Music and Dance
Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton presents Celtic harpist PATRICK BALL on Friday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. The best way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend is to hear the music of Turlough O'Carolan, the most beloved musician in the history of Ireland, played by Patrick Ball on his legendary wire-strung Celtic harp. Patrick will perform his critically acclaimed solo musical theater piece, "O'Carolan's Farewell to Music," which brings to the stage the colorful life, the turbulent times and the glorious music of the 17th century master harper and composer. Weaving the most witty and touching tales from the Irish oral tradition with masterful playing of this lovely, haunting music, Patrick never fails to create an evening of magic. Tickets are $15 in advance, $17 at the door; for more info call 860-693-0263.
The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford presents the Irish group Altan headlining IRISH PUB NIGHT on Friday, March 15 at 8 p.m. Altan is known as one of the most dynamic and exciting bands playing Irish music today. The group has managed the tricky task of developing an international audience for what is essentially an unadorned and straightforward presentation of the traditional music and songs the band grew up with, while maintaining the respect of the traditional Irish music community. There will be a pre-show party with a free Irish step dancing performance and Bailey's Irish Cream samplings. Tickets are $25 and $35; for more info call 860-987-5900.
Social Connections sponsors a SINGLES ST. PATRICK'S DANCE on Friday, March 15 from 8 p.m.-midnight at Nuchie's, 164 Central St. in Bristol. There will be a buffet from 8-9:30 p.m. and door prizes. DJ Rockin' Ron will provide music. Admission is $12; dress to impress. For more info call Gail at 860-582-8229.
Salisbury Congregational Church, 30 Main St. in Salisbury hosts a family concert featuring IRISH MUSIC AND STEP DANCING on Saturday, March 16 from 3-5 p.m. Music will be by All Hands Around, with Irish step dancing by the McArdle School of Irish Dance. Suggested donation is $10 adults, $5 seniors and children (under 12), under 5 free, with a family maximum of $25; proceeds will benefit the O.W.L.'s Kitchen. For more info call 860-364-0357.
Music for a Change present NANCY TUCKER on Saturday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Wilde Auditorium at the University of Hartford. Ms. Tucker is an accomplished singer-songwriter, acoustic guitarist, comedian, actor, children's performer and one-woman show. Tickets are $13; proceeds will benefit Covenant to Care. For more info call 860-768-4228, or 800-274-8587.
CT Valley Theatre Organ Society presents JUAN CARDONA, JR. on Saturday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Thomaston Opera House, Main St. in Thomaston. Admission is $10 in advance, $12 at the door, $5 students, children (10 and under) free; for more info call Margaret Cardona at 203-426-2443.
Thomaston Opera House, 158 Main St. in Thomaston presents a PIANO RECITAL with Richard and John Contiguglia on Sunday, March 17 at 2 p.m. Richard and John Contiguglia are identical twins who have collaborated as a piano duo since they were five years old; their playing inspired Stephen Adams to establish the Adams Foundation, which is sponsoring a series of recitals by acclaimed American artists performing on the finest available Steinway pianos in small, acoustically superior halls. The Foundation recently selected Thomaston Opera House—admired for having some of the finest acoustics in the country—as one of five pilot sites for Spring 2002. A second recital, featuring pianist Robert Blocker, is scheduled for Saturday, May 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for either recital or $25 for both recitals; for more info call 860-283-6250.
Litchfield Chamber Orchestra presents its MARCH CONCERT with guest conductor Bohuslav Rattay on Sunday, March 17 at 3 p.m. at the Litchfield Congregational Church in Litchfield. The program features Bach's Double Concerto with David Clampitt and Alan Brennan as soloists; both violinists have appeared frequently with the LCO in solo capacities and have served as concertmaster of the ensemble. Boccherini's late Symphony No. 23 and Schubert's Symphony No. 5 will complete the program. Tickets are $10 adults, $7 students and seniors; for more info call 860-672-6013.
St. Francis School, 360 Prospect St. in Torrington hosts a ST. PATRICK'S DAY CEILI on Sunday, March 17 from 4-7 p.m. A ceili (pronounced KAY-lee) is fairly informal Irish social gathering. In Ireland, someone would put an announcement in the newspaper for a ceili at their house on to date; that was all that was needed for people to show up—plenty of musicians and singers among them—and everyone would dance. That traditional ceili sometimes still happens in the more rural areas of Ireland, but more often than not they are now held in church or community halls as parish or town dances. McArdle School of Irish Dance will host this ceili for the whole family; the school will teach enough of the basic footwork from 4-4:45 p.m. so that you can participate in the ceili dances from 5-7 p.m. The Celtic group All Hands Around will play, and the McArdle School Dancers will perform an exhibition of Irish step dancing during the ceili. Admission is $8 adults, $5 children (ages 5-15), with a family maximum of $25; for more info call 860-485-0027.
Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford presents a ST. PATRICK'S DAY SPECTACULAR on Sunday, March 17 at 7 p.m. Famed fiddler P.V. O'Donnell, a resident of Manchester and a Donegal native, has put together a variety show showcasing Irish music and dance and featuring stars from Ireland and the U.S. Performers include pianist, composer and arranger Carl Hession from Galway; button accordionist Joe Derance of Boston; Ireland's Darren Holden, a star vocalist with "Riverdance on Broadway"; as well as the Connecticut Children's Chorus, the Hartt School Ensemble and Connecticut's own world-class stepdancers. The gala will be hosted by WTIC-AM personality Ray Dunaway; proceeds will benefit the CT Children's Medical Center. Tickets are $30-$40; for more info call 860-987-5900.
Drama and Comedy
Seven Angels Theatre, Plank Rd. in Waterbury presents "THE IRISH—AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY" on Thursdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. through March 24. From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt comes a musical celebration and irreverent history of the Irish in America. This acclaimed musical is a celebration of Irish artistry and achievement that gloriously combines spirited song and dance, vibrant humor, ribald tales and more than a touch of blarney. Laughter and sentiment fills this jovial, heartbreaking and inspiring tribute to McCourt's Irish-American kinsmen. Tickets are $23-$35; for more info call 203-757-4676.
Clockwork Repertory Theatre, 133 Main St. in Oakville presents Neil Simon's "THE ODD COUPLE" on Fridays and Saturdays through March 30 at 8:15 p.m. This is the original version of Neil Simon's classic duo of Oscar and Felix as it was originally meant to be seen, along with their poker-playing buddies and the effervescent Pigeon sisters. The play stars Bill Wilson as Felix and Lou Marchetti as Oscar. Tickets are $13; for more info call 860-274-7247.
Hole in the Wall Theatre, 10 Harvard St. in New Britain presents "A … MY NAME WILL ALWAYS BE ALICE" on Fridays and Saturdays through April 14. Conceived by Joan Micklin Silver and Julianne Boyd and performed by an all-female cast, this musical revue is a tribute to women, looking at their lives through many different points of view. The opening number, "All Girl Band," best tells that life for the woman of today is not all that typical. From the poems sprinkled in and about this musical to the somewhat bawdy lyrics of "HoneyPot," it is easy to see that this is not your basic nursery rhyme show. Suggested donation is $15; for more info call 860-229-9665, or 860-229-3049.
Hartford Stage will hold OPEN CALL AUDITIONS for actors (age 18 and older) who are current members of the Actors’ Equity Association on Friday, March 22 from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Appointments can be arranged by calling Allison at 860-525-5601, ext 144 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 19-20; audition location and requirements will be discussed when actors call for appointment.
Art Exhibits
Simon's Rock College, 84 Alford Rd. in Great Barrington exhibits the work of GUY BEINING through March 29 in the Alumni Library Atrium. Guy Beining is both an artist and a poet, and his work reflects this combination. He has published seven artists' books and six books of poetry, as well as numerous chapbooks. Most recently, he was featured in the "Dictionary of the Avant Gardes." Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-midnight, Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-midnight, Sundays from noon-midnight. Free and open to the public; for more info call 413-528-7209.
Simon's Rock College, 84 Alford Rd. in Great Barrington presents a black and white photography retrospective by SEDAT PAKAY from March 8 through March 29 in the college's Doreen Young Gallery. Pakay attended Robert Academy and Robert College in Istanbul and did his graduate studies in graphic design at Yale University School of Art, where he studied with Walker Evans. His photographs have been exhibited internationally and are in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Smithsonian Museum, the Museum of Turkish-Islamic Arts in Istanbul, the Getty Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He is currently working on a one-hour biography of Josef Albers, the Bauhaus artist and teacher, and a film on the Hudson River School of painters, both of which will be broadcast on PBS. Gallery hours are Friday through Sunday from 2-10 p.m. Free and open to the public; for more info call 413-528-7425.
Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, 540 Litchfield St. in Torrington hosts a display of NORWEGIAN ROSEMALING FOLK ART during the month of March in the Gallery opposite the Gift Shop. This folk art was done by Ethel Hestad Handlewich of Watertown and Solveig Hestad Gerrard of Torrington. Purchases benefit the Charlotte Hungerford Auxiliary.
Gallery on the Green, Route 44 in Canton presents its NEW MEMBERS SHOW through April 7. Members displaying their artwork are JoAnne Bauer, M.I. Cake, Tone L. Fogth, Melissa Meredith, Migdalia R. Merriman, Janet Nesteruk, Thomas Stavovy and Elizabeth Werle. Also featured at the Gallery on the upper level is the Solo Award Show of NATASHA COHEN of Salisbury. Cohen, who calls herself a "collage junky," proposes to "open the viewers' eyes to the marvelous possibilities in the discards and detritus around us." Ms. Cohen will talk about her work on Sunday, April 7 from 3-4 p.m. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-693-4102.
Lectures
Daughters of the American Revolution, Green Woods Chapter host a presentation on how to create a family history album on Thursday, March 14 at 2 p.m. at Winchester Center Congregational Church, on the Green in Winchester Center. Mrs. Janet Hawley Sosnicki, consultant for Creative Memories, will give a demonstration and show exciting samples of completed albums and works-in-progress. Mrs. David Ulrich, past State Regent of the CT DAR and Honorary Librarian General of the National Society in Washington, will be honored guest and will be available to answer questions about the DAR. Refreshment hostesses will be Mrs. Ralph Gustafson, Mrs. Frank Leighton and Mrs. Peter Barshaw. Free and open to all interested women; for more info call 860-379-6269.
Simon's Rock College in Great Barrington presents author, editor and historian MANNING MARABLE giving the annual W.E.B. DuBois Memorial Lecture on Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m. in the Doreen Young Galley. Dr. Marable is professor of history and political science and the founding director of the Institute for Research in African American Studies at Columbia University. He is featured frequently in the national and international media as an expert on the history and politics of race in the United States. Free and open to the public; for more info call 413-528-7209.
Great Barrington Council on Aging presents CELEBRATING NEW ENGLAND—A Harvest of Seasonal Stories with storyteller Davis Bates on Friday, March 15 at 11 a.m. at Great Barrington Senior Center, 909 Main St. (Route 7) in Great Barrington. The program will involve the audience through song and story, in a variety of cultural traditions. It will include farming stories and songs from both the past and present, sea songs and chanteys, Native American stories, folk talks from immigrant cultures, and family stories from Davis' own family. There will also be plenty of sing-alongs. For reservations or more info, call 413-528-1881.
Simon's Rock College in Great Barrington presents GLOBALIZATION AND LABOR, a lecture by Charles Kernaghan on Friday, March 15 at 7 p.m. in the Lecture Center. Charles Kernaghan is executive director of the National Labor Committee, an independent nonprofit human rights organization focused on the protection of worker rights. Mr. Kernaghan has led numerous fact-finding missions to Central America and the Caribbean—most recently bringing a delegation of American university students to investigate working conditions in the free trade zones. His work has been especially focused on protecting the rights of the young women assembling garments, shoes, toys and other products for export to the U.S. Free and open to the public; for more info call 413-528-7488.
Second CT Reenactors Group and Paul Cerruto present a brief history of the 2nd CT CIVIL WAR REGIMENT from Litchfield County on Friday, March 15 from 7-9 p.m. in the Aline Brothier Reading Room in the Morris Public Library. The video "The Tragedy at Cold Harbor" will also be shown. Free; refreshments will be provided. For more info call 860-567-7440.
Sharon Audubon Center presents "FIRE IN THE HILLS" on Friday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Interlaken Inn, Route 112 in Lakeville. Speaker Walt Langraff will provide a trip back in time to when the region's hills were cloaked in smoke, ringing with the sounds of hammers striking iron, and the glowing night sky reflected hundreds of fires. The program will focus on the charcoal and iron industry in the area from 1700 to 1900 and provide an overview of cold and hot blast furnaces. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-364-0520.
Sharon Historical Society features a presentation by Society President ED KIRBY during its annual meeting on Saturday, March 16 at 9 a.m. in the Chapin Room at Sharon Town Hall. Mr. Kirby, a noted authority on the local iron industry and a fascinating speaker, will present an update on the progress of the renovation of the Sharon Historical Society Museum at the Gay-Hoyt House and the restoration of the Sharon Lime Kiln. After the meeting, Mr. Kirby will conduct a tour of the museum. For more info call 860-364-5688.
Judith Chatfield and Jeffrey M. Engel host FRANZ LISZT IN ROME on Saturday, March 16 at 4 p.m. in West Cornwall. The program will feature the music of Liszt, and the gardens of Ville d’Este and Castlegandolfo. For more info call 860-672-6222.
Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton presents CLIMBING IN PATAGONIA on Saturday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m. This exciting multi-media presentation on climbing in South America's Patagonia region will be given by Dave Anderson, a former Simsbury native and Nature Center staff member who is now living in Wyoming. During the 2000-01 climbing season, he spent fourteen weeks exploring Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. Explore the natural history of this overpowering landscape and the culture of the people who call this harsh environment home. Admission is $4 adults, $2 students. For more info call 860-693-0263.
Canton Historical Society and Museum, 11 Front St. in Collinsville presents "HEARTH AND FIRESIDE—Colonial Life as the Seasons Change" on Sunday, March 17 at 2 p.m. at the Library/ Community on Dyer Ave. Naturalist and historical researcher Walter Landgraf will speak. Admission is $3 members, $4 non-members; for more info call 860-693-2793.
Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. in Litchfield presents LIFE OF THE CIVIL WAR SOLDIER with Todd Bryda on Wednesday, March 20 from 1:30-3 p.m. Todd is the Commanding Officer of Company K, 28th Massachusetts, 4th Regiment of the Irish Brigade Civil War Reenactment Group. He is a full-time Professor of History at Northwestern CT Community College and is the recipient of various awards and honors for his work in academics. He has presented his Civil War talk and reenactments throughout New England. Todd will complement his presentation with an exhibit of Civil War-related soldier gear. Refreshments will be served. Cost is $5; for more info call 860-567-8302.
Douglas Library, 108 Main St. in Canaan presents a SPRING EQUINOX CELEBRATION WITH WORDS on Wednesday, March 20 from 7-8 p.m. Come and read, recite or listen; all are welcome. Tea and cookies will be served during and after the readings. Donations are always welcome, but not necessary; for more info call 860-824-7863.
Kent Memorial Library, 32 North Main St. in Kent presents "BLOOMS IN THE SPRING: Five Centuries of Flower Imagery" on Thursday, March 21; refreshments will be served at 5 p.m., followed by the program at 5:30 p.m. In Renaissance painting, flowers were used to symbolize the virtues of the Virgin Mary, as well as to show the desirability of young women to their potential mates. During the 17th century in Holland—the era of "Tulip Mania"—complex bouquets of flowers illustrated the splendors of the world and reminded us of its fragility. Luxurious arrangements of blossoms provided the Impressionists opportunities to explore color and light on their canvases, while 20th century artists have concentrated on the formal properties of flowers, seeking out their deductive qualities. During this slide talk, Virginia L. Bush will survey across these eras to show the enduring allure of the flower as a subject for art. This program is free and open to the public; for more info call 860-927-3761.
Connecticut Historical Society, One Elizabeth St. in Hartford hosts Ramona Peters-Nosapocket, an artist and storyteller and Mashpee Wampanoag Indian, speaking on THE VALUE OF ORAL TRADITION on Thursday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. This will be an interactive gallery program on the importance of passing on family stories. Peters-Nosapocket's own family is featured in CHS's newest exhibition, "Family Stories, Family Sagas." Her heritage is from the Bear Clan, a medicine clan, and she will speak about the wisdom passed down from generation to generation. 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.
Interfaith Council of Northwest Connecticut meets on Thursday, March 21 from 7-9 p.m. for a TALK ON ISLAM by the Reverend Dr. Robert P. Clements at Beth El Synagogue, 124 Litchfield St. in Torrington. Dr. Clements is the director of Interfaith Resources, a consulting service to schools, colleges and other nonprofit organizations aiding in the redefinition and establishment of spiritual life programs. He has served as an interfaith resource officer to the Diocese of Connecticut and as advisor to the Lutheran Office of Public Policy and has edited a history of Islamic sectarianism. His book "Five Ways from Sunday: How to Raise a Faithful Teenager" will be available later this year. Free and open to the public; for more info call Stanley Mand at 860-496-0636, or Ann Schillinger at 860-672-6862.
Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton hosts Marcia Bourne, a volunteer with the VERMONT EARTH INSTITUTE on Thursday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. Ms. Bourne will discuss programs on "Voluntary Simplicity," "Deep Ecology" and "Discovering a Sense of Place" that have been delighting concerned citizens across the country since 1993. This is an introductory discussion for those interested in starting up groups in the Farmington Valley area. Free and open to the public; for more info call Marcia Bourne at 802-254-2522, or visit <www.vtearthinstitute.org>.
Avon Bird Center in Avon hosts GALAPAGOS ISLAND ADVENTURE on Thursday, March 21 at 8 p.m. Local field guide and photographer Sam Fried will present a slide show and talk on the Galapagos Islands. If you have ever thought about a trip to these islands, this is the show to see! Free; to register call 860-284-1092.
Classes and Workshops
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge offers DESIGNING FOR LONG SEASON INTEREST with Warren Leach on Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m.-noon. Learn the many ways to create year-round interest in the garden, including extended seasonal bloom and exceptional foliage and structure. Consider the mixed border for both late-season and winter interest, and focus on plant combinations with multiple seasons of ornamental characteristics. Cultural needs for plants appropriate for both sun and shade gardens will also be covered. Cost is 15 members, $20 non-members; registration is required. For more info call 413-298-3926.
Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St. in Waterbury offers a RUBBER STAMP ART PARTY on Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Learn how to add some pizzaz to your craft projects; anyone from 10-100 is welcome to join this class to learn this popular and creative art form. Special techniques and the supplies are both part of this fun class for the beginner through intermediate rubber stamper. Cost is $10 members, $12 non-members; to register call 203-753-0381, ext 10.
Litchfield County Art Association offers PAINTING CLASSES on Tuesdays from 7-9:30 p.m. during March, April and May at the United Methodist Church in Winsted. Beginners through advanced students are invited. For registration or more info, call 860-482-1711, or 860-738-9013.
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury hosts INSURANCE ISSUES FOR SMALL BUSINESS on Wednesday, March 20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. John Taylor and Paul H. Mikkelson, Jr. of Dill, Joyce & Thresher Insurance will discuss insurance issues small businesses should be aware of in today's business environment. The program will focus on liability and property insurance, and will include key questions to ask about coverage and limits and how the type and location of the business can impact these issues. Free and open to the public; to register or for more info, call Business Outreach Librarian Jennifer Keohane at 860-658-7663.
Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted offers CREATIVE WRITING FOR EVERYONE with Jean Sands on Wednesdays, March 20 through April 24 from 1-3 p.m. Have you always wanted to write but don't know how to get started? Do you have poems, stories, articles or ideas you'd like to turn into published work? Then this course is for you. By writing in response to assignments you will learn how to produce prose and/or poetry that catches the editor's eye. Individual attention is given to each student's work, and critique is supportive and encouraging. Cost is $60; to register call 860-738-6446.
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge offers BUILD A RUSTIC TRELLIS with Jane Shields on Saturday, March 23 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Take away the skills necessary to create a broad range of sculptural delights for the garden and home! Participants will learn every phase of trellis making, from choosing and harvesting the raw materials through design, construction and installation. Participants will learn how to evaluate materials such as maple saplings, grape and bittersweet vines for their unique building characteristics and, using a variety of plant materials, will create a sculptural garden trellis. Cost is $50 members, $60 non-members; pre-registration is required. For more info call 413-298-3926.
Canton Parks and Recreation offers LEARN TO COOK WITH THE BEST on Monday, March 25 from 7-9 p.m. at the Canton Community Center. Looking to impress your friends with your gourmet cooking? Learn some elegant but simple appetizers that you can serve for any holiday or gathering. The class consists of a demonstration of food preparations, question time, and sampling of appetizers that are prepared. Cost is $25; to register call 860-693-5808.
Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton offers NATURE AS HEALER on Monday, March 25 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Marlow Shami will demonstrate how our relationship with nature determines the quality of our lives and our world. Learn why we are familiar with only five of our senses and how we can expand our awareness. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-693-0263. For those who are interested, a longer workshop (with fee) is planed for Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Outdoors
Sharon Audubon Center, 325 Cornwall Bridge Rd. (Route 4) in Sharon holds its MapleFest on Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visitors may take a 40-minute tour of the center's working sugarhouse and sugarbush and learn about the history, biology and machinery associated with maple sugaring. Admission is $3 adults; $1.50 children and seniors. For more info call 860-364-0520.
White Memorial Conservation Center, off Route 202 in Litchfield hosts BEARS, BOBCATS AND FISHERS, a presentation by the CT Department of Environmental Protection on Saturday, March 16 at 2 p.m. in the Arthur B. Ceder Meeting Room. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-567-0857.
Active Singles sponsors a HIKE at Macedonia Brook State Park in Kent on Sunday, March 17; 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.
Social Connections offers a SINGLES WALK AND LUNCH on Sunday, March 17 at 11 a.m. at the lovely Walnut Hill Park, Park Place in New Britain. After the walk, the group will go to an area restaurant for lunch. For more info call Marcia at 860-828-4817.
Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Rd. (off Route 199) in Washington holds its annual MAPLE SUGARING FESTIVAL on Sunday, March 17 from noon-2 p.m. A demonstration of syrup-making techniques used by Native Americans will be held in the recreated Algonkian village; staff members will explain the process and answer questions about the lives of the region's earliest inhabitants. Pancakes with maple syrup will be served. Admission is $5 adults, $3 children and youth (ages 4-16); pancakes are included. For more info call 860-868-0518.
Sports
Hoop Talk on Charter Communications channel 13 features an interview with former UConn guard JOHN GWYNN on Thursday, March 14 at 6:30 p.m. John (mini microwave) Gwynn will discuss how he started playing basketball at age 2 and played in an organized environment before he was 6 years old. He will also answer many questions about his years at UConn, and his viewpoints on today’s players in both college and the NBA. "Hoop Talk," which is hosted and produced by Ann Antolini students Noah Heiber and Jason Gentile, combines extensive research and a dedicated production staff to make a sports talk program that rivals those of the major networks. For more info about this show or any other program on Community Vision channel 13, call 860-738-5090.
Tang Soo Do Masters Alliance holds its annual INTERCLUB CHALLENGE featuring forms and sparring on Sunday, March 17 beginning at 10 a.m. at Watertown High School. The public is cordially invited to cheer on the participants! Admission is $2; for more info call event coordinator Ed Sullivan at 203-755-9567, or the Charland Institute at 860-945-6565. To learn more about the Tang Soo Do Masters Alliance, visit <www.tsdmastersalliance.com>.
World Series Club of Hartford County presents guest speaker BOB MONTGOMERY on Monday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Newington. Area baseball fans have an opportunity to peer deeply into Red Sox nation with Bob Montgomery. A Boston baseball insider for three decades, Montgomery's teammates included Tony Conigliaro, Dwight Evans, Bill Lee, Fred Lynn, Jerry Remy, Jim Rice, George Scott, Luis Tiant and Carl Yastrzemski. Montgomery also became an Emmy-award winning broadcaster with the team for 14 years after his playing days were over. The meeting will feature an opportunity to meet Mr. Montgomery, get autographs, and enjoy a buffet dinner. Cost is $15 members, $25 non-members, $12 for young fans; reservations are requested. For more info call Larry Brennan at 860-666-1254.
Kids
The Mark Twain House, 351 Farmington Ave. in Hartford hosts "Many Happy Returns," a VICTORIAN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION on Saturday, March 16 from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. and from 1-2:45 p.m. Guests will take a special tour of the Mark Twain house, inspired by written accounts of Susy Clemens' 1887 birthday party. There will be birthday cake and 19th century party games; guests will also be invited to try on Victorian costumes for an instant photo and then decorate a frame for their party memento. Admission is $20 for one or two adults and up to two children (ages 7-11), $10 for each additional person; $2 discount for members. For reservations or more info, call 860-247-0998, ext 23.
Kent Memorial Library, 32 North Main St. in Kent presents THE MAGICAL WORLD OF THE CELTS with Thomas the Pypr on Saturday, March 16 from 1-2 p.m. Join the Teen Library Board and the Lucky Charms Read-a-Thon participants for a fun-filled afternoon of Irish legend, humor, folklore and history. Thomas the Pypr brings to life the music and tales of Camelot and Tara, high kings and warriors. The piper will lead you with the haunting melodies of the Irish and Scottish bagpipers. For more info call 860-927-3761.
North East Rottweiler Rescue invites kids and pets to pose for their PHOTO WITH THE EASTER BUNNY on Sunday, March 17 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Petco, Route 44 in Avon. Proceeds will go to the Spring a Pet campaign, which benefits the March Hare Rescue and the NERR.
Festivals and Sales
St. Thomas Church, Route 63 in Goshen sponsors a FLEA MARKET on Saturday, March 16 (snow date is April 6) from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in Donahue Hall. Many vendors will fill their tables with their varied wares, from antiques to zippers, bassinets to yardsticks. This fundraiser will support the preservation of Historic St. Thomas of Villanova Chapel.
Winsted United Methodist Church, Main and High St. in Winsted holds its 3rd annual CURE FOR CABIN FEVER FLEA MARKET on Saturday, March 16 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be over 30 flea market vendors, antiques, collectibles, crafts, a baked good table, books, children's table, jewelry and linens. Lunch will be available downstairs from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Farmington Valley Arts Center hosts its annual OPEN HOUSE on Saturday and Sunday, March 16-17 from 1-4 p.m. at the Art Center's Sperry Park Annex, 50 Simsbury Rd. (Route 10) in Avon. This eclectic event will feature interactive and hand-on arts activities, demonstrations and a show of student artwork. Shoppers will be tempted by the Gallery Tag Sale and a Pottery Seconds Sale, and there will also be a drawing for a free class. On Sunday at 2 p.m. the will be a special work-in-progress performance by youngsters in the FVAC's children's acting class. All activities are free and open to the public; for more info call 860-674-8315.
New Hartford Lions Club presents its 10th annual NORTHWEST CT ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES SHOW on Sunday, March 17 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Northwest Regional High School, 100 Battistoni Dr. in Winsted. Last year over 80 dealers displayed their wares, with attendance by over 1,200 people. Appraisers will be available. Admission is $4.50; early bird buying admission from 8:30-9:30 a.m. is $10.
Amenia Historical Society holds its COLLECTOR'S DAY EXHIBIT on Sunday, March 17 from 2-4 p.m. at Maplebrook School, Route 22 in Amenia. Everything from arrowheads to railroad memorabilia will be on exhibit. Admission and refreshments are free.
United Congregational Church sponsors a PENNY AUCTION on Thursday, March 21 at St. Maron's Church Hall, 613 Main St. in Torrington. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the auction begins at 7 p.m. Admission and refreshments are free.
Trips
Winsted Senior Center sponsors a trip to the MOHEGAN SUN CASINO on Wednesday, April 17. The bus leaves from the Senior Center in Winsted at 8 a.m. and from the commuter lot near the East Main St. Burger King in Torrington at 8:15 a.m.; arrive home by 6:30 p.m. Cost is $17; to register call 860-379-4252, or 860-379-8325.
Couples Only sponsors a weekend trip to ATLANTIC CITY on Friday through Sunday, April 26-28. Package includes bus, lodging, five meals and headliner show. There will be several different pickup locations; all couples are welcome. For registration or more info, call Carol at 860-482-6964.
And More
Holley-Williams House Museum, 15 Millerton Rd. (Route 44) in Lakeville celebrates WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH with continuous showings of the video "Votes for Women" from 2-3:30 p.m. on Saturdays, March 16 and March 30; and Sunday March 24. Did you know that women have had the right to vote for less than 100 years? This video discusses how women acquired that right. Also find out about life for women in the 19th century, some expectations of the times, clothing and how it may affect your health, and the use of calling cards in the 1870s. Copies of the "Declaration of Rights of the Women of the United States" by the National Woman Suffrage Association will be available, and the hands-on kitchen will be open to demonstrate the "conveniences" of the times. This program is appropriate for all ages, especially girls. Requested donation is $5 per family, members free; for more info call 860-435-2878.
Sheffield Historical Society, 159-161 Main St. in Sheffield presents THE ROMANCE OF FASHION on Sunday, March 17 at 2 p.m. Consider the Romance of Fashion by touring the Dan Raymond House and visiting the "Sheffield Fashions: Dresses, Drawers, Hats and Hoops" exhibition. Admission is $3; Society members and children free. The exhibition will also be open to the public during regular weekday hours, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; for more info call 413-229-2694.
Kent Memorial Library, 32 North Main St. in Kent invites chess players of all levels (from absolute beginners to experts) to join the CHESS CLUB FOR EVERYONE, which meets every Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Marc Turgeon from the South Kent School is group facilitator; for more info call 860-927-3761.
Noah Christian Singles Group hosts a GAME NIGHT on Thursday, March 21 from 7-9 p.m. at Church of Christ Baptist/ Congregational, 800 Main St. in Winsted. Bring a game and something to munch and share. For more info call Jennifer at 860-738-8063, or Michele at 860-379-5354.
