61 Atlantic Street, Stamford, CT 06901. Phone: 203-325-4466.

On Saturday, April 2, 2011, 8PM at the Stamford Center  for the Arts' Palace Theater Howie Mandel will perform.  Mandel's versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, including television, film and stage.  From his work on the Emmy-Award winning show St. Elsewhere to the international Bobby's World, Howie has become a mainstay of the American comedy scene.  Tickets: $53/$$43/$38 plus SCA fees.  Check the website for further information and ticket availability.

39 Strickland Rd, Cos Cob, CT 06807. Phone: 203-869-6899, Ext. 10 .

2:00 PM at Vanderbilt Education Centerr. Chosen for its high literary quality and reflection of universal issues, The Book Thief is this year's Greenwich Reads Together selection. As a sponsor of Greenwich Reads Together, the Greenwich Historical Society in partnership with the Jewish Historical Society of Lower Fairfield County will present a panel presentation lead by Agnes Vertes, President of Child Holocaust Survivors of Connecticut.  Much like the character Max Vandenberg was concealed in The Book Thief, learn what it was like to live in hiding during WWII and how young survivors faced the challenges of an uncertain future even after liberation. Panelists will include Greenwich child survivors Marian Nachman and R. Daniel Vock.  Admission is free. To attend, please call, 203-869-6899, Ext. 10 or email assistant@greenwichhistory.org. Greenwich Reads Together is supported by a grant from the Verizon Foundation.

1035 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06905. Phone: 203-322-7900.

Ages 11 - 15 Learn the skills you need to be a great babysitter! Certificate issued upon completion of course. M $90 / NM $100. For more information, call 203-322-7900.

39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 06903. Phone: 203.322.1646.

11 am – 3 pm, each Sunday (with exception of special event days) Join SM&NC education staff every Sunday for a hands-on, interactive exploration of many of the Museum’s favorite features!  Each week will focus on a different theme and may include visits with our live reptiles or farm animals, tastings in the garden, or great arts and craft experiences. Programs will feature both staff-led and self-guided activities for all ages. Activities will run throughout the time period, so join us anytime to extend and enhance your SM&NC experience. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Members: Free / Non-Members: Free with gate admission. For more information call 203.322.1646, e-mail info@stamfordmuseum.org, or visit www.stamfordmuseum.org

1 Museum Dr., Greenwich, CT 06830. Phone: (203) 869-0376.

This program begins with the screening of the Alaskan Geographic's newest film, America's Wildest Refuge, which explores the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge with spectacular footage and commentary.  The hour-long film will be followed by brief presentations by Franklin Bloomer, founder of Greenwich's Calf Island Conservancy, and Rick Potvin, US Fish & Wildlife Service and Manager of Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge, talking about our local wildlife refuges and efforts to preserve our natural world for future generations. This presentation is made in conjunction with the Museum's exhibition Arctic Sanctuary: Images of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and is free with Museum admission.

1037 Silvermine Road , New Canaan, CT 06840. Phone: 203-966-9700.

On Sunday, Silvermine Arts Center is proud to partner with KEYS (Kids Empowered through Your Support), a wonderful non-profit program which offers one-on-one instrumental music lessons to underserved students in the Bridgeport schools.  Bennie Wallace has been a fixture on the jazz scene for over 30 years, combining the sound of the old masters with the avant garde. For tickets and more information: www.keysmusic.org. TICKETS: $20 for Silvermine Arts Center Members, Guild Artist Members & Faculty; $25 Non-members. FOR INFORMATION: Call or visit our website.

1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Phone: 203-254-4010.

Performance at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. (Encore), Quick Center for the Arts. Juan Diego Flórez in the title role of this Met premiere production.  He vies with mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, in the trouser role of Isolier, for the love of the lonely Countess Adèle, sung by soprano Diana Damrau.  With Susanne Resmark, Stéphane Degout and Michele Pertusi. Bartlett Sher directs. $22 general, $20 seniors, $15 children & students.

1035 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06905. Phone: 203-322-6541.

Dr. Julia A. Trebing will present a lecture on positive parenting and will help parents rethink their reactions to parenting challenges. She will offer advice on how to implement effective parenting techniques, help build children’s “emotional IQ,” understand the benefits of encouraging rather than praising, understand the implications of punishment and reward, and learn to use positive discipline. The lecture is open to the entire community and free of charge. Since space is limited, reservations are required. For more information, call Michelle Liptak at 203-322-6541, visit website or e-mail.

1035 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT Phone: 203-487-0941.

This NEW event will feature Chef to the stars Anthony Areostatico as he prepares signature dishes in a fabulous kitchen in a private home in Stamford.  Sample the food, have lunch with friends, get inspired by a designer kitchen, and take home your own recipe book. There will be two demonstrations offered on this day, so choose between the 9:30 a.m. or 12 p.m. groups. Both groups will be served brunch at 11 a.m. The cost is $60 per person. All proceeds benefit the Senior Nutrition Program. Dietary laws observed. For more information, call Nancy Schiffman at 203-487-0941, visit www.stamfordjcc.org or e-mail nschiffman@stamfordjcc.org.

2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT 06824. Phone: 203-259-6305 Ext. 109.

"Eggs-plore" what's hatching at the CT Audubon Society Center at Fairfield's 16th annual "egg-stravagana." On Saturday, April 16 at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. an egg hunt for children 8 and under will offer spring crafts to do together, live animals and a visit from a very special rabbit. Morning Egg Hunt includes a continental breakfast; afternoon Egg Hunt includes juice, cookies and healthy snacks. Bring cameras and a basket! Program held rain or shine. All proceeds support CT Audubon Society environmental education programs. Pre-registration and pre-payment required at time of registration. Call 203-259-6305, ext.109. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Under 2 years old free. Program fee: $10/child, $5/adult CAS members; $15/child, $10/adult non-members. CT Audubon Society, Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr St., Fairfield. Cheeck the website for programs and events.