April 7-8: Political Collectibles Expo, Holiday Inn of North Haven, Fri 9 am-5 pm, Sat 10 am-2 pm, adm Nov3.50.April 8: 8th Annual Country Antiques in CT’s Quiet Corner, H.H. Ellis Technical School, 613 Upper Maple St, Danielson, 10 am-3 pm, adm Nov5, 18+ dealers, gourmet lunch available; 860/774-8511.April 8-9: 25th Annual Depression Glass Show 10:20 A11/P11 Sale, Southington High School, Flanders St, Southington, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, adm Nov4.50, lunch available; 860/354-1279, 860/489-5853.April 9: 38th Greater Hartford Vintage Clothing 10:20 A11/P11 Jewelry Show 10:20 A11/P11 Sale, Emanuel Synagogue, Mohegan Dr, West Hartford, 10:30 am-4:30 pm, adm Nov5, 50 booths; 860/342-2540.Beaux Arts Gallery, Barclay Square/16 Sherman Hill Rd, Woodbury. Hours: M-F 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sat 9:30 am-4:30 pm. Call 263-3939.Through April 15, “Looking Beyond,” works by nat’l 10:20 A11/P11 local artists in representational 10:20 A11/P11 expressive styles, incl pcs by Freda Mill, Anton Kamp, Carey McDougal, Paula Renee, Majo Keleshian, et al.Bethel Arts Junction, 5 Depot Place, Bethel. Hours: Wed 12-5 pm, Thurs-Sat 12-9 pm. Call 798-2193.Through April 8, “The Butterfly As A Symbol,” series of oil pastel paintings by Pat Hinkley explores the butterfly’s universal sense of symbolism in relation to potential transformation in human life.*###new show) April 15-May 15, “Old Friends,” sepia-toned photos from color slides taken during late 1960s by Ken Graff, images originally used by photographer for video to Simon 10:20 A11/P11 Garfunkel song “Old Friends”; April 15, opening reception, 5-8 pm.Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St, Norwalk. Hours: daily 10 am-6 pm. Call 203/852-0700.Through April 15, “In Style On The Nile: Boats of the Pharaohs,” 14 large-scale models of vessels used by ancient Egyptians, on loan from collection of The Pharaonic Village, Egypt. Through Jan 1, “Dinosaurs 10:20 A11/P11 Sea Creatures,” special exhibit of moving, roaring, life-sized robotic beasts incl T-rex, Triceratops 10:20 A11/P11 Thalassomedon, also hands-on Fossil Lab. Permanent exhibit featuring river otters Bell 10:20 A11/P11 Sprite; Shark Touch Pool; hands-on displays about fish; “Sandy Shore” habitat; “Jellyfish Encounter,” displays about 10:20 A11/P11 close studies of sea creature common to Long Island Sound. ###See film calendar for IMAX listings.)New Britain Museum of Art, 56 Lexington St, New Britain. Hours: Tues-Fri 1-5 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 860/561-0674, 800/747-3548.*###new show) April 16-May 20, “5th Annual Art For The Cure,” 31 works of art ###paintings, sculpture, photography, watercolors 10:20 A11/P11 works on paper) 10:20 A11/P11 30 written works ###poetry 10:20 A11/P11 prose) focusing on artists who have survived breast cancer, done by artists, friends, family 10:20 A11/P11 other survivors, exhibition focuses on future rather than the past; April 16, opening reception, 2-4 pm.Thirteen Gallery, 13 Library Place, Danbury. Hours: Tues-Fr 7-10 pm, Sat-Sun 12-4 pm, 10:20 A11/P11 by appt. Call 790-6754.*###new show) April 7-29, “Lost Highways,” new photographic works by Weston artist Bob Mitchell, who takes Polaroid pictures of built landscapes 10:20 A11/P11 then transfers onto watercolor paper; April 7, opening reception, 7-10 pm.Walsh Art Gallery at Quick Center, Fairfield Univ, North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Hours: Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 12-4 pm. Call 203/254-4000 x2969.*###new show) Through July 17, “Realism: The Spirit of Soviet Art, 1932-1980,” 35 works of “official” Soviet art of 20th C portraying everyday life of common people, all designed to inspire workers to labor harder for the success of Communism.Wooster Community Art Center, 73 Miry Brook Rd, Danbury. Gallery hours: M-F 9:30 am-6:30 pm. Call 744-4825.Through May 31, drawings by Antonio L.R. Carvalho; April 14, artist’s reception, 6-8 pm.Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel St at York, New Haven. Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-6 pm. Masterpiece Tours of Permanent Collection every Sat 1:30 pm, Sun 3 pm. Call 203/432-0600.Through April 16, “Female Images, Female Lives In Asian Art,” primarily Chinese 10:20 A11/P11 Japanese paintings 10:20 A11/P11 ceramic objects, also contemporary Japanese prints, calligraphy 10:20 A11/P11 ceramics, all w/ women as the subject or created by women.New Fairfield Civic Theatre, New Fairfield High School auditorium, 54 Gillotti Rd, New Fairfield. Call 312-5864.April 10: Auditions for The Cemetery Club¸ need 5 females 10:20 A11/P11 1 male, all betw ages 18-80, first-time performers welcome 10:20 A11/P11 encouraged, all readings from script, performances will be weekends, June 9-16.April 8: Dave De Angelis at Newtown Coffee House, Newtown Congregational Church House, 41-A Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 pm, adm Nov5, free for children, adm incl coffee/soft drinks 10:20 A11/P11 baked goods, performance of traditional sea chanteys ###work songs) 10:20 A11/P11 contemporary sea music by Waterbury resident Mr De Angelis; 270-8858.April 8: Tom Doyle, Moira Kelly, Margie Mannion 10:20 A11/P11 Bill Devlin at Starbucks, Church Hill Rd, Newtown, 7-9 pm, free adm, live Irish music performed on a variety of instruments; 364-1423.April 8: “In Love With Shakespeare,” dinner opera benefit with performance by CT Opera Alliance, at United Congregational Church’s Howland Chapel, 877 Park Ave at State St, Bridgeport, begins 6 pm, tickets Nov35, reservations required, Elizabethan buffet followed by staged performance, free attended parking, church is handicapped accessible; 203/335-3107.April 8: Pianist Vladimir Feltsman, First Congregational Church, Washington, 7:30 pm, tickets Nov20-Nov75, Nov10 students, eminent pianist’s program will include works of Haydn 10:20 A11/P11 Chopin, concert is benefit for The Gunnery; 860/868-7334.April 8: “It’s My Party” by CT Gay Men’s Chorus, Lyman Center at Southern CT State Univ, 501 Crescent St, New Haven, 8 pm, tickets Nov20 10:20 A11/P11 Nov25, CGMC’s new roundup of the best, the worst 10:20 A11/P11 the silliest bubblegum 10:20 A11/P11 doo-wop of the 1950s; 800/644-CGMG ###2462).April 8: The New England Bach Soloists at St Stephen’s Church, 351 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 8 pm, tickets Nov15, Nov10 seniors, Nov5 students, all-Bach performance by mixed chamber music group of 6 musicians, players from all intrumental families ###trumpet 10:20 A11/P11 horn, oboe 10:20 A11/P11 English horn, violn 10:20 A11/P11 viola, cello, harpsichord); 794-1984.April 8: Windscape, WCSU’s Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 8:15 pm, tickets Nov32, selections from woodwind quintet’s latest album incl works of Louis Armstrong, Stravinsky, Weill, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Hindemith 10:20 A11/P11 Gershwin, ticket includes adm to Danbury Concert Assn’s next concert ###May 12, Pro Arte Singers); 748-0522.April 9: Classical guitarist Jason Vieaux, Cass Gilbert Garden House at Keeler Tavern Museum, 132 Main St, Ridgefield, 3 pm, tickets Nov15, Nov12 students 10:20 A11/P11 seniors, Nov10 age 12 10:20 A11/P11 under, program available upon request; 203/438-3924.April 13: Rev David Jarvis at The Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, 7 pm, adm Nov5, refreshments, the interim minister at First Congregational Church ###Waterbury) will reveal his piano talents with performance of Gershwin 10:20 A11/P11 other favorite show tunes; 203/753-0381.April 14: “It’s My Party” by CT Gay Men’s Chorus, Quick Center at Fairfield Univ, North Benson Rd, Fairfield, 8 pm, tickets Nov20 10:20 A11/P11 Nov25, CGMC’s roundup of the best, the worst 10:20 A11/P11 the silliest bubblegum 10:20 A11/P11 doo-wop of the 1950s; 800/644-CGMC ###2462).April 15: Soprano Sarah Vogel, Weston Library, 56 Norfield Rd, Weston, 8 pm, free, performance by award-winning WHS senior will incl works of Purcell, Rossini 10:20 A11/P11 Loesser, et al; 203/222-2656.April 16: St Petersburg String Quartet in concert, Edmond Town Hall theatre, 45 Main Street/Rte 25, Newtown, 3 pm, tickets Nov14, Nov12 students and seniors, performance of works by Shostakovich, Prokofiev 10:20 A11/P11 Borodin sponsored by Newtown Friends of Music; 426-6470.April 16: Judd Watts 10:20 A11/P11 Friends, The Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, 2 pm, adm Nov5, performance of works of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller 10:20 A11/P11 Glenn Miller, refreshments follow; 203/753-0381.April 16: 10th Annual Leontyne Price Vocal Arts Competition ###regional competition), The Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, 4 pm, public invited to hear competition free of charge, young gifted 10:20 A11/P11 talented black American vocal artists will be performing in German 10:20 A11/P11 French works from major operas, cantatas or requiems 10:20 A11/P11 Negro spirituals by African-American composer; 203/753-0381.Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St, Ridgefield. Call 203/438-4519.Aldrich After Hours, jazz concert series, 7-9 pm, Nov15 ###series tickets available), light refreshments: April 14, “Legends Of Jazz: Artt Frank Live At The Aldrich,” former Chet Baker drummer will perform w/ vocalist Earla Porch, Pat Morrisey ###trumpet), Ken Barry ###tenor sax 10:20 A11/P11 flute), Phil Bowler ###bass), and pianist Chris Clark.Armstrong Chamber Concerts. Call 860/868-0522.First Congregational Church, Rte 47/On the Green, Washington, concerts Sat 5 pm ###new day 10:20 A11/P11 time change this season), Nov20 ###series tickets available): April 15, Helen Armstrong ###violin) w/ flutist Alan Cox, harpist Emily Mitchell 10:20 A11/P11 violist Louise Schulman, works of Spohr, Beethoven, Ibert 10:20 A11/P11 Debussy.Greater Bridgeport Symphony, Klein Memorial Auditorium, 910 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport. Music director/conductor Gustav Meier. Call 203/576-0263.Performances 8 pm, tickets Nov16-Nov43 w/ student, senior 10:20 A11/P11 group discounts: April 15, concert w/ guest violinist Elmar Oliveira, works of Mendelssohn, Beethoven 10:20 A11/P11 contemporary work by Amy Scurria.Newtown Coffee House, Newtown Congregational Church House, 41-A Main St/Rte 25, Newtown.Events/performances 2nd/Sat each month, adm Nov5, doors open 7:30 pm for one hour of open mic, featured performance begins 8:30, refreshments: April 8, Dave De Angelis, traditional sea chanteys ###work songs) 10:20 A11/P11 f’o’c’sle/forebitters ###songs for entertainment) 10:20 A11/P11 contemporary sea music.Newtown Friends of Music, Newtown. Call 426-6470.Concerts at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St, Newtown, 3 pm, Nov14, Nov12 seniors/students, free ages 5-14 10 w/ adult ###subscriptions available), reception follows performances: April 16, St Petersburg String Quartet, works of Shostakovich, Prokofiev 10:20 A11/P11 Borodin.Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, Ridgefield High School, 700 North Salem Rd ###Rte 116), Ridgefield. Music director Sidney Rothstein. Call 203/438-3889.Performances 8 pm, tickets Nov25-Nov35 ###series tickets available): April 8, “Fresh Talent, Familiar Favorites,” guest pianist Rui Shi, works of Schumann, Beethoven, Rimsky-Korsakov.Bank Street Theater, 46 Bank St, New Milford. Call 860/354-2122.April 7-13: Erin Brockovich ###R), daily 7 10:20 A11/P11 9:35 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 3:45 pm; My Dog Skip ###PG), daily 8:45 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1 pm; The Road To El Dorado ###PG), daily 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1, 3 10:20 A11/P11 5 pm; Rules Of Engagement ###R), daily 6:50 10:20 A11/P11 9:20 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:15 10:20 A11/P11 3:50 pm.Bethel Cinema, 269 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. Call 778-2100.April 7-13: American Beauty ###R), daily 6:45 10:20 A11/P11 9:15 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1 10:20 A11/P11 3:30 pm; Boys Don’t Cry ###R), daily 7:25 10:20 A11/P11 9:45 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:40 10:20 A11/P11 4 pm; The Cider House Rules ###PG-13), daily 7 10:20 A11/P11 9:25 pm, mat Sat-Sun, Wed 1:30 10:20 A11/P11 4:15 pm; Ghost Dog ###R), daily 7:10 10:20 A11/P11 9:35 pm, mat 1:15 10:20 A11/P11 3:45 pm.Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, Newtown. Call 426-2475.April 7-12: The Hurricane ###R), daily 7:30 pm, mat Sat 10:20 A11/P11 Sun 1 10:20 A11/P11 3:45 pm.Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St, Ridgefield. Call 203/438-2282. Free screenings, 1 10:20 A11/P11 7:30 pm, preceded by Movie Chat: April 11, Mrs Brown. Yale Center for British Art, 1080 Chapel St ###at High St), New Haven. Call 203/432-2800.Free screenings: Spring Film Series, “Unreal City: The Urban Experience,” screenings 2 pm, free: April 15, Modern Times ###1936, 87 min) and Mechanical Principles ###1930, 11 min).April 8: Annual Children’s Fishing Derby, Dickinson Park, Brushy Hill Rd, Newtown, 8 am-noon, free, open to all children age 12 10:20 A11/P11 under, 3 age groups will receive prizes for catching largest fish, 1st fish, 1st 5 fish caught, et al, refreshments for purchase, sponsored by Newtown Fish 10:20 A11/P11 Game Club,April 8: “Little Altars for Little Tykes,” Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St/Rte 35, Ridgefield, 10 am-noon, Nov15, local artist Chris Durante will lead workshop for young children ###parents encouraged to attend) to create their own mini altars, loosely based on current “Faith” exhibition, reservations required; 203/38-4519.April 8: Breakfast at the Barnum with Tune Train, The Barnum Museum, 820 Main St, Bridgeport, doors open 10 am, Nov5 adults, Nov4 seniors 10:20 A11/P11 college students, Nov3 age 4 10:20 A11/P11 older ###free age 3 10:20 A11/P11 under), continental breakfast for families, performance by 5-pc band Tune Train, reservations not necessary; 203/331-1104.April 8: Reading 10:20 A11/P11 book signing by Pat Hubbell, Easton Library, 700 Morehouse Rd, Easton, 11 am-1 pm, free, open to ages 3 10:20 A11/P11 up w/ parent or adult supervision, Ms Hubbell will be reading from her newest book, earthmates, which is full of poetry about all kinds of animals; 261-0134.April 9: Healthy Kids’ Day, Greenknoll Branch YMCA, 2 Huckleberry Hill Rd, Brookfield, 12-2 pm, open to all ages free of charge, basketball shooting contests, bike safety checks, “Hazards of Alcohol” program by MADD, boat safety programs, 5-min massages, obstacle course, etc; 775-4444.April 12: Program w/ professional storyteller Mary Jo Maichack, C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 6:30 pm, free, suitable for ages 4 10:20 A11/P11 up, performance of original songs to celebrate Nat’l Library Week 10:20 A11/P11 joy of reading; 426-3851.April 16: Annual Stevie Bunny Pancake Flip, Stevenson Fire House, Rte 111 at Cottage St, Stevenson, full pancake breakfast, visits 10:20 A11/P11 photos w/ Stevie the Bunny, jellybean counting contest, etc.April 18: Stuffed With Love puppet show at The Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St, Waterbury, shows 2 10:20 A11/P11 7 pm, adm Nov3 adults, Nov1 age 14 10:20 A11/P11 under, professional puppeteer offers a show w/ “celebrity” puppets incl Will Smith, Groucho, Elvis, et al, in family-style production; 203/753-0381.Downtown Cabaret Children’s Theatre Co., 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203/576-1636.The Little Engine That Could, through April 9, curtain Sat 12 10:20 A11/P11 2:30 pm, Sun noon, tickets Nov10.50.The Jungle Book, April 15-May 28, curtain Sat 12 10:20 A11/P11 2:30 pm, Sun noon, tickets Nov10.50.Quick Center for the Arts/Fairfield Univ, North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Call 203/254-4010.Missoula Children’s Theatre productions, tickets Nov8, Nov6 seniors 10:20 A11/P11 children: Young Audience Series, performances 1 10:20 A11/P11 3 pm, tickets Nov10 adults, Nov8 children ###series tickets available): April 9, Anne of Green Gables, based on Lucy Maude Montgomery’s classic, good for all ages.Through April 8: “Singing The Blues: A Quilt Exhibit,” Congregational Church of Brookfield, Rte 25, Brookfield Center, Fri 10 am-7 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm, adm Nov5, quilt show featuring pcs made between 1950-2000 ranging from 5-inch miniatures to king-size bed quilts, humorous 10:20 A11/P11 spiritual themes, loaned from local ###incl Newtown quilters) to nat’l collectors 10:20 A11/P11 quilters, also silent auction, refreshments, proceeds will benefit church’s Historic Preservation Fund; 775-1092.April 7-16: Housatonic Art League’s Spring Art Exhibit, New Milford Railroad Station, 11 Railroad St, New Milford, free adm, opening reception 10:20 A11/P11 awards presented April 7 ###7-9 pm), regular show hours daily 12-4 pm, works in oil/acrylics, water media, pastels, graphics, photography, sculpture, mixed media by area artists; 355-0349.April 7: Spring Night Psychic Fair, Holiday Inn, Newtown Rd/Rte 6, Danbury, 6-11:30 pm, free adm, lectures evy 30 min, psychics, clairvoyants, astrologers, tarot 10:20 A11/P11 gemstone readers, vendors, etc; 792-2939.April 8: Newtown Woman’s Club 13th Annual Arts 10:20 A11/P11 Crafts Fair, Edmond Town Hall auditorium, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 40 fine artists 10:20 A11/P11 crafters, baked goods 10:20 A11/P11 refreshments, all profits going to local charities; 426-5532.April 8-9: Super Train Exhibition X, Brookfield Museum 10:20 A11/P11 Historical Scty, 165 Whisconier Rd ###Rte 25 at 133), Brookfield Center, 10 am-5 pm, adm Nov3, Nov2 seniors, Nov1 ages 7-14, annual show will feature 6 operating model train layouts ###N- to G-scale), collections, photos, RR antiques, artwork, videos, toy trains for kids to play with, et al; 775-4719.April 9: Hand Weaving 10:20 A11/P11 Broom Making demonstrations, Matthew Curtiss House-Museum, 44 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 1-4 pm, free, demonstrations by Sharon MacRae ###weaving) 10:20 A11/P11 broomsquire Robert Aborn, also costumed guides will be available for hourse tours of 18th C home; 426-5937.April 9: Nat’l Stencil Artisans League/Mt Laurel Stencilers chapter meeting, Southbury Public Library, 561 Main St So/Rte 6, Southbury, 1 pm, Nov5 ###non-members welcome), program by Golden Artists Colors technical consultant 10:20 A11/P11 professional artist Scott Bennett on color-related topics 10:20 A11/P11 history, all levels of stencilers invited; 934-9104, 860/868-5005.April 9: Slide lecture by Dan Cruson on Putnam Park’s recent excavations, Monroe Hist Scty Meetinghouse, East Village at Barn Hill Rd, Monroe, 2 pm, free, Newtown Historian will discusss fall 1998 process during which the remains of an undisturbed hut used by enlisted men 10:20 A11/P11 officers during Civil War were unearthed at park in Redding; 261-1383.April 9: “A Visit To Gettysburg,” slide show by photographer Carmen Cianflone, Richter House, Aunt Hack Rd, Danbury, 3 pm, free program by photographer of images he took during visit to PA’s Military Park during 125th anniv of Battle of Gettysburg, discussion welcome, refreshments available; 748-7177.April 10: “The Colonial Tavern: An Architectural and Cultural Perspective,” slide presentation by restoration specialist Steven Bielitz, C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 pm, free, learn how architecture of these early Colonial establishments reflected changes in early American culture, also how a transplanted English institution became uniquely American, sponsored by Newtown Hist Scty; 426-5937.April 10: “Findings of 1998 10:20 A11/P11 1999 Fall Season Archaeological Excavations at Putnam Park,” program by Dan Cruson 10:20 A11/P11 Kathleen von Jena at Friends 10:20 A11/P11 Neighbors of Putnam Park meeting ###public/non-members welcome), Bethel Municipal Center, School St, Bethel, 7:30 pm, free; 798-2660.April 11: Newtown Junior Women’s Club meeting, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25 ###at the flagpole), Newtown, 7:45-9:30 pm, free, any woman age 18 10:20 A11/P11 over invoted; 426-6416.April 12: Program w/ professional storyteller Mary Jo Maichack, C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 6:30 pm, free, suitable for ages 4 10:20 A11/P11 up, performance of original songs to celebrate Nat’l Library Week 10:20 A11/P11 joy of reading; 426-3851.April 12: Town and Country Garden Club of Newtown meeting, Newtown Senior Center/Multi-Purpose Building, Riverside Rd, Sandy Hook, 7:30 pm, free ###non-members welcome), program by photographer Frank Gardner on “Nature’s Landscape,” focusing on flowers 10:20 A11/P11 landscapes for all seasons; 426-3469.April 13: Fairfield County Christian Women’s Club Spring Luncheon, Family Life Center, 498 White Plains Rd, Trumbull, 12-2 pm, adm Nov10, reservations by April 10, inspiration thoughts 10:20 A11/P11 “Fitting All The Pieces Together” program, culinary artistry 10:20 A11/P11 “Spice Up Your Easter Holiday Menus” program, also “Touch and Live” musical selections; 268-9572, 375-2233, 261-9377.April 15: Western CT Chess Open, Quality Inn, Newtown Rd, Danbury, registration begins 9 am, entry fee Nov25, Nov30 seniors 10:20 A11/P11 students 18 10:20 A11/P11 under, bring sets 10:20 A11/P11 boards, clocks, compete against some of area’s best players; 203/596-1443, robroy@chesscafe.com.April 15: Annual Easter Craft 10:20 A11/P11 bake Sale, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Eighth 10:20 A11/P11 Roberts Ave, Danbury, 10 am-3 pm, homemade pierogies, baked goods, hand-crafted Russian items, etc ###advance pierogie orders welcome); 748-0671.April 15-18: Wilton Library’s Annual Book Sale, Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd/Rte 7, Wilton, Sat 9 am-5 pm ###early buying 7 am, adm Nov15), Sun 12-5 pm ###books as marked), Mon 10 am-2 pm ###books half-price), Tues 8 am-2 pm ###free books), 25,000 donated new 10:20 A11/P11 used books in various categories available incl rare signed first-editions 10:20 A11/P11 other collectors’ books; 203/762-3950.Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St, Ridgefield. Call 203/438-4519.Rhyme 10:20 A11/P11 Reason Cafe, poetry readings 10:20 A11/P11 receptions, Friday evenings 7-9 pm, Nov5 ###incl wine 10:20 A11/P11 light refreshments): April 7.Barnes 10:20 A11/P11 Noble Booksellers, Danbury Square, 15 Backus Ave, Danbury. Call 730-2733.Free programs: April 7, open mic poetry readings, 8 pm ###for Nat’l Poetry Month), book signing w/ author Susan Kinsolving ###Dailies and Rushes).Flanders Nature Center/Van Vleck Farmhouse, Flanders 10:20 A11/P11 Church Hill Rd, Woodbury. Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am-5 pm. Call 263-3711.Friday Evenings at The Studio programs, 7 pm, adm Nov5 incl light refreshments: April 14, “Gertrude Jekyll and Her Garden at The Glebe House Museum,” program by Glebe House Museum garden curator Laurie Clement-Lawrason.Sunday at The Studio, 3 pm, adm Nov5 incl light refreshments:Hickory Stick Book Shop, 1 Greenhill Rd/Rte 47, Washington Depot. Call 860/868-0525.Book signings: April 15, children’s author 10:20 A11/P11 illustrator Nancy Tafuri ###latest release is Will You Be My Friend?), *note time of signing: 10:30 am-12:30 pm.Highstead Arboretum, 127 Lonetown Rd, Redding. Call 938-8809.Programs 10 am, Nov5 each, reservations suggested: April 8, Measuring Up, learn sev methods for sizing up 10:20 A11/P11 measuring trees w/ simple tools.New Pond Farm Education Center, 101 Marchant Rd, West Redding. Call 938-2117.Pre-registration and payment required for all workshops/programs.Adult Programs: April 9, Amphibian Walk 10:20 A11/P11 Astronomy Open House, 7:30-9 pm.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 as follows ###call hike leader if weather doubtful): April 8, “Woods, Roads 10:20 A11/P11 Trails,” Branford ###Ester Nichols, 426-2897); April 15, Weir Farm, Wilton ###Pat Callan, 264-2153).Newtown Scottish Country Dancers, Hawley School, Church Hill Rd, Newtown. Call 938-2881, 263-3578.Group meets each Mon ###Sept-May except school holidays 10:20 A11/P11 closings), 7 pm, free, anyone interested in dancing is welcome ###beginners encouraged), no partner necessary, singles 10:20 A11/P11 couples welcome, soft-soled shoes recommended.Newtown Singles, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 426-3413.Group meets 1st Fri each month from 7-9 pm for “Meet 10:20 A11/P11 Mingle” events, no charge, newcomers always welcome: Next meeting April 7.Newtown VNA Thrift Shop, Edmond Town Hall ###lower level), 45 Main Street, Newtown. Call 270-4377.Shop is open every Wed 12-3 pm 10:20 A11/P11 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 10:20 A11/P11 private donors incl clothing 10:20 A11/P11 sm home accessories, etc.Society of Creative Arts of Newtown, Inc. ###SCAN), Newtown Meeting House, Main St, Newtown. Call 426-6654.Meetings 2nd Wed/month, 7:30 pm, public welcome, artist demonstrations, refreshments: April 12, portrait painting in oil program by guest artist Bob Crofut ###**preceded by Board of Directors’ meeting, 6:15 pm).Sunrise Herbal Remedies, 35 Codfish Hill Rd, Bethel. Call 794-0809.Free 2-hour workshops w/ slide programs 10:20 A11/P11 handouts, registration required: April 8, Herbs for Graceful Aging, 10 am; April 12, Herbs for Graceful Aging, 7 pm; April 15, Herbs for Graceful Aging, 10 am.Center for the Performing Arts/Sacred Heart Univ, 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield. Handicapped accessible. Call 203/374-2777.Tintypes, April 7-16, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, tickets Nov15-Nov18.Country Players of Brookfield, Inc., Rte 25, Brookfield. Call 775-0023.La Cage aux Folles ###season opening production), through April 15, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm ###mat Sun, April 2 at 2:30), all tickets Nov10.Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven. Call 203/787-4282. Black Forest, through April 9, Tues 7 pm, Wed-Fri 8 pm, Sat 8:30 pm, Sun 7 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets Nov10-Nov45.Hedda Gabler ###world preview of work by Henrik Ibsen), April 12-May 21 ###previews through April 18; opening night April 19), call for curtain times, tickets Nov10-Nov45, senior discounts available, rush seats ###30 min before show) also available; April 13, Pay-What-You-Can performance; April 25, Talkback Tuesday; April 30, Sunday Symposium ###follows matinee); May 2, Talkback Tuesday; May 16, Talkback Tuesday ###follows evening performance).Polka Dot Playhouse, 177 State St, Bridgeport. Call 203/333-3666.Bus Stop, through April 16, curtain Thurs 7 pm, Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 4 pm, Sun 3 pm, tickets Nov18-Nov25, group discounts available.Ridgefield Workshop for the Performing Arts, Theatre Barn, 37 Halpin La, Ridgefield. Call 203/431-9850.The Taffetas, through April 14, curtain Fri-Sat 8:30 pm, mat Sun 4:30 pm, tickets Nov15, Nov12 students 10:20 A11/P11 seniors, cabaret-style theatre opens 1 hour before performances for picnics/dinner, snacks ###bring your own); addt’l performance added Thurs, April 13, 8:30 pm.Seven Angels Theatre, Hamilton Park Pavilion, Plank Rd, Waterbury. Call 203/757-4676.Mexican Standoff at Fat Squaw Springs ###world premiere, work of Matthew Cowles), through April 15, curtain Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Thurs, Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets Nov19-Nov27.Sherman Players, Sherman Playhouse, Rtes 37 10:20 A11/P11 39, Sherman. Call 860/354-3622.The Lady’s Not For Burning ###season opener), April 14-May 6, curtain Fri-Sat 8:30 pm, mat Sun 3 pm, tickets Nov14, Nov12 seniors and students ###season subscriptions available).TheatreWorks New Milford, 5 Brookside Ave, New Milford. Call 860/350-6863.Never The Sinner, through April 15, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, call for tickets.Page to Stage Playreadings Series, 7 pm, free, question 10:20 A11/P11 answer period follows.