CALENDAR

Saturday, Nov. 10

HARVEST, CHRISTMAS FAIR: Grace Lutheran Church, 1055 Randolph Road, Middletown, is hosting a Harvest/Christmas Fair & Tag Sale 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 10. Gifts, jewelry, crafts, ornaments, decorations, jarred goods and candies, special vendor LuLaRoe; baked goods, a tag sale, and games and face painting for kids. Breakfast and lunch served. For information call Dianne Labbadia at 860-759-4040 or at DLabbadia73@att.net

FREE YOGA: A Free Yoga Workshop will be held Nov. 10, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Open to the public. Mats will be provided; participants are welcome to bring their own mats, water, towels, or other supplies. All ages. Drop in; no registration required.

READ AND PLAY: We Read. We Play, meets Nov. 10, 10 a.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For children ages 24 - 48 months. Drop-in; no registration required.

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: The Central CT Community Women’s Club’s 44th Annual Holiday Craft Fair will be held Nov. 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Cromwell Middle School, Crafters from CT, NY and MA with a wide variety of handmade items, kitchen open for lunch. Bake sale, gift cards, raffle table. Order gift cards online www.centralctcommunitywomensclub.com or buy them at the fair.

HOLIDAY FAIR: Middlefield Federated Church, 402 Main St., Middlefield, will hold its annual Holiday Fair on Saturday, Nov 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall, 402 Main Street, Middlefield. Decorations, baked goods, handmade food and craft items, silent auction, breakfast and lunch for sale. Call 860-349-1250 for information

CHOWDER DINNER: “Best Chowder Dinner” at the Lyme Public Hall, 249 Hamburg Road, Lyme, will be held Nov. 10, 5-7 p.m. Clam chowder, corn chowder, cole slaw, cheddar cheese, breads and desserts. $15 adults, $10 ages 7-12, free 6 and under. All are welcome. For information call 860-434-1929 or email wdenow@comcast.net.

CHRISTMAS FAIR, DINNER: Annual Christmas Fair and Turkey Dinner at St. James Church, Middletown, will be held Nov. 10, 10 am.-2 p.m. Christmas tag sale, books, jewelry, candy and baked goods, theme baskets. Turkey dinner served 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., takeout available, $12 adults, $10 seniors, $8 ages 7-12, free 6 and under.

HARVEST FAIR: Saint Sebastian’s Church with the Saint Theresa guild will hold their annual Harvest Fair, Nov. 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the church, 155 Washington St., Middletown. Italian cookie walk, food and craft booths, raffle of a 55-inch flat screen TV, breakfast and lunch sold. Enter the church hall from the Broad Street entrance, which is handicap accessible. Parking is available.

DR. STEVE BAND: The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main St., Middletown, presents the classic rock band, The Dr. Steve Band, on Nov. 10, from 8-10 pm. Seats are $10. Reservations online at www.Buttonwood.org

MEETING HOUSE PLAYERS: The Meeting House Players present “The Ladies Foursome,” Norm Foster’s heartwarming story of friendship, at the Meeting House, 4 Liberty St., Chester. Performances are Nov. 2, 3 and 9 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and $15. Reserve tickets at www.TheMeetingHousePlayers.com or by calling 860-526-3684. For additional information contact TheMeetingHousePlayers@gmail.com.

STORY TIME, CRAFT: Family Story Time and Craft with local author Diane Ohanesian, reading “Snuggle Down Deep,” will be held at 10:30 a.m., Nov. 10, at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore , 413 Main St., Middletown. Details at www.wesleyanrjjulia.com or call 860-685-3939. The program is free.

MIDDLEFIELD HOLIDAY FAIR: Middlefield Federated Church Women’s Christian Fellowship is holding its annual Holiday Fair Nov. 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the fellowship hall, 402 Main St., Middlefield. Come for breakfast, or lunch (including homemade pies and soups) in the Fellowship Café. There will be holiday decorations, baked goods, relish and jams, handmade items and jewelry. A silent auction will feature gift certificates, handpainted hand saw, services, jewelry and gift baskets. For further information call 860-349-1250. The church is located at 402 Main Street, Middlefield.

HIGGANUM HOLIDAY FAIR: Annual Holiday Fair will be held at the Higganum United Methodist Church, 248 Saybrook Rd., Higganum, on Saturday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. awith Country Store, Cookies by the Pound, Handicrafts, Baked Goods, Tea Cup Auction, Children's Booth, Baskets of many different items. There will also be a Snack Bar serving snacks and light luncheon.

Sunday, Nov. 11

TELLABRATION: The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center, 605 Main St., Middletown, presents the NEAR and Far Storytellers “Tellebration” Nov. 11, 3-5 p.m. $20. Reservations are suggested. Go to www.buttonwood.org or call 860-3474957

AUTHOR TALK: Phakchok Rinpoche and Erric Solomon wil discuss “Radically Happy” at 1 p.m., Nov. 11, at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore , 413 Main St., Middletown. Details at www.wesleyanrjjulia.com or call 860-685-3939.

CROMWELL VETERANS DAY: Cromwell American Legion Post 105 will hold its Veterans Day Ceremony and Valour Green Memorial dedication, Nov. 11, 2 p.m. in the Town Hall gym. All are welcome; refreshments provided.

ARTOPIA ART FESTIVAL: Epoch Arts, 27 Skinner St., East Hampton, will hold its annual Artopia Art Festival, Nov. 11, 1-4 p.m. Art exhibition, arts and crafts, food and live music, Makerspace activities all day. Free admission. Learn more at www.epocharts.org

TRI-TOWN VETERANS PARADE: The Tri-Town Veterans Parade and ceremony will be held Sunday, Nov. 11, 1 p.m. on the Veterans Green in Deep River. Any U.S. military veteran is welcomed to march. The route is just under one mile. No uniform or affiliated veterans membership is necessary. For information, call B. Burdick at 860-304-0364

VETERAN'S DAY SERVICE: A service honoring veterans and remembering the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day will be held Sunday, Nov. 11 at 9:30 a.m. at Trinity Church, 345 Main Street, Portland. Homily by Lance Williams, Army Ranger Special Ops Veteran who served in Iraq, with readings and hymns will be part of the service. All are welcome to attend.

PSYCHIC MEDIUM READING: Psychic medium Angelina Diana will hold a group reading on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m. at the Park & Rec Building at the Indian River Complex, 201 Killingworth Turnpike, Clinton. Tickets $55 per person and are available online at: clintonct.com/event/adpm.html; by phone at: 860-6693889; or in person at 50 East Main Street, Clinton. Find out more about Angelina Diana at: www.angelinadiana.com.

CELEBRATE NATIVE AMERICAN

HERITAGE: November is National Native American Heritage Month, and the Ivoryton Library, 106 Main St., Ivoryton, welcomes Screeching Hawk and other guests from the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut, Nov. 11 at 4 p.m. She will bring and discuss jewelry, baskets and other crafts, as well as regalia. She will also demonstrate tribal dances. For more information, call 860-676-1252.

MEDICARE ENROLLMENT: Medicare Open Enrollment Event at the East Hampton Senior Center, Nov. 12, by appointment. Meet with Choices Counsellors to determine the best plan for you.

TEEN ADVISORY BOARD: Portland Library Teen Advisory Board welcomes new members at its meeting, Monday, Nov. 12, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Help select reading materials, choose programs for children and teens, and have fun. Contact Jennifer Renk or Patty Ballou at 860-342-6770 or jrenk@portlandct.org. Next meeting is Dec. 10.

OPEN MIC: The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center, 605 Main St., Middletown, will hold its Anything Goes

Open Mic with moments of gratitude, hosted by Ashley Hamel, Nov. 12, 7-10 p.m. For information go to www.buttonwood.org or call 860-347-4957

MEDICARE ENROLLMENT:

Medicare Open Enrollment Event at the East Hampton Senior Center, Nov. 12, by appointment. Meet with Choices Counselors to determine the best plan for you.

VETERANS DAY CONCERT:

The Ivoryton Playhouse will present a Veterans Day Concert Nov. 12, 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m .at the playhouse. “Arlington Sons” performed by David Pittsinger and his son, Richard Pittsinger, plus other musical entertainment. Tickets $50; Buy one, and buy one for a veteran. Call 860 767 7318 or go to www.ivorytonplayhouse.org.

SUNDAY WORSHIP: Worship with Eucharist, 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Adult ed, Forgiveness, Sunday School/confirmation, 10:30 a.m., at Faith Lutheran Church, 300 Washington St., Middletown. For more information go to www.faithelcamiddletown.org.

Monday, Nov. 12

OPEN MIC: The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center, 605 Main St., Middletown, presents its recurring Anything Goes Open Mic (with Moments of Gratitude), hosted by Ashley Hamel, on Nov. 12, 7-10 p.m. Go to www.buttonwood.org or call 860-347-4957

Tuesday, Nov. 13

TERRIFIC TWOS: Twos are Terrific meets Tuesdays, Nov. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 10:30 a.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For two year olds (24 - 35 months) Siblings welcome. Drop in; no registration required.

HOMESCHOOL HUB: Homeschool Hub meets Nov. 13, 1 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Parents and caregivers can network while their children learn and have fun with a new activity each month. For children in preschool - grade 4 (ages 4 - 10). Drop in; no registration required.

ART PARTY: Art Party! meets Nov. 13, 4 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Celebrate each month with a new creative project. Bring imagination and a willingness to get messy. For children in grades k - 3 (ages 5 9). Drop in; no registration required.

RUSSELL READERS: Russell Readers: “Brownies” by ZZ Packer, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 2, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Meets second Tuesday of each month. For more information contact Chantal Foster at 860-573-2946 or Chantal.foster@comcast.net. Drop in; no registration required.

YOGA CLASSES: The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center, 605 Main St, Middletown, holds recurring yoga classes: Nov. 6, Nov. 13, 6-7 p.m. For information go to www.buttonwood.org or call 860-347-4957

FAMILY HISTORY :Get Expert Help Researching Your Family History from the genealogy experts at the Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield St., Middletown. Bring laptop and information. Nov. 13, Nov. 16, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Nov. 14, 5:30-8 p.m. Free to members, $10 session for guests. Call 860-346-4375 for more information. No pre-registration necessary.

HIDDEN GEMS AUTHOR: Robert and Kathleen Hubbard, authors of “Hidden History of Middlesex County,” will disucss their new book, present slides and discuss their research, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m. at the Portland Library. Books available for purchase. To register, call the library at 860342-6770 or visit www.portlandlibraryct.org.

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT:

Kris Vagos, a wildlife biologist from the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, presents a free illustrated talk on nocturnal animals in Connecticut, 7 p.m. Nov. 13, Essex Library, 33 West Ave., with live animals. RSVP: 860-767-1560.

WILDLIFE SERIES: The Killingworth Library presents a fall wildlife series led by Richard Taylor, Master Wildlife Conservationist from CT DEEP’s Wildlife team, 7 p.m. at the Killingworth Firehouse, 331 Route 81. Nov. 13, Fishers. Free, advance registration required. Call the Killingworth Library at 860-663-2000 or visit www.killingworthlibrary.org for additional details.

BOOK DISCUSSION: “A Star for Mrs. Blake” by April Smith, discussion on Nov. 13, 12 p.m. at the Portland Library.

AFTER DARK AT THE MANSION: The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate, Middletown, is co-hosting Art After Dark at the Mansion,” Nov. 13, 6 p.m. Create a project of your choosing- a set of three classically Christmas ornaments or one 15"x11" Christmas tree serving tray. Each $45 ticket includes materials/instruction + a signature cocktail from Hartford Flavor. Additional beverages will be available for purchase on site. Register at https://paintedbytheshore.com/products/christmas-paint-sip-1

AARP CHAPTER: Middlesex Chapter #3394 AARP will meet Nov. 13, at 1:30 p.m. at the Middletown Senior Center on Durant Street. Members wishing to attend the Holiday Luncheon must sign up at this meeting to attend. Joseph Bibisi, chairman of the Mayor's Task Force on Homelessness, is the guest speaker. Members are asked to bring new or slightly used bath towels and toiletries for the Warming Center, and non-perishable food items for the food pantry.

Wednesday, Nov. 14 PLAY SCRABBLE: Play Scrabble

on Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28, 5-7 p.m. in Meeting Room 3, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Carol Whitfield will lead players in scrabble games. Dictionaries, score sheets and scrabble boards are available. For ages 12 – 112. Drop-in or sign-up online and get an email reminder.

PRESCHOOL STORY HOUR:

Preschool Power Story Hour meets Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28, 10:30 a.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For kids in pre-k - kindergarten (ages 3 – 5). Siblings welcome. Drop in; no registration required.

LOW/NO COST TECH: Finding and Using Low Cost / No Cost Technologies, will be held Nov. 14, 12:15 -5 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For all ages. Registration required; register at https://19-28-042.eventbrite.com

POTTER FOOD: Harry Potter Food Explorers will meet Nov. 14, 6 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Registered Dietitian Katie Shepherd will offer tips for creating nutritious Hogwarts inspired treats, and test kids’ food and nutrition knowledge in fun ways. For grades 7 - 12 (ages 12 17). Registration is required; call 860-344-8479.

SOCIAL SECURITY EXPLAINED: Social Security Explained will be held Nov 14, 6:30 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Peter Leppones, CFP, an assets manager with Apella Capital, will present tips on navigating the Social Security system. Drop in; no registration required.

EAST HADDAM STORIES: Dr. Karl Stofko, East Haddam Town Historian, will give a talk at the East Haddam Historical Society Museum, 264 Town St., East Haddam, on Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m., telling four intriguing stories from East Haddam’s colorful past. Arrive early; these talks usually sell out. Admission $5 for guests, free to members. .

FAMILY HISTORY :Get Expert Help Researching Your Family History from the genealogy experts at the Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield St., Middletown. Whether you are just starting out or have hit a road block in research you’ve been conducting for a long time, we can help. Bring your laptop and information with you. Nov. 14, 5:30-8 p.m. Nov. 16, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Free to members, $10 session for guests. Call 860-346-4375 for more information. No pre-registration necessary.

UNDERSTANDING TRANSGENDER: Community Conversation: Understanding & Supporting the Transgender Community & Gender Non-Conforming Community, will be held Nov. 14, 5:30-8 p.m. at Middlesex Community College, 100 Training Hill Road, Middletown, presented by Middlesex Hospital and other partners. Light refreshments will be served. This conversation is meant to help people better understand and support the transgender and gender nonconforming communities.

BLUESGRASS COCNERT:

BluesGrass, a blues and bluegrass duo featuring local musicians Jon Swift and Mark White, will perform Nov. 14, 7 p.m. at the Durham Public Library. Registration suggested; go to durhamlibrary.org.

BOOKISH PROJECT: Bookish Orna-Momentos, a weekly event for grades 1 and up, Nov. 4, 4 p.m. at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore, 413 Main St., Middletown. Read a picture book or chapter and create an ornament to deck our halls. Free, no registration is required. Details at www.wesleyanrjjulia.com or call 860-6853939

Thursday, Nov. 15

BABY RHYME TIME: Baby Rhyme Time meets Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29, 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m., in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For babies birth - 12 months, and their caregivers. Drop in; no registration required.

VETERANS MOVIE: Film: Veterans of Color; hosted by the Veterans’ Writing Group, will be shown Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. African Americans served in some of the bloodiest combat missions in American history, then faced even fiercer battles when they returned home to face housing and job discrimination, racial hatred, and other hardships. In the film, veterans speak directly about their experiences. Drop in; no registration required. Everyone is welcome.

LIBRARY ANNIVERSARY:

Henry Carter Hull Library 20th Anniversary Celebration will be held Nov. 14, 5:30-7 p.m. with cake and refreshments, games and prizes. Staff and volunteers from past and present are invited for a group photo at 5:15pm. hchlibrary.org

STEM CHALLENGE: A Mayflower STEM Challenge geared toward children in grades 2-4 will be held Nov. 15, 4-5 p.m. at the Deep River Public Library. Registration is required. For details and registration, call 860-526-6039 or go to deeriverlibrary.accountsupport.com.

WITNESS STONES CEREMONY: The second annual Witness Stones Installation Ceremony will be held Nov. 15 at 9:30 a.m. on the Guilford Green. Adams Middle School students will again share the stories they created using historical documents to restore the history of persons who were enslaved locally. Keynote speaker with a special relationship to Guilford history and the Witness Stones Project. For more information go to www.witnessstones.org or contact Dennis Culliton at Dennis@WitnessStones.org or 203-233-1026. Rain location is the school gym.

SAILING CLUB: November 15th Shoreline Sailing Club will meet Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m. at the WEstbrook Elks Lodge. The club is for active singles who like to sail, socialize, dance, fish, kayak. Welcomes new members and sailing experience not necessary. www.shorelinesailingclub.com

SCORE WORKSHOP: Cathi Bosco will present a free workshop for SCORE on “Your WordPress Website and Digital Marketing Strategies 101”Nov. 15, 6-7:30 p.m. at Westbrook Public Library. anne.driscoll@scorevolunteer.org

LIBRARY MOVIE: See a film by Spike Lee, starring John David Washington, Adam Driver, Laura Harrier, Topher Grace, and Jasper Pääkkönen. Rated R. 135 minutes, Nov. 15, 5:30 p.m. at the Henry Carter Hull Library. Free, with free popcorn. hchlibrary.org.

MILITARY WRITING GROUP:

We Were There: Writing Your Military Experiences, will meet Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 29, 6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 2, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Led by Elizabeth Petry. All active or retired veterans can document their stories and experiences. New members welcome; recent veterans are especially encouraged to attend. The group recently signed a contract to publish a book of their collected writings. Facilitator Christy Billings can be reached at 860-347-2528 x 160 or cbillings@russelllibrary.org. No registration required.

60 PLUS LUNCHEON: The Durham 60+ Club and Travel will celebrate with the annual Thanksgiving potluck luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 15, 12 p.m. at the Durham Activity Center, 350 Main St. second floor in Durham. Members will bring donations for the Durham and Middlefield Food Pantries and collecting for the Durham Giving Tree.

Friday, Nov. 16

RELEASE PARTY: “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” film release celebration, Nov. 16, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Wesleyan R.J. Julia Bookstore, 413 Main St., Middletown. Drop by and pick up your copy, enjoy a workshop, come dressed as your favorite Harry Potter character and be entered in to win movie tickets to see the Crimes of Grindelwald or a Wesleyan RJJUlia gift card. Details at www.wesleyanrjjulia.com or call 860-6853939

GALLERY OPEN RECEPTION:

Spectrum Galery’s Holiday Show Open Reception: “Myths, Fairy Tales and Fantasies,” will be held Nov. 16, 6:30-9 p.m. at the gallery, 61 Main St., Centerbrok. Show runs through Jan. 13. See a variety of handmade fine crafts, ornaments and Spectrum’s annual six-foot holiday tree! Refreshments and wine are served. For information call 860-767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org

FAMILY HISTORY :Get Expert Help Researching Your Family History from the genealogy experts at the Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield St., Middletown. Whether you are just starting out or have hit a road block in research you’ve been conducting for a long time, we can help. Bring your laptop and information with you. Nov. 14, 5:30-8 p.m. Nov. 16, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Free to members, $10 session for guests. Call 860-346-4375 for more information. No pre-registration necessary.

BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC:

Blood Pressure Clinic will be held Nov. 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the East Hampton Senior Center. Walk-ins welcome, no appointment needed. Sponsored by Chatham Health District.

LIBRARY BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Russell Library Book Sale will be held Nov. 16, 9 a.m.-6 p.m,. Nov. 17, 9 a.m.-2 p.m .and Nov. 18, 1-5 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. To donate, bring your books to the Library or email for possible pick-up: friendsatrussell@gmail.com.

CHRISTMAS FAIR KICKOFF: St. Peter Church Candlelight Christmas Fair begins with “Twas the Night Before,” Nov. 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the church, St. Peter Lane, Higganum. An adults only wine, cheese and hors d'oeuvre reception; early bird buying, door prizes and fun. Tickets $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

SPECTRUM HOLIDAY SHOW:

Spectrum Gallery and Artisans Store of Centerbrook’S holiday show, “Myths, Fairy Tales and Fantasies!” runs Nov. 16-Jan. 13, with an opening reception, Nov. 16, 6:30-9 p.m. t 61 Main St., Centerbrook. Food, wine and shopping, with storytelling by Sujata Srinivasan. For more information call 860-767-0742 and visit spectrumartgallery.org; call the Killingworth Arts Center at 860-663-5593 and visit artscenterkillingworth.org.

VINTAGE PLAYERS SHOW: The Vintage Players Ensemble Company performs an evening of one-act comedy pieces, “You Know I Can’t Hear You When the Water’s Running” by Robert Anderson and “Israeli Security” by Vintage Players alumna, Terri Klein, Nov. 16-17, 7 p.m. at Oddfellows Playhouse, Middletown. Tickets $25, reserve at www.oddfellows.org and clicking on “Shows and Events.” Reservations strongly recommended. A reception follows each performance.

Saturday, Nov. 17

ST. PETER CHRISTMAS FAIR: St. Peter Church’s 59th Annual Christmas Fair will be held Nov. 176, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the church, St. Peter Lane, Higganum. Jewelry, baked goods, antiques/ collectibles, crafts, quilts and knitted items, Christmas and holiday wreaths and decorations; Country Kitchen will be serving everything from coffee and pastries to a complete luncheon menu throughout the day. Big raffle grand prize, $1,000 Visa card, second and third, $500 Visa card, mini-raffle with gifts. Details, call chairman Mikd Farina at 860-345-4808 or the church at 860-345-8018.