CALENDAR

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: 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 (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 860-3953184. 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 (1852-1918) 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. There is always a need for blood donations; make an appointment by calling 800-RED-CROSS(1800-733-2767) 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 860-3953184. 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

EPOCH PLAY: The girls of Epoch Arts, 27 Skinner St., East Hampton, will present “Pressure of Perfect,” March 24 at 7 p.m. Admission is $8. To make reservations, call 860-365-0337 or email elizabeth@epocharts.org. www.epocharts.org. FRUIT TREE PRUNING: A free fruit tree pruning workshop will be held March 24, 10 a.m., sponsored by Coginchaug Area Transition (CAT) and led by Allan Poole, arborist, and Nancy Winship Poole at 220 Jackson Hill Road, Middlefield. This is a hands-on workshop, all can try their hand with pruning tools while learning the tricks of the trade. Extreme weather cancels; call 860-539-1466 for information.

WINE AND TRIVIA: After the Storm will host a wine tasting and trivia night March 24 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Arrigoni Winery, 1297 Portland-Cobalt Road. Guests can taste five award-winning wines, a complimentary signature glass, snacks and treats. Proceeds will benefit integrative medicine services provided by Connecticut hospitals. Prizes will be awarded and raffle baskets will be sold. Tickets are $35 in advance and may be purchased by emailing afterthestorminc@yahoo.com. For information, see http://www.afterthestorminc.org.

A MARCH FOR OUR LIVES: In support of students across the country, a March For Our Lives event will be held at Two Wrasslin’ Cats, 374 Town Street, East Haddam, on Saturday, March 24, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Hosted by Together We Rise CT – Building Bridges for Justice, the event will be one of more than nearly 700 world-wide. RSVP at http://act.everytown.org/event/march-our-livesevents_attend/8903. If you wish to volunteer or have questions, please e-mail togetherwerisect@gmail.com.

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.

ANTIQUE APPRAISAL DAY: The Chatham Historical Society will host its 23rd annual Antique Appraisal Day, March 24, 9 a.m. -1 p.m. at the East Hampton Library Community Room, 105 Main St. Appraisers Bill Barrows of Thomas Barrows and Sons, Ltd. of Portland, Larry Shapiro of Glastonbury Appraisals, and Michael Westman and Justine DeMetrick of Newport, R.I. will give verbal appraisers on furniture, glassware, china, artwork, musical instruments, military pieces, dolls, jewelry, quilts as well as European, Asian, and Island items, $6 per items. Light refreshments of coffee, tea, cookies, fruit, and assorted desserts available for purchase. For more information, call 860 267-8953.

YOGA: Yoga in the Hubbard Room, March 24, 11 a.m., at the Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. No prior experience necessary, and no mats will be used. Instructor is Jeff Hush, founder of Food and Movement Therapy and a local instructor of Family Yoga, Tai Chi and Chair Yoga. Free. 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.

PAINTING CLASS: Like It, Paint It at Deep River Public Library will be held March 24, 2-5 p.m. Under the guidance of local artist, Carlos Ayala, learn to paint a winter wood scene. All materials and instruction provided for $20 per person. Space is limited to 20; register in advance at deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com or call 860-526-6039. DRAFT HORSE DANCE: A night of dancing, dinner, and drinks to support the rescue horses of the CT Draft Horse Rescue will be held March 24, 6 p.m. at Saint Clements Castle (1931 PortlandCobalt Rd., Portland. Tickets $70, include a buffet dinner, raffles, live auctions and a cash bar. The deadline to purchase was March 10; call Lori for information at 860-267-1542 or visit www.ctdraftrescue.com or email to ctdraftrescue@aol.com. COLONIAL TAVERN NIGHT:

support the Adam Stanton House by attending Colonial Tavern Night, March 24, 7-10 p.m. in the 18th century property located at 63 East Main Street, Clinton. The evening will feature draughts of ale, games of skill, and victuals — commonly known as beer, wine, snacks, games, and prizes., with a fire in the fireplace, candles and live music. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door, Reserve at www.adamstantonhouse.org

Sunday, March 25 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, 12 p.m., 7:30 p.m., Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil, 7:30 p.m. For information go to www.faithelcamiddletown.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. AMERICAN WOODCOCK:

Naturalist Patricia Laudano will give a Powerpoint presentation, on the American Woodcock, followed by a walk along the trails at dusk to witness a courtship flight. Sponsored by Potapaug Audubon and Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. Workshops will be held March 25, 6 p.m. and March 31, 6 p.m., at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, 733 Old Clinton Road, Westbrook. Call 860-399-2513 or email Shaun_Roche@fws.gov for information. HOLY WEEK SERVICES: Holy Week at First Church of Christ,

499 Town Street East Haddam. Palm Sunday, March 25, 10 a.m. worship; Maundy Thursday, March 29, Service of Tenebrae with communion, 7 p.m.; Good Friday, March 30, Cross Walk, 8 a.m., from St. Bridget’s Church to St. Stephen’s Church. For information call 860-873-9084 CHURCH HISTORY SERIES:

First Church In Middletown celebrates 350 years in 2018 and will hold a series of public events telling how our society evolved, as reflected in events in the church and community. Historian and writer Dione Longly will lead the conversations. Two sessions will be held March 25 and April 22, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. after services. The event is free and open to all with free parking nearby.

PUZZLES AND PIES: Puzzles & Pies, exercise your brain at the Henry Carter Hull Library, Clinton, March 25, 1-3 p.m. Make puzzles, solve brain teasers, and enjoy some complementary pie with hot coffee or tea. Earn a chance to win a grand prize for each puzzle you complete! All are welcome. Details at hchlibrary.org. 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. For information, call 860-347-5925 or visit www.wesleyanpotters.com.

PALM SUNDAY: A Palm Sunday service will be held March 25, 9 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 300 Washington St., Middletown. For more information go to www.faithelcamiddletown.org.

Monday, March 26

60 PLUS CLUB: The Durham 60+ Club and Travel will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 26 at the Durham Activity Center, Second Floor, 350 Main Street, Durham. Refreshments and the monthly variety table follow the meeting. Seniors from surrounding towns are welcome.

AUTHOR TALK: Author Paul Kix, free talk on his book The Saboteur, 7 p.m. March 26, Essex Library, 33 West Ave., focus on heroic exploits of WWII French resistance fighter Robert de La Rochefoucald who trained with Churchill’s “Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare”. Copies of The Saboteur will be available for purchase and signing. RSVP: 860-767-1560. ADULT COLORING: Adult Coloring. Fun for all ages, 6 p.m., March 26, at First Church, 190 Court Street, Middletown. If you have a coloring book, bring it along. If not, some supplies will be provided. Free. No experience required. 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.

Tuesday, March 27 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. APPALACHIAN TRAIL: ThruHiking the Appalachian Trail, presented by Sam Ducharme, Tuesday, March 27. 7 p.m. at the Durham Library. His presentation will highlight the trail towns he visited and the mountaintops he climbed through the backcountry. Register online at http:// www.durhamlibrary.org/programregistration/

NUTMEG AND COOKIES: 2018 Nutmeg and Cookies Cornucopia Shout Out, March 27, 5 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Find out all about 2018 Nutmeg Book Award Intermediate Nominees and try the cookies based on the books. Be aware of food allergies; cookies may contain chocolate, dairy, gluten, nuts, sugar and/or other allergy-triggering ingredients. For grades 4-6 only, registration required. Go to RussellLibrary.org or call 860-344-8479.

OPTIMAL HEALTH: Eat Your Way to Optimal Health with Catherine O’Rourke, 6:30 p.m., March 27, in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Learn the latest science on food, nutrition and how to apply it in your life. Details, registration at RussellLibrary.org or call 860-344-8479.

BOOK DISCUSSION: Classic Mystery Book Discussion: “Still Life” by Louise Penny, 7 p.m., March 27, in Meeting Room 2, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Copies are available at the circulation desk. Drop in; no registration. Wednesday, March 28 ALL THINGS ANNUAL: The Portland River Valley Garden Club and the Portland Garden Club will host “All Things Annual – Adding Color To Your Garden” with Kate Capreol from E, Draghi & Sons Farm in South Glastonbury, March 28, 7 p.m. at the Portland Waverly Center, Waverly Avenue, Portland. The public is welcome.