CALENDAR

Thursday, Aug. 2

FREE LUNCHES: Families can visit the Deep River Public Library’s Children’s Garden, on Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to receive a bag of nutritious food. Arts and crafts will also be available for the children. Program sponsors are looking for volunteer help and food donations, especially easy-to-carry, kid-friendly, nutritious lunch and snack items. Call Tri-Town Youth Services at 860-526-3600 for more information or to sign up to help. INSIDE HAMLET: Inside Hamlet, a roundtable discussion facilitated by Eric Dillner, CEO/Executive Director of Shoreline Arts Alliance and featuring The Legacy Theatre’s Artistic Director Keely Baisden Knudsen, will be held in the shoreline area, discussing themes of Hamlet and sharing details about the mainstage production on the Guilford Green. Dates are: Aug. 2, 11 a.m., Guilford Free Library, 67 Park St, Guilford. For more information visit www.shorelinearts.org GAZEBO CONCERTS: The Joseph N. Goff House’s 19th annual Gazebo Concert Series, held on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in the East Hampton Village Center at the Center School Gazebo. Aug. 2, Seat of Our Pants; Aug. 9, Victor Cowles. Listeners are welcome to bring seating and a picnic. Dogs and children welcome. Local Cub Scouts will be on hand to sell snacks and refreshments. CLINTON FARMERS MARKET: The Clinton Farmer’s Market runs on Thursdays, 3:30-6:30 p.m. through October at its new home on the grounds of the historic Adam Stanton House & General Store Museum, 63 East Main St., Clinton.

FREE CONCERTS: The Clinton Chamber of Commerce will host a series of free concerts sponsored by Guilford Savings Bank, on Thursday evenings. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and are held at the Vece Gazebo in front of the Pierson School on 75 East Main Street. Aug. 2, Hot Cat Jazz Band; Aug. 9, Shaded Soul Band; Aug. 16, The Navels. In case of rain, an alternative site for the concert may be designated. Call the Clinton Chamber of Commerce at 860-669-3889 or visit www.clintonct.com. Updates are available on Clinton Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. SAILING CLUB: Shoreline Sailing Club will hold its next meeting Aug. 2, 7 p.m. at the Westbrook Elks Lodge, Westbrook. The club welcomes active singles who like to sail, socialize, dance, fish, kayak, theater and other activities. Experience is not necessary. Learn more at www.shorelinesailingclub.com

COMEDY, JUGGLING SHOW: The Deep River Public Library and the Deep River Park and Recreation Department will present Bryson Lang: The Cure for the Common Show on Thursday, Aug. 2, 10:30 a.m. at the Deep River Town Hall Auditorium. Bryson Lang’s show is a unique combination of comedy and juggling. This show is free and open to all. Best suited for children 4 and up.

BOOK DISCUSSION: The Portland Library book discussion group meets Thursday, Aug. 2, 6:30 p.m. to discuss “Rescue” by Anita Shreve.

FREE CONCERTS: A series of free concerts are being held in the Courtyard at Masonicare Chester Village, 317 W. Main St., Chester, all beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call 860-526-6800 if the weather is inclement. Aug. 2, Tom Callinan, folk singer, Sea Shanties, and stories; Aug. 9, Riddim Makers, Reggae band; Aug. 16, Java Groove, Dan Bernier’s smooth Jazz/Swing band; Aug. 23, Homemade Jam, Larry Batter’s fun 50’s, 60’s easy jazz band; Aug. 30. Klezmer/Folk band from local Synagogue.

Friday, Aug. 3

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: Aug. 3, 10 a.m.,Branford Green, Branford. MIDDLETOWN SUMMER CONCERTS:

The annual free “Summer Sounds” Concert Series in Middletown will be held at the Harbor Park Gazebo, 80 Harbor Drive at 6:30 a.m. Rain location is inside South Congregational Church, 9 Pleasant Street, across Main Street from the Middlesex YMCA, opposite South Green (Union Park). Aug. 7, Bluegrass Characters; Aug. 21, Random Concept; Sept. 4, Middletown Symphonic Band.

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.

Saturday, Aug. 4

CUT-A-THON BENEFIT: The Scissor Happy Salon in Portland will sponsor the “CDHR Cut-a-thon” to benefit the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue, Saturday, Aug. 4, 11 a..m-2 p.m. at the salon, 864 Portland-Cobalt Rd, Portland. For a $25 donation, get a haircut, styled or braided. No appointments necessary. 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.

HUGE TAG SALE: Annual Huge Tag Sale, Saturday, Aug. 4 at Notre Dame Church, 272 Main St., Durham, 8 a.m.-1 p.m, rain or shine. More than 40 vendors in the parking lot, hidden treasures in the church hall, and refreshments in the church hall. Call Bill Shumway for more information 860 349-3397. Future tag sales will be held Sept. 1 and Oct. 6.

CHICKEN BARBECUE: St. James Episcopal Church, 501 Killingworth Road, corner of Route 81 and Little City Road, Higganum, will hold its annual Chicken Barbecue on Saturday, Aug. 4, 5-7 p.m. Adults $12, seniors $10, children 12 and under, $8. Dinner includes chicken leg quarters, cole slaw, corn on the cob, potato salad, beverages and homemade desserts. Takeout dinners available.

COOKOUT, MOVIE: Trinity Church, 345 Main St., Portland, will host a cookout and an outdoor screening of Disney’s “Coco” Aug. 4, 6 p.m. Free dogs and burgers, bring a dish to share. Lawn games, tables and chairs provided. Movie starts at sunset/8 p.m. with free popcorn; bring a blanket or folding chairs. Rain location is inside St. Michael’s Parish Hall, dinner served inside. All are welcome. SHAWN BYRNE CONCERT: Award winning singer/songwriter Shawn Byrne returns home to Portland to play a show at the Winchester Cafe, 1374 Portland Cobalt Road, Portland, on Saturday, Aug. 4. Byrne has fond memories of the western theme that is the perfect setting for a night of country and Americana music. For information call 860-342-0224 or visit www.winchestercafe.com. LOBSTER OR STEAK DINNER: The Italian American Civic Order will sponsor a Lobster bake or Steak Dinner, Aug. 4, 7

p.m. at the club house on Arbutus Street. Cost is $30, menu includes lobster or steak, clam chowder, corn, potatoes, salad, bread, dessert and beverages. Contact or call 860-346-3721. The club and grounds can be rented for social events. Available on grounds, Bocce court,Horse shoe pits,Volley ball court, basketball court.

OUTDOOR HUNGER GAMES: “Refuge Hunger Games”, with nature-based activities for children 8-15, will be held at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, 733 Old Clinton Road, Westbrook, Aug. 4, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. with lunch. Learn about edible plants, play the predator/prey game, create art/crafts with camouflage and try archery. Parents must accompany children. Registration is required: email kristina_vagos@fws.gov .

FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH: Get Expert Help Researching Your Family History with genealogy club members at the Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield St., Middletown, Aug. 4, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Aug 7, Aug. 17, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Aug. 15, 5:30-8 p.m. $10 session for guests. Bring your research and laptop. No need to register. For information call 860-3464375

Sunday, Aug. 5

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

BEVIN BELLS WALK: The Chatham Historical Society will host a walking tour of the Bevin Bells factory in East Hampton on Sunday, Aug. 5 at 1 p.m. Walkers will learn the history of the company tour the factory, and learn how the bells are made and visit the original factory site destroyed by fire in 2012. The walk is sponsored East Hampton Parks and Recreation Dept. For further information go to https:www.chathamhistoricalct.org or contact Marty Podskoch, coordinator of the “Explore East Hampton” walks at 860-267-2442 or podskoch@comcast.net PIE, ICE CREAM SOCIAL: A Pie and Ice Cream Social at Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Road, Lyme, Aug. 5, 6:30-8 p.m. $5 per person, free for under 6.