Stamford Downtown Events

Franklin Street Works presents Heavy Rotation - February 24th to March 16th

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

exhibition of emerging trends in the world of contemporary video art

Franklin Street Works is pleased to announce the opening of Heavy, a three-week showcase of emerging trends in contemporary video art.Heavy Rotation aims to provide an adrenaline rush

There will be a reception for the exhibition on Thursday, March 1st, from 5:00 p.m. to

7:00 p.m., in the main gallery space.

The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.

For more information, please visit the Franklin Street Works website

(http://www.franklinstreetworks.org) or call (203) 253-0404.

Franklin Street Works is located at 41 Franklin Street in downtown Stamford,

Connecticut, near the UCONN campus and less than one hour from New York City via

Metro North. Franklin Street Works is approximately one mile (a 15 minute walk) from

the Stamford train station. On street parking is available on Franklin Street (metered

until 6 pm except on Sunday), and paid parking is available nearby in a lot on Franklin

Street and in the Summer Street Garage (100 Summer Street), behind Target.

The art space and café are open to the public on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and

Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. with extended hours on Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. – 7:00

p.m. Franklin Street Works does not charge for admission during regular gallery hours.
About Franklin Street Works

Franklin Street Works is a new, not-for-profit contemporary art space, café, and social

gathering place in Stamford, Connecticut. It produces original on-site and off-site

exhibitions, artist projects, and related programming. Located in renovated row houses

on Franklin Street, the two- story space includes three galleries and a café. Franklin

Street Works embraces innovative art and exhibition practices, a DIY attitude, and a

workshop approach to its programming, audiences, and organizational structure. The

activities and attitudes of the café reflect and expand on the organization’s mission as a
contemporary art venue.
Here is the rest.

Rotation

Beginning on February 24th and closing on March 16th, this ambitious project consists of

four “mini exhibitions,” each lasting four days, and each reflecting different themes.

Through multiple, short-lived shows,

of shifting contexts, fresh curatorial perspectives, and highly varied technologies. The

show’s fluctuating structure also asks us to imagine the exhibition as a series of changing

visual events, rather than a static installation.

One grouping includes artists who harness specific elements from nature (including

rocks, water, snow, and a snail) as imagery to foreground unique approaches to "process"

in the act of art making. Love and interpersonal relationships inform another show,

which explores romantic exchanges, desires, and miscommunications via a variety of

platforms and situations (including Chat Roulette, Craigslist singles ads, and public

displays of affection). A third installation explores "psychological landscapes," whose

narratives are situated within imaginative, culturally specific, and often geographically

peripheral environments. Finally, New York-based curator Anthony Thornton rounds out

the schedule with a selection of videos that explore the public inevitability of private

performance within our increasingly connected world.

Participating artists/curators include: Robert Chirila, Petra Cortright, Keith Edmier,

Lindsey Eskind, Don Evans, Jesse Fleming, T. Foley, Alexa Gerrity, Matteo Giordano,

Ilana Halperin, Seth Kelly, Karsten Krejcarek, Camille Laurelli, Jillian Mayer, David

O'Reilly, Ariana Page-Russell, John Pilson, Cheryl Pope, Joshua Seidner, Rbt. Sps., Brent

Stewart, Anthony Thornton, and Grant Worth.
Franklin Street Works presents Heavy Rotation, a unique and frenetic

Save the Date! - Earth Day 2012

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Save the Date! - Earth Day 2012

On April 21, join us for our annual Earth Day Celebration!
Enjoy your chance to roll up your sleeves, take on a project and help improve our community.
We will be tackling the following jobs in Mill River Park:
Plant 4,000 plant plugs at the Mill River Playground
Paint and stain the playground equipment
Restore the lawns at the Archstone site on Washington Blvd.
Remove trash from the banks of the Mill River
Our volunteers make beautification of the Mill River possible.

Please contact Nia Rhodes Jackson to discuss signing your team up to participate in the event. DetailsWhen: Saturday, April 21, 2012 9 am - 2 pmWhere: Meet at Mill River Playground

Stamford in the news....Stamford snags Foursquare badge!

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Stamford snags Foursquare badge

Stamford has been chosen as 1 of 5 cities in America in the Foursquare city badge contest. See the links below!

Advocate blog post: http://blog.stamfordadvocate.com/stamford411/2012/02/08/stamford-snags-foursquare-badge/

Official announcement from Foursquare: http://blog.foursquare.com/2012/02/08/city-badge-winners-announced-visitus/#disqus_thread

Horsin' Around Stamford Downtown

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Get ready to be blown away. The newest sculpture exhibit is about to kick off in Stamford Downtown this spring. It's called Horsin Around, and you guessed it, its themed around horse figures.

Each year Stamford Downtown hosts a distinguished outdoor sculpture exhibit designed to attract both local and regional audiences.

Horsin' Around Stamford Downtown, similar to the Cow Parade, Art-O-Mobiles, Stamford Safari and It's Reigning Cats & Dogs, will be an interactive sculpture exhibit. Artists, through a juried selection process, will paint, sculpt and decorate fiberglass horses that will line the sidewalks and parks of the Downtown as well as the Stamford Town Center.

A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned by Fazzino

New and exciting this year is our special "celebrity" artist! Sooooo excited, and I know Stamford will be too. He is Charles Fazzino. You've seen his work in NYC, and maybe even at an area airport.

Mr. Fazzino is an internationally renowned 3D Pop Artist. Since developing his distinctive 3D art technique more than thirty years ago, Charles Fazzino’s name has been synonymous with bright, whimsical, and wonderfully detailed 3D Pop Art. His work can be seen in hundreds of galleries and museums worldwide. Check out this 3D Pop Art Gallery to experience Fazzino’s art.

Can't wait to see his specially designed Horsin' Around Stamford Downtown horse, made just for Stamford Downtown.

You ain't seen nothin yet....
Sculpture Opening PartyWednesday, June 6, By Invitation, call 203-348-5285.
Sculpture Auction TBD

A SEPARATION at the Avon... 2/17 at 7pm

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

The Avon Theatre & The Unitarian Universalist Society in Stamford Present 

 A SEPARATION 

The Avon Theatre is excited to present  THE BEST REVIEWED FILM OF THE YEAR ON FEBRUARY 17^TH   2012. Academy Award Nominee – Best Foreign Language Film, Best Original Screenplay  2012, Golden Globe Winner – Best Foreign Language Film , Named Best Foreign Language Film by the NY Film Critics Circle, National Society of Film Critics,  National Board of Review, & the London Critics Circle .

Special post-film Q&A/panel discussion with  Ardeshir & Eleanor Ommani,  co-founders of the American Iranian Friendship Committee on   Saturday, February 18 at 7:00 p.m.  

Ticket pricing: Carte Blanche – FREE, Members - $6, Nonmembers - $11  . Advance tickets are on sale at the box office during showtimes, or by calling 203-967-3660.  You can call our administrative office during daytime business hours at 203-661-0321.

French Cinematheque events @ the Avon

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

The Avon Theatre and the Alliance Francaise of Greenwich present four upcoming French Cinematheque events. On Thursday, February 16^th at 7:30p.m. The Avon screens The Conquest, a fictional account of the election of France’s president, Nicolas Sarkozy. On Thursday, March 8^th beginning with a reception at 6:30 p.m., The Avon will host a special event; A Selection of Award Winning French Language Short Films from Around the Globe in celebration of the International Day of La Francophonie. On Thursday, March 15^th The Avon is showing The First Day of the Rest of Your Life (2008) at 7:30 p.m. and on April 19^th at 7:30 p.m. the critically acclaimed Tomboy. Ticket pricing: Carte Blanche: Free, Avon & AFG Members: $6, Students & Seniors: $8, Nonmembers: $11

Happy Valentines Day from Stamford Downtown...

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Share the love today; Spend your Valentines Day in Stamford Downtown.

I saw this query in an Albany, NY Blog*, and was wondering the same for Stamford....
So I ask.....What do you love about Stamford Downtown?
Do you love.....A special restaurant, or shop....Where you read or meet up with friends. Just waiting for the bus on one of the downtown street corners. How about the flowers that pop up in the spring. The tree lights during the holiday season. Maybe it's a special event.

Tell me.

We are making a list from your emails as to the top 10 things people love about Stamford downtown. (List to be posted at a later date.)

Email here.
_______________________________________________
*source http://www.downtownalbany.org/?utm_source=Downtown+Links&utm_campaign=b8afd5a207-Downtown_Links2_7_2012&utm_medium=email

grand for Valentines Day

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Avon Theatre’s 2012 Oscar® Nominated Film Festival and Volta

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:00:00 +0000

This past weekend, I attended a portion of the Avon's Oscar®-Nominated Film Festival.

Caught a showing of The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (2011), a 15 minute animated short. Certainly worth a watch. I like watching the "shorts" since I have a short attention span most of the time. The "shorts" are a mix of nominated short films, 7 -15 minute or so in length. Hate to confess it, but I arrived late, and missed the first short. All were quite entertaining, and rightfully nominated. (all the shorts are online at shorts.tv/theoscars.com) You be the judge....

Afterwards, went around the corner for a leisurely brunch at Volta. Super crowded, and lucky to get a seat. Open face egg and bacon sandwich, with a side of wild mushroom soup. Choco gelato to finish. All good. All worth the trip. It was a cold Saturday, and worth venturing out.

See others nominated selections at the Avon during their Oscar Nominated Film Festival.

The Avon Theatre’s 2012 Oscar® Nominated Film Festival  

Featuring a selection of nominees that have not yet shown at the Avon!

Every Saturday and Sunday in February at 11:00 a.m.  Plus repeat showings of the Oscar® Nominated Shorts categories on select Tuesdays: February 14 & 21  (See schedule below for Tuesday screening times and when each category will be shown)  

Festival Badge Prices Members - $35 / Nonmembers - $70

Individual tickets for each screening can also be purchased at the box office Carte Blanche Members – FREE / Members $6 / Nonmembers - $11 *Students, Seniors & Kids - $8 price available only for Rango on 2/18 and the Tuesday night screenings  **Please note that each shorts category program is a separate admission ticket 

Festival Schedule in progress:

Oscar® Nominated Live Action Shorts 

Tuesday, February 14 – 6:00 p.m.  

Oscar® Nominated Animated Shorts 

Tuesday, February 14 – 8:00 p.m.  

Rango 

Nominated for: Best Animated Feature Film 

Saturday, February 18 – 11:00 a.m.  

Oscar® Nominated Documentary Shorts 

Sunday, February 19 – 11:00 a.m.  

Oscar® Nominated Documentary Shorts 

Tuesday, February 21 – 7:30 p.m.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy 

Nominated for: Best Actor (Gary Oldman), Best Adapted Screenplay, & Best Music (Original Score) 

Saturday, February 25 – 11:00 a.m.

My Week With Marilyn 

Nominated for: Best Actress (Michelle Williams), Best Supporting Actor (Kenneth Branagh) 

Sunday, February 26 – 11:00 a.m.  

Avon Theatre Film Center

272 Bedford Ave

Stamford, CT 06901

Box Office: (203) 967-3660

Business Office: (203) 661-0321

Website: www.avontheatre.org

Twitter: @avontheatre

Facebook: www.facebook.com/avontheatre

Agora Spa Valentine's Day Special

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Agora Spa Valentine's Day Special

Agora Spa
243 Tresser Blvd.
Stamford, CT 06901
P: 203.977.1234
F: 203.977.1210

Experience an exclusive gathering place in the heart of downtown Stamford, Connecticut.
Welcome to the Agora Spa at The Stamford Marriott Hotel. We've taken our name and inspiration from the Greek word, agora, meaning to gather. The ancient agoras of Greece were renowned as popular gathering places. The Agora Spa is destined to follow suit by offering our guests the perfect getaway, seven days a week.

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday
10:00AM-8:00PM
Saturday
10:00AM-7:00PM
Sunday
10:00AM-6:00PM

Annual Black History Month Art Show, Opening Reception - Feb 12

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

make your valentine plans...Ferrante, Dragonfly and Stamford Symphony

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Ferrante
Phone: 203-323-2000
Fax: 203-323-2002
$$$
191 Summer Street
A classic Italian restaurant with friendly staff, attention to detail, a unique menu and exceptional wine list. Invitingly decorated in classic elegance. Private party room available.

Dragonfly Restaurant & Lounge
Phone: 203-357-9800
Fax: 203-977-3300
$$
488 Summer Street
Experience the gem of Stamford! A unique dining & gathering destination serving contemporary American cuisine, innovative cocktails, specialty beer, and a diverse wine selection. European gothic décor; live jazz; private party room; seasonal patio.

Stamford Symphony Orchestra
Phone: 203-325-1407x10
Fax: 203-325-8762
263 Tresser Boulevard
Performance excellence and innovative programming results in “serious fun”. Concerts led by Maestro Eckart Preu are supplemented by education programs for all ages.

ready for valentines day?

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

.
Details here:

Black Bear Saloon
Phone: 203-324-4448Fax: 203-325-2505
$$
261 Main Street
Classic American style pub with an outdoor patio boasts a moderately priced menu featuring the best burger and happy hour in Stamford

Chinese Mirch
Phone: 203-969-7000Fax: 203-969-7002
$$
35 Atlantic Street
Successfully marries wok style Chinese cooking with Indian flavors. The interior is an enclave of modern stylish design that melds ancient Chinese and Indian motifs with hip contemporary details of today. The menu includes flavorful but light healthy fare free of artificial additives such as MSG. Cool yourself with our specialty cocktails such as the Pearl of the Orient, Royal Dragon and Mandarin Margarita or our eclectic wine list including a Chenin Blanc from India.

EOS Greek Cuisine
Phone: 203-569-6250Fax: n/a
$$$
490 Summer Street
Authentic Greek cuisine in a modern atmosphere. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Outside seating, catering, delivery and private parties available. Reservations recommended. Mon-Thur 11:30am-10pm, Fri & Sat 11:30am-11pm, Sun 12-9pm

Mitchell's Fish Market
Phone: 203-323-3474Fax: n/a
$$$
230 Tresser Boulevard, Stamford Town Center
Fresh seafood obsession is a commitment. Fish any fresher would still be in the ocean.

Stamford Symphony Orchestra
Phone: 203-325-1407x10Fax: 203-325-8762
263 Tresser Boulevard
Performance excellence and innovative programming results in “serious fun”. Concerts led by Maestro Eckart Preu are supplemented by education programs for all ages.

more Valentines Day offerings... Emme of Capri

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Emme of Capri
Phone: 203-353-0626
Fax: 203-353-0806
$$$
227 Summer Street
Authentic Italian cuisine in a bistro setting. Handmade pasta, fresh fish, pork and veal. Weekly specialties flown in from Italy.

Make your Valentine's Day Plans and include Stamford Downtown...

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

For additional information on the restaurants listed here, or a full list of all the restaurants in Stamford Downtown, check out stamford-downtown.com

VDay in Stamford downtown....EOS and napa & co

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

EOS Greek Cuisine
Phone: 203-569-6250
Fax: n/a
$$$
490 Summer Street
Authentic Greek cuisine in a modern atmosphere. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Outside seating, catering, delivery and private parties available. Reservations recommended. Mon-Thur 11:30am-10pm, Fri & Sat 11:30am-11pm, Sun 12-9pm

napa & co
Phone: 203-353-3319
Fax: 203-353-9133
$$$
75 Broad Street
Farm to table, California cuisine in an elegant and warm wine bar setting. Offering over 50 wines by the glass and a 350 label wine list. Rated excellent by The New York Times and listed among the Best Restaurant in America by Zagat. Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm

Just a few Valentine's Day offerings in Stamford Downtown....

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Visit our website for a complete list of restaurants in the downtown area.

WINTER WINE SERIES at napa&co...

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

napa & co.

napa & co

$$$
75 Broad Street
Phone: 203-353-3319
Fax: 203-353-9133
Farm to table, California cuisine in an elegant and warm wine bar setting. Offering over 50 wines by the glass and a 350 label wine list. Rated excellent by The New York Times and listed among the Best Restaurant in America by Zagat.

napa & co WINTER WINE SERIES:

ALL CLASSES START AT 6:30 Promptly
Reservations in advance and we appreciate cancellations if something comes up.

Monday February 6th :A walk though the Cakebread Vineyards: $50pp

plus tax

One of the highest selling wineries...is it worth the hype?

Try for yourself and see why they are always running out of wine!

Tuesday February 14th: A Valentine's treat: Sparkling wine 4 course tasting menu designed by Chef Arik

$120pp plus tax (no speaker...I'll leave you to romance yourselves!) Time is up to you. Please call for reservations and state that you would like the tasting menu.

Monday February 27th: A tasting of the Eco-friendly Oregon!

$35pp plus tax

One of the most GREEN responsible growing regions in the world and also some of the best Pinot Noir coming out of this area. Try a handful of these small growers and fall in love like I did!

Monday March 12th: Merlot March Madness $35

plus tax

Merlot got a bad rep after the movie "Sideways" but truth be told, there's some smoking hot Merlots out there that are being missed over because of a silly script. Try for yourself!

Monday, March 26th: A look at Benziger Family (not Beringer!) $35 plus tax

This small family owned winery has re-focused their mission from volume to doing a few things and doing them right. We applaud them for their changes because it's reflected in the glass. Their sustainable practices deserve a hand as well!

**If you have specific subjects/topics you would like to see us offer, please shoot us an email. mary@napaandcompany.com

Your New Look Wants to Give Back @Saks

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Wednesday, February 1 through Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Your New Look Wants to Give Back @SaksDuring the month of February, Saks Fifth Avenue will donate 5% of purchases made with a registered Saks Credit card to your choice of the below charities.
You can make your designation at the register when you check out and it will apply to all of your purchases for the entire month of February.
Saks Stamford has partnered with:Yerwood Community Center, Mill River Collaborative, Multiple Sclerosis

Contact for questions:

Paulette Pitt
Saks Fifth Avenue / Stamford Town Center
203.323.3100 ext. 204
paulette_pitt@s5a.com

Learn more about foursquare...

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Foursquare, a social media website that enables users to “check in” to their current location.
The DSSD is campaigning to earn a Foursquare badge for the city of Stamford!

Best of Stamford, CT! #visitUS
Check out the best that Stamford, CT has to offer. Lots of great food and fun entertainment! (There's no particular order to the list. Just one stop of awesomeness after another!)

The rainbow over Trump Tower

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

The rainbow over Trump Tower

This shot was posted on the Stamford Advocate website. It's so lovely, we wanted to share.

DSSD in the news.....Stamford FourSquare Badge? - Stamford411 - The Advocate

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Do you spend a lot of time hopping around the city of Stamford? Well, if the city’s Downtown Special Services District gets its way, you’ll soon be able to enjoy a digital reward for your gallivanting, courtesy of Foursquare, a social media website that enables users to “check in” to their current location.
The DSSD is campaigning to earn a Foursquare badge for the city of Stamford. Foursquare badges “are little rewards you earn based on your check in habits (for example, frequenting too many karaoke bars, eating lots of pizza, taking your kids to the playground).”

Earlier this week, Foursquare made this announcement in a blog post:
As part of President Obama’s announcement to boost tourism in the U.S., the White House called on folks around the country to share what makes their city or town a great place to visit. Well, we want to know too! Inspired by the #visitUS initiative, we’re putting out a call for foursquare lists with all the best spots in your city. We’ll pick the three most amazing ones and creating foursquare city badges for them!
read more at:
Stamford FourSquare Badge? - Stamford411 - The Advocate

Save a life...celebrating 5 years today!

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Save a life...celebrating 5 years today!

napa & co.

1/25/07

Five years today...I was a kidney donor to my friend Seth Berger.

I've never been one to stand on a soap box about this topic because I always felt it was a personal and private decision. However, I am so excited to celebrate five years that I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the gift of giving. It was such a rewarding process that perhaps someone else might be inspired to do the same.

It hit me this morning as I was driving my daughter to school what an awesome feeling it was to give someone life. It was so empowering. She asked me to recall the event as she saw the reminder come up on my phone "Happy Anniversary!" She was 5 years old at the time and I explained I gave both my girls a bath that night and spent some time explaining that mom was going into the hospital in the morning but I was not sick. I was going to help a friend that was terribly ill and had two young boys just like my little girls. I described that I had two kidneys and would be giving him one and my little 5 year old said, "But you have two kidneys because you have two girls." I smiled and said, "Yes, but one day someone will do the same for me if we ever need one."

In October of 2006 (during construction of Napa), I heard both of Seth's kidneys were failing and in serious condition. I spoke to his mother who explained that several family members were not a match. His blood type was a difficult match and the odds were 1 in 5,000 that he would find a match. Seth was not family nor was he one of my best friends but he was a friend...period. I couldn't stand by and say, "Good luck on the wait list. I hope it works out for you." I didn't quantify our friendship. It wasn't about how well I knew him or how many years. He needed help. It was and always will be that simple. My instinct was to start the testing process and let the results speak. On December 6th, I got the call.

I was a match.

It was snowing that morning and it was scary. What if something happened? I had gone through MRI, CT scans, endless blood work, tissue match, psychological testing and interviews to get to this day. The surgeon said to me, "Up until that last second you can back out. I will make up a reason for you but don't ever feel you have to go through with it." That wasn't an option to me. I followed my instinct from day one.

I was released in two days and back to work in 4. It has resulted in zero changes to my lifestyle and my health. It has resulted in infinite feeling of pride and satisfaction to see him happy and healthy today. Second to having my children, it was the most rewarding experience of my life. Seth gave me a gift this day 5 years ago. There is no better high than the gift of giving.

Thank you Seth.

FYI: 350,000 people in the United States are on the wait list for a kidney. 67,000 people die every year of kidney failure while waiting for a donor.

- from Mary at napa&co.

Click to learn about becoming a kidney donor

Click to find where to donate blood

Click to become a bone marrow donor

Annual Hot Stove Report with Boston Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Annual Hot Stove Report with Boston Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine Sunday, January 29, 2012
5:30 -7:30 PM; Doors open at 4:45 PM
Rippowam Middle School (building where Bobby went to high school)
381 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT

Win Red Sox tickets, autographed items and more!

$40 in advance; Tickets available at Bobby V's Sports Gallery Cafe in Stamford or online at http://www.fans4thecure.org/

$50 at the door

For more information contact:

Ed Randall at 917-856-7545

John Lupton at 914-525-0463 or via email at jlupton07@optonline.net

For more information about Fans for the Cure go to: http://www.fans4thecure.org/

ED RANDALL'S FANS FOR THE CURE-MISSION

Through the world of sports and athletes, increase the awareness of prostate cancer in men and educate them and the people who lovc them about the most current techniques in treatment, prevention and early detection

Stamford Downtown and the South End in the news.....

noreply@blogger.com (stamford downtown staff) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

We've been getting alot of questions about what is happening in the South End, so here it goes....

Op-Ed: Master Plan, not DSSD, says no full service hotels in South End

Sandy Goldstein, President of the Stamford Downtown Special Services District.

Published online 04:11 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2012 and printed Sunday January 22, 2012

The headline in last Sunday's Advocate calls the differences in positions between the Downtown and the South End vis-à-vis hotel development a "civil war." This headline might sell papers, but distorts a respectful difference between two important parts of the city: the Downtown and the South End.

Stamford Downtown is very pleased with the development occurring to the south of us and realizes that it will benefit the entire city. And I believe that the South End is equally pleased with the vitality that is part of its northern neighbor. As a matter of fact, on Jan. 3 the principals of Building and Land Technology and the Downtown Special Services District met, at Stamford Downtown's request, to articulate and understand each other's positions. After lengthy discourse, we amicably agreed to disagree.

One may ask, "Why is the DSSD in opposition to BLT's desire to build a full service hotel in the South End?"

The answer in a nutshell is.....

that the Master Plan, the city's blueprint for development, establishes that the Downtown will be the area of the city with the most intense development. This position was affirmed in 1977, reconfirmed in 1984, again in 2002 and again in 2007. For the past 35 years, this plan has been consistently upheld by city land use boards and has in turn greatly contributed to the successful downtown we have today. Adherence to the Master Plan ensured that a critical mass of offices, entertainment, full service hotels and retail would create a strong city center and prevent the fragmentation that cities like Norwalk, Danbury and those in southern New Jersey have experienced.

A full service hotel, designated by the Master Plan exclusively for the Downtown, is one of the prohibited uses in the South End. Smaller, boutique hotels like the Marriott Courtyard (with no banquet facility) are allowable. There are 150 other allowable uses in the Zoning Regulations designed to activate the South End. However, a full service hotel, i.e. a hotel with a convention center/banquet facility (ballroom), is expressly prohibited. Yet, this use was slipped into a site plan approved in 2008, when the Zoning Board mistakenly approved a prohibited use.

Now that BLT is requesting a major change to its 2008 plan, asking for seven additional stories to the hotel and 50,000 more square feet of space, it is time for the Zoning Board to say, "No." The Zoning Board should insist that all developers play by the same rules. BLT could choose to return to the Zoning Board and ask to amend the regulation that prohibits a full service hotel on the site.

It has been claimed by some that the DSSD's concerns are anti-competitive and intended to protect Downtown hotels. Once again, I refer you to the city's primary land use document, the Stamford Master Plan, which enumerates where full service hotels can and cannot be located. In 2008, when a full service hotel (the Ritz Carlton) was proposed for Atlantic Street in the Downtown, the DSSD was a vocal supporter of the application; as was every other hotel in the downtown. The difference between the Ritz Carlton's application and the South End application is that under zoning regulations the one in the Downtown is allowable and the one proposed for the South End is not.

Please remember, it is not the DSSD or some Downtown property owners who determine the type and location of hotels that can be built. It is the city of Stamford's land use regulations that govern such use and placement.

Sandy Goldstein is president of the Stamford Downtown Special Services District.

Stamford Downtown Events

Franklin Street Works presents Heavy Rotation - February 24th to March 16th

Save the Date! - Earth Day 2012

Stamford in the news....Stamford snags Foursquare badge!

Horsin' Around Stamford Downtown

A SEPARATION at the Avon... 2/17 at 7pm

French Cinematheque events @ the Avon

Happy Valentines Day from Stamford Downtown...

grand for Valentines Day

Avon Theatre’s 2012 Oscar® Nominated Film Festival and Volta

Agora Spa Valentine's Day Special

Annual Black History Month Art Show, Opening Reception - Feb 12

make your valentine plans...Ferrante, Dragonfly and Stamford Symphony

ready for valentines day?

more Valentines Day offerings... Emme of Capri

Make your Valentine's Day Plans and include Stamford Downtown...

VDay in Stamford downtown....EOS and napa & co

Just a few Valentine's Day offerings in Stamford Downtown....

WINTER WINE SERIES at napa&co...

Your New Look Wants to Give Back @Saks

Learn more about foursquare...

The rainbow over Trump Tower

DSSD in the news.....Stamford FourSquare Badge? - Stamford411 - The Advocate

Save a life...celebrating 5 years today!

Annual Hot Stove Report with Boston Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine

Annual Hot Stove Report with Boston Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine Sunday, January 29, 20125:30 -7:30 PM; Doors open at 4:45 PMRippowam Middle School (building where Bobby went to high school)381 High Ridge RoadStamford, CT

Stamford Downtown and the South End in the news.....

Op-Ed: Master Plan, not DSSD, says no full service hotels in South End

Published online 04:11 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2012 and printed Sunday January 22, 2012

Annual Hot Stove Report with Boston Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine Sunday, January 29, 2012
5:30 -7:30 PM; Doors open at 4:45 PM
Rippowam Middle School (building where Bobby went to high school)
381 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT