CALENDAR

Tuesday, Dec. 11 HOMESCHOOL HUB Homeschool Hub meets Dec. 11, 1 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Children can learn and have fun with a new activity each month while their parents and caregivers network. For children in preschool - grade 4 (ages 4 10). Drop in; no registration required.

RUSSELL READERS: Russell Readers will discuss “Awaiting Orders: by Tobias Wolff, Dec. 11, 6:30 pm., in Meeting Room 2, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. The group meets the second Tuesday of each month. For more information contact Chantal Foster at 860-573-2946 or email Chantal.foster@comcast.net. Drop in; no registration required. TERRIFIC TWOS: Twos are Terrific, Dec. 4, 11, 18, 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. MITTEN DRIVE: the Russell Library, 123 Broad St., Middletown, is collecting new mittens, gloves, scarves, hats, and warm socks of all sizes for distribution to various community organizations, through Dec. 12 . Look for the bin in the lobby.

GALLERY SHOW: Spectrum Gallery Exhibit, Myths, Fairy Tales and Fantasies!, continues until Jan. 13. For hours and other information visit www.spectrumartgallery.org or call 860-767-0742.

HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE: The Clinton Police Department and Clinton Social Services’ Clinton Holiday Toy Drive continues to Dec. 13. Drop off an unwrapped toy at the main lobby of Clinton Police Headquarters, located at 170 East Main St., Clinton, Milone Chiropractic Center, 69 East Main St., and Scottish Dave’s Pub, 24 East Main St. Gifts for all ages are needed - don’t forget teenagers.

ADVENT MEDITATIONS: The Rev. Phil Bjornberg will be leading guided periods of contemplative prayer and meditation weekly during Advent at Trinity Church, 345 Main Street, Portland. Gatherings will be in the church sanctuary at 7:30 on Tuesday evenings, Dec. 4, 11, 18. All are welcome. YULE BOOK FLOOD: The 2nd Annual Jolabokaflod ("YO-LA-BOK-A-FLOT) at Henry Carter Hull Library. Through December, celebrate the Icelandic "Yule Book Flood" tradition of giving books and chocolate during the winter holidays. Buy any $2 book at the book saleand get a free gourmet Lindt Chocolate Truffle. Sponsored by Lindt Chocolate Shop at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets. Wednesday, Dec. 12 DEALING WITH GRIEF: How to Deal With Grief During the Holidays, De. 12, 2 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown, with Michelle Pellin, ((MS, MA, LPC) offering support to those coming to terms with a loss, especially at a time of year when there is so much pressure to be happy. Drop in; no registration required. POWER STORY HOUR: Preschool Power Story Hour meets Dec. 5, 12, 19, 10:30 a.m., in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For ages 3 - 5 (Pre-k through kindergarten) Siblings welcome. Drop in; no registration required. SCRABBLE CLUB: Scrabble club meets Dec. 5, 12, 19, 26, 5 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 and up including adults. Drop-in or sign-up online and get an email reminder.

MITTEN DRIVE: the Russell Library, 123 Broad St., Middletown, is collecting new mittens, gloves, scarves, hats, and warm socks of all sizes for distribution to various community organizations, through Dec. 12 . Look for the bin in the lobby. GALLERY SHOW: Spectrum Gallery Exhibit, Myths, Fairy Tales and Fantasies!, continues until Jan. 13. For hours and other information visit www.spectrumartgallery.org or call 860-767-0742.

HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE: The Clinton

Police Department and Clinton Social Services’ Clinton Holiday Toy Drive continues to Dec. 13. Drop off an unwrapped toy at the main lobby of Clinton Police Headquarters, located at 170 East Main St., Clinton, Milone Chiropractic Center, 69 East Main St., and Scottish Dave’s Pub, 24 East Main St. Gifts for all ages are needed - don’t forget teenagers. Thursday, Dec. 13 YULE BOOK FLOOD: The 2nd Annual Jolabokaflod ("YO-LA-BOK-A-FLOT) at Henry Carter Hull Library. Through December, celebrate the Icelandic "Yule Book Flood" tradition of giving books and chocolate during the winter holidays. Buy any $2 book at the book saleand get a free gourmet Lindt Chocolate Truffle. Sponsored by Lindt Chocolate Shop at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets.

STEM ACTIVITY: Racing Reindeer STEM Activity at the Deep River Public Library, Dec. 13, 4 p.m. Registration required. Using balloon power, race reindeer cutouts in teams across the room. Parents are welcome. Recommended for ages 5-8. Visit deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com GALLERY SHOW: Spectrum Gallery Exhibit, Myths, Fairy Tales and Fantasies!, continues until Jan. 13. For hours and other information visit www.spectrumartgallery.org or call 860-767-0742.

HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE: The Clinton Police Department and Clinton Social Services’ Clinton Holiday Toy Drive continues to Dec. 13. Drop off an unwrapped toy at the main lobby of Clinton Police Headquarters, located at 170 East Main St., Clinton, Milone Chiropractic Center, 69 East Main St., and Scottish Dave’s Pub, 24 East Main St. Gifts for all ages are needed - don’t forget teenagers.

MILITARY WRITING GROUP:We Were There: Writing Your Military Experiences, meets Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27, 6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 2, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown, led by Elizabeth Petry. New members are always welcome and recent veterans are especially encouraged to attend. The group recently signed a contract to publish a book of their collected writings. Drop in; no registration required.

BABY BOUNCE: Baby Bounce meets Dec, 6, 13, 20; 10:30 a.m. at the Deep River Public Library. Best for children up to 24 months; older siblings welcome. Drop in, no registration.

BABY RHYME TIME: Baby Rhyme Time meets Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27, 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. (only 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 27), in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For babies birth - 12 months, and their caregivers. Sponsored by the Friends of the Russell Library.

BOOKS AND BREWS: Books and Brews Book Discussion: “Wishin’ and Hopin’: A Christmas Story” by Wally Lamb, 6 p.m., Dec. 13, at Stubborn Beauty Brewery, 180 Johnson Street, Middletown. This Lamb novella captures the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Drop in; no registration required, hosted by the Russell Library. TAX LAW CHANGES: Tax Law Changes for 2018 with Heidi Parchman, Liberty Tax Services, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. With the passage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, many tax laws and forms have changed, including the familiar federal 1040 form. Learn about many of these changes before you file. Drop in; no registration required.

STEM ACTIVITY: Racing Reindeer STEM Activity, Dec. 13, 4 p.m. at the Deep River Public Library, for ages 5-8. Registration required; parents are welcome. Register at http://deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com and click on our monthly calendar, or call 860526-6039. JACQUES PEPIN BOOK SIGNING:

Jacques Pepin Book Signing, “Menus,” 6 p.m., Dec. 13, $19.99 includes a copy of the book and the signing line. For more than 50 years, Pépin has chronicled his menus for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays in handsome hand-illustrated books. On one side, inside a painted border, he lists the dishes served. His guests sign the opposite page and memorialize the occasion. Call the store at

860-685-3939 to purchase your ticket. Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore 413 Main Street, Middletown. Friday, Dec. 14 FUN FRIDAY: Fun Friday meets Dec. 7, 14, 21, 30, 10:30 a.m. at the Deep River Public Library. Stories and songs followed by craft and open play. Perfect for the preschool set. Drop in, no registration. GALLERY SHOW: Spectrum Gallery Exhibit, Myths, Fairy Tales and Fantasies!, continues until Jan. 13. For hours and other information visit www.spectrumartgallery.org or call 860-767-0742.

NICK OF TIME: Madhatters Theatre Company presents the holiday musical comedy “In the Nick of Time” at Chester Meeting House 4 Liberty Street, Chester, Dec. 14, 6 p.m., Dec. 15, 2 p.m., 7 p.m., Dec. 16, 2 p.m. Tickets $20 adults, $15 for 12 and under. Benefits Smiles for Smilow Cancer Center at Yale. Reserve at madhattersctc@aol.com or call 860-3951861 LIBRARY BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Russell Library Book Sale, De. 14, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec. 16, 1-5 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Friends' book sales offer something for everyone and help the Friends fund a wide variety of Library programs.

SICILIAN ROOTS MUSIC: The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center 605 Main St., Middletown, presents Sicilian folk/roots band Rosa Tatuata, Dec. 14, 8 p.m. $15. Reservations are suggested. Go to www.buttonwood.org or call 860-3474957 LANTERN LIGHT TOURS: The Madison Historical Society, together with members of the Deacon John Grave Foundation and students from Daniel Hand High School, will offer lantern light tours in the Madison Green National Historic District, Dec. 14, 6-9 p.m. $12 adults, $10 members, $5 for children ages 5-7. Reserve at www.madisonhistory.org or call 203245-4567. Recommended for age 5 and up. UGLY SWEATER PARTY: Epoch Arts, 27 Skinner St., East Hampton, will hold an Ugly Sweater Party, Dec. 14, 7 p.m. at the monthly dance party. Prizes awarded; for grades 6 and up. $5 admission. Details at epocharts.org. Saturday, Dec. 15

YULE BOOK FLOOD: The 2nd Annual Jolabokaflod ("YO-LA-BOK-A-FLOT) at Henry Carter Hull Library. Through December, celebrate the Icelandic "Yule Book Flood" tradition of giving books and chocolate during the winter holidays. Buy any $2 book at the book saleand get a free gourmet Lindt Chocolate Truffle. Sponsored by Lindt Chocolate Shop at Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets.

HOLIDAY ON MAIN: Middletown’s 33rd Annual Holiday on Main Street presented by Pratt & Whitney, concludes Dec. 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For complete information, go to www.HolidayonMain.com

LIBRARY BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Russell Library Book Sale, De. 14, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec. 16, 1-5 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Friends' book sales offer something for everyone and help the Friends fund a wide variety of Library programs.

KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY: Epoch Arts,27 Skinner St., East Hampton, will hold a Kids Christmas Party, 1 p.m. Dec. 15. $15.Make presents to put under the tree, decorate cookies, read stories, visit with Santa, watch a movie. For ages 4-11, $15. Epoch Arts is a non profit arts for youth organization. epocharts.org.

GALLERY SHOW: Spectrum Gallery Exhibit, Myths, Fairy Tales and Fantasies!, continues until Jan. 13. For hours and other information visit www.spectrumartgallery.org or call 860-767-0742.

GRINCH STORY TIME: Annual Grinch Story Time at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore , 413 Main St., Middletown, 11:30 a.m., Dec. 15, free. Donations of gentlyused children’s books for local non-profit Read to Grow are welcome. Bring books from home, and/or check out our “Books to Donate” display at the store. Details at www.wesleyanrjjulia.com or call 860685-3939.