Seasonal flu clinics scheduled in area

MIDDLETOWN — Mass Dispensing Area 36: Cromwell, Durham, Middlefield, and Middletown health departments has announced the schedule of this year’s seasonal flu clinics. The clinics will offer the Flublok vaccine, stronger than traditional vaccines and does not contain eggs, preservatives, or harsh chemicals including thimerosal (a mercury derivative).

Health officials are hoping better vaccination rates this year will help avoid a repeat of last season’s widespread and deadly flu activity which occurred in Connecticut and other regions of this country. Officials emphasize that the best way to protect yourself and others from becoming ill with the flu is to get vaccinated every year because viruses change over time.

To receive a flu shot, participants must be at least 4 years of age, and in good health. Participants should bring a valid form of identification and insurance card (co-payment is not required). Those without insurance may be eligible to receive a flu shot at no cost. The vaccine will be given on a first-come, firstserved basis (appointments will not be taken). Residency is not required. Anyone over 18 years of age will be offered Flublok vaccine. Participants under 18, will receive traditional influenza vaccine. Both vaccines will be administered by injection only (nasal mist will not be available).

Participants are encouraged to save time by downloading and completing the Immunization Consent Form online: cromwellct.gov; townofdurhamct.org; middlefieldct.org; or middletownct.gov.

Oct. 6, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. South Fire District, 445 Randolph Road, Middletown

Oct. 9, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Town Hall Gymnasium, 41 West St., Cromwell

Oct. 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Westfield Fire Department, 653 East St., Middletown

Oct. 16, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. City Hall Council Chamber, 245 deKoven Drive, Middletown

Oct. 23, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Community Center, 405 Main St., Middlefield

Oct. 30, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. City Hall Foyer, 245 deKoven Drive, Middletown

Nov. 6, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Activity Center (2nd floor), 350 Main St., Durham

Anyone with questions should call 860-632-3426 (Cromwell); 860349-8253 (Durham); 860-349-7123 (Middlefield) or 860-638-4962 (Middletown). For information about Flublock vaccine, please visit: www.flublock.com.

Antique benefit for Humane Society

NEWINGTON — Antiques Dealers’ Association of America/ Historic Deerfield Antiques Show, will be held Oct. 19-21 at Hartford’s Governor William A. O'Neill State Armory, benefiting pets in need at the Connecticut Humane Society.

The weekend begins with a Preview Party Friday, Oct. 19, 6-8 p.m. at the Armory, 360 Broad St., Hartford. Tickets for the party are on sale now for $85 at CThumane.org, with all proceeds from the evening supporting lifesaving medical care for local pets. View and purchase impressive antique pieces before anyone else has the chance, and enjoy food and drinks.

The show officially runs from Oct. 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., to Oct. 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., with tickets on sale at the door for $15. The ADA/ Historic Deerfield Antiques Show is celebrated annually for its stellar dealer roster and remarkable selection of eighteenth- and nineteenthcentury a.m.erican art, antiques, and design.

“We are honored to work with the ADA and Historic Deerfield on this great event, as we pave the way for more pets to find healthy and happy futures,” CHS Executive Director Gordon Willard said. “We’re so grateful for the support of those who attend and sponsor the event, all in the name of saving more lives.”

With each pet at CHS receiving full-service medical treatment by a staff veterinary team, funds for medical care are more needed than ever before. While they will support spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchips, they will also go toward pets like Benny, a senior Pomeranian who is recovering from two surgeries on complicated hernias, and Gem, a 4-week-old kitten who was found alone outside and needs to be bottle-fed. It will also go toward monitoring pets’ medical conditions and completing complex surgeries.

To reserve your ad in the Antiques Show Guide, become a sponsor, or buy a ticket to the Preview Party, visit CThumane.org or call Priscilla Clark at 860-594-4502, ext. 6307.

CHS serves pets from all over Connecticut through its three locations in Waterford, Newington, and Westport and the Fox Memorial Clinic, a low-fee, public veterinary clinic in Newington, utilized by people all over the state.

Library holding big fall book sale

HADDAM — Brainerd Memorial Library in Haddam is holding an autumn book and bake sale on Saturday, Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.. There will be a preview for booksellers the day before. For a $5 entrance fee, book dealers are welcome to shop the sale from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21. Credit cards will be accepted. The library is also planning children's crafts, with a tent and food trucks in front during the main sale.

On Monday, Sept. 24 from 1-8 p.m., the library will hold special sales including half price, and bags of books .The library is located at 920 Saybrook Rd in Haddam. For further information, call 860-3452204.

Mentor 2.0 begins this fall

Big Brothers/Big Sisters will begin its Mentor 2.0 program in the fall. Mentor 2.0 is an innovative program conducted primarily online through e-mails and instant messages, augmented by monthly in-person get-togethers. Its purpose is to help high school students prepare for college and career by matching them one-to-one with college-educated mentors. It provides students with a curriculum that lasts through all four years of high school - focusing on developing the academic, social and emotional skills needed to successfully complete high school, win college admission and graduate from college, according to a release.

CREC’s Academy of Science and Innovation in New Britain will collaborate with Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters on Mentor 2.0, enrolling its entire in-coming 9th grade class in the program. Nutmeg is currently recruiting volunteers so it can match all 110 ASI ninth graders with caring, inspirational mentors to help them better prepare for college and career.

To learn more about Mentor 2.0, or to volunteer, visit: nutmeg.imentor.org. Or, contact Margarita Laboy, Program Manager at: Margarita@nbbbs.org.