HVA prepares for 26th annual auction

WASHINGTON >> The Housatonic Valley Association’s Annual Auction to Benefit the Environment is marking its 26th year on Sunday, November 6 at 1 p.m. at the Washington Primary School located at 11 School Street in Washington Depot. The proceeds enable HVA to carry out its mission of conserving the natural character and environmental health within the communities of the Housatonic River watershed.

Supporting the auction helps conserve riverfront land, clean up pollution, protect drinking water, save wildlife habitat, allow countless children toi enjoy and learn about our natural world – and so much more in the Housatonic River Valley.

Christine Baranski, HVA Board member and costar of CBS’s The Good Wife, is chairing the Benefit Auction Committee along with Seth Meyers and Alexi Ashe, Sam and Lynn Waterston, Diane von Furstenberg, Linda Allard, Pam and Jack Baker, Robert Couturier, Diane Meier and Frank Delaney, Carolyn Klemm, Hamilton South, Anne Swift, John Favreau, Heather and Damian Woetzel and Judy Auchincloss.

Auctioneer Tim Luke takes center stage at 3 p.m. with coauctioneer Greg Strahm. Luke has been featured on HGTV’s Cash in the Attic.

Washington’s own Chris Zaima is bringing his design expertise to the event this year and, along with Debby Bennett of Kent Greenhouse and Gardens, will create just the right ambience for music (Miles of Swing), delectable edibles (Executive Cuisine), cocktails, wine, and bidding.

Honorary Auction Committee members at the Diamond and Platinum sponsorship level are invited to a special Bellini Brunch reception hosted by Linda Allard and Baranski at Linda’s home from 12-1 p.m. before the auction.

The auction has been a sold-out event for the past several years and raises over $150,000 annually for projects that protect land, rivers and local drinking water. Last year it grossed $250,000. Donors, along with more than 225 guests, make this possible.

The auction lineup of donations from friends throughout the Valley includes exotic vacations and weekend country getaways as well as theater and sporting event tickets, fine dining, home furnishings, antiques, artwork, outdoor gear and adventures and unique opportunities not available at any other event.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 860-672-6678 or online at www.hvatoday.org.

Founded in 1941, HVA is uniquely dedicated to protecting the entire Housatonic River Watershed. The watershed includes about 2,000 square miles of land stretching from western Massachusetts through western Connecticut and eastern New York to Long Island Sound. HVA’s offices are in Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut; South Lee, Massachusetts and Wassaic, New York. For more information, visit hvatoday.org.

Theater to hold wine, food tasting

TORRINGTON >> The Warner Theatre will hold its 15th Annual Holiday Wine & Food Tasting on Friday, Nov. 4, 6-9 p.m. General Admission and VIP tickets are available.

For 14 years the Warner has hosted the Wine & Food Tasting fundraising event, drawing crowds of wine and food lovers from throughout Northwest Connecticut and beyond. This year’s event features selections from over 30 international wine and beer vendors, 15 area restaurants and a penny auction.

Join us in the exclusive VIP Room, located in the Nancy Marine Studio Theatre, which includes a catered spread, private tasting of high-end wines, a small batch bourbon table and live entertainment. This year’s tasting is presented in association with Tony’s DriveIn Package Store.

General Admission tickets are $25; VIP Admission tickets are $75. VIP tickets allow admittance to the VIP Room (limited availability). To purchase tickets, call the Warner Box Office at 860-489-7180 or visit warnertheatre.org.

Art league to hold juried show

NEW HARTFORD >> The New Hartford Art League’s Open Juried Show runs from Nov. 12-Jan. 14, with an artist reception on Nov. 12 from 2-4 p.m. This show is juried by Judith McElhone, Executive Director of Torrington’s Five Points Gallery. McElhone is a Connecticut Visual Arts Fellow, the 2014 recipient of the University of Hartford’s Anchor Award and exhibits her work in a variety of venues. Drop off for participating artists will be Friday, Nov. 11 from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9-11 a.m. at the New Hartford Town Hall, 530 Main Street in New Hartford.

For more information and entry forms, email Karen Meares at karen.meares140@sbcglobal.net.

Friendly Hands wants your pennies

TORRINGTON >> Friendly Hands Food Bank is collecting pennies now through Oct. 31 to help replenish its pantry shelves in time for the upcoming holidays.

The food bank has penny jugs at several businesses throughout Torrington and surrounding towns. Those who would like to have a penny jug at their place of business are welcome to stop by and pick

one up, or drop off your pennies.

If you see a penny jug in town, feel free to make a donation. Pennies add up to dollars to help the food bank continue to serve those in need in the community. Of course, any donation in any denomination of money is welcome and appreciated.

Friendly Hands Food Bank is located at 50 King Street, Torrington. Hours are Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For information, call 860-482-3338.