Ø  January 31^st  Sunday  Congress on Your Corner  2 to 4 PM  Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) will be meeting with constituents at The Lunch Box, 190 Weston Rd, Weston.  Residents are encouraged to drop by this informal gathering to share their thoughts, ideas & concerns with the Congressman.

Ø  January 31^st  Sunday  11^th Annual A Taste of Ridgefield  Noon to 2:30 PM; 4 to 6:30 PM  More than 25 area restaurants will be sharing their dishes at the Ridgefield Community Center, 316 Main St., Ridgefield.  Sponsored by the Ridgefield Rotary. Tickets- $35 early session ($40 at the door), $40 late session ($45 at the door), available at Squash's, Rotary & the Community Center or any Rotarian.  For more info or tickets, call 203-438-4585 or 203-438-0730.

Ø  January 31^st  Sunday  Does the 14^th Amendment Apply the Bill of Rights to the States?  2 to 3:30 PM  Having written the books, 'The Fourteenth Amendment' and 'Legalist Reformation', William E Nelson, the Judge Edward Weinfield Professor of Law at the New York University School of Law, addresses the question.  Q & A, book signing & reception to follow.  Free. Click

http://www.libraryinsight.com/eventdetails.asp?jx=sip&lmx=274299 for more info or to register (suggested), or call 203-762-3950.  Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd Wilton.

Ø  January 31^st  Sunday  Party for the Party!  4 to 6 PM This is a rare political party!!!  Come meet & greet Democratic candidates for the Senate, Governor, House, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Comptroller, Attorney General, the State Senate and State House-  And it's FREE!  Fun, food & candidates-Spread the word & bring your friends.  For more info, call Martha at 203-227-6126 or Ted at 203-451-5049.  At the Fat Cat Company, 9 Wall Street, Norwalk.  

Ø  January 31^st  Sunday Jazz Masters Series: Howard Alden- guitar, Jack Wilkins & Barry Warhoftig-on guitar, & John Burr- bass   6:30 to 8:30 PM Django Reinhardts 100^th Birthday Celebration Gypsy Jazz Night at Sarah's Wine Bar (upstairs from Bernard's, 20 West Lane, Ridgefield.)  $15 cover to see world class jazz greats!  Seating limited!  For questions or reservations, call 203-438-8282.

Ø  February-  Woodcock Nature Center will offer a Half Day Camp for children ages 4 - 8 during the days that the schools are on break.  (Vacations differ by town, but Ridgefield is off Monday & Tuesday, Feb. 15^th & 16^th.)  $35- members; $38 non-members.  Space is limited & pre-payment required.  For more info or reservations, call Julie at 203-762-7280 or click http://woodcocknaturecenter.org/programs/winter-naturalist-camp/.

Ø  February 2^nd  Tuesday  Ground Hog Day

Ø  February 2^nd  Tuesday   Photographs by Kevin Doyle  Exhibit Opening.  For questions, call 203-438-2282.  Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St, Ridgefield.

Ø  February 2^nd  Tuesday  JOBS! JOBS? JOBS: How to Save on Your Taxes during Job Transition  7 to 8:30 PM  Susan McAteer, Enrolled Agent & Master Tax Advisor for H & R Block in Fairfield County, discusses tax rebates & deductions for the unemployed, new rules regarding COBRA, homes as offices, & what to lookout for regarding tapping your 401K.  Free.  For more, or to register call 203-762-3950.  Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton. 

Ø  February 3^rd  Wednesday  'Explorer' Ned Lamont Speaks to DFA  7 to 9 PM  Mr. Lamont will address Democracy for America, Fairfield County Meet-up & speak about his potential candidacy for the Governor's race in 2010.  At the Silver Star Diner, 210 Connecticut Ave, Norwalk (exit 14 off I-95).  Free.  Public welcome!  For more information, call Kate at 203-401-8065.

Ø  February 3^rd  Wednesday  Indian Pathways Talk & NRWA Traveling Photography Exhibit Opening Reception  7 to 9 PM  Learn from local historical, Brent Colley, how Native American trails influenced the roads & transportation with the Norwalk River Watershed area.  Followed by cheese & wine reception for the 2010 NRWA Traveling Photo Exhibit featuring Irwin Block & other local photographers.  Adrian Lamb Room, New Canaan Library, 151 Main St, New Canaan.  Free.  For more info, call Brent at 860-364-7475 or click http://www.norwalkriver.org/events.htm. 

Ø  February 3^rd  Wednesday  Brandi Carlile with special guest Gregory Alan Isakov  8 PM  Elton John says, "Brandi has an amazing voice....She's a great songwriter and has a tremendous career ahead of her." $37.50  Ridgefield Playhouse, 60 East Ridge, Ridgefield.  For more, http://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/venue.asp?eventID=970.

Ø  February 4^th  Thursday Free Tax-Preparation Help for low-moderate income residents  8:30 AM,  Ridgefield Community Center, 316 Main St.  Sponsored by AARP.  Call 203-438-2755 for appointment.

Ø  February 4^th  Thursday  Gerald Steichen  1 PM  Steichen, music director of Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra to speak at Founders Hall, 193 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield.  For more, call 203-431-7000.

Ø  February 4^th  Thursday  First Thursdays: A Contemporary Cocktail Hour at the Aldrich  6:30 to 8:30 PM  Tonight it's live Irish music, Irish food & drink, and the joy of a docent-led tour of Irish artist Tom Molloy's evocative works.  $10 member; $15 non-member.  For more info call Elizabeth at 203-438-4519.  Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St, Ridgefield.

Ø  February 4^th  Thursday  Author Talk: Dr. Joanne Dobson  7 PM  Dr. Dobson speaks about her book, 'Death without Tenure', a new Karen Pelletier mystery.  Free. For more, call 203-438-2282.  Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St, Ridgefield. 

Ø  February 4^th  Thursday  Helping Teens Battle Eating Disorders  7 to 8:30 PM  Lynn S. Grefe, CEO of National Easting Disorders Assoc. (NEDA) & Christiane Kinseley, a clinical supervisor from the Renfrew Center, will discuss various eating disorders, how they show themselves, danger signs, etc. and ways to help.  Q & A to follow.  For more info or to register (suggested) click http://www.libraryinsight.com/eventdetails.asp?jx=sip&lmx=264774 or call 203-762-3950.  Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton. 

Ø  February 4^th  Thursday  The David Sanborn Quartet  8 PM  This evening of wine and jazz features renowned R&B, blues, soul & jazz saxophonist David Sanborn.  $60  Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield. For more info or tickets click  http://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/venue.asp?eventID=956.

Ø  February 5^th  Friday  Wear Red for Women Day  A reminder to take women's health to heart by wearing red & showing support for women's heart disease awareness. Sponsored by the American Heart Association.

Ø  February 5^th Friday Ten Minutes with Rep. Jim Himes!  8:20 to 8:30 AM  Tune your AM dial to Stamford radio 1400 for a scheduled weekly interview with our own 4^th CD Congressman Jim Himes.

Ø  February 5^th  Friday  Lights Out at the Library:  Mysteries of Egypt  6 PM Friday thru 9 AM Saturday morning.  Boys in grades 2 thru 4 are invited to spend the night at the library & celebrate all things Egyptian at this annual sleepover.  Special guest Nevine Michaels shares activities from her native country.  Parents & guardians are welcome to join in the fun- & are greatly appreciated for their assistance!  $50.  Registration & payment required at Children's Library Reference Desk.  Snow date 2-19-10.  For more info, call 203-762-3950.  Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton.

Ø  February 5^th  Friday  Opening Art Reception for ArtWhirl- Here, There & Everywhere!  6 to 7:30 PM  Artists Paul Heifetz, Dough Leigh, Bobbi Eike Mullen, Andy Neilly, Wendy Pieper & Ellin Spadone present and exciting exhibition of diverse styles, media & subjects.  Runs thru March 1^st.  Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton.

Ø  February 5^th  Friday  Escape to the Arts/Evening of the Arts  6 to 8 PM  Celebrate the accomplishments of students participating in Escape to the Arts/YMCA Center for the Arts & Humanities.  Enjoy refreshments, view the art, be wowed by the youth readings of their original work, their theater & hip-hop.  All that & a silent auction!  At ESCAPE to the Arts, 293 Main St, Danbury.  To RSVP, call 203-794-1413 or email rrivera@regionalymca.org.

Ø  February 5^th  Friday  Art a la Carte- New Guild Members Show  6:30 to 7:30 PM  Join Silvermine Guild Gallery director Jeffrey Mueller & the 9 New Guild Members of 2010 for an informal art discussion about their works on exhibit.  Participants will receive a 15% coupon for dinner that evening at Silvermine Market- advance reservations are required!  Free.  For more, call 203-966-9700 ext. 20.  Silvermine Galleries, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan. 

Ø  February 5^th  Friday  20^th Annual ABC Winter Gala to benefit A Better Chance  7 PM reception; 8 PM Dinner   Master of ceremonies for this dinner/dance is Ridgefield's own poet & TV personality, Ira Joe Fisher.  Tickets $175 per person, tables of 8 for $1350 or 10 for $1650.  Le Chateau, 1410 Route 35, South Salem.  For more info, call 203-438-4226 or email events@ridgefieldabc.org

Ø  February 5^th  Friday  Author Event: Brad Parks  7:30 PM  Former Ridgefielder (RHS '92) & journalist, Brad Parks will read from & sign his new novel of murder in Newark- 'Faces of the Gone'.  Books on the Common, 404 Main St, Ridgefield.  For more info, call 203-431-9100.

Ø  February 5^th  Friday Bob Franke (bluesy guitarist) at the Lyrics Coffeehouse  7:30 PM  $12 per person; $10 advance purchase. This is part of the 6^th season of Lyrics Coffeehouse featuring musicians who will perform their own original music. Coffee included; snacks available for purchase.  Redding Community Center, 37 Lonetown Rd, Redding (behind Redding Elementary School).  For details or tickets, click http://www.townofreddingct.org/Public_Documents/ReddingCT_ParksRec/new/lyrics .

Ø  February 5^th  Friday  Vance Gilbert- funny, warm, storyteller & singer  7:30 PM  This is a part of the CT Folk First Friday Acoustic Concert Series held at the First Presbyterian Church, 704 Whitney Ave, New Haven.  Tickets $20. For tickets or more information, click http://www.CTFolk.com/tickets.html. 

Ø  February 5^th & 6^th  Friday & Saturday  One Acts 2010  8 to 11 PM  A night of 5 one-act plays by modern playwright David Ives.  The New York Times declared them, "Utterly delightful one-act plays that percolate with comic brio...real heart beneath Ives's intellectual tomfoolery'.  $20  Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield.  For tickets or info, click http://ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org/pages/special-events.php.

Ø  February 5th  Friday  The Musical Box Re-creating Genesis  8 PM  Experience the multi-media presentation reprising Genesis' 1976 work 'A Trick of the Tail'.  $60 Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield.  For more info or tickets, click http://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/venue.asp?eventID=980 .

Ø  February 6^th   Saturday   Indoor Winter Farmer's Market  9 AM to 1 PM  Features local farmers, chefs & vendors, weekly foodie & educational events  Every Saturday through May 15^th at Gossett's Nursery, 1202 Route 35, South Salem, NY.  (2 miles over the Ridgefield border)  For details, call 914-763-9003.

Ø  February 6^th  Saturday  Family Art Adventure: GPS Treasure Hunt  12:30 to 5 PM  Join Henryk Teraszkiewicz, exec. Dir. Of Woodcock Nature Center in Wilton, for a workshop of geo-caching.  Then follow the coordinates and seek caches set up by artists Finley & Muse in relation to their exhibition 'Sleeping Under the Stars'.  Members- free; non-members free with admission.  Aldrich Museum, 258 Main St, Ridgefield.  For more info, call 203-438-5795. 

Ø  February 6^th  Saturday  World Views- '50 Wonders of Korea: The Hidden Treasures of Korean Art'- film screening  1 to 3 PM  This 1-hour film will introduce the audience to the unique & extraordinary history & culture of Korea.  Then, enjoy some traditional Korean food & drinks.  Registration is required as space is limited.  (Unfortunately I have no clickable link.)  Call Lesley at 203-438-2282 for details & to register.  Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St, Ridgefield.

Ø  February 6^th  Saturday Congress on Your Corner  1:30 to 3:30 PM  Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) will be meeting with constituents at Last Drop Coffee Shop, 435 Main St, Monroe.  Residents are encouraged to drop by this informal gathering to share their thoughts, ideas & concerns with the Congressman.

Ø  February 6^th  Saturday  A History of Reuse- The Architecture of Weir Farm  2 to 3 PM  Learn how Weir Farm has evolved through time from a working farm to a gentleman farmstead & artist's retreat.  Free.  For more info or to register (required) call 203-834-1896 ext. 12.  Weir Farm, 735 Nod Hill Road, Wilton.

Ø  February 6^th  Saturday  Snowshoe Hike at Lake Windwing  2:30 to 4:30 PM  For ages 8 and up.  $7 for non-members of the Discovery Center. Bring your own snowshoes; limited snowshoes available on a 1^st come 1^st serve basis for the clinic.  Co-sponsored by the Norwalk River Watershed Association & Discovery Center.  For more info or to register, call 203-438-1063 or click http://www.ridgefielddiscovery.org/Program.php?code=38.

Ø  February 6^th  Saturday  Relay for Life Concerts  6 PM & 8 PM  Local music talent Joan Wallace, Dave Keefe, Kim Troy, Lauren Mirabile, Patty Perry, Tim Geaney, Chris Brown, Amy Jonsson & Scott Weber will perform songs from their upcoming CD, 'Acoustic Wilton- The Relay Sessions', a fundraising effort benefitting the American Cancer Society's annual 'Relay for Life of Wilton'.  Donations accepted at the door.  Seating limited.  Preregistration (suggested) by calling 203-762-3950.  Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton. 

Ø  February 6^th  Saturday  'Love is in the Air' Concert  8 PM  The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra with soloists John Muratore (guitar) & Caroline Chanin (mezzo-soprano) plays Moncayo, Grofe, Rodrigo, Tchaikovsky and Ravel.  Tickets: $25/$40/$50; 18 & under $15/$25/$30.   Come early and hear Maestro Steichen 'Set the Stage' & talk about the program from 7 to 7:30 PM.  Anne Richardson Auditorium, Ridgefield High School, 700 North Salem Rd, Ridgefield.  For more info, call 203-438-3889 or click http://www.ridgefieldsymphony.org/2009/seasonoverview.htm.

Ø  February 6^th  Saturday  Men Without Instruments Benefit for Danbury Music Center  8 PM  Carlos Sousa &his a cappella group will be doo-woppin, shoo-woppin, swinging and rocking the night away in tight 4-part harmony to benefit the programs of the Danbury Music Center.  $10 ticket includes post-concert reception of wine, cheese & more.  AT the Marian Anderson Recital Hall, 256 Main St, Danbury.  For details, call 203-748-1716 or email dmc1935@snet.net. 

Ø  February 7^th  Sunday  Spaced Out!  2 to 5 PM  Visit with Ridgefield artist Emelie Howard and view her 'inner & outer space oil & acrylic paintings' at this opening reception. Free.  Paul Gervais Gallery, 49 Ethan Allen Highway (Rte 7), Ridgefield.  For more info, call 203-544-8166.

Ø  February 7^th  Sunday  Fountain Music Series to Commemorate Black History Month.  4 to 5:30 PM  Trinidad native & baritone, Phillip Mentor, & accompanist  Edwin R. Taylor present a voice recital  of beloved spirituals celebrating the United States' rich & inspiring tradition of spirituals & folksongs.  For more info or details, call 203-438-8077.  First congregational Church, 103 Main St, Ridgefield. 

Ø  February 7^th  Sunday  Super Bowl XLIV Sunday!  Indianapolis Colts vs. New Orleans Saints

Ø  February 9^th  Tuesday  Women's Day at the Capital  10 AM to Noon  Organized by the CT. Permanent Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW).  At the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. The event will include an informational hearing as well as a public hearing.  Snow date: 2-11-10.  For more details, click: http://www.cga.ct.gov/PCSW/PDFs%20-%202010/2010%20Flyer%20Final.pdf.

Ø  February 9^th  Tuesday  Queen Nur: Voices of Courage  10 AM & 1 PM  In this Black History Month Presentation, Queen Nur takes on the roles of 4 strong female African-American pioneers, including Sojourner Truth, Ida A Wells, Mary McLeod Bethune & Cathy Williams.  Especially for grades 3 thru 8.  $10 tickets. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield. For tickets or info, call 203-438-5795 or click http://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/venue.asp?eventID=931.

Ø  February 9^th  Tuesday   'Bright Star'- the film  1:30  & 7 PM  A Jane Campion film about the passionate romance between 19^th century romantic poet John Keats- who died tragically at 25- and his love & muse, Fanny Brawne.  Free.  Call Lesley at 203-438-2282 for more information or click http://www.booksite.com/texis/scripts/bookletter/eventcal.html?sid=6342&cal=1. Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St, Ridgefield.

Ø  February 9^th  Tuesday  JOBS! JOBS? JOBS: Marketing Plan & Elevator Speech + Results  7 to 8:30 PM  Ron Drew, founder of Exec2Tech- a management consulting group, will show attendees how to create an elevator speech that catches the listener's attention, & how to create a marketing or Networking plan. Free.  For more, call 203-762-3950.  Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton. 

Ø  February 10^th  Wednesday  2^nd Annual 'Hearts of Hope' Breakfast  7:45 AM  The Women's Center of Greater Danbury is hosting guest speaker Brad Dazen,co-anchor of the NBC Connecticut News Today morning show. Tickets $10 each, or why not gather your friends & get a table of 10 for $100!  At the Fox Hill Inn, 257 Federal Rd, Brookfield.  For more information or tickets, call the Women's Center at 203-731-5200.

Ø  February 10^th  Wednesday  'Wednesday Night Wine Tasting for Charity'  5 to 6:30 PM  Sarah's Wine Bar and Cellar XV continue to join forces in 2010 to offer wine tasting for local charities. Having raised more than $10,000 last year, tonight's proceeds will benefit the Ridgefield Playhouse.  $10 (The full $10 goes to the charity!)   Sarah's Wine Bar, upstairs from Bernard's Restaurant, 20 West Lane, Ridgefield.  For details, call 203-438-8282.

Ø  February 10^th  Wednesday  Ridgefield Green Drinks Inaugural Meeting  5:30 PM  Green Drinks in the international movement combining networking, socializing, the opportunity for like-minded people to discuss environmental issues and environmentally friendly business possibilities   Public welcome!  'Free' to join, attend, participate, but attendees are to pay for their own food & drink.  Toscana Ristorante, 43 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield.  For more, click http://www.greendrinks.org/CT/Ridgefield.

Ø  February 10^th  Wednesday  Author Talk:  How to Raise a Drug-Free Kid: The Straight Dope for Parents by Joseph A Califano, Jr.  7:00 PM   Meet the author and discuss raising kids who are not tempted to use drugs.  Ridgefield Library, 472 Main Street, Ridgefield.  (Books available for a 15% discount at Books on the Common, 404 Main St, Ridgefield.)  To reserve a seat, call the Ridgefield Prevention Council at 203-438-9557 or go to www.ridgefieldpreventioncouncil.org. 

Ø  February 10^th  Wednesday  Lower Fairfield County Sierra Club meeting  7:30 PM  Topics include participation in the United Nations 'Plant for the Planet' Billion Tree campaign.  Members & guest are welcome!  HSC community Services Center, One park ST Norwalk.  For more info, call 203-216-5938.

Ø  February 11^th  Thursday Free Tax-Preparation Help for low-moderate income residents  8:30 AM,  Ridgefield Community Center, 316 Main St.  Sponsored by AARP.  Call 203-438-2755 for appointment.

Ø  February 11^th  Thursday  Health Care Reform at Founders Hall  1:30 PM  Dr. John Murphy of Danbury Health Services will discuss health care reform- how we got where we are , why change is necessary, and what his thoughts are for the future.  This seminar is open to the public but an RSVP is required.  Call Founders Hall at 203-431-7000.  Founders Hall, 193 Danbury Rd Ridgefield.

Ø  February 11^th  Thursday  Author Talk- Dana Brand 7 to 8:30 PM  Dana Brand is a professor of English at Hofstra University, essayist & now author of 'The Last Days of Shea: Delight & Despair in the Life of a Mets Fan'.  Free.  For more info, call Lesley at 203-438-2282 or Brand's website http://thelastdaysofshea.com/.  Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St, Ridgefield.

Ø  February 12^th  Friday  Lincoln's Birthday

Ø  February 12^th Friday Ten Minutes with Rep. Jim Himes!  8:20 to 8:30 AM  Tune your AM dial to Stamford radio 1400 for a scheduled weekly interview with our own 4^th CD Congressman Jim Himes.

Ø  February 12^th  Friday  Phil Vassar with special guest Jamie McLean Band  8 PM  Vassar's artistic expression is like a 'good-time, whirling-dervish on the piano', & he's the 'hardest working-man in country music'.  Such fun, coupled with the fret board mastery of guitarist Jamie McLean and his band will make for a memorable evening indeed.  $82.50  Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield.  For more info or tickets, click http://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/venue.asp?eventID=918.

Ø  February 13^th  Saturday Indoor Winter Farmer's Market  9 AM to 1 PM  Features local farmers, chefs & vendors, weekly foodie & educational events  Every Saturday through May 15^th at Gossett's Nursery, 1202 Route 35, South

Salem, NY.  (2 miles over the Ridgefield border)  For details, call 914-763-9003.

Ø  February 14^th  Sunday  Valentine's Day

Ø  February 14^th  Sunday  Happy Chinese New Year- 4707!  This is the Year of the Tiger.

Ø  February 14^th  Sunday  Mardi Gras Mambo! with The Neville Brothers and Dr. John & the Lower 911  6:30 to 8:30 PM  Get your Mardi Gras beads, champagne, nibbles & a raffle!  Then the music starts jumpin' with New Orlean's First Family of Funk, the Grammy award winning Neville Brothers & the incomparable New Orleans pianist Dr. John.  Tickets $95/ $125.  For more info or tickets, click http://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/venue.asp?eventID=955.

Ø  February 15^th  Monday  Susan B. Anthony Day & Presidents Day  Town Offices closed.

Ø  February 15^th  Monday  2^nd Annual Chocolate Celebration  3 to 5:30 PM  For those in grades 6 thru 12, come join the fun of chocolate trivia, chocolate fondue, chocolate art, & a showing of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'!  Free.  Sing up required.  For more info or to sign up, call Geri at 203-438-2282 ext 1004.  Children's Program Room, Ridgefield Library, 472 Main. St, Ridgefield.

Ø  February 15^th  Monday  Rudy Marconi on Progressive Soup TV  4 to 5 PM  Watch gubernatorial 'explorer' and Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi on Comcast channel 23.

Ø  February 17^th  Wednesday  Ash Wednesday

Ø  February 17^th  Wednesday  New Perspectives documentary Film Series- Jump!  7 to 8:30 PM  'Jump" is a feature length, character driven documentary about competitive jump rope that follows kids on 5 teams pushing their physical & psychological limits in pursuit of the World Championship.  Live demo.  Q & A to follow.  Free.  For more info, or to register (recommended) click http://www.libraryinsight.com/eventdetails.asp?jx=sip&lmx=273379 or call 203-762-3950. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton.  

Ø  February 18^th  Thursday  Free Tax-Preparation Help for low-moderate income residents  8:30 AM,  Ridgefield Community Center, 316 Main St.  Sponsored by AARP.  Call 203-438-2755 for appointment.

Ø  February 18^th  Thursday  HVCEO Meeting  12:30 PM  Brookfield Town Hall, 100 Pocono Road, Brookfield.  The Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials.  Click http://www.hvceo.org/meetings.php for agenda.  Public welcome.

Ø  February 18^th  Thursday  Ray Kamalay: Freedom, Slavery & the Roots of American Music  7 to 8:30 PM  Kamalay is a Detroit native with a degree in philosophy.  As a professional musician since 1974, he will lead us thru the development of early American music from its links to slavery, the Haitian Revolution, spirituals, blues, minstrel shows, ragtime and jazz.  Free.  For more info or to register (suggested) call 203-762-3950 or click http://www.libraryinsight.com/eventdetails.asp?jx=sip&lmx=257282. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton.

Ø  February 19^th Friday Ten Minutes with Rep. Jim Himes!  8:20 to 8:30 AM  Tune your AM dial to Stamford radio 1400 for a scheduled weekly interview with our own 4^th CD Congressman Jim Himes.

Ø  February 19^th  Friday  Walk & Talk Series- Alre Sklar & Jody Silver  12:30 to 1:30 PM Join these 2 Silvermine Director's Choice artists for an informal discussion about their current works on exhibit in 'In Relation To...".  Free.  For more info, call 203-966-9700 ext 20.  Silvermine Galleries, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan.

Ø  February 19^th  Friday  Hot 8 Brass Band  8 PM  This was a featured band in 'Save our Brass', a hurricane Katrina Relief Project. Hot 8 Brass Band  Blends traditional New Orleans jazz with hip-hop & funk styles.  Come early-  7:30- & share in the discussion with members of the band about post Katrina life moderated by Ira Joe Fisher & Morton Dean.  $45/ $50 Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield.  For more info or tickets, click http://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/venue.asp?eventID=709.  

Ø  February 20^th  Saturday Indoor Winter Farmer's Market  9 AM to 1 PM  Features local farmers, chefs & vendors, weekly foodie & educational events  Every Saturday through May 15^th at Gossett's Nursery, 1202 Route 35, South Salem, NY.  (2 miles over the Ridgefield border)  For details, call 914-763-9003.

Ø  February 20^th  Saturday  Lecture:  Read Ulysses?- Are You Out of Your Mind?  10 to 11 AM.  James Joyce enthusiast, Col. Jack Daniels, will present a talk about reading James Joyce's Ulysses in hopes that afterwards you will feel better about tackling this notoriously difficult work.  Free.  Part of the 'Enjoying Joyce' series through June.  Free.  Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St, Ridgefield.

Ø  February 20^th  Saturday Become a Reading Ranger  10 AM to Noon  Join a Park Ranger for a read-aloud story in the cozy, historic barn, followed by a related activity exploring the landscape.  Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton.  Free.  For more info, or to register (required) click http://www.nps.gov/wefa/parknews/readingranger.htm orcall 203-834-1896 ext. 12.

Ø  February 20^th  Saturday  Join the Fun- Join the Team for Rudy!  3 to 5 PM   Learn more and realize Rudy Marconi is the 'gubernatorial explorer' for you!  Fundraiser.  At the Lehmann residence, 638 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield.  For more info, call 203-244-9880.

Ø  February 21^th  Sunday  'Raging Bull': part of the Ridgefield Playhouse Lost & Found Film Series  7:30 PM  Academy Award Nominated actress Cathy Moriarty will be on hand for the Q & A after the screening! Hosts Morton Dean, Ira Joe Fisher & Faith Daniels.  Tickets $10; senior (62+) $7.50 & students $5 through box office only.  Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield.  For more, call 203-438-5785 or click http://www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org/venue.asp?eventID=967.

Ø  February 21^st  Sunday  2^nd Annual Chili Winter Warm-Up  1 to 4 PM  Fun for the whole family!  Chili cook-off, tasting, live entertainment, open skate and more!  At the Danbury Ice Arena, 1 Independence Way, Danbury.  $5 per person/$15 per family, extra for skating.  For info email mike@danburywesterners.com or click http://danburywesterners.com/fun/chiliwinterwarmup. 

Ø  February 21^st  Sunday  Run for Haiti!  2:00 PM  This was in the formative stages when finalizing the Dispatch.  Please check out the Ridgefield Responds for Haiti website for details: http://ridgefieldresponds.org/ or call Tina- 203-438-7714 or Marc- 203-438-5056.

Ø  February 21^st  Sunday  Rudy at the Bissell House 3 to 5 PM  Bring friends!  Join friends! and support Rudy Marconi's  gubernatorial exploration at the Bissell House, 378 Main St, Ridgefield.  For more info, call 203-244-9880.

Ø  February 21^st  Sunday  Creative Conversation: Legend of the Leather Man  4 to 6 PM  Join historian & author Dan DeLluca as he reads passages & talks about his book, 'The Old Leather Man: Historical Accounts of a Connecticut & New York Legend' and the life of the 19^th Century wandering vagrant.  Free to Aldrich members; $10 non-members.  For more info or tickets, call Joseph at 203-438-4519 or click http://www.aldrichart.org/events/select.php?id=566.  Aldrich Art Museum, 258 Main St, Ridgefield.

Ø  February 21^st  Sunday  Lecture Series with David Dunlop: "Art & Science: Cross Breeding Ideas & Techniques"  4 to 6 PM  Learn how artists have borrowed from ancient & foreign sources to find modern ideas.  Nationally known and respected artist in his own right, Dunlop had a 13 part PBS series beginning March 2008, 'Landscapes through Time".  $10  For more info or reservations, call 203-966-6668 ext. 2.  Silvermine Guild Arts Center Auditorium, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan.

Ø  February 22^nd  Monday  Washington's Birthday

Ø  February 23^rdTuesday   'Amelia'- the film  1:30  & 7 PM  The life adventure, celebrity & continuing mystery of Amelia Earhart starring Hillary Swank, Richard Gere, & Ewan McGregor.  Free. click http://www.booksite.com/texis/scripts/bookletter/eventcal.html?sid=6342&cal=1 or call Lesley at 203-438-2282 for more information. Ridgefield Library, 472 Main St, Ridgefield.

Ø  February 23^rd  Tuesday Bloodmobile  1:45 to 6:30 PM  Ridgefield Parks & Rec, 195 Danbury Rd,  Ridgefield. Call 800-433-1879 for info or appointments, or click www.redcrossblood.org.

Ø  February 24^th & 25^th  Wednesday & Thursday  Ridgefield Lion's Club Fundraiser!  Piccolo Restaurant (24 Prospect St., Ridgefield) is teaming up with the Lions during lunch & dinner hours both days-  Anyone bringing in a Lions flyer will entitle the Lions to 50% of their food bill!   This offer is valid for eating at the restaurant, take out or delivery (203-438-8200).  For more info or a copy of the flyer, call Mike at 203-438-0726 or email him at mj_liberta@msn.com.

Ø  February 25^th  Thursday Free Tax-Preparation Help for low-moderate income residents  8:30 AM,  Ridgefield Community Center, 316 Main St.  Sponsored by AARP.  Call 203-438-2755 for appointment.

Ø  February 25th  Thursday  Author Talk: Julie Jason- The AARP Retirement Survival Guide  10:30 AM to Noon.  Hear Ms. Jason speak about her just published AARP Retirement Guide: How to Make Smart Financial Decisions in Good Times & Bad'.  Q & A to follow talk.   Free.  For more info or to register (suggested) call 203-762-3950 or click http://www.libraryinsight.com/eventdetails.asp?jx=sip&lmx=259745.  Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton.

Ø  February 25^th  Thursday  Navigating the Healthcare System with Success  5:30 to 6:30 PM  Event presented by Joan Garbow, MSW Geriatric & Disability Car Manager, at Laurel Ridge Health Care Center, 642 Danbury Road, Ridgefield.  For more info, or to RSVP (required) call 203-438-8226.

Ø  February 25^th  Thursday Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence Exhibition & Reception  6 to 7:30 PM  Kazaan Viveiros  Her current work focuses on the natural world.  She is concerned with environmental changes & the balance of elements within ecosystems.  Viveiros has exhibited her work throughout the US & Europe.  Free.  Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Rd, Wilton.  For details, call 203-762-3950 or click http://www.libraryinsight.com/eventdetails.asp?jx=sip&lmx=253725.

Ø  February 25^th  Thursday  The Secrets of Oz- From Baum's Classic to Wicked; Stories from Behind the Curtain  7 to 8:30 PM  Evan Schwartz will discuss his book 'Finding Oz: How L Frank Baum Discovered the Great American Story' & show slides of photos from Baum's life.  Carol De Giere, author of 'Defying Gravity: the Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz, from Godspell to Wicked' will explore the making of the musical 'Wicked'.  She will play video clips for a behind the scenes look at the Broadway production.  Thereafter, the evening will conclude with performances by Carol Demas (Broadway's original Sandy in Grease) and Lara Janine  (starred as Elphaba in 'Wicked' at Universal Studios in Japan).  Advance registration suggested.  Pre-registrants must be seated by 6:50 PM.  For more info or to register, call Lesley at 203-438-2282.  (Sorry, no clickable registration available.)  Ridgefield Library, 472 Main ST., Ridgefield.

Ø  February 25^th  Thursday  Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx  8 PM  Styx founding member DeYoung, who was lead vocalist, keyboardist, accordion player, producer, writer & creative force behind many of the band's hits, will recreate 30 years of that musical history.  $85  Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield.   For more info or tickets, click http://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/venue.asp?eventID=991. 

Ø  February 26^h Friday Ten Minutes with Rep. Jim Himes!  8:20 to 8:30 AM  Tune your AM dial to Stamford radio 1400 for a scheduled weekly interview with our own 4^th CD Congressman Jim Himes.

Ø  February 26^th  Friday  Don't Worry- Be Happy-  Bobby McFerrin  8 PM  Unconventional, innovator & improviser, Grammy Award winner, conductor, and passionate spokesman for music education will entertain at the Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield.  $75/ $80  For more info or tickets, click http://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/venue.asp?eventID=919.

Ø  February 27^th Saturday  Indoor Winter Farmer's Market  9 AM to 1 PM  Features local farmers, chefs & vendors, weekly foodie & educational events  Every Saturday through May 15^th at Gossett's Nursery, 1202 Route 35, South Salem, NY.  (2 miles over the Ridgefield border)  For details, call 914-763-9003.

Ø  February 27^th  Saturday  Winter Plant Ramble  10 AM to Noon  Embark on a nature walk focusing on the art of identifying plants during the winter season.  Bundle up with warm clothes, sturdy footwear & a water bottle.  Free.  For more info or to register (required) call 203-544-9829 ext 11.  Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton.

Ø  February 27^th  Saturday  The Little Mermaid  11 AM & 2 PM  This production is the live, on-stage musical Broadway for Kids presentation.  $15  For tickets or more info, call 203-438-5795 or click http://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/venue.asp?eventID=911. 

Ø  February 27^th  Saturday  12^th Annual Radius Exhibition Opening  4 to 6 PM  The works of 7 regional artists will be featured.  For more info or details, call  the Aldrich Art Museum at 203-438-4519 or RGOA at 203-438-8863.  Ridgefield Guild of Artists, 34 Halpin Ln, Ridgefield. 

Ø  February 27^th  Saturday  Dunamis- local jazz duo  Live sets, beginning at 6 PM for dining entertainment.  Dessert & coffee reservations taken after 8:30 PM.  The Cutting Board Restaurant (a BYOB establishment), 103 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield.  For info or reservations, call 203-438-0300.

Ø  February 27^th  Saturday  'Rudy'- a special screening of the movie classic  7:30 to 9 PM  'Rudy' is the story of an ordinary man attempting the extraordinary.   Free, but donations are welcome to support the exploratory gubernatorial campaign of Rudy Marconi.  Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield.  For more info, call 203-244-9880.

Ø  February 27^th  Saturday  ROAR with Laughter  7 PM  Enjoy this Winter Escape featuring stand-up comedian Lenny Marcus, funnyman emcee Tim Washer & the jazz sounds of Cheryl Boyd & Billy Michael.  Food, drink, music, laughter, silent & live auctions!  Honoring Christopher Bishop, & the Blue Buffalo Co.- winner of the 2010 ROAR Community Star Award.  Proceeds to benefit the Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue.  Tickets $100 or table for 8- $750.  For info or tickets, call Pam at 203-664-1235.  At the Ridgefield Rec Center, 195 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield.

Ø  February 28^th  Sunday  Men Make Brunch  11 to 1 PM  Please join NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut for Sunday brunch prepared by Pro-Choice Men- including Congressman Chris Murphy, Atty. General Richard Blumenthal, former Senate Majority Leader George Jepsen, Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi and more!  Help celebrate & secure reproductive choice in Connecticut.  General admission $40/ $75 per couple; Young professionals $30.  To RSVP call NARAL Pro-Choice CT. at 860-523-1227 or email info@pro-choicect.org.

Ø  February 28^th  Sunday  Maple Sugaring at New Pond Farm  Noon to 1:30 PM  Take an inside look at New Pond Farm's maple sugaring operation.  Bundle up for some sweet fun!  $10 per Discovery Center member family; $20 per non-member family.  New Pond Farm, 101 Marchant Road, West Redding.  For more info, click http://www.ridgefielddiscovery.org/Program.php?code=39.

Ø  February 28^th  Sunday  Opening Reception- February New Exhibits  2 to 4 PM  New exhibits include: Director's Choice: Susan Newbold & Alex Rheault's- 'Natural Overlaps'; Guild Group Show 'Inside or Out' where Guild artists were invited to explores the concepts of inside or out;  Alberta Cifolelli's- "Softening the Edge 1964-2009"; and Natasha Karpinskaia's- 'The Doodle Series".  Free.  For more info, call 203-966-9700 ext 20.  Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan.

Ø  February 28^th  Sunday  Wilton Candlelight Concerts present Ani Kavafian- violin, & Kenneth Cooper- harpsichord  4 PM  A rare performance o f Baroque music with Berkshire Bach Society director Cooper teaming up with artist member of the Lincoln Center Chamber Society, Kavafian, and others in a recital of Bach violin sonatas & Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons'.  $25; season tickets available.  Call 203-762-5019 or click http://www.wiltoncandlelightconcerts.org/ for more info.   Wilton Congregational Church, 70 Ridgefield Rd Wilton.

Ø  February 28^th  Sunday  "A Homecoming Spectacle'- a film & lecture by Sunanda K. Sanyal.  4:30 to 6:30 PM   Internationally respected art historian, writer, producer & director of this film, Sanyal will discuss his documentary about the visual culture of Durga Pujo, temporary public spectacles & installations.  His film offers an immigrant perspective with a focus on art.  $10.   Space is limited.  For more info or tickets, call 203-966-6668 ext 2.  Silvermine Guild Arts Center, 1037 Silvermine Rd, Wilton.

Ø   February 28^th  Sunday Jazz Masters Series: Gene Bertoncini & Ed Laub- guitar duo   6:30 - 8:30 PM  Join the celebration!  This is the One Year Anniversary of bringing jazz masters to Ridgefieldat Sarah's Wine Bar (upstairs from Bernard's, 20 West Lane, Ridgefield.)  $15 cover to see world class jazz greats!  Seating limited!  For questions or reservations, call 203-438-8282.

Ø  Women's Hiking Group meets at 9:30 AM Tuesdays & Thursdays only during the school year- (If schools closed, no hike.) Sept. thru June & hikes about one hour- new trails each week.   Sponsored through the Discovery Center at Ridgefield.  Hiking locations posted each week at http://ridgefielddiscovery.blogspot.com/.

Ø   February 4^th thru 28^th  Thursdays thru Sundays:  Take Part in Art  10 AM to 4 PM  Discover your inner artist while sketch in en plein air in a landscape that has inspired artists for more than 125 years.  Art supplies provided by the National Park Service.  Free.  Weir Farm National Historic Site, 735 Nod Hill Road, Wilton.  (Christmas Day, no class)  For more info, click http://www.nps.gov/wefa/planyourvisit/tpia.htm

Ø  Piccolo Pizza Jazzeria every Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday- Get great jazz and delicious Italian food.  6 to 9 PM  Free, though gratuities are welcome.  For details, call 203-438-8200.  Piccolo Pizza, 24 Prospect St, Ridgefield.

Ø  Luc's Café Restaurant- 7:30 to 9 PM  every Wednesday night all year long, Larry Urbon offers live Gipsy Jazz.  Free, though gratuities are welcome.  Luc's Café, 3 Big Shop Lane, Ridgefield.