Eversource work to start on city routes

MIDDLETOWN — As part of a multi-million-dollar project to reinforce the natural gas distribution system in Middletown, Eversource will be working nights along State Routes 17 and 155 beginning the week of July 15. Drivers may experience delays due to alternating one-way traffic. To ensure the safe completion of this work, police and signs will be deployed approaching these locations to help manage the flow of traffic.

The work will continue weather permitting, Sunday through Friday between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. beginning the week of July 15. Work is expected to be complete by late November.

The project is on Route 17 (South Main Street) from the Durham town line north to Route 155 (Randolph Road), and continuing east on Route 155 (Randolph Road) to Bartholomew Road.

Valley classmates holding reunion

OLD SAYBROOK — The Valley Regional High School class of 1978 is holding their 40th reunion in Old Saybrook on July 21.

Suggested donation is $62. For more details and to RSVP, send an email to vrhsclassof78reunion@gmail.com.

Autism Summer camp offered

MIDDLETOWN —Camp Ryan Woods Autism Foundation’s autism summer program is hld daily from 1-5 p.m., It began July 9 and continues to Aug. 10.

However, children are welcome to attend 1 week or 6 weeks.

Visit Facebook/RyanWoodsAutismFoundation age to see what fun events the teens enjoy at Ryan Woods Autism Foundation summer program. Students age 16-21 are eligible. Teens can meet new friends, increase socialization / communication and go on exciting field trips that increases life skills; adventure; and fun every week day.

For information, call 860-8343018

Intro to music tech course at CMS

CENTERBROOK – Community Music School is offering its popular Introduction to Music Technology Workshop on July 24 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. It will provide an introduction and overview of the digital age that covers all that’s needed to get started with music technology. The workshop is open to the public and costs $50 for a 2.5 hour hands-on workshop, for ges 10-18, all skill levels, no prior experience necessary.

This one-day workshop will cover the basics of music software programs, songwriting, music production, midi files, and music on the Internet. The three main programs demoed include: Audacity (recording/sequencing) GarageBand (recording/production), Sibelius (recording/notation). The presentation will be on a state of the art Apple computer. Taught with an interactive focus, lots of questions and answers, and fun musical examples. Music Technology assists the musician or composer to make or perform music; to compose, notate, play back or record songs or pieces; or to analyze or edit music in the digital age.

This program is led by CMS Faculty Member and Music Director Tom Briggs. Tom studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston and received his BA in Music Education, Summa Cum Laude, at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

For information or to register, visit www.community-musicschool.org/summer or call CMS at 860-767-0026.

Red Cross in urgent need of blood donors

An emergency blood shortage is prompting the American Red Cross to issue an urgent call for eligible donors of all blood types – especially type O – to give now and help save lives.

The Red Cross escalated its call for blood and platelet donors after a difficult Independence Day week for donations. More than 550 fewer blood drives were organized by businesses and other community groups last week than during a typical week as individuals across the country celebrated the holiday and enjoyed summer activities. This could equate to as many as 15,000 fewer donations than needed, causing donations to now be distributed to hospitals faster than they come in.

This need is especially critical for type O blood donors. Type O is the most in-demand blood type and often the first to be depleted from hospital shelves during a shortage. Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations. Type O positive is the most common blood type and can be transfused to Rhpositive patients of any blood type.

To schedule an appointment to donate, use the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross has added about 6,500 additional appointment slots at donation centers and community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks to accommodate more donors. Donation appointments and completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire are encouraged to help reduce the time it takes to donate.

Preventing Chronic Conditions program set

DEEP RIVER — Certified Holistic Health Coach, Tracy Livingston will be at the Deep River Library on AuG. 22, 6-7 p.m. to talk about weight loss and the prevention of chronic condtions, such as thyroid disease and diabetes. Livingston has 18 years of healing experience and she is committed to helping people learn how to live a balanced life.

This class is free and open to 20 participants. Registration is required. Go to http://deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com to register or call the library for information at 860-526-6039