CALENDAR

Today

LAWN THEATER: Kidz Konnection Shoreline Theater Academy’s free Summer Theater on the Lawn Series. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic. Programs are held on the lawn of the Kidz Konnection Shoreline Theater Academy, 61 East Main St. Aug. 2, Peter Pan, Jr.; Aug. 11, 5 p.m., Aug. 12, 2 p.m., Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” at Old Brick; Aug. 16, 3 p.m., The Jungle Book Kids; Aug. 24, 6 p.m., Aug. 25, 12 p.m, 6 p.m., Aug. 26, 4 p.m., “Mamma Mia.” For more information call 860-227-2363. Email kidzkonnectionct@gmail.com or visit kidzkonnectionct.org. COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: On Aug. 12 from 6 to 7 p.m., state Sen. Norm Needleman, D-Essex, and state Rep. Christie Carpino, R-Cromwell, will host a community conversation at the Portland Library Mary Flood Room, 20 Freestone Ave., Portland. Anyone wishing to discuss pertinent political matters may attend.

READING PRIZES: Final Adult Summer Reading Prize Drawing, Aug. 12. Russell Library, 123 Broad St., Middletown. Details at russelllibrary.org.

Tuesday, Aug. 13

ARTSNET90: The next ArtsNet90 meeting will take place Aug. 13 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Oddfellows Playhouse. Keynote speaker will be Jackie Downing, director of Grantmaking and Nonprofit Effectiveness at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. She will discuss “Nonprofit Resources: Where to Find Money, Consultants, Training, Board Members, and Other Resources.” The event is hosted by the Middletown Commission on the Arts. To attend, email office@shorelinearts.org or arts@middletownct.gov. TODDLER DANCE: Twinkle Toes Toddler Dance will be held Aug. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Durham Public Library for ages 2-5 with an adult. Registration required. Call 860-349-9544 or visit durhamlibrary.org.

Wednesday, Aug. 14 MAGIC SHOW: Out of this World Magic Show by Mr. Magic, 6 p.m. Aug. 14, Chester Town Hall, free. For families, all ages. Space is limited. Call the Chester Public Library at 860-526-0018 or visit http:// chesterct.org/library-program-registration/ or on Facebook to register.

LEGO ROBOTICS: LEGO Robotics #3 will be held Aug. 14 at 3 p.m. at the Durham Library for ages 7-11. Build and program a simple robot. Registration required. Call 860-349-9544 or visit durhamlibrary.org.

LAWN THEATER: Kidz Konnection Shoreline Theater Academy’s free Summer Theater on the Lawn Series. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic. Programs are held on the lawn of the Kidz Konnection Shoreline Theater Academy, 61 East Main St. Aug. 2, Peter Pan, Jr.; Aug. 11, 5 p.m., Aug. 12 2 p.m., Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” at Old Brick; Aug. 16, 3 p.m., The Jungle Book Kids; Aug. 24, 6 p.m., Aug. 25, 12 p.m, 6 p.m., Aug. 26, 4 p.m., “Mamma Mia.” For more information call 860-227-2363. Email kidzkonnectionct@gmail.com or visit kidzkonnectionct.org

Thursday, Aug. 15

FREE FILMS: Thursday Movie Matinees take place weekly at 1:30 p.m. at the Durham Library. See durhamlibrary.org for the list of movies.

Saturday, Aug. 17

LIFE DISCOVERIES: A six-week series, Life Discoveries: Hands-On with the Middletown Green Community Center, 11 a.m., July 13, 20, 27, Aug. 3, 10, 17, for ages 7-12. Register at: middletowngreencommunitycenter@gmail.com DEEP RIVER FLEA MARKET: Annual Flea Market at Deep River Congregational Church, 8:30 a.m., 3 p.m., Aug. 17, on the church lawn and Marvin Field, Route 154. Details at www.deeprivercc.org.

BARBECUE, MOVIE: Trinity Church, 345 Main Street, Portland, will host a barbecue and movie night on the church lawn, 5-11 p.m. Aug. 17. All are invited to come and share an evening of fun, music, a movie and food. For further info contact Jackie Keech 860-342-3051.

TEEN PROGRAM: The Durham Library will host Magic the Gathering Draft Aug. 17 at 1 p.m. for grades 6 and up. Prior experience playing Magic is needed. Registration required. Call 860-3499544 or visit durhamlibrary.org.

Sunday, Aug. 18

SUNDAY WORSHIP: Worship with Eucharist, 9 a.m., Adult Education “Loving Jesus,” 10:30 a.m.: at Faith Lutheran Church, 300 Washington Street, Middletown. For more information go to www.faithelcamiddletown.org

SUNDAY WORSHIP: Trinity Episcopal Church, 345 Main St., Portland, holds Sunday worship at 9 a.m. followed by the coffee hour. Sunday School is held at 9:30 a.m. All are invited. The church’s missional priest is the Rev. Phil Bjornberg. SACRAMENT MEETING: Sacrament meeting, 10 a.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 130 South St., Cromwell.

Monday, Aug. 19

CORNHOLE CHALLENGE: Community Music School second annual Cornhole Charity Challenge, 5 p.m. Aug. 19, Essex Island. Live music, southern barbecue, BYOB. Tickets $25 adutls, $12 children, 5 and under free. Teams of two can enter the cornhole competition for $20. Rain or shine; covered area available. For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cmsct.org/cornhole or call CMS at 860-767-0026.

Tuesday, Aug. 20

FAVORITE READS: Henry Carter Hull Library invites readers to share book reviews, get reading suggestions, learn about hot titles, enter to win books, and enjoy complimentary coffee and light breakfast from Lindt Chocolate Shop and The Shoreline of Clinton. Aug. 20, 9:30 a.m. Details at hchlibrary.org.

ADULT PROGRAM: From Durham to Oaxaca: A Travelogue will be held at the Durham Library Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. Oaxaca, Mexico, travel experiences with Marilyn Horn. Registration required. Call 860349-9544 or visit durhamlibrary.org.

TRIVIA FUNDRAISER: Cat Tales and Chicago Sam’s are holding a trivia fundraiser with a DJ Aug 20 at 7 p.m. at Chicago Sam’s, 51-14 Shunpike Road, Cromwell. Cost is $20 to play, with prizes for the top three finishers. All proceeds benefit Cat Tales, a nonprofit feline rescue in Middletown.

Wednesday, Aug. 21

POTLUCK DINNERS: Summer potluck dinners at the First Congregational Church, 355 Main St., Cromwell, 6:30 p.m., July 10, Aug. 7, Aug. 21, Sept. 4. Meet others in the community and the church. For more information call the church office at 860-635-4806.

TEEN PROGRAM: Teen Books & Buzz will take place at the Durham Library Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. Read “Ghost” by Jason Reynolds. No registration needed.

Thursday, Aug. 22

FREE FILMS: Thursday Movie Matinees take place weekly at 1:30 p.m. at the Durham Library. See durhamlibrary.org for the list of movies.

INDIE CONCERT: The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main St., Middletown, will be hosting Lucy’s Neighbor, an upbeat indie rock/ power pop band, Aug. 23 from 8 to 10 pm. For $10, hear Lucy’s Neighbor perform two sets of their original music, including new songs from their next album. For information, visit buttonwood.org or call 860-347-4957.

DRUM CIRCLE: The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center, 605 Main St., Middletown, will hold a Middlesex Drum Circle. For anyone who enjoys a good drum rhythm, especially when in a circle, there will be an event from 7 to 9 p.m. every month on the fourth Thursday. There is a $5 suggested donation, and no reservations are necessary. Percussion interments will be available, although people are encouraged to bring their own. For information, visit buttonwood.org or call 860-347-4957.

SCIENCE SESSION: Patrons of the Henry Carter Hull Library in Clinton can learn to “Capture the Night Sky with Amateur Astrophotography” Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. during a talk with Jim Mazur, who will discuss the equipment used (including a cellphone) and tips for getting started. He will also share his photos, ranging from the moon to distant galaxies. For information, visit hchlibrary.org.

HOUSE TOUR: The Haddam Historical Society will host an “Artistry and Architecture House Tour” Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit six architecturally distinct properties which convey past and present innovative creativity and resourcefulness. Visitors will tour a vineyard, pottery studio, painter’s oasis and the home of City Bench, which creates furniture from fallen trees. Advance tickets are $25; $30 at the door. The tour starts at Haddam Old Town Hall, 21 Field Park Drive. A boxed lunch from the Wheatmarket in Chester is available that day for $15, but must be ordered in advance. Visit haddamhistory.org, email contact@haddamhistory.org or call 860-345-2400.

Friday, Aug. 23

FREE KIDS THEATER: Aug. 23, 6 p.m.; Aug. 24, noon and 6 p.m. Outdoor Theater on the Lawn, “Mamma Mia!” Fulllength musical production presented by Kidz Konnection Shoreline Theater Academy, 61 E. Main St., Clinton. Bring picnic, lawn chairs/blankets. Fun for whole family. For infor, contact kidzkonnectionct@gmail.com, 860-2272363 or visit kidzkonnectionct.org.

Saturday, Aug. 24

LAWN THEATER: Kidz Konnection Shoreline Theater Academy’s free Summer Theater on the Lawn Series. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic. Programs are held on the lawn of the Kidz Konnection Shoreline Theater Academy, 61 East Main St. Aug. 24, 6 p.m., Aug. 25, 12 p.m, 6 p.m., Aug. 26, 4 p.m., “Mamma Mia.” For more information call 860-227-2363. Email kidzkonnectionct@gmail.com or visit kidzkonnectionct.org.

JAZZ CONCERT: The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main St., will present the Mary Ellen Longergan Jazz Trio Aug. 24 from 8 to 10 p.m. The band is Kent Hewitt on piano, Mike Asetta on bass, and Mary Ellen Longergan with vocals. The group will be performing some standards. Cost is $10 at the door or make a reservation at buttonwood.org or call 860-347-4957.

Sunday, Aug. 25

SUNDAY WORSHIP: Worship with Eucharist, 9 a.m., Adult Education “Loving Jesus,” 10:30 a.m.: at Faith Lutheran Church, 300 Washington Street, Middletown. For more information go to www.faithelcamiddletown.org.

BOOK TALK: Author and parenting expert Mindie Barnett is a co-parenting expert who shares her professional insight in her inspirational self-help memoir, “Intermission: How Fervor, Friendships and Faith Took Me to The Second Act.” Wesleyan R.J. Julia Bookstore at 413 Main St., Middletown, is hosting a book talk with Barnett and writer “You Glow Girl” Beth WilsonParentice Aug. 25 at 3 p.m.