CALENDAR

Saturday, Dec. 22

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.

APPLE HILL HIKE: Winter Hike Up Apple Hill with Gerri Griswold, Dec. 22, 8 a.m., at White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchifeld. Spend an hour outside, then have hot chocolate and a homemade scone atop Apple Hill. Meet at the trailhead off East Shore Road at 8 a.m. Free. Pre-register by calling 860-567-0857 or register online: www.whitememorialcc.org .

CORNWALL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: See the true story of Christmas at the Cornwall Christmas Pageant on Saturday, Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m. at the Congregational Village Meeting House on Bolton Hill Road. Traditional readings and carols conclude with “white gifts.” Bring a toy wrapped in white paper for children in need. Refreshments after the pageant in the parish house. To participate, you must attend rehearsal at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21. For more information call Jane Prentice at 672-6101. The snow date is Dec. 23 at 4 pm.

HOLIDAY KIDS MOVIE: Watch the 1970s stop motion classic "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" and decorate a card for someone you love. Cards will be made before movie. Dec. 22, 11 a.m. at the Scoville Memorial Library, Salisbury.

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.

WINSTED GATOR PARADE: Saturday, Dec. 22, join the Winsted Fire Department will present its 14th annual “Gator:” Christmas Parade, Saturday at 5 p.m. The parade is dedicated to past WFD member Gaeton "Gator" Gangi. Parade line-up will begin at 5 p.m. on Meadow Street. Check their Facebook page for exact route at https://www.facebook.com/ Wins ted Fire Department Ga tor Christmas Parade/

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE: Christmas Village is open to the public from 1-8:30 p.m. through Dec. 23. The Village will also be open on Christmas Eve from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. although Santa will already be traveling in other parts of the world on his way to Torrington later than night. The elves will be in the workshop, Mrs. Claus will be welcoming visitors, and the reindeer will be in residence.

Sunday, Dec. 23

FAMILY SERVICE: A Christmas family sevice will be held Dec. 23, 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, Main Street, Kent.

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE: Christmas Village is open to the public from 1-8:30 p.m. through Dec. 23. The Village will also be open on Christmas Eve from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. although Santa will already be traveling in other parts of the world on his way to Torrington later than night. The elves will be in the workshop, Mrs. Claus will be welcoming visitors, and the reindeer will be in residence.

ADVENT SERVICE: Last Sunday of Advent Service at the Barkhamsted Congregational Church, Dec. 23, 10 a.m. Christmas music, prayers. All are welcome and all events and services are free. For more information call Rev. Susan Wyman at 860-379-7300 or call the church on the day of the planned service at 860-379-5864. www.barkhamstedfirstchurch.org

Monday, Dec. 24

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE: Kent: Dec. 24, 9 p.m., Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols, First Congregational Church, Main Street, Kent. www.fccofkentct.org

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE: Christmas Village will be open on Christmas Eve from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. although Santa will already be traveling in other parts of the world on his way to Torrington later than night. The elves will be in the workshop, Mrs. Claus will be welcoming visitors, and the reindeer will be in residence.

BARKHAMSTED SERVICE: Christmas Eve candlelight service, 7 p.m. at the Barkhamsted Congregational Church, Barkhamsted. Carols, carols, short readings, a brief message and personal candles. All are welcome. Dress as you like. This will be a good and inspiring hour-orless for families and individuals. All are welcome and all events and services are free. For more information call Rev. Susan Wyman at 860-379-7300 or call the church on the day of the planned service at 860-379-5864. www.barkhamstedfirstchurch.org

BURLINGTON SERVICE: Christmas Eve Services at the Congregational Church Of Burlington, 268 Spielman Highway, Burlington, will be held Dec. 24. Family service, 5 p.m., Candlelight service, 11 p.m. All are welcome.

Tuesday, Dec. 25

MERRY CHRISTMAS: Municipal offices, libraries and senior centers are closed for Christmas Day. Call ahead before attending any event.

TORRINGTON TRASH, TREE PICKUP: There will be no curbside collection of garbage and recyclables on Christmas Day, and a one-day delay for pickup of all municipal solid waste and recyclables for the remainder of the week following Christmas Day. Friday’s regularly scheduled collection will be on Saturday. Tree pickups will be held Jan. 7-11. Don’t place trees curbside before Jan. 7; no stands, ornaments, lights or bags allowed. For condos, tree pickups begin Jan. 7, 6 am.

CHRISTMAS DINNERS: Free Christmas Dinners for anyone needing a meal or anyone alone on Christmas Day, will be held Dec. 25, 12 p.m. at the Winsted YMCA, 480 Main St., Winsted. Enter through the back doors of the Y. Dinners are sponsored by the Winsted Elks Lodge. CHRISTMAS DINNER: The Winsted United Methodist Church, 630 Main St., will also have a Christmas Day dinner, beginning with appetizers at noon and dinner from 1 to 3 p.m. Call the church at 860-379-6386 and say you’ll be there.

Wednesday, Dec. 26

REPTILES AT THE LIBRARY: Children ages 4 to 17 are invited to meet Riverside Reptiles at the Torrington Library, De. 26, 6-7 p.m. Learn about the evolution of the reptiles we are familiar with including turtles, tortoises, crocodiles, alligators, and introduce you to an 80-lb swamp monster. Register at torringtonlibrary.org.

BOXING DAY READING: Annual Boxing Day Reading at the Cornwall Library will be held Dec. 26, 4 p.m. at the candelit North Cornwall Meeting House, where Tom Walker will read Chapter 9 of “The Rings of Saturn” by W.G. Sebald. Free.

MOVIE NIGHT: Family Movie Night at the Harwinton Library, “Eloise at Christmastime!”, Dec. 26, 6:30 p.m. Space is limited; register by calling 860-485-9113

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 860379-3369.

Thursday, Dec. 27

DAY OF FUN: A day of fun for grades 1-3 will be held Dec. 27, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield. OUtdoor adventures, games, crafts, live animals. Snacks provided; bring lunch. Parents welcome, but not mandatory. Meet in the A.B. Ceder Room. $40 members, $70 guests. Payment due with registration. Call 860-567-0857 or visit whitememorialcc.org.

FAMILY MAGIC SHOW: Families are invited to the Gunn Memorial Library, 5 Wykeham Road, Washington, Dec. 27, 5 p.m., to see Steve Woyce from Full Effect Productions present a 45 minute magic routine with everyone’s favorite things about winter; snowmen, penguins, candy canes, and snowballs. Audience participation is encouraged. Free; registration is requested. Call 860-868-2310 or visit www.gunnlibrary.org

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.

Friday, Dec. 28

DAY OF FUN: A day of fun for grades 4-6 will be held Dec. 28, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield. OUtdoor adventures, games, crafts, live animals. Snacks provided; bring lunch. Parents welcome, but not mandatory. Meet in the A.B. Ceder Room. $40 members, $70 guests. Payment due with registration. Call 860-567-0857 or visit whitememorialcc.org. 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.

Saturday, Dec. 29

THE RED SCARE: “Red Spies and Lavender Lads: McCarthyism, Communism, and Morality,” will be held at the Beekley Library, New Hartford, Dec. 29 at 1 p.m. McCarthyism was part of a phenomenon that affected thousands. The Red Scare, as it was called, brought to light some of America's deepest fears of foreign agents and domestic traitors. The talk will focus on McCarthy and McCarthyism in the 1950s, how America's political and social foundation was challenged by a new sense of morality, and how the nation reacted to that challenge.

NADER BOOK PREMIERE: Winsted Community Bookstore hosts the world premiere of Ralph Nader's new book, “How the Rats Reformed Congress,” Dec. 29, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Admission is $20 and includes a copy of the book. RSVP to winstedbooks@gmail.com.

ANNUAL WINTER WALK: White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield, hosts its 5th Annual Winter Walk Along the Lake and Butternut Brook Trails with Marlow Shami, Dec. 29, 10 a.m., Free. Meet in front of the A.B. Ceder room. Donations welcome. For information, call 860-567-0857 or visit whitememorialcc.org.

NEW YEAR KIDS PARTY: New Year's Eve Party for Kids at the Scoville Memorial Library, Salisbury, Dec. 29, 10:30 a.m. Count down with a large group and then smash eggshells full of confetti and throw balloons around — it’s fun no matter when you do it. Crafts, games, and refreshments. For details, visit scovillelibrary.org.

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. 30

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Monday, Dec. 31

COMEDY NIGHT: Laugh in the New Year with four professional New York City comedians at Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury on Monday, Dec. 31, featuring Phil Selman, Sally Ann Hall, Kevin Dombrowski and Bob Nelson. Two shows, 6 p.m.., 9:30 p.m. Late show has appetizers and champagne toast at midnight. Tickets $55 for 6 p.m., $65 for 9:30 p.m. Doors and the Devil’s Corner Bar open 45 minutes ahead. For tickets call the Seven Angels Theatre box office at 203-757-4676, or purchase online at SevenAngelsTheatre.org.

Tuesday, Jan. 1

POSSUM QUEEN CONTEST: The 29th annual Possum Queen Contest will be held Jan. 1, 12 p.m. at the Litchfield Inn, 432 Bantam Road, Litchfield. Join a merry group of revelers who donate money (known as bribes) to raise funds for local families who need help with medical expenses. A mock beauty pageant, costumes, enteraining skits, performance by the Mattatuck Drum Corp; live and silent auctions, and food and libations offered by The Tavern Off the Green. The Possum Queen Foundation has raised hundreds of thousands for charity since it started on the Green in Litchfield.

Wednesday, Jan. 2

WINTER READING BINGO: Winter Reading Bingo at the Morris Public Library begins Jan. 2 and continues to Feb 28. Patrons are encouraged to visit the library and receive a Winter Reading Bingo Card or download it from www.morrispubliclibrary.net. Adults, teens and children will each have their own card. Fill it and be entered for prizes. Drawing is March 1. For information, call 860-567-7440 or visit www.morrispubliclibrary.net

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.

QUILTS THAT CARE: Quilts that Care meets the first and third Wednesday of the montha t the Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Road, Litchfield. New members are welcome. Quilts That Care group of volunteers that make and donate handmade quilts to cancer patients. Nonquilters can also join. For information, call Deb Van Steenberge at 860-782-1043 or email quiltsthatcare.deb@gmail.com

Thursday, Jan. 3

QUILTS THAT CARE: Quilts that Care meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at the Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Road, Litchfield. New members are welcome. Quilts That Care group of volunteers that make and donate handmade quilts to cancer patients. Nonquilters can also join. For information, call Deb Van Steenberge at 860-782-1043 or email quiltsthatcare.deb@gmail.com

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.

Friday, Jan. 4

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. TORRINGTON TRASH, TREE PICKUP: There will be no curbside collection of garbage and recyclables on Christmas Day, and a one-day delay for pickup of all municipal solid waste and recyclables for the remainder of the week following Christmas Day. Friday’s regularly scheduled collection will be on Saturday. Tree pickups will be held Jan. 7-11. Don’t place trees curbside before Jan. 7; no stands, ornaments, lights or bags allowed. For condos, tree pickups begin Jan. 7, 6 am. MOVIE AT THE LIBRARY: See the animated movie “Breadwinner, PG-13, at the Scoville Memorial Library, Salisbury, Jan. 4, 4:30 p.m. scovillelibrary.org.

Saturday, Jan. 5

DAY OF REFLECTION: Connect, Reflect, Project: A Self-Care Saturday Day of Reflection, Release, and Intention with Gabriele Davis, will be held Jan. 5 at Wisdom House, Litchfield. For more information or to register, visit www.wisdomhouse.org, call 860-567-3163, or email programs@wisdomhouse.org.

TORRINGTON TRASH, TREE PICKUP: There will be no curbside collection of garbage and recyclables on Christmas Day, and a one-day delay for pickup of all municipal solid waste and recyclables for the remainder of the week following Christmas Day. Friday’s regularly scheduled collection will be on Saturday. Tree pickups will be held Jan. 7-11. Don’t place trees curbside before Jan. 7; no stands, ornaments, lights or bags allowed. For condos, tree pickups begin Jan. 7, 6 am.

FORGOTTEN HISTORY: “A Forgotten History: the Black community in Salisbury Connecticut,” presented by Peter McEachern, will be held Jan. 5, 4 p.m. at the Scoville Memorial Library, Salisbury. For additional information 860-435-2838

CORNWALL COUNTRY DANCE: The monthly Cornwall Community Country Dance will be held Saturday, Jan. 5 at the Cornwall Town Hall, 24 Pine St. Square, Circle, and Contra dancing starts at 7 p.m. with caller Bob Livingston and live music by Betsy's Band, a core group of musicians welcoming anybody playing any instrument at any level to play along. All ages welcome. Admission is by donation for children and adults. For more information contact Debra@Motherhouse.us or 860-671-7945.

LLAMA WALK: Llama Walk with Debbie Labbe from Country Quilt Llama Farm at White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield, Jan. 5, 10 a.m. $20 per person. Meet in the Museum parking lot. Call Country Quilt Llama Farm at 860-248-0355 to pre-register or to schedule a private llama walk.

WINTER HIKE: Winter hike, Jan. 5, 10 a.m. at Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust on the Van Vleck Sanctuary, Woodbury. Meet in the studio parkin glot. Two hour walk; dress for the weather. Free, donations welcome. Register online at www.flandersnaturecenter.org or call 203-263-3711, ext. 10, for more information.

MINDFUL EATING: Mindful Eating and Living with Marlow Shami, Jan. 5, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield, in the A.B. Ceder Room. $5 guests, members free. Call 860-567-0857 or register online: www.whitememorialcc.org

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, Jan. 6

TORRINGTON TRASH, TREE PICKUP: There will be no curbside collection of garbage and recyclables on Christmas Day, and a one-day delay for pickup of all municipal solid waste and recyclables for the remainder of the week following Christmas Day. Friday’s regularly scheduled collection will be on Saturday. Tree pickups will be held Jan. 7-11. Don’t place trees curbside before Jan. 7; no stands, ornaments, lights or bags allowed. For condos, tree pickups begin Jan. 7, 6 am.

Monday, Jan. 7

WOMAN’S CLUB: The Torrington Woman’s Club will meet Jan. 7, 1:30 p.m., a week later than usual, at Center Congregational Church, 155 Main St., Torrington. Bingo games, refreshments. Any women from Torrington and surrounding areas who would like more information, or to attend a meeting as a guest, call 860-6183928.

TORRINGTON TRASH, TREE PICKUP: There will be no curbside collection of garbage and recyclables on Christmas Day, and a one-day delay for pickup of all municipal solid waste and recyclables for the remainder of the week following Christmas Day. Friday’s regularly scheduled collection will be on Saturday. Tree pickups will be held Jan. 7-11. Don’t place trees curbside before Jan. 7; no stands, ornaments, lights or bags allowed. For condos, tree pickups begin Jan. 7, 6 am.

RESTAURANT IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Northwest CT CHamber of Commerce invites members and potential members to the Rowley Grill, 19 Rowley St., Winsted, Jan. 7, 5:30 p.m. The chamber’s Membership Drive is still going on; earn a $100 Visa gift card and and enter to win one of three grand prizes for every new member you recruit.

SPELLING CLUB: Spelling Bee Club meets at the Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St., Litchfield, for grades 4-6, Jan. 7-Feb. 11, 3:30 p.m. Learn the word bank for the Litchfield Bee in a fun and collaborative setting. 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.

MONDAY SCHOLARS: Monday Scholars: How Winston Churchill Changed the World, Jan. 7-April 1, 12:30-2 p.m. at the Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St., Lithfield. In this video lecture, taught by Professor Michael Sheldon, take a thorough, multifaceted exploration of Churchill’s life, accomplishments, complexities, and legacies. Library events are free and open to the public. Space is limited. Registration is required and can be done by calling 860567-8030 or visiting owlibrary.org and clicking on Events/ Adult Events.

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.

Tuesday, Jan. 8

ICE GIANTS: Ice Giants: Uranus & Neptune with Denis Williamson, Jan. 8, 7 p.m. at the Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St., Litchfield. Through slides and lecture, discuss and learn about the Ice Giants with Denis Williamson, a member of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club. Library events are free and open to the public. Space is limited. Registration is required and can be done by calling 860567-8030 or visiting owlibrary.org and clicking on Events/ Adult Events.

Wednesday, Jan. 9

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.

SCIENCE CLUB: Half-day Science Club with Sciencetellers, for grades K-6, Jan. 9, 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 860-567-8030 or visiting owlibrary.org and clicking on Events/Children’s Events.

READING PROGRAM: Letters are Characters, for children ages 4-7, A Playful Pre-Reading Program, will be held Wednesdays, Jan. 9-Feb. 27 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 860567-8030 or visiting owlibrary.org and clicking on Events/ Children’s Events.

READING CRISIS TALK: The American Reading Crisis: What Everyone, Especially Parents, Need to Know, with Dr. Caroline Ugurlu, will be held Jan. 9, 7 p.m. at the Oliver Wolcott Library, 160 South St., Litchfield. More than 60 percent of American 4th graders are not reaching literacy benchmarks. We need to start community conversations about reading to understand why. 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.