|
Music and Dance
Granby Family Dance sponsors a COMMUNITY CONTRA DANCE on Friday, January 3 from 7-9 p.m. in the Parish Hall at South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St. (Route 10). Heart’s Ease will play popular tunes of Colonial times; dances will be taught and called by Jim Gregory. Cost is $6 adults, $4 children (ages 3-10); children under 6 must have an adult partner. For more info call Laura Mazza-Dixon at 860-653-6146.
Beacon Grange, 670 Northfield Rd. (Route 254) in Northfield presents a COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE with the Country Travelers on Saturday, January 4 from 8 p.m.-midnight. Donation is $9; door prizes, raffle and refreshments available. For more info call 860-482-1962.
First Church of Winsted, 95 Park Place in Winsted presents the 13th annual BOAR'S HEAD FESTIVAL on Saturday, January 4 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, January 5 at 4 p.m. Doors open one hour before each scheduled presentation, and the audience is encouraged to come early for a special 50-minute pre-show performance. This year's celebration is dedicated to the memory of Mary Beckwith, who was ticket lady for the festival from its inception. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors, $5 children (12 and under); for more info call 860-379-8432.
Trinity Episcopal Church, 220 Prospect St. in Torrington presents NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS on Sunday, January 5 at 4 p.m. Paul Halley directs the Trinity Choir, with Michael Smith on organ, in this candlelight service of music and readings for the Feast of the Epiphany. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-482-4411.
New Hartford Recreation and the Friends of Brodie Park sponsor an OPEN MIKE NIGHT with Fred Mertz, Jr. on Wednesday, January 8 at 7 p.m. in Berkshire Hall at Brodie Park, 580 West Hill Rd. in New Hartford. Acoustic and quiet electric musicians will be allowed three songs as time permits; sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available; this month’s door prize will be supplied by George’s Music of Torrington. Suggested donation is $2; for more info call 860-379-3877.
Nutmeg Square and Round Dance Club conducts beginner SQUARE DANCE LESSONS on Tuesdays, starting January 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Judson School, Hamilton Lane in Watertown. Square dancing is fun and a great form of exercise, and also a wonderful way to meet new people. Learning the basic steps is easy; experienced square dance callers teach the moves and names of the calls that you dance. Open to singles, couples, teens and families, the dances are held in a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment. Cost is $50 for ten weeks; for more info call Mary at 860-283-9943, or Rich and Ellen at 860-274-6876.
Drama and Comedy
Seven Angels Theatre, located at Hamilton Park Pavilion on Plank Rd. in Waterbury presents "MESSHUGAH NUNS!" through February 2, with performances on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. and Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. This is the 5th show in the series created by Dan Goggin, which began with "Nunsense" in 1986. This time, the Little Sisters of Hoboken embark on a cruise to the Holy Land. Along the way, they're asked to fill in for the seasick cast of "Fiddler on the Roof." Tickets are $24-$38.50; for more info call 203-757-4676.
Clockwork Repertory Theatre, 133 Main St. in Oakville holds OPEN AUDITIONS for its upcoming production of "Whose Wives Are They Anyway?" on Saturday, January 11 (snow date is January 18) from noon-4 p.m. This superlative new comedy by Michael Parker has a great plot, fast pace and chaotic characters. If you think you have a flair for comedy, this is the "vehicle" to take a test drive with! Age of those auditioning is not nearly as important as how your personality reads and how you may pair with the other characters. For more info call Harold J. Pantely at 860-274-7247.
Art Exhibits
Artwell Gallery, 19 Water St. in Torrington presents its new exhibition, CATS’ MEOW through January 12. All of the images, objects and words in this show have something to do with cats. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from 1-6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon-5 p.m. For more info call 860-482-5122.
Pump House Gallery, 60 Elm St. (in the southeast corner of Bushnell Park on Pulaski Circle) in Hartford exhibits LIVING PLACES, featuring the art of sculptor Victor Pacheo and painter Dunja Pelto through January 31. A public reception for the artists will be held on Thursday, January 9 from 5-7 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; for more info call 860-543-8874, or 860-722-6536.
Lectures and Presentations
The Questioning Citizen, a weekly cultural and public affairs cable program on Charter Community TV channel 21 airs a talk given by JOHN FREDERICK WALKER on Saturday, January 4 from 2-3 p.m. Walker is author of "A Certain Curve of the Horn: The 100 Year Quest for the Giant Sable Antelope of Angola." This talk was part of a series featuring Litchfield County writers at the Gunn Memorial Library in Washington.
Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Rd. in Farmington holds a gallery talk on JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTS on Sunday, January 5 at 2 p.m. In this 1/2-hour presentation, an expert interpreter will discuss the Japanese artists who influenced the composition and subject matter of many seminal European and American Impressionists. Hill-Stead’s collection boasts an exceptional inventory of important Japanese color woodblock prints, many of which are on display. After the talk, visitors can view original prints by such well known masters as Utamaro, Hiroshige and Hokusai, creator of the iconic composition, "The Great Wave." Program is free with museum admission; for more info call 860-677-4787.
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society holds its monthly meeting on Monday, January 6 at the Litchfield Community Center, Route 202 in Litchfield; refreshments will be served at 7 p.m., with the meeting starting at 7:30 p.m. Following the business portion of the meeting, Carlos Caridad will give a presentation on a wide range of tree care topics, including trees of local interest, planting, pruning, care of young trees, hazard trees, etc. Mr. Caridad, a licensed arborist and deputy tree warden in New Milford, has authored numerous articles on tree care, landscaping and environmental topics. The public is invited; for more info call 860-482-0819.
Farmington Valley Christian Women's Club presents "GALA EVENT," a luncheon at the Farmington Club, 162 Town Farm Rd. in Farmington on Thursday, January 9 from noon-2 p.m. Vocalist and featured speaker Marcy Alves of Concord, NH will give a presentation with the theme "With a Song in My Heart." Ed Salgado will give a demonstration of ballroom dancing. We hope you will come celebrate with new and old friends as our guest presenters usher in the New Year with the joy of physical movement as well as emotional and spiritual enhancement. Cost is $14.50; reservations are required by January 8 for both the luncheon and free childcare. For more info call Bea at 860-673-4402, or Diane at 860-621-0088.
Northwestern CT Literary Club meets at the NCCC Library, Route 44 in Winsted on Thursday, January 9 at 7 p.m. Speaker will be JESSICA TREAT, author of the recently published story collection "Not a Chance" and a book of short-short stories, "A Robber in the House." Ms. Treat, who is an Assistant Professor of English at NCCC and the recipient of a 2001 CT Commission on the Arts Award for work in fiction, will read selections of her recent work and discuss the process of writing and publishing fiction. A question and answer discussion will follow the presentation. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-738-6446.
Greater Hartford Sierra Club holds its monthly meeting on Thursday, January 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Westmoor Park, Flagg Rd. in West Hartford; letter writing and refreshments start at 7 p.m. Photojournalist Michael Kodas will give a multi-media slide presentation entitled A HIMALAYAN ADVENTURE, which tells the story of a small expedition that journeys through Nepal to climb Ama Dablam, one of the world’s most beautiful mountains. Free and open to the public; for more info call Tom McCormick at 860-233-3079.
Beardsley & Memorial Library, 40 Munro Place in Winsted hosts its Mystery Discussion Group on Tuesday, January 14 from 1-3 p.m. The group will welcome mystery author FRANKIE Y. BAILEY and her new mystery novel, "A Dead Man’s Honor." Dr. Bailey teaches criminal justice in Albany, NY. Her work as a fiction writer has been influenced by her research as a criminologist, giving her an outlet to explore issues regarding race, class, gender and justice that reaches beyond the classroom and academic journals. The group welcomes new members; for more info call 860-379-6043.
Classes and Workshops
Harwinton Recreation offers ADULT FITNESS classes with Sandy Sulek on Mondays and Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. at the Harwinton Community Hall. Walk-in fee is $3 per class; for more info call 860-485-0626.
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge offers BOTANY FOR GARDENERS on Tuesdays, January 7-28 from 6-9 p.m. This course on plant anatomy and physiology covers a wide range of topics, including the role of seeds, roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits. Instructor Harold Brotzman is a professor in the Biology Department at MCLA; he specializes in botany and plant physiology. Cost is $95; advance registration is required. To register call the MA College of Liberal Arts at 413-662-5180; for more info call the Botanical Garden at 413-298-3926.
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge offers DRAFTING SKILLS FOR LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN DESIGNS on Wednesdays, January 8-29 from 6-9 p.m. This course will cover how to master drafting tools and equipment, mapping a base plan, measuring garden space and fitting it to scale on paper. Through weekly assignments, instruction and demonstrations, the use of tools and techniques needed to create a basic rendering of a colorful plan will be taught. Instructor James Gilbert is a freelance artist who works in the field of horticulture. Cost is $95, plus materials; advance registration is required. To register call the MA College of Liberal Arts at 413-662-5180; for more info call the Botanical Garden at 413-298-3926.
Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted offers UNDERSTANDING YOUR BODY TYPE—KEY TO DYNAMIC HEALTH on Saturdays, January 11 through March 1 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Instructor Kate Lynch is a certified counselor for Dr. Abravanel’s Body Type System. Using graphics and other materials, she will teach students how to identify their body type and how to select the right diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements for their metabolism. Ms. Lynch is also a certified massage therapist and has 25 years experience in the holistic health and wellness field. Tuition is $75; for more info call 860-738-6444.
Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center, 229 East Litchfield Rd. in Litchfield offers a one-day retreat, "WHERE IS GOD IN ALL THIS?" on Saturday, January 18 from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Marguerite Janelle, Director of Religious Education at St. Patrick’s Church in Collinsville, will lead the retreat. She invites participants to "come and reflect on our relationship with God and learn some methods of discerning God’s calls in our lives and responding to them. Discover the role spiritual direction plays on life’s journey with and to God." Fee is $35, including lunch and coffee breaks; for more info call 860-567-3163.
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge offers NOTEWORTHY SHRUBS AND SMALL FLOWERING TREES with Bradley Roeller on Saturday, January 18 from 10 a.m.-noon. This slide-illustrated lecture will take a comprehensive look at hardy plants for landscaping and garden use in Berkshire County and beyond. Each selection will be discussed for garden-worthiness, growth habit, aesthetic consideration, siting, planting, cultivation and maintenance. Choosing the right plant for the right place will be the focus of this class. Tips for integrating these beauties into the mixed border woodland setting as a focal point or for specimen use will be covered. Cost is $15 members, $20 non-members; advance registration is required. For more info call 413-298-3926.
UConn Cooperative Extension Center sponsors a SCRAPBOOK WORKSHOP at the UConn Torrington campus on Saturday, January 18 from 1-3 p.m. Bring your holiday pictures or other precious photos to learn how to preserve family memories; participants will transform family photos into a scrapbook photo album. Instructor Daphne Roy will demonstrate techniques for creating a scrapbook page; no experience required. Fee of $10 covers the cost of acid-free scrapbook materials; to register call 860-626-6240.
Auer Farm, off Simsbury Rd. in Bloomfield hosts 4-H WEAVING WORKSHOPS for intergenerational pairs—youngsters (ages 10-14) with a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle—on Saturdays, January 18 and January 25 from 9 a.m.-noon, or from 9-a.m.-4 p.m. The morning session will teach about making yarn from plant and animal fibers, and participants will play with handlooms and try weaving on a floor loom. Those who stay for the 1-4 p.m. session will design and weave a small bag on a tapestry loom; materials and tools are available, but participants may also bring their own yarn. Participants in the full-day program should bring a lunch; beverages will be provided. The workshops will be led by expert weaver Alesia Maltz, who has taught weaving in Connecticut and Maine for 20 years. Fee is $8 a pair for the morning only, $24 a pair for the full day; registration deadline is January 13. For more info call 860-242-7144, ext 10.
Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted hosts two workshops in the Feldenkrais Method: "CAN’T MOVE LIKE YOU USED TO?" on Thursday, January 23 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and WALKING WITH BALANCE AND GRACE on Thursday, February 6 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Instructor is Karen Emerick, MS. Rediscover the flexibility you had as a child, while you undo many aches and pains. Dr. Feldenkrais’ method is a mind/ body integration technique that uses movement to enhance the communication between the brain and the body, overcoming discomfort and inhibited movement due to a variety of causes. The floor and mat exercises used are deceptively simple and gentle. Students should bring a mat (at least as long as they are tall), a towel and two hard pillows (couch pillows are good), and dress comfortably (sweats are good, not jeans). Bring a light lunch; the class will watch a video during lunch. Tuition is $85, and pre-registration is required; for more info call 860-738-6446.
Outdoors
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd. (off Route 202) in Litchfield presents TRACKING with Two Coyotes Wilderness School on Saturday, January 4 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; meet in front of the museum. Free; for more info call 860-567-0857.
Active Singles sponsors a HIKE at West Rock State Park in Hamden on Sunday, January 5; 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.
Sports
World Series Club of Hartford County presents Yankee super-sub JOHN BLANCHARD on Wednesday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Newington. The Yankees were the first major league baseball team to make maximum use of bit players off the bench, and the man who personified the role was John Blanchard. A catcher by trade but known more for his offensive skills, he could come off the bench stone cold and make an immediate contribution. Although he appeared in barely over 500 games during an 8-year career, he compiled a .345 batting average and hit two home runs in 15 World Series games. Among his teammates were Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Elston Howard, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Bill Skowron and Ralph Terry. The meeting will feature an opportunity to meet our guest, get autographs, enjoy a buffet dinner, and hear John talk about his career. Admission is $15 members, $25 non-members, $12 for young fans; reservations are requested. For more info call Larry Brennan at 860-666-1254.
Kids
Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Collinsville hosts a book/ movie discussion of "HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS" on Monday, January 6 at 3 p.m. Join in a lively discussion comparing the book and movie versions of the second book in the popular series. All readers age 10 and up are welcome, including seniors and other adults. Registration is requested; for more info call 860-693-5800.
Thomaston Public Library, 248 Main St. in Thomaston offers SUPERVISED HOMEWORK USING COMPUTERS on Mondays from 1:30-5 p.m. and on Tuesdays from 3-5 p.m. for five weeks beginning the week of January 6. Registration is required; for more info call 860-283-4339.
Thomaston Public Library, 248 Main St. in Thomaston holds COMPUTER CLASSES FOR CHILDREN from preschool age through 6th grade; a five-week session begins the week of January 6. Kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children can start learning with "How Many Bugs in a Box?" and "Winnie the Pooh" on Wednesdays or Thursdays from 1:30-2:15 p.m. Children in grades K-3 can take part in "Reader Rabbit Cloud Capers" and "Jump Start Treasure" on Wednesdays or Thursdays from 4:15-5 p.m. Students in grades 4-6 will use the programs "Liberty’s Kids" and "World Explorer" on Wednesdays or Thursdays from 2:45-3:45 p.m. Registration is required; for more info call 860-283-4339.
Harwinton Recreation offers TUMBLETOTS with Sherry Laigle (for ages 2-3 accompanied by an adult) on Wednesdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Harwinton Community Hall. Fee is $36 for 8-week session; for more info and to register, call 860-485-0626.
Thomaston Public Library, 248 Main St. in Thomaston holds "TIME FOR TWOS" STORYTIME for toddlers (24-36 months) accompanied by a caregiver on Tuesdays from 10:30-11 a.m. or from 1-1:30 p.m. Session I meets from January 14 through February 11; session II meets from March 4 through April 1. Activities include stories, songs and a simple craft. Registration is required; for more info call 860-283-4339.
Thomaston Public Library, 248 Main St. in Thomaston holds STORYTIME FOR PRESCHOOLERS (ages 4-5) on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:15 a.m. or from 1-1:40 p.m. Session I meets from January 15 through February 12; session II meets from March 5 through April 2. A variety of activities will be offered. Registration is required; for more info call 860-283-4339.
Thomaston Public Library, 248 Main St. in Thomaston holds STORYTIME FOR 1-YEAR-OLDS (12-24 months) on Wednesdays from 11-11:30 a.m. Session I meets from January 15 through February 12; session II meets from March 5 through April 2. Children participating will be invited to sing, dance and look at books in an open space for plenty of movement. Registration is required; for more info call 860-283-4339.
Thomaston Public Library, 248 Main St. in Thomaston holds STORYTIME FOR 3-YEAR-OLDS on Thursdays from 10:30-11 a.m. or from 1-1:30 p.m. Session I meets from January 16 through February 13; session II meets from March 6 through April 3. Activities include stories, songs and a take-home craft. Registration is required; for more info call 860-283-4339.
Litchfield Historical Society Museum, on the Green at Routes 63 and 118 in Litchfield offers its popular JUNIOR CURATOR PROGRAM for students in grades 7-9; meetings begin on January 16 and continue every Thursday from 2:45-4:45 for 11 weeks. Young people who enjoy history or who are looking for something unique to do after school can get real life experience designing and creating exhibits. Each student will meet with museum professionals and learn the basics of being a curator, after which they will be responsible for the planning, researching and installing of a small temporary exhibition. Each student will learn and practice object care and handling, research, exhibition text writing and object mounting. Students from all area schools are welcome. Fee is $10 for materials; pre-registration is required. For more info, including about transportation from Litchfield High, call 860-567-4501.
Trips
Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main St. in Waterbury presents its upcoming SHORT BREAK TOUR OF IRELAND in a travel preview on Thursday, January 2 at 6:30 p.m. The preview features a video presentation by Marie Townsend of Celtic Tours featuring highlights of the tour, including vists to Shannon, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Clare, Galway, Cliffs of Moher and Connemarra. Co-sponsored by Sanditz Travel, the tour is scheduled for March 28 through April 3. Cost of $1,030 includes round trip airfare from JFK, five nights in first class hotels (double occupancy), full breakfast daily, four dinners and a farewell banquet in a medieval castle, as well as insurance and destination tax. Admission to the preview is free, but reservations are requested; for more info call 203-753-0381, ext 13.
Goshen Recreation Department sponsors a 13-day tour of the ALPINE COUNTRIES—Austria, Germany and Switzerland—in May 2003. The grand cities of Europe’s beautiful Alpine countries will charm you with their beauty. Highlights include Vienna, capital of culture and architectural jewel; a cruise on the Danube River; Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, with a walking tour and a special dinner concert; Munich; Oberammergau, home of the famous Passion Play; Innsbruck; the legendary Neuschwanstein Castle; the Black Forest; the Castle of Chillon in Bern on pristine Lake Geneva; Zermatt and the majestic Matterhorn; and Lucerne, the "Swiss paradise on the lake." Cost of $2,699 per person double occupancy includes airfare, 19 meals, excellent hotel accommodations and tour guides. Non-residents are welcome to participate. For more info or to request trip brochures, call Dale Ives at 860-491-2249.
Goshen Recreation Department sponsors a BRANSON MUSICAL GETAWAY, a 5-day trip to Branson, Missouri departing September 15, 2003 from Bradley International Airport. Branson is a booming entertainment venue with small-town atmosphere and big-city excitement. The schedule features five top-notch shows, including a stage show headlined by world-class violinist Shoji Tabuchi (in the magnificent old-style theater that bears his name) and a performance in Bobby Vinton's renowned Blue Velvet Theater, as well as an evening of dinner and entertainment aboard the 1890s paddle-wheel riverboat the Showboat Branson Belle. Cost of $1,099 per person double occupancy includes airfare, accommodation at the Branson Towers Hotel, 7 meals and tour guides. Non-residents are welcome to participate. For more info or to request trip brochures, call Dale Ives at 860-491-2249.
Goshen Recreation Department sponsors AUSTRALIAN WONDERS & NEW ZEALAND ISLANDS, a 15-day tour of Australia and the New Zealand Islands departing November 4, 2003 from Bradley International Airport. This trip includes the major landmarks in Melbourne, Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney in Australia as well as Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Mt. Cook National Park in New Zealand. There is an optional 2-night Fiji tour at the end of the trip for an additional fee. Cost of $3,799 per person double occupancy includes airfare, 21 meals, excellent hotel accommodations and tour guides. Cancellation waiver and insurance are optional, but recommended at $200 per person. Non-residents are welcome to participate. For more info or to request trip brochures, call Dale Ives at 860-491-2249.
And More
City of Torrington rings in 2003 with a DOWNTOWN COUNTDOWN on Tuesday, December 31 from 5-9 p.m. at the Torrington Armory, 153 South Main St. in Torrington. This family-oriented event will feature the clowns Dimples and Stripes, the magic of Peter James, performances by the McArdle School of Irish Dance, an ice sculpture, music, and games for the entire family. Artwell Gallery will offer a hat-making workshop, after which children can participate in a hat parade and contest. Nappy’s Puppets will perform a unique shadow show called "Father Goose’s Tales," an amusing retelling of nursery rhymes, stories and children’s songs. A performance by Circo sin Fronteras (Spanish for "Circus Without Borders") will feature unicycling, rolling globes, juggling, devil sticks, Chinese yo-yo, and silliness for children of all ages. Tickets are $3, with children age 3 and under admitted free; for more info call 860-489-5736.
Gunn Historical Museum, Wykeham Rd. and Route 47 in Washington presents its annual holiday exhibit, "A Child’s Delight: TOY TRAINS AND THE MAGIC OF MAKE BELIEVE" through January 5. Hours are Thursday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday from noon-4 p.m.; for more info call 860-868-7756.
Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. (Route 202) in Litchfield is looking for people interested in participating in WEEKLY CARD GAMES starting Wednesday, January 8. The group will play poker, rummy, hearts, cribbage, or other favorite games. Free, but bring your own cards; to register call 860-567-8302.
Social Connections sponsors a SINGLES LUNCH with Larry on Tuesday, January 14 at noon. This is a new event that he wants to do once a month. It’s an opportunity for singles to have a great lunch with fantastic company. A convenient location will be determined once he knows how many people are coming. You pay for your own lunch; for reservations call Larry at 203-879-1680 by January 12.
|
|
