Liberty Bank Foundation awards grants

Liberty Bank Foundation held a grant presentation luncheon at the Russell Library in Middletown, awarding $110,050 to 12 area nonprofits serving low- to moderateincome families, on Jan. 29.

Chandler Howard, president and CEO of Liberty Bank, hosted the event and noted that in 2017, the foundation’s 20th year of operation, it crossed the $800,000 mark in annual giving for the first time. This was a 15 percent increase over the foundation’s giving in the previous year, and brought the lifetime giving mark to just under $11 million.

“I’m also pleased to note that, as the home of Liberty Bank, Middlesex County continues to receive the largest share of our funding,” he said in a statement.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Liberty Bank Foundation has awarded more than $11 million in grants to nonprofit organizations within Liberty Bank’s market area since its inception. The foundation seeks to improve the quality of life for people of low or moderate income by investing in three areas: education to promote economic success for children and families; affordable housing; and basic human needs, such as food and shelter. Along with its grantmaking, the foundation strives to foster the convening and collaboration of nonprofits, funders, business, and government to address community issues.

Clinton Chamber announces Business Expo 3.0

The Clinton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the reboot of the Business Expo. Held annually for 25 years, the Clinton Business Expo was a popular event bringing the residents and businesses together to exhibit and explore the many resources and opportunities available right here in town. After a one-year hiatus, the expo has re-emerged with a new location, format and more features.

This year the Business Expo will be at the Jared Eliot School, 69 Fairy Dell Road, Clinton, on March 24, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. More than 50 local businesses, restaurants and civic organizations will display their offerings and distribute information.

The main exhibition space will be in the cafeteria, where there will be 50 booths on one floor. A food court will be set up in the far end with food from local restaurants. Nonprofit and civic organizations will have tables set up throughout the hallway to present their mission and provide information. The gymnasium will house children’s activities and presentations.

New this year will be seminars on various topics. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., a different presentation on a wide range of topics will be held every hour. To date, the lineup includes talks on health insurance, auto “check engine” lights, and college savings plans.

The Business Expo 3.0 is sponsored by Ameriprise Financial at 205 Old Post Road, Old Saybrook, and MAWC LLC at 166 Route 81, Killingworth.

Any business or organization interested in becoming a part of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce and participating in Expo 3.0 can call 860-669-3889, email chamber@clintonctchamber.com or visit ClintonCT.com.

Cat Tales to hold semi-annual dinner

Cat Tales, a feline rescue group, will hold its semi-annual spaghetti dinner on March 16, 7 p.m. at the Fox Parish Center, 10 Elm Street, Middletown.

Tickets are $12 per person and include pasta, meatballs, salad, bread and dessert, with raffle items and door prizes available during the event. For every donation of three cans of Friskies or two rolls of paper towels, guests receive a door prize drawing ticket.

For tickets, call Cat Tales at 860-344-9043 or email info@CatTalesCT.org.

Concert series sponsors sought

The Joseph N. Goff House Museum and Cultural Center is once again asking for the support of individuals, local businesses and organizations to help sponsor the Gazebo Music Series, which takes place on five Thursday evenings in the summer at the Gazebo in East Hampton’s Village Center.

This will be the 19th summer that the Joseph N. Goff House Inc. will put on the Gazebo Music Series, which brings together listeners of all ages in a tranquil, outdoor setting to enjoy a variety of musicians and musical genres from jazz, to rock to bluegrass.

Sponsors are listed by donation level — Soprano and Alto sponsors at $150 and $75, Tenor, $50 and Bass, $25 — in public relations efforts and on flyers displayed around town and handed out at the concerts. The Joseph N. Goff House is a nonprofit organization and donations are tax deductible. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or would like more information on the event, call 860205-7376 or mail donations to The Joseph N. Goff House, c/o Debi Rotteck, 163 Hog Hill Road, East Hampton, CT 06424.

Visit the Joseph N. Goff House Blog at http://goffhouseehct.blogspot.com for performance schedule.

Auxiliary welcomes prospective members

Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary is welcoming prospective members. Membership is open to any resident of Killingworth, 18 years or older, interested in supporting the members and efforts of the Killingworth Fire Company. Residents age 14 to 18 are also welcome as Junior members.

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Killingworth Fire House, 333 Route 81, across from Killingworth Elementary. Interested individuals are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Michelle at rumblingrock@sbcglobal.net