What's Up This Weekend: Everwonder, Former NBA Player and More

Whether you're in search of something fun to do with the kids or you have a babysitter and are planning a night out, look no further because Patch editors have picked a variety of events taking place today and tomorrow to help you make the most of your weekend. Click on the headline of each for more information. 

Newtown: The Everwonder Experience

Where: 31 Pecks Lane, Newtown CT

When: Saturday, April 13, 10:00 a.m.

Cost: Free

Description: The EverWonder Experience will be getting crazy with color this weekend! Come join us this weekend as we paint with golf balls, make our own color wheels, and paint coffee filters.
____________________________________________________________________________________

ELSEWHERE IN CONNECTICUT

Middlebury: Advanced Babysitter Safety 102

Where: Shepardson Community Center, 1172 Whittemore Road

When: Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m.

Cost: $55

Description: This course is for youth ages 13-15 years of age with a sincere interest in advanced concepts and skills of First Aid including CPR certification.  Prerequisite is Babysitter Safety 101 within the past 360 days.

Woodbury: Flanders Story Time for Young Children

Where: Flanders Nature Center, 5 Church Hill Road

When: Friday, April 12, 9:30 a.m.

Cost: $5 for non-members, free to Flanders' members

Description: Weekly topics are designed to encourage children ages 3 to 5 and adults to explore nature, discover art and learn about farming together. Live animal demonstrations, specimens to observe and touch, crafts and nature walks on Flanders’ 200-acre campus are all part of investigating the great outdoors.

Woodbury: Pain Management Through the Art of Mandalas

Where: Woodbury Public Library, 269 Main St. South

When: Saturday, April 13, 2 p.m.

Cost: Free

Description: Margot Saraceno will give a repeat presentation on embracing the art of making mandalas. The mandala is known for its balancing and restorative potential. Designing and creating one helps participants to focus on areas of life that are causing stress and creating pain. After seeing and acknowledging the pain, one can move on to the possibility of healing.

Bethany: Equine and Human Chiropractic Clinic

Where: 91 Bethway Road

When: Saturday, April 13, 2 p.m.

Cost: Free

Description: Dr. Angela Erikson-Greco DVM and Dr. Lou Cofrancesco D.C. will demonstrate the benefits of chiropractic for both the human and equine bodies at Sperry View Farm.

****

Brookfield: Former NBA Player Chris Herren on Addiction and Recovery

Where: Brookfield High School, 45 Long Meadow Hill Rd., Brookfield

When: Thursday, April 11, 2013, 7:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

Description: The newly organized Brookfield CARES coalition invites the public to its first event to hear former NBA player Chris Herren speak about his struggle with substance abuse and his road to recovery.

****

Brookfield: Artist Reception

Where: Brookfield Municipal Center, 100 Pocono Rd, Brookfield

When: Thursday, April 11, 2013, 7:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

Description: A reception for the artist Joel Spector. Joel will lead a "walk and talk" explaining his techniques and inspirations. Refreshments will be served.

****

Fairfield: Jon Cleary's Philthy Phew

Where: Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, 1073 N Benson Rd, Fairfield, CT

When: 8 p.m., Saturday, April 13

Cost: $35

Description: Jon Cleary is a triple threat, combining soulful vocals, masterful piano skills, and a knack for composing infectious grooves with melodic hooks and sharp lyrics.

****

Fairfield: Project Precious Adoption Event

Where: Choice Pet Supply, 1947 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT

When: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m., Sunday, April 14

Cost: TBD at event (for adoptions)

Description: Project Precious is for countless animals, who without shelters, rescues, volunteers and the many caring people who really care and really reach out, would not have a chance.

****

Greenwich:  Developing Faith Leaders for the 21st Century: Dr. Serene Jones to Speak

Where: Round Hill Community Church, 395 Round Hill Rd, Greenwich

When: Friday, April 12, 2013, 6 p.m.

Cost: Free

Description: Dr. Serene Jones, President of Union Theological Seminary, will speak at the Round Hill Community Church at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to meet Dr. Jones at a reception preceding the lecture, at 6 p.m. in the Church Parlor. Dr. Jones will address the challenging issues facing faith leaders in the 21st century, from economics and theology, to engaging leaders of diverse faith backgrounds in constructive dialogue.

****

Greenwich: 7th Annual Pregnancy Primer Fair 

When: Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m.

Where: Greenwich Hospital, 5 Perryridge Road

Cost: Free.

Description: Learn from hospital experts what you can expect before, during and after pregnancy. In a relaxed and casual setting, you’ll meet obstetricians and pediatricians affiliated with Greenwich Hospital, take a tour of our Birthing Center, and have a chance to talk to physicians and nurses from a variety of departments.

****

New Canaan: Pre-School Soccer for 3 to 5 year Olds

Where: New Canaan YMCA, 564 South Ave, New Canaan

When: Saturday, April 13, 1 p.m.

Cost: Free

Description: Presented by Blue Wave Kickers. Fun is the single most improtant thing Blue Wave Kickers teaches. This class engages children in physical activity while developing their motor skills and basic soccer skills.

****

Norwalk: Photo Voices Exhibit

Where: Maritime Garage Art Gallery, 11 N Water St.

When: Opened on April 9, hours throughout April

Cost: Free

Description: Kindergarteners through 7th graders who are residents of the Norwalk Housing Authority’s Washington Village were asked to uncover their sense of identity and raise awareness of issues they face in their community through their photography. This exhibit is their project. Click the Maritime Garage Art Gallery blog for more info.

****

Norwalk: Connecticut Chili Classic

Where: SoNo MarketPlace, 314 Wilson Ave.

When: Sunday, April 14, 1 p.m.

Cost: $15 per child, $25 per adult ahead of time, $35 per adult at the door

Description: In its inaugural year, 25 teams will battle for the coveted Connecticut Chili Cup as voted by the public and a panel of local restaurant chefs. This outdoor event will feature live music by several local artists and a bonfire and 10 percent of the proceeds will benefit a local food-related charity.

****

Orange: Holy Infant Church Tag Sale

Where: Holy Infant Roman Catholic Church, 450 Racebrook Road

When: Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m.

Cost: No admission cost, various prices for items

Description: Thirty-four tables offering jewelry, collectibles, toys, books, greeting cards, pocket books and plants. Soup, hot dogs, dessert and coffee will be available for sale.

****

Redding: Gershwin & Friends

Where: Mark Twain Library, 439 Redding Road

When: Saturday, April 13, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 14, 3 p.m.

Cost: Free

Description: Pianist Jack Gibbons will perform Gershwin works, Chopin pieces and his own compositions.

****

Ridgefield: Craft Cafe

When: Saturday, April 13 10 a.m.

Where: The Quilter's Alley, 103 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield

Cost: $10

Description: A how-to session for trendy sewing, fabric and lifestyle craft, with the help of a creative coach. Small Materials fee applies depending on project.

****

Ridgefield: Thumbelina

When: Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m.

Where: The Ridgefield Playhouse, Ridgefield

Cost: $15

Description: The fairy tale of heroism comes happily to life in this charming, funny and joyous musical adaptation based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen. Join Thumbelina and her friends (the toad, fish, field mouse, mole and swallow) on a series of delightful adventures in nature’s tiny, enchanted world. Good for K-5 audiences.

****

Shelton: Women’s Networking Meeting

Where: 10 Progress Drive

When: Friday, April 12, 9 a.m.

Cost: Free for first-time guests, $5 for members, $20 for returning non-members

Description: This networking meeting is hosted by Powerful You! Women’s Network, founded upon the belief that women are powerful creators, passionate and compassionate leaders and the heart and backbone of the world’s homes and communities.

****

Where: 175 Atlantic St, Stamford

When: Friday, April 12, 7:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

Description: Hops & Grapes, Toasts & Tastes is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s third annual food, wine and beer tasting event in Fairfield County. Guests will also be able to participate in a silent and live auction and raffle as part of the evening’s festivities.

****

Trumbull: Trumbull Spring Craft Festival

Where: Grace Episcopal Church, 5958 Main St.

When: Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.

Cost: Free

Description: Craft festival will take place in the church hall at the Grace Episcopal Church.  Free admission.

****

Weston: Westport Community Nursery School Art Exhibition

Where: Weston Public Library, 56 Norfield Road

When: Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free

Description: Westport Community Nursery School is presenting an exhibition of student artwork at the Weston Library. Community Nursery School is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of early childhood education, the basis of which recognizes children as full of potential, and competent independent learners, rather than as empty vessels to be filled with facts by a teacher.

****

Westport: The Splendor of France's Provence by Dorie

When: Saturday, April 13, 2013, 11:00 am

Where: Westport River Gallery, 1 Riverside Ave.
 

Cost: Free

Description: New works are on display at the Westport River Gallery by noted internationally decorated French Impressionist Dominique Dorie.

****

Wilton: Animals in Distress Cat Shelter

Where: Wilton Town Hall, 238 Danbury Road

When: Saturday, April 13, 1 to 4 p.m. (or by appointment)

Cost: Free

Description: Animals in Distress is a free roaming cat shelter located in Wilton behind Town Hall. Come meet some amazing cats waiting to find a forever home. See the Animals in Distress blog for more info or click on the Facebook page.

About this column: From our neighborhood to the towns around us, if you're looking for something to do this weekend we've got you covered.