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Music and Dance
Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, 58 Main St. in Torrington presents "IN CELEBRATION OF THE BUTTERFLY" on Saturday, February 1 at 4 p.m. This lecture and recital features piano music, poetry and factual information about butterflies, including their life-cycle and "butterfly gardening." Members of the piano faculty perform works from the CD "Butterflies: Classical Piano Repertoire from the 19th Century," including Robert Schumann’s "Papillons" (Op. 2). Tickets are $10; for more info call 860-482-4413, ext 314, or 860-589-7889.
Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton presents ED GERHARD on Saturday, February 1 at 7:30 p.m. Ed Gerhard does not sing—his guitar does. Over the past year, by virtue of his magnificent tone, virtuosic techniques and unique, tasteful arrangements, he has toured across North America, Europe and Japan. Ed’s rich repertoire graces seven albums, four compilations, two videos, four songbooks and Ken Burns’ Mark Twain documentary soundtrack. Hear tunes from his latest CD, "House of Guitars," including originals, old folk tunes, covers of songs by the Beatles and the Everly Brothers, and Ed’s rendition of bluesman Blind Willie Johnson’s "I Just Can’t Keep From Crying Sometimes." Tickets are $15; 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, February 1 from 8 p.m.-midnight. Donation is $9; door prizes, raffle and refreshments available. For more info call 860-482-1962.
The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford presents "AT HOME IN AMERICA," a concert of American art song on Sunday, February 2 at 2 p.m. in the Seaverns Room. This concert by New York soprano Lynne Vardaman and pianist John Forconi includes music by Connecticut’s own Charles Ives as well as Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland and Paul Bowles with texts by Ives, James Agee, Tennessee Williams and Emily Dickinson. This all-American program explores American thoughts and feelings in the first half of the 20th century, and even in deep reminiscence brings to light underlying truths that we find ourselves facing today. A question and answer session will follow. Admission is free, but reservations are requested; music/ vocal teachers are encouraged to bring their students. For more info call 860-987-5900.
First Church of Christ, 689 Hopmeadow St. (Route 10) in Simsbury hosts the PRAISES OF ZION CHOIR of First Cathedral in Bloomfield on Sunday, February 2 at 3 p.m. This choir, composed of more than 100 voices, has toured the U.S. and has just returned from London, where they performed at St. Giles-in-the-Fields, Holy Trinity Church (the church where William Shakespeare is buried) and Shoreditch Tabernacle Baptist Church. This concert is one of a series of events in honor of Black History Month co-sponsored by the Simsbury Public Library; for more info call the library at 860-658-7663.
The Warner Theatre, 68 Main St. in Torrington presents THE PRETENDERS on Monday, February 3 at 8 p.m. Fresh from a stint touring with the Rolling Stones this fall, the Pretenders remain influential, vital and relevant after 25 years of making uncompromised rock and roll. Their show will include the club and dance rhythms of their latest studio album, "Loose Screws," along with established hits like "Brass in Pocket," "Back on the Chain Gang," "Don’t Get Me Wrong" and "I’ll Stand by You." Tickets are $46.50 and $38.50; for more info call 860-489-7180.
The World of Arts, People & Joy, hosted by Wilbert Boles on WAPJ 89.9 FM presents guest DAVID QUICK on Thursday, February 6 from 7-8 p.m. For more info call the studio at 860-489-9033.
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 Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. and Thursday, Friday and Saturday 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.
Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts presents an encore performance of "WRITING PICTURES: The Harriet Beecher Stowe Experience" on Thursday and Friday, February 6-7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Theater of the Performing Arts, 359 Washington St. in Hartford. Harriet Beecher Stowe was best known for her novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (1852), which galvanized anti-slavery sentiments in the northern United States and was considered so important both in this country and abroad that it was translated into more than 20 languages. This original, full-scale musical production was created by a group of 25 area high school students, under the supervision of Academy faculty, through many hours of research, writing and refining. Scholars of the life and work of Stowe have praised the production’s historical accuracy and hailed it as a uniquely valuable contribution to the author’s legacy. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 students; for more info call 860-757-6388.
The Warner Studio Theatre, 69 Main St. in Torrington presents "THE ICEBOX," a sly and humorous horror story written and directed by local Emmy Award winner Rick Doyle on Fridays and Saturdays through February 8 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, February 2 at 2 p.m. With wicked wit and spine-tingling suspense, Doyle has crafted a riveting and riotous tale about eight people stuck 12,000 feet up in a weather station with a blizzard bearing down on them. The cast includes Torrington’s Jason Lafreniere, Val Vitalo and Marion Herbert; Janice Luise-Lutkus and Brien LaForge of Harwinton; Brian Feinberg of Danbury; Litchfield’s Katherine Ray; Bret Poulter of Waterbury; and Frank Marcella of New Haven. Tickets are $15; for more info call 860-489-7180.
Hartford Stage, 50 Church St. in Hartford presents Sophocles’ classic tragedy "ELECTRA" through February 9 with performances on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; and selected weekday and weekend matinees. This gripping story of a daughter seeking revenge on the mother who betrayed her family will feature a multi-cultural cast, including the acclaimed Yugoslavian film actress Mirjana Jokovic in the title role and Carmen Roman as Queen Clytemnestra. The brand new production features design elements that reflect both the traditional Greek setting of the play and the stark modern aspects of war, grief and revenge found in the play. Tickets are $22-$60; for more info call 860-527-5151.
Thomaston Opera House, 158 Main St. in Thomaston presents the musical "HAIR" through February 9, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Much more than hippies set to music, "Hair" challenged establishment values and imagined an exuberant and colorful world guided by "harmony and understanding." Note: Due to the content of this musical, it is not recommended for young children. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door; for more info call 860-283-6250.
The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford presents "THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE" on Tuesday through Thursday, February 4-6 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, February 7 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, February 8 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, February 9 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This is the witty and satirical story of Marjorie Taub, a culture-obsessed, upper-middle-class New Yorker whose midlife crisis deepens when her glamorous childhood friend reappears for a mysterious visit. This Tony-nominated smash hit has been called "an uproarious comedy" (The New York Times), "irresistibly hilarious" (The Daily News) and "the funniest play I have ever seen in my life!" (Rosie O'Donnell). Tickets are $15-$55; for more info call 860-987-5900.
Clockwork Repertory Theatre, 133 Main St. in Oakville presents Agatha Christie’s "TEN LITTLE INDIANS" on Fridays and Saturdays through February 8 and Saturday, February 15 at 8:15 p.m. Ten strangers are invited to a private island by a mysterious host, but the holiday doesn’t turn out quite as planned when one by one the guests begin dying off. Tickets are $14; for more info call 860-274-7247.
Art Exhibits
Farmington Valley Arts Center, 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon presents an exhibit of more than 100 ONE-OF-A-KIND VALENTINES by Connecticut artists in the Esther B. Drezner Visitors' Gallery from February 2 through February 14. The handmade Valentines, in a colorful variety of media and styles, are for sale and are priced from $5-$8. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from noon-4 p.m. A "Wine and Valentines" reception will be held on Thursday, February 13 from 7-9 p.m. Both the exhibit and the reception are free and open to the public; for more info call 860-678-1867, ext 105.
Canton Artists’ Guild presents "ON AND OFF THE WALL," a group exhibit of works by Palmer, Holzman and Knaus, along with solo shows by Michael Zych and Susan Bradley through February 23 at the Gallery on the Green, Route 44 in Canton. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-693-4102.
Harwinton Public Library, 80 Bentley Dr. in Harwinton presents the paintings of Winsted artist JOAN MARCHELL through the end of February. Her subject matter consists of landscapes, flowers, still life studies and seascapes. Ms. Marchell has had numerous one-woman shows at various locations including the Norfolk Library, Northwestern CT Community College, and the Agora Gallery in Soho, New York. The exhibit may be seen during regular library hours; for more info call 860-485-9113.
Norfolk Library, Route 44 in Norfolk presents FROM THE HEART, an exhibition of paintings by Claudia Lefcheck during the month of February. Ms. Lefcheck, a Norfolk resident, shares her acrylic paintings "of moments when people, places and things have uplifted, touched and even broken my heart." The public is invited to a free opening reception on Sunday, February 2 from 4-6 p.m., when refreshments will be served. The show may be viewed during regular library hours; for more info call 860-542-5075.
Litchfield Historical Society, on the Green (Routes 63 & 118) in Litchfield presents an exhibit of HISTORIC VALENTINES in the Society’s Ingraham Memorial Research Library during the month of February. Valentine-giving first became popular in New England during the middle decades of the 19th century and became well-established by the end of the century. On display are delicate Victorian cards, handwritten poems and humorous missives. For more info call 860-567-4501.
Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Collinsville presents an exhibit of recent paintings and works on paper by PATRICIA CARRIGAN through February. In many of Patricia Carrigan’s pieces, ordinary yet highly symbolic images seem to float upon an abstract and richly-colored background. The East Granby artist has exhibited both nationally and throughout the Northeast. The exhibit may be viewed during library hours; for more info call 860-693-5800.
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. (Route 10) in Simsbury presents an exhibit of paintings by PAUL PITT during the month of February. Paul Pitt’s meticulously detailed paintings take us back to a simpler time, filled with a strong sense of community and extended family. His work teems with activity, populated with up to 250 children, adults and animals from Paul’s imagination. Within each large scene, there are many small stories unfolding and always Paul’s signature surprise—two small boys running, one black, one white, taking turns wearing the ever-present red scarf. For more info call 860-658-7663.
Lectures and Presentations
Beardsley & Memorial Library, 40 Munro Place in Winsted presents "PAUL ROBESON—The Legacy of Arts and Human Rights" with Dr. Gail Gelburd on Saturday, February 1 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Paul Robeson knew scores of languages, was an All-American athlete, graduated from Columbia Law School, and was one of the first to be called before the McCarthy hearings and had his passport confiscated. He literally risked it all to fight against racism, fought for Jews to be let into the U.S. at the beginning of WWII, and fought for the rights of miners in Wales. Dr. Gelburd has lectured throughout the U.S. and around the world, and has written books and curated exhibitions on Robeson, Romare Bearden and Cuban art. For more info call 860-379-6043.
Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Collinsville presents HOW TO BRING POSITIVE CHANGES INTO YOUR HOME AND WORK ENVIRONMENT with Susan Pildis of the New England School of Feng Shui on Saturday, February 1 at 1 p.m. Feng shui is the ancient Chinese art of balance and placement of environmental elements with the intention of achieving positive changes in your life. Those who practice the art of feng shui find peace and harmony, success and happiness, physical and spiritual well-being, and improved relationships. Ms. Pildis will present actual cases of feng shui transformations, and will show the audience how to apply feng shui principles in their own lives. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions. Free, but registration is requested; for more info call 860-693-5800.
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. (Route 10) in Simsbury presents naturalist LAURIE SANDERS on Saturday, February 1 at 2 p.m. Laurie Sanders is the Mill River Field Coordinator for UMass Extension, the host of "Field Notes" (heard on NPR’s Morning Edition), and has produced over 30 segments for public television on the natural history of New England. Her slide show and talk will combine a look at Simsbury’s special natural areas and wildlife with a presentation about new computer-based tools to protect biodiversity. This event kicks off a special series at the library, Research Revolution, which invites the public to explore issues in science and technology that affect our world. Free and open to the public; to register or for more info, call 860-658-7663.
Canton Historical Museum presents THE LIFE AND TIMES OF WILLIAM WEBB, an African-American Civil War soldier from Connecticut on Sunday, February 2 at 2 p.m. at the Library/ Community Center on Dyer Ave. in Canton. Speaker is Kevin Johnson, librarian and researcher at the CT State Library, History and Genealogy Unit. Admission is $3 members, $4 non-members; for more info call 860-693-2793.
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. (Route 10) in Simsbury hosts a lecture on "CONNECTICUT IN THE ‘40s: Connecticut Tobacco and the Southern Connection" by Dr. Stacy Close on Monday, February 3 at 7 p.m. In conjunction with Black History Month and events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this talk will examine the era when the teenaged King came to Connecticut to spend the summer working on a tobacco farm. For more info call the Reference Desk at 860-658-7663.
Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center, 229 East Litchfield Rd. in Litchfield hosts a book discussion with author DIANE KOMP, MD on Wednesday, February 5 from 10-11 a.m. Dr. Komp is a medical scientist and Professor of Pediatrics, Emeritus at Yale University School of Medicine. She is the author of "Why Me? A Doctor Looks at the Book of Job," "Bedtime Snacks for the Soul," "Breakfast for the Heart," "A Window to Heaven," "A Child Shall Lead Them: Lessons about Hope from Children with Cancer," "Images of Grace," and "Hope Springs from Mended Places: Images of Grace in the Shadows of Life," as well as magazine articles in "Life," "The New York Times," "Family Circle," "Guideposts," "Christianity Today" and "Today’s Christian Woman." Admission by free-will donation; reservations are requested. For more info call 860-567-3163.
Simons Rock College in Great Barrington presents "Myths and Realities—THE PALESTINIAN PERSPECTIVE" on Wednesday, February 5 at 7 p.m. in the Arts Center Theater. Michael Tarazi, legal advisor to the Negotiations Affairs Department of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, will explore the questions of what really happened during negotiations between Palestine and Israel; the origins of the current conflict; where we go from here; and whether that will be acceptable. Free and open to the public; for more info call 413-528-7209.
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. (Route 10) in Simsbury hosts a screening of "KING IN CONNECTICUT" by filmmaker and television producer Karyl Evans on Thursday, February 6 at 7 p.m. Ms. Evans will present this short film about the experiences of the teenaged Martin Luther King, Jr. when he came to Connecticut to spend the summer working on a tobacco farm. For more info call the Reference Desk at 860-658-7663.
Simons Rock College in Great Barrington presents a screening of the documentary film "CORRECTIONS" on Thursday, February 6 at 7 p.m. in the Fisher Science Center. "Corrections" addresses a time when one in four black men are in prison, on parole or on probation; unprecedented numbers of women and children are imprisoned; Latinos and Native Americans are grossly over-represented in the prison system; and immigrants are subject to separate laws and often detained indefinitely. The film explores how prisons have become the accepted solution to unemployment, housing crises, collapsed rural economies and urban decay, representing the pinnacle of a long history of racial and economic inequality within the U.S. The screening will be followed by a discussion with director, producer and writer Ashley Hunt. Free and open to the public; for more info call 413-528-7209.
Sharon Audubon Center sponsors a behind-the-scenes tour at the YALE PEABODY MUSEUM on Saturday, February 8 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; participants may meet at Sharon Audubon Center, 325 Cornwall Bridge Rd. (Route 4) in Sharon at 9 a.m., or at the museum in New Haven at 10:45 a.m. This is a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes in the bird collection at the Peabody Museum of Natural History, which boasts a collection so large that less than one percent of their specimens and objects can be displayed to the public at any given time. The collections include tens of thousands of original specimens used when a newly discovered species of plant or animal is first described to science. The ornithology collection is among the most comprehensive in North America, containing material for more than 6,500 species—over 70 percent of the birds in the world! Carpooling will be an option for anyone who prefers not to drive, and there may be time to see other exhibits and have lunch in town. To register call Laurie Fortin at 860-424-3963.
Classes and Workshops
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge offers PLANT PROPAGATION with Mike Elston on Tuesdays, February 4 and February 11 from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, February 22 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn the art and science of plant propagation. Methods of propagation from seed, cuttings, divisions and layering will be covered, and propagation of woody plant material will be discussed. The last class will be an all-day, hands-on workshop during which students will learn by doing. 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 a RENEW AND RELAX HERBAL WORKSHOP on Wednesday, February 5 from 1-3 p.m. Explore the many herbs that can be used to relieve stress and tension. Learn how to make relaxing products such as dream pillows, sleeping teas and bath and body oils to use as tools whenever your body is in need of slowing down. Make four different relaxing and renewing products to share with friends and loved ones. Instructor Jenifer Tessler is a practicing herbalist and organic farmer with a background in holistic healing. Cost (including all materials) is $30 members, $35 non-members; advance registration is required. For more info call 413-298-3926.
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge offers "EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF THE LAND—Landscape Design II" with Jon Piasecki on Wednesdays, February 5-26 from 6-9 p.m. This course will explore the role of local ecology, cultural history, native plants and stone as a source of inspiration for landscape design. Design elements that facilitate connection between people and the land will be examined. Students will express ideas about land in a graphic and oral presentation to classmates and learn the benefits of critique. 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.
Farmington Valley Arts Center offers a 90-MINUTE CREATIVITY WORKOUT led by art therapist, lecturer and artist Harriet Winograd on Thursday, February 6 from 7-8:30 p.m. at its Sperry Park Annex, 50 Simsbury Rd. (Route 10) in Avon. Ms. Winograd will lead participants in several fun, playful drawing exercises including conversation drawings, a Dadaist parlor game, and accidental markings to music. No artistic background is required; the goal is not to produce great drawings but rather to relax, loosen up and allow creativity to surface. Admission is $5, and drop-ins are welcome; for more info call 860-674-8315.
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge offers "WEEDLESS GARDENING—An Integrated System" on Saturday, February 8 from 10 a.m.-noon. Learn a novel way to care for the soil, one that results in fewer weeds. This integrated weedless gardening system maintains soil integrity by nurturing the ground from the top down, avoiding soil compaction, maintaining soil cover, and pinpointing watering. Instructor Lee Reich, Ph.D. is a garden writer, consultant and avid gardener who has worked in soil and plant research for the USDA and Cornell University. A book signing by Dr. Reich will follow the lecture. Cost is $15 members, $20 non-members; advance registration is required. For more info call 413-298-3926.
UConn Cooperative Extension Center offers a JEWELRY MAKING WORKSHOP on Saturday, February 8 from 1-3 p.m. at the UConn Torrington campus on University Drive. Participants will string a single-stranded necklace with polished natural stone beads and sterling silver or gold-filled beads. They will also learn basic techniques for making a pair of matching earrings. Instructor Sue Thebarge will provide materials and tools; participants should bring their eyeglasses if needed. Fee is $15; pre-registration is required. For more info call 860-626-6240.
Goshen Recreation offers an 8-week series of TAI CHI classes with Roger Peters beginning on Thursday, February 13 in the cafeteria at Goshen Center School; Yang style will be offered from 6-7 p.m., followed by Tai Chi staff from 7-8 p.m. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice whose slow, gentle and sustained movements can help relax and refresh the mind and body while promoting overall fitness and conditioning. Mr. Peters is a seasoned instructor with more than 20 years of health and wellness experience in a variety of corporate settings. For more info and to register, call Mr. Peters at 860-567-3760.
Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted offers a BEGIN TO KNIT class on Tuesdays and Thursdays, February 18-27 from 10 a.m.-noon. This beginning knitting class with instructor Frances Button will teach the basics to start you on the path toward making beautiful sweaters, scarves or afghans. Participants will learn how to select knitting needles, yarn and patterns as well as the basic stitches and ways to put them together. Cost is $29; for more info call 860-738-6444.
Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. in Litchfield offers a HAND DRUMMING WORKSHOP on Tuesdays, February 18 through March 11 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. This series offers a rare opportunity to gain proficiency in worldwide hand drumming techniques with master drummer John Marshall. The course explores traditional rhythm, pulse and improvisational exercises, and works toward building confidence, dexterity and independence in traditional rhythms from the Middle East, North Africa, West Africa, Central Asia and India. Bring a drum or use those provided. Cost is $60; registration deadline is February 14. For more info call 860-567-8302.
Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted offers "MUSIC TREASURES: 19th Century Symphonists" on Sundays, March 30, April 6, April 27 and May 4 from 1-4 p.m. This course will examine the lives and works of Mendelssohn, Schumann, Berlioz, Brahms, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky and Mahler in the context of the spirit of Romanticism of the 19th century. Willard Minton, former member of the NCCC adjunct faculty, will instruct. The course will conclude with a performance by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra on Tuesday, May 6 at the Bushnell Memorial in Hartford; the cost of tickets will be the responsibility of each student. Tuition is free for senior citizens; this class is sponsored by the NCCC Foundation. Registration deadline is February 3; for more info call 860-379-0409.
Outdoors
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd. (off Route 202) in Litchfield presents TRACKING with Two Coyotes Wilderness School on Saturday, February 1 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; meet in front of the museum. Free; for more info call 860-567-0857.
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd. (off Route 202) in Litchfield holds FINDING WINTER WILDLIFE, a two-part program with classroom introduction on Monday, February 24 from 7-9 p.m.; and a field trip on Saturday, March 1 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Leader is Dave Rosgen, wildlife biologist and WMCC Research Director. Northwest Connecticut may sometimes seem devoid of wildlife in the winter, but all it takes is a little detective work and careful observation to find most of our winter resident wildlife. This course will help participants find birds in their favorite winter habitats (bodies of water, wetlands, shrubby areas, mixed forests and around feeders), as well as mammals via tracking and other evidence, and insects in their hiding places. CEUs are available. Fee is $13 members, $23 non-members; pre-registration is required. For more info call 860-567-0857.
Sports
Simons Rock College in Great Barrington holds the 1st annual ERIN TRESP INTERGENERATIONAL INVITATIONAL SWIM MEET on Saturday, February 1 at 1 p.m. at the Kilpatrick Athletic Center; warmups begin at 12:30 p.m. Swim enthusiasts of all ages are invited. Entry fee is $3; for more info call 413-528-7209.
World Series Club of Hartford County presents Connecticut’s own RICO BROGNA on Thursday, February 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Newington. One of the state’s best athletes as a three-sport star at Watertown High School, Brogna chose baseball over a Clemson University football scholarship, making it to the Detroit Tigers in 1992. He re-emerged with the New York Mets less than two years later and started a string of solid seasons. He hit 20 or more homers three times with the Phillies, and also played for the Red Sox before ending his career in 2001 with the Atlanta Braves. His teammates included Bobby Bonilla, Carl Everett, Tom Glavine, Nomar Garciaparra, Dwight Gooden, Derrick Lowe, Greg Maddux, Pedro Martinez, Bret Saberhagen and Curt Schilling. The meeting will feature an opportunity to meet our guest, get autographs, enjoy a buffet dinner, and hear Rico talk about his big league 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 STORYTIME WITH CORDUROY on Saturday, February 1 at 11 a.m. Wendy Sheinberg, principal at Cherry Brook Primary School, will read from the popular series about the lovable Corduroy, a toy bear who comes to life in a department store, and there will be a special appearance by Corduroy. Author/ illustrator Don Freeman was a jazz musician who switched careers after losing his trumpet on the subway; his books include "Corduroy," published in 1968, "A Pocket for Corduroy," and last year’s "Corduroy Goes to School." Free and open to all ages without registration; for more info call 860-693-5800.
The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford presents Beverly Cleary’s "THE MOUSE AND THE MOTORCYCLE" on Sunday, February 2 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Belding Theater; additional performances will be given on Monday, February 3 at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, February 4 at 10:30 a.m. When Keith and his family check into a mountainside hotel, Keith meets Ralph—a tiny, talkative mouse. Ralph is captivated with Keith’s toy motorcycle, but when Keith lets him ride it, Ralph only gets deeper into trouble! When Keith falls ill, it’s up to Ralph to help him get better. A delightful tale of friendship and adventure, this show is recommended for children in grades K-4. Tickets for the Sunday performances are $20 adults, $10 children; tickets for the Monday and Tuesday performances are $8.50. For more info call 860-987-5900.
Hartford Stage, 50 Church St. in Hartford offers a COMEDIC ACTING WORKSHOP for students (ages 7-18) on Monday through Friday, Febrary 17-21 from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Students will be divided into groups according to their grade level, and each group will take three classes on comedic acting: Improvisation, where they will explore the creative process by improvising characters, situations and dialogue; Comedic Physical Theatre, focusing on physical comedy and clowning; and Voice, an exploration into vocal extremes. Teachers will include actor Seth Bloom and Hartford Stage Education Associate Eddie Duran. Tuition is $195; enrollment deadline is February 13. For more info or to register, call 860-525-5601, ext 140.
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd. (off Route 202) in Litchfield offers ACROSS THE LANDSCAPE for children in grades 4 and up on Wednesday, February 19. Using the van for transport, the group will take a hike through Catlin Woods and other White Memorial spots on a winter nature interpretive adventure in search of animals, their evidence, unusual plants, and anything else of interest. Dress for the outdoors. Cost is $6.50 members, $13 non-members; pre-registration is required. For more info call 860-567-0857.
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd. (off Route 202) in Litchfield offers MID-WINTER FUN for children in grades 2-3 on Thursday, February 20. During "Trees—What Shape Are They In?" from 10-11:30 a.m., the group will learn about the different forms that trees take and then go outside and find as many shapes as possible; cost is $4 members, $8 non-members. Bring your own bag lunch (trash-free) and enjoy watching a video about nature from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; cost is $2.50 members, $5 non-members. During an "Animal Signs" hike from 12:30-2 p.m., the group will learn indoors how to be track detectives, and then head out to find animal tracks and signs; cost is $4 members, $8 non-members. Dress warmly for outdoor activities. Pre-registration is required; for more info call 860-567-0857.
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd. (off Route 202) in Litchfield offers a SCAVENGER HUNT for children in grades K-1 on Friday, February 21. Beginning outdoors with a list of "things of winter" to find, the group will go on a winter walk in search of birds, mammals, tracks in the snow, evergreen plants, wildlife food, animal hideaways and more. Dress warmly. Cost is $4 members, $8 non-members; pre-registration is required. For more info call 860-567-0857.
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd. (off Route 202) in Litchfield offers a WINTER INSECT WALK for children in grades K-1 on Friday, February 21. After an introduction to winter insects and where to find them, we will go out into the woods and fields to find them or discover where they are hiding. Dress warmly. Cost is $4 members, $8 non-members; pre-registration is required. For more info call 860-567-0857.
Festivals and Sales
David M. Hunt Library, Main St. in Falls Village holds its monthly BOOK SALE on Saturday, February 1 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more info call 860-824-7424.
Trips
Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. in Litchfield offers a bus trip to NEW YORK CITY on Wednesday, March 19; bus leaves the Community Center at 7:15 a.m. and leaves New York City at 5:45 p.m. Enjoy the day in the city as you please. Registration deadline is March 10; for more info call 860-567-8302.
Thomaston Public Library, 248 Main St. in Thomaston sponsors a bus trip to QUINCY MARKET AND THE BOSTON FLOWER SHOW on Saturday, March 22; bus leaves the library at 8 a.m. and departs from Quincy Market at 6 p.m. Upon arriving in Boston, the bus will make stops at the Flower Show and Quincy Market; the bus returns to the Flower Show at 2 p.m. to bring those attending the show to Quincy Market. Cost is $20; to register call 860-283-4339.
Thomaston Public Library, 248 Main St. in Thomaston sponsors a bus trip to the MATISSE-PICASSO EXHIBIT at the Museum of Modern Art in Queens on Sunday, March 30; bus leaves the library at 9 a.m. and leaves the museum at 4 p.m. Matisse-Picasso brings together major masterpieces by the two giants of modern art. This is one of the most spectacular exhibitions any of us will see in our lifetimes, with works gathered from New York, Paris, St. Petersburg and elsewhere. Cost of $40 includes admission to the exhibit and bus transportation; to register call 860-283-4339.
Thomaston Public Library, 248 Main St. in Thomaston sponsors a bus trip to NEW YORK CITY on Saturday, April 12; bus leaves the library at 8 a.m., with stops made in New York at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Radio City Music Hall and South Street Seaport. The bus will leave New York City at 7 p.m. Cost is $15; to register call 860-283-4339.
And More
Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Collinsville celebrates the DEDICATION OF THE HARRINGTON PLAQUE on Sunday, February 2 at 1:30 p.m. There will be a ceremony to dedicate a plaque honoring Lucelia C. Harrington (1903-93) and Burton F. Harrington (1912-93), whose generous gift was the foundation for the Canton Public Library’s new home in 1999. Refreshments will be served.
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. (Route 10) in Simsbury holds the dedication ceremony for its new MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PLAQUE on Sunday, February 2 at 2 p.m. Designed by Simsbury High School history students and hung at their request, the plaque memorializes time spent in Simsbury by the teenaged King in 1944 and 1947, when he came to Connecticut in the summer to earn tuition for college by picking tobacco. This program is co-sponsored by the Simsbury Arts Council; for more info call the library’s Reference Desk at 860-658-7663.
Canton Newcomers Club holds a WELCOME COFFEE on Tuesday, February 4 from 9-11 a.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave. in Canton. New and not-so-new residents of Canton and towns in surrounding Litchfield County without their own clubs are encouraged to come meet their neighbors and learn more about their community over morning coffee and home-baked goodies. Children are welcome. For more info call 860-693-1856.
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