Actress Katharine Hepburn was given quite a birthday gift today, her own 44 cent U.S. Postal Stamp. Hepburn would have been 103 years old today.

The photo used on the stamp is from a publicity shot taken for her 1942 film, “Woman of The Year.”

The late 4-time Academy Award winning actress would have been 103 years old today.

The red-haired beauty became the 16th star to be honored in the U.S. Postal Service’s Legends of Hollywood stamp series.

The ceremony took place in her theater, the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

By my estimate, there were about 300 people in attendance.

On stage marking the occasion was emcee, actor, and Connecticut resident, Sam Waterston. Waterson was in a movie with Hepburn in her later life called “The Glass Menagerie.”

Waterston told me he loved working with her and that she took the responsibility of feeding the cast and crew while they were on location.

He also told me that while shooting the movie Hepburn said to him “you’re clock isn’t ticking.” She told him when your clock isn’t ticking you’re not full out in the acting mode, but when it is, you give the audience all you’ve got. Hepburn was always one to try to make people better, to push them to their limits, that wasn’t lost on Waterston.

Also on stage, British film director, Anthony Harvey. Harvey made four pictures with Hepburn including “The Glass Menagerie” and “Lion In Winter.” Harvey told me what a character Hepburn was, but that he had the time of his life with her over a 20-year friendship.

The Kate’s Executive Director, Chuck Still started out the ceremony welcoming the residents of Old Saybrook and thanking them for all of their ongoing support of the theater and how Hepburn loved the town of which she thought of as her paradise.

Hepburn’s long time cook, Nora Considine was also in attendance with her daughters and grand daughter. We talked about all the fun she had cooking for Kate in New York City and in Fenwick.

Hepburn’s brother-in-law, former West Hartford Mayor, Ellsworth Grant watched from the front row as his late famous sister-in-law got her due. Grant told me it was a wonderful event and that “Katy” would have loved it.

Members of the Old Saybrook Police Department got into the act as well, standing guard at the venue and also having their picture taken with Waterston, one of the stars of the TV show “Law and Order.”

This was a great day for The Kate, really put the theater on the map today, and the first of her stamps were sold and hand canceled right at the theater.

See you at The Kate!
Ann Nyberg, Trustee

Mark your calendars for July 17th , 2010. This year’s gala for the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Art Center is going to be out of this world.

I sat with the gala chair last week and my jaw was dropping open at not only the theme which is “Midsummer Magic,” but the folks who have gotten involved to make it an event that will be “over the moon.”

As in our very first gala which was in October of 2009 (yes, we changed it to summer), there will be 400 seats available and because of the large number of guests there will be two shows. Last year we featured Connecticut’s Moses Pendleton’s Momix and it was a sensation. This year, yes, you guessed it, can’t tell you yet.

There will be cocktails with a silent auction, dinner and this year there will be dancing under the tent.

I have been told a little about this tent, and well, you’re just going to have to wait. Suffice it to say it will be something the likes of which Old Saybrook, Connecticut has never seen. How’s that for a tease?

Black tie will not be required…so put on the cocktail dress and come out.

Where can you find out more?

Go to the The Kate website of course and call the theater.

See you at The Kate!
Ann Nyberg, Trustee, KHCAC

Pianist, George Winston sold out The Kate at his March 6th, concert. Winston is pictured here with the Executive Director of  The Kate, Chuck Still.

You could hear a pin drop in the place as he played masterfully for the crowd. Winston introduced each piece and then to work on the ivories. Not only did he wow the crowd with his piano playing, but also the acoustic guitar and a selection on the harmonica.

Winston met after the concert with a few board members to say how fond he was of the sound and the lighting in the theater and that he would like to return to the venue to play.

He’s rather a shy kind of chap, but personable and a perfectionist at what he does.

Thanks, George for sharing your wonderful talent and do come back.

See you at “The Kate”
Ann Nyberg, Trustee, KHCAC

It’s an event called “Hats Off to The Kate.” Get your tickets for the April 30th event now and make sure you bring your favorite hat, chapeaux, whatever, because there will be a prizes awarded for the best dressed.

There will be wine and food and some great entertainment.

Suzanne Tanner Meisel will be doing selections from her “Voices of Herstory.” It’s a millinery musical that you’ll love.

There are several clips of this show right here:
Suzanne Tanner Meisel Gallery. You’ll note all in the audience are wearing hats, just so fun.

Get your tickets now this is going to be a lot of fun.

You must call the box office for tickets to this event at 860-510-0453- sorry, online sales not available.

See you at The Kate!
Ann Nyberg, Trustee, KHCAC

Mark your calendars for April 14th (Wednesday) and get tickets for this one man show starring actor, Ed Asner.

The Emmy-Award- winning Asner will be taking the stage at The Kate as FDR in a one man show.

‘FDR” is taken from Dore Schary’s “Sunrise at Campobello” which played on Broadway in the 1950’s.

Asner is a seven-time Emmy Award winner for his portrayal of “Lou Grant on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”

Asner as FDR follows the life of the iconic president as he reflects on his years in office, from inauguration to the trials of World War II.

See you at The Kate!
Ann Nyberg, Trustee, KHCAC