Antiques Shows______

Through Dec 7: 46th Antiquarius Antiques Show, Greenwich Civic Center, Harding Rd, Old Greenwich, Fri-Sat 11 am-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm, adm $15, lecture by Alexa Hampton (Fri 9:30 breakfast then lecture, $40), Holiday House Tour & Gift Boutique available, Gallery Tour available, proceeds benefit The Historical Society of the Town of Greenwich; 203-869-6899 x14.

Dec 6: Antiques & Decorative Items Holiday Gift Spectacular, All Saints Catholic School, 139 West Rocks Rd, Norwalk, 10 am-5 pm (early buying 9 am, $10), adm $6, luncheon available, partial proceeds to benefit the school; 203-222-2259.

Dec 7: Wilton Holiday Show, Wilton High School Field House, Rte 7, Wilton, 10 am-5 pm (early buying 8:30 am, $20), regular adm $8, 130 dealers in room settings; 203-762-3525.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

550 Gallery, BCM Building, 550 Main St/Rte 61, Bethlehem. Hours: Mon-Fri 12-4 pm. Call 203-266-6995.

Through Jan 15, “Angels Over Bethlehem III: The Spirit of Giving – A Woodland Enchantment with St Nicholas,” traveling exhibit of an angel and figures of St Nicholas in vintage costumes; Dec 5, gallery will be open during Bethlehem’s Christmas Town Holiday Festival, 5-10 pm.

Beaux Arts Gallery, 495 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Hours: M-F 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sat 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Sun by appt. Call 203-263-3939.

Through Jan 15, “Annual Small Works Show,” juried exhibition of new & exciting artists from across country incl contemporary & traditional art from established artists w/ watercolors, pastels & other paintings, collages, photos & original prints, all works available for purchase & can be taken home the day of purchase.

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.

*(new show) Through Jan 11, “Fine Art & Handcrafts,” works by gallery members.

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

Through Dec 28, “Trudy McCron Cox: One Artist,” original pastels by the Bantam artist who continues to be inspired by the beauty of New England scenery & farm life.

Through Jan 25, “Deck The Walls,” annual holiday show features gallery’s artists; Dec 12, opening reception, 12-5 pm.

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. *note: this is gallery’s new location & hours.  Call 860-354-3436.

Through Jan 17, “3rd Annual Small Treasures & More,” group holiday exhibition w/ 50+ works by regular & new gallery artists incl Deborah Chabrian, Mel Crawford, Joseph Grieco, Christopher Magadini, Edward Martinez, Robert Myers, Alain Picard, Edgar Reims, Bill Rice, Anda Styler & John Swatsley.

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.

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

Through Dec 31, “Clothing & Textiles: A Celebration of The Ingenuity and Creativity of The Indigenous Peoples of North America,” clothing & textiles showing various techniques used by Native Americans across the continent incl woven wearing blankets, plains-style dresses, beaded & woven moccasins, & beaded & quill worked accessories.

Through Dec 31, “Progression Of Indigenous People’s Weaponry: Technology and Mythology,” bows, arrows, coup sticks & clubs (condensed version of exhibition previously on view).

Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St, Norwalk. Hours: daily 10 am-5 pm. Call 203-852-0700.

Through Jan 20, “2nd Annual Holiday Lighthouse Contest,” beautiful, illuminated lighthouse models built & decorated by regional artists & crafters.

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

Through Dec 14, “RGA’s Annual Holiday Market of Ridgefield Guild of Artists,” show & sale of work by new & returning artists & artisans offers smaller, affordable, unique art incl paintings, drawings, prints, photos, sculpture, pottery, ornaments, toys, greeting cards, more.

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 Dec 29, “Life-Journey Photography – A Moment in Time,” hand-colored photos by the celebrated Brookfield photographer Laurie Klein.

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.

Through Dec 14, “Across Time: The Photographs of Cynthia Brumback,” miniature still lifes, pcs combining old tintypes w/ natural settings, composites & 2-panel couplets covering the career of an artist “whose quicksilver intuition produces graceful floral works & intriguing composites & folding books.”

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 Dec 24, “WAA Annual Holiday Gift Sale,” show & sale of crafts & small works of art by area artists suitable for gift giving.

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

Bel Canto Chorus, First United Methodist Church, 250 Country Club Rd, Waterbury. Call 203-241-1888.

Through Dec 31: Auditions for new chorus of women’s voices, Sun evenings, seeks experienced singers, conductor & artistic director is Leslie Eckstein, repertoire to incl all styles & types ca 10th-21st C, call for audition appt or additional info, rehearsals will also be Sun pm (or visit www.BelCantoChorus.tripod.com).

Connecticut Poetry Society, PO Box 4053, Waterbury CT 06704-0053. Call 203-584-2857.

Dec 31: Deadline to receive entries for 2003 Wallace W. Winchell Poetry Contest, send SASE for full guidelines.

Feb 27: Deadline for entries in annual Lynn DeCaro Poetry Competition, no fee to enter, cash prizes ($75, $50, $25) for top 3 choices, open to CT high school students, all subject matter accepted, up to 3 poems can be entered, entries must be typed on white 8 ½ x 11-inch paper, call for full details or send SASE to address above.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Dec 5-6: “Holiday Spectacular!,” Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, Fri 7 pm, Sat 3 pm, tickets $20 adults, $10 children, Debbie Gravitte directs area residents in celebrating holiday traditions of Ridgefield from early 1700s (carolers & bells) through the millennium (lights & special effects); 203-438-5795.

Dec 5-6: “The Many Moods of Christmas,” Fairfield Univ Glee Club’s Christmas concert, Quick Center for the Arts, North Benson Rd, Fairfield, Fri 8 pm, Sat 2 pm, tickets $10 (discounts for seniors & students), mixed chorus of 120 grad & undergrad students will offer works of Chesnokov, Olatunji, Quintana, also 2 sections of Bennett & Shaw’s The Many Moods of Christmas Suite, soloists & glee club’s chamber ensembles will also perform holiday favorites; 203-254-4010.

Dec 6: Newtown Choral Society Holiday Concert, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 7:30 pm, tickets $7 adults, $5 seniors & children 12 & under, Vivaldi’s Gloria, music from films by John Williams incl Home Alone & Empire of the Sun, P.D.Q. Bach’s Good King Kong Looked Out (complete w/ kazoo interlude) & caroling sing-along.

Dec 6: 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.

Dec 6: “Joy To The World,” Naugatuck Valley Community College Gospel Choir at North Congregational Church, 11 Main St North/Rte 6, Woodbury, 4:45 pm, performance of rousing yet warm music incl several familiar carols in gospel style, concert will follow town’s Christmas tree lighting on north green.

Dec 6: American Chamber Orchestra at Playhouse on the Green, 177 State St, Bridgeport, 7:30 pm, tickets $20, program will incl works of Telemann & Jacchini, also selections from Handel’s Messiah, audience will be given music, guest soloist is 2001 Jenny Lind Competition winner Stephanie Gregory; 203-696-0031.

Dec 6: “Queer Eye for The Magi: Annual CGMC Holiday Concert,” WCSU’s Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, 8 pm, tickets $25 & $30, performance by CT Gay Men’s Chorus will offer traditional holiday harmony & madcap yuletide comedy “joining together on a journey to a surprising makeover”; 800-644-2462.

Dec 6: Annual Yale Camerata Advent Concert, Battell Chapel, 300 College St (at corner of Elm, opposite New Haven Green), New Haven, 8 pm, free, 60-voice group of Yale grads & undergrads directed by Marguerite L. Brooks will perform cantatas of J.S. Bach & works of Bruckner, Rachmaninov, Crabtree, revised version of Kellog’s Gloria & Willcocks’ arrangement of Goss’s See, amid the Winter’s Snow; 203-432-5180.

Dec 6: Handel’s Messiah performed by Hartford Symphony Orchestra & The Hartford Chorale, at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, 160 Capitol Ave, Hartford, 8 pm, tickets $15-$57, full orchestra & 130-member chorus will be joined for annual performance of Handel’s most popular oratorio by soprano Rachel Rosales, mezzo-soprano Lorraine DiSimone, tenor Carl Johengen & bass-baritone George Cordes; 860-244-2999.

Dec 7: “The Heavens Are Telling: St Rose Christmas Concert,” St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, 4 pm, sugg donation $5, sacred & seasonal music by church’s combined music ministries, proceeds will help support choir’s planned trip to Italy; 426-1014.

Dec 7: CT Choral Society Chamber Singers at Brookfield Library, 182 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield, 3 pm, free concert in library’s community room will conclude fall concert schedule, program to incl madrigals, spirituals, folk songs & seasonal favorites, post-performance reception; 775-6241 x104.

Dec 7: St Rose Christmas Concert, St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, 4 pm, traditional concert featuring St Rose music ministries; 426-1014.

Dec 8: The Frank Porto Band at The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown, 8 pm, free performance of Big Band and oldies favorites kicks off 2nd Annual Wonderland of Trees Holiday Festival; 426-8118.

Dec 9: Larry Criscilli At The Village at Brookfield Commons, 246-A Federal Rd, Brookfield, 7 pm, free performance of spirited vocals & guitar; 775-8696.

Dec 11: The Acoustic Celebration: John Herald, Temple Shearith Israel, 46 Peaceable St, Ridgefield, 7:30 pm, tickets $13, performance by bluegrass guitarist continues temple’s new fall series of acoustic folk & blues concerts; 203-431-6501, 203-438-6589.

Dec 12: CT Choral Society Holiday Concert, First Congregational Church, Deer Hill Ave at West St, Danbury, 8 pm, tickets $18/advance, $20/door, performance by 80-member chorus directed by John Liepold will feature Mozart’s Vespers Solennes De Confessors & Finzi’s In Terra Pax, Opus 39, also pre-concert talk (7:30 pm) by CCS assoc conductor Dr Scott Williams concerning the works to be performed (concert repeats Sun in Woodbury, see details); 800-555-5250.

Dec 12:  St John’s Chorale Annual Christmas Candlelight Concert, St John’s Church, Rte 47, Washington, 8 pm, tickets $15 adults, $8 students, chorale directed by Mark R. Scholtz will by accompanied by 7-pc chamber orchestra for program of 2 J.S. Bach cantatas, also works of Proulx, John Amner & Richard Lloyd (performance repeats Dec 14); 860-868-2527.

Dec 12-14: Nutcracker Ballet at Danbury High School, Clapboard Ridge Rd/Rte 39, Danbury, Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 6 pm, Sun 3 pm, tickets $10 & $15, 36th annual Danbury production sponsored by Danbury Music Centre will feature 220 community dancers (selected by audition), music by 50-pc Danbury Symphony Orchestra & 25-pc Danbury Symphony Youth Orchestra, full staged w/ costumes, scenery & lighting; 748-1716.

Dec 13: Brundibar by Ridgefield Opera Company, at Temple Shearith, 46 Peaceable St, Ridgefield, 7:30 pm, tickets $10, ROC performance by local children as singers & in string quartet will present story of good children overcoming an evil organ grinder named Brundibar; 203-438-6589.

Dec 13-14: Amahl and The Night Visitors by WCSU Opera Club & Opera Ensemble, Ives Concert Hall, White St, Danbury, 8 pm, call for ticket prices; 837-8350.

Dec 14: “Welcome All Wonders,” Trinity Episcopal Church, 30 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 4 pm, suggested donation $10, choral and brass performance of seasonal music by Naugatuck Valley Community College Chorus will include works of DeFerrari, Dirkson, Bass, Rutter and John Carter; 203-575-8039.

Dec 14: CT Choral Society Winter Candlelight Holiday Concert, North Congregational Church, Main St North/Rte 6, Woodbury, 4 pm, tickets $18/advance, $20/door, performance by 80-member chorus directed by John Liepold will feature Mozart’s Vespers Solennes De Confessors & Finzi’s In Terra Pax, Opus 39, also pre-concert talk (3:30 pm) by CCS assoc conductor Dr Scott Williams concerning the works to be performed 800-555-5250.

Dec 14: St John’s Chorale Annual Christmas Candlelight Concert, St John’s Church, Rte 47, Washington, 4 pm, tickets $15 adults, $8 students, chorale directed by Mark R. Scholtz will by accompanied by 7-pc chamber orchestra for program of 2 J.S. Bach cantatas, also works of Proulx, John Amner & Richard Lloyd; 860-868-2527.

Dec 14: Ridgefield Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO) at Veteran’s Park Elementary School, 2 Governor St, Ridgefield, 4 pm, tickets $15 adults, $10 children, works of Beethoven, Haydn, Charles Ives & Copeland; 203-438-3889.

Ives Concert Hall at WCSU, White Hall, Fifth Ave & White St, Danbury. Call 837-8350.

Dec 8, WCSU Percussion Ensemble Concert, 8 pm, free; Dec 14, WCSU Holiday Jazz Concert, 7 pm, free.

Films _________________

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

Dec 5-11: Love Actually (R), daily 7:05 & 9:45 pm, mat Fri 4:05 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:10 & 4:05 pm; Master & Commander (PG-13), daily 6:50 & 9:35 pm, mat Fri 3:50 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1 & 3:50 pm; Pieces of April (PG-13), daily 7:30 & 9:25 pm, mat Fri 5:30 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:40, 3:35 & 5:30 pm; The Station Agent (PG-13), daily 7:20 & 9:15 pm, mat Fri 5:15 pm, Sat-Sun, Wed 1:25, 3:20 & 5:15 pm.

Sunday Classic with Dr Lowry, 10:30 am, $10 incl film, pre-screening info & post-screening discussion:

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

Dec 5-13: Seabiscuit (PG-13), Fri, Sun-Fri 7 pm, Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 1 & 4:30 pm.

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

Now showing: Coral Reef Adventure, daily 11 am, 12:10, 2:10 & 3:20 pm; Dolphins, Sat-Sun 2 & 4 pm; Mysteries of Egypt, daily 11 am; Pulse: A STOMP Odyssey, Mon-Fri 1 pm, Fri-Sun also 6:30 & 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun 5 pm.

For Kids & Families _________

Dec 5: Fairfield Historical Society Holiday Open House, 636 Old Post Rd, Fairfield, 6-8 pm, free adm, hot cider & cookies will be served before, during & after town’s holiday tree lighting, children can make old-fashioned holiday craft, book signings by Frances Y. Evan (new children’s/young adult book The Forgotten Flag); 203-259-1598.

Dec 6: 4th Annual Children’s Tree Holiday Decorating Event, C.H. Booth Library courtyard (indoors if necessary), 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 10 am-noon, all children invited to make ornaments following “Winter” theme for evergreen tree donated to library by Fraser Woods Montessori School; 426-3390.

Dec 7: “David Grover & The Big Bear Band: A Holiday Concert,” Ridgefield Playhouse for the Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, 1:30 pm, tickets $15/adv, $18/door, children’s holiday concert by band that has been long a favorite w/ school-age children, proceeds will benefit Temple B’nai Chaim’s religious school (Redding) & The Gary Klinsky Children’s Centers (NY); 203-438-5795.

Dec 7: “Christmas Tree For The Birds” program, Audubon Center at Bent of the River, 185 East Flat Hill Rd (off Rte 172), Southbury, 2 pm (reservations required), suggested donation $5, families w/ elementary school-age children invited for short hike to search for natural bird foods, then string garlands of popcorn & cranberries, make colorful & edible ornaments for birds, then hang everything plus dried fruit & bagels on a tree, all for birds; 264-5098.

Dec 13: Housatonic Valley Waldorf School Open House, 40 Dodgingtown Rd/Rte 302, Newtown, 10 am-noon, parents & friends invited to meet teachers, learn about Waldorf education & view classrooms, reservations requested; 364-1113.

Dec 13: Dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol, Gunn Memorial Library & Museum, 5 Wykeham Rd (at Rte 47, on the green), Washington Green, 3 pm, free reading by writer & performer William Kinsolving will be followed by refreshments/reception w/ Mr Kinsolving & open house for library’s new exhibition “Under The Big Top”; 860-868-7586.

Dec 13: Brundibar by Ridgefield Opera Company, at Temple Shearith, 46 Peaceable St, Ridgefield, 7:30 pm, tickets $10, ROC performance by local children as singers & in string quartet will present story of good children overcoming an evil organ grinder named Brundibar; 203-438-6589.

Dec 13-14: Holiday Enchantment at WCSU’s Berkshire Theatre, White St, Danbury, 2 pm, tickets available at door (call for price), 60-min holiday musical suitable for all ages; 778-3344.

Dec 14: Ridgefield Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO) at Veteran’s Park Elementary School, 2 Governor St, Ridgefield, 4 pm, tickets $15 adults, $10 children, works of Beethoven, Haydn, Charles Ives & Copeland; 203-438-3889.

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

Free programs unless noted, reservations requested, call if weather is questionable: Dec 7, annual “Christmas Tree For The Birds” program, 2 pm (reservations required), suggested donation $5, families w/ elementary school-age children invited for short hike to search for natural bird foods, then string garlands of popcorn & cranberries, make colorful & edible ornaments for birds, then hang everything plus dried fruit & bagels on a tree, all for birds.

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

Free programs (unless specified): Dec 6, children’s craft workshop, 1 pm, $3 materials fee due at registration (in-person only; no phone registrations); Dec 13, Gingerbread Workshop, 3 pm, $3 materials fee due upon registration (in-person only; no phone registrations); Dec 14, The Return of Rabbi Praver, 3 pm, one-hour program for ages 4-7 & their parents will welcome Rabbi Praver w/ Israeli & American folk music.

Young Adult programs, free unless specified: Dec 10, Winter & Festive Stamp Art Workshop (new date), 4-6 pm, $5 materials fee due when registering, join Barbara Shohet to make gift bag or box, greeting cards or stationery portfolio.

Downtown Cabaret Children’s Theatre Co., 263 Golden Hill St, Bridgeport. Call 203-576-1636.

Rudolph! through Dec 28, curtain Sat-Sun 12 & 2:30 pm, tickets $12.50, group discounts available.

Playhouse on The Green (formerly Polka Dot Playhouse), 177 State St, Bridgeport. Call 203-333-3666.

Polka Dot Kids Theatre Series, monthly series w/ guest performers, shows at 10 am & noon, tickets $12, series tickets & group discounts available: Dec 13, Holiday Stories by The Mythmakers.

Quick Center for the Arts/Fairfield Univ, 1073 North Benson Rd, Fairfield. Call 203-254-4010.

Young Audience series, performances 1 & 3 pm, tickets $12 adults, $10 children: Dec 14, Beatrix Potter’s Tale of Gloucester, for grades K-5.

Miscellaneous ___________

Dec 5: Newtown’s Annual Tree Lighting, Ram Pasture, Elm Dr at Hawley La, Newtown, 6:30 pm, lighting of town’s Christmas tree will be accompanied by caroling, visits w/ Santa & Mrs Claus, all welcome.

Dec 5: Twilight Tour of Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby, 4-6:30 pm, free (donated accepted, will benefit museum maintenance & programs), self-tours to experience the glow of holiday lights & decorations created & coordinated by local garden clubs following “The Nutcracker Theme,” tours also Dec 12 & 19, groups welcome w/ reservations; 734-2513.

Dec 5: Feast of St Nicholas Dinner, St Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 95 Greenwood Ave, Bethel, 5-7:30 pm, adults $10, children $5, roast beef, chicken & vegetarian dinners available, also soft drinks & desserts, St Nicholas will be visiting around 6 pm; 743-1494.

Dec 5: Fairfield Historical Society Holiday Open House, 636 Old Post Rd, Fairfield, 6-8 pm, free adm, hot cider & cookies will be served before, during & after town’s holiday tree lighting, children can make old-fashioned holiday craft, book signings by Frances Y. Evan (new children’s/young adult book The Forgotten Flag); 203-259-1598.

Dec 5-6: 2nd Annual Gunn Memorial Library & Museum Festival of Trees, 5 Wykeham Rd (at Rte 47), Washington Green, Fri cocktail party 5-7 pm (adm $10/person, $15/couple), Sat 10 am-2 pm (free adm), thematic decorated trees, raffles, holiday exhibit “Under The Big Top”; 860-868-7586.

Dec 5-6: 23rd Annual Bethlehem Christmas Town Festival, Rte 61 & 132 (in & around center of town), Bethlehem, Fri 5-10 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, free adm, opening ceremony w/ lighting of tree, 75+ arts & crafts exhibitors in 7 buildings on Village Green, Annual Christmas Town Ornament, hay rides, strolling carolers, entertainment, food concessions, special postal cancellations Bethlehem Post Office will have extended hours (Sat 8 am-8 pm, Sun 8 am-5 pm), story telling w/ Mrs Claus (Fri), book signings w/ Diane Smith (Sat), special exhibits at Bellamy-Ferriday House & 550 Gallery, book sale, more; 203-266-5557.

Dec 5-6 & 13: Annual Monroe Historical Society Christmas Fair, The Old Schoolhouse, Wheeler Rd, Monroe, Fri 12-8 pm, Sat (Dec 6) 10 am-4 pm & (Dec 13) 10 am-3 pm, free adm, vintage ornaments sale, Jones Tree Farm tree raffle & silent auction for Glimpse of Old Monroe, also pottery, wood, traditional ornaments, do-it-yourself decorating supplies, baked goods, Grandma’s Attic (small vintage collectibles), more, proceeds benefit historical society; 268-5511, 261-8554.

Dec 6: Newtown Rotary Club 43rd Annual Pancake Day, Edmond Town Hall Alexandria Room, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 am-1 pm, tickets $5 adults, $3 ages 10 & under, all-you-can-eat pancakes & sausage, applesauce & beverages.

Dec 6: Annual Garden Club of Newtown Greens Sale, Newtown Meeting House, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 9 am-1 pm, wreaths, swags, kissing balls, ropes of popcorn and cranberries, jams and jellies and more, all put together by garden club members.

Dec 6: SNAN Christmas Fair, 9 am-2 pm, Edmond Town Hall lower meeting room & old courtroom, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, tag sale, bake sale, books, raffles, crafts & Christmas items, vendors, refreshments, also book signing w/ Bernie Ryan (10 am-noon only, latest release is Tyler’s Titanic), presented by Spay & Neuter Association of Newtown (SNAN); 426-5730.

Dec 6: 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.

Dec 6: Annual Christmas Shopper’s Breakfast, Trinity Episcopal Church, 91 Church St, Seymour, 8 am-noon, all-you-can-eat breakfast prepared & served by male members of congregation; 203-888-6596.

Dec 6: Hollyberry Fair, Trinity Episcopal Church, 91 Church St, Seymour, 8 am-2 pm, holiday crafts & gift items, home baked desserts, holiday decorations, fresh-picked holly, more; 203-888-6596.

Dec 6: Annual Christmas Fair, St Jude Parish, 707 Monroe Tpke, Monroe, 10 am-4 pm, free adm, craft vendors, Chinese auction, quilt raffle, live wreaths, children’s room (where children can stay while parents shop), Elf’s Corner (ornaments shopping area for children), baked goods, fresh bread by The Sisters of Marian Heights, refreshments; 261-6404.

Dec 6: St Peter’s Holly Fair, Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, 175 Old Tannery Rd (opposite Monroe Green, at Rte 111), Monroe, 10 am-4 pm, crafts, Cookie Walk, Chinese Auction, baked goods, mailbox swags, Grandma’s Attic, live holly, also lunch (11:30-2:30) w/ homemade soups, homemade breads, hot dogs & soft drinks; 268-4265.

Dec 6: Harmony Grange #92 Annual Christmas Fair, Rte 110 at 111, Monroe, 10 am-4 pm, arts & crafts, lunch, more; 225-9004, 268-3480.

Dec 6-7: Annual Holiday Pottery Sale, Wooster Community Art Center, 73 Miry Brook Rd, Danbury, 10 am-3 pm, fundraiser for WCAC offers ceramics created by students & faculty, also exhibition of paintings, prints & photos by students, light refreshments, proceeds will help w/ improvement & maintenance of WCAC’s clay studio; 744-4826.

Dec 7: Family Counseling Center 18th Annual Newtown Holiday Festival, on & around Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 11 am-5 pm, tickets $20/adv adults ($25/day of), $15/seniors & children ($18/day of), live music, ballet, Festival of Trees, walking tour of historic private homes, Victorian Tea Room, New England Café, arts & crafts show (opens 10 am), antiques show (opens at 10), more; 364-0597.

Dec 7: Flanders Nature Center Annual Holiday Festival, Flanders at Church Hill Rd, Woodbury, 10 am-4 pm, free adm, seasonal activities in nature’s surroundings incl wreath making, hayrides, kids’ crafts, visits w/ Santa & refreshments, pre-cut & cut-your-own Christmas trees also available for purchase; 203-263-3711.

Dec 7: “A Daily Meditation Practice: The Best Gift You Can Give A Loved One or Yourself,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free program by Mary Ellen Porrata will be followed by silent group meditation & tea reception; 203-263-2254.

Dec 9: Friends of Danbury Library Holiday Book Sale, at the library, 170 Main St (at West St), Danbury, 10 am-2 pm, gift quality nearly new children’s & adult books incl fiction, non-fiction, coffee table books, more; 796-8061.

Dec 12: Holiday in the Depot, on the green, Rte 47, Washington Depot, 6 pm, celebrate the lighting of town’s Christmas Tree & arrival of Santa, then enjoy holiday cheer, wagon rides & special events w/ local merchants.

Dec 13: Housatonic Valley Waldorf School Open House, 40 Dodgingtown Rd/Rte 302, Newtown, 10 am-noon, parents & friends invited to meet teachers, learn about Waldorf education & view classrooms, reservations requested; 364-1113.

Dec 13: Annual Monroe Historical Society Christmas Fair continues (opened weekend of Dec 5-6), The Old Schoolhouse, Wheeler Rd, Monroe, 10 am-3 pm, free adm, vintage ornaments sale, Jones Tree Farm tree raffle & silent auction for Glimpse of Old Monroe, also pottery, wood, traditional ornaments, do-it-yourself decorating supplies, baked goods, Grandma’s Attic (small vintage collectibles), more, proceeds benefit historical society; 268-5511, 261-8554.

Dec 14: “Opening To Love Universal and Personal: Seeing It In Its Pure Form Through Yoga and Meditation,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free program by guest speaker Vincent D’Alessio will be followed by group meditation & tea reception; 203-263-2254.

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

Free programs unless noted, reservations requested, call if weather is questionable, leave pets home: Dec 7, Full Moon Walk, 8 pm, $3, reservations suggested for this popular program where a center staff member will lead a walk under bright moonlight to enjoy scenery & listen for owls; Dec 10, Adult Nature Walk, 9 am, meet at kiosk for program led by center naturalist to enjoy bright, clear air & notice details missed during warmer months, also a good time to watch for unusual vagrant birds.

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

Programs free unless noted: Dec 8, Daytime Book Club, 1 pm, discussion of Embers by Sandor Marai, newcomers welcome; Dec 9, A Child’s Christmas with Music, 7 pm, reading of Dylan Thomas’s A Child’s Christmas In Wales by the storyteller & actor Peter Loffredo will open w/ music by Duane Reilley & David Childs, light refreshments available; Dec 11, “The Life & Art of Frida Kahlo,” 7:30 pm, free slide lecture by art historian Heike Stucke.

Danbury Public Library, 170 Main St, Danbury. Call 797-4505.

Free programs: Dec 9, Friends of Danbury Library Holiday Book Sale, 10 am-2 pm, gift quality nearly new children’s & adult books incl fiction, non-fiction, coffee table books, more.

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: Dec 6, Meckauer Park, Bethel (Ester Nichols, 426-2897, 203-788-1398); Dec 13, short hike followed by end of season potluck luncheon, call to coordinate food (Tim Hanbury, 203-888-3025).

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.

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.

Theatre ______________

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

La Cage Aux Folles: 20th Anniversary, through Feb 8, curtain Fri 8 pm, Sat 5:30 & 8:30 pm, Sun 5:30 pm, tickets $37.50-$45.50.

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

A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas, through Dec 28, 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.

A Taffeta Christmas, Dec 12-Jan 4, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun 2 pm, tickets $18 adults, $15 students & seniors, cabaret seating, theater opens one hour before performance.

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

 Dirty Blonde, Dec 5-21 & 31, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, Sun (Dec 21 only) 2 pm, tickets $15; also (Thurs) Dec 11, Pay-What-You-Want night, 8 pm, name your ticket price; Dec 31, New Year’s Eve Gala Performance, 8 pm, tickets $30, full production also hors d’oeuvres & open bar.