Chocolate fundraiser to benefit shelter

MIDDLETOWN — “Chocolate to the Rescue,” a fundraiser to benefit the Middlesex Family Shelter, will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at the Inn at Middletown, 70 Main St.

Nearly 200 guests are expected to attend Columbus House’s 16th annual Chocolate to the Rescue fundraising event, which benefits its Middlesex Family Shelter. Guests will sample a variety of chocolate creations from 10 different fine purveyors across the region, and will join a professional panel of judges in voting for their favorites. Included in the event is a silent auction.

The Middlesex Family Shelter enables families who are experiencing homelessness to remain together in a safe environment while Columbus House staff connect them to services that help them get back on their feet and maintain their independence. The Middlesex Family Shelter serves close to 50 families per year, including 150 children.

A limited number of tickets will be available for $40 at the door.

Ukulele Orchestra to perform in Clinton

CLINTON — The George Flynn Classical Concerts will present a concert featuring the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain on Sunday, April 22 at the William Stanton Andrews Town Hall, Main Street in Clinton.

The concert is free, but tickets are required and may be obtained by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to The George Flynn Classical Concerts, P.O. Box 473, Clinton, CT 06413, or call 860-669-1208, leaving your name, phone number and the amount of tickets you require and they will be saved for you to pick up the day of the performance. State the concert or concerts you wish to attend and the number of tickets you require for each concert.

Cromwell DPW doing storm cleanup

CROMWELL — The Department of Public Works will be picking up brush/tree limbs for its residents. Pickup is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 19.

Pickup will start at the Connecticut River and continue west through town until each street in Cromwell has been passed once. Storm debris is to be stacked/ bundled in 4-foot lengths and placed at the edge of the resident’s property with the “butt end” of branches facing the curb. Branches/limbs are not to exceed 8 inches in diameter.

In addition to the curbside pickup, residents may bring debris from the storm at no charge to the Cromwell Transfer Station on County Line Road during normal operating hours of 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. No contractors are allowed.

The Town Manager, Director of Public Works and Town crews thanked residents for their cooperation, patience and assistance during the storm and its cleanup.

Church to hold annual quilt show

HADDAM NECK — The Haddam Neck Congregational Church will host its 29th annual Quilt Show on April 7-8 at the landmark meetinghouse in the quaint village of Haddam Neck. More than 130 new and historic quilts will be on display and a tea room will offer refreshments and baked goods.

In addition, the Ladies Aid Society will be selling crafts and a local quilt shop will offer fabric and other quilting supplies. Other highlights include voting for favorite quilts and a drawing for prize baskets.

The show is a fundraiser for the Haddam Neck Congregational Church and proceeds support the annual upkeep of the 19th century Church and Sunday School building, formerly the local one-room schoolhouse. Suggested donation for adults is $6 and children are free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The church is at 408 Quarry Hill Road, Haddam Neck (East Hampton GPS), 06424. Accepting entries until March 26. For information call 860-267-2713 or visit www.haddamneckcongregationalchurch.org

AME Zion Church to hold Men’s Day

MIDDLETOWN — 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 Nathan A. Proche, pastor, Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church, Detroit. For information, call 860-344-9527 or visit www.crossstreetamezion.com.

Songwriters wanted for new TV show

A new TV show is getting underway at the Charter TV Studios. The show’s focus will be on songwriting and a call is being sent out for songwriters who may wish to participate. It is planned to film a dozen episodes of the upcoming new weekly show called Songwriter Showcase. Each show will have a songwriter guest who will be interviewed by alternating hosts Nelson Hiller and Jim Sharpley. Discussions will address numerous subjects related to the business aspects of songwriting, such as licensing, copyrights, co-writing and publishing. To participate in this show as a songwriter guest, or to help with its production, contact producer Myrna Riquier at 860-455-9400 or natchaugmusic@gmail.com.

Volunteer day set at I-Park

EAST HADDAM — A new residency season is about to start at I-Park, and the international artists-in-residence program needs assistance getting its East Haddam campus in order.

Those interested in lending a hand are encouraged to show up at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, for I-Park’s first Volunteers Day of 2018. Participants will help with trail maintenance, gardening, and decommissioning site-responsive artworks that have outlived their useful lives. No technical expertise or special skills are required, just a willingness to help.

Volunteers will be served a complimentary lunch, after which work will continue until 3 p.m. for those who can stay. The event will be held rain or shine, and tools and gloves will be provided.

This event is recommended for anyone 14 and older. To help with food planning, volunteers are encouraged to register in advance at i-park.org. For questions, write events@i-park.org.

Volunteers Days will be held May 12, Sept. 7 and Oct. 27.