Connecticut Events Calendar in October for the Entire Family

FRIDAY October 15, 2010

The Music of Simon & Garfunkel - Bridgeport - A.J. Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle re-create the memories of the classic hits of Simon & Garfunkel. Downtown Cabaret Theater, 263 Golden Hill St. 7:30 p.m. $26.50-$29.50. 203-576-1636. Through 10/17; times vary.

We The People - Waterbury - TheatreworksUSA presents an all-new musical revue that brings American civics lessons to life and makes social studies exciting. For grades 4-8. Palace Theater, 100 East Main Street. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. $8. 203-346-2000.

To Kill a Mockingbird - Stamford - The story is a tender portrait of a southern town, brimming with powerful lessons of tolerance, justice and quiet heroism. Dressing Room Theatre, 1349 Newfield Ave. 8 p.m. $14-$28. 203-329-8207. Through Oct. 31; times vary.

SistaAct - Norwalk - This uproarious musical comedy involves the nuns as they try to hide a lounge singer from the mob. Carriage House Arts Center, Cranbury Park, 390 Grumman Ave. 8 p.m. $15-$20. 203-229-9797. Through Oct. 30; days and times vary.

Family Campfire - Westport - Enjoy lively music and sing-along songs, toast marshmallows for s'mores and more. Bring a blanket or chair. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Earthplace, 10 Woodside Lane. 7-8:30 p.m. $8-$10. Pre-register. 203-227-7253.

SATURDAY 10/16
Family Wii Day - Westport - Spend the afternoon playing Wii on the big screen in the library. All ages. Westport Public Library, 20 Jesup Road. 2-4 p.m. Free. 203-291-4809.

Pumpkin Patch - East Haven - Ride a vintage trolley to the patch where each child can select a little pumpkin to decorate. See train layouts and more. Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River Street. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $5-$8. 203-467-6927. Also on Oct. 17, 23 and 24.

Haunted Hayrides - Shelton - Tour a haunted farm on hay wagons for a creepy 1-1/2 mile ride through spookified trails. No reservations necessary. Fairview Tree Farm, 486 Walnut Tree Hill. Continuous rides from 7-10 p.m. $11. 203-944-9090. Also on October 22, 23, 29 and 30.

Yale Football - West Haven - Watch the Yale Bulldogs take on Fordham. Yale Bowl, Derby Avenue. Noon. Free-$8. 203-432-1400.

Family Drop in Weekend - Ridgefield - Enjoy self-guided, hands-on projects for all ages levels. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St. Noon-5 p.m. Free with admission. 203-438-4519, ext. 40. Also on October 17.

Greater Bridgeport Symphony - Bridgeport - Anita Chen, violin and piano 2007 Carlson-Horn Competition winner, joins the symphony performing works by Rossini, Mozart and Liszt. Klein Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Avenue. 8 p.m. $24-$58. 203-576-0263.

Happy, Healthy Hip Family Fair - Greenwich - Enjoy live entertainment, food, vendors and a car seat check. Presented by Fairfield County Attachment Parenting Group. Old Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Road. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 631-848-8545.

Welcome To Our House Tour - Hartford - Take a living history tour of Stowe's home given by an interpreter portraying Stowe's daughter, a hostess with many family stories to tell. Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, 77 Forest St. 11 a.m. $8-$11. 860-522-9258, ext. 317.

VOCE - Hartford - Enjoy the melodic sounds of VOCE, a singing group that combines excellence in music with service to the community. The concert features a Mark Twain theme. Immanuel Congregational Church, 360 Farmington Avenue. 860-247-0998.

Harvest Fair - West Hartford - Pick out the perfect pumpkin, enjoy fun events for children of all ages, shop for antiques, white elephant booth, holiday shopping and more. United Methodist Church, 1358 New Britain Avenue. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 860-521-7766.

Stamford Symphony Orchestra - Stamford - The orchestra will perform Beethoven's "Symphony Number 5," along with works by Brahms and Prokofiev. Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic Street. 8 p.m. $29-$79. 203-325-4466. Also on October 17 at 3 p.m.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour - Norwalk - See how the animal husbandry staff meets the varying food and water needs of the resident animals. Ages 10 and up. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St. 8:15-10 a.m. $20-$30. RSVP. 203-852-0700, ext. 2206.

Wolf Day - Westport - Learn about wolves, listen to stories and make a craft. Earthplace, 10 Woodside Lane. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Free with admission. 203-227-7253.

SUNDAY 10/17
Charlotte's Web - Fairfield - Theatreworks/USA presents this beloved story about the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Quick Center for the Arts, 200 Barlow Road. 1 and 3 p.m. $12-$15. 203-254-4010.

A Walk on the Wild Side - Farmington - See lesser utilized parts of the trail system. Venture onto the Metacomet Trail. Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Rd. 2 p.m. Free-$3. 860-677-4787.
Harvest Festival - Stamford - Enjoy hayrides, apple cidering demos and fun activities for the whole family. Wear a costume and have some Halloween treats. Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free-$10. 203-977-6521.

Combustion Sunday - West Hartford - Meet firefighters, see a fire engine, watch demonstrations on the chemistry of cumbustion, and learn about fire safety. The Children's Museum, 950 Trout Brook Ave. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Museum admission. 860-231-2824.

The Hammersteins: A Musical Theatre Family - Ridgefield - Author Oscar Andy Hammerstein talks about his new book, reads passages and signs copies. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St. 3-5 p.m. Museum admission. 203-438-4519., ext. 26.

Eric Johnson, Andy McKee and Peppino D'Agostino - Ridgefield - Three innovators in the world of guitar come together to create an evening of unforgettable music. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge. 8 p.m. $45. 203-438-5795.

Chamber Players - Greenwich - The Chamber Players of the Greenwich Symphony perform works by Debussy, Shostakovich, Reinecke, Villa Lobos and Barber. Round Hill Community Church, 395 Round Hill Road. 4 p.m. $5-$25. 203-869-2664.

Walk in the Park for Abilis - Old Greenwich - Fifth annual fundraiser to support Abilis and people of all ages with autism. Greenwich Point Park (Tod's Point). Register and activities at 10:30 a.m.; Walk at noon. Donations. 203-531-1880, ext. 110.

MONDAY 10/18
Chamber Players - Greenwich - The Chamber Players of the Greenwich Symphony performs works by Debussy, Shostakovich, Reinecke, Villa Lobos and Barber. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive. 8 p.m. $5-$25. 203-869-2664.

Shadow Ball in Jasper's Town - Fairfield - Beautiful paintings of baseball's Negro League players will be on display. A great opportunity for kids to learn about sports history. Lukacs Gallery, Quick Center for the Arts, 200 Barlow Road. 1-8 p.m. Free. Through October 25; days and times vary.

TUESDAY 10/19
Little Movies, Big Heart - Newington - Watch The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio, a story about a woman who helped support her family in the '50s by winning jingle contests. Rated PG-13. Lucy Robbins Welles Library, 95 Cedar St. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. 860-665-8700.

Green Earth Series Lecture - Westport - Mitchell Lester, M.D. will discuss "The Effect of the Climate and the Environment on Health." Earthplace, 10 Woodside Lane. 7:30 p.m. Free. Pre-register. 203-227-7253.

WEDNESDAY 10/20
Pre-K Storytime - Fairfield - Grandparents can bring their grandchildren for a stoytime focusing on baseball, sports, heroes and teamwork. Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road. 10 a.m. Museum admission. 203-259-1598.

Preschool Art & Nature Adventures - Farmington - Children ages 4-7 will explore a piece of the museum's art collection through stories, hikes and other activities. Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Rd. 10-11 a.m. $8-$12. Pre-register. 860-677-4787, ext. 142.

Haunted Baseball & Field of Screams - Fairfield - Listen to ghostly stories when Dan Gordon explores the spooky connection between baseball and the paranormal. Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Rd. 7 p.m. $5-$8. RSVP. 203-259-1598.

THURSDAY 10/21
New Haven Symphony Orchestra - New Haven - Experience the Italian flair of guest conductor Aldo Sisillo through works by Martucci, Schumann and Brahms. Woolsey Hall, 500 College Street. 7:30 p.m. $10-$65. 203-865-0831, ext. 10.

Full Moon Campfire and Night Hike - New Haven - Experience the sights and sounds of the nocturnal forest under a glorious autumn moon. Ages 6 and up. Bring flashlight. Common Ground, 358 Springside Ave. 6-8 p.m. Free. 203-389-4333, ext. 1213.

Zing Zang Zoom - Bridgeport - Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baily present a soaring extravaganza with a magical twist! Arena at Harbor Yard, 600 Main St. 7:30 p.m. $15.25-$95.25. 800-745-3000. Through Oct. 24; times vary.

Saturday 10/23
Children's Book Sale - Norwalk - Be the first to find books at this children's books sale. Sunday is 50 % off day; Monday is $3/bag day; and Tuesday is free day. Norwalk Public Library, 1 Belden Ave. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 203-899-2780, ext. 131. Through Oct. 26; times vary.

American Girl Fashion Show - Darien - Celebrate being a girl with a presentation on historical and contemporary fashions. Ages 4 and up. Country Club of Darien, 300 Mansfield Ave. 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. $45. 203-554-6907. Also on Oct. 24.

Yale Football - West Haven - Watch the Yale Bulldogs take on Penn. Yale Bowl, Derby Avenue. Noon. Free-$8. 203-432-1400.

Greenwich Cardinals' Home Coming-Greenwich-11 a.m. Homecoming parade down Greenwich Avenue 2 p.m. Cardinals' Homecoming football game vs. Bridgeport Central, featuring cheerleaders, marching band and dance team.

Sunday 10/24
Fall Foliage Family Frolic - Stamford - This 2-3 mile hike is geared for families with small children. Bring a brown-bag lunch to enjoy at a special spot. Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road. 11 a.m. Museum admission. 203-322-1646.




Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Excercises for Seniors with Arthritis

7 Exercises for Arthritis
Written By : Cristian Stan

You seem to be restless all day and feel terrible pain during nighttime. It seems endless, the cycle of pain and immobility, not having the means to do the things you used to do and the stress and boredom that go with it. When you are tormented by the pain of arthritis, you most likely would long for some rest rather than exercise which seems to be exhausting and painful altogether.

It is a mistaken notion that exercise can further damage your joints. On the other hand, doing moderate exercises have shown significant impact in the overall well-being of patients suffering from arthritis. Patients should of course refrain from doing high-impact exercises as this may aggravate their condition. There are, however, a variety of low-impact or moderate exercises that have shown incredible benefits such as reduction of joint pain and the strengthening of muscles around the affected joint. It has also improved overall health and fitness by creating a healthy self-esteem, reducing depressive symptoms, controlling obesity, improving sleep, and boosting energy.

Top 7 Exercise Plans for Arthritis

Exercises in the pool
Yoga
Pilates
Callanetics
Qigong
Tai Qi
Walking

Read more...http://www.seniorslist.com/inner.php?aid=672


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Helping Seniors Find Purpose & Meaning in Retirement

Find Purpose & Meaning in Retirement
Written By : Cynthia Barnett

As you may know, people react differently to retirement. For some folks, it is the best time of their lives, a time for adventure, fun and excitement. A time when they can kick up their heels, relax, and enjoy the free time on their hands. For others, retirement is a period of boredom and insecurity. This is because they aren't used to the flexible schedule and miss meeting and socializing with others in work related activities. They also miss the predictability of their days and nights. That said, everyone can find joy and happiness in retirement and beat the retirement blues. In fact, you can have a retirement filled with meaning by simply following these 5 tips:

http://www.seniorslist.com/inner.php?aid=1352


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NY Governor Signs Domestic Worker Rights Bill into Law

August 31, 2010
Governor Paterson Signs Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

Governor David A. Paterson today signed into law a landmark bill to grant workplace protections to domestic workers, the first such law to be enacted in the nation. Domestic workers had been excluded from many of the rights granted to other employees by legislation enacted in the past.

Among other provisions, this bill provides for:

• The right to overtime pay at time and a half after 40 hours of work in a week, or 44 hours for in-home workers;
• A day of rest every seven days, or overtime pay if it is waived;
  Three paid days of rest annually after one year of work;
• The removal of the domestic workers exemption from the Human Rights Law, and the creation of a special cause of action for domestic workers who suffer sexual or racial harassment;
• The extension of statutory disability benefits to domestic workers, to the same degree as other workers; and
• A study by the Commissioner of Labor on the practicality of extending collective bargaining rights to domestic workers.
  http://www.state.ny.us/governor/press/08312010DWBOR.html

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Parents Seek Bilingual Nannies

Somehow, I missed this article in the NYT about parents seeking bilingual nannies for their children.

Last year, I asked my nanny to speak to my children (ages 3 & 6) exclusively in Spanish and it has been a mixed bag. Both my children now understand Spanish but my oldest child has resisted speaking it and that influenced my youngest child to do the same. I thought it would be nice for my children to be bilingual and I'm still hopeful they will soon feel the same way.

Anyway, we get this request all the time, so I thought I would share this article

Happy Labor Day!

Looking for Baby Sitters: Foreign Language a Must
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/19/nyregion/19bilingual.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&sq=Bilingual%20Nannies&st=cse&scp=1


Posted by Wee Care Nanny Agency

Family Activities and Events for the End of Summer

Fun activities for the whole family to enjoy in the last few weeks of summer. We wanted to share some family friendly activities taking place in Westchester, NY, Greenwich, Conn. and Manhattan to enjoy in the last few weeks of summer. Have a wonderful August!

August 19
Shakespeare in the Park - New Haven - The Elm Shakespeare Company presents Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale. At 5 p.m., enjoy food and drinks. Edgerton Park, 75 Cliff Street. 8 p.m. Donation, $5-$20. 203-393-1436. Also Aug. 20-22, 24-29 and Aug. 31-Sept. 5.

Thrilling Thursdays - Wilton - Cowboy Billy will amuse children with his stories and songs of the Wild West. Enjoy comedy, songs and art. For ages 4-9 with caregiver. Pre-register. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road. 2-3 p.m. Free. 203-762-3950.

August 20
2010 RiverFlicks for Kids: Free Outdoor Summer Movie Series - Hudson River Park's Pier 46, Manhattan
Enjoy family favorite movies outdoors along the Hudson River, every Friday evening from July 9 through August 20. All films are rated G or PG. Complimentary popcorn. Refreshments available for purchase.
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=59738

August 21
Movies for Kids and Their Families: "The Great Muppet Caper" - Jacob Burns Film Center, Westchester
Jim Henson’s second live-action Muppet feature stars Kermit, Fozzie, and Gonzo as investigative reporters hot on the trail of a jewel thief. Filled with corny jokes, and musical numbers. Rated G
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=60877

Behind-the-Scenes Tour - Norwalk - See how the animal husbandry staff meets the varying food and water needs of the resident animals. Ages 10 and up. Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St. 8:15-10 a.m. $20-$30. RSVP. 203-852-0700, ext. 2206.

Explore the Stream - Westport - Learn about the streams and rivers that run through town. Explore Stony Brook. Go into the water so wear sneakers and old clothes. Earthplace-Nature Discovery, 10 Woodside Lane. 11 a.m.-noon. Free with admission. 203-227-7253.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Bridgeport - This lecture will look at Mark Twain's masterpiece in the context of the history of race relations in America from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement. Barnum Museum, 820 Main St. 3 p.m. Museum admission. 203-331-1104.

Shakespeare on the Green - Ridgefield - Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival presents an original interpretation of The Taming of the Shrew. Green Expo begins at noon. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge. 2 p.m. show. Free, tickets must be reserved. 203-438-5795.

Summer Blockbuster Series: 'The Princess Bride'- Symphony Space, Manhattan
See this classic film on the big screen.
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=64500


Central Park Conservancy's Summer Chess Series - Chess & Checkers House, Central Park, Manhattan
Learn local Grandmasters' secrets to improve your chess game and then test your new skills against theirs or a friend's
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=60566

August 22
Family Pond Exploration - Audubon Greenwich, Fairfield
Hop around the pond with Audubon staff and get up close to the tiny creatures that call the nearby pond home. Equipment provided. Space limited. RSVP to Store at x221
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=62704


Family Art Project: Fishy Fun -Wave Hill, Riverdale, NY
Focus on friends with fins, especially those popular goldfish swimming in the Aquatic Garden. Turn colorful paper bags into 3-D fish that can swim through the air and flutter home with you.
http://www.nymetroparents.com/neweventinfo.cfm?id=63197


August 25
The Boogers - Westport - Anti-Barney and the Wiggles' worst nightmare, they sound like a cross between the Ramones and a book of nursery rhymes! Pre-show festivities at 6:30 p.m. Levitt Pavilion, 40 Jesup Road. 7 p.m. Free. 203-221-2153.


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Interactive Video Games Promote Healthy Aging

Wii Games Promote Healthy Aging
Written By : Diane Carbo

Nintendo Wii games are like using a brain fitness program to promote healthy aging. You flex your mental muscles as well as improve physical fitness at the same time.

Studies show that in 2008, 26 percent of aging individuals over the age of 50 played video games. This is an increase of 9 percent from 1999, according to release of data from the Entertainment Software Association...http://www.senioradvice.com/inner.php?aid=172

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