CALENDAR

Saturday, July 28

BOOK SIGNING: Pastor Glenn Rogers, a native of Middletown and a graduate of Middletown High School, will be debuting his recently published second book, “The Prayer of a Desperate Father.” In the book, Rogers chronicles his family’s experience with the devastation of 7 miscarriages before the birth of his son Ethan. The book signing will take place Saturday July 28, 3 – 4:30 p.m. at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 346 Butternut St. Middletown. For more information please contact Shiloh church office 346-8295. Shilohbaptistmdtn@comcast.net

PHILOSOPHY NIGHT: Philosophy Night at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore, 413 Main St., Middletown, July 28, 6 p.m. Details at Wesleyan.edu/rjjuliabookstore or call 860-685-3939. Free, no registration required.

WILLY WONKA JR: “Willy Wonka Jr.” will be performed at Holmes Elementary School, 2150 Stanley St., New Britain, Saturday, 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 2 p.m. Tickets $13 adults, $11 children, students, and seniors. Reserved by calling New Britain Youth Theater at 860-515-8115 or go to www.nbyt.org, or at the door.

SPANISH STORY TIME: Spanish Story Time/La hora del cuento, Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore, 413 Main St., Middletown, July 28, 10:30 a.m. Free, no registration required.

EAST HADDAM STAGE SHOWS: East Haddam Stage Company, celebrating its 10th anniversary, will present “The Professor,” a comedy based on William Gillette’s 1890 Victorian farce, at Gillette Castle State Park, with performances on weekends, July 7-Aug. 12 with shows at 1 p.m.. and 2:30 p.m. on the outdoor stage at the castle at 67 River Road. All shows are free. Seating limited; bring lawn chairs and / or a picnic blanket. Pouring rain cancels.

FILMS ON FOSS: Middletown Youth Services Bureaus is holding its annual Films on Foss summer movvie program in Middletown. The outdoor evening movie program is free and the public is welcome to bring a picnic and blankets or chairs. Picnic time begins at 7 p.m. and the movies start at 8:30 p.m. Details can be found at filmsonfoss.com. The schedule: June 30, “Toy Story”; July 14, “Hidden Figures”; July 28, “Coco”; Aug. 11, “Goonies.” For information, email Justin.Carbonella@middletownct.gov

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: “Beauty and the Beast,” staged by Artful Living, will be held July 27, 28, 29 at the Wagner Theater located within HK Middle at 451 Route 81 Killingworth. Shows are Friday, 730 p.m., Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets $20 adults, $15 children and seniors. For tickets and information, visit www.ArtfulLivingCT.com.

CADENA IN CONCERT: Joe Cadena (aka East Chicago Joe, a vocalist and guitarist from East Chicago, Indiana) will give a free concert with music from the Great American Songbook (and all things Sinatra and Bennett ), Saturday, July 28, 3-4 p.m. at the Acton Public Library, Old Saybrook. Registration is strongly suggested; seating is limited. Register at actonlibrary.org or call 860-395-3184.

YOGA IN THE COURTYARD: Yoga in the Courtyard, July 28, 11 a.m. in the courtyard, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. No prior experience necessary, and no mats will be used. In the case of rain, the class will be held in the Hubbard Room.

ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL:The Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce hosts the 55th annual Old Saybrook Arts & Crafts Festival July 28-29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The juried show features outstanding art and crafts from nearly 150 exhibitors, representing 15 categories: Fine art, acrylics, ceramics/pottery, graphics, fiber, mixed media, glass, oils, jewelry, pastels, leather, photography, metal, sculpture and wood. the festival is generously sponsored by liberty bank.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: The United Methodist Church invites all children ages 3-12 to “Rolling River Rampage — Experience the Ride of a Lifetime with God” Vacation Bible School, Aug. 6-10, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. daily at the United Methodist Church of Clinton, 12 Commerce St., Clinton. The adventure includes music, interactive Bible fun, super science, cool crafts, hands on mission work, snacks, games and fun. To sign up, call the church office at 860-669-8396 or email church@clintonumc.org. with the children's names, ages and a phone number.

Sunday, July 29

EAST HADDAM STAGE SHOWS: East Haddam Stage Company, celebrating its 10th anniversary, will present “The Professor,” a comedy based on William Gillette’s 1890 Victorian farce, at Gillette Castle State Park, with performances on weekends, July 7-Aug. 12 with shows at 1 p.m.. and 2:30 p.m. on the outdoor stage at the castle at 67 River Road. All shows are free. Seating limited; bring lawn chairs and / or a picnic blanket. Pouring rain cancels.

HAMLET, ABRIDGED: Shoreline Arts Alliance and Legacy Theatre will perform Hamlet Abridged” in the shoreline area. All shows are free. For more information visit www.shorelinearts.org. The schedule is: (Sensory Friendly) July 29, 2 p.m., Nathanael B Greene Community Center, 32 Church St, Guilford; (Sensory Friendly) July 31, 10 a.m., Evergreen Woods, 88 Notch Hill Rd, North Branford; Aug. 3, 10 a.m.,Branford Green, Branford.

GAME TIME: Game Time will be held Fridays, July 6, July 29, 10:30 a.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Have a morning of fun and learning. Play a variety of games while building important skills such as counting, reading, sharing, learning to take turns, and more. For children in pre-k - 1st grade (ages 3 - 6). Siblings welcome. Drop in; no registration.

WESLEYAN POTTERS EXHIBIT: Say it with Color, an exhibit of current work by Wesleyan Potters Jewelry Members, runs to July 29 at the gallery, 350 South Main St., Middletown. Free, public welcome. For more information, call 860-347-5925 or visit www.wesleyanpotters.com or find us on Facebook, Istagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

SUNDAY WORSHIP: Worship with Eucharist; 9 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 300 Washington St., Middletown. For more information go to www.faithelcamiddletown.org.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: “Beauty and the Beast,” staged by Artful Living, will be held July 27, 28, 29 at the Wagner Theater located within HK Middle at 451 Route 81 Killingworth. Shows are Friday, 730 p.m., Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets $20 adults, $15 children and seniors. For tickets and information, visit www.ArtfulLivingCT.com.

ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL:The

Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce hosts the 55th annual Old Saybrook Arts & Crafts Festival July 28-29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The juried show features outstanding art and crafts from nearly 150 exhibitors, representing 15 categories: Fine art, acrylics, ceramics/pottery, graphics, fiber, mixed media, glass, oils, jewelry, pastels, leather, photography, metal, sculpture and wood. the festival is generously sponsored by liberty bank.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: The United Methodist Church invites all children ages 3-12 to “Rolling River Rampage — Experience the Ride of a Lifetime with God” Vacation Bible School, Aug. 6-10, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. daily at the United Methodist Church of Clinton, 12 Commerce St., Clinton. The adventure includes music, interactive Bible fun, super science, cool crafts, hands on mission work, snacks, games and fun. To sign up, call the church office at 860-669-8396 or email church@clintonumc.org. with the children's names, ages and a phone number.

TRINITY SUMMER SERVICES: Trinity Church, 345 Main St., Portland, has scheduled its summer services and events at the church. All services are followed by a coffee hour and fellowship time. Forinformation, email trinitychurchportlandct@gmail.com. July 29, Sharing Service, 9 a.m.; Aug. 5, Sharing Service, United Methodist and Zion Lutheran at United Methodist, 9 a.m.; Aug. 12, Holy Eucharist, 9 a.m.; Aug. 19, Holy Eucharist, 9 a.m.; Aug. 26, Holy Eucharist, 9 a.m.; Sept. 2, Mass on the Grass interfaith service with area churches, 9 a.m.

WILLY WONKA JR: “Willy Wonka Jr.” will be performed at Holmes Elementary School, 2150 Stanley St., New Britain, Saturday, 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 2 p.m. Tickets $13 adults, $11 children, students, and seniors. Reserved by calling New Britain Youth Theater at 860-515-8115 or go to www.nbyt.org, or at the door.

Monday, July 30

SUMMER SING: Summer Sing Gilbert & Sullivan, Monday, July 30, 7 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 56 Great Hammock Road, Old Saybrook, conducted by John Dreslin of CT G&S Society incl. “Gondoliers, HMS Pinafore, Pirates.” All singers are welcome to perform in this read-through of a great choral work. Professional soloists often participate; co-sponsored by Cappella Cantorum and Con Brio. A $10 fee for scores will be available, and the church is air-conditioned. The next Summer Sing on Monday, Aug. 6, will be conducted by Melanie Cometa – The Shoreline Chorale, “Vivaldi’s “Gloria.” For more information call 860-767-9409 or 203-530-0002 or visit www.cappellacantorum.org or www.conbrio.org

WONDERFUL ONES-TWOS:Wonderful

Ones and Twos Playtime, Mondays, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 10 a.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. One and two year old playgroup. For one and two year olds and their caregivers. Siblings welcome. Drop in; no registration required.

BOOK TALK AND WALK: Book Talk with a Walk, Mondays, July 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27, 12-1 p.m. in the Lobby, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Weather permitting, meet in the lobby and go off-site for a short walk and book discussion. List available at the library. Discussions will be led by Christy Billings, Chair of One Book on the Riverbend. Contact: cbillings@russelllibrary.org or 860-347-2528 x 160.

WRITERS’ GROUP: The Durham Public Library Writers’ Group meets Monday, July 30, 7 p.m. 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.

YOGA WITH KITCH: Yoga with Kitch at the East Hampton Senior Center, new session: Mondays, July 16-Sept. 24, 10 week session. $25 per session or $5 drop in. Sign up deadline is July 2. Sign up with staff.

Tuesday, July 31

HAMLET, ABRIDGED: Shoreline Arts Alliance and Legacy Theatre will perform Hamlet Abridged” in the shoreline area. All shows are free. For more information visit www.shorelinearts.org. The schedule is: (Sensory Friendly) July 31, 10 a.m., Evergreen Woods, 88 Notch Hill Rd, North Branford; Aug. 3, 10 a.m.,Branford Green, Branford.

SUMMER STORIES: Summer Stories , Tuesdays, July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 10:30 a.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Come hear stories old and new, and move a little. For children ages 3 - 6. Siblings welcome. Drop in; no registration required.

CAREER WORKSHOP: Job and Career Workshop: Boot Camp, part 2 of 3: Networking & Social Media: Leveraging LinkedIn, will be held July 31, 6 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Career and jobsearch expert Jan Melnik (www.janmelnik.com) will demonstrate how to optimize your use of social media. Registration is requested but not required; call 860-347-2520.

MYSTERY DISCUSSION: Classic Mystery Book Discussion: “The Case of the Missing Servant” by Tarquin Hall, will be held July 31, 7 p.m. in Meeting Room 2, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Copies are available at the circulation desk.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: The United Methodist Church invites all children ages 3-12 to “Rolling River Rampage — Experience the Ride of a Lifetime with God” Vacation Bible School, Aug. 6-10, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. daily at the United Methodist Church of Clinton, 12 Commerce St., Clinton. The adventure includes music, interactive Bible fun, super science, cool crafts, hands on mission work, snacks, games and fun. To sign up, call the church office at 860-669-8396 or email church@clintonumc.org. with the children's names, ages and a phone number.