February 9, 2012
Something New
Written by Sally Sanders
Thursday, 09 February 2012 00:00
* = Activities for children.
ART & ARCHITECTURE
* Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield; 203-438-4519, www.aldrichart.org: Family Drop-In Weekends, noon to 5, every weekend in the Education Center, free w/gen. adm.; Makers Night, informal papermaking workshop with McKendree Key, Thur., Feb. 9, 6-8 p.m., $30; Brown Bag Tour with artist Jim Dingilian, Wed., Feb. 15, 11-1, $7/person (BYO lunch; drinks, coffee, tea and dessert provided), info., 203-438-4519 x38 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Teen Pizza, collaborative art-making session for teens 13-16, w/refreshments, music by Ridgefield Music and Arts Center, Fri., Feb. 17, 3-5 p.m.; Aldrich Buddies, weekly learn and play workshop series for children and families, begin. Wed., Feb. 22, 10-11:30 a.m., $30; Curator-Led Exhibition Tour, with exhibitions director Richard Klein, Sun., Feb. 26, 2-3 p.m., free w/adm.
* Ridgefield Guild of Artists, Halpin Lane; 203-438-8863: Adult Classes, Drawing from the Model, Victor DeMasi, monitor, Thur., 7-9:30, weekly $15/session, $8/students; office hours Thur.-Sat., 1-5; upcoming classes for kids, teens and adults, call for info.
* Bruce Museum, One Museum Dr., Greenwich; brucemuseum.org or 203-869-0376: Docent-led Museum Exhibition Tours, Fri., 12:30, free w/ museum adm.; Walter Wick: Larger Than Life, projections of pictures for interactive observation experience guided by a museum educator, for ages 3 and up, Sat., March 10, 10:30-11:15; Astronomy Family Day, Sun., Feb. 12, 1-4 p.m., Starlab Planetarium shows running continuously, talks by members of the Astronomical Society; Look and See for Young Museum Visitors: Can You See What I See?, Thur., Feb. 23, 12:30-1:15, for ages 3-5, $7/child.
Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd., New Canaan; 203-966-9700 or silvermineart.org: 2nd Annual Jazz Brunch featuring Rob Silvan, Sun., Feb. 12, 11:30-2, $25; Artist Talk: New Members/Grace Shanley/Jak Kovatch, Tues., Feb. 28, 6 p.m.
* Westport Arts Center, 51 Riverside Ave.; 203-222-7070 or westportartscenter.org: ArtCafé, arts discussion, Fri., Feb. 10, 17 and March 2, 9, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and happy hour 6-7 p.m., Fri., Feb. 24 and March 16, free, comp. refreshments; Education Programs, next session, April 9-May 28 (see Web site for info.); Writers Artists Collaborative, one Wed./month, 12:30-1:30, free, coffee served, BYO lunch if desired (RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ): Feb. 15, March 14, April 11, May 16; JazzJam Thursdays, March 1, April 12, May 17, June 14, 7 p.m., $20, $10/college students and younger, free for musicians who play, led by Brian Torff; Play Time/Games and Theories of Play, Thur., Feb. 9, 7-9 p.m., $15, panel discussion moderated by Carolyn McKenzie; Animation with Experimental Materials, Sat., Feb. 11, 10-noon, ages 11-14, New Media Lab, 42 Main St.; The Fine Art Portrait, Thur., Feb. 16, 6-8 p.m., ages 15-adults, New Media Lab, 42 Main St.; Janina Fialkowska, Pianist, Sun., Feb. 26, 3 p.m., $25, $10/college students & younger; 3D Dream Machines, Mon., Feb. 27, 10-noon for ages 6-10, $45.
Guilded Lynx, jewelry and metal arts school, 458 Main St., Ridgefield; info., 203-431-2400 or guildedlynx.com: Pre-Valentine’s Intensive Course in Metal Etching, Feb. 11-12.
Bellarmine Museum of Art in Bellarmine Hall, at Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Rd.; free adm., Mon.-Fri., 10-4; 203-254-4000 x4046 or fairfield.edu/museum: The Golden Door, screening of 2007 film in connection w/exhibit of From Italy to America — Photographs of Anthony Riccio, Wed., Feb. 29, 7:30, at the Quick Center (quickcenter.com).
* Katonah Museum of Art, Rte. 22 at Jay St., Katonah, N.Y., 914-232-9555: Programs for Children: Target Picture Story Saturdays, Sat. at 10:30, with guest readers, free; See-and-Do Art Activities, ages 3 and up (accomp. by an adult), Sat. at 1, Sun. at 1:30, free.
* Neuberger Museum, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, N.Y., 914-251-6112 or www.neuberger.org: Gallery Talks, Tues.-Fri. at 1, Sun. at 3, led by docents, res. not required. First Wednesdays @ the neu, 4-8 p.m., refreshments and adm. free.
CRAFTS
Stitch-In-Public-Day at the Wilton Library, Sat., Feb. 11, 10-4; Fairfield County Chapter of the Embroider’s Guild of America; demonstrations, exhibit; 137 Old Ridgefield Rd., Wilton; 203-762-3950 or wiltonlibrary.org.
Brookfield Craft Center, 286 Whisconier Rd. (Rte. 25 at 202), Brookfield; 203-775-4526 or brookfieldcraft.org: Classes in ceramics, jewelry making, wood turning, glass, fiber arts, etc.
Nutmeg Quilters Guild, meeting monthly on the 2nd Wed. of the month (except August) at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30): Ridgefield Recreation Center, Danbury Rd. (Rte. 35); on the odd months, a celebrity quilter is guest speaker: meeting incl. a quilt vendor, “show & tell”; on even months, “hands-on” evening; guests welcome, $5 fee (annual dues $25, Sept.-Sept.); info., nutmegquilters.org.
Huck Embroidery instruction; initial private lessons then drop-in weekly “Stitch and Kvitch” sessions; small fees; led by Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray, Temple Shearith Israel, Ridgefield; info., e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
GARDENING
Garden Education Center of Greenwich, 130 Bible St., Cos Cob; 203-869-9242 or visit gecgreenwich.org: Fern Frenzy, Wed., Feb. 22, 5-7 p.m., in the Greenhouse; Introduction to Bonsai Series, six classes begin. Feb. 23, 6:30-9:30 p.m., $250; Carri Raven Orchid Growing Workshop & Trunk Show, Thur., Feb. 23: workshop 9:30-11:30, $25; trunk show, 11:30-1:30, free; The Entertaining Addict, Wed., Feb. 29, 11-1, $75.
* Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens, 151 Brookdale Rd., Stamford; 203-322-6971 or bartlettarboretum.org: Eat Your Weeds, Thur., Feb. 9, 10-noon (info. or reg., ladybug.uconn.edu); Signs of Spring, Sun., Feb. 12, 1-2 p.m., $10; Winter Vacation Camp, Feb. 20-24, for children ages 5-11, $350/wk., $75/day, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Open Exploration at the Arboretum, Tues. & Thur., 10-11 a.m., ages 2-8, $10.
HEALTH
Breast Cancer Survivors’ Support Group, Tues., Feb. 14, 6-8 p.m.; reg. highly encouraged; Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd.; 203-762-3950 or wiltonlibrary.org.
Red Cross Courses (including Parenting, CPR, Back Injury Prevention, First Aid, HIV/AIDS Education, Lifeguard Training) offered periodically, visit ctredcross.org:
—Danbury area Chapter at 7 Park Lawn Dr., Bethel; 1-877-3327.
—Darien Chapter, 39 Leroy Ave., Darien, 203-655-2586.
—Greenwich Chapter, 99 Indian Field Rd., 203-869-0192.
—New Canaan Chapter, 51 Main St., New Canaan, 203-966-1663.
HISTORY & ANTIQUES
* Greenwich Historical Society, Bush-Holley Historic Site, 39 Strickland Rd., Cos Cob; open Wed.-Sun., 12-4 (docent-led tours at 1, 2 and 3); 203-869-6899, ext. 10 or www.hstg.org; adm. to gallery, visitor ctr. & house museum, $10/adults, $8/srs. and students, under 6 free; group tours at $7/person avail. on public and non-public days; library and archives open Wed.-Thur., 10-4; adm. offices open Mon.-Fri., 9-5.
* Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd., Wilton, 203-834-1896 or www.nps.gov/wefa: grounds open daily dawn to dusk; Burlingham House Visitor Ctr., Sat.-Sun., 10-4, Jan.-March (Thur.-Sun., 10-4, April-Dec.); call for info. on tours. Admin. offices open Mon.-Fri., 9-5; info., incl. current program and tour sched., call or visit Web site.
Sacred Trash: The Lost and Found World of the Cairo Genize, talk by Peter Cole and Adina Hoffman, Sun., Feb. 12, 10 a.m., Temple Israel, 14 Coleytown Rd., Westport; info., 203-227-1293.
The Caryatid Hairstyles: How to Braid Your Hair Like a Greek Goddess, presented by Katherine Schwab, Ph.D., Wed., Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m., Fairfield University Bookstore, 1499 Post Rd., Fairfield; info., 203-254-4000 x2950.
The 140th Anniversary of President Ulysses Grant Meeting the Japanese Iwakura Mission on May 4, 1872, presentation by Harry Sakamaki, Sr. advisor of the Japan Society of Fairfield County, Sat., Feb. 25, 2-3:30 p.m., at the Westport Public Library, 20 Jesup Rd.; res. to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 203-912-3757.
The American Civil War Series, Part II: A Connecticut Focus, presented by the Wilton Library and the Wilton Historical Society, lectures alternating between the historical society, 224 Danbury Rd. (Rte. 7) and the library (137 Old Ridgefield Rd.), res., recommended at wiltonlibrary.org or 203-762-3950 x213: Connecticut Women in the Civil War, Sun., Feb. 26, 4-5:30 p.m., w/Dione Longley, former director of the Middlesex County Historical Society, at the library; Connecticut’s African-American Soldiers, Sun., March 4, 4-5:30 p.m., with Assistant Prof. David Koch of Housatonic Community College, at the historical society; The Artist in the Civil War, sun., March 18, 4-5:30 p.m., w/artist Dan Troiani, at the library.
Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Rd., Fairfield; 203-259-1598 or fairfieldhistory.org: MouseMuse presents “Stories on the Green: Love Hurts,” Thur., Feb. 9, 7 p.m. (snow date March 1), $20 incl. light fare and cash bar; Kate’s Cottage with Mike Bielawa, Thur., Feb. 16, noon (BYO lunch), short film and talk about Katharine Hepburn’s stay in Stratford.
LITERATURE
Author Jackson Kuhl, Samuel Smedley, Connecticut Privateer, Mon., Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., Westport Library, 20 Jesup Rd.; info., 203-291-4800.
Ladies Who Launch of Southwestern CT, discussion and book signing with Millie Grenough, author of OASIS in the Overwhelm, Thur., Feb. 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Lyn Evans Potpourri Designs, 103 Elm St., New Canaan; limited seating, res., visit ladieswholaunch.com/southwestct/event/2928.
Author Robert Leleux, The Living End, about his grandmother’s decline into Alzheimer’s, Wed., Feb. 29, noon; Westport Library, 20 Jesup Rd.; 203-291-4800.
The Westport Writers’ Workshop, 3 Sylvan Rd. South, Westport; membership $150/yr. offers access to “writing hours unplugged,” quiet writing time w/o Internet access, several days/wk.; westportwritersworkshop.com or 203-227-3250.
The Advanced Writers’ Workshop, satellite group of the Westport Y’s Women, inviting serious writers to join; particip. not limited to Westport res.; info., 203-256-8786.
MISCELLANY
Chinese Foreign Policy and American Security Interests in Asia, World Affairs Forum featuring David J. Firestein, vice-pres. of the Strategic Trust Building Initiative and Track 2 Diplomacy at the East West Institute, Wed., Feb. 15, 5:45 p.m. networking and refreshments and presentation at 6:15 p.m.; $20 adm.; at UConn Stamford, corner Broad St. and Washington Blvd.; res., 203-356-0340 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
The Compassionate Friends, Stamford Chapter, non-denominational self help group for bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings; meets 2nd Mon. of each month at 7:30 p.m.; Tully Center, 32 Strawberry Hill Ct., Stamford, main floor; info., 203-329-2796 or 203-323-2617.
MUSIC
* Exploring the Orchestra with the Stamford Symphony, for children 4-8, up-close-and-personal; Sun., Feb. 12 and March 25, at 1 and 2:30; at Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd.; adm. $15/adults, $8/children; info., stamfordsymphony.org or call 203-325-1407 x10 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
The Ridgefield Songwriters’ Circle, monthly gatherings to play new songs and discuss them; for info., call Dave Goldenberg, 203-438-4521.
NATURE & SCIENCE
* New Canaan Nature Center, 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, 203-966-9577; satellite site for NY Botanical Garden programs (800-322-6924); buildings open Mon.-Sat., 9-4 (closed major holidays); Programs for Kids & Families: First Saturdays, 1st Sat. of the month, free guided activities for visitors, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Feb. 4, 11-12:30, “Winter Survival”; Free Live Animal Presentations, Sat. at 3, lasting 15-20 min., dif. animal each week; Fall Registration Open for children’s programs, see Web site; Owl Moon Night Hike, Sat., Feb. 11, 5-6 p.m., $8/person, reg. in adv.; Winter Break Programs, Feb. 14-16, 9-3, $60-$90/day depending on age group (3-5 or 6-9); Programs for Adults: New Canaan Nature Center Bookclub, first Tues/mon. at 7:30 p.m.; Backyard Gardening Series with “Uncle Buck” (Randy Brown), 10 lessons over 13 weeks, beginning in Feb., $250 incl. supplies, Sat. mornings, 8:30-10:30 in the Greenhouse.
* Woodcock Nature Center, 56 Deer Run Rd., Wilton; center open 9:30-5, Tues.-Sat., two-plus miles of trails open daily, dawn to dusk; reg. in advance for programs, 203-762-7280; www.woodcocknature center.org.
* Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N. Water St., adm. $12.95 for adults, $11.95 for seniors, $9.95 for children 2-12; open 10-5 daily (till 6, July and August); info., 203-852-0700, ext. 2206: Toy Boat Workshop on Saturdays and Sundays between 11 and 3, 20-min. workshop, $5/child, no res. required. Winter Creature Cruises: Sun., Sat., Feb. 18, 1 p.m., 2.5 hrs., for ages 8 and older, tickets $20.50, adv. purchase strongly recommended.
* Stepping Stones Museum, 303 West Ave., Norwalk; adm. $12/adults and children (under 1, free), $10/srs.; Early Childhood Classes for ages 6 mon.-6 yrs. and After School Adventures for grades 3-12, reg. online; other ongoing events; steppingstonesmuseum.org or call 203-899-0606: Around the World Performance: Maori Stories and Songs with Ataahua Papa, Sat., Feb. 11, 2 p.m. Summer Workshops: for children 7-11, create comic books July 9-13, puppetry July 16-27, build and launch rockets July 30-Aug. 23; call for info. or visit website.
* Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center, 10 Woodside Lane, Westport; open Mon.-Sat., 9-5, Sun., 1-4 (closed major holidays); adm. $7/adults, $5/ages 1-12 & srs.; free adm. to trails and property, daily 7 a.m.-dusk; interactive nature museum, live wildlife, family program on Sat.; 203-227-7253; earthplace.org: School Break Fun, Fri., Feb. 17, drop-in activities w/reg. adm.: meet an animal at 10 a.m., trail walk at 2:30; February Vacation Fun, drop-activities at 10 and 2:30, Tues., Feb. 21, through Fri., Feb. 24, free w/reg. adm.; February Vacation Days, drop-off program for ages 3 1/2 to first grade, 9:30-12:30 Tues., Feb. 21, and Wed., Feb. 22, pre-reg. required.
* Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford; 203-322-1646 or www.stamfordmuseum.org: Sunday Explorers, 1-4 p.m., outdoor activity followed by indoor science activity at 2:30 and “Animal Meet and Greet” at 3:30; Heckscher Farm, daily, 9-4 (Animal Embassy open Tues.-Sun., 10-3:30); Nature’s Playground, daily 9-5; Bendel Mansion (main building), Mon.-Sat., 9-5, Sun., 11-5. Teddy Bear Tea Party, Sat., Feb. 11, 2-4 p.m., $35/person; Exploring the Orchestra: Play Me A Story, Sun., Feb. 12, at 1 and 2:30 p.m., adults $15, children $8, res. required; Astronomy Night: Globe at Night and Other Citizen Science Projects, Fri., feb. 17, 7 p.m., $3/adults, $2/children 5-17.
* Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport; adm. $12/adults, $10/children 3-11 and seniors, free for children under 3; open daily 9 to 4; Carousel, Peacock Cafe, Jungle Canteen, Gift Shop; 203-394-6565, www.beardsleyzoo.org.
* The Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport; 203-372-3521; Tues.-Sat., 10-5, Sun., 12-5; museum and planetarium (Full-Dome Show: The Little Star That Could, for ages 8 and young; Dawn of the Space Age, for ages 8 and older), $8.50 adults, $7 children, seniors, students, free under 5.
* Audubon Greenwich, 613 Riversville Rd., call for program res., 203-869-5272 or greenwich.audubon.org; program fees: $5/adults, $3/children, srs. (incl. adm. to Center & Grounds); trails open dawn to dusk weekends; Kimberlin Nature Center open daily, 9-5; nature store open Tues.-Sat., 9-5. 1st Sunday Bird Walks at Greenwich Point, Sun., March 4, 9-11 a.m., free, meet at second concession stand, bring binoculars (info., 203-413-6756 or 203-637-9822); Winter Vacation Adventures, Feb. 14-15 and Feb. 21-22, for grades K-5, $75; Great Backyard Bird Count: A ‘Training Session,’ Sat., Feb. 18, 1-2:30, all ages, call for res.
Tilly Foster Farm, Rte. 312, Brewster, N.Y.; open to visits daily 10-4; farm store open Fri.-Sun., 10-4; info., 845-279-4474 or visit tillyfosterfarm.org.
* Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem, N.Y; pre-reg. required for programs; nywolf.org: Wolves of North America, Sat., March 3, Tues., March 6, 11 a.m., Sat., March 10, 2 p.m., Sun., March 11, 11 a.m., $13/adults, $11/children under 12; Wolf Tails for Kids — Mythology of a Predator, Sat., March 3, 2 p.m., $13/adults, $11/children under 12; Pack Chat for Kids (ages 4-8), Sun., March 4, 11 a.m., Sat., March 10, 11 a.m., $13/adults, $11/children under 12; Sunset Photo Session, Sun., March 11, 4:30-Sunset, $150/person, space limited.
Appalachian Mountain Club: presentation by Deborah Lewis on Hiking in Austria and Bavaria, Tues., Feb. 14, wine, cheese, appetizers, coffee and dessert at 6:30, presentation at 7:30; $8/non-members; St. Thomas Church, 95 Greenwood Ave. (Rte. 302), one block east of PT Barnum Square, Bethel; info., ct-amc.org/Fairfield.
Mianus Chapter, Trout Unlimited: Fly Fishing Tips & Tactics with Jeff Yates and Dean Keister, Tues., Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m., at the mansion at Waveny Park, 677 South Ave., New Canaan; info., mianustu.org.
Audubon Connecticut Master Bird Conservationist Program, 4-day workshop Feb. 22, March 7, March 21, at Bridgeport City Hall Annex, April 4, field trips; free, but requires 20 hrs. vol. service; info., audubonct.org.
SELF IMPROVEMENT
Career Development Workshops, 3rd Tues. of the month at 10 a.m., Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, 733 Monroe Tpk., Monroe; reg. at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 203-452-2850 x6: Job Search Strategies, Feb. 21; Cover Laters, Thank You Notes and More, March 20; Resume Basics, April 17.
TING (Temple Israel Networking Group) for individuals in their job search, Tues., Feb. 14 and 21, at 2 p.m.; 14 Coleytown Rd., Westport; free; info., 203-227-1293.
SCORE - Service Corps of Retired Executives, help for small-business owners:
— Western Connecticut SCORE - 155 Deer Hill Ave., Danbury; 203-794-1404; westernconnecticut.score.org.
— Fairfield County - 24 Belden Ave., Norwalk; 203-847-7348, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , fairfieldcounty.score.org.
— Greater Bridgeport - University of Bridgeport Mandeville Hall, 230 Park Ave., Bridgeport; 203-450-9484, greaterbridgeport.score.org.
— Westchester - 120 Boomingdale Rd., NYS Dept. of Labor, White Plains, N.Y.; 914-948-3907; westchester.score.org.
THEATER & DANCE
Ridgefield Theater Barn Workshops, 37 Halpin Lane, ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org: Fundamentals of Improv with Rick Hodder, eight weeks beginning Sun., Feb. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (free sample class, Sun., Jan. 22); adults-only, 18 min. age, $340.
Send listings to Sally Sanders, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; or mail, c/o Hersam Acorn Newspapers, 16 Bailey Avenue, Ridgefield 06877, two weeks in advance of desired publication date.
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