‘Accordion Stories’ author to speak, play

WINSTED — Angelo Paul Ramunni of Canaan, author of the recently-published book “Accordion Stories From The Heart,” will present a book-signing and miniconcert at Rowley Grill & Tap at 19 Rowley St. in Winsted on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Founder of the New England Accordion Connection and Museum Co. in Canaan, Ramunni will share stories from his new book. He will also perform a number of accordion songs, and answer questions from attendees. Books will be available for purchase along with the author’s autograph before and after the mini-concert. The event is free and no reservations are required.

“Accordion Stories From The Heart” provides a wealth of stunning photos and insights into the exceptional, and sometimes tearevoking stories involving accordions from around the world. Ramunni describes the people who played and listened to this instrument over the past two centuries.

The 143-page hard-covered “Accordion Stories From the Heart” fills the reader’s heart with warm and fascinating accordion-related stories. The book features more than 70 photos of spectacularly decorated hand-built accordions of multiple colors and ivory-like keyboards. They originate from many countries around the world and date back as far as 1829.

Ramunni’s privately-operated New England Accordion Connection & Museum Company showcases many beautiful accordions, plus a studio where he repairs, buys and sells hand-crafted accordions. He also offers for sale more than 10,000 pieces of sheet music and accordion-related books.

“Accordion Stories From the Heart” is retail priced is $39.95 and it is sold through http:// www.amazon.com and at https:// www.barnesandnoble.com.

Autographed copies can be purchased at the book signing and mini-concert at Rowley’s Grill & Tap by calling the New England Accordion Connection & Museum Company at 860-833-1374 or visiting https://www.neacmc.com.

Admission is free; no reservations are necessary but seating is limited. Rowley Grill & Tap is located at 19 Rowley St. in Winsted, www.rowleygrill.com, 860-2384999.

Girls can join a Scout troop now

As a Girl Scout, girls in grades K-12 discover passions and gain leadership skills. They learn how to problem-solve, embrace challenges, and try new things. Girl Scouting prepares girls for a lifetime of leadership; from dabbling in STEM programming to selling the most popular cookies in the world, Girl Scouts thrive in an all-girl, girl-led, and girl-friendly environment. Join at gsofct.org/ daisy or call 800-922-2770.

TheatreWorks taking one-act play entries

NEW MILFORD — TheatreWorks New Milford, a 501(c)(3) non-profit theater in New Milford, is now accepting submissions for its first 10 Minute Play Festival, “Tales from the Brookside.”

Submissions must be sent online at http://theatreworks.us/ playfestival-event.php no later than Feb. 14. Only submissions sent this way will be accepted. Plays must be 10 miniutes in length, with a one-time submission fee of $5.

TW Playwrights Workshop, held each Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the theater, is available to help further development of a play. Both beginners and experienced playwrights are welcome.

The festival/competition will be led by Jocelyn Beard and held at TheatreWorks New Milford June 4-8. A total of 20 10-minute plays will be selected by a panel of judges from among those submitted. Contact the theater at info@theatreworks.us or 860-3506863 with questions.

Residents can apply for fuel assistance

Operation Fuel’s winter energy assistance program began Dec. 3, when its statewide network of more than 100 fuel banks, also known as intake sites, began accepting energy assistance applications. Connecticut families and individuals who are struggling financially and need emergency energy assistance should call 211 to find their closest fuel bank. For more information on Operation Fuel, or to make a donation, go to www.operationfuel.org.

Donations also can be mailed to Operation Fuel, 75 Charter Oak Ave., Suite 2-240, Hartford, CT 06106. Utility customers can donate to Operation Fuel through the nonprofit’s Add-a-Dollar program when paying their utility bills. Operation Fuel uses 100 percent of the donations made to the Add-a-Dollar program for energy assistance.

Technology classes for beginners offered

The Torrington Library has partnered with Goodwill of Torrington to present free monthly technology-for-beginners classes.

Intro to Microsoft Basics: Feb. 12, 11 a.m. This workshop covers what each Microsoft program is and what it can be used for. Programs include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access.

Intro to Mobile Tech: March 12, 11 a.m. Put down that flip phone and learn how to navigate smart phones and tablets for job searching, using social media, and more. Learn to create and update a LinkedIn account as well as utilize social media sites such as Twitter. Increase the reach of your job search and improve your daily communications through the convenience of your cellphone.

Register for the whole series or each individual class on the designated registration date at torringtonlibrary.org.

Assistance available from Cookie Jar fund

BARKHAMSTED — In the spring of 1998, welfare assistance was removed from local communities and run by the state, and there were few resources to which residents could turn for financial assistance. At that time, the Cookie Jar was created to help meet emergency needs for Barkhamsted residents, according to Don Stein, First Selectman.

“The endowment balance of this fund has come from donations and contributions of the burning permit fees,” Stein said in a statement. “The vision was to grow a fund which would generate revenues along with the donations.

“As a result, the fund balance is substantial and is available for residents in need of assistance. There is an application form and the assistance is typically limited to $400 on a one-time basis. Such assistance can take the form of heating oil, electric bills, gasoline, grocery cards and other similar household expenses,” he said.

To apply, go to https:// www.barkhamsted.us/sites/barkhamstedct/files/uploads/application_for_assistance_-_updated_119.pdf