Conversations for language learners and other things to do in Greenwich – Greenwich Time

For the latest events and activities happening in Greenwich, turn to For the record. To have your event included, submit a description, date, time, price and contact information. Photos are welcome. Drop us an email about your latest goings-on at gtcitydesk@scni.com.

Curiosity Cabinets on display

The Bruce Museum’s latest exhibition will feature depictions of sea serpents crushing ships, 7-foot-tall giants, a mummified Porsche, and a menagerie of other oddities sure to pique the interest of any visitor interested in the intersection of art and science. The display, called “Collecting Reimagined: A 2D Curiosity Cabinet” will open this weekend and be on view in the museum’s Bantle Lecture Gallery through March 24. The exhibit was curated by H.S. Miller, the Museum’s Zvi Grunberg Resident Fellow for 2019-20. Miller will also discuss the stories behind some of the exhibition’s more curious objects in a talk, “Tales from the Cabinet,” from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 12. Admission to the Bruce Museum is free through Jan. 31. For more information, visit brucemuseum.org.

Nature Yoga

Join yoga instructor Brittani Kelly (BK) for Nature Yoga sessions on Sundays at the Greenwich Audubon Center at 613 Riversville Road. Discover healthy living for people and wildlife together — these unique sessions will bring attention to what is happening in nature around us and the health of the environment, while developing techniques in yoga and wellness. Bring a yoga mat if you have one; mats will be available to borrow. The class from 10 to 11 a.m. is intended for adults, teens, and kids ages 12 and up, with all levels of experience and abilities are welcome. Admission is $10 per session. The class from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is for families and is intended for all ages, experiences levels, and abilities. Admission is $5 for children and $10 for adults.

Family gallery tours

The Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, host Family Gallery Tours from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Sundays. The tours are geared for kids ages 6-10. Free with regular admission, and no registration is required. Visit brucemuseum.org for more info.

Christmas Bird Count

Each year, Greenwich Audubon Center participates in the traditional Christmas Bird Count to monitor the winter bird populations throughout North America. Teams of birders will head out on Sunday to count as many individual birds as possible in a given count area within 24 hours. The count in this area is known as the “Greenwich-Stamford Count Circle.” The data is submitted to ornithologists who conduct research on the health of our winter bird populations. There are two ways to participate. Join a count team, which will be assigned to different areas within the count circle and at Greenwich Audubon Center, and then go out and count birds by foot and car during the count period. Some teams will begin counting before dawn and continue until 5 p.m. Or you can participate in the Christmas Bird Count at home by counting birds at your backyard feeders during the day. Complete the checklist provided by Audubon and submit it by 5 p.m. Sunday. All count participants are invited to gather at Greenwich Audubon Center at 5 p.m. Sunday to compile results and enjoy a free dinner. For those interested in participating at Greenwich Audubon Center, contact Ted Gilman at tgilman@audubon.org or 203-930-1353. For those interested in joining a team in your neighborhood or conducting a feeder-watch, contact Cynthia Ehlinger at cynthia.ehlinger@gmail.com or 203-219-1963.

Duplicate Bridge Games

Weekly open duplicate Bridge games are held at 12:15 p.m. Mondays at the Greenwich YWCA. The games are sanctioned by the American Contract Bridge League, with masterpoint awards to top finishers. The card fee to play one session is $12. For more information, contact Steve Becker at 203-637-8927.

Healing meditation

Registered nurse Roberta Brown, from integrative medicine, will present a lecture on“Self Care: Sound Healing Meditation” in Greenwich Hospital’s Noble Conference Center from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday. Explore mindful self-care practices to quite the mind, calm the nervous system and restore the body. Experience a relaxing guided meditation, accompanied by the healing sounds of Tibetan singing bowls. Dress comfortably; bring a yoga mat if possible. Chairs will be provided. To register, call 888-305-9253 or visit greenwichhospital.org/events. Free.

Abilis Gardens & Gifts

Abilis Gardens & Gifts is selling holiday gifts and its greenhouse is filled with holiday wreaths and greenery. It is a must-shop store offering handcrafted candles, bath products, children’s gifts, jewelry, housewares and gifts, with fresh flowers, plants and microgreens in the greenhouse. Prices range from $5 to $40 and proceeds support Abilis’ programs. Abilis Gardens & Gifts provides job training for adults with special needs. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 3p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays in December. Abilis Gardens & Gifts is at 50 Glenville St. For more info, visit www.abilis.us or call 203-531-GIFT (4438).

Time to Talk

A drop-in conversation series for English Language Learners called “Time to Talk: A Conversation Series for English Language Learners” will be held from 6:30 to 8: p.m. Tuesday in the Byram Shubert Library Community Room. Come to improve your communications skills, learn more about American culture and feel more comfortable in the community. Peer-to-peer conversations offer an opportunity to practice casual language in a less formal environment than a classroom. Volunteers facilitate conversations on everyday topics such as doctors visits, grocery shopping, and finding housing or work. This series is open to all adults. Beginners welcome. As the library will be closed, entrance will be downstairs at the program room.

Bruce Beginnings

Bruce Beginnings is a program for children ages 2.5 to 5 with an adult at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Bruce Museum. Explore the museum collections and exhibitions through picture books and hands-on activities. This program takes place on the museum’s free admission day and space is limited. See the visitor service desk upon arrival to secure a spot. Topics change weekly. Visit brucemuseum.org for more info.

Perfectly Polite bridge

The Perfectly Polite Bridge Group has Duplicate Bridge games at the Greenwich YMCA on Wednesdays from 9:45 a.m. to noon for Relaxed Duplicate Bridge and from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. for Relaxed Duplicate Bridge / Conventions. The cost is $10 for members and $12 for nonmembers. You do not need a partner to play. Only prepaid players are guaranteed a seat. There is also a Beginner Game/Class with relaxed play and discussion from 3 to 5 p.m. Seating is limited. If you are not on the email list, call Frank Crocker at 203-524-8032 to register.

Speakers at Retired Men’s Association

The Greenwich Retired Men’s Association offers a free program every Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church, 1 W. Putnam Ave., that is open to the public; no reservations required. Social break starts at 10:40 a.m., followed by speaker at 11 a.m. For info, visit www.greenwichrma.org or contact info@greenwichrma.org. Future speakers include Pam Kuhn & The Angel Choir will perform for the RMA Family Holiday Celebration on Dec 18. No meetings will be held on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Try Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a relaxing exercise that can loosen joints, improve balance and teach graceful movements to music. Fun and no pressure classes are held at 8 a.m. Wednesdays and at 9 a.m. Thursdays in the auditorium at the First Congregational Church Auditorium on Sound Beach Avenue in Old Greenwich, opposite Binney Park. The cost is $10 per one-hour session. Newcomers welcome. For info, call Joe at 203-504-4678.

Dancing the ‘Nutcracker’

The Greenwich Conservatory Ballet will present the must-see holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.” at the Westport Country Playhouse. The performances will feature Conservatory students and guest from The Rock School of PA, ABT JKO School, NY Dance Theatre and the European School of Ballet. Charming, family-friendly, an ideal holiday performing arts event. Shows are at 4 p.m. Dec. 22 and at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 23.

Meet Santa and his reindeer

Santa and his live reindeer — Dasher, Dancer and Prancer — have returned for the 11th annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Village at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St., this holiday season. The town tradition continues through Dec. 24. Visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and enjoy Santa’s Village, train and carousel rides at the “North Pole on North Street.” Parking is free. Hours for photos with Santa are noon to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. Closed on Sundays. The reindeer will depart on Dec. 22, but Santa will remain for photos Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more details, visit www.Greenwichreindeerfestival.com.

Holiday Art Show & Sale

The Art Society of Old Greenwich will hold its 2019 Holiday Art Show and Sale at the Gertrude White Gallery at the YWCA of Greenwich, through Dec. 27. This festive show offers fine artworks created by ASOG’s member artists. All artworks, in a variety of media, are available for purchase. The YWCA is located at 259 E. Putnam Ave. For gallery hours, call 203-869-6501.

Art show at Byram Shubert

The Byram Shubert Library is hosting an exhibition of the work of two artists — photographer Brent Keeting and painter Marialiisa Pettengi — in a show called “Lyrical Landscapes and Bold Abstractions” through Dec. 28.

One-man art show

The Greenwich Art Society is presenting “Glaser and the Grid,” a solo exhibition by Scott Glaser from the artist’s personal collection, through Jan. 3 at its gallery at 299 Greenwich Ave., second floor. The grid system is the common thread in Glaser’s work, from cityscapes created from men’s suit fabric, portrait mosaics made completely from Band-Aid-like bandages, neo-pointillist drawings, photorealist paintings or mixed media pieces. The artwork will be on view from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. All works can be purchased by contacting the Greenwich Art society at 203-629-1533 or greenwichartsociety@verizon.net. For info, visit www.greenwichartsociety.org.

Christianity: The Core Beliefs

Start the New Year with a proper focus on your spiritual health. Enroll in a 15-week introductory class on the core beliefs of the Christian faith as found in the Bible. All are welcome — whether curious about Christianity or lifelong believers. Join First Luthern Church at 38 Field Point Road on Monday nights from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The class begins on Jan. 6. There is no cost, and no obligation to join the church. All materials will be provided. Contact Pastor Scamman at 203.962.8700 or by email at escamman@gmail.com to register.

One Day to Resume

The Greenwich Library will host an interactive workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 6 to help high school seniors and college students ages 18 to 23 kickstart their job or internship search. Titled “From College to Career,” the workshop will focus on helping students gain the essential skills they need to get their foot in the door. Participants will leave with a working resume, a LinkedIn page, a professional headshot, tips on what to wear (and what not to wear) when interviewing, and networking skills they can use throughout college and beyond. A registration packet with info on what to wear for the headshot and what to bring to prepare a resume will be sent to everyone who signs up in advance. Participants will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win gift certificates to Amazon and Garden Catering. This program will take place in The Flinn Gallery and is co-sponsored by the Greenwich Alliance for Education and Greenwich Library. Registration is required at GreenwichLibrary.org.

‘An American Story’

The Greenwich Historical Society at 47 Strickland Road, Cos Cob, is presenting an exhibition on the immigrant experience called “An American Story: Finding Home in Fairfield County” through Jan. 6. The exhibit includes stories of the grit and resilience of immigrants and refugees, including 12 who found home in Greenwich. The stories illuminated in this exhibition reach across the world from five continents, shining a light on the ways that refugees and asylum seekers find hope and persevere in the face of challenges for creating new lives in Fairfield County. It is presented in partnership with the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants. For more information, visit greenwichhistory.org.

Bruce Beginnings Jr.

This program at the Bruce Museum provides a welcoming and engaging museum experience for toddlers, ages 10 to 24 months, and their caregivers through hands-on play and exploration. Bruce Beginnings Jr. sessions are inspired by the museum’s collections and exhibits. It is held from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month, next time on Jan. 9. This program is free with general admission but space is limited. See the visitor service desk upon arrival to secure a spot.

Sensory-sensitive day at Audubon

Join Greenwich Audubon Center on the second Saturday of the month as it supports people who are sensory-sensitive and would like to enjoy learning about nature in a quiet and soothing space. This program is part of the Audubon For All initiative, which offers accessible and inclusive programs to support people with intellectual and physical challenges. During the Sensory-Sensitive Saturday sessions, Audubon provides relaxing nature films, natural artifacts with interesting textures, books, and pictures. Staff naturalists are present to support learning about nature in this soothing environment. Event will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 11 at Audubon at 613 Riversville Road. All are welcome for the free event. RSVP is required with Accessibility Coordinator Caroline Bailey at Caroline.Bailey@audubon.org or 203-900-3349.

Greenwich Symphony Orchestra

The Greenwich Symphony Orchestra will be in concert on Jan. 11 and Jan. 12 will featue Verdi, Overture to La Battaglia di Legnano; Schumann, Piano Concerto with Benjamin Hochman on piano; and Korngold, Symphony, Op. 40, with Benjamin Hochman on piano. The concerts on Feb. 22 and Feb. 23 will feature Beethoven, Symphony No. 3 (Eroica); and Beethoven, Piano Concerto No. 5 (Emperor), with John O’Conor on piano. The concerts on April 18 and April 19 will feature Hindemith, Concert Music for Strings and Brass; Herbert, Concerto No. 2 for Cello, with Daniel Miller on cello; and Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique. Concerts are at the Greenwich High School Performing Arts Center, 10 Hillside Road, at 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 4 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $40 per person, $10 for students. For more information, call 203-869-2664 or visit www.greenwichsymphony.org.

Flinn Gallery reopens

The Flinn Gallery at the Greenwich Library has reopened after being closed for several months while construction was going on outside its walls. The exhibit, “In Plain Sight, Library Art Collection,” is made up of works that belong to the library’s permanent collection and will be on display through Jan. 30. Many pieces on display have been hanging in various locations, often behind closed doors. Barbara Richards is the curator and sleuth who has gathered and arranged this collection. The gallery’s hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Mondays. Visit flinngallery.com or call 203.622.7947 for more information.

Pulitzer winners headline Family Centers breakfast

Family Centers will welcome New York Times columnists and Pulitzer Prize winners Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn as the latest speakers in its popular Titans Series. The breakfast event to benefit the Greenwich-based nonprofit will be at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 11 at the Stamford Sheraton at 700 E. Main St. This husband-and-wife duo were the first married couple to win a Pulitzer in journalism and have written a series of best-selling books together. Their latest book, “Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope,” will be released in early 2020 and all attendees will get a copy. Tickets start at $125, and proceeds will support Family Centers’ network of health, education and human service programs. For more information, visit www.familycenters.org.

League of Women Voters to honor leaders

For its 100th Anniversary Gala, the League of Women Voters of Connecticut will honor Indra K. Nooyi, a Greenwich resident and former chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, and Juanita T. James, president and CEO of the Fairfield County Community Foundation. Nooyi will receive the Outstanding Woman in Business award and James will be recognized with the Outstanding Woman in Philanthropy award. The gala will take place Feb. 22 at the Italian Center in Stamford. For more information, visit www.lwvct.org.

SLS golf tourney

The St. Lawrence Society will hold its 29th annual Charity Golf Tournament on May 11. Enjoy a perfect day of golf, food and fun. Get your foursomes together and join the fun. Cost is $175 for everything: the luncheon, cart, golf, cocktail hour and dinner. For cocktails and dinner only, it’s $100. Starts at 11:30 a.m. at E. Gaynor Brennan Golf Course, with a 12:45 p.m. shotgun start, scramble format. Golf is followed by cocktail hour, antipasti and a prime rib dinner back at the Club. To RSVP, visit www.stlawrencesociety.com/events or call 203-618-9036.