ART & ARCHITECTURE
Fairfield University Art Museum’s new monthly series of gallery conversations, Art in Focus, 11 a.m. in museum’s Bellarmine Hall Galleries on campus of Fairfield University. During each event in series, one painting, print, or sculpture in museum’s collection will take center stage for hour’s worth of close looking and informal discussion, led by Curator of Education Michelle DiMarzo, Ph.D.
Arts For Healing Spring Semester offers music, art, dance and acting lessons, 24 Grove St. New Canaan. For more information call 203-972-2982 or email [email protected].
CRAFTS
* Brookfield Craft Center, 286 Whisconier Rd.; brookfieldcraft.org: classes, open studios in clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal. Gallery Shop open Sat., 11-6, and Sun., 11-5. To learn more, visit brookfieldcraft.org or call 203-775-4526. Gallery hours: Tues.-Fri., 12-5; Sat., 11-5, Sun., 12-4.
The Nutmeg Woodturners League, local chapter of the American Association of Woodturners, promotes woodturning as craft and art form. Meeting at Brookfield Craft Center on second Monday of every other month (January, March, May, September, November). All welcome.
DANCE
Darien Arts Center, 2 Renshaw Rd., behind Town Hall in Darien. Info: darienarts.org or call 203-655-8683. Educational programs, including many new offerings, in dance and martial arts for children, teens and adults in fall, such as ballet, jazz, hip hop and more. Martial arts for ages 4 and up. Reg. open now at website or call for details.
FILM
Norwalk Public Library offers Kanopy, a cinema streaming service, which has 30,000 award-winning films, including The Criterion Collection, The Great Courses, PBS and thousands of feature and festival films. Kanopy can stream on your phone (Apple or Android), tablet, computer or Roku device. You can stream up to 6 films per month. For step-by-step instructions, visit Kanopy page on NPL’s website, norwalklib.kanopy.com/welcome/frontpage, or stop by library, 1 Belden Ave., Norwalk. Info: Cynde Bloom Lahey, director of library information services, 203-899-2780, x15133, or [email protected] .
GARDENING
Greater Bridgeport Men’s Garden Club monthly meetings, Sterling House, 2283 Main St., Stratford. Members normally meet third Wednesday of each month to discuss various gardening issues, share in plant swaps, DVDs or speaker presentations. Beginner gardeners and anyone with interest in gardening, plants and landscaping welcome. Info: Joe, 203-339-2701 or Art, 203-261-9771.
Seed Library at Norwalk Public Library, 1 Belden Ave., Norwalk. Now, everyone — from avid gardeners to newbies — can check out free vegetable, flower and herb seeds along with getting support for growing and saving seeds. Brochures available on how self-service procedure works. Info: Laurie Iffland, reference librarian, 203-899-2780, x15114 or [email protected]
HEALTH
Qigong with Bill Wrenn is returning to Norwalk Public Library, 1 Belden Ave., Wed., 5-6 p.m., through Dec. 27 Qigong (pronounced chee-gung) means balancing and harmonizing with energy of life. In Chinese, Qi is “life energy,” and Gong means work, skill, or cultivation. The practice of Qigong includes gentle, dance-like movements, mindful breathing, meditation and self massage. Wrenn is certified Qigong and Tai Chi teacher. Reg suggested. Info and sign-up vial Cynde Bloom Lahey, director of library information services, at 203- 899-2780, x15133 or [email protected].
St. Vincent’s Breast Health Center in Bridgeport offers free and low-cost digital mammography screenings through its mobile mammography coach for women age 40 and older. No prescription needed but appointments are required. Walk-ins welcome. For those who have insurance, bring card and photo ID at time of visit. Appointments: 203-576-5500.
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/seniors. and students, under 6 free; group tours at $7/person avail. on public and non-public days; library and archives open Wed.-Thurs., 10-4; adm. offices open Mon.-Fri., 9-5. Telling the Jewish-American Story in Town, seeking materials for late 2017-2018 exhibit (letters, photos, documents, diaries, recipes, household objects, vintage clothing, etc.). Story Barn: Imagine That!, program inspired by the exhibit Jim and Jane Henson: Creative Work, Creative Play; $20; to share a story, email [email protected] or call 203-869-6899 x31. Jim Henson exhibit and tours of Bush-Holley House.
Keeler Tavern Museum, 18th century historical building at 132 Main St., Ridgefield, 203-438-5485, keelertavernmuseum.org. Museum has begun docent training sessions.
* Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd., Wilton, 203-834-1896 or www.nps.gov/wefa: grounds open daily dawn to dusk.
New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave.; newhavenmuseum.org or 203-562-4183. All the lectures are held on Sundays, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
LITERATURE
Book discussion groups at Cos Cob Library, 5 Sinawoy Rd.; info: 203-622-6883.
Author Talk: Ben Goldfarb, Aug. 2, 7 p.m., Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St., Ridgefield. He will discuss his book Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter. Register online. Info: ridgefieldlibrary.org.
Author Talk: Jennifer Degenhardt, Aug. 17, noon, Norwalk Public Library, 1 Belden Ave., Norwalk. Her books explore writes books that weren’t being written, covering themes that range from poverty to undocumented immigration, DACA, LGBTQ+, and racism. Register in advance. Info: call (203) 899-2780 ext. 15133.
Author Talk: Alexis Clark, Aug. 27, noon, Norwalk Public Library, 1 Belden Ave., Norwalk. She will discuss her book Enemies In Love: A German POW, a Black Nurse, and an Unlikely Romance. Register in advance. Info: call (203) 899-2780 ext. 15133.
Author Talk: Alex Fischetti, Aug. 28, 7 p.m., Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St., Ridgefield. The Lonesome Boy and the Blonde-Haired Angel will be discussed. Register online. Info: ridgefieldlibrary.org.
MISCELLANY
YWCA Darien/Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Highway North, Darien; ywcadariennorwalkk.org or 203-655-2535: Job Search Support Program for Women, incl. computer classes, info., katefywcadariennorwalk.org.
Meditation Sessions, Sat. and Sun., 10-11:30 a.m., open sessions; Mon. and Wed. eves., 7-8:30 p.m., Tues., 12:30-2 p.m., Thurs., 9:30-11 a.m., open sessions; Family Program, ages 4-12 yrs., usually 2nd and 4th Sun. of the month, 10-11:30 a.m.; Redding Center for Mindfulness & Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd., West Redding; info., 203-244-3130 or visit reddingmeditationsociety.org.
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.
U.S. Passport services at Norwalk Public Library and South Norwalk Branch Library. Mon., 2-7:30 p.m., Thurs., 12-4:30 p.m. and Sat., 10-2 p.m. at main library, 1 Belden Ave. Mon., Fri. and Sat., 12-4:30 p.m. at SoNo Branch, 10 Washington St. Also, Social Security questions and notary public service. Info: Norwalk Public Library System, norwalklib.org; 203-899-2780, main library; 203-899-2790, branch.
MUSIC
In Concert and Conversation with The Flubber Bros., Aug. 11, 2 p.m., Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St., Ridgefield. Register online. Info: ridgefieldlibrary.org.
Greenwich Choral Society auditions for sopranos, altos, basses and especially tenors from Fairfield and Westchester counties interested in becoming member, First Congregational Church, Old Greenwich. Open rehearsal of Mozart’s Requiem. Several audition dates in Sept. Info: Bill Fulton, 203-322-2990 or [email protected], and GreenwichChoralSociety.org
The Ridgefield Songwriters’ Circle, monthly gatherings to play new songs and discuss them; for info., call Dave Goldenberg, 203-438-4521.
NATURE & SCIENCE
Planetarium Show/Telescope Viewing at the Westside Observatory and Planetarium at Western CT State U. Westside Campus, 43 Lake Ave. Ext., Danbury; wcsu.edu/starwatch/ or 203-837-8672.
What Do Bees Need? Planting for Pollinators with Emily May, Aug. 22, 7 p.m., Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St., Ridgefield. Register online. Info: ridgefieldlibrary.org.
* 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.
* New Canaan Nature Center, 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, 203-966-9577; satellite site for NY Botanical Garden programs (800-322-6924 or nybg.org/adulted); 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.; Free Live Animal Presentations, Sat. at 3, lasting 15-20 min., different animal each week.
* Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford; adm. $10/adults, $8/srs. (65+), $6/students (18+ valid ID), $5/children 4-17; 203-322-1646 or www.stamfordmuseum.org: Heckscher Farm, daily, 9-5 (Heckscher WILD! new live exotic animal exhibit); Bendel Mansion (main building), Mon.-Sat., 9-5, Sun., 11-5.
*The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 North Water St., Norwalk; 203-852-0700 or maritimeaquarium.org; open daily, 10-5 (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas); sharks, seals, river otters, sea turtles, jellies and more than 100 other species; Marine Lab, Ocean Playspace for toddlers, seal feedings at 11:45 a.m. and 1:45 and 3:45 p.m. daily. Fish Tales for preschoolers, Fri., 10:15-11 a.m. Special exhibits: Meerkats, Dragons, Journey with Jellies displays of local and exotic species. IMAX Movies: Jean-Michael Cousteau’s Secret Ocean at 11 and 2 p.m., Dream Big at noon and 4 p.m., One exhibit and daytime IMAX included with paid aquarium adm: $22.95 for adults; $20.95 for youths (13-17) and seniors (65+); and $15.95 for children (3-12); free for kids under 3 and members. Reservations: maritimeaquarium.org.
* Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk; open daily 10-5, Memorial Day-Labor Day, and Tues.-Sun., Labor Day through Memorial Day; adm. $15/adults and children (under 1, free), $10/seniors.; Early Childhood Classes for ages 6 mon.-6 yrs. and After School Adventures for grades 3-12, reg. online; other ongoing events; Around the World Creative Kids, programs Sat. at 2; steppingstonesmuseum.org or call 203-899-0606. Mega Making exhibit has opened.
*EverWonder Children’s Museum, 31 Pecks Lane, Newtown; open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; adm. $7 for visitors older than 1; info., everwondermuseum.org: Story Lab for Young Explorers Tues. and Thurs., 10:30-11 a.m.
* 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; 203-227-7253; earthplace.org.
* Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr St.; ctaudubon.org/center-at-fairfield or 203-259-6305 x109. Hiking trails of Larsen Sanctuary, and learning about fall migration. Adv reg required at ctaudubon.org/center-at-fairfield, or call 203-259-6305, ext. 109. Fall programs and events: ctaudubon.org.
* Audubon Greenwich, 528 Riversville Rd., Greenwich; 203-869-5272: program fees: $3/adults, $1.50/children, srs. (incl. adm. to Center & Grounds); trails open dawn to dusk weekends; Kimberlin Nature Center open daily, 10-5; trails and grounds open daily sunrise to sunset, occasionally unavailable till 9 a.m.; 203-869-5272 or email [email protected]
* Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport; adm. $14/adults, $11/children 3-11 and seniors, free for children under 3; open daily 9 to 4; Carousel and Peacock Cafe, winter hours: Gift Shop, daily 9:30-4; New World Tropics Building, daily 10:30-3:30; 203-394-6565, www.beardsleyzoo.org. Zoo’s newest installation is a certified Butterfly Garden and Bug Hotel, contributing to helping area’s native butterfly population. In front of new animal commissary, garden is a gift from Stacey Marcell, her husband Wilbert Frazier, and their company, Northeast Horticultural Services.
Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem, N.Y.; 914-763-2373, nywolf.org. Live webcam at website shows either Ambassador, Mexican gray or Red wolves.
* The Discovery Museum, 4450 Park Ave., Bridgeport; discouverymuseum.org or 203-372-3521; Tues.-Sun., 10-5; open Mon. for summer, most school holidays, plus school and homeschool groups with a reservation; museum and planetarium, $10 adults, $8 children, seniors, students, free under 2; Challenger Learning Center, simulated space missions for groups 15-30, res. required (schools, scouts, corporate team building, birthday parties); scout science badge classes; exhibits and daily Planetarium shows; weekend workshops. Summer STEM programs; reg. still open.
*Unmanned Aircraft Systems Aviation Career Education Academy, July 24-28, 2018, Staples High School in Westport. Federal Aviation Administration-sponsored course designed for aspiring aviators aged 16-20. Students to learn how to safely fly a drone through hands-on instruction and more. This five-day program assists students in passing FAA Remote Pilot Certification test to be offered Monday and Tuesday, July 31 and Aug. 1, 2018. Tuition, $200, includes all materials. Students do not need to have, own or bring drone. FAA Remote Pilot Certification test is additional $150 fee. Info or to sign up at http://bit.ly/ACEUASAcademy or contact Mark Mathias at 203-226-1791 or [email protected]. This course, said to be first FAA-sponsored one, is also sponsored by the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Remarkable STEAM, Westport Public Schools and Westport Library.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Weston Photography Club, sponsored by Friends of the Weston Library, is meeting on the first Wed. of each month, noon-1:30 p.m., through June. Award-winning photographer Alison Wachstein to lead meetings, provide instruction and guidance. Membership fee: $50. Application form at library, 56 Norfield Rd.; westonpubliclibrary.org, 203-222-2665.
SELF IMPROVEMENT
Mondays @ 7 Networking Group (mondaysat7.org), meeting Mon. July 30 at 7 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston, 49 West Rd. (Rte. 57), Westport; networking and announcements, 7-8 a.m. Open Discussion. Presentations include a Q&A, 8-9. clean-up, 9-9:15; $1 donation requested for coffee and bagels. These meetings are ways of sharing information.
YWCA Darien/Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Highway North, Darien; ywcadariennorwalkk.org or 203-655-2535: Job Search Support Program for Women, incl. computer classes, info., katefywcadariennorwalk.org.
Westport Library’s free one-on-one career counseling sessions for job seekers; sessions by appointment only, focus is on general career counseling as well as resume assistance and LinkedIn profile preparation assistance; run by business librarian Ellen Janpol; for appointment contact her at [email protected]
Greenwich Library business programs include new series for women entrepreneurs, career change workshop, grant writing, personal credit, plus alternative investment series. Two new series. Open to all at no charge. Info: greenwichlibrary.org or 203-622-7900.
SCORE, Service Corps of Retired Executives, offering free seminars and workshops to entrepreneurs. SCORE offers Free Business Counseling bit.ly/SCOREMentor Questions/Comments: [email protected] or call 203-831-0065 or visit https://fairfieldcounty.score.org.
THEATER
Darien Arts Center, 2 Renshaw Rd., behind Town Hall in Darien. Info: darienarts.org or call 203-655-8683. Educational programs, including many new offerings, in theatre this fall for children, teens and adults, such as Creative Dramatics, Beginning Acting, Improv for various age groups, etc. Reg. at website or call for details.
Sailing Towards My Father, Aug. 20, 7 p.m., Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St., Ridgefield. The one-man play about Hermann Melville will be performed by Stephen Collins. Register online. Info: ridgefieldlibrary.org.
WRITING
2018 Ridgefield Writers Conference, Sept. 21, 6:30 – 9 p.m., Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St., Ridgefield. Author Rachel Basch will give the keynote address.The conference will feature authors Pete Nelson, Sonya Huber, Chris Belden and literary agents and editors. Registration fee $25. Info: ridgefieldwritersconference.blogspot.com.
Writer’s Group workshop, Saturdays, 1-3 p.m., Stratford Library, 2203 Main St., boardroom. New writer’s workshop group open to both new and experienced writers in all genres. Workshop will support the creative process through writing prompts, offer opportunities for participants to share their work and gain feedback and provide some introduction (or for experienced writers, refreshers) on essentials in crafting poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction/memoir. Jennifer A. Hudson, who has MFA in writing with honors from Albertus Magnus College, to work with group. Free and open to public.
Send listings to [email protected]; or mail, c/o HAN Network, 16 Bailey Avenue, Ridgefield 06877, at least two weeks in advance of desired publication date.