Antiques Shows______

April 2: Antique Answers: An Appraisal & Antiques Fair, Golden Hill United Methodist Church, 210 Elm St (at corner Elm, Lafayette & Golden Hill streets), Bridgeport, 9 am-3 pm, adm $5 adults, free ages 12 & under, experts will offer appraisals for antique & modern firearms & military accoutrements, clocks & watches, fine art, Oriental rugs & vintage jewelry, also workshops on starting a collection (10 am), organizing a book collection (11 am & 1 pm), clocks (noon) & costume jewelry (2 pm), refreshments; 203-336-0152.

April 2-3: 38th Annual Wilton Historical Society Antiques Show, Wilton High School Field House, 224 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, Wilton, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm, adm $10, approx 75 dealers, also special exhibition of toys from society’s collection (w/ emphasis on recent gifts from Gemini Antiques & Stuart Horn); 203-762-7257.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place, Bethel. Hours: Wed 7:30 pm (opens for weekly poetry program), Thurs & Sun 1-4 pm, Fri-Sat 1-8 pm. Call 798-2193 or 740-7351.

Through March 27: “Welcome Back,” first show of new year features works by gallery artists.

Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Hours: Mon-Thurs 10 am-8 pm, Fri 12-5 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 426-4533.

In Olga Knoepke Meeting Room — Through March 31: paintings by Lisa Orleman, former student of Kirill Doron does oils on canvas & wood.

On library’s main floor — Through April 15: “Juxtapositions: Differing Interpretations of Divided Images – an exhibit of contemporary art quilts,” contemporary art quilts created by 15 members of The Scrapbag Quilt Artists.

Easton Public Library, 691 Morehouse Rd (at corner of Center St), Easton. Hours: Mon & Fri 10 am-5 pm, Tues & Wed 10 am-8 pm, Thurs 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-3 pm. Call 261-0134.

Through April 13: “Fiber Artist Friends,” loom weavings, original handpainted silks, silkscreen hangings, cast paper sculpture, contemporary stitcheries & beading, quilts, handmade & embossed paper prints, paper weavings, crocheted mixed media handbags & more.

Fine Line Art Gallery, 586 Main St South/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Thurs-Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 203-266-0110.

*(new show) March 31-April 10: “Madame Mootisse and Company,” landscapes & whimsical animal paintings featuring cows in vibrant colors & forms by the award-winning artist June Pierpont Webster; April 2, opening reception, 3-7 pm.

Golden Age of Trucking Museum, 1101 Southford Rd/Rte 188, Middlebury. Hours: Thurs-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 203-577-2181.

Through March: “Yesterday’s Trucks, Tomorrow’s Memories,” commemorative watercolors by Brian Colbath.

Handcrafter’s Haven, 40 Main St North/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 203-263-2111.

Through March 31: original works by accomplished seamstress Karen Trinks.

Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 860-868-0518.

Through March 31: “With beauty all around me, I walk: Native American Body Ornamentation,” items made from stone, bones, shells, quills, metal & glass & used for necklaces, hairpins, headdresses, belts, pouches & more.

Kent Art Association, 21 South Main St/Rte 7, Kent. Hours: Thurs-Sun 1-5 pm. Call 860-927-3989.

*(new show) Through April 24: “2005 KAA Members’ Art Show & Sale,” more than 100 paintings incl oils, watercolors & pastels, also graphics & sculpture in various mediums; April 1, opening reception, 6-8 pm; April 2, Awards Reception (public welcome), 1-5 pm .

Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-753-0381.

Through May 22: “Building Waterbury: The Art of Architecture,” exploration of the growth of Waterbury green, its commercial buildings & surrounding churches, the city’s brass industry & resulting architecture, etc, from city’s first days as Colonial settlement to end of 19th Century.

Miller Studio & Gallery, 495 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Mon-Tues by chance or appt. Call 203-263-3939.

Through March 30: “Winterludes,” works by 10 artists incl Thomas C. Adkins, Joy Bristol, Robert Holden, Gabo Rodriguez & 6 others, which will change during the course of the show, presenting fresh, bright works to offer a respite from the bleak outdoors.

*(new show) April 1-May 5: “Life Imitated,” still lifes by Jean O’Brien & John Schieffer, each of whom has very different interpretations of the genre; April 2, opening reception, 4:30-6:30 pm.

Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St, Roxbury. Hours: Sat 10 am-2 pm, Mon & Wed 10 am-7 pm, Thurs-Fri 10 am-5 pm. Call 860-350-2181.

Through March 28: “Human Spirit,” photographs by Wendy Carlson & John Kane.

*(new show) April 2-May 16: “Home and Abroad,” oil paintings by Nicholas Halko incl landscapes of his CT home, images from foreign travel, still lifes & figure studies; April 2, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan. Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-966-5617.

Through April 2: “Characters: Scene II,” the return of characters in contemporary arts & our apparent need for the stories they tell featuring works by internationally renowned & emerging artists from worlds of fine art & illustration w/ pcs presenting cultural, historical, stylistic & technical diversity by artists from around the world.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main St, Hartford. Hours: Wed-Fri 11 am-5 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am-5 pm. Hours. Call 860-278-2670.

*(new show) Through April 17: “Cleve Gray: A Special Memorial Exhibition,” celebration of the late Connecticut artist will offer a selection of his large abstract canvases filled w/ rhythmic sense of color, form & line.

Through April 10: “Dance, Theater and Court Festivities in the 18th Century,” 40-plus rare pcs of sculpture & painted decoration produced during 18th Century by Vincennes-Sèvres & Meissen porcelain factories, based on popular stage productions.

Washington Art Association, Bryant Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 860-868-2878.

*(new show) April 2-24: “Members’ Show 2005,” works by developing artists & longstanding gallery-represented members, works incl drawings, paintings in oil, acrylic & watercolor, plus sculpture & pottery; April 2, opening reception, 3-5 pm.

Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton. Visitor Center Hours: winter hours (effective Nov 15) Thurs-Sun 9:30 am-5 pm. Call 203-834-1896.

*(new show) Through May 1: “Artists At Weir Farm: The Woodlands of Branchville – Josette Urso,” oil paintings & black & white drawings by Ms Urso, who was inspired by Weir Farm’s landscape during her 2003 stint as an artist-in-residence; April 10, “The Studio, Inside and Out,” 2 pm, free slide lecture by Ms Urso in Weir Farm’s Burlingham Barn, followed by artist’s reception (also free & open to public).

White Silo Farm & Winery, 32 Rte 37 East, Sherman. Spring Hours: Sat-Sun 11 am-5 pm & by appt. Call 860-355-0271.

*(new show) April 2-17: works by painter, fiber artist & beader Ninon deZara-Ronn, steel mobiles & freeform sculpture by James Hunter & organic works by Peggy Westphal; April 2, opening reception, 1-4 pm.

Yale Center For British Art, 1080 Chapel St (at High St), New Haven. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-432-2800.

Through April 24, “William Hodges, 1744-1797: The Art of Exploration,” retrospective of works by 18th Century landscape painter (YCBA is only US venue for this show) offers works from Hodges’ travels w/ Capt James Cook to South Pacific, also major views from India, many being seen for first time since artist’s lifetime.

Through April 24, “Nobleness & Grandeur: Forging Historical Landscape in Britain, 1760-1850,” selection from YCBA’s collections of paintings, prints, drawings & rare books complements “William Hodges: Art of Exploration” by charting development of historical landscape in Britain from its creation in mid 18th Century by Hodges’ mentor Richard Wilson to its culmination in Romantic period, presentation incl number of Wilson’s celebrated historical landscapes, also his “Niobe,” plus works of Hodges, Gainsborough, Martin, J.M.W. Turner & Constable.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Downtown Cabaret Children’s Company, 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport CT 06604. Call 203-576-1444.

Accepting photos & resumes for spring production of Pooh! (performances April 16-May 22), artistic director Bert Bernardi seeking actor-singer who is excellent guitarist, age 25-35, also seeking 12-14-year old boy to play Christopher Robin, send photo & resume to Mr Bernardi c/o theater address above; those who have auditioned for 2004-05 season need not resubmit.

Musicals at Richter, auditions at The Melrose School, 120 Federal Hill Rd, Brewster, N.Y. Call 748-6873.

March 31: Auditions for theater’s alumni, by appt only; call 270-0242.

April 1-3: Open auditions for 2005 season, Fri 7-10 pm, Sat 10 am-1 pm (ages 15 & under) & 2-6 pm (high school students & adults), Sun 1-5 pm, Mainstage productions to incl Into the Woods (June 16-July 2), Phantom (July 7-23) & The Sound of Music (July 28-Aug 13), prepare 2 Broadway showtunes (1 uptempo, 1 ballad) to show range, bring sheet music in your key & be ready to sing only 16 bars if necessary, be prepared to learn short dance combo, be prepared to read from script, also bring photo & résumé (stapled) if available; full details at www.MusicalsAtRichter.org.

April 2: Auditions for children & young performers, 10 am-1 pm, need children for The Sound of Music & Young Erik for Phantom, also young performers for Fairy Tale Theater, FTT auditioners do not have to sing but need to be prepared to read from script; full details at www.MusicalsAtRichter.org.

Newtown Youth Services, Edmond Town Hall Alexandria Room, 45 Main St, Newtown. Call 270-4335.

April 7 & 9: Auditions for annual NYS Talent Show, Thurs 3-6 pm, Sat 9-11 am, $5 registration fee, acts must be 2½ min or shorter, show will be May 13, 7 pm, at middle school.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

April 2: “Kigata Concert for Children – Starring Red Grammer,” Christ Church Parish, Cross Highway, Redding, performances at 11 am & 4 pm, tickets $12, special fundraising concert by renowned children’s entertainer Red Grammer will benefit church’s adopted African elementary school in Kigata, Uganda; 203-358-2175.

April 2: Fontenay Chamber Players at WCSU’s Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 8 pm, tickets $25-$100, performances by featured performers Maryly Culpepper (flute), Kathryn Taylor (clarinet) & Wendy Kerner Lucas (harp) will also have professional string quartet, program to incl Ravel’s Introduction & Allegro for Harp and Chamber Ensemble, also works of Bach, Bizet, Weber & Howard Hanson, also post-performance reception w/ performers, fundraiser for Hat City Music Theater; 746-2694.

April 2: Orchestra New England performs “Elvis Alive!” at Battell Chapel, Elm St at College St (opposite the green), New Haven, 8 pm, tickets $15-$30 (Student Rush, $5; night of concert only), James Sinclair will conduct ONE in Michael Daugherty’s Dead Elvis, w/ guest bassoonist Michael Breaux, also works of Mozart & Mahler (w/ guest soloist Judith Malafronte for “Rueckert Lieder”), port-performance reception; 800-476-9040.

April 3: “Piano in Love,” Post University’s MacDermid Hall, 800 Country Club Rd, Waterbury, 3 pm, tickets $18 adults, $15 seniors & students, $5 ages 12 & under, performance by pianist Anahit Truzyan will incl works of Beethoven, Chopin & Liszt, refreshments at intermission w/ performer, presented by Greater Waterbury Classic Concerts, Inc; 203-754-5590.

April 3: Pianist Miguel Campinho at Danbury Music Center, 256 Main St, Danbury, 3 pm, free performance will continue music center’s ongoing Young Artist Concert series, concert will be followed by question & answer session w/ Mr Campinho; 748-1716.

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

Concerts at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 3 pm, $15, free ages 5-14 w/ ticket-holding adult (subscriptions available), reception follows performances: April 10, Le Fenice (The Phoenix: violinist Catherine Cho, violist Maria Lambros, oboist Peggy Pearson, cellist Marcy Rosen & pianist Diane Walsh), works of Mozart (Trio in E-flat Major, Op 498 “Kegelstatt”), Schumann (Fantasiestücke for cello & piano, Op 73), Harbinson, Heiss & Child (Three Chorale Preludes), Brahms (Piano Quartet in A Major) & Bach (“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”).

Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield Univ, 1073 North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Call 203-254-4010, 877-ARTS-396 (877-278-7396).

Performances 8 pm unless noted: April 1, Romeo and Juliet by The St Petersburg State Ballet Theatre, 8 pm, tickets $30 & $40, performance followed by Q&A w/ company members; April 2, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, 8 pm (pre-concert talk w/ journalist Robert Sherman, 7 pm), $30, final concert for CMS of 2004-05 season will be all-Bach program.

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

Performances 8 pm unless noted: April 1, The Blind Boys of Alabama, 8 pm, tickets $65-$85, gospel music by recent Grammy Award-winners; April 3, Snappy Dance Theater, 4 pm, tickets $35 & $45 adults, $25 students; April 9, Don McLean, 8 pm, tickets $68-$80, opening set by special guest Kevin Briody.

Films _________________

Bethel Cinema, 269 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. Call 778-2100.

March 25-31: Bride & Prejudice (PG-13), daily 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 12:30 & 2:45 pm; Born Into Brothels (R), daily 9:25 pm, mat Fri 5 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 5 pm; Melinda & Melinda (PG-13), daily 7:30 & 9:45 pm, mat Fri 5:20 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10, 3:15 & 5:20 pm; Merchant of Venice (R), daily 6:45 & 9:15 pm, mat Fri 4 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:20 & 4 pm; Millions (PG), daily 7:20 & 9:35 pm, mat Fri 5:10 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1, 3:05 & 5:10 pm.

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

Independent Film Series, 7:30 pm, free: March 29, Witnesses (Croatian w/ English subtitles).

Alliance Française “Cinémathèque” screenings, 2 pm, free: March 31, Marius.

Danbury Library, 170 Main St, Danbury. Call 797-4533.

Indie & Foreign Film Series, free, screenings 2 pm: April 3, Carol’s Journey.

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

March 25-31: Racing Stripes (PG), Fri-Sat 7 & 9 pm, Mon-Thurs 7 pm, mat Fri-Sat 11 am, 1 & 4:30 pm, Mon 4 pm, Tues 1 pm.

Institute For American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington. Call 860-868-0518.

Winter Film Festival, screenings 2 pm: March 27, Honoring the Maple Sugar.

Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St, New Haven.

New Zealand Film Series (inspired by current William Hodges exhibition), free screenings, 2 pm: March 26, Whale Rider.

For Kids & Families _________

April 2: One-Day Paperback & Children’s Book Sale, Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 9 am-5 pm, proceeds will support library’s future programs & equipment; 203-438-8093.

April 2: “Kigata Concert for Children – Starring Red Grammer,” Christ Church Parish, Cross Highway, Redding, performances at 11 am & 4 pm, tickets $12, special fundraising concert by renowned children’s entertainer Red Grammer will benefit church’s adopted African elementary school in Kigata, Uganda; 203-358-2175.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Danbury Square, 15 Backus Ave, Danbury. Call 730-2733.

Free public programs: March 26, Bunny Stories, 11 am, stories about bunnies incl A Boy and His Bunny by Sean Bryan & Deanna Medearis’ Bunny’s Easter Hunt.

Bethel Public Library, 189 Greenwood Ave/Rte 302, Bethel. Call 794-8756.

March 31, Lemony Snicket Series of Unfortunate Events Discussion, 6:30-7:45 pm, readers in grades 3-5 invited to joined Scholastic Children’s Book Editor Jennifer A. Perry for discussion of first 3 books in series (The Bad Beginning, The Reptile Room & The Wide Window).

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-4533 (children’s dept 426-3851).

Young Adult programs, free unless specified: March 28, “Freedom Quilts & The Underground Railroad,” 4 pm, program by Civil War re-enactor Trish Chambers will offer brief history of Underground Railroad & discussion of quilt patterns used by slaves seeking freedom to communicate.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-394-6565.

Programs incl w/ zoo adm ($8 adults, $6 ages 3-11 & seniors, free ages 3 & under, group rates available): April 2-30, Annual Wildlife Art Show, daily 9 am-4 pm (opening reception April 2, 12-3 pm) works by area high school students in photography, watercolor, sketching & other mediums.

Downtown Cabaret Children’s Theatre Co., 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1636.

The Little Engine That Could, through April 10, curtain Sat-Sun 12 & 2:30 pm, tickets $12.50.

Quick Center for the Arts/Fairfield Univ, 1073 North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Call 203-254-4010.

April 3, “What’s Opera Doc?” 1 & 3 pm, $12 adults, $10 children, cartoon gems, historic films, live performance & audience participation led by pianist & composer Jed Distler w/ Metropolitan Opera soprano Emily Pulley & tenor Scott Ailing, program suitable for all ages aims at making opera fun & bring it to life.

Miscellaneous ___________

March 25: CT ConTacts Singles Dance Party, Fireside Inn, 123 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 pm-1 am, adm $15, dinner & dessert buffets, dancing to DJ selections (Top 40, soft rock, recent oldies & requests), no jeans (“dress to impress”); 203-468-1144.

March 25-26: Easter Flower Sale, Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Main Station, Riverside Rd, Sandy Hook, 10 am-4 pm, large selection of flowers sold by members of SHVF&R Ladies Auxiliary.

March 26: Western CT Orienteering Club Meet, Hoyt Scout Reservation, Marchant Rd, Redding, registration & starts 10 am-noon, $6, instruction & compasses available, set-up will incl 2 sprint courses, a 2-3K course w/ mix of beginner to advance controls, also beginner course; 860-658-7963.

March 26: Ballroom dance at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Ave, Bridgeport, 7 pm-midnight, $15, singles & couples welcome, free dance lesson offered at 8, performance at 9:30 by Igor Litviniv & Julia Ivleva, music by DJ Peter Collins, complimentary snacks; 203-374-7308.

March 28: “Reconstructive Surgery: Nose To Toes,” St Rose School Msgr Conroy Room, 46 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, 7:30 pm, free program presented by plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgeon Dr David M. Goldberg will take audience behind the scenes of reconstructive surgery incl pros & cons, question and answer session will follow.

March 31: Wind Over Wings presentation, Newtown Senior Center, Riverside Rd, Sandy Hook, 7:30 pm, free program by Wind Over Wings founder Hope Douglas will include introduction of some of the animal rehabilitation center’s current residents and sharing of their stories, sponsored by Town & Country Garden Club of Newtown.

March 31: The Open House for Aldrich Contemporaries, Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 6:30-8:30 pm, adm $7, evening dedicated to introducing young professionals to the museum & each other, docent tours of current exhibitions, also info on becoming museum member; 203-438-4519 x11.

April 1-2: Flagpole Photographers Annual Spring Exhibition, C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, Sat 12-4 pm, Sun 1-4 pm, club members will be presenting works in color & black & white, judging to be done in sev categories incl Best in Show, People’s Choice, Dave Kreiger Nature Award & Jeanette Talarino Floral Award; 364-1719, 426-0558.

April 2: NUMC Monthly Pasta Dinner, Newtown United Methodist Church’s Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, adm $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3.50 children, full spaghetti dinner incl salad, desserts, and soft drinks/coffee raises funds each month for church, all welcome, coffee house/musical event follows (see separate Concerts listing); 426-0617.

April 2: Kellogg Center Spring Bird Walk, Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave (off Rte 34), Derby, 8 am, free program led by KEC volunteer Jay Connolly will lead participants in search of spring migrants arriving in area, meet at center’s parking lot (walks also being offered May 21 & June 4, starting at 7:30); 734-2513.

April 2: One-Day Paperback & Children’s Book Sale, Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 9 am-5 pm, proceeds will support library’s future programs & equipment; 203-438-8093.

April 2: Comfy Quilts Sew-In, St James Episcopal Church, 25 West St, Danbury, 10 am-3 pm, CT chapter of American Sewing Guild invites area sewers to join ASG members to create lap quilts for cancer patients in area hospitals, bring sewing machine or berger, neutral thread, basic sewing supplies & lunch, addt’l squares of fabric optional; 746-5237.

April 2: 20th Annual Breath of Spring Craft Show, New Fairfield High School, Gillotti Rd, New Fairfield, 10 am-4 pm, works by 80 artisans from throughout Northeast w/ traditional crafts, folk art, glassware, metalwork, wooden objects & more, also homemade treats, raffles featuring items donated by crafters, refreshments, presented by Community Service Club of New Fairfield; 746-9231.

April 2: “Art From Connecticut Forests – The Auction,” The Silo, 44 Hunt Hill Rd, New Milford, viewing begins 4 pm, live auction starts at 5, reservations requested, works from traveling collection of art created from The Centennial Oak in Meshomasic State Forest will be auctioned to benefit forest conservation programs across the state, partial proceeds will also benefit The Silo & its continued work in local land conservation; 734-2513.

April 2-3: Super Model Train Exhibit X, Brookfield Museum & Historical Society, 165 Whisconier Rd (Rte 25 at 133), Brookfield Center, 10 am-5 pm, adm $3 adults, $2 seniors, $1 ages 7-14, free ages 6 & under, N-G scale model layouts & collections on view, also railroad-related photos, antiques, artwork, videos, memorabilia & sounds, vendor areas, trains for children to operate & more; 740-8140.

April 3: Newtown Spring Welcome Craft Fair, Edmond Town Hall gymnasium, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 11 am-4 pm, free adm, 40± crafters expected; 261-2414.

April 3: All You Can Eat Scholarship Breakfast, Odd Fellows’ Hall, 25 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, New Milford, 8-11 am, $7 adults, $3 ages 12 & under, breakfast of eggs (many styles), bacon, sausage, toast, homefries, pancakes, juice, coffee & tea is fundraiser for Odd Fellows’ & Rebeka’s Lodge of New Milford; 860-354-1062.

April 3: Story Tsunami by The Tale Waggers, New Milford Public Library, 24 Main St, New Milford, begins 2 pm, free adm, stories from around the world will be told by featured storytellers Sue Ford, Michael Krupnikoff, Shari Lynn, Joyce Marie Rayno & friends, donations encouraged & will be forwarded to groups & organizations that continue to aid victims of Dec 2004 tsunamis in southeast Asia; 860-355-1191 x204.

April 4: “An Evening with Bernie Siegel,” St Rose Parish Hall, 46 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, 7:30 pm, tickets $15 (adv purchase required), program will explore the role of hope, love & spirituality in healing process, also the importance of resolving conflict; 426-1014.

April 4: BookTalk at Southbury Public Library, 561 Main St South/Rte 6, Southbury, 2 pm, free discussion led by author Patricia O’Conner about her book on literacy & grammar Woe Is I, all welcome; 264-1716, 262-6123.

April 4: “Railroads and Their Impact on The Civil War,” Brookfield Museum & Historical Society, 165 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25 at 133, Brookfield Center, 7 pm, free lecture by BMHS member Peter Cronin will cover the impact of Confederate & Union RRs during Civil War; 740-8140.

Audubon Center at Bent of the River, 185 East Flat Hill Rd, Southbury. Call 264-5098.

Free programs unless noted, reservations requested, call if weather is questionable, leave pets home: April 3, American Woodcock Mating Dance, 7 pm, opportunities to witness one of most fascinating displays of courtship in bird kingdom.

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

Programs free unless noted: March 28, “Freedom Quilts & The Underground Railroad,” 7:30 pm, program by Civil War re-enactor Trish Chambers will offer brief history of Underground Railroad & discussion of quilt patterns used by slaves seeking freedom to communicate (rescheduled from Feb 28); April 1, book discussion, 1 pm, concerning In an Uncertain World by Robert E. Rubin, all welcome; April 2, Basic Computing, 9 am-noon, free hands-on class led by staff member from Newtown Computer Training Center w/ focus on keyboards, shortcuts & function keys, mouse skills, getting started on Internet, registration required; April 7, “Rembrandt’s Late Religious Portraits,” 7:30 pm, slide lecture by art historian Heike Stucke will explore the painter’s career of ca late 1600s & early 1660s, when he created brooding & pensive religious portraits.

Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury. Call 778-8337.

Wednesday Lecture Series, around 7:45 pm (follows brief general meeting), free, guest speakers & topics follow: March 30, historic slides & NH RR by Pete McLachlan; April 6, “Pioneer Privatization in Estonia” by Steve Gould.

Flagpole Photographers, C.H. Booth Library meeting room, 25 Main St, Newtown. Call 364-1719, 426-0558.

April 2-3, Annual Flagpole Photographers’ Exhibition & Competition, myriad subjects.

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

March 26, Winter Beading Workshop, 10 am-2 pm, $30, beading artist & IAIS educator Janis Us will lead workshop to make necklace from bead seeds & bugle beads, reservations required.

McLaughlin Vineyards, Albert’s Hill Rd, Sandy Hook. Call 426-1533.

April 2-3, Hike Trails Opening Weekend, 11 am-5 pm, no charge, vineyard’s hiking trails will open for the season, guided hikes Sat & Sun 12 & 3 followed by wine tastings.

Newtown Hikers. Call 426-2897 or 788-1398 (Ester Nichols), 270-4340 (Newtown Parks & Rec).

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9 am, free, all welcome (children must be accompanied), bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders as follows: March 26, Seaside Park in Bridgeport, hike will be followed by potluck lunch & planning for spring hiking schedule (leader is Ann Kozar, call for food coordination, 374-6679).

Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall (lower level), 45 Main Street, Newtown. Call 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.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-6224.

Non-profit weight loss support group meets every Mon 6-8 pm (weigh-ins 6-6:45, meetings 7-8), meetings $2/week, membership $20/year.

Tarrywile Park, 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury. Call 744-3130.

Guided hikes, free, cancelled if heavy rain, wear rugged, sturdy shoes, bring water & light snack, pre-registration requested: March 27, 2-hour hike, begins 9 am; April 2, 2-hour hike, begins 9 am.

Wednesday Night Poetry, Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place (in former railroad station), Bethel. Call 426-3388 (Faith Vicinanza), 270-6202 (Michael Seri), 748-2828 (BAJ).

Series presented ev Wed 7:30-10 pm (featured poets 8:30 pm, poetry workshop 9:15 pm), adm $1 ($3 if out-of-state or major guest poet), guest/featured poets as follows: March 30, Writing Workshop with Faith Vicinanza (open mic host: Alice-Anne); April 6, Gary Mex Glazner, reading by this featured poet (author of sev books of poetry & executive director of the 1990 – 1st ever! – Nat’l Poetry Slam Championships) will coincide w/ a writing workshop, details still being ironed out (call for details if interested).

Theatre ______________

Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven. Call 203-787-4282.

A Moon For The Misbegotten, through March 27, curtain Tues & Sun 7 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 3 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $30-$60, discounts for seniors, students & groups.

On Stage II: The Romance of Magno Rubio, through April 3, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, Sun & Tues 7 pm, mat Sat 3 pm, Sun & Wed 2 pm, tickets $40-$60.

Newtown High School Drama Dept, 12 Berkshire Rd/Rte 34, Sandy Hook. Call 426-7983.

Show Boat, April 7-10, curtain Thurs 7 pm, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, call for ticket details, spring production of NHS Drama Department will based on Edna Ferber’s 1926 novel of same name.

Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin La, Ridgefield. Call 203-431-9850.

Romantic Comedy, through April 9, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (April 3 only) 2 pm, tickets $18 adults, $15 students & seniors; call for details about take-away picnics offered by area restaurants.

Seven Angels Theatre, Hamilton Park Pavilion, Plank Rd, Waterbury. Call 203-757-4676.

Golf With Alan Shepard, March 31-April 24, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Thurs, Sat-Sun 2 pm, CALL FOR TICKET PRICES.

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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, Arts Editor, Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown 06470, or to shannon@thebee.com. Photos are welcome and can be black & white or color, but must be in sharp focus. Please call for specs if you plan to email digital photo files.