Happy Labor Day Weekend!

By Pem McNerney and David Gurliacci

Held on the first Monday in September each year, Labor Day is generally considered the last day of the summer holiday, even though summer doesn't officially end until Saturday, Sept. 21 this year. 

The U.S. Department of Labor considers the day a  "yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country." Even so, there will be many who will work this Labor Day weekend so that rest of us can play. So thank you in advance to our merchants downtown and in other parts of town, the state and local government employees who will be keeping our beaches open, and, as always, our emergency workers, both volunteer and paid. Let's hope it's a slow weekend for them.

There is plenty of fun planned in Madison and nearby. There's a carnival in Madison and a parade in Clinton, and lots more. Check out the events listings on both sites to find out more. It looks like we may have a mix of sun and storms this weekend, so keep a close eye on the weather if you plan to head out. Even if it does storm, you can head downtown to get a great book, or go to the movies, or shop. Or all three.

In Madison, on Labor Day, Monday, Sept 2: 

• R.J. Julia Booksellers will be open on Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
• The Madison Art Cinemas will be open all day Labor Day with continuous matinees, including Blue Jasmine – 1:00, 3:20, 5:10, 7:40 and The Butler – 1:30, 4:15, 7:30.
• Khaki and Black will be open Labor Day from noon to 4 p.m
• Walker Loden will be open on Monday 9-5 or later if people still keep coming in.
• Verizon in Station Square is open 10-8. Labor day specials are 25% off accessories & $25 off smart phones, except iPhone.
• Lily Juliet will be open, and is being renamed JHorton
• Pix Photography is open and shooting all day - 9AM-7PM. Appointment is required in advance.  For more information, contact Scarlett Mingione, Photographer & Managing Member, Pix Photography, LLC  at 32 Winding Road, Madison, CT 06443. Mobile: 860-227-8385 - send text or leave voice mail.
• Peter Indorf Jewelers will be closed.

What's closed?

• School (yay!)
• Banks have the option of remaining open in Connecticut, but hardly any do, and even TDBanks are closed.
• On Friday the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles will close at 12:30 p.m. and not reopen until 7:45 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3.
• Financial markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange
• Post offices
• Town hall
• State offices
• U.S. government offices

Here is info from Metro-North about the Labor Day Weekend: 

Metro-North’s Labor Day Holiday Service (Fri., August 30- Mon., Sept. 2)

You shouldn’t have to work hard to celebrate Labor Day! We’ve got plenty of service to get you around for the entire holiday weekend. 

On Friday, August 30, we offer early “getaway” trains. See details below. 

On Saturday, August 31, and Sunday, September 1 regular Weekend Service is in effect. 

On Labor Day, Monday, September 2, Sunday Service will be in effect. 

Getaway Service on Friday, August 30 

On the New Haven Line: 

Extra "getaway" trains will depart from Grand Central at:

·       12:01 PM, stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Westport, and all stations between Fairfield and New Haven.

·       1:01 PM, stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Westport, and all stations between Fairfield and New Haven.

·       1:58 PM, stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Stamford, then all stations to South Norwalk.

·       2:01 PM, stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Westport then all stations between Fairfield and New Haven.

·       2:28 PM, stopping at Harlem-125th Street, New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck and Harrison.

·       2:31 PM, stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Westport, Fairfield then all stops between Fairfield and New Haven.

·       2:56 PM, stopping at Harlem-125th Street, then all stations between Stamford and South Norwalk.

·       2:59 PM, stopping at Harlem-125th Street, then all stations between New Rochelle and Harrison.

·       3:01 PM, stopping at Harlem-125th Street, then Stamford, Westport and all stations between Fairfield and New Haven.

·       3:26 PM, stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Stamford, Westport and all stations between Fairfield and New Haven.

·       3:29 PM, stopping at Harlem-125th Street, then all stations between New Rochelle and Harrison.

·       3:59 PM, stopping at Harlem-125th Street, Stamford and all stations between Bridgeport and New Haven.

The following trains usually departing Grand Central will not operate or are combined:

·       The 5:17 PM to Harrison and the 5:22 PM to New Rochelle are combined, departing Grand Central at 5:22 PM, stopping at Harlem-125th Street and all stations between Mount Vernon East and Harrison.

·       The 5:36 PM to Harrison will not operate.

·       The 5:59 PM to Harrison and 6:02 PM to New Rochelle are combined, departing Grand Central at 6:02 PM, stopping at Harlem-125th Street, and all stops between Mount Vernon East and Harrison.

·       The 6:11 PM to New Haven will also stop at South Norwalk and Westport.

·       The 6:17 PM to Bridgeport will not operate.

·       The 6:38 PM to Harrison will not operate.

·       The 7:10 PM to Harrison will not operate.

·       The 8:03 PM to New Haven will not operate.

For more information, see a current timetable, or visit the schedules page.