CALENDAR

Saturday, June 23 POLISH NITE:

Polish Nite will be held on Saturday June 23 at the Italian American Civic Order club house on Arbutus Street, Middletown, at 6:30 p.m The food will be catered by Stella Catering and music will be provided by Bob and his Two. Tickets are $25 per person and include pierogies, kielbasa, sauerkraut, stuffed cabbage dessert, bread, soda and coffee. BYOB. Call 860-347-6139 for tickets. The club can be rented for social activities. The grounds include bocce courts, volley ball courts, horse shoe pits and basket ball loop. Call 860-346-3721 for information.

WATER CHESTNUT PULL: On Saturday, June 23, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, paddlers will return to the Floating Meadows to remove emerging water chestnut plants. All participants will need to sign CRC’s liability waivers and paddle at their own risk. The starting point is the canoe and kayak launch at 181 Johnson Street in Middletown. For information on possible last minute cancellation, check back on this post or call 860-398-3771.

VENTRILOQUIST SHOW:

Awardwinning ventriloquist Larry Noiva will show off his puppet trio Howie Rose, Aunt Edna and Sal Monella in this modern-day ventriloquist act, for all ages, June 23, 2-3 p.m. at the Acton Public Library. Registration is strongly suggested as seating is limited; go to actonlibrary.org or call 860-395-3184.

FLEA MARKET, BIKE SALE:

Madison Lions Flea Market & ABC Bike Sale will be held Saturday, June 23 on the Madison Green, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. Food and beverages by the Old School House Deli available during the day. Proceeds support the Madison Lions Club in contributing to local and state charities, with a focus on Vision, Youth and Community Projects.

BAKE, CRAFT SALES: A Water Buffalo bake sale to benefit Heifer International and a Haitian Craft Sale to benefit outreach to Haiti will be held Saturday, June 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday, June 24, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. in the hall of Notre Dame Church, 272 Main St., Durham. To reach the church, call 860-349-3058 STRAWBERRY FEST, CAR SHOW:

Notre Dame Church, 272 Main St., Durham, will host the Knights of Columbus’ annual Strawberry Festival and Car show on the church grounds, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, June 23. To reach the church, call 860-349-3058.

CAT TALES WALK-A-THON:

Cat Tales will hold its annual Walk-A-Thon/Run on Saturday, June 23, to raise awareness and funding for cats and kittens. The event is rain or shine and is held at Middlesex Community College’s upper parking lot, 100 Training Hill Road, Middletown. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Walk/run begins at 10:30 a.m. For information email info@CatTalesCT.org or call 860-344-9043.

MEDICAL MASSAGE:

Medical Massage: What it is and How It Can Help You, will be held June 23, 12 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Learn about Medical Massage and its value with Paul Rice, massage therapist and longtime medical care provider. Drop-in; no registration.

RELAY FOR LIFE: Haddam Killingworth Relay for Life will be held June 23 at H/K High School, opening at 12 p.m. The “pull” will start at 1 p.m. Survivors and caregivers are invited to the Survivor/ Caregiver Ceremony/buffet later in the afternoon. At dusk, the always moving Luminaria Ceremony will take place to be followed by the closing ceremony at 10 p.m. Learn more at www.RelayforLife.org/hkct. For more information email Ed, Elaine or Cate at www.rflofhk@gmail.com. Survivors may contact Elaine at 860-345-7755.

FESTIVAL, AUCTION: Saint Lawrence Church, 7 Hemlock Drive, Killingworth, hosts its annual Strawberry Festival and Giant Auction on Saturday, June 23 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The live auction features furniture, antiques, collectibles, and household items. A 50/50 raffle is new this year. Other attractions include a silent auction, plant and bake sales. Strawberry shortcake and pulled pork sandwiches are among the food items. Activities for children include face painting, slurpees, popcorn, and games. For more information, contact stlawrencec@yahoo.com or visit www.stlawrencechurch.com .

YOGA CLASS: Yoga in the Hubbard Room, June 23, 11 a.m. in the Hubbard Room, 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.

DUDLEY MARKET: The Dudley Farm Farmers’ Market meets Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at 2351 Durham Rd, Guilford. Vendors offer local and organic vegetables, meats, maple syrup, jams, baked breads, pastries and pies, honey, butter, goats milk soap, bees wax candles, alpaca yarn, natural body products, dog products, and a wide variety of exquisite hand-made crafts. For more information, call 203-457-0770, visit www.dudleyfarm.com, or Facebook: Dudley Farm Farmers’ Market.

KALMIA CONCERTS: Kalmia Garden Music & Arts of Durham presents its annual chamber music Farmhouse Concerts series the weekend of June 22-24. Friday and Saturday concerts begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday concerts at 4 p.m. All concerts are preceded by a garden tour led by property owner Tim Gastler one hour prior to concert. Seating at the Farmhouse at 159 Middlefield Road (Route 147) is limited. Call 860-2151942 for reservations. Learn more at http://www.kalmiagardenmusicandarts.org.

STORYTIME AT THE YMCA:

Storytime at the YMCA, June 23, 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., at the Middlesex YMCA, 99 Union St., Middletown. Details at Wesleyan.edu/rjjuliabookstore or call 860-6853939. The event is free and no registration is required.

SUMMER READING LIFTOFF:

Summer Reading Liftoff with author Dave Roman, June 23, 2 p.m. at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore, 413 Main St., Middletown. Free, no registration. Details at Wesleyan.edu/rjjuliabookstore or call 860-6853939

Sunday, June 24 SUMMER CONCERTS:

Live outdoor music at Saybrook Point on the Terrace, 6-9 p.m. Free. June 25, The Cartells; June 26, Nick Fradini Sr.; June 27, Paul Shlien; June 28, Straight Up. For details go to www.saybrook.com.

WRITERS GROUP: Writers’ Group meets Monday, June 25 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Durham Library. Meet other writers and learn from each other in a supportive environment. Participants are encouraged to bring samples of their current writing projects to share and receive constructive feedback. Drop in.

MUSIC SERIES: Trinity Episcopal Church, 345 Main Street, Portland, is continuing its Music Series of “Vital Connections Through Music” with Frank Critelli opening for the Rivergods on Sunday, June 24 at 3:30 p.m. Free admission, donations welcome.

OUTDOOR WORSHIP:Outdoor

worship with Zion Lutheran Church (of Portland), 9:30 a.m. on Faith Lutheran’s front lawn; potluck luncheon to follow. For more information go to www.faithelcamiddletown.org.

LIVING WITH DIABETES: Learn to understand, manage and become more self-sufficient with your life with diabetes, learn about healthy eating, exercise, better balance, decision making, goal setting, effective communication, July 11 through Aug. 20, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the East Hampton Senior Center. Sponsored by the Chatham Health District, the 6-week course is free. To sign up, contact the Senior Center at 860-267-4426 or drop in to sign up.

KALMIA CONCERTS:

Kalmia Garden Music & Arts of Durham presents its annual chamber music Farmhouse Concerts series the weekend of June 22-24. Friday and Saturday concerts begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday concerts at 4 p.m. All concerts are preceded by a garden tour led by property owner Tim Gastler one hour prior to concert. Seating at the Farmhouse at 159 Middlefield Road (Route 147) is limited. Call 860-2151942 for reservations. Learn more at http://www.kalmiagardenmusicandarts.org.

CT WRITING GROUPS:

Connecticut Writing Groups Meet Up, June 24, 12 p.m. at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore, 413 Main St., Middletown. Free, no registration. Details at Wesleyan.edu/rjjuliabookstore or call 860-685-3939

ARISTANS OPEN HOUSE:

Connecticut River Artisans Cooperative, 55 Main Street, Essex, hosts an open house for artists on Sunday, June 24, 1-4 p.m. Meet members, enjoy the refreshments, find out about the cooperative. Bring samples of your work. Those who cannot attend, contact Gay Petruzzi, 860-578-9595, gaypetruzzi@att.net, for an appointment.

BREWS FOR BOATS:

Central Connecticut Rowing will host “Brews for Boats” fundraiser at Stubborn Beauty Brewing Company in Middletown on Sunday, June 24th from 3-6 p.m. to benefit Middletown’s Community Rowing program. Tickets are $40 and include two craft brews, food and live music or $30 for food and music only. Non-alcoholic beverages also available for all guests. Reserve at www.centralctrowing.com, on Facebook, or contact info@centralctrowing.com. Space is limited.

Monday, June 25 MYSTIC TOUCH TANK:

Mystic Aquarium: Traveling Touch Tank will be at the Russell Library on Monday, June 25, 10 am. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Children and their families will learn about sea animals and take turns touching lobsters, horseshoe crabs and shellfish. For children ages birth to 18 and their families. Drop in; no registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library.

JUNE BIRTHDAYS:

June Birthday Bash at the East Hampton Senior Center, Monday, June 25 starting at 12 p.m. Birthday Babes enjoy a free lunch, cake and ice cream. A $2.50 donation towards the CRT is asked from the guests on the day of. Sign up at the front desk if planning on attending.

SUMMER SING: Summer Sing Mendelssohn’s “Elijah,” with Capella Cantorum and Con Brio, Monday, June 25, 7 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 56 Great Hammock Road, Old Saybrook, conducted by Steve Bruce of Con Brio. All singers are welcome. A $10 fee covers the costs of the event. Scores will be available, and the church is air-conditioned. The next Summer Sing is Monday, July 30, conducted by John Dreslin of CT Gilbert & Sullivan Society. For more information call 860-767-9409 or 203-530-0002 or visit www.cappellacantorum.org or www.conbrio.org

Tuesday, June 26 POTTED HERBS:

Cobalt Lodge and Rehab presents, “Create your own Potted Herb Garden”- Tuesday, June 26 at 1:30 p.m. with the East Hampton Senior Center. Drive yourself or hop on the senior van to partake in this fun project with the residents at Cobalt. Bring home your creations. Sign up in the Activity book if interested.

LIVING WITH DIABETES:

Learn to understand, manage and become more self-sufficient with your life with diabetes, learn about healthy eating, exercise, better balance, decision making, goal setting, effective communication, July 11 through Aug. 20, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the East Hampton Senior Center. Sponsored by the Chatham Health District, the 6-week course is free. To sign up, contact the Senior Center at 860-267-4426 or drop in to sign up.