CALENDAR

Monday, Oct. 26

OPEN MIC: Anything Goes Open Mic with Moments of Gratitude, Mondays, 7 p.m., free, Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main St., Middletown. Details at buttonwood.org TheButtonwoodTree@gmail.com or 860-347-4957. Donations are appreciated to help keep the organization serving its mission.

PET MEMORIALS: Branford Compassion Club Feline Rescue & Adoption Center is selling pet memorial leaves through Oct. 31, to decorate the Giving Tree of Life mural. Details at www.branfordcompassionclub.org.

PET FOOD, SUPPLY DRIVE: Branford Compassion Club Feline Rescue & Adoption Center is holding a pet food and supply drive through Oct. 31. Details at www.branfordcompassionclub.org

HALLOWEEN FREAK SHOW: Epoch Arts will hold a safe theatrical Halloween trail called: Freak Show, with online registration that began Oct. 16. The event is almost entirely outdoors, with a brief pass through the building at 27 Skinner St., East Hampton. Non-registered walkins are welcome, space permitting. Masks are required. Dates are Oct. 23-24, 30-31, 7-10 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and the events are rain or shine. To register, go to www.epocharts.org

XAVIER EXAM: Eighth graders can begin their application to Xavier today. Start by completing the application for admission form and selecting a test registration date which can be done through Xavier’s website, in “Applying to Xavier” under Admissions. The Entrance Exam will be offered on Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 in person at Xavier. Families opting for an online test or a 1:1 test session can contact Director of Admissions Nicholas Grasso through e-mail (nmgrasso@xavierhighschool.org) for more information about those options. All application materials, which include essay, letters of recommendation, and report cards are due by Nov. 23.

SERVICE AWARD EVENT: Second Company Governor’s Foot Guard Emergency Service Award Presentation, 7 p.m. Oct. 26, Branford Armory 87 Montowese St., Branford. All COVID-19 protocols will be followed. Details at https://rb.gy/nrejax

AUTHOR TALK: Guy Gilchrist, “Monster Dance”, 4 p.m., Oct. 26, on Zoom, free. Registered attendees will be provided with a link and password to the virtual meeting. RJ Julia Booksellers, details at www.rjjulia.com or call 203-245-3959

Tuesday, Oct. 27

LAUGHTER YOGA: Tuesdays: Laughter Yoga - 7 p.m., free. Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main St., Middletown. Details at buttonwood.org TheButtonwoodTree@gmail.com or 860-347-4957. Donations are appreciated to help keep the organization serving its mission.

STORY TIME: Short and Sweet Story Time, ages 2-5, on Zoom, 10:30 a.m. with the Deep River Library, Tuesdays until further notices. is available on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 am until further notice. For more information, including the Zoom meeting link, go to deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com and click on monthly calendar, or call the library at 860-5266039.

ELECTION SPEAKER SERIES: In the lead-up to the 2020 election, Wesleyan University will host the E2020 Speaker Series on Zoom; free, RSVP required. Go to https://rb.gy/dubedg and a link will be emailed. Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m., Speaker Series Event: Kristina Wong.

LUNG CANCER: Webinar – Early detection and surviving lung cancer, 12-1 p.m. Oct. 27, free virtual class with boardcertified thoracic surgeon, Dr. Stefan Kachala, to understand who is at risk for lung cancer and who can benefit from screening. Q&A with the surgeon will follow the presentation. Registration required. Call 855-442-4373) or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses. After you register, you’ll receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

SHOULDER ARTHRITIS: Shoulder Arthritis and Advances in Treatments, 6-7 p.m. Oct. 27, free online class with Dr. Eric Padegimas, Orthopaedic surgeon, to learn about the common symptoms of shoulder pain and what types of arthritis affect the shoulder. Q&A with the surgeon will follow the presentation. Registration required. Call 855-442-4373) or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses. After you register, you’ll receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

GET YOUR DIPLOMA: If you have a computer, you can go to school. Middletown Adult Education is offering free Online high school completion classes to earn your diploma. They also offer a free online GED program to prepare for the GED exam. Registration is ongoing for area residents. For more information, call 860-343-6044.

AUTHOR TALK: Carl Hiaasen, “Squeeze Me”, 7 p.m., Oct. 28, free on Zoom. Registration required, a link will be emailed. RJ Julia Booksellers, details at www.rjjulia.com or call 203-245-3959.

BOOK LAUNCH: Kerri Maniscalco, “Kingdom of the Wicked” Book Launch, In conversation with Stephanie Garber, 6 p.m., Oct. 27, ticketed on Zoom. Ticket for admission and a copy of Kingdom of the Wicked costs $18.99. Purchase tickets online. Ticket holders will be provided with a link and password to the virtual meeting on the day of the event. Details at www.rjjulia.com or call 203-245-3959.

Wednesday, Oct. 28

FREE TO GO MEAL: Faith Lutheran Church, Middletown, will give out free to go meals at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays until further notice. All are welcome. Go to to the well-marked door located in the back of the church.

CRISPY CHICKEN: Make Hawkeye's Crispy Chicken with the Deep River Library, 4 p.m. Oct. 28, free on Zoom. Ingredients: 1 cup of coarsely crushed chips, 1 tablespoon fresh or dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1 pound of chicken drumsticks, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Kitchen tools: a plastic bag, pastry brush, foil, cookie sheet. Only register if you need to pick up chips from the library. Go to Facebook, deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com and click monthly calendar, or call the library at 860-526-6039 to register.

GROWING YOUR BUSINESS: SCORE Southeastern Connecticut Presents: “Fundamentals of Starting or Growing Your Business #5: Show Me the Money – Essential Financial Planning” end of five part series, 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 28 on Zoom. Details at sect.score.org.

HEADACHES WEBINAR: Webinar – Don’t Let Headaches Rule Your Life, 12-1 p.m. Oct. 28, with neurologist, Dr. Nicole Gill, to learn more about the causes of headaches, how headaches are diagnosed, and treatment options available to you. Q&A with the surgeon will follow the presentation. Registration required. Call 855-442-4373) or go to HartfordHealthCare.org/VirtualClasses. After you register, you’ll receive an email with easy instructions on joining the webinar.

AUTHOR TALK: Carl Hiaasen, “Squeeze Me”, In conversation with Peter J. Solomon, 7 p.m., Oct. 28, free on Zoom. Registration required; attendees will be provided with a link and password to the virtual meeting. RJ Julia Booksellers, details at www.rjjulia.com or call 203245-3959.

Thursday, Oct. 29

GOTTA’S OPEN MIC: Thursdays, Bob Gotta's Open Mic, 7 p.m., free. Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main St., Middletown. Details at buttonwood.org, TheButtonwoodTree@gmail.com or 860-347-4957. Donations are appreciated to help keep the organization serving its mission.

PET MEMORIALS: Branford Compassion Club Feline Rescue & Adoption Center is selling pet memorial leaves through Oct. 31, to decorate the Giving Tree of Life mural. Details at www.branfordcompassionclub.org.

PET FOOD, SUPPLY DRIVE: Branford Compassion Club Feline Rescue & Adoption Center is holding a pet food and supply drive through Oct. 31. Details at www.branfordcompassionclub.org

STORY TIME: A story time on the Deep River Library lawn, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, rain dates are Fridays except Oct. 1. Bring chairs or blankets and be prepared to adhere to social distancing practices. No registration is required. All are welcome. For details go to deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com or call 860-526-6039.

HALLOWEEN FREAK SHOW: Epoch Arts will hold a safe theatrical Halloween trail called: Freak Show, with online registration that began Oct. 16. The event is almost entirely outdoors, with a brief pass through the building at 27 Skinner St., East Hampton. Non-registered walkins are welcome, space permitting. Masks are required. Dates are Oct. 23-24, 30-31, 7-10 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and the events are rain or shine. To register, go to www.epocharts.org

BATS: THEIR LIVES: Bats: Their Lives and Lore, 7 p.m. Oct. 29, on Zoom. October is Bat month and just in time for Halloween, Master Wildlife Conservationist Maureen Heidtmann will provide an overview of bats of the world, with an emphasis on our local species. The program will be presented on Zoom, Meeting ID: 640 490 3692 - One tap mobile +16465588656,6404903692

SOCIAL SECURITY 101: Social Security Administration Public Affairs Specialist Kentia Torres, free illustrated workshop on getting the most from social security benefits, 1 p.m., Oct. 29, hosted on Zoom by the Essex Library. Focus on early retirement benefits, qualifying for disability, survivors or spouse benefits. Registration required. www.youressexlibrary.org or 860-767-1560.

Friday, Oct. 30

SPANISH CONVERSATION: Spanish Conversation on Zoom, 4 p.m. on Fridays with the Durham Library, with moderator Marilyn Horn. Email kmcnally@durhamlibrary.org for the weekly Zoom link to the meeting.

LEGO CHALLENGE: LEGO Challenge, all ages, Fridays in October. All ages. Anew challenge is posted to our Facebook and Instagram pages. Have fun building and post what you make. No registration required. See www.durhamlibrary.org and click on the Kids tab at the top.

OWL-O-WEEN: A Place Called Hope will be hosting a Virtual Owl-O-Ween, 6 p.m. Oct. 30 on Facebook Live. Experience an interactive, up close and personal, owl encounter. Six different owls will attend this virtual session rain or shine. Fun for all ages. www.aplacecalledhoperaptors.com

WELLNESS TO GO: Time for self-care with Henry Carter Hull Library’s “Wellness-To-Go” series, presented in collaboration with Gratitude With Jenna, a massage and wellness spa in Clinton. October’s kids include ingredients and instructions for aromatherapy spray. Register in advance to reserve a kit while supplies last, email sarah@hchlibrary.org to sign up. Pickup 10 a.m.-5 p.m .Oct. 30 and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 31.

BLOOD DRIVE: Red Cross blood drive, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at Baitul Aman “House of Peace” Mosque, 410 Main Street, Meriden. To make an appointment go to redcross.org

AUTHOR TALK: Mary Hogan Wilcox and Lynn Munsinger, “We’re Going on a Pumpkin Hunt”, 10:30 a.m., Oct. 31, free on Zoom. Registration required, a link will be emailed. RJ Julia Booksellers, details at www.rjjulia.com or call 203-245-3959.

Saturday, Oct. 31

I-PARK MASQUERADE: Halloween Blood Moon Masquerade, Oct. 31 at I-Park, East Haddam. This roving celebration will feature Halloween-inspired “stations” (both indoor and out), illuminations, in the format of a crawl, with small groups exploring a variety of haunted spaces, forested trails and moon-lit landscapes. Costumes encouraged. Drinks and snacks served. Tickets $65 per person. Staggered arrival times will keep group size limits at 16 persons. Details at i-park.org

SCOUTING FOR FOOD: Scouts for Scouting for Food, the local area's Boy Scout Troop and Cub Packs food collection drive to help Colchester's needy families through the Colchester Food Bank, will will distribute yellow plastic bags to collect non perishable food donations Oct. 24 Each bag will have a list of items. Donationw sill be donated from 9 a.m.-noon Oct. 31. Donation bags should be placed next to your mailbox before 9 a.m. Generosity is appreciated.