CALENDAR

Monday, Feb. 12 GED TUTORING:

Free GED tutoring is available at Adult Education 398 Main Street, Middletown, Days and evenings. Call 860-343-6044 for more information.

WONDERFUL ONES:

Wonderful Ones, Feb. 5, 12, 26, 10:30 a.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. One-year-olds and their caregivers will enjoy literacy-based, age-appropriate activities and toys in the company of other families in this supportive, nurturing library program. Siblings welcome; drop in; no registration required.

TOTALLY TEENS:

Totally Teens, Feb. 5, 12, 26, 3 p.m. in the Totally Teen Area, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Teen Librarian Heather will be available. Laptops will be on hand for homework or gaming—whatever you need. A variety of special programs will be scheduled on the second Monday of each month. For grades 7-12. Drop in; registration is not required. Just stop by.

Tuesday, Feb. 13 TERRIFIC TWOS:

Twos are Terrific meets Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 10:30 a.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For two year olds (24 - 35 months). Siblings welcome. Feb. 13, meet in the Hubbard Room. Drop in; no registration required.

MYSTERY FILM: Classic Mystery Series Film Screening: Lying Lips, Feb. 13, 12:30 p.m., in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Lying Lips, a 1939 film by Oscar Micheaux, stars Edna Mae Harris and Robert Earl Jones (the father of James Earl Jones). Drop in; no registration.

HOMESCHOOL HUB: Homeschool Hub, Feb. 13, 1 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. It’s a chance for families to get together and for children to engage in a fun activity. Bring your friends. For ages 4-11, siblings welcome. Drop in; no registration.

RUSSELL READERS: Russell Readers meet Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 2, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. We will discuss “That Will Be Fine” by William Faulkner from the collection 100 Years of the Best American Short Stories. For more information about participating in the group or acquiring the text, contact Chantal Foster at 860-573-2946 or email Chantal.foster@comcast.net. PANCAKE SUPPER: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will be held Feb. 13, 5-7 p.m. at Trinity Church, 345 Main Street, Portland. Enjoy pancakes (plain or blueberry), syrup, fruit toppings, confectionary sugar, whipped cream, bacon, sausage and desserts. Tickets $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for children under 12. All proceeds will benefit the Portland Food Bank. Tickets at the door or reserve at 860-342-0458. WORKING FOR YOURSELF: “Work for Yourself @ 50+”, presented by AARP, will be held Feb. 13, 4-6 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Are you over 50 and looking for ways to improve your current financial situation? Have you ever dreamed of being your own boss? Work for Yourself@50+ has the information you need to succeed. Free, space is limited and advance registration is required. Call 888 339-5617. GED TUTORING: Free GED tutoring is available at Adult Education 398 Main Street, Middletown, Days and evenings. Call 860-343-6044 for more information. OPEN HOUSE: Authors to Schools Program Open House, 6 p.m., Feb. 13, free. Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore, 413 Main St., Middletown. Register at books@wesleyan.edu. Details at Wesleyan.edu/rjjuliabookstore or call 860-6853939 Wednesday, Feb. 14 ASH WEDNESDAY: Ashes to Go from 6-8 .m., Worship services, 12 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. Faith Lutheran Church, 300 Washington St., Middletown. For more information go to www.faithelcamiddletown.org.

GED TUTORING:

Free GED tutoring is available at Adult Education 398 Main Street, Middletown, Days and evenings. Call 860-343-6044 for more information.

SINGLES AWARENESS DAY: Singles Awareness Day at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore, 7 p.m., Feb. 14, free. Join us for a fun event with Laura Wellington, author of “What to Do When Jane Knows Dick about Dating.” Refreshments, sweet snacks, a "Blind Date with a Book" opportunity and a variety of contests featuring Candy Conversation Hearts. Prizes will be awarded. 413 Main St., Middletown. Details at Wesleyan.edu/rjjuliabookstore or call 860-685-3939

VALENTINE GIFTS: Make Valentine Gifts at Wesleyan R.J. Julia Bookstore, 7 p.m, Feb. 14, $5, for rades 2 and up. 413 Main St., Middletown. Details at Wesleyan.edu/rjjuliabookstore or call 860-6853939. Register for this class by emailing books@wesleyan.edu

LIBRARY COOK CLUB: Deep River Public Library’s Cook Club returns on Feb. 14; 5:30 p.m. Children will make strawberry milkshakes in honor of Valentine’s Day. Registration is required for this event and is limited to 10 children. Please use our Signup Genius link to register: Cook Club Makes Strawberry Milkshakes at http://www.signupgenius.com/ go/4090a4da8ab23aafe3-cook1

ASHES TO GO IN PORTLAND: Trinity Episcopal Church, Zion Lutheran Church and the United Methodist Church will offer Ashes to Go on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, during the morning and afternoon commutes. The Rev. Phil Bjornburg, Rev. Tara Leduke, and Pastor Kari Rinas will be at various locations including Trinity Church, 345 Main Street and Dunkun Donuts, 152 Main Street for anyone wishing to receive ashes from their car. All are welcome to receive ashes, you don’t need to be a member of any particular church or any specific denomination. For more information an specific times, please call Trinity Church office at 860-342-0458.

MOVIE AND TREATS: Sweet Movie & Sweet Treats, a Valentine’s Day movie event at Henry Carter Hull Library, Clinton, with “Home Again,” and candy and popcorn, Feb. 14, 5:30 p.m. Treats are free and guests can enter to win a collection of romance novels. Details at hchlibrary.org

Thursday, Feb. 15 GED TUTORING:

Free GED tutoring is available at Adult Education 398 Main Street, Middletown, Days and evenings. Call 860-343-6044 for more information.

AUTHOR TALK:

Tom Ryan: "Will’s Red Coat", Feb. 15, 7 p.m., free, Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore, 413 Main St., Middletown, free, no registration required. Details at Wesleyan.edu/rjjuliabookstore or call 860-685-3939.

LIBRARY JOB GROUP: A Job Group meets on Thursdays, February 1, 8, 15 and 22, 10 a.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Each Thursday a different topic related to careers is discussed. A networking session follows the presentation. Registration not required.

SAILING CLUB: Shoreline Sailing Club meeting, 7 p.m., Feb. 15. Singles over 35 who love boating are welcome. Winter meetings located at Old Saybrook Estuary, 220 Main Street, Old Saybrook See our website for more information. http:// www.shorelinesailingclub.camp8.org/

RHYME TIME: Baby Rhyme Time, Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 10:30 a.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For babies birth - 12 months and their caregivers. Drop in; no registration. STORY HOUR: Preschool Power Story Hour, Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 1:30 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For ages 3 - 5 (Pre-k through kindergarten) Siblings welcome. Drop in; no registration. VALENTINE’S POTLUCK: The Durham 60+ Club and Travel’s Annual Valentine’s Day potluck luncheon will be held Feb. 15 at 12:30 p.m. (set up is at 11:30 a.m.) at the Durham Activity Center, Second Floor, 350 Main Street, Durham. All members will bring their favorite dishes to share with the group. A short meeting will follow. Seniors from surrounding towns are welcomed to join this social, active, travel club. No meeting on Monday, Feb. 12.

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS:

Free blood pressure screenings, Feb. 15, 1-4 p.m. in the lobby of the Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Gabrielle West, the Community Wellness Coordinator for the Middlesex YMCA, will be available to answer questions about the new Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program. Come in and find out more about what your blood pressure means. Drop in, no registration.

BLACK HISTORY FILM SCREENING:

Whose Streets? A Black History Month film screening, Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Whose Streets? is a 2017 documentary about the killing of Michael Brown and the uprising in Ferguson, Mississippi. Drop in, no registration.

BABY BOUNCE:

Deep River Library presents Baby Bounce on Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22; 10:30 a.m. Join us for a story time for babies, newborn to 24 months! Simple stories and songs, followed by play and social time. Older siblings may attend. Free. Register at 860-526-6039 or email drplchildrensdept@gmail.com

Friday, Feb. 16 FAMILY HISTORY:

Godfrey Memorial Library researchers will be available to consult on research questions and help find resources and answers. For best results, bring the information with you as well as your laptop. Feb.16, 9:30 a.m. at Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield Street, Middletown, free to Godfrey Members or $10 a session. Call 860-3464375 for more information; no pre-registration necessary.

POET’S CORNER: Poet’s Corner with Susan Allison, Feb. 16, 4-6 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Shy poets, famous poets, infamous poets, sly poets, wanna be poets, poetry lovers, poet lovers, poets who would never attend such an event, are invited to bring their creative energies into one room. Bring your favorite poems to share, original or otherwise. Drop in; no registration.

FUN FRIDAY: Deep River Library’s Fun Fridays are Feb. 9, 16, 23; 10:30 a.m.. Stories and songs in an interactive setting, followed by craft and open play. Perfect for the preschool set. Free. Register at 860-526-6039 or email drplchildrensdept@gmail.com.

Saturday, Feb. 17 EVERYPROM BENEFIT:

An EveryProm to benefit Make A Wish Foundation will be held Feb. 17, 5-8 p.m. at Third Congregational Church at 94 Miner Street, Middletown. Come dance through the decades with instructors from Vinnie's Jump and Jive, appetizers from Red Fox and photos by Jeff Yardis. Tickets are $25 per person, $35 per couple and $45 per family. Tickets include prom photo, refreshments and dancing. Call 860632-0733 for more information.

FREE FLU CLINIC: The CT River Area Health District (CRAHD) is offering a free flu clinic to area residents including Killingworth, Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Clinton Town Hall (Green Room), 54 East Main Street, Clinton. Shots are free with or without insurance. If you have insurance, bring your card. Children under 18 must be with a parent or guardian. Remember to wear a short sleeve shirt. For information contact Sherry at the CRAHD at 860-661-3300 or scarlson@crahd.net if you have any questions concerning the clinic. LIBRARY BOOK SALE: Killingworth Library Book Sale will be held Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the library.This month the sale includes large collection of books on World War I, nautical and fishing topics, hunting dogs and John F. Kennedy. As always, there are plenty of novels to choose from across all genres for all ages. A bake sale will also be held. Proceeds from both sales benefit the library and its patrons. NAACP EXTRAVAGANZA: NAACP presents a Black History Extravaganza, Feb. 17, 10 a.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. African dance, African American art, and a variety of other pieces of Black

History will be shown. Drop in; no registration.

FAMILY HISTORY:

Write Your Family History will meet Feb. 17, 9:30-11 a.m. at the Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield St., Middletown. Free to members, $10 guests. Discuss methods and ideas for gathering information and writing a history your family will cherish. Learn from examples of printed and published material by others. Bring your laptop. Call 860-346-4375 for more information. No pre-registration necessary.

Sunday, Feb. 18 JEWISH WAR VETERANS-

:Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., Major General Maurice Rose Post 51, meet Feb. 18, 9:30 a.m., at Congregation Adath Israel in Middletown, in the Nester Center, next to the congregation. Enter from the parking lot. All Jewish veterans, whether they served in war or peace time, and their families, are invited. For planning of the light breakfast, RSVP to jwvpost51@gmail.com.

Worship with Eucharist, 9 a.m.; Sunday School and Confirmation class, 10:30 a.m., at Faith Lutheran Church, 300 Washington St., Middletown. For more information go to www.faithelcamiddletown.org.

Free GED tutoring is available at Adult Education 398 Main Street, Middletown, Days and evenings. Call 860-343-6044 for more information.

SUNDAY WORSHIP: GED TUTORING: CHAMBER CONCERTS:

The New England Chamber Choir & Chamber Ensemble, Conducted by Richard Wm. Donohue, presents Bach In Winter: Two Cantatas of Johann Sebastian Bach, Feb. 18, 4 p.m. at Saint Peter Church 30 Saint Peter Lane, Higganum, and Sunday, Feb. 25, 4 p.m. at Center Congregational Church 474 Broad Street, Meriden. Free admission, donations welcome. For information call 860) 635-5414 or email necc2000@aol.com. Season details at www.nechamberchoir.org.

Monday, Feb. 19

Tuesday, Feb. 20 AARP CHAPTER:

AARP Chapter #3310 monthly meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 1 p.m. at St. Pius Church, 310 Westfield Street, Middletown. Membership activities and trips will be discussed. Guest speaker is Ron Krom, Executive Director for St. Vincent DePaul and Amazing Grace Food Pantry. Meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome. Remember to bring a non-perishable food item to help Amazing Grace Food Pantry.

TERRIFIC TWOS:

Twos are Terrific meets Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 10:30 a.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For two year olds (24 - 35 months). Siblings welcome. Feb. 13, meet in the Hubbard Room. Drop in; no registration required.

Author visit with

AUTHOR TALK:

Ibi Zoboi, Feb. 20, 1 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. She was born in Haiti and immigrated to New York with her mother when she was 4 years old. Her middle grade debut, “My Life as an Ice-Cream Sandwich,” and her next YA novel, “Pride,” are forthcoming. Patrons are welcome to bring their copies of American Street to be signed by the author. Light refreshments provided; event is for all ages. Drop in; no registration required.

Origami, 6:30 p.m., Feb. 20, in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Explore the Japanese art of paper folding. For grades 2 and up, no registration required.

ORIGAMI: MYSTERY BOOK GROUP:

Classic Mystery Book Discussion group meets Feb. 20, 7 p.m. in Meeting Room 2, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown, to discuss “The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie” by Alan Bradley (2009).

TEDXHCH:

TEDxHCHLibrary: A Community Conversation, Feb. 20, free, at the Henry Carter Hull Library, Clinton. The topic for February’s meeting on 2/20 is: Medicine or Miracle: Cutting-edge science saving lives. Presented by Lynn Hidek. hchlibrary.org

Wednesday, Feb. 21 GED TUTORING:

Free GED tutoring is available at Adult Education 398 Main Street, Middletown, Days and evenings. Call 860-343-6044 for more information.

ABOLITIONIST TALK:

Madison Historical Society and Scranton Memorial Library to Host Talk on Slavery and Racism, 7 p.m., Feb. 21, free, Scranton Memorial Library, Madison, in the community room. Speaker is resident Don Rankin, surgeon, archeologist, and history enthusiast, who will chronicle the development of slavery in the United States, the origins of the underground railroad, and the role of his ancestor, the Reverend John Rankin of Ripley, Ohio, in aiding more than 2000 slaves on their journeys to freedom. . For information call 203-245-4567 or email director@madisonhistory.org

LET’S MAKE MITTENS:

Make mittens at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore, 6 p.m., Feb. 21, $5. Bring an old sweater. For grades 2 and up. 413 Main St., Middletown. Register for this class by emailing books@wesleyan.edu; details at Wesleyan.edu/rjjuliabookstore or call 860-685-3939.

Mark Saba ’81: "Ghost Tracks", 7 p.m., Feb. 21 free. Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore,. 413 Main St., Middletown. Details at Wesleyan.edu/rjjuliabookstore or call 860-685-3939.

WhiteTailed Deer of CT, presented by Richard Taylor, Master Wildlife Conservationist from the CT DEEP Wildlife Group, Feb. 21, 6 p.m. at the Henry Carter Hull Library, Clinton. Details at hchlibrary.org

AUTHOR TALK: WHITE-TAILED DEER: SCORE WORKSHOP:

SCORE counselor Bob Potter will present a free workshop on “How to Start and Run a Successful Non- Profit Business -Part 2” Feb. 21, 10-11:30 a.m. at Old Saybrook Town Hall. For information email Bob Potter, bobpottr@aol.com.