5/22/2000

Special Summer Events

SNET Internet readers brought these special events to my attention:

The Litchfield County Summer Antiques Show, scheduled for June 9, 10 and 11, 2000, is pleased to announce Barbara Frelinghuysen Israel as Honorary Chairperson.

Mrs. Israel, owner of Barbara Israel Garden Antiques in Katonah, N.Y., has for many years devoted herself to issues of design and historical preservation. An active antique garden ornament dealer since 1985, she has recently written a book Antique Garden Ornament: Two Centuries of American Taste (1740-1940). This volume, published by Abrams, contains a pictorial catalogue of 100 ornaments in historic American gardens, 300 objects that relate to today's market, a makers' list with dates of operation of 150 domestic and foreign firms, a section of maintenance, security and identification and an extensive bibliography.

Mrs. Israel, who has amassed one of the finest inventories of antique garden ornaments in the country, has a reputation for promoting the continued research of little-known makers and craftspeople. During the last 13 years, she has become an expert on cast-iron garden ornament manufacturers in America and board, and is often asked to assess important historical collections.

Her support of the Greenwoods Summer Antiques Show is invaluable in terms of educating the public about fine garden antiques and promoting attendance at both the elegant Preview Party and the following two days of the show.

Mrs. Israel, as honorary chairperson, will be available to greet guests at the Cocktail Buffet on Friday evening, June 9, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Ticket information about this reservations-only event are available by calling 860-567-0300.

The show, which features 36 prestigious dealers from across the United States and London, England, is open to the public on Saturday, June 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, June 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $8.00 and are valid for both days.

The Antiques Council, a not-for-profit national organization that manages shows for charities will work in conjunction with Greenwoods Counseling Services to produce this major show. Greenwoods is a non-profit, non-sectarian referral organization with offices in Litchfield, Washington and Kent. It provides family, financial and legal counseling, and psychotherapy referrals with health care professionals, regardless of a person's ability to pay.

For more information about Greenwoods, call (860) 567-4437

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Dear Beth,

I just read your story on guided walking/hiking in New England. I want to also let you know about a local club that is highly active in the area.

The Pioneer Valley Hiking Club is about 8 years old now and currently has 175 plus members from Northern Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. We work closely with other hiking groups and organizations such as the AMC and the Trustees of Reservations in conservation and trail maintenance projects.

Our club offers hikes, backpacking, education and opportunities to lend a hand with trail maintenance and the like. We are highly active with planned events every Saturday and Sunday of the calendar year. We always welcome anyone who would like to come and join us on a hike or two and see if they enjoy our very social group.

We do have membership fees ($25 per year/single and $40 per year/family) that covers printed schedules, newsletters, summer club picnic and Christmas party, as well as supporting our Trail Maintenance program.

We also have monthly clinics at our club meetings (first Tuesday of every month) with information ranging from "what to pack in a daypack" to a slide show from Gary Fisterer on his expedition up Mount Everest. We have also had the likes of Mike Lanza showing slides and explaining his book on "Great Hikes in New England".

As a Connecticut resident and Chairperson of the club's Trail Maintenance program I invite all who would like to join with us for your outdoor experiences. Email me at cazawrotny@snet.net.

--- Joe Zawrotny

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.