Music Historian Jeffrey Engel presents 6 talks on The Metropolitan Opera. These lectures will coincide with the live stream of the opera being performed at the Metropolitan Opera! Jan. 10: Wozzeck Composer: Alban Berg One of the emblematic achievements of the thriving artistic forces in Germany and Austria during the brief period between world wars, Wozzeck was a sensation and a scandal at its premiere. Remarkably, it has lost none of its power to fascinate, shock, and engage audiences and its status as one of the defining musical works of the 20th century has not blunted its vitality. Jan. 22: Porgy and Bess Composer: The Gershwins Porgy returns to the Met for the first time in nearly 30 year. James Robinson's stylish production transports audiences to Catfish Row on the Charleston waterfront, vibrant with the music, dancing, emotion and heartbreak of its inhabitants. David Robinson conducts a dynamic cast, featuring the sympathetic duo of Eric Owens and Angel Blue in the tital roles and an all-star ensemble that includes Golda Schultz, Latonia Moore, Denyce Graves, Frederick Ballentine, Alfred Walker and Ryan Speedo Green. Feb. 28: Agrippina Composer: George Frederic Handel Handel's take of intrigue and impropriety in ancient Rome receives its first Met performances, with star mezzo-soprano Joyce DeDonato as the controlling power-hungry Agrippina and Harry Bicket conducting. Sir David McVicar's production ingeniously reframes the action of this black comedy about the abuse of power to "the present", where it should loudly resonate. The all-star cast features mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey as Agrippina's son and future emperor Nerone, soprano Brenda Rae as the seductive Poppea, countertenor Iestyn Davies as the ambitious officer Ottone, and bass Matthew Rose as the weary emperor Claudius. March 12: Der Fliegende Hollander Composer: Richard Wagner Der Fliegende Hollander is the earliest of Wagner's operatic creations to remain in the repertory. The two lead roles represent archetypes to which the composer would return, in one form or another, in most of his later works: the "otherworldly stranger" and the women who sacrifices herself for his salvation. The work's unearthly ambiance is impressive but only one aspect of it: both the world of nature and of the supernatural are magnificently evoked in the score. April 9: Tosca Composer: Giacomo Puccini Puccini's melodrama about a volatile diva, a sadistic police chief and an idealistic artist has offended and thrilled audiences for more than a century. Critics, for their part, have often had problems with Tosca's rather grungy subject matter, the directness and intensity of its scare, and the crowd-pleasing dramatic opportunities it provides for its lead roles. But these same aspects have made Tosca one of a handful of iconic works that seem to represent opera in the public imagination. Tosca's popularity is further secured by a superb and exhilarating dramatic sweep, a driving score of abundant melody and theatrical shrewdness and a career-defying title role. May 8: Maria Stuarda Composer: Gaetano Donizetti A searingly dramatic setting of Friedrich Schiller's play about Mary, Queen of Scots, and her political and personal rivalry with Wueen Elizabeth I of England, Maria Stuarda had a troubles genesis, despite its musical and theatrical brilliance, and only recently achieved a place in the repertory. These two fearsome rivals embody different perceptions of royalty, which were very much in direct conflict at that moment in time, and the opera's drama is true to history in a way the facts are not.

Sound Meditation: Gong Bath with Rose Petruzzi Second, and fourth Thursdays of every month from 5:30-6:30pm And third Friday of every month from 9:00-10:00am fee: $10.00 - walk-in ~ pay at the door You can receive the gong meditation by either sitting or lying on a yoga mat. Please bring anything you would like to be very comfortable while in the practice. Some suggestions are: o Yoga mat o Blanket o Water o Pillow or bolsters for knees or head What are the benefits of Sound Meditation with the Gong? - Creates deep relaxation and clears the mind - Immediate reduction of stress and anxiety - Stimulates the glandular system & improves function - Stimulates circulation - Aids in breaking addictive behavior - Regenerates the nervous system - Opens and aligns the chakras - Clears the subconscious mind of negative thought patterns - Strengthens the parasympathetic nervous system - Helps to repair damage to the nervous system caused by stimulants and stress The sound of the gong reaches the body on a cellular level, encouraging integrated healing of the body, mind, and spirit, and the more gong sessions a student attends, the better the results. (There is one caveat when it comes to the gong. Once you enter the gong healing sound experience, you may never want to leave!) From: Akalsukh Singh, founder & executive director of Aquarian Yoga Center in Montclair, NJ. Link to more information:http://www.spiritvoyage.com/blog/index.php/the-healing-power-of-gong-yoga/

Using acrylic paints, paint medium and palette knives, you will choose your own colors and subject as you are guided through the method of abstract palette knife impasto painting. Whether you create a landscape, a sunset or a color filed, the process is soothing, meditative and an overall fun experience. Instructor: Jennifer Sabella of HUE Studio. Price includes all paint materials, wine and a sweet dessert. Registration is required. Participants may BYOB as well.

You are invited to a very special performance by the Theater Company of the United States. “Letters of Litchfield: A Historic Reading” will bring to life Litchfield’s history as talented performers read aloud real letters, diaries, newspaper blurbs and other written words selected from the Litchfield Historical Society’s archives. From the humorous to the poignant, discover the history of Litchfield in a fun and captivating way. The performance will be followed by a reception. Hosted by LCC and Litchfield Historical Society. (snow day is Feb. 6)

2ND ANNUAL HOOTENANNY CONCERT: AN EVENING WITH SWITCH FACTORY AND WIRES & WOOD B.Y.O.B. Reserve your tickets now!

Dr. Mitch Wagener will explain the basics of climate change but also mix in some of the new information to an understanding of the world and our future. Donations welcome at the door.

First Thursday of every month, come talk with Jennifer Labrie from Hartford HealthCare (in coordination with Tina Hogan, of the Alzheimer's Association) about your questions and concerns. Learn about education programs. Understand more about memory loss. Get connected with other experiencing challenges associated with memory loss. Discover resources available in your community. For more information, contact Jennifer at jennifer.labrie@hhchealth.org

5 MILE RUN ~ 3 MILE WALK **NEW USATF CERTIFIED 5 MILE COURSE #CT13035JHP** START & FINISH LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY CENTER COURSE IS OF VARIED TERRAIN PRE-REGISTRATION: *$30.00 *$10 CHILDREN (10 & UNDER) *80 & OLDER FREE! *$35 AFTER 2/6/20 and Day of Race PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT LITCHFIELD COMMUNITY CENTER T-shirts, "goodie bags", great refreshments and age division prizes *LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRTS GUARANTEED FOR FIRST 150 REGISTRANTS* WALKERS OF ALL AGES WELCOME TO JOIN IN THE FUN! **TO PRE-REGISTER ONLINE PLEASE GO TO: Sweetheart Run/Walk online registration **TO REGISTER WITH APPLICATION FORM GO TO: Sweetheart Run/Walk paper application registration REGISTRATION DAY OF EVENT 9:00am - 10:45am

In this workshop, students will learn to paint in a creative, personal and expressive way using reference photographs – freeing them from copying. Learn to dismiss the sense of obligation to show exactly what is depicted in the photo and feel free and inspired to manipulate the composition, assuring vitality and making the painting your personal creation. Bring several canvases, reference photos and lunch. Instructor: Souby Boski. Medium: oils and acrylics accepted. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required.

Fall in love with French Cuisine in this date night cooking class. Learn how to make a delicious roast chicken with tarragon, how to perfectly saute potatoes, then finish this romantic evening by baking a chocolate torte. Classes are hands-on and will leave you full! Menu includes: Gruyere cheese puffs, roast chicken with tarragon, saute baby potatoes, curly endive salad with hot bacon dressing and goat cheese, chocolate torte and wine. Price includes all ingredients & recipes. Wine will be served but you can B.Y.O.B.

Emily Sauter, Advanced Cicerone & Brewtoonist, will lecture and present her book "World of Beer Styles". Em is a MFA graduate of cartooning from the famed Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction, VT and founder of Pints and Panels. She is a cartoonist, beer judge and public speaker. She is an Advanced Cicerone and a BJCP Certified Judge. Her first book "Beer if for Everyone! (of Drinking Age) was published in 2017 by One Peace Books. Ticket price includes beer tasting after talk. Must be 21 & older to attend. Limited to 30 participants and payment reserves your seat.

Sound Meditation: Gong Bath with Rose Petruzzi Second, and fourth Thursdays of every month from 5:30-6:30pm And third Friday of every month from 9:00-10:00am fee: $10.00 - walk-in ~ pay at the door You can receive the gong meditation by either sitting or lying on a yoga mat. Please bring anything you would like to be very comfortable while in the practice. Some suggestions are: o Yoga mat o Blanket o Water o Pillow or bolsters for knees or head What are the benefits of Sound Meditation with the Gong? - Creates deep relaxation and clears the mind - Immediate reduction of stress and anxiety - Stimulates the glandular system & improves function - Stimulates circulation - Aids in breaking addictive behavior - Regenerates the nervous system - Opens and aligns the chakras - Clears the subconscious mind of negative thought patterns - Strengthens the parasympathetic nervous system - Helps to repair damage to the nervous system caused by stimulants and stress The sound of the gong reaches the body on a cellular level, encouraging integrated healing of the body, mind, and spirit, and the more gong sessions a student attends, the better the results. (There is one caveat when it comes to the gong. Once you enter the gong healing sound experience, you may never want to leave!) From: Akalsukh Singh, founder & executive director of Aquarian Yoga Center in Montclair, NJ. Link to more information:http://www.spiritvoyage.com/blog/index.php/the-healing-power-of-gong-yoga/

For 4th-5th-6th graders Classes are 100% hands on. Students will explore new techniques and flavors and build their culinary confidence while having fun. During this 8 week course, the kids will learn to bake, make real buttercream frosting, ganache, decorating techniques. They will also learn to make a gourmet brownie and individual French tart. Price includes all ingredients. Transportation from school to LCC is available on the LCC van. Instructor: Chef Ziria McNulty

Sound Meditation: Gong Bath with Rose Petruzzi Second, and fourth Thursdays of every month from 5:30-6:30pm And third Friday of every month from 9:00-10:00am fee: $10.00 - walk-in ~ pay at the door You can receive the gong meditation by either sitting or lying on a yoga mat. Please bring anything you would like to be very comfortable while in the practice. Some suggestions are: o Yoga mat o Blanket o Water o Pillow or bolsters for knees or head What are the benefits of Sound Meditation with the Gong? - Creates deep relaxation and clears the mind - Immediate reduction of stress and anxiety - Stimulates the glandular system & improves function - Stimulates circulation - Aids in breaking addictive behavior - Regenerates the nervous system - Opens and aligns the chakras - Clears the subconscious mind of negative thought patterns - Strengthens the parasympathetic nervous system - Helps to repair damage to the nervous system caused by stimulants and stress The sound of the gong reaches the body on a cellular level, encouraging integrated healing of the body, mind, and spirit, and the more gong sessions a student attends, the better the results. (There is one caveat when it comes to the gong. Once you enter the gong healing sound experience, you may never want to leave!) From: Akalsukh Singh, founder & executive director of Aquarian Yoga Center in Montclair, NJ. Link to more information:http://www.spiritvoyage.com/blog/index.php/the-healing-power-of-gong-yoga/

Join us on the 3rd Friday of each month for a light lunch, music and dancing. Music by: Lew and the Good Time Band Music made possible by the NW CT Community Foundation Litchfield Community Center Music Fund.

THE BAND OF STEADY HABITS SERIES “HANDED DOWN IN SONG” Walt Woodard and the Band of Steady Habits take a fresh new look at “The Helen Hartness Flanders Folk Song Collection” tracing the histories of these fold songs back in time with insight on their meaning and significance to earlier generations of New England. These venerable tunes are brought back to life in what is sure to be an immersive experience for all in attendance. In the continuing tradition of New England fold music gathering, audience participation is strongly encouraged! $10.00 pp admission (Register for all 3 for $25.00) Others in the series: March 15 – “The Irish in Connecticut” April 26 – “What Makes Connecticut, Connecticut!”

Classes run from Feb 24 - April 20 (No Class April 13) Classes are 100% hands-on. Students will explore new techniques and flavors and build their culinary confidence while having fun. In this 8-week course, students will be learning to prepare meals from: Thailand, India, Costa Rica, Mexico, Italy, France, Germany, USA. Transportation from school to LCC is available on LCC van.

For 4th-5th-6th graders Classes are 100% hands on. Students will explore new techniques and flavors and build their culinary confidence while having fun. During this 8 week course, the kids will learn to bake, make real buttercream frosting, ganache, decorating techniques. They will also learn to make a gourmet brownie and individual French tart. Price includes all ingredients. Transportation from school to LCC is available on the LCC van. Instructor: Chef Ziria McNulty

Mark Albertson, historical research editor at Army Aviation magazine & historian for the Army Aviation Association of America, Mr. Albertson is a long time member of the US Naval Institute and has authored several books, published and spoke on numerous articles on history and current events. He will be discussing the 400th Anniversary of Dutch traders bringing the first 20 Black “laborers” to Colonial America and the influx of blacks from Africa, victims of the Slave Trade.

Sound Meditation: Gong Bath with Rose Petruzzi Second, and fourth Thursdays of every month from 5:30-6:30pm And third Friday of every month from 9:00-10:00am fee: $10.00 - walk-in ~ pay at the door You can receive the gong meditation by either sitting or lying on a yoga mat. Please bring anything you would like to be very comfortable while in the practice. Some suggestions are: o Yoga mat o Blanket o Water o Pillow or bolsters for knees or head What are the benefits of Sound Meditation with the Gong? - Creates deep relaxation and clears the mind - Immediate reduction of stress and anxiety - Stimulates the glandular system & improves function - Stimulates circulation - Aids in breaking addictive behavior - Regenerates the nervous system - Opens and aligns the chakras - Clears the subconscious mind of negative thought patterns - Strengthens the parasympathetic nervous system - Helps to repair damage to the nervous system caused by stimulants and stress The sound of the gong reaches the body on a cellular level, encouraging integrated healing of the body, mind, and spirit, and the more gong sessions a student attends, the better the results. (There is one caveat when it comes to the gong. Once you enter the gong healing sound experience, you may never want to leave!) From: Akalsukh Singh, founder & executive director of Aquarian Yoga Center in Montclair, NJ. Link to more information:http://www.spiritvoyage.com/blog/index.php/the-healing-power-of-gong-yoga/