Music and Dance
Canton High School Choral Music Department sponsors Cabaret 200—THE ERA OF NEW BROADWAY on Friday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Canton High School Nightclub Dining Room. This is a senior project directed by Kathryn Guthrie, with choreography by Lisa Farrell. Students from the Family and Consumer Sciences culinary arts classes will be serving gourmet desserts and specialty coffee and drinks throughout the evening. Tickets are $12 adults, $6 children (under 12); for reservations call the school office at 693-7707.
University of Hartford in West Hartford presents PATTY LARKIN as part of its Music for a Change benefit series on Friday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Wilde Auditorium. Tickets are $16; for more info call 860-768-5026, or 800-274-8587.
Sweet Harmony's Coffee House presents THE WIGGINS SISTERS on Friday, December 7 at 8 p.m. at St. Andrew's Church, Route 202 and Wheaton Rd. in Marbledale. Tickets are $8 at the door; for more info call 860-868-2846.
Mighty Goshen Festival Singers present their 5th annual GOSHEN CHRISTMAS FEAST AND SONG on Friday and Saturday, December 7-8 and Friday, December 14 at 6 p.m. at the Goshen Congregational Church Parish Hall, Routes 63 & 4 (at the rotary) in Goshen. Enjoy a gourmet dinner and listen to harmonious sacred and secular Christmas music. Tickets are $20, reservations are required; for more info call 860-491-2793.
CT Valley Theatre Organ Society presents its annual holiday concert featuring TOM HAZLETON at the Thomaston Opera House, 158 Main St. in Thomaston on Saturday, December 8 at 2 p.m. Mr. Hazleton is considered to be one of few concert organists equally at home at the console of classical and theatre organs. Hazleton was named "Organist of the Year" by the American Theatre Organ Society. CVTOS is the nonprofit organization that owns and maintains the 1926 Mar-Colton theatre pipe organ in the historic Thomaston Opera House. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door; for more info call 860-283-6250.
Berkshire Foothills Ballet will perform excerpts from THE NUTCRACKER on Saturday, December 8 at 7 p.m. at Northwestern Regional #7 High School in Winsted. Angelica Consiglio, a level II student, will dance the role of Clara. The two featured soloists of the ballet company, Chelsea Milkowski and Alesia Vaccari, dance the lead roles as Snowflakes, the SugarPlum Fairy, and Tea from China; both dancers have been training for over ten years to bring the audience a feeling of joy while they dance. For more info call 860-738-0714.
Artists from the CT Commission on the Arts community perform a SPECIAL BENEFIT CONCERT for their friends from Sirius Coyote on Saturday, December 8 at 7 p.m. at Old Town Hall, Route 6 in Woodbury. Giovanni Ciarlo and Kathleen Sartor recently lost their barn/ workshop to a fire which consumed 20 years of their work. For the past two decades Sirius Coyote has traveled throughout the world, building and collecting an irreplaceable selection of musical instruments and instrument-building tools that were stored in their barn/ workshop. Volunteering their talents for this show will be singer-songwriter Mike Kachuba, the contemporary vocal ensemble Sister Sound, percussionist Bob Bloom, dulcimer player and folk musician Thomasina, and dancers Rachna Agrawal, Sarah Bodley and Efraim Silva. Nick Jacobs, Cheryl Della Pelle and Carol Glynn will offer poetry and storytelling, and visual artist Curtis Hanson will be selling archival prints of his original works and donating the funds. Refreshments are being donated by New Morning Country Store. Tickets are $15 adults, $8 children (under 12); for more info call 860-567-3441.
Berkshire Children's Chorus presents a HOLIDAY CONCERT conducted by Nancy Loder on Saturday, December 8 at 7 p.m. at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy Chapel in Stockbridge. Accompanists will be Lee Dixon and Deborah Morris; guest artist will be Eileen Brennan on the recorder. The Start Up chorus, which is the apprentice chorus for students in grades 3-5, will be performing as well as the newly formed high school ensemble, Coda. All three choruses will present their annual candlelight procession to Gutav Holst's "Personent Hodie" to open the concert, and will close with the trademark "Night of Silence," which includes the audience. Suggested donation is $5 at the door; for more info call 413-229-8960.
Friends of Northwest Park present an evening of jazz with the NORMAN JOHNSON QUARTET on Saturday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Northwest Park Nature Center in Windsor. This is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and handicap-accessible facility. Proceeds benefit the Gordon Taylor Educational Fund for environmental studies at the park. Tickets are $10; for more info call 860-285-1886.
Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton presents CHRIS SMITHER on Saturday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. Known as "the bluesy philosopher" for his reflective songwriting and moving vocals, Smither is respected for his unique style that mixes solid rhythmic riffs with a stream of blue guitar notes. Tickets are $17, reservations are suggested; for more info call 860-693-0263.
Hartford Symphony Orchestra presents HANDEL'S "MESSIAH" on Saturday, December 8 at 8 p.m. at the Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford. Under the baton of Henley Denmead, this annual performance will include the Hallelujah Chorus and will feature soprano Emily Martin, mezzo-soprano Kellie Jenkins, bass Robert Gardner, and tenor Rockland Osgood. Composed in 1741 and first performed in Dublin, "Messiah" is Handel's most popular work. The oratorio's biblical story line is broken into three parts, each representing a different stage of the life of Christ: birth, death, and resurrection. Tickets are $10-$53; for more info call 860-244-2999.
Payton’s Place Coffeehouse presents KEITH MURPHY AND BECKY TRACY in a rare Connecticut appearance on Saturday, December 8 at 8 p.m. at the Harwinton Senior Center, 209 Weingart Rd. in Harwinton. Becky Tracy is one of the most dynamic and accomplished fiddlers in the New England area. For three generations her family has been hosting and playing for community folk dances (she is a contra dance caller as well). Her husband, Keith Murphy, is a gifted songwriter, a charming singer, and a virtuoso on guitar, mandolin and piano. Together this couple creates a sound that is intimate, varied and extraordinarily rich instrumentally. Tickets to this family-friendly show are $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 children (ages 7-12); for more info call 860-485-0678.
Nutmeg Square and Round Dance Club holds a Plus Level SQUARE AND ROUND DANCE on Saturday, December 8 from 8-11 p.m. at Judson School, Hamilton Lane in Watertown. Caller is Ted Lizotte, with cuer Ed Friend. The dance is held in a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment; spectators are always welcome. Fee charged for dancers, no fee for spectators; refreshments will be served. For more info call Mary at 860-283-9943, or Rich and Ellen at 860-274-6876.
Norfolk Library, Route 44 in Norfolk presents the ROSA-LAURENT DUO on Sunday, December 9 at 4 p.m. Concert pianist Linda Laurent will be accompanied by violinist Gerard Rosa. This duo has played in many concerts in the United States and abroad, including recitals in London, Brussels, Hamburg and Vienna. They have been heard on National Public Radio and Desto, Overtone and Ersta records. Critics have praised their high artistic standards, catholic repertoire, and dedication to new music. Free and open to the public, reservations are requested; for more info call 860-542-5075.
Greenwoods Theatre, Route 44 in the Norfolk Town Center invites the public to a CAROL SING with the Salisbury Band’s Christmas Brass and Hot Chocolate Society on Sunday, December 9 at 5:30 p.m. in front of the theatre. Enjoy hot chocolate courtesy of Norfolk’s famous pub.
Valley Community Baptist Church, 590 West Avon Rd. in Avon presents a CHRISTMAS CHAMBER MUSIC concert on Sunday, December 9 at 7 p.m. This concert will include a two-piano arrangement of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, played by Pat Grimm and Bill Lester, and will also feature members of the VCBC Orchestra playing arrangements of Christmas carols. Child care will be available for children under 3. A free-will offering will be received; for more info call 860-673-6826.
Hartford Symphony Orchestra presents TCHAIKOVSKY & WAGNER on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 11-12 at 8 p.m. in Mortensen Hall at the Bushnell Center For Performing Arts, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford. This concert will include selections from three powerful Wagner operas: the Overture to "The Flying Dutchman," the Preludes to Act I & Act III of Lohengrin, and the Prelude & Liebestod (Love & Death) from "Tristan and Isolde." The concert will also feature pianist Fabio Witkowski, winner of the 2000 CT State Music Teachers Association Young Artist Piano Competition, in the lush and romantic Piano Concerto No. 1 by Tchaikovsky. Mr. Waters will discuss the works in a free Concert Preview at 7 p.m. on both evenings. Tickets are $10-$53; for more info call 860-987-5900.
Drama and Comedy
Thomaston Opera House, 158 Main St. in Thomaston presents "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE" through December 8 with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. This holiday classic is one of the most uplifting and most beloved stories ever told. Tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door; for more info call 860-283-6250.
Sherman Players present "THE ROAD TO MECCA" on Friday and Saturday, December 7-8 at 8 p.m. at the Sherman Playhouse, Routes 37 & 39 in Sherman Center. This play, which is based on the life of a real person, takes place in the small town of Bethesda, South Africa. Miss Helen has built a strange menagerie of outdoor sculptures that she calls her "Mecca." The self-righteous community dismisses her unorthodox artwork with hostility and her friend, the local minister, wants to remove her from her home. With nowhere to turn, Miss Helen reaches out to a sophisticated young teacher named Elsa, and together they embark on an inspiring journey of self-discovery. Tickets are $14 adults, $12 students and seniors; for more info call 860-354-3622.
Seven Angels Theatre at Hamilton Park, Plank Rd. in Waterbury presents BIG FAT CHRISTMAS WITH ROB BARTLETT on Friday and Saturday, December 7-8 at 8 p.m. In a show that follows no rules except the unexpected, Rob Bartlett unleashes his zany parody and brutally funny commentary on current events, comically twisting our holiday traditions. A veteran stand-up comedian, Bartlett has headlined in comedy clubs and concert halls across the country. Tickets are $32.50; for more info call 203-757-4676.
Warner Studio Theatre, 69 Main St. in Torrington presents "UNDER MILK WOOD" on Friday and Saturday, December 7-8 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, December 9 at 2 p.m. "Under Milk Wood" is Dylan Thomas' joyful portrait of a day in the life of a small Welsh seaside town. Thomas uses rich poetic language to present a hilarious and moving look at the secret dreams as well as the daily life of his characters. On a bare stage, thirteen student actors will bring to life an entire town with over 50 characters. Tickets are $10; for more info call 860-489-7180.
Hartford Stage, 50 Church St. in Hartford presents Eve Ensler's "NECESSARY TARGETS" through December 23. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday; 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; with 2 p.m. weekday and 2:30 p.m. weekend matinees on select dates. This is a story of two Americans who go to war-torn Bosnia to assist refugee women in confronting the devastation of their homeland and their shattered lives. Tickets are $22-$60; for more info call 860-527-5151.
TheaterWorks, 233 Pearl St. in Hartford presents "THREE DAYS OF RAIN" through December 23, with performances on Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The first act takes place in 1995; a world famous architect has recently died, and his two children, along with the son of his long-dead partner, reunite before the reading of the will and the discovery of a lost diary with its cryptic first entry: "three days of rain." In a surprising turn, act two transports the audience back in time to 1960, where the mysteries of the diary are revealed by the parents of the characters in act one. Tickets are $25, except for $35 on Saturdays; center section reserved seats $10 extra. Free student tickets are available for select performances; for more info call 860-527-7838.
Thomaston Opera House, 158 Main St. in Thomaston holds OPEN AUDITIONS for its March Children’s Series production of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" on Sunday, December 16 from 6-9 p.m.; and Tuesday, December 18 from 6:30-9 p.m. Casting requirements call for 14 adults (with doubling roles possible) and five children in lead roles, plus an ensemble of children as "Oompa Loompas." All roles are open for audition; all auditioning will be asked to read from the script. No appointments necessary. All children auditioning should between the hours of 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, or 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The show will be directed by Edward Bassett II; for more info call 860-283-6250.
Hole in the Wall Theater, 10 Harvard St. in New Britain is seeking eight female actor/ singers for its March-April production of "My Name Is Alice." AUDITIONS will be held on Thursday, December 20 at 7 p.m.; if unable to attend, you may call 860-657-2266 (mornings only) to reschedule. An accompanist will be provided; please bring sheet music to sing from and be prepared to read from the script. For more info call 860-582-6565.
Art Exhibits
Farmington Valley Arts Center, 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon hosts an OPEN STUDIOS WEEKEND on Saturday and Sunday, December 8-9 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Among the more than 20 artists on hand to discuss their work, visitors will meet Beth Ellis, whose oil paintings capture scenes of rural and coastal New England; sculptor John Noelke, who accepts portrait commissions for busts that capture the unique humanity of subjects; and Emilie Cohen and Mike Pundy, who create jewelry designs in silver and other metals. One-of-a-kind hand-crafted gifts will be on sale in each artist's studio throughout the weekend; for more info call 860-678-1867.
Simons Rock College in Great Barrington presents an exhibition of the recent works by local visual artist SARAH JACKSON through December 16 in the Doreen Young Gallery. The 25 drawings, paintings and collages in this show capture a territory between abstraction and representation, where the figure searches for and sometimes finds a connection to the divine. Ms. Jackson’s use of color and materials, including copper, lead, slate, glass and wood, is informed by a deep interest in medieval alchemy. Free and open to the public; for more info call 413-528-2060.
Harwinton Public Library, 80 Bentley Drive in Harwinton is displaying the abstract paintings of HARVEY OFFENHARTZ. His works are painted in oil enamel on paper, with occasional use of oil stick and montage. Mr. Offenhartz, who has shown his work at various galleries and libraries throughout northwest Connecticut, won the Golden Gavel Award at the 2001 Artwell Juried Show, and received Best in Show at Artwell’s 1999 Juried Show. The exhibit may be seen during regular library hours; for more info call 860-485-9113.
Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St. in Litchfield presents PENCILS AND PAINT—PAST AND PRESENT by artist Frances Peirce Clem through December 27. Clem's love of children is reflected in the subjects for her recent works, which include pencil portraits and primitive oil paintings of local children in period costume. She often finds inspiration for her own work in the creativity of her students. In honor of them, this exhibit displays her work at a child-friendly height, but children are welcome to bring their parents to the show. Ms. Clem serves as Northwestern Connecticut's representative for the Global Art Project, an international art exchange for peace. There will be an opening reception on Friday, December 7 from 4-6 p.m. For more info call 860-567-8030.
Norfolk Library, Route 44 in Norfolk features the photographs of Burt Ahrens, Liz Cusick, Bruce Frisch, Christopher Little and Michaela Murphy in a show called NATURAL GIFTS during the month of December. The exhibit is sponsored by the Norfolk Land Trust, and celebrates Norfolk’s particular beauties and the trails that provide access to them. The show may be viewed during regular library hours; for more info call 860-542-5075.
Burlington Public Library, 34 Library Lane in Burlington exhibits paintings by JULIE CAPEL-BLICK during the month of December. Ms. Capel-Blick is a Torrington native and a member of the Torrington Artists Association, Kent Art Association, and the American Impressionist Society. For more info call 860-673-3331.
Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Canton presents a special ARTS AND CRAFTS exhibit and sale for the month of December. There will be approximately 20 artists who will exhibit a wide variety of fine crafts and two-dimensional art in both the display case and on the walls of the library. Some of the invited artists are Adriance Degroff, Richard Ivany, Kathleen Amrein, Betsy Gardiner, Katherine Pearson, Kathi Packer, Jen Knaus, Sue Bradley, Chris London, Jon Squier, Mary Fletcher, Betsy Tanzer and Ron Todd. The library is open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.; for more info call 860-693-5800.
A Frame Come True, 954 East Main St. in Torrington presents an exhibit and sale of the book "MEMORIES OF A MONARCH" by J. Elaine Senack through January 3; prints and notecards of paintings from the book will also be available. Although most of the local monarch butterflies have migrated from the area without a trace, one monarch chose to leave behind a story about his life. "Memories of a Monarch" is a newly published book about the life journey of a monarch butterfly, told from the monarch’s own perspective. Author and illustrator J. Elaine Senack has raised and released dozens of monarch butterflies. She hopes that this educational book will instill in children an appreciation for the natural world, and a desire to preserve and protect it. For more info call Jean Nadle at 860-496-7069.
Village Video & Ice Cream, 13 River Rd. in Washington Depot presents A YEAR IN REVIEW through January 3. The exhibit features works from previous shows by C. Frost, Jordan Kerr, Banji Getisinger, Peter Frisbie, Paula Krimsky, Joanna Lombardi, Regina Kilbourn and Bill Woods.
Madeline Falk hosts an OPEN STUDIO EXHIBITION from December 8 through January 8 in the Royal Arcanum Building, Station Place in Norfolk. She has invited Eric Forstmann, Ann Getsinger, Chris Hanley, Michael Gellatly, Rosemary Gill, Jon Riedeman, Michaela Murphy, Arden Mason, Poesis, and Six Dog Iron Co. to show with her. The exhibition will include painting, sculpture, photography, fine furniture, and lighting. A reception for the artists will be held on Saturday, December 8 from 3-5 p.m. For more info call 860-542-6929.
The Warner Theatre, 68 Main St. in Torrington presents a special exhibit of ORBS in its atrium from December 8 through January 12. Artists from Artwell used 12-inch acrylic globes as the basis for construction of these pieces, which will be auctioned off at the end of the exhibit. Guests who view the exhibit can vote for their favorite orb, and the top three will be awarded cash prizes. There will be an opening reception on Saturday, December 8 from 2-4 p.m., at which time the winner of this year’s First Night button competition will also be announced. For more info call 860-489-5986.
Lectures and Presentations
Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. in Litchfield presents THE BEAUTY AND HISTORY OF ISRAEL on Friday, December 7 at 2 p.m. This travel talk and slide show by Mary Q. Fahey is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served. For more info call 860-567-8302.
Douglas Library, Main St. in Canaan presents a book talk and signing with Berkshire author LESLIE WHEELER on Friday, December 7 at 7 p.m. She will discuss her mystery novel, "Murder at Plimoth Plantation," the story of what happens when a living history museum turns deadly. Refreshments will be served; for more info call 860-824-7863.
Social Connections sponsors a discussion on THE DATING SCENE on Friday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. at a location in Bristol. There is no sure way to communicate and connect with compatible people. However, we can re-evaluate our perceptions and expectations of the opposite sex. This will be a dynamic, informative and exciting discussion/ debate on how to survive in the single scene. Admission is $8; for more info call Gail at 860-582-8229.
Kent Memorial Library, 32 North Main St. in Kent presents a book talk and signing with author JOHN R. HAYES on Saturday, December 8 at 1 p.m. Mr. Hayes, a resident of Sherman, will discuss his new mystery, "Catskill." Three young men, self-appointed vigilantes, fire at an isolated farmhouse, intending not to kill the inhabitants but to "scarify" them. The time is 1938, the scene is a tiny village in the Catskills, the message: "Climb on your bus, leave now, and don't come back." It's meant for a small band of Jewish city-dwellers, mostly women and children, on a weekend's outing, hungry for a few sniffs of country air—refugees, by and large, from Hitler's Germany. The book features impeccable plotting, colorful writing, heroes worth rooting for, and villains just as worth rooting against. Refreshments will be served; for more info call 860-927-3761.
Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Rd. in Farmington presents author HARRIET SCOTT CHESSMAN on Saturday, December 8 at 2 p.m. Ms. Chessman will give a talk and sign copies of her new novel, "Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper." Immediately following the reading, museum staff will discuss the Mary Cassatt pieces in Hill-Stead’s collection. Admission is free for the book signing; admission will be charged for the gallery talk and self-guided tour. For more info call 860-677-4787.
Northwest Writers hold their next meeting on Wednesday, December 12 at 7 p.m. at the Goshen Center School. This event, which is open to all interested writers and poets, will be a HOLIDAY CELEBRATION with desserts and coffee. All are welcome to visit or join; for more info call Dorothy Adamson at 203-266-7251, or Bobbie Miller at 860-491-3497.
Farmington Valley Christian Women's Club presents UNIQUE HOLIDAY DECOR, a luncheon at the Farmington Club in Farmington on Thursday, December 13 from from noon-2 p.m. Dawn Pinkowish from the Artificial Flower Shop in Bristol will offer many decorating ideas for the holidays. Speaker, songwriter and soloist Marcy Alves will speak about "Putting Values in the Right Place." Cost is $14; reservations are required by December 12 for both the luncheon and free childcare. For more info call Bea at 860-673-4402, or Diane at 860-621-0088.
Sierra Club’s Greater Hartford Group holds its monthly meeting and holiday potluck on Thursday, December 13; dinner is at 5:45 p.m. followed by the meeting at 7:15 p.m. Topic for the evening is GENETIC ENGINEERED FOOD—IS IT SAFE? A powerful video will be shown, and there will be a guest speaker. Bring your best dish to serve eight, plus your own place setting and mug; beverages will be provided. Free and open to the public; for more info call Tom McCormick at 860-233-3079.
Connecticut Historical Society, 1 Elizabeth St. in Hartford presents THE MONTH THAT SAVED AMERICA on Thursday, December 13 at 6:30 p.m. It was a month that could have unraveled the nation. Instead, April 1865 saved it. Drawing on research for his latest book, "April 1865: The Month That Saved America," acclaimed historian and national security advisor Jay Wink offers a new look at the Civil War’s final days. Wink’s gripping narrative will forever change the way we see the war’s end and the nation’s new beginning. A book signing will follow. Admission is $6 adults; $3 seniors, students and youth (ages 6-17); free for members and children under 6. For more info call 860-236-5621.
Classes and Workshops
Winsted Recreation offers YOGA CLASSES on a regular basis every six weeks throughout the school year. Classes are held on Mondays from 6-7:15 p.m., and on Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. Fee is $40 for one class per week, or $70 for both; for more info call instructor Jan Young at 379-7377.
Goshen Public Library, 42 North St. (Route 63) in Goshen sponsors FESTIVE CHOCOLATE with chef Maria Poirier on Monday, December 10 at 7 p.m. The program will include some basic information about chocolate, the various types, and how to work with it. Samples and recipes will include several types of chocolate truffles. Ms. Poirier's interest in fine cooking and baking stems from growing up in a Ukrainian household, where Viennese-inspired tortes and confections dominated every holiday. Since then, Ms. Poirier has experimented with traditional recipes and has come up with her own variations. Free and open to the public, but pre-registration is necessary; for more info call 860-491-3234.
Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center, 229 East Litchfield Rd. in Litchfield offers CENTERING PRAYER—PRACTICE AND STUDY on Wednesday, December 11 at 7 p.m. Pastoral counselor and psychotherapist Timothy St. Onge, a student and teacher of Centering Prayer, leads a session on the second Wednesday of each month. Centering Prayer was spurred by the rise of spiritual hunger after World War II, when some monks turned to earlier Christian meditative practices. Centering Prayer may increase our receptivity to God in our lives. It does not replace other forms of prayer, but is actually a method to deepen them. For more info call 860-567-3163.
The Scrap Shoppe, North Elm Plaza in Torrington offers an evening of creating festive GIFT TAGS, CARDS AND ORNAMENTS on Wednesday, December 12 from 6-9 p.m. A variety of scrapbooking and stamping techniques will be featured all evening long. Free admission, but supplies are not included and can be purchased that evening. Reservations are required; for more info call 860-496-7936.
Outdoors
White Memorial Conservation Center, Route 202 in Litchfield sponsors a WINTER HIKE AT LITTLE POND BOARDWALK on Saturday, December 8 at 8 a.m. Bob Crispino will lead an early morning walk to view life at the pond in winter. Meet in the museum parking lot. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-567-0857.
Sports
Charter Community TV Channel 13 presents an exclusive interview with former UConn basketball player MURRAY WILLIAMS on Thursday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Williams, a Torrington resident, will answer questions regarding his career at UConn, his thoughts on today’s players, and his predictions for the future. The program is part of the "Hoop Talk" series produced by Ann Antolini students Noah Heiber and Jason Gentile. Extensive research and a dedicated production staff make "Hoop Talk" a sports talk program that rivals those of the major networks. For more info on this program or Channel 13, call 860-738-5090.
Litchfield Parks and Recreation offers tickets to see UCONN MEN’S BASKETBALL at the Hartford Civic Center for a game with Oklahoma on Monday, January 7 at 7 p.m.; and for a game with Boston College on Saturday, February 16 at noon. Cost is $33 for ticket only; for more info call 860-567-7569.
Litchfield Parks and Recreation offers an overnight trip to see UCONN MEN’S BASKETBALL vs. Villanova on Saturday and Sunday, January 12-13. Depart on Saturday for Atlantic City, where you will stay for the evening and have time to enjoy the city; then travel to the game on Sunday. Fee of $165 includes hotel, transportation, game ticket, and food and coin voucher from the hotel; for more info call 860-567-7569.
Litchfield Parks and Recreation offers an overnight trip to see UCONN WOMEN’S BASKETBALL vs. Villanova on Friday and Saturday, January 18-19. Depart on Friday at 6 p.m. for Philadelphia; game time is Saturday at noon. Fee of $140 includes hotel, bus and game ticket; for more info call 860-567-7569.
Litchfield Parks and Recreation offers day trips to see UCONN WOMEN’S BASKETBALL for a noon game at Providence on Sunday, February 3 (cost is $55 for ticket and bus); and for a game at St. John’s on Saturday, February 9 (cost is $65 for ticket and bus). For more info call 860-567-7569.
Northwestern High School and Middle School are taking applications for COACHING VACANCIES for varsity boys tennis, assistant middle school girls basketball, and assistant track and field. Applicants must be willing to become CPR and First Aid certified. For more info call the Northwestern Athletic Office at 860-738-6983.
Kids
Harwinton Recreation offers FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE for students in grade 5 on Friday, December 7 from 7-9 p.m. at Harwinton Senior Center. Join your friends and enjoy music, games, pizza and soda. Pre-registration is not required, but participants must be Harwinton residents or attend school in Harwinton. All students must be signed in and signed out by an adult. Parents are needed to help as chaperones. Fee is $2 at the door; for more info or to volunteer, call 485-0626.
Hartland Historical Society sponsors its annual BREAKFAST WITH SANTA on Saturday, December 8 from 8-11 a.m. at the East Hartland Volunteer Fire House. The event will feature Santa as well as pancakes, a raffle, an adult and kid's shoppe, ornaments, T-shirts and more. Tickets at the door are $4 adults, $3 children, $17 family; for more info call 860-738-9438.
Barkhamsted School PTO sponsors BREAKFAST WITH SANTA on Saturday, December 8 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. in the school cafeteria. Cost is $1 children, $3 adults; you may also purchase a picture with Santa. A craft fair will take place in the school gym from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
David Grover and the Big Bear Band present their annual HOLIDAY CONCERT on Saturday, December 8 at 7 p.m. at Monument Mountain High School, Route 7 in Great Barrington. The Berkshire's best-loved family entertainers will bring their special kind of magic to this holiday show. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 kids; for reservations or more info, call 413-274-9997.
St. Francis School, Prospect St. in Torrington hosts BREAKFAST WITH SANTA on Sunday, December 9 from 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The breakfast will be served cafeteria style and feature an "all you can eat" menu that includes pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, home fries, toast, coffee, juice and milk. Tickets are $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 children; children may have their picture taken with Santa for $3. For more info call 860-489-4177.
Carl Bozenski’s Christmas Village opens for its 54th consecutive year on Sunday, December 9. Santa, the elves and Mrs. Claus will arrive by horse drawn sleigh at 12:30 p.m. and be greeted by the St. Peter’s Drum Corps. Jack Wallace will host the opening ceremonies, accompanied by Leo Liddle’s Band. Father Larry of St. Maron’s Church will give the invocation. Doors to the Village will open at 1 p.m.; the Village will be open daily thereafter from 1-8:30 p.m., and on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mrs. Claus will be visiting the Village every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 5-8:30 p.m., and all day Saturdays and Sundays.
Pleasant Valley Children's Center, 97 River Rd. (Route 118) in Pleasant Valley offers a playgroup open to the community every Monday from 12:30-2 p.m. Siblings are welcome; parents must stay for the session. Registration is required; for more info call 860-738-3211.
Litchfield Historical Society, on the Green (Routes 63 & 118) in Litchfield sponsors a HOLIDAY ORNAMENT WORKSHOP for children (ages 6 and up) on Wednesday, December 12 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.; or Thursday, December 13 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. A workshop for ages 2-5 will be held on Thursday, December 13 from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Children will learn how New Englanders throughout the ages have celebrated Christmas and other winter holidays. They will make old-fashioned ornaments, and each child will take home several traditional crafts. All participants must be accompanied by an adult; adults without children are welcome at any of the sessions. Fee $1 members, $2 for non-members to cover the cost for materials; for more info call 860-567-4501.
59 Barber Street in Torrington offers free MUSIC TOGETHER DEMONSTRATION CLASSES for children and babies up to 4 years old with a caregiver. Tom Hanford and Kath Bloom will lead chants, drumming, dancing and tonal play. Classes will be held on Wednesday, December 12 at 59 Barber St.; Thursday, December 13 at 10 a.m. at the Nutmeg Conservatory in Torrington; Friday, December 14 at 10:30 a.m. at New Hartford Library; Friday, December 14 at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury; and Monday, December 17 at 59 Barber St. Reservations are required; for more info call 860-491-9223, or 860-489-0137.
Winsted Recreation offers YOUTH DANCE AND GYMNASTICS CLASSES for preschool children through age 12 on Thursdays throughout the school year. Fee is $35 for an eight-week session; for more info about class structure and to register, call instructor Sherry Laigle at 626-0621.
Thomaston Public Library, 248 Main St. in Thomaston sponsors a GINGERBREAD WORKSHOP for students in grades K-3 on Thursday, December 13 from 4-5 p.m.; or Saturday, December 15 from 11 a.m.-noon. The library will provide all the materials. Free, but registration is required; for more info call 860-283-4339.
Lourdes-in-Litchfield, Route 118 in Litchfield offers MAKING GINGERBREAD NATIVITY SCENES for children and their parents on Saturday, December 15 from 10 a.m.-noon in Pilgrim Hall. Sections of the traditional Nativity are made from gingerbread, icing is added, and the pieces are brought to each family along with candy so children can create their own Nativity scenes. At the end of the workshop, families can bring home their gingerbread works to enjoy throughout the season. Requested donation is $25, reservations are required; for more info call 860-567-1041.
Stanley-Whitman House, 37 High St. in Farmington presents BAKING ON THE OPEN HEARTH—HOLIDAY BREADS for children ages 8 and older on Saturday, December 15 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Make you own holiday bread on the open hearth with your choice of candied fruit, nuts and chocolate. Bring a bag lunch; beverage will be provided. Cost is $10 per child members, $12 non-members; reservations required. For more info call 860-677-9222.
Festivals and Sales
Auxiliary Thrift Shop, 115 Spencer St. in Winsted holds a STORE-WIDE HALF PRICE SALE through December 8. Store hours are Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-noon. The Auxiliary Thrift shop would like to thank everyone who has donated to the shop as well as the patrons this past year. Proceeds from the shop benefit community health projects. The Auxiliary Thrift Shop will be closing on December 8 and will reopen on March 5, 2002.
Blanche McCarthy Senior Center, 80 Holabird Ave. in Winsted holds its CRAFT FAIR AND LIGHT LUNCH on Saturday, December 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Many handcrafted items made by the seniors will be on sale. Lunch items include soups, hot dogs, home baked desserts and beverages. For more info call 860-379-4252, or 860-379-8325.
FFA at Wamogo Regional #6 High School, Wamogo Dr. in Litchfield sponsor a POINSETTA PLANT SALE on December 7-20, and a CHRISTMAS TREE AND WREATH SALE on December 8-16. Trees may be purchased weekends from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and weekdays from 2:30-5:30 p.m. To place an order, call the Agriculture office at 860-567-6649.
Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St. in Litchfield is displaying a selection of reasonably priced, beautifully HANDCRAFTED ITEMS in its lobby through December 27. This is a sample of what is offered at the International Mission Gift Shop located in the Pilgrim House of the First Congregational Church of Litchfield. The shop is a nonprofit mission project of the church, designed to give impoverished Third World artisans a chance to help themselves. Library hours are Monday from noon-5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-567-8030.
Trips
Barkhamsted Seniors offer a trip to KENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE on May 13-22. Visit the beautiful Lexington Horse Farms, Memphis, Graceland, Nashville, Gatlinburg, the Smokey Mountains, Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah Valley. Cost of $1199 includes 13 meals; for more info call Noreen at 860-379-3331.
Barkhamsted Seniors offer a 7-day trip to NOVA SCOTIA and the Cabot Trail beginning on July 14. Cost of $859 includes 11 meals, motorcoach, and an overnight cruise on the Scotia Prince; for more info call Noreen at 860-379-3331.
And More
Sharon Historical Society presents the LIGHTING OF SHARON’S CHRISTMAS TREE on Saturday, December 8 from 4:30 p.m.-5 p.m. The festivities will include music by the Salisbury Band's Christmas Brass and Hot Chocolate Society led by Scott Heth, and carol singing led by John Kerr and some members of the Housatonics. Carol singing will begin at 4:30 p.m., and the tree lighting will take place at 4:45 p.m. Everyone is invited; bring a flashlight to read the song sheets. For more info call 860-364-5688.
Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Rd. in Farmington presents MEET THE POPE FAMILY 1901 on Sunday, December 9 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Visitors will go back 100 years in time to the holiday season of 1901. As they cross the threshold of Farmington's most famous mansion, they will be transported to an era and place of gracious living. Visitors will tour Hill-Stead's parlor, libraries, dining room and bedrooms at their own pace, admiring original Impressionist art, 18th and 19th century Japanese prints and Chippendale furniture. They will chat with museum interpreters wearing vintage attire and portraying members of the residence's founding family, the Popes, and their household staff and guests. Holiday decor will paint a picture of the family's lifestyle as they celebrated their very first Christmas in their new Farmington village home. The program is free with museum admission; for more info call 860-677-4787.
Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave. in West Hartford presents "THE SINGING BLACKSMITH" on Sunday, December 9 at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the Wilde Auditorium. "The Singing Blacksmith" is the film version of "Yankl der Schmid," a classic 1906 drama that was one of the first Yiddish plays to offer a psychological study of physical passion. David Pinski, one of America's most significant Yiddish writers, wrote both the original play and the screenplay. The film, shot at a Catholic monastery in New Jersey, focuses on a tough, hard drinking, womanizing blacksmith. Although the robust Yankl loves his sickly Tamara, he cannot help succumbing, however guiltily, to the more sensuous charms of his neighbor's wife. Ultimately, though, he is able to resist temptation and is transformed into a good, hard-working husband by the love he shares with Tamara. Free and open to the public; for more info call Maxine Kates at 860-768-4963.
Beardsley and Memorial Library, 40 Munro Place in Winsted hosts its CHESS CLUB every Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. All ages are invited to drop in and play this challenging board game. For more info call 860-379-6043.
