Antiques Shows______

Saturdays: Woodbury Flea Market, 44 Sherman Rd (Rte 64 near Rte 6), Woodbury, opens 7:30 am, free adm & parking, up to 42 vendors w/ emphasis on early items & antiques, also plants & flowers; 203-263-62147.

Sundays: Elephant’s Trunk Country Flea Market, Rte 7, New Milford, 7 am-2 pm (early buying 5:45, $20), adm $2, free ages 12 & under, leave pets home, vendors offer antiques, collectibles & misc, refreshments available, no pets on premises; 508-265-9911, www.ETFlea.com.

Art Exhibits____ _____

Avancé Esthétiques Day Spa, Sand Hill Plaza, 228 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-270-8911.

Through March 28: photographs by members of Flagpole Photographers Camera Club.

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

On main floor: Through April 16: “The Traveling Doll Project: Art Dolls,” art dolls by Newtown artist Paula Brinkman Hughes incl “Ginny 1” & “Ginny 2,” done in honor of the late Ginny Lathrop.

In Olga Knoepke Meeting Room (lower meeting room): Through March 31: “Eyes of March!” drawings by longtime Newtown resident Joan Pollak, who enjoys using Impressionist & Pop influences, with bold colors, to create illustrations from unusual points of view.

In first floor display cases: Through March 31: “Nothing Exciting Ever Happens in Newtown,” artifacts & photos of the War Maneuvers of 1812, which attracted more than 10,000 spectators during “battles” between Red Army & Blue Army in Newtown in Aug 1912.

Kent Art Association, The Gallery at KAA, 21 South Main St/Rte 7, Kent; 860-927-3989, www.KentArt.org.

*(new show) March 25-April 22: “Member Show I,” first show of KAA’s 89th season will feature works in various mediums by KAA members; March 25, opening reception, 1-5 pm; March 31, awards reception, 2-4 pm (awards announced at 3).

Koenig FrameWorks, 97 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-270-1887, www.KoenigFrameWorks.com.

*(new show) March 23-April 28: “Atmospheres,” very detailed line illustrations by DeAnn L. Prosia & oil paintings by Joanne Conant, gallery’s latest exhibition to be produced in partnership w/ Housatonic Valley Cultural Alliance; March 23, opening reception, 5-8 pm; March 31, Artist Talk: DeAnn L. Prosia, noon; April 7, Artist Talk: Joanne Conant, 1 pm.

Stone River Grille, 1 Glen Rd, Sandy Hook; 203-270-1200.

Through March 31: “Art About Town,” works by Society of Creative Arts of Newtown (SCAN) members Pam Danneman, Adele Moros, Margaret Moss, Glen River & Roberta Shea, in special events room (non-diners welcome to visit show any time restaurant is open).

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Housatonic Valley Cultural Alliance (HVCA), 39 West St, Danbury; 203-798-0760.

April 6: Deadline to submit designs for HVCA Creative Challenge: Logo Design, selected artist will work w/ HVCA to finalize logo design package by May 4, completion of brand materials due June 1, open to first 20 artists/graphic designers who apply, HVCA membership needed ($25, can be done online), visit website for full specs.

Independent Living Day 2012, c/o Newtown Youth & Family Services, 15 Berkshire Rd, Sandy Hook;

203-270-4335, KJohnson@NewtownYouthAndFamilyServices.org.

April 28: Volunteers sought for Independent Living Day 2012, 9:30 am-2:30 pm, sign up for 1 or both shifts (9:30-11:30 am and 12:30-2:30 pm; lunch break at 11:30) to help low to moderate income senior citizens & disabled residents w/ variety of chores incl light yardwork, errands, organizing closets & garages, etc, contact Kaitlyn Johnson at NYFS, at above phone or email address, to volunteer or for details.

La Roue Elayne @ Cobb’s Mill Inn, 12 Old Mill Rd, Weston; 203-227-7221, founder4life@gmail.com.

March 25: Talent search by partners Elayne Cassara & Drew Friedman for new entertainment series at historic inn, appointments begin at 4 pm (registration required), performers should bring their own instruments & amps, inn will have piano, drums, mics & PA system, plan to perform 2 songs/numbers, audience members also sought to judge performance, contact Ms Cassara at above number or email address.

Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin La, Ridgefield; Patti.R.Azzara@gmail.com.

April 1-2: Auditions for “Word Around Town: An Evening of Original Poetry,” Sun 3 pm, Mon 7 pm, bring 4-5 short pcs (preferably performed from memory), all poems should be typed, one poem/page, preference also given to freeform poetry & pcs without heavily rhymed line endings, work must be original, previously published work OK, wear comfortable clothing that allows movement, director Patti Azzara & producer Marla Manning organizing show for June 12-13 evening presentations, contact Ms Azzara for addt’l info (email above) or by April 4 if unable to attend auditions.

Town Players of Newtown, at The Little Theater, 18 Orchard Hill Rd, Newtown; 203-270-9144.

March 26-27: Open auditions for Dial M For Murder, 7:30-9 pm, director Gene Golaszewski has openings for 4 men & 1 woman (all roles open, character breakdowns online (NewtownPlayers.org), auditions will be cold readings from script, rehearsals to being by end of March, season opener will run May 4-26 Fri-Sat eves & Sun afternoons May 13 & 30.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

March 24: Flagpole Radio Café featuring Livingston Taylor, Edmond Town Hall Theatre, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7 pm, $25, $20 students & senior citizens, performance by Mr Taylor, also performances by The Flagpole Radio Café Orchestra & Flagpole Shakespeare Repertory Theatre; 203-364-0898.

March 24: 38th Annual Fairfield County String Teachers Association String Orchestra Music Festival concert, Western CT State Univ White Hall, 181 White St (near Fifth Ave), Danbury, 3 pm, $6, free ages 13 & under, performance by 3 orchestra group representing 170+ area middle & junior high school students from 18 towns in western CT incl 9 musicians from Newtown; 203-746-4311.

March 24: Elisabeth von Trapp at St John’s Episcopal Church, 78 Green Hill Rd, Washington, 8 pm, $40 (season tickets available), performance by Maria & Baron von Trapp’s granddaughter to incl favorites from The Sound of Music, Puccini arias, American gospel & more, continues St John’s 2011-12 Concert Series; 860-868-2527, www.StJohnsWashington.org.

March 24: Grease Sing-Along, The Palace Danbury, 165 Main St, Danbury, 8 pm, $15/adv, $18/night of show, screening of 1978 feature film (rated PG-13, running time 1:10) starring Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta, restored w/ sing-along subtitles, audience encouraged to sing along & dress for the part, Palace hosting Prom King & Queen Contest; 203-794-9944.

March 25: The Little House That Roared: Tom Chapin & Friends, Newtown High School, 12 Berkshire Rd/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 3 pm,  $12-$20/advance, $15-$25/door, performance by nationally acclaimed folk singer & songwriter will also feature The Fairfield County Children’s Choir, jazz violinist Sam Weiser, classical guitarist Yossi Kohrman-Glaser, et al, presented by Congregation Adath Israel/The Little House That Roared; 203-209-4662.

March 31: 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 separate listing under Miscellaneous), $5 otherwise, bluegrass and folk music by Roger Sprung & Friends, refreshments available, bonus event in March will make up for no coffee house in April due to Easter holiday; 203-426-9998.

March 31: Locally Grown Authors & Artists: Whatever, at The Danbury Museum & Historical Society, 43 Main St, Danbury, 2 pm, free performance by adult contemporary band continues museum’s series highlighting local talents; 203-743-5200.

Newtown Friends of Music, at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown; 203-426-6470.

Concert start times as noted, tickets $20, free ages 5-14 w/ ticket-holding adult, reception follows performances: April 1, Escher String Quartet with Jason Vieaux, 3 pm, finale of 2011-12 season sponsored by NFoM will include works of Castel-Nuovo, Boccherini, Verdi & Vivaldi.

For Kids & Families _________

March 25: Bubblemania 2012, Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen St, Newtown, performances 1 & 3 pm, $8, $30/four patrons, family fun by Casey Carle will offer bubble science, bubble tricks & fun, and “the art of bubbleology,” sponsored by Newtown Junior Women’s Club; 203-270-3767.

March 31: Plaza South Block Party, 274 South Main Street, tenants including Union Savings Bank, Sweet Mango, Dorazio Sisters Bakery, Subway, Good Ideas, Pub 25, Z Place for Fitness, et al, 11 am-4 pm, businesses will offer discounts, activities & samples, free photos with Easter Bunny, also fire truck & race car display, wine tasting, bounce house, Bubbles the Elephant, gift basket raffle & more; 203-830-6045.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown;

203-426-4533 (children’s dept 203-426-3851).

Children’s programs, free unless specified: March 28, Think Big: Building Domes, 4 pm, $3 materials fee due at program, one-hour hands-on workshop for grades 3-4 w/ science educator Laurie Borst, registration requested; March 29, Spring Craft with Marie Walker, 4 pm, $3 materials fee due at registration, ages 6 & up invited to join Mrs Walker for 45-min program to make a rabbit out of spools, beads & string.

 

Miscellaneous ___________

March 23: Ye Olde Lenten Fish Fry, St Peter’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 175 Old Tannery Rd (Rte 111, opposite town green), Monroe, 6-8 pm, $8 adults, $5 ages 12 & under, $30 family max, all welcome; 203-268-4265.

March 24: Parent Empowerment University, Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen St, Newtown, 8 am-1:45, $5, parents invited to attend two workshops with proactive & positive parenting strategies for children of all ages, also keynote by Bonnie Harris, breakfast & lunch incl, Kids University (free, child-appropriate programs) also available, registration strongly encouraged, presented by Newtown Parent Connection, Inc., Brookfield Substance Abuse Coalition and Southbury-Middlebury Acting Responsibly Together; 203-270-1600.

March 24: Red Cross Blood Drive, Reed Inter-mediate School, 3 Trades La, Newtown, 8 am-1 pm, donors must be at least age 18, weigh at least 110 pounds & be in generally good health, appointments available, walk-ins welcome; 203-426-9024, 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2762).

March 24: Meadows Seminar, Newtown Municipal Center Council Chambers, 3 Primrose St, Newtown, 10 am-noon, speaker Dan Holmes will discuss meadows, why they are important habitats for various plant & animal species, & how to install and maintain a meadow on private property for beauty & natural diversity;

203-426-6518.

March 24: “Panic in Connecticut: Accused Witches Have Their Say,” Danbury Museum & Historical Society, 43 Main St, Danbury, 2 pm, free 40-min one-woman show by actress Virginia Wolf will bring to life the 17th Century story of 5 CT women who were accused of being witches between 1646-1693 (well before Salem Witch Trials); 203-743-5200.

March 24: Grease Sing-Along, The Palace Danbury, 165 Main St, Danbury, 8 pm, $15/adv, $18/night of show, screening of 1978 feature film (rated PG-13, running time 1:10) starring Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta, restored w/ sing-along subtitles, audience encouraged to sing along & dress for the part, Palace hosting Prom King & Queen Contest; 203-794-9944.

March 25: Craft-Bake-Tag Sale, 11 am-4 pm, 82 Main Street, fundraiser for Newtown Relay For Life will be presented by Sole Savers, with all proceeds to benefit Relay efforts.

March 25: Newtown Spring Welcome Craft Fair, Edmond Town Hall gymnasium, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 11 am-5 pm, free adm, presented by Artisans Alliance; 203-261-2414.

March 27: “Getting Your Garden Ready For The Returning Birds,” C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 1 pm,$5 requested donation, program by Margaret Robbins (owner, Wild Birds Unlimited) will cover plants that are beneficial to hummingbirds & other birds for food or shelter, tips & tricks on attracting specific types of bird to a yard, & more, hosted by The Garden Club of Newtown; 203-512-7320.

March 27: “High Tea & History: Famous Women in History,” Western CT State University Student Center (Room 201), 181 White St/Rte 6, Danbury, 11:30 am, free event hosted by Prof of Education & Educational Psychology Dr Darla Shaw & students in Introduction to Women’s Studies as part of Women’s History Month events; 203-837-8482.

March 30: Comedian Jimmy Carroll at Coyote Maverick, 48 Newtown Rd/Rte 6, Danbury, doors open 5 pm, showtime 6 pm, $20, performance by professional comedian will double as fundraiser for NHS Marching Band & Color Guard; 203-426-7720.

March 31: Boating License Course, Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue main station, 18-20 Riverside Rd, Sandy Hook, 8 am-4 pm, $59 (registration deadline March 28), ages 12 & up will qualify for CT Boating-PWC license by the end of the day-long course taught by Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors, lunch incl, proceeds to benefit (non-profit 501c3) Leaps of Faith Water Skiers; 203-426-0666.

March 31: “Perfect Prom Newtown,” 10 am-2 pm, The Garage Teen Center, 57 Church Hill Road, Newtown High School senior promgoers are invited to pick out gently used dresses (available sizes 0-22, some new with tags) that have been collected by Newtown Girl Scout Troop 50843, also enter free raffle for manicure, hair styling and flowers; 203-304-1859.

March 31: NUMC Monthly Pasta Dinner, Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook, 5-7:30 pm, $9 adults, $8 seniors, $3.50 children, full pasta dinner w/ beverages & homemade desserts, take-out available, bonus dinner in March will make up for no dinner in April due to Easter holiday;

203-426-9998.

March 31: NBLA Wine Tasting & Silent Auction Fund Raiser, McLaughlin’s Vineyards, 14 Albert’s Hill Road, Sandy Hook, 5-8 pm, $30 (reservations required & limited), fundraiser by Newtown Bridle Lands Association will offer catered refreshments & wine tastings, auction items to incl restaurant gift certificates, riding lessons, fitness workout certificates, home architectural assessment & more; 203-791-4853.

March 31: Locally Grown Authors & Artists: Dan Cruson, Danbury Museum & Historical Society, 43 Main St, Danbury, 11 am, free program by Newtown’s Town Historian & archaeologist will focus on his new book, Putnam’s Revolutionary War Winter Encampment: The History & Archaeology of Putnam Memorial State Park; 203-743-5200.

March 31-April 1: The Last Supper Enactment, Immanuel Lutheran Church & School, 18 Clapboard Ridge Rd/Rte 39, Danbury, presentations Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2:30 pm, $10 ($30 max/family), reenactment of events leading up to DaVinci’s famous painting, with music and drama, by The Immanuel Lutheran Players; 203-775-5566.

April 1: 2nd Annual Inter-Faith Passover Seder, Congregation Adath Israel, 115 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown, 4:30 pm,$5 per person (reservations requested by March 25; space limited), all invited to Seder with officiating clergy from Congregation Adath Israel and local churches; 203-426-5188.

Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown;

203-426-2475.

FILM: March 25-29: War Horse (PG-13), Sun 7:30 pm, Mon-Thurs 7 pm, mat Sun 1 & 4:30 pm, Tues 1 pm; special note: to honor the horse’s invaluable contribution to mankind over the centuries in war and peace, members of The Second Company Gov Horse Guard & Newtown Bridal Lands Assn will being some of their mounts to ETH between matinee performances on Sunday, March 25.

SPECIAL EVENTS: March 24, Flagpole Radio Café featuring Livingston Taylor, 7 pm, $25, $20 students & senior citizens, performance by Mr Taylor, also The Flagpole Radio Café Orchestra & Flagpole Shakespeare Repertory Theatre; 203-364-0898.

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.

Newtown Hikers. Call 203-788-1398 (Ester Nichols), 203-270-4340 (Newtown Parks & Rec).

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 10 am (winter start time), free, all welcome (children must be accompanied), bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders (in parentheses) as follows: March 24, Rockefeller State Park, Pleasantville, N.Y.  (Jim Steck,

845-621-5559 or 914-806-4107).

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

Programs 4th Wed/month, 1:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: March 28, watercolor landscape demo by Diane Dubreuil.

US Passport Acceptance Office, at PJ’s Laundromat, 110 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook; 203-770-9157.

Office open Thur-Fri 3-6 pm, Sat 10 am-1 pm, resident Peggy Jepsen is available to help download, fill out & mail passport paperwork (applications also available at travel.state.gov), adult passport book $110, minors $80, US Passport Cards also available ($30, $15 respectively), photos also available at office, plus $25 service fee/application.

Theatre ______________

Bethel High School On Stage Players, 300 Whittlesey Dr, Bethel; 203-794-8600 x218.

March 24: Jack and The Beanstalk, curtain 1 & 3 pm, $5 (or $4 w/ donation of canned beans for food pantry).

Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven;

203-787-4282.

Mainstage: Through April 1: Bell, Book and Candle, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, Sun, Tues-Wed 7 pm, mat Sat 3 pm, Sun, Wed 2 pm, $40-$70.

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 Events that appear by date have Newtown items listed first, with additional events listed by their start time.

EXPANDED CALENDAR ONLINE

Want to know about more regional events? Find an expanded edition of this calendar online at www.NewtownBee.com. Click on the Features tab and look for Enjoy Calendar: a regional calendar of events.

 

Shannon Hicks is the calendar editor for The Newtown Bee. To submit an item for the Enjoy Calendar, send her an email at shannon@thebee.com no later than Tuesday at 5 pm for each week’s calendar. For the Community Calendar (Newtown events, which can be found on page A-2 each week), emails must be received no later than 5 pm Wednesday. For additional information contact Miss Hicks at The Newtown Bee, 203-426-3141.