‘Letter from Italy, 1944’ events scheduled

HARTFORD >> Three informative lectures are part of a series of eight Community Conversations prior to the Hartford Premiere of “Letter from Italy, 1944,” to be presented by the combined voices of GMChorale and Hartford Chorale, with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, at The Bushnell on May 4 (visit www.bushnell.org for tickets).

Commissioned by GMChorale and composed and written by Sarah Meneely-Kyder and Nancy Fitz-Hugh Meneely, the oratorio is based on the true story of their father, Dr. John K. Meneely, a World War II combat medic in the Army’s fabled 10th Mountain Division, who returned from war suffering from what we now call PTSD.

The second lecture will be a reading of the poetry that was set to music for the oratorio. Poet and librettist Nancy Meneely will present her poetry with slide projections and music on Thursday, March 30. Sarah Meneely-Kyder, Letter from Italy composer, joins her sister for Conversation with the audience.

The final lecture in this series, “Looking at PTSD,” will be presented by Dr. Jason DeViva, Clinical Psychologist with VA Connecticut Healthcare’s PTSD and Anxiety Disorders Program and Assistant Professor at the Yale School of Medicine, on Thursday, April 6.

All the lectures will take place at KF Room, Mortensen Library, University of Hartford, on Thursdays, March 23 and 30 and April 6, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. This series is open to the public; the cost for the series is $80 for the general public and $65 for Fellows. Register at http://library.hartford.edu/presidentscollege.

For further information, visit www.gmchorale.org.

Tri-Town spring programs

DEEP RIVER >> Tri-Town Youth Services has announced a series of spring programs for families with young children. Call 860-526-3600 to reserve a spot or register online at www. tritownys.org.

Nourishing Nest: Mother and Baby Support Group: New mothers will meet on Tuesday mornings for friendship, information and support. Babies will be comforted and cared for within the group, while we talk about issues of concern and enjoy learning new things. Nourishing Nest emphasizes self-care and self-acceptance and we will create a space for relaxation and rejuvination. 56 High Street, Deep River. Fee: $25 per session. Session 1: Tuesdays in April, 11 a.m-12 p.m. Session 2: Tuesdays in May, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Little Birds: Mixed-Age Toddler Playgroup: Children ages 1-3 are invited to play, sing, dance, listen to stories and make art! Parents may enjoy coffee or tea, catch up with friends and browse our extensive Parent Resource Library. Tri-Town staff will be on hand to answer questions about child development and to share resources on a variety of toddler topics. 56 High Street, Deep River. Fee: $25 per child. Session 1: Tuesdays in April, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Session 2: Tuesdays in May, 9:3010:30 a.m.

Tri-Town Youth Services supports and advances the families, youth and communities of Chester, Deep River and Essex. They coordinate and provide resources needed to make positive choices, reduce substance abuse, and strengthen the relationships that matter most.

Chamber to offer shredding service

CLINTON >> The Clinton Chamber of Commerce has arranged for the public to shred unwanted documents. A truck from ‘The Shredding Source of Guilford will be parked next to the Clinton Chamber of Commerce office at 50 East Main Street in Clinton on Saturday, April 15, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Volunteers from Vista Life Innovations and the Chamber of Commerce will assist in removing boxes from your car to take to the shredder. Sweitzer Waste Removal is again donating a cardboard recycling container. This is an ideal service for senior citizens who may not be able to lift heavy boxes.

The Shredding Source personnel will destroy personal and legal documents on site and issue a certificate of destruction if requested. Cost is $6 box. Staples and paperclips do not have to be removed. Schweitzer Waste Removal has donated use of a recycling dumpster for patrons to leave any unwanted cardboard boxes.

The public is invited to participate. It is not necessary to be a Clinton resident or chamber member to participate. Questions can be directed to the Clinton Chamber of Commerce at 860-669-3889 or emailed to chamber@clintonct.com

Earth Day celebration

IVORYTON >> Tri-Town Youth Services will celebrate Earth Day at Bushy Hill Nature Center, and invites residents to explore the great outdoors together. The center will be open and Bushy Hill’s expert staff will be on hand to tell you about this very special place in Ivoryton. The event will be held Sunday, April 23, 1-3 p.m. with a guided hike at 1:30 p.m., and a bow drill demonstration at 2 p.m.

The nature center is at 253 Bushy Hill Road, Ivoryton. Suggested Donation: $5, which will be used for Tri-Town’s Camp Scholarship Fund.