CALENDAR

Saturday, March 17

LEGALLY BLONDE: Cromwell High School presents “Legally Blonde, The Musical,” with performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 15, 16, 17 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 18 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Order at showtix4u.com. For more information, call 860-632-4841 ext. 14813

IRISH NIGHT, AWARD: The Middletown Lodge #771 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will hold its annual Irish Night-St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance celebration on March 17. A cocktail hour starts a 6 p.m.; following at 7 p.m. with performances by the Middletown PBA Pipes & Drums and Irish Step Dancers from the Griffith Academy of Irish Dance; a traditional Irish corned beef dinner at 7:30 p.m.; and music and dancing to 11 p.m. Tickets are available from Gerry Daley at 86-347-9315. The lodge will also honor Captain Sean Moritarty as its Irish Member of the Year.

IMAGES 2018: IMAGES 2018, 37th annual CT photography competition and exhibition will accept submissions for this year’s juried show, Saturday and Sunday, March 17 -18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Portfolios should be delivered to Guilford Art Center, 411 Church Street, Guilford during those times. Call for Entry and Submission guidelines are available at www.shorelinearts.org. For information call 203-4533890 or email eric@shorelinearts.org.

IRISH MUSIC CONCERT: A Kitchen Céilí concert, celebrating Irish music with reels, jigs, waltzes and songs old and new, will be held March 17, 1:30 p.m. in the The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. The band features George Wilson on fiddle, banjo and vocals, Dora Hast on tin whistle and recorders, and Stan Scott on guitar, mandolin, banjo, and vocals. Irish dancers will be featured. All ages are welcome. Drop-in; no registration. SCHOOL ART SHOW: Middletown Public Schools K-12 Art Show, running from March 17-25, opens with a public reception March 17, 5-7 p.m. at Wesleyan University’s Zilkha Gallery at the Center for the Arts. Show hours are 12-7 p.m. on weekdays, 1-4 p.m. on weekends. Admission is free and the public is welcome.

WRITING A FAMILY HISTORY: Write Your Family History, a geneaolgy writing class, meets March 17, 9:30-11 a.m. at Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield Street, Middletown. Particpants can discuss methods and ideas for gathering information and writing a history, learn from examples of printed and published material by others, share writing and get feedback. Members will each have a chance to discuss what they are working and/or ask for advice and help from the group. Discussion can be about the writing process as well as the nuts and bolts of creating a book. The class is free to Godfrey Premium Members or $10 a session. Call 860-346-4375 for more information. No pre-registration necessary.

Sunday, March 18

MEN’S DAY: The Cross Street AME Zion Church, 440 West St., is hosting Men’s Day Sunday at 10 a.m. A meal will follow morning worship. Guest preacher is Dr. Nathan A. Proche, pastor, Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church, Detroit. For information, call 860-344-9527 or visit https://www.crossstreetamezion.com.

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

LENTEN SERVICES: Mid-Week Lenten Series at Faith Lutheran Church, 300 Washington St., Middletown. March 21, 7:30 p.m., Palm Sunday, March 25, worship, 9 a.m., Maundy Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Good Friday, 7:30 p.m., Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil, 7:30 p.m. For more information go to www.faithelcamiddletown.org.

WRITING FOR CHILDREN: Writing for Children, with children’s author Leslie Bulion will be held Saturday, March 17 at 1

p.m. at the Durham Library. Bulion will share the experiences that shape her books and discuss fiction, poetry, writing and revising, with plenty of time for questions. Register online at http:// www.durhamlibrary.org/program-registration/

BOX SLED RACE: Powder Ridge will hold its annual cardboard box sled race on Saturday, March 17 at 12 p.m. with groups from local businesses and families. The race benefits The John J. Nerden Camp in Middlefield. Admission is $20 for families; free to watch the races. More information at PowderRidgePark.com

LEGALLY BLONDE: Cromwell High School presents “Legally Blonde, The Musical,” with performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 15, 16, 17 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 18 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Order at showtix4u.com. For more information, call 860-632-4841 ext. 14813

ARTISANS INVITED: The Connecticut River Artisans Co-op, 55 Main St., Essex, is hosting an open house for artists on Sunday, March 18, 12-3 p.m. Artists looking for a venue to show their work are encouraged to stop in, enjoy the refreshments, chat with one of the artists, compare the advantages of belonging to a co-op versus consigning work or selling at shows. Bring a portfolio, pictures or samples of your work and it will be juried that day; no jewelry or candles, imports, wholesalers or reps. To make an appointment call Gay Petruzzi Ritter at 860-5789595. MENTAL HEALTH, WELLNESS EXPO:

A Mental Health & Wellness Expo will be held March 18, 1-4 p.m. at the Henry Carter Hull Library, Clinton. Guess can learn about options for adult and youth mental health, parenting, substance abuse treatment, yoga, reiki, meditation and more. For details visit hchlibrary.org.

STORYTELLER EVENT: Nationally recognized storyteller Tom Lee will present his retelling of the biblical epic of King David at Saint Ann’s Parish, Old Lyme, Sunday, March 18 at 4 p.m. This program, which is intended for an adult audience, “Prophets & Loss: The King David Story.” recounts the very human struggles of King David. Admission is by donation, with free parking adjacent to Saint Ann’s Church. For more information, email office@saintannsoldlyme.org or call 860-434-1621 GED TUTORING: Free GED tutoring is available at Adult Education 398 Main Street, Middletown, days and evenings. Call 860-343-6044 for more information. CELTIC HARP CONCERT: Trinity Episcopal Church, 345 Main St., Portland, will host Zoe Vandermeer, soprano and Celtic harp for a performance of Irish music, March 18 at 4 p.m. A free will offering will be collected for the Episcopal Relief Fund, which aids many domestic and international relief efforts. reception of Trinity Church’s traditional Irish soda bread and whiskey cake follows.

IMAGES 2018: IMAGES 2018, 37th annual CT photography competition and exhibition will accept submissions for this year’s juried show, Saturday and Sunday, March 17 -18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Portfolios should be delivered to Guilford Art Center, 411 Church Street, Guilford during those times. Call for Entry and Submission guidelines are available at www.shorelinearts.org. For information call 203-4533890 or email eric@shorelinearts.org.

IRISH HARP CONCERT: On Sunday March 18 at 4 pm, Trinity Episcopal Church 345 Main Street Portland, will host Zoe Vandermeer, soprano and Celtic Harp player, for a performance of Irish Music, Sunday, March 18 at 4 p.m. A reception follows with Trinity Church’s traditional Irish soda bread and whiskey cake. A free will offering will be collected for the Episcopal Relief Fund, which aids many domestic and international relief efforts. Monday, March 19 AARP MEETING: AARP Chapter #3310 will hold its monthly meeting March 19, 1

p.m. at St. Pius Church, 310 Westfield Street, Middletown. Membership activities and trips will be discussed. Guest speaker Ann Gregg from the Middletown Senior Center will explain the various programs and activities available. After members will enjoy refreshments and socialize. Meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome. All are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to help Amazing Grace Food Pantry. WESLEYAN POTTERS SHOW: Wesleyan Potters recognizes and celebrates its instructors of pottery, jewelry, and weaving with a faculty exhibit in The Gallery/ Shop. The show will feature the creative work of nearly twenty teachers and run through March 25. Wesleyan Potters is located at 350 South Main Street, Middletown. Events are free and the public is welcome. For more information, call 860-347-5925 or visit www.wesleyanpotters.com. TEEN TIME: Totally Teen Time is held on Mondays, March 5, 12, 19 and 26, 3 p.m., for grades 7-12 in the Totally Teen Area, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Teen Librarian Heather, will be available in the Teen Area. Laptops will be on hand for homework or gaming. A variety of special programs are scheduled on the second Monday of each month. Drop in; registration is not required.

WONDERFUL ONES: Wonderful Ones meets on Mondays, March 5, 12, 19 and 26, 10:30 a.m. in theActivity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For one year olds (12 to 23 months). Siblings welcome. Drop in; no registration required. MALAQUIAS BLOOD DRIVE: The DeSoto Council # 6 and the American Red Cross will host their 15th Annual Dom Malaquias Memorial Blood Drive at 573 Main Street in Cromwell on Friday, April 13, 1-6 p.m. Ttere is always a need for blood donations; make an appointment by calling 800-RED-CROSS(1-800-7332767) or redcrossblood.org Walk-ins are also welcome. Tuesday, March 20

MILITARY MUSEUM: The Greater Middletown Military Museum will meet March 20, 7 p.m. at the American Legion Building, 58 Bernie O’Rourke Drive, Middletown. All are welcome.

TERRIFIC TWOS: Twos are Terrific will be held Tuesdays, March 6, 13*, 20 and 27, 10:30 a.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For 24-25 months with a caregiver. Siblings welcome. Drop in; no registration required. March 13 session meets in the Hubbard Room.

TED TALKS: TED Talks are held at the Henry Carter Hull Library, Clinton, on the third Tuesday of each month, March 20, 9:30 a.m. Have discussion of engaging ideas and topics over coffee and tea. The topic is What Makes a Community? Presented by Lynn Hidek. Details at hchlibrary.org.

ORIGAMI: Learn to make Origami, March 20, 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Explore the Japanese art of paper folding. For grades 2 and up, Drop in; no registration. STORIES OF BIRDS: On Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. The Chester Garden Club hosts a presentation by Author, John Himmelman from Killingworth, “Birds; Their Side of the Story…” March 20, 7 p.m. at the United Church of Chester, 29 West Main St. He’ll share light-hearted stories of birds and bird watching - from cuisine to cartoons; ornaments to icons, murmurs to murders. Free to members, $5 guests. For information, contact Chester Garden Club Co-President Brenda Johnson at 860-526-2998.

Wednesday, March 21

LENTEN SERVICES: Mid-Week Lenten Series at Faith Lutheran Church, 300 Washington St., Middletown. March 21, 7:30 p.m., Palm Sunday, March 25, worship, 9 a.m., Maundy Thursday, 7:30 p.m.,

Good Friday, 7:30 p.m., Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil, 7:30 p.m. For more information go to www.faithelcamiddletown.org.

BETTER BREATHERS CLUB: The Better Breathers’ Club is a support group for people who have respiratory diseases, which meets every third Wednesday of the month from 1-2 p.m. at the Middlesex Hospital Physical Rehabilitation office, 534 Saybrook Road, Middletown. Its next meeting is March 21. All are welcome. For more information, or to register, call Renee Clinton at 860-358-5203 or 860-358-6559. SHADOW PUPPETRY: Introduction to Shadow Puppetry, March 21, 6:30 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. As part of a celebration of World Puppetry Day, we will focus on the art of shadow puppetry, an ancient form of theater. In this short introduction, participants will gain hands-on experience manipulating traditional figures from China, Turkey and Indonesia. All ages are welcome. Drop-in; no registration.

Thursday, March 22

PARENTS PROGRAM: Cooing to Conversations: A Program for Parents, will be held Thursday, March 22, 7 p.m. at the Durham Library. Learn practical strategies to encourage a child’s (birth-5 years old) language development with speech language pathologist Meaghan Hartmann. Register online at http://www.durhamlibrary.org/program-registration/

FINANCIER’S STORY: Authoreducator Gail Braccidiferro MacDonald, a journalism instructor at the University of Connecticut, Storrs will share the story of Gilded Age financier Morton F. Plant (1852-1918) at a program sponsored by the Old Saybrook Historical Society at the Acton Public Library (60 Old Boston Post Road), March 22 at 6 p.m. The public is invited and there is no charge.

MINI-BOOK SALE: A March Mini-Book Sale sponsored by The Friends of the Acton Public Library will be held March 22, 4-8 p.m., March 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and March 24, 10 a.m. -3 p.m. on the first floor of the library in the gallery area. Children’s books, adult paperbacks, trade paperbacks, music CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks available, with proceeds to support children’s, teen, and adult programs. For information call 860-395-3184.

AUTHOR TALK: Author-educator Gail Braccidiferro MacDonald, a journalism instructor at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, will share the story of Gilded Age financier Morton F. Plant (18521918) at a program sponsored by the Old Saybrook Historical Society to be held at the Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Road), March 22, 6 p.m.The public is invited and the program is free.

BUSINESS PARTNER BREAKFAST: A Business Partner Breakfast will be held March 22, 7:30 a.m. at Middlesex Community College, Chapman Hall, Room 808. Snow date is March 29. Check in and networking is followed by breakfast, with the program at 8:30 a.m. To register, go to http://mxcc.edu/bpt/

RAILROAD TALK: Along the Valley Line: Middlesex County Historical Society, will be held March 22, 7 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. An illustrated talk about the railroad will be given by Max R. Miller, the author of “Along the Valley Line.” All are welcome and the program is free. HUBBARD HOUSE CONCERT:A

concert with guitarist/singer/ songwriter Rebecca Koval with pianist Noah Baerman and special guests, will be held at the Hubbard House in Middletown on Thursday, March 22 at 7 p.m. $10 admission, seating is limited. Reserve by emailing Rnastamail@aol.com BRICK BUNCH: The Deep River Library’s Brick Bunch is back on March 8 and March 22; 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. Open Lego play with friends. Free. BABY BOUNCE: Baby Bounce at the Deep River Library will be held March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 10:30 a.m. Join us for a story time for babies, newborn to 24 months. Older siblings may attend. Free. PRESCHOOL STORY HOUR:

Preschool Power Story Hour will be held Thursdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 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. MILITARY WRITING GROUP:

We Were There: Writing Your Military Experiences, led by Elizabeth Petry and facilitator Christy Biillings, will meet March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 6 p.m. in Meeting Room 2, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. All veterans, either active or retired, are encouraged to come and share their experiences for their own benefit or to share with family and friends. New members are encouraged to visit to see what the group is all about. To reach Christy Billings, call 860-347-2528 or cbillings@russelllibrary.org MALAQUIAS BLOOD DRIVE:

The DeSoto Council # 6 and the American Red Cross will host their 15th Annual Dom Malaquias Memorial Blood Drive at 573 Main Street in Cromwell on Friday, April 13, 1-6 p.m. Ttere is always a need for blood donations; make an appointment by calling 800RED-CROSS(1-800-733-2767) or redcrossblood.org Walk-ins are also welcome.

Friday, March 23

MINI-BOOK SALE: A March Mini-Book Sale sponsored by The Friends of the Acton Public Library will be held March 22, 4-8 p.m., March 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.,

and March 24, 10 a.m. -3 p.m. on the first floor of the library in the gallery area.. Children’s books, adult paperbacks, trade paperbacks, music CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks available, with proceeds to support children’s, teen, and adult programs. For information call 860-395-3184.

ARCHITECTS SERIES: Centerbrook Architects Lecture Series continues with architect Spencer Luckey, free, in a illustrated talk on Luckey Climbers, 7 p.m. March 23, in The Cube at Centerbrook Architects, 67 Main St. Centerbrook. RSVP: 860-767-1560.

FUN FRIDAYS: The Deep River Library’s Fun Friday will be held March 2, 16 and 23 at 10:30 a.m. Stories and songs in an interactive setting, followed by craft and open play. Perfect for the preschool set. Free. ADVENTURE MOVIE: Find adventure at Henry Carter Hull Library, March 23, 1 p.m. with a free screening of the 2017 film, “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” with Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan. PG. Popcorn generously provided by Chips’ Pub III. ADULT COLORING: Adult Coloring for Stress Reduction, March 23,11 a.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. The library provides materials, or bring your own.

BUILDERS CLUB: Builders’ Club meets March 23, 4 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Build with the bricks you know and love. For grades K-6, drop in; no registration required. COFFEE HOUSE: A Coffee House-Open Mic Night, will be held March 23, 6-9 p.m. at the Higganum United Methodist Church, 248 Saybrook Rd., Higganum. Sing, play an instrument, tell a joke, or just enjoy the show. Free light meal provided. All ages are welcome. EPOCH PLAY: The girls of Epoch Arts, 27 Skinner St., East Hampton, will present “Pressure of Perfect,” March 23-24 at 7 p.m. Admission is $8. To make reservations, call 860-365-0337 or email elizabeth@epocharts.org. www.epocharts.org. DESIGNING FOR FUN: Centerbrook Architects Lecture Series continues with architect Spencer Luckey, presenting afree, illustrated talk on Luckey Climbers, 7 p.m. March 23, in The Cube at Centerbrook Architects, 67 Main St. Centerbrook. RSVP: 860-767-1560.

Saturday, March 24 JOURNEY TO THE CROSS:

Christ Lutheran Church of Hebron is hosting a one-time special Lenten event for children, adults, and families. “Journey to the Cross” will be held Saturday, March 24, with tours from 2-5 p.m. in small groups. There is no charge for attendance and everyone is invited. For more information, contact Christ Lutheran at 860-228-1152 or visit www.CLCHebron.org/Journey