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Music and Dance Church of Christ Congregational holds a coffeehouse, "LOVE SONGS AT THE ALWAYS CAF," on Friday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Battell Chapel, located on the Village Green in Norfolk. The program includes love songs performed by Kent Aldrich, Liz Allyn, Becky Benedict, Bill Brewster, Amanda Funchion, Felix Graham-Jones, Don Kitch, Martin Johnson, Dar Lovett, Jude Mead and Martha Rochelle. Refreshments in keeping with the day will be served. All romantics are welcome, reservations are not required; a free-will offering will be appreciated.Music for a Change presents AZTEC TWO-STEP on Friday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Wilde Auditorium at the University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave. in West Hartford. Aztec Two-Step, the legendary folk duo of Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman, has been a favorite on the folk scene since they released their self-titled debut album in 1972. Opening the show will be Margot Hennebach and Adrienne Jones, well-known performers who come together as Mad Agnes (formerly known as Madwoman in the Attic), joined by master musician Mark Saunders. Tickets are $17; proceeds benefit the Antiquarian and Landmarks Society. For more info call 860-768-4228.Simsbury Arts Council presents "WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED LOVE?" with Peter Harvey on Friday, February 14 (snow date is February 15) at 8 p.m. at Eno Hall Auditorium, 754 Hopmeadow St. (Route 10) in Simsbury. Dessert and coffee will be served after the performance of favorite love songs. Tickets are $12; for more info call 860-658-3255.Litchfield-Morris Rotary Club hosts a VALENTINE’S DAY DANCE on Friday, February 14 from 8 p.m.-midnight at the Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd. (Route 202) in Litchfield. The evening will feature live music by True Colors and an auction of unique items donated by Rotarians. BYOB; generous hors d’oeuvres (including shrimp cocktail), snacks, coffee, tea and set-ups will be provided. Open to the public. Tickets are $25 per person, $45 per couple; for more info call 860-567-8302, 860-567-3123, or 860-567-8520.Highland Lake Watershed Association sponsors a VALENTINE'S DAY DINNER/ DANCE on Saturday, February 15; hors d'oeuvres will be served from 6-7 p.m., with dinner from 7-8:30 p.m. and dancing from 8:30 p.m.-midnight. Donation is $30 per person; cash bar. To purchase tickets, call Pat at 860-379-2303.Roaring Brook Nature Center , 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton presents CHRIS SMITHER on Saturday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m. Chris returns with his superb songwriting, delivered with the most wonderfully weathered voice you’ve ever heard, all riding atop a current of blue guitar notes. His tours thoroughly blanket five continents as he solos or appears on shows with B.B. King, John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, Joan Baez and Nanci Griffith. His songs and original scores are heard on the film soundtracks of "The Horse Whisperer," "The Ride" and "Love from Ground Zero." Tickets are $18; for more info call 860-693-0263.Artwell Gallery , 19 Water St. in Torrington presents JIM COLE on Saturday, February 15 at 8 p.m. Jim Cole performs multilayered spacemusic and rhythmic acoustic improvisations, featuring harmonic overtone singing, wherein he sings two or more notes at once. Harmonic singing is based on centuries-old meditational techniques found throughout central Asia from Tuvan throat singers to Buddhist monks. Jim’s CDs—his solo debut "Godspace" as well as the disks "Coalescence" and "Sky" by his group Spectral Voices—have won critical acclaim and worldwide airplay over the past five years. Refreshments and door prizes will be offered. Suggested donation is $8; for more info call 860-482-5122.Simon's Rock College , 84 Alford Rd. in Great Barrington presents "LOW STRINGS OF THE HIGH BAROQUE," a concert of chamber music from the 17th and 18th centuries on Saturday, February 15 at 8 p.m. in the Kellogg Music Center. The program includes works by Frescobaldi, D. Gabrielli, Corelli, Couperin, Vivaldi and Bach performed by Lucy Bardo on viola de gamba; Anne Legene on cello; and Larry Wallach on harpsichord. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 seniors, students free, and will be available at the door; for more info call 413-528-7212.Berkshire Museum , 39 South St. in Pittsfield presents DA VINCI'S NOTEBOOK on Saturday, February 15 at 8 p.m. The wacky, award-winning, post-modernist a cappella quartet Da Vinci’s Notebook is known for their madcap antics, razor-sharp humor and infectious enthusiasm. Often described as Bobby McFerrin and Weird Al Yankovic colliding on stage, the quartet has gone out of their way to make their growing audiences laugh, performing an eclectic blend of doo-wop, jazz, bluegrass, calypso, opera and rock that the Washington Post terms "live musical fun at its best." Advance tickets are $15 members, $18 non-members; all tickets are $20 at the door. For more info call 413-443-7171, ext 10.The World of Arts, People & Joy , hosted by Wilbert Boles on WAPJ 89.9 FM, presents guest IAN CAMPBELL on Thursday, February 20 from 7-8 p.m. For more info call the studio at 860-489-9033.St. Anthony’s School in Winsted holds a "BLAST FROM THE PAST" SNOW BALL on Saturday, February 22 from 8 p.m.-midnight. Music will be provided by the Dick Cyr Band. Proceeds benefit the school. Tickets are $30 per couple; tickets may be purchased at Nichols Sporting Goods, or by calling 860-379-9628.
Drama and Comedy Simon's Rock College , 84 Alford Rd. in Great Barrington presents Eve Ensler’s Obie award-winning play "THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES" on Friday and Saturday, February 14-15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Arts Center Theater. Hailed by the New York Times as "funny" and "poignant," "The Vagina Monologues" dives into the mystery, humor, pain, wisdom and excitement buried in women’s experiences. Students, staff and faculty are working together to stage this production as part of the V-Day College Campaign, which promotes the play’s performance on more than 660 campuses across the country. Proceeds will benefit the Berkshire County Kids’ Place and the Berkshire Domestic Violence Prevention Center, organizations working to prevent violence in the community and aid victims. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 seniors and students, and will be available at the door; for more info call 413-528-7368.Seven Angels Theatre , located at Hamilton Park Pavilion on Plank Rd. in Waterbury presents the 5th annual VALENTINE COMEDY WEEKEND on Friday and Saturday, February 14-15 at 8 p.m. Each evening showcases four great comedians direct from NYC. Friday’s show features Andrea Kolb (MC), Marion Grodin, Nasry Malak and Richie Byrne; Saturday’s show features Jimmy Della Valle (MC), Joe Moffa, Tony Powell and D.F. Sweedler. A sweets dessert reception follows each performance along with a Valentine raffle full of delightful gifts. Tickets are $25; for more info call 203-757-4676.Acts Factory Players present AN EVENING OF THE SPOKEN WORD on Saturday, February 15 at 8 p.m. at the Canton Town Hall Auditorium, 4 Market St. in Collinsville. Experience an evening to kindle the spirit and invigorate the mind with performances by local poets, actors and high school students as they read both original works and the works of others. Performances will include poetry and prose read by adult and teen artists, scene readings and monologues, including a scene from the Acts Factory Players’ May production of "The Heidi Chronicles." Light refreshments will be served. Suggested donation is $5, tickets will be available at the door only; for more info call 860-693-9631.Clockwork Repertory Theatre , 133 Main St. in Oakville presents Agatha Christie’s "TEN LITTLE INDIANS" on 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.Seven Angels Theatre , located at Hamilton Park Pavilion on Plank Rd. in Waterbury presents a cabaret performance of "GUY AND DOLL" on Sunday, February 16 at 2 p.m. Debra Vogel and Brian Tom O’Connor enact a series of vignettes about the trials and tribulations of love, dating and marriage. Songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Comden and Green, and Cole Porter are featured; each of the songs sung by the couple is presented as a scene between a man and a woman at one stage of their relationship. The talents and chemistry of the two performers make this a playful and spirited look at love, reminiscent of the screwball comedies of the 1930s. Tickets are $20; for more info call 203-757-4676.The Warner Theatre , 68 Main St. in Torrington presents "JEKYLL & HYDE: THE MUSICAL" on Saturday, February 15 and Friday and Saturday, February 21-22 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, February 16 at 2 p.m. A gothic musical that explores the epic battle between good and evil, this Broadway adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic horror tale features a lush, romantic score by Frank Wildhorn with edgy, insightful book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. This high drama and heartbreaking love story, directed by Dick Terhune, keeps pulses pounding. Tickets are $22, $19 and $16; for more info call 860-489-7180.Barrington Stage Company presents "ELEEMOSYNARY" by Pulitzer-nominated author Lee Blessing through February 23 at the BSC’s new Studio Theatre, 18 Elm Court in Sheffield (directly behind the Wheeler & Taylor office building on Main Street); performances are Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., with an additional performance on Sunday, February 16 at 7 p.m. A moving and powerful story, witty and astute, with richly multi-dimensional characters, "Eleemosynary" brings to life three generations of women: adolescent Echo; her brilliant mother, Artie; and the strong-willed, eccentric grandmother, Dorothea. Tickets are $25-$30, with a 20% discount offered to seniors and students at Thursday evening and Sunday matinee performances; for more info call 413-528-8888.The Bushnell , 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford presents A NIGHT WITH DAME EDNA on February 18-23 in Mortensen Hall; performances are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with matinees on Wednesday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The incomparable international superstar and diva of comedy is back. If you haven’t yet joined the legions of Dame Edna fans, find out why her website declares, "Dame Edna Everage is probably the most popular and gifted woman in the world today" and critic Joyce Kulhawick calls her "the funniest woman on the planet." Tickets are $15-$60; for more info call 860-987-5900.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.Acts Factory Players hold AUDITIONS for Wendy Wasserstein's Pulitzer Prize winning comic drama "The Heidi Chronicles" on Monday through Wednesday, February 17-19 from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Canton Town Hall Auditorium, 4 Market St. in Collinsville. Parts are available for five or six women able to play ages 18-45, and three men able to play ages 25-45. Please come prepared to read from the script. For more info call director Amy Fauver at 860-738-8517, or producer Lilias Keszycki at 860-693-9631.Clockwork Repertory Theatre , 133 Main St. in Oakville holds OPEN AUDITIONS for its April production of "The Final Twist" on Saturday, March 1 from noon-4 p.m. This classic thriller by Ken Whitmore and Alfred Bradley was first produced in England in 1996 and is packed with intrigue, humor and an ingenious plot. An actor offers a young writer with writer’s block and debts a financially attractive commission—to write a script containing the perfect method and alibi for the murder of the actor’s wife. The following roles are to be cast: Sir Merlin Foster, an actor in his 40s to 50s; Charlie Nicholson, a young writer in his 20s to 30s; and Eden Dundee, Merlin’s wife, in her 20s. For more info call Director Susan Pantely at 860-274-7247.
Art Exhibits Oliver Wolcott Library , 160 South St. in Litchfield presents artwork by CT JUNIOR REPUBLIC STUDENTS through February 26. The exhibition showcases a variety of statements and ideas in a range of artistic mediums. Under the tutelage of art teacher Michelle Murelli, students at CJR follow a process-oriented approach to art, which promotes student involvement and exploration. By encouraging each student to find his own style and fully develop the creative tools of the medium, the program gives students the confidence to produce art without self-criticism and to continue to develop artistic expression throughout their lives. For more info, including library hours, call 860-567-8030.Simons Rock College , 84 Alford Rd. in Great Barrington presents UNSPOKEN, an exhibit of works by Gabrielle Senza through February 27 in the Alumni Library Atrium. Senza, an adjunct faculty member in studio arts, shows her recent paintings, drawings and collaborative installations. A recent Puffin Foundation grant recipient, she is also founder of the Red Collaborative, a nonprofit organization that strives to increase public awareness of incest, domestic violence and rape around the world through the creation and exhibition of community-based art initiatives aimed at empowering individuals, building community and giving voice to the voiceless. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-midnight, Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-midnight, and Sunday from noon-midnight. Free and open to the public; for more info call 413-528-7209.Washington Art Association in Washington Depot presents NEW WORK/ NEW DIMENSIONS through March 7. The show will feature paintings by Nancy McCarthy, photography by Lee Rogers, sculpture by James Travers, ceramic boat forms by Judith Block Solomon and winter landscape monochromes by Brad Smith. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from 2-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-868-2878.
Lectures and Presentations Simsbury Public Library , Hopmeadow St. (Route 10) in Simsbury presents a viewing of the film "I AM BECOME DEATH: THEY MADE THE BOMB" on Thursday, February 13 from 7-9 p.m. This is the first 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.Barkhamsted Historical Society presents a video and discussion about the 1955 FLOOD on Friday, February 14 at 7 p.m. at the Barkhamsted Senior Center, 109 West River Rd. in Pleasant Valley. A panel of residents will discuss their experiences during the flood and answer questions from the audience. Free, and refreshments will be served; for more info call Noreen Watson at 860-738-1152.Sheffield Historical Society presents MARY BROWN: ABOLITIONIST on Friday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Room of the Old Parish Church in Sheffield. This first-person dramatic monologue by Kathleen Thomas spans the years 1833 through 1860. It begins with the courtship of John Brown and Mary Ann Day, and culminates in the aftermath of the ill-fated raid on Harper's Ferry, Virginia. Free and open to the public; for more info call 413-229-2694.Berkshire Botanical Garden , Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge presents "TREE PEONIES: THE IMPERIAL FLOWER" on Saturday, February 15 from 10 a.m.-noon. Tree peonies have been cultivated in China for more than 1,000 years. This special family of plants adds a theatrical and exotic element to the late spring garden. Discover the increasing number of varieties available and learn about site selection, planting, cultivation and pruning of these valuable additions to the herbaceous border. Instructors Kasha and David Furman own Cricket Hill Garden, a specialty nursery devoted to Chinese Tree Peonies. Cost is $15 members, $20 non-members; advance registration is required. For more info call 413-298-3926.Stanley-Whitman House , 37 High St. in Farmington offers TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT, a themed living history tour of this historic house on Sunday, February 16; the first 45-minute tour of the day begins at 12:15 p.m., with tours starting every 30 minutes after that; the last tour departs at 3:15 p.m. Travel back to the years 1774-75, when the townspeople of Farmington were struggling with escalating tensions with Great Britain. The townspeople fight back by refusing to buy anything from England. Rather than purchase English yardgoods and tea, women weave rough homespun for clothes and brew "Liberty Tea" from herbs. Watch Ruth Hooker Whitman and her friends as they put their hands to work for the Patriot cause, and listen to their gossip about what's going on. Tickets are $5 adults, $4 seniors (age 63 and older) and AAA members, $2 children (ages 6-18); museum members and children under 6 free. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the tour for specific times; for more info call 860-677-9222.Ventfort Hall Association, 104 Walker St. in Lenox hosts HIGHWOOD AND THE WARD FAMILY, a slide presentation and talk by local historian Cornelia Brooke Gilder on Sunday, February 16 at 4 p.m. Tea will be served. Cost is $12 members, $15 nonmembers; for reservations call 413-637-3206.Washington Grange presents a lecture by SHEEP FARMER JON DODD on Monday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in downtown Washington Depot. Jon raises prize-winning Hampshire sheep for breeding stock and wool at Evening Star Farm in Woodbury and Roxbury. Free and open to the public; audience interaction is encouraged, and refreshments will be served. For more info call Matt Cain at 860-868-3456.Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) presents part 2 of "CONNECTICUT’S ENERGY FUTURE" on Tuesday, February 18 at 10 p.m.; with a repeat airing on Saturday, February 22 at 5:30 p.m. The five-part CPTV original production explores the current energy situation as well as renewable energy technologies, conservation methods and new sources of energy. This episode will explain the energy options that could be part of the state’s energy mix, including wind, solar, biomass and hydropower; the Canton home of Lou and Judi Friedman, with 40 solar panels, will be featured.Beardsley and Memorial Library , 40 Munro Place in Winsted presents BEHIND THE SCENES WITH FOUR LOCAL AUTHORS on Wednesday, February 19 at 6:30 p.m. Learn about the life of an author—writing habits, where ideas are found, the road to publication. Four Connecticut writers will speak: W.J. Calabrese, Eppie award-winning author of "Borderland"; R. Troyan Krause, author of "The Works of the Flesh"; Diana Laskaris, author of "Future Fun: Evolving Entertainment and the Nature of Play"; and L.C. Martin, author of "Caught in the Rain". There will be a question and answer session, and books will be available for purchase and signing; for more info call 860-379-6043.Colebrook Senior/ Community Center presents CHEF ANDY TABAK, JR. as guest speaker during its potluck dinner on Thursday, February 20 at 6 p.m. His topic will be Winter Soups. Chef Tabak caps a 55-year career as a professional chef, beginning as a Marine Corps cook during World War II and reaching a level of prominence and expertise such that his talents were sought by the Yankee Pedlar Inn, Toll Gate Inn, La Trattoria, Cornucopia Banquet Hall, Litchfield Inn and others. He has received numerous awards and lends his support to a variety of community activities involving cooking, especially as a volunteer instructor in culinary arts at Litchfield High School and mentor at the Culinary Institute of America. To register sign up at the Colebrook Senior/ Community Center, or call 860-738-9521.Licia and Mason Beekley Community Library , Central Ave. and Town Hill Rd. in New Hartford presents "NEW HARTFORD AND THE CIVIL WAR: A Fresh Perspective" on Thursday, February 20 at 7 p.m. Dressed in a Civil War officer’s uniform, Blaikie Hines, author of "Civil War: Volunteer Sons of Connecticut," will bring to life New Hartford’s involvement in America’s epic struggle. A military history author and artist, Hines is a passionate Civil War historian and is the great-great-grandson of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania volunteers. He lives in Thomaston, Maine, where he writes and does art restoration. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-379-7235.Business Women's Network holds its monthly dinner meeting on Tuesday, February 25 at Silo Ridge in Amenia. World-class speaker and mediator Julie Denny will give a talk on "THE NEED TO PLEASE—Women in Business." Cost is $20, dinner included; non-members are welcome. For reservations call 845-373-9063 by February 20.Canton Public Library , 40 Dyer Ave. in Collinsville hosts its SENIOR BOOK CLUB on Thursday, February 27 at 1 p.m. The group will discuss the mystery novels of Alaska-born author Dana Stabenow, whose 16 novels include "Blood Will Tell," "A Cold Day for Murder" and "Killing Grounds." The club meets on the last Thursday of the month; new members are always welcome. Free; for more info call 860-693-5800.
Classes and Workshops Beardsley & Memorial Library , 40 Munro Place in Winsted offers INTERNET WORKSHOPS on Tuesdays, February 18 and March 18 at 6:30 p.m. Mouse skills and introductory search techniques will be taught by instructor Betty Paluba of New Hartford. Free and open to the public; registration is required. For more info call 860-379-6043.Harwinton Public Library , 80 Bentley Dr. in Harwinton holds a FAMILY SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOP on Saturday, February 22 at 11 a.m. Mary Duda leads this family program. Bring your photos, scrapbooks or scrapbook pages, and the library will supply the rest. To register call 860-485-9113.Foothills Adult & Continuing Education offers a six-week STARDUST ANGEL DOLL CLASS on Mondays from 7-9 p.m. at Northwestern Regional High School, 100 Battistoni Dr. in Winsted; first class is February 24. Learn basic doll making with simple-to-sew clothing. Open to participants age 18 and over. Cost is $55; to register call 800-300-4781, or 860-567-0863.Harwinton Public Library , 80 Bentley Dr. in Harwinton offers LIBRARY COMPUTING FOR THE "VERY" BEGINNER on Tuesday, February 25 at 10 a.m. Learn how to use the library’s computerized catalog and homepage. To register call 860-485-9113.Foothills Adult & Continuing Education holds a six-week QUILTED WALLHANGING CLASS on Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. at Northwestern Regional High School, 100 Battistoni Dr. in Winsted; first class is February 26. Learn basic quilting techniques to make a trailing starflower wall hanging approximately 40" x 40". Open to participants age 18 and over. Cost is $55; to register call 800-300-4781, or 860-567-0863.Canton Public Library , 40 Dyer Ave. in Canton holds CONVERSATIONAL GERMAN CLASSES for adults and teens on Wednesdays, February 26 through March 19 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. This class is suitable for beginners as well as those with some experience speaking German. Free, but registration is required; for more info call 860-693-5800.Litchfield Community Center , 421 Bantam Rd. in Litchfield offers a BASIC ITALIAN I language course on Thursdays, February 27 through April 10 from 9:15-11:15 a.m. This beginner's course includes grammar, culture and conversation; no prerequisite. Cost is $50; registration deadline is February 20. For more info call 860-567-8302.Farmington Valley Arts Center , 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon offers WORDPLAY: A POETRY WORKSHOP on Saturday and Sunday, March 1-2. Get in touch with your "inner poet" through WordPlay. This workshop features exercises that require participants to utilize their five senses to explore what really matters in their lives. Cost is $140; preferred registration deadline is February 21. For more info call 860-678-1867, ext 101.
Outdoors Active Singles sponsors a HIKE at Burr Pond State Park in Torrington on Sunday, February 16 at 9:30 a.m.; meet at 9 a.m. Bring hiking boots and water; there will be four different skill levels. For singles only (ages 30s-50s), no children or dogs; new members are welcome. Optional brunch to follow 2-hour hike. Call Charlie at 860-489-9611 to register for lunch (a count is needed for the restaurant), or for directions and carpooling info.Litchfield Outing Club offers CROSS COUNTRY SKIING AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES. On Sunday, February 16, there will be an afternoon of winter sports activities in Goshen followed by a potluck supper. On the weekend of March 7-9 there will be a trip to Okemo Mountain in Vermont for X-C and downhill skiing; accommodations will be dorm-style at the Trojan Horse Hostel, with the group cooking its own meals. The Outing Club is open to all adults and youths in sixth grade or older; all events are non-smoking, non-alcohol, and no pets. For more info call Carol at 860-567-5074, Beth at 860-567-1137, or Doyle at 860-567-8928, or send a SASE to the Outing Club, PO Box 753, Litchfield, CT 06759.Litchfield Hills Audubon Society sponsors a WEEKEND BIRDING TRIP to the Newburyport and Cape Ann, MA area on Friday through Sunday, February 21-23. Some species sighted in past years are the Bald Eagle, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Snowy Owl, Northern Shrike, Razorbill and the Iceland, Glaucous and Black-Headed Gulls. The public is invited; for more info and reservations, call Dave Tripp at 860-693-6524.
Sports Special Olympics Connecticut holds its 2nd annual PENGUIN PLUNGE on Saturday, February 15 at noon at Quassy Amusement Park, Route 64 in Middlebury; registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Last year more than 100 people jumped into frigid Lake Quassapaug for this invigorating plunge, and their pledges helped raise $500,000 to support Special Olympics Connecticut’s year-round programs of competitions and training. Clad only in bathing suits and bow ties, participants are required to get soaked but do not have to stay in the water for any length of time. Awards will be presented to the oldest and youngest penguin, top fund-raiser, best costume, largest school team, largest law enforcement group and the person recruiting the most penguins. Spectators are welcome. To register or for more info, call 203-267-6566.Litchfield Community Center , 421 Bantam Rd. (Route 202) in Litchfield hosts the Bob Andrulis Memorial "SWEETHEART" RUN AND WALK on Saturday, February 15 starting at 11 a.m. Participants of all ages are welcome to take part in either the 5-mile run or the 3-mile walk, on a course of varied terrain. Refreshments and a goodie bag will be provided for all finishers, and age division prizes will be awarded for runners; the first 100 registrants will receive a free T-shirt. Registration fee is $10 adults, $5 children (12 and under); for more info call 860-567-8302.
Kids Mattatuck Museum , 144 West Main St. in Waterbury presents Lisa Lou in THE ANTI-GRAVITY ACT on Friday, February 14 at 2 p.m. Lisa Lou uses her circus skills to defy the laws of gravity. She explains principals of physics and earth science by spinning eight plates, juggling while balancing on a big ball and creating magic that kids can do at home. Using audience participation and a lot of fun, Lisa Lou demonstrates principals such as gravity, balance, centripetal force and everything in between. Admission is $5 adults, $3 children (under 16), free for 2 and under; reservations are requested; for more info call 203-753-0381, ext 10.The Bushnell , 166 Capitol Ave. in Hartford presents BEAR IN THE BIG BLUE HOUSE in "A First Time for Everything" on Friday, February 14 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, February 15 at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday, February 16 at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. in Mortensen Hall. This live stage musical based on the hit TV show "A First Time for Everything" explores the wonders and challenges of first-time feats and emphasizes that the journey is just as rewarding as the accomplishment. The show features Bear, the gentle, seven-foot host who dances a sassy "cha-cha." With his friends Pip and Pop, Tutter, Ojo and Treelo, Bear sets out on a journey of first-time feats, welcoming every challenge with open paws! Celebrate beginner’s triumphs with Bear and his friends, as Tutter embarks on his first day of school and Ojo rides her first two-wheeler. Tickets are $15, $20 and $25, with a $5 reduction on opening night; for more info call 860-987-5900.Berkshire Botanical Garden , Routes 102 & 183 in Stockbridge presents PUPPETRY ACTIVITIES WITH A GREEN THEME on Tuesday through Thursday, February 18-20 from 10 a.m.-noon. Three separate workshops will be offered. Tuesday’s program will revolve around seeds; after a performance of "Seeds on the Move," children will construct a shadow puppet and stage their own puppet production of the classic story "The Carrot Seed" by Ruth Krauss. On Wednesday the theme will be how animals live in winter; after a finger-puppet presentation of "Animals in Winter," the group will make simple finger puppets for a performance of "Down the Hill with Frog and Toad" (from Arnold Lobel’s "Frog and Toad All Year"). Thursday’s program looks forward to spring as the class focuses on butterflies; "Waiting for Wings," Lois Ehlert’s poetic tale of the life cycle of the butterfly, will be presented, and children will make sock puppets and create their own play. Cost for each program is $8 members, $10 non-members; materials are provided, but children may bring a favorite sock if they wish. Advance registration is required; for more info call 413-298-3926.Sheffield Historical Society , 159-161 Main St. in Sheffield offers HANDS-ON QUILTING, a school vacation workshop for ages 8-12 on Wednesday, February 19 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Create a unique piece of textile history to take home. Participants will learn about the history of quilts, which were made for practical purposes, often from scrap material lying around the home; the class will also look at traditional quilt patterns and the colorful and descriptive names they have inspired (Barn Door, Broken Dishes, Pinwheel, Rail Fence). The workshop offers varying levels of difficulty to keep everyone busy at learning a new and treasured craft; all that is required is enthusiasm for learning a new skill. Participants should bring a bag lunch. Cost is $8 members, $10 non-members; registration is required. For more info call 413-229-2694.Canton Public Library , 40 Dyer Ave. in Canton presents STORYTRAILS with master storyteller Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti on Wednesday, February 19 at 1 p.m. Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti teaches and entertains with stories which remind us of the universal bonds of brotherhood, her powerful words painting unforgettable pictures for her enrapt audiences. She draws upon stories from around the world, stories from her past and stories she heard from her ancestors, in the African-American, Cherokee and Choctaw cultures. Free and open to ages 5 and up, registration not necessary; for more info call 860-693-5800.Harwinton Public Library, 80 Bentley Dr. in Harwinton offers PJ STORYTIME on Wednesday, February 19 at 7 p.m. This special evening program for school-age children features stories, a craft and a snack. Pre-registration is requested; for more info call 860-485-9113.Canton Public Library , 40 Dyer Ave. in Canton holds a YU-GI-OH TOURNAMENT for ages 8-16 on Thursday, February 20 from 1-4 p.m. Take part in a trading card tournament using the hot, new Yu-Gi-Oh trading cards. Players must bring their own cards and will be matched one-on-one with other players. Pre-registration is required; for more info call 860-693-5800.
Festivals and Sales Thomaston Public Library , 248 Main St. in Thomaston holds its annual BOOK, BAKE AND TAG SALE on Saturday, March 1 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Donations of books and small household items for the tag sale are now being accepted during regular library hours. Anyone who would like to donate a baked good is asked to stop by the library to sign up, or call 860-283-4339.St. Thomas Church , Route 63 in Goshen holds a FLEA MARKET on Saturday, March 15 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in Donahue Hall. Eight-foot vendor tables are $15 each or two for $25; for more info call Cathy Nygren at 860-491-2781, or Diana Bernard at 860-491-2504 after 5 p.m. Proceeds will support the preservation of the historic St. Thomas of Villanova Chapel.
And More New England Air Museum , 36 Perimeter Rd. (adjacent to Bradley International Airport) in Windsor Locks holds OPEN COCKPIT DAY on Sunday, February 16 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; cockpits close at 4 p.m. Up to 15 aircraft will have their cockpits open for visitors to climb in and play pilot. Open aircraft include helicopters, a vintage DC-3 airliner, WWII aircraft such as the P-47 Thunderbolt and the Corsair, jet fighters and many more. Admission includes access to the Museum’s two heated display hangers, a mini-theater and an extensive gift shop. The 1903 Wright Flyer Centennial Tour and Exposition, featuring a full-scale replica of the Wright Brothers' original airplane, will remain on display through February 24. Sneakers or soft-soled shoes are recommended. Admission is $7.50 adults, $6.50 seniors, $4 children (ages 6-11), free for children under 6; for more info call 860-623-3305.Northwest CT Draft Horse Association holds a SLEIGH RALLY on Sunday, February 16 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Harwinton Fairgrounds on Locust Rd. (off Route 4) in Harwinton. The competition is open to draft horses, light horses and ponies. There will be single, team, and 4-horse hitch classes, a Currier and Ives class requiring costumes appropriate to the vehicle driven, and fun classes; ribbons will be awarded in each class. Refreshments will be available, as well as free sleigh rides and a bonfire. (If there is no snow, the event will be cancelled.) Admission is $3 adults, free for children (under 12); for more info or to pre-register, call Sheryl Keeley at 413-229-3302, or Harriet Ellis at 860-567-8607.
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