Author tells tales of Belle Haven’s past
Scene … Greenwich resident and author Matt Bernard spoke at a benefit for the Community Centers Inc. at the Belle Haven Club in Greenwich last Wednesday evening. Bernard, who grew up in Belle Haven, enthralled the crowd with excerpts from his new book, “Victorian Summer: The Historic Houses of Belle Haven Park.” He shared the history of the private waterfront section of Greenwich and the roots of its stately homes and land. Guests were treated to a book signing with the author as well as a variety of hors d’oeuvres and wine.
Out there … The sixth annual Norwalk Arts Festival will fill Mathews Park on West Avenue in Norwalk on Saturday, June 23,
and Sunday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free juried fine arts and craft festival will feature the works of 100 artists. Paintings, photography, sculptures, mixed media, jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal and glass pieces will be on display and for sale. A gourmet food court will offer a variety of American and international fare. There will also be live music and demonstrations as well as a visit from Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling, who will create his own piece of art. The event is free and open to all. For more info, visit NorwalkArtFestival.org or call 518-852-6478.
On exhibit … The Perfect Provenance on Arch Street in Greenwich is launching a new exhibit called “The Club Life” on Wednesday, June 20. International art curator and consultant Mary Dinaburg of Dinaburg Arts will curate the event and discuss “How to Build a Sustainable Art Collection.” The boutique restaurant, gallery and shop owned by Greenwich resident Lisa Lori will also introduce its new chef Duane Shand, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and former Chef de Cuisine of the Oval Room Restaurant in Washington, D.C. For more info go to www.theperfectprovenance.com or call 203-900-1131.
In tune … The first Make Music Day in downtown Stamford will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 21. The event is part of a global celebration held on the first day of summer each year and will feature the debut of over 35 free outdoor musical events. The concerts offer anyone the chance to take part and perform music from all genres, including classical, folk, hip hop, opera, Latin jazz and punk rock. The venues include Latham Park, Columbus Park, Old Town Hall, Ferguson Library Plaza, Tiernan’s Bar & Restaurant, Franklin Street Works, FISH Restaurant + Bar, Quattro Pazzi, Lorca Coffee Bar, Stamford Town Center and Stamford Art. Over 70 cities throughout the U.S. will participate in this year’s event. Highlights include a Broadway tunes sing-along with Dan Micciche, assistant music director and conductor for the national tour of “Wicked,” as well as a Street Studio where the public can record a song with New York producers Zubin Hensler and Ricky Nigaglioni; and a visit by Stamford Mayor David Martin. For more info, go to www.makemusicday.org.
Out there … The 12th annual Greenwich-Stamford Open Water Swim, which is part of the Swim Across America fundraiser, will take the plunge on Saturday, June 23. Swimmers will dive into Long Island Sound at 98 Cummings Point Road in Stamford. The money raised will support cancer research with the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy. For more info and to register, visit www.swimacrossamerica.org/greenwich.
Market time … The Stamford Downtown Farmers Market opens on Saturday, June 23, at Latham Park, at Prospect Street and Bedford Street, in Stamford. It is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Oct. 27. The market offers Connecticutgrown fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, olives, fish and handmade soaps from Meredith’s Country Bakery, Beldotti Bakery, Vesco Foods, Waterview Farm, Mill Pond Essentials, Body and Spirit, Amelia’s Florist & Farm Market, Country Farm II, Guasa-Salsa Vzla and Jona’s Fish. For more info, go to www.stamford-downtown.com or call 203-3485285.
“Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.”
— Dinah Craik Happy Father’s Day.