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-Dec; 203-263-2841.

Sundays (through Dec 19): Elephant’s Trunk Country Flea Market, Rte 7, New Milford, 7 am-2:30 pm (early buying 5:45 am, $20), adm $1.

July 24: 44th Guilford Keeping Society Antiques Festival & Sale, Thomas Griswold House Museum, 171 Boston St, Guilford, 9 am-4 pm rain or shine, adm $4, 100 dealers; 203-795-6465, 203-458-2887.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St, Ridgefield. Hours: Tues-Thurs & Sat-Sun 1-5 pm, Fri 12-8 pm. Call 203-438-4519.

Through Sept 1, “Into My World: Recent British Sculpture,” recent works (done within last 5 years) by 9 emerging & mid-career British artists – Laura Ford, Matt Franks, Roger Hiorns, James Ireland, Jim Lambie, Mike Nelson, Mariele Neudecker, David Thorpe & Saskia Olde Wolbers – many of whom are making their American museum debut.

Through Sept 1, “The Drawn Page,” works by 26 artists that were originally commissioned to appear in the pages of 8 regional newspapers while museum was closed for renovations, original works are now on view & represent “the complete stylistic range of contemporary drawing incl realism, abstraction, text, digital & process-based work.”

Through Sept 1, “Self-Sufficient Barnyard (The annual amount of livestock needed to feed a family of four),” installation by Jon Conner on library’s front lawn consists of 42 carved Styrofoam animals, deliberately sculpted to resemble computer-generated animals, “playing off our desire for a simpler life and also acknowledging our naïveté about what a simpler life may be.”

Through Sept 1, “Wall Drawing ##1123, Planes with broken bands of color,” original work created specifically for grand reopening of museum by Sol LeWitt covers the 1,800 sq ft south, west & north elevations of museum’s new Project Gallery.

Through Sept 1, “Big Baby,” Nina Levy’s 7-ft-tall sculpture of a toddler is back by popular demand, now situated in museum’s new entrance terrace.

Through Sept 1, “Ann Lislegaard: Passing By,” new project, “a sonic map of the museum’s transformation” in collaboration w/ Jacob Kirkegaard, inaugurates museum’s new sound gallery.

The Barnum Museum, 820 Main St, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-4:30 pm, Sun 12-4:30 pm. Call 203-331-1104.

Through July 2005, “William Brinley’s Amazing All-New Miniature Circus,” more than 5,000 hand carved figures & circus equipment, all ¾-inch-to-1-foot ratio, that took CT resident Mr Brinley more than 36 years to create.

Permanent exhibit: “Grand Adventure: A Celebration of the American Spirit in Bridgeport,” permanent exhibit on museum’s 2nd floor provides in-depth exploration of Bridgeport’s 19th Century industrialization & urbanization w/ emphasis on P.T. Barnum’s role in the city’s growth.

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

In Olga Knoepke Meeting Room: Through July 31, “Place of Rest,” photographs & complementary poetry by John Ulatowski.

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

Through Aug 8, “Poetic Spirit,” fine multi-media craftwork by 10 nat’l profile artists, each asked to provide pcs that “emulate their personal spirit & poetry,” incl works by Jamie Bennett, Bob Ebendorf, Jim Fawcett, Klindt Houlberg, Ron Isaacs, Thomas Mann, Tommy Simpson, Missy Stevens, Roy & Mara Superior, & David & Roberta Williamson.

Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury. Hours: (Jan-March) Wed-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 12-4 pm, (April-Dec) Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 778-8337.

Permanent exhibitions on railroad history (museum is along old New Haven RR line & housed in former Danbury station & railyard), also original & restored rolling stock incl a New Haven RR Mack FCD railbus, Alco RS-1 diesel locomotive, fully operating turntable, etc. (see Misc calendar for ongoing programs schedule)

The Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-372-3521.

Through Sept 17, “Maze-A-Palooza,” 2,500-sq-ft exhibit offers fun & science of optical illusions w/ 30 optical effects hidden throughout life-size maze, visitors invited to negotiate maze & solve puzzles while finding way back out.

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

Through Aug 31, “Fields of Gossamer,” photographs by Connecticut artist Lucy Sander Sceery.

Flanders Nature Center Welcome Center, Church Hill at Flanders Rd, Woodbury. Call 203-263-3711.

Through Aug 30, “In The Natural State: The Nude in the Art of Natalie Van Vleck,” major exhibition of 21 works (paintings, drawings & woodcuts) by the founder of Flanders Nature Center offers works that comprise a significant proportion of Ms Van Vleck’s oeuvre.

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 Aug 8, “Wanderings,” paintings based on the around-the-world travels of CT artist Erin Walrath.

Through Aug 8, evocative figurative works & subdued landscapes by CA-based artist & attorney Gwen Freeman.

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.

*(new show) July 17-Aug 29, “Summer Art Show 2004,” new work by gallery artists Christopher Magadini, Edward Martinez & Bill Rice, also works by Rick Daskam, Patrick Purcell, Anda Styler & Danielle Wexler, plus works by special guest artists Roger Kastel & Michael Patterson; July 17, opening reception, 5-7 pm.

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.

Housatonic Museum of Art/Burt Chernow Galleries at Housatonic Community College, 90 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport. Summer Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5:30 pm (Thurs until 7). Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri 8:30 am-5:30 pm, Thurs 8:30 am-7 pm, Sat 9 am-3 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 203-332-5000.

Through July 23, “Izzy the Frog in Lumina Land,” “experiential” exhibition w/ works by Joy Wulke, illumination by Jamie Burnett & soundscape by Istvan Peter B’Racz offers educational opportunity about earth’s fragile ecology, viewers view landscape of reflective ponds & illustrative stories to learn of evolution of human relationship w/ toads & frogs as symbols of transformation through myths, exhibit coincides w/ multi-media event at Ballpark at Harbor Yard (July 16-17).

Through July 23, “Places of The Spirit: Sacred Sites of the Adirondacks,” approx 40 photos by Barry Lobdell, Heather MacLeod, Romaine Orthwein & Shellburne Thurber, who responded to 2001 challenge of visually responding to sacred sites incl churches, synagogues, burial grounds & landscape sites of spirituality in New York’s Adirondack region.

New Canaan Historical Society, 13 Oenoke Ridge/Rte 124, New Canaan. Hours: Tues-Fri 10 am-4 pm, Sat 10 am-noon & 2-4 pm. Call 203-966-1776.

Through July 31, “Silvermine Art Colony: The Knockers, The Silvermine Group of Artists, The Silvermine Guild,” Celebration of one of CT’s most important art colonies offers 50+ examples of works by early Silvermine Art Colony members, many on view for first time in 80+ years, incl paintings of D. Putnam Brinley, Charles Reiffel, Hamilton Hamilton, Bernhard Gutmann, Addison Millar, Edmund Ashe, Carl Schmitt, Helen Hamilton & Dorothy Byard, sculpture by Solon Borglum & jewelry by Emma Borglum.

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

Through Aug 8, “Where In The World,” annual themed show has artists answering, with 2 of their original works, “where in the world (or universe) do you want to visit?”

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

Through July 31, works by collage artist Joy Floyd, sculpture by Eli Noyes & ink on paper drawings by Augusta Talbot.

West Wind Studio, 35 Calhoun St, Washington Depot. Hours: Fri-Sun 1-5 pm or by appt. Call 860-354-6518.

Through Aug 8, “Escapes & Double Takes,” paintings by Mary Frank, who is celebrated for her highly charged mythological & metaphorical landscapes.

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 July 30, “Natural Reflections: recent works by Amy Foster & Roger Hendricks,” oil paintings & sculpture by local artist & teacher Ms Foster & nationally acclaimed artist Mr Hendricks.

Wooster Community Art Center, 73 Miry Brook Rd, Danbury. Gallery hours: M-F 9:30 am-6:30 pm. Call 744-4825.

Through July 31, paintings by Earl Hamilton, who uses his works to communicate basic human emotions or conditions.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Bridgewater Fair Art Show, Bridgewater Firehouse, Rte 133, Bridgewater. Call 860-350-1409, 860-350-1121.

Aug 19: Entries sought for annual art show to be part of 53rd Annual Bridgewater Country Fair, receiving & registration 4-7 pm, all work must be original, work by adults must arrive properly framed, matted & ready to hang, children’s art should be matted (not necessary to have framed), accepting original works in oils, acrylics, pastels, watercolors, etchings, lithos, monotypes, monoprints & woodcuts, will be on view Aug 20-22, pick-up must be Aug 22 betw 6-7 pm, contact Classic Photography (first phone # above) or art show superintendent Pamela Hochstetter (second #) for addt’l info.

CT Master Chorale, South Britain. Call 775-2602.

Opening on bass section for 2004-05 season, rehearsals Tues eves in South Britain, rehearsals for new season will begin Sept 7, visit www.CMChorale.org for details, call # above for appt.

Diaz Memorial Video Festival, c/o Charter Communications, 11 Commerce Rd, Newtown. Call 860-350-4630, 860-354-8930.

Sept 15: Videos due for festival, awards in 2 age groups (students/ages 14-18 & adult), contact Charter for full competition details, winners will be announced in Nov, non-winning entries from last year may be resubmitted.

Musicals At Richter, auditions at West Side Children’s Center, 34 Wooster Heights, Danbury. Call 748-6873.

July 17: Canine auditions for Annie, 10-11:30 am (appt preferred), producer Donald Birely needs a canine that is good-tempered & friendly, medium-size w/ light-colored coat (if possible), very comfortable w/ children & lg groups, must be able to respond to basic Sit, Stay & Come commands, for role of Sandy in upcoming Musicals at Richter production to run July 29-Aug 14 (Fri-Sat, few Thurs/midweek shows also), call MAR box office or visit www.MusicalsAtRichter.org for details.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

July 16: Carol Leigh at The Village at Brookfield Commons, 246-A Federal Rd, Brookfield, 6:45 pm, free performance of patriotic music by the vocalist; 775-8696.

July 17: “A Night Out – The Old-Fashioned Way,” Fairfield County Hounds Clubhouse, 155 Botsford Hill Rd, Bridgewater, 6-10:30 pm, tickets $75, evening of Big Band entertainment, 1940s-style dinner buffet, silent auction & dancing under the stars to music performed by The Rob Zappulla Orchestra, proceeds will benefit The Bridgewater Land Trust, Inc.; 860-354-7724.

July 17: 8th Annual Doo-Wop & Oldies Spectacular, The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield, 8 pm, tickets $40, concert of classics of the ‘50s & ‘60s featuring Emil Stucchio & The Classics (“Till Then”), The Shangri-Las, and Kenny Vance & The Planotones, part of Westport Country Playhouse Arts Festival season (temporarily located at Ridgefield venue); 203-227-4177.

July 18: “America the Beautiful,” The Brass Guild Quintet at Brookfield Library, 182 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield, 4pm, free performance by group that has been playing together for 15+ years will incl patriotic tunes, spirituals, blues & pop tunes, outdoors if good weather, indoors if inclement, reception follows concert; 775-6241.

July 20: The Housatonic River Band at Ashlar of Newtown, 139 Toddy Hill Rd, Newtown, 7 pm, free performance of favorites from ragtime and jazz genres continues 18th Annual Summer Sounds concert series, all welcome, bring blankets/seating; 426-5847.

July 20: The Kenny Lee Orchestra at The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown, 7 pm, free concert of Big Band, 50s rock and all-time favorites will continue Homesteads’ Free N’ Easy Summer Concert Series, light refreshments and seating provided, indoors if rain, RSVP requested; 426-8118.

July 22: Brass City Mambo/La Optima at The Waterbury Green, Main St, Waterbury, 6-8:30 pm, free performance of salsa & jazz by 9-member group, free salsa dance lessons, also performances of traditional Puerto Rican dances by members of Hispanic Coalition Cultural Arts Academy, BYO lawn seating; 203-753-0831 (Mattatuck Museum, sponsoring organization).

July 23: The Enao Ensemble at Trinity Episcopal Church, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 pm, free adm (donations accepted & will support Bishop’s Fund for Children), performance by string quartet will incl works of Brahms, Mendelssohn & Shostakovich, also continues church’s ongoing Music At Trinity series; 426-9070.

July 23: Time For Three at The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield, 8 pm, tickets $30, concert by violin-violin-bass trio that performs repertoire of Beatles to favorite hymns & original compositions will be hosted by Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman, part of Westport Country Playhouse Arts Festival season (temporarily located at Ridgefield venue); 203-227-4177.

July 25: First Annual Newtown G-Fest, Dickinson Park pavilion, Elm Dr, Newtown, 11:30 am-10 pm, adm $10, celebration of music for all ages will feature at least 8 local bands including headliners Dan Bailey, refreshments, raffles, proceeds will be donated to The American Heart Association; 270-9700.

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): July 20, Mad Agnes, elegant originals & haunting traditionals.

Booth Library Concert Series, at The Pleasance, 1 Main St at Sugar Street (Rte 302), Newtown. Call 426-4533.

Summer Concert Series, free, 7 pm, concerts move to library’s meeting room if rain (25 Main St): July 17, Washboard Slim & The Blue Lights, Connecticut-based “jug band for the 21st Century” continues Booth Library’s Summer Concert Series.

Gate House Coffee House, Rte 172, Southbury. Call 586-2144 (Southbury Training School).

Summer Concert Series, Tues 6:30 pm (under pavilion if rain), free adm: July 20, Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem, “harmonious, melodious, groove delicious string band.”

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

2004 Summer Concert Series, shows 7:30 unless noted, all shows rain or shine, children’s lawn tickets $12 (ages 2 & under free/lawn), all tickets $3 higher day of show: July 16, Al Green, opening set by Joe Bonamassa, tickets $46 & $61 reserved, $26 adult lawn; July 24, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, showtime 8 pm, tickets $41 & $56 reserved, $26 adult lawn.

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: July 17, “An Evening with J.C. Fields,” film historian & restorer Gerald Haber will host screenings of Fields films It’s A Gift (1931) & The Dentist (1932).

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.

Yale Univ Guild of Carillonneurs, Harkness Tower’s Jonathan Edwards College courtyard, Elm St at Chapel, New Haven. Call 203-432-2309.

2004 Carillon Concert Series, Fri 7 pm, free concerts on Harkness Tower’s 54-bell carillon, BYO seating (indoors if inclement weather), picnics welcome, guest performers & their homes follow: July 16, Jim Smith (Mercerberg, Penn.); July 23, George Matthew Jr (Middlebury College, Norwich Univ); July 30, Justin Ryan (Denver, Colo.).

Films _________________

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

July 16-22: Before Sunset (R), daily 7:30 & 9:40 pm, mat Fri 5:25 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30, 3:25 & 5:25 pm; The Clearing (R), daily 7:05 & 9:10 pm, mat Fri 5 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 12:50, 2:55 & 5 pm; Fahrenheir 9/11 (R), daily 6:50 & 9:30 pm, mat Fri 4:15 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:40 & 4:15 pm; Story of The Weeping Camel (PG), daily 7:20 & 9:20 pm, mat Fri 5:15 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10, 3:10 & 5:15 pm.

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

July 16-22: 13 Going On 30, daily 7 & 9 pm, mat Fri-Sun 1 & 4 pm, Mon-Thurs 1 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 $15: July 17, “An Evening with J.C. Fields,” film historian & restorer Gerald Haber will host screenings of Fields films It’s A Gift (1931) & The Dentist (1932).

For Kids & Families _________

July 17: Anglers Training & Fishing Day, Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby, 8-11 am, program for all ages (ages 12 & under must be accompanied by adult; anyone 16 & up must have valid fishing license) will begin w/ anglers’ awareness & training followed by fishing at Picketts Pond to practice new techniques & skills, BYO fishing gear; 734-2513.

July 17: “Family Art Adventure and Baby Mania,” Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 12-5 pm, free adm, all ages invited to hear artist Nina Levy will discuss creation of “Big Baby” (the sculpture of oversize toddler on museum’s front lawn, 1-2:30 pm), docent-led tours of new exhibitions building every hour, also explore new education center (3-5 pm); 203-438-4519.

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

Young Adult programs, free unless specified: July 17, “Super Saturday Science Workshop: Connecting Science & Art,” 10 am-noon, $6 materials fee due at registration, program for students entering grades 3-4 will be led by teacher & artist Leslie Troy; July 20, “Real Rescue Heroes: Newtown Underwater Search And Rescue (NUSAR), 10:30 am, free (pre-registration required) program for ages 6 & up by members of NUSAR about what they do & some of the equipment they use; July 21, Let’s Talk About, 4 pm, one-hour book discussion concerning Joshua’s Song by Joan Hiatt Harlow; July 22, “Super Science Workshop: Dinosaurs Roar!” 1-2:30 pm, $6 materials fee due at registration, program for students entering grades 1-2 will be led by teacher & artist Leslie Troy; July 22, “Literacy Alive!” 7 pm, free family program by professional mime Robert Rivest is fast-paced, fun-filled program that gets older kids excited about reading & keeps audience engaged for 50 min; July 24, “Super Saturday Science Workshop: Connecting Science & Literature,” 10 am-noon, $6 materials fee due at registration, program for students entering grades 3-4 will be led by teacher & artist Leslie Troy.

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 Aug 1, “Simply Sensational: An Exploration of The Sense,” family-oriented exhibition illustrates how people & animals use their senses to survive in & strive to understand the world.

Musicals at Richter Fairy Tale Theatre, at Wooster School, Ridgebury Rd, Danbury. Call 748-6873.

Off-site series by Musicals at Richter’s young actors’ ensemble, grounds open 10:30 (crafts offered), performances 11 am, all tickets $5, BYO blankets/seats: July 17, The Pied Piper of Hamelin; July 24, The Jungle Book.

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

Missoula Children’s Theatre Summer Workshop performances (student performers working w/ acclaimed nat’l program), curtain 7:30 unless noted, tickets $10 adults, $8 children (group discounts available): July 23, Pinocchio, **curtain 2 pm.

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

Summer Series for Children, performances 11 am & 2 pm, tickets $15: July 23, Peter Pan by American Magic-Lantern Theater, 11 am & 2 pm, tickets $15.

Miscellaneous ___________

Through July 18: Friends of New Milford Library Annual Book Sale, at John Pettibone School, Rte 7 at Picket District Rd, New Milford, Thurs 10 am-8 pm, Fri-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 10 am-3 pm, adult & children’s books, also videos, CDs, books on tape, computer software & collectibles, proceeds will benefit library; 860-355-1191.

Through July 18:Bethel Summer Festival & Sidewalk Sale Days, Greenwood Ave/downtown Bethel, live music performances, crafts show (Sat 10-4), sidewalk sales, family street fair, refreshments & more; 792-2229.

July 16: The Second City National Touring Company at The Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield, 8 pm, tickets $40, classic scenes, songs, social satire & improv by original, daring & hilarious Chicago-based comedy troupe, part of Westport Country Playhouse’s season (temporarily located at Ridgefield venue); 203-227-4177.

July 17: Anglers Training & Fishing Day, Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby, 8-11 am, program for all ages (ages 12 & under must be accompanied by adult; anyone 16 & up must have valid fishing license) will begin w/ anglers’ awareness & training followed by fishing at Picketts Pond to practice new techniques & skills, BYO fishing gear; 734-2513.

July 17: Bethel Summerfest Crafts Fair, Bethel Municipal Center front lawn, School St, Bethel, 10 am-4 pm rain or shine (vendors under tents), handcrafted works by area artists & crafters, also face painting by Gemmie the Clown; 749-0863.

July 18: Antique Appraisal Day, at The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown, 1-4 pm, $5/item (maximum 3 items), verbal appraisals by Newtown resident, antiques appraiser & show promoter Jay St Mark for paintings/artwork, china, pewter, glassware & general antiques (photos OK if items are very large), light refreshments, proceeds to benefit Newtown Ambulance Assn; 426-8118.

July 18: “An Afternoon of Memories: Celebrating the 240th Anniversary of St Andrew’s Church,” St Andrew’s Parish Hall, Wheaton Rd (off Rte 202), Marble Dale, 4 pm, public invited to join members for discussions & to view presentations on church’s history, light refreshments; 860-868-2275.

July 19: Candlewood League of Artists program, New Fairfield Library, Brushy Hill Rd (Rte 37 at 39), New Fairfield, 7 pm, free program by internationally renowned artist Frank Federico, who will create & discuss a pastel landscape, all welcome; 746-9100.

July 20: “Sweeping Through the Summer Sky,” WCSU Westside Observatory (westside campus). University Blvd (off Mill Plain Rd), Danbury, 4 & 6:30 pm, free public planetarium shows will run rain or shine; 837-8671, 837-8672.

July 21: Housatonic Valley Paddlers Club meeting, Chamber of Commerce building (historic railroad station), Railroad St, New Milford (note change from normal meeting location), 7 pm, newcomers welcome, programs on creating a management plan for Lake Lillinonah by George Walker & water sampling by Curtis Reed; 203-263-3281.

July 22: Summer Star Party, WCSU Westside Observatory (westside campus), University Blvd (off Mill Plain Rd), Danbury, 9-11 pm, free viewing of summer Milky Way, amateur astronomers invited to bring their telescopes, planetarium shows at 9 & 10 if rain or clouds; 837-8671, 837-8672.

July 23-25: 37th Annual Connecticut Agricultural Fair, Goshen Fairgrounds, Rte 63, Goshen, Fri 10 am-9 pm, Sat 8 am-9 pm, Sun 9 am-6 pm, adm $7 adults, free ages 12 & under, performances by Mood Ring (Sat 6:30) & Ricochet (Sun 3:30), autograph booths w/ Maria Conlon (Sat 1 pm) & Diane Smith (Sun noon), Friday Night Cruise Night, crafts, games, animal exhibitions, antique & garden tractor pulls, horse & oxen pulls, Kids Fire Safety Trailer, more, presented by CT State Grange; 860-491-3628.

July 24: 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), rain date July 25; 790-9277.

July 24: Seventh Annual Tea for Two Hundred: a garden party to benefit Northwest CT AIDS Project & Interfaith AIDS Ministry of Greater Danbury, at home of Gael Hammer, 63 River Rd, Washington Depot, 4-7 pm, tickets $50/person (Teapot Sponsorships at Silver, Gold & Platinum levels also available), honorary chairperson Joan Rivers will join guests for silent auction, tours of Mr Hammer’s award-winning cottage style gardens, fine cuisine, live music, also live birds of prey demo, guests invited to wear white; 860-482-1596.

July 24: CT ConTacts Patio Party for Singles, Colonial Tavern, off Rte 67, Oxford, 8 am-1 pm, adm $15 incl dinner & dessert buffets, dancing to DJ selections, jeans OK for relaxed summer party; 203-468-1144.

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

Free programs unless noted, reservations requested, call if weather is questionable, leave pets home: July 21, Adult Nature Walk, 8 am, approx 2-hour walk led by center volunteers will move slowly through sanctuary, pausing often to view birds & seasonal aspects of the center’s rich natural history (program repeats July 28).

Alliance Française of Northwestern CT French Literary Mornings, Sat 10 am-noon, next program July 17, 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).

Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St/Rte 61, Bethlehem. Hours: MAY 2-OCT 28 Wed, Fri-Sun 11 am-4 pm. Call 203-266-7596.

1754 home of Bethlehem’s first minister complemented by outbuildings, 18th C apple orchard & 1915 formal parterre garden is open for summer tours (Wed, Fri-Sun 11 am-4 pm), adm $5 adults, $2 ages 18 & under.

Special Events: July 25, Historic Garden Walk Series: Fragrance, 3 pm, $5, horticulturist Robin Zitter will lead exploration of the many fragrant perennials, herbs, shrubs & trees that give the B-F Garden its special appeal.

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

Free public programs: July 25, author program by author, columnist & Danbury native Dr Ian Smith, discussion of Dr Smith’s new novel The Blackbird Papers (at Bethel Municipal Center, at library’s temp location if rain).

CityCenter Farmer’s Market, CityCenter Green, Patriot Dr & Ives St, Danbury. Call 792-1711.

Every Thurs through mid-Oct, 3-6:30 pm, sale of locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers & baked goods, free parking in Patriot Garage w/ purchase.

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

July 17, Traditional Iroquois Beadwork workshop, 11 am-3 pm, $15, join beading artists Janis Us (Mohawk-Shinnecock) & Anne Lowe-Salmon (Nipmuc) to create sm purses while learn history of the craft (CT educators can earn .5 CEU).

Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave/Rte 34, Derby. Call 734-2513.

Tuesday Morning Bird Walks, July & Aug 7-9 am, Sept 7:30-9:30 am, free programs led by avid birder Jay Connolly: next program July 17.

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.

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

Meetings 4th Wed/month, 1:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: July 28, critique session by Hank McLaughlin.

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

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

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

Guided hikes led by volunteers Dawn Guevares & Jane Hiller, cancelled if heavy rain, registration suggested (group size limited), dress appropriately for hiking & bring light snack & water: July 18, 11 am, 2-hour hike; July 24, 8 am, 1-hour hike.

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: July 21, Ravi Shankar, poet-in-residence at CCSU & founding editor of online journal Drunken Boat; July 28, guest TBA (host is Faith V).

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.

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

Mainstage performances: State Fair, through July 24, curtain Fri-Sun 8:30 pm (grounds open 7:15), tickets $18 adults, $15 seniors, $12 students & children (group rates available; chair rentals available w/ advance reservation); July 15 & 22, rain dates if needed.

Annie, July 29-Aug 14, curtain Fri-Sun 8:30 pm (grounds open 7:15), tickets $18 adults, $15 seniors, $12 students & children (group rates available; chair rentals available w/ advance reservation); Aug 5 & 22, rain dates if needed.

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

A Chorus Line, through July 17, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, tickets $18 adults, $16 seniors & students.

TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford. Call 860-350-6863.

Little Me, through Aug 14, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (Aug 1 & 8) 2 pm, tickets $25.

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

Tartuffe, through July 24, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (July 18 only) 2 pm, tickets $15 eves, $12 mat.

Westport Country Playhouse at Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield. Call 203-226-0153.

The School for Husbands, July 29-Aug 15, curtain Tues 7 pm, Wed-Thurs 8 pm, Fri-Sat 4 & 8:30 pm, Sun 7 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, tickets $45; July 31 (Sat), 7:30 curtain; Aug 4, post-performance symposium, guest speakers will discuss play’s background, historical context & meaning for today; Aug 12, Talk Back program, post-performance Q&A for audience.

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

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, but must be in sharp focus. Please call for specs if you plan to email digital photo files.