Antiques Shows______

Saturdays (weekly to Oct 26): Bethlehem Flea Market, Bethlehem Fairgrounds, 384 Main St North/Rte 61, 6 am-1 pm, free adm & parking, 200 spaces will offer antiques & collectibles, plants & flowers, organic foods & farmer’s market, artisans & crafters, food, machinery & equipment & much more; 860-618-2940.

Sundays (through Dec): Elephant’s Trunk Country Flea Market, Rte 7, New Milford, 7 am-2:30 pm (early buying 5:45 am, $20), adm $2, free ages 12 & under, leave pets home, vendors offer antiques, collectibles & misc, refreshments available; 508-896-1975.

Sundays (through fall): 8th season Clinton Village Antiques & Collectibles Flea Market, 327 East Main St/Rte 1, Clinton; 860-669-3839.

June 13-14: 107th Norfield Country Fair Art & Antiques Show, Norfield Congregational Church, 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, Fri 6-8:30 pm, Sat 9 am-3 pm, opening night champagne reception, wide selection of antiques at varying prices, fair also offers art, books, children’s games, country kitchen, crafts, garden shop, Grandma’s Attic & Walton’s Corner, music, silent auction & more; 203-227-7886.

June 14-15: Farmington Antiques & Design Weekend, Farmington Polo Grounds, 152 Town Farm Rd, Farmington, Sat 8 am-5 pm (no early bird buying), Sun 10 am-5 pm, adm $10 Sat (good for both days), $7 Sun, 300+ dealers outdoors & under tents, gift bags (while supplies last), refreshments; 317-598-0019.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St, Ridgefield. Hours: Tues-Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-438-4519.

Through July 13: “Serge Spitzer: Still Life,” new installation by Mr Spitzer in Cornish Family Sculpture Garden featuring tens of thousands of specially produced tennis balls “will animate both space & meaning as circumstances cause the tennis balls to travel through the world”.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 1-5 pm. Call 426-4533.

In first floor display cases — Through July 1: “Jean Mann, MC: Carved Porcelain,” 2-4 pm, C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, 200± pcs of hand carved porcelain, some done as wall hangings & others as table-top pcs, all by the New Fairfield-based master artist & teacher Jean Mann.

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

*(new show) June 15-Aug 3: “The Journey of Discovery,” first student show in many years offers pcs by 60+ student artists of BCC provides special showcase of the many talents of the center’s students; June 15, opening reception, 2-4 pm – curator’s talk at 3.

Featured Artist of the Month, special presentations in BCC Gift Shop: Through June 30, metal sculpture by Michael Rivera.

Brookfield Museum & Historical Society, 165 Whisconier Rd (Rtes 133 & 25), Brookfield Center. Hours: Sat 12-4 pm, first Sun of month, by appt & chance. Call 740-8140.

Through Sept 1: “The Brookfield Attic,” summer exhibition will share some of more than 30,000 artifacts from museum’s permanent collection incl paintings, textiles, photos, handcrafts, Native American artifacts & info on early settlers, all which tell “rich & unique history of the town.”

Bruce Museum of Arts & Sciences, One Museum Dr, Greenwich. Call 203-869-0376.

*(new show) Through Sept 7: “Reclaimed: Paintings from the Collection of Jacques Goudstikker,” approx 40 rarely seen Old Masters’ works & other paintings w/ emphasis on the importance of both the artworks & their historic restitution, representing the collection of Mr Goudstikker.

City Lights Gallery, 37 Markle Court, Bridgeport. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-5:30 pm, Sat 11 am-4 pm. Call 203-334-7748.

*(new show) June 19-July 19: “Visions from The Heart,” juried exhibition of works by artists w/ disabilities, show is being co-hosted by 2008 Barnum Festival & The Kennedy Center; June 18, gala opening night reception, 5:30-7:30 pm, tickets $45/person, $75/couple (call 203-365-8522 x229 for tickets).

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

Through June 30: “Six Star Legacy: The World War II Diorama Military Art of Combat Artist Richard Dana Kuchta.”

Through summer: found object sculpture on library’s front lawn incl totem pole constructed of old propane tanks, motorcycle riders formed from car parts & kinetic sculptures that move in the wind.

Fenn Gallery of Contemporary Art, 345 Main Street/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Wed-Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-263-2821.

Through June 22: encaustic paintings by Patricia Carrigan, contemporary landscapes by Dido Thayer & sculpture by Carrie McGee.

Garden of Ideas Gallery, 647 North Salem Rd, Ridgefield. Hours: Sat-Sun 10 am-4 pm. Call 203-431-9914.

Through June 29: “Life Stages,” oils by Ann Chapin Fischer, many of which are inspired by nature;

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

Through July 28: “PhotoSynthesis,” works by photographer Ted Witek, whose new collection is dedicated to the natural beauty & unique color & form of every flower.

Gunn Memorial Library & Museum, 5 Wykeham Rd, Washington Green. Hours: Thurs-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 860-868-7756.

*(new show) Through Oct 12: “The Fabric of Marriage: Wedding Dresses,” elaborate display of wedding gowns from the museum’s vintage clothing collection focuses on history of weddings & wedding dresses spanning late 19th-early 20th centuries, while tracing town’s history through the people who wore them.

*(new show) Through Oct 12: “The Centennial of the Gunn Memorial Library,” high-light of history of the construction of library & museum building & celebration of its features incl Renaissance Revival period architecture, memorial reliefs, sculptures, stained glass windows, & mural by painter & Washington resident H. Siddons Mowbray.

Kent Art Association, 21 South Main St/Rte 7, Kent. Hours: Thurs-Sun 12-4 pm. Call 860-927-3989.

Through July 6: “KAA Founders’ Show,” celebration of art association’s 85th anniv will offer collection of works by founders, many of whom were Nation Academicians, incl Rex Brasher, Elliot Clark, Floyd Clymer, F. Luis Mora, George Laurence Nelson, Spencer Nichols, Robert Nisbet, Williard Paddock & Frederick Waugh.

*(new show) Through July 6: exhibition of work by F. Luis Mora, one of the 9 original founders of KAA, as well as works by the other founders (Rex Brasher, Elliot Clark, NA, PNAD; Floyd Clymer; George Laurence Nelson, NA; Spencer Nichols, NA; Robert Nisbet; Williard Paddock, ANA; Frederick Waugh, NA); June 14, CT Open House Day: presentations about Rex Brasher & Dr Birdsey Grant Northrop, 2 pm; June 22, presentation about Mr Mora by Lynne Pauls Baron (author, F. Luis Mora: America’s First His-panic Master), 2 pm, to be followed by book signings.

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

Through July 11: “An American Icon: Little Miss Sunbeam,” photos & memorabilia from the Reymond family archive, the family behind Reymond Baking Company, the first to wrap bread, introduce sliced bread, protect flour from contamination, and use the “batter whipped” process of blending ingredients that produced the smooth-textured bread that was the favorite of many Connecticut families.

Through Aug 10: “Merging Cultures: Latin American and Caribbean Art and Life in Connecticut,” presentation of work by diverse group of 12 CT-based artists whose work expresses how immigration affected their lives as newcomers to greater Waterbury region & how CT Latinos view their integration into community, curated by Ben Ortiz & featuring mixed media works by Diane Barcelo, photography by Pablo Delano, dominoes series “Dominonation” by Ernest Lopez, video installation by Carmen Lynch, photography by Marlo Marrero, works by Ricky Mestra, paintings by Dovian Montoya & Lisie Orjuela, mixed media sculpture by Victor Pacheco, photocollages by Debra Roinestad & photographs combined w/ objects exploring the Latina experience by Ruenitz.

Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St, Roxbury. Hours: Mon 12-7 pm, Wed 10 am-7 pm, Thurs-Fri 10 am-5 pm, Sat 10 am-2 pm. Call 860-350-2181.

*(new show) Through July 14: “Birds and Bees,” paintings & constructions by Mary Pratt Hawvermale & Banjie Getsinger Nicholas.

Morrison Gallery, Kent Village Barns, 8 Old Barn Rd (near Rte 7 at Rte 341), Kent. Hours: Wed-Sat 10:30 am-5:30 pm, Sun 1-4 pm. Call 860-927-4501.

Though June 29: “New Illusions,” new works by the contemporary realist painter Bob Lenz incl approx 25 still lifes & 8 local landscapes, first in two years for former advertising creative director who left career to devote full time to first love of painting.

Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield. Hours: Mon, Wed & Fri 10 am-6 pm, Tues & Thurs 10 am-9 pm, Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-438-2282.

Through June 30: “Opposites Attract,” new works by the award-winning photographers Marc Isolda & Cynthia O’Connor.

Sculpture Barn (née Boyajian’s Sculpture Barn), 3 Milltown Rd (at Rte 39), New Fair-field. Hours: Wed-Sun 10 am-6 pm. Winter hours: Sat-Sun 11 am-5 pm & by appt. Call 746-6101.

*(new show) June 14-Aug 23: “Evolution Constructed,” works by David Boyajian, Philip Heilman & Glenn Zweygardt; June 14, opening reception, 4-7 pm.

Sherman Library, 1 Sherman Center, Sherman. Hours: Tues-Fri 11 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm. Call 860-354-2455.

*(new show) Through June 30: “Lions, Tigers and Bears, Oh My!” wildlife oil paintings by Rudolf Grimm that reflect the artist’s love of nature.

Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan. Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-966-9700.

Through July 16: “Cognitive Pathways,” pen & ink drawings by Edith Borax-Morrison, who combines abstract illusionary weaving & tangled fibers while exploring the infinite possibilities of using line to produce a unique art form.

Through July 16: “Urban Mindscapes,” surreal photographic images by Linda Bucholtz Ross.

Through July 16: “Director’s Choice – Charles Birnbaum: Elusive Perceptions,” abstract porcelain sculpture created by the artist to express the dualities of his life of freedom & containment.

Wisdom House/Marie Louise Trichet Gallery, 229 East Litchfield Rd, Litchfield. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm. Call 860-567-3163.

Through July 11: “Life With Clay – 35 Years,” exhibition of works by Joy Brown.

Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St at York, New Haven. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-6 pm. Call 203-432-0600.

Through Sept 7: special presentation of van Gogh’s “Cypresses” & “The Starry Night: Visions of Saint-Rémy,” both on view for first time in New England.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Apple Festival at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, 175 Old Tannery Rd, Monroe. Call 268-4265.

Sept 6-7: Artists & craftspeople invited for annual Apple Festival, to be held on Mon-roe Green, Sat, Sept 6, 10 am-5 pm & Sun, Sept 7, 10 am-4 pm, contact Judy Hamilton in parish office (phone # above) for details.

Winter Wonderland of Gifts Crafts Fair, at Edmond Town Hall gymnasium, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 268-1342.

Nov 23: Crafters wanted for 5th annual fair, will run 10 am-3 pm, spaces $100, highly juried fair – no kits or imports, handmade items only, sponsored by Congregation Adath Israel (Newtown), contact Robin Magilnick at phone # above or WinterWonderland-CraftFair@yahoo.com for details.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

June 13-15: Fairfield County Irish Festival 21, Indian Ledge Park, Whitney Ave, Trumbull, Fri 6-11 pm, Sat 12-11 pm, Sun 12-9 pm, adm $12/day ($20/3-day pass), $10 ages 16-21, free ages 15 & under (parking $2 at park or free w/ shuttle service from Trumbull High School; handicapped parking at both locations), lots of live music, also dancing, pipe bands, sporting events, cultural exhibits, children’s tent, arts & crafts, amusement rides, refreshments, vendors & more, NO DOGS, NO COOLERS & NO INAPPROPRIATE ATTIRE; 203-243-5508.

June 14: Performance of Noye’s Fludde, Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown, 7:30 pm, free (donations accepted), fully staged performance of Britten’s opera about Noah and the ark to the final rainbow will include full orchestra, reception to follow performance; 426-9024.

June 14: “Community Jazz,” Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St, Roxbury, 5 pm, free concert by The Andrew Breskin Quintet & students from Shepaug Valley High School will incl works of Duke Ellington, John Coltrane & other jazz greats, reception to follow; 860-350-2181.

June 18: “Finding Our Way Home: A Special Evening of Fundraising,” Reed Intermediate School, 3 Trades La, Newtown, 7-9 pm, free (donations accepted), photography & other artwork by RIS students, their pen pals in Ghana & local volunteers who recently traveled to the West African country for aid work, also multimedia musical performance, plus special family portrait package offer by Flagpole Photographers Camera Club; 270-4880.

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

Summer Sounds Concert Series, 7 pm, free, bring chairs/blankets, call if rain predicted: June 18, Berkshire Big Band, music from 1930s-50s.

Gate House Coffee House, Rte 172 (in front of training school), Southbury. Call 586-2144 (Southbury Training School).

Summer Concert Series, Tues 6:30 pm (under pavilion if rain), free adm, bring chairs or blankets for seating: June 17, Eight to The Bar, East Coast’s most popular swing band; June 24, Timmy Maia, R&B.

Ives Concert Park, WCSU westside campus, University Blvd, Danbury. Call 837-9226 (or TicketMaster, 744-8100).

Summer Concert Series, shows 8 pm unless noted, all shows rain or shine: June 29, Melissa Etheridge, tickets $35-$100; July 1, Lyle Lovett, $24.50-$79.50; July 3, The Beach Boys, $19.50-$85.50.

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

Performances 8 pm unless noted: June 21-22, Dickey Betts & Great Southern w/ Devon Allman’s Honeytribe, $70-$75; June 28, Rustic Overtones, $25.

Yale University Guild of Carillonneurs, Harkness Tower, 74 High St (between Elm & Chapel), New Haven. Call 203-432-2309.

2008  Carillon Concert Series, free performances, bring seating, listening space opens 6:30 pm, performances 7-8, indoor listening space available if rain, dogs & other pets discouraged: June 20, Thomas Lee (Univ of PA); June 27, Ann-Kirstine Christiansen (The Danish Carillon School).

Films _________________

Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm & most Monday holidays (call ahead). Call 203-372-3521.

Planetarium shows: One Small Step and Larry – Cat in Space, call for schedule.

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

June 13-19: Young @ Heart (PG), Fri-Thurs 7 & 9 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 & 4 pm, Tues-Wed 1 pm.

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

The Native Americans Film Festival, included w/ museum adm ($5 adults, $4.50 seniors, $3 children): June 28-28, The Natives of the Southwest: Artists, Innovators and Rebels.

For Kids & Families _________

June 21: Barnum Festival Wing Ding Parade, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, registration begins 8:30 am, parade starts 11 am, free adm until 11:30 for parade participants & families (otherwise $11 adults, $9 ages 3-11 & seniors, free ages 3 & under, group rates available), decorate floats, carriages & wagons or come in costume to take part in a parade just for the younger crowd, parade followed by entertainment by strolling clowns, magicians, jugglers & acrobats, also free face painting, arts & crafts, games & more; 203-367-8495.

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

Young Adult programs, free unless specified: June 30, Cool Drinks & Cool Stories, 3:30-5 pm, join nationally known storyteller Tom Lee for folktales about adolescents from around the world & through the centuries, also enjoy fresh fruit smoothie.

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

Programs incl w/ zoo adm ($11 adults, $9 ages 3-11 & seniors, free ages 3 & under, group rates available): June 21, Barnum Festival Wing Ding Parade, free adm until 11:30 for parade participants & families, decorate floats, carriages & wagons or come in costume to take part in a parade just for the younger crowd, parade followed by entertainment by strolling clowns, magicians, jugglers & acrobats, also free face painting, arts & crafts, games & more (call Barnum Festival office for details, 203-367-8495).

Miscellaneous ___________

Saturdays (weekly to Oct 26): Bethlehem Flea Market, Bethlehem Fairgrounds, 384 Main St North/Rte 61, 6 am-1 pm, free adm & parking, 200 spaces will offer antiques & collectibles, plants & flowers, organic foods & farmer’s market, artisans & crafters, food, machinery & equipment & much more; 860-618-2940.

Sundays (through Oct 26): Sandy Hook Village Farmers Market, 3-5 Glen Road, Sandy Hook, 9 am-1 pm, flowers, fruits & vegetables from local farmers, baked goods, nutritional seminars, monthly family activities, runs weekly until Oct 26; 426-2427.

Tuesdays (through Sept 2): Cruise Nights at The Golden Age of Trucking Museum, 1101 Southford Rd/Rte 188, Middlebury, 5:30-8 pm, free, info booths,  BBQ, reduced adm to visit museum (cruise night events presented outdoors), special theme nights planned for June 24 (Cruisin’ Through Connecticut), July 22 (Beach Party, w/ volleyball, Frisbee, etc) & Aug 19 (Drive-In Night, w/ movies & popcorn), music provided by DJ, trophies & prizes to be awarded; 203-577-2181.

June 13: Comedy & Dinner: Eric Lyden & Lamie Lissow, Portuguese Cultural Center, 65 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury, doors oen 6:30, dinner 6:30-8 pm, show begins 8:30, tickets $25 incl dinner, dessert, coffee & performances (cash bar available); 470-7528.

June 13-14: 107th Norfield Country Fair Art & Antiques Show, Norfield Congregational Church, 64 Norfield Rd, Weston, Fri 6-8:30 pm, Sat 9 am-3 pm, opening night champagne reception, wide selection of antiques at varying prices, fair also offers art, books, children’s games, country kitchen, crafts, garden shop, Grandma’s Attic & Walton’s Corner, music, silent auction & more; 203-227-7886.

June 13-15: 5th annual Goshen Stampede: Rodio, Tri-State Truck Pull & Mega Midway, Goshen Fairgrounds, 116 Old Middle St/Rte 63, Goshen, Fri 2-10 pm, Sat 10 am-10 pm, Sun 10 am-8 pm, adm $12, kids’ discounts, free for veterans (bring ID) & immediate family, full rodeo, kids’ rodeo, animals & petting zoo, classic carnival rides & midway, food, live music, NO DOGS ALLOWED; 860-485-8586.

June 14: Open House at Matthew Curtiss House, 44 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 12-4 pm, free, public invited to visit house, take guided tours & view collection of prehistoric Indian artifacts on view for the first time; 426-5937.

June 14: Walking Tour of Newtown Street, starts at & returns to Matthew Curtiss House, 44 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 1 pm, free tour led by Town Historian Dan Cruson will last approx 45 min & will incl history of historic section of town, plus “some scandal and at least one ghost story,” also discussion of historical society’s collection of prehistoric Indian artifacts; 426-5937.

June 14:  Roast Beef Dinner at Bridgewater Grange, Rte 133, Bridgewater, seatings at 5:30 & 6:30 pm, tickets $12 adults, $5 ages 5 & under, dinner of roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, tossed salad, rolls, dessert & beverages; 860-354-2581.

June 14-15: 37th annual Monroe Strawberry Festival, Monroe Green, Rte 111, Monroe, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm, free adm & parking, old-fashioned church festival offers fresh picked strawberries & creations incl shortcake, pie, jellies & more, also refreshments, children’s games, live entertainment, 100+ artists & crafters; 268-9327, 203-913-9326.

June 15: “Witness Consciousness in Selfless Service: A Yogic Practice Cultivating Joy,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 7 pm, free program led by certified instructor JoAnn Livolsi will cover how joy arises when actions are rooted in the space of witness consciousness rather than ego, group meditation (free instruction avail-able) & tea reception to follow; 203-263-2254.

June 17: “In Search of Birds of Prey: A North American Journey,” Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby, 7:30 pm (optional buffet dinner precedes program, $22 adults, $12 ages 12 & under, reservations requested ASAP), program only $4 donation requested for adults, $2 students, presentation by federally licensed bird bander Jim Zipp, who has been birding & photographing nature & wildlife for 30+ years (also co-owner w/ wife of The Fat Robin Wild Bird and Nature Shop, Hamden); 734-2513. 

June 21: Barnum Sails the Sound, Bridgeport-Port Jeff Ferry, 330 Water St, Bridgeport, gates open 6:30 pm, tickets $50, ship departs 7:30 sharp for 3-hour Barnum Festival cruise event to incl catered buffet dinner, live music by JMG, Quintera, The Coastal Chordsmen, also karaoke DJ, accordion player, dancing, secured parking available; 203-367-8495.

June 22: “The Inward Journey: From Yoga Postures to the True Self,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 7 pm, free program led by Susan Hyde-Wick will cover how strength, flexibility, relaxation & improved health are benefits commonly associated w/ the practice of yoga postures, program to be followed by group meditation (free instruction available) & tea reception; 203-263-2254.

June 25: “Remembering the Shepaug Railroad,” old train depot, 28 Russell St, Litchfield, 5-6:30 pm, presentation by Fletcher Cooper (author, The Shepaug Railroad, 1872-1948) will commemorate the 60th anniv of the closing of the Shepaug RR w/ photos & anecdotes, also special presentation to open evening by Sen Andrew Roraback on transportation & commuting issues in the state, & info about Edwin McNeil, who worked to established Shepaug RR to be offered by Joe Greco, registration requested; 860-567-4501.

Brookfield Craft Center, 286 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield. Call 775-4526.

“The Craft Continuum” lecture series, Wed 6-8 pm, free lectures by artists associated w/ BCC school & gallery: June 18, BCC faculty member Myra Serrins (fiber artist) & BCC Education Director Kristen Muller (ceramic artist).

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

Programs incl w/ zoo adm ($11 adults, $9 ages 3-11 & seniors, free ages 3 & under, group rates available): June 18, “Adult Evening Lecture Series: The Zoo’s Environ-mental Enrichment Program,” 7 pm, Linda Tomas will present a talk & workshop about keeping zoo’s animals mentally and physically fit.

Danbury BNI Trailblazers, meetings at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Clap-board Ridge Rd, Danbury. Call 797-1122.

Group meets Wednesdays, 8-9:30 am, members network & help build businesses, all visitors welcome, contact Mark Vendetti at above phone # for details.

Flagpole Photographers, C.H. Booth Library lower meeting room, 25 Main St, Newtown. Call 270-8576, 270-9469.

Meetings 3rd Thurs/month, 7:30 pm, non-members always welcome: next meeting June 19, special program on digital management of photos and using the Internet by Ken Graff, final meeting before summer break.

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

June 14, Spring “Doctrine of Signatures” plant walk, 1-2:30 pm, $15 ($12 members), join local herbalist Lupo Connell for walk on IAIS grounds & Healing Plants Garden that will focus on local medicinal plants & exploration of their uses through doctrine of signatures (which states that by careful observations one can learn the medicinal uses of a plant from some aspect of its form or place of growing).

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

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9 am (spring start), free, all welcome (children must be accompanied), bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders (in parentheses) as follows: June 14, rain or shine: Osbornedale State Park, Derby (leader Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025), short hike will be followed by end of year potluck picnic and fall hike scheduling, call Rita Qubick for food coordination (268-4119); June 20-23, end of year weekend trip to Woodward Resort in New Hampshire for hiking, bicycling, kayaking and loads of fun, reservations required, call Rita Qubick for details and reservations (268-4119).

Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall (lower level), 45 Main Street, New-town. 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 (ask for Betty) or 264-3728 (ask for Krista).

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

Treehouse Comedy Productions.

Shows at The New Sorrento, 32 Newtown Rd, Danbury (call 744-5575), shows 9 pm & tickets $15 unless noted: June 14, Robert Kelly headlining, **8 pm show, tickets $19.50, with special guest Eric Rivera (opening act TBA); June 21, Tom Anzalone headlining, w/ Stan Stankos & David Lee Nelson opening.

Theatre ______________

June 14: Performance of Noye’s Fludde, Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown, 7:30 pm, free (donations accepted), fully staged performance of Britten’s opera about Noah and the ark to the final rainbow will include full orchestra, reception to follow performance; 426-9024.

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

SummerStage: Elaine Stritch at Liberty, June 24-29, curtain Tues-Thurs 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, call for ticket details.

Musicals At Richter, Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Rd, Danbury. Call 748-6873.

Victor Victoria, June 19-July 5, curtain Fri-Sun 8:30 pm (grounds open 7:15 for picnics), tickets $21 adults, $16 seniors, $13 students (season tickets $54, $39 & $33 respectively), group discounts available; Thurs, June 19, preview performance, all tickets $10.

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

Carousel, through July 5, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm (incl July 4), mat Sun (June 15 & 29) 2 pm, tickets $24 adults, $20 students & seniors; NOTE: show recommended for mature audiences.

Sherman Players, Sherman Playhouse, Rte 37 at 39 (behind firehouse), Sherman. Call 860-354-3622.

The Birthday Party, through June 14, curtain Fri-St 8 pm, mat Sat (May 31 only) 2 pm, tickets $15.

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