Anne Baller

New London County

Chris Rhatigan 

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Stonington-Mystic

Connecticut

Groton

Washington County

Westerly

Rhode Island

Rich Kirby

Ledyard

New London

Hopkinton

Waterford

Charlestown

Montville

Norwich

Richmond

Jay Estate

<img src="https://jayheritagecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Balloon-300x200.jpg">Jay Day is our classic fall family festival held annually at the 23-acre award-winning Jay Estate with offerings for everyone! Join us on Sunday, October 25 from 11am - 3pm. New this year in honor of the Montgolfier Brothers invention of the hot-air balloon in 1783 - you guessed it - learn all about the thermodynamics of these beautiful aircrafts from <a href="https://www.libertyballoon.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Liberty Balloon Company</a>. Enjoy outdoor activities and old-fashioned entertainment as we commemorate America 250 with a very special chance to see authentic centuries-old artifacts of the Revolutionary War at the historic first home of patriot and peacemaker John Jay. <a href="https://youtu.be/1-5rBwbfv08?si=7Y61Jf0fiNcaNAr2" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Watch a video from last year's festival here.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;
<a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/b5a7d988-48ca-4a56-bb9b-28da36e2bc0e" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">REGISTER HERE TO AVOID THE LINES.</a>
<img src="https://jayheritagecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Revisit-the-Rev-300x300.jpg">
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
* Silhouette artist <a href="https://www.sweet-silhouette.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Varin Acevado</a> will create heirloom portraits. * Stilt walkers &amp; jugglers ensure super photo ops for the whole family! * Professional facepainters from <a href="https://www.jamesdaniel.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">James Daniel Entertainment </a>will create butterflies and dragons with deft dabs of paint and glitter! * Join the <a href="https://www.ryetroop2.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Rye Boy Scouts Troop 2</a> for boat racing in the reflecting pool * Create your own take-home origami animals with talented volunteers from our Japanese community partners in Harrison. * Try your hand at special geocaching activities in honor of America at 250 highlighting John Jay's role as spymaster during the Revolutionary War. * Make a self-portrait with artist <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ellenjingxu/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Jing (Ellen) Xu </a>and ColorWorld. * Learn about robotics and STEAM with <a href="https://www.makeinspires.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">MakeInspires.</a> * Don't miss the rocket show with <a href="https://newyorkcity.madscience.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mad Science!</a> * Pony rides and the petting zoo are family favorites!

ALL AGES
* Self-guided tours of<a href="https://parks.ny.gov/history/rev-war?utm_campaign=NYSOGS+Parks-RevWar250&amp;utm_source=Google&amp;utm_medium=Search&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23972741403&amp;gbraid=0AAAABD-CRbX_77SLGE4f5AlYAwtMckwIS&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwlsfWBhD4ARIsACL7p1GnNW59-3sZb1eG8wDrPXmniU0OpY52GakfKQTDy-DZfXtRno0_JBwaAnZYEALw_wcB" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"> Revisit the Revolution Exhibit</a> at the Jay Mansion. * Self-guided tours of the award-winning Jay Estate Gardens (2022 NYS Nonprofit Excellence, 2023 ICAA Landscape Design, 2026 GCA Historic Preservation). * Nibble on savories from food trucks and local favorites like Cousins Lobster Roll, Jimmy's Soft Serve, Crazy Taco Mex, Food Truck Refinery, Westchester Burger and Mangones Market. * LIVE Music from <a href="https://www.brooklynbluegrass.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Brooklyn Bluegrass Collective</a>. * Horse-drawn Carriage Rides by Pelham Bit Carriages. * Shop for the holidays early or for any occasion - explore gorgeous jewelry, sweaters, fine art photographs, handcrafted Japanese pottery from <a href="https://nslifestyles.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">NS Lifestyles</a>, <a href="https://shopthebeehive.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Beehive</a>, <a href="https://www.crichlowfineart.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Crichlow Fine Art</a>, <a href="https://hirokosceramics.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Hiroko's Ceramics</a> and many more bespoke offerings from our vendors * Learn about 10,000 years of archaeology beneath our feet with Dr. Eugene Boesch.
More activities being added every day! Admission is $50 per family and $20 individual.
Thank you to our Jay Day Co-Chairs Lindsay Bello Martin, Claire Weschler, Jennifer Soliman and Julia Thalhammer and 2026 RCDS Community Engagement Fellow Ellora Shah.&nbsp;
More volunteers welcome! Contact us at <a href="mailto:jayheritagecenter@gmail.com">jayheritagecenter@gmail.com</a> to sign up for a shift.
The Jay Heritage Center (JHC) is a dynamic nonprofit which manages the Jay Estate in Rye, New York. The 23-acre park that they have preserved and interpreted since 1992 is an award-winning culture hub and wildlife refuge on Long Island Sound. Located in the heart of Westchester’s only National Historic Landmark District, the site welcomes visitors April through November to learn about our nation’s flawed yet precious democracy through indoor and outdoor public programs. Offerings about American History feature prominent writers and educators. Free horticulture and birding workshops teach guests about native plants and wildlife. Family-friendly concerts draw hundreds for old-fashioned fun and unplugged enjoyment. The site is a member of NY State's Path Through History and Westchester County's African American Heritage Trail. Sign up to volunteer or access all they offer at <a href="https://jayheritagecenter.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.jayheritagecenter.org</a>
<img src="https://jayheritagecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Vendors-300x300.jpg">

Local Event: Jay Day - Fall Family Festival

Westchester County

New York

Jay Day - Fall Family Festival

Jay Day is our classic fall family festival held annually at the 23-acre award-winning Jay Estate with offerings for everyone!...

Online / Regional Southeastern CT Schools

Southeastern and Central Connecticut K-12 students have an extra week to showcase their environmental vision!
The 4 Conservation Charitable Foundation, Inc. (4CCF) is excited to announce that due to an overwhelming response from local schools, educators, and young artists across our region, the deadline for the 2nd Annual "Art For Earth" Contest has officially been extended to Saturday, October 31, 2026.
The contest is 100% FREE to enter for all K–12 students residing in or attending school in New London, Groton, Waterford, Norwich, Montville, Stonington, North Stonington, Middletown, and surrounding communities.
Prizes, awards, and regional recognition will be given across age divisions to celebrate creative talent and ecological awareness.
"The level of passion, imagination, and environmental consciousness shown in this year's entries is truly inspiring," said Everett Hoag, Executive Director of 4CCF. "Extending the deadline through Halloween ensures that every student who wants to participate has the opportunity to submit their artwork."
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CONTEST AT A GLANCE
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• Who: All K–12 Students (Public, Charter, Parochial, and Home-Schooled)
• Extended Deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026
• Cost: FREE to enter
• Prizes: Awards and recognition presented across grade categories
• Theme: Visual art reflecting conservation, local watersheds, coastal wildlife, and environmental sustainability.
How to Enter:
Students can submit drawing, painting, mixed media, collage, or digital artwork online. Full guidelines, prompt details, and the online entry form are available on the 4CCF website at <a href="https://www.4cc-foundation.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">4cc-foundation.org</a> or by emailing info@4ccfoundation.org.
About 4CCF:
4 Conservation Charitable Foundation, Inc.® (4CCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization empowering youth and strengthening coastal ecosystems through interdisciplinary education, environmental stewardship, and community arts across Southern New England.Photo: Celebrating last year's winner of 4CCF's Annual 'Art For Earth' Contest. Submissions for the 2nd Annual contest are open free to all K–12 students through October 31 at <a href="https://www.4cc-foundation.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">4cc-foundation.org</a> / Courtesy of 4CCF.

Local Event: 4CCF Extends 'Art For Earth' Contest Deadline to Oct 31 Due to High Regional Demand — Prizes & Free 

4CCF Extends 'Art For Earth' Contest Deadline...

Southeastern and Central Connecticut K-12 students have an extra week to showcase their environmental vision!
The 4...

4CCF Extends 'Art For Earth' Contest Deadline to Oct 31 Due to High Regional Demand — Prizes & Free 

Bank Square Books, 80 Stonington Road, Suite 8, Mystic, CT 06355

Bank Square Books presents an author talk and signing with Alexandra Beller for her book The Anatomy of Art: Unlocking the Creative Process for Theater and Dance. Alexandra will be in conversation with David Dorfman, Artistic Director of David Dorfman Dance and Professor of Dance at Connecticut College. Monday, October 26, 7:00 to 8:00pm. RSVP: https://banksquarebooks.com/form/alexandra-beller

Local Event: Alexandra Beller: The Anatomy of Art, Author Talk and Signing with David Dorfman

Alexandra Beller: The Anatomy of Art, Author...

Bank Square Books presents an author talk and signing with Alexandra Beller for her book The Anatomy of Art: Unlocking the...

Alexandra Beller: The Anatomy of Art, Author Talk and Signing with David Dorfman

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Anne Baller, Local Business

Posting Activity

Jay Day - Fall Family Festival

4CCF Extends 'Art For Earth' Contest Deadline to Oct 31 Due to High Regional Demand — Prizes & Free

Alexandra Beller: The Anatomy of Art, Author Talk and Signing with David Dorfman