‘An Evening with the Gillettes’ set at library

KILLINGWORTH — The Killingworth Library will present a program with Harold and Theodora Niver as William and Helen Gillette at 7 p.m. Aug. 23.

The program will take place at the Killingworth Firehouse, 333 Route 81 in Killingworth.

Guests can learn about Gillette Castle in East Haddam, the famous people who visited the castle and about Gillette’s greater love, his wife, Helen, as well as his love of cats.

Their costuming is authentic and period correct. Their knowledge of Sherlock Holmes, William Gillette and Gillette Castle is extensive. Because of their distinctive home, which is built around a Holmes theme, they have been in such magazines as US, Smithsonian, Fortune, Connecticut, and Yankee. TV segments include PM Magazine, ABC News, and CBS.

The Nivers, professional musicians, will perform several songs from the English Music Hall era.

The program is free; advance signup is required. Call the Killingworth Library at 860-6632000 or visit www.killingworthlibrary.org for additional details.

M&J Bus receives excellence award

MIDDLETOWN — Acadia Insurance recently recognized M&J Bus Inc. as the 2017 winner of its annual Synergy Excellence Award for Connecticut, which recognizes a business customer in each state in which Acadia operates.

Synergy Risk Management is a multidisciplinary approach involving underwriting, claims and loss control professionals to help eligible policyholders reduce the frequency and severity of accidents and the exposures that lead to them.

“M&J Bus earned the award because they have taken actions that directly contributed to mitigating their loss exposures and preventing accidents,” said Acadia Insurance Branch Manager and Vice President Daniel Leonelli.

‘When I’m In Charge’ program for children

DEEP RIVER — Tri-Town Youth Services will host the American Red Cross Program “When I’m In Charge,” for children ages 9 and up who may sometimes be home alone this summer. The program will cover topics of potential dangers, personal safety and safety for younger siblings, home and hazards safety, how to get help, and other safety-related topics.

This one-day summer course will be held Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Deep River Public Library Community Room, 150 Main St. Fee: $25. To sign up go to www.tritownys.org or call 860-526-3600. Bring a snack (no peanuts or peanut butter).

Library hosts talk on ‘Hidden History of Middlesex County’

CLINTON — While Middlesex County is one of the most historic in the nation, some of its past is little known.

Researchers found dinosaur tracks in Middlefield that date back 200 million years. A young Dr. Seuss spent summers in Clinton; the author of Dr. Dolittle, Hugh Lofting, lived in Killingworth; and Babar the Elephant’s author, Jean de Brunhoff, lived in Middletown. Constance Baker Motley, the first female AfricanAmerican federal judge, resided in Chester.

A Portland lake has water levels that fluctuate for no apparent reason. An Essex blacksmith shop was America’s oldest continuously-run family business.

Authors Robert and Kathleen Hubbard reveal these and many other unforgettable stories in the recently published book, “Hidden History of Middlesex County,” which will be available for purchase and signing at this free event at the Henry Carter Hull Library at 6 p.m. Aug. 8.

Get discount tickets for Lake Compounce, Six Flags parks

CROMWELL — The Cromwell Recreation Department is offering discounted consignment tickets to Lake Compounce and Six Flags New England. The savings in purchasing these tickets from the Recreation Department is considerable.

Lake Compounce: Cost through the Recreation Department is $35 per ticket. These are Good Any Day tickets for both general admission (cost at gate $50.59) or the under 52” ticket (cost at gate $39.59).

Six Flags New England: Cost through the Recreation Department is $45 per ticket.

These are Good Any Day tickets for both general admission (cost at gate $67.99) or the under 54” ticket (cost at gate $57.99).

Those who pay online must pick up the tickets in the Recreation Department office, or stop by and purchase them at the office. For information or to reserve go to cromwellct.com/recreation.

Summer Coop Adventures in July

DEEP RIVER — Tri-Town Youth Services will offer two sessions of Summer Coop Adventures, open to all incoming 7th, 8th, and 9th graders in Chester, Deep River, and Essex.

This program is designed to foster friendships and to promote teamwork through significant weeklong adventures. Participants will benefit from working with Tri-Town Staff, who bring a combination of professional, academic and counseling skills. The program is conducted by credentialed agency staff in partnership with hosts and guides from participating venues on the itinerary.

Session 1 runs July 9-12, and features trips to Empower Zip Lines; Lyman Allyn Art Museum and Spare Time Bowling; Hammonasset Beach and Meigs Point Nature Center; Brownstone. Session 2 runs Aug. 13-16 and includes Bushy Hill Nature Center; Ocean Beach; IT Ropes Course and Laser Tag; Canoeing Farmington River and Mini Golf.

The bus leaves the Tri-Town parking lot (56 High St., Deep River) at 9 a.m. and return pickup is at 4 p.m. each day. Cost per session is $235 and $200 for each additional sibling (admission costs are included). To sign up go to www.tritownys.org or call 860-526-3600.