Antiques Shows______

Dec 10-11: Pottery, Porcelain & Ceramics Expo: antique to unique, Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Rd, Old Greenwich, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm, adm $6, free ages 13 & under, approx 25 vendors, also “Fakes, Repros & Knockoffs” display by American Art Pottery Assn, “Collecting & Enjoying Art Pottery” lecture by Paul Katrich, professional restoration service; 914-273-4667.

Dec 18: Holiday Stocking Stuffer Antique Show & Sale, Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Rd, Old Greenwich, 10 am-5 pm, adm $7, 1,000 sq feet of antique & estate jewelry & silver, also general antiques & collectibles no larger than 6” by 6”; 914-273-4667.

Art Exhibits, Museums Historic Places__ _____

Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, 258 Main St, Ridgefield. Call 203-438-4519.

Through Jan 8: “Black Like Me — Fred Wilson: The 2002 Larry Aldrich Foundation Award Recipient,” major solo exhibition for award-winner will focus on artist’s growing interest in glass incl signature style of using found objects as vehicle for cultural & institutional critique.

Through Jan 8: “Lisa Signal: A House of Many Mansions,” site-specific work by Brooklyn-based artist whose paintings have moved off canvas & onto lg pcs of sheetrock & sometimes directly onto gallery walls, new pcs will wrap around museum’s Leir Atrium.

The Barnum Museum, 820 Main St, Bridgeport. Call 203-331-1104.

Through Jan 9: “Celebrate The Season,” annual holiday exhibition interprets history of Victorian holiday era through display of 19th Century Christmas trees & period costumes (also, children’s craft activities offered daily); Dec 15, gallery talk w/ acting executive director Kathleen Maher, 11 am and 6 pm.

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

On library’s main floor — Through Dec 31: “Al’s Trail,” collection of paintings by Newtown resident Pat Barkman that depict scenes along the 10-mile hiking trail that stretches from Pond Brook to Reed Intermediate School.

Boyajian Sculpture Barn, Milltown Rd, New Fairfield. Call 746-6101.

Through Dec 24: “Primitive Icons,” series of small scale, one-of-a-kind cast bronze sculptures of mythical, biblical & Darwinian motifs, also previous works from ’04-05 season.

Brookfield Craft Center, 286 Whisconier Rd (Rte 25), Brookfield. Call 775-4526.

Through Dec 31: 30th Annual Holiday Exhibition & Sale, annual event offers unique designer quality hand crafted gifts incl scarves, jewelry & jewelry boxes, hats & gloves, ornaments, glassware, ceramics, kitchen items, clocks, turned wood, frames & much more, inventory replenished constantly, proceeds to benefit American craft artists & craft center’s classes & workshops.

Bruce Museum of Arts & Sciences, One Museum Dr, Greenwich. Call 203-869-0376.

Through Dec 31: “Art and Artists: New Yorker Cartoons from The Melvin R. Seiden Collection,” light-hearted look at art & artists portrayed by New Yorker cartoonists, also selection of artists’ portraits by the photographer Anne Hall.

Easton Public Library, 691 Morehouse Rd (at corner of Center St), Easton. Call 261-0134.

Through Jan 10: hand cut wood silhouettes by Frank F. Turechek, ranging from angels to locomotives, cut using Hegner scroll saw.

Fenn Gallery of Contemporary Art, 345 Main Street/Rte 6, Woodbury. Call 203-263-2821.

*(new show) Through Jan 29: “Simple and Complex,” contemporary still life paintings in pastel & oil by Peter Seltzer, figurative sculpture “w/ a touch of whimsy” by Michael McLaughlin; Dec 10, artists’ reception (public invited), 4-6 pm.

Fine Line Art Gallery, 586 Main St South/Rte 6, Woodbury. Call 203-266-0110.

*(new show) Through Dec 31: “Holiday Miniature Show,” small original artwork by gallery members; Dec 10, artists’ reception (public invited), 11 am-5 pm.

FrameWorks, South Main Marketplace, 97 South Main St/Rte 25, Newtown. Call 270-1887.

Through Dec 31: historic photographs from The Newtown Historical Images Archive (project of Newtown Historical Society), incl 10 images on view for first time.

Gregory James Gallery, 13 Main St (new location), New Milford. Call 860-354-3436.

Through Dec 31: “Holiday Show,” grand reopening in gallery’s latest location offers works by Rick Daskam, Robert Ferrucci, Joseph Grieco, Roger Kastel, Christopher Magadini, Edward Martinez, Alain Picard, Bill Rice, Anda Styler, John Swatsley, Danielle Wexler & Scott Zuckerman.

Gunn Memorial Library Stairway Gallery, 5 Wykeham Rd, Washington Green. Call 860-868-7756.

In Stairwell Gallery — Through Jan 6: “In Living Color,” color photos by Carl Weese, who recently returned to color work & small, hand-held cameras following nearly 2 decades shooting black & white w/ lg tripod-mounted cameras, new works also explore digital capture & printing technology.

Through Jan 8: “No Batteries Required: Toys that Whizz, Buzz, Click & Pop,” toys loaned by area residents that move in some way incl wheeled toys, horse-drawn wagons, spring-wound toys/toys w/ clockwork mechanism, sand toys, optical toys, marionettes, jack in the box, cast iron toys & more.

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

*(new show) Through March 31: “The Hopkins Archaeological Site,” artifacts from one of the first prehistoric sites documented in Litchfield County, which indicate site was seasonal camp regularly used for thousands of years, ca 10,000-7,000 BC.

Miller Studio & Gallery, 495 Main St/Rte 6, Woodbury. Call 203-263-3939.

Through Jan 12: “Second Annual Black Tie: Little Works of Art Dressed in Exquisite Frames,” second annual exhibit showcasing select group of little paintings all dressed up for the holidays in Miller Studio’s handmade frames, incl works by Thomas C. Adkins, Pete Bergeron, Joy Bristol, Ella Crampton Knot, Robert Holden & Tom Yost.

Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St, Roxbury. Call 860-350-2181.

*(new show) Through Jan 2: bronze sculptures of ballerinas by Sterett-Gittings Kelsey.

Osborne Homestead Museum, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby. Hours: Thurs-Sun only 10 am-4 pm. Call 734-2513.

Through Dec 18: “Winter Celebrations Around the World,” holiday decorations of Holland, China & 8 other countries, interspersed w/ floral arrangements by local garden clubs; Dec 9, Twilight Tours, 4-6:30 pm (ongoing); Dec 16, Twilight Tours, 4-6:30 pm (ongoing).

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

*(new show) Dec 11-Jan 29: “American Impressionists in France,” paintings by Frank Federico & Dick McEvoy done in Paris, Giverny & Provence; Dec 11, opening reception, 1-4 pm.

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

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, 600 Main St, Hartford. Call 860-278-2670, TDD 860-278-0294.

Through Dec 11: “Following The North Star: from civil war to civil rights,” items from Amistad Foundation collection provides insight into African-American experience by looking at educational, historic & aesthetic value of objects incl paintings, photos, plaster casts, figurines, posters, newspaper articles & other artifacts.

Through Dec 31: “Reflections & Shadows: Impressionism & Nineteenth Century Style,” French masterpieces focusing on fin-de-siècle (end of 19th C) sensibilities in fine & decorative arts.

Through Dec 31: “Dali, Picasso and The Surrealist Vision,” homecoming of exhibition that debuted at Wadsworth 2½ years ago (and has traveled across country since) offers signature modern works by leading European Surrealists incl Dali, Ernst, Tanguy, de Chirico, Picasso, Cornell, Calder, et al; exhibition tours every Sat 1 pm & Sun 2:30 pm.

Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton. Call 203-834-1896.

Through Dec 31: “Sperry Andrews: Works Circa 1939-1990,” approx 30 drawings, watercolors & oil paintings by Andrews illustrate the late artist’s contribution to 20th Century art.

Wisdom House/Marie Louise Trichet Gallery, 229 East Litchfield Rd, Litchfield. Call 860-567-3163.

Through Dec 31: “Dreams, Myths & Subconscious Doodles,” paintings, drawings & sculpture by New Hartford artist David J. Skora, whose work seeks to unfold the metaphoric & symbolic meanings of the subconscious dramas that appear through dreaming.

Yale Center For British Art, 1080 Chapel St (at High St), New Haven. Call 203-432-2800.

Through Dec 31: “Sensation & Sensibility: Viewing Gainsborough’s ‘Cottage Door,’” groundbreaking exhibition offers for first time Gainsborough’s “Cottage Door” & other works that take up the subject of cottage & cottage life via 40 paintings, 25 works on paper & sev optical devices.

Through Dec 31: “The Worlds of Francis Wheatley,” highlights from YCBA’s rich holdings of Wheatley’s work in all genre & media incl oils, watercolors, drawings & prints

Auditions, Juried Events  _____

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

Jan 8-9: Auditions for Lend Me A Tenor, Sun 1-4 pm, Mon 7-9 pm, director Beth Harding seeks 4 men & 4 women ages 20-60, 3 characters require good singing voices, strong acting is most important, show is physical & incl lots of running, shouting, door slamming & love scenes, visit TheaterBarn.org for full character list, story line & directions, rehearsals will be eves & some weekends mid-Jan to opening night, production will run weekends Feb 25-March 25.

Concerts, Musical Events ____

Dec 9-10: GianCarlo Menotti’s Amahl and The Night Visitors by WCSU Opera, at Western CT State University’s Ives Concert Hall, 181 White St, Danbury, curtain 8 pm each night, tickets $10 adults, $5 seniors & children (ages 12 & under), 11th annual production of holiday classic will be directed by music professor Dr Margaret Astrup; 837-8350.

Dec 9-11: Danbury Music Centre’s The Nutcracker, at Danbury High School, 43 Clapboard Ridge Rd/Rte 39, Danbury, curtain Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 6 pm, Sun 3 pm, tickets $15-$20; 748-1716.

Dec 10: “Deck The Halls: A Holiday Musical Program,” C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 3 pm, free performance by CT Opera will incl songs of the season, traditional carols & Hanukkah songs; 426-4533.

Dec 10: CT Choral Society Holiday Concert, Trinity Episcopal Church, 31 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 pm, tickets $18/adv, $20/door, performance of Handel’s Messiah (Part I), commissioned work by Benjamin Broening (Wit Wonders: Midwinter Mystery) & carols of the season, CCS will be joined by soloists Julie DeVaere, Michelle McBride, Boyd Schlaefer & Scott Williams, also The Bethlehem Bells (handbell chorus); 800-555-5250.

Dec 10: The Nutcracker by Waterbury Symphony Orchestra & Nutmeg Ballet, at The Palace Theater, 100 East Main St, Waterbury, performances 1 & 5 pm, tickets $25-$75 adults, $10-$35 students, guest conductor Emil de Cou will lead 50-pc orchestra, world class dancers to incl Damian Woetzel & Alexandra Ansanelli, also Litchfield Children’s Choir; 203-755-4700.

Dec 10: “Holiday Jubilee: The First Fifty Years,” Wilton Presbyterian Church, 48 New Canaan Rd, Wilton, 8 pm, tickets $20 adults, $15 seniors & students, 50th anniversary & holiday celebration by The Westport Madrigal Singers & music director Elissa O. Getto will offer favorite works; 203-253-0297.

Dec 10-11: The Nutcracker presented by Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, at Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and The Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge Ave, Ridgefield, Sat 2 & 7 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $25 adults, $20 students & seniors ($15 students for Sat matinee) a magical journey told through beauty of dance w/ dancers from Ridgefield Conservatory, also guest dancers from Hartt School, holiday favorite suitable for entire family; 203-438-5795.

Dec 10-11: 17th Annual Nutcracker by Main Street Theater, at Pomperaug High School, 234 Judd Rd, Southbury, curtain Sat 7 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $20 adults, $16 seniors & children ages 18 & under, students of Woodbury-based ballet company will be joined by guest artist (& MSB resident instructor) Todd Hall; 264-4364.

Dec 11: “Home for The Holidays with the Ryerson Family,” The Brookfield Library, 182 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield Center, 3 pm, free holiday concert featuring jazz flute artist Ali Ryerson & members of her family incl Franz Ryerson (cello), soprano Marthe Ryerson (also on violin), John Ryerson (vocals & trumpet), also guitarist Beck & pianist Gustavo Andres, will feature variety of musical styles; 775-6241 x104.

Dec 16: Ballroom dancing at Portuguese Cultural Center, 65 Sandpit Rd, Danbury, 7-10:30 pm, adm $10 (incl door prizes, dessert & coffee), cash bar; 748-1278.

Dec 17: 11th Annual Christmas Angelicus: Chorus Angelicus & Gaudeamus, St John’s Episcopal Church, 16 Church St, Waterbury, 5 pm, tickets $25 general adm, $35 Priority seating, $20 student Priority, $12 student general (group discounts available), evening of traditional & contemporary hymns, carols & readings; 888-788-8882.

Dec 17: Community Coffeehouse, 7 Madison Ave, Danbury, 7:30-10:30 pm, free adm (donations accepted, $5-$10 suggested), performances by Doug Hartline & Friends and Dayne Varga, complimentary refreshments; 748-4972.

Dec 17-18: NVCC Chorus Holiday Concert, at Naugatuck Valley Community College Fine Arts Center, 750 Chase Pkwy, Waterbury, Sat 8 pm, Sun 3 pm, suggested donation $10, program to incl Bach’s Magnificat w/ orchestra & US premier of “Pur que llorax,” Sephardic work from Israel, also Christmas music from Australia; 203-575-8049.

Dec 18: 16th Annual Christmas Concert – The McCann Family Choir & Jackson Pike Skifflers, Christ’s Church, 59 Church Rd, Easton, 4:30 pm, free adm (donations accepted for Bridgeport Rescue Mission & Mary McCann Bradicich Memorial Scholarship Fund), performance by members of Bridgeport-based McCann family & members of traditional music group Jackson Pike Skifflers, reception to follow; 268-7674, 268-3569.

Dec 18: Danbury Music Centre’s The Messiah, at St Peter’s Church, 104 Main St, Danbury, 7:30 pm, free adm (donations accepted), Handel’s famous work will be performed by Danbury Concert Chorus & Danbury Chamber Orchestra; 748-1716.

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

Dec 9-10, Amahl and The Night Visitors by WCSU Opera, 8 pm, tickets $10 adults, $5 seniors & ages 12 & under, 11th annual production of holiday classic being directed by music prof Dr Margaret Astrup; Dec 11, WCSU Holiday Jazz Concert, 7 pm, free adm (donations accepted for music dept), performances by Frankensax, WCSU Jazz Ensemble & WCSU Jazz Orchestra, program to incl traditional Big Band jazz standards & holiday classics;

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

Performances 8 pm unless noted: Dec 10-11, Nutcracker presented by Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, Sat 2 & 7 pm, Sun 2 pm, tickets $25 adults, $20 students & seniors ($15 students for Sat matinee), a magical journey told through beauty of dance w/ dancers from Ridgefield Conservatory, also guest dancers from Hartt School, holiday favorite suitable for entire family; Dec 18, A Rockapella Christmas, 6 pm start time, tickets $45, discounts for students & seniors, holiday performance by original rock a capella group, opening set by The Danbury High School Madrigal Singers.

Films _________________

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

Dec 9-15: Just Like Heaven (PG-13), Fri-Sat 7 & 9 pm, Sun-Thurs 7 pm, mat Sat-Sun 1 & 4 pm, Tues 1 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 adults, $10 seniors, $7.59 students: Dec 16, sneak preview of The Moguls, then Q&A w/ Joe Pantoliano.

For Kids & Families _________

Through Dec 10: 38th Annual Gingerbread Village & Christmas Bazaar, St George’s Church, Tucker Hill Rd, Middlebury, Mon-Fri 2-4 & 7-9 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm, village of 50-60 gingerbread houses, people, animals & scenes, all edible, all handmade & all open to silent auction bidding; 203-758-9557, 203-758-2165.

Through Dec 18: Santa’s Special Train Rides, Danbury Railway Museum, 120 White St, Danbury, Sat-Sun 12-4:30 pm, call for ticket prices, in-yard rides on restored RR cars to visit Santa’s Car for photos & gifts, meet Santa & Mrs Claus, few elves & Frosty, last ride departs at 4:30, displays & refreshments inside museum special shopping area for children; 778-8337.

Dec 10-11: Holiday Tidings, WCSU’s Berkshire Hall, Osborne St (midtown campus), Danbury, 2 pm, adm $7.50, family holiday musical by WCSU theater arts dept w/ LaMar Productions, children welcome to join arts & crafts session; 778-3344.

Dec 13: “Making Merry: An After School Program,” Danbury Library, 170 Main St (at West), Danbury, 4-5 pm, free program (registration required) for children in grades 1 & 2 will offer stories, craft times & sing-alongs; 797-4528.

Dec 17: Santa Saturday at The Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford, 11 am-1 pm, free, tell Santa what’s on your wish list, also enjoy refreshments & good cheer; 860-522-6766 x10.

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

Children’s programs, free unless specified: Dec 10, Holiday Craft Workshop, 1-2 pm, $3 materials fee (due at registration), ages 6 & up invited to join Marie Walker for craft hour; Dec 10, “Deck the Halls” by CT Opera, 3 pm, free performance of seasonal favorites, traditional carols & Hanukkah songs for all ages; Dec 17, Gingerbread House Workshop, 3-4 pm, $3 materials fee (due at registration), ages 4-10 invited to make their own take-own “house.”

Young Adult programs, free unless specified: Dec 14, Let’s Talk About… , 4 pm, grades 5-9 invited to discuss Jacqueline Woodson’s Hush.

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

Christmas in Candy Land, through Dec 18, curtain Sat-Sun 12 & 2:30 pm, tickets $12.50.

Miscellaneous ___________

Through Dec 22: “Celebrate the Holidays,” Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan, Tues-Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm, suggested adm $2, work by Silvermine Guild artists in all media, created especially for holiday giving, including “An Enchanted Forest of Holiday Ornaments”; 203-966-9700.

Through Dec 31: 30th Annual Holiday Exhibition & Sale, Brookfield Craft Center, 286 Whisconier Rd/Rte 25, Brookfield, Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5pm, annual event offers unique designer quality hand crafted gifts incl scarves, jewelry & jewelry boxes, hats & gloves, ornaments, glassware, ceramics, kitchen items, clocks, turned wood, frames & much more, inventory replenished constantly, proceeds to benefit American craft artists & craft center’s classes & workshops; 775-4526.

Dec 9: CT ConTacts Singles Dance Party, Fireside Inn, 123 Main St South/Rte 25, Newtown, 8 pm-1 am, adm $17, dinner buffet, coffee & dessert, dancing to DJ selections (Top 40, soft rock, recent oldies & requests), no bluejeans; 203-468-1144.

Dec 9: 2nd Annual WCSU Psychology Day, WCSU Alumni Hall, (midtown campus), James Roach Ave (next to elementary school), Danbury, 9 am-noon, free, psychological research conducted by students will be presented; 837-8471.

Dec 9: Skating in Toyland, Danbury Ice Arena, One Independence Way, Danbury, 6:30 pm, adm is one new unwrapped toy, show by local skaters will benefit Toys for Tots; 794-1704.

Dec 9: Second Annual “Art from The Heart,” ESCAPE To The Arts/Center for Arts & Humanities, 293 Main St, Danbury, starts 7 pm, tickets $50, catered party will offer unique works by 65 professional artists & students of ESCAPE incl sculpture, wall art, jewelry, ceramics, tapestry & fine woodworking; 794-1413.

Dec 9-12: Charity Scholastic Book Fair, Sylvan Learning Center, 20 Federal Rd/Rte 7, Brookfield, Fri 8:30 am-5 pm, Sat 9 am-noon, Sun 12-5 pm, Mon 8:30 am-7:30 pm, specially priced books & educational products incl recent releases, award-winning titles, children’s classics, interactive software & more, all proceeds to benefit Danbury Hospital Pediatric Children’s Center; 775-9611.

Dec 10: Indoor Flea Market, Church of The Good Shepherd, 680 Racebrook Rd, Orange, 8 am-2 pm; 203-934-4446.

Dec 10: “Calling All Cookie Monsters: St Thomas’ Ninth Annual Cookie Event,” St Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 95 Greenwood Ave/Rte 302, Bethel, 9:30 am-noon, all cookies $7/pound, shoppers invited to mix & match from thousands of cookies, also homemade fudge, gift-wrapping available; 743-1494.

Dec 10: 11th Annual Holiday House Tour, purchase tickets & start from Woodbury Middle School, 67 Washington Ave, Woodbury, 10 am-4 pm, tickets $15/adv, $20/day of, visit sev homes (historic & new) decorated for holidays, enjoy coffee, tea & refreshments at middle school (where maps will also be available); 262-8747.

Dec 10-11: Brookfield Historical Society Annual Holiday Bazaar, at Brookfield Historical Society Museum, 165 Whisconier Rd (Rte 25 at Rte 133), Brookfield Center, Sat 10 am-4 pm, Sun 11 am-2 pm, plants, baked goods, wreaths, handmade ornaments, gift items & items from Grandma’s Attic, proceeds will support historical society; 740-8140.

Dec 10-11: Christmas Festival Weekend at Shrine of Lourdes Grotto, Lourdes Shrine, Rte 118, Litchfield, make gingerbread Nativity scenes (Sat 12 am-noon, in Pilgrim Hall; reservations required), candlelight Christmas caroling 7 pm, also Living Nativity (Sun 3-5 pm); 860-567-1041.

Dec 10-11: Indian Market Weekend at Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd, Washington, Sat 11 am-4 pm, Sun 12-4 pm, vendors will be set up in museum’s research building; 860-868-0518.

Dec 11: Newtown Holiday Craft Festival, Edmond Town Hall gymnasium, 45 Main St/Rte 25, Newtown, 11 am-5pm, free adm, door prizes; 261-2414.

Dec 11: “The Blossoming Culture of Compassion: How We Can Help Nurture It,” Woodbury Yoga Center, 122 West Side Rd, Woodbury, 6:45 pm, free discussion led by WYC teacher Vincent D’Alessio will concern pranayama (yogic breathing techniques) & how it can be used to calm body, mind & spirit, followed by group meditation & informal tea reception; 203-263-2254.

Dec 11-24: Holidays in The Depot, Washington Art Association Gallery, Bryant Plaza, Rte 47, Washington Depot, Tues-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm, handmade crafts & art objects incl silver & beaded jewelry, hand crafter papers & cards, holiday ornaments, wreaths, pottery, hand knit sweaters & scarves & much more by local artisans; 860-868-2878.

Dec 13: Friends of Danbury Library Holiday Book Sale, at Danbury Library, 170 Main St (at West St), Danbury, 10 am-2 pm, lg selection of nearly new gift-quality fiction & non-fiction books for children & adults; 797-4568.

Dec 15: Christmas Tree Silent Auction, The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Rd/Rte 6, Newtown, 5-7 pm (bidding has already opened; Dec 15 is final bidding day & wrap party), public invited to place bids on 25 miniature trees decorated by local civic groups & businesses, bidding closes at 6:30, winners announced at 7, also A Taste of Christmas (holiday refreshments), proceeds to benefit Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Assn; 426-8118.

Dec 17: Annual Christmas Craft & Bake Sale Fair, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 17 Roberts Ave, Danbury, 10 am-3 pm, homemade pierogies, nut rolls, poppy seed rolls, Russian tea cookies, smoked & fresh kielbasa & more, also extensive selection imported Russian craft items; 748-0671.

Dec 17: WUMC Spaghetti Supper, Woodbury United Methodist Church, Main St at Church St, Woodbury, continuous servings 4:45-7 pm, adm $8 adults, $7 seniors, $3.50 children, spaghetti dinner w/ salad, bread, dessert & soft drinks (meatballs addt’l 50¢), special visits this month w/ Santa & elf; 203-266-4303

Dec 17: Planetarium Show & Telescope Viewing, WCSU Observatory (westside campus), University Blvd (off Lake Avenue Ext), Danbury, free, planetarium show at 5 pm, telescope viewing of Pleiades star cluster, Orion constellation, Winter Circle & Mars follows 6-8 pm; 837-8672.

Dec 17-31: 18th Hands-On Toy Display, Railroad Station, 11 Railroad St, New Milford, daily 12-4 pm (closed only Christmas Day), kids of all ages invited to play & operate Lionel trains on 2 large, beautiful displays; 860-354-6080.

Dec 18: Frank McCourt at Minor Memorial Library, 23 South St, Roxbury, 4 pm, free adm (first-come, first-served seating), Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Angela’s Ashes & ‘Tis will discuss his newest release, Teacher Man; 860-350-2181.

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: Dec 10, End-Of-Year Pot Luck Luncheon & Short Hike hosted by Maureen Markelon (203-888-3113, call her for directions & food coordination).

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

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

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

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

Wednesday Night Poetry, NEW LOCATION: at Molten Java, 102 Greenwood Ave, 5 Depot Place (in former railroad station), Bethel. Call 426-3388 (Faith Vicinanza), 739-0313 (Molten Java).

Series presented ev Wed 7:30-10 pm (featured poets 8:30 pm, poetry workshop 9:15 pm), adm $1 ($3 requested if out-of-state or major guest poet), guest/featured poets as follows: Dec 14, Bruce Weber, also year-end celebration (final reading of 2005, bring poems ot endings & beginnings, celebration or any other poems).

Theatre ______________

Long Wharf Theatre, 222 Sargent Dr, New Haven. Call 203-787-4282.

On Stage II: Aphrodisiac, through Jan 1, curtain Tues-Wed, Sun 7 pm, Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 3 pm, Sun & Wed 2 pm, tickets (previews $40 Sun-Thurs, $50 Fri-Sat pm & Sun mat) $50 Sun-Thurs eves, $60 Fri-Sat evening & Sun mat, $55 Wed & Sat mat.

Special Events: Dec 9, The Moth: An Urban Storytelling Event, 8 pm, all seats $35.

Black Nativity, special return engagement of Langston Hughes work, Dec 14-18, curtain Wed & Sun 7 pm, Thurs-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat 3 pm, call for ticket details.

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

A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to The Forum, through Dec 10, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, tickets $22 adults, $18 seniors & students.

Play Reading Series, free adm:

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

Ghost of A Chance (original holiday production is sequel to Christmas Carol), through Jan 7, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sun (Dec 11 & 18 only) 2 pm, tickets $17.50; Dec 31, New Year’s Eve Gala, 8 pm, tickets $35, hors d’oeuvres & open bar.

Play Reading Series, free:

Town Players of Newtown, at The Little Theater, Orchard Hill Rd, Newtown. Call 270-9144.

Tiny Tim, Pickwick and All: Dickens in December, Dec 9-11, curtain Fri-Sat 8 pm, mat Sat-Sun 2 pm, tickets $10 adults, $5 children, play not be appropriate for very young children.

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Events that appear by date have Newtown items 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, but must be in sharp focus. Please call for specs if you plan to email digital photo files.