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 21-22: Litchfield County Antiques Show, Kent School Springs Center, Rte 341 (near intersection w/ Rte 7), Kent, Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, 40+ dealers; 860-567-0613.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

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

*(new show) June 22-Nov 16: “Elizabeth Peyton: Portrait of an Artist, Larry Aldrich Award Recipient,” first comprehensive exhibition of images by photographer known for her intimate portrait paintings of friends & celebrities; June 22, opening reception, 3-5 pm, adm $7 adults, $4 seniors & college students, free ages 18 & under.

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”; June 22, exhibition reception, 3-5 pm.

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.

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

Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, 182 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield Center. Hours: during performances (see Theater listings) or by appt. Call 775-0023.

*(new show) June 26-July 31: “The 5th Annual Heart Gallery: Connecticut’s Children,” portraits by Connecticut photographers of Connecticut children who need adoptive families, coordinated in collaboration w/ Dept of Children & Families; June 26, opening reception (reservations requested), 6-8 pm.

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) Through 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.

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.

Fairfield Arts Council, 70 Sanford St, Fairfield. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-4 pm, Sat 1-4 pm. Call 203-319-1419.

Through Aug 14: “justbinnie,” encaustic paintings & monoprints by Binnie Birstein.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven. Call 203-432-5050.

Through July 19: “Las Artes de Mexico,” celebration of rich & diverse artistic traditions of Mexico from ancient worlds of Mayas & Aztecs to great 20th Century works of Miguel Covarrubias, Jose Clemente Orozco & Diego Rivera, also pre-Colombian artifacts, Mexican textiles.

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.

Through Aug 23: “Evolution Constructed,” works by David Boyajian, Philip Heilman & Glenn Zweygardt.

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

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.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main St, Hartford. Hours: Sat-Sun 10 am-5 pm, Tues-Fri 11 am-5 pm (open to 8 pm first Thurs/month). Call 860-278-2670, TDD 860-278-0294.

Through July 13: “Making A Splash: American Beach Fashions, 1850-1920,” original costume items plus period photos & prints to explore fashions worn at American seaside during Victorian & Edwardian eras while exploring the roots of American bathing costumes in reform dress for water cures & private exercise, also exploration of beach as a setting for relaxation, public recreation & the promenading of latest fashions on the boardwalk.

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 Center For British Art, 1080 Chapel St (at High St), New Haven. Call 203-432-2800.

Through Aug 17: “Great British Watercolors from the Paul Mellon Collection at Yale Center for British Art,” more than 80 works spanning a center of British artistic production incl the emergence of watercolor painting in mid-18th Century to its flowering in early 19th Century, highlighting the diversity of British watercolor painting through figurative & landscape works by Gainsborough, Sandby, Cozens, Blake, Girtin, Turner & Constable, et al, organized as part of YCBA’s 30th anniv celebration in 2007; June 26, exhibition tour, 11 am; July 3, exhibition tour, 11 am.

Through Aug 30: “Joseph Wright of Derby in Liverpool,” first major exhibition to examine the distinguished portraitist’s creative development in Liverpool at start of the city’s cultural renaissance & growing status as a major world port offers approx 80 works incl 40+ paintings & drawings by Wright, along w/ others by his circle of friends & pupils in Liverpool; June 22, exhibition tour, 2 pm; June 28, exhibition tour, noon.

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.

Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, NSO office, One Park St, Norwalk 06851. Call 203-847-8844.

Sept 26: Application deadline for “Fiesta! The Prodigy Concert” search, student positions open for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn & string instruments for Jan 2009 full concert w/ NSO, visit NorwalkSymphony.org or call NSO Exec Director Jane Shelly at phone # above for application & qualification details, students will need to submit audio or video tape w/ application & fee.

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 21: “Invasion from Outer Space” by Danbury Symphony Orchestra, at CityCenter Green, Patriot Dr at Ives St, Danbury, 7:30 pm, free performance by DSO will incl scores from 2001: Space Odyssey, Superman, Star Wars movies & others familiar movie scores, attendees encouraged to dress as their favorite Star Wars character, also laser light show, refreshments available, picnics welcome, bring chairs (rentals available); 748-1716,  792-1711.

June 26: The Jenny Lind Concert of Sopranos: JeanMarie Garofolo & Susanna Stern, Playhouse on the Green, 177 State St, Bridgeport, 7:30 pm, tickets $25, performances by American winner of 60th annual Jenny Lind Soprano Competition (Ms Garofolo), accompanied by Andrew Gordon, & her Swedish counterpart, accompanied by Anna Christensson, reception w/ performers to follow, tickets to concert also offer discounts to future 2008 Barnum Museum events; 203-367-8495,  866-867-8495.

June 28: Second Annual Goshen Community Care & Hospice Square Dance, Goshen Fairgrounds, Rte 63 South, Goshen, 4-9 pm rain or shine (dancing starts at 5), adm $5, free ages 10 & under, calling by Bill Fischer, music by The Wild Notes, also penny auction, cow chip raffle, refreshments; 860-491-4673.

June 29: CD Release Party, at Congregation Adath Israel, 115 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown, 3 pm, sugg donation $10, public invited to join Rabbi Shaul Praver and members of congregation for official release party of his pop-rock CD Sacred Space, refreshments to be served; 209-4662.

June 29: Pianist Qi Lui at Pomperaug Woods, 80 Heritage Rd, Southbury, 3 pm, free performance (reservations requested) will continue 2008 Pomperaug Woods Classical Concert Series; 262-6555.

June 29: “Leroy Anderson Centennial Celebration Concert,” Nonnewaug High School, 5 Minortown Rd, Woodbury, 3 pm, free (call to reserve seats/tickets), special performance by US Military Academy Band will celebrate 100th anniv of birth of celebrated composer, who lived final 20 yrs of his life in Woodbury, program to feature Anderson’s music incl “Sleigh Ride,” “Serenata,” “Syncopated Clock” & others; 263-3502 (Woodbury Public Library).

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: July 2, Frank Porto Band, music of 1930s & 40s.

CityCenter Danbury, Patriot Dr at Ives St, Danbury. Call 792-1711.

Free concerts, Thurs 6:30 pm, Fri-Sat 7:30 start: June 21, Danbury Symphony Orchestra “Invasion from Outer Space,” familiar music from movies incl Star Wars, Superman, 2001: A Space Odyssey, attendees encouraged to dress as their favorite Star Wars character, also laser light show; June 28, Lively Up Music Tour.

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 24, Timmy Maia, R&B; July 1, The Brubeck Brothers Quartet, classical & con-temporary jazz.

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.

Portuguese Cultural Center, 65 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury. Call 268-8570.

Weekly Ballroom Dancing, Wed 7-11 pm, adm $15 (incl buffet), music provided by DJ, free dance lesson (7:15-7:45 pm), cash bar, door prizes, singles, couples & beginners all welcome.

Ridgefield Crossings, 640 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, Ridgefield. Call 203-431-2255.

2008 Summer Concert series, free performances, light refreshments: June 26, Jim Scianna Trio, jazz featuring tenor saxophonist Carmen Leggio.

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.

Sandy Hook Village Concerts in the Park, Glen Rd at Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook.

Free concerts, 7 pm start: June 28, Ron Jones, smooth jazz & show tunes on the sax.

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 20-26: Nim’s Island (PG), daily 7 & 9 pm, mat Fri-Sun 1 & 4 pm, Mon-Thurs 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 28-29, 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.

June 22: Family Fun Day, Newtown Middle School, Queen St, Newtown, 12-5 pm, adm $5 adults, $3 children, tour emergency vehicles, meet Newtown’s police dog, participate in crafts & games, enjoy refreshments, also music, proceeds benefit Canine Advocates of Newtown’s Dog Pound Veterinary Care Fund; 426-5327.

June 28: VFW Family Picnic, VFW Post 308, 18 Tinkerfield Rd, Newtown, begins 11 am, donation $15 ($30 max/family), grilled foods, raw claws, salads, corn, etc, also water slide, music, fun for all ages, proceeds to benefit VFW Veterans Fund; 426-9316.

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).

Summer program: June 23-Aug 26, “Awesome Amphibians & Rowdy Reptiles” show, Mon-Tues 11 am & 1:30 pm, have a close encounter w/ some of nature’s most interesting & misunderstood animals through cool artifacts incl models & skulls, also live animals, free w/ zoo adm; June 30-Aug 22, Animal Tales storytelling program, Mon-Fri 2 pm, stories & live animal presentations for children.

Miscellaneous ___________

Fridays (1st & 3rd Fri/month until Oct 2; no Walk July 4): Black Rock Art Walks 2008, Fairfield Ave (between Brewster St & Gilman St), Bridgeport, 6-9 pm, free twice-monthly presentation by area artists & craftspeople along sidewalks of Fairfield Ave (at Black Rock Art Center, 2838 Fairfield Ave, if rain), opening night will incl judging for Best in Show, also first place & runner-up categories to be awarded all season; 203-366-3667.

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 21: Summer Sale-A-Bration, The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown, 10 am-2 pm,  marketplace will offer jewelry, home décor, skincare products, gourmet food & more, refreshments available, raffle; 426-8118.

June 21: Survivor finalist Cirie Fields at Mark Twain Library, Diamond Hill Rd at Rte 53, West Redding, 5 pm, free program w/ Ms Fields, fresh of finale of Survivor: Micronesia – Fans vs Favorites, who will talk about getting onto popular CBS series, what it’s like behind the scenes of a “reality” show & share personal stories & photos, light refreshments to follow, reservations requested; 203-938-2545.

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: Family Fun Day, Newtown Middle School, Queen St, Newtown, 12-5 pm, adm $5 adults, $3 children, tour emergency vehicles, meet Newtown’s police dog, participate in crafts & games, enjoy refreshments, also music, proceeds benefit Canine Advocates of Newtown’s Dog Pound Veterinary Care Fund; 426-5327.

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.

June 28: VFW Family Picnic, VFW Post 308, 18 Tinkerfield Rd, Newtown, begins 11 am, donation $15 ($30 max/family), grilled foods, raw claws, salads, corn, etc, also water slide, music, fun for all ages, proceeds to benefit VFW Veterans Fund; 426-9316.

June 28: “Restoration, Preservation & Conservation in a Historic or Colonial Revival Garden, The Glebe House Museum, Hollow Rd, Woodbury, 5:30 pm, $26 ($21 members; registration required for all), NY Botanical Garden designer & teacher Jane Brook Barba will share personal experience & challenges during lecture suitable for all levels of gardeners; 263-2855.

June 28-29: Annual Northville Amateur Radio Assn (ADA) Field Day, Bridgewater Recreation Area, Hut Hill Rd, Bridgewater, 2 pm Sat-2 pm Sun, public invited to meet members of local ham radio group who will be operating on emergency power at temporary stations, connecting w/ similar clubs across the country, running 24 continuous hours.

June 28-July 2: Annual Book Sale of Friends of the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, AT MASUK HIGH SCHOOL, 1014 Monroe Tpke/Rte 111, Monroe, Sat 9-10 am (early buying, $10) & 10 am-6 pm (free adm), Sun-Tues 10 am-6 pm, Wed 10 am-1 pm, free adm regular hours, sale features 25,000 items sorted into 100+ categories incl books, videos, CDs, DVDs, computer software, records, puzzles & games; 452-2850.

June 29: CD Release Party, at Congregation Adath Israel, 115 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown, 3 pm, sugg donation $10, public invited to join Rabbi Shaul Praver and members of congregation for official release party of his pop-rock CD Sacred Space, refreshments to be served; 209-4662.

June 29: Yajurveda Yajna at Unitarian Universalist Church, 96 Chapel St, Stratford, 2-6 pm, free event presented by The Hindu Cultural Center of CT will feature sacrificial fire ritual conducted by Acharya Baljeet Shastri Ji; 203-387-0276.

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

Weekly games, Sat 1-5 pm, drop-in chess open to all skill levels, sets & boards pro-vided, hosted by US Chess Federation expert Glenn Budzinski.

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 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.

Society of Creative Arts of Newtown, Inc. (SCAN), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-6654 or 798-0560.

Programs 4th Wed/month, 1:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: June 28, oil demo by Shauna Shane, painting interior landscape.

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.

Theatre ______________

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.

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.

Play readings, new works read by area actors, reservations not needed:

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.

Square One Theatre Company, Stratford Theatre, 2422 Main St, Stratford. Call 203-375-8778.

Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court (off Rte 1), Westport. Call 203-227-4177.

Hot & Cole, through June 28, curtain Tues-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat (June 21 & 28) 4 pm, Sun 3 pm, Wed 2 pm, call for ticket info; June 15, symposium; June 20, prologue program; June 22, open caption; June 25, backstage pass (matinee program); June 26, talkback.

*******************

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.

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, Associate Editor, Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 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.