The Naturalist's Studio – "Branching Out"--15 Artist's using various mediums – February 25th to April 29th--Reception February 25th from 12 to 2 pm. The Stairwell Gallery at Gunn Memorial Library in Washington, CT is delighted to announce the opening of a new exhibit featuring the work of fifteen artists from The Naturalist's Studio.   The exhibit will be up from February 25th to April 29th and may be viewed during normal library hours. A reception will be held February 25th from 12 to 2pm. In the summer of 2004, a class entitled Botanical Drawing taught at the Washington Art Association by Banjie Nicholas evolved to a new level.  At the request of the students, color was introduced and it became Botanical Painting and Drawing. Ms. Nicholas is a licensed wild bird rehabilitator.  She also raises a variety of silkworm moths and butterflies.  Wanting to share her artful observations of nature with likeminded artists, she inspired them to share their own collection of fauna and flora.  Before long a core group of students were painting and drawing bee's nests, bones, dragonflies, feathers, bugs and shells.  Thus, the genesis of The Naturalist's Studio, a group of likeminded artists and now friends supporting one another with their goals and projects. Employing mediums such as gouache, colored pencil, watercolor, acrylic, egg tempera, silverpoint, sculpture and graphite, they generate a creative energy that transcends medium and benefits all. Frannie Aeschliman, Ted Dove, Eileen Field, Mary Hawvermale, Richard Heys, Roxana Laughlan, Phyllis McGoldrick, Marge Muzyczka, Sarah Payson, Martha Schwerdtle, Ted Schwerdtle, Faith Stewart-Gordon, Gertrude Thiel and Cherra Wyllie are class members and artists who have met in Warren at Banjie's studio on Friday mornings for many years. You will want to stop by and see this wonderful show depicting chipmunks, eggshells and more!

The 12th annual “ART AT THE DUMP” will take place at the Cornwall Transfer Station on Saturday, April 29 and30 2011 from 10-4. The show features artwork fashioned from recycled items. Artists, aspiring artists and nonartists are encouraged to participate. Items are to be dropped off and hung the morning of the show from 8-10am. Pickup time for artwork is Sunday afternoon. All artwork, unless indicated will be for sale; 30% of the profits will be donated to the art department of the Cornwall Consolidated School. Questions may be directed to Richard Griggs 860-672-6208 or thingmkr@optonline.net

The 2011-2012 Litchfield Hills Winter Wine Trail has begun!!! What is it? A great way to see the Litchfield Hills wineries in the quiet beauty of their 'off season' while having the chance to win some great prizes. What do I do? Pick up a program card at any participating winery.  Visit all 6 wineries and have your card signed.  Then, turn it in by April 10th 2012. What vineyards are participating? DiGrazia Vineyard, Jerram Winery, Haight-Brown Vineyard, Hopkins Vineyard, Miranda Vineyard  & Sunset Meadow Vineyards. When does the program run? December 1st through March 30th. What are the prizes? Overnight stay at The Sachem Farmhouse B&B, Warren, CT. www.thesachemfarmhouse.com.. Dinner & Theatre tickets at Infinity Hall & Bistro, Norfolk, CT www.infinityhall.com/www.infinityhall.com amd much more.

Wilton and Ridgefield, Connecticut: In the summer of 2011, Weir Farm National Historic Site commissioned New York photographer and former Artist-in-Residence Xiomáro to create a photographic record of the interiors of the Weir House, Weir Studio, and Young Studio. Xiomáro was tasked with documenting the present state of the buildings' interiors, prior to the completion of the four-phase restoration project now underway. A selection of these images comprise the new exhibit on display at Weir Farm National Historic Site titled Weir Was Here – Secret Rooms, Doors, and Windows, offering visitors a small glimpse into the historic structures while they remain closed to the public. All three buildings are currently empty, allowing Xiomáro the chance to focus on the details of these spaces -- features that might otherwise go unnoticed in a fully furnished setting. This is the first artistic collection of photographs of the building interiors in the site's history, and captures the beauty and texture of these intimate spaces. "There is a mystery and secrecy to these relatively empty spaces," Xiomáro explained, noting how "the same eyes and hands that created works of Impressionism also unlocked these doors and opened the shutters to take in the inspiring landscape framed by the windows." Weir Was Here – Secret Rooms, Doors, and Windows can be viewed in the Burlingham House Visitor Center on Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., now through March 31, 2012. From April 1st through May 31st, the exhibit can be viewed Thursdays – Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Xiomáro will present five gallery talks about his photographs titled In the Footsteps of Weir from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the following weekends: Saturday, January 7, Sunday, February 5
Sunday, March 4, Sunday, April 1 and Sunday, May 6. There is no fee to participate in the gallery talks, but registration is required. For more information on the exhibit, or to register for one of the gallery talks, please call (203) 834-1896 x12.

IAIS will feature the exquisite Wampum jewelry of artists Allen Hazard Sr.and Craig Spears Sr.  Natvie Peoples of the East believe wampum is sacred.  "The shell was given the same respect that we gave to all living creatures; we believed they shared their lives with us.  Upon harvesting Quahogs from the ocean we would pray and give thanks for them allowing us to take their lives to continue ours."  Most Eastern Natives would carry wampum with them on their journeys and if they had to stay at another camp wampum was offered as a thank you.  The Europeans misinterpreted this practice and thought wampum was money. Allen, who acquired the skill from his mother and sister, has been making wampum for the last thirty years.  Craig is a master stone mason by trade and began working with wampum twenty years ago.  His love for wild life is seen in his carving of the great eagle and the mighty bear.  Allen and Craig's combined collection includes many uniquely designed wampum necklaces, bracelets, earrings, a belt, and a mosaic ceremonial pipe.  Te exhibition will be on display in the Museum Gift Shop January 2, 2012 through February 29, 2012.

The Marie Louise Trichet Art Gallery at Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center. Opening: Saturday, January 7th, 3:30 – 5:30 pm. Artist’s Talk: 3:45 pm, followed by a reception. Gallery hours: Monday through Saturday10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

On Saturday, January 14, 2012 an Exhibit Opening at the Danbury Museum and Historical Socieety will be held for the new exhibit--Locally Grown Art.  An Artist Meet and Greet will be held from 3-5PM in Huntington Hall.  Refrehments will be served.  Sculpture - Painting - Photography by featured artists:  Jane Bennett, Eric Camiel, Barry Collins, Glada Crispiels and other local artists.  Artwork will be available for purchase throught the exhibit.  The event is free and open to the public.  Donations gratefully accepted.

Winter Antiques Auction - February 2012 * American Folk Art, Furniture, Decorations & Paintings * European Antiques & Fine Art

An exhibition of a selection of works from the portfolios of Perry Obee, Alison Hall, and Jessica Tam will be held in the Main Galleries at the Washington Art Association. The exhibition runs from February 4 - February 25. Please join us at the opening reception on Saturday, February 4, 2012, from 4 - 6 pm. Free and open to the public.

Far Meadow Farm announces a series of free lectures and demonstrations for anyone who is interested in improving their horsemanship skills.  The sessions will be held at Far Meadow Farm in Morris CT in the Viewing Lounge and Indoor Arena at 7 pm on the following Fridays: Friday, February 10- Saddle Fitting and Reconditioning – Karen Withstanley; Friday, February 24 --Traditional Equine Dentistry – Brian Stuart; Friday, March 9 -  Equine Massage – Nanette Dieterle; Friday, March 23         -Chiropractic/Acupuncture for Horses – Dr. Rosemary Ganser.  Biographical information on all presenters can be found at: www.FarMeadowFarm.com. Far Meadow Farm provides these sessions as a public service to the horse community.  All sessions are free and open to the public.

The Sugar House offers tours for local students and residents introducing them to the history of maple sugaring throughout the past two centuries.  Costumed tour guides allow participants to travel back to colonial times to see how syrup was processed and visit three different generations of working sugar houses on the property.  At the conclusion of the tour, participants leave having tasted one of New England's best kept secrets. Please call our offices at (860) 354-0047 to schedule your class/group. If you get a chance, drop by and see us in February or March.  Just look for the steam floating up from the Sugar House Cupola

On Thursday, February 23rd at 6:30pm in the Wykeham Room of the Gunn Memorial Library  a lively and in-depth interview with author, Wally Wood and guest host, Joseph Montebello will be held. Light refreshments will be served. (Snow date: Thursday, March 1st at 6:30).  This program is free and open to the public.  Call for further information.

6:30pm in the Wykeham Room of the Gunn Memorial Library as Joseph Montebello conducts a lively and in-depth interview with Wally Wood, the author of 'Getting Oriented: A Novel about Japan'. Light refreshments will be served. (Snow date: Thursday, March 1st at 6:30)

Learn about solitude in community through simple practices. Retreat to be led by Linda Chidsey and Carolyn Moon. Fees: $160 (shared room, hall bath), $200 (private room, hall bath), $230 (private or shared room with bath), $130 commuter. Non-refundable deposit: $50. Scholarships available. For more information, call Wisdom House 860-567-3163 or visit www.wisdomhouse.org.

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm The courting flute is one of the oldest known instruments in the world. As the name suggests, these flutes were played in courting rituals by a young man serenading his intended. Ojibway artist and musician Allan Madahbee will teach participants basic songs and sounds while learning the history and process of how these handcrafted instruments are made. Bring your own flute, use a flute provided by Allan or you may purchase one from Allan. No musical background is required.    CT may earn .1 CEUs Limited space. Please call for reservations. Fee: $ 25Adults; $ 20 IAIS Members.

On Saturday, the Annual Chicken Barbecue sponsored by the Harwinton Congregational Church will take place with seatings at 4:45PM, 6PM and 7PM. Take out between 4:45PM and 7:15PM. Adults $14. Under 12 years $8. Call to reserve your dinners. Proceeds from the barbecue support The Soup Kitchen in Torrington, Susan B. Anthony and countless deserving groups in the area.Call for further information.

A LENTEN REFLECTION DAY: Who Do You Say That I Am?, will be held at the Montfort Retreat House, 53 Montfort Rd. Rte. 118, Lourdes in Litchfield, on Saturday, February 25th, 9am – 4pm. Offering: $35, which includes lunch. Call for more information or to register.

On February 25, 2012 Studio 50 will hostPIANO MASTERWORKS. Featuring: MOZART:  Brilliance with  Timothy Alexandre Wallace, pianist. 7:15pm - H'ordeuvres--7:30pm - Performance.  Call to register as seating is limited.

Chicken Lickin'? Little Red Running Shorts? Cinderumplestilskin? Jack (of Beanstalk fame) narrates this hilarious production for children of all ages. Join him as he tries to keep the wacky characters of these familiar (but new) tales on task and on story. It will take some participation from the audience, so come prepared for fun!

Silver Linings: Literal/Metaphorical, is on exhibit at the University of Connecticut Torrington campus’ Brick Wall Space Gallery and the Whitson Gallery. The exhibit and event are free and open to the public. Banjie Getsinger Nicholas’ artistic focus is in nature, and she captures exquisite details of trees, mosses, insects, and birds. She says, “Birds, especially young birds raised during my 20 years as a wild bird rehabilitator, feathers, nests and eggs are frequent symbols appearing in my work.”

On Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from 7-8PM Marcie Swift will perform with her Celtic Harp at the Oliver Wolcott Library.  The sound of the plucked string of the harp has enchanted and transformed people for thousands of years.  Come and enjoy.  Free and open to the public.  Space is limited. Registration is required.

Local artist, Pat Piscopo invites you to join her on a "Journey to Shangri-La" as she launches her Studio, located at The Phoenix Rising Center, 135 South Main Street, Thomaston. A full exhibit of Pat's latest works will be on display in the Seth Thomas Gallery at the Center from March 1 – 4, 2012. The weekend's activities will begin with a musical performance, scheduled as part of our ongoing first Fridays performances: "Metta" Friday, with musician and songwriter Jamal Ford-Bey.  Jamal has performed at Infinity Hall in Norfolk and throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. Jamal's original music has been performed at the Warner Theatre.  His unique sound and entertaining personality fits perfectly with the coffee house atmosphere we are creating for Metta Fridays.  Cost is $10 – flavored coffees, teas and sweets will be served.  For questions or to RSVP to this event, contact Doreen at 860-294-1156 or email Doreen@thephoenixrisingcenter.com To create the understanding of the journey, on Saturday March 3, from 7:30 to 9:30p Pat will host the movie screening of:  Lost Horizon. Refreshments will be served, with an opportunity to discuss this classic film. Donation.  This screening is sponsored by Thomaston Public Library. To round out the weekend, on Sunday March 4, 2-5pm, a local Connecticut, American Jug Band will perform. Jugadelics provide an eclectic blend of music in the jug band style, where they typically employ a jug player and a mix of traditional and home-made instruments. Cost is $5 Please contact Pat Piscopo at 860-283-2155 for questions or reservations for the film and the musical performance on Sunday.

This First Thursday will feature talented New York jazz vocalist, Glenda Davenport and multi-talented bassist John Mobilio, accompanied by James Santucci on piano and drummer Jack Varanelli at the First Thursday event on March 1, 2012 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. All are invited to come and welcome in the summer with a lovely evening of Jazz in the Courtyard of the Mattatuck.Ms. Davenport began her singing career in June, 1992. She was a winner at The World Famous Apollo Theater's Amateur Night in April, 1993 and the opening act for comedian Bill Cosby in 1994 at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College. In July 1995, she performed with tenor saxophonist Carmen Leggio's Quartet at the Saratoga Jazz Festival, Saratoga, NY. She currently performs regularly throughout the tri-state area.John Mobilio is a jazz bassist who performs regularly with a number of jazz combos and big bands in the Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts area. As a bassist, educator, musical director and performer John brings his joy of jazz and music to audiences and students throughout Connecticut and the surrounding states.  Call for further information.

On Saturday, March 3, 2012 6:00PM to 10PM at the The Heritage Hotel. Benefiting the programs at The Audubon Center at Bent of the River Co-Sponsored by New Morning Natural & Organic and The Heritage Hotel.  Join us for this palate pleasing evening where we will travel to one of the winter homes of the beautiful birds that summer here at the Bent of the River! The Provender of New Morning will be featuring festive cuisine from diverse regions of Mexico. A complimentary tasting will be featuring local wines from Hopkins Vineyard in New Preston, Walker Road Vineyard in Woodbury, and White Silo Winery in Sherman. LIVE music. And Yes, Chocolate.

On Saturday March 3, 2012 the Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center will hold a Maple Festival.  The day long event will begin at 8AM. Plan to begin the day with a delicious pancake breakfast which will be served from 8AM to 11AM.  Proceeds from this event will benefit the new nature based pre-school at the Redwing Pond House at the Center.  Other events include a winter tree identification hike and a demonstration of how to tap into a Sugar Maple tree with an opportunity to sample real maple sap and syrup.  Visitors can enter a pancake eating contest and check out the Friends' All Things Maple Sale.  Call for ticket information or check the website.

2:00 pm. Travis, Nick and Cody have been friends almost all their lives, growing up on the Swinomish Reservation in northwest Washington. When they find themselves in trouble with drugs and alcohol, the teens are offered an opportunity to participate in Native Lens, Longhouse Media's filmmaking program. They are asked to make a documentary about the impact of two oil refineries on their tribal community. March Point is the story of their journey as they come to understand themselves, the envi- ronment and the threat their people face. Run time: 45 minutes Included in regular museum admission. $5 Adults; $ 4.50 Seniors; $3 Kids; IAIS Members Free

The Washington Art Association will hold an Opening Reception on March 3, 2012 from 3-6PM to launch the 60th  Anniversary Membrs Art Show.  If you plan to attend the opening reception please RSVP as it is a potluck event.  All current members of the Washington Art Association are invited to enter one recent work in the medium of their choice, including painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, collage or unique fine art.  Call for further information.

Audubon Sharon will be in attendance at this day-long environmental and gardening symposium sponsored by MAD GARDENERS and Agricultural Education Dept. at Housatonic Valley Regional High School. Speakers at the symposium are: Janet Marinelli, who will be presenting "The Bees & Some Birds Do It- And Humans Can Help" Edmund C. Snodgrass who will be presenting "Green Roof Design for Ecosystem Services" Kathleen Nelson of Mad Gardeners, who will give an update on the Mad Gardeners' Mile-a-Minute Vine Control Project Stephen Orr, who will be presenting "Gardening for Tomorrow" For more information or to register, contact Kathleen Nelson 860-355-1547 or Eileen Mulvihill 860-354-1299.

On Saturday, March 3, 2012 join Ilvi Dulac's Reader's Theater: Legend of Sleepy Hollow.  Dine like Ichabod Crane and enjoy this candlelight reading of excepts from Washington Irving's classic interpreted by local thespians Ilvi Dulac, Jane Coughlin and Michael Medeiros.  BYOB and maybe a few apples for the Headless Horseman's horse.  Dinner 6PM, Reading: 7PM at the A.B. Ceder Room at White Memorial.  Registration Fee:  Members $15; Non-Members: $20.

4:00 PM - 6:30 PM. Originating from the Bordeaux region of France, this grape is among the "big six" of red wine grapes.  With the exception of the Cahors of south-western France, its fame and fortune in France often end there.  It is still used as a blending wine in Bordeaux, but with very little effort being devoted to its further improvement or success. The story in Argentina is quite the opposite. Malbec has found both fame and glory in the sun-drenched climate and high Andes Mountains of Argentina. This is Argentina's signature grape and it is quickly making a new name for itself in the global wine industry.  Our list of wines tonight will be sure to please any and all red wine lovers.  As usual a fine selection of snacks and finger foods will be served. Reservations required.

The Palace Theater presents ImaginOcean on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 9:30Am and 11:30AM.   This one-of-a-kind black-light puppet show is a magical undersea adventure about three best-friend fish who set out on a remarkable journey of discovery.  Call or check the website for further information.

Join us on Thursday, March 8th at 6:00 pm in the Wykeham Room of the Gunn Memorial Library for an introductory seminar on money management. Knowing how to manage your own money - how to save, spend and invest wisely requires understanding simple concepts that will transform what seems complicated and overwhelming jargon into a set of everyday skills, strategies and techniques that you can apply successfully with ease and confidence. MONEY MATTERS FOR WOMEN was designed by experienced experts specifically to meet the financial education needs of women, just like you - to educate, inform and empower you as you take control of your financial present and future. Mrs. Kaplan is Founder and President of MONEY MATTERS FOR WOMEN, a division of JK Communications LLC.  With more than fifteen years as a professional communications and education specialist in the financial services industry, she has seen time and again the tremendous gap in many adults' understanding of financial concepts and tools, and recognized the need for actionable education that would help them develop basic knowledge and sound habits of savings, spending, and investing wisely.  This program is free and open to the public.  Registration is recommended.

The Barkhamsted Historical Society wishes to invite you to the second in our Program Series to be held on March 9, 2012 at 7PM at the Barkhamsted Senior Center featuring Lucianne Lavin, Director of Research and Collections at the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, CT.  Ms. Lavin will talk about Natuive  American life in the Farmington River Valley including their culture, diet and stone tools.  Admission is free.  Refreshments will be served.

Palace Theater on Friday, March 9, 2012 at 8PM will feature The Irish Rovers.   More over four decades, these international ambassadors of Irish music have maintained their timeless ability to deliver a rollicking, rousing performance of good cheer. Chck the website for further information.

The Gallery at the Kent Art Association proudly announces the seventeenth annual secondary school Student Show.  Art teachers throughout Connecticut and mid Hudson New York have entered their public and independent secondary school students' artwork in the fine art show. Some of the participating schools include Ridgefield High School, The Gunnery, Dover High School, Millbrook High School, Pomperaug High School, New Milford High School, Danbury High School, New Fairfield High School and Newtown High School. In keeping with our aim to promote individual artists and to work with local schools we are happy to continue the tradition of showcasing the amazing creativity of your artists in our Art Gallery. The Student Show will be judged by prizewinning artist Alfred Hayward and renowned artist member Suzan Scott. Past President, Connie Horton and Executive Director, Davia Fink are the show coordinators and will provide the reception. Ray Olson is the show photographer. On opening day, March 10, awards will be presented at 2:00 pm.  Refreshments will be served.  The public is invited to view this exhibition of talented young artists during Gallery hours: noon to 4 pm on March 10-11 and March 17-18.

10am to 3pm. All Danbury Girl Scout troops, their friends and families, and former Girl Scouts are invited for a FREE tour of the Danbury Museum buildings. Participate in making a craft that celebrates 100 years of Girl Scout history!

PIANO MASTERWORKS at Studio 59 on March 10,2012 featuring Triumph of Beethoven with Timothy Alexandre Wallace, pianist.
7:15pm - H'ordeuvres--7:30pm - Performance. TICKETS: General:  $16.50 (tax included) Students (12 and under):  Free
(Must be accompanied by an adult) LIMITED SEATING.RSVP: 860-482-6801.

A program introducing the life and work of the 14th Century English mystic. Presenter will be Jo-Ann Iannotti, OP. Fee: $30 (includes lunch). Non-refundable deposit: $15. Scholarships available. Bring a friend for $20 payable with registration. For more information and to register, call Wisdom House 860-567-3163 or visit www.wisdomhouse.org

3:00 PM eer Run is an ancient Native American site located in Warren, Connecticut. Arti- fact styles and radiocarbon dates show that it was repeatedly occupied from at least 4,500 years ago. Preliminary analysis of the 300+ clay pottery sherds recovered indi- cate strong social interactions between native communities of the Hudson and Housatonic River Valleys. Andrea Rand, a ceramic technologist with a B.A. and post-graduate work in anthropology, will briefly discuss the Deer Run site and the technological and cultural character of the ceramics excavated from the site during the 2009-2010 dig season of the Litchfield Hills Archaeology Club. Fee: $5; Free to LHAC Members

1:00 pm -3:00 pm. Join Lupo Passero, Herbalist and Flower Essence Practitioner for a class on all things natural for your heart. Lupo will discuss herbal remedies for keeping your heart healthy both physically and emotionally, and share some information on healing essential oils and flower essences to rejuvenate the heart and soul. Participants will also get heart healthy kitchen recipes. CT Educators may earn 0.2 CEUs. Fee: $15; $ 12IAIS Members.

Tina Johns Heidrich, Conductor. "Gloria' by Karl Jenkins, "Te Deum" by Karl Jenkins, "King of Kings Choral Suite" by Miklos Rozsa - all released in 2010. Accompanied by the Connecticut Master Chorale Orchestra.

Experience drumming with intentionality and create community. Bring your own drum if you have one. Session to be led by Susan Strand. Donation: $10. For more information and to register, call Wisdom House 860-567-3163 or visit www.wisdomhouse.org.

An evening of conversation and reflection on themes of spirituality based on the works of Franciscan Father Richard Rohr. Facilitator: Peggy Richard. Donation: $5. For more information and to register, call Wisdom House 860-567-3163 or visit www.wisdomhouse.org.

On March 15th at 7 p.m. the Bristol Historical Society hosts Julia Shrake, a Celtic Folk Harper who teaches and performs in Connecticut, southern Massachusetts and eastern New York State. Julia's music is traditional Irish music, mostly lovely aires and ballads, with some Medieval and early Irish music as well as original music, mixed in.  Julia declares, "I have been a musician, singer and dancer all of my life.  Music has always played a powerful tune for me. I have been writing and performing since I was a wee one." Julia worked with friends at Folkcraft Art in Winsted who constructed the harp on which she will be playing her March 15th program.  Completed in 2001, the 31-string, low head, nylon strung folk harp made of solid ash with a Baltic birch sound-board whose shape designed by Julia will provide her audience with Celtic music to feed their souls.  Julia believes that Celtic music is the source of magic, the purveyor of legends, the teller of mystical tales and the keeper of secrets.  Come, all who need to believe, as you once did, in fairies and dragons, wee folk and giants, King Arthur and Guinevere. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free for members; $5 for non-members.  Attendance is limited to 100 people.  The Bristol Historical Society Museum is located at 98 Summer Street.  The museum can be entered from Center Street, Summer Street or from a ramp on the east side of the parking lot.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Learn the ancient art of soap-making, using pure, natural ingredients from instructor Lisa Agee, who began making soap to provide a safe product for her son who had allergies. Lisa will provide the skills and techniques necessary for those enrolled in the class to make soap to use at home or to give as gifts to friends and family. Date/Time: Sunday, February 19, 1:00 – 2:30 pm.
Location: Welcome Center, Van Vleck Farm and Nature Center. Donation: $12 for Flanders' members and $15, non-members.

The Mattatuck Museum is excited to reintroduce TGI Third Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 5:30PM with the return of popular singer-songwriter-guitarist Willie Nininger. Willie "O'Nininger" will perform folk and popular Irish music including sentimental favorites and rabble-rousing songs. Willie is well known for his extensive repertoire, spontaneous sense of humor and flat-picking guitar technique. His performances range from country, folk and rock ‘n roll standards to theme shows including Irish, tropical, cowboy and international, as well as his own songs. Whether playing solo or with his band, Willie has a unique capability of adapting to, and interacting with, his audience. The New York Post calls Willie, “an all-smiling, downright charming performer who gets more enjoyment out of doing his musical thing than anyone else in recent memory”. Willie Nininger, a mainstay of the New York, Greenwich Village Folk Scene in the 70s and 80s, has M.C.'d and performed in the legendary Fast Folk Musical Revues, and played clubs and concerts across the USA. He wrote and performed the title song for the Winter's Night CD, that inspired the still popular Winter's Night concert tours. He wrote songs for the Captain Kangaroo show and children’s TV specials, won the Folk City Bob Dylan imitator's contests, developed a reputation as a great folk humorist, and gained notoriety as a top flatpick guitarist with his solo acoustic blue-grass version of the William Tell Overture. During visits to Europe in the early 90s Willie gained such a following that he pulled up stakes and moved to Switzerland, playing and recording for several years, and winning the National Entertainer of the Year award. Now Willie has returned to the United States to pick up where he left off, and has even applied to become the official State of Connecticut Troubadour.  Check the website for further information.

11:00 am - 3:00 pm The days are getting warmer but the nights are still cold. Just the right conditions for maple sugaring! Join IAIS Staff and Primitive Skills Practitioner Jim Dina for an afternoon celebrating the gift of Maple Sugar. Enjoy pancakes made by IAIS staff, local maple syrup, coffee and orange juice (served from 11am-1pm) and learn how local Native Americans traditionally made maple syrup. Jim will demonstrate the technique of collecting sap and boiling it down into syrup as he discusses its importance to Native American culture. Children's activities will run from 1-3pm.    Fee: $10 Adults; $8 Kids

10:00am-4:00pm. Admission $5 adults, $3 children. Join us for our Maple Sugaring open house!  Guided tours take visitors through the sugaring process at Audubon Sharon, including the working sugarhouse and a re-creation of Native American and Colonial sugaring methods.  Fresh maple syrup will be available for purchase while supplies last.

Noon-4 PM. How sweet it is! A New England tradition continues at Flanders' Sugar House. Demonstrations of turning sap into syrup are brought to life by staff and volunteers using science, history and humor. Flanders' maple syrup and additional maple products are available for purchase. Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser Warm up with a pancake breakfast and all the fixings—sausage, juice, hot beverages and of course, Flanders' own maple syrup—prepared and served by Flanders staff and volunteers. Proceeds go to support the education programs at Flanders. Local merchants donate many of the supplies. Maple Celebration
Flanders caps off that sweet maple season with its famous grand finale celebration! The winter festival features wood bowl turning, music, a blue bird talk and hike, maple food sampling, cooking demonstrations and special kids' crafts and activities. Come out and join us for an afternoon of winter fun, perfect for the whole family.

Join us at the Sharon Audubon Center for open house tours of our maple sugaring operation.  The guided tours, which take approximately 45 minutes, take visitors down Maple Trail, where you can peek at the sap dripping into the hanging buckets while learning about the tapping and gathering process.  The Sugarhouse is a favorite stop along the tour.  Visitors can smell the aroma of boiling maple syrup as they watch the sap turn into syrup right in front of their eyes.  The last stop of the tour includes a re-creation of Native American and early Colonial sugaring methods.  Fresh maple syrup will be available for purchase in the Nature Store while supplies last.  Tours go out continuously between 10:00am and 4:00pm.  Please wear boots, as the trail is often snow covered or muddy! Admission is $5 adults and $3 children.