CALENDAR

Friday, Aug. 10

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.

Saturday, Aug. 11

FREE NATURE WALK: A free Nature Walk: Butterflies of Salt Meadow, will be led by naturalist Tom Kelly at McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, 733 Old Clinton Road, Westbrook, Aug. 11, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. Reservations are required: email shaun_roche@fws.gov

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.

B&B OPEN HOUSE: The Nehemiah Brainerd House B&B, 988 Saybrook Road, Haddam, will hold an open house on SAturday, Aug. 11, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Guests can join preservationists at theNehemiah Brainerd House B&B and cottages, built in 1765 with a significant renovation in 1932 by novelist Katharine Brush. The house was also featured on HGTV's “If Walls Could Talk.” RSVPs appreciated; call 203-562-6312. Parking available. Remarks about the house's history will begin at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. Light refreshments provided.

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

SHAKESPEARE IN THE GARDENS: The Clinton Historical Society in cooperation with the The Shoreline Actors Collectiv at Kidz Konnection Theater Academy will present William Shakespeare's “A Midsummer Night's Dream,” for the 8th annual Shakespeare in the Gardens at Old Brick, 103 East Main St., Clinton, Aug. 11 at 5 p.m., and Aug. 12 at 2 p.m. Bring a picnic and blankets for an evening of outdoor theater. Free and open to the public; for information call 860-227-2363/ or email shorelineactorscollective@gmail.com or go to www.kidzkonnectionct.org.

BOARD GAMES: Board Game Frenzy at the East Hampton Senior Center, Aug. 11, 1 p.m. Come enjoy a variety of board games. Sign up by Aug. 15.

Sunday, Aug. 12

SIT & BEG FUNDRAISER: Cat Tales Non-Profit Rescue is holding a Sit & Beg at the Cromwell Stop & Shop on Sunday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Donations of canned or dry food and cleaning supplies, such as paper towels, laundry detergent or disinfectant wipes are needed.

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

THE FAST AND THE FURRIEST: Cat Tales presents The Fast & The Furriest Annual Car, Truck & Bike Show on Sunday, August 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Middletown High School, 200 LaRosa Rd, Middletown. Rain date Aug. 19. See cars, trucks and bikes from various years. informational and product vendors, raffle prizes, delicious food, a DJ, bounce house, and trophies. Proceeds benefit the abused, homeless and abandoned cats and kittens within our community. For more information go to http://www.cattalesct.org or call 860344-9043.

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.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE GARDENS: The Clinton Historical Society in cooperation with the The Shoreline Actors Collectiv at Kidz Konnection Theater Academy will present William Shakespeare's “A Midsummer Night's Dream,” for the 8th annual Shakespeare in the Gardens at Old Brick, 103 East Main St., Clinton, Aug. 12 at 2 p.m. Bring a picnic and blankets for an evening of outdoor theater. Free and open to the public; for information call 860-227-2363/ or email shorelineactorscollective@gmail.com or go to www.kidzkonnectionct.org.

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. 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.

PLACE CALLED HOPE CONCERT: A Place Called Hope, 154 Pond Meadow Rd Killingworth, a rescue, rehabilitation and education center for birds of prey, invites residents to its courtyard on Sunday, Aug. 12, 1-5 p.m., with an opening ceremony at 1 p.m. Visitors can enjoy live native drumming, singing and flute music by Quahannock Singers and BloodWood. Admission $10; bring a blanket or chairs. For information, go to aplacecalledhoperaptors.com

Monday, Aug. 13

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.

BOOK TALK AND WALK: Book Talk with a Walk, Mondays, Aug. 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.

CORNHOLE CHARITY CHALLENGE: Community Music School will present a Cornhole Charity Challenge Aug. 13, 6 p.m. on Essex Island, with live music, southern barbecue and cornhole competition. Tickets $25 adults, $12 children, free age 5 and under. Teams of two can enter the cornhole competition for $20. Rain or shine; covered area available. For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit www.community-musicschool.org/cornhole or call CMS at 860-767-0026.

FINAL SUMMER SING: The final Summer Sing of 2018 is Mozart’s “Coronation Mass” & “Missa Brevis in C” set for Monday, Aug 13, 7 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 56 Great Hammock Road, Old Saybrook, conducted by Ehren Brown- The Vernon Chorale All singers welcome. The event is co-sponsored by Cappella Cantorum and Con Brio. Fee $10 per person. Scores available, and the church is air-conditioned. For more information call 860-767-9409 or 203530-0002 or visit www.cappellacantorum.org or www.conbrio.org

Tuesday, Aug. 14

BLOOD DRIVE: A Red Cross blood drive will be held Aug. 14, 1-6 p.m. at the Henry Carter Hull Library, Clinton. Appointments can be made in advance at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Walk-ins are welcome.

POLITICS AND MUSICALS: Politics and the American Musical is a nonPartisan look at the influence of politics on the American Musical. See how Gilbert & Sullivan, Gershwin, Berlin, Cole Porter, Rodgers/Hart, Cohen and more, created very tuneful satires that were highly regarded by all Americans. A Broadway tune singalong follows on the library's baby grand, led by Wade Russo, Assistant Musical Director of Goodspeed Musicals, Aug. 14, 7 p.m. at the East Hampton Public Library,105 Main St, East Hampton. Details at www.artsforeasthamptonct.org

Wednesday, Aug. 15

MACRAME CLASS: Macrame is “in” again! Try this knotwork trend in miniature with a step-by-step workshop for adults and make your own mini macrame succulent plant hanger at Henry Carter Hull Library, Aug. 15, 5:30 p.m. All materials are provided at this free workshop but space is limited and registration is required. To sign up go to hchlibrary.org or call 860-669-2342.

SOLARIZE MIDDLEFIELD: The Solarize Middlefield program will hold another workshop on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 7 – 8:30 p.m., at the Middlefield Community Center Auditorium, 405 Main Street, Middlefield. Learn about the program, talk to other solarize participants, meet their solar installer, learn about financing options, and see if their house is good for solar. Middlefield and Rockfall homeowners who want to find out if their home is good for solar can go directly to Solarizect.com/Middlefield. Durham residents are also welcome to participate in the Solarize Middlefield program.

KOCO GANG: Visit by the Koco Gang with the library and the East Hampton Senior Center, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. Sign up by Aug. 8. FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH: Get Expert Help Researching Your Family History with geneaology club members at the Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield St., Middletown, Aug. 17, 9:3010:30 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 860-346-4375

AUTHOR DISCUSSION: Author Christopher Buckley wil lead a free discussion with Sam Tanenhaus on a lifetime of sailing with his father, William F. Buckley, Jr., 7 p.m. Aug 15, in The Cube at Centerbrook Architects, 67 Main St. Centerbrook. RSVP: The Essex Library, 860-767-1560.

Thursday, Aug. 16

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. 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 Thursdays. Aug. 16, The Navels. In case of rain, an alternative site for the concert may be designated.

SAILING CUB DANCE: Members and friends of the Shoreline Sailing Club will hold a dance Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m. at the Westbrook Elks CLub, with music provided by RJ Entertainment. Open to the public; bring a friend. The club includes active singles who like to sail, socialize, dance, fish, kayak and more. Learn more at www.shorelinesailingclub.com

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. 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. 17

FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH: Get Expert Help Researching Your Family History with geneaology club members at the Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield St., Middletown, Aug. 17, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $10 session for guests. Bring your research and laptop. No need to register. For information call 860-346-4375.

Saturday, Aug. 18

FLEA MARKET: Deep River Congregational Church Flea Market will be held Aug. 18, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Marvin Field, located on Route 154, just as you enter Deep River from the south. Details at www.deeprivercc.org.

YOUR FAMILY HISTORY: Write Your Family History with genealogy club members at the Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield, St., Middletown, Aug. 18, 9:30-11 a.m. Free to members, $10 guests. Bring your laptop and research and receive advice and help. Call 860-346-4375 for more information. No pre-registration necessary.

Sunday, Aug. 19

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

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. 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.

Monday, Aug. 20

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.

LAND TRUST PARTY: East Haddam Land Trust (EHLT) is throwing a party on Aug. 20, 6-9:30 p.m., on the lawn of the Goodspeed Opera House and all are invited. More than 20 musical friends and family will be placed in one of three pick-up bands and perform music from a carefully curated song list that lends itself to a lot of creative improvising. Iso will donate all the proceeds from his BBQ grill and the land trust pass the basket, all to be used to help purchase the 87-acre Miller Farm Preserve on Tater Hill Road. Guests can collect local trail maps, ask EHLT directors questions about preservation efforts, and ask about the many benefits of joining us in membership of EHLT.