Music and Dance
Pioneer Valley Pickers and Grinners host a PICKING PARTY on Friday, June 21 from 7-9 p.m. at the Christ Lutheran Church Teen Center, 568 College Highway (Route 10/202) in Southwick, MA. Musicians playing stringed acoustic instruments who are interested in traditional American music are welcome. Non-players are welcome to come and enjoy the music and sing along. Free admission; refreshments will be available. No smoking and no alcohol please. Members of the Resurrection Airmen will host this event; for more info call Kirk Creswell at 413-569-3637.
Kent Music presents the MANHATTAN STRING QUARTET on Friday, June 21 at 7:30 pm. at St. Andrew's Church, 1 North Main St. in Kent. The program features Hugo Wolf's "Italian Serenade," a Dvorak Quartet and Brahms' Third Quartet, Opus 67. The Quartet has been deemed a "national treasure" by The Boston Globe, and hailed as today's pre-eminent interpreters of Shostakovich's quartets. Tickets are $15; for reservations or more info, call 860-927-2080.
Hartford Community Dance sponsors a New England CONTRA DANCE on Saturday, June 22 from 7:30 p.m.-midnight at Cheney Hall, 177 Hartford Rd. in Manchester. Music will be provided by Jim Gregory with Random Notes, and Ralph Sweet with Einstein's Little Homunculus. No partner needed, all dances will be taught, and beginners are welcome; a workshop will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $11 adults, $6 students; for more info call 860-233-6603.
Berkshire Historical Society sponsors the HOUSATONIC PHILHARMONIC on Saturday, June 22 from 8-10 p.m. in the relaxed and intimate barn at Arrowhead, Herman Melville's historic home at 780 Holmes Rd in Pittsfield. This program is part of "Our Roots Are Showing," a folk music concert series celebrating the roots of traditional American music. For more info call the Historical Society at 413-442-1793.
Music Mountain, Routes 63 & 126 in Falls Village presents the GALVANIZED JAZZ BAND on Saturday, June 22 at 8 p.m. Widely admired among audiences for traditional jazz, this mostly Connecticut-based band returns to kick off Music Mountain’s Saturday Evening Jazz series, with their big sound and high energy performance of classic New Orleans jazz and blues. Leader Fred Vigorito has assembled a distinguished trio of guest artists this year, featuring trombonist Jim Fryer, Bob Price on banjo and acclaimed vocalist Jane Campedelli for what promises to be another rousing concert performance. Tickets are $17.50 in advance, $20 at the door, $10 students (under age 24); for more info call 860-824-7126.
Music Mountain, Routes 63 & 126 in Falls Village presents the ZAPOLSKI STRING QUARTET of Denmark with mezzo-soprano D'Anna Fortunato on Sunday, June 23 at 3 p.m. Meet local feathered celebrity Veedor the Condor at 2 p.m. Program includes Shostakovitch's String Quartet # 2 in A, Opus 68; Mozart's String Quartet in D Major, K. 575; Respighi's "Il Tramonto"; and De Falla's "Siete Canciones Populares Españolas" (arr. Zapolski). Tickets are $17.50 in advance, $20 at the door, $10 students (under age 24); for more info call 860-824-7126.
Torrington Recreation presents ST. PETER'S DRUM CORPS on Tuesday, June 25 from 7:30-9 p.m., rain or shine at Coe Park on Litchfield St. in Torrington. Under the direction of Benny Antonelli and with vocals by Heidi Wood, the Corps has performed in 17 countries, 14 states and Washington, DC. This concert is dedicated to the late Tom O'Brien, a former trumpeter who passed away at age 48. Free and open to the public; bring chairs, blankets, etc. to sit on the grass in the park.
Litchfield Parks and Recreation presents MUGY'S BACK in concert on Wednesday, June 26 from 7-9 p.m. on the Green in Litchfield. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating; for more info call 860-567-7569.
Granby Parks and Recreation presents LAURA STEVENS AND CINDY RHIMES playing bluegrass folk music from 5:30-6:30 p.m.; and the ALL-STAR DYN-O-MYTE DISCO REVIEW with music of the ‘70s and a live stage show at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 27 at Salmon Brook Park, Route 10 in Granby. The American Legion will serve hotdogs, hamburgers and soda at 4:30 p.m. Free and open to the public; attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets, and may bring a picnic supper. (Rain site is Granby Senior Center, 15 North Granby Rd. in Granby.) For more info call Kay Woodford at 860-653-8947.
Litchfield County Barbershop Chorus (Norwestones) hold a WEEKLY REHEARSAL on Thursday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the school rooms at the Litchfield Congregational Church. The Chorus, which has been in Litchfield County for 36 years, is looking for men who like to sing; college students are welcome. Come and join us on any Thursday and get hooked on the sound of four-part harmony. For more info call Al at 860-482-5413.
Drama and Comedy
Warner Studio Theatre, 69 Main St. in Torrington presents Neil Simon's "JAKE'S WOMEN" on Friday and Saturday, June 21-22 at 8 p.m. Directed by John F. Sabo, a seasoned veteran of more than 75 productions, "Jake's Women" explores what happens to a successful playwright when the characters he has created develop minds of their own and enter his days and nights at the most inconvenient times. The title role of Jake will be played by Payton Turpin of Harwinton, with Janice Luise, also from Harwinton, in the role of Maggie, Jake’s wife. Other leads are Carrie Keeler of Southbury, Barbara O’Connell of Torrington and Barbara Haggerty of Litchfield; stage manager is Tegan Moll. Tickets are $15; for more info call 860-489-7180.
Warner Theatre Center for Arts Education presents "KIDS ON BROADWAY" on Sunday, June 23 at 2 p.m. at the Warner Theatre, 68 Main St. in Torrington. This delightful musical revue features more than forty students in excerpts from some of the greatest Broadway musical roles for children, including parts from "42nd Street," "Peter Pan," "Les Miserables," "Cinderella" and more; Debbie McKenna directs. Reserve seat tickets are $10; for more info call 860-489-7180.
Hartford Stage Company, 50 Church St. in Hartford presents Edward Albee's "SEASCAPE" through June 30 with performances on Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; as well as matinees on selected dates. Mark Lamos directs this revival of the 1975 Pulitzer Prize winner from Albee, whose credits include "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and "The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?" George Grizzard stars in a lively and often humorous look at life and love through the eyes of two couples–one human and one not. Tickets are $22-$60; for more info call 860-527-5151.
Sherman Players present "BIG, THE MUSICAL" through July 6 at the Sherman Playhouse, Routes 37 & 39 (behind the Sherman Firehouse) in Sherman; performances are Saturday at 8 p.m. (except June 15); Sundays at 3 p.m. (through June 30); and Friday, July 5 at 8 p.m. This family show, about a frustrated adolescent who wants to be "big" (based on the 1987 movie "Big" starring Tom Hanks), boasts a cast of 50 adults and young people. Tickets are $18 adults, $16 seniors and students; reservations are necessary. For more info call 860-354-3622.
Greenwoods Theatre, Route 44 in Norfolk presents "A PRIVATE BUFFOON" from June 25 through July 7 with performances on Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The life of Gilbert & Sullivan librettist W.S. Gilbert is captured in this one-man musical. Tickets are $20 and $25; for reservations call 860-542-0026.
Barrington Stage Company presents "SOUTH PACIFIC" through July 13 at the Consolati Performing Arts Center in Sheffield. Set in an island paradise during World War II, "South Pacific" traces the stories of two parallel romances that are threatened by both the dangers of war and the evils of prejudice. Nellie Forbush is a Navy nurse from Little Rock who falls for an exiled French planter, Emile Debecque, who has half-Polynesian children. Joe Cable is a young Marine lieutenant from mainline Philadelphia who falls for native girl named Liat. Both romances challenge the Americans’ world-views. They face private battles on their remote island as the war they came to fight rages around them. A motley group of sailors, marines, seabees and nurses, also waiting to get into the war, add a humorous note with the antics they devise to wile away the time. For more info call 413-528-8888.
Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble St. in Lenox presents Shakespeare's murderous tale of lustful power and vaulting ambition, "MACBETH" through August 31. See why a 400-year-old play remains compellingly relevant; for more info call 860-542-5378.
Riverton Theatre presents "MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR" on Friday through Sunday, August 16-18. Interested actors are invited to call 860-738-0377 for audition or more info.
Art Exhibits
Douglas Library, 108 Main St. in Canaan presents an exhibit of paintings by PRISCILLA BUCKLEY during the month of June. Library hours are Monday and Wednesday from 2-8:30 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; for more info call 860-824-7863.
Washington Art Association, Bryan Memorial Plaza in Washington Depot exhibits THREE WOMEN'S PERSPECTIVE featuring the prints of Eve LeBer, ceramic sculpture by Ashley James, and oil paintings by Karen Bananno from June 22 through July 21. There will be an opening reception on Saturday, June 22 from 3-5 p.m. 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.
Bachelier-Cardonsky Gallery, Main St. in Kent exhibits HUMAN NATURE featuring the work of painters Robert Cronin, Kathryn Frund and William Thomson, and sculptor Elaine Housman from June 22 through July 21. There will be a reception for the artists on Saturday, June 22 from 3-5 p.m. Gallery hours are Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-927-3129.
Art Gallery II, 14 Church St. North in New Hartford hosts an art exhibit sponsored by the NEW HARTFORD ART LEAGUE featuring works by local, regional and national artists from June 22 through July 22. Meet the artists on Saturday, June 22 from 7-9 p.m. Gallery hours are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 1-7 p.m.; and Sunday (except June 30) from 1-5 p.m. For more info call 860-379-2034.
Kent Memorial Library, 32 North Main St. in Kent is displaying CASTLE WITH A HUNDRED DOORS by Ken Memoli throughout the summer. This 4-foot high sculpture is an amazing castle that adds to the library's summer theme, Medieval Times. The sculpture is available for viewing Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; for more info call 860-927-3761.
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 183 & 102 in Stockbridge presents SCULPTURE IN THE GARDEN daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through October 20. The public is invited to view sixteen contemporary, outdoor sculptures by fifteen artists of national and international renown in the beautiful surroundings of the garden. Admission is $7 adults, $5 seniors and students, children (under 12) free; for more info call 413-298-3926.
Lectures and Presentations
Douglas Library, 108 Main St. in Canaan presents a SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION WITH WORDS on Friday, June 21 at 7 p.m. Join us to read or listen; this annual seasonal celebration will be followed by refreshments. For more info call 860-824-7863.
The Mount, turn-of-the-century home of Edith Wharton in Lenox, MA presents THE DECORATIVE ARTS OF DINING by Sheila Chefetz on Saturday, June 22 at 10 a.m. at Town Hall, 65 Walker St. in Lenox. This lecture is the part of "The Complex Art of Civilized Living," a summer-long series presenting guest speakers from the fields of architecture, interior design, gardening and entertaining. Lectures are followed by a book signing and refreshments; books may be ordered in advance from The Mount's bookshop. Tickets are $16 in advance, $18 at the door. Reservations recommended; for more info call 413-637-1899.
Merritt Bookstore, 57 Front St. in Millbrook, NY presents LAURA SHAINE CUNNINGHAM on Saturday, June 22 at 10:30 a.m.; she will also be at the Merritt Bookstore, Vol. II in Red Hook at 2 p.m. Acclaimed for her memoirs, Cunningham reads from her latest work, the novel "Beautiful Bodies." Six "best friends" gather and share thoughts on life ranging from profound to comical to comically profound. For more info call 203-591-8223 ext 24.
Federation-Jewish Communities of Western CT, 73 Main St. South in Woodbury presents guest speaker AUDREY HEIMLER on Sunday, June 23 at 10 a.m. The public is invited to this monthly meeting of the Holocaust Survivors and Second-Generation Group to hear Audrey Heimler of Morris, who has interviewed 55 Holocaust survivors for the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation. In 1994, after filming "Schindler's List," Steven Spielberg established Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation with an urgent mission: to chronicle before it is too late the firsthand accounts of Holocaust survivors and witnesses. More than 51,000 unedited testimonies were recorded from people, making more than 116,000 hours of recorded testimony. Ms. Heimler will speak bout her experiences as in interviewer for the project. Free, but reservations are requested due to limited seating; for more info call Debby Horowitz at 203-263-5121, ext 304.
Licia & Mason Beekley Community Library, Central Ave. in New Hartford presents KNIGHTS NIGHT, a living history event by the Society for Creative Anachronism on Tuesday, June 25 from 6-8 p.m. Performers in the event will each depict a person from the Middle Ages through costume and activities, such as tournament fighting, dancing, heraldry, and archery. The event will also include demonstrations and displays of their various arts and skills including poetry, music, cooking, calligraphy, illumination, metalwork, leather work, and sewing. The Society for Creative Anachronism is a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to recreating the arts and sciences of the Middle Ages and the early Renaissance. The festivities will be held on the library's grounds. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-379-7235.
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge offers a lecture and discussion on PERENNIAL BORDERS on Wednesday, June 26 from 1-3 p.m. After the first bloom of late spring, the perennial border can often lose its lovely appearance as summer advances. Learn how to keep the perennial border looking its best all season long by shaping perennials to produce more flowers, encouraging new growth, staggering bloom times, discouraging pests and encouraging vigorous plant health. Simple techniques for pruning, shaping, pinching, thinning, deadheading and staking perennials will be discussed and demonstrated. Instructor Elisabeth Cary is the Director of Education at the Berkshire Botanical Garden and has been gardening for over twenty years; she specializes in perennial, vegetable and container gardens. 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 presents "FROM TUMMLER TO TOP BANANA: The Influence of Yiddish Humor on American Culture" with Dr. Kenneth Libo on Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m. The Yiddish language has influenced American English more than any other language since the Revolutionary War. Yiddish idioms and expressions have become integrated into the language and are commonly used in everyday speech. Chutspah, oy gevalt, smendrik and shlock are examples of Yiddish words most people use or recognize. Many of these words or expressions entered American English as the punchlines of jokes, which were originally told by the Yiddish kibbitzers, the shnorrers and the krechtsers. Libo uses classic Yiddish stage routines to illustrate how the Yiddish language and humor influenced and became inextricably intertwined with American humor and contemporary comedy. Admission is $5; for reservations or more info, call 203-753-0381, ext 10.
Classes and Workshops
Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. (Route 202) in Litchfield holds BASIC ITALIAN CLASSES with Dona Frauenhofer on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:15-11 a.m. beginning on June 24 and running through August 1; class is open to adults and youth ages 12 and up. Required text is "Learn Italian the Fast and Fun Way" by Marcel Danesi. Fee is $65, or $40 for each additional family member; for more info call 860-567-8302.
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge offers GARDEN ACTIVITIES FOR THE FAMILY with Linda Wagner on Tuesday through Thursday, June 25-27, each from 10 a.m.-noon. Families can participate in one or all three of these family-oriented workshops for children large and small. Tuesday’s workshop is "A Walk Back in Time," in which children will design and make a walking stick to travel with on the journey through the garden. In Wednesday’s workshop, "Mini-Beasts on Parade," find out who are the good bugs and bad bugs and what role they play in the garden; children will make a bug catcher and flower press to put in their own garden. The final class on Thursday, June 27 is "Down the Garden Path," in which children will explore the Children’s Vegetable Garden, create mini-gardens in a hanging basket full of edible goodies to harvest, and learn how to grow potatoes in a bag. The fee for each workshop is $8 members, $10 non-members; pre-registration is required. For more info call 413-298-3926.
Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center, 229 East Litchfield Rd. in Litchfield offers a LABYRINTH MORNING RETREAT with Rosemarie Greco, DW on Wednesday, June 26 from 9:30-11 a.m. There will be a video introduction, a labyrinth walk, and refreshments. Donation; for reservations call 860-567-3163.
M.E.O.W., Inc, a non-profit, non-destroy feline welfare organization, presents ANGELSPEAKE–FINDING JOY THRU YOUR ANGELS on Sunday, June 30 from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Litchfield Grange, Route 202 in Litchfield (across from the Litchfield Inn). Elizabeth Dobos shows participants how to meet and communicate with their personal angels and draw on their inspiration, support and love. Tickets are $25, or $20 for M.E.O.W. members. Early registration is recommended; for more info call 860-489-0574.
Outdoors
White Memorial Conservation Center, Route 202 in Litchfield offers an EARLY MORNING BIRD WALK led by Angela Dimmitt on Saturday, June 22; meet in the museum parking lot at 7 a.m. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-567-0857.
Garden Conservancy sponsors an OPEN GARDEN DAY on Sunday, June 23. Part of the Garden Conservancy's national Open Days program, this event enables garden lovers to visit some of the finest private gardens; more than 450 gardens in 26 states will welcome visitors over the course of the season. Eight Litchfield County gardens are participating on this date, including the Lake Garden, 258 Beach St. in Litchfield (from 2-6 p.m.) and the Hammer Garden, 63 River Road in Washington Depot (from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.). Admission to each garden is $5 at the door; Open Day goes on rain or shine, and reservations are not required. For more info call 1-888-842-2442 or look for the Open Days schedule at <www.gardenconservancy.org>.
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge offers PUBLIC TOURS beginning on Monday, June 24. Tours will be led throughout the summer on Mondays and Thursdays from 12:15-12:45 p.m. by the Western MA Master Gardeners; participants should arrive at the Garden by noon and meet outside the Visitors Center. These informative garden tours will be full of useful horticultural information, including viewing plants that thrive in the Berkshires, and will vary in theme depending on the day. The Western MA Master Gardeners Association is a nonprofit organization comprised of individuals who must complete a demanding study program and volunteer many hours working with the public; their primary goal is to share gardening knowledge and skills with the public. For more info call Berkshire Botanical Garden at 413-298-3926.
Litchfield County Soil and Water offers a NAUGATUCK RIVER STREAMWALK VOLUNTEER TRAINING on Saturday, June 29 from 8:30 a.m.-noon at Torrington UConn, 843 University Dr. in Torrington and Sunnybrook State Park. Learn how to care for your own section of the Naugatuck River. The important data you collect will be used for many projects to preserve and improve fish habitat. Training is free and lunch is provided if you register before June 25. For more info call 860-626-7222.
Sports
American Legion Post #43 Baseball vs. Torrington on Friday, June 21 at 5:45 p.m. at Walker Field in Winsted.
Barkhamsted School holds its 5K RIVER RUN/ WALK on Saturday, June 22 at 9:30 a.m.; a Kids’ Fun Run starts at 10:30 a.m. There will be awards and raffles for the 5K run, and raffle prizes for the kids. Registration is $12 adults, $3 kids; for more info call 860-738-2890.
The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford presents a live national broadcast from Belding Theater of ESPN’s WOMEN AND SPORTS TOWN MEETING on Saturday, June 22 from 9-10 p.m. Featured panelists include actor Holly Hunter, who played Billie Jean King in the television movie "When Billie Beat Bobby"; Jessica Gavora, policy adviser for U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft and the author of "Tilting the Playing Field: Schools, Sports, Sex and Title IX"; Bill Curry, longtime college football coach and current ESPN analyst; Geno Auriemma, head women's basketball coach at University of Connecticut; and Nancy Hogshead, Olympic Gold Medal swimmer and former Women's Sports Foundation President and Title IX expert/ attorney. Topics will include the impact of Title IX, the marketing of women’s sports, the viability of women’s professional sports leagues, and the changing perception of female athletes. ESPN's Bob Ley will moderate the discussion and each of the panelists, as well as Ley, will take questions from the audience. Tickets are $20-$30; for more info or to order tickets call 860-987-5900.
American Legion Post #43 Baseball vs. Wolcott on Sunday, June 23 at 1 p.m. at Walker Field in Winsted.
American Legion Post #43 Baseball vs. Unionville on Tuesday, June 25 at 5:45 p.m. at Walker Field in Winsted.
American Legion Post #43 Baseball vs. Burlington on Wednesday, June 26 at 5:45 p.m. at Lewis Mills High School.
Kids
Beardsley and Memorial Library, 40 Munro Place in Winsted presents kicks off its Summer Reading Program with an appearance by RONALD McDONALD on Thursday, June 20 at 4 p.m. Throughout this 40-minute program and with the help with local children, Ronald will teach children about the library and the true magic in books using songs, games and magic. Refreshments will be served; for more info call 860-379-6043.
Thomaston Public Library, 248 Main St. in Thomaston presents "SNOW DOGS" on Thursday, June 20 at 6 p.m. This program is the first in the summer's Thursday night Dinner Theater for youngsters entering grades K-6; participants bring a sandwich, and fresh popcorn and lemonade are served along with a recently released family film. "Snow Dogs," starring Cuba Gooding, Jr., is the story of a Miami dentist who inherits a team of sled dogs in Alaska and goes on to race in the Arctic Challenge. Free with no pre-registration, but parents are asked to accompany their children to the sign-in desk; for more info call 860-283-4339.
Norfolk Library, Route 44 in Norfolk presents its READING ROUNDUP KICKOFF on Friday, June 21 at 6 p.m. Children's Librarian, Miss Eileen, kicks off the summer reading program with this annual campfire event. The reading program this year is part of the statewide Reading Roundup. To segue into the Western theme, Calamity Jane will sing, dance and entertain with "Tales From the Trail," celebrating a colorful moment in American history. She will be accompanied by Cowboy Charlie. Families are encouraged to pack a picnic supper and blanket, and join us on the library lawn. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-542-5075.
Janet Marlow Music holds CREATIVE MUSIC CAMP for ages 7-12 on Monday through Friday, June 24-28 and August 12-16 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Litchfield High School, Plumb Hill Rd. in Litchfield. In its fifth year, the camp offers a varied musical program, including drumming and other instruments and interactive workshops with guest artists, as well as acting, juggling and swimming. No musical experience is necessary. Cost is $330 per one-week session; discount of 10% for a second child. For more info or to register, call 860-567-9217.
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd. (off Route 202) in Litchfield offers FORESTS, FEATHERS AND GARNETS for children entering grades 3-4 on Monday through Friday, June 24-28 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Activities include rock and mineral collecting, investigating aquatic life, and learning to identify trees, birds, and other living things. Fee is $105 members, $120 non-members; for more info call 860-567-0857.
Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St. in Litchfield presents Dr. Suess' GREEN EGGS AND HAM STORYTIME with special guest appearance by the Cat in the Hat on Tuesday, June 25 at 10:30 a.m. This program is free and open to children entering grades K-2; advance registration is required, and priority will be given to residents of Litchfield, Bantam and Northfield. This program is just one of the family entertainment events scheduled this summer as part of the library's "Book Banquet" summer reading program, which runs through August 23. Children of all ages and reading abilities are encouraged to participate in the reading incentive fun, and reading logs are now available at the library's main desk. To register or for more info, call 860-567-8030.
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd. (off Route 202) in Litchfield offers WEE DISCOVERERS, a weekly story hour for preschoolers (ages 4-5) featuring stories, songs and crafts. Session I meets on Wednesdays, June 26 through July 3 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Session II meets on Wednesdays, July 17 through July 31 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Fee is $12 members, $16.50 non-members; for more info call 860-567-0857.
Thomaston Public Library, 248 Main St. in Thomaston presents "BALTO 2: WOLF QUEST" on Thursday, June 27 at 6 p.m. This program is part of the summer's Thursday night Dinner Theater series for youngsters entering kindergarten through sixth grade; participants bring a sandwich, and fresh popcorn and lemonade are served along with a recently released family film. "Balto 2: Wolf Quest" is the animated story of Balto, a heroic Alaskan sled dog who is also half wolf; this film is said to have engrossing action, surprises, humor and great music. Free with no pre-registration, but parents are asked to accompany their children to the sign-in desk; for more info call 860-283-4339.
Janet Marlow Music presents a special HAND DRUMMING WORKSHOP with John Marshall on Monday, July 1 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Litchfield High School, Plumb Hill Rd. in Litchfield. No musical experience is necessary. Cost is $60; for more info or to register call 860-567-9217.
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd. (off Route 202) in Litchfield offers NATURE AT WHITE MEMORIAL for children entering grades 3-4 on Monday through Friday, July 1-5 (no class on July 4) from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Activities include rock and mineral collecting, investigating aquatic life, and learning to identify trees, birds, and other living things. Fee is $90 members, $105 non-members; for more info call 860-567-0857.
Housatonic Audubon Society offers the AUDUBON NATURE PROGRAM for students in grades 2-7 from July 8 through July 26 through the Region 1 Summer Enrichment Program. This course has been offered for several years now, and there has been great response from students who have participated. The program includes theme days that focus on many different outdoor activities, games and nature topics. To register or for more info, call Linda Peppe at 860-824-5149 (North Canaan Elementary School), or 860-824-5774.
Festivals and Sales
Farmington Valley Arts Center, 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon presents ARTISTS' GARDEN WEEKEND on Friday through Sunday, June 21-23; galleries and studios will be open Friday from 6-9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., with a variety of special programs throughout. On Friday evening the Arthur Lipner Group plays soft jazz, featuring marimba, string bass and percussion. On Saturday, author and gardening expert Sydney Eddison discusses creating artful potted arrangements in "The Rainbow Contained" at 1 p.m.; Karla Dalley of Gledhill Nursery speaks on "Container Water Gardening" at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; adults can sample the Art Center's monthly 30-Minute Creativity Workout at 12:30 p.m.; and metal sculptor Bob Keating presents his work at 3 p.m. On Sunday, there will be hand-on creative activities for all ages; 30-Minute Creativity Workouts for adults at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; flower arranging demonstrations at noon and 3 p.m.; and a performance by State Troubadour Kevin Briody from 1-2:30 p.m. All events are free and open to the public; for more info call 860-678-1867 ext 150.
Winchester Center Congregational Church in Winchester Center sponsors a GIANT TAG SALE on Saturday, June 22 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Drop off treasures on Friday, June 21 from 6-8 p.m., or if you have items to be picked up call 860-379-1132.
First United Methodist Church of Thomaston Women's Group holds its annual TAG AND BAKE SALE on Saturday, June 22 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For more info call Peg at 860-238-4822.
Harwinton Public Library, 80 Bentley Dr. in Harwinton sponsors a BOOK SALE on Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m.-noon. Browse through our wide selection of books for children and adults. Fill a bag with books for only $3. For more info call 860-485-9113.
First United Methodist Church in Torrington is LOOKING FOR CRAFTERS for their Craft Fair to be held on Saturday, September 28. Booth rental space is available; for more info call Deb Stafford at 860-489-0698, or email Kim Koch at <merlee@snet.net>.
And More
Social Connections sponsors a SINGLE HAPPY HOUR on Friday, June 21 at 5 p.m. at the Silo Restaurant, 330 Main St. in Farmington. This is a perfect way for newcomers to mingle, meet new friends, and enjoy great hors d'oeuvres. Starting at 7 p.m. there will be a piano player for our pleasure. All singles welcome; no admission charge. For more info call Steve at 860-658-2385.
Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum, 1188 Highland Ave. (Route 10) in Cheshire presents a SALUTE TO MYRON WALDMAN on Friday, June 21 from noon-5 p.m.; and Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. As Myron Waldman celebrates his 94th birthday, we salute his lifetime achievement in the field of animation. Myron entered the Golden Age of Animation in 1930 as an inker/ opaquer at Max Fleischer Studios. In 1934, Waldman became head animator at Fleischer's, drawing such favorites as Betty Boop, Popeye, Raggedy Ann, the Bouncing Ball Screen Songs and the classic Superman cartoons. Many free activities are planned, including quick sketched impressions by Collette C. Cox, trivia games and coloring contests. On Friday there will be a guest appearance by Scooby-Doo; and on Saturday, meet Sparkle the Clown from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and there will be face painting by Marisol from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Myron will have available original pencil drawings, limited edition cels and sericels, and will personally sign drawings and artwork purchased during his visit. For more info call 203-272-2357, or 800-995-2357.
Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. (Route 202) in Litchfield presents "A BOUQUET OF LITCHFIELD GARDENS," a town and country tour on Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Programs and box lunches will be distributed at the Community Center; for reservations or more info call Irene Oneglia at 860-567-5909, or call 860-567-8302.
American Radio League holds its annual FIELD DAY on Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23 at Johnnycake Mountain Meadows Airport, Route 4 in Burlington; set-up begins Saturday at 10 a.m., and the actual event runs from Saturday at 2 p.m. to Sunday at 2 p.m. Across the country, an estimated 35,000 amateur radio operators, or "hams," will work around the clock during the weekend to set up radio communications stations, get on the air and contact thousands of other participants in the US, Canada, South America and the Caribbean. The event allows ARL participants to fine-tune their emergency communication network, while giving the public a glimpse into their work. Free and open to the public; for more info call Matt Tyszka at 860-543-4858.
German American Club, Barlow St. in Bristol sponsors a PICNIC with music by the Schwarzenegger Connection from New York on Sunday, June 23 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. There will be folk dancers, choral singing, beer, wine, spirits, soda, food, German specialties, and a $1,000 raffle. Admission is $5 adults, children (12 and under) free with adult; for more info call Robert Drapatin at 203-574-3604.
