Saturday dinner benefits DeToro family

PORTLAND » The entire community is invited to come together and express their support for Portland’s DeToro family on Saturday, Aug. 26, 4-8 p.m. at Portland High School.

The menu will feature pasta with homemade sauce, garden salad, garlic bread, a dessert buffet and raffle tables. Tickets are now available at the Portland Town Clerks Office, Bordonaro’s Pharmacy, Burke State Farm Insurance and after all weekend Masses for $12, free for children 6 and under, with takeout available.

After learning of the unexpected passing of Portland resident Steve DeToro, Council 7 Knights of Columbus began an organized effort to assist his widow and three children. The dinner is sponsored by not only the combined effort of several St. Mary Church groups including, the Bereavement Committee, Mothers Circle and the Ladies Guild, but also by the generosity of the town of Portland and Board of Education.

For those unable to attend the dinner, memorial donations may be made to any Liberty Bank, attention: DeToro Children’s Educational Fund. For questions about the benefit, call John McNickle, Knights of Columbus at 860 342-1415 or jmcnickle@continentalit.com.

Blood donations urgently needed

FARMINGTON » The American Red Cross urges blood donors to give in the final weeks of summer to help overcome a chronic summer blood shortage.

In August, regular donors may delay giving as final summer vacations are planned and back-to-school activities ramp up. To fully meet the needs of hospital patients in the coming days and weeks, donations are urgently needed from new and current donors. Those who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to donate again. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, and Power Red cells can be donated every 112 days. As a special thank you, those who come out to give blood or platelets with the Red Cross now through Aug. 31 will be emailed a $5 Target eGiftCard™.* Appointments can be scheduled by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1800-733-2767). To help reduce wait times, donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/ RapidPass.

Rotary’s Lobster Festival tickets available now

CHESTER » The Rotary Club of Chester’s 47th Annual Lobster Festival to be held at the Chester Fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 9. Tickets are now available for purchase.

The event is highlighted by classic double entree dinners featuring Twin Lobster, Twin Steak, or Surf and Turf and single entrée Lobster or Steak dinners. Traditional sides include corn on the cob, potatoes and coleslaw. Gates will open at 4 p.m. for table decorating and general admission. Dinners will be served from 5-7 p.m. Soft drinks, bottled water, beer and wine are available for sale throughout the evening.

Live music for dancing and listening will be provided by two great bands, Driving Route 9 and Old Dog New Trick until closing at 10 p.m.

Admission tickets for twin lobster or twin steak or surf and turf dinners are $40 in advance, $45 for remaining tickets at the gate. Single lobster or single steak dinner tickets are $30 in advance, $35 for remaining tickets at the gate. Seating is limited. Access to the Lobster Festival is restricted to dinner ticket holders.

Tickets are available at the following Chester locations: LARK, Pattaconk Bar & Grill, Chester Package Store, Chrisholm Marina, Chester Bottle Shop and at the Sunday Market as well as on-line at http://www.ChesterRotary.org.

AARP Driving course

EAST HAMPTON » AARP will sponsor the “Smart Driver Course” Sept. 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the East Hampton Senior Center at 105 Main Street. Senior vehicle operators will receive information to extend their safe driving abilities. Participants will be rewarded with a certificate that may reduce their auto insurance. AARP trained instructors will conduct this 4-hour course. Please pre-register by check or money order (AARP members $15 non-members $20) payable to AARP. NO CASH please. Sign up and pay at the Senior Center. For more information call 860-267-4426.

Guild seeks vendors

MIDDLETOWN » Saint Theresa’s Guild will hold a Harvest Fair on Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

There are still openings for vendors. A table and two chairs is $40. In addition, a donation of a product from each booth is requested for the guild’s raffle table.

Fair proceeds will benefit St. Sebastian’s Church and the charities that the Guild supports.

To request a vendor application or with any questions, contact Claudia.defrance@snet. net or call 860-930-3447.