Music and Dance
The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford presents "SING-A-LONG SOUND OF MUSIC" on Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, April 5 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 6 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m. "Sing-A-Long Sound of Music" is a screening of the classic Julie Andrews film musical in glorious, full-screen Technicolor, complete with subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along. Audiences of all ages are invited to join in singing and to dress up as their favorite character, item, or even line from a song for a one-of-a-kind interactive event and costume contest. Tickets are $25; for more info call 860-987-5900.
Master's School in West Simsbury presents a jazz concert with SUM x 5 on Friday, April 5 at 7 p.m. Sum x 5 features Robert Fullerton on guitar, Kit McDermott on drums, Joe Nerney on saxophone, and Frank Schwartz on bass. There is no set admission price, but donations will be accepted; proceeds will benefit the school's Fine Arts Department. For more info and directions, call 860-651-9361.
Music for a Change presents two of the most powerful new voices on the American music scene, MARK ERELLI AND LYNN MILES on Friday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. Erelli and his band will be celebrating the release of their newest CD, "The Memorial Recordings"; they will also be celebrating that Erelli has been nominated for two Boston Music Awards, one as best male singer-songwriter and one for the best album by a singer-songwriter for his 2001 release "Compass & Companion." Miles, who released her third CD, "Unravel," in October 2001, is not afraid to look at the darker side of life, and she writes about it with a depth and clarity that few singer-songwriters possess. Tickets are $15; proceeds benefit Rebuilding Together with Christmas April Hartford, the new name for Christmas in April, the non-sectarian organization dedicated to helping low-income homeowners through home renovation and repair. For more info call 860-768-4228.
Trinity College, 300 Summit St. in Hartford presents DISSENTING FOOLS, a showcase of regional singer-songwriters performing songs of nonconformity and songs of conscience on Friday, April 5 at 8 p.m. in the Goodwin Theater at the Austin Arts Center. Admission is $10 general, $8 students and seniors (age 60 and older) with ID, free with Trinity ID; for more info call 860-297-2199.
Northwest Corner Young Artists Series presents an ALL-VIVALDI PROGRAM performed by the ensemble Rebel (pronounced "Re-BEL") on Saturday, April 6 at 5 p.m. at First Church Congregational, Route 41 in Sharon. Named after the French Baroque composer Jean-Féry Rebel (1666-1747), Rebel was formed in the Netherlands in 1991. The ensemble has performed widely and made numerous recordings, receiving international honors. They are the only period instrument ensemble to be awarded a residency at National Public Radio; currently they are in residence at historic Trinity Church in New York City. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-364-0253.
Litchfield-Morris Rotary Club hosts an APRIL FOOL'S DAY DANCE AND COUNTRY HOEDOWN on Saturday, April 6 from 7:30-11 p.m. at the Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. (Route 202) in Litchfield. Country and Western DJ Angel will provide western theme music as well as instruction on country line dancing. BYOB; setups and refreshments will be provided. Open to the public. Tickets are $15 and are available from the First National Bank of Litchfield, Litchfield Bancorp and The Business Center; proceeds will benefit the Rotary's community projects. For more info call Ron Morse at 860-567-9423, or Tom Terhaar at 860-677-5942.
Litchfield Grange, Route 202 in Litchfield hosts JUST FRIENDS BLUEGRASS BAND on Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m. Just Friends Bluegrass Band plays traditional, gospel and contemporary bluegrass. Most pieces are backed with hard-driving banjo, guitar, fiddle, mandolin and bass. The band consists of Jeff Greenwood on banjo, guitar and vocals; Zoe Greenwood on bass and vocals; Dan Thomas on fiddle, guitar, mandolin and vocals; and Bruce White on rhythm guitar and vocals. Home baked desserts, coffee and tea will be available for purchase. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door; for more info call Jeff or Zoe Greenwood at 860-567-9182.
Grace Episcopal Church, 311 Broad St. in Windsor presents AZTEC TWO-STEP and Selfish Steam on Saturday, April 6; doors open at 6:45 p.m., with Selfish Steam performing at 7:30 p.m. and Aztec Two-Step at 8 p.m. Aztec Two-Step, the nationally famous duo of Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman, has released a live album called "Highway Signs." The band, named after a line in a Lawrence Ferlinghetti poem, was formed in Boston and is based in New York, although their biggest audiences could be found in the Hartford area. Tickets are $25 adults; $20 seniors and students; for more info call 860-688-1232.
Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd in Canton presents RANI ARBO & DAISY MAYHEM on Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. It don't mean a thing if you don't have "Cocktail Swing," the brilliant Signature Sounds 2001 release by Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem. Rani "graduated" from the group Salamander Crossing to form a stellar quartet that is based in tradition but has adopted an honest, yet progressive style that allows them to deliver evocative ballads or to play and swing with the best string bands today. The band features Andrew Kinsey on lead guitar and harmony vocals; Scott Kessel on percussion and harmony vocals; and Anand Nayak on guitar and vocals; as well as special guests. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door; for more info call 860-693-0263.
Beacon Grange, 670 Northfield Rd. (Route 254) in Northfield presents a COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE with the Country Travelers on Saturday, April 6 from 8 p.m.-midnight. Donation is $9; door prizes, raffle and refreshments available. For more info call 860-482-1962.
Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Rd. in Avon presents the BALDWIN-PAPILLON DUO on Sunday, April 7 at 3 p.m. The duo features pianist Leanne Baldwin and violinist Kristine Papillon. They will perform from the works of Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart and Bernstein. Free; for more info call 860-673-9712.
Hartford Community Dance presents a SPRING WALTZ with music by Blue Moon on Sunday, April 7 from 3-6 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 14 Walden St. in West Hartford. There will be a workshop at 3 p.m.; the dance begins at 3:30 p.m. Casual attire, no partner or experience needed; refreshments will be served. Admission is $8 adults, $4 students; for more info call 860-233-6603.
Hartford Symphony Orchestra presents the world premiere of American composer Peter Boyer's "ELLIS ISLAND: THE DREAM OF AMERICA" on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 9-10 at 8 p.m. at the Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford; there will be a free concert preview at 7 p.m. on both evenings. "Ellis Island: The Dream of America" is a symphonic work based on the experiences of the American immigrant that combines multiple media sources. According to Boyer, the work incorporates the narration of "seven stories, four female and three male, of immigrants who came through Ellis Island from seven countries, between 1910 and 1940." The words of Lillian Galletta, an Italian immigrant, who immigrated to America in 1928 at age 4, are included in Boyer's work. Ms. Galletta is the only surviving immigrant of the seven whose stories were used for this piece; she currently lives in Brooklyn, NY and will travel to Connecticut to attend the world premiere with her brothers. Tickets are $15-$58; for more info call 860-987-5900.
Friends of Brodie Park, West Hill Rd. in New Hartford present OPEN MIKE NIGHT in the Brodie Park field house on Wednesday, April 10 from 7-10 p.m.; sign-up begins at 6:30 and is on a first-come basis. Both acoustic and quiet electric performers are invited to perform up to three songs, as time permits; a quality sound system and stage lighting will be provided. The series continues on Wednesday, May 8 and Wednesday, June 12. Audiences will be asked to pick their favorite performers for a special concert on Wednesday, July 10; that night, the top four vote-getters from April, May and June will return for 20-minute sets and will be paid for their performance. Free and open to the public; $3 admission fee on July 10 only. The series is co-sponsored by the New Hartford Recreation Department; for more info call Fred Mertz at 860-792-7955.
Connecticut Choral Artists presents CONCORA FESTIVAL 2002, a week-long choral workshop on July 20-27. Conducted by Richard Coffey, founder and Artistic Director of CONCORA, the workshop will focus on the study, preparation and performance of Part II of Handel's "Messiah" with a professional orchestra, culminating in a festival concert on Saturday, July 27 at 4 p.m. Preparation and performance will all take place in the brand new, air-conditioned performance hall of the Autorino Center at St. Joseph College, 1678 Asylum Ave. in West Hartford. The festival is an educational outreach of Connecticut's professional chorus; the festival chorus will comprise over 100 voices, including workshop participants and a core of CONCORA members. Full scholarships are available to exceptional high school singers who intend to further their studies in music; students must be recommended by their choir directors. Tickets for the July 27 concert are $12. For info about the workshop or the concert, call 860-224-7500, or visit <www.concora.org>.
Drama and Comedy
Canton High School's Junior Class presents "READING AUNT LOUISE'S WILL," a murder mystery dinner on Friday, April 5 at 5 p.m. in the cafeteria at Canton High School, 76 Simmons Ave. in Canton. The night will include a pasta dinner, dessert, and an interactive play. You will have the opportunity to figure out who committed the murder. Actors are the members of the faculty and staff of Canton High School. Tickets are $7 adults, $5 students and seniors; for more info call Assistant Principal Jordan E. Grossman at 860-693-7707.
Warner Center for Arts Education presents "A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM" on Saturday, April 6 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m. at the Warner Theatre, 68 Main St. in Torrington. The Performance Lab at the Warner Theatre Center for Arts Education is made up of advanced students who wish to pursue a serious study of acting by working with various historical styles in publicly performed plays. "A Midsummer Night's Dream," one of William Shakespeare's most popular comedies, is a fantasy of folklore and fairies, a medley of poetry, song and dance that portrays the many aspects of love. The challenge for young actors is to present parallel stories with characters ranging from rough workingmen to young lovers to a tyrannical father to royalty. Tickets are $10; for more info call 860-489-7180.
Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. (Route 202) in Litchfield presents "TILLIE TURNER'S DREAM DIARY" and "THE GAMBLER," a live performance by storyteller Bettie Walker on Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m. The twisty plot of Tillie's life before and during World War II takes the listener from the northern Yugoslavian countryside to Belgrade, to Sarajevo and then to beautiful Dubrovnik before this resilient woman ultimately leaves for a safer life in America. In "The Gambler" Bettie Walker will be joined by a guest performer to portray Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley, as they reminisce about their life in Paris during the '20s. Admission is $7 adults, $5 students; light refreshments will be served during intermission. For more info call 860-567-8302.
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.
Goshen Players, Old Town Hall at the rotary (Routes 4 & 63) in Goshen present "HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING" on Fridays and Saturdays, April 5-6, April 12-13 and April 19-20 at 8 p.m.; Thursday, April 18 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, April 7 and April 14 at 2 p.m. This popular musical comedy, the story of a window washer who learns the secret of getting to the top of his company, is the Goshen Players' 54th spring production. Tickets are $10, with matinee discounts for seniors and children (under 12); for more info call 860-491-2127.
Simsbury Light Opera Company presents Gilbert and Sullivan's "IOLANTHE" on Saturdays, April 6 and April 13 at 8 p.m.; Sundays, April 7 and April 14 at 2:15 p.m.; and Saturday, April 20 at 2:15 and 8 p.m. at Simsbury High School, 34 Farms Village Rd. in Simsbury. Gilbert delighted in poking fun at Victorian society with all its pomp, ritual and facade. "Iolanthe" is no exception to his tongue in cheek commentary on the social mores of the day. The House of Lords was then, and for many years afterwards, populated by the aristocracy of the landed and lorded British gentry. No matter how inept, incompetent or unsuitable the incumbent, rank riches and title guaranteed you a place in the British equivalent of the U.S. Senate. Gilbert pits the Peers against a Victorian favorite fantasy–a "brood" of fairies and their Queen. Tickets are $22 general admission, $17 senior matinees, $5 children at the family matinee on April 7, and can be purchased by calling 860-521-8076, or by visiting <www.sloco.org>.
Sherman Players present "RECKLESS" on Fridays and Saturdays through April 27 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, April 21 at 3 p.m. at the Sherman Playhouse, Routes 37 & 39 (behind the firehouse) in Sherman. "Reckless" is a fast-paced, bizarre but bittersweet comedy by Craig Lucas. Tickets are $15 adults, $13 seniors and students; reservations are required. Seniors are invited to the dress rehearsal for free on Thursday, April 4 at 8 p.m. For more info call 860-354-3622.
Hartford Stage Company, 50 Church St. in Hartford announces an exciting OPPORTUNITY FOR TEENAGE PLAYWRIGHTS. Students have until April 15 to write and submit one paragraph containing a synopsis for a play entitled "Over My Dead Body." The winning writers will be invited to develop their ideas into 10-minute plays with the aid of the HSC's Playwright-in-Residence, David Grimm. Professional actors will read the plays as part of the "2002 Brand: NEW Festival of New Works" in May. For more info call the Hartford Stage Education Department at 860-525-5601.
Art Exhibits
Living Traditions Gallery, 31 East Main St. in Avon presents CONTEMPORARY ART IN TRADITIONAL FORMS, featuring collage by Hannah Libman and clay work by Kathleen Rude. 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.
Washington Art Association, 4 Bryan Plaza in Washington Depot presents its 2002 MEMBERS SHOW through April 21. This show is part of a year-long celebration of WAA's 50th Anniversary, with festivities and exhibitions that invite viewers to study as well as delight in this passion for art. Work in a variety of mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolor, photography and sculpture will presented by artists with top gallery representation, as well as artists waiting to be discovered. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from 2-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-868-2878.
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. (Route 10) in Simsbury presents THE NOVEL PHOTOGRAPHY MYSTERY SHOW during the month of April. The exhibit by Mary B. Hobler Hyson combines work in two media: photography and fiction. Hobler Hyson encourages visitors to solve the mystery of matching thirty-one novel titles to photographs on display in her collection; the list includes "Gift from the Sea," "The Good Earth" and "Charlotte’s Web." Other activities include matching titles to illustrations from children’s books and mystery photographic jigsaw puzzles. Hobler Hyson is an award-winning photographer from Cheshire, CT who has presented her work across the eastern seaboard. She is also a published writer and a volunteer in the first grade reading program. Library hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; for more info call 860-658-7663.
Kent Art Association, 21 South Main St. (Route 7) in Kent presents its annual MEMBERS' SHOW from April 6 through May 5. This members-only show will present more than 100 pieces of representational art, including works in oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, graphic and small sculpture. The member-artists who exhibit come from across the Northeast, hailing mainly from Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Cash awards for excellence will be presented and all works are for sale. There will be an awards presentation on Saturday, April 6 at 1 p.m.; refreshments will be served. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-927-3989.
Lectures
Northwestern Literary Club presents NARRATIVE POETRY AS MEMOIR, a talk by Claire Vreeland on Thursday, April 4 at 7 p.m. in Founders Hall, Room 202 at Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted. Claire Vreeland will read from the poetry of Elizabeth Bishop, Jane Akenyon, Donald Hall and Rita Dove; local poets may bring their own poems to read. Free and open to the public; for more info about the Literary Club, call 860-738-6446.
White Memorial Conservation Center, off Route 202 in Litchfield hosts a presentation on GRASSLAND BIRDS by the CT Department of Environmental Protection on Saturday, April 6 at 2 p.m. in the Arthur B. Ceder Meeting Room. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-567-0857.
Connecticut Historical Society, One Elizabeth St. in Hartford presents a lecture on COLONIAL AND VICTORIAN NEW ENGLAND with Master Gardener Roxanne Lovell on Saturday, April 6 at 2 p.m. This program will cover garden design, placement of outbuildings, building materials, plant materials of the time, and garden trends. Learn how politics and religion played a role in the evolution of gardening and hear about folklore and the herbal use of plants. Admission is $6 adults; $3 seniors, students and youth (ages 6-17); free for CHS members and children (under 6). For more info call 860-236-5621.
Beardsley and Memorial Library, 40 Munro Place in Winsted hosts its Mystery Discussion Group on Tuesday, April 9 from 1-3 p.m. The group will welcome mystery author HALLIE EPHRON, who with her partner Donald Davidoff has authored the Dr. Peter Zak mysteries "Amnesia" and "Addiction" and the soon-to-be published "Delirium." Shelby Peck of Torrington is the facilitator for this series, which meets on the second Tuesday of each month; new members are always welcome. Refreshments will be served; for more info call 860-379-6043.
Salisbury Arsenal Chapter DAR and the Winthrop Fleet Chapter, National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century present FLOWERS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE, a talk by Ruth Gilbert Giumarro on Tuesday, April 9 at 2 p.m. in the Community Room of Noble Horizons, Cobble Rd. in Salisbury. A DAR chapter member and a local florist, Ruth Gilbert Giumarro will speak about selecting flowers for various occasions and the particular meanings of certain specific flowers. Free and open to the public; refreshments will be served.
Thomaston Public Library, 248 Main St. in Thomaston presents GARDENING IN THE SHADE on Tuesday, April 9 at 7 p.m. Garden designer, master gardener and former Fine Gardening magazine assistant editor Amy Ziffer will profile over three dozen best shade perennials, ferns and bulbs for the Northeast with a colorful slide show and lecture. Participants will take home a handout encapsulating the information covered in the presentation. Free and open to the public; refreshments will be served. To register call 860-283-4339.
Simons Rock College presents "IN LIGHT OF REVERENCE" on Tuesday, April 9 at 7 p.m. at the Triplex Cinema, 70 Railroad St. in Great Barrington. This film tells the story of three indigenous American communities–the Lakota, the Hopi and the Wintu–as they fight to protect their lands. The film has received awards throughout the country, and Robert Redford calls it a "beautifully crafted film that is a wake-up call for everyone who cares about the environment." Admission is $5; for more info call 413-528-7395.
Northwest Writers present "POETRY IN OUR EVERYDAY LIVES," a talk by Waterbury poet Joan Ketrys on Wednesday, April 10 from 7-9 p.m. at Goshen Center School, Route 63 in Goshen. Joan Ketrys is president of the Connecticut Poetry Society; a lifelong poet, she has been published in several poetry journals. Interested writers of all levels of experience are welcome to attend; for more info call Cheryl Corey at 860-485-1494, or Liz Wilson at 203-756-2364.
Torrington Historical Society, 192 Main St. in Torrington presents HILL TO MILL, a free lunchtime slide lecture on Thursday, April 11 at noon in the Carriage House. Executive Director Mark McEachern will discuss patterns of development that have been imposed on the landscape. A discussion of Torrington's early settlement patterns will be followed by information on how the American industrial revolution created small manufacturing villages that shifted Torrington's population patterns. Twentieth century trends stimulated by immigration and transportation will also be examined to explain more recent patterns of development. This is an opportunity to learn about the history of Litchfield County's largest town and explore the forces that gave rise to Torrington as a manufacturing center producing woolens, brass, clocks, musical instruments, skates, bicycles and machinery. Attendees should bring their own lunch; beverages and dessert will be provided. For more info call 860-482-8260.
Farmington Valley Christian Women's Club presents LIFE–HOW SWEET IT IS! on Thursday, April 11 from noon- 2 p.m. at The Farmington Club in Farmington. The special feature for the day will be provided by James Florence from Munson's Chocolates in Simsbury. The mother/ son duet of Eleanor and Stephen Todd of Simsbury will sing. Sandra Robb of Feeding Hills, MA will discuss how "Life Is a Box of Chocolates." Tickets are $14; reservations are necessary by April 8 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 Collinsville presents ABOUT MY HAIR: A JOURNEY TO RECOVERY on Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m. Marcia Reid Marsted, a Canton resident and a well-known photographer, has chronicled her experiences as a cancer survivor through her photographs and her journal. She will read excerpts from her newly published book, and a number of her photographs will be on display. Free, but pre-registration is requested; call 860-693-5800.
Sierra Club Greater Hartford Group presents CONNECTICUT GREENWAYS: MAKING CONNECTIONS during their monthly meeting on Thursday, April 11 at Westmoor Park, Flagg Rd. in West Hartford; letter writing and refreshments begin at 7 p.m., with the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Leslie Lewis, Environmental Analyst for the CT DEP. Discover all that you are missing out on in our state's extensive rails-to-rails and greenways system. Leslie Lewis brings a wealth of knowledge about the recreational aspects, history and future of the amazing source. Free and open to the public; for more info call Rich Stanley at 860-242-1080.
Classes and Workshops
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge presents a lecture and discussion on CONTROLLING INVASIVE PLANTS on Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m.-noon. This discussion will focus on what the homeowner can do to help identify and control the spread of invasive plants that are becoming an increasing threat to properties. Learn identification, ecology, natural history and methods of control–whether mechanical, chemical or biological. Discuss what the small property owner and homeowner can do to protect their own land, at the same time protecting the larger regional landscape. Instructor Chris Mattrick is the Senior Conservation Programs manager for the New England Wildflower Society; he coordinates the activities of the New England Plant Volunteer Corps, and works on recovery of rare and endangered plant species throughout New England. Cost is $15 members, $20 non-members; registration is required. For more info call 413-298-3926.
The Artists' Alternative sponsors a STORYTELLING CREATIVE WORKSHOP with Guy Gilchrist on Saturday, April 6 from 2-3:30 p.m. at Borders Bookstore in Simsbury. Guy Gilchrist is the nationally syndicated creator of "Mudpie," "Nightlights & Pillow Fights," "Nancy," and his newest feature, "Your Angels Speak." Guy will read selected poems and excerpts from his books. He will also share stories about his life and career, punctuated by demonstrations and advice on how to learn to draw anything. In addition, books will be available for purchase with Guy's autograph. Gilchrist has been an artist and writer of world renown for over two decades. Author and illustrator of 42 children's books, he has won worldwide acclaim and was the recipient of two Reuben Awards for his work. For more info call 860-693-0587.
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury offers INSURANCE ISSUES FOR SMALL BUSINESS on Wednesday, April 10 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, limits, and how the type and location of the business can impact these issues. Free and open to the public; for more info call Jennifer Keohane at 860-658-7663.
FamilyLife sponsors a WEEKEND TO REMEMBER Marriage Conference on Friday through Sunday, April 12-14 at the Sheraton Hotel in Burlington, VT. The conference, which covers issues that affect marital relationships, is designed to help any couple–whether the marriage is strong or struggling. The weekend features general lecture periods, men-only and women-only sessions, private interaction time for couples, and a romantic date night. FamilyLife is a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ International. Cost is $85 per person in advance, $100 at the door; for more info call 800-FL-TODAY, or Cindy Twarog at 860-379-8775.
Simon's Rock College in Great Barrington offers POET AS TRICKSTER–The Mischief of Language, a two-day poetry workshop with Myra Shapiro on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, April 14 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Ms. Shapiro will also give a reading of her own poetry on Friday, April 12 at 8 p.m. in Blodgett House. During the workshop, which is open to both novice and experienced writers who want to gain a new perspective on writing poetry, Shapiro will lead participants in a series of exercises designed to arouse images and memories from which they will create poetry. Participants should bring paper, a pencil, and lunch for Saturday. Fee for the workshop is $75; registration is required. The reading on Friday is free and open to the public. For more info call Jan Lawry at 413-528-1303.
Torrington Recreation Department sponsors a DECORATIVE STAMPING WORKSHOP for adults on Wednesday, April 17 from 7-9 p.m. at the Coe Park Center. Instructor Lesley Kelly will teach new ways to use rubber stamps in designing cards and gift bags; participants will have several projects to take home. Further classes will be held on May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21 and September 18. Fee is $12 per class; to register call 860-489-2274.
UConn Cooperative Extension Center, 843 University Dr. in Torrington sponsors a garden workshop on Saturday, April 20 from 1-3 p.m. Participants will learn the basics of creating a LIVING WREATH using a variety of winter-hardy succulent plants provided by the Connecticut Cactus and Succulent Society. The instructor, Phillip Allen, will demonstrate how to choose suitable plant material and demonstrate techniques to assemble a living wreath. Participants will prepare a wreath in class to take home. Fee of $20 will cover the cost of plant materials; to register or for more info, call 860-626-6240.
Farmington Valley Arts Center, 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon hosts PERSONAL EXPERIENCES WITH JOINT MARKETING on Saturday, April 20 from 2-3 p.m. Artists Debi Pendell, Cathy Doocy and Susan Scott will share tips and lead the discussion. The session will focus on how artists can collaborate with fellow artists to promote their work more easily and with greater effectiveness. The emphasis will be on the exchange of tips and personal joint marketing success stories. Free and open to the public; registration is not required. For more info call 860-678-1867.
Farmington Valley Arts Center, 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon offers GLASS SLUMPING on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, April 28 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Spend a weekend learning the basics of slumping and fusing beautiful colored glass in a kiln to create a bowl, platter, or other object of your own design. Students should bring a bowl or other vessel to use as a mold. Fee is $125 plus materials fee of $45; registration deadline is April 12. For more info call 860-678-1867.
Outdoors
Active Singles sponsors a HIKE at Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield on Sunday, April 7; 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.
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society offers a trip to the MAGIC WINGS BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY AND GARDENS in South Deerfield, MA on Saturday, April 13. Advance reservations are required; there is also an admission fee. For more info about meeting places and reservations, call Dave Tripp at 860-693-6524.
Kids
The Mark Twain House, 351 Farmington Ave. in Hartford presents APRIL FOOL family activities on Saturday, April 6 from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. and from 1-2:45 p.m. Visitors will win prizes for indentifying "tall tales" during an amusing and educational tour of Twain's 19-room Victorian mansion. Tall-tale telling will be encouraged. 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.
Stanley-Whitman House, 37 High St. in Farmington presents a CHILDREN'S SPRING TEA on Sunday, April 7 from 3-4:30 p.m. Celebrate spring with a tea party for young ladies and their favorite adults. Bring your favorite doll with you for a special occasion with herbal teas and luscious cookies, followed by a presentation of charming dolls from the museum's collection. Featured will be a 17-inch tall doll made in 1837, with a bisque head and stuffed body, along with her wardrobe of wedding dress, cape, muff, and several dresses. Games such as the "teacup race" will help participants meet each other and make new friends. Appropriate for children age 5 and older; adult must accompany child. Cost is $10; to register call 860-677-9222.
Pleasant Valley Children's Center, 97 River Rd. (Route 181) 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.
Kent Memorial Library, 32 North Main St. in Kent offers an AFTERNOON MOVIE MATINEE showing "G" rated films for children every Wednesday from 3:30-5 p.m. A snack is served; for more info call 860-927-3761.
Festivals and Sales
David M. Hunt Library, Main St. in Falls Village holds its monthly BOOK SALE on Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more info call 860-824-7424.
Friends of the Southwick Public Library hold a fundraising AUCTION on Saturday, April 6 with preview beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the auction at 7 p.m. at the Southwick American Legion, Powdermill Rd. (off Route 57) in Southwick, MA. Dozens of items, including many celebrity and sports items, will be auctioned. Admission is free; all proceeds will benefit the Southwick Public Library.
Mary Floyd Tallmadge Chapter DAR of Litchfield holds its annual TAG SALE, FLEA MARKET AND PLANT SALE on Saturday, May 11 from 8 a.m.—2 p.m. at Bantam Borough Hall, 890 Bantam Rd. (Route 202) in Bantam. Donations will be accepted, and pick-ups are available; no luggage, textbooks, large appliances or large furniture will be accepted. For more info call 860-567-5519, or 860-567-5251.
And More
Social Connections sponsors a SINGLES MEXICAN FOOD PARTY on Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m. at Karen's on Debra Lane in Bristol. Be creative and bring food such as taco, meat sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, refried beans, nachos and melted cheese. If you prefer different food, you can bring other dishes. If you have a guitar and are willing to play, let us know. Admission is $15; for more info call Gail at 860-582-8229.
Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Collinsville presents TWO VISUAL EXHIBITS of local interest during April. Prints of area buildings by local architects will be on display, along with an exhibit on trains by Canton resident Bob Lord. Library hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-693-5800.
