"Sunset Sail" is what people will be painting at the July "Paint Night".
Wallingford's 12 Months of Giving (FB link) is holding a fundraiser "Paint Night" ! A monthly Paint Night is held to raise money
for charity. Each month the proceeds will be donated to a local
Wallingford Charity
A previous "Paint Night" fundraiser at The Library Wine Bar & Bistro
From Pat Harriman:
"Our charity for July is Seniors Have Dreams Too!
Seniors Have Dreams Too, Inc. (link) believes in quality of life for our
seniors. This includes making new memories and putting a smile on their
faces. The organization grants wishes to seniors living who have
worked hard all their lives and have been unable to participate in a
long held dream.
Tickets are $45 and are limited to 40 people
on a first come, first serve basis. Tickets can be purchased in advance
through Pat Harriman at Harriman Real Estate, LLC, 116 Center Street,
Wallingford. Cash or make checks payable to Pat Harriman. We cannot
hold seats or sell at the door. Deadline to purchase tickets is July
13th.
As always, our fabulous artist, Karen Ciocca from Moonflower Studio (link), will teach us how to paint our Sunset Sail!
Please be sure to patronize our generous venue donor The Library Wine Bar and Bistro (link)!"
With the July 4th Holiday right around the corner, many people are thinking about picnics, cook-outs and fireworks. Those are all great things to celebrate our nation's birthday, but you might want to do more than just that- not just on or near the fourth, but for the rest of the summer or all year round!
I was a kid when the United States celebrated its 200th birthday. For at least a year before, all types of events were going on around the country- in our schools, people planning vacations around local and non-local events- like re-enactments or trips to open-air museums like Sturbridge Village. There were "Today in History" or "Two Hundred Years Ago Today" stories on the TV news and in the paper. These things made our heritage and history come alive. I still have that enthusiasm.
Wallingford has so many wonderful things and places to explore to learn, see and feel our history come to life. There are many places you can go to experience and learn Wallingford History, as well as Wallingford's part in our nation's history.
Here are some places to visit and check out (check back at this page as this list will continually be added on to and updated!) :
The Samuel Parson's House at 180 So. Main Street (before intersecting with Ward St. when coming from Center St.) at - (link 1)(link 2) Also, here are 2 blog posts I wrote a few years ago on my own visit there (blog link 1) and (blog link 2).
The Center Street Cemetery also is a great place to go exploring. William H. Smith, (link) an African American Civil War Soldier who returned to Wallingford with hero's honors, is buried there. Here is a map (link) you can print up to do your own Walking Tour there.
American Steamed Cheeseburgers Restaurant (link) has several photos of Wallingford history on it's wall. Harriman Real Estate (203-672-4499, ) also does at their headquarters!
You can make a day of exploring these places and be within walking
distance of a stopping for a bite to eat or shop in our downtown and go back for more exploring!
Tony Bennett with restaurant owner, Michael Tiscia (photo supplied by Michael Tiscia)
Monday evening (last night, June 29th, 2015) was very busy in downtown Wallingford. There was a special customer who came to Michael's Trattoria Restaurant last night on Center Street. Tony Bennett was in town to sing with Lady Gaga (see video at end of article) at the Oakdale Theatre. Before that though, he came to dinner to eat at Michael's Trattoria.
This isn't the first time that Tony Bennett has come to Michael's Trattoria, according to owner Michael Tiscia. Tony Bennett has been there before, as seen in two photos that hang over the mirror on the bar. Interestingly, the beautiful wood bar in Michael's Trattoria was originally in the Oakdale Tavern (originally on the grounds before the present Oakdale was built). The bar at Michael's Trattoria continues to keep its connection with the Oakdale Theatre.
photo of Oakdale Tavern (photo from John Schappert displayed at American Steamed Cheeseburgers in Wallingford).
From what has been said by many people on Facebook and Twitter in town, as well by Michael Tiscia himself, Tony Bennett is a very nice man with a warm personality. It could be that the warmth and charm of Michael Tiscia and staff, as well as the atmosphere (and great food) of the restaurant might be what draws Tony Bennett to the restaurant (going from my own experiences at the restaurant).
The crooner ate his meal in the room on the right side of the restaurant. Tony Bennett is said to have been very friendly while inside as he walked around, but also outside as he left the restaurant waving to people and briefly chatting before heading to the Oakdale.
Tony Bennett ate his meal in this room seen through the windows.
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga made a duet album "Cheek to Cheek" in 2014. Their performance at the Oakdale Theatre is part of that tour. (See "Don't Mean A Thing" video at end of article.).
If you saw Tony Bennett at Michael's Trattoria or performing at the Oakdale with Lady Gaga, please tell us about your experiences in the comments section below the article!
Michael's Trattoria
(203) 269-5303
344 Center Street
Wallingford, CT 06492
Come have a wonderful evening under the stars with the Twilight Tunes. Before that, take a stroll down Center Street and enjoy a great meal or cocktail at one of downtown's wonderful restaurants. Or pick something up to enjoy at the concert. Stop by a fine restaurant or bar after the show for a drink or dessert (or both)! A great way to enjoy an evening in the middle of the week!
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Wallingford Parade Ground
South Main Street
Wallingford, CT 06492
› Driving Directions Sponsored by the Department of Parks & Recreation and Stop & Shop Supermarkets.
