Music and Dance
Hartford Symphony Orchestra presents AN EVENING WITH BETTY BUCKLEY on Friday and Saturday, January 4-5 at 8 p.m. in Mortensen Hall at the Bushnell Center for Performing Arts, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford. Betty Buckley blends jazz, pop, blues and timeless Broadway classics in a captivating performance. Tickets are $10-$53; for more info call 860-987-5900.
Beacon Grange, 670 Northfield Rd. (Route 254) in Northfield presents a COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE with the Country Travelers on Saturday, January 5 from 8 p.m.-midnite. Donation is $9; door prizes, raffle and refreshments available. For more info call 860-482-1962.
First Church of Winsted, 95 Park Place in Winsted presents the 11th annual BOAR'S HEAD FESTIVAL on Saturday, January 5 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and on Sunday, January 6 at 4 p.m. The festival is a true ecumenical community effort that annually donates to the Open Door Soup Kitchen and musical scholarships. This year's celebration is dedicated to the memory of Sharon Lewis, who had participated in many roles during the festival's run and encouraged her young children to participate. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors, $5 children; for more info call 860-379-8432.
Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Rd. in Avon hosts Grammy nominee JOSEPH FIRECROW on Sunday, January 6 at 3 p.m. Mr. Firecrow is a Northern Cheyenne Indian singer, songwriter and flutist. His fourth solo album, "Cheyenne Nation," was nominated last winter for best Native American Music, a new category for this prestigious music award. Free and open to the public; overflow parking is available across the street at the West Avon Congregational Church. For more info call 860-673-9712.
The Torrington Symphony presents a WINTER CONCERT on Sunday, January 6 at 3 p.m. at the Torrington Middle School, Route 183 in Torrington. Tickets are $12 adults, children (under 12) free; for more info call 860-489-9183.
Trinity Arts Series presents NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS FOR THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY on Sunday, January 6 at 4 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 220 Prospect St. in Torrington. Paul Halley directs the Trinity Church Choir with Michael Smith as organist in this service of scriptural and literary readings and sacred song celebrating the nativity of Christ. Free; for more info call 860-482-4411.
Drama and Comedy
Hole in the Wall Theater holds AUDITIONS for its March production of "My Name Is Alice" on Monday and Tuesday, January 7-8 at 7 p.m. at The Party Loft, 883 Farmington Ave. in Kensington. Director Chris Ryan is seeking eight female singer/ actors, ages 18-55. An accompanist will be provided for the audition; bring sheet music to sing from, and be prepared to read from the script. For more info call 860-582-6565.
Art Exhibits
Living Traditions Gallery, 31 East Main St. in Avon exhibits the crystalline glaze on porcelain of JON PRICE and the fine art beadwork of JUDI WOOD. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Thursday until 7 p.m.; for more info call 860-677-8012.
Artwell, 19 Water St. in Torrington presents its FALL 2001 YOUNG AT ART exhibit on January 5-12. This exhibit of art and writings is the culmination of a collaboration between Artwell, local businesses and organizations, visiting artists, high school teachers and students from Litchfield, Wamogo, Torrington and Gilbert, and senior citizens from Sarah Pierce Assisted Living Community in Litchfield. There will be a community reception on Saturday, January 12 from 5-7 p.m. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from 1-8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from noon-5 p.m. For more info call 860-482-5122.
Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St. in Litchfield exhibits EXPRESSIONS AND IMPRESSIONS by Waterbury artist Vincent Rosa through January 25. The exhibit will consist of primarily watercolor landscapes that capture nature's ever-changing moods and seasons. An artist’s reception will be held on Friday, January 4 from 5-7 p.m. The exhibit can be seen during regular library hours; for more info call 860-567-8030.
Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, 540 Litchfield St. in Torrington exhibits the photographs of ROBERT H. GROHS through February 4 in the main lobby. The exhibit consists of color butterfly, flower and nature scenes. Several of these images are close-ups in which one is able to see the minute details of the butterfly. Mr. Grohs' subjects were photographed in Litchfield County in their natural environment. For more info call Mr. Grohs at 860-489-1832.
Lectures
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society holds its monthly meeting on Monday, January 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Litchfield Grange Hall, Route 202 in Litchfield. Following the meeting, Mark Szantyr will present a program on CONNECTICUT'S RARE BIRD RECORD LIST. Mr. Szantyr, a longtime birder who has worked with the D.E.P. and the Nature Conservancy on numerous bird surveys, will discuss the development of records he is working on, the state's escaped exotics, identification clinics, how to take field notes, discussion of puzzling recent bird occurrences, and identification questions. Refreshments will be served at 7 p.m.; members are reminded of table prizes. The public is invited; for more info call 860-482-0819.
Farmington Valley Christian Women's Club presents LET’S FACE THE NEW YEAR, a luncheon at the Farmington Club in Farmington on Thursday, January 10 from noon-2 p.m. Cosmetician Maryann Sullivan will offer many tips for staying beautiful in the new year. The musician for the afternoon will be Elissa Begin, a 19-year-old voice student from Farmington who is attending the Hartt School of Music. Speakers will be Village Missionaries Joyce and Ken Weldon from Oakdale, CT. Cost is $14; reservations are required by January 9 for both the luncheon and free childcare. For more info call Bea at 860-673-4402, or Diane at 860-621-0088.
Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Canton hosts the NUTMEG BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP on Thursday, January 10 at 3 p.m. The group will discuss the book "Williwaw." For more info call 860-693-5800.
Northwestern Literary Club presents author TONI BOSCO on Thursday, January 10 at 7 p.m. in Room 202 of Founders Hall on the NCCC campus in Winsted. Ms. Bosco, author of "Choosing Mercy, Mother of Murder Victim Speaks Out Against the Death Penalty", will speak of her investigative reporting and activity in abolishing the death sentence and reform in the "prison business". Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-738-6446.
Sierra Club Greater Hartford Group presents CONNECTICUT LEGISLATIVE ISSUES FOR 2002 on Thursday, January 10 at Westmoor Park, Flagg Rd. in West Hartford. Sierra Club Legislative Director Betty McLaughlin and State Representative Andrew Fleischman will talk about the crucial environmental issues before the Connecticut legislature in the coming session. The Sooty Six, mercury cleanup, an expanded bottle bill, and campaign finance reform are some of the likely topics to be discussed. Letter writing and refreshments will begin at 7 p.m., with the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public; for more info call Tom McCormick at 860-236-4923.
Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Canton hosts its MONDAY NIGHT BOOK CLUB on Monday, January 14 at 7 p.m. All are welcome to join in the discussion of "Girl in Hyacinth Blue." For more info call 860-693-5800.
Harwinton Public Library, 80 Bentley Drive in Harwinton hosts a BOOK DISCUSSION of "Tuesdays with Morris" by Mitch Alborn on Monday, January 14 at 7 p.m. Open to all; for more info call 860-485-9113.
Classes and Workshops
Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, 270 State St. in Great Barrington hosts FOLK DANCERSIZE with Karl Finger on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. All dances taught; no partner needed. Cost is $5 per session; for more info call Hevreh at 413-528-6378, or Karl Finger at 413-528-2963.
Berkshire Bateria, 40 Rosseter St. in Great Barrington holds a SAMBA DRUMMING WORKSHOP on Thursdays at 6 p.m. Conductor Jim Weber leads all skill levels through basic instruction and group participation. Free; all instruments are provided. For more info call Jim at 413-528-6575, or visit <www.sambaland.com>.
Torrington Recreation Dept. holds BALLROOM DANCE classes every Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Coe Memorial Civic Center in Torrington. Donation is $2; refreshments will be served. For more info call 860-489-2274.
Maple Syrup Producers Association of Connecticut holds a pre-season workshop for new and veteran SUGAR MAKERS on Saturday, January 12 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Northwest Park Nature Center in Windsor; a business meeting will be held at 1 p.m., followed by a short afternoon workshop. Dr. Tim Perkins, the director of the Proctor Maple Research Center in Proctor, VT, will give insight into research presently being conducted at the Proctor Center concerning smaller spouts and the basics of tubing collection systems. Also covered will be proper filtering technique. Don Bureau, a sugar maker from Old Lyme, will conduct an afternoon presentation on the making of granulated maple sugar. Throughout the day dealers will have equipment and supplies available for both the serious and novice syrup makers. The public is welcome; for more info call 860-688-1718.
Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted sponsors MANAGING YOUR OWN BEHAVIOR with Rosemary Tindall-Gibson on Sundays, January 13, January 27 and February 10 from 3-5 p.m. Be your own behavior therapist. Learn techniques that may help you translate your good intentions into actual behavior change. Principles and techniques of behavior modification including reinforcement, reward, punishment, scheduling, handling procrastination, and extinction will be covered. Ms. Tyndall-Gibson is a clinical member of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, and the American Mental Health Counselors Association. Cost is $30; to register call 860-738-6446.
Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted sponsors a free workshop for PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS on Monday, January 14 at 7 p.m. in the Academic Skills Center in Founders Hall. Presented by Director of Admissions Beverly Chrzan and Sharon Gusky, Assistant Professor and founder of NCCC's Future Teacher's Club, this workshop is designed for people interested in becoming certified teachers in the State of Connecticut. Topics will include an introduction to the teacher certification process, an overview of the Learning Plus software used to prepare candidates for the Praxis I teacher certification test, the role Northwestern will play in your coursework and advisement toward teacher certification, and assistance in forming a plan toward certification. Whether you are just entering college or have a degree and wish to work toward teacher certification, this workshop will give you the information you need to begin the process. For more info call 860-738-6446.
Harwinton Public Library, 80 Bentley Drive in Harwinton offers SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOPS on Tuesday, January 15 and Wednesday, January 30 at 7 p.m. The library provides the space, and participants supply the pictures, memories, ideas and techniques. Open to all; for more info call 860-485-9113.
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury hosts SELECTING THE COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE TO RUN YOUR BUSINESS on Wednesday, January 16 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Gillian Oeschilin of Prompt, Inc. will present an overview of current hardware and software options available for small businesses, features and quality to look for, where to shop and where to obtain help. New business owners who are shopping for a system and existing business owners looking to upgrade their equipment and software will find this program useful. Free and open to the public; to register or for more info, call 860-658-7663.
Litchfield Historical Society, on the Green at the corner of Routes 63 & 118 in Litchfield presents its 9-week JUNIOR CURATOR PROGRAM for students in grades 7-9 starting on Thursday, January 17 from 2:45-4:45 p.m. Students will meet with museum professionals and will learn the basics of being a curator. Under the direction of the Litchfield Historical Society's Curator of Collections and the Education Coordinator, participants will be responsible for the planning, researching and installing of a small temporary exhibition. Each student will learn and practice object care and handling, research, exhibition text writing, and mounting. Cost is $10 for materials; pre-registration is required. Students from all area schools are welcome; for more info call 860-567-4501.
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury offers MAKING CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES with Maria Poirier on Tuesday, January 22 at 7 p.m. During the program Ms. Poirier will compare various types of chocolates and will discuss the methods, ingredients and equipment involved. Participants will enjoy samples at the end of the program. Ms. Poirier has been experimenting with fancy desserts and chocolates for many years, and has been a finalist in several cooking contests. To register call 860-658-7663.
Farmington Valley Arts Center, 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon offers REMEMBERING OURSELVES on Monday, January 28 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Delve into stories from the past that enlighten and remind you of who you are. Instructor Reggie Marra will lead a variety of writing exercises designed to plumb the depths of participants' individual and collective memories. No previous writing experience is required. Fee is $40; preferred registration deadline is January 21. For more info call 860-678-1867.
Farmington Valley Arts Center, 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon offers PAPER AND CLOTH MARBLING with Deborah Tait on Thursdays, January 31 through February 14 from 1-3 p.m. Create beautiful marbled designs to transfer to paper or cloth. Discover techniques for crafting books, boxes, game boards, scarves or even quilts. Fee is $85 plus $12 for materials; preferred registration deadline is January 21. For more info call 860-678-1867.
Outdoors
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd. (off Route 202) in Litchfield offers WINTER BOTANY on Saturday, January 5; meet in the museum at 2 p.m. John Markelon leads this outdoor identification of trees in winter. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-567-0857.
Active Singles sponsors a HIKE at Osborndale State Park in Derby on Sunday, January 6; meet at 9 a.m. Bring hiking boots and water; there will be four different skill levels. For singles only (ages 30s-50s), no children or dogs; new members are welcome. Optional brunch to follow 2-hour hike. Call Charlie at 860-489-9611 to register for lunch (a count is needed for the restaurant), or for directions and carpooling info.
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd. (off Route 202) in Litchfield offers a course in WINTER NATURE INTERPRETATION on Wednesdays, January 30 and February 6 from 7-9 p.m. in the Arthur B. Ceder Room; with a field trip on Sunday, February 10 from 1-4 p.m. WMCC Education Director Jeff Greenwood will cover some plant identification as well as what individuals from the animal kingdom might be evident. Topics will include evergreen and not-so-green plants, winter insects, animal tracking and bird identification. Fee is $16 members, $28 non-members; pre-registration is required. For more info call 860-567-0857.
Sports
Harwinton Recreation offers coed ADULT OPEN VOLLEYBALL on Tuesdays, January 8 through March 26 at the Harwinton Consolidated School gym. Cost is $5 for the year, registration required; for more info call 860-485-0626.
World Series Club of Hartford County presents KEN MACKENZIE on Wednesday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Newington. MacKenzie, a journeyman major league pitcher with an Ivy League degree, was a member of the inaugural New York Mets in 1962. MacKenzie toiled for six years in the big leagues for five different clubs, winning only eight games in his entire career, but it was hardly dull. Among the teammates of the Gore Bay, Ontario lefthander were Hank Aaron, Lew Burdette, Bob Gibson, Juan Marichal, Eddie Matthews, Willie Mays, Tim McCarver, Joe Morgan, Stan Musial, Warren Spahn, Marvelous Marv Throneberry, Joe Torre and Jim Wynn. The meeting will feature an opportunity to meet our guest, to get autographs, to enjoy a buffet dinner, and to hear a talk by Ken about his years with the Braves, Mets, Cards, Giants and Astros. Admission is $15 members, $12 young fans, and $25 non-members; reservations are requested. For more info call Larry Brennan at 860-666-1254.
Winsted Elks sponsor a BASKETBALL HOOP SHOOT for children (ages 8-13) on Saturday, January 12 from 9-11 a.m. at the Pearson Middle School in Winsted.
Kids
Harwinton Public Library, 80 Bentley Drive in Harwinton hosts a CARD MAKING WORKSHOP for school-age children on Thursday, January 10 at 3:45 p.m. The library will provide materials; the program is free, but seating is limited. To register call 860-485-9113.
Trips
Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, 235 East St. in Pittsfield offers a trip to see the musicial "QUILTERS" on Sunday, January 27 at the Ghent Playhouse in Ghent, NY; the bus will depart Pittsfield at 12:30 p.m. and will return at approximately 5 p.m. "Quilters" is a story of the life of pioneer women for whom quilting was both a practical chore and a means of self-expression. The actors transform the themes contained in each block of the quilt into words and action. Through song and dance, they stitch together symbolic narratives of the joy and heartbreak of their rugged life. They describe their long trip to the West in covered wagons, homesteading, Indian raids and prairie fires, as well as courtship, marriage, child rearing and burying the dead. Cost is $20, which includes tickets to the performance and transportation; deadline for registration is January 4. Open to the public; for more info call 413-442-4360.
And More
Friends of Kent Memorial Library, 32 North Main St. in Kent celebrate TWELFTH NIGHT on Saturday, January 5 from 4:30-7 p.m. The Reading Room of the library will be "decked with holly," with a collection of 19th century memorabilia and a unique collection of antique toys on display. In the true Victorian fashion, the Twelfth Night reception will feature a wassail bowl, Christmas pudding, savories, mince pies, kickshaws and other treats as enjoyed by a typical English family of the period. Everyone is invited to what the Friends hope will become a Kent holiday tradition; for more info call 860-927-3761.
