Antiques Shows______

Jan 18: 50th Edition of Greater Hartford Vintage Clothing & Jewelry Show & Sale, Emanuel Synagogue, Mohegan Dr, West Hartford, 10:30 am-4 pm, adm $5, 50 booths; 860-342-2540.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

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 Koepkne Meeting Room (lower meeting room): Through Jan 31, paintings & illustrations by Newtown artist Carol Ruzika.

On library’s main floor: Through Feb 29, “Cityscapes & Landscapes: Oils & Watercolors by Ruth Newquist,” SoHo street scenes & New England landscapes by the Newtown artist Ruth Newquist.

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 Feb 1, “The Jewels of Louis Comfort Tiffany,” exploration of LCT’s role as proponent of Art Nouveau movement in America through his use of exotic gemstones & innovative techniques, show incl 50 examples of LCT’s jewelry designs organized into 5 themes.

Through Feb 29, “Shadows & Strings: Puppetry Around the Globe,” puppets from around the globe offer a look at the wide range of styles & cultures where the ancient art of puppetry has emerged & thrived over the centuries.

Burnham Library, Rte 133, Bridgewater. Hours: Tues 1-5 pm, Wed 9 am-6 pm, Thurs 9 am-5 pm, Sat 9 am-1 pm. Call 860-354-6937.

Through Jan 31, “Moss Mirrors,” original works featuring fabric scenes & mirrors by Newtown artist Margaret Moss.

Connecticut Historical Society, One Elizabeth St, Hartford. Hours: Tues-Sun 12-5 pm. Call 860-236-5621.

Through April 25, “Heroes, Heartthrobs & Horrors: Celebrating Connecticut’s Invention of the American Comic Book,” story behind CT’s invention of the comic book through rare comic books & memorabilia, learn how comic books are made, create-your-own stations & dress-up for children; Jan 18, “Create A Comic Strip” workshop, 2-4 pm, incl w/ museum adm (call for reservations), join nationally syndicated cartoonist Brad Gilchrist to learn tricks of the trade during workshop designed to spur the imagination & sense of fun; Feb 9, “The Good, The Bad and The Banned,” 7 pm, incl w/ museum adm (call for reservations), author Amy Nyberg will moderate panel discussion exploring CT’s role in the censorship of banned comic books during 1950s & more recent censorship issues impacting the media.

Fairfield Historical Society, 636 Old Post Rd, Fairfield. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-4:30 pm, Sun 1-4:30 pm. Call 203-259-1598.

Through Jan 19, “Celebrating A Century: Treasures From The Collections of the Fairfield Historical Society,” 50+ items from collections significant to local history & American history in general incl copy of first book ever written by a slave, textiles incl ca 1798 floral patterned woman’s dress, ca 1878 wedding gown made in Paris, pre-Revolutionary War sword made by local blacksmith, much more.

Fine Line Art Gallery, 586 Main St South/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Thurs-Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 203-266-0110.

Through Jan 25, “Deck The Walls,” annual holiday show features gallery’s artists.

*(new show) Jan 29-Feb 22, “Hearts & Flowers,” group show for winter blues w/ works by gallery members; Feb 7, opening reception, 12-5 pm.

Gallery of Contemporary Art at Sacred Heart Univ, 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield. Hours: Mon-Thurs 12-5 pm, Sun 1-4 pm. Call 203-365-7650.

*(new show) Jan 25-March 4, “Uncommon Portraits, Uncommon Views,” curator Dr Deborah Frizzell has selected works by 4 ground-breaking contemporary artists to help viewers expand viewers’ perceptions of the limits of portraiture – works of June Ahrens, Ellen K. Levy, Debra Pearlman & Duston Spear; Jan 25, opening reception, 1-3:30 pm, music by The Carole Sudhalter Jazz Duo; Feb 12, panel discussion, 7 pm, free, Dr Frizzell will lead panel discussion w/ all 4 featured artists.

Good News Café, 684 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Call 203-266-4663.

Through Feb 2, “Turning Point Glass,” recent glassware art by the Vermont craftsman Michael Egan offers a tour of the artist’s evolving designs.

Through Feb 4, “Shadows and Other Realities,” works on paper by Fethi Meghelli offering the artist’s unique artistic perspective on the contemporary world.

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.

Through Jan 17, “3rd Annual Small Treasures & More,” group holiday exhibition w/ 50+ works by regular & new gallery artists incl Deborah Chabrian, Mel Crawford, Joseph Grieco, Christopher Magadini, Edward Martinez, Robert Myers, Alain Picard, Edgar Reims, Bill Rice, Anda Styler & John Swatsley.

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.

Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St, Norwalk. Hours: daily 10 am-5 pm. Call 203-852-0700.

Through Jan 20, “2nd Annual Holiday Lighthouse Contest,” beautiful, illuminated lighthouse models built & decorated by regional artists & crafters.

Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-753-0381.

*(new show) Jan 23-April 18, “At Home In Waterbury, Part II,” exploration through oral histories, photos & artifacts explores history of close-knit Waterbury communities of Bucks Hill, Crownbrook, Gilmartin, Homeville, South End, Town Plot & Washington Hill; Jan 23, opening reception, 6-8 pm.

Permanent exhibition: “Fortune’s Story/Larry’s Legacy,” new research findings offer details about skeleton of African-American slave who lived in Waterbury during late 1700s.

Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St, Roxbury. Call 860-350-2181.

Through Feb 18, “Etchings, Watercolors & Oils: Robert Andrew Parker,” watercolor portraits by Mr Parker, also works in other mediums.

New Britain Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington St, New Britain. Hours: Tues, Thurs-Fri & Sun 12-5 pm, Wed 12-7 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm. Museum Highlights Tour offered each Sun at 2 pm. Call 860-229-0257.

Through Jan 17, “New/Now: Walton Ford,” larger-than-life politically charged work incl meticulously rendered classic images of birds & other animals that at first appear to be Audubon-like in presentation but are commentaries on political & ecological concerns upon closer inspection.

Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 203-432-5050.

*(new show) January 24-June 1, “Dinosaur Eggs, Nests and Young,” more than 100 fossil dinosaur eggs & embryos at hands-on exploration stations & animated video presentations featuring well-known dinosaur experts allow visitors access to new evidence that unlocks the mysteries of dinosaur reproductive behavior; Jan 24, “Roxi Fox & The Baby Dinosaurs,” 11 am, free program by puppeteer Betty Baisden; Jan 24, “The Tiniest Giants: Sauropod Eggs & Embryos from Patagonia,” 1 pm, free talk by paleontology research associate Lowell Dingus will concern his dinosaur egg discoveries, suitable for all ages; Jan 24, “Dinosaur Behavior, A Geological Perspective,” 3 pm, free program by famed paleontologost Dr Jack Horner; Jan 25, “Topsy the Baby Triceratops,” 12-5 pm (ongoing), “meet” the coolest baby Triceratops; Jan 25, “Roxy Fox & The Baby Dinosaurs,” 1 pm, free program by puppeteer Betty Baisden.

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

*(new show) Jan 18-Feb 15, “Annual All Members’ Show,” featuring 1-2 works by each RGA member; Jan 25, opening reception, call for time.

Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan. Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Call 203-966-5617.

Through Feb 8, “2004 New Members’ Exhibition,” works by Silvermine Guild members who were elected into membership during 2003 – ceramics by Frances Palmer, paintings by Kirill Doron, Linda Merk-Gould, Michael Manning & Justin Wiest, photography by Thomas Bernstein, Cynthia Guest & Alan Shulik, prints by Su Tamsett, sculpture by Sharon Kurland, ceramics & sculpture by Judy Henderson, drawings & mixed media installations by Sheila Hale, paintings & mixed media by Joan Ogden, photography & mixed media pcs by Yolanda Vasquez Petrocelli, and sculpture, mixed media & photography by Miggs Burroughs.

Through Feb 8, “Cloud Paintings,” oils on canvas by Hillary Burnett, “exquisitely rendered w/ an ethereal sensibility.”

Through Feb 8, “Digital Dialogue with bitforms, NYC,” digital works by Michael Rees & Michael Somoroff, on loan from NYC-based bitforms gallery.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main St, Hartford. Hours: Tues-Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 860-278-2670.

*(new show) Jan 17-July 3, “Fresh Faces: Youth in African-American Art,” fine art, photography & commercial art from mid 19th Century to present insights into society’s changing perceptions of youth from infancy through adolescence, and also of African-American identity; Jan 19, MLK Day Open House & Artist’s Appearance, 2 pm, artist Robert Tomlin will sign poster reproductions of his “Bazooka Bubble Gum,” which is incl in exhibition.

Through Feb 15, “Grandma Moses in the 20th Century,” works by Anna Mary Robertson (“Grandma”) Moses (1860-1961) for reexamination of artist’s work on its own merits & within context of modern art history; Feb 3, “Grandma Moses’s Style” gallery talk, noon, incl w/ museum adm, presented by Wadsworth acting director of education Dana Engstrom DeLoach.

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.

*(new show) Jan 24-March 21, “A World Of Stage: Russian Costume & Stage Design from the George Riabov Collection of Russian Art,” works of pre-Bolshevik revolution Russian theater & items by Russian émigré artists who designed sets & costumes in the West; Jan 24, “Russian Stage & Costume Design, 1900-1960,” 6:30 pm, free lecture by curator Alla Rosenfeld, PhD, in conjunction w/ exhibit’s opening reception.

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 Feb 1, “Young Talent Show 2004,” annual presentation of up & coming artists offers photography by Maria Isabel Artieda & Amanda Branson, still lifes by Matthew Mann, urban landscapes by Chris Segedy, oils incl nudes, dolls by Adam Parker Smith, portraits & landscapes by Brandon Soloff & clay pcs by Heather Springsteen.

Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St at York, New Haven. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-6 pm. Masterpiece Tours of Permanent Collection every Sat 1:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. Call 203-432-0600.

Special Programs: Jan 17, Masterpiece Tour, 1:30 pm, led by museum docents; Jan 18, Masterpiece Tour, 3 pm, led by museum docents; Jan 21, “Focus On: ‘The Democratic Art’ – Chromolithography and The Cultivation of An Image-Hungry America,” 12:20 pm, by asst curator of prints, drawings & photographs Lisa Hodermarsky; Jan 23-24, “Engaging Louis I. Kahn: A Legacy for the Future” symposium, call for details (203-432-8929); Jan 24, Masterpiece Tour, 1:30 pm, led by museum docents; Jan 24, “Angles on Art,” contemporary views on works in Art Gallery’s collection by Yale undergrads; Jan 25, Masterpiece Tour, 3 pm, led by museum docents; Jan 25, “Angles on Art,” contemporary views on works in Art Gallery’s collection by Yale undergrads; Jan 28, “Focus On: Handcraft To Industry and Back Again – American Ceramics at Yale,” 12:20 pm, by acting asst curator of American decorative arts Caroline Hannah.

*(please note: as of May 2003, all exhibitions & most programs are in adjacent Egerton Swartwout building; YUAG will be undergoing extensive renovations for two years.)

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Connecticut Poetry Society, PO Box 4053, Waterbury CT 06704-0053. Call 203-584-2857.

Feb 27: Deadline for entries in annual Lynn DeCaro Poetry Competition, no fee to enter, cash prizes ($75, $50, $25) for top 3 choices, open to CT high school students, all subject matter accepted, up to 3 poems can be entered, entries must be typed on white 8 ½ x 11-inch paper, call for full details or send SASE to address above.

Danbury Concert Chorus, Danbury Music Centre, 256 Main St, Danbury. Call 748-1716.

Jan 20: Rehearsals begin for new season, call for start time, director is Richard Price, adult singers invited to join chorus in rehearsals for May 8 performance of Haydn’s The Seasons, tenors & basses especially needed.

Newtown Choral Society, at Newtown Middle School, Queen St, Newtown. Call 426-3769.

Jan 21: First rehearsal of new season, begins 7 pm, director is Mary Andreotta, openings for all voices, no auditions – a love of singing & desire to learn is all that is needed, call or just show up at rehearsal.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Jan 18: “Amadeus In Retrospect: The Music, Health and Legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,” Teikyo Post Univ’s MacDermid Hall, 800 Country Club Rd, Waterbury, 2 pm, tickets $18 adults, $15 seniors & students, $5 ages 12 & under, lecture-recital by clarinetist Vincent deLuise, MD w/ musical interludes by Dr deLuise, also pianist Margaret Nuller & soprano Rebekkah Hilgraves incl Piano Fantasia in C minor, Mozart lieder Das Veilchen & Abendempfindug, also Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra, Second Movement; 203-754-5590.

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

Performances 8 pm, tickets $17-$47 w/ student & group discounts: Jan 24, “Exotic Dances, Magical Tales,” works of John Adams (The Chairman Dances: Foxtrot for Orchestra), Carl Vine (Percussion Symphony) & Rimsky-Korsakov (Scheherazade), concert preceded by GBS Flute Trio performance at 7 pm.

Hartford Symphony Orchestra, The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave, Hartford. Call 860-246-6807.

Jan 22, “Brahms the Virtuoso,” 7:30 pm, tickets $33 & $44, piano concerts by Johannes Brahms, Clara Schumann & W.A. Mozart, guest soloists the pianists Liam Viney & Ryo Yanagitani & their instructor, Boris Berman (Yale School of Music).

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: Jan 24, Yale Russian Chorus, $15 & $20, premiere performance ensemble of Slavic music, 20-member choral ensemble specializes in sacred & secular Slavic choral music; Feb 1, “St Luke’s Chamber Ensemble: Baroque and Before,” performance begins 3 pm, program of J.S. Bach, Pergolesi, C.P.E. Bach & Haydn (preceded by “Art To Heart” discussion w/ New York Daily News chief drama critic Howard Kissel, 2 pm).

Ridgefield Symphony Youth Orchestra, at Veteran’s Park Elementary School, 8 Governors St, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-3889.

Jan 25, performance 4 pm, call for ticket prices, works of Beethoven (Seventh Symphony, 2nd movement), Haydn (Symphony 104, 1st movement), Ives (The Unanswered Question) & Copland (Appalachian Spring suite), RSYO’s string quartet & wind ensemble will also perform.

Films _________________

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

Jan 16-22: Big Fish (PG-13), daily 7 & 9:35 pm, mat Fri 4 pm, Sat-Mon, Wed 1 & 4 pm; Calendar Girls (PG-13), daily 7:25 & 9:45 pm, mat Fri 4:20 pm, Sat-Mon, Wed 1:30 & 4:20 pm; In America (PG-13), Fri-Tues, Thus 7:10 & 9:15 pm, Wed 9:15 only, mat Fri 5 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed, 12:45, 2:50 & 5 pm; Something’s Gotta Give (PG-13), Fri-Tues, Thurs 6:45 & 9:25 pm, Wed 9:25 only, mat Fri 4:10 pm, Sat-Mon, Wed 1:20 & 4:10 pm.

Jan 21: The Truth Uncovered, tickets $15, fundraiser for Howard Dean For President Fundraiser, 6:30 pm, screenings of 45-min feature will be followed by speaker from Dr Dean’s nat’l campaign headquarters.

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

Jan 25: A Tale of Winter (in French w/ subtitles), 2 pm, free screening sponsored by Alliance Française of Northwestern CT.

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

Jan 16-22: Elf (PG-13), Fri-Sun, Tues-Thurs 7 & 9 pm, Mon 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 & 4 pm, Mon 11 am, 2 & 5 pm, Tues 1 pm.

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

Through March 14: Young Black Stallion, through Feb 12 – Mon-Thurs 11 am, 2:10 & 3:20 pm, Fri-Sun 11 am, 2:10, 3:20 & 7 pm (note: movie times change Feb 13).

Quick Center at Fairfield University, North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Call 203-254-4010.

Russian Film Series, screenings 7 pm, adm $7 ($30/series): Jan 26, Repentance.

For Kids & Families _________

Jan 17: “Creativity Safari” workshop at The Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, 10 am-12:30 pm, adm $5 adults, free ages 12 & under, family rates available, arts workshop led by Margaret DeMarino will encourage participants to tap into their inner artists & explore arts in variety of styles & formats to create “symphonies” & stories, improv comedy & scripted scene work, workshop will repeat Jan 24; 203-753-0381 x10.

Jan 18-19: 2004 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Festival at The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven, Sun 12-5 pm, Mon 10 am-5 pm, free adm & events incl children’s workshops, story telling, dancing, live music, open mic/poetry readings, etc (visit Peabody.yale.edu/events for full schedule); 203-432-5050.

Jan 24: Open House & Puppet Play at Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, 40 Dodgingtown Rd/Rte 302, Newtown, 10 am-noon, free, visit classrooms, meet teachers & learn about curriculum of nursery-grade 8 school, also performance of Shingebiss, based on Native American legend, by early childhood teachers; 364-1113.

Jan 24: “Creativity Safari” workshop at The Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, 10 am-12:30 pm, adm $5 adults, free ages 12 & under, family rates available, arts workshop led by Margaret DeMarino will encourage participants to tap into their inner artists & explore arts in variety of styles & formats to create “symphonies” & stories, improv comedy & scripted scene work; 203-753-0381 x10.

Jan 24-25: “Roxy Fox & The Baby Dinosaurs,” Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven, Sat 11 am, Sun 1 pm, free program (w/ museum adm of $8 adults, $6 seniors, $5 ages 3-18) by puppeteer Betty Baisden is part of weekend-long celebration & other events for opening of new major exhibition “Dinosaur Eggs, Nests and Young”; 203-432-5050.

Jan 25: “Sword in The Stone” workshop & performance, The Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, pre-performance workshop 1-2 pm (ages 7-11 invited to explore the tools actors use incl mime & theatrical expression to create diverse characters, $25 incl performance), performance (2:30, $5 for show only) by Shakesperience Productions Inc of The Sword in The Stone, suitable for all ages; 203-753-0381 x10.

 

Jan 25: Ridgefield Symphony Youth Orchestra concert at Veteran’s Park Elementary School, 8 Governors St, Ridgefield, 4 pm, call for ticket prices, first performance of new year will incl works of Beethoven (Seventh Symphony, 2nd movement), Haydn (Symphony 104, 1st movement), Ives (The Unanswered Question) & Copland (Appalachian Spring suite), RSYO’s string quartet & wind ensemble will also perform; 203-438-3889.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Danbury Square, 15 Backus Ave, Danbury. Call 730-2733.

Free public programs: Jan 29, Doggie Storytime w/ Paula & Tyler, 11 am, preschool-age story time about dogs w/ special guests Paul Goldsmith & her dog Tyler.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-394-6565.

Zoo adm is $7 adults, $5 ages 3-11 & seniors, free ages 3 & under, programs included w/ adm: Jan 18, Chinese New Year Celebration, 12-3 pm (included w/ zoo adm), celebrate Year of The Monkey w/ crafts, animal presentations, fortune telling, origami & artistry of Kirigami master Master Cheng, also see zoo’s several species of monkeys incl pale-faced saki monkeys, howler monkeys, golden lion tamarins & pygmy marmosets.

Downtown Cabaret Children’s Theatre Co., 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1636.

Rumpelstiltskin, through Feb 29, curtain Sat-Sun 12 & 2:30 pm, tickets $12.50, group discounts available.

Miscellaneous ___________

Jan 17: Alliance Française of Northwestern CT Café-Conversation, Southbury Public Library, 561 Main St South/Rte 6, Southbury, 10 am-noon, free, join club members who will be reading & speaking in French (topics vary from simple chitchat to discussions focused on French culture, history or news events), join the discussion or just listen in, all welcome, light refreshments OK, call library if inclement weather; 262-0626.

Jan 17: Woodbury United Methodist Church Monthly Spaghetti Supper, 3 Church St (at Main St South/Rte 6), Woodbury, 4:45-7 pm, tickets $8 dults, $7 seniors, $3.50 children, all-you-can-eat pasta dinner, proceeds support church projects; 203-263-4775.

Jan 18: Psychic Fair, Danbury Maron (former Radisson), Mill Plain Rd, Danbury, 6-11 pm, free adm, tarot & palm readers, vendors; 470-1806.

Jan 18-19: 2004 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Festival at The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave, New Haven, Sun 12-5 pm, Mon 10 am-5 pm, free adm & events incl keynote address (Sat 2 pm) by Vernice Miler-Travis on “Environmental Justice: The New Civil Rights Frontier,” followed by panel discussion, also children’s workshops, story telling, dancing, live music, open mic/poetry readings, etc (visit Peabody.yale.edu/events for full schedule); 203-432-5050.

Jan 19: The Ridgefield Playhouse Community Forum, Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and The Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, 7:30 pm, tickets $15, panel discussion featuring actors Joanne Woodward, Giancarlo Esposito, Luci Arnez & Laurence Luckinbill, also Aldrich Museum director Harry Philbrick & RSO president & Ridgefield Arts Council member Sabina Slavin will concern the importance of supporting local arts organizations, audience Q&A will follow, presented by Ridgefield Magazine; 203-438-5795.

Jan 20: “The Health of Commercially Important Fish of The Long Island Sound,” Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby, 7:30 pm, $4 donation requested, program by Jose Pereira, as part of Naugatuck Valley Audubon Scty meeting, will concert effects of eutrophication, disease outbreaks in lobsters, invasive species, & the abundance of selected commercially or recreationally important fish & shellfish in the Sound; 734-2513.

Jan 21: Housatonic Valley Paddlers Club meeting, CL&P Service Center, Barnabas Rd, Newtown, 7 pm, free & open to non-members, discussion of 2003 events, new membership information & cards available; 203-263-3281.

Jan 22: “Grasslands Birds: How Changing Land Use Is Affecting Them,” at Lillinonah Audubon Society meeting, South Britain Congregational Church House, Rte 172 at East Flat Hill Rd, South Britain, social time 7:30 pm, program begins at 8, non-members welcome, free program by Patrick Comins (director of bird conservation, Audubon CT & principal author, Protecting Connecticut’s Grassland Heritage); 264-4124.

Jan 24: Ghost of A Chance mystery dinner, Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Bridgeport, 96 Chapel St, Stratford, dinner at 6:30, show begins at 7, tickets $30; 203-378-1020.

Jan 24: CT Contacts Dance Party for Singles, Colonial Tavern, Rte 67, Oxford, 8 pm-1 am, adm $15 incl hot buffet & desserts, dancing to mix of DJ selections, no jeans permitted; 203-468-1144.

Jan 25: “Open Visions Forum: Andrea Mitchell,” Fairfield Univ Quick Center, North Benson Rd, Fairfield, 7:30 pm, tickets $22 (discounts for students & seniors), chief foreign affairs correspondent for NBC News will speak as part of annual lecture series; 203-254-4000 x2726.

Jan 29: “The Writer’s Voice” open mic at Escape to The Arts, Regional YMCA of Western CT, 293 Main St, Danbury, sign ups for open mic begin 7 pm, readings start at 7:15, featured program & reading by Dr Gerard Brooker; 794-1413

Active Singles. Call 860-489-9611 or visit www.ActiveSingles.org.

Hikes for singles (ages 30s-50s) 1st & 3rd Sun/month, 9:30 am (early arrival requested), free, no dogs or children allowed, 4 skill levels available, bring/wear hiking boots & bring water: Jan 18, in Beacon Falls (call or visit website for specifics).

Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Danbury Square, 15 Backus Ave, Danbury. Call 730-2733.

Free public programs: Jan 21, Truth & Lies Writing Workshop meeting, 7:30 pm, group meets 1st & 3rd Wed/month to share & critique styles for writers of non-fiction (“truth”) & fiction (“lies), newcomers always welcome; Jan 28, We’re Talking About… Women Authors discussion, 7 pm, discussion of Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi.

Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place, Bethel.

“Conversations from The Other Side” by Cheryl Scheinin, programs 2nd & 4th Sun each month, 4-6 pm, $30: Next program Jan 25.

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

Free public programs: Jan 27, “Historic Homes & Buildings in Bethel,” 7 pm (snow date Feb 3), slide lecture by Bethel Town Historian Patrick Wild about landmark building & private homes in town.

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

Programs free unless noted: Jan 22, “Can Great Literature Be Funny?” program, 7:30 pm, discussion of Hart & Kaufman’s You Can’t Take It With You continues discussion series co-hosted by Liz Arneth & Gordon Williams, newcomers welcome; Jan 27, “Do-Ahead Chinese Party,” 1 pm, cooking demo & entertainment tips by Norma Chang will help create stress-free Chinese New Year celebrations, reservations requested (space limited); Jan 29, “Getting Your Affairs In Order,” 7:30 pm, program by Attorney Robert Fisher on legal issues incl power of attorney, living wills & other ways to keep personal affairs in order.

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

1st Sat each month (April-Nov), Rail Yard Local, adm to msm incl rides through rail yard in 1920s era passenger coach w/ stop on state’s only operating turntable. (see Arts listings for permanent & changing exhibits info)

Wednesday Evening Events series, 7:30-8:30 pm, sm donation requested, programs follow weekly museum member meetings, subjects as follows, call if inclement weather: Jan 21, “Long Island RR Fan Trip” by Steve Gould.

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

Jan 24, Timber Wolf Program, 1:30-2:30 pm, $8 adults, $4 children, program by trainer Michael LeBlanc will introduce participants to a live timber wolf & explain the connections between wolves & Native American culture & how the 2 have affected each other.

McLaughlin Vineyards, Albert’s Hill Rd, Sandy Hook. Call 426-1533.

Jan 17-Feb 28 (programs on Saturdays), “Wine, Food & Eagles” series, $50 (plus tips & gratuity, reservations mandatory), spend morning watching eagles at Bald Eagle Observatory in Southbury, take private tour of vineyard & then lunch at Compass (Main St South, Newtown).

Newtown Hikers. Call 426-2897, 270-4340.

Hikes leave from lower lot @Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 9 am, free, all welcome, bring bag lunch/beverage, wear sturdy shoes, destinations & leaders as follows: Jan 17, High Rock Road in Naugatuck State Forest (Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025); Jan 24, Rockefeller Park, Tarrytown, N.Y. (Nancy Zigler, 732-2618).

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.

Sacred Grounds/Trinity Productions workshops, 24 Alpine Circle, Sandy Hook or Brookfield Commons, 246 Federal Rd, Suite C-23A, Brookfield (call for location), or by appt, or in-home by appt. Call 426-9448.

Programs at Brookfield Commons: Jan 16, “Touched By Angels,” 7:30 pm, $10 donation, evening of spirituality, prayer & healing led by Rev Nancy Lawrence; Jan 23, “Touched By Angels,” 7:30 pm, $10 donation, evening of spirituality, prayer & healing led by Rev Nancy Lawrence.

Programs at WCSU Student Center, 181 White St, Danbury: Jan 18, “Talking With Heaven,” 4-6 pm, $20 donation, program by Barbara Van Kirk will connect audience members w/ deceased loved ones, angels & spirit guides (audience members will receive messages randomly).

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

Jan 17-25, “10th Annual Color in January Show & Sale,” at Lexington Gardens, 32 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, daily 9 am-5 pm, opening reception Jan 17 (2-4 pm), artist demos each Sat-Sun at noon (Jan 17, oil pastel by Kevin Conklin; Jan 18, pastel still life by Leslie Levy; Jan 24, oil by Barbara Goodspeed; Jan 25, watercolor by Richard Ochs).

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meetings, 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 & Mansion, 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury. Call 744-3130.

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: Jan 21, Iyaba Mandingo; Jan 28, Elizabeth Thomas.

Theatre ______________

Downtown Cabaret Theatre, 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1636.

La Cage Aux Folles: 20th Anniversary, through Feb 8, curtain Fri 8 pm, Sat 5:30 & 8:30 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, tickets $37.50-$45.50.

Hartford Stage, 50 Church St, Hartford. Call 860-527-5151.

The Mystery of Irma Vep – A Penny Dreadful, through Feb 8, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun-Thurs 7:30 pm, call for mat schedule (selected Wed, Sat & Sun).

Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven. Call 203-787-4282.

The Long Christmas Ride Home, through Feb 15 (previews to Jan 20, opening night Jan 21), curtain Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun & Tues 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets ($30-$40 during previews) $38-$55.

On Stage II: A New War, through Jan 18, curtain Wed-Sat 8 pm, Sun & Tues 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $38-$55.

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

The Irish… and How They Got That Way, through Feb 1, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Thurs, Sat-Sun 2 pm, call for ticket information.

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

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 prints; please call for details concerning photo files to be emailed.