on at dusk, and Riverside Park will be open until 8pm so that you may have the opportunity to view the bridge.

More Information click here:
http://www.riverfront.org/events/events/bb1/

For more information about The American Heart Association and Go Red For Women!
http://www.goredforwomen.org/