Antiques Shows______

Dec 3: Wilton Holiday Antiques Show, Wilton High School Field House, Rte 7, Wilton, 10 am-5 pm (early buying 9 am, adm $20 incl breakfast & drawing for $200 show certificate), adm $10, 125 dealers, proceeds to benefit John G. Coor Memorial Award Fund; 203-762-3525.

Dec 10: 21st Annual Antique Stocking Stuffers Show & Sale, Greenwich Civic Center, Old Harding Rd, Old Greenwich, 10 am-5 pm, adm $6, antique & estate jewelry & silver, also general antiques & collectibles, all small enough to fit into holiday stockings, proceeds to benefit Friends of Greenwich Civic Center; 914-273-4667, (show phone) 203-637-4583.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

Barn Hill Studio, Rte 110, Monroe. Hours: Sat-Sun 12-5 pm. Call 261-5578.

*(new show) Dec 2-10: “2nd Annual Holiday Art Show & Sale,” original works of art, unique gifts, children’s activities.

Black Rock Art Center, 2838 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport. Hours: Wed-Sat 1-5 pm. Call 203-367-7917.

Through Dec 16: “State of the Arts,” works by 300+ artists living and/or working in Bridgeport, all genres except video & film, all 18 x 18” or smaller, to celebrate artistic community as several groups are facing increasingly difficult times, lack of support, displacement of facilities & general lack of opportunities for artists.

Boyajian Sculpture Barn, 3 Milltown Rd, New Fairfield. Hours: Wed-Sun 10 am-6 pm. Call 746-6101.

Through Dec 24: “Sculpture Barn: Holiday Collection 2006,” wrought iron & bronze candle pcs, prints & etchings, small bronze sculptures & other fine gift items all created on site.

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

Through Dec 31: “31st Annual Holiday Exhibition & Sale,” region’s largest exhibition & sale of designer quality handcrafted gifts by artists from across the country incl art jewelry & jewelry boxes, ceramics, glassware, scarves, mittens & hats, ornaments, toys, desk items, candlesticks, frames & much more.

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

Through Jan 5: “As Seen From Above,” 22 framed 20 x 30-inch limited edition color photos shot by Morgan Kaolian, primarily from his Cessna 172 Skyhawks (Flight 60), showing scenics & artful compositions of sights throughout the region, also collection of cameras used by Mr Kaolian during is 50+ year photo-flying career.

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.

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

*(new show) Through Jan 15: “A Natural Reaction,” ceramic art by Kirsten Larsen Fredericks, showing her “creative transformation of natural forms” into unique bowls, vases & other ceramic works; Dec 3, opening reception, 3-5 pm.

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.

Through 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.

Through 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).

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.

*(new show) Dec 8-Feb 21: sculptures recently completed by Matthias Alfen, also small survey of the artist’s early works; Dec 8, opening reception, 7:30-10 pm.

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): Mon-Fri 9 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 270-1887.

Through Dec 24: “View From The Lens,” landscape, still life & creative photographic works by Art Anderson & Wayne Chou.

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 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.

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

*(special event) Dec 2-3: Student & Faculty Holiday Sale, works by students & faculty in jewelry, ceramics, paintings, prints & photography, w/ proceeds to benefit school’s scholarship fund.

Through 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.

Through 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.

Washington Art Association, Bryant Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot. Call 860-868-2878.

Through Dec 24: “Annual Holiday Sale,” unique items by fine artists & creative craftspeople from across the region, proceeds benefit WAA.

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.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield. Call 203-560-9928.

Dec 2-4: Open auditions for Jane Wagner’s The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in The Universe, Sat 2-5 pm, Mon 7-9 pm, callbacks if needed Tues (Dec 4) 7-9 pm, director Marc Cameron is seeking versatile comedic actress, age 25-55, to play broad range of multiple characters culminating in central theme, real possibility for tour de force, open to non-traditional casting, visit TheaterBarn.org or contact director (phone # above) for addt’l info.

TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford. Dec 4-5: Open auditions for dark comedy-drama Dog Sees God: Confessions of A Teenage Blockhead, 7-9 pm, director Susan Pettibone seeking 4 men & 4 women cast ages 16-25, each capable of playing angst-filled high school students, all roles available (professional & amateur actors), auditions will be readings from script, no appointments, stipend available for all performers, technicians & directors, visit TheatreWorks.us for character breakdowns, rehearsals to begin in January, performances will be weekend Feb 23-March 17.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Through Dec 29: It Must Be Christmas, The Spinning Wheel Inn, Rte 58, Redding Ridge, daily matinee & evening performances of 3-act original musical interspersed w/ fresh cooked 4-fourse holiday meal, tickets $59.50-$79.50; 203-825-3006.

Dec 1: New Hope Baptist Choir at Danbury Library, 170 Main St (at West St), Danbury, 7:30 pm (doors open 7 pm; snow date Dec 8), free performance by 50-member choir that performs inspiring traditional & contemporary gospel music under director Jonathan Hill, light refreshments; 796-8061.

Dec 1: Holiday Concert by CT Choral Society Chamber Singers & Naugatuck Valley Community College Gospel Choir, at North Congregational Church, 11 Main St North (Rte 6 at Rte 47), Woodbury, 7:30 pm, freewill donations accepted, 3rd collaboration betw two groups – CT Chamber Singers will open concert w/ a cappella repertoire to incl traditional will offer traditional Christmas carols & holiday music familiar & unfamiliar, then NVCC Gospel Choir will follow w/ rousing, yet warm carols sung in gospel style, reception to follow; 203-263-2410.

Dec 1: Anna Sokolow’s “Dreams: A Response to The Holocaust,” Naugatuck Valley Community College Fine Arts Center, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, 8 pm, suggested donation $10, members of Sokolow NOW! (Sokolow Foundation Archival Company) will join NVCC’s Dance Ensemble to perform works of Sokolow, also performance by James Robey (director, Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance); 203-575-8179.

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 3: Danbury Concert Orchestra concert, Western CT State University’s Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St/Rte 6, Danbury, 3 pm, free performance of 80-member group equally made up of teens & adults from greater Danbury area will incl suites, dances, overture & march by Beethoven, Berlioz, Smetana, Lutoslawski & Faure; 748-1716.

Dec 8-10: 40th annual production of The Nutcracker Ballet, at Danbury High School, 43 Clapboard Ridge Rd/Rte 39, Danbury, performances Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 6 pm, Sun 3 pm, tickets $15 & $20, full production features music by The Nutcracker Orchestra (20 members of Danbury Symphony Orchestra), under artistic direction of Arthur Fredric, 20 major roles & all others filled by local dancers & actors, reservations strongly suggested (performances usu sell out); 748-1716 (call Danbury Music Centre, not high school).

Dec 9: CT Choral Society Candlelight Holiday Concert, First Congregational Church, 164 Deer Hill Ave, Danbury, 8 pm, tickets $30, program to incl Britten’s Cantata Misericordium,, Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols, first part of Bach’s St John Passion, also shorter works of the season & traditional carols for audience, chorus & orchestra, partial ticket proceeds will benefit American Red Cross of Western CT; 206-7186.

Dec 9: Naugatuck Valley Community College Jazz Ensemble Pre-Holiday Jazz Band Bash, NVCC Fine Arts Center, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, 2 pm, $10 suggested donation, Joe Jacovino will direct 25-pc ensemble through variety of big band & holiday favorites, performance will also welcome vocal soloists Daria Verelly & Katrina Volikas; 203-575-8049.

Dec 10: “North Pole Idol” by CT Gay Men’s Chorus, WCSU’s Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 4 pm, tickets $30 & $35, holiday performance by CGMC will be a spoof of American Idol w/ “contestants” incl Santa & Mrs Claus, reindeer & other North Pole residents; 800-644-2462.

Ives Concert Hall at Western CT State University, White Hall, Fifth Ave & White St, Danbury. Call 837-8350.

Dec 10, “North Pole Idol” by CT Gay Men’s Chorus, 4 pm, tickets $30 & $35, holiday performance by CGMC will be a spoof of American Idol w/ “contestants” incl Santa & Mrs Claus, reindeer & other North Pole residents (call CGMC, 800-644-2462, for tickets); Dec 17, WCSU Holiday Jazz Concert, 3 pm, free, featuring performances by Frankensax, WCSU Jazz Ensemble & WCSU Jazz Orchestra, program to incl traditional Big Band jazz standards & holiday classics.

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

Performances 8 pm unless noted: Dec 2, The Music of Pink Floyd by Paramount’s Original LaserSpectacular, 4:30 & 8:30 pm, $35; Dec 9-10, Nutcracker by The Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, Sat 2 & 6 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $25 adults, $20 seniors, $15 students & children, guest dancer Cory Stearns (from American Ballet Theatre) as Sugar Plum Cavalier will join company for performances of traditional holiday classic (optional Sugar Plum Tea, Sat at Ridgefield Community Center, 11:30 am, tickets $45; call 203-438-5597).

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.

Dec 3, RSYO & Ridgefield Symphony Junior Orchestra performance, 4 pm; April 1, RSYO & Ridgefield Symphony Junior Orchestra performance, 4 pm.

Films _________________

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

Independent Film Festival, free, screenings 7:30 pm: Dec 12, Hawaii, Oslo.

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.

Dec 1-7: The Devil Wears Prada (PG-13), Fri-Sat 7 & 9:15 pm, Sun-Thurs 7 pm, mat Sat 1 & 4 pm, Tues 1 pm.

Dec 3: Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (PG), 3 pm, all tickets $5, special screening of 2000 feature film.

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 _________

Through 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, annual event has “Main Street USA” as theme this year w/ elaborate festive displays & trees throughout museum, also special daily events (Dec 1, Jack and The Beanstalk by Nappy’s Puppets, 10 am), proceeds will support community & education programs at museum;

Dec 9: A Child’s Victorian Christmas Tea, Second Meeting House, 40 Main St, Bethel, 1-2:30 pm, $10/child, event for ages 5 & up (dolls also welcome) will incl tea & crafts time, reservations by Dec 2; 730-2726.

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 29, Nutmeg Book Discussion, 4 pm, one-hour discussion for readers in grades 4-6 will concern Macaroni Boy by Katherine Ayers; Dec 9, Build Your Own Gingerbread House, 2 pm, $3 materials fee due at registration (must be done in person), ages 3 & up invited for annual one-hour workshop.

Young Adult programs, free unless specified: Dec 10, 4th Annual Young Writers’ Salon, 3 pm, showcase of young writers in grades 6-10 who will share their original stories & poems; Dec 13, YA BookTalk, 4 pm, one-hour discussion for readers in grades 5 & up will cover Kenneth Oppel’s Airborn.

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

Dec 9-10, Nutcracker by The Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, Sat 2 & 6 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $25 adults, $20 seniors, $15 students & children, guest dancer Cory Stearns (from American Ballet Theatre) as Sugar Plum Cavalier will join company for performances of traditional holiday classic (optional Sugar Plum Tea, Sat at Ridgefield Community Center, 11:30 am, tickets $45; call 203-438-5597).

Miscellaneous ___________

Through Dec 24: Alpaca Owners’ Open Farm Days, The Alpaca Connection Farm, 132 Orchard Ave, Woodbury, Sat-Sun 11 am-5 pm, free, all ages invited to farm to meet alpacas of many colors & ages incl many newborns, also farm store w/ clothing; 203-266-9002.

Through Dec 31: “31st Annual Holiday Exhibition & Sale,” Brookfield Craft Center, 286 Whisconier Rd (Rte 25), Brookfield, Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm, region’s largest exhibition & sale of designer quality handcrafted gifts by artists from across the country incl art jewelry & jewelry boxes, ceramics, glassware, scarves, mittens & hats, ornaments, toys, desk items, candlesticks, frames & much more; 775-4526.

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 1-2: 7th Annual Downtown Ridgefield Holiday Stroll, Rte 35/Main St & downtown area incl Lounsbury House Community Center, Ridgefield, free, Fri 6-9 pm (info tent at town hall, horse & carriage rides, ice sculpture at town hall, strolling carolers, Holiday Jester at town hall 7 & 8:15 pm, holiday fashion show 7 pm at Carnall Insurance, School of Performing Arts show along Main St), Sat 10 am-4 pm (horse & carriage rides, ice sculpture, strolling carolers, Holiday Jester at Lounsbury House & more), refreshments, music by DJ & raffles at participating stores; 203-438-6962.

Dec 1-3: Seventh Annual “You Can Never Have Enough Christmas: A Boutique of Holiday Treasures from Around the World,” St Rose of Lima Parish Hall, 46 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, Fri 6:30-10 pm (adm $5 incl live music, wine & cheese, gifts), Sat 10 am-7 pm, Sun 8 am-2 pm, free adm Sat-Sun, boutique (not a craft fair) offers Santas, wreaths, nativity sets, Irish booth & more; 426-1014.

Dec 2: Annual Garden Club Greens Sale, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 9 am-2 pm, sale of decorated & undecorated wreaths, kissing balls, table decorations & other items created by members of The Garden Club of Newtown, also special book signing with Sydney Eddison (10-1 only), proceeds to benefit garden club efforts; 270-1108.

Dec 2: Winter Faire & Holiday Sale, Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, 40 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown, 10 am-3 pm, vendors will have handmade crafts & quality items for the holidays, also music, caroling, trees & wreaths; 364-9881.

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.

Dec 2: Harmony Grange Christmas Fair, Harmony Grange #92, Rte 110 at 111, Monroe, 9 am-3 pm, handmade items, jellies, relishes, baked goods & jewelry, Grandma’s Attic, lunch available, also info about grange & its activities available; 268-3480.

Dec 2: Christmas Bazaar ’06, St Andrew’s Church, Rte 202, Marble Dale (at the flashing light), 10 am-2 pm, books, baked goods, Christmas Past & Christmas Presents, lunch (11:30-1:30), Cocoa Corner, door prizes & more; 860-868-2275.

Dec 2: Annual Christmas Fair, St Jude Parish Center, Rte 111, Monroe, 10 am-4 pm (snow date Dec 3, 1-5 pm), crafters & artisans, Chinese auction, quilt raffle, Elf’s Corner for children’s shopping, childcare available by church’s youth group, baked goods & lunch available, Boy Scouts selling wreaths & more; 261-6404.

Dec 2: Annual Victorian Tea, South Britain Congregational Church Parish House, Rte 172 at East Flat Hill Rd, South Britain, 11 am-3 pm, free adm, ladies of church will host restful place to shop & relax w/ items for sale incl hand-knit sweaters & scarves, hats & mittens, hand-painted ornaments, everlasting tabletop trees, poinsettias, baked goods, fudge & much more, live music 12-2 pm; 264-5890.

Dec 2: A Festival of Holiday Trees & Gala: Country Christmas Traditions, Roxbury Senior Center, 7 South St, Roxbury, 6-9 pm, free event will offer silent auction of decorated trees & gifts, raffle of books signed by local authors, gifts from celebs, local businesses & Friends of Senior Center, refreshments to incl wine, cider & hors d’oeuvres, live music, proceeds will benefit senior center & its programs; 860-355-1893.

Dec 2-3: 26th Annual New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare Society Craft Fair Holiday Boutique, Company A Firehouse, Rte 39, New Fairfield, Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-2 pm, designer wraths, theme decorated table-top trees, lighted pinecone baskets, dining room table centerpieces, collectible bears, gift baskets & much more, all proceeds will benefit New Fairfield animal shelter; 877-551-4829.

Dec 2-3: Adult & Youth Bowling Tournament, Lore’s Lanes, 145 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, New Milford, Sat squad times at 12 & 4 pm, Sun squad times 11 am & 3 pm, open to all USBC-sanctioned bowlers; 860-350-2695.

Dec 2-3: Mixed City Bowling Tournament (doubles & 4-person teams), Lore’s Lanes, 145 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, New Milford, Sat squad times at 12 & 4 pm, Sun squad times 11 am & 3 pm, open to all USBC-sanctioned bowlers; 860-350-2695.

Dec 3: Friends of Booth Library Holiday Emporium, C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 11 am-5 pm, holiday sale of upscale gift-quality books, DVDs & videos, Booth Library book bags, bookmarks & 1854 maps of Newtown, proceeds to support library; 426-4533.

Dec 3: 21st Annual Newtown Holiday Festival, on and immediately around Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 11 am–5 pm, tickets $23 adults/adv $18 seniors & children/adv (until Dec 1), $25 adults/day of, $20 seniors & children, walking tour of historic homes, Festival of Trees, “Nutcracker Suite” ballet performance (12:30), live music, antiques show (begins at 10), screening of How The Grinch Stole Christmas (3 pm) & more, fundraiser for Family Counseling Center; 426-8103.

Dec 3: Roger Sherman DAR chapter Annual Benefit Scholarship & Awards Luncheon, Candlewood Valley Country Club, 401 Danbury Rd, New Milford, noon, tickets $25, presentation of awards to one high school senior & one 40-year DAR member, live music & dance program by Patricia Campbell & The Reel Thing; 860-354-5521.

Dec 3: “With Right Attitude, Life is Very Simple and Easy,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free discussion led by yoga center founder & teacher Janaki Pierson will be followed by group meditation (free instruction available) & informal tea reception; 203-263-2203.

Dec 5: Friends of Danbury Library Holiday Book Sale, Danbury Public Library, 170 Main St, Danbury, 10 am-2 pm, gift-quality gently used books for children & adults (non-fiction & fiction), also videos & children’s cassettes; 797-4568.

Dec 6: Holiday Bazaar at Pomperaug Woods, 80 Heritage Rd, Southbury, 10 am-2 pm, gift items, holiday ornaments, raffle, refreshments, complimentary gift wrapping; 262-6555.

Dec 9: 10th Annual Cookie Event, St Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 95 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, 9:30 am-noon, homemade cookies & fudge all $8/pound, shoppers create their own selection; 743-1494, 748-2089.

Dec 9: Holiday Celebration Ball, Portuguese Cultural Center, 65 Sand Pit Road, Danbury, buffet dinner 6:30 pm, tickets $35 (cash bar), performance by cabaret singers backed by professional 6-pc orchestra at 8:30, then dancing for rest of evening; 470-7528.

Dec 10: Newtown Holiday Craft Festival, Edmond Town Hall gymnasium, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 11 am-5 pm, free adm, featuring many area crafters; 261-2414.

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; Dec 5, Local Author Talk: Cathryn Prince, 7:30 pm, program w/ author of Burn The Town and Sack The Banks, one of first books about Confederate road of a New England town during the Civil War; Dec 7, Local Author Talk: Alex Aitchison, 7:30 pm, program w/ author of Tennis And All That…, stories about his life & love of the game by a popular local tennis coach; Dec 11, book discussion, 1 pm, The Blue Bedspread by Raj Kamal Jha; Dec 14, Local Author Talk: Justin Scott, 7:30 pm, Newtown resident will discuss his newest Ben Abbott mystery, McMansion, w/ special guest Brigette Sorensen (who did artwork for book’s cover).

New Morning Natural & Organic, Middle Quarter Mall, 738 Main St South/Rte 6, Woodbury. Call 203-263-4868.

Dec 2, “Inflammation Explained!” 10 am-noon, free presentation by  author, professor, talk show host, medical herbalist & naturopathic physician Dr Eugene Zampieron will cover how best to become less prone to inflammation, which is linked to many diseases incl autoimmune, diabetes & cardiovascular issues; Dec 2, Brookview Maple Sugar Sampling, 11 am-2 pm, meet Delisse Locher & Harold Cable from Brookview Sugar House & sample some of their maple products; Dec 8, Snooty Foods Sampling, 2-6 pm, ongoing tastings of spreads, pickles & chutneys offered by Snooty Foods brand; Dec 9, author appearance & book signing, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, Doug Green will sign copies of his new book, Reiki-Yoga; Dec 14, “De-Stressing Naturally,” 5:30-6:30 pm, free presentation by New Morning’s practicing clinical nutritionist & registered herbalist Alison Birks will cover specific tools using herbs, nutrition, aromatherapy & lifestyle that can be use to de-stress just in time for the holidays; Dec 16, “Art-Ful De-Stressing,” 10:30 am-noon, free presentation by artist, facilitator, educator & spiritual guide Pamela Hochstetter (Inner Art) will offer supportive new tools to de-stress by painting expressively, medtating & reflecting on creative & spiritual processes.

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: Dec 2, Ragged Mtn waterfall & peak, New Britain (leader Dale Rupert, 794-9350); Dec 9, short hike at Veterans Memorial Park, Bridgeport, then Discovery Museum (adm fee $8.50 adults, $7 seniors, leader Rita Qubick, 268-4119).

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.

Treehouse Comedy Productions.

Shows at Marisa’s Ristorante, 6540 Main St, Trumbull (call 459-4225), tickets $10 unless noted, comedy shows start 10 pm, live music starts at 6 (unless noted; no cover charge unless stated):

Shows at The New Sorrento, 32 Newtown Rd, Danbury (call 744-5575), shows 9:30 & tickets $15 unless noted: Dec 2, Otto & George headlining, tickets $17.50, opening sets by Johnny O & Peter Vouros (XXX rated, not for easily offended); Dec 9, Teddy Smith headlining, opening set by Rick Roberts & second act TBA, pre-show buffet available; Dec 16, John McClellen headlining, opening sets by Kerri Louise & second act TBA, pre-show buffet available.

Wednesday Night Poetry, at Molten Java, 102 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. Call 426-3388 (Faith Vicinanza), 739-0313 (Molten Java).

Series presented ev Wed 7:30-10 pm (featured poets 8:30 pm, poetry workshop 9:15 pm), adm $1 ($3 requested if out-of-state or major guest poet), guest/featured poets as follows: Dec 6, John Basinger; Dec 13, Dana Sonnenschein; Dec 20, 2nd Annual Grinch Nite, sharing of fractured Christmas carol lyrics, lines from Dr Seuss’s Grinch, Dickens’s Christmas Carol or something else for holiday season.

Theatre ______________

Dec 14-16: Amahl and The Night Visitors by Western CT State University Opera Ensemble, Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St/Rte 6, Danbury, Thurs-Fri 10 am, also Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets $5 adults (daytime shows, reservations required), $12 adults, $8 seniors &  $5 ages 12 & under (evening shows), colorful fast-moving opera penned by Gian Carlo Menotti will have 12th annual staging this season, suitable for all ages; 837-8486.

Through Dec 29: It Must Be Christmas, The Spinning Wheel Inn, Rte 58, Redding Ridge, daily matinee & evening performances of 3-act original musical interspersed w/ fresh cooked 4-fourse holiday meal, tickets $59.50-$79.50; 203-825-3006.

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

Pump Boys and Dinettes, through Dec 16, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (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; Dec 1, Wine & Martini Night.

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

Take Me Out, through Dec 2, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun 7:30, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $35.

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

The Lying Kind, Dec 1-31, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (Dec 10 & 17) 2 pm, tickets $17.50; Dec 7, Pay-What-You-Want Night, curtain 8 pm, name your ticket price; Dec 31, New Year’s Eve gala performance, curtain 8 pm, tickets $35, performance, hors d’oeuvres & open bar.

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).

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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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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.