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.

May 15: 2nd Annual Weston Historical Society Antiques Show & Sale, 104 Weston Rd/Rte 57, Weston, 10 am-4 pm (early buying 9 am, $15), adm $5, rain date May 22; 203-226-1804.

May 30: 27th Annual Tiffany Windows Indoor-Outdoor Antiques Show, at First Church Congregational, 148 Beach Rd, Fairfield, 9 am-4 pm rain or shine, adm $6; 203-222-2259.

June 4: 43rd Annual Ridgefield Outdoor Antiques Market, The Lounsbury House/Ridgefield Community Center, 316 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 8 am-4 pm rain or shine, adm $7 adults (no early buyers), free ages 12 & under, 75+ dealers participating, indoor restrooms, refreshments, proceeds will benefit The Lounsbury House; 203-438-6962.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place, Bethel. Hours: Wed 7:30 pm (opens for weekly poetry program), Thurs & Sun 1-4 pm, Fri-Sat 1-8 pm. Call 798-2193 or 740-7351.

Through May 15: “For All Seasons,” new paintings by Deborah Dargaty in pastel, watercolor & acrylics, all depicting floral scenes.

*(new show) May 21-June 19: “Richard Budman 2005,” surrealistic images painted on canvas, glass & metal by the Sandy Hook-based artist; May 21, opening reception, 6-9 pm (featuring live music by The Ken Trapp Duo).

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 first & second floor display cases — Through May 21, “A Tercentennial Celebration of Childhood,” child-related objects from 18th-20th centuries loaned from several private collectors present toys, banks, alphabet plates, dolls, schoolbooks & more.

In Olga Knoepke Meeting Room (lower meeting room) — Through May 27: photographs by Carol Gibson of Bethel & Art Anderson of Newtown; May 15, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

On library’s main floor — Through May 20: Earth Fragments,” new series of work by Newtown resident & artist Virginia Zic feature watercolor “portraits” of the earth’s surface.

Branchville Gallery, 14 West Branchville Rd, Ridgefield. Hours: Fri 11 am-2 pm, Sat-Sun 2-5 pm & by appt. Call 203-544-8332.

Through May 22: kinetic sculpture by Drew Klotz & sm watercolors & lg acrylic paintings by Melinda Hackett – artists created these works to complement each other.

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

Through May 22: “How They Felt: Contemporary Feltmaking,” work by some of the country’s leading feltmaking artists & emerging feltmakers incl Beth Beede, Sharon Costello, Carol Cypher, Alexa Ginsberg, Chad Alice Hagen, Linda Brooks Hirschman, Thomas Horst, Jorie Johnson, Camille Ludlow, Gail Crosman Moore, Theresa May O’Brien, Karen Page, Cathy Rogers, Roz Spier, Pat Spark, Nicole Chazaud Telaar, Jeannie Thomma, Linda VanAlstyne, Chris White & Lucy Zercher.

City Lights Gallery, 37 Markle Court, Bridgeport. Hours: Tues 12-5 pm, Wed-Fri 11 am-6 pm, Sat 11 am-2 pm & by appt. Call 203-334-7748.

Through May 22: “Emergency,” one-year anniversary show at gallery & frame shop will offer works by local artists Roland Becerra, Kelly Bigelow-Becerra, Janine Brown, Sarah French, Jeff Gall, Ann Holley, Carol Leskowitz, Tyson Skross, Allyson Smith, Jodiann Strmiska & Trevor Youngberg.

*(new show) May 26-July 8: “Blue,” paintings spanning from 7 ft tall to less than 9” total by Lori Lohstoeter, secco frescoes by Denise Minnerly & paintings by Brechin Morgan that recall his 4½ -year sail around the world; May 26, opening reception, 5:30-8 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 13: “Brain Waves,” recent paintings – “spontaneous, often whimsical commentaries in acrylic about himself, society & the world around him – by the Roxbury-based artist Michael Rivera.

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.

*(new show) May 21-July 2: “Spring Art Show 2005,” new works by many of the gallery’s celebrated artists incl Rick Daskam, Joseph Grieco, Roger Kastel, Christopher Magadini, Alain Picard, Bill Rice, Anda Styler & Danielle Wexler, also works by new member Scott Zuckerman; May 21, opening reception, 5-7 pm.

Handcrafter’s Haven, 40 Main St North/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 203-263-2111.

Through May 31: vintage items that have been refurbished & embellished w/ handpainted flowers & scenery in “shabby chic” style on tin, woodenware & candles by Lisa DeFeo.

Highstead Arboretum, 127 Lonetown Rd, Redding. Hours: by appt only. Call 203-938-8809.

Through May 16: “Highstead Portfolio: Photographs by Birgit Freybe Bateman,” images ranging from expansive landscapes to enchanting details by Ms Bateman.

*(new show) May 22-June 31: “Invasive Plants and Native Alternatives,” detailed works by members of Greater New York Guild of Natural Science Illustrators; May 22, plant sale, hard-to-find azalea species & native plants that make good companions will be sold by Broken Arrow Nurseries (cash or check only); May 22, botanical art demo, 11:30 am-2:30 pm, ongoing demo by Dolores Santoliquido showing botanical illustration techniques using acrylics & colored pencil; May 22, opening reception, 2-5 pm, many of the artists will be on hand to meet visitors & discuss their work.

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 July 18: “Dog Day,” annual spring-summer fundraiser exhibition this year offers most recent paintings (landscapes & still lifes) by gallery artists Helene Brier, Joy Bristol, Ella Crampton-Knox, David Dunlop, Sue Falato, Robert Kozora, Katrina Schmidt-Rinke & Mary Whyte, percentage of proceeds from all art sales will be donated to Animals for Life; May 14, opening reception, 4-6 pm, to incl door prizes/raffles also to raise funds for the local non-profit animal rescue group.

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 May 16: “Home and Abroad,” oil paintings by Nicholas Halko incl landscapes of his CT home, images from foreign travel, still lifes & figure studies.

*(new show) May 21-June 29: “Places I Would Like My Wife and Daughter to See,” recent oils & photos by Matt Wood; May 21, opening reception, 2-4 pm.

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

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

Walnut Hill Community Church, 156 Walnut Hill Rd, Bethel. Call 796-7373.

In The Vestibule Gallery — Through spring: paintings and photos by A.J. Picard.

In Fellowship Mall — Through spring: creative cross collages by regional artists & church members.

In The Hallway Gallery — Through spring: limited edition prints by church members.

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 May 22: “Against The Grain: Three Independents,” work by artists whose work is characterized by an individual approach to both form & content – paintings by Douglas Anderson, Robert Birmelin & Regina Granne.

White Silo Farm & Winery, 32 Rte 37 East, Sherman. Spring Hours: Sat-Sun 11 am-5 pm & by appt. Call 860-355-0271.

*(new show) May 14-28: minimalist folk paintings by Robert Ferrucci, large outdoor abstract sculpture by Mimi Nelson & surreal pen & ink drawings by Zach Osborn; May 14, opening reception, 11 am-5 pm.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Candlewood League of Artists (CLA), Inc., c/o White Silo Winery & Gallery, 32 Rte 37 East, Sherman. Call 746-8391.

May 31: Receiving for artists wishing to enter work into CLA’s Juried Spring Show, 1-6 pm, artists limited to 2 works, judging will be by Joan Rudman, AWS, show will be on view June 3-19, artists can enter to compete for awards & sell their works, contact Betty Ann Medeiros (phone # above or at BamArtwn@aol.com).

CT Poetry Society Al Savard Memorial Poetry Contest, c/o CT Poetry Society, PO Box 4053, Waterbury CT 06704-0053. Call 860-584-2857.

June 1: Postmark deadline for annual competition, open to CT poets, entry fee is $10 for up to 3 poems (payable to CT Poetry Society), cash awards ($100, $75 & $50) & publication in Long River Run II, poems must be original & unpublished, any form acceptable, no more than 40 lines, incl 2 copies of each poem & incl SASE for return, mark each copy The Al Savard Memorial Poetry Contest, send submissions to address above, contact Lorna Cyr for details.

Congregational Church of New Fairfield, 20 Gillotti Rd, New Fairfield. Call 746-2685.

May 22: Second set of auditions for Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 2-4 & 7-9 pm, auditions for 7-12 year olds will be during early hours, auditions for ages 13-24 during later hours, children should be accompanied by parent/guardian, all welcome, directors need males ages 13-24, call for rehearsal & performance details.

Flanders Nature Center, Flanders Rd at Church Hill Rd, Woodbury. Call 203-263-3201.

May 21: 3rd Annual Artists’ Day, check in at Sugar House betw 9 am & 2 pm, artists invited to work outdoors during any part of day & take advantage of the inspiring surroundings of the nature center, artists of all levels & in all media welcome, showing of resulting work ($8 hanging fee) will be June 11-12 at Flanders & June 14-29 at Woodbury Library, contact Artists’ Day coordinator Joan Anthony (at phone # above) for details.

Newtown Children’s Music Talent Show, at Edmond Town Hall’s Alexandria Room, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 206-1962.

May 19: Auditions for area young adults for talent show to be performed on June 18, auditions begin at 5:30, acts can be singing, dancing and/or instrumental, music should be on CD (CD player will be provided), audition fee is $5, partial proceeds of fees & ticket sales day of show will benefit Town Hall Board of Managers’ efforts to replace seats in town hall’s theater, contact Cathy Urso for additional info.

TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford. Call 860-350-6863.

May 16-17: Auditions for Nine the Musical, 7-9 pm, director Bert Bernardi is seeking 17 women, 1 man & 3 boys for summer production of Arthur Kopit’s musical comedy, prepare best 16 bars to show your range, power & confidence (accompanist provided, must bring sheet music), also be prepared to read from script, seeking multi-racial casting, visit theatreworks.us for full cast breakdown, rehearsals to begin late May (usu Mon-Thurs eves), performances will be weekends July 15-Aug 20.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

May 14: Peter and The Wolf by The Karma Dance Company, C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 2 pm, free performance by dance company in residence at The Graceful Planet in Sandy Hook will bring Sergei Prokofiev’s classic children’s story to life; 426-8215.

May 14: Recital by students of Heilweil Voice Studio, Edmond Town Hall’s Alexandria Room, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 4 pm, free performance by students of all ages who study at the Newtown studio will include selections from opera, classical composers, Broadway and the blues; 364-1326.

May 14: Newtown Choral Society: The Tercentennial Concert, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 pm, tickets $9 adults, $7 seniors & ages 12 & under, director Mary Andreotta will lead NCS (w/ accompanist Susan Anthony Klein) in program to incl works of Charles Ives & Aaron Copeland, also spirituals, minstrel songs & selections from American history; 426-3769, 426-9138.

May 15: “Femina Melodia & The Femina Melodia Drummers: A Celebration of Spring,” Saint James Lutheran Church, Peter Rd, Southbury, 4 pm, $10 adults, $5 seniors & students, program of spirituals, Israeli & Appalachian folk songs, early 3-part music & more by women’s singing group, also 2 performance pcs by the drumming group; 267-7672 (Renaissance Center).

May 15: 6th Annual CT Choral Society Kannengeiser Scholarship Benefit Concert, at North Congregational Church, 11 Main St North/Rte 6, Woodbury, 4 pm, suggested donation $10, annual concert features recipients of CCS’s annual scholarships – Anna Tamaoka (Ridgefield High School), Erica Tsacoyeanes (Pomperaug HS, Southbury) & Thomas Robert Sherry, Jr (Shepaug Valley HS, Washington), also performing will be soprano Pamela Hoffman, plus Daniel & Heather Narducci; 203-263-3502.

May 21: 5th Annual Armed Forces Day Tribute, Edmond Town Hall auditorium, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7-10:30 pm, tickets $8/adv, $10/door, performances by ShoreGrass, Roger Sprung, et al will offer live bluegrass, country, folk, western swing & traditional music for listening & dancing, also plenty of refreshments, presented by Rocking Roosters Square Dance Club; 426-4817.

May 21: “Music of Great Russian Composers” by Connecticut Master Chorale, St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, 8 pm, tickets $15/advance, $20/door, Borodin’s Polovetzian Dances, also Russian sacred & folk songs; 743-0473.

May 21-22: Swan Lake by Main Street Ballet, at Nonnewaug High School, Minortown Rd, Woodbury, Sat 7 pm, Sun 3 pm, tickets $15 (all seating is general adm), production based on original choreography will feature Main St Ballet soloists & guest dancers formerly w/ Boston Balley; 203-263-5107.

May 22: “Rock 2 Rebuild: A Tsunami Relief Benefit Concert,” at Newtown High School, 12 Berkshire Rd/Rte 34, Sandy Hook, 1-6 pm, outdoor concert (will move indoors if rain) will feature performances by The Daria Musk Trio, Mystic Bowie & The Pallbearers and Mutti Lewis, also raffles, refreshments, info booths, all proceeds from the all-ages show will benefit UNICEF, sponsored by NHS Student Gov’t; 426-7646..

Films _________________

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

May 13-19: Crash (R), daily 7:30 & 9:45 pm, mat Fri 5:20 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1, 3:10 & 5:20 pm; Enron: The Smartest Guys in The Room (NR), daily 7 & 9:25 pm, mat Fri 4:20 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:50 & 4:20 pm; The Interpreter (PG-13), daily 6:45 & 9:15 pm, mat Fri 4:10 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30 & 4:10 pm; Ladies In Lavender (PG), daily 7:20 & 9:35 pm, mat Fri 5:10 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 12:50, 3 & 5:10 pm.

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

May 13-20: The Aviator (PG-13), Fri-Wed 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun, also Fri (May 20) 1 pm.

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

Through June 16: Mysteries of the Nile, Mon-Fri 11 am, 1, 2:05 & 3:10 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am, 1, 2:05 & 3:10 & 4:15 pm; Roar: Lions of the Kalahari, daily noon.

Through June 16: double feature Mysteries of the Nile & The Discoverers, Fri-Sun 7 pm.Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies & The Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-5795.

Lost & Found Film Series, 7:30 pm screenings followed by guest speakers for Q&A, tickets $15: May 15, Living Out Loud, program to follow w/ writer & director Richard LaGravenese.

For Kids & Families _________

May 13: 18th Annual Newtown Youth Services Talent Show, at Newtown Middle School, Queen St, Newtown, 7 pm, tickets $5 adults, $2 children, singing, dancing & other entertaining acts; 270-4335.

May 14: Tom-Tit-Tot by The Housatonic Valley Waldorf School Puppetry Group, at Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, 40 Dodgingtown Rd/Rte 302, Newtown, 10 am, free marionette performance of an English fairy tale; 364-1113.

May 14: Peter and The Wolf by The Karma Dance Company, C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 2 pm, free performance by dance company in residence at The Graceful Planet in Sandy Hook will bring Sergei Prokofiev’s classic children’s story to life; 426-8215.

May 18-21: Buy One Get One Free Scholastic Book Fair, Sylvan Learning Center, 20 Federal Rd/Rte 7, Brookfield, Wed-Fri & Mon 12-8 pm, Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm, book sale & literacy event open to public will offer popular books & educational products for all ages incl new titles, award-winners, classics & interactive products from more than 150 publishers (also open house event Fri 7-8 pm w. story readings, refreshments & door prizes); 775-9611.

May 22: Performances by Pure & Simple, Reed Intermediate School, Trades Lane (within Fairfield Hills campus), Newtown, tickets $7, performances 1 & 3 pm, programs by trio of Dr Steven Lee, Barbara Lail & Cliff Hicklen feature music for & about children, family are ideal for pre-Kindergarten through 4th grade age children, proceeds will benefit American Cancer Society & Newtown’s 2nd Annual Relay For Life; 364-1967, 426-3723.

Bethel Public Library, 189 Greenwood Ave/Rte 302, Bethel. Call 794-8756.

May 26, Necklace Making for Teens, 6:30-7:30 pm, students in grades 6-12 invited to design & make necklaces using glass beads & semi-precious stones, reservations required.

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

Children’s programs, free unless specified: May 14, Peter and The Wolf ballet performance, 2 pm, free presentation by The Karma Dance Company will bring Prokofiev’s classic tale to life w/ dance & music; May 25, Nutmeg Book Discussion, 6:30 pm, readers in grades 4-6 invited for one-hour discussion of Goosed by Bill Wallace..

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

May 21, The Big Adventures of Stuart Little, performances at 11 am & 2 pm, tickets $15, production by Theatre IV features live performers & a variety of puppets.

Miscellaneous ___________

May 13: “Chris Giftos: An artist in flowers,” Woodbury Town Hall, Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury, refreshments 6 pm, program at 7, adm $80, lecture & demo by Mr Giftos, former special events manager at Metropolitan Museum of Art, will incl strategies he used to make the most impact w/ floral designs within a budget, arrangements created during his lecture will then be auctioned, proceeds from auction & partial proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Glebe House Museum & Jekyll Garden; 203-263-2855.

May 14: Children’s Adventure Center Fundraiser Tag Sale, at The Adventure Center/Multi-Purpose Building, Riverside Rd, Sandy Hook, 8 am-2 pm, wide range of items, also refreshments incl Krispy Kreme Donuts; 426-3018.

May 14: “Newtown Notables, gone but not forgotten,” Village Cemetery, Elm Dr, Newtown, guided historic tours step off at 2, 4 & 6 pm, $5/person (max $20/family), tour of cemetery will incl stops at gravesites of some of town’s historic figures, where re-enactors will be offering background & anecdotes; 426-5937.

May 14: “Una Grande Familia: An Italian Night at St Rose,” St Rose of Lima Parish Hall, Church Hill Rd, Newtown, 5:30-10 pm, tickets $15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 children, ongoing seating w/ dinner catered by area restaurants, live entertainment, door prizes & other activities, presented by & fundraiser for St Rose of Lima Choir; 270-6520.

May 14: CT ConTacts Singles Dance Party, Colonial Tavern, Hawley Rd (off Rte 67), Oxford, 8 pm-1 am, adm $15, dinner & dessert buffets, dancing to DJ selections (Top 40, soft rock, recent oldies & requests), dress to impress (no jeans); 203-468-1144.

May 14-15: 3rd Annual Monroe Historical Society Textile Exhibit & Sale, Beardsley Homestead, 31 Great Ring Rd, Monroe, Sat 9 am-2 pm (early buying 8-9 am, $5 adm), Sun 9 am-1 pm, sale of new, vintage & antique textiles, fabrics, notions, household linens, hundreds of patterns, collectible buttons, craft books & magazines, sewing collectibles, kitchen items & other treasures; 268-5511.

May 15: Fifth Annual Canine Advocates Tag Sale, parking lot of Dr Donald Evans’s office, 115 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown, 9 am-4 pm (rain date May 22), items to incl kitchenware, jewelry, plants & pots, vases, lamps, small appliances & furniture, toys, games & much more, also dog & cat jewelry, crafts & baked goods; 426-6540, 426-5327.

May 15: Open House & Living History Demonstration, Matthew Curtiss House, 44 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 1-4 pm, free program at headquarters of Newtown Historical Society will feature ongoing discussion and creation of Windsor sack back chairs by master chairmaker David Douyard, building will also be open for tours; 426-5937.

May 15: Western CT Orienteering Club Meet, Ansonia Nature Center, 10 Deerfield Ave, Ansonia, registration & starts 10 am-noon, $6, instruction & compasses available, set-up will incl 2 sprint courses, a 2-3K course w/ mix of beginner to advance controls, also beginner course; 860-658-7963.

May 15: “Historic Garden Walk: Lilacs,” Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, 9 Main St South/Rte 61, Bethlehem, 3 pm, $5, join Jane Blaurock for walking tour of the property’s 20 varieties of lilacs while learning about their history & care; 203-266-7596.

May 15: “The Butterfly Effect: Ripples of Peace in Ourselves and The World,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free discussion led by Vincent D’Alessio will concern how happiness can ripple through the subconscious & around the world during meditation, followed by group meditation (free instruction available) & tea reception; 203-263-2254.

May 16: Candlewood League of Artists program, New Fairfield Library, 2 brush Hill Rd (Rte 39), New Fairfield, 7-8:30 pm, free demonstration on creating landscapes w/ pastel will be presented by award-winning artist Joel Spector; 746-1526.

May 16: Housatonic Valley Group/Sierra Club meeting, Brookfield Community Center, 100 Pocono Rd, Brookfield, 7:30 pm, non-members welcome, program on “Saving the Litchfield Hills” will be presented by Housatonic Valley Assn member Elaine LaBella, who will use maps to show how The Litchfield Hills Greenprint Program will preserve the beauty of Litchfield Hills from growing development pressures; 798-0131.

May 17: Healthy Lifestyles for Seniors On The Go: A Health & Wellness Fair, Lockwood Lodge at Ashlar of Newtown, 139 Toddy Hill Rd, Newtown, 10 am-2 pm, free adm, personal reiki demonstrations, energy healing demos & info, diabetic foot care info & screening, low-vision glaucoma screenings, blood pressure screenings, & more; 364-3127.

May 17: Spring Bird Walk, Osbornedale State Park, 500 Hawthorne Ave (off Rte 34), Derby, 7:30 am, free program led by Kellogg Environmental Center volunteer Jay Connolly will lead participants in search of spring migrants arriving in area, meet at Picketts Pond (walk also being offered June 18); 734-2513.

May 17: “Connecticut’s Changing Birdlife,” Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby, 7:30 pm, $4, program by nature writer Greg Hanisek will cover how birdlife in the state has changed over the years, reflecting changes in natural landscape, urban sprawl & the effects of backyard bird feeding; 734-2513.

May 18: Housatonic Valley Paddlers Club meeting, CL&P Service Center, Barnabas Rd, Newtown, 7 pm, newcomers welcome; 203-263-3281.

May 18: A Taste of Brookfield, The Fox Hill Inn, 257 Federal Rd/Rte 7, Brookfield, 5-9 pm, adm by donation, vent showcasing food from local restaurants will offer ongoing tastings, event coordinated by 4 Brookfield High School seniors will be fundraiser for Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America; 733-0752.ings, refreshments & door prizes); 775-9611.

May 20: CT ConTacts Singles Dance, Colonial Tavern, Hawley Rd (off Rte 67), Oxford, 8 pm-1 am, adm $15 incl dinner & dessert buffets, dancing to DJ selections (Top 40, soft rock, recent oldies & requests); 203-468-1144.

May 20-22: Annual Heritage Village Library Book Sale, Heritage Village Green, Heritage Rd, Southbury, Fri-Sat 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sun 12-3:30 pm, 6,000-plus books, tapes, records, jigsaw puzzles, children’s books & audio books, all in good condition, donated by Heritage Village residents, proceeds to benefit library; 267-7546.

May 21: Kellogg Center Spring Bird Walk, Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave (off Rte 34), Derby, 7:30 am, free program led by KEC volunteer Jay Connolly will lead participants in search of spring migrants arriving in area, meet at center’s parking lot (walk also being offered June 4); 734-2513.

May 21: 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.

May 21: 3rd Annual Artists’ Day at Flanders Nature Center, check in at Flanders’ Sugar House, Church Hill Rd at Flanders Rd, Woodbury, 9 am-2 pm (rain date May 22), artists invited to work outdoors during any part of day & take advantage of the inspiring surroundings of the nature center, artists of all levels & in all media welcome, showing of resulting work ($8 hanging fee) will be June 11-12 at Flanders & June 14-29 at Woodbury Library; 203-263-3201.

May 23: “Digesting The Facts: Getting To Know Your GI System,” St Rose School, 40 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, 7:30 pm, free presentation by John Whalen, MD, will offer an “inside” look at the human digestive process, also discussion on the prevention & treatment of various digestive disorders; 426-2572.

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

Programs free unless noted: May 19, Evening Book Group meeting, 7:30 pm, discussion of The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, newcomers welcome.

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

Meetings 3rd Thurs/month, 7:30 pm, non-members always welcome: May 19, “Mongolia” slide show by Bill Marcy, members’ print competition w/ waterfalls theme.

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

Art at The Nature Center, 7:30 pm, $5: May 20, “The Progressive Nature of Resemblance: Evolutions of Style in the Portraits of Natalie Van Vleck,” slide lecture by artist & Flanders curator Marc Chabot will compliment upcoming exhibition of Van Vleck’s modernist portraits incl discussion of how the artist’s portraits reveal her character as painter & feminist in rural Woodbury of 1920s-30s. 

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: May 14, White Memorial Park, Litchfield (Claire Sivacek, 744-0086); May 21, A Fish Elevator Tour and Hike at Mount Tom, Holyoke, Mass. (all-day hike, leader is Ester Nichols, 788-1398 or pilgrim555@sbcglobal.net); May 28, Bent of River Audubon Center, Southbury (Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025).

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

Meetings 4th Wed/month, 1:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: May 25, oil cityscape by Frank Federico.

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.

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.

Programs at Brookfield Commons: May 13, “Spiritual Touch with Kathanna Knapp,” $15, discussion spiritual topic, readings, prayer circle & more; May 15, “Talking with Heaven,” 4-6 pm, $30 (space limited, pre-registration required), program led by The Rev Ann Emerson; May 20, Angel Prayer & Healing Circle, 7:30-9:30 pm, led by Barbara Van Kirk; June 5, Spiritually Speaking with Kathanna Knapp, 4-6 pm, $15, Ms Knapp will lead discussion on “Your Shadow.”

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: May 18, Laura E.J. Moran.

Theatre ______________

Immaculate High School Fine & Performing Arts Program, at the high school, 73 Southern Blvd, Danbury. Call 798-1487.

Grease, May 13-14, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, tickets $15 adults, $10 students & children.

TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford. Call 860-350-6863.

The Elephant Man, through May 21, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat (May 8 only) Sun 2 pm, tickets $17.50.

Playreading Series, readings 2 pm, free: May 22, The Exonerated.

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

70th anniversary season: The Amorous Ambassador, through May 21, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (May 15 only) 2 pm, tickets $15 evening shows, $12 mat.

WCSU/Warner Theatre, in Warner Hall, White St at Fifth Ave, Danbury. Call 837-8732.

Blue Window, May 21-28, curtain Fri-Sun 7 pm, tickets $15 (also, May 20-21 dinner theater tickets available, $35, evening incl silent auction to benefit theater arts dept, call for details).

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