Essex Savings Bank plans donations

ESSEX — Essex Savings Bank has the results of its customer voting Community Investment Program, which ran in February.

Each could choose three charities from list of 74 qualified nonprofits, and the fund allocations were based on votes.

Since the ballot portion was founded in 1996, the bank has provided nearly $1.6 million to over 200 agencies.

Of that, more than $628,000 has gone to top 10 recipients, including the Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantry, and High Hopes Therapeutic Riding. The bank has provided over $5.25 million to area nonprofits.

New members inducted into business hall of fame

CROMWELL — The University of Connecticut School of Business inducted five new members into its Hall of Fame during a black-tie celebration April 22 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown, including Nicholas R. Morizio of Cromwell. The president of the Hartford and New Haven offices of Colliers International has over 45 years of experience in commercial real estate, and has marketed properties exceeding $800 million.

Church offers services

MIDDLETOWN — Faith Lutheran Church, 300 Washington St., will offer Holy Communion and worship on site and virtually Sunday at 9 a.m. For a virtual link, people can sign up for the email list at faithelcamiddletown.org.

Cromwell man named new director of sales

SHELTON — EAO, which provides innovative and intuitive Human Machine Interfaces, has named Cromwell resident Joel Feehan as its director of sales for Eastern North America. He will be responsible for implementing sales strategies and negotiating contracts to accelerate business development and revenue growth. Feehan has more than 20 years of experience in sales management in the Eastern United States and Canada.

Weekly drum circle set for May 19

MIDDLETOWN — A weekly drum circle, sponsored by The Buttonwood Tree, is held outdoors at the corner of Grand and Main streets on the third Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There is a $5 to $10 suggested donation. Bad weather cancels the event. People are asked to bring their own chair and drum if they have one. This is an opportunity for people to work on their improvisation and time-keeping skills. Some drums will be provided. The next session will take place May 19. For information, visit buttonwood.org.

Summer jobs available for local youths

MIDDLETOWN — The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce has applications for the 2022 Middletown Summer Youth Employment Program online at Middlesexchamber.com and the office on Main Street. They are due June 3 by 4:30 pm. They are also available at local high schools in Middletown, Portland and Cromwell. The program is designed to provide opportunities for economically challenged youth in the community between 14 to 21, but all eligible youth are encouraged to apply. For information, visit middlesexchamber.com/youth or call 860-347-6924.

College’s Grad Dash set for May 21

MIDDLETOWN — Registration is open for the annual Middlesex Community College Foundation Grad Dash May 21. The 5K/10K run/walk takes place at 9 a.m., and runs along tree-lined roads near the campus at 100 Training Hill Road. The event helps the foundation support student scholarships, academic program development and more. For information, including prices, visit mxcc.edu/run or call 860-343-5789.

Bach, Vivaldi, Handel concert set for May 22

MIDDLETOWN — The Greater Middletown Concert Association will present the Ensemble Chaconne playing selections from Bach, Vivaldi and Handel May 22 at 3 p.m. It will be held in the auditorium of Beman Middle School on Wilderman’s Way. This internationally acclaimed trio plays historical Baroque-era instruments. Tickets are $30, $25 for those 65 and older, and student tickets are available. For information, call 860-3437555 or 346-3369 or go to greatermiddletownconcerts.org.

‘Harlem on My Mind’ set for May 17

OLD SAYBROOK — The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center will presented a special schooltime streaming program of “Harlem on My Mind” May 17 at 10 a.m. The show is a “dynamic” musical journey through the Harlem Renaissance conceived and performed by New York artist Julia Breanetta Simpson. The live stream will be available at no cost to high school classes from throughout Connecticut via the Vimeo platform. For information, call Robin Andreoli at 860-510-0473, Ext. 213.

Don White to take stage May 21

IDDLETOWN — The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main St., will host Don White May 21 at 8 p.m. White has been a storyteller-comedianauthor-troubadour-folk singersongwriter for 30 years. He has been featured at festivals around the country, including the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in Utah and Cave Run Storytelling Festival in Kentucky. White has released 10 CDs, three live DVDs and two books. Admission is $20 and tickets are available at Buttonwood.org. Call 860-347-4957 or email TheButtonwoodTree@gmail.com for details.

Dina DiMarco to perform May 20

MIDDLETOWN — The Buttonwood Tree will present a concert with Dina DiMarco May 20 at 8 p.m. Dina DiMarco and Mike Gaboardi have been playing and performing as a duo since May 2020. Admission is $15, with tickets available at Buttonwood.org.

‘Clouds, Winds and Breezes’ show to open

ESSEX — Spectrum Art Gallery and Artisans Store of Centerbrook presents its newest show, “Clouds, Winds and Breezes.” The opening reception is May 20 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., and open house weekend is May 21 from 1 to 6 p.m., and May 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. The exhibit runs through July 10. For information, call 860-767-0742 or visit spectrumartgallery.org.