Antiques Shows______

Saturdays (through mid-Dec): 39th Season Woodbury’s Famous Antiques & Flea Market, 787 Main St South (Rte 6, near Rte 64), Woodbury, 7 am-1 pm, 150± vendors each week; 203-263-2841.

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 $1; 508-896-1975.

Nov 17-18: 6th Annual Wethersfield Antiques Show, Pitkin Community Center, 30 Greenfield St, Wethersfield, Fri (early buying 4 pm, $10) 4-6 pm (preview party 7 pm, $30), Sat 10 am-4 pm, 49 dealers, café, Attic Treasures, booth chats; 860-529-7656.

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 Jan 21: “David Haislip: Artists at The Aldrich,” intimate & informal photos of artists installing their work at the Aldrich during past 7 years by local photographer, instrument maker & member of museum’s crew of preparators.

Through Feb 25: “No Reservations: Native American History and Culture in Contemporary Art,” works by 10 artists incl 2 full cars, a museum within a museum & a community-based project that involves sewing, stories, philanthropy & 800 blankets combine to look at deep cultural legacies & complex histories of Native peoples in the US & challenges preconceived ideas of what form Native-influenced work can take.

Through Feb 25: “Paul Fusco: Bitter Fruit,” 46 photographs by Mr Fusco, in his personal protest against gov’t spin & downplaying of cost of War in Iraq, that document the funerals of US soldiers killed in Iraq.

Through Feb 25: “Josh Azzarella: 2006 Emerging Artist Award Exhibition,” digital video & video photography showing pinnacle events in America’s history, altered so that while watching the work a viewer can momentary imagine what like might be like if the event had played out differently, exhibition celebrates winner of museum’s annual award given to an artist who work “exhibits bold innovation, exciting originality, clear direction & serious dedication.”

The Barn Gallery, 82 Route 37 (Creative Corners), New Fairfield. Hours: Tues-Sat. Call 746-4502.

Through Nov 30 (show dates extended): “Gardens of Delight,” multi-media works by Paula Renee incl her “Posies” series of dimensional paper constructions along w/ woven paintings on canvas, tapestry & other fiber art ranging from 8x10 to 34x48.

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 Olga Knoepke Meeting Room (lower meeting room) — Through Nov 30: “Looking For Newtown: One Word is Worth A Thousand Pictures,” digitally enhanced images of our hometown by local freelance photographer Jill Baimel.

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

Through Nov 26: “The Nature of Dogs,” family-friendly exhibition delves into evolution of dogs & their connection to human society w/ hands-on activities & visual displays designed to help visitors understand what it means to lead a dog’s life by learning how dogs communicate, how they see colors & how they follow scent trials to gain a new appreciation for their best (canine) friend.

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

Through Dec 10: “Anna Held Audette: Painter of Ruins of Our Time,” recent paintings by the Connecticut artist.

Golden Age of Trucking Museum, 1101 Southford Rd/Rte 188, Middlebury. Hours: Thurs-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 203-577-2181.

Through April 15: “Trucks and More…,” watercolor paintings of vintage trucks by Howard W. Shoemaker; Sept 12, Cruise Night, 5:30-8 pm, reduced adm to museum, prizes, family fun, refreshments, proceeds to benefit museum.

Gregory James Gallery, 13 Main St (on the green), New Milford. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun & eves by appt. Call 860-354-3436.

*(new show) Nov 18-Jan 13: “6th Annual Small Treasures Show,” annual group exhibit will feature 100+ works by many New England artists incl Scott Zuckerman, Roger Kastel, Patrick Purcell & Anda Styler along w/ new talents represented by gallery incl Ralph Della-Volpe, James Coe, Rainie Crawford, et al, similar presentation also being offered during same time frame at gallery’s Kent location.

Gregory James Gallery, 25 North Main St/Rte 7, Kent. Call 860-927-7133.

*(new show) Nov 18-Jan 13: “6th Annual Small Treasures Show,” annual group exhibit will feature 100+ works by many New England artists )see details for New Milford gallery, above).

Gunn Memorial Library, 5 Wykeham Rd, Washington Green. Call 860-868-7756.

Stairwell Gallery — Through Nov 18: “Watercolors by Phyllis Behar,” landscape watercolors by Ms Behar, who draws inspiration from her frequent travels.

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

Through Dec 1: “Standing on One Foot,” exhibit utilizes diff forms of media to explore the intimacies of personal communication through the abstracted human figure, curated by Barbara O’Brien & featuring works by Barbara Grad, Heejung Kim, Jedediah Morfit & Lauren O’Neal.

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

Through Dec 31: “Larson’s Farm Archaeological Site,” artifacts & cultural features incl hearths, post molds & tool caches from excavations done at site of major American Indian village repeatedly occupied 8,000 yrs ago on site now covered by New Milford High School.

Through Dec 31: “Fancy Baskets,” variety of fancy baskets from local collector Julie Pistol shows how basket-making among the Indian Peoples of Main changes w/ growth of tourist industry during mid-19th Century in New England incl the emergence of baskets embellished w/ handles, dyed splints & decorative weaves.

Through Dec 31: “The Language of Baskets,” celebration of creativity, ingenuity & diversity of Native Peoples of North America & the decorative techniques, styles & design elements used to create baskets, which have been part of Native American lives since pre-historic times.

Koenig Frameworks, 97 Main Street South, Newtown. Hours (holiday hours, beginning Nov 24): Mon-Fri 9 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 270-1887.

*(new show) Nov 19-Dec 24: “View From The Lens,” landscape, still life & creative photographic works by Art Anderson & Wayne Chou; Nov 19, opening reception, 2-5 pm.

Litchfield Historical Society, 7 South St, Kent. Hours (mid-April to Nov): Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 860-567-4501.

Through Nov 26: “The Tale of The Horse: Spinning Litchfield’s Revolutionary Stories,” highlights many of town’s legendary events incl the melting of King George III lead soldiers into bullets & participation of Benjamin Tallmadge in a spy ring against the British & explore how Rev War has been remembered over past 2 centuries.

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) Nov 18-Dec 30: “RKP/Roxbury,” recent works by members of Road Kill Press incl Liz Dexheimer, Keith Hatcher, Helga J. Kahl, Elisabeth W. King, Susan W. Rood, Sheila Tintera & Katherine Wadsworth, group will show works in lithography, intaglio, watercolor, monotype, woodcut, collage & more; Nov 18, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

Morrison Gallery, new location: Kent Village Barns, near Rte 7 at Rte 341, Kent. Hours: Wed-Fri 10 am-5:30 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-4 pm. Call 860-927-4501.

Through Nov 26: inaugural show for gallery’s new space offers monumental works by painter Cleve Gray & sculptor Peter Woytuk.

Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St, Litchfield. Hours: Mon 12-5 pm, Tues-Thurs 10 am-9 pm, Fri 10 am-5 pm, Sat 10 am-2 pm. Call 860-567-8030.

Through Nov 29: “New England Impressions,” photographs by professional landscape photographer (& Newtown resident) David Anderson.

Ridgefield Guild of Artists, 34 Halpin La, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-8863.

Through Nov 19: “Radius: Emerging Artists from Connecticut & Southeastern New York,” 2006 juried exhibition will offer installations based on mapping by Gail Biederman (Croton-on-Hudson, NY), ink on paper dream landscapes by Amanda Burnham (New Haven), oil paintings by Amanda Burnham (New Haven), aerial landscape photography by J. Henry Fair (South Salem, N.Y.), mixed media works by Steven Millar (Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.), oil self-portraits of the artist at work by Deidre Schiffer (Branford), video installations by Erika Van Natta (Bethany), topographical fault line creations by Rachael A. Vaters-Carr (New Haven) & visual diary by Jason Wolfe (Suffield).

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

Through Nov 28: “A Gathering of Friends,” works by four close friends who share a view of the world yet see it differently in their individual artistic interpretation – photography by Lindsay Ward, pastels by Trudy Cox, watercolor & acrylic still lifes & New England landscapes by Marian Myles & paintings by Alisyn Hamilton of bucolic New England scenes.

Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan. Call 203-966-9700.

*(new show) Nov 19-Dec 23: “Annual Guild Holiday Show & Sale,” gift ideas from sm works of fine art to fine crafts & other unique gift items incl ornamental eggs hand painted by New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast, miniature paintings (4x6-inch works), “wearable” art incl jewelry & scarves, decorative home accessories & plenty of hand crafted artist ornaments.

*(new show) Nov 19-Dec 23: “Director’s Choice: Oil and Clay,” ceramic vessels by characterized by earth tones & simple lines Helen Kunzman & “arresting landscape” paintings by Mitche Kunzman; Nov 19, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

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

Through Dec 31: “American Art, 1800-1950,” 180 works spanning early American landscapes to American modernism offers popular favorites alongside pcs that have not been viewed publicly in decades.

Through Dec 31: “American Splendor: Hudson River School Masterworks from the Wadsworth Atheneum,” world’s best collection of Hudson River School paintings returns home after nat’l tour before traveling to Europe, incl works of Cole, Church, Kensett, et al, all collected by Daniel Wadsworth.

Through Dec 31: “Edward Weston: A Photographer’s Love of Life,” survey exhibition of the maverick photographer’s career offers 89+ vintage palladium & gelatin silver prints, plus set of 10 Kodachrome transparencies taken in 1947, show also casts fresh look art artist’s work by highlighting relationships w/ family & friends through snapshots of Weston & family & display of his correspondence.

Walsh Art Gallery at Quick Center, Fairfield Univ, North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 203-254-4000 x2969.

Through Dec 10: “The National Sculpture Society 2006 Annual Awards Exhibition,” 73rd annual juried traveling exhibition incl works from across the country.

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

Through Dec 30: “In the Garden of Sophia,” combo of traditional oil on canvas painting, digital manipulation & laminated glass technology by Hugh O’Donnell shows process used to create new series of chapel windows for room dedicated to meditation & contemplation at Wisdom House Retreat & Conference Center.

Woodbury Public Library, 269 Main St South/Rte 6, Woodbury. Call 203-263-3502.

Through Nov 30: “Lilly Hill Studio Second Annual Botanical Art Show,” paintings depicting nature in watercolor, also pencil works, by students of botanical watercolor artist Betsy Rogers-Knox; Nov 4, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

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

Through Dec 31: “Canaletto in England: A Venetian Artist Abroad, 1746-1755,” nearly 60 paintings & drawings by the 18th Century Italian artist Giovanni Antonio Canal (“Canaletto,” 1697-1768), offers most ambitious survey ever mounted of the artist’s time in England; Nov 18, exhibition tour, 11 am; Dec 2, exhibition tour, noon.

Through Dec 31: “Art & Music in Britain: Four Encounters, 1730-1900,” 60+ works from YCBA’s collection incl period instruments from Yale Univ’s Collection of Music & sheet music from Yale’s Beneicke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The Lewis Walpole Library, and Sterling Music Library, also listening stations to hear relevant musical selections; Nov 25, exhibition tour, noon Dec 3, Family Day: Listening to What We See, 2 pm, one-hour program esp geared for ages 3-12 will welcome members of New Haven Symphony Orchestra, who will “lead” visitors through particular works of art, experimental composing to follow.

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 Dec 31: “Private Faces of Public People, 1750-1900,” American miniatures from YUAG’s collection offers 29 portraits of leaders in politics & arts incl George & Martha Washington, Andrew Jackson, Benjamin West & Paul Revere.

Through Jan 14: “To Know The Dark: American Artists’ Visions of Night,” approx 25 works in range of media drawn primarily from gallery’s permanent collection, plus recent acquisitions, exploring the evocative period from dusk to dawn incl pcs by Robert Adams, Oscar Bluemner, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, Yvonne Jacquette, et al.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Connecticut Poetry Society, PO Box 270554, West Hartford CT 06127. Call 860-236-6772.

Dec 31: Entry deadline for 2006 Wallace W. Winchell Poetry Contest, entry fee $10 for 3 poems, any subject, max 40 lines, must be original & unpublished, no simultaneous submissions, visit CT-poetry-society.org for full contest & entry specifics, prizes incl $150 1st place, $100 2nd place, $50 3rd place & publication in CT River Review

Stage Door Productions, at Portuguese Cultural Center, 65 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury. Call 470-7528.

Nov 19: Auditions for Guys & Dolls, 3-7 pm, producers seeking adult actors & teens (esp males) ages 16 & up w/ some previous acting experience, some roles require simple dance routines, also need 6-8 females who can sing & dance well (for The Hot Box Girls), bring upbeat number & ballad plus sheet music, be prepared to learn simple dance routine, rehearsals will be Fri pm, Sun afternoon & Mon pm, performances will be weekends Feb 23-March 11.

St Jude Church, Rte 111, Monroe. Call 261-6404.

Nov 18: Application deadline for annual Christmas Fair, the be held Sat Dec 2, 10 am-4 pm, tables $50 & $90 available first-come, first-served, call parish office for details & reservations.

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

Nov 19: Organizers for 3rd annual event are accepting applications, fair will run 10 am-3 pm (set-up opens at 7), handmade items by vendor only (no kits or mass produced items, no imports), 8 x 8-ft spaces $10, limited electrical spaces available (addt’l $10), jurying begins mid-summer, visit AvenueOfDesign.com (click on Winter Wonderland Fair) or call above phone # for full details.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Nov 17: Organ concert at St James Episcopal Church, 25 West St, Danbury, 7:30 pm, free performance led by organist & music director Joanne F. (Spring) Archibald & other WCSU organts past & present will honor the memory of Jesse B. Walker, the later organist & choirmaster of St James, also former WCSU organ instructor & active community member; 748-3561.

Nov 17-18: “Scenes From Mozart,” The Mattatuck Museum Art & History Center, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, 8 pm, free ($5 donation suggested), performances by Naugatuck Valley Community College Opera Performance Ensemble & Opera Society will incl scenes & arias from The Marriage of Figaro & The Magic Flute; 203-575-8049.

Nov 19: “Connecticut Composers” at Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd/Rte 7, Wilton, 4 pm, free concert featuring various instrumental & vocal composers w/ CT Composers Group will continue library’s “Chamber Music Concerts by Connecticut’s Own” series, reservations suggested; 203-762-3950.

Nov 20: Mural dedication & performances by WCSU Concert Choir & WCSU Chamber Singers, Western CT State University White Hall, 181 White St/Rte 6, Danbury, 7 pm dedication of new mural depicting Danbury icons Charles Ives & Marian Anderson by WCSU undergrad Betty Ann Medeiros will be followed by 8 pm performance by 100-voice non-auditioned choir ensemble & select group of 20 vocalists (Chamber Singers), program to incl works by American composers Robert Young, Aaron Copland & Cecil Effinger; 837-8350.

Dec 2: NUMC Coffee House, 7:45–10:30 pm, Newtown United Methodist Church’s Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Road, adm $3 for those attending earlier pasta dinner (see separate Misc listing), $4 otherwise, live bluegrass & folk music, refreshments, suitable for all ages; 426-9998.

Dec 2: “Christmas at The Palace 2006” by The Waterbury Chorale, The Palace Theater, 100 East Main St, Waterbury, 8 pm, tickets $40 adult Gold Circle, $20 children Gold Circle, $25 & $15 remaining seats (adult/child respectively), performance by 120-member chorale directed by Joseph Jacovino will open 40th anniv season w/ holiday concert to incl original & familiar choral, classical & international works, live music by The Waterbury Chorale Festival Orchestra & appearances by dancers from Woodbury Ballet; 203-755-4700.

Danbury Concert Assn, WCSU/Ives Concert Hall, Fifth Ave at White St, Danbury. Call 748-0522.

Subscription $32 (good for all season), concerts 3 pm, $12 single ticket, students age 18 & under free, post-performance receptions w/ performers: Nov 19, Chamber Orchestra Kremlin, performance by 17-member string orchestra will incl works of Bach, Schoenberg & Strauss.

Greater Bridgeport Symphony, Klein Memorial Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-0263.

Performances 8 pm, tickets $20-$52 w/ student & group discounts: Dec 2, “Spotlight On Gershwin,” guest conductor Benjamin Loeb will lead GBS in works incl Rhapsody in Blue, American in Paris, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake & Duke Ellington’s adaptation of Nutcracker (also pre-concert performance by GBS Brass Ensemble in lobby, 7 pm).

Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield Univ, 1073 North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Call 203-254-4010, 877-ARTS-396 (877-278-7396).

Performances 8 pm unless noted: Nov 17, John Scofield & Friends, tickets $30 & $35, performance will be preceded by wine tasting event running 6:30-7:30 pm; Nov 18, The Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company, tickets $30-$40, post-concert Art-to-Heart Q&A session w/ company incl in ticket prices.

Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra. Call 203-438-3889.

Concerts at Ridgefield High School, 700 North Salem Rd/Rte 116, Ridgefield, 8 pm, tickets $15-$50: Dec 2, “Mozart Miracles: A tribute to W.A. Mozart on the 250th Anniversary of his Birth,” guest pianists John & Richard Contiguglia, program to incl Overture to The Magic Flute, K. 620, Concerto for Two Pianos & Orchestra in E Flat, K. 365, Overture and ballet music from Idomeneo, K. 366 & Symphony No. 35 in D, K. 385, Haffner.

Ridgefield Symphony Youth Orchestra, at East Ridge Middle School, 10 East Ridge Rd, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-3889.

Nov 18, RSYO Youth Competition Winners’ Performance, at Veterans Park School, 8 Governor St, Ridgefield, 4 pm, free; Dec 3, RSYO & Ridgefield Symphony Junior Orchestra performance, 4 pm; April 1, RSYO & Ridgefield Symphony Junior Orchestra performance, 4 pm.

Waterbury Symphony Orchestra. Call 203-574-4283.

Concerts at Naugatuck Valley College Fine Arts Center, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, 3 pm, tickets: $15-$40 adults, $5 students: Nov 19, performance w/ guest pianist Cecile Licad, program to incl Beethoven (Piano Concerto No. 3 & Symphony No. 3: Eroica).

Films _________________

Danbury Library, 170 Main St (at West), Danbury. Call 797-4533.

Independent Film Series, free, screenings at 2 pm: Dec 3, Monster Thursday.

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

Nov 17-22: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (PG-13), daily 7 & 9 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 & 4 pm, Fri & Tues 1 pm.

Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St, South Norwalk. Call 203-852-0700.

Through Dec 21: Ride Around the World, Mon-Fri 1 & 3 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am, 1 & 3 pm; also double feature w/ Ocean Wonderland, Fri-Sun 7 pm.

Through Dec 21 (film continues until April, schedule will be updated): Ocean Wonderland, Mon-Fri 12 & 2 pm, Sat-Sun 12, 2 & 4 pm; also double feature w/ Ride Around the World, Fri-Sun 7 pm.

Through Dec 21: Mysteries of Egypt, Mon-Fri 11 am.

For Kids & Families _______

Nov 24-Dec 3: 16th Annual Festival of Trees and Traditions, Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm, adm $8 adults ($7 members) & $5 ages 12 & under ($1 off adm Nov 24-25 for those who bring unwrapped toy or game donation), annual event will have “Main Street USA” as theme this year w/ elaborate festive displays & trees throughout museum, also special daily events (Nov 24, Family Tree Trimming all day; Nov 25, Lunch with Santa, 11 am-1 pm, also Elac’s Magic; Nov 27, The Magic of Christopher, 10 am; Nov 28, Airborne Jugglers performance, 10 am; Nov 29, Elac’s Magic, 10 am; Nov 30, What is Kwanzaa? 10 am; Dec 1, Jack and The Beanstalk by Nappy’s Puppets, 10 am), proceeds will support community & education programs at museum;

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

Children’s programs, free unless specified: Nov 18, Thanksgiving Craft Workshop, 2 pm, $3 materials fee due at registration, children ages 6 & up invited for one-hour craft program w/ Marie Walker; Nov 29, Nutmeg Book Discussion, 4 pm, one-hour discussion for readers in grades 4-6 will concern Macaroni Boy by Katherine Ayers.

Miscellaneous ___________

Nov 17: Danbury Garden Club Luncheon, The Amber Room Colonnade, off Rte 37, Danbury, call for start time & fee info, special presentation by Metropolitan Museum of Art master floral designer Remco Van Vliet; 730-2317.

Nov 17: “Aldrich Undercover: A Secret Exhibition & Benefit Sale,” The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, preview 6:30-8 pm (tickets $100 in adv only), public opening 8 pm (tickets $35), works by hundreds of artists who have previously exhibited at Aldrich will be presented w/ no identifying marks on front, all sold for $300 (to benefit museum) & only after purchase will artist’s name be unveiled, also refreshments, live music by Morningside; 203-438-4519 x18.

Nov 17-19: A Gathering of Fine Gifts, Budd House Barn, 50 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, Fri 6-9 pm, Sat 9 am-4 pm, Sun 10 am-3 pm, approx 25 area artisans & craftsmen w/ hand painted items, folk art, snowmen, Santas, embroidered pillows, soft sculpture, children’s items, Emilia’s Special Sauces & more; 270-9461.

Nov 18: 3rd Annual Made in Newtown Craft Fair,  C.H. Booth Library community room, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 10 am-5 pm, free admission, show and sale of items created by Newtown residents sponsored by Newtown Newcomers & Neighbors Club; 270-6481.

Nov 18: Indoor Flea Market, Church of the Good Shepherd, 680 Racebrook Rd (betw Rte 34 & Rte 1), Orange, 8 am-2 pm; 203-934-4446.

Nov 18: 37th Annual country Christmas Bazaar and Small Town Café, Bethel United Methodist Church, 141 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, 9 am-3 pm, crafts, cheese, homemade baked goods, silent auction, Kiss Tree, theme baskets, breakfast & lunch, Santa & more; 743-6835.

Nov 18: Annual Holiday Festival, North Congregational Church, Rte 6 at Rte 47, Woodbury, 9 am-3 pm, free adm, raffle of dollhouse barn, quilt set & restaurant gift certificates, also shopping incl bakery, books, crafts, gifts & jewelry, Santa’s Workshop (games, toys & books), photos w/ Santa, lunch (11:30-1:30); 263-2410.

Nov 18: Annual Holiday Fair, United Church of Christ, 283 Main St North, Southbury, 9:30 am-3 pm, free adm, shopping for hand-crafted & other gift items incl jewelry & estate silver, fresh evergreen wreaths & baked goods, coffee & refreshments, also sit-down lunch (11:30), silent auction (9:30-1) & live auction (featuring Tickle Me Elmo TMX, Long Island Sound cruise, catered meals, 20 GB iPod & more), also quilt raffle; 264-8807.

Nov 18: Tellabration 2006, Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield, 10-11:30 am, gen adm $20/family, $5/person, reservations not needed for annual storytelling event for families, light snacks provided; 203-431-9850.

Nov 19: 3rd Annual Winter Wonderland Craft Fair, at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 10 am-3 pm, adm $1, handmade crafts (no kits, imports or mass produced items), Chinese auction & more, proceeds to benefit Congregation Adath Israel New Building Fund; 268-1342.

Nov 19: “Railroading Around Bethel,” 1842 Second Meeting House, 40 Main St, Bethel, 2 pm, free lecture by Peter McLachlan, co-sponsored by Bethel Historical Society & Danbury Railway Museum; 798-9037.

Nov 19: Legislative Forum, Audubon Center at Bent of the River, 185 East Flat Hill Rd, Southbury, 2-4 pm, all ages invited to connect w/ area lawmakers incl State Senator Louis DeLuca, Rep Arthur O’Neil & Rep David Labriola, bring questions & concerns directly to elected officials as they begin to shape their priorities for next General Assembly session, also live bird demo; 264-5098, 264-4441, 263-3943.

Nov 21: “Lunch & Learn: Care and Feeding of The Grieving Soul,” Ashlar of Newtown at Lockwood Lode, 139 Toddy Hill Rd, Newtown, lunch at noon, program 12:30, free (reservations requested), presentation by CT VNA Hospice spiritual care coordinator Robert Werme; 364-3179.

Nov 24-Dec 3: 16th Annual Festival of Trees and Traditions, Mattatuck Museum Arts & History Center, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm, adm $8 adults ($7 members) & $5 ages 12 & under ($1 off adm for those who bring unwrapped toy or game donation), annual event will have “Main Street USA” as theme this year w/ elaborate festive displays & trees throughout museum, also special daily events (Nov 24, Family Tree Trimming all day; Nov 25, Lunch with Santa, 11 am-1 pm, also Elac’s Magic; Nov 27, The Magic of Christopher, 10 am; Nov 28, Airborne Jugglers performance, 10 am; Nov 29, Elac’s Magic, 10 am; Nov 30, What is Kwanzaa? 10 am; Dec 1, Jack and The Beanstalk by Nappy’s Puppets, 10 am), proceeds will support community & education programs at museum;

Nov 25: Craft Fair at Palm Rebekah Lodge #43, Odd Fellows Lodge, 25 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, New Milford, 9 am-4 pm, crafts vendors, baked goods, raffle baskets, lunch & beverages; 860-355-0243.

Dec 1-2: 26th Annual Christmas Town Festival, town green, Rte 61 at 132, Bethlehem, Fri 5-10 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm, opening ceremony Fri 6 pm (candlelight procession, reenactment of Mary & Joseph’s journey), ongoing musical performances, visits & photos w/ Santa, 70+ vendors w/ handcrafted items for the holidays, hayrides, Christmas exhibit at nearby Bellamy-Ferriday House, park at Bethlehem Fairgrounds & use shuttle bus into town center; 266-5557.

Dec 2: 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 separate Concerts listing); 426-9998.

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

Free public programs: Nov 19, The Poetry of Gerard Brooker, 2 pm, readings by the Bethel-based poet & novelist will conclude poetry series.

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

Programs free unless noted: Dec 5, Non-Fiction Book Group, 1 pm, discussion of German Boy by Wolfgang Samuel, newcomers welcome.

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

Nov 25, Annual Native American Storytelling Festival, presentations 12:30 & 2:30 pm, $8 adults, $4 ages 4-16, reservations suggested, traditional & contemporary Abenaki greeting songs, friendship songs & dance tunes by Marge Bruchac & Justin Kennick.

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

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9:30 am (later start during winter season), free, all welcome (children must be accompanied), bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders as follows: Nov 18, Negro Falls, Bristol (leader Morie Colburn, 203-888-3046); Nov 25, no planned hike, just show up; Dec 2, Ragged Mtn waterfall & peak, New Britain (leader Dale Rupert, 794-9350).

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, 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.

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.

Theatre ______________

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

The Pirates of Penzance, through Dec 10, curtain Fri 8, Sat 8:30 pm, Sun 6:30 pm, Wed-Thurs 7:30 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun & Wed 2 pm.

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

Pump Boys and Dinettes, Nov 17-Dec 16, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (Nov 26 & Dec 3) 2 pm, tickets $24 adults, $20 students & seniors, cabaret seating, doors open one hour before performance, BYO snacks (snacks also available at theater).

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

The Mystery of Irma Vep, through Dec 3, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Thurs, Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $27-$37; Nov 19, Mimosa Matinee; Nov 23, Deli Night; Nov 24, Dessert Night; Dec 1, Wine & Martini Night.

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

Match, through Nov 18, final weekend Fri 8 pm, Sat 4 & 8 pm, tickets $16 adults, $15 students & senior citizens.

Rounding Third, Feb 2-17, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm (Feb 2-10), mat Sun 2 pm, final weekend Fri 8 pm, Sat 4 & 8 pm, tickets $16 adults, $15 students & senior citizens.

TheaterWorks Hartford, 233 Pearl St, Hartford. Call 860-567-7838.

Take Me Out, through Dec 2, curtain Tues-Thurs 7:30 (also Sun at 7:30 starting mid-Nov), Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $35 Tues-Wed eves & mats $35, Fri-Sat $35.

Town Players of Newtown, at The little Theater, Orchard Hill Rd, Newtown. Call 270-9144.

Proof, through Dec 2, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (Nov 26 only) 2 pm, tickets $15 (eves), $12 (mat).

Western CT State University’s Berkshire Theater, Osborne St, Danbury. Call 837-8732.

The Full Monty, through Nov 18, curtain 8 pm, tickets $20 adults, $15 senior citizens & non-WCSU students.

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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.

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