May 11-13: Authentic Arts 11:14 A11/P11 Crafts of the American Indian Show 11:14 A11/P11 Sale, Middletown Elks Lodge, 44 Maynard St, Middletown, Fri-Sat 11 am-6 pm, Sun 10 am-5 pm, free adm.May 12: 7th Annual Antiques 11:14 A11/P11 Collectibles Show, On the Green, Rte 1, Madison, 9 am-4 pm rain or shine ###early buying 8 am, Nov10), 85 exhibitors, handicapped parking, food booth; 203-245-1529.May 26: Outdoor Antiques Show, Madison Town Green, Rte 1, Madison, 9 am-4 pm ###early buying 8:30 am, Nov10), 90 dealers, refreshments; 203-245-7394, 888-353-0552.Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St, Ridgefield. Hours: Tues-Thurs 11:14 A11/P11 Sat-Sun 1-5 pm, Fri 12-8 pm. Call 203-438-4519.Through May 13, “Twelfth Annual Scholarship Juried Exhibition,” annual juried exhibition celebrates achievements of 110 Fairfield 11:14 A11/P11 Westchester County high school seniors in art courses in art gallery setting incl grand-prize winner Katie Miller of Newtown.Beaux Arts Gallery, Barclay Square/16 Sherman Hill Rd, Woodbury. Hours: M-F 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sat 9:30 am-4:30 pm. Call 263-3939.Through May 19, “The Garden Variety,” new works focusing on “garden” as a theme by Janice Baragwanath, Stella Bloch, Linda Casey, Laura Evans, Susan Falato, Robert Holden, Ella C. Knox, Carey McDougall, Patricia Melvin, Paula Renee, Georgia Sheron, Anda J. Styler, Suzy Taylor 11:14 A11/P11 Edie Van Breems.Gunn Memorial Library 11:14 A11/P11 Museum, Wykeham Rd at Rte 47, Washington Green. Hours: ###museum) Thurs-Sun 12-4 pm 11:14 A11/P11 by appt, ###library) Mon 11:14 A11/P11 Fri 9:30 am-5 pm, Tues 2-8 pm, Thurs 9:30 am-8 pm, Sat 9:30 am-3 pm. Call 860-868-7586 ###library), 860-868-7756 ###museum).In Stairwell Gallery: Through May 19, oil 11:14 A11/P11 watercolor landscapes by artist 11:14 A11/P11 teacher Jon Allen.Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington. Hours: Mon-Tues, Th-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 860-868-0518.*###new show) Through June 9, “Timeless Journeys   The Paintings of Joan LaRocca,” watercolor originals, giclee prints 11:14 A11/P11 laser prints by Ms LaRocca presenting Native American 11:14 A11/P11 dream imagery woven together.Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan. Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-966-5617.*###new show) May 11-June 15, “52nd Annual Art of the Northeast,” regional juried art exhibition of paintings, sculpture, mixed media 11:14 A11/P11 drawings; May 11, opening reception, 7-9 pm ###awards 8 pm).Wadsworth Atheneum, 600 Main St, Hartford. Hours: Tues-Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 860-278-2670.*###new show) Fiona Tan/MATRIX 144,” recent works by filmmaker who interweaves her own footage 11:14 A11/P11 text w/ stock footage or images to create new narratives; May 19, artist’s talk, 2 pm, incl w/ museum adm.WCSU White Hall Gallery, 181 White St, Danbury. Call 837-8140.Through May 18, “Graphic Design Portfolio Show,” work by WCSU students.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.*###new show) May 17-Sept 2, “The Line Of Beauty: British Watercolors and Drawings of the 18th Century,” 100+ drawings 11:14 A11/P11 watercolors selected from YCBA’s permanent collection. CT Commission on the Arts, 755 Main St, Hartford 06103. Call 860-566-4770.May 18: Deadline to nominate someone as new State Poet Laureate, nominees should be long-term CT residents w/ outstanding 11:14 A11/P11 distinguished career in poetry 11:14 A11/P11 substantial publication history, nominations should incl name, address 11:14 A11/P11 telephone number of poet, letter explaining why poet should be considered for the 5-yr term, and biographical statement or résumé incl list of published works 11:14 A11/P11 honors awarded.Ridgefield Theater Barn, Halpin La, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-7536.Call for directors w/ proposals for 2002 season, theater expects to present 5 shows ###cabaret or egular seating style) between Jan-Dec, contact John Grissmer at above 12 for details.TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford. Call 860-350-6863.May 14-15: Auditions for Sondheim 11:14 A11/P11 Wheeler’s Sweeney Todd, 7-9 pm, need 18 actor-singers, majority of roles are ages 20-50, also need one man 11:14 A11/P11 one woman age 50+, arrived w/ prepared representative song from Broadway repertoire in appropriate key ###no transpositions 11:14 A11/P11 those without sheet music will not be seen; accompanist will be provided), rehearsals begin in June, performances weekends July 20-Aug 18, director is Bradford Blake.Watertown Art League, PO Box 93, Watertown 06795. Call 203-574-3954.May 14-15: Receiving for 15th Annual WAL Juried Art Show, Mon 3-7 pm, Tues 3-6 pm, at Traurig Library/Teikyo Post, 800 Country Club Rd, Waterbury, non-refundable entry fee Nov20 allows 1-2 entries, work limited to no more than 42” in any direction incl frame, media to incl oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, graphics 11:14 A11/P11 sculpture, contact Mally DeSomma at above telephone 12 for details.May 12: Danbury Symphony Orchestra at Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 8 pm, free adm, guest soprano Rosa Maria Baker will perform operatic arias, DCO will perform ballet dances; 748-1716.May 13: Chantos Choros at Bethel Library, 189 Greenwood Ave/Rte 302, Bethel, 2 pm, free performance by mixed a cappella ensemble will incl classical 11:14 A11/P11 popular selections, refreshments available; 794-8756.May 14: Hawley School Band 11:14 A11/P11 Orchestra Spring Concert, at Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen St, Newtown, 7:30 pm, free concert by student music groups.May 15: Newtown Middle School Spring Concert, at Newtown High School, 12 Berkshire Rd/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 7:30 pm, free concert by student music groups ###contact music dept for specific groups performing); 426-7646.May 16: Newtown Middle School Spring Concert, at Newtown High School, 12 Berkshire Rd/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 7:30 pm, free concert by student music groups ###contact music dept for specific groups performing); 426-7646.May 17: Newtown Middle School Spring Concert, at Newtown High School, 12 Berkshire Rd/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 7:30 pm, free concert by student music groups ###contact music dept for specific groups performing); 426-7646.May 18: The Connecticut State Troubadours in concert, Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Rd, Ridgefield, 8 pm, tickets Nov10, Nov5 children, Nov20 families, performances by official current 11:14 A11/P11 former CT State Troubadours Kevin Briody ###current), Hugh Blumenfeld ###1999-2000), Tom Callinan ###1991-92), Mike Kachuba ###1996), Jeff McQuillan 11:14 A11/P11 Synia Carroll ###1998), Sandy 11:14 A11/P11 Caroline Paton ###1993), Bill Pere ###1995), Sally Rogers ###1997) and Phil Rosenthal ###1994); 203-438-5795.May 19: Circus Circus by Ballet for Young Audiences, Rogers Park Middle School, Danbury, 1 pm, adm by donation, one-hour program will be performed by professional NYC dancers; 800-203-6000.May 19: CT Choral Society, Wesleyan University Singers 11:14 A11/P11 Litchfield County Children’s Choir at Immaculate Conception Church, on the green, Waterbury, 7:30 pm, Nov18 adults, Nov15 seniors 11:14 A11/P11 children, full performance of Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610; 203-263-7603, 800-555-5250.May 19: Jonah ###rock band) and Cornerstone ###folk quartet), at Community Coffeehouse, 7 Madison Ave, Danbury, 7:30 pm, free adm 11:14 A11/P11 refreshments; 748-4972.May 19: Violinist Ayako Yoshida 11:14 A11/P11 pianist Andrew Armstrong at Ives Concert Hall, WCSU midtown campus, 181 White St, Danbury, 8:15 pm, call for ticket prices, final concert of Danbury Concert Assn 2000-01 season; 748-0522.Acoustic Café, 2926 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-335-FOLK ###3655).Open mic every Tues, sign ups 7 pm, performances begin at 8; Video Nights Wed 11:14 A11/P11 Thurs, 8:30 pm ###call for each night’s selection, or just show up).May 11, Michael Hsu, Pam Bertoli and Andy 11:14 A11/P11 Denise, 9 pm, Nov8, folk singer-songwriters; May 12, Laura Warfield, 9 pm, Nov10, Dan Labich opens the monthly WPKN benefit show; May 13, Chris Smither, 5 pm, Nov20 ###note early start), foot-stomping blues 11:14 A11/P11 engaging storytelling; May 13 ###second, evening show), Anne Kissel’s Comedy Night, 9 pm, Nov6, stand-up comedy featuring Sherry Davey 11:14 A11/P11 Debbie Pearlman; May 16, “anti-folk” singer-songwriter Andy If, 8:30 pm, Nov5, unique 11:14 A11/P11 quirky If will be backed by The Low Budget/High Impact Orchestra, performance will incl songs from new CD Memories of Connecticut; May 17, Springtime Song Circle for Summer Songs, 8 pm, Nov8, songwriting celebration w/ Sloan Wainwright, Penny Nichols, Severin Browne 11:14 A11/P11 Robert Steven Williams ###brief open mic at 7:30).Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-4519.Stage A Performances, 7-9 pm, Nov20, eclectic music 11:14 A11/P11 multi-media series w/ the latest in contemporary performance 11:14 A11/P11 music trends: May 18, Joseph Arthur, folk/rock.Ives Concert Hall at WCSU, White Hall, Fifth Ave 11:14 A11/P11 White St, Danbury. Call 837-8350.Performances 8 pm, free unless otherwise noted: May 11, junior recital by soprano Sahra Laughlin, **7 pm; May 12, junior recital by flutist Stacey Burke, **2 pm.Merryall Center for the Arts, Chapel Hill Rd ###off Merryall Rd), New Milford. Call 860-354-7264.Performances 8:30 pm ###unless noted), tickets Nov15, season tickets available: May 12, cello ensemble Tarab.Next Stop Café, 102 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. Call 730-9940.Acoustic blues, 7-10 pm, free adm ###unless noted) but reservations sugg: May 11, Ted McGill, vocals 11:14 A11/P11 guitar w/ country blues, roots music 11:14 A11/P11 Americana; May 12, Heather “Li’l Mama” Hardy 11:14 A11/P11 Sam Taylor, Nov10; May 13, gospel brunch w/ Georgia Louis; May 18, Tim Regan, original material 11:14 A11/P11 vintage songs w/ raw country spirituals, punchy city blues to Delta bottleneck slide 11:14 A11/P11 early swing.Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield Univ, North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Call 203-254-4010, 877/ARTS-396 ###877/278-7396).Performances 8 pm unless noted: May 12, “Broadway To Opera   The Grand Connection,” spring concert by Mendelssohn Choir of CT ###MCC), tickets Nov25, songs from Broadway shows ###Rent, Jekyll and Hyde, Les Miserables, et al), also arias, duets 11:14 A11/P11 choruses by Verdi, Puccini, Strauss, Sondheim, Lowe, et al, guest instrumental 11:14 A11/P11 vocal solosists will accompany.Sweet Harmony’s Coffee House, St Andrew’s Church, Rte 202 11:14 A11/P11 Wheaton Rd ###at light), Marble Dale. Call 860-868-2275.May 11, Treblehook, with special guest Dave Aston, 8 pm, adm Nov5.Bethel Cinema, 269 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. Call 778-2100.May 11-17: Bridget Jones’s Diary ###R), daily 7:25 11:14 A11/P11 9:45 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 4 pm; The Golden Bowl ###R), daily 6:45 11:14 A11/P11 9:25 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1 11:14 A11/P11 3:45 pm; The House of Mirth ###PG-13), mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10 pm; The Luzhin Defence ###PG-13), daily 7:15 11:14 A11/P11 9:35 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30 11:14 A11/P11 4:20 pm ###NOTE: Sat 11 am, Freudian Flicks program, call for details); The Tailor of Panama ###R), daily 6:55 11:14 A11/P11 9:15 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:20 11:14 A11/P11 4:10 pm.Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, Newtown. Call 426-2475.May 11-16: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon ###PG-13), daily 7 11:14 A11/P11 9:15 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 11:14 A11/P11 3:45 pm.May 12: Scrapbook workshop, Bethel Public Library, 189 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, 10 am-noon, free and open to all students in grades 6-12, hands-on workshop ###bring your own photos, but nothing valuable or that cannot be duplicated) will teach how to create safe 11:14 A11/P11 beautiful environment for photos 11:14 A11/P11 memorabilia, registration requested; 794-8756 x4.Barnes 11:14 A11/P11 Noble Booksellers, Danbury Square, 15 Backus Ave, Danbury. Call 730-2733.Free public programs: May 17, reading 11:14 A11/P11 signing w/ Joan Verniero 11:14 A11/P11 John Cloutier, co-authors 101 Asian Read-Alond Myths 11:14 A11/P11 Legends, 7:30 pm.Beardsley Zoological Gardens, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-394-6565.May 12, International Migratory Bird Day, 12-3 pm, learn about the creatures who cross two continents every year through talks, presentations, crafts 11:14 A11/P11 demos, also learn how to make a backyard haven for these birds.Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-371-1903.Museum Magic Hour programs, story-telling 11:14 A11/P11 craft programs for ages 2½-5 w/ adult, 10:30-11:30 am, Nov12/team, reservations, workshop dates 11:14 A11/P11 featured books as follows: May 19, Piggies by Audrey Wood.Special Saturday Storytelling, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, Nov16 ###series tickets/4 programs, Nov55), for grades 1-4, featured books 11:14 A11/P11 projects as follows: May 19, Click, Clack Moo by Betsy Lewin, then create barnyard diorama.Downtown Cabaret Children’s Theatre Co., 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1636.Cinderella, through May 27, curtain Sat 12 11:14 A11/P11 2:30 pm, Sun noon only, tickets Nov10.50.Hartford Symphony Orchestra, The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave, Hartford. Call 860-246-6807.Family Matinees, 11 am, adult tickets Nov10-14, children Nov11: May 12, “March Madness,” rescheduled program for families incl popular marches ###rescheduled from March 24; free pre-concert activities, 10 am).Polka Dot Playhouse, 177 State St, Bridgeport. Call 203-333-3666.Polka Dot Kids Theatre Series, monthly series w/ guest performers, shows at 10:30 am 11:14 A11/P11 1 pm, Nov12/show ###series tickets 11:14 A11/P11 discounts abvailable): May 19, The Lizard of Oz, children’s company Bugs and Balloons creates a world of balloons populated by children.Tarrywile Park 11:14 A11/P11 Mansion, 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury. Call 744-3130.Magic Story Hour series, 11 am-noon, free program w/ story teller Joyce Marie Rayno offers preschoolers the chance to use their imaginations while hearing stories: May 15, 22 11:14 A11/P11 29.May 11: Candlewood Amateur Radio Assn ###CARA) meeting, St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Rte 25 at Rte 133, Brookfield Center, 8 pm, free 11:14 A11/P11 open to all w/ interest in amateur radios, hands-on tune-up session for transmittors, bring hand-held or mobile transmittors for check-up on service monitor, general interest radio club meets regularly; 790-7041.May 11-12: 11th Annual SVFA Ladies’ Auxiliary Mother’s Day Plant Sale, Center Firehouse, Main St So, Southbury, 9 am-4 pm each day, hanging baskets, flats 11:14 A11/P11 annual bedding plants, individual potted plants, etc, proceeds help auxiliary’s scholarship fund 11:14 A11/P11 Grad Night donations.May 11-12: Great Hill Tag 11:14 A11/P11 Rummage Sale, Great Hill United Methodist Church, 225 Great Hill Rd ###Rte 188 at 334), Seymour, Fri 7-9 pm, Sat 9 am-1 pm, household items, furniture, tools, toys, books 11:14 A11/P11 “miscellaneous curiosities”; 203-888-0489, 203-888-3666.May 12: Giant Tag 11:14 A11/P11 Craft Sale, Newtown Middle School front lawn ###in gymnasium if rain), 11 Queen St, Newtown, 9 am-3 pm, tag sale incl musical instruments, fundraiser for NHS Band 11:14 A11/P11 Color Guard; 270-8380, 270-1596.May 12: Airbrushing demos by Kiki Joyner, Dick Blick Art Materials, Sand Hill Plaza, 228 Main St So/Rte 25, Newtown, 2-4 pm, free presentation by Shelton-based self-taught artist who will be painting a horse on demin jacket 11:14 A11/P11 discussion other airbrushing options, questions welcome; 203-922-0566.May 12: Annual Garden Club of Brookfield Plant Sale, Brookfield Library, Rte 25, Brookfield Center, 9 am-1 pm, free adm, perennials from members’ gardens, annuals, gift baskets, garden clinic, Perennials of the Year offerings, also baked goods 11:14 A11/P11 tag sale items.May 12: Mother’s Day Crafts Show, Southbury Green Shopping Plaza, Main St/Rte 6, Southbury, 10 am-4 pm rain or shine, free adm, dolls, woodworking, clothing, jewelry, florals, etc displayed by area crafters, sponsored by Artisans Alliance; 749-0863.May 12: CT chapter/Romance Writers of America meeting, Southbury Public Library, Main St/Rte 6, Southbury, noon, free 11:14 A11/P11 open to non-members, “Plotting” discussion will be led by author Lisa Gardner ###The Other Daughter and The Third Victim, also Silhouette Romances novelist Alicia Scott) ###post-program book signing at Waldenbooks, Southbury Plaza, 3:30-5:30); 860-666-1848.May 12: WCSU Observatory Open House, WCSU Westside Observatory ###opposite Pinney Hall, top of hill), University Blvd, Danbury, 9 pm, free public opportunities to view Saturn, Jupiter, crescent moon 11:14 A11/P11 Pleiades through 20-inch telescope; 837-8671.May 15: “An Evening with the Masters” visual arts program, New Milford High School cafeteria, Rte 7, New Milford, 7-8:30 pm, free, demonstration 11:14 A11/P11 discussion of digital art by a master artist, reception follows, monthly program suitable for all ages co-sponsored by Housatonic Art League 11:14 A11/P11 New Milford Commsn on the Arts; 860-354-7558.May 17: “Surprising Secrets for Kids Who Like to Perform …and their parents,” Dance, Etc, 117 Mt Pleasant Rd, Newtown, 7 pm, reservations required, free seminar by talent scout 11:14 A11/P11 upcoming Broadway producer Peter Sklar, one-hour program will discuss “true” definition of dance, acting 11:14 A11/P11 voice, self-image 11:14 A11/P11 the audience, the role of arts in any child’s overall success, etc; 426-8717.May 17: “At The Garden’s Edge: Exploring Boundaries 11:14 A11/P11 Perimeter Plantings,” Bellamy-Ferriday House 11:14 A11/P11 Garden, 9 Main St, Bethlehem, noon, free lecture is part of Greater Litchfield Hills “History Bites” spring lunchtime series, bring lunch ###refreshment 11:14 A11/P11 dessert provided), presentation 11:14 A11/P11 walking tour by horticulturist Robin Zitter will focus on trees 11:14 A11/P11 shrubs popular in 1930s-40s still found in historic Ferriday garden that are good for borders; 203-266-7596.May 17: “May Luncheon,” Family Life Center, 498 White Plains Rd, Trumbull, noon, Nov10 ###free nursery available), all local women invited to luncheon by Fairfield County Christian Women’s Club, “Get Your Home Ready for Sale” program by Pauline Richards, inspirational thoughts from John 11:14 A11/P11 Betty Rabenstein, music by Amy Hudak, reservations ASAP; 268-9572, 203-375-2233.May 17: Reading of ###condensed version) Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, Gunn Memorial Library, 5 Wykeham Rd ###at Rte 47), Washington, 7 pm, free reading by The Readers’ Theatre; 860-868-7586.May 18: Make-A-Wish Foundation Art Auction Fundraiser, Elks Lodge, 346 Main St, Danbury, doors open 11:14 A11/P11 preview begins 7 pm, auction begins 8 pm, tickets Nov10/person, Nov15/couple; 203-894-9360, 877-203-WISH ###9474).May 18-20: Annual Heritage Village Library Book Sale, Heritage Village Green ###opposite Heritage Village Automotive), Heritage Rd, Southbury, Fri-Sat 9:30 am-5:3 pm, Sun 12-4 pm, 6,000+ items expected; 262-1035.May 19: Housatonic Valley Waldorf School Open House, 40 Dodgingtown Road ###Route 302), 9:30-11 am, free, parents invited to meet teachers, experience classroom and play materials unique to Waldorf education; 364-1113.May 19: “Harry Potter: Millennial Child” lecture, Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, 40 Dodgingtown Rd/Rte 302, 11 am, admission Nov12, lecture by educator and author Eugene Schwartz; 364-1113.Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-394-6572.May 12, International Migratory Bird Day, 12-3 pm, learn about the creatures who cross two continents every year through talks, presentations, crafts 11:14 A11/P11 demos, also learn how to make a backyard haven for these birds; May 13, Mother’s Day, free adm to moms accompanied by their ###paying) families.Bent of the River Audubon Center, 185 East Flat Hill Rd, Southbury. Call 264-5098.Free programs unless noted, reservations requested, call any time weather is questionable: May 12, Lillinonah Audubon Scty Annual “Birds and Breakfast” celebration, call for start time, Nov5 all-you-can-eat breakfast ###bring yourown place settings), then bird 11:14 A11/P11 wildflower walks led by naturalists; May 16, morning bird walk, 8 am, meet in parking lot for early morning walk during most exciting bird-watching month of the year.Bellamy-Ferriday House 11:14 A11/P11 Garden, 9 Main St/Rte 61, Bethlehem. Hours: Wed, Fri-Sun 11 am-4 pm. Call 203-266-7596.May 17, “At The Garden’s Edge: Exploring Boundaries 11:14 A11/P11 Perimeter Plantings,” noon, free program is part of county-wide “History Bites” lecture series, participants will learn history 11:14 A11/P11 use of site’s plantings from staff horticulturists.1754 house of Bethlehem’s first minister complemented by outbuildings, 18th C apple orchard 11:14 A11/P11 formal parterre garden is open for summer tours, call for schedule.Bethel Public Library, 189 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. Call 794-8756.Free programs: May 15, “Rethinking Your Yard: Gardening on Nature’s Terms,” program by Michael Nadeau ###owner of environmentally focused landscaping 11:14 A11/P11 garden design firm Plantscapes), 7:30 pm.CT Contacts, New Haven. Call 203-468-1144.Dances each Fr @Pinecrest Country Club, 745 River Rd/Rte 110, Shelton, 8 pm-1 am, Nov13, no jeans/sneakers. Dances Sat @Colonial Tavern, Rte 67, Oxford, 8:30 pm-1 am, Nov13, no jeans/sneakers, themes as follows: May 11, reg dance party at Pinecrest Country Club.Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury. Hours: 10 am-4 pm daily ###April 1-Nov 26). Call 778-8337.Wednesday Evening Events series, 7:30-8:30 pm, sm donation requested, weekly programs follow weekly museum member meetings, subjects as follows: May 16, “Weather or Not 124” by Steve Mayerson; May 23, “West End, New Haven” by Bob Gambling.Flanders Nature Center/Van Vleck Farmhouse, Flanders 11:14 A11/P11 Church Hill Rd, Woodbury. Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am-5 pm. Call 263-3711.Early Morning Bird Walks, Sun 7:30 am, free, led by members of Western CT Bird Club: May 13, 20 11:14 A11/P11 27.Friday Evenings at The Studio, 7:30 pm, adm Nov5 incl light refreshments: May 18, “Weir Farm: An American Painter’s Rural Retreat,” by Constance Evans, executive director of Weir Farm Trust 11:14 A11/P11 professional artist will discuss the Branchville farm 11:14 A11/P11 its 19th C inspiration for J.Alden Weir 11:14 A11/P11 friends.Hickory Stick Book Shop, 1 Greenhill Rd/Rte 47, Washington Depot. Call 860-868-0525.Book signings, 2-4 pm: May 12, Christopher Hitchens ###The Trial of Henry Kissinger).Highstead Arboretum, 127 Lonetown Rd, Redding. Call 938-8809.Programs 10 am, Nov5 each, reservations suggested: May 12, Understory Underdogs, learn to recognize 11:14 A11/P11 identify 12 native shrubs that can add value 11:14 A11/P11 diversity to home landscapes incl blueberry, viburnium 11:14 A11/P11 holly.Katherine Ordway Preserve, 165 Goodhill Rd, Weston. Call 226-4991.Free programs, reservations required: May 13, Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk, 1-3 pm, glimpse early spring bloomers 11:14 A11/P11 her info about their uses 11:14 A11/P11 history during walking program.Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave/Rte 34, Derby. Call 203-734-2513.Saturday Bird Walks, free, bring bird guides 11:14 A11/P11 binoculars ###limited supply available for loan), suitable for all ages: Walks 1st Sat/month begin 8 am, leave from main parking lot; 3rd Sat/month begin 9 am, leave from center’s main lobby.Kismet, at DownTime OnLine Café, 4 Ives St, Danbury. Call 778-0220, 264-2537.Meetings of people “coming together having discussions, speakers, music, sharing of events in the area, to soar through the journey of life,” 7:30-9 pm: Meetings ###every other Wed) May 16, “Find 11:14 A11/P11 Treat the Cause, Not the Symptom,” program by Elyssa Harte, an ND naturopathic physician.Newtown Hikers. Call 426-2897, 270-4340.Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9 am, free, all welcome, bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations as follows ###call hike leader if weather doubtful): May 12, Bulls Bridge, out to the bridge ###Claire Sivacek, 744-0086); May 19, Cheshire Rail Trail Hike-Bike ###Ann Kozar, 203-374-6679); May 26, Cranberry Park, Norwalk, hike-bike-roller blade ###Jack Donlon, 203-966-8421).Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall ###lower level), 45 Main Street, Newtown. Call 270-4377.Shop is open every Wed 12-3 pm 11:14 A11/P11 Sat 9 am-noon, access is from town hall’s back parking lot ###separate door for thrift shop), shop carries discounted items from local businesses 11:14 A11/P11 private donors incl clothing 11:14 A11/P11 sm home accessories, etc.Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-2282.Free programs: May 16, AM Book Group will discuss Ha Jin’s Waiting, 10 am, always open to new readers.Society of Creative Arts of Newtown, Inc. ###SCAN), Newtown Meeting House, Main St, Newtown. Call 426-6654.Through May 13, 31st Annual SCAN Spring Juried Art Show, at C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Fri 12-5 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm, all-new works of SCAN members in oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, graphics, mixed media incl collage, 11:14 A11/P11 sculpture; 270-8587, 270-6952.Tarrywile Park 11:14 A11/P11 Mansion, 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury. Call 744-3130.May 12, easy day hike, 9 am, call EMS 794-1043 for details; May 13, Adopt-A-Street Cleanup, begins 9:30 am, volunteers needed for monthly cleanup of streets around park, bring gloves, trash bags provided, park in lower mansion lot; May 16, EMS Map 11:14 A11/P11 Compass Course, 7:30 pm, learn how to use map 11:14 A11/P11 compass, then use new skills on May 19, class size limited, call EMS 794-1043 for details; May 19, Birdwatching Walk, 7:30 am, free, suitable for all ages, annual walk w/ Barbara Starr ###Swampfield Land Trust), bring binocluars, bird ID books 11:14 A11/P11 rugged footwear; May 19, Map 11:14 A11/P11 Compass Course Walk, 9 am, see May 16 for details.Wednesday Night Poetry Series, Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place ###in former railroad station bldg), Bethel. Call 426-3388 ###Faith Vicinanza), 270-6202 ###Michael Seri), 748-2828 ###BAJ).Series presented ev Wed 7:30-10 pm ###doors open 7 pm, featured poets 8:30 pm, poetry workshop 9:15 pm), adm Nov1 ###Nov3 if out-of-state or major guest poet), guest/featured poets as follows: May 9, publisher, teacher 11:14 A11/P11 author James Scrimgeour’s book release party ###We Are What We Have Loved), fmr editor 11:14 A11/P11 assoc editor The Connecticut Review; May 16, Joel Allegretti ###The Poet’s Press, April 2000), NYU grad 11:14 A11/P11 former newspaper reporter, the NJ-based poet often incorporates music into his readings of broad-ranging topics.Country Players of Brookfield, Rte 25 ###next to library), Brookfield Center, Call 775-0023.Fifth of July, through May 12, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets Nov10.Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven. Call 203-787-4282.Mainstage: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, through June 3, curtain Tues 7 pm, Wed-Fri 8 pm, Sat 8:30 pm, Sun 7 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets Nov15-Nov45; through May 29, Talkback Tuesdays follow Tues pm performance, discussion w/ actors, directors or designers focusing on play’s topics; May 11, Pub Night, 6:30 pm, Nov5, pre-show light meal 11:14 A11/P11 drinks; May 13, Sunday Symposium: Hamlet Unbound, follows matinee, panel discussion of play’s issues.On Stage II: The Model Apartment, through May 13, curtain Wed-Fri 8 pm, Sat 8:30 pm, Sun 7 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets Nov15-Nov45.Polka Dot Playhouse, 177 State St, Bridgeport. Call 203-333-3666.Parallel Portrait series, performances 8 pm, tickets Nov30: May 12, Patience for the Harvest: A Parallel Portrait of Jenny Lind and Emily Dickinson, performed by Jill Clayburgh.Square One Theatre Company, Stratford Theatre, 2422 Main St, Stratford. Call 203-375-8778.Later Life, May 18-June 2, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat ###June 2 only) 4 pm, Sun ###May 20 11:14 A11/P11 27) 2 pm, tickets Nov15, Nov14 seniors.TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford. Call 860-350-6863.Bent, through May 12, Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets Nov15 adults, Nov13 students 11:14 A11/P11 seniors.