Antiques Shows __________________________

Jan 7-8: 61st Papermania Plus Antique Paper Show, XL Center, 225 Trumbull St, Hartford, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, $8, 150 exhibitors, free appraisals (Sun 11 am-2 pm); 860-563-9975, 860-529-2234.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places ____________________________

Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St, Ridgefield; 203-438-4519.

Through Dec 31: “Jessica Stockholder: Hollow Places Court in Ash-Tree Wood,” work by sculptor Jessica Stockholder, cabinetmaker Clifford Moran & screenprinter Gary Lichtenstein that utilized wood from an ailing 100-year old ash tree that needed to be removed last year from museum’s sculpture garden.

Through Dec 31: “Judi Werthein: Do You Have Time?” ongoing screenings of film by Ms Werthein, commissioned by The Aldrich, that gives unemployed New Yorker David Kleinman a platform to put forward what he perceives to be untold truths behind official American history.

Through Dec 31: “Kate Eric: One Plus One Minus One,” first museum exhibition of artists Kate Tedman & Eric Siemens will offer sm survey of artists’ early work, “where the human figure was somewhat present, too the latest, which is quite devoid of human life.”

Through Dec 31: “Type A: Barrier and Trigger,” large scale modular sculpture (Barrier) whose primary subject is the fear of terrorist threat felt by gov’t & corporate entities and a second work (Trigger) that addresses “in a dizzyingly complex way with the reasons Americans feel the need to arm themselves,” created by Type A (artists Adam Ames & Andrew Bordwin).

Avancé Esthétiques Day Spa, Sand Hill Plaza, 228 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown.

*(new show) Dec 11-Jan 9: “Art About Town,” works by Betty Christensen, Theresa Caputo, Lisa Greto, Ginger Kleinbart, MaryKaren Merrill, Ruth Newquist, Paula Renee, Susan Sagona, Pam Wilson & Virginia Zic, partial proceeds from all works sold during exhibition will benefit Ann’s Place/The Home of I Can; Dec 11, champagne reception, 2-5 pm.

Barn Hill Studio, Rte 110 at Barn Hill Rd, Monroe; 203-268-4225.

*(new show) Dec 10-11: “Holiday Art Show,” handmade gifts, jewelry & ceramics by regional artists incl Eric Camiel, Lynn Chalk, Scott Clark, Flo Dohanos, Julia Provey, Mercedes Arensberg, Joe DeMarco, et al.

Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-4533.

On main floor: *(new show) Dec 9-11: “Connecticut Clay Artists Holiday Show,” original artwork of 9 professional artists who work in clay, partial proceeds to benefit library; Dec 9, opening reception, 6-8 pm.

Easton Public Library, 691 Morehouse Rd (at corner of Center St), Easton; 203-261-0134.

Through Dec 17: “Easton Arts Council 2011 Juried Photography Exhibition,” collection of works by adult & student photographers the highlight rural & scenic beauty of Easton as selected by juror Diana Mille, PhD (director, Thomas J. Walsh Art Gallery & adjunct prof of art history, Fairfield Univ).

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

Through Jan 31: “Native American All-Stars: Contemporary American Indian Heroes,” celebration of professional athletes, musicians, actors, writers & other well known individuals, all of Native American descent, who have been integral part of culture & history of United States.

Koenig FrameWorks, 97 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-270-1887.

Through Dec 24: “Small Works,” affordable art for small spaces by regional artists, all priced $100 or less.

Concerts, Musical Events ________________

Dec 9:  “Candlelight and Carols: Music For A joyous Holiday Season,” Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 pm, $20, $10 age 18 & under, performance by Connecticut Choral Society w/ guests incl New York Boychoir and organist Linda Sweetman-Waters, program to incl works of Rutter, Wilberg & Vaughan Williams, performance to be repeated Dec 10 in Woodbury; 203-206-7186.

Dec 9-11: ‘Tis The Season at New Milford High School, 388 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, New Milford, Fri 7:30 pm (benefit for Ann’s Place/The Home of I Can), Sat-Sun 2 pm, $15, $10 children, annual holiday production by Newtown-based Dance Etc; 203-775-6300.

Dec 10: “Candlelight and Carols: Music For A joyous Holiday Season,” North Congregational Church, 11 Main St North/Rte 6, Woodbury, 3 pm, $20, $10 age 18 & under, performance by Connecticut Choral Society w/ guests incl New York Boychoir and organist Linda Sweetman-Waters, program to incl works of Rutter, Wilberg & Vaughan Williams; 203-206-7186.

Dec 10: “Santa’s Babies: A Holiday Burlesque Show,” The Palace Danbury, 165 Main St, Danbury, 8 pm, $28/adv (online), $35/door, live cabaret performance featuring “gorgeous women, scintillating dance & a mix of classic & popular music”; 203-794-9944.

Dec 10-11: The Nutcracker by Nutmeg Ballet, at The Warner Theatre, 68 Main St, Torrington, Sat 7 pm, Sun 2 pm, $18-$42 (mention “Clara” when ordering for $2/ticket discount), professional production will feature Thomas Evrtz as Dr Drosselmeyer, Eleanor D’Antuono as teacher, also students from The Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, addt’l performances Dec 17-18 at The Bushnell, Hartford; 860-987-5900.

Dec 11: Holiday Theatre Organ Pops Concert & Silent Film, Thomaston Opera House, 158 Main St, Thomaston, 2 pm, $10/adv, $12/door, $4 ages 12 & under, performance on theater organ by (Newtown resident) Juan Cardona Jr, w/ guest vocalist Nina Cathey & special guest master of ceremonies Ann Nyberg; 203-426-2443.

Dec 11: WCSU Holiday Jazz Concert, Western CT State Univ White Hall, 181 White St/Rte 6 (near Fifth Ave), Danbury, 3 pm, free holiday performance; 203-837-TIXX (8499).

Dec 11: “A Renaissance Christmas Concert” by The Entwyned Trio, The Brookfield Library, 182 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield Center, 3 pm, free performance of beloved Christmas carols done in Renaissance settings by Nathan Bontrager (cellist, gambist), Dr Dee Hansen (soprano, Baroque flutist) & Eric Hansen (bass & lute), reception to follow; 203-775-6241 x104.

Dec 11: Christmas Concert at King Street United Church of Christ, 201 South King St, Danbury, 4 pm, freewill offering accepted, featuring King Street UCC senior & youth choirs, bell choir, soloists & more; 203-748-0719.

Dec 11: “The Christmas Story – Tell It Again! A Potpourri of Christmas Songs by Kent Singers,” St Andrew’s Church, 1 North Main St/Rte 7, Kent,  4 pm, $10, $8 seniors & young adults, free ages 12 & under, program built around Schultz’s “The Christmas Story,” also carols from Austria, England, Italy, Ontario, Spain & America; 860-619-8110.

Dec 13: “Edwin Kotchien & Juan Andreu: A Holiday Concert,” Bethel Public Library, 189 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, 6:30 pm, free vocal performance will feature traditional holiday favorites & original compositions, reservations requested due to space limits; 203-794-8756 x4.

Dec 15: “Opera and Lobster: a pay it forward event,” Edmond Town Hall’s Alexander Room, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 pm,$25/adv, $30/door, lobster roll dinner will be followed w/ performance by soprano Laura Ann Heckmann and mezzo-soprano Alexandra Woodruff, proceeds to benefit charities involved with helping greater Danbury homeless population; 203-885-8996.

Dec 16-17: 7th Annual Eclipse & Friends Christmas Concerts, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 (doors open at 7), $20, performance by local vocal trio (Matt Wilkie & twin sisters Helen Malyszka & Trish Keil) with guitarist Andy Lafreniere, fundraiser to benefit Kevin’s Community Center, second concert planned; 203-426-3939.

Ives Concert Hall at Western CT State University (within White Hall), Fifth Ave & White St, Danbury; 203-837-8350.

Dec 9-10, Amahl and The Night Visitors, Fri 8 pm, Sat 2 pm, $10, $5 children & seniors, 17th annual performance of Gian Carlo Menotti’s one-act English-language opera by WCSU Opera.

For Kids & Families _______________________

Dec 9-11: A Christmas Carol at Walnut Hill Community Church, 156 Walnut Hill Rd, Bethel, Fri 7 pm, Sat 2:30 & 7 pm, Sun 2:30 pm, tickets $15, performance of timeless classic offered by members of the church family; 203-796-7373 .

Dec 10: A Child’s Victorian Christmas Tea, Bethel Historical Society, 40 Main St, Bethel, seatings at 11 am & 1 pm (90-min sessions), $10/child, bring dolls & friends for gathering of tea & crafts, for ages 4 & up, hosted by Bethel Historical Society, reservations requested; 203-730-2726.

Dec 10: “A Children’s Christmas Spectacular!” at Capellaro’s Grove, 42 Vail Rd, Bethel, 11 am, $35, $25 ages 12 & under, lunch, performance of 2-act play about the true meaning of Christmas (Ultra Violet Productions performance “by kids for kids”), also Christmas crafts, photos w/ Santa, canned food items being collected for Brotherhood In Action, raffle & more, proceeds to benefit Bethel Social Ser-vices; 203-826-7194, UVProductions@yahoo.com.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-4533 (children’s dept 203-426-3851), www.CHBoothLibrary.org.

Children’s programs, free unless specified: Dec 15, Holiday Sing-Along with Francine Wheeler, 10 am, ages 2-5 & parents invited to join Ms Wheeler for holiday sing-along program, no reservations needed.

 

Miscellaneous____________________________

Dec 9: Holiday at The Cinema Twilight Tour, Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby, 4-6:30 pm, free (donations welcome), museum docents will lead guided tours through floral interpretations of scenes from holiday movies incl Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, It’s A Wonderful Life & Miracle On 34th Street, also Dec 16; 203-734-2513.

Dec 9-10: Housatonic Valley Waldorf School Holiday Market, 1 Jacklin Rd, Newtown, Fri 6-9 pm (adults only, wine & artisanal cheese tastings), Sat 10 am-3 pm (family day), free adm, hand crafted gifts, refreshments, nature-inspired gifts, Sat will also incl puppet show, jumprope making, Pocket Man & Bittersweet Café; 203-364-1113.

Dec 10: The Southbury Holiday Boutique Show, Heritage Hotel, 522 Heritage Rd, Southbury, 10 am-4 pm, free adm, crafters, jewelers & other vendors, visits w/ Santa & magician performances for children, gently used clothing drive for Camp Sunshine, raffles & more, fundraiser for American Diabetes Assn & Fairfield Warde High School Key Club; 203-451-1705, www.dhevents.weebly.com.

Dec 10-11: Christmas Festival Weekend at Lourdes in Litchfield, Rte 118, Litchfield, gingerbread making Nativity (Sat 10 am-noon, $30/nativity & reservations required; call 860-567-1041), Candlelight Carol Sing (Sat 7 pm, begin in Pilgrim Hall, progress to grotto, cookies & hot chocolate to follow) & Living Nativity (Sun 3 & 4 pm, donations appreciated); 860-567-1041.

Dec 10-11: Handcrafted In Connecticut Craft Show at New Milford Railroad Station, Bridge St at Railroad St, New Milford, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, works in fused glass, jewelry, pottery, cards, silk & woven scarves, handmade soap & more by Linda Banks, Cynthia Battista, Celeste Battists, Kathy Kairawicz & Maryann Meken-Silvestry, partial proceeds to benefit New Milford Animal Welfare; 203-778-3982, mmrms1@Comcast.net.

Dec 11: Newtown Holiday Craft Festival, Edmond Town Hall gymnasium, 45 Main St, Newtown, 11 am-5 pm, free adm, regional vendors participating, presented by Artisans Alliance; 203-261-2414.

Dec 14: Working Women’s Forum Holiday Social & Networking Event, The Villa Restaurant, 4 Riverside Rd, Sandy Hook, 6 pm, $20 non-members, $10 members, networking & appetizers at 6, dinner & socializing, basket raffles, shopping from members’ showcased items & dessert to follow, also collection of canned food, personal health and beauty items for FAITH Food Pantry, reservations requested; 203-740-7305, rsvp@WorkingWomensForum.net.

Dec 14: “Searching For Maiden Names,” 7 pm, C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, free program by Ray Maki will offer specific techniques for beginners as well as experienced researchers to identify maiden names in family trees, hosted by The Genealogy Club of Newtown; 203-270-7887.

Dec 15: “Opera and Lobster: a pay it forward event,” Edmond Town Hall’s Alexander Room, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 pm,$25/adv, $30/door, lobster roll dinner will be followed w/ performance by soprano Laura Ann Heckmann and mezzo-soprano Alexandra Woodruff, proceeds to benefit charities involved with helping greater Danbury homeless population; 203-885-8996, www.BlueDog.ticketleap.com/lobster.

Dec 16: Holiday at The Cinema Twilight Tour, Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby, 4-6:30 pm, free (donations welcome), museum docents will lead guided tours through floral interpretations of scenes from holiday movies incl Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, It’s A Wonderful Life & Miracle On 34th Street; 203-734-2513.

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-4533.

Dec 9, Searching For Jobs: Your New Resume, 9-11 am, professional trainer will teach up to ten students how to create a resume, save it to a flashdrive, upload, cut & paste, & attach to an email, BYO flashdrive or use one of library’s for class; Dec 14, “Searching For Maiden Names,” 7 pm, free program by Ray Maki will offer specific techniques for beginners as well as experienced researchers to identify maiden names in family trees, hosted by The Genealogy Club of Newtown (call 203-270-7887 about this program).

Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-2475.

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

SPECIAL EVENTS: Dec 15, “Opera and Lobster: a pay it forward event,” 7:30 pm, $25/adv, $30/door, lobster roll dinner will be followed w/ performance by soprano Laura Ann Heckmann and mezzo-soprano Alexandra Woodruff, proceeds to benefit charities involved with helping greater Danbury homeless population (call 203-885-8996 or visit www.BlueDog.ticketleap.com/lobster for tickets & info).

Newtown Hikers. Call 203-788-1398 (Ester Nichols), 203-270-4340 (Newtown Parks & Rec).

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9 am, free, all welcome (children must be accompanied), bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders (in parentheses) as follows: Dec 10, Brunot Trail, Newtown Forest Preserve (LouAnn Chevalier, 203-426-2072); Dec 17, Richter Park, Danbury, short hike, followed by potluck lunch & winter schedule planning off-site (hike leader Eloise Muller, 203-740-8957; lunch host & coordinator Sue Gabriel, 203-775-8236).

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown; 203-426-6224 (ask for Betty) or 203-264-3728 (ask for Krista).

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

Wednesday Night Poetry Series, at The Garage (Newtown teen center), 53 Church Hill Rd, Newtown. Call 203-426-6242, 203-364-0631.

Open mic 7:30 pm, featured poet at 8:45, poetry editing workshop follows: Dec 14, “Putting Together Your Poetry Collection” panel discussion; NOTE: WNPS will be on winter hiatus Dec 15-Feb 2012.

Theatre  _________________________________

Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin La, Ridgefield; 203-431-9850, www.RidgefieldTheaterBarn.

Through Dec 10, Mrs Warren’s Profession, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, $24, $20 students & seniors, cabaret seating, audience welcome to bring food & beverages in.

Sherman Players, Sherman Playhouse, 5 Route 39 North (Rte 37 at 39, behind the firehouse), Sherman; 860-354-3622, www.ShermanPlayers.org.

Through Jan 1: Sleeping Beauty: a British Christmas panto, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, tickets $20, $10 students (w/ ID) & ages 12 & under; Dec 31, New Year’s Eve gala performance, 8 pm, $40 incl hors d’oeuvres & open bar w/ beer, wine & soft drinks.

TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford; 860-350-6863, www.theatreworks.us.

Through Jan 7: Present Laughter, curtain Fri-St 8 pm, mat Sun (Dec 11 & 18) 2 pm, tickets $20; Dec 31, New Year’s Eve gala performance, 8 pm curtain, tickets $60 incl hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine & soft drinks.

WCSU Opera, at Western CT State University’s White Hall/Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St/Rte 6, Danbury; 203-837-8350, 203-837-8499.

Dec 9-10: Amahl and The Night Visitors, Fri 8 pm, Sat 2 pm, $10, $5 seniors & children.

Western CT State University’s Berkshire Theater, Osborne St, Danbury; 203-837-8732.

Dec 10-11: A Christmas Carol, Sat 3 & 7 pm, Sun 3 pm, $10, $7 children.

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Events that appear by date have Newtown items listed first, with additional events listed by their start time.

EXPANDED CALENDAR ONLINE

Want to know about more regional events? Find an expanded edition of this calendar online at www.NewtownBee.com. Click on the Features tab and look for Enjoy/Regional Calendar of Events.

 

Shannon Hicks is the calendar editor for The Newtown Bee. To submit an item for the Enjoy Calendar, send her an email at shannon@thebee.com no later than Tuesday at 5 pm for each week’s calendar. For the Community Calendar (Newtown events, which can be found under the Calendar tab near the top of this page), emails must be received no later than 5 pm Wednesday. For additional information contact Miss Hicks at The Newtown Bee, 203-426-3141.