Antiques Shows______

Saturdays: Woodbury’s Famous Antiques & Flea Market, Rte 6 near Rte 64, Woodbury, 7 am-1 pm, 150± vendors each week, event runs weekly through mid-December; 203-263-2841.

June 5: Annual Outdoor Ridgefield Antiques Market, Lounsbury House (Ridgefield Community Center), 316 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 9 am-4 pm rain or shine, adm $6 (early buying 7 am, $20); 203-894-1921 show manager Corinne Burke), 203-438-6962 (Lounsbury House).

June 5: Second Annual Woodbury Antiques Fair, Three Rivers Park, Jack’s Bridge Rd (off Rte 47), Woodbury, 10 am-5 pm (early buying 8-10 am, $25), adm $8, benefit for Glebe House Museum will offer 200± dealers from immediate area & surrounding states; 845-876-0616.

June 6: 37th Easton Lions Club Spring Antiques Show, Helen Keller Middle School, Rte 59, Easton, 10 am-4 pm (early buying 9 am, $10), adm $4; 203-874-7738.

June 12: Shelton Historical Society Peddlers’ Market, Shelton History Center, 70 Ripton Rd, Shelton, 9 am-3:30 pm; 203-922-0021, 203-929-1797.

June 12-13: 23rd year Farmington Antiques Weekend, Farmington Polo Grounds, Tillotson Rd, Farmington, Sat 8 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-5 pm, adm $10 Sat (good for both days), Sun $7, 600± dealers outdoors under tents (note: this year’s 2nd Farmington Weekend will be Sept 4-5); 317-598-0019, (show phone 860-677-7862).

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place, Bethel. Hours: Wed 7:30 pm (opens for weekly poetry program), Thurs-Sat 12-9 pm, Sun 11-4 pm. Call 798-2193 or 740-7351.

Through June 12, “Recent Works: Tarol Samuelson,” new pcs by Newtown artist who conceptualizes works as electronic images before executing them in traditional media incl oil on canvas.

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.

*(new show) June 4-6, “The Hattertown Portfolio: A Special Exhibition,” original illustrations & information about photos included in limited edition The Hattertown Portfolio, which depicts & offers history of Newtown’s historic Hattertown district; June 5, artists’ reception (public invited), 2-4 pm.

In Olga Knoepke Meeting Room (lower meeting room): *(new show) Through June 17, works by Newtown-based watercolor & oil painter Carol Reilley.

In first floor display cases (near Children’s Dept): Through June 15, sports portrait figures created by local sculptors Jack Rudolf & Peter Rubino.

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

Through June 6, “Stand and Deliver: Handmade Moveable Books,” handmade artist books by 52 book & paper artists representing 24 states & 5 foreign countries.

Brookfield Historical Society, Rtes 133 & 25, Brookfield Center. Hours: Sat 12-4 pm, also by appt & by chance (when museum flag is displayed). Call 740-8140.

Through Aug 31, “Inner Space To Outer Space.”

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

*(new show) June 3-30, “12 Years and Counting,” works by 15 award-winning gallery members sharing their visions of country landscapes, bountiful still lifes, animals w/ personality & figure paintings, also handcrafted pottery, jewelry & glass; June 12, champagne reception, 12-6 pm.

Good News Café, 684 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Mon, Wed-Sat 11:30 am-10 pm, Sun 12-10 pm. Call 203-266-4663.

Through June 7, “Lush Life,” recent works on acrylics by Joan Lockhart, who is celebrating her successful return to professional roots after years working as graphic designer.

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 June 27, “Spring Art Show 2004,” works by gallery members incl Deborah Chabrian, Christopher Magadini, Edward Martinez, Alain Picard & Bill Rice, also returning artists Joseph Grieco & Anda Styler, plus new members Rick Daskam, Robert Ferrucci, Patrick Purcell & Danielle Wexler.

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.

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

*(new show) June 10-July 23, “Izzy the Frog in Lumina Land,” “experiential” exhibition w/ works by Joy Wulke, illumination by Jamie Burnett & soundscape by Istvan Peter B’Racz offers educational opportunity about earth’s fragile ecology, viewers view landscape of reflective ponds & illustrative stories to learn of evolution of human relationship w/ toads & frogs as symbols of transformation through myths, exhibit coincides w/ The Izzy Frog Festival at CT’s Beardsley Zoo (June 27) & multi-media event at Ballpark at Harbor Yard (July 16-17); June 10, opening reception (all ages welcome), 5:30-7:30 pm.

*(new show) June 10-July 23, “Places of The Spirit: Sacred Sites of the Adirondacks,” approx 40 photos by Barry Lobdell, Heather MacLeod, Romaine Orthwein & Shellburne Thurber, who responded to 2001 challenge of visually responding to sacred sites incl churches, synagogues, burial grounds & landscape sites of spirituality in New York’s Adirondack region; June 11, opening reception, 6-8 pm.

Miller Studio & Gallery/Beaux Arts Gallery, 495 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sun 12-4:30 pm. Call 203-263-3939.

Through July 3, “The Modern Landscape,” works of Judith Andrew, Joy Bristow, Robert Crawford, Fran Henry-Meehan, MaJo Keleshian, Annabelle Meacham, Katrina Schmidt-Rinke & Tom Yost.

Museum of American Political Life at University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford. Hours: Tues-Sun 10 am-5 pm. Call 860-768-4090.

“The History of Presidential Elections,” permanent exhibition offers massive display of small campaign artifacts & hundreds of contemporary graphics & photo images to illustrate the relationship between politics & noteworthy events & trends in US history.

Addt’l permanent exhibits: “Torchlight Parade,” “The Right To Vote” (the expansion of the electorate since birth of The Republic incl struggles of women & minorities), “Log Cabin to The White House” (how candidates since 1820s have attempted to creat a public image consistent w/ popular culture & social values of the day), “Perennial Political Issues” (the three major issues since George Washington: prosperity, world leadership & the currency), “Reform and Protest” (individuals & groups outside the 2-party system who have introduced new & often controversial themes & issues into political arena) & “The Presidency and The Press” (the use of newspapers in political campaigns, also the relationship between TV & Presidential politics).

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

*(new show) June 6-July 4, “Inner & Outer Landscapes,” interpretations of the landscape by 11 American & European artists, curated by RGA member Phil Demise Smith; June 6, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

Sadelier, 69 West Wooster St, Danbury. Hours: Tues-Thurs, Sat 11 am-5 pm, Fri 11 am-6 pm, Mon by appt. Call 743-4830.

Through June 12, watercolors “loosely based on the circle & exploring the wide range of possibilities the motif offers” by Melinda Hackett.

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

Through June 13, “iona rozeal brown/Matrix 152,” 15 recent works by Ms Brown, who is intrigued by the global influence of hip-hop culture & has appropriated images of Japanese entertainers from 17th Century Ukiyo-e prints of imperial Edo w/ contemporary exposed tattoos, acrylic fingernail extensions, hairstylings, etc.

Through 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.

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 June 20, paintings by Rita Baragona Marianne Gagnier & Kim Sloane.

In Upstairs Gallery: *(new show) Through June 30, fine miniature pressed flower collages by Ljiljana (“Lily”) StejicVukovic; June 5, opening reception, 3-5 pm.

Wilton Art Gallery & Framing, 379 Danbury Rd/Rte 7, Wilton. Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm, Sat 9:30 am-5 pm, Sun by appt. Call 203-762-8311.

*(new show) June 2-July 30, “Natural Reflections: recent works by Amy Foster & Roger Hendricks,” oil paintings & sculpture by local artist & teacher Ms Foster & nationally acclaimed artist Mr Hendricks; June 12, artists’ opening reception, 5-8 pm.

Wooster Community Art Center, 73 Miry Brook Rd, Danbury. Gallery hours: M-F 9:30 am-6:30 pm. Call 744-4825.

*(new show) June 7-July 31, paintings by Earl Hamilton, who uses his works to communicate basic human emotions or conditions.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Sherman Players, Sherman Playhouse, Rte 37 at 39, Sherman. Call 748-6097.

June 7: Auditions for Woody Guthrie’s American Song, 6:30-9 pm, director Francis A. Daley seeks 3 men (ages 20-65: one in his 20s & fairly proficient on guitar; second should be in 30s-40s, plays guitar & sings in tenor/baritone range; third should be in 40-65 age range & strong character actor, guitar a plus but not necessary) & 2 women (ages 16-65: one is young soprano age 16-25, plays guitar, mezzo-soprano & able to “belt out a song”; second is age 30-65, strong character actor & also strong singer), all actors should be prepared w/ non-Broadway song (preferably in folk tradition), short monologue & be prepared to play guitar if part calls for it, musical director is Susan Lang, rehearsals will be Mon-Thurs beginning mid-July, show opens mid-Aug, production will run Fri-Sat eves & 2 Sun mats through mid-Sept, contact Mr Daley at above # for details.

Summer Festival Chorus, Fairfield Univ Quick Center, North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Call 203-254-4010 or 877-2787 (or visit www.QuickCenter.com).

June 22: Auditions for 2004 program, 7 pm, experienced choral singers invited to audition, be prepared to sing vocal warm-ups & exercises, rehearsals will run Tues & Thurs eves, final public concert will be presented Aug 14 (“Hot Summer Sounds of the World”), Carole Ann Maxwell returning as musical director & conductor.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

June 5: NUMC Coffee House, Newtown United Methodist Church’s Rauner Hall, 92 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook, 7:45-10:30 pm, adm $3 for those attending earlier pasta dinner (see details under Miscellaneous), $4 otherwise, live bluegrass & folk music, refreshments, suitable for all ages; 426-0617.

June 6: Recital by vocal teacher Maggi Heilweil & guests, Walzer Family Jewish Community campus, 444 Main St North, Southbury, 4 pm, free performance by Ms Heilweil (a soprano) w/ tenor Rabbi George Hershfeld & accompanists Andrew Gordon & Jayson Enquist, program to incl works of Sondheim, Puccini, Verdi, et al; 364-1326.

June 6: Pianist Sharon Abner at First Congregational Church of Washington, Rte 47/on the green, Washington, 5 pm, free adm (offering will be taken; sugg donation $10), performance by organist & assoc director of music at First Congregational will incl music of Dietrich Buxtehude, J.S. Bach, Jacques Ibert, Peter Eben, Craig Phillips & a spiritual arranged in jazz style by Joe Utterback; 860-868-0569.

June 13: Congregation Adath Israel “Cantorial Cabaret-Concert Night,” at St Rose of Lima Church House, 46 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, begins 5:30 pm, tickets $10, performances by Rabbi Shaul Praver & Friends, Cantor Penny Kessler, Cantor Debbie Katchko, pianist Christ Coogan, performers accompanied by Phil Waldenstein & band; 426-7801, 268-1342.

June 13: Trio di Camerati at New Preston Congregational Church, 15 Church St, New Preston, 3 pm, donation $10/adv, $12/door, performance will incl debut by trio of Anna Rubin’s award-winning “Family Stories: Sophie, Sally,” also works of Vivaldi, Devienne & Shostakovich; 860-567-1972, 860-868-7805.

June 13: “Wake Up Church – Wake Up: A Gala Gospel Concert,” at Golden Hill United Methodist Church, at corner of Elm St, Golden Hill St & Lafayette Sq, Bridgeport, 7 pm, performances by Covenant Church Choir, First United Methodist Church Shelton Senior Choir, 3 In Accord, Stratford Baptist Church Choir, Huntington Chapel Band, Adrienne, Joe Utterback & David Jackson will raise funds for Bridgeport Rescue Mission; 203-333-4087 (concert coordinator Monica Dennis-Jones, mornings), 203-336-0152 (church office).

Ballard Park, Main St/Rte 35 at Gilbert St, Ridgefield. Call 203-431-2760.

CHIRP 2004 (Concert Happenings In Ridgefield’s Parks), 7-9 pm, free, picnics welcome (rain location East Ridge Middle School): June 8, The Hot Club of Cowtown, string jazz for the 21st Century; June 15, Lunasa, called “the hottest Irish acoustic group on the planet” by The Village Voice.

Booth Library Concert Series, at The Pleasance, Main St at Sugar Street (Rte 302), Newtown. Call 426-4533.

Summer Concert Series, free, 7 pm, concerts move to library’s meeting room if rain (25 Main St): June 19, Mary Beth Sippin & Gold Rush, traditional country music.

Fireside Inn, 123 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-7001.

Ballroom, Latin & Swing Dance Party, every Wed 7-11 pm, $12, singles & couples welcome for free dance lessons (7:30), buffet dinner (8), open dancing to DJ selections, dressy attire (no jeans).

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

Performances 8:30 pm (unless noted), tickets $15, season tickets available: June 12, Handler, Levesque and Friends, “rich zesty quartet crackles w/ tasty elements of classical, swing, gypsy, Brazilian & a dizzying array of world music flavorings.”.

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

“Garden Jazz,” Sun through Oct 10, 1-4 pm rain or shine, $10 (reservations a must), enjoy intimate jazz performance & wine tastings in garden overlooking vineyards, non-alcoholic drinks also available.

Films _________________

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

June 4-10: Monsieur Ibrahim (R, French w/ subtitles), daily 7:30 & 9:35 pm, mat Fri 5:20 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10, 3:15 & 5:20 pm; Shrek 2 (PG), daily 7:15 & 9:25 pm, mat Fri 5 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 12:40, 2:50 & 5 pm; Super Size Me (NR), daily 7 & 9:15 pm, mat Fri 4:15 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:50 & 4:15 pm; Troy (R), daily 6:40 & 9:45 pm, mat Fri 3:35 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 12:30 & 3:35 pm.

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

June 7-17: The Passion of The Christ (R), daily 7 & 9:15 pm, mat Sat 1 & 4 pm, Sun 4 pm, Tues 1 pm.

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

Through June 17: Ocean Oasis, daily 11 am, 1 & 3 pm, also Fri-Sun 7 pm w/ Volcanoes of the Deep Sea (double feature); Volcanoes of the Deep Sea, Mon-Fri 12 & 2 pm, Sat-Sun 12, 2 & 4 pm.

For Kids & Families _________

June 4: Sugar Beats at Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and the Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, shows at 4 & 7 pm, tickets $15 & $20, performance of kids singing songs their parents love, from “What’s New Pussycat” & “Wild Thing” to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” & more; 203-438-5795.

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

Free public programs: June 5, Unique Animals Storytime, 11 am, hear stories about unusual animals inck Tom Cat by Noah Woods & Emily and Albert by Jan Omerod; June 12, Perfect Pooch Storytime, 11 am, stories about dogs whose behavior is almost too good to be true incl Poodlena Pompadour by E.B. McHenry & Perfectly Martha by Susan Meddaugh.

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

Young Adult programs, free unless specified: June 30, Young Adult Book Discussion, 4 pm, readers in grades 5-8 invited to discuss Ann M. Martin’s Belle Teal.

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

Programs included w/ zoo adm ($8 adults, $6 ages 3-11 & seniors, free ages 3 & under, group rates available): June 6, Wildflower Safari, 12-3 pm, included w/ zoo admission, crafts & related flower activities will help plant seeds of knowledge about beautiful flora.

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 Aug 1, “Simply Sensational: An Exploration of The Sense,” family-oriented exhibition illustrates how people & animals use their senses to survive in & strive to understand the world.

Miscellaneous ___________

June 4: “Evenings with The Experts: Great Discoveries of The Past 35 Years,” Wayne Pratt Antiques, 346 Main St South/Rte 6, Woodbury, 7 pm, $25, lecture by Wayne Pratt on some of the treasures the antiques dealer & columnist has discovered during lat 35 years continues Glebe House Museum’s ongoing lecture series; 203-263-2855.

June 4-5: Tag Sale at Oxford United Church of Christ Congregational, 1 Academy La (opposite The Oxford House, Rte 67), Oxford, Fri 6-9 pm, Sat 9 am-1 pm.

June 4-5: Tag Sale at Jesse Lee United Methodist Church, 25 Flat Rock Rd, Easton, Fri 9 am-4 pm, Sat 9 am-2 pm; 203-372-8250.

June 4-6: “The Hattertown Portfolio: A Special Exhibition,” at C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, Fri 12-5 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm, special exhibition of original illustrations & information about photos included in limited edition The Hattertown Portfolio, which depicts & offers history of Newtown’s historic Hattertown district (June 5, artists’ reception (public invited), 2-4 pm); 426-4533.

June 5: 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 details under Concerts); 426-0617.

June 5: Artisans Alliance Craft Fair, Molly Darcy’s Pub, 39 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury, 10 am-4 pm rain or shine; 261-2414.

June 5-6: Civil Air patrol’s 399th Squadron Open Hosue, 21 Miry Brook Rd (in hangar, watch for signs), Danbury, Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-3 pm, repeating lectures by William Guenon (author, Secret and Dangerous: Night of The Son Tay Raid), also learn about mission of Civil Air Patrol, learn about Cadet programs, emergency services training, homeland security training, meet members & Cadets, ongoing demos of searching for emergency locator transmitters, display of cut-away Pratt & Whitney aircraft engine, Soviet-built Mig 17 & modified military heavy lift vehicle, more; 794-1489.

June 5-9: Friends of Monroe Library Annual Book Sale, at Monroe Town Hall, 7 Fan Hill Rd (at Rte 111), Monroe, Sat (early buying 9-10 am, $10 incl breakfast) 10 am-5 pm, Sun-Tues 10 am-4 pm, Wed 10 am-noon, 15,000± books sorted into 50+ categories; 452-5458.

June 6: Newtown Road Show, 1 Stony Brook Rd (look for House For Sale sign), Newtown, 1-4 pm, free appraisals of up to 3 antique items (paintings, china, furniture, etc) by dealer and appraiser Jay St Mark; 426-3333.

June 6: Baseball Card & Sport Memorabilia Show, Ramada inn, 225 Lordship Blvd, Stratford, 9:30 am-3 pm, adm $3 adults, 99¢ ages 10 & under, special appearance by World Series Champion Johnny Kucks (12-1 pm), also dealers from 5 states participating w/ sport & vintage cards, wax boxes, supplies, memorabilia, autographs, etc; 364-1209.

June 6: Plumtrees Animal Hospital Annual Pet Fair & Skyhoundz Hyperflite Competition, at Fairfield County Agricultural Center, Rte 6/Stony Hill Rd, Stony Hill, 10 am-2 pm, people & pets invited to participate in day of activities & demos, cats & dogs available for adoption, registration for local competition of 2004 Hyperflite Skyhoundz Canine Disc Championships opens at 10:30, contests for basic throws & catches, also distance/accuracy events, mixed breed & purebred dogs welcome, also clinics on trimming pets’ nails & brushing pets’ teeth, Kids pet Contest at 1 (ages 12 & under can enter; leashes & cages a must); 748-8878.

June 6: 26th Annual Woodbury Lions Club Car Show & Taste of Woodbury, Hollow Park, Hollow Rd (off Rte 6, watch for signs), Woodbury, 10 am-3 pm, car registration 9 am ($7/car), general adm $5 adults, $1 teens, free ages 12 & under, antique, classic, special interest vehicles, 4x4 trucks, sports cars & show cars from all eras on view, also specialties by local restaurants, music provided by DJ; 203-263-8433.

June 6: “Discover What Is Hidden in Plain View: Light and Lightness Within Ourselves,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free program by certified yoga instructor Vincent D’Alessio will be followed by group meditation & tea reception; 203-263-2254.

June 8: WCSU Observatory special viewing, Higgins Hall (westside campus), University Blvd (off Mill Plain Rd), Danbury, sunrise (about 5 am), public invited to see the transit of Venus across the sun’s disk, which will not occur again until June 2012; 837-8671, 837-8672.

June 8: “Love and Knishes: Slim and Trim,” Walzer Family Jewish Community campus, 444 Main St North, Southbury, $5.50, lunch at noon, program at 1 pm by nutritionist & registered dietician Judy Prager on weight control for seniors, reservations by June 3; 267-3177 x105.

June 10: “How Much Water Quality Change Has Occurred in Candlewood and Other Lakes in New England, and How Do We Know?” WCSU Student Center Theatre, 181 White St, Danbury, 7-8 pm, lecture by Dr Peter Silver (chairman of environmental studies, CT College) will continue ongoing programs concerning Candlewood Lake that can be attended individually or as full (4-part) series; 837-8773, 837-8486.

June 10: Summer Star Party, WCSU Observatory, Higgins Hall (westside campus), University Blvd (off Mill Plain Rd), Danbury, 9-11 pm, free, telescopes available on observatory’s patio & amateur astronomers welcome to bring their own to view summer skies, call if cloudy, cancelled if rain; 837-8671, 837-8672.

June 10: “Report on NASA: The Cassini-Huygens Mission to Saturn,” Woodbury Public Library, 269 Main St South/Rte 6, Woodbury, 7-8:15 pm, slide & multi-media program by NASA Solar System Ambassador (volunteer public outreach) Deron Ash will concern nearly-completed mission to Saturn & upcoming four-year investigation of the planet; 203-263-3502.

June 10-12: 37th Annual Norfield Art Show, Norfield Church, Norfield Rd (off Rte 57), Weston, Thurs 6-9 pm (gala champagne party), Fri 6-8:30 pm (wine & cheese reception), Sat 9 am-4 pm, show & sale of original watercolors, oils, gouaches, charcoals, mixed media & photography by 60 of Fairfield County’s most prominent artists, proceeds will benefit local charities, show is part of annual Norfield Country Fair (see separate listing); 227-8817, 226-7448.

June 11: Regional Hospice Arts Festival & Cosmopolitan Buffet, at Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation US headquarters, 900 Old Ridgebury Rd, Ridgefield, begins 7 pm, tickets $75, juried exhibition & sale of works by 100+ CT & New England artists as selected & awarded by art writer & critic Lisa Paul Streitfeld, also live music, gourmet food, specialty desserts, fine wine & champagne from 20 area restaurants, proceeds & portion of each sale of art benefit Regional Hospice of Western CT: 797-1685 x12.

June 11-12: Annual Sandy Hook Fire Co Lobster Fest, Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue Co Firehouse, Riverside Rd, Sandy Hook, 5-9 pm, $18/adv, $20/door, full lobster or steak dinner w/ salad, soup, soft drink & ice cream, also available are steamers & raw clams.

June 12: Annual First Congregational Church of Bethel Tag Sale, 46 Main St, Bethel, 9 am-4 pm, items donated by members of church, light refreshments also available, proceeds to be divided between church programs & missions & local outreach within community; 748-6112.

June 12: 29th Annual New England Strawberry Festival, United Church of Christ, 283 Main St North/Rte 6, Southbury, 12-3 pm, strawberry shortcake w/ whipped cream & other treats, also hot dogs & hamburgers available, baked goods, performances by Pierce Campbell, blood pressure screenings, craft sale; 262-8146.

June 13: Pancake Breakfast for Children’s Arthritis Camp, Odd Fellows’ & Rebekah’s Lodge of New Milford, Rte 7, New Milford, 8-11 am, $5 adults, $2 ages 12 & under; 860-354-1062.

June 15: “Love and Knishes: A Medley of Jewish Songs,” Walzer Family Jewish Community campus, 444 Main St North, Southbury, $5.50, lunch at noon, encore program at 1 pm the mezzo soprano Sharon Ruchman will offer folk songs, show tunes & Yiddish, reservations by June 10; 267-3177 x105.

June 16: Housatonic Valley Paddlers Club meeting, CL&P Service Center, Barnabas Rd, Newtown, 7 pm, free & open to non-members, program by Brian Dziuba on navigating using GPS, compass & charts; 203-263-3281.

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

Summer Beach Parties, 9 am-6 pm incl breakfast & buffet lunch, dancing, volleyball, etc: June 13, hikes at Hop Brook Lake, 4 Straits Tpke/Rte 63, Middlebury, $35/person & RSVP needed

Ashlar of Newtown, 139 Toddy Hill Rd, Newtown. Call 426-5847.

18th Annual Summer Sounds concert series, free performances 7 pm, BYO seating, shows cancelled if rain: June 8, Berkshire Big Band, music from 1930s-50s.

Audubon Center at Bent of the River, 185 East Flat Hill Rd, Southbury. Call 264-5098.

Alliance Française of Northwestern CT French Literary Mornings, Sat June 5 & 19, 10 am-noon, free & open to anyone interested in speaking and/or learning French, classic French short stories by Voltaire, Balzac, Flaubert, Beldelaire, Maupassant, et al, will be discussed, bring folding chair & bug spray (programs in barn if bad weather).

Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St/Rte 61, Bethlehem. Hours: Wed, Fri-Sun 11 am-4 pm. Call 203-266-7596.

1754 home of Bethlehem’s first minister complemented by outbuildings, 18th C apple orchard & 1915 formal parterre garden is open for summer tours (Wed, Fri-Sun 11 am-4 pm), adm $5 adults, $2 ages 18 & under.

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

Free public programs: June 8, book discussion of Terry Ryan’s memoir The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less.

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

Programs free unless noted: June 4-6, “The Hattertown Portfolio: A Special Exhibition,” original illustrations & information about photos included in limited edition The Hattertown Portfolio, which depicts & offers history of Newtown’s historic Hattertown district (Sat, artists’ reception 2-4 pm); June 9, Bottles of Hope workshops, 10 am-noon & 7-9 pm, all materials provided, decorate small glass bottles w/ clay designs to be given to cancer patients & survivors (contact workshop leader Tracy Van Buskirk for details, 426-3014); June 12, beginner’s computer class, 9 am-noon, free, registration required.

Devil’s Den Preserve, 33 Pent Rd, Weston. Call 226-4991.

All events free, no pets (even on leashes), reservations required: June 6, National Trails Day Hike, 7 am to 1 pm, leader Steve White will help participants celebrate Nat’l Trails Day w/ 3-5-mile walk over some of Den’s best trails, bring lunch & plenty of water; June 11, Moth Walk, 8:30-10:30 pm, raptor expert & initiative volunteer Larry Fischer will use sheets & lights to provide participants with an up-close look at interesting adaptations of moths, recommended for age 8 & up, bring a flashlight & wear closed-toe shoes.

Flanders Nature Center/Van Vleck Farmhouse, Flanders & Church Hill Rd, Woodbury. Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am-5 pm. Call 203-263-3711.

Misc programs: June 5, National Trails Day (at Whittemore Sanctuary, Rte 64), begins 9 am, volunteers needed to help restore old trails & build new ones on 66-acre preserve, work gloves & proper attire required; June 6, CT Wildlife Rehabilitation Day, 1-3 pm, registration & sm donation “appreciated,” free program by veteran wildlife rehabilitator Carol Gray will offer ideas for handling encounters w/ injured or orphaned wildlife, also meet a life red-tailed hawk; June 12, “Bee My Honey,” programs running 10-11:30 & 1:30-3 pm, $10, registration required (limit 10/class), Sprain Brook Apiary beekeeper Mark Moorman will offer an up-close look at a beehive in action & discuss the active life of a honey bee.

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

June 12, Timberwolves, programs 11:30 am, 1 & 3 pm, $8 adults, $5 ages 5-16, learn about wolves from Wolf Talk reps Michael & Amy LeBlanc, who will have live male & female timber wolves on hand for presentation about the wolf & its unique relationship to Native Peoples & Native American culture, reservations strongly suggested.

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: June 5, Minnewaska, New Paltz, N.Y., all day hike, ten miles, entrance fee, moderate to difficult, dinner optional; leader is Morie Colburn (203-937-8067); June 12, Hudson River Boat Cruise, out of Newburg, N.Y.; hike in area in the morning, cruise at 1 pm, $15.75, $13.75 for seniors; leader is Ester Nichols (426-2897); June 19, End of year pot luck picnic, rain or shine, pavilion at Osborndale State Park, Derby, short hike, donation for park, leader is Tim Hanbury (203-888-3025), food coordinator is Rita Qubick (268-4119); June 26, end of year weekend in New Hampshire, reservations required, leader is Rita Qubick (268-4119).

Newtown Singles, meetings at Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 261-4210.

Monthly “Meet & Mingle” events, 7-9 pm: Next program June 4.

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.

Workshops to communicate w/ angels, God, deceased or living by guidance, 2nd & 4th Sat/month in Sandy Hook, 1-3 pm, $40, call for details.

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

Meetings 2nd Wed/month, 7:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: June 9, pastel artist Alain Picard will offer program on painting portraits.

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.

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: June 9, Eddie Riviera; June 16, Rose Drew; June 23, Sondra Zeidenstein.

Theatre ______________

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

Idols of The King, through Aug 1, curtain Fri 8 pm, Sat 5:30 & 8:30 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, tickets $32.50 & $42.50, student, senior & group discounts available.

The Gary-The Olivia Theatre at Abbey of Regina Laudis, Flanders Rd, Bethlehem. Call 203-266-7811.

Laughter at the Heart of Things, June 11-13, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, sugg donation $10.

Goodspeed Opera House, Rte 82, East Haddam. Call 860-873-8668.

Call Me Madam, through July 3, curtain Wed-Thurs 7:30 pm, Fri 8 pm, Sat 8:30 pm, Sun 6:30 pm, mat Wed & Sun 2 pm, Sat 4 pm, tickets $22-$51 (student rush tickets available, call for info).

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

Edward Albee’s Home Life & The Zoo Story, through June 20, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun-Thurs 7:30 pm, call for mat schedule (selected Wed, Sat & Sun).

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

The Rink, through June 12, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets $18 adults, $12 seniors & students, contains adult language (not recommended for children).

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

Route 66, through June 6, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Thurs, Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $24-$38.50.

 

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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.