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Proudly serving the communities of Newtown, Monroe, Easton, Trumbull, Shelton, Ansonia and Derby.


 





“A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.”  Unknown

Happy Father’s Day to all of the wonderful Dads! 

It’s your weekend to sit back, relax and enjoy!


In honor of Father’s Day, the Beardsley Zoo and Stepping Stones Museum for Children are offering FREE admission for Dad.     

There are other great events happening this weekend that Dad might also enjoy.  I’ve highlighted some of my favorites, but be sure to check the calendar for the full view of events and activities:

Goshen Stampede in Goshen

Irish Festival in Fairfield

Cole Bros. Circus at the Westfield Trumbull Mall in Trumbull

Strawberry Festival in Monroe and at Lyman Orchards in Middleton

Lighthouse Festival for Newtown Area Families in Honor of Ben Wheeler and his Sandy Hook classmates

Take a Stand Lemonade Day in Monroe

Model Trains on Display in Stratford

Cicadas! Cicadas! Cicadas!  In Ansonia

Echoes of Egypt – Conjuring the Land of the Pharoes – Curated Tours at Yale Peabody Museum in New Haven

Enjoy your weekend! 

Lisa

Calendar Logo

 





Now Enrolling - Summer Classes at Music Together


Classes held in Trumbull, Monroe, Newtown & Southbury

Have you ever wondered why children love and respond to music?  Have you ever wondered what you can do to help nurture your child's innate musicality?  At Music Together we would like to answer those questions and more!
 
Music Together is a researched based, international early childhood music and movement program for you and your child.  At every class there will be experiences with children and adults gathering to sing, move, dance, explore instruments and actively bonding and participating in playful music making activities. each child partakes at their ...

St. Rose of Lima Parish Announces Carnival Dates


Tuesday, June 25th through Saturday June 29th

St. Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown is pleased to announce that it will host its annual Carnival on the parish grounds beginning on Tuesday evening, June 25, 2013 and running through Saturday, June 29, 2013.

 

As in past years, the popular area carnival will feature rides and games by Stewart Amusement, from 6 – 10:30pm each evening, as well as a Kiddie tent with face painting and crafts and nightly entertainment.  Food will be plentiful, and include burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, fried dough and various deserts, along with ...


Join Storm-Chasers in IMAX Movie “Tornado Alley"


OPENING JUNE 21 AT THE MARITIME AQUARIUM AT NORWALK

Join a team of daring storm-chasers trying to gain insights into nature’s fury in “Tornado Alley,” a heart-pounding new IMAX® movie opening June 21 in the IMAX Theater at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.

 

“Tornado Alley” will roar across the Aquarium’s six-story IMAX screen, the largest in Connecticut, at 2 p.m. daily June 21-30 and then at 2 & 5 p.m. daily July 1-Aug. 31.

 

IMAX is the world’s largest film format. Outstanding image clarity and the enormous screen size, combined with The Maritime Aquarium’s ...


Shadow Picture for Dad


Macaroni Celebrates

This portrait gift is simply put -- easy peasy!

You will need:
poster board, cardstock or foam board
camera
kiddos
scissors

Directions:
Using posterboard, cardstock or a sturdier prop, cut or carve out the letters to the message you want to send. You can write out the letters as normal. No need to turn them inside out or backwards! 

Notes To Selves: 
Don't use paper.
I tried paper first and found it entirely too flimsy in the wind outside. 



 So we moved on to what I had in my garage ...

Father's Day Gift Ideas


Macaroni Celebrates

Father's Day gifts are always a struggle. Dads have it easy on Mother's Day -- flowers, jewelry, a beautiful trinket, a few hours of quiet time -- we're easy to please. But Father's Day gifts are hard. Do we go sentimental? Do we go manly? Do we encourage a new hobby? (That hardly ever works out for me... the beer making kit is STILL sitting in the basement two years later and don't even get me started on the Dremel tool.)  

Just like Moms, Dads just want ...


Why, Dad?


Macaroni Reviews

Why, Dad? by Carlos Lucas is a sweet book about a typical day with a father and his preschool daughter, Erin. Instead of the typical father/child book which tends to feature the pair doing ‘Norman Rockwell’ type activities like fishing and skipping stones, this story features a typical day where the loving Dad steers his constantly-questioning daughter through her day while providing her with real, age-appropriate answers. It’s a nice read which models positive behavior for our little tykes.    

2013 Macaroni Kid Beach Guide


Your Guide to Local Public Beaches Along Long Island Sound from Westport to Milford

Westport
Compo Beach
260 South Compo Road, Westport 203 341-5090
$30 Weekdays; $50 Weekends & Holidays (non-resident fees)
  
Sandy beach, swimming, food concession, bathhouses, picnic area & grills, boardwalk and pavilion, playscape, softball field, multi-purpose field, (2) sand volleyball courts, (2) basketball courts, skate park and open skate area.
  
Burying Hill Beach
Beachside Avenue , Westport (203) 341-5090
$20 Weekdays; $25 Weekends & Holidays (non-resident fees)
 
Sandy beach, no concession stands, bathrooms available.
 
Sherwood Island State Park
Westport (203) 226-6983
$9 Weekdays; $13 Weekends; $67 Season Pass for access to any CT State Park ...

Macaroni Kid's Pet Adoption Corner


Meet Bubba!!

Bubba aka Bubbafull is an American Bulldog, male, and weighing about 65 pounds or so. He is mostly white but with brown on both sides of the face and ears giving him a sort of "Our Gang" dog look. He is about 5 years old. Bubba has had a tough life so far. The care that he has received thus far has not matched the warm and gentle spirit living in this boy's big heart. He is lame in his right hind leg but that doesn't stop him ...

This Week's Picks:


June 14th through June 16th

Friday, June 14 through Sunday, June 16 - Goshen Stampede: Goshen, CT

Connecticut’s Best Event, The 8th Annual Goshen Stampede, 3 Days of Fun.. Featuring 2 Huge PRCA Rodeos, 2 Wild Demolition Derbies, 3 Day music fest with Craig Campbell Headlining and special guest Jason Sturgeon, The Tri-State Truck Pulls with Amateur and Professional Drivers, Fire Works, Free Petting Zoo, Great Food, Vendors, and so much more……
Where: Goshen Fair Grounds, 116 Old Middle Street, Goshen, Connecticut
When: n/a
Who: Everyone
Cost: Adult 1 Day Pass, $12 online, $14 at the Gate, Youth 1 Day Pass, (10 - 17 yrs) $8 online, $10 at Gate, Child Admission (under 10) $6 at Gate or Free with Coupon and Paid Adult (see website for coupon)

3 Day Passes also available
For more info:

Friday, June 14 through Sunday, June 16 - Irish Festival: Fairfield University, Fairfield

A family celebration of the music, sports, dance, traditions, talents, culture and people of Ireland!!

Friday, June 14 6 p.m. - 11 p.m
Saturday, June 15 noon - 11 p.m.
Sunday, June 16 noon until 8 p.m.
Where: Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield,CT
When: n/a
Who: Everyone
Cost:
ADULTS – $12; STUDENTS (with valid student ID ) – $10; THREE DAY PASS – $20; CHILDREN Under 16 – Free with parents

Friday, June 14 - Monroe Farmer's Market Opens for the Season

The Market is Open every Friday from 3pm - 6pm.  June 14th - October 25th.

The Monroe Farmers Market is a seasonal market offering fresh, locally-grown vegetables and fruits, organic baked goods, fresh eggs, organic fair-trade coffee, cut flowers, herbs, handmade soaps and lotions, handcrafted jewelry, grass-fed meats, goat’s milk products, raw honey, honeycomb, jam, pies, homespun yarn and more. All of the products are produced in Connecticut by people who care deeply about the land and make thoughtful, conscientious choices for its stewardship.  
Where: Monroe Town Green, Corner of 6 Fan Hill Road & Rte. 111
When: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Who: Everyone
Cost: FREE Admission

Saturday, June 15 through Sunday, June 16 - Strawberry Festival: Monroe

Saturday 10am - 5pm; Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Over 75 juried exhibitors, local artists, strawberry shortcake, strawberry pies, baked goods, children's games & live entertainment. So come and join us for a fun filled weekend!
Where: Town Hall/Church Green - Route 111, Monroe
When: n/a
Who: Everyone
Cost: FREE Admission

Saturday, June 15 - Lighthouse Festival - Newtown

Families are invited to celebrate the beauty and wonder of lighthouses through art by Newtown students, music and theater presentations, interactive exhibits, touch tank from Maritime Aquarium, and much more.

Ben’s Lighthouse Fund was created in honor of Ben Wheeler and his Sandy Hook School classmates to promote the long term health of the children and families in the region while nurturing an environment of non-violence and caring. The Ben's Lighthouse Programs, supported by the fund, are designed to support, uplift, and nurture the children of Newtown and surrounding towns in a non-violent and caring culture.
Where: Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street, Newtown
When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Everyone
Cost: FREE
For more info:  

Sunday, June 16 - FREE Admission for Dad at Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Bring your Dad to Stepping Stones Museum today and he'll get in for FREE.
Where: Stepping Stones Museum for Children,, Mathews Park, 303 West Avenue,Norwalk, CT
When: n/a
Who: Dad and Family
How: Call for more information. 203 899 0606
Cost: FREE Admission for Dad.

Sunday, June 16 - Father's Day at the Zoo: Bridgeport

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is celebrating all dads today. Spend quality time with dad this Father's Day - join him at the Zoo today and he gets in FREE! While at the Zoo, be sure to visit some of our animal dads -- Rizzo the North American otter, Hamton the Guinea hog, and D.J. the Pronghorn, to name a few.
Where: Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610
When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Dad
Cost: FREE for Dad!!

This Week's Calendar:


June 13th through June 22nd

Thursday, June 13 through Sunday, June 16 - Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars: Trumbull

Schedule:

6/13/2013 4:30 PM
6/13/2013 7:30 PM
6/14/2013 4:30 PM
6/14/2013 7:30 PM
6/15/2013 1:30 PM
6/15/2013 4:30 PM
6/15/2013 7:30 PM
6/16/2013 1:30 PM
6/16/2013 4:30 PM
Where: Westfield Trumbull Mall, 5065 Main Street, Trumbull
When: n/a
Who: Everyone
Cost: Tickets can be purchased online or at gate.  See circus website for Coupon - Admit 1 Child Age 12 and Under
For more info: coupon_final

Friday, June 14 through Saturday, June 15 - Field Trips to see the 17-Year Cicadas! Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven

Visit one of the nearby 17-year cicada hotspots with Yale Peabody Museum entomologist Larry Gall. The site we will visit, on private property northeast of New Haven, requires a relatively easy 15-minute walk in.   If you do not get a spot on one of these trips, can't make it at those times, or would rather just see the cicadas on your own, CLICK HERE to find out where you can go. In addition, given the popularity of these two trips, we are likely to offer more in the near future.
Where: Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven
When: n/a
Who: Children must be accompanied by an adult; Not recommended for children under 6 and the trail is not suitable for strollers.
How: Click Here to Register.  Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cost: Free; registration required; space limited to 30 people per tour
For more info:

Friday, June 14 - Java John's Island Adventure with the Incredible Talking Tiki: Westfield Trumbull Mall

Join us as we welcome back Java John to Westfield Trumbull. Don't miss all the fun we will be having with John as we travel on an island adventure to try and outsmart the Incredible Talking Tiki. 

Where: Westfield Trumbull Mall, 5065 Main Street, Trumbull, Connecticut 06611
When: 4:00 PM
Who: Everyone
Cost: Family Fun Days are always FREE and feature live entertainment and plenty of fun at each event
For more info: Cover Photo

Saturday, June 15 - Strawberry Festival: Lyman Orchards, Middlefield

Celebrate the summertime harvesting of our home-grown fruits! Activities include fruit picking in our orchard, live music on the deck, face painting, pie eating contests, horse-drawn wagon rides & more family fun!
Where: Lyman Orchards, 3 Lyman Rd., Middlefield, CT 06455 860-349-1793
When: n/a
Who: Everyone
Cost: FREE Admission
For more info: Pie Eating Contest

Saturday, June 15 - "TAKE A STAND" LEMONADE DAY: Monre

Buy some Lemonade and help a worthy charity!  Look for stands throughout Monroe

TAKE A STAND" LEMONADE DAY is an annual event sponsored by the Monroe Women's Club..to invite and encourage elementary students to set up a lemonade stand ANY TIME during Saturday, June 15th to sell lemonade and select a charity to receive the proceeds. Choice of charities this year are:  Project Warmth Fund of Monroe, YMCA Strong Kids Campaign (Monroe/Trumbull) and The Center for Women & Families.
 
Where: Lemonade Stands will be set up throughout Monroe!!
When: n/a
Who: Everyone
Cost: Proceeds from the sale of lemonade will be donated.

Saturday, June 15 through Sunday, June 16 - Steamin' With Sadie - Naugatuck Railroad, Thomaston

Experience the exciting sights, smells and sounds of steam as you ride behind a fully restored 82 year old coal-fired steam locomotive, an 0-6-0, big sister to Hank the Tank/Flagg Coal #75 who visited us in 2010 through 2012.  Advance reservations recommended.  We'll have extra displays, story book readings, live music and activities for kids of all ages at the Station.  
Train times Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM, including Father's Day Weekend! Sadie will be pulling our vintage train cars on hour-long trips along the Naugatuck River with all trips boarding at historic 1881 Thomaston Station.
 
Where: Naugatuck Railroad, 242 E. Main Street, Thomaston
When: n/a
Who: Everyone
How: Purchase tickets online or call (860) 283-7245 anytime.
Cost: Adults and Seniors $20, Children (3-12) $15, Toddlers 2 and under are free.
For more info:

Saturday, June 15 - Newtown Day at the Zoo: Bridgeport

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is proud to invite all Newtown residents to come to the Zoo for a reduced admission fee of just $5 with proper I.D. Meet and greet with town officials, business and civic leaders, friends, and neighbors during a fun filled day for the whole family. Spend the day visiting new animals at the Zoo and enjoying the great outdoors. This event is presented in partnership with the Town of Newtown.
Where: Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610
When: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Who: Newtown Residents
Cost: $5 wit proper I.D.

Saturday, June 15 - Wild About Tracks: Derby

Join environmental educators on the trails and in the gardens to seek and find animal sign and make a track cast to take home.
We will look for tracks, feeding evidence and other proof that wildlife is out and about. Come enjoy the search and learn how to decipher clues about who walked here, what did they eat and what did they do?
 
Where:
Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Harthorne Avenue, Derby (203)734-2513
 
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who:  Open for all ages
How: Registration required so we can provide materials to make a track cast to take home with you. Call to register your group or self.
Cost: FREE

Saturday, June 15 - Model trains on display: Boothe Memorial Train Society, Stratford

Four operating train layouts from “N”, “HO”, “O” and “G” scale will be on display. Look for the red train station with Thomas the Tank engine out front.
Where: Boothe Memorial Train Society, located in Boothe Memorial Park, 5800 Main St, Stratford
When: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Fun for engineers of all ages
How: Visit bmrailways.com for more information, directions and photographs.
Cost: FREE.  Donations gladly accepted.

Saturday, June 15 - Echoes of Egypt - Conjuring the Land of the Pharoes - Curated Tours: Yale Peabody Museum, New Haven

Echoes of Egypt features the most diverse collection of ancient Egyptian-inspired objects ever assembled.  Marvels of art, architecture, rare manuscripts, even the magic of the ancients demonstrate 2,000 years of obsession with this powerful civilization. These hour-long tours will offer more details and deeper insights into some of the most compelling objects and themes in the exhibition.
 
Tours will be led either by exhibition curator and Yale Associate Professor of Egyptology Colleen Manassa, or by Yale Egyptology graduate students. Free with Museum admission, membership or Yale I.D. Please note: photography is not allowed in the exhibition.
Where: Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, located in New Haven at 170 Whitney Avenue, at the corner of Sachem Street, one block north of Trumbull Street.
When: 1:30 PM
Who: Everyone
Cost: FREE with Paid Admission
For more info:

Saturday, June 15 - BACK TO BASICS: Wild Edibles: Ansonia

Where: Ansonia Nature & Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Lane, Ansonia 203 736 1053
When: 2:00 PM
Who: Geared for adolescents and adults.
How: Please register in advance.
Cost: TUITION: $5 per person.

Sunday, June 16 - SUNDAY GUIDED HIKE: Cicadas, Cicadas, Cicadas! Ansonia

Where: Ansonia Nature & Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Lane, Ansonia 203 736 1053
When: 1:00 PM
Who: Everyone
How: Please register in advance.
Cost: FREE

Saturday, June 22 through Sunday, June 23 - Robin Hood Springtime Festival: Guilford

The Festival runs from May 18th - June 2nd on Saturday and Sundays
Where: 111 Lovers Lane, Guilford, CT
When: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Who: Everyone
Cost: Tickets can be purchased online.  FREE Admission for children 6 and under.  Youth Admission 7-15 $10; General Admission 16+ $16

Plan Ahead:


June 24th through June 25th

Monday, June 24 - Dig Into Reading with Magic: Sumer Reading Kickoff: Newtown Library

Two Shows: 11am or 1pm

Steve Woyce with Full Effect Productions is back with his high energy magic show featuring a colorful cast of characters:  Chestnut the silly squirrel, Presto the super worm and Henry the magic rabbit.  Packed with comedy, magic and tons of audience participation.   
Where: CH Booth Library, 25 Main Street, Newtown (203) 426-4533
When: n/a
Who: For ages 4 and up.
Cost: FREE
For more info:
magician

Tuesday, June 25 through Wednesday, June 26 - Free Kids Summer Film Series - Puss in Boots: Marquis 16, Trumbull

Free Admission!
  • Show Time 10AM
  • Doors open at 9AM
 
Where: MARQUIS 16, 100 Quarry Road, Trumbull, CT 06611
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Everyone
How: Seating limited to theater capacity; tickets issued on a first come-first served basis.  See website for more information.
Cost: FREE

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