Antiques Shows _________________________

Every Fri-Sun (year-round): Redwood Country Flea Market, 170 South Turnpike Rd, Wallingford, 6 am-2:30 pm, free adm & parking, 50-80 dealers; 203-269-3500.

Jan 9-10: 57th Papermania Plus, XL Center, Asylum St, Hartford, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, adm $7, senior citizens half-price on Sun, 160 exhibitors, appraisals (Sun 11-2); 860-563-9975, 860-529-2234.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places ___________________________

Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St, Ridgefield; 203-438-4519.

Through Jan 10: “Gerard Hemsworth: Hidden Agenda,” confrontational, disconcerting & provocative paintings by the British artist celebrating his first solo US exhibition.

Through Jan 10: “Tom Sachs: Cameras,” work by the CT-born photographer focusing exclusively on cameras.

Through Jan 17: “Edward Tufte: Seeing Around,” first major exhibition of Tufte’s sculpture, in museum’s garden, of rusting weathered pcs against new plantings of white pine, spruce, red cedar & bamboo.

Through Jan 17: “Bike Rides: The Exhibition,” exploration of the growing relevance of bicycles in contemporary art & culture.

The Barnum Museum, 820 Main St, Bridgeport; 203-331-1104.

Through Jan 10: “Celebrate the Season,” annual presentation of Victorian Christmas era decorations & trends throughout museum.

Brookfield Museum & Historical Society, 165 Whisconier Rd (Rtes 133 & 25), Brookfield Center; 740-8140.

Through March 31: “Toys,” Civil War & Victorian era dolls, collections of lead soldiers, vintage Disney toys, pre war games, 19th C child’s sewing machine, early Gilbert erector sets, vintage cowboy caps & pistols & much more for children of all ages.

Connecticut Historical Society, One Elizabeth St, Hartford; 860-236-5621.

Through Jan 27: “She Shoots… She Scores! Women’s Basketball in Connecticut,” memorabilia & footage from last century tracing the game since inception & correlation between women’s changing social & political roles paralleling game then to now, representing teams incl UConn Huskies, CT Sun, New England Blizzard, All American Red Heads, et al.

Through Feb 13: “Honoring Abraham Lincoln,” small-scale display featured Lincoln related items from CHS collection in honor of the becentennial of his birth.

Good News Café & Gallery, 684 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury; 203-266-4663.

Through Jan 13: “Narratives,” mixed media works by Fethi Meghelli & digital photo collages by Debra Roinestad.

Gunn Memorial Library & Museum, 5 Wykeham Rd, Washington Green; 860-868-7756.

Through Jan 17: “Christmas Through The Ages,” vintage toys & memorabilia in festive Victorian era, 1920s & 1950s settings, also dolls from past generations, Christmas trees from different eras & vintage dresses.

Knights of Columbus Museum, 1 State St, New Haven; 203-865-0400.

Through Jan 31: “Ninth Annual Christmas Tree Festival,” artificial trees decorated w/ handmade ornaments by 500 CT students in grades K-5.

Through Jan 31: “A Latino Christmas: Nativities of Latin America,” Nativity scenes, or crèches, from 16 Latin countries, 4 southwestern US states & Puerto Rico.

Mattatuck Museum Art & History Center, 144 West Main St, Waterbury; 203-753-0381.

Through Feb 7: “F. Luis Mora and The Expression of Beauty,” 45+ works incl paintings, murals, drawings & preparatory studies by master painter (1874-1940) who made his home in Gaylordsville.

Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St, Roxbury; 860-350-2181.

*(new show) Jan 9-Feb 13: paintings by Desiree Alvarez, who infuses her art w/ wit & charm & “an exquisite palette of luscious color”; Jan 9, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

Morrison Gallery, 5 Maple St, Kent; 860-927-4501.

Through Jan 31: works by Hans Hoffmann & George McNeil.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 800 Main St, Hartford; 860-838-4055.

Through Feb 28: “The Allure of Lace,” individual lace pieces, along with lace incorporated into clothing, handkerchiefs & fans from Europe and the Middle East, as well as 20th Century dresses, samples, lace making tools & portrait miniatures, all drawn from the museum’s costume & textile collections.

Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St at York, New Haven; 203-432-0600.

Through Jan 27: “Picasso and the Allure of Language,” 70 works in all media by Picasso, as well as select examples by fellow artist Georges Braque, also photos, letters, manuscripts & book projects by other artists & writers, revealing Picasso’s deep & multidimensional interest in writing & language & the many ways in which that transformed his work.

Auditions, Juried Events  _________________

Easton Arts Council, Easton. Call 203-261-0175.

Jan 10: Drop off for EAC’s Annual Art show, 10 am-1 pm, show will take place Jan 12-Feb 28 at Easton Library, $15 entry fee, interested artists, photographers, sculptors & artisans can download entry form at EastonArtsCouncil.org, addt’l info from artshow@eastonartscouncil.org or above phone #; entry forms also available at Easton, Fairfield, Trumbull, Bridgeport (Black Rock branch) Redding & Monroe libraries

Concerts, Musical Events _______________

Jan 9: NUMC Coffee House, Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, 7:45-10:30 pm, adm $4 for those attending earlier pasta dinner (see listing under Miscellaneous), $5 otherwise, live bluegrass & folk music, light refreshments; 203-426-9998.

Jan 11: St Luke’s Steel Band Christmas Concert, St Luke’s Episcopal Church, 111 Whalley Ave, New Haven, 4 pm, $10 (tickets from orig Dec 20 date will be honored); 203-488-5129.

Jan 17: Mary Gauthier at The Acoustic Celebration, Temple Shearith, 46 Peaceable St, Ridgefield, 4 pm, $20-$25, Americana & alt-country music; 203- 431-6501.

Portuguese Cultural Center, 65 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury; 203-268-8570.

Weekly Ballroom Dancing, Wed 7-11 pm, adm $15 (incl buffet), music provided by DJ, free dance lesson (7:15-7:45 pm), cash bar, door prizes, singles, couples & beginners all welcome.

Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies & Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield; 203-438-5795.

Performances 8 pm unless noted: Jan 9, Naturally 7, $37-$42.50; Jan 12-13, Gregg Allman, $90 (VIP Party Passes available), w/ special guest Scrapomatic feat Mike Mattison (lead vocals, Derek Trucks Band); Jan 23, Marshall Tucker Band, $52.50 (VIP Party Passes available), w/ special guest Sundown; Jan 21, Dancing with The Stars: Sizzling Salsa, $5, learn some ballroom dances incl tango, meringue, et al, vote on the best dancing team & enjoy an after party w/ music, food, signature drinks, and make-up applications by staff from Adam Broderick Salon & Spa.

For Kids & Families _______________________

Jan 16-17: Blue’s Clues Live! The Most Spectacular Place, Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin La, Ridgefield, Sat 10 am & 1:30 pm, Sun 1:30 pm, $12 (4/$40), live theater performance of popular Nick Jr program specially designed for preschool & elementary school children; 203-431-9850.

Jan 18: “In Search of Woodland Penguins,” Flanders Nature Center Trail House, Flanders at Church Hill Rd, Woodbury, 1-4 pm, children invited to search for & rescue “woodland penguins” (tiny creatures crafted from natural materials by Flanders staff & volunteers) hidden along trails, while also learning how to read maps, hike in winter & look for signs of animals & their habitats, bring snack, dress to be outdoors in cold weather; 203-263-3711.

Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington; 860-868-0518.

Jan 9, Scout Day, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, $15/Scout (adults $5), Boy & Girl Scouts of all levels invited to experience Native American culture & outdoors incl learning about state’s animals, available foods, how to start fire w/ friction, basic tracking skills, making mandellas & roasting marshmallows, registration required.

Miscellaneous ____________________________

Jan 9: NUMC Monthly Pasta Dinner, Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, 5-7:30 pm, $9 adults, $8 seniors, $3.50 children, optional coffee house w/ live music follows (see listing under Concerts); 203-426-9998.

Jan 9: “Whose Barn Is It Anyway?” at Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin La, Ridgefielld, 8 pm, $22, comedy improv by theater’s Role in the Hay Players, cabaret seating; 203-431-9850.

Jan 10: “Kirtan: The Joy of Chanting,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 7 pm, free program by Sarita Valentine & Sachin Hazen covering the devotional practice using the ancient vibrational language of Sanskrit accompanied by the Indian instrument harmonium will be followed by group meditation (free instruction available) & tea reception; 203-263-2254.

Jan 11: American Red Cross Blood Drive, 8:30 am-6:15 pm, New-town Congregational Church, 14 West Street, appointments available, walk-ins welcome; 800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543).

Jan 11: “Town Historian’s Annual Lecture: Connecticut’s Valley Forge,” C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 pm, free program by Dan Cruson will look at recent discovers at Putnam Park, Redding, hosted by Newtown Historical Society; 203-426-5937.

Jan 13: “Using Special Schedules of the US Census for Genealogy,” C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7 pm, free presentation by genealogy expert Nora Galvin will be hosted by The Genealogy Club of Newtown, all welcome; 203-270-7887.

Jan 14: “Stratford West Woods and Everett Road: The Untold Story,” Easton Public Library, 691 Morehouse Rd, Easton, $5, lecture by Newtown Town Historian Dan Cruson will also serve as intro of his new book of same name, Q&A to follow, copies of book available for purchase; 203-261-0134.

Jan 16: Roast Beef Dinner, Good Shepherd Lodge #65/Odd Fellows Hall, 25 Danbury Rd, New Milford, 4:30-7 pm, $10, $8 seniors, $5 ages 5-12, free ages 4 & under, full dinner incl dessert, take-out available; 860-355-0243.

Bethel Public Library, 189 Greenwood Ave, Bethel; 203-794-8756.

Jan 12, “Expert Advice for Success in These Challenging Times: The Secrets of Getting Published,” 7 pm, free program by literary agent Jan Kardys.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-4533.

Jan 10, author program w/ Polly Brody, 2 pm, former Newtown resident & poet will read from her new collection of poetry, Stirring Shadows; Jan 11, Daytime Book Discussion, 1 pm, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, newcomers welcome; Jan 11, “Town Historian’s Annual Lecture: Connecticut’s Valley Forge,” 7:30 pm, program by Dan Cruson will look at recent discovers at Putnam Park, Redding, hosted by Newtown Historical Society (203-426-5937); Jan 13, “Using Special Schedules of the US Census for Genealogy,” 7 pm, free presentation by genealogy expert Nora Galvin will be hosted by The Genealogy Club of Newtown, all welcome (call 203-270-7887 for details); Jan 13, memoir discussion series, 7:30 pm, Places in Between by Rory Stewart; Jan 14, Ask The Organizer, 7 pm, organizing expert Bonnie “The Joyful Organizer” Dewkett will share basics of mak-ing calm from chaos in the home & at work; Jan 17, Evening Book Discussion, 7:30 pm, China Road by Rob Gifford, newcomers welcome.

Danbury Library, 170 Main St, Danbury; 203-797-4505.

Jan 9, Talking Taxes: The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009, 10:30 am, free one-hour program; Jan 10, Small Business How-To Series: Getting Back into the Workforce for Stay-at-Home Moms, 2 pm, led by Kristin Delfau (owner, Delfau Tax & Financial Services & author, Turbo-Mom’s Guide to Saving Money Without Wasting Time), no registration needed, snow date Jan 17.

Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-2475.

(FILM) Jan 8-14: The Hurt Locker ®, Fri-Sat 7 & 9:25 pm, Sun-Thurs 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 & 4 pm, Tues 1 pm.

Newtown Chess Club, at C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-4533.

Weekly games, Sat 1-5 pm, drop-in chess open to all skill levels, sets & boards provided, hosted by US Chess Federation expert Glenn Budzinski.

& leaders (in parentheses) as follows:

Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall (lower level, use rear parking lot), 45 Main Street, Newtown; 203-270-4377.

Shop is open every Wed 12-3 pm & Sat 9 am-noon, access is from town hall’s back parking lot, shop carries discounted items from local businesses & private donors incl clothing, sm home accessories & more.

Shepaug Eagle Observation Area, Shepaug Housatonic Hydroelectric Station, River Rd, Southbury; 800-368-8954 (reservations line open Tues-Fri 9 am-3 pm).

Seasonal: Observation area open to March 7 only, Wed, Sat-Sun 9 am-1 pm, free adm but reservations absolutely required (reservations line now open.

Society of Creative Arts of Newtown, Inc. (SCAN), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-6654 or 203-798-0560.

Programs 2nd Wed/month, 7:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: Jan 13, guest artist Joel Spector will offer pastel still life demo.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-6224 (ask for Betty) or 203-264-3728 (ask for Krista).

Non-profit weight loss support group meets every Mon 6:30-7:30 pm (weigh-ins 5:45-6:15, meetings 6:30-7:30), meetings $2/week, membership $24/year.

Treehouse Comedy Productions. Call 203-702-7577.

Shows at The Holiday Inn, 80 Newtown Rd, Danbury: Jan 8, Gallagher, 8 pm, $30.

Shows at Marisa’s Ristorante, 6540 Main St, Trumbull, tickets $10 unless

Wednesday Night Poetry Series, at The Blue Z Coffee House, 127 South Main St, Newtown. Call 203-426-6242, 203-364-0631.

Open mic 7:30, featured poet follows: Jan 13, “Found Poem” workshop; Jan 20, featured poet Sympetalous; Jan 27, Return of the Hosts Night, featuring series hosts past & present, also new host Lisa Marie Ackerly will lead open mic session.

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Events that appear by date have Newtown items listed first, with additional events listed by their start time. At the time of printing, the information here is accurate as presented; a call ahead is always a good idea to be safe.

DEADLINE INFORMATION

Press releases for the Enjoy calendar of events or the Enjoy section must be received by MONDAY NOON for publication in that week’s edition of The Newtown Bee. Send to the attention of Shannon Hicks, Associate Editor, Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or to shannon@thebee.com. Photos are welcome and can be black & white or color, but must be in sharp focus. Please call 203-426-3141 for specs if you plan to email digital photo files.