Antiques Shows______

Saturdays: Woodbury’s Famous Antiques & Flea Market, Rte 6 near Rte 64, Woodbury, 7 am-1 pm, 150± vendors each week, event runs weekly through mid-December; 203-263-2841.

May 29: Outdoor Antiques Show, Madison Town Green, Post Rd/Rte 1, Madison, 9 am-4 pm rain or shine, (early buying 9 am, $10) adm $4, 100+ dealers; 203-245-7394, 888-353-0552.

June 5: Annual Outdoor Ridgefield Antiques Market, Lounsbury House (Ridgefield Community Center), 316 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 9 am-4 pm rain or shine, adm $6 (early buying 7 am, $20); 203-894-1921 show manager Corinne Burke), 203-438-6962 (Lounsbury House).

June 5: Second Annual Woodbury Antiques Fair, Three Rivers Park, Jack’s Bridge Rd (off Rte 47), Woodbury, 10 am-5 pm (early buying 8-10 am, $25), adm $8, benefit for Glebe House Museum will offer 200± dealers from immediate area & surrounding states; 845-876-0616.

June 6: 37th Easton Lions Club Spring Antiques Show, Helen Keller Middle School, Rte 59, Easton, 10 am-4 pm (early buying 9 am, $10), adm $4; 203-874-7738.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place, Bethel. Hours: Wed 7:30 pm (opens for weekly poetry program), Thurs-Sat 12-9 pm, Sun 11-4 pm. Call 798-2193 or 740-7351.

Through June 12, “Recent Works: Tarol Samuelson,” new pcs by Newtown artist who conceptualizes works as electronic images before executing them in traditional media incl oil on canvas.

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 (lower meeting room): *(new show) June 1-17, works by Newtown-based watercolor & oil painter Carol Reilley.

In first floor display cases (near Children’s Dept): Through June 15, sports portrait figures created by local sculptors Jack Rudolf & Peter Rubino.

Brookfield Craft Center, 286 Whisconier Rd (Rte 25), Brookfield. Hours: M-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 775-4526.

Through June 6, “Stand and Deliver: Handmade Moveable Books,” handmade artist books by 52 book & paper artists representing 24 states & 5 foreign countries.

Bruce Museum of Arts & Sciences, One Museum Dr, Greenwich. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-869-0376.

Through June 20, “Fire Stories: Australian Aboriginal Art from The Kluge-Ruge Collection,” art based around the theme of fire w/ approx 20 paintings & 20 objects to explore the significance of fire in the art & lives of Australian Aborigines, also examines the historic & scientific role of fire in shaping Australia’s geography, flora & fauna.

Through July 3, “New York Exposed: Photographs from The Daily News, Part II,” second of two-part exhibition (Part I ran Jan-April) will offer approx 50 images from newspaper’s archive featuring images taken between 1960-2000.

The Cosmic Hippo, Kent Green Shopping Village, Kent. Hours: daily 10 am-4 pm. Call 860-927-3069.

Through May 31, “Dogs and The Animals They Chase,” animal themed art & fine crafts incl pet photography by Hank Meirowitz, stained glass by Heidi Kelly, pottery & ceramics by Marbie Kollath, oil paintings by Jerry Cable, photography by David Buck, handmade paper critters by Françoise Morgan & homemade gourmet dog biscuits by Rachel Sperry in addition to works on view by the gallery’s regularly-represented 55 artists.

Good News Café, 684 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Mon, Wed-Sat 11:30 am-10 pm, Sun 12-10 pm. Call 203-266-4663.

Through June 7, “Lush Life,” recent works on acrylics by Joan Lockhart, who is celebrating her successful return to professional roots after years working as graphic designer.

Gregory James Gallery, Bank Street Plaza, 27 Main St, New Milford. Hours: Tues-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-4 pm.

Call 860-354-3436.

Through June 27, “Spring Art Show 2004,” works by gallery members incl Deborah Chabrian, Christopher Magadini, Edward Martinez, Alain Picard & Bill Rice, also returning artists Joseph Grieco & Anda Styler, plus new members Rick Daskam, Robert Ferrucci, Patrick Purcell & Danielle Wexler.

Grey Horse Gallery, 3 Washington Ave/Rte 34 (in old Masonic Temple, 1st floor; behind St John’s Episcopal Church), Sandy Hook. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-4 pm. Call 270-1199.

Permanent display of oils & pastels by Dick McEvoy.

Highstead Arboretum, 127 Lonetown Rd, Redding. Hours: Mon-Fri by appt. Call 938-8809.

Through June 30, “Native Wildflowers of the Northeast,” works by 27 artists ranging from silverpoint to traditional scientific renderings in watercolor of native wildflowers.

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

Through June 30, “Preserving the History of The Weantinock,” artifacts excavated from Bridgewater site where Western CT State University Field School have been set up to learn more about Native Peoples who lived in & around Lovers’ Leap, especially Weantinock Indians & their ancestors.

Through June 30, “Clothing & Textiles: A Celebration of the Ingenuity and Creativity of the Indigenous Peoples of North America,” clothing & textiles demonstrating various techniques used by Native Americans across the continent incl woven wearing blankets, Plains-style dresses, beaded & woven moccasins, beaded & quill worked accessories & more.

Through June 30, “Progression of Indigenous People’s Weaponry: Technology & Mythology,” condensed version of full exhibit back by popular demand incl bows, arrows, coup sticks & clubs.

Miller Studio & Gallery/Beaux Arts Gallery, 495 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sun 12-4:30 pm. Call 203-263-3939.

Through July 3, “The Modern Landscape,” works of Judith Andrew, Joy Bristow, Robert Crawford, Fran Henry-Meehan, MaJo Keleshian, Annabelle Meacham, Katrina Schmidt-Rinke & Tom Yost.

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 May 31, “A Personal Garden of Eden,” oil paintings by Kathi Packer, who uses brilliant color & fine detail to portray her vision of the Garden of Eden.

Museum of American Political Life at University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford. Hours: Tues-Sun 10 am-5 pm. Call 860-768-4090.

“The History of Presidential Elections,” permanent exhibition offers massive display of small campaign artifacts & hundreds of contemporary graphics & photo images to illustrate the relationship between politics & noteworthy events & trends in US history.

Addt’l permanent exhibits: “Torchlight Parade,” “The Right To Vote” (the expansion of the electorate since birth of The Republic incl struggles of women & minorities), “Log Cabin to The White House” (how candidates since 1820s have attempted to creat a public image consistent w/ popular culture & social values of the day), “Perennial Political Issues” (the three major issues since George Washington: prosperity, world leadership & the currency), “Reform and Protest” (individuals & groups outside the 2-party system who have introduced new & often controversial themes & issues into political arena) & “The Presidency and The Press” (the use of newspapers in political campaigns, also the relationship between TV & Presidential politics).

New Britain Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington St, New Britain. Hours: Tues, Thurs-Fri & Sun 12-5 pm, Wed 12-7 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm. Museum Highlights Tour offered each Sun at 2 pm. Call 860-229-0257.

Through July 3, “Burchfield & Marsh: Exaggerated Visions,” 60 watercolors, oil paintings & drawings, incl many by Marsh that have never been on public view.

Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-432-5050.

Through June 1, “Dinosaur Eggs, Nests and Young,” more than 100 fossil dinosaur eggs & embryos at hands-on exploration stations & animated video presentations featuring well-known dinosaur experts allow visitors access to new evidence that unlocks the mysteries of dinosaur reproductive behavior.

Ridgefield Guild of Artists (RGA) Gallery, Halpin La, Ridgefield. Hours: Thurs-Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-438-8863.

Through May 30, “RGA Student & Faculty Show,” works by RGA art students, ages kindergarten through adult, also work of RGA instructors.

Sadelier, 69 West Wooster St, Danbury. Hours: Tues-Thurs, Sat 11 am-5 pm, Fri 11 am-6 pm, Mon by appt. Call 743-4830.

Through June 12, watercolors “loosely based on the circle & exploring the wide range of possibilities the motif offers” by Melinda Hackett.

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) May 29-June 20, paintings by Rita Baragona Marianne Gagnier & Kim Sloane; May 29, opening reception, 3-5 pm.

Wilton Art Gallery & Framing, 379 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, Wilton. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 9:30 am-5 pm, Sun by appt. Call 203-762-8311.

Through May 31, “Collections: Jack H. Hellaby and Gregg Welz,” artist representations of the everyday things in life the two artists admire & collect – oils on canvas, monotypes & painted furniture by Mr Hellaby & Mr Welz.

 

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Sherman Players, Sherman Playhouse, Rte 37 at 39, Sherman. Call 748-6097.

June 7: Auditions for Woody Guthrie’s American Song, 6:30-9 pm, director Francis A. Daley seeks 3 men (ages 20-65: one in his 20s & fairly proficient on guitar; second should be in 30s-40s, plays guitar & sings in tenor/baritone range; third should be in 40-65 age range & strong character actor, guitar a plus but not necessary) & 2 women (ages 16-65: one is young soprano age 16-25, plays guitar, mezzo-soprano & able to “belt out a song”; second is age 30-65, strong character actor & also strong singer), all actors should be prepared w/ non-Broadway song (preferably in folk tradition), short monologue & be prepared to play guitar if part calls for it, musical director is Susan Lang, rehearsals will be Mon-Thurs beginning mid-July, show opens mid-Aug, production will run Fri-Sat eves & 2 Sun mats through mid-Sept, contact Mr Daley at above # for details.

 

Concerts, Musical Events ____

May 29: Ballroom Dance at Holy Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Ave, Bridgeport, 7 pm-midnight, adm $15, general dancing all night, dance lesson at 8, performance by acclaimed tango team Cecilia Saia & Ronen Khayat at 9:30, refreshments, singles & couples welcome; 203-374-7308.

May 30: Pianist Barbara Geary at Promisek at Three Rivers Farm, 694 Skyline Ridge Rd, Bridgewater, $20 donation sugg, recital by Litchfield resident & piano teacher will incl works of Schubert, Ravel & Liszt, reception to follow; 860-354-1788.

June 5: NUMC Coffee House, Newtown United Methodist Church’s Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, 7:45-10:30 pm, adm $3 for those attending earlier pasta dinner (see details under Miscellaneous), $4 otherwise, live bluegrass & folk music, refreshments, suitable for all ages; 426-0617.

June 6: Pianist Sharon Abner at First Congregational Church of Washington, Rte 47/on the green, Washington, 5 pm, free adm (offering will be taken; sugg donation $10), performance by organist & assoc director of music at First Congregational will incl music of Dietrich Buxtehude, J.S. Bach, Jacques Ibert, Peter Eben, Craig Phillips & a spiritual arranged in jazz style by Joe Utterback; 860-868-0569.

June 13: Congregation Adath Israel “Cantorial Cabaret-Concert Night,” at St Rose of Lima Church House, 46 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, begins 5:30 pm, tickets $10, performances by Rabbi Shaul Praver & Friends, Cantor Penny Kessler, Cantor Debbie Katchko, pianist Christ Coogan, performers accompanied by Phil Waldenstein & band; 426-7801, 268-1342.

June 13: Trio di Camerati at New Preston Congregational Church, 15 Church St, New Preston, 3 pm, donation $10/adv, $12/door, performance will incl debut by trio of Anna Rubin’s award-winning “Family Stories: Sophie, Sally,” also works of Vivaldi, Devienne & Shostakovich; 860-567-1972, 860-868-7805.

June 13: “Wake Up Church – Wake Up: A Gala Gospel Concert,” at Golden Hill United Methodist Church, at corner of Elm St, Golden Hill St & Lafayette Sq, Bridgeport, 7 pm, performances by Covenant Church Choir, First United Methodist Church Shelton Senior Choir, 3 In Accord, Stratford Baptist Church Choir, Huntington Chapel Band, Adrienne, Joe Utterback & David Jackson will raise funds for Bridgeport Rescue Mission; 203-333-4087 (concert coordinator Monica Dennis-Jones, mornings), 203-336-0152 (church office).

Ballard Park, Main St/Rte 35 at Gilbert St, Ridgefield. Call 203-431-2760.

CHIRP 2004 (Concert Happenings In Ridgefield’s Parks), 7-9 pm, free, picnics welcome (rain location East Ridge Middle School): June 1, John McCutcheon, 5-time Grammy nominee offers one-man folk festival; June 8, The Hot Club of Cowtown, string jazz for the 21st Century.

Merryall Center for the Arts, Chapel Hill Rd (off Merryall Rd), New Milford. Call 860-354-7264.

Performances 8:30 pm (unless noted), tickets $15, season tickets available: June 5, Brookfield High School Small Chorus, “a joyous & refreshing evening” by a cappella ensemble directed by Karl Hermonat.

McLaughlin Vineyards, Albert’s Hill Rd, Sandy Hook. Hours: daily 11 am-5 pm. Call 426-1533.

“Garden Jazz,” Sun through Oct 10, 1-4 pm rain or shine, $10 (reservations a must), enjoy intimate jazz performance & wine tastings in garden overlooking vineyards, non-alcoholic drinks also available.

Films _________________

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

May 28-June 3: Love Me If You Dare (R), daily 7:30 & 9:35 pm, mat Fri 5:20 pm, Sat-Mon, Wed 1, 3:10 & 5:20 pm; Shrek 2 (PG), daily 7:15 & 9:25 pm, mat Fri 4:15 pm, Sat-Mon, Wed 1:50 & 4:15 pm; Super Size Me (NR), daily 7 & 9:15 pm, mat Fri 4:15 pm, Sat-Mon, Wed 1:50 & 4:15 pm; Troy (R), daily 6:40 & 9:45 pm, mat Fri 3:35 pm, Sat-Mon, Wed 12:30 & 3:35 pm.

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

 “Foreign Film Series: Newtown a la Cannes,” screenings 7:30 pm, free: June 3, Light of My Eyes(rescheduled from May 13);

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

Through June 2: Along Came Polly (PG-13), Fri-Sun, Tues-Thurs 7 & 9 pm, mat Sat 1 & 4 pm, Tues 1 pm.

For Kids & Families _________

June 4: Sugar Beats at Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and the Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, shows at 4 & 7 pm, tickets $15 & $20, performance of kids singing songs their parents love, from “What’s New Pussycat” & “Wild Thing” to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” & more; 203-438-5795.

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

June 1, discussion of Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix, 6:30 pm, program that is part of CT Book Voyagers program is open to readers in grades 3-6.

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

Programs included w/ zoo adm ($8 adults, $6 ages 3-11 & seniors, free ages 3 & under, group rates available): June 6, Wildflower Safari, 12-3 pm, included w/ zoo admission, crafts & related flower activities will help plant seeds of knowledge about beautiful flora.

Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-5795.

Summer Series for Children, performances 11 am & 2 pm, tickets $15: June 4, Sugar Beats, performances 4 & 7 pm (note special times, also tickets $15 & 20 for this show), group led by Sherry Goffin Kondor performs hip, funky songs of 1960s-80s that parents & children can enjoy.

Miscellaneous ___________

May 28: Annual Great Pootatuck Duck Race & Festival, 10 am-3 pm, Sandy Hook Center, duck race tickets $5, ducks dropped into Pootatuck at 2 pm, all-day festival (free admission to festival) will feature music, face painters, magicians, moon walk, silent auction, refreshments and more, event sponsored by Lions Club.

May 28: Newtown Craft Fair, 10 am-5 pm rain or shine, Canaan House at Fairfield Hills, fine arts and crafts by artisans from throughout the New England area, proceeds will help offset NHS Marching Band & Color Guard uniforms, props and travel expenses.

May 28: CT ConTacts Memorial Day Weekend Singles Dance, Colonial Tavern, off Rte 67, Oxford, 8 pm-1 am, adm $15, indoor-outdoor event will feature picnic –style buffet, dancing to DJ selections (Top 40 & soft rock), casual dress OK; 203-468-1144.

May 29: Lobsterfest 2004 at Sherman Volunteer Fire Department, Rte 39, Sherman, fresh Main lobster available cooked or uncooked beginning 9 am, dinners served beginning 4 pm rain or shine, lobster only $12, lobster meal $15, dinners incl 1¼ lb lobster, corn, cole slaw, soft drinks & dessert, hot dogs & cookies also available, presented by Sherman Republican Town Committee; 860-354-6933.

May 29: International Cultural Festival at Brookfield Town Hall, Pocono Rd, Brookfield, 12-4 pm, free adm, ethnic pastries, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Brazilian & other foods, Irish dancing, Japanese band, henna tattoos, French love songs, Caribbean drinks, Russian food & crafts, face painting, pony rides & more; 740-2801.

May 29: Ballroom Dance at Holy Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Ave, Bridgeport, 7 pm-midnight, adm $15, general dancing all night, dance lesson at 8, performance by acclaimed tango team Cecilia Saia & Ronen Khayat at 9:30, refreshments, singles & couples welcome; 203-374-7308.

May 30: Memorial Day Strawberry Festival, Brookfield Historical Society Museum, Rte 133 at 25, Brookfield Center, 12-3 pm, annual event begins after Memorial Day Parade, sales of strawberry shortcake will benefit museum/historical society events & activities, live jazz band & antique car exhibit; 740-8140.

May 30: “Getting Our of Your Own Way and Allowing Our Lives to Work,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free discussion by center’s executive director & co-founder Janaki Pierson will be followed by group meditation & tea reception; 203-263-2254.

May 31: Open Turret Day at Military Museum of Southern New England, 125 Park Ave, Danbury, 10 am-5 pm, wear shows & clothing appropriate for climbing into museum’s collection of military vehicles (which are not usually open to the public); 790-9277.

May 31: Fairfield Historical Society Tag Sale & Open House, 636 Old Post Rd, Fairfield, 9 am-4 pm, items donated by members of society,proceeds will benefit society; 203-359-1598.

June 1: “Black Bears and Coyotes in Connecticut,” Newtown Congregational Church House, 41-A Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 pm, free, monthly meeting of Housatonic Valley group/The Sierra Club will feature guest speaker Henry Woods (CT DEP) with illustrated lecture on animals that are begin seen more frequently in state’s towns, non-members welcome; 775-9644.

June 1: “Love and Knishes: And Now… Mark Twain,” Walzer Family Jewish Community campus, 444 Main St North, Southbury, $5.50, lunch at noon, program at 1 pm by the actor Richard Clark will offer one-person play full of wit, wisdom & a look at the life & work of America’s foremost humorist, reservations ASAP; 267-3177 x105.

June 1: “Growing & Cooking Chinese Vegetables,” Brookfield Library, 182 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield, 7:30 pm, free program (registration requested) by Norma Chang (author, Wokking Your Way to Low-Fat Cooking, Ms Chang will use electric wok to demo tips & recipes; 775-6241.

June 3: Annual Chicken Salad Luncheon, Stepney Baptist Church, 423 Main St, Monroe, noon, $8 covers homemade meal of chicken salad, sunshine carrots, cranberry salad, dessert & beverage, presented by church’s Ladies Aid Society; 268-9680.

June 4: “Evenings with The Experts: Great Discoveries of The Past 35 Years,” Wayne Pratt Antiques, 346 Main St South/Rte 6, Woodbury, 7 pm, $25, lecture by Wayne Pratt on some of the treasures the antiques dealer & columnist has discovered during lat 35 years continues Glebe House Museum’s ongoing lecture series; 203-263-2855.

June 4-5: Tag Sale at Jesse Lee United Methodist Church, 25 Flat Rock Rd, Easton, Fri 9 am-4 pm, Sat 9 am-2 pm; 203-372-8250.

June 5: NUMC Monthly Pasta Dinner, Newtown United Methodist Church’s Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, 5-7:30 pm, 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 details under Concerts); 426-0617.

June 5: Artisans Alliance Craft Fair, Molly Darcy’s Pub, 39 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury, 10 am-4 pm rain or shine; 261-2414.

June 5-6: Civil Air patrol’s 399th Squadron Open Hosue, 21 Miry Brook Rd (in hangar, watch for signs), Danbury, Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-3 pm, repeating lectures by William Guenon (author, Secret and Dangerous: Night of The Son Tay Raid), also learn about mission of Civil Air Patrol, learn about Cadet programs, emergency services training, homeland security training, meet members & Cadets, ongoing demos of searching for emergency locator transmitters, display of cut-away Pratt & Whitney aircraft engine, Soviet-built Mig 17 & modified military heavy lift vehicle, more; 794-1489.

June 5-9: Friends of Monroe Library Annual Book Sale, at Monroe Town Hall, 7 Fan Hill Rd (at Rte 111), Monroe, Sat (early buying 9-10 am, $10 incl breakfast) 10 am-5 pm, Sun-Tues 10 am-4 pm, Wed 10 am-noon, 15,000± books sorted into 50+ categories; 452-5458.

June 6: Baseball Card & Sport Memorabilia Show, Ramada inn, 225 Lordship Blvd, Stratford, 9:30 am-3 pm, adm $3 adults, 99¢ ages 10 & under, special appearance by World Series Champion Johnny Kucks (12-1 pm), also dealers from 5 states participating w/ sport & vintage cards, wax boxes, supplies, memorabilia, autographs, etc; 364-1209.

June 6: Plumtrees Animal Hospital Annual Pet Fair & Skyhoundz Hyperflite Competition, at Fairfield County Agricultural Center, Rte 6/Stony Hill Rd, Stony Hill, 10 am-2 pm, people & pets invited to participate in day of activities & demos, cats & dogs available for adoption, registration for local competition of 2004 Hyperflite Skyhoundz Canine Disc Championships opens at 10:30, contests for basic throws & catches, also distance/accuracy events, mixed breed & purebred dogs welcome, also clinics on trimming pets’ nails & brushing pets’ teeth, Kids pet Contest at 1 (ages 12 & under can enter; leashes & cages a must); 748-8878.

June 6: 26th Annual Woodbury Lions Club Car Show & Taste of Woodbury, Hollow Park, Hollow Rd (off Rte 6, watch for signs), Woodbury, 10 am-3 pm, car registration 9 am ($7/car), general adm $5 adults, $1 teens, free ages 12 & under, antique, classic, special interest vehicles, 4x4 trucks, sports cars & show cars from all eras on view, also specialties by local restaurants, music provided by DJ; 203-263-8433.

Ashlar of Newtown, 139 Toddy Hill Rd, Newtown. Call 426-5847.

18th Annual Summer Sounds concert series, free performances 7 pm, BYO seating, shows cancelled if rain: June 8, Berkshire Big Band, music from 1930s-50s.

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

Alliance Française of Northwestern CT French Literary Mornings, June 5, 10 am-noon, free & open to anyone interested in speaking and/or learning French, classic French short stories by Voltaire, Balzac, Flaubert, Beldelaire, Maupassant, et al, will be discussed, bring folding chair & bug spray (programs in barn if bad weather).

Bethel Public Library, 189 Greenwood Ave **temporarily at 137 Greenwood Ave (in building w/ Hauser Chocolate), Bethel. Call 794-8756.

Free public programs: June 8, book discussion of Terry Ryan’s memoir The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less.

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

Programs free unless noted: June 1, Non-Fiction Book Club meeting, 1 pm, discussion of Jeff Shaara’s The Killer Angels, newcomers welcome, registration requested; June 9, Bottles of Hope workshops, 10 am-noon & 7-9 pm, all materials provided, decorate small glass bottles w/ clay designs to be given to cancer patients & survivors (contact workshop leader Tracy Van Buskirk for details, 426-3014).

Flanders Nature Center/Van Vleck Farmhouse, Flanders & Church Hill Rd, Woodbury. Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am-5 pm. Call 203-263-3711.

Early Morning Bird Walks, Sundays in May, 7 am, free guided walks (led by members of Western CT Bird Club) through fields & forests in search of varieties of birds that call Van Vleck Sanctuary their home.

Botany Bound, Sundays in May, 1 pm, free guided walks along Flanders’ Botany Trail.

Misc programs: June 6, CT Wildlife Rehabilitation Day, 1-3 pm, registration & sm donation “appreciated,” free program by veteran wildlife rehabilitator Carol Gray will offer ideas for handling encounters w/ injured or orphaned wildlife, also meet a life red-tailed hawk.

Kismet, programs at Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place, Bethel. Call 748-3125.

Dinner programs 4th Sat/month, $35/adv, $40/door, reservations required: May 28, dinner at Stony Hill Inn, Rte 6, Bethel.

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 & leaders as follows: May 28, Bartholemew’s Cobble, Mass., entrance fee $4; leader is Claire Sivacek (744-0086); June 5, Minnewaska, New Paltz, N.Y., all day hike, ten miles, entrance fee, moderate to difficult, dinner optional; leader is Morie Colburn (203-937-8067).

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 (separate door for thrift shop), shop carries discounted items from local businesses & private donors incl clothing & sm home accessories, etc.

Sacred Grounds/Trinity Productions workshops, 24 Alpine Circle, Sandy Hook or Brookfield Commons, 246 Federal Rd, Suite C-23A, Brookfield (call for location), or by appt, or in-home by appt. Call 426-9448.

Workshops to communicate w/ angels, God, deceased or living by guidance, 2nd & 4th Sat/month in Sandy Hook, 1-3 pm, $40, call for details.

Programs at Brookfield Commons: Fridays in May, Touched by Angels with Nancy Ellany, 7:30-9:30 pm, $10.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meetings, 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.

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: June 2, Vivian Shipley & Tony Fusco.

 

Theatre ______________

Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1636.

Idols of The King, through Aug 1, curtain Fri 8 pm, Sat 5:30 & 8:30 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, tickets $32.50 & $42.50, student, senior & group discounts available.

Goodspeed Opera House, Rte 82, East Haddam. Call 860-873-8668.

Call Me Madam, through July 3, curtain Wed-Thurs 7:30 pm, Fri 8 pm, Sat 8:30 pm, Sun 6:30 pm, mat Wed & Sun 2 pm, Sat 4 pm, tickets $22-$51 (student rush tickets available, call for info).

Hartford Stage, 50 Church St, Hartford. Call 860-527-5151.

Edward Albee’s Home Life & The Zoo Story, through June 20, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun-Thurs 7:30 pm, call for mat schedule (selected Wed, Sat & Sun).

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

The Rink, through June 12, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets $18 adults, $12 seniors & students, contains adult language (not recommended for children); also Thurs, June 3, 8 pm.

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

Route 66, through June 6, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Thurs, Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $24-$38.50.

Town Players of Newtown, Little Theatre, theatre is on Orchard Hill Rd (mailing address is PO Box 211), Newtown. Call 270-9144.

Don’t Dress for Dinner, through May 29, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets $15.

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Events that appear by date have Newtown events 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 prints; please call for details concerning photo files to be emailed.