Celebrate Father’s Day at Studio 59

TORRINGTON » On Fathers Day, at Studio 59 in Torrington will present “ShakesBeer: Ode to Dad” with the words of Shakespeare underscored by improvised piano.

From the collaborative team that conceived “Incidental Shakespeare” comes a performance in honor of “Dad.”

This performance is perfect for those who wouldn’t normally attend Shakespeare, as well as aficionados who love authentic and transformative performance.

The words of Shakespeare from quotes, sonnets and scenes will be read by actors Katie Kat and Frank Zilinyi, while improvisational piano by Timothy Alexander Wallace provides the subtext.

Every chair in the house is different. Bring your favorite drink, find your favorite chair, relax and let’s appreciate “Dad” in verse and music.

Tickets are $25 or two for $45, http://shakesbeerstudio59.brownpapertickets.com

ECAD to hold groundbreaking, celebraton

WINSTED » ECAD, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities, will hold a festive groundbreaking ceremony to inaugurate the construction of its Canine Education and

Wellness Center at the site above its Torrington/Winsted based campus at 149 Newfield Road on Thursday, June 29 at 11 a.m.

Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. The public is welcome to attend.

“The most worthwhile things in life are worth waiting and fighting for, and Lu and I have been doing that for over twenty years now,” said Dale Picard, Executive Director, and with his wife, Lu, co founder of ECAD. “This Center will allow us to train and place more Service Dogs with people with disabilities, which is our mission, and to provide maximum comfort to our clients, especially those that are physically handicapped. Plus, they will be surrounded by the beauty of Litchfield County. I am proud to say that we have raised over half of the $2,000,000 needed.”

When completed, the ECAD Wellness and Education Center, situated on 14 acres just above the current ECAD Education Facility, will consist of 8744 sq. feet. With 5000 sq. feet being dedicated to canine education and 3744 sq. feet of living space. The new facility will house up to eight people and have four bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. Everything will be done in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The design of the Center was done by E.L.T. Architects with construction by Borghesi Building and Engineering Co, Inc.

Once the Canine Education and Wellness Center is completed, certain areas will have plaques designating individuals, corporations, or foundations that have contributed to the building. One space has already been assigned in honor of SP5 Gordon Raymond James, whose family selected ECAD to receive funds from his estate.

Special guests at the groundbreaking will include state and local officials, members of the City Council and the Planning and Zoning board, and representatives of several foundations that have made significant contributions to the Capital Campaign. A sampling of these foundations and corporations includes the Annenberg Foundation in CA, the Draper Foundation Fund, a fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, the Grainger Foundation, a private foundation, and United Rentals of Stamford .

Also present will be a good number of ECAD clients and their Service Dogs, including Veterans who have graduated from ECAD’s Project HEAL Program. A star of the event is sure to be now-retired Service Dog Tuesday, the subject of Capt. Luis Carlos Montalvan’s best-selling books. Montalvan lost his battle with PTSD last December but Tuesday, now a Therapy Dog, is continuing his work of promoting the use of specially educated dogs by those in need.

Tents are being erected for the event, and umbrellas will be provided in case of rain.

Parking is on site. Guests are advised to be prepared for the delightful sounds emanating from the children having fun and interacting with puppies and service dogs-in-training at ECAD’s summer camp. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the ceremony.

ECAD is a not for profit 501©3 that was founded by the Picards twenty-three years ago. It has placed upwards of 300 Service Dogs with people with a wide range of disabilities, including children with Autism, and Veterans as well as civilians with PTSD. ECAD also has its Facility Dogs in courtrooms, hospitals, and homes for the elderly. ECAD has received the highest possible four star rating from Charity Navigator for four consecutive years..

RSVPS are strongly recommended. Contact carrie@ecad1.org for more information.