CALENDAR

Tuesday, Dec. 11

LIGHTING CONTEST: Torrington’s annual Outdoor Holiday Decorating Contest will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 11, sponsored by the Torrington Parks & Recreation Department in conjunction with Torrington Lions Club. Displays should be lit from 6-9 p.m. Categories are Commercial Christmas Display and Residential: Decorated Doorway, Nativity, or Christmas Display. Entry deadline was Dec. 7. For questions regarding the Decorating Contest, contact the Torrington Parks and Recreation Department at 860- 489-2274.

UFO EVIDENCE: Attorney Dyke Spears Evaluates the UFO Evidence, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. at the Beekely Memorial Library, New Hartford. As a spokesman and field investigator for the Connecticut Chapter of the Mutual UFO Network, Attorney Dyke Spear is highly qualified to give an insightful analysis of the UFO phenomenon.

FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON: The 7th Annual Freezin' for a Reason Sleep-out will be held Dec. 14 at the green at East End Park, Winsted. Spend the entire night with community leaders, while shining a light on the persistent issue of homeless families and individuals and raise funds for the Winsted Y Homeless Shelter. The goal is $15,000. All are asked to raise funds for the cause. Teams can set up a tent for the night. Each team is required to have at least one responsible adult. For more information, or to support Freezin' for a Reason with a donation visit https:// nwcty.org/portfolio-archive/freezin/

THE NUTCRACKER: “The Nutcracker,” presented by the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory on the Warner Theatre’s Main Stage, Dec. 15, 2 p.m., 7 p.m., Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Group discounts are available. To purchase tickets, call the Warner Box Office at 860-489-7180 or visit warnertheatre.org.

FOOD DRIVE: Until Dec. 20, Morsel Munk, 118 Main St., Winsted, is hosting a food drive taking donations of nonperishable food items for Winsted's Open Door Soup Kitchen. As a thank you for a donation of a bag of items, residents will receive a 20% discount that day. The discount excludes YETI, and applies to regularly priced, in-stock items. The store is offering free gift wrapping, free hot cocoa and coffee.

Wednesday, Dec. 12

HOLIDAY CRAFT NIGHT: Holiday Craft Night at the Harwinton Library, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m. Roll wax candles and decorate a holiday cupcake. Ages 3 - 12. Register by calling 860-485-9113

AARP DRIVING COURSE: Wednesday December 12, 2018: Aarp Safe Drivers Course, the first and largest classroom refresher for motorists age 50 and older, will be held Dec. 12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Litchfield Community Center, Route 202, Litchfield. Cost is $15 for members, $20 for guests. Pre-registration is required; visit www.thecommunitycenter.org or call 860-567-8302.

HALF DAY SCIENCE CLUB: A Half-Day Science Club: Upcycled Egg Drop with How Cool is That? For Grades K-6, Dec. 12, 1:30 p.m. at the Oliver WOlcott Library, 160 South St., Litchfield. Library events are free and open to the public. Space is limited. Registration is required and can be done by calling 860-5678030 or visiting owlibrary.org and clicking on Events/Children’s Events.

COOKBOOK CLUB COOKIE SWAP: The Cookbook Club: Holiday Cookie Swap Party, will be held Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m. at the Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St., Litchfield. Bring a batch of your holiday favorite cookies or brownies; sample our delicious treats, then swap and package some to take home. Library events are free and open to the public. Space is limited. Registration is required and can be done by calling 860-567-8030 or visiting owlibrary.org and clicking on Events/Adult Events.

BINGO: Sons of Italy, Center Street, Torrington, hosts bingo games on Wednesdays, 4-9:30 p.m. with dinner at 5 and calling at 6. For information, call the lodge at 860-489-1226.

BINGO: St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church holds weekly bingo games at St. Anthony School, Oak Street, Winsted, on Wednesdays. Doors open at 5 p.m. with refreshments and snacks for sale. Games begin at 6:35 p.m. Progressive jackpots. For information call the church at 860-379-3369.

FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON: The 7th Annual Freezin' for a Reason Sleep-out will be held Dec. 14 at the green at East End Park, Winsted. Spend the entire night with community leaders, while shining a light on the persistent issue of homeless families and individuals and raise funds for the Winsted Y Homeless Shelter. The goal is $15,000. All are asked to raise funds for the cause. Teams can set up a tent for the night. Each team is required to have at least one responsible adult. For more information, or to support Freezin' for a Reason with a donation visit https:// nwcty.org/portfolio-archive/freezin/

THE NUTCRACKER: “The Nutcracker,” presented by the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory on the Warner Theatre’s Main Stage, Dec. 15, 2 p.m., 7 p.m., Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Group discounts are available. To purchase tickets, call the Warner Box Office at 860-489-7180 or visit warnertheatre.org.

MYSTERY ANIMALS: Mystery Animal Meet & Greet, for families, Dec. 12, 4 p.m., White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield. Get up close and personal with one of our animal ambassadors: Corny the Corn Snake, Shakespeare the Barred Owl, Sally the Salamander, or some other mystery creature. Members free, guests, cost of museum admission.

JOYFUL NOISE CONCERTS: Joyful Noise presents its Christmas Angelicus concerts. Tickets $45/$30, $10 students. Reserve at www.chorusangelicus.org. Friday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m., St. Michael’s Church, Litchfield; Dec. 15, 4 p.m., Collinsville Congregational Church, Collinsville; Dec. 16, 4 p.m., Salisbury Congregational Church, Salisbury; Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., St. Patrick/St. Ambrose Church. Litchfield; Dec. 22, 4 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, Torrington.

HOLIDAY LUCHEON: A holiday luncheon with holiday music and a bake sale will be held Wednesday, Dec. 12, 12 p.m. at the Winsted Senior Center, 80 Holabird Ave. Enjoy a special lunch of Chicken Cordon Bleu, roasted potatoes, butternut squash, snowflake roll and cheesecake with cherry topping. Sherrie Zicardi will sing popular and traditional holiday favorites. Cost is $5 for members and $6 for non-members. There will also be a holiday raffle drawing. For information and reservations call the center at 860-379-4252.

FOOD DRIVE: Until Dec. 20, Morsel Munk, 118 Main St., Winsted, is hosting a food drive taking donations of nonperishable food items for Winsted's Open Door Soup Kitchen. As a thank you for a donation of a bag of items, residents will receive a 20% discount that day. The discount excludes YETI, and applies to regularly priced, in-stock items. The store is offering free gift wrapping, free hot cocoa and coffee.

Thursday, Dec. 13

SQUADRON MEETING: A meeting of the Northwest Hills Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol Auxiliary of the United States Air Force will meet Thursday, 7-9 p.m. at the Torrington Armory South Main Street. For information, call Cmdr. Tim Ceritello at 860-620-3670 or email timceritello@gmail.com.

CHESS CLUB: The Litchfield County Chess Club meets Thursdays at the Torrington Library, 12 Daycoeton Place, Torrington, from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. on Thursdays. The informal club has held several meetings. Membership is free — just show up and play. Adults, teens and older children with an adult are welcome. There are plenty of boards and pieces, or bring your own. For information, call Alan at 850-430-9317.

DUPLICATE BRIDGE: Duplicate Bridge at the Sullivan Senior Center, East Albert Street, Torrington, Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. For information, call John Townsend at 860-567-0671. Leave a message, he will return your call. Bringing a partner is encouraged but not required. Games are now free of charge.

JOB FAIR: Torrington Library and Express Employment of Torrington and Bristol will host a Job Fair from 4 to 7 p.m. at the library. For details, go to torringtonlibraryorg.

GIFT WRAPPING: the Torrington Library Teen Advisory Board will help you by wrapping your gifts for only $1 per gift, Dec. 13, 4-7 p.m. in the Teen Room. Cookies and holiday music while you wait. Proceeds will be used for teen programs. For details go to torringtonlibrary.org.

GONG BATH: A Holiday Sound Meditation Gong Bath will be held Dec. 13, 9:45 a.m. at the Litchfield Community Center, Route 202, Litchfield. Bring anything you would like to be very comfortable while in the practice: yoga mat, blanket, water, pillow or bolsters. $5 per person. Pre-registration is required. Call 860-567-8302 or visit www.thecommunitycenter.org.

JAZZY HOLIDAY CONCERT: Have a Jazzy Holiday with The Pierce Campbell Duo, Dec. 13, 7 p.m. at the Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St., Litchfield. Library events are free and open to the public. Space is limited. Registration is required and can be done by calling 860-5678030 or visiting owlibrary.org and clicking on Events/Adult Events.

FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON: The 7th Annual Freezin' for a Reason Sleep-out will be held Dec. 14 at the green at East End Park, Winsted. Spend the entire night with community leaders, while shining a light on the persistent issue of homeless families and individuals and raise funds for the Winsted Y Homeless Shelter. The goal is $15,000. All are asked to raise funds for the cause. Teams can set up a tent for the night. Each team is required to have at least one responsible adult. For more information, or to support Freezin' for a Reason with a donation visit https:// nwcty.org/portfolio-archive/freezin/

THE NUTCRACKER: “The Nutcracker,” presented by the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory on the Warner Theatre’s Main Stage, Dec. 15, 2 p.m., 7 p.m., Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Group discounts are available. To purchase tickets, call the Warner Box Office at 860-489-7180 or visit warnertheatre.org.

FOOD DRIVE: Until Dec. 20, Morsel Munk, 118 Main St., Winsted, is hosting a food drive taking donations of nonperishable food items for Winsted's Open Door Soup Kitchen. As a thank you for a donation of a bag of items, residents will receive a 20% discount that day. The discount excludes YETI, and applies to regularly priced, in-stock items. The store is offering free gift wrapping, free hot cocoa and coffee.

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE: Winchester Center Congregational Church hosts a special Blue Christmas Service, Dec. 13, open to anyone suffering a loss of any kind- of a loved one, a job, suffering poor health or any sadness in your life. Join with others who are experiencing sadness too. All are welcome.

Friday, Dec. 14

OFFICE HOURS: State Rep.-elect Maria Horn D-Kent, will hold office hours and invites residents to come and speak with her. Dec. 14, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m., BlackBerry River Café, East Main Street, Canaan,

HOLIDAY GRIEF SUPPORT: A Holiday Grief Support Group will be held Friday, Dec. 14, 9:30-11 a.m. at the Litchfield Community Center, Route 202, Litchfield. This group is a gift from the Friends of Hospice, free and open to the public. For more information, call Rev. Eileen Epperson at 860-605-6576.

BOOK BUDDIES: Little Book Buddies, for grades K-3, meets Friday, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St., Litcchfield. Library events are free and open to the public. Space is limited. Registration is required and can be done by calling 860-567-8030 or visiting owlibrary.org and clicking on Events/Children’s Events.

DAR HOLIDAY LUNCHEON: The Brooks-Green Woods Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will hold the annual Holiday Luncheon, Dec. 14, 12 p.m. at Portobello's Restaurant, 107 Main St., Route 44, New Hartford. Members are asked to bring Box Tops for Education and Campbell's UPC labels and lids for donating to NSDAR supported schools.

BINGO: St. Maron’s Church, 613 Main St., Torrington, holds bingo games every Monday and Friday. Doors open at 4 p.m. Early bingo beings at 6 p.m., with progressive jackpots and food for sale.

FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON: The 7th Annual Freezin' for a Reason Sleep-out will be held Dec. 14 at the green at East End Park, Winsted. Spend the entire night with community leaders, while shining a light on the persistent issue of homeless families and individuals and raise funds for the Winsted Y Homeless Shelter. The goal is $15,000. All are asked to raise funds for the cause. Teams can set up a tent for the night. Each team is required to have at least one responsible adult. For more information, or to support Freezin' for a Reason with a donation visit https:// nwcty.org/portfolio-archive/ freezin/

THE NUTCRACKER: “The Nutcracker,” presented by the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory on the Warner Theatre’s Main Stage, Dec. 15, 2 p.m., 7 p.m., Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Group discounts are available. To purchase tickets, call the Warner Box Office at 860-4897180 or visit warnertheatre.org.

TORT MUSEUM CONCERT: The American Museum of Tort Law, 654 Main St., Winsted, will welcome distinguished musician, Adnaan Stumo, for his only performance in Northwest Connecticut, Dec. 14, 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for this special fundraiser for the museum and are availableat www.tortmuseum.org Seating is limited. RSVP to 860379-0505 or email joan@tortmuseum.org

FOOD DRIVE: Until Dec. 20, Morsel Munk, 118 Main St., Winsted, is hosting a food drive taking donations of non-perishable food items for Winsted's Open Door Soup Kitchen. As a thank you for a donation of a bag of items, residents will receive a 20% discount that day. The discount excludes YETI, and applies to regularly priced, in-stock items. The store is offering free gift wrapping, free hot cocoa and coffee.

JOYFUL NOISE CONCERTS: Joyful Noise presents its Christmas Angelicus concerts. Tickets $45/$30, $10 students. Reserve at www.chorusangelicus.org. Friday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m., St. Michael’s Church, Litchfield; Dec. 15, 4 p.m., Collinsville Congregational Church, Collinsville; Dec. 16, 4 p.m., Salisbury Congregational Church, Salisbury; Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., St. Patrick/St. Ambrose Church. Litchfield; Dec. 22, 4 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, Torrington.

Saturday, Dec. 15

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA: The Brooks-Green Woods Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is supporting the Wreaths Across American program and will hold a wreath laying ceremony at Forest View Cemetery, Rowley Street, Winsted, 12 p.m., Dec. 15. Public is welcome; meet at the flagpole inside the main gate.

THE NUTCRACKER: “The Nutcracker,” presented by the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory on the Warner Theatre’s Main Stage, Dec. 15, 2 p.m., 7 p.m., Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Group discounts are available. To purchase tickets, call the Warner Box Office at 860-4897180 or visit warnertheatre.org.

JOYFUL NOISE CONCERTS: Joyful Noise presents its Christmas Angelicus concerts. Tickets $45/$30, $10 students. Reserve at www.chorusangelicus.org. Friday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m., St. Michael’s Church, Litchfield; Dec. 15, 4 p.m., Collinsville Congregational Church, Collinsville; Dec. 16, 4 p.m., Salisbury Congregational Church, Salisbury; Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., St. Patrick/St. Ambrose Church. Litchfield; Dec. 22, 4 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, Torrington.

PHOTOGRAPHER TO VISIT: The Photography of Leo Kulinski, Jr., an evening with the photographer, White Memorial Conservation Center. Dinner provided; BYOB and place setting. Hear the stories behind his images of the center. Dec. 15, 7 p.m. $20 members, $40 guests. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Call 860-567-0857 or register online www.whitememorialcc.org

FOOD DRIVE: Until Dec. 20, Morsel Munk, 118 Main St., Winsted, is hosting a food drive taking donations of non-perishable food items for Winsted's Open Door Soup Kitchen. As a thank you for a donation of a bag of items, residents will receive a 20% discount that day. The discount excludes YETI, and applies to regularly priced, instock items. The store is offering free gift wrapping, free hot cocoa and coffee.

COOKIE WALK, FAIR: 18th Annual Cookie Walk & Craft Fair, Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Torrington, 835 Riverside Ave. Choose from a wide variety of homemade Christmas cookies, fudge, and peanut brittle for the trays you make up. Also featuring crafts, jewelry, ornaments and much more. Church is handicapped accessible. Questions call 860-482-4705.

FARM FRESH MARKET: Litchfield Hills Farm-Fresh Market, indoors at The Forman School, Norfolk Road, Litchfield, Dec. 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. More than 15 vendors, tasting, music, exchanges. For more information go to http://www.litchfieldfarmersmarket.org/

COOKIE DECORATING: Decorate a wee gingerbread house, trees, people, and animals at the Scoville Memorial Library, Salisbury, 10:30 a.m., Dec. 15, free. Everyone will have some cookies to take home. We will have piped icing, silver balls, candy and sprinkles to work with. Limit of 20 children; register at scovillelibrary.org.

ARTISAN MARKETPLACE: Decked out in festive style, the historic Van Vleck House at Flanders Nature Center, Woodbury, is the setting for the annual “Artisan Marketplace” opening to the public Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. with a wide variety of quality arts and crafts, food, ornaments, artwork, baskets, soaps and decor. Market continues Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m-4 p.m. until Dec. 16.

JINGLE/MINGLE: Jingle & Mingle, a Holiday Fundraiser for Litchfield Jazz Camp, Dec. 15, 6:30-9:30 p.m, at the Litchfield Community Center - 421 Bantam Rd, Litchfield. For tickets and information, call Tegan Ryan at 860-361-6285 or visit www.litchfieldjazzcamp.com

BINGO: Sons of Italy, Center Street, Torrington, hosts bingo games Saturday, 4-9:30 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m., games begin at 6 p.m. For information, call the lodge at 860-489-1226.

Sunday, Dec. 16

THE NUTCRACKER: “The Nutcracker,” presented by the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory on the Warner Theatre’s Main Stage, Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Group discounts are available. To purchase tickets, call the Warner Box Office at 860-489-7180 or visit warnertheatre.org.

JOYFUL NOISE CONCERTS: Joyful Noise presents its Christmas Angelicus concerts. Tickets $45/$30, $10 students. Reserve at www.chorusangelicus.org. Dec. 16, 4 p.m., Salisbury Congregational Church, Salisbury; Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., St. Patrick/St. Ambrose Church. Litchfield; Dec. 22, 4 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, Torrington.

LLAMA WALK: Llama Walk with Debbie Labbe from Country Quilt Llama Farm, Dec. 16, 2 p.m., $20. Meet in the Museum parking lot. Call Debbie from Country Quilt Llama Farm at 860-248-0355 to pre-register or to schedule your very own private llama walk.

FOOD DRIVE: Until Dec. 20, Morsel Munk, 118 Main St., Winsted, is hosting a food drive taking donations of non-perishable food items for Winsted's Open Door Soup Kitchen. As a thank you for a donation of a bag of items, residents will receive a 20% discount that day. The discount excludes YETI, and applies to regularly priced, instock items. The store is offering free gift wrapping, free hot cocoa and coffee.

ARTISAN MARKETPLACE: Decked out in festive style, the historic Van Vleck House at Flanders Nature Center, Woodbury, is the setting for the annual “Artisan Marketplace” opening to the public Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. with a wide variety of quality arts and crafts, food, ornaments, artwork, baskets, soaps and decor. Market continues Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m-4 p.m. until Dec. 16.