CALENDAR

Monday, Oct. 1

FILM SERIES: The 2018-2019 season of The Elements: An Annual Environmental Film Series, begins Oct. 1, 7 p.m. with “Sacred Cod,” about the collapse of New England’s cod fishery, exploring the role of overfishing, the impact of climate change, the effect of government policies on fishermen and the fish. (www.sacredcodfilm.com), at Wesleyan University's Powell Family Cinema on the campus of Wesleyan University, 301 Washington Terrace, Middletown. Parking available in the lot at the cinema. Open to the public and free of charge.

CT VALLEY CAMERA CLUB: The Connecticut Valley Camera Club will host a presentation on Equine Photography by Sarah Grote on Monday ,Oct. 1 7 p.m. at the Lymes’ Senior Center, 26 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme. The public is welcome. Meetings are generally held on the first Monday of the month at the Lymes’ Senior Center in Old Lyme. For more information about the CVCC, visit the club’s website at ctvalleycameraclub.smugmug.com. Meeting dates, speakers and their topics, and other notices can be found at ww.facebook.com/CTValleyCameraClubPage.

MAHJONGG: Anyone interested in learning how to play Mahjongg at the East Hampton Senior Center can sign up by Oct. 10; 8 people needed. Games will be held Wednesday mornings.

BIRTHDAY BASH: October Birthday Bash at the East Hampton Senior Center, Oct. 29, 12 p.m. The meal is catered by Chatham Caterer and sponsored by the Democratic Town Committee. Those over 60 with an October birthday, let the center know, and you’ll get an invitation to enjoy a free lunch, cake and ice cream. Guests are welcome to attend; sign up by Oct. 26. TOWN MEETING: Eligible voters of the Town of Durham are reminded of the annual town meeting that will be held in the Julian B. Thayer Auditorium, Coginchaug Regional High School, on Monday, Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. AUTHOR TALK: Melissa Sarno, “Just Under the Clouds” and Ann Braden, “The Benefits of Being an Octopus” will discuss their books at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 1, at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore , 413 Main Street, Middletown. Details at www.wesleyanrjjulia.com or call 860-685-3939 PUMPKIN PATCH OPEN: The Pumpkin Patch, selling pumpkins of all sizes, gourds and chrysanthemums, is open for the month of October at the Methodist Church, 12 Commerce Street, Clinton. Hours are 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. Proceeds are shared with the growers, a Navajo tribe in New Mexico and missions of the United Methodist Church of Clinton. CAFE ANNIVERSARY: This October 1st Whistle Stop Cafe will celebrate 25 years Oct. 1. A celebration on Sept. 30 will include family, food and community, owners said, with fun surprises all day. The cafe is open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.,, serving breakfast all day. For information call 860-526 4122 or find them on Facebook WONDERFUL ONES: Wonderful Ones

meet Mondays, Oct. 1, 15 and 22, 10:30 .am. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For one year olds (12 - 23 months) and caregivers, siblings welcome. No sessions Oct. 8, Oct. 29. Drop in; no registration required.

BOOK TALK, WALK: Book Talk with a Walk meets Oct. 1, 15, 29, 12-1 p.m. in the lobby at the Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Meet in the lobby for a short walk down to the river, with discussions during scheduled stops along the way. Gentle pace. Oct. 1, “The Wonder of Birds,” what they tell us about ourselves, the world, and a better future by Jim Robbins. Discussions led by Christy Billings, chair of One Book on the Riverbend. Contact cbillings@russelllibrary.org or 860 347-2528 x 160.

CAREER COACHING: Career Coaching with Helen Evrard, MD, Mondays, Oct. 1, 15, 22 and 29, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Pre-registration is required. Sign up at the Information Desk or by calling 860-347-2520. If you need any special accommodations, contact the Information Desk. Cancellations, allow 48 hours’ notice so another patron may be served. BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC: A Blood Pressure Clinic at the East Hampton Senior Center, Oct. 1, Oct. 15, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Walk-ins welcome, no appointment needed. Sponsored by Chatham Health District. FIRST MONDAY MEETING: First Monday of the Month East Hampton Senior Center Meeting, Oct. 1, 10:30 a.m. Meet East Hampton Police Chief, Dennis Woessner, with giveaways and planning information. Tuesday, Oct. 2 EXCEL CLASS: Topics in Microsoft Excel: Managing Data Sets, Oct. 2, 6 p.m., Meeting Room 3, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Registration suggested. Class capacity is 8 seats. Please sign up online or call Information Services at 860-347-2520. FUND ANNIVERSARY: The 25th Anniversary of William Casper Graustein Memorial Fund will be celebrated Oct. 2, 5:30 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown, with music, food, an uplifting atmosphere, story sharing, and community building activities. Former and current grantees, staff, and community members of all ages are welcome. Culminates with a story sharing exhibit and statewide celebration.

TERRIFIC TWOS: Twos are Terrific, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 10:30 a.m., in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For two year olds (24 - 35 months) Siblings welcome. No session Oct. 30. Drop in; no registration required.

FILM FESTIVAL: The 10th Middletown International Film Festival is being held Tuesdays in October and November at 6 p.m. The Common Ground Tenth Annual Middletown International Film Festival is a collaboration between Middlesex Community College, Wesleyan University and Russell Library. Oct. 2: The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown.The Insult, (Lebanon, 2017, directed by Ziad Doueiri) Speaker: Peter

Gottschalk, Professor of Religion, Wesleyan University. AUTHOR TALK: Wick Griswold, “Connecticut River Ferries”, 6 p.m., Oct. 2, free. Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore , 413 Main Street, Middletown. Details at www.wesleyanrjjulia.com or call 860685-3939 RACIAL JUSTICE BOOK GROUP:

Racial Justice Book Group: “The Leavers” by Lisa Ko, Oct. 2, 6 p.m., Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. The Racial Justice Book Group meets on the first Tuesday of each month. This month’s meeting is presented in conjunction with Russell Library’s Immigrant Artists series. Copies are available for check-out. Contact Christy Billings: cbillings@russelllibrary.org or 860 347-2528 ext 160. No registration necessary; everyone is welcome. Wednesday, Oct. 3

NURSES TO MEET: The WethersfieldRocky Hill Professional Nurses Association (WRHPNA) will hold its monthly meeting Oct. 3, 7 p.m. in the Pitkin Community Center, 30 Greenfield Street, Wethersfield. Speaker is Dr. Peter Wade, the Medical Director for Neurology at the Mandell Center for Multiple Sclerosis Care at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center. Area nurses welcome. For more information call Patricia Rinaldi, WRHPNA President, at 860-563-4150.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Economic Development Specialist Jessica Riviera of the U.S. Small Business Administration will speak at the Henry Carter Hull Library, Oct. 3, 6 p.m., for the first of a 3-part “Business Smart Toolkit” series that will focus on getting ready for a business startup. Details at hchlibrary.org. PAINT NIGHT: Cat Tales will hold a paint night with Pam's Picasso's, Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Baci Grill, 134 Berlin Road, Cromwell. Fee is $40 which includes supplies and instructor guide. 50 percent of proceeds go to Cat Tales; raffle of a mystery basket worth $250! Seats are limited so reserve yours today. To print your ticket order form, visit http://www.cattalesct.org/events/361/ paint-night-fundraiser SCORE WORKSHOP: A Free SCORE Workshop, “Simple Steps #2: Business Concept” will be held Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m. at the Acton Public Library, 60 Old Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook. Registration is required. Visit https://sect.score.org/ simple-steps-starting-your-business for information and registration for one or all Simple Steps workshops. HIP HOP DANCE CLASS: Hip Hop Dance Class for Kids 6 - 10 at the Deep River Public Library, Oct. 3; 4:30 p.m. Elizabeth Florentine from the Dance Corner will be here to show us some hip hop moves! Registration is required for this program. BOBCAT TALK: The Lyme Land Trust will sponsor a talk with Jason Hawley, wildlife biologist with CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Oct. 3, 7 p.m. at Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Road, on the ecology and behavior of bobcats. Hawley has

been gathering information about Bobcats in Lyme and surrounding areas for the Connecticut Bobcat Project. Everyone is welcome at this free event. For more information: lymelandtrust.org

CARDIO DANCE: Dance Syncopation: Cardio Dance, is offered Wednesdays at the East Hampton Senior Center, 9:15 a.m. Register with Sue, the Instructor the day of, cost is $5.00 per class. AUTHOR TALK: Ransom Riggs will present “A Map of Days (Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children #4)”, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 3, free. Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore , 413 Main Street, Middletown. Details at www.wesleyanrjjulia.com or call 860-685-3939

PRESCHOOL POWER: Preschool Power Story Hour, Wednesdays, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 10:30 a.m. The Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For ages 3 - 5 (pre-k - kindergarten) Siblings welcome. Drop in; no registration.

SCRABBLE CLUB: Scrabble club meets Wednesdays, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, 5 p.m..=, Meeting Room 3, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For ages 12 – 112. Drop-in or sign-up online and get an email reminder.

ESTATE PLANNING: Estate Planning Basics Wednesday, Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m. The Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Paul Czepiga from the elder law firm Czepiga Daly Pope & Perry will explain estate planning basics. Drop in; no registration. READ AROUND THE WORLD:

Read Around the World, Wednesdays, Oct. 3 and 10, 6:30 p.m., Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Russell Library and Here Wee Read will present picture books showcasing different cultures and traditions. For children in pre-k-1, iblings welcome. Drop in; no registration required. Supplies for this program are limited to the first 25 children each week. LEGISLATIVE COFFEE HOURS:

The public is invited to Coffee Hours with state Representatives Vincent Candelora and Noreen Kokoruda, Oct. 3, 2-3 p.m. at Dunkin Donuts, located at 38 Main St. Durham. This meeting is an opportunity for residents to express any concerns they may have and to ask questions pertaining to state government, and is free and open to the public.

BOOK LOVERS: Book Lovers Circle meets Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Durham Public Library”The Ministry of Utmost Happiness” by Arundhati Roy will be discussed. Copies available at the library. Drop in.

AUTHOR TALK: Ransom Riggs “A Map of Days (Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children #4)” 6:30 p.m., Oct. 3, free. Wesleyan RJ Julia

Bookstore , 413 Main Street, Middletown. Details at www.wesleyanrjjulia.com or call 860-6853939. Thursday, Oct. 4

YOUTH LEADERSHIP: A free Youth Leadership Program for area youth, ages 13-21, is held on the first and third Thursday of the month, 7-9 p.m. at North End Action Team 654 Main Street Middletown. The program is free and interested young people are encouraged to attend. Share your ideas, connect with others and let your voice be heard. For information, contact Shanay Fulton at 203-514-0095 or tli@neatmiddletown.org. instagram.com/ NEATYouthLeaders. DOCUMENTARY FILM: A free screening of the documentary film “The Gardener,” recounting Frank Cabot’s quest for perfection at Les Quatre Vents, a twenty-acre English-style garden in Quebec, Oct. 4, 7 p.m., or Oct. 13, 1 p.m. at the Essex Library, 33 West Ave. RSVP: 860-767-1560. ANIMAL COMMUNICATION:

Reiki Master Mary Albanese and her dog Stitch will visit the Henry Carter Hull Library Thursday, Oct. 4, 6 p.m. to share what can happen when animal communication and energy work combine. A limited number of brief pet communication sessions will be demonstrated at this event. Bring a printed pet photo if interested. Details at hchlibrary.org

BABY BOUNCE: Baby Bounce at the Deep River Public Library, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and play. Best for children up to 24 months; older siblings welcome. Drop in, no registration.

BIRD TALK: Stanley Kolber shares his first book, “Of the birds according to their kinds,” at the Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St., Essex, Oct. 4, 5:30 p.m. This event is free. For a full listing of Museum programs please visit www.ctrivermuseum.org or call 860-767-8269. SEA OTTER PROGRAM: Potapaug Audubon presents “Return of the Sea Otter” with Todd McLeish, Oct. 4, 7 p.m. at Old Lyme Town Hall, 52 Lyme St. Nearly driven extinct for their thick fur pelts, the “champions of cute” have returned to the West Coast in big numbers but are still threatened by sharks, killer whales, fishermen and native hunters. The book will be available for purchase and signing. Free. Refreshments served. More info: 860-710-5811. 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. MILITARY WHIST: The Middletown Emblem Club #452 will sponsor a Military Whist, Oct. 4 at the Middletown Lodge of Elks #771, Maynard Street, Middletown. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

and the $7 entry fee includes refreshments and door prozes. Whist director Kevin Welch will lead the game. No experience needed. For futher information or to reserve a table of 4 in advance, please contact Georgie at 860345-8966. Tickets sold at the door. Proceeds benefit the club’s scholarships and community service projects. SAILING CLUB: Shoreline Sailing Club will meet Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m. at the Westbrook Elks Lodge, Westbrook. Hear a presentation from Mark Chanski on cold water survival. Guests are welcome and sailing experience not necessary. The club is for active singles who like to sail, socialize, dance, fish, kayak. Learn more at www.shorelinesailingclub.com

ZUMBA GOLD: Zumba Gold at the East Hampton Senior Center, Oct. 4-Dec. 6, 1 p.m. Sign up with the instructor at the first class. Silver Sneakers insurance accepted.

WII BOWLING: Wii Bowling, Oct. 4, 10 a.m., Colchester Senior Center. Drive yourself; sign up at the East Hampton Senior Center for a head count.

MAHJONGG: Anyone interested in learning how to play Mahjongg at the East Hampton Senior Center can sign up by Oct. 10; 8 people needed. Games will be held Wednesday mornings.

BIRTHDAY BASH: October Birthday Bash at the East Hampton Senior Center, Oct. 29, 12 p.m. The meal is catered by Chatham Caterer and sponsored by the Democratic Town Committee. Those over 60 with an October birthday, let the center know, and you’ll get an invitation to enjoy a free lunch, cake and ice cream. Guests are welcome to attend; sign up by Oct. 26.

AUTHOR TALK: Stuart Gibbs, “Spy School Goes South”, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 4, free. Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore , 413 Main St. Middletown. Details at www.wesleyanrjjulia.com or call 860-6853939 JOB GROUP: A Job Group meets Thursdays, Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 10 a.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. A networking session follows the presentation. Registration not required. State Rep. Matt Lesser is the guest Oct. 4. RHYME TIME: Baby Rhyme Time meets Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, 10:30 a.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For babies birth - 12 months and their caregivers. Drop in; no registration.

READING BUDDIES: Fall Session of Reading Buddies begins Oct. 4, 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Reading with a Reading Buddy can help children at all levels improve their reading skills. Bring a favorite book or choose one at the library; every child goes home with a free book. For kids in grades pre-k - 6 (ages 3 - 10). Drop in; no registration.