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Entertainment Directory
Music and Dance
Granby Family Dance sponsors a COMMUNITY CONTRA DANCE on Friday, March 7 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.
Music for a Change presents A TRIBUTE TO PHIL OCHS on Friday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Wilde Auditorium at the University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave. in West Hartford. This tribute concert to the late Phil Ochs, legendary political folksinger of the 1960s, features an array of performers: Magpie, Pat Humphries, Kim & Reggie Harris, David Roth, Sonia (of disappear fear) and Greg Greenway, as well as Mad Agnes, Aztec Two-Step and Nancy Tucker. Phil Och’s activist music continues to impact people’s lives, and his messages are particularly timely and poignant at this moment. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Law Center of Connecticut; for more info call 860-768-4228, or 800-274-8587.
Berkshire Museum, 39 South St. in Pittsfield presents blues singer GEOFF MULDAUR on Friday, March 7 at 8 p.m. Geoff Muldaur is one of the great voices to emerge from the folk, blues and folk-rock resurgence of the 1960s. His reputation as a master arranger and deft guitarist, not to mention his rich, signature voice, has led to recordings with such accomplished musicians as Richard Thompson, Bonnie Raitt, David Sanborn, Jerry Garcia and Lenny Pickett. Advance tickets are $15 members, $18 non-members; tickets are $20 at the door. For more info call 413-443-7171, ext 10.
Hartford Community Dance sponsors a JAM SESSION on Saturday, March 8 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post, 275 Main St. in Wethersfield. Musicians of all instruments and skill levels are invited to play New England contra dance tunes—reels, jigs and waltzes. Free; for more info call 860-232-2504. A New England CONTRA DANCE will follow from 8-11 p.m. with music by Ralph Sweet with the Wingnuts. No partner needed, all dances will be taught, and beginners are welcome; a workshop will begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $8 adults, students free; for more info call 860-233-6603.
Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. (Route 202) in Litchfield hosts CARIBBEAN NIGHT on Saturday, March 8 with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and dancing from 8-11 p.m. Live music will be provided by the Blue Attire Band. Dress is casual. Tickets are $40, including dinner, beer, wine, soda and dancing; proceeds benefit the Community Center. Tickets may be purchased at the Center or at Murphy’s Pharmacy; for more info call 860-567-8302.
Friends of Northwest Park present PENDRAGON on Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Northwest Park Nature Center, 145 Lang Rd. in Windsor. This five-piece ensemble performs traditional roots music with an unmistakable contemporary edge. Their music celebrates the lives and lore of generations of New Englanders who brought traditions from Ireland, Scotland, England, French-Canada and other distant shores to the banks of the Blackstone River in Rhode Island. The group seamlessly blends lively jigs and reels with original songs depicting the experiences of the immigrants who settled in the Blackstone River Valley and their role in the mill and textile traditions of New England. For ticket reservation or more info, call 860-285-1886.
Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton presents master minstrel HARVEY REID on Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. Known for his superb tone and peerless musicianship, this double National Champion on fingerstyle guitar and autoharp also plays bouzouki, banjo, mandolin and steel slide guitar. Fine singing, songwriting and humor abound in his shows, which range through the Celtic, ragtime, country, blues and bluegrass genres. Opening act Joyce Andersen will offer original and traditional songs from her CD "Right Where I Should Be," and will add fiddle and vocal harmonies to a few of Harvey’s songs. Tickets are $15, and advance reservations are recommended; for more info call 860-693-0263.
The Warner Theatre, 68 Main St. in Torrington presents the return of the PEKING ACROBATS on Saturday, March 8 at 8 p.m. Hailing from the People’s Republic of China, this elite group of gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists and tumblers spellbind audiences around the world with the graceful athleticism of techniques that go back to the Ch’in Dynasty of 221 B.C. Performing with a live Chinese orchestra, this 26-member troupe achieves an agility and accuracy that defies gravity and left the New York Times exclaiming, "Amazing! Zounds!" and the Los Angeles Times declaring that "the Peking Acrobats regularly passed from the seemingly impossible to the virtually unbelievable!" Tickets are $26.50 and $19.50; for more info call 860-489-7180.
Hartford Symphony Orchestra presents an evening of AMERICAN CLASSICS AND TRADITIONAL SPIRITUALS featuring baritone Jubilant Sykes on Saturday, March 8 at 8 p.m. in Mortensen Hall at the Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford. A classically trained baritone, Jubilant Sykes has appeared at the Metropolitan Opera, the great music festivals of Europe and concert halls across the United States. Sought after as a classical soloist with orchestras, he has performed with many of the most prominent symphonies. Mr. Sykes will engage the audience in a selection of favorites by Aaron Copland, Brian Wilson and Steven Sondheim; orchestral selections include works by Copland, Grofé and Robert Russell Bennett. Tickets are $10-$55, half price for students (18 and under), with $5 student rush tickets also available an hour before the performance; for more info call 860-987-5900.
Fanfare Consort presents THE INTIMATE SONATE MEETS THE INTIMATE CANTATE, PARTE II on Saturday, March 8 at 8 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 74 West Main St. in Waterbury. Fanfare Consort is a period instrument ensemble that researches, publishes, records and performs literature composed prior to the 19th century. This concert features male soprano Robert Crowe and Thomas Freas on clarino (valveless baroque trumpet), joined by Mary Hostetler Hoyt and Maija Henderson on baroque violins, Richard Kolb on chitarrone (fretted gut bass lute), and Christa Rakich on positiv (portable baroque tracker pipe organ). These musicians, who have garnered international recognition for their interpretations of early music, will provide a passionate and exciting performance as well as an educational explanation of the music and a comparison of the historical instruments and their modern counterparts. Admission is $15 adults, $10 students and seniors, $25 families; for more info call 203-258-9103.
Simsbury Public Library, Hopmeadow St. (Route 10) in Simsbury presents the Celtic music of NEAR THE HEARTH on Sunday, March 9 at 3 p.m. The group, composed of Laura Mazza Dixon on guitar, Kasha Breau on harp, and Linne Landgraf on recorder, whistle and flute, will play achingly touching tunes as well as lively jigs. Free and open to the public; to register call 860-658-7663.
Burlington Public Library, Route 4 in Burlington presents local Irish balladeer DAN RINGROSE on Monday, March 10 at 7 p.m. Known for his powerful baritone voice, Mr. Ringrose brings rave reviews wherever he performs. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-673-3331.
Friends of Brodie Park, West Hill Rd. in New Hartford present OPEN MIKE NIGHT in the Brodie Park field house on Wednesday, March 12 from 7-10 p.m.; sign-up begins at 6:30 and is on a first-come basis. Both acoustic and quiet electric performers are invited to perform up to three songs, as time permits. The series is co-sponsored by the New Hartford Recreation Department. Suggested donation is $2; refreshments will be available; for more info call 860-379-3877.
Tunxis Community College, Routes 6 & 177 in Farmington presents acoustic singer and songwriter ANGIE HEIMANN on Thursday, March 13 from noon-1 p.m. in Whit’s Place (cafeteria). Heimann has released two self-produced albums: "Cinnamon Bones," nominated for best new folk album of the year in 2001 by Just Plain Folks, a group of music industry professionals; and "Substantial Snacks." Her song "Butterfly," about a women’s personal growth after the end of a relationship, won third place in the country/ folk category of the Oklahoma Songwriters & Composers Association songwriting competition in 2001. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-679-9547.
Drama and Comedy
Seven Angels Theatre, located at Hamilton Park Pavilion on Plank Road in Waterbury presents "DANCING AT LUGHNASA" through March 16; performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. "Dancing At Lughnasa" portrays the five Mundy sisters and their family in an Irish village in 1936 as they get caught up in the changes of the early 20th century—changes that threaten to unravel their lives. Brian Friel’s play is at once quintessentially Irish and universally human, as the play echoes the dreams and hopes of love felt by people in small towns anywhere in the world. For ticket info and reservations, call 203-757-4676.
Hartford Stage Company, 50 Church St. in Hartford presents Horton Foote’s "THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL" through March 23 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. This 50th anniversary of Horton Foote’s best-loved play is directed by Hartford Stage Artistic Director Michael Wilson under the personal supervision of Mr. Foote, whose works have received the Academy Award and the Pulitzer Prize. "The Trip to Bountiful" is the humorous and touching story of a woman’s journey to her childhood home. Dee Maaske will play the role of Mrs. Carrie Watts, and the greatest interpreter of Mr. Foote’s work, his daughter Hallie Foote, will play the role of the overbearing daughter-in-law, Jessie Mae. Tickets are $22-$60; for more info call 860-527-5151.
TheaterWorks, 223 Pearl St. in Hartford presents "MONDO MANGIA," created and performed by Jilline Ringle through March 23; performances are at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. This delightful comedy-cabaret by Hartford-area native Jilline Ringle has played to ecstatic audiences throughout the Northeast. "Mondo Mangia" is like being invited into the kitchen of a wildly entertaining but slightly nutty next-door neighbor. Jilline cooks an Italian dinner in a working kitchen right on stage every night. While the sauce simmers and the pasta water boils, she tells stories about growing up with her Italian relatives, sings songs and then serves up whatever she’s cooked to some very lucky members of the audience. Tickets are $30; $40 for Fridays and Saturday; add $10 for center section reserved seats and $20 for front row cabaret seats (with wine and a full plate of whatever Jilline cooks up). For more info call 860-527-7838.
Clockwork Repertory Theatre, 133 Main St. in Oakville presents the Michael Parker comedy "WHOSE WIVES ARE THEY ANYWAY?" on Fridays and Saturdays through March 22 and Saturday, March 29 at 8:15 p.m. Two cosmetic company execs decide to take a weekend off playing golf and let their wives go shopping. Their new boss is also playing golf at the same club, and upon a chance meeting, she says that no exec who went off to play golf for the weekend and left his wife at home would ever work for her! In a panic, the two execs concoct a scheme that pulls in a young receptionist and a lot of champagne. After lots of confusion, laughs and free-flowing bubbly, the scheme continues to work and baffle all—until the two real wives show up! Tickets are $14; for more info call 860-274-7247.
Art Exhibits
Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St. (Route 63) in Litchfield presents Sybil M. Perry's MOUNTAINS, WATER AND MIST: HONORING KYOTO through March 28; there will be an opening reception on Friday, March 7 from 5-7 p.m. Perry's journey to Kyoto, made possible in 2000 by a grant awarded on the basis of her art work, enabled her to study ancient gardens as a stimulus for her own painting as well as her garden design work. Once there she found that the beauty of the surrounding mountains overwhelmed her. These paintings of lush landscapes were inspired by the memories of her unique experience there. Library hours are Monday from noon-5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-567-8030.
Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St. in Litchfield presents the glasswork of LINDA BANKS in its display case through March 28. Linda takes ordinary window, plate and "art" glass made especially for fusing and transforms them into plates, bowls and whimsical creatures. She has developed her own style using various techniques with an array of colored reflective glasses. Her whimsical lizards, bugs and turtles are delightful, especially to those young at heart. For more info call 860-567-8030.
New Hartford Art League presents its SPRING SHOW at the Act II Gallery, 14 Church St. North in New Hartford (across from the post office) through March 29. See a variety of works by local, regional and national artists belonging to the New Hartford Art League. Gallery hours are Wednesday and Friday from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-379-2034.
Washington Art Association, 4 Bryan Plaza in Washington Depot presents the paintings of CONSTANCE LaPALOMBARA, LISA HESS and JUSTIN KIM from March 8 through March 30. Constance LaPalombara is a landscape and still life painter whose main focus in recent years has been the urban landscape of New Haven, where she lives, as well as Maine, where she spends her summers. Lisa Hess will be exhibiting a selection of new paintings depicting the human figure as well as some of her lyrical landscapes. The work of Justin Kim in this exhibit is a product of a cross-country trip he took last fall, consisting mainly of landscapes of the American West. The public is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, March 8 from 3-5 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from noon-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-868-2878.
Norfolk Library, Route 44 in Norfolk presents the exquisite landscape paintings of EMILY BUCHANAN during the month of March. Ms. Buchanan describes herself as a "traditional oil landscape painter influenced by the Barbizon and Hudson River Schools." Reminiscent of Corot with a nod toward Sargent, there is a passion underneath the serenity of her landscapes. In addition to the Connecticut countryside, Emily paints on the North Shore of Boston, Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. She lives with her husband and new baby daughter in West Cornwall. The show may be viewed during regular library hours; for more info call 860-542-5075.
Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St. (Route 10) in Simsbury presents THE "FANSEAFUL" FISH SERIES of Virginia Shepard Buck, on exhibit in the program room during the month of March. Ms. Buck’s inspired paintings are imaginative expressions based upon her love for all creatures of the earth. Born in Key West, she grew up in southeastern Connecticut, further developing her affinity for the sea and nature—a love that has continued throughout her adult life. In addition to painting and book illustration, Ms. Buck has produced a ballet entitled "A Blue Whale." For more info call 860-658-7663.
Artwell Gallery, 19 Water St. in Torrington presents a collection of artwork dealing directly or indirectly with the theme "CONTRASTS" from March 8 through April 6. Dark and light, hard and soft, yin and yang—our world is defined by the tension created through contrast. During the run of the exhibition, visitors are invited to vote for their favorite work for the Gallery’s $50 People’s Choice Award. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from 1-8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-482-5122.
Canton Public Library, 40 Dyer Ave. in Collinsville presents WOVEN WORKS BY PEGGY DEMBICER, a exhibit of contemporary beadweaving and paper-weaving through April 15. Using seed beads, Ms. Dembicer creates pictorial, geometric or patterned weavings as well as intricate mosaic pieces. Also on display will be her woven constructions from paper, fiber, beads and an assortment of mixed media pieces. An Avon resident, Ms. Dembicer has exhibited widely throughout Connecticut. For more info call 860-693-5800.
Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center, 229 East Litchfield Rd. in Litchfield presents THE EVER CHANGING CIRCLE OF PERCEPTION, an exhibit of mixed media works by artist Gus Moran through April 16 in the Marie Louise Trichet Gallery. Working with paper, canvas and wood, Mr. Moran creates both abstract and representational works, inviting the viewer to find the stories within. Having trained both in the U.S. and in Europe, he is a student of European medieval history and particularly interested in the sculptural quality of medieval villages. His work has been commissioned for many public places in Connecticut and New York, and he has exhibited widely throughout New England. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; for more info call 860-567-3163.
Canton Artists’ Guild requests your creativity and participation in its "GOING POSTAL" MAILBOX SHOW which will be on display from April 9 through May 11. Create your interpretation of "You’ve got mail" for this fundraiser and auction. Mailboxes will be available for purchase from the gallery, or you may supply your own. (Mailboxes do not have to be functional.) For more info call 860-693-4102.
Housatonic Art League is organizing the NEW MILFORD OUTDOOR ARTS FESTIVAL to be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 14-15. The show will feature great artwork, prizes, music and food. Artists may request an application by writing to: Housatonic Art League, PO Box 672, New Milford, CT 06776.
Lectures and Presentations
Morris Public Library, Routes 61 & 109 in Morris presents writer Beverly Kallgren speaking on "MY EXPERIENCES WRITING A NOVEL" on Friday, March 7 at 2:30 p.m. in the James Morris Museum next to the library. Beverly is the author of "The House of Seven Sins." The talk will be cancelled in the event of snow; for more info call 860-567-7440
St. Michael's Parish, 23 South St. in Litchfield hosts Episcopal priests Judith Toffey and Bruce Shipman speaking about their EXPERIENCES IN THE MIDDLE EAST on Friday, March 7 at 7 p.m. in the Church House. Rev. Toffey served as a Volunteer in Mission for the Episcopal Church; she taught religion to girls at the Ahliyyah School in Amman, Jordan from January 2001 through July 2002. She spent two months in Israel/ Palestine while studying at Saint George's College in Jerusalem and has visited Egypt and Syria. Rev. Shipman lived in Egypt during his teen years and has continued to have a consuming interest in the Middle East. He has led various pilgrimages there over the years, and most recently traveled with the Christian Peacemaker Team to Hebron and Occupied Palestine. Sponsored by the Outreach Commission of St Michael's Episcopal Parish, this event is open to the public; questions and discourse are welcomed. Dessert and coffee will be served. For more info call the church office at 860-567-9465.
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd. (off Route 202) in Litchfield presents A DAY AT THE CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE, a slide show by Lizz and Robert Weeks on Saturday, March 8 at 2 p.m. in the Arthur B. Ceder Classroom. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-567-0857.
Hill-Stead Museum, 35 Mountain Rd. in Farmington welcomes ANTONIA ADEZIO, president and founding executive director of the influential Garden Conservancy, for a talk on America’s great gardens on Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m.; lunch with Ms. Adezio, by reservation, begins at noon. Ms. Adezio will talk about the extraordinary variations in garden design and their influences, such as climate, regional history, tradition and diverse aesthetic standards. She will also discuss the challenges of garden restoration in the 21st century. Admission is $10 members, $15 non-members; lunch is $30. For reservations or more info, call Joy Pachla at 860-677-4787, ext 111.
Canton Historical Museum presents a talk on the ARCHAEOLOGY OF CANTON AND VICINITY on Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m. at the Library/ Community Center on Dyer Ave. in Canton. Speaker is Nicholas F. Bellantoni, State Archaeologist with the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History at the University of Connecticut. Admission is $3 members, $4 non-members; for more info call 860-693-2793.
Norfolk Library, Route 44 in Norfolk presents the second of its five part SUNDAY WITH JAMES lecture series on Sunday, March 9 at 4 p.m. Lecturer James Kraft, formerly of Princeton University, will discuss "Washington Square" by Henry James. These lectures, including discussions, are intended to establish an approach to James by the reading of his finest short fiction. The major themes of James—the American and European, innocence and experience, the role of the American woman, art and the supernatural—will all be examined. Free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served; for reservations call 860-542-5075. Copies of "Washington Square" are available at the library.
Tunxis Community College, Routes 6 & 177 in Farmington hosts a lecture on WILDLIFE IN THE FARMINGTON VALLEY on Monday, March 10 at 1 p.m. in Fisher Hall. Todd Russo of the CT Audubon Society will discuss the survival needs of Farmington Valley birds and mammals as they adapt to human inhabitants. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Lifelong Learning Association, a campus organization for active learners age 55 and older. Free for LLA members; requested donation for non-members is $2. For more info call 860-679-9590.
Simon's Rock College in Great Barrington presents author, alumna and board member VERONICA CHAMBERS giving the annual W.E.B. DuBois Memorial Lecture on Monday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Arts Center Theater. Ms. Chambers’ talk is entitled "To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected: Contemporary Black Women and DuBois’ the Talented Tenth." A 1991 graduate of Simon’s Rock, Ms. Chambers has already assembled an impressive resume in writing and editing: she has worked for some of country’s top magazines, and she is the author of numerous articles and several books (fiction and non-fiction), many of which look at African-American and Panamanian culture. She is currently writing a novel, "Miss Black America," and traveling the country on a book tour for her most recent book, "Having It All? Black Women and Success." Free and open to the public; for more info call 413-528-7209.
Salisbury Chapter DAR hosts a talk about "INCOME—Where Does It Come From and Where Is It Going?" with Michael Ashe II on Tuesday, March 11 at 2 p.m. in the Community Room at Noble Horizons in Salisbury. Mr. Ashe, an Account Vice President with UBS PaineWebber, will discuss personal fixed-income finances and how they can be made to produce more income without creating financial risk. Following his talk, Mr. Ashe will answer questions from those in attendance. Free and open to the public; refreshments will be served by chapter members following the presentation.
Tunxis Community College, Routes 6 & 177 in Farmington presents the film "The Double Burden: THREE GENERATIONS OF WORKING MOTHERS" on Tuesday, March 11 from 2:30-4 p.m. in Room 201. This documentary shows what it is like to grow up in families where generations of mothers have always worked outside the home, through the portrayal of an Mexican-American, Polish-American and African-American household. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-679-9547.
Torrington Community Garden hosts a talk on HERBS AND HERBAL MEDICINAL REMEDIES by Usha Palaniswamy, Ph.D. on Tuesday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the UDSA-NRCS office, 1185 New Litchfield St. (Route 202) in Torrington. Usha Palaniswamy is a well-known expert on the use of herbs for nutritional and medicinal purposes. Topics to be covered include how to grow herbs, what to grow, what to use them for and how to harvest and prepare them. Free and open to the public; space is limited, and reservations are recommended. For more info call 860-485-0211.
Litchfield County Business & Professional Women’s Club meets at the Venetian Restaurant, 52 East Main St. in Torrington on Wednesday, March 12 with networking at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. followed by a short business meeting, and the main program at 7:30 p.m. Speaker will be EUGENIE SILLS, publisher of "The Women’s Times," a popular monthly based in Great Barrington and serving the tri-state area. Guests—both men and women—are welcome, and the public is invited as well. Cost is $23; reservations are required by March 9. For more info call Bonnie Moody at 860-364-1933, or 860-824-5123, ext 446.
Northwest Writers of Connecticut present a reading by members of the NUTMEG WRITERS GUILD on Wednesday, March 12 from 7-9 p.m. at Goshen Center School, Route 63 in Goshen. The Nutmeg Writers Guild is made up of 12 Connecticut writers who meet weekly at the Norfolk Library to read new material and to receive evaluation from peers. The group was launched in 2001 by writers in Claire Vreeland’s memoir writing class at Northwestern Connecticut Community College. The Guild motto is "Have Stories, Will Travel." Members give readings at the NCCC Literary Club and at organizations, schools and libraries throughout the region. For more info call Elizabeth Wilson at 203-756-2364, or Dot Adamson at 203-266-7251.
Colebrook Senior/ Community Center presents Mr. Jesse Lewis speaking on the "Lost Temples of Southeast Asia: THE RUINS OF ANGKOR" during a potluck dinner on Thursday, March 13 at 6 p.m. Having researched the mythology and architecture of Cambodia’s temples, Mr. Lewis has also visited them firsthand and taken extensive photographs, many of which he will be sharing in this narrated slide show. See awesome views of Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious structure, and numerous other famous and breathtaking sights in Cambodia, as well as glimpses into the lives of the Cambodian people. To register sign up at the Colebrook Senior/ Community Center or call 860-738-9521.
Simsbury Public Library, Hopmeadow St. (Route 10) in Simsbury presents a viewing of the film "GENETICS: OUR GENES, OUR CHOICES" on Thursday, March 13 from 7-9 p.m. This is the third meeting in a film and discussion series called the "Research Revolution: Science and the Shaping of Modern Life," which aims to increase the community's understanding of scientific discovery and technological transformation in the 20th century. Facilitator is Stephen Goddard, award-winning writer and national authority on the history and social impact of transportation in America. Mr. Goddard has spoken to audiences from coast to coast; he is also the co-founder of All Aboard, an advocacy group formed to press for a regional public transit system. Free and open to the public; to register call the Adult Reference Desk at 860-658-7663.
Greater Hartford Sierra Club holds its monthly meeting on Thursday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Westmoor Park, Flagg Rd. in West Hartford; letter writing and refreshments start at 7:15 p.m. Len Kendall, president of Hartford Audubon, will speak about BIRDING THROUGH THE SEASONS. This will be an informative and entertaining slide show on birdwatching during all seasons by a lifelong birder and Audubon outings leader. Len will be joined by Roger Preston, his birding partner of 35 years. Free and open to the public; for more info call Tom McCormick at 860-233-3079.
Harwinton Public Library, 80 Bentley Dr. in Harwinton presents a BOOK DISCUSSION on "Fortune's Rocks" by Anita Shreve on Monday, March 17 at 7 p.m. For more info call 860-485-9113.
Classes and Workshops
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge offers ORGANIC LAND AND GARDEN CARE on Saturday, March 8 from 1-3 p.m. Developing an organic land care program is an important part of a homeowner’s responsibility to protect family, pets and garden health. Organic land care includes not only the vegetable garden but also the lawns, trees, any water sources and even open space. This discussion will include the guiding principles for developing such a plan, evaluation, and understanding the effects of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers and alternative choices available to the consumer. Practical tips will include how to read labels, how to assess the organic vs. natural claims and a step-by-step approach to converting to organic land care. Instructor Don Bishop owns a garden design and installation business and specializes in organic land care; he also helped write the regulations governing this field of horticulture. Cost is $15 members, $20 non-members; advance registration is required. For more info call 413-298-3926.
Friends of the Cornwall Library sponsor a CORNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL WORKSHOP on Saturday, March 8 from 4-6 p.m. at the Cornwall Town Hall, Pine St. (off Route 4) in Cornwall. Learn how to shoot your own short film with filmmaker Sanjiban Sellew. From Monterey, MA, Sellew has acted, directed and produced his own unique storytelling style since 1977. Local faces, regional humor and the familiar locale of these hills are featured in his quirky, award-winning films. Sellew’s film group, The Konkapot Big Boys, has also been honored both nationally and internationally. Admission is $5 adults, $3 students with I.D., free for children under 12; for more info call 860-672-2407, or 860-672-6896.
Northeast Community Center, South Center St. in Millerton offers YOGA CLASSES starting on Monday, March 10 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Designed for adult beginners and also suitable for non-beginners, the class will emphasize relaxation while building strength and flexibility. Instructor David McArthur is certified by the National Yoga Alliance and has taught in the area for four years, in his own studio and a variety of schools and programs. He teaches Hatha style yoga, which is very gentle and focuses on simple poses and breathing techniques. Participants should wear comfortable clothing that they can move freely in; floor mats will be provided. Cost is $10 per class; to register or for more info, call 518-789-4259.
North East Community Center, South Center St. in Millerton offers a FREE BOXING CLASS for ages 14 and up taught by John Carlo on Tuesdays from 7-7:45 p.m. Mr. Carlo has competed professionally as a boxer. This class involves training for self-defense as well as for junior boxing competitions. For more info or to enroll, call 518-789-4259.
Claire Teague Senior Center, 909 Main St. (Route 7) in Great Barrington hosts a new session on QUILTING with Connie Logan starting with a sampler class on Wednesday, March 12 at 1 p.m. You will learn to piece blocks with straight piecing, curved piecing, hexagons, applique and diamonds. The blocks may be used to make pillows, a wall hanging, or the beginning of a large quilt. Instruction will be given for machine and hand piecing. If you have a photo or idea of what you would like to make, please bring it to class; for more info call 413-528-1881.
Canton Parks and Recreation sponsors a class in ONE-STROKE DECORATIVE PAINTING on Wednesdays, March 12 through April 9 from 7-9 p.m. at the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave. in Canton; there is no class on March 26. The class will teach the Donna Dewberry technique of one-stroke painting, which combines shading and blending all in one step; basic techniques in leaves and flowers will be covered. Cost is $85 plus a materials fee of $50; materials include everything needed to get started and to continue painting after the class. To register call 860-693-5808.
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge offers MASTER SITE PLANNING FOR HOMEOWNERS on Saturday, March 15 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Master site plans allow the homeowner to look at the big picture when making important landscaping decisions. It’s never too late to create a master site plan for any given property. Doing so will enable participants to plan for the future of their properties, including long-term goals. Instructor Craig Okerstrom-Lang is a registered landscape architect who has designed numerous public and private projects in the area, including Lilac Park in Lenox, Historic Downtown in Lee and sites at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. This hands-on workshop is recommended for all levels. Cost is $55 members, $65 non-members; advance registration is required, and participants should bring maps of the proposed property, existing surveys or a simple plot map with buildings marked. For more info call 413-298-3926.
Canton Clay Works, 150 Cherry Brook Rd. (Route 179) in Canton offers a workshop devoted to COVETED CONTAINERS on Saturday and Sunday, March 15-16. Ceramic artist Betsy Tanzer will teach forms such as tureens, teapots, casseroles and ginger jars. For more info call 860-693-1000.
Foothills Adult and Continuing Education offers SAT CLASSES with Verbal classes beginning on Monday, March 17 and Math classes beginning Wednesday, March 19 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Northwestern Regional High School in Winsted. Cost is $67 for either class, $112 for both; to register call 800-300-4781, or 860-567-0863.
Foothills Adult and Continuing Education offers LePALLETTE ART by Jayne beginning Wednesday, March 19 from 6-9 p.m. at Northwestern Regional High School in Winsted. See your own personal subject material develop into an oil painting signed by you! Cost is $69 for six sessions; to register call 800-300-4781, or 860-567-0863.
Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted offers THE ART OF COTTAGE GARDENING on Wednesday, March 19 and Monday, March 24 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Cottage gardening can transform a space into an exuberant, colorful and fragrant place. American cottage gardens have their own style and plant choices. Study design basics and techniques for achieving this favored look, and explore the possibilities. Cost is $45; for more info call Continuing Ed at 860-738-6446.
Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted offers a workshop in the Feldenkrais Method called "STIFF NECK? TIGHT SHOULDERS?" on Thursday, March 20 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There is a simple solution for stiff neck! Through deceptively simple, easy, yet ingeniously designed slow movements done on the floor, muscles will slowly come out of habitual contraction, allowing the student to stand taller and have greater mobility and less discomfort. This method prescribes a series of light movements performed slowly and easily, without any strain or pain. Cost is $85; for more info call Continuing Ed at 860-738-6446.
Foothills Adult and Continuing Education offers POWER YOGA beginning Thursday, March 20 from 6-7:15 p.m. at Northwestern Regional High School in Winsted. Tap into your inner strength and gain total physical, mental and emotional transformation. Cost is $45 for five sessions; to register call 800-300-4781, or 860-567-0863.
Canton Clay Works, 150 Cherry Brook Rd. (Route 179) in Canton offers classes and workshops in CERAMIC ARTS beginning March 24. Several beginner classes for youths and adults are available and teach the basics of wheel throwing, glazing and Japanese Raku-firing techniques. Advanced and intermediate classes are also available for those already involved in ceramics. Sculpture for beginning to advanced students teaches expressing your vision in clay, with several firing techniques available. British ceramic artist Caroline Ullman continues to teach during the spring term. For more info or to request a brochure, call 860-693-1000.
Northwestern CT Community College, Park Place East in Winsted presents a PRIMARY AEROBIC INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP on Sunday, March 30 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Subjects covered will be aerobics class structure, anatomy and physiology, injury prevention and identification, workouts, emergency procedures, and cardiovascular physiology. Students must purchase related manuals from AAAI/ ISMA to study before the workshop. Cost of $99 does not include study materials; for more info call Continuing Ed at 860-738-6446.
Outdoors
Social Connections offers a SINGLES WALK on Sunday, March 9 at 11 a.m. at MDC Reservoir No. 6 on Route 44 in West Hartford. The group will walk the Metacomet Trail around the reservoir; if it’s icy, the walk will be on the paved road. After the walk, the group will go to an area restaurant for lunch. There is no charge for the walk; for more info call Larry at 203-879-1680.
Sports
Northwestern Regional High School, 100 Battistoni Dr. in Winsted hosts an exhibition basketball game—NORTHWESTERN vs. GILBERT VARSITY CHEERLEADERS—on Thursday, March 13 at 7 p.m. There will also be male cheerleaders to entertain and rally the crowd. All proceeds go to charities chosen by each school: Northwestern will donate their monies to the Tommy Fund, a nonprofit organization for children with cancer and other terminal illnesses; and Gilbert will give their portion to the Lisa Schroeder scholarship fund, to help local kids go to college. For more info call Northwestern Varsity Cheer Coach Lisa Smith at 860-738-6983.
Kids
Burlington Public Library, Route 4 in Burlington presents storyteller-musician TERESA WHITAKER on Saturday, March 8 at 2:30 p.m. Teresa performs with a Celtic harp and guitar. This program is designed to entertain youngsters in grades K-5; parents are invited to attend with their children. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-673-3331.
IS183 Art School of the Berkshires, 13 Willard Hill Rd. in Stockbridge offers "Art Together: CLAY BUILDINGS AND BRIDGES" for ages 4 and up on Saturdays, March 8-22 from 10 a.m.-noon. Families will have the opportunity to work together with clay, as adults and children do their own work with the guidance of instructor Paula Shalan. Create bridges and mini-buildings constructed in clay with slabs and architectural embellishments; finish by decorating with colorful glazes. Cost is $90 for each caregiver and child pair; tuition assistance is available. For more info call 413-298-5252, ext 100.
Harwinton Public Library, 80 Bentley Dr. in Harwinton hosts the Science Center of CT and its ZOO STATION on Thursday, March 13 at 4 p.m. Children in grades K-8 are invited to register for this program sponsored by Civic Family Services; for more info call 860-485-9113.
Torrington Library, 12 Daycoeton Place in Torrington hosts THE WORLD OF HARRY POTTER, a four-session book discussion series with storyteller Sara deBeer on alternate Mondays at 4 p.m. from March 17 through April 28. Each session will focus on one book from the series by J.K. Rowling: March 17—"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone"; March 31—"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"; April 14—"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"; and April 28—"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." Storyteller and discussion leader Sara deBeer has delighted and captivated audiences since 1978 with her repertoire of international folktales, appearing as a featured artist at numerous storytelling and arts festivals; she is also an experienced classroom teacher and workshop leader. Free admission, but registration is required; for more info call Abigail at 860-489-6684.
Beardsley & Memorial Library, 40 Munro Place in Winsted offers a workshop on making CLAY NAMEPLATES for children's bedrooms on Saturday, March 22 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Winsted resident and polymer clay artist Jack Kolentik will lead this program for ages 7 and up. It is recommended that participants wear an old shirt or bring an old T-shirt to protect clothing. Free; sign up at the Children's Librarian's desk. For more info call 860-379-6043.
Festivals and Sales
IS183 Art School of the Berkshires, 13 Willard Hill Rd. (off Route 183) in Stockbridge holds its SPRING OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, March 8 from noon-4 p.m. Visitors can tour the painting and drawing, ceramics, fiber arts and young artist studios, enjoy refreshments, and purchase handcrafted ceramics offered for sale by students and faculty. Over a dozen of IS183's spring instructors will provide hands-on introductions to artmaking, including papermaking, watercolor, ceramics and illustration for both children and adults; a 10% discount will be given on all class registrations made at the open house. IS183's annual faculty show continues on display in its gallery through March 28. For more info call 413-298-5252, ext 100.
Amenia Historical Society holds its Collectors Show and SILENT AUCTION OF ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES on Sunday, March 9 from 1-4 p.m. at the Maplebrook School gym, 5142 Route 22 in Amenia. Co-sponsored by the Webutuck Country Schoolhouse Association.
Aurigan Scholarship Fund and Friends of the Bushnell-Sage Library sponsor a FANCY FLEA MARKET on Saturday, April 5 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the cafeteria at Mount Everett High School in Sheffield. An 8 x 10 floor space is available for $25; tables are available. Sell your classy items and help make money for a worthy cause. For more info or to reserve a space, call 413-229-8696.
Barkhamsted School PTO holds its annual PENNY AUCTION on Saturday, April 5. Donations would be very much appreciated; you can help by contributing a gift certificate, a talent service, a new or gently used item, gift basket or craft to be included in the auction. Past donations have included babysitting, housecleaning and landscaping services, car repairs, hair styling, household appliances, toys and paintings. A certificate describing your item or service with your name or business will be provided at the auction. For more info or to make a donation, call Bonnie at 379-8657.
Quassy Amusement Park, Route 64 in Middlebury hosts ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIRS on Saturdays and Sundays, May 10-11 and September 20-21 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Both fairs will be organized as "open" shows for regional artisans and crafters, and will be held rain or shine. Standard vendor space is 12 x 12 feet; no electricity will be available at booth locations, and vendors will be responsible for all necessary set-up equipment, including tables and canopies. Booth spaces are $25 for each event, or $40 for both weekends; registration deadline is March 20. For more info call 203-758-2913, or visit <www.quassy.com>.
And More
Torrington High School Project Graduation Committee presents an adult COMEDY HYPNOSIS SHOW on Saturday, March 15 from 7:30-9 p.m. at Torrington Middle School. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple, and will be available at the door; all proceeds go to the graduating class of 2003. For advance tickets or more info, call 860-482-1451.
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