The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
CALENDAR
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Nov. 15 at 9:30 a.m. on the Guilford Green.Adams Middle School students will again share the stories they created using historical documents to restore the history of persons who were enslaved locally.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 860685-3939
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, 9:3010:30 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 pickup: 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 ‘CARMEN’ IN MIDDLETOWN: Greater Middletown Concert Association presents Bizet’s “Carmen” at the MHS Performing Arts Center, 200 LaRosa Lane, Middletown, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. A fully staged production, the opera is presented and performed by Connecticut Lyric Opera and Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra. For tickets and information, call 860-343-7555 or visit www.greatermiddletownconcerts.org. Tickets will be available at the door.
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.
LIBRARY BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Russell Library Book Sale will be held 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. LLAMA STORY TIME: Llama Llama Story Time and Pajama Drive, Nov. 17, 10:30 a.m. at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore , 413 Main St., Middletown. Wear your favorite pajamas and bring a pair to donate. Details at www.wesleyanrjjulia.com or call 860-685-3939
TALES FOR TAILS: “Tales for Tails” book signing, product launch and adoption event with Chicken Soup for the Soul author Jeanne Blandford, will be held Nov. 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Agway of Middlefield. All proceeds will be donated to Cat Tales Non Profit Rescue of Middletown. Cat Tales will also be holding an adoption event and collecting shelter supplies. For more information on the event and to RSVP for the book signing, visit: myagway.com/events. SNOW WHITE ON STAGE: Kidz Konnection Shoreline Theater Academy will present “Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs” Nov. 17, 4 p.m., Nov. 18, 2 p.m. at Andrews Memorial Town Hall, Clinton. Tickets $15 adults, $12 students/seniors. Reserve at tututix.com or contact kidzkonnectionct@gmail.com or 860-227-2363 for personal assistance. Tickets also sold at the door. For more info visit kidzkonnectionct.org. HARMONICAL AND STRINGS CONCERT: Classical Harmonica Player Jia-Yi He with a String Quartet, Nov. 17, 1:30 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Jia-Yi He, a world-class harmonica virtuoso, has received numerous awards in international festivals and competitions, and participated in the America’s Got Talent TV show. Free. ‘CARMEN’ AT MHS: Bizet’s “Carmen” performed by Connecticut Lyric Opera, will be presented by the Greater Middletown Concert Association at MHS Performing Arts Center, Saturday, Nov. 17, 8 p.m . For tickets and information call 860-343-7555. www.GreaterMiddletownConcerts.org.
DISABILITIES WORKSHOP: By Your Side Advocacy LLC founder and National Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates member Karen Linder at Henry Carter Hull Library will lead a workshop on what an unidentified learning disability may look like and the education laws that support a child’s evaluation, Nov. 16, 10:30 a.m. at the Henry Carter Hull Library. free. hchlibrary.org.
CLINTON HOLLY FAIR: The annual Holly Fair of the United Methodist Church of Clinton, 12 Commerce St, will be held 9 a.m-2:30 p.m., Nov. 17. Handiwork, greens, decorations, knitted and crocheted work, a Country Store, SERRV items to benefit crafters from other countries, vintage jewelry, books and Christmas Past items. Lunch served 11 a.m.-1 p.m., with a menu of corn chowder, vegetarian chili, chicken salad, sandwiches and apple pie or pumpkin squares. For information call 860-6698396. WRITING FAMILY HISTORY: Write Your Family History, Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield St., Middletown, Nov. 17 9:30-11 a.m. Free to members, $10 guests. Call 860-346-4375 for more info. No pre-registration necessary.
LIKE IT, PAINT IT: Like It, Paint It With Carlos Ayala at Deep River Public Library, Nov. 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $25 for supplies, cash only. Registration is required for this class and limited to 15 participants. Go to http://deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.comand or call the library at 860526-6039. VENDOR, CRAFT FAIR: Portland High School Class of 2019 will host a Holiday Vendor & Craft Fair, Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Portland High School, 95 High St., to benefit Project Graduation. Admission is free, handicapped parking available. More than 30 vendors with jewelry, candles, soaps, clothing and accessories, home décor, holiday gifts, food, raffles, baked goods, refreshments for sale, Teacup Raffle Drawing at 1:30 p.m. CRAFT FAIR: The Ladies Guild of St. Bridget's Church in Moodus is holding a Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the church hall. Proceeds from the craft fair will benefit the Mercy Scholarship Fund. St. Bridget's Church is located at 75 Moodus-Leesville Road.