Antiques Shows______

Feb 11: 14th Annual Antiques & Collectibles Show, Naugatuck High School, 543 Rubber Ave, Naugatuck, 9:30 am-4 pm, adm $3, 60+ dealers; 203-723-2588.

Feb 11: Train & Toy Show, Zandri’s Stillwood Inn, 1074 South Colony Rd, Wallingford, adm $5, free ages 12 & under, operating displas; 203-923-1327.

March 3: Newtown Historical Society Annual Spring Antiques Show, Newtown High School cafeteria, 12 Berkshire Rd/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 10 am-4 pm, adm $5, new day & location for historical society fundraiser; 426-5937.

March 10: 33rd Annual Spring Antiques Show, Cheshire Academy (Sheriff Field House), 10 Main St, Cheshire, 10 am-5 pm, adm $4; 203-393-0211.

March 10-11: Connecticut Spring Antiques Show, CT Expo Center, 265 Reverend Moody Overpass, Hartford, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, adm $10, 60+ dealers from across the country, presented by & fundraiser for Haddam Historical Society; 860-493-1300.

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 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 Barnum Museum, 820 Main St, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues-Wed, Fri-Sat 10 am-4:30 pm, Thurs 10 am-4:30 pm, Sun 12-4:30 pm.

Call 203-331-1104.

*(new show) Through March 1: “Cleaning Up Controversy,” special short-term will shed new light on Bridgeport’s industrial past through works that confront & overcome stereotypes of Bridgeport by illustrating diversity, local color, struggles & triumphs of the city’s revitalization, through works by contemporary artists Sally Bradley, Susan Breen, Suzanne Kachmar, Lynn Knobel, Marion Najamy, Mia Lipstick, Rachel Moore, Yolanda Petrocelli, David Ryan & Mary Witkowski.

Permanent exhibits: “Grand Adventure: A Celebration of the American Spirit in Bridgeport,” permanent exhibit on museum’s 2nd floor provides in-depth exploration of Bridgeport’s 19th Century industrialization & urbanization w/ emphasis on P.T. Barnum’s role in the city’s growth; “P.T. Barnum: Bethel To Broadway To Bridgeport,” artifacts incl reproduction of Barnum’s Fejee Mermaid, souvenir pc of cake from Tom Thumb’s 1863 wedding & personal items from Barnum family; re-creation of library from Barnum’s first Bridgeport mansion Iranistan; “Baby Bridgeport,” preserved 6’8” 700-lb elephant, 2nd elephant born in captivity & 1st to be preserved; re-creation of drawing room from Harral-Wheeler mansion, considered one of most outstanding examples of Gothic Revival in America, ca 1847; “P.T. Barnum Presents the ‘Divine Jenny’ Lind,” artifacts from American tour of opera star reveals impact of Barnum-Lind collaboration on culture & society & Barnum’s promotional talents; 1,000-sq ft 3/4-inch scale model of five ring circus hand-carved by Meriden resident William Brinley w/ more than 3,000 miniature pcs; “General Tom Thumb,” original furniture, clothing & personal objects belonging to Barnum’s legendary protégé; and Pa-Ib, an Egyptian mummy documented by Egyptian priest as more than 2,500 yrs old.

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) —  *(new show) Feb 2-28: “Serenity,” 31 paintings by Newtown native Susan Warner, who is known for her intimate & timeless portraits of women & children; Feb 4, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

On library’s main floor — *(new show) “Katrina Relief: Far From Finished,” photographs, mementos & notes from Newtown resident Shannon Hicks’ trip to Biloxi, Miss., in Oct-Nov 2006, when she joined relief efforts to help residents affected by the 2005 hurricanes Katrina & Rita.

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

*(new show) Feb 4-March 18: “The Sound of Earth: Ceramic Musical Instruments,” handmade musical instruments made by 14 artists from clay, exhibition created & curated by Barry Hall; Feb 4, opening reception, 2-4 pm (Curator’s Talk, 3 pm).

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

*(new show) Feb 10-June 10: “Weaving A Collection: Native American Baskets from the Bruce Museum,” highlights from museum’s Native American basket collection offers approx 45 examples from all major basket makers of North America – from Northeast, Great Plains, Southwest, California & Northwest regions – focusing on the differences in forms & materials among tribal affiliations & geographical regions, also through examination of evolution of basketry following the arrival of collectors.

Through Feb 25: “Black and White Since 1960: Prints from the Collection of Reba & Dave Williams,” selections from personal collection of one of country’s foremost print collectors incl 18 prints, many in lg formats, that illuminate an important aspect of modern printmaking & offers visitors new perspective on age-old print processes in the hands of modern masters.

City Lights Gallery, 37 Markle Court, Bridgeport. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-5:30 pm, Sat 11 am-4 pm. Call 203-334-7748.

Through Feb 17: “Art & Architecture of Bridgeport.”

Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury. Call 778-8337.

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

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 Feb 20: “Butterflies and Roses,” photography by Genevieve Shulick “featuring Nature at her very best.”

Gallery of Contemporary Art at Sacred Heart Univ, 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield. Call 203-365-7650.

Through Feb 26: two dozen-plus works by 20th Century American artist Romare Bearden.

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

Through March 26: “Sensate,” abstract paintings by Ellen Hackl Fagan explore “the rich tapestry of sensory interaction.”

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 Feb 21: sculptures recently completed by Matthias Alfen, also small survey of the artist’s early works.

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

*(new show) Through June  30: “All Across America: Adaptation, Ingenuity and Artistry,” cultural items incl pottery, beadwork, textiles & basketry illustrating the adaptation, ingenuity & creativity of North American tribes as they began to embrace new materials of European settlers incl cotton, glass, beads & metal.

*(new show) Through June 30: “Written In Bone,” discover anatomical similarities between human & animal bones, basic bones that make up animal skeletons, how to tell is a bone was used as a tool or if it had disease & more.

*(new show) Through June 30: “Weaponry,” traditional weaponry used by pre-contact North American Peoples incl bows, arrows & clubs, also recent innovations popular during “horse culture.”

Mark Twain House & Museum Center, 351 Farmington Ave, Hartford. Call 860-247-0998.

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 Feb 5: “Abstract Paintings,” recent paintings using strong, vibrant colors & geometric shapes by Robert Baras; Jan 6, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

*(new show) Feb 10-March 19: “Twins,” photographs by Lija Spalva Nollendorfs, who has been taking photos since childhood; Feb 10, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

*(new show) Feb 10-March 19: “Oculus To Carpus,” photographs by Cary Whittier taken w/ his “wrist camera” during past 6 years; Feb 10, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

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

Through Feb 4: “New Members’ Show,” annual Silvermine Guild Art Guild show features works by 21 recently-elected Guild members.

Through Feb  4: “Four/Play,” works by Susan Sharp.

Through Feb 4: “Director’s Choice: Intelligent Design,” works by D. Dominick Lombardi, Bradley Rubenstein, Michael Rees, KiKi Smith, Joan Wheeler & Michael Zansky.

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 March 4: “Samuel Colt: Arms, Art and Invention,” complicated tale of the intertwining lives of wealthy celebrity & businessman Samuel Colt & the painter George Catlin through 179 objects incl paintings, lithographs, pistols & rifles of every description, jewelry, medals, miniatures, snuffboxes & more.

WCSU Warner Hall, Fifth Ave (off White St, on midtown campus), Danbury. Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am-9 pm, Sat 9 am-1 pm. Call 837-8486.

*(new show) Through March 1: “Stony The Road: Desegregating America’s Schools,” traveling exhibition chronicles 50 years of school integration by depicting key moments in history since Supreme Court’s Brown v Board of Education decision, on loan from The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia; Feb 4, “Black History Is American History: Presenting the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture,” 4:30 pm, free lecture by John W. Franklin (museum’s program manager) will preview what new museum will offer in terms of collections & program.

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

*(new show) Through April 1: “Howard Hodgkin: Paintings, 1992-2007,” nearly 50 works from private collections & museums in US & Great Britain ranging from small paintings that draw viewer into intimate encounters to large ones whose presence is often imposing by artist considered one of most important work in Britain today; Feb 3, screening of documentary Imagine… A Picture of the Painter Howard Hodgkin, 10:30 am; Feb 3, exhibition tour, noon, also Student Guide Tour 1 pm; Feb 4, exhibition tour, 2 pm; Feb 6, “Art in Context: Living with the Art of Howard Hodgkin,” 12:30 pm, lecture by private collectors Susan & Fredric Finkelstein; Feb 8, exhibition tour, 11 am, screening of documentary Imagine… A Picture of the Painter Howard Hodgkin at noon.

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 April 1: “Jasper Johns: From Plate to Print,” presentation of an untitled 1999 intaglio print by Johns features working proofs, trial proofs & progressives leading up to final print, as well as 5 plates used in its creation, allowing rare opportunity to explore the artistic & mechanical process of printmaking while providing glimpse into the artist’s creative process incl his development of motifs, color choices & graphic enhancement.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Brookfield Historical Society & Museum, Rte 133 at Rte 25, Brookfield Center. Call 740-8140.

April 2: Guest speaker needed to lead forum on “Civil War: The Battle of Gettysburg, Day One,” 7:30 pm, free public program will continue historical society’s ongoing Civil War lecture series, openings also available for May 7 (Gettysburg, Day 2), June 4 (Gettysburg, Day 3), Aug 6 (Battle of Vicksburg), Oct 1 (Battle of Chickamunga) & Nov 5 (Battle Above Clouds), leave message on historical society’s answering machine.

Connecticut Poetry Society, PO Box 270554, West Hartford CT 06127-0554. Call 860-584-2857.

March 1: Postmark deadline for 2007 CT River Review Poetry Competition, poets invited to send up to 3 original & previously unpublished poems, any form, 40-line limit, visit CT-poetry-society.org for full competition details, cash prizes to top 3 selections ($150, $100 $50, respectively) & publication in CT River Review, judge this year is Eloise Bruce.

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

Feb 13 & 15: Open auditions for Milton and The Minotaur, 7:30-9:30 pm, call phone # above or visit TheaterBarn.org for details.

Wilton Playshop, c/o Director Selection Committee, PO Box 363, Wilton CT 06897.

Feb 3: Deadline for submission of proposals for director & plays they would like to direct, send bio to address above, incl copy of play if it is not easily obtainable (w/ SASE if play is to be returned).

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Feb 3: 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.

Feb 4: “Concert for Young People of All Ages” by Danbury Symphony Orchestra, Western CT State University’s White Hall, 181 White St/Rte 6, Danbury, 3 pm, free performance led by DSO under newly named music director & conductor Ariel Rudiakov, also guest narrator Robert Sherman for “The Thrill of The Orchestra,” plus pianist Bianca Yuh (high school student & winner of 5th Annual DSO Student Concerto Competition); 748-1716.

Feb 10: Red Molly at Roots Music Coffeehouse, Common Ground Annex dance studio, 345 Main St, Danbury, doors open 7:30 pm, open mic at 8, featured performers 9 pm, suggested donation $10/adv (online, RootsMusicCoffeeHouse.com), $12/door, performance wil NY-based trio of female musicians w/ soaring vocal harmonies will kick off new coffeehouse series; 798-7044, 994-1903.

Feb 11: Afternoons at The Arbor: Harpist Wendy Kerner Lucas & Flutist Linda Boyd, Brookfield Library, 182 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield, 3 pm, free performance will incl works of C.P. E. Bach, Chopin, Glinka & Debussy, reception to follow; 775-6241.

Feb 11: “An Afternoon of Mozart,” Western CT State Univ White Hall, 181 White St/Rte 6, Danbury, 3 pm, tickets $15 adults, $11 senior citizens & non-WCSU students, performance by WCSU faculty (Dr Kerry Walker on flute, Dr Mark Snyder on oboe & Jo-Ann Sternberg on clarinet) & Manhattan String Orchestra (violinists Eric Lewis & Calvin Wiersma, violist John Dexter & cellist Chris Finckel) will incl Quartet for Flute & Strings in D Major, Quartet for Oboe & Strings in F Major & Quintet for Clarinet & Strings in A Major, ticket sales to benefit WCSU Scholarship Fund; 837-8499.

Feb 11: Harry Manx at Temple Shearith Israel, 46 Peaceable St, Ridgefield, 7 pm, tickets $15/adv, $20/door, performance is part of 2006-07 Acoustic Celebration series; 203-438-6589.

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

Feb 11, “An Afternoon of Mozart,” 3 pm, tickets $15 adults, $11 senior citizens & non-WCSU students, performance by WCSU faculty (Dr Kerry Walker on flute, Dr Mark Snyder on oboe & Jo-Ann Sternberg on clarinet) & Manhattan String Orchestra (violinists Eric Lewis & Calvin Wiersma, violist John Dexter & cellist Chris Finckel) will incl Quartet for Flute & Strings in D Major, Quartet for Oboe & Strings in F Major & Quintet for Clarinet & Strings in A Major, ticket sales to benefit WCSU Scholarship Fund (call 837-8499 for info); Feb 23, WCSU Jazz Orchestra, 8 pm, free (donations will be accepted & forwarded to music dept).

Newtown Friends of Music, at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown. Call 426-6470.

Concerts at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 3 pm, $18 adults, $16 seniors, free ages 5-14 w/ ticket-holding adult (subscriptions available), reception follows performances: Feb 11, cellist Soo Bae, program to incl Fauré (Elegie, Opus 24), Piatti (Two Caprices for solo cello), Schumann (Fantasy Pieces, Opus 73) & Shostakovich (Sonata in D minor).

Films _________________

Black Rock Art Center, 2838 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport. Call 203-367-7917.

Black History Month film screenings, 3 pm (unless noted), free: Feb 3, Colored Frames, **7 pm; Feb 4, Tupac: Resurrection; Feb 11, The Quiltmakers of Gee’s Bend & The Murder of Emmett Till.

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

Independent Film Festival, free, screenings 7:30 pm: Feb 6, A Peck on The Cheek.

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

Independent Film Series, free, screenings at 2 pm: Feb 4, Who’s Camus Anyway?

Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm & most Monday holidays (call ahead). Call 203-372-3521.

Planetarium shows: Rock on Mars! Mon-Fri 3:30 pm, Sat-Sun 1 & 3 pm, designed for ages 8 & up; Wonderful Sky, Mon-Fri 1 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm, designed for ages 7 & under.

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

Feb 2-8: Flushed Away (PG), Fri-Sat 7 & 9 pm, Mon-Thurs 7 pm, mat Sat 1 & 4 pm, Sun 4:30 pm.

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

Through March 15: Hurricane on The Bayou, Mon-Thurs 11 am, 1 & 3 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am, 1, 3, 4 & 7:30 pm; Ocean Wonderland, Mon-Fri 12 & 2 pm, Sat-Sun 2 pm; Whales, Sat-Sun noon.

Western CT State University in Student Center, 181 White St/Rte 6, Danbury. Call 837-8486.

11th Annual African Film Festival, screenings Wed noon, Thurs 7 pm, free: Feb 7-8, Arlit: Deuxieme Paris (Arlit: The Second Paris, in French & indigenous languages w/ subtitles); Feb 14-15, Zulu Love Letter (in English & Zulu w/ subtitles); Feb 22-23, O Heroi (The Hero, in Portuguese, w/ subtitles).

Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St, New Haven. Call 203-432-8842.

Art & Music Film Series, free screenings, 2 pm: Feb 17, 49th Parallel (1941).

For Kids & Families _________

Feb 4: Bubblemania, Edmond Town Hall auditorium, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 2 pm, adm $5, performance by Casey Carle offers bubble science, bubble tricks & fun for all ages, sponsored by Newtown Jr Women’s Club, proceeds to benefit community programs; 270-6569, 426-4146.

Feb 10: Earth Art for Kids, Flanders Nature Center, Flanders at Church Hill Rd, Woodbury, 10 am-12:30 pm, $15 members, $20 non-members, program for help budding artists develop drawing & paintings skills while developing lifelong love of art & nature, dress for messes, program to incl outdoor hiking & working on art using wet & dry mediums, reservations required; 203-263-3711.

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

Children’s series, performances 11 am & 2 pm: Feb 11, Dirty Sock Band, $15.

Miscellaneous ___________

Feb 3: 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.

Feb 4: Canine Advocates Valentine Boutique & More, C.H. Booth Library lower meeting room, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 1-4:30 pm, framed dog & cat silhouettes, jewelry, valentine treat bags, hand-knit items & more for humans, canines & felines, fundraiser for Canine Advocates of Newtown.

Feb 4: Sports Card & Sports Memorabilia Show & sale, Ramada Inn, 225 Lordship Blvd, Stratford, 9:30 am-2:30 pm, adm $3 adults, 99¢ ages 10 & under, 65+ dealers, also special guest Wesley Walker (11 am-1 pm only); 364-1209.

Feb 4: “Black History Is American History: Presenting the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture,” Western CT State University’s Warner Hall, White St/Rte 6, Danbury, 4:30 pm, free lecture by John W. Franklin (museum’s program manager) will preview what new museum will offer in terms of collections & program, kick-off event for WCSU Black History Month also coincides w/ special exhibition “Stony the Road: Desegregating America’s Schools”; 837-8486.

Feb 4: “The Game Of Life: Playing for the Play to Continue,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free presentation by yoga center teacher Vincent D’Alessio will be followed by group meditation (free instruction available) & informal tea reception; 203-263-2254.

Feb 5: “Civil War Forum: The Battle of Stones River, Tennessee,” Brookfield Historical Society Museum, Rte 25 at Rte 133, Brookfield Center, 7:30 pm, free, public invited to hear lecture by Peter Cronin, which will continue historical society’s ongoing Civil War forum; 740-8140.

Feb 6: BNI-Brookfield chapter meeting, Franco’s Ristorante, 265 Federal Rd, Brookfield, 7-8:30 am, newcomers welcome, educational presentation on “Selecting the Right Sign” by Ira Rubenstein (Sign Language); 794-1114.

Feb 6: Romance Book Sale, Danbury Library 170 Main St, Danbury, 10 am-2 pm, sale of gift-quality hardcover & paperback romances, presented by & benefit for Friends of Danbury Library; 797-4568.

Feb 6: Art Slide Lecture: Painter Cathleen Toelke, WCSU White Hall Viewing Room 1 (midtown campus), 181 White St, Danbury, 11 am, free lecture by award-winning artist known for the distinctive, sculptural figures in her paintings, program continues university’s Master of Fine Arts Slide Lecture Series (open to public); 837-8881.

Feb 10: Family Yoga Day, Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 3-4 pm, free introduction for all ages & levels will incl chanting & dancing w/ instruments, yoga postures, guided relaxation & meditation demos, info about yogic practices & nature walk (weather permitting); 203-263-2254.

Feb 10: WCSU planetarium show & telescope viewing, Western CT State University Westside Observatory, off Lake Ave Extension (westside campus), Danbury, planetarium show “Worlds with Rings” 5-6 pm, viewings through university’s 20” Ritchey-Chretien reflector telescope will run 6-8 pm, free, call if cloudy or inclement weather; 837-8672.

Feb 12: Housatonic Valley Paddlers Club meeting, Brookfield Community Cetner, 100 Pocono Rd, Brookfield, 7 pm, free & open to newcomers, presentation by Jim McDonnough (Great Hollow Wilderness School); 203-263-3281.

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

Programs free unless noted: Feb 12, Daytime Book Discussion, 1 pm, The Sea by John Banville, newcomers welcome; Feb 13, Conflict in Darfur, 7 pm, NHS global advocacy group Global Voice will host screening of The Promise, created by students from Danbury High School about the ongoing genocide in the Sudan, then students of both schools will lead open discussion; Feb 15, Tertulia Literaria, 7 pm, book discussion in Spanish (not a class) will concern Yo el suremo by Augusto Roa Bastos, monthly book programs are led by Laura Humphries Ross.

Danbury BNI Trailblazers, meetings at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Clapboard Ridge Rd, Danbury. Call 797-1122.

Group meets Wednesdays, 8-9:30 am, members network & help build businesses, all visitors welcome, contact Mark Vendetti at above phone # for details.

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

Free classes, reservations requested: Feb 8, “Heart Health: Restoring Health, Preventing Illness & Managing Chronic Conditions,” 7 pm, presentation by Dr Tamara Sachs; Feb 10, “Add, ADHD & Autism,” 2 pm, naturopathic physician Josh Berry’s talk will focus on natural approaches to these conditions.

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: Feb 3, Oxford Bridle Path, Oxford, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing & hiking, weather permitting (leader Nancy Zigler, 203-732-2618); Feb 10, Rockefeller Preserve, N.Y. (leader Len Patti, 426-3632).

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.

Shepaug Eagle Observation Area, Shepaug Housatonic Hydroelectric Station, River Rd, Southbury. Call (Tues-Fri 9 am-3 pm) 800-368-8954.

Seasonal: Observation area open Dec 27 to March 14 only, Wed, Sat-Sun 9 am-1 pm, free adm but reservations absolutely required.

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): Feb 9, Johnny Rizzo headlining, opening set by Sharon Simon, tickets $15; Feb 23, Bob Nelson headlining, opening set by Vincent McElhone, tickets $19.50.

Shows at The New Sorrento, 32 Newtown Rd, Danbury (call 744-5575), shows 9:30 & tickets $15 unless noted: Feb 3, Macio headlining, opening sets by Mike Irwin & Tom Diddario; Feb 10, Tim Young headlining, opening sets by Lamar Williams & Tim Gage; Feb 17, Mitchell Walters headlining, opening sets by Pete Dominck & Darryl Knight; Feb 24, Bob Nelson headlining, opening set by Matt Christmas, showtime 10 pm, tickets $19.50.

Theatre ______________

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

Fences, through Feb 11, curtain Tues-Thurs & Sun 7:30 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm & Wed (call theater or visit website for schedule) 2 pm, tickets $22-$57 (discounts for groups, students).

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

The Cocktail Hour, through Feb 4, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, Sun, Tues-Wed 7 pm, mat Sat 3 pm, Sun 2 pm, call for ticket details; Feb 3, Pre-Play Intro, prior to matinee, call for details.

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

The Sisters Rosensweig, through Feb 25, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Thurs, Sat-Sun 2 pm, call for ticket info; Feb 3, opening night & reception; Feb 8, Beer & Pizza Night; Feb 10, Mimosa Matinee; Feb 15, Deli Night; Feb 16, Dessert Night; Feb 23, Wine & Martini Night.

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

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.

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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.

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, 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.