Call for Art for Benefit AuctionExposure Gallery dedicated to photography, is hostng a benefit silent auction from 6 to 8 p.m., February 22, 2007, at the gallery, One Whitney Avenue, New Haven. Proceeds will benefit Life Haven, a temporary shelter at 447 Ferry Street, New Haven, that provides a safe environment for young pregnant women and women with young children. To make this event a success, the gallery is asking artists including photographers, clothing designers, painters, sculptures and jewelry makers to donate a piece of art by February 10. For information or to donate, call 203-494-9905 or e-mail contact@exposuregalleries.com.

Warm Thy Neighbor in New HavenMembers of the New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee are conducting a "Winter Clothing Drive" to benefit Columbus House Inc. of New Haven. New or gently used items are needed such as winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves for men and women. Donations are being accepted through February 10, 2007, at the following locations: Yale Law School, 127 Wall Street; Knights of St. Patrick, 1533 State Street; Columbus House, 586 Ella T. Grasso Blvd, all in New Haven; Knights of Columbus/West Haven Irish American Club, 263 Center Street, West Haven; and Irish American Community Center, 9 Venice Place, East Haven. Information, 203-215-4163, 203-457-0013.

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Open House at Magnet SchoolAll school-age children ages 3 or 4 to grade eight are invited to attend an open house recruitment at the Annie Fisher Magnet School of Multiple Intelligences from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., January 2, 11 and February 6, at the school in Hartford. Lottery information and applications will be available. For information, 860-695-3500.

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Adoption: How to Get StartedA program "Adoption: How to Get Started" will be offered from 7 to 8 p.m., January 3, 2007, at Broders Bookstore at Waterford Commons. A social worker from Child Adoption Resource Association (CARA) will discuss making the decision to adopt, types of adoption and procedures, medical and financial considerations and answer any questions. Participants will leave with a folder of information to begin the adoption journey. Information, www.adoptacarakid.org.

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Art Show Opening in Canton"Resolutions," a members and guest art show featuring works in all media, will be on exhibit from January 5 through February 4, 2007, at the Canton Artists' Guild, Gallery on the Green, off Route 44, Canton. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., January 6, 2007. Also showing will be Jerome Blanchard with pencil drawings of personal importance, portraits and places in the Upstairs Gallery and Lynn Grayson, "Fractions and Distractions," showing digitally manipulated photographry, altered scenes, bits and pieces, in the Spotlight Gallery. Information, 860-693-4102 or www.galleryongreen.org.

Cabaret Night and Silent AuctionThe second annual Cabaret Night and Silent Auction will be held at 7:30 p.m., January 5, 2007, at Wethersfield High School, 411 Wolcott Hill Road, Wethersfield. Admission is $10 at the door. The event will be hosted by WFSB's Scot Haney and talented current students and alumni will perform musical numbers from shows never before seen at WHS. A New York City theater weekend will be raffled along with other items. Proceeds benefit the Auditorium Renovation Fund. Sponsored by the WHS Drama Club.

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Gallery Show in CantonThe Canton Artists Guild’s Gallery on the Green will open a new show of members and guest works in all media. The open reception is from 6 to 9 p.m., January 6 and the show runs through February 4, 2007, at the gallery, off Route 44, Canton. Information, 860-693-4102, www.galleryongreen.org

.E-Junk Drive in HebronAn E-Junk Collection will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., January 6, 2007, at RHAM High School, 85 Wall Street, Hebron. Bring old computers, televisions, keyboards, and any other electronic devices. Everything that is donated will be recycled. A small fee for some items may apply to help with the recycling process. The drive is sponsored by the Freshman Honors Science Class.

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Open Call Art ShowArtwell Gallery and Community Arts Center, 19 Water Street, Torrington, has announced an open call to all artists in all mediums to participate in the New Year show entitled "Premier." The Gallery will be accepting artwork from 5 to 7 p.m., January 7, 2007. This is a member show so membership application and fee will be expected for all applicants. The show will run from January 13 through February 13, 2007 with a special opening event from 6 to 8 p.m., January 13, 2007. Admission to the opening is free. Information, 860-482-5122.

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Volunteer Recruitment Informational BreakfastThe Experience Corps Volunteer recruitment Informational Breakfast will be held at 9:30 a.m., January 8, 2007, at the Dunbar Davenport Residence Community Room in Hamden. Sponsored by Experience Corps-Agency on Aging of South Central CT, the event is for anyone age 55 and over interested in tutoring elementary students in Hamden five to 15 hours per week. Training is provided and a small stipend is available depending on job commitment. Information, www.experiencecorps.org.

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Family Fun Night in NaugatuckFriendly's Family Fun Night to benefit the Congregational Church of Naugatuck's La Romana Mission Team will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., January 9, 2007, at the Naugatuck Friendly's. Ten percent of all proceeds that night will benefit the mission team.

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Business Organizing Session in SimsburyThe Simsbury Library will hold a free organizing workshop for businesses at 6:30 p.m., January 10, 2007 at the library, 725 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury. Four professional organizers will discuss how to organize your business. Professional organization can help a business streamline processes, increase cash flow and improve productivity. Information or to register call 860-658-7663.

Open House at Magnet SchoolAll school-age children ages 3 or 4 to grade eight are invited to attend an open house recruitment at the Annie Fisher Magnet School of Multiple Intelligences from 6 to 8 p.m., January 10, at the school in Hartford. Lottery information and applications will be available. For information, 860-695-3500.

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Karaoke Kick Off in HartfordThe Greater Manchester Young Democrats will hold a Big 2007 Karaoke Kick Off at 5;30 p.m., January 11, 2007, at Hot Tomato’s, Union Place, Hartford. The cost is $10, $15 if you don’t want to sing. Information, http://ydmanchester.dems.info.

Open House at Magnet SchoolAll school-age children ages 3 or 4 to grade eight are invited to attend an open house recruitment at the Annie Fisher Magnet School of Multiple Intelligences from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., January 11 and February 6, at the school in Hartford. Lottery information and applications will be available. For information, 860-695-3500.

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Benefit Concert in NewingtonA concert will be held from 5 to 211:30 p.m., January 12, 2007, at Newington High School to benefit George Stevens. Multiple groups will perform including the Newington High School Marching Band, the chamber choir, chamber orchestra and other bands. There will also be a silent auction and food will be available. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

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Science of Color and Light"Learn the Science of Color and Light" at a new exhibit at the Children's Museum, Trout Brook Road, West Hartford. The exhibit will open January 13 and run through June 17, 2007. The exhibit features an assortment of vivid and senational interactive displays that bring color to life. The centerpiece of the display is a 12 by 24-foot Color Playhouse with three rooms that demonstrate the principles of color and light. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Information, 860-231-2830.

Synergy Brass to PerformSynergy Brass will perform at 7:30 pm., January 13, 2007, at South United Methodist Church, 1226 Main Street, Manchester. General admission is $10, senior citizens and students are $8 and children 12 and under are free. The Synergy brass Quintet has been bringing a new exciting brand of chamber music to audiences since 1966. Information, directions, www.Southumc.com. The church is handicapped accessible and the public is welcome.

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Royal Concert in WaterburyA Royal Concert with the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra will be held at 3 p.m., January 14, 2007, at Naugatuck Valley Community College Fine Arts Center in Waterbury. Tickents are $40, $30, $15 and $5 for students. The WSO will feature Handel's "Royal Fireworks Music" and Brahms' "Symphony No. 1." WSO oboist Olav Van Hezewijk will perform Bach's "Concerto for Oboe d'amore." A preconcert discussion begins at 2 p.m. Purchase tickets by calling 203-574-4283 or on-line at www.waterburysymphony.org.

SecondSundays at South ChurchThe music series, SecondSundays at South, will present organist Dan Campolieta from 12:05 to 12:35 p.m., January 14, 2007, at the church, 90 Main Street, New Britain. A free-will offering will be collected. The performance will be followed by a brunch in the church parlor.

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New Exhibit at Gallery 195The Arts Council of Greater New Haven presents "Nature Morte," photographs by Karen Klugman and paintings by Peter Ziou at Gallery 195 at New Alliance Bank, 195 Church Street, 4th floor, New Haven. The exhibit runs froim January 17 to April 18, 2007, with an artists' reception from 5 to 7 p.m., February 15, 2007. The public is invited. Information, 203-772-2788.

Birthday Celebration in WillimanticBenjamin Franklin’s birthday will be celebrated at 5 p.m., January 17, 2007, at the Guilford Smith Memorial Library, 17 Main Street, South Windham. Come learn about the man on the $100 bill, his accomplishments and inventions. Make a colonial tri-cornered hat. For more information, call 860-423-5159.

Gospel Choir to PerformThe Quinnipiac University Gospel Choir will perform at God's Unlimited Outreach Ministries, 1441 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven, at 8:30 p.m., January 17, 2007. The free performance is open to the public and will feature contemporary gospel music. Information, 203-582-8652.

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Gospel Choir to PerformThe Quinnipiac University Gospel Choir will perform at Greater Joy Mission Church of Deliverance, 49 Charter Oak Avenue, Hartford, at 7:30 p.m., January 18, 2007. The free performance is open to the public and will feature contemporary gospel music. Information, 203-582-8652.

The World War II ExperienceThe Manchester Historical Society will host a public panel discussion on the World War II experience at 1 p.m., January 21, 2007, at the Manchester History Center, 175 Pine Street, Manchester. Moderated by Board Director Susan Barlow, the panel includes local veterans. Also, a new exhibit honoring veterans of World War II is also on display. Admission to the discussion is $1 for members and $3 for non-members. Information, 860-647-9983.

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’Research While You Sleep’ in SimsburyThe Simsbury Public Library’s Business Resource Center along with the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce will present a workshop, “Research While You Sleep,” from 8 to 8:45 a.m., January 19, 2007, at the library, 725 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury. This workshop will teach attendees how they can create their own “clipping service” to track competitors, industry trends, and other key subjects. Jennifer Keohane, business outreach librarian, will demonstrate how to create customized searches that will deliver articles from major newspapers to an e-mail box. For information or to attend, call 860-658-7663.

Gospel Choir to PerformThe Quinnipiac University Gospel Choir will perform at Gaylordsville United Methodist Church, 685 Kent Road, New Milford, at 7 p.m., January 19, 2007. The free performance is open to the public and will feature contemporary gospel music. Information, 203-582-8652.

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Open Mic Night at Artwell GalleryArtwell Gallery, 19 Water Street, Torrington, will hold an open mic night at 8 p.m., January 20, 2007, where the wild and the wonderful share the stage for a night., Everyone is invited to listen or participate in an eclectic and inspiring mix of spoken words, music or any other stand-up entertainment. Ten-minute slots are available by calling 860-618-3810 or arrive slightly before 8 p.m. to sign up. Suggested donation is $5. Information, 860-482-5122, www.artwellgallery.org.

Kid’s Event in TorringtonArtwell Gallery, 19 Water Street, Torrington, will present a Kid’s Stuff Event featuring storyteller Rona Leventhal at 11 a.m., January 20, 2007. Her program is entitled “Fun, Frolic and Fancy: Stories for Families to Share.” This event is open to children of all ages. Suggested donation is $3 for children and $5 for adults. Information, 860-482-5122.

Comedy Hypnosis ShowA comedy hypnosis show presented by Dan LaRosa, will be held at 7 p.m., January 20, 2007, at Granby High School auditorium. Admission is $5 for students and $8 for adults and proceeds will benefit the Granby Athletic Booster Club. Information, 860-653-4785.

Military Packing Party in Rocky HillA Military Care Package Parking Party will be held from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., January 20, 2007, at the ESGR Building, Rocky Hill. Volunteers and donations are needed. Information, www.give2thetroops.org.

Manchester Historical Society to MeetThe Manchester Historical Society will hold a brainstorming session on its Loom Interpretive Project at 10 a.m., January 20, 2007, at the history center, 175 Pine Street. For reservations, call 860-647-9983. The society owns several historic looms once used in the Scalamandre Mills in New York and is in the process of designing a permanent home for them. The project is seeking committee members interested in the building of the exhibit space, the engineering, set up and operation of the looms and the development of a curriculum for interpreting the story of silk manufacturing.

YMCA Polar Plunge in SouthingtonA Polar Plunge, sponsored by the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA will be held at the YMCA Camp Sloper in Southington, at 2 p.m., January 20, 2007. The event is free and plungers will raise money prior to the event. Information, www.southington-cheshireymca.org.

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Table Tennis TournamentBSA Troop 162 of Southbury will hold a Table Tennis Tournament from 2 to 5:30 p.m., January 21, 2007, at the Golden Age of Trucking Museum in Middlebury. Admission is $5.

Theatre Auditions in NewingtonTheatre Newington will hold on-stage auditions for “The Kitchen Witches,” at 3 p.m., January 21, 7 p.m., January 22, 2007, at the Newington Town Hall Council Chambers, 131 Cedar Street, Route 175, Newington. Use rear entrance only near police department for Sunday session. Four roles need to be filled, two women, ages 50s to 60s, two men, 30s to 40s. Rehearsals are Sunday afternoons, Monday and Wednesday evenings starting in March. The performances are in late April. Also seeking technical crew assistance. Information, 860-665-8547 or log onto www.theatrenewington.org.

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Buckets and Tap ShoesSt. Joseph College's Carol Autorino Center for the Arts and Humanities and Stop/Time Dance Theater will present Bucks and Tap Shoes, performed by Ten Foot Five, at 7:30 p.m., January 23, 2007, in the Hoffman Auditorium. Ticket information call 860231-5555 or on-line at www.sjc.edu/arts.

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Business Program in SimsburyThe Simsbury Library’s Business Resource Center will host a workshop on “Protecting Your Data” at 6:30 pm., January 24, 2007, at the library, 725 Hopmeadow Street. The program will teach attendees about anti-virus, anti-spy ware, anti-spam, viruses and general spyware. The program is free. To register or for more information, call 860-658-7663 or log onto www.simsburylibrary.info.

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Bicentennial Kick-Off meetingA public meeting to kick off the year of planning for the Town of Vernon's Bicentennial Year of 2008 will be held at 7 p.m., January 25, 2007, at the Vernon Senior Center in downtown Rockville. The Bicentennial Logo that was selected as the winner of the townwide design contest will also be presented. The public and all local school, church and civic organizations are encouraged to attend and to bring ideas. Information, 860-875-6055.

Herbal Tea Program for WomenAn Herbal Tea Program for Women will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m., January 25, 2007, at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, 109 Pequotsepos Road, Mystic. The cost is $15 for DPNC members and $20 for non-members. The program will teach participants about little-known varieties of tea and learn facts about familiar brews. Participants will also learn about the qualities and potential health benefits of black and green teas. Guests will have a chance to sample various blends. Information, info@dpcn.org or call 860-536-1216.

Library Book Group to MeetThe Guilford Smith Memorial Library Book Group will discuss “The Land of Second Chances,” by George Shaffner at 7 p.m., January 25, 2007, at the library, 17 Main Street, South Windham. Refreshments will be served. Information call 860-423-5159.

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Tale of 12 Dancing Princesses"Metaphasia: A Tale of Tweleve Dancing Princesses," will be presented by Newington Children's Theatre, at 7 p.m., January 26, 2 and 7 p.m., January 27, and 2 p.m., January 28, 2007, at the theatre, 743 North Mountain Road, Newington. Tickets are $8 for children, students and seniors, $10 for adults. Call the box office at 860-666-6282. Information, www.newingtonchildrenstheatre.org. This is a family musical based on a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.

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Artist Matt McCaffrey in TorringtonArtwell Gallery and The Warner Theatre present an evening with artist Matt McCaffrey from 6 to 8 p.m., January 27, 2007, at The Atrium at The Warner, 68 Main Street, Torrington. McCaffrey is a resident of New Milford and is basically a self-taught artist in large format acrylics and air brush canvas. The evening is free and open to the public. Information contact the artist at 914-409-3565.

Hungry Man Breakfast in ManchesterA Hungry Man Breakfast, sponsored by the FIRST Robotics Team 809 with help from the school's culinary department, will be held from 7 to 11:30 a.m., January 27, 2007, at Howell Cheney Technical High School, 791 West Middle Tpke., Manchester. The menu includes scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, pancakes and beverages. Admission is $7 for adults, senior citizens and children 12 and under are $5. Information, www.team809.org.

Little Bighorn Archeology TalkDr. Douglas Scott, National Parks Service Ret., will speak on "New Archeological Perspectives on the Battle of Little Bighorn," at 2 p.m., January 27, 2007, at Smith Middle School, 216 Addison Road, Glastonbury. Snow date is January 28. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students. Scott's presentation will feature the iconic Battle of Lilttle Bighorn which symbolized the U.S. government's conflict with native Americans during the westward expansion. The talk is sponsored by the CT State Museum of Natural History and the CT Archaeology Center. Information, http://www.cac.uconn.edu/mnhcurrentcalendar

Tale of 12 Dancing Princesses"Metaphasia: A Tale of Tweleve Dancing Princesses," will be presented by Newington Children's Theatre, at 2 and 7 p.m., January 27, and 2 p.m., January 28, 2007, at the theatre, 743 North Mountain Road, Newington. Tickets are $8 for children, students and seniors, $10 for adults. Call the box office at 860-666-6282. Information, www.newingtonchildrenstheatre.org. This is a family musical based on a fairy tale by the Brohers Grimm.

"Russian White Nights Concert"The New Haven Symphony has re-engaged guest conductor William Boughton to lead its "White Russian Nights" concert at 8 p.m., January 27, 2007, at Woolsey Hall in New Haven. The program includes "Danses Concertantes" by Stravinsky, "Violin Concerto No. 2" by Prokofiev, "Vocalise" by Rachmaninov and "Symphony No. 1" by Shostakovich. Information, www.newhavensymphony.org.

Symphony Concert in WaterburyThe winter concert by the Greater Waterbury Youth Symphony will be held at 7 p.m., January 27, 2007, at the Naugatuck Valley Community College, Main Stage Theater, Waterbury. Tickets are $8. The winter concert is an opportunity for all three orchestras and chamber groups to perform together. Information, 203-525-3939.

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St. Joseph School Open HouseSt. Joseph School in Vernon/Rockville will hold an open house January 28, 2007. A Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. followed by a reception and tour of the school. The school offers pre-kindergarten though grade eight with full-day kindergarten. Information, 860-875-4943, e-mail at sjro@norwichdiocesecs.org.

Tale of 12 Dancing Princesses"Metaphasia: A Tale of Tweleve Dancing Princesses," will be presented by Newington Children's Theatre, at 2 p.m., January 28, 2007, at the theatre, 743 North Mountain Road, Newington. Tickets are $8 for children, students and seniors, $10 for adults. Call the box office at 860-666-6282. Information, www.newingtonchildrenstheatre.org. This is a family musical based on a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.

New Milford CelebrationThe town of New Milford is celebrating its 300 anniversary this year. To begin the year, a multi-denominational service will be held at 7 p.m., January 28, 2007, at the Congregational Church in New Milford. Information, www.newmilford300.org.

Chabad: East of the River MeetingThe Woman's Touch, part of Chabad: East of the River, will meet at 7:30 p.m., January 28, 2007, at a private home in Glastonbury to discuss "Tu BiShvat," Jewish New Year for Trees, and its modern application. Participants will create their own fruit topiaries from a variety of dried and fresh fruit. The meeting is geared to Jewish women of all backgrounds and affiliations and will combine study, discussion and craft. Cal 860-659-2422 for information.

Sunday Breakfast Buffet in Old SaybrookThe Old Saybrook Fire Department’s Junior Division will host a Sunday Morning Pancake Breakfast Buffet from 8 a.m. to noon, January 28, February 11, 25, March 11 and 25, 2007, at the Fire House, 310 Main Street, Old Saybrook. The menu includes eggs, bacon, pancakes, sausage, toast juice, coffee, tea. Admission is $5 per person. Information, www.oldsyabrookfire.com or 860-857-5300.

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Nursery School Open HouseThe Wethersfield Coop Nursery School will hold an open house for 3 and 4 year olds for the coming academic year, 2007-2008, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., January 29, 2007, at the school, 300 Main Street, Wethersfield. Information, 860-257-1014.

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Career Fair for VeteransThe first job fair for veterans and those returning from active duty service will be held from noon to 4 p.m., January 30, 2007, at Rentschler Field, East Hartford, sponsored by the Ct Department of Labor and the CT Veterans’ Administration. Free services offered at the fair include resume critiques, special pre-fair veteran’s benefits overview and information forum, Internet access to employer applications and job boards on the mobile career center. Information, 860-263-6262 or www.ctjobfairs.com.

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Blood Drive: Goodwin College and the Medical Club are sponsoring a blood drive by the American Red Cross. The blood drive will be held on Wednesday, January 31, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the student lounge at the Goodwin College Main Campus at 745 Burnside Avenue in East Hartford. The blood drive is open to the public. If you are interested in donating blood or learning more about this event, please contact Paula Dowd at Goodwin College at 860-727-6779 or email to pdowd@goodwin.edu.

Fundraiser Play in West HartfordThe Farmington Junior Women's Club will present "Lend Me a Tenor," at the Park Road Playhouse, 244 Park Road, West Hartford, at 6:30 p.m., January 31, 2006. Tickets are $35 each and include a wine tasting, hors d'oeurves, silent auction, coffee and dessert and the play. Information, www.farmingtonjuniorwomen.org.