Antiques Shows______

Saturdays (through mid-Dec): 38th Season Woodbury’s Famous Antiques & Flea Market, 787 Main St South (Rte 6, near Rte 64), Woodbury, 7 am-1 pm, 150± vendors each week; 203-263-2841.

Sundays (through Dec 11): Elephant’s Trunk Country Flea Market, Rte 7, New Milford, 7 am-2:30 pm (early buying 5:45 am, $20), adm $1; 508-896-1975.

Sept 10: Russell Carrell’s Original Antiques in A Cow Pasture, Carrell Homestead/John Spencer Antiques, 92 Canaan Rd/Rte 4, Salisbury, 11 am-5 pm, adm $5 (early buying 9 am, $15), 100+ dealers, proceeds to benefit Salisbury VNA; 845-876-0616.

Sept 11: 33rd Antiques al Fresco, Bates-Scofield Homestead, 45 Old King’s Highway North (off Boston Post Rd), Darien, 11 am-5 pm, adm $5 (early buying & opening of Homestead Treasures at 10 am, $20), 50 dealers, outdoor settings; 508-674-9186.

Sept 18: Wilton DAR Antiques Show, Wilton High School Field House, Rte 7, Wilton, 10 am-5 pm, adm $9 (early buying 9 am, adm $20 incl breakfast), exhibitors from CT, IL, KY, MA, ME, MD, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA & VT participating; 203-762-3525.

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 Knoepke Meeting Room (lower meeting room) — Through Sept 30: “History In The Making: Faces Of Newtown,” 13 new portraits honoring current & former (deceased) residents of distinction, nominated by library’s Board of Trustees, created by award-winning members of CT Society of Portrait Artists; Sept 10, opening reception, 6-8 pm.

In first & second floor display cases — Through Sept 30: “The Prehistory of Newtown,” artifacts from collection of Town Historian Dan Cruson that illustrate the development of Native American culture in the area & the science of archaeology that enabled conclusions to be reached about development.

On library’s main floor — Through Sept 20: hand hooked rugs by award-winning rug hooker Liz Alpert Fay.

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

Through Oct 9: “Re-Collected/Re-Invented: The Narrative Craft Object,” jewelry, sculpture & 2-D artwork, all of which involve multi-media elements by 16 artists who recycle and/or reuse found objects incl pcs – Harriete Estel Berman, Gail Beveridge, Kathleen Browne, Janet Cooper, Robert Dancik, Jeff Georgantes, Miriam Kaye, Keith LoBue, Nancy Moyer, Gail Rieke, Tomas Savrda, Kara Tennis, Jeannie Thomma, Alan Burton Thompson, J. Fred Woell & Rick Wyrick.

Easton Public Library, 691 Morehouse Rd (at corner of Center St), Easton. Hours: Mon & Fri 10 am-5 pm, Tues & Wed 10 am-8 pm, Thurs 10 am-6 pm, Sat 10 am-3 pm. Call 261-0134.

Through Oct 18: “The Body Eclectic,” a collection of mixed media monotypes by Monroe artist Lisa P. Oswald, who uses texture & color to present abstractions of the human figure; Sept 21, artist’s reception (public invited), 5:30-7:30 pm.

Fenn Gallery of Contemporary Art, 345 Main Street/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Thurs-Sun 11 am-5 pm. Call 203-263-2821.

Through Sept 11: “Layers,” abstract encaustics by Carol Padberg & inventive mixed media works by Gloria Santoyo Ruenitz.

*(new show) Sept 15-Oct 23: “Vibrant Rhythms,” modernist paintings by Diran Deckmejian & Howard Fussiner; Sept 17, artists’ reception (public invited), 4-6 pm.

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

*(new show) Sept 15-25: “Fire and Stone II,” unique pottery & jewelry by gallery members incl Debbie Altschwager, Zufar Bikbov, Rita Caldwell, Lorraine Skelsky Chapin, Adelita Chirino, Bonny Current, Mally DeSomma, Barbara Goodspeed, Richard Kaminskas, Carla Koch, Anita Liebskind, Susan A. Nally, Nadine Newell, May Phillips, Judith Secco & Felicity Sidwell; Sept 17, opening reception, 11 am-6 pm.

Glebe House Museum & The Gertrude Jekyll Garden, 49 Hollow Rd, Woodbury. Hours: (May-Oct) Wed-Sun 1-4 pm, (Nov) Sat-Sun 1-4 pm. Call 203-263-2855.

Through Oct 9: “The Marshall Family at Home,” special exhibit celebrating 80th anniv of Glebe House Museum will portray members of Marshall family, their slaves & friends as they would have gone about typical day in Sept 1776 of an 18th Century well-educated middle class family (Marshalls moved into Glebe House ca 1771), exhibition will feature mannequins dressed in carefully researched & hand sewn clothing by curators Sandie Tarbox & Hallie Larkin.

Gunn Memorial Library Stairway Gallery, 5 Wykeham Rd, Washington Green. Hours: Mon & Fri 9:30 am-5 pm, Tues & Thurs 9:30 am-8 pm, Sat 9:30 am-3 pm. Call 860-868-7756.

In Stairwell Gallery — Through Sept 17: “Locals,” photographs by Walter Andrew featuring residents of Washington & surrounding towns.

Through Oct 23: “Washington Luminaries: H. Siddons Mowbray,” showcase of life & work of the noted muralist who resided in Washington & was prominent during Gilded Age.

Haas Library at Western CT State University, Osborne St (midtown campus), Danbury. Call 837-8486.

*(new show) Sept 10-Oct 7: “Excursions – An Exhibition of Recent Works by Herm Freeman, Thomas Hamann, Kim Hanna & Phil Demise Smith,” 25+ original engravings, paintings & mixed media works by well respected artists; Sept 10, opening reception, 7-9 pm.

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

*(new show) Sept 15-Nov 4: “The 2005 Weir Farm Visiting Artists Exhibition,” works by 5 regional artists who spent past year exploring bucolic setting of Nat’l Historic Site on Wilton-Ridgefield line – works by CT artists Bob Keating, Rob Loebell, Jane Miller & Eve Stockton, & NJ artist Pat Brentano; Sept 15, opening reception, 5:30-7 pm.

Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm. Call 860-868-0518.

Through Sept 30: “Inuit Artists – Inuit Hunters: Arctic Stories in Ivory, Bone and Stone,” Inuit sculpture carved from walrus ivory, soapstone, whalebone & musk ox horn loaned from IAIS member’s private collection.

Kent Art Association, 21 South Main St/Rte 7, Kent. Hours: Thurs-Sun 1-5 pm. Call 860-927-3989.

*(new show) Sept 16-Oct 16: “Annual Fall Art Show & Sale,” more than 100 paintings incl oils, watercolors, pastels & graphics, also sculpture, by prize-winning artist from local areas & adjacent states; Sept 16, opening reception, 6-8 pm; Sept 17, awards reception, 3 pm.

Miller Studio & Gallery, 495 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Mon-Tues by chance or appt. Call 203-263-3939.

*(new show) Through Oct 18: “North Light: Classical Realism by Robert Holden,” classically lit still life paintings & fine portraiture by Mr Holden; Sept 10, live portrait painting demo, 2-4 pm; also Sept 10, opening reception, 4-6 pm.

Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St, Roxbury. Hours: Sat 10 am-2 pm, Mon & Wed 10 am-7 pm, Thurs-Fri 10 am-5 pm. Call 860-350-2181.

Through Oct 3: “Patty Mullins Paintings,” recent oils by Sharon resident.

Richter Association for the Arts, 100 Aunt Hack Rd, Danbury. Hours: Sat-Sun 2-5 pm. Call 798-2245.

*(new show) Sept 17-18: “Bop,” surrealistic paintings on canvas, glass & metal by Richard R. Budman, show will be open 12-5 pm each day, live music by Ol’ Boi on Sunday.

River Glen Fine Arts Gallery, 3 Washington Ave/Rte 34, Sandy Hook. Hours: Tues 12-4 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am-4 pm. Call 270-1199.

Through Oct 23 (show dates extended): “Tercentennial Celebration: En Plein Air Exhibit of Newtown and Sandy Hook,” brand-new works done en plein aire in Newtown & Sandy Hook by 16 award-winning CT-based artists incl gallery-represented artists, also incl Newtown artists Pat Barkman, Betty Christensen, Ron DeFelice, Ruth Newquist, et al.

Paintings by Rainie Crawford, Frank Federico, Leslie Lillien Levy, Dick McEvoy, Alain J. Picard & Peter Seltzer, sculpture by Sterett-Gittings Kelsey.

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

Through Sept 30: “Chairs by Kristine Tino,” paintings by Ms Tino that depict chairs & shadows in series that incorporates the bold use of complementary colors in plance of actual colors of chairs & their shadows.

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 Sept 25: “Mystic Realms” paintings by Sandra Lerner that reflect her Japanese influence of closed planed, sacred architecture, subtle luminosity & intense energy, paintings by Carol Diamond that incorporate found tile & broken glass to raise the plane of the works & works by Juliann Cydylo that reference the history & cultural experience of women as reflected in restrictions of costume, gesture & outer appearance.

Western CT State University’s Warner Hall, Fifth Ave (off White St, on midtown campus), Danbury. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-8 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am-4 pm. Call 837-8486.

*(new show) Sept 10-Sept 23: “Freedom: A History of US,” historical documents & early American artifacts incl a draft of US Constitution, rare printing of Declaration of Independence, photos, daguerreotypes, speech transcripts, etc, many not available to public prior to inclusion in exhibit being presented in collaboration w/ Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program; Sept 14, ”The Ten Commandments in the Public Sphere,” 7 pm, in WCSU’s Alumni Hall, on White St, free discussion by Dr Paul Finkelman will be followed by Q&A moderated by Todd Brewster.

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

*(new show) Sept 10-Dec 31: “Dreams, Myths & Subconscious Doodles,” paintings, drawings & sculpture by New Hartford artist David J. Skora, whose work seeks to unfold the metaphoric & symbolic meanings of the subconscious dramas that appear through dreaming; Sept 10, opening reception, 1-3 pm.

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

Through Sept 29: “Scrapbag Quilt Artists’ 20th Anniversary,” collection of works by members of guild that originated 20 yrs ago in Newtown & now incl members from Brookfield, Easton, Danbury, Monroe, Newtown, Norwalk, Oxford, Weston & Woodbury offers look at traditional & contemporary quilting; Sept 10, artists’ reception (public invited), 2-4 pm.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

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

Sept 16-17: Auditions for 38th annual Nutcracker Ballet, at Danbury High School, Clapboard Ridge Rd/Rte 39, Danbury, artistic director & director/choreographer Arthur Fredeirc & co-director/choreographer Lisa Denton will hold open auditions to fill roles for children (age 7 & older), teens & adults, most roles are for dancers w/ formal training, very few roles for non-dancers, performances will be Dec 9-11, contact music center for audition brochure & schedule.

Oct 3: Postmark deadline for Student Concerto Competition, open to student musicians through senior year in high school & living in greater Danbury area, open to performers of all orchestral instruments, also piano & voice, $25 & recording representing student’s skill level must accompany application, auditions for 10 finalists will take place in Nov, winner will have solo performance w/ Danbury Symphony Orchestra on Feb 5, call for details.

*Danbury Concert Chorus, adult singers directed by Richard Price, will perform Nov 13, rehearsals are Tues eves, call for info on joining.

*Danbury Community Orchestra, amateur adult & teen performers direct by Stephen Michael Smith, rehearses Wed eves, will perform “B is for…,” featuring works of Beethoven, Bizet, Borodin & Bartok, on Dec 4, call for details on joining.

*Danbury Symphony Orchestra has openings in group of experienced orchestral performers, call for audition, rehearsals are Monday eves, first concert of season will be Nov 6.

Kent Art Association, at The Gallery at KAA, 21 South Main St/Rte 7, New Milford. Call 860-927-3989.

Sept 9-10: Receiving for KAA Fall Art Show & Sale, Fri 1-4 pm, Sat 10 am-1 pm, juried show seeking entries of oils, watercolors, pastels, graphics & sculpture, no collage or computer art accepted, all work must be representational, awards reception will be Sept 17, show will run Sept 16-Oct 16, visit KentArt.org or call gallery (phone # above) for additional info.

Newtown Choral Society, Newtown. Call 426-3769.

Openings in all sections for new season, preparing for Dec performance of Britten’s Ceremony of Carols & other works, director Mary Andreotta seeking singers w/ love of singing & willingness to learn, weekly rehearsals Wed pm, call for details.

Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield. Call 203-431-9850, 917-699-4045.

Sept 12-13: Auditions for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, 7:30-9:30 pm, director is Craig David Rosen, all auditioning should prepare uptempo Broadway tune & ballad (may only be asked to sing 16 bars of one song), be prepared to learn short dance/movement (so dress appropriately), rehearsals will be Mon-Fri & some weekends mid-Sept to opening night, performance dates are Fri-Sat Nov 11-Dec 10 plus Sun matinee on Dec 4, contact theater barn (first phone #) above or visit www.TheaterBarn.org for full cast breakdown, contact director (second phone #) for specific info.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Sept 10: Malone & Hutch at New Milford Green, Main St, New Milford, 7:30 pm, free performance concludes 2005 Concerts on The Green series, picnics welcome; 860-354-6768, 860-355-2873.

Sept 10: “Journey To The East,” at Danbury Music Centre, 256 Main St, Danbury, 8 pm, free performance by Larry Deming (viola, violin, Bulgarian tambura, African thumb pianos, strumstick & Chinese banjo), Alison Breisler (violin), Jordan Jancz (cello & bass), Dave Savitsky (alto sax), Matt Moadel (dumtek, tabla, shakers, cymbals, timpani & other percussion) & mystery guest will offer compositions that conjure the experience of travel over time & continents incl folk sons, dances & character pieces; 748-1716..

Sept 17-18: Bluegrass Festival at Woodbury Ski Area, Rte 47, Woodbury, 10 am-8 pm, Sat will feature competition, Sun music all day, performances by David Davis & The Warrior River, Northern Lights, Dan Paisley & The Southern Grass, Digger David & Tombstones, et al,  tickets $40/adv for both days, $25/adv per day or $30/day at gate, skate park also open both days (exhibition team Sat), arts & crafts & food vendors; 203-263-2203.

Sept 19: Lyra at Woodbury United Methodist Church, at corner Main St at Church, Woodbury, 7 pm, free performance by Russian a cappella group that specializes in sacred music of Russian Orthodox Church & folk music in effort to popularize Russian music, reservations suggested (seating limited), also performance by Mt Olive AME Zion Church Choir (Waterbury); 203-263-0869.

McLaughlin Vineyards, Albert’s Hill Rd, Sandy Hook. Hours: daily 11 am-5 pm. Call 426-1533.

Sunday Music Series, 1-4 pm, $10/adv, $12/day of: Sept 11, Garden Jazz, $10/adv, $12/day of; Sept 18, Bluegrass & Folk, $12/adv, $15/day of; Oct 2, Bluegrass & Folk, $12/adv, $15/day of; Oct 16, Bluegrass & Folk, $12/adv, $15/day of.

Merryall Center for the Arts, Chapel Hill Rd (off Merryall Rd), New Milford. Call 860-354-7264.

Performances 8 pm (unless noted), tickets $15, season tickets available: Sept 17, Penny Schnell & Home, contemporary folk ensemble offers memory-stirring songs incl ballads & blues delivered in rich blend of vocal & instrumental arrangements.

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

Performances 8 pm unless noted: Sept 17, Playhouse’s 5th Anniversary Gala featuring Melissa Manchester, cocktails & catered dinner 6 pm, silent & live auctions, performance by Ms Manchester begins 9:30 pm, tickets $90 (performance only), $250 (full evening incl post-performance reception w/ Ms Manchester).

Films _________________

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

Sept 9-15: The Aristocrats (NR), daily 9:15 pm, mat Fri 5:15 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 5:15 pm; Broken Flowers (R), daily 7:25 & 9:45 pm, mat Fri 5 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 12:30, 2:45 & 5 pm; The Constant Gardener (R), daily 6:45 & 9:25 pm, mat Fri 3:50 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1 & 3:50 pm; Junebug (R), daily 7 & 9:35 pm, mat Fri 4 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30 & 4 pm; March of The Penguins (G), daily 7:15 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:15 & 3:15 pm.

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

Sept 9-15: The Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants (PG), daily 7 & 9:10 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 & 4 pm, Tues 1 pm.

For Kids & Families _________

Sept 18: Flanders Family Fun: Fall Flowers, at Flanders Trail House, Flanders Rd at Church Hill Rd, Woodbury, 1-2:30 pm, $5, discover nature while spending family time together, registration requested; 203-263-3711.

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

Young Adult programs, free unless specified: Sept 14, YA Book Talk, 4 pm, one-hour discussion about Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling.

Miscellaneous ___________

Sept 10: Newtown Forest Association Guided Nature Walk, Hattertown Pond Preserve, Castle Meadow Rd at Maltbie Rd, Newtown, 11 am (rain date Sept 11), join NFA board members for easy hike while learning the history of the property & discussion of plants & wildlife that might be found along the walk, will last about an hour, NFA is offering monthly walks until mid-Oct to celebrate Newtown’s Tercentennial; 270-3650.

Sept 10: Church of the Good Shepherd Flea Market, 680 Racebrook Rd (at corner of Shepherd Lane, betw Post Rd & Rte 34), Orange, 8 am-2 pm rain or shine, refreshments available; 203-934-4446.

Sept 10: 22nd Annual Danbury High School Marching Hatter Band Jamboree, at DHS, 43 Clapboard Rd/Rte 39, Danbury, 5-10 pm, adm $7 adults, $5 seniors & students, performance by DHS, competition between 8 bands & color guards incl Newtown, Bethel, New Milford, Trumbull, et al, refreshments, vendors & more; 797-4800.

Sept 10-11: Annual Monroe Apple Festival, on the green, Rte 110 at 111, Monroe, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, crafters, children’s games, Country Kitchen, mums sale, snack bar, Apple Central (fresh apples, cider, caramel apples & other related items), raffle, sponsored by St Peter’s Episcopal Church; 268-4265.

Sept 10-11: 19th Annual Taste of Greater Danbury, at Danbury Green, Patriot Dr at Ives St, Sat 6-10:30 pm, Sun 12-7 pm, food samplings from many area restaurants, family activities, performances by Atlanta Rhythm Section (Sat 8:30), Peter Spink Band (Sun noon), Eight to The Bar (Sun 2 pm ) & Entrain (5 pm), raffles, vendors, 36 non-profit groups participating & more; 792-1711.

Sept 11: PhD School Daze Psychic Fair, at Maron Inn, Mill Plain Rd, Danbury, 11 am-6 pm, free adm, featuring area psychics, clairvoyants, astrologers, tarot & gemstone readers, also vendors; 470-1806.

Sept 11: “Living Happiness Through The Challenge? Really!” at Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free discussion led by speaker, teacher & Reiki master Rosemary Palladino will cover how anyone can live happily even in the face of change, challenge & distress, followed by group meditation & tea reception; 203-263-2254.

Sept 12: “Newtown Notables, gone but not forgotten… an encore presentation,” Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 pm, free presentation by costumed residents reenacting historic figures of Newtown’s past, complemented by slide show of Village Cemetery; 426-5937.

Sept 12: Ceremony To Honor Victims of 9/11, Western CT State University Student Center, 181 White St, Danbury, begins at noon, bagpipes performance by Prof David Machell, also narration by Dr Harold Schramm, WCSU President Dr James Schmotter & University Police Dept Color Guard, procession will begin in Student Center theater & move to just outside building, into Quadrangle, for conclusion; 837-8696, 837-8486.

Sept 13: Art Slide Lecture: John Arthur, WCSU White Hall Viewing Room 1, 181 White St/Rte 6, Danbury, 11 am, free discussion by Mr Arthur, a leading art authority, on contemporary landscape painting; 837-8410.

Sept 14: Genealogy Club of Newtown meeting, C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7 pm, free, public invited to join club members for program by professional genealogist Tom Howard on “A Bridge To Ancestors and To The Old Country: New England World War I Records”; 426-3889.

Sept 17: Waldorf Treasure Chest: A Tag Sale for Families, at Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, 40 Dodgingtown Rd/Rte 302, Newtown, 9 am-3 pm, adm $5, sale will feature items in good condition & of interest to families w/ emphasis on natural materials, craft supplies, toys, gardening, children’s winter clothing, baby supplies, books & more expected, proceeds to benefit senior class trip in April 2006; 364-6522.

Sept 17: 4th Annual Antique & Muscle Car Show, at The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown, 11 am-2 pm, display of antique & muscle cars, also DJ Vince Lamenza w/ music of 1940s-50s, food booths, vendors, raffles & giveaways; 426-8118 x1049.

Sept 17: Church of the Good Shepherd Flea Market, 680 Racebrook Rd (at corner of Shepherd Lane, betw Post Rd & Rte 34), Orange, 8 am-2 pm rain or shine, refreshments available; 203-934-4446.

Sept 17: Easton Craftsmen’s Guild Fine Artist & Demonstrating Craftsmen Show, Fireman’s Field, Center Rd, Easton, 10 am-5 pm, demos by artists from across CT (incl photographer David Anderson & woodworker The Grizzly Woodsmith of Newtown), MA, NY, NJ, CA, live music, refreshments, all proceeds will benefit The CT Burn Camp for Children; 445-1953.

Sept 17: 26th Annual Lawn Festival & Family Fair, Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, 1428 Monroe Tpke/Rte 111, Monroe, 10 am-5 pm rain or shine, free adm, one of area’s largest tag sales will incl 2,500 square ft of items & thousands of great finds, also ethnic & American foods, music, cultural dancers, children’s games, rides & crafts, raffles; 268-6540, 459-8286.

Sept 17: Fourth Annual Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden Dog Show, at B-F House & Garden, 9 Main St North/Rte 61, Bethlehem, 1-3 pm, $5/dog (1 owner free), $5 for spectators, $1 children, dogs of all sizes, shapes & colors invited for fun-filled events to celebrate the wonder of dogs, also agility demos by Jack Crann (Peace of Mind Canine, Bethlehem), dog-related arts & crafts activities, canine organizations on site, ALL DOGS must be registered in advance, up-to-date on shots & on leash; 203-266-7596.

Sept 17: CT ConTacts Singles Dance Party at Colonial Tavern, 24 Hawley Rd (off Rte 67), Oxford, 8 pm-1 am, adm $15 incl dinner & dessert buffets, dancing to DJ selections, no bluejeans; 203-468-1144.

Sept 18: 3rd Annual NRPS Kitchens Tour, Newtown & Sandy Hook, 11 am-3 pm, tickets $20/adv, $25/day of, ticket-holders will be able to visit kitchens in 7 private homes (tickets incl map to the homes), light refreshments, presented by Newtown Residential Preservation Society, partial proceeds to benefit Newtown Historical Society; 426-0406, 270-9344, 364-9923.

Sept 18: 28th Annual Litchfield Postcard Show, Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd/Rte 202, Litchfield, 10 am-4:30 pm, adm $2, sponsored by CT Post Card Club, catered refreshments.

Sept 18: Colonial Fair & Muster Day at Hurd House Museum and Glebe House Museum, Hollow Rd, Woodbury, 12-5 pm, free adm, road will be closed to through traffic so that visitors can enjoy skirmishing militias, musical entertainment & rides in horse-drawn wagonette, also tours of museums, crafters offering demos & sales; 203-263-2855.

Sept 18: Poetry reading: Phil Demise Smith, WCSU’s Haas Library, Fifth Ave (off White St/Rte 6, on midtown campus), Danbury, 2 pm, free reading & discussion by poet & artist Smith; 837-9107.

Sept 18: “Historic Garden Walk: Garden Fashions and Traditions,” Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St South/Rte 61, Bethlehem, 3 pm, $5; 203-266-7596.

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

Programs free unless noted: Sept 10, computer class for beginners, 9 am-noon, free course will be led by Dan Tannenbaum (Newtown Computer Training Center); Sept 12, Literary Group book discussion, 1 pm, group will discuss Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence, newcomers welcome; Sept 14, A Pakistani Feast, 7 pm, $10 (supply fee, due at registration), Kanwal Sahki will lead cooking (& tasting!) class featuring Pakistani courses, limited to 10 participants; Sept 15, “Real Ghost Stories: An Author Talk & Book Signing,” 7:30 pm, co-authors Lorraine Warren & Cheryl Wicks will share stories from their new book (Ghost Tracks: What History, Science, and Fifty Years of Field Research Have Revealed about Ghosts, Evil, and Life After Death), explain various types of haunting phenomenon & then sign copies of books; Sept 17, intermediate-level computer class, 9 am-noon, $10, led by Dan Tannenbaum (Newtown Computer Training Center); Sept 22, Evening Book Group meeting, 7:30 pm, group will discuss Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of The Dog in The Nighttime, newcomers welcome.

Flagpole Photographers, C.H. Booth Library lower meeting room, 25 Main St, Newtown. Call 364-1719, 426-0558.

Meetings 3rd Thurs/month, 7:30 pm, non-members always welcome: Sept 15, season-opening meeting will incl presentation by Ken Graff on using Adobe’s Photoshop elements, members’ contest on “Best of Summer.”

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

Sept 10, The ABC’s of Wine Tasting, $35 (reservations required), 3 pm, learn about tasting wines by learning how to analyze wine through sight, smell & taste, learn to write tasting notes to help understand what wine is all about, good for all abilities & class incl 8 wines from around.

Newtown Hikers. Call 426-2897 or 788-1398 (Ester Nichols), 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 as follows: Sept 10, Bish Bash Falls, Copake, N.Y., day-long hike, difficult but beautiful (leader Ildiko Gramling, 203-263-0086); Sept 17, Gay City, Hebron (Pat Callan, 264-2153); Sept 24, Kettletown Trail, Southbury (Dale Rupert, 794-9350).

Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall (lower level), 45 Main Street, Newtown. Call 270-4377.

Shop is open every Wed 12-3 pm & Sat 9 am-noon, access is from town hall’s back parking lot, shop carries discounted items from local businesses & private donors incl clothing, sm home accessories & more.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-6224.

Non-profit weight loss support group meets every Mon 6-8 pm (weigh-ins 6-6:45, meetings 7-8), meetings $2/week, membership $20/year.

Treehouse Comedy Productions.

Shows at Marisa’s Ristorante, 6540 Main St, Trumbull (call 459-4225), tickets $10 unless noted, shows start 9:45 pm: Sept 30, co-headliners Quentin Heggs & Jeff Norris.

Shows at The New Sorrento, 32 Newtown Rd, Danbury, 9:30 pm, first act, featured act & headliners as follows, tickets $15 unless noted: Sept 10, Greg Vaccarello & Rich Ramirez co-headlining, Pat O’Rourke opening (PG-13 show rating); Sept 17, Matt Burke & Macio co-headlining, Johnny Watson opening (show rated R); Sept 23, musical comedy by Tom Anzelone, 2nd co-headliner will be Quentin Heggs, opening set by Eric Tartaglione (show is rated PG-13).

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: Sept 16, Spiritual Touch w/ Kathanna Knapp, 7:30-9:30 pm, $15, energy healings, angels, readings, group love & support, prayer circle & discussion on spiritual topic or guided meditation; Sept 23, Angel Prayer & Healing Circle, 7:30-9:30 pm, guest leader is Sharon Johnson, also tonings & Shamballa healings; Sept 25, “Talking with Heaven” w/ Raffaello DiMeglio, 4-6 pm, $30, pre-registration required, readings by Mr DiMeglio;

Workshops at Fairfield County Agricultural Center (white building in rear), 67-69 Stony Hill Rd/Rte 6, Bethel: Sept 24, Kismet Discussion Group: Ancient Mystery Schools, 7 pm, $15 & BYO favorite dish to share.

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 requested if out-of-state or major guest poet), guest/featured poets as follows: Sept 14, Bessy Reyna (The Battlefield of Your Body, She Remembers, others), host is Eli Cleary; Sept 21, poet & teacher A. David Cappella (English dept at CCSU, also co-author Teacher The Art of Poetry: The Moves & A Surge of Language: Teaching Poetry Day to Day), host is Mark McGuire-Schwartz.

Willow Creek Farm, 522 North George’s Hill Rd, Southbury. Call 262-9339.

Wednesdays in Sept, guest instructor Kerry Torrey Philhower available for clinics/lessons in show jumping & cross country, reservations required, private lessons unless set up in advance.

Theatre ______________

Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, Brookfield Playhouse, Rte 25, Brookfield Center. Call 775-0023.

Outward Bound, through Sept 24, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, call for ticket details.

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

The Shadow Box, Sept 9-Oct 8, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, also Sun (Sept 25 only) 2 pm, tickets $18 adults, $15 seniors & students; cabaret-style seating, audience welcome to bring food & beverages, doors open one hour before showtime.

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

Special Event: Gypsy, Sept 9-18, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, tickets $18/adv, $20/door.

Town Players of Newtown, at The Little Theater, theater is on Orchard Hill Rd (mailing address is PO Box 211), Newtown. Call 270-9144.

Fuddy Meers, through Sept 24, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (Sept 18 only) 2 pm, tickets $15 evening shows, $12 mat.