FALLINGFOR FESTIVALS
CONNECTICUT'S FESTIVAL SEASON HAS SOMETHING FOR ALL
BY SUSANSHULTZ
Thereismuchtocelebrate during thesummer in Connecticut,and luckily, thereseems to be avariety of fairs, festsand funtochoosefrom.
There is much to celebrateduringthe summerinConnecticut, andluckily,there seemstobea varietyoffairs,fests andfun to choosefrom.
SpecialtyFairs
Step back in time to avibrant 16th-century harvestfestivalat the CONNECTICUT RENAISSANCEFAIRE’S 27thanniversary celebrationinLebanon at thefairgrounds at 122MackRoad.
Thefairtakes placeonSaturdays andSundays throughOct.19. ExploreNew England’slargest Medieval Marketplace, featuring over ahundred artisanshops offering unique treasuresyou won’t findanywhereelse. Savordelicious turkey legs,indulge in awide varietyofaffordable food options, andsip on craftbeerswhile en-
joying aday of adventure. Costumes encouraged butnot required! Visit www.ctfaire.com formoreinformation
CelebrateyourIrish heritageatthe MILFORDIRISH FESTIVAL on Sept.19and 20 at 1ShipyardLane, or at theDanbury IrishFestivalonSaturday, Sept.20and Sunday,Sept. 21. Both promiseto be acelebration of Irishfood,music,dance andculture andleave youwitha luck when youare on your way.
Also that weekend, forthose whoare more into screamsthan greens, theannual CT HORRORFEST returnstothe Connecticut Convention Center.
On Sept.20and 21, meet famous horror legendslikeChris Sarandon from “FrightNight,” and“TheNightmare Before Christmas,” or DavidNaughtonfrom“An American Werewolf in London,” and
Ad ob rS to ck
SHINEUPTHATAPPLE &START CRIMPING THOSE PIECRUSTSFOR YOUR BEST IN SHOW BLUE RIBBON— COUNTY FAIR SEASON HASARRIVED!
FOUR TOWN FAIR // September11–14
BERLIN LIONS AGRICULTURAL FAIR // September11–14
HILLSTOWNGRANGEAGRICULTURALFAIR // September13
WALLINGFORDGRANGEFAIR // September13
GUILFORDFAIR // September19–21
ORANGE COUNTRYFAIR // September20–21
DURHAM FAIR // September25–28
HARWINTONFAIR // October3–5
PORTLAND FAIR // October3–5
RIVERTON FAIR // October10–12
Did youknowthe firstmuseumdedicated to American art is in NewBritain, CT?Visit the NewBritain Museum of American Art this fall to stroll throughour exciting specialexhibitions,enjoy Free Admissionatour monthly Community Days,and spend awonderful night out with friends at our evening social events.
Museum Hours
Wednesday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Museum AfterDark| Halloween Party Friday,October24, 8–11 p.m.
Fandom Fest Saturday, September 13, 6–10 p.m.
CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF COMMUNITY THEATER WITH NEW SHOWS & CLASSIC FAVORITES
BY SUSAN SHULTZ
“In numerology, 35 is associated with adventure, creativity, and magic, symbolizing a zest for life and a positive outlook on change,” said Curtain Call Executive Director Lou Ursone.
That sounds like everything associated with the incredible collaborative process of producing year-round theatre at Curtain Call, Stamford’s longest running and only year-round non-
profit producing theatre company, now starting its 35th season, he added.
“When I started here in September 2000, I could not have envisioned the organization that we’ve become,” Ursone said
“Yes, I had dreams that included adding dressing rooms to the Kweskin Theatre, but to think of us producing 12 or more shows a year—one of the most active theatre companies in the region—no, that wasn’t on my radar,” Ursone added.
Pictured: Beginning on Sept. 11, Curtain Call features Come From Away in The Kweskin Theatre. This tells the story of how the small town of Gander, Newfoundland population 9,000—took in nearly 7,000 strangers when 38 planes were diverted there on 9/11/2001. Photo by Curtain Call.
CURTAIN CALL
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
Come From Away shows how the worst of humanity can be felled by the best of humanity.
Curtain Call Executive Director Lou Ursone
The New Season
Beginning on September 11, Curtain Call will produce the Broadway musical, Come From Away in The Kweskin Theatre.
This tells the story of how the small town of Gander, Newfoundland—population 9,000—took in nearly 7,000 strangers when 38 planes were diverted there on 9/11/2001.
“It's one of the most moving musicals I’ve ever seen, and while 9/11 is the backdrop and reason why these ‘plane people’ were stranded, it’s about the resilience of the human spirit and about people opening their hearts to others,” he said.
Ursone noted that Come From Away is the only show he’s paid to see three times on Broadway
THE NEW SEASON TRULY INCLUDES SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.
Come From Away is the first of the theatre’s 10-show season, and the first of seven shows that have never played there. Other new shows include The 39 Steps, Misery, White Christmas, Urinetown, Anastasia, and My Mother and The Michigan and Ohio War
The season also includes long-time favorites like The Lion In Winter, A View from the Bridge, and the ultimate musical classic, Guys and Dolls
“When planning a season, I always try to find variety—variety in styles, cast sizes, scenic needs, old favorites, new works, etc. It’s challenging, but I hope I can find at least one show for all area theatre-lovers each year,” Ursone said.
“It gets complicated because not all shows are available for us to license,” he added. “We’re extremely fortunate to be among a handful of community theatres across the country allowed to produce Come From Away right now,” Ursone said
Following Come From Away is the hysterical farce, The 39 Steps Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python, and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre!
Next up in the season is the play Misery, based on the Stephen King novel, beginning in late October, just in time for Halloween Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. >>
Pictured: Curtain Call Executive Director Lou Ursone noted that “Come From Away” is the only show he’s paid to see three times on Broadway Photo by Curtain Call.
“ Theater, and the arts in general, fill the soul.
Curtain Call Executive Director Lou Ursone
”
>> Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.
For the holiday season this year, White Christmas will play in The Kweskin Theatre. Based on the 1954 movie musical, the stage version adds even more great Irving Berlin songs and dances, making it a real treat for all ages
“It’s a great counterpoint to the darker, Stephen King play, Misery, featured just before it,” joked Ursone
The new year opens in January 2026 with the historical fiction, The Lion in Winter, playing in the Dressing Room Theatre. The story is set in the year 1183 and centers around the reign of King Henry II of England, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their three surviving sons: Richard, Geoffrey, and John.
Another musical making its Curtain Call debut is a show with a most unusual name: Urinetown. This show is a sidesplitting sendup of greed, love, revolution (and musicals!), in a time when water is worth its weight in gold In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets
With an eye toward classic American drama, the Dressing Room Theatre will be the home for Arthur Miller’s A View From The Bridge in March. Ursone pointed out that, as a huge Arthur Miller fan, he is excited for this one.
This production will be followed by the Broadway stage version of the hit film, Anastasia—a great show for the whole family.
Toward the end of the season, CT native Paul Stroili will again be represented when his new play, My Mother and the Michigan Ohio War, plays in the Dressing Room Theatre in May.
“This past season we presented Paul’s A Jukebox For The Algonquin, which was a huge success, so we’re thrilled to have one of his newest pieces in the new season,” Ursone said
The classic, well-loved musical theatre gem, Guys and Dolls will close out the season in The Kweskin Theatre in June “Guys and Dolls is one of my favorite Broadway musicals We haven't done it here at Curtain Call since the fall of 2007, so it was definitely time to revisit,” Ursone said.
While not a part of the “season,” Curtain Call is planning to stage A Midsummer Night’s Dream for its annual Shakespeare on the Green program in July 2026.
URSONE HOPES AUDIENCES WILL COME OUT FOR THE VARIED SELECTION OF PERFORMANCES
THIS SEASON.
“Here, a family of four can see a show for less than the cost of one ticket to a Broadway show with plenty of parking and a restaurant on site,” he said
Discounted Flex Passes offer savings of about 25% off regular adult prices Flex Pass holders can save 10% off meals on site at The Stillery and nearby at Vinny’s Backyard Restaurant Flex Pass holders also have exchange privileges and pay no ticket service charges.
Full details on dates and prices are available at www.curtaincallinc. com or by calling the Box Office at 203-461-6358.
Curtain Call is the nonprofit community-based theatre company in residence at The Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, 1349 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, providing year-round live productions as well as theatre arts educational workshops for youth and adults Funding is provided by many local corporations, foundations, and individuals, as well as the Connecticut Department of Economic Development and CT Office of the Arts All programming is produced in cooperation with The City of Stamford //
Pictured: “Come From Away” is the first of the theatre’s 10-show season, and the first of seven shows that have never played there. Photo by Curtain Call.
THE BEST MEDICINE: LOTSOFLAUGHS TO BE FOUNDIN
BY SUSANSHULTZ
They saylaughteristhe best medicine,and if that is thecase, CT is offering just what thedoctorordered.
STAMFORD’S COMEDY CLUB,the first branch of NewYorkComedyCluboutside of theBig Apple, promises to bringa mixof classicNew York stand-up andnational touringheadliners. Theclubwill feature Funny Marcoand IrishcomedianColum >>
>> Tyrrell in October. Visit www.stamford. newyorkcomedyclub.com forall theupcoming shows. Theclubisone of many that drawscomedic talent to thestate
The STRESS FACTORY showcasestoday’scomedystars,manyofwhomcall ownerVinnieBrand afriend. Past performersinclude Connecticut nativesLisaLampanelliand KevinNealon, George Lopez, andmore. Upcoming showsinclude comediansAries Spears andMichael Rappaport. Forthe latest lineup,visit www.bridgeport. stressfactory.com
FUNNYBONECOMEDYCLUBAND DINNERTHEATRE hasbeen acareer-launching padfor dozens of familiarfaces in television andfilm.The Hartford FunnyBonelocation is in Manchester,and upcoming acts includeDon McMillan, PinkyPatel,and aHocusPocus drag brunch.Visit www.hartford. funnybone.com fora full lineup.
COMEDY CLUBS AREN’T THEONLY VENUES WHEREYOU
CANFINDYOUR
FAVORITE COMEDIAN.
The RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE offers a varietyofcomedyfor audiences. In October, the65thanniversaryofSecondCity, theChicago-based improv group, will be featured.Other comediansupcomingat thePlayhouse includeCraig Ferguson and Paul Reiser
FOXWOODS in Mashantucket offers a stellarlineupofcomedyshows,TrevorNoah anda liveperformance of theimprovshow “Whose Line is it Anyway?” Keep up with the listing at www.foxwoods.com. //
CON CER TS!
CONCERTS AT
The2025-2026 concertseasonfeaturesa dazzling varietyofprogramming includingsolo, chamber,vocal,and orchestral performances of repertoire rangingfromearly to newmusic. Secureyour seatstoday!
YSMCONCERTSERIESinclude:
OneppoChamber MusicSeries
Performancesbythe Brentano String Quartetand guest chambergroups
Horowitz PianoSeries
RecitalsbyYSM facultypianistsand renowned guestartists
Yale Philharmonia
Concerts ledbyPrincipal ConductorPeter Oundjian andguest conductors
EllingtonJazzSeries
Aserieslaunchedwithahistoricconvocation in 1972 that brings jazz artiststoYale
Yale Opera
Performancesbyascendant vocalistsofworks from the operaticrepertoire
NewMusic NewHaven
PerformancesofcontemporaryworksbyYalefaculty,students, andguest composers
FacultyArtistSeries
Membersofthe School’s facultyperform solo andchamber musicprograms
FESTIVALS
CONTINUEDFROMPAGE2
Pictured left &right:The BeardsleyZoo canbeseen in anew “light”withthe return of theGLOW WILD LANTERNFESTIVAL. ThefestivalrunsThursdays to SundaysfromSept. 25 –Dec.14, from 5:30 p.m.–9:30p.m.and is BeardsleyZoo’s most dazzlingnighttime tradition! Newdisplays includethe jellyfish, left, anda dinosaur.Photo by Tianyu Arts andCulture
many more.The eventincludesanadult andchildren’s costumecontest,specialty vendors, photo opportunitieswithyourfavorites,discussion panels andmore. This year’s eventdebutsthe inaugural CONNECTICUT FRIGHT FILM FESTIVAL.For more informationortobuy tickets, visit www.horrornewsnetwork.net.
GLASTONBURYAPPLEHARVEST ANDMUSICFESTIVAL will return this year on Oct. 18 through20atRiverfrontParkinGlastonbury.This carnival features food vendors, ridesand more Thereisa full lineupofmusical entertainmentand of course,applefesteats! Theseinclude signature applepiesfromGrannie’sPie Factory, farm market apples,applefrittersbythe Marlborough Congregational Church,and applecider donuts from Dude’s Donuts.For tickets, visit www.fiestashows.com.
Vampires need notapplytothe GARLIC & HARVESTFESTIVAL in Bethlehem, CT.Heldon Oct. 11 and12, this family friendly eventincludes livecooking demonstrations andlecturesabout
growinggarlic.Italsohas funeventsfor kids includingslides,pumpkin decorating,a funhouse,a petting zoo, face painting andponyrides.Livemusic is also included as well as agarlic themed food curt.Visit www.garlicfestct.com formoreinfo.
TheBeardsley Zoocan be seen in anew “light” with thereturnofthe GLOW WILD LANTERN FESTIVAL.The festival runs ThursdaystoSundays from Sept.25– Dec. 14,from5:30p.m.– 9:30 p.m. andisBeardsley Zoo’smostdazzlingnighttime tradition!
Back by populardemand, thelantern festival transforms theZoo into aglowing wonderland filledwithover35larger-than-life, hand-crafted lanterndisplaysthatcelebrate wildlife, nature, andthe magicofthe season.
Perfectfor families, date nights,and evening adventures,GlowWild offers auniqueway to experience theZoo afterdark. Enjoynew experiences,tasty treats,and photo-worthy momentsat everyturn. Visit www.beardsleyzoo.org/glow-wild formoreinfo. //
NOONE OONE GRIEVESALONE
GRIEVESALO
BY SUSANSHULTZ
At Adam's House, ChildrenCopingwithLossFind
SupportAmong Peers
In 2012,Allison Wysota,motherofAndrew, Austin,and Addison, suddenlylosther husbandAdamtoa heartattack
Allisonfound it challengingtofind supportfor herfamily as they struggled to deal with theirgrief.Her search ledher to establishThe Adam Wysota Foundation in Adam’s memory,and create acenter to help othergrievingfamilies.
“I waslookingfor services forthem,and they were very vocalthat they wanted to talk to otherchildrentheir agegoing throughthe same thing,”Wysotasaidofher threesons. “I come from an education background,and Iwas frustrated therewerenocurriculum-based
services,onlycoldoffice settings. Ithought,‘We coulddothisso much better.’”
Thus,Adam’sHouse wasborn. Thecenteroffers an eight-week programwhere participants learncopingskills,and realizeit’snot badtoholdontothe memories of theirloved ones.Now basedina beautifulhomeinShelton, Adam’s Housemakes visitors feel like they’regoing to afriend’shouse
Wysota said griefmanifests differently in everyone
“Every groupisworking on what griefmeans in your space. Everyonecomes to griefdifferently.It’sasuniqueasa fingerprint,” she said.“It’s notweird to stay connected with your lovedoneswho’ve passedand miss them,you just getbetteratdealingwiththe loss.”
CO MI NG SO ON TO T HE PA LA CE TH EA TR E
SEPTEMBER
FRI SEP12 7:30PM HOSEMAN
FRI SEP19 8PM PARKER BARROW
SAT • SEPT 20 • 8PM JIMMIE ALLEN
MON • SEPT 22 • 11:30AM THE PALACE’S ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF OUTING
FRI SEPT26 8PM THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCEFEATURING EVILWOMAN
SAT& SUN • SEPT 27 &28 • 8PM JULIA COLE
DECEMBER
FRI DEC5 8PM DAVE ATTELL
SAT • DEC6 • 12PM
ROCK &ROLLPLAYHOUSE MUSIC OF QUEEN
SUN DEC7 7PM MANNHEIMSTEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS
FRI • DEC19 • 8PM STEVIEMAC
SAT DEC20 8PM LITTLE RIVER BAND
SUN • DEC21 • 6PM SANTA’S CIRCUS
SUN • DEC28 • 3PM THE CANINE STARS
OCTOBER
FRI OCT10 8PM TREYKENNEDY
THUR • OCT16 • 7:30PM
NOTDEADYET! – JOHNCLEESE AND THE HOLY GRAIL AT 50
FRI • OCT17 • 8PM ANTHONY RODIA
SAT • OCT18 • 8PM PSYCHOLOGYOFCULTS
SUN • OCT19 • 7PM AIR SUPPLY – 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
MON OCT20 7PM SCRIPTS ON TAP: WITCHESBYGINATRACY
SAT • OCT25 • 8PM THE CONCERT: ATRIBUTETOABBA
JANUARY
SAT • JAN3 • 3PM LYNDILLIES
SUN • JAN 4 • 2PM BUBBLEMANIA
THUR JAN 15 7PM NEKOCASE
FRI • JAN16 • 8PM WHO’SBAD
SAT JAN17 8PM PIRATEFLAG AKENNYCHESNEY TRIBUTE
FRI • JAN30 • 8PM SUPER DIAMOND
FEBRUARY
NOVEMBER
MON NOV3 7PM
SCRIPTS ON TAP: REQUIEMFOR A BANTAMWEIGHT BY BILLNABEL
SUN • NOV8 • 7:30PM NEEDTOBREATHE
SUN • NOV9 • 12PM
ROCK &ROLLPLAYHOUSE MUSIC OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD
WED • NOV12 • 8PM ROOM 112 TOUR
FRI NOV14 8PM TYLERRICH
SUN • NOV30 • 7PM
JESSICALYNN’S - AVERYMERRY CLASSIC CHRISTMAS
MARCH
THUR • MAR5 • 8PM DIRTY DANCING IN CONCERT
WED • MAR11 • 7PM THE SIMON &GARFUNKELSTORY
TUES • MAR24 • 6PM DOGMAN:THE MUSICAL
APRIL
THUR APR9 7:30PM MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2
MAY
FRI • MAY15 • 8PM LEONID &FRIENDS
FRI • FEB27 • 8PM BROADWAY’S ROCK OF AGES BAND
THUR MAY28 8PM LOUGRAMM
READYTO R ROCK
CT LAYS OUTTHE WELCOME MATFOR SOME OF THE BRIGHTEST IN ENTERTAINMENT
BY SUSANSHULTZ
Connecticut’s love of theartscontinuesto draw some of thebiggest andbrightest stars in musicand comedy.Hereare some of the upcoming showstolook forwardtoatthe state’shottest venues.
The RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE remainsaniconiclocation forbig talent in an intimate setting.Overthe summer, it drew avariety of returningand newvisitors.
In late September, thePlayhouse welcomes rockersthe Red HotChili Peppers,comedianSamanthaBee, andmusical comedian andviral sensationRandy Rainbow.
In October, classicrockers Queensryche will hitthe stage, >>
>> as well as the smokey-voiced singer from across the pond, Joss Stone. Babies of the 1980’s will enjoy Broadway’s Rock of Ages band, while guitar aficionados can enjoy two nights of legendary Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. For more information, visit www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org
The HARTFORD HEALTHCARE AMPHITHEATER in Bridgeport welcomed some serious star power over the summer, including James Taylor and the Black Keys.
Upcoming in September, Tedeschi Trucks with Steve Winwood, Halestorm and Lindsey Stirling, Melissa Etheridge along with the Indigo Girls, and Alice Cooper with Judas Priest.
On Oct. 11 and 12, the Amphitheater will host the Mooooncakefest, a part of the Dream Asia nationwide festival
Organizers hope to create a space where everyone can experience the magic of Asian cuisine and culture. This family-friendly event offers free admission for children under the age of ten and offers over 90 food vendors featuring the cuisine of all areas of Asia There will also be craft and goods vendors, K-pop music, and lion dancers. Visit www. hartfordhealthcareamp.com for information.
For those interested in larger arena shows, MOHEGAN SUN in Uncasville never fails to disappoint. In September, enjoy the popular comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, Bacon Brothers featuring Kevin Bacon and brother Michael, comedian and musician Adam Sandler. Country rocker Keith Urban will be performing at Mohegan Sun in October along with Canadian 80’s icon Bryan Adams. For more information, visit www.mohegansun.com
The TOYOTA OAKDALE THEATRE in Wallingford offers a variety of shows for every taste, including Yes, An Evening with David Byrne of the Talking Heads, Voyage, covering the music of Journey, and many family-friendly shows. Later this year, the Oakdale will welcome comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short. For more information, visit www. oakdaletheatre.net/events
Music fans with less mainstream tastes also have a tremendous selection of smaller venues with eclectic choices, especially in New Haven. The iconic TOAD’S PLACE has an impressive lineup of shows. WESTVILLE MUSIC BOWL’S upcoming shows include sister-act HAIM, and Dwight Yoakam COLLEGE STREET MUSIC HALL offers a selection of comedy and music choices, including Garbage, with Starcrawler, and the cult classic Evil Dead in concert.
Just over the state line in New York, Port Chester’s CAPITOL THEATRE continues to ensure its place in the church of rock ‘n’ roll for many artists. The legendary venue was reopened by famed concert promoter Peter Shapiro in 2012 and just celebrated its 96th birthday The reopening show featured a performance by Bob Dylan and was widely celebrated Steve Winwood performs at the “Cap,” as it’s known to devoted fans, in September. Performances in October include Yes, the Violent Femmes, Patty Griffin and Rickie Lee Jones, and Colbie Caillat and Shawn Colvin, a Raising the Bar benefit concert. November welcomes the Smokey Robinson and the Stray Cats, among others. For more information, visit www. thecapitoltheatre.com.
In Pawling, N.Y., just 30 minutes outside of Danbury, those interested in a totally down-home music experience can accept an invitation to DARYL’S HOUSE, a live music club and eatery created by Daryl Hall. The cozy venue offers live music “on the back porch” every weekend as well as scheduled shows. The concept was born from Hall’s television show “Live from Daryl’s House,” where he invited his favorite musicians to his upstate New York home for an afternoon of live music and great food. Upcoming shows include American Idol alum David Cook, the Young Dubliners, and a heavy lineup of tribute bands to your favorite artists. For more information, visit www. darylshouseclub.com.
For the latest in upcoming events and a full Connecticut calendar, stay in the know at www.ctpost.com/events-calendar //
ADAM'S HOUSE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
The center will hold its biggest fundraiser of the year on Friday, Oct. 17. Now in its sixth year, all funds raised will benefit the “Helping Hearts Heal” grief education and peer support program for children.
The event will be held at The Warehouse at FTC (70 Sanford St.) in Fairfield from 7-11 p.m. It will feature dance performances, delicious din-
Dancing with the Stars
ing and an open beer & wine bar. The celebrity emcee this year is Emmy Award-winning anchor and reporter at NBC Connecticut, Taylor Kinzler.
Stand-up comedy icon, podcaster, and creativity coach, Lisa Lampanelli is the lead celebrity judge on this year’s panel, and professional dancers and their competition partners from Fred Astaire Dance Studios in
Hamden, Norwalk, Orange, and Shelton will perform. Each dance pair is fundraising for Adam’s House through their performance. At the end of the event, the coveted “Judges’ Choice,” “People’s Choice,” and “Top Fundraiser Recognition” will be awarded.
To attend, sponsor, or donate to the event, visit www.dwts24. givesmart.com
Programs
Helping Hearts Heal: Adam’s House uses a closed-ended education model. Once group members have been interviewed by staff and cleared by specialist partners, they begin and end the program together
Once a family is offered the option of entering a program, they must commit to attending each week’s meeting of the eight-week program. The closed model provides a sense of security so children feel safe enough to share their grief with their new friends.
Parents and guardians meet as a group while the children meet, and learn ways support and converse with their children about their grief. Children are placed into age-appropriate groups: “Littles” (57), “Middles” (8-13), and “Teens” (13-18).
Grief coaching: Wysota’s own experience recognizes that unsupported grief may lead to anxiety, poor coping skills, addictive
behavior, and depression This makes supporting one’s grief paramount for healthy, post-bereavement growth
Courageous Chapters: Adults who have suffered profound loss are invited to participate in this Book of the Month club Gatherings take place on various evenings, and a new book is started each month. These discussions offer a space for participants to connect with others navigating feelings of hopelessness, despair, and isolation.
Donate
Adam’s House (241 Coram Ave., Shelton) supports children struggling with any type of loss, be it their parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt/uncle, or friend. All programs are offered at no cost to participating families, empowering them to cope with their loss so they may live their lives to the fullest To make a general donation to Adam’s House, visit www.adamshousect.org //
SEPTEMBER 2025
BY SUSANSHULTZ
Pictured:Childrenenjoy running throughthe park in
Photo by LakeCompounce.
>> THE DARK MANOR // 25 MAIN ST., BALTIC
The Dark Manor is Connecticut’s no 1 scariest haunted house. This fully outdoor haunted trail was freshly redesigned to deliver a thrilling new experience. Children under 13 are not recommended to visit during evening hours, but there are family-friendly matinees Visit www.thedarkmanor.com
HAUNTING AT THE RIDGE // POWDER RIDGE PARK, 99 POWDER HILL ROAD, MIDDLEFIELD
Guests will take a chair lift up the mountain in the dark, catching glimpses of creatures below and then descend on foot at their own risk! There are also family-friendly visits available, such as a fun Zombie Lounge with fire pits. Visit www. powderridgepark.com/hauntings
TRAIL OF TERROR // 60 N. PLAINS HWY, WALLINGFORD
The Trail of Terror this year features “The Harvest.” Follow a timed, hour-long
outdoor trail—but beware of the Harvester! The trail offers 30 interactive scenes and more than 80 characters; parental discretion is advised. Visit www. trailofterror.com.
THE FORSAKEN LANDS // 435 TORRINGTON ROAD, GOSHEN
This Connecticut haunted house is home to a plethora of inhabitants who claim this long forgotten farm village as their own. They unleash their wrath on and consume all who dare step foot onto their forbidden grounds! It opens Saturday, Sept 28 Visit www. forsakenlandshaunt.com
THE WITCH’S DUNGEON MUSEUM // 103 E.
MAIN ST., PLAINVILLE
Though not a haunted house, this year-round museum, open by appointment only, is a thrilling way to celebrate spooky season It includes perfect replicas of your favorite Hollywood monsters and a greeting by Vincent Price. Visit www.preservehollywood.org
LEGENDS OF FEAR: HAYRIDE & TRAIL // 2 SAW MILL CITY ROAD, SHELTON
Impossible to run out of scares, Legends of Fear offers a hayride, several haunted trails, and a selection of haunted houses. Visit www.legendsoffear.com.
SCARRYBROOKE PARK HAUNTED TRAIL // HARRYBROOKE PARK, 100 STILL RIVER DRIVE, NEW MILFORD
Operating on Fridays in October, this haunted trail offers four nights of madness and adventure. Visit www.harrybrookepark.org/ haunted-trail.html //
Pictured above right: The Witch’s Dungeon Museum in Plainville has added a new display with the actual “E.T.” used in the bike riding sequence from the movie itself
Photo by
The Witch’s Dungeon Museum. Pictured below left & right: Enjoy scares galore at this year’s Phantom Fall Fest at Lake Compounce in Bristol. Photos by Lake Compounce.
