Eye Contact Photo Blog | Category Archives: Cloe Poisson

CT State Latin Day

May 1, 2015 by Cloe Poisson

The 34th annual Connecticut State Latin Day was held Friday at the Holiday Hill resort in Prospect. Latin students, most clad in togas, from 52 middle and high schools from across the state took part in the day-long event that included activities that reflected ancient Greek and Roman culture. Students competed in academic competitions in grammar, history, mythology, and geography, and took part in workshops like sculpting, fresco, Roman coins, calligraphy and Greek dancing. There were also athletic games and competitions including tug-of-war, discus (Frisbee) and a decimated marathon of 2.6 miles. Students were able to rotate through various games like volleyball, bocce and badminton throughout the day.

The day concluded with chariot races with chariots built by the students. The annual event is run by the Classical Association of Connecticut, a state-wide organization for Latin and Greek teachers and professors. “We do Latin Day to let people know that Latin is alive and well,” said Amy White, chairperson of the event and a Latin teacher at Ellington High School. The theme of this year’s event was “Non semper ea sunt quae videntur” (Things aren’t always what they seem.)

PROSPECT 05/01/15 Dressed in togas, Mark Zebrowski (right) pulls the rope with classmate Luke Devine (second from right) as they fight against Stratford High School in a tug-of war contest at the 34th annual Connecticut State Latin Day at the Holiday Hill resort in Prospect Friday. Latin students from fifty-two middle and high schools across Connecticut competed in academic and athletic contests throughout the day. Rocky Hill won this heat of the tug-of-war. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

PROSPECT 05/01/15 Dressed in togas, Rocky Hill High School students Mark Zebrowski (right) pulls the rope with classmate Luke Devine (second from right) as they fight against Stratford High School in a tug-of war contest at the 34th annual Connecticut State Latin Day at the Holiday Hill resort in Prospect Friday. Rocky Hill won this heat of the tug-of-war. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

Dynasty – Ten Titles

April 10, 2015 by John Woike

For the past three weeks or so, I’ve been holed up trying to edit more than 20 years of photographs of the UConn women’s basketball team for a book on the 10 NCAA Championships they’ve won. A daunting task in many ways since we were limited to about 10-12 pages per chapter. Daunting, too, given the reality of how technology has changed from their first victory against Tennessee in 1995, when our photographers were still shooting film, to this year when Cloe Poisson and Michael McAndrews covered them during each round digitally shooting both stills and video to try to satisfy the enormous appetite of our readers online, in print and through social media.

My how times have changed.

Minneapolis, MN 4.2.1995 UConn women’s basketball head coach Geno Auriemma has enjoyed the ride that led to his first national championship. His players hoist him perfectly on their shoulders and carry him off the court. Photo by Brad Clift / The Hartford Courant

To view more photos and history of the UConn women’s basketball team click the View More link:

Passages from the Hartford Courant’s book,“Dynasty: UConn Women’s Ten-Title Season”, were used in each chapter here were written by John Altavilla, Hartford Courant UConn women’s basketball beat reporter.

To purchase the book go to this pre-order page:

Boar’s Head Festival

January 12, 2015 by Cloe Poisson

The 48th Annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival was held last weekend at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford. The event, which celebrates the Epiphany through music, dancing, pageantry and live animals. The event included a cast, choir and orchestra of more than 250 people, 16th century period costumes and a giant angel puppet created by Hartford artist Anne Cubberly.

HARTFORD 01/11/15 A giant angel puppet created by artist Anne Cubberly, is raised up as the shepherds cower, during the 48th Annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival was held at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church Sunday. This is the fourth of five performances this weekend of the celebration of the Epiphany that includes a cast, choir and orchestra of more than 250 people. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

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Honoring A Fallen Hero

October 14, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

On Tuesday, October 7, Hartford firefighter Kevin Bell answered his final alarm. He perished fighting a two-alarm blaze at a house on Blue Hills Avenue, just a block from Bell’s firehouse, Engine 16, Blue Hills Station. Monday morning, under cloudy skies, thousands of firefighters and friends gathered at First Cathedral in Bloomfield for funeral services for the fallen firefighter. He was buried at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield following the service.

“What is important to understand is that one of our own firefighters lost his life saving others,” said Hartford Fire Chief Carlos Huertas during his remarks at the service. “Firefighter Kevin Bell is a hero.”

To read the full story, click here.

BLOOMFIELD, CT – 10.13.2014 Firefighter recruits from the Connecticut Fire Academy salute the casket of Hartford firefighter Kevin Bell at First Cathedral in Bloomfield. Bell perished in a blaze on Blue Hills Avenue last Tuesday night. Patrick Raycraft | praycraft@courant.com

Moving Pictures

October 10, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

On a recent Friday, two murals by the late Harlem Renaissance artist Romare Bearden were moved into their new home at the Hartford Public Library in a carefully executed feat of logistics and engineering carried out by Mariano Brothers Specialty Moving. The works were commissioned by the city for the Hartford Civic Center in 1980 for $100,000. They hung in relative obscurity for three decades above concourse-level entrances to the arena. Originally visible through windows at the Civic Center, later construction of interior walls blocked their view from the general public. Buying a ticket to an event at the arena was the only way to view the murals. Current renovations at the now XL Center necessitated that the murals be removed, cleaned and stored, until a new home was found. Local arts activists worked to secure a home for the murals – now worth a combined $4.2 million – at the library thereby fulfilling their intended purpose as public art. Today the colorful and abstract works, measuring about 10X16 feet and weighing about 500 pounds each, are can now be easily viewed by the public in bright well-used rooms at the library. To learn more about Romare Bearden and his work, click here.

An Evening In White

September 8, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

As the late summer sun sunk low in the sky, a flash mob of about 280 guests dressed all in white converged on a vacant lot on Main Street in Durham Sunday evening for An Evening In White, a fundraiser to benefit the United Churches of Durham and the local food pantry. The event was inspired by Diner en Blanc, which originated in Paris in 1988, according to Lisa Davenport, one of the organizers. Guests were instructed to bring their dinner, china, silverware, drinks and centerpieces and the organizers provided tables, chairs and table linens. The location was not disclosed until a few hours before the event, creating an air of spontaneity and excitement. FoxCT’s Tony Terzi served as master of ceremonies and live jazz was provided by the Jack Riotte Trio.

DURHAM 09/07/14 Guests at An Evening in White hold sparklers aloft as a full moon rises over the scene in a vacant lot on Main Street in Durham Sunday. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

And They’re Off!

August 15, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy launched his campaign for a second term as Connecticut’s governor Thursday making several stops throughout the state. Late in the day, he visited several businesses in the heart of New Britain’s Polish community, sampling several Polish delicacies. “But how do you stay so slim?” asked the proprietor of one establishment, as Malloy tasted some pierogi. “By running every day,” he said.

NEW BRITAIN 08/14/14 Gov. Dannel Malloy samples a Polish meatball with dill and chicken marsala with rice during a visit to Polonia Taste on Broad Street in New Britain Thursday evening as owner Sophie Bartkowicz explains the recipe. Bartkowicz mentioned that Malloy’s Republican opponent, Tom Foley, also sampled the chicken Marsala and rice during a recent campaign visit.. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

Iced

August 13, 2014 by Mark Mirko

TRUMBULL 08/13/14 John McKinney pours a bucket of ice water on Republican candidate for governor, Tom Foley, after a press conference with John McKinney at Foley’s campaign headquarters in Trumbull Wednesday morning. McKinney challenged Foley to take the ALS challenge in which you agree to have a bucket of cold ice water poured on you or pay $100 to raise awareness of ALS. Foley took the challenge and agreed to pay the $100 as well. McKinney was challenged last night by one of his daughters after the Republican primary. Foley will face incumbent Gov. Dannel Malloy in November. Trumbull first selectman Tim Herbst takes a photo at left. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

Sunflowers Around the World

August 12, 2014 by Mark Mirko

2014, August 06 – ENFIELD, Ct. – Brittany Alexander strikes a pose while her mom, Sue Read, holds a light reflector during a modeling portfolio shoot with photographer Dan Minicucci Wednesday evening at the Pleasant View Farm sunflower field in Enfield. The field has drawn many onlookers along Moody and Taylor Streets in Enfield. Both mom and daughter are from Enfield. Photo by JOHN WOIKE | woike@courant.com

MORE SUNFLOWER PHOTOGRAPHS HERE

Reptilian Road Show

July 22, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

Brian Kleinman, a naturalist from North Granby, brought his live animal education program, Riverside Reptiles, on the road to the Levi E. Coe Library in Middlefield Tuesday. Kleinman brought nine animals from of his collection of 140 for his hour-long program in which children were able to see and touch a variety of common and exotic reptiles and amphibians, including a bearded dragon, native to Australia, a European legless lizard and an 80-pound Burmese python named Percy. Kleinman’s mission is “to educate people about how to better understand, appreciate, and coexist with the natural world,” according to his website, www.riversidereptiles.com. He saves Percy – the biggest and best – for the end of his show.

MIDDLEFIELD 07/22/14 Brian Kleinman, of North Granby, lifts Percy, an 80-pound Burmese python over his head to place on his shoulders while presenting his reptile and amphibian show, Riverside Reptiles, at the Levi E. Coe Library in Middlefield Tuesday. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

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UConn Teams Honored at the White House…Again!

June 10, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

The UConn men’s and women’s NCAA Championship basketball teams were honored by President Barack Obama at the White House Monday afternoon in the East Room packed with invited guests and media. It was the second time since 2004 that both teams were honored for dual championships.

“It is just a remarkable thing what these two programs have accomplished,” Obama said. “The women were a perfect 40-0 and won their games by an average of 34 points. There was not a lot of suspense. Now, I did not pick the men’s team to win. But neither did anybody else, unless they went to UConn. Tell the truth,” he said, raising his hand, prodding UConn alumni in the crowd to show themselves.

After the 20-minute ceremony, during which UConn players presented Obama with UConn jerseys, and Stefanie Dolson lost her balance and fell of the riser – she was unhurt as she landed on her feet – a few team members and coaches Auriemma and Ollie proceeded to the White House lawn for a press conference.

To read Dom Amore’s story about UConn’s visit, click here.

WASHINGTON, DC 06/09/14 President Barack Obama shares a laugh with Stefanie Dolson (left) after he was presented with UConn jerseys during a ceremony honoring the NCAA Champion UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams in the East Room at the White House Monday afternoon. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

UConn Class of 2014 Commencements

May 14, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

The UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences held commencement ceremonies at Gampel Pavilion Sunday, while the Neag School of Education graduation was held at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. Sandy Hook Elementary School teacher Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis, who protected her 15 first-graders when gunman Adam Lanza shot his way into the building on December 14, 2012, killing 20 children and six adults, by hiding them in a cramped bathroom, gave the commencement address to the Neag School graduates, And University of Texas professor of mathematics Philip Uri Treisman told CLAS grads that “democracy is not a spectator sport.” To read Chris Hoffman’s coverage of the events click here and here.

STORRS 05/11/14 Graduates with UConn’s Neag School of Education applaud commencement speaker Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts Sunday. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

The Road To Perfection

April 4, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

With a decisive 69-54 win over the Texas A&M Aggies in their NCAA Elite 8 game at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in the Lincoln Regional Monday night, the UConn women’s basketball team (38-0) is two games away from a perfect season. A win over Stanford in the national semi-final in Nashville Sunday night would send them to an expected – well, at least hoped for – championship showdown with the only other undefeated team – the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. On the eve of the Huskies pursuit of a record ninth national championship, here is a look back at their Elite 8 victory in Lincoln, Nebraska. Click here to read John Altavilla’s game story. Click here to read Lori Riley’s preview story on UConn’s semi-final game against Stanford.

LINCOLN, NE 03/28/14 UConn Huskies center Stefanie Dolson (31) (left) does a victory dance as her teammates celebrate as time runs out in the second half of the NCAA Lincoln Regional Championship at the Pinnacle Bank Arena Monday. UConn defeated the Texas A&M Aggies, 69-54, to advance to the Final Four. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

UConn Women Beat BYU In Sweet 16

March 30, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

The UConn women defeated the BYU Cougars, 70-51, before a packed house at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, in an NCAA Sweet 16 game in the Lincoln Regional. Stefanie Dolson was given the assignment to guard BYU’s 6’7″ center, Jennifer Hamson. After a tight first half, with eight lead changes and three ties, and UConn only up by one point at the half, the Huskies came out swinging in the second half, pulling away to win it and advance to the Elite 8. They will play the Texas A&M Aggies as they continue their journey toward the Final Four and a record ninth national championship. Read John Altavilla’s game story here.

LINCOLN, NE 03/28/14 UConn Huskies forward Breanna Stewart (30) is defended by Brigham Young Cougars forward Morgan Bailey (41) in the first half of an NCAA Sweet Sixteen game at the Pinnacle Bank Arena Saturday. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

Troops Welcomed Home

March 18, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

Three Connecticut National Guard units were officially welcomed home in a Freedom Salute Ceremony at the Governor William A. O’Neill Armory in Hartford Tuesday night. Troops with the 143rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, the 1048th Transportation Company, and detachments with the 2-104th Aviation Regiment, were recognized for their service and sacrifice for their country. Friends and family filled the bleachers to support the honorees and witness the awarding of two Purple Hearts and twenty Bronze Stars. The 143rd had been deployed in Kuwait and the 1048th and 104th in Afghanistan. To learn more about the event, click here for Kelly Glista’s story.

HARTFORD 03/18/14 Sgt. Michael Cortes, of Danbury, kisses his 3-month-old baby, Savannah Cortes, after a formal welcome home ceremony for three Connecticut National Guard units at the Gov. William A. O’Neill State Armory Monday. Cortes served with the 1048th Transportation Company that was mobilized for service in Regional Command-South, Kandahar, Afghanistan to conduct transportation and supply missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

POTUS Photos

March 13, 2014 by Michael McAndrews

06.27.2008 – Unity, NH – Barack Obama worked the crowd and still had time to smile for the cameras following his appearance in Unity, N.H. Friday afternoon with Hillary Clinton. Photograph by Stephen Dunn | sdunn@courant.com

Photographers show up hours before POTUS is to arrive. We must pass security. That takes time. We get wanded by magnetometers and inspected by bomb sniffing dogs. We are ushered, guided, and ordered by secret service and handlers. And then we wait.

On some Connecticut visits Courant photographers are designated “pool photographers” granting them better access to the president on the condition that we share whatever we photograph with other media. We join the traveling press corps and ride in the official motorcade. The status grants us closer and more fluid movement around the president. Somewhat closer that our colleagues standing in the back of the room.

Presidents arrive in a flash of activity like a midsummer thunderstorm . The police, secret service, politicians and the traveling press arrive at once. Then POTUS arrives. And as quickly as he arrives, he leaves. The police, secret service and traveling press leave too.

My first experience photographing President Jimmy Carter was not a success.

12.10.1978 – Hartford, Ct – President Jimmy Carter waves among a gaggle of politicians outside the Hartford Hilton. MICHAEL McANDREWS | mmcandrews@courant.com

I knew President Jimmy Carter liked to press the flesh. He would wander up to shake, squeeze, wave, touch and smile his way down along line of fans pressed against the barricades, eager to be close to the most powerful man in the country. I’ve seen it. I wanted to photograph that ritual up close when he came to Hartford December 10th, 1978.

I planted myself at the fence hours before he was to arrive. The crowds grew. So did the excitement. Soon people were standing 4 deep behind me.

We all waited together.

He got out of his limo surrounded by politicians and Secret service and raised his right hand in a wistful way to acknowledge the crowd. Then he was gone, ushered into the Hartford Hilton in one swift smooth motion. The idea for the picture didn’t work this time.

I got a picture of his arm and the back of his hand. That was my first attempt at photographing a visiting president.

19.16.1980 – Hartford, CT – President Jimmy Carter, from the roof of his limo, waves to fans outside the Old State House in Hartford. MICHAEL McANDREWS | The Hartford Courant

New Conference, Old Champions

March 12, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

After winning 18 Big East titles, the UConn women steamrolled their way through the inaugural American Athletic Conference Championship tournament this past weekend at the Mohegan Sun Arena with three decisive wins in as many days, going 34-0 on the season. They defeated Cincinnati 72-42, Rutgers 83-57, and Louisville 72-52. To read John Altavilla’s tournament wrap-up, click here. UConn will enter the upcoming NCAA tournament as an undefeated top seed in their pursuit of a ninth national title.

UNCASVILLE 03/10/14 The UConn women pose with the trophy after winning the American Athletic Conference Championship game at the Mohegan Sun Arena Monday. UConn defeated Louisville, 72-52. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

UConn Seniors Swan Song

March 3, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

On Saturday, UConn All Americans and fan favorites Stefanie Dolson and Bria Hartley were honored at Senior Day ceremonies before a packed house at Gampel Pavilion on the Storrs campus. Each player was escorted into the arena by their parents to thunderous applause and cheering by the faithful fans and students. Hartley, grinning from ear to ear, hoisted her framed jersey as she enjoyed the adulation at the close of her stellar UConn career. Dolson, ever the cut-up, came out dancing in her inimitable style to the roar of her adoring fans. Then the two got to work: Hartley scored 20 points and Dolson surpassed the 1,000 rebound mark in UConn’s 72-35 trouncing of Rutgers. They made it look easy, as usual, in their final regular season home game under the dome. (They will play again in the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament starting the weekend of March 22 at Gampel.) To read about their final home game, see John Altavilla’s story here.

STORRS 03/01/14 UConn seniors Bria Hartley and Stefanie Dolson hug after they were honored at Senior Day ceremonies at Gampel Pavilion before their game against Rutgers Saturday. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

Mondays at Milano

February 11, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

On the second Monday of the month, Milano Salon & Day Spa in Bloomfield offers free services to women undergoing treatment for cancer with a program called Mondays at Milano. The project, created by a non-profit called Cut Out Cancer, was inspired by the award-winning documentary, Mondays at Racine, about a similar program at a salon on Long Island. Cut Out Cancer was formed by West Hartford residents Ronit Shoham, Rachel Marcus, Sharon Conway, Ayelet Shozik, Cindy Horowitz and Carrie Shaw. Milano Salon & Day Spa owners, brothers Sergio and Valerio Gurciullo, agreed to open their salon and volunteer the time, services and staff to the cause. On a recent Monday, about 25 women had appointments at the salon to pamper themselves with a variety of services including hair cuts and color, manicures and pedicures, facials, and reiki treatments in a loving and supportive environment. To read Julie Stagis’s story, click here.

BLOOMFIELD 02/10/14 Mirtica Aldave, of West Hartford, (right) hugs hair stylist Darcy Apicella, of Newington, after Apicella cut about eight inches of Aldave's hair at Milano Salon & Day Spa in Bloomfield during a Cut Out Cancer and Mondays at Milano session Monday morning. Aldave was diagnosed with breast cancer on October 31 and started chemotherapy treatments in late January. She decided to get her hair cut shorter before it starts to fall out. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

BLOOMFIELD 02/10/14 Mirtica Aldave, of West Hartford, (right) hugs hair stylist Darcy Apicella, of Newington, after Apicella cut off about eight inches of Aldave’s hair at Milano Salon & Day Spa in Bloomfield during Mondays at Milano. Aldave was diagnosed with breast cancer on October 31 and started chemotherapy treatments in late January. She decided to get her hair cut shorter before it starts to fall out. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

Puppy Love

January 26, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

Jessica and Tom Catropa, of Monroe, were among a group of several families gathered in a commuter parking lot in Danbury on Saturday as the Rescue Road Trips transport truck arrived, carrying several dozen rescue dogs from Texas. The Catropas were waiting to meet Chloe, a 5-month-old lab mix. Her adoption was arranged through L.A.B. Rescue and Adoption Network of TX and CT, run by Suzanne Bristol of New Hartford. Some dogs were transported through other adoption groups, such as Shaggy Dogs Rescue in Houston. But all were headed to either permanent or foster homes. Rescue Road Trips, owned by Greg Mahle, of Zanesville, Ohio, makes the 4,200-mile week-long round trip from Ohio down south to Texas and up to Connecticut every two weeks to collect and deliver dogs to foster and adoptive families. A typical load carries 80 to 100 dogs, many from Houston’s East End, where “dog dumping” and a high kill rate at shelters are common. Mild winters and a lack of spay and neutering programs have created a stray and abandoned dog crisis in the southern states. Mahle, who has been transporting rescue dogs for ten years, stressed the importance of raising awareness of the problem to help find loving homes. “I started with a mini van and now have this large rig,” he said. “But there are still so many dogs in need.” To learn more about Rescue Road Trips, visit their website here. and visit L.A.B Rescue and Adoption Network of TX and CT’s Facebook page here.

DANBURY 01/25/14 Greg Mahle, of Zanesville, Ohio, (left) hands Chloe, a rescue dog, over to her new owner, Jessica Catropa, of Monroe, during a stop of Rescue Road Trips at a commuter parking lot off I-84 in Danbury Saturday. “We are so excited to get her and give her a safe, warm and loving home,” said Catropa. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

Feeling The Heat

January 21, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

As an antidote to winter’s cold, Bikram yoga offers a warm alternative. Developed by Bikram Choudhury, the technique is sometime referred to as “hot” yoga since it is practiced in a studio heated to 105 degrees. On a recent visit to the Bikram Yoga studio in Middletown, practitioners worked through Bikram’s 26 poses and two breathing exercises that are incorporated into a 90-minute class. Each class follows the same sequence of poses. The warm, moist air – the humidity is set at 45% – feels like a sauna, but it is the optimal climate in which to increase flexibility in the poses, according to owner Jennifer Brown. “When it’s juicy in there, it makes you more limber,” said Brown. The warmth helps students stretch safely and deeply and helps remove toxins from the body, she explained. She said the increased blood flow benefits your entire body and helps focus your mind. “Its the hottest place in town!” said Brown.

MIDDLETOWN 01/21/14 Drenched in sweat, Sarah Leone, of East Lyme, does the camel pose at Bikram Yoga in Middletown Tuesday. Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises that are done in a room with the temperature set at 105 degrees, a nice departure from the latest cold snap. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

A Place of Remembrance

January 19, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

On a recent visit to Memphis, Tennessee, to cover a UConn women’s basketball game, I took time to visit the National Civil Rights Museum, the site of the former Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot to death on April 4, 1968.

The Lorraine is undergoing a renovation and access to the motel is temporarily closed. Instead, visitors are allowed to climb the exterior stairs to the second-floor balcony where King was shot. A large window affords a view into Room 306 where King was staying, set to look as it did that fateful day. Balcony access will be barred again before the grand re-opening on the April 4 anniversary. Visitors will once again be able to tour the interior of the motel and view King’s room from inside.

A square cut into the concrete on the balcony just outside Room 306 marks the spot where King was shot. It was an eerie feeling to stand where the great civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate last stood. I was standing on hallowed ground

The non-profit museum, which opened in 1991, chronicles important events in the civil rights movement leading into the 1960s. The Legacy exhibits, which are open during the renovation, are located across the street from the Lorraine, in a building that once was the rooming house where James Earl Ray, King’s alleged killer, rented a room while King was staying at the Lorraine to attend a rally in support of striking sanitation workers. Ray’s room, enclosed in plexiglass, is part of the exhibit and is set as it looked in 1968. The Legacy exhibit also includes the police and court documents chronicling the case against Ray.

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I offer a glimpse of this solemn place of remembrance.

MEMPHIS, TN 01/03/14 The setting sun illuminates the number 306 at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, the room Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was staying in when he was assassinated on the balcony on April 4, 1968. The site is now part of the National Civil Rights Museum. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

Learning Hip-Hop

January 16, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

Students at Charter Oak International Academy in West Hartford, are learning about hip-hop culture, dance, music and urban art. Austin Dailey, CEO of Red Supreme Productions, a DJ and dance entertainment business, has been teaching hip-hop dance moves during gym classes this week. The school is using grant funding for the program, titled Move It! Groove it! Create it!: A Hip Hop Experience, from the Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools and Whole Foods Market. On Wednesday, Dailey taught a group of fifth-graders several moves like the top rock, the knee drop, the swipe, the 6-step circle, the crab and the freeze. He also stressed the importance of stretching and building core strength to master the moves. On Thursday night, the school is holding a Family Dance Night, giving the students a chance to display their new skills and knowledge through artwork displays and dance performances. For more on the program, read Julie Stagis’s story here.

WEST HARTFORD 01/15/14 Austin Dailey, of Durham, CEO of Red Supreme Productions, teaches a hip-hop step called top rock to fifth-graders at Charter Oak International Academy Wednesday. CLOE POISSON|cpoisson@courant.com

Elvis Lives

January 9, 2014 by Cloe Poisson

During a recent visit to Memphis, Tennessee, to cover a UConn women’s basketball game, I had time to make a visit to Graceland, the iconic residence of the late Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n Roll. I created a photo essay during my tour through the mansion using the Instagram filter and offer it here in honor of what would have been the King’s 79th birthday on January 8.