CALENDAR

Saturday, Nov. 17

ST. PETER CHRISTMAS FAIR: St. Peter Church’s 59th Annual Christmas Fair will be held Nov. 17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the church, St. Peter Lane, Higganum. Jewelry, baked goods, antiques/collectibles, crafts, quilts and knitted items, Christmas and holiday wreaths and decorations; Country Kitchen will be open all day. Big raffle grand prizes. Details, call chairman Mikd Farina at 860-345-4808 or the church at 860-345-8018.

LIBRARY BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Russell Library Book Sale will be held Nov. 17, 9 a.m.-2 p.m .and Nov. 18, 1-5 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. To donate, bring your books to the Library or email for possible pick-up: friendsatrussell@gmail.com. LLAMA STORY TIME: Llama Llama Story Time and Pajama Drive, Nov. 17, 10:30 a.m. at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore , 413 Main St., Middletown. Wear your favorite pajamas and bring a pair to donate. Details at www.wesleyanrjjulia.com or call 860-685-3939

TALES FOR TAILS: “Tales for Tails” book signing, product launch and adoption event with Chicken Soup for the Soul author Jeanne Blandford, will be held Nov. 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Agway of Middlefield. All proceeds will be donated to Cat Tales Non Profit Rescue of Middletown. Cat Tales will also be holding an adoption event and collecting shelter supplies. For more information on the event and to RSVP for the book signing, visit: myagway.com/events. SNOW WHITE ON STAGE: Kidz Konnection Shoreline Theater Academy will present “Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs” Nov. 17, 4 p.m., Nov. 18, 2 p.m. at Andrews Memorial Town Hall, Clinton. Tickets $15 adults, $12 students/seniors. Reserve at tututix.com or contact kidzkonnectionct@gmail.com or 860-227-2363 for personal assistance. Tickets also sold at the door. For more info visit kidzkonnectionct.org. HARMONICA AND STRINGS CONCERT: Classical Harmonica Player Jia-Yi He with a String Quartet, Nov. 17, 1:30 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Jia-Yi He, a world-class harmonica virtuoso, has received numerous awards in international festivals and competitions, and participated in the America’s Got Talent TV show. Free. ‘CARMEN’ AT MHS: Bizet’s “Carmen” performed by Connecticut Lyric Opera, will be presented by the Greater Middletown Concert Association at MHS Performing Arts Center, Saturday, Nov. 17, 8 p.m . For tickets and information call 860-343-7555. www.GreaterMiddletownConcerts.org.

DISABILITIES WORKSHOP: By Your Side Advocacy LLC founder and National Council of Parent Attorneys & Advocates member Karen Linder at Henry Carter Hull Library will lead a workshop on what an unidentified learning disability may look like and the education laws that support a child’s evaluation, Nov. 16, 10:30 a.m. at the Henry Carter Hull Library. free. hchlibrary.org.

CLINTON HOLLY FAIR: The annual Holly Fair of the United Methodist Church of Clinton, 12 Commerce St, will be held 9 a.m-2:30 p.m., Nov. 17. Handiwork, greens, decorations, knitted and crocheted work, a Country Store, SERRV items to benefit crafters from other countries, vintage jewelry, books and Christmas Past items. Lunch served 11 a.m.-1 p.m., with a menu of corn chowder, vegetarian chili, chicken salad, sandwiches and apple pie or pumpkin

squares. For information call 860-6698396. WRITING FAMILY HISTORY: Write Your Family History, Godfrey Memorial Library, 134 Newfield St., Middletown, Nov. 17 9:30-11 a.m. Free to members, $10 guests. Call 860-346-4375 for more info. No pre-registration necessary.

LIKE IT, PAINT IT: Like It, Paint It With Carlos Ayala at Deep River Public Library, Nov. 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $25 for supplies, cash only. Registration is required for this class and limited to 15 participants. Go to http://deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.comand or call the library at 860526-6039. VENDOR, CRAFT FAIR: Portland High School Class of 2019 will host a Holiday Vendor & Craft Fair, Nov. 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Portland High School, 95 High St., to benefit Project Graduation. Admission is free, handicapped parking available. More than 30 vendors with jewelry, candles, soaps, clothing and accessories, home décor, holiday gifts, food, raffles, baked goods, refreshments for sale, Teacup Raffle Drawing at 1:30 p.m.

CRAFT FAIR: The Ladies Guild of St. Bridget's Church in Moodus is holding a Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the church hall. Proceeds from the craft fair will benefit the Mercy Scholarship Fund. St. Bridget's Church is located at 75 Moodus-Leesville Road.

FALCONS FUNDRAISER: There will be a fund raiser at the Polish Falcons Nest #519 144 Prout Hill Road, Middletown for U.S. Veterans Rowing & Kayaking, Nov. 17, 5:30 p.m. Free dinner. Find on Facebook, U.S. Veterans Rowing & Kayaking Foundation.

THANKSGIVING BASKETS: Turkeys, turkey breasts and gift cards, $10 and up from Adams in Deep River for perishable items are needed for Thanksgiving baskets which will be delivered to local families. Cards can be dropped off at the United Church of Chester 29 West Main St. office, Monday-Thursdaty, 9 a.m-1:30 p.m., Friday, 9-11 a.m. Turkeys and turkey breasts can be donated Nov. 17, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. For information, call 860-526-2697.

CAT TALES FUNDRAISER: Join Cat Tales at Ladybug Boutique, 122 College. St. Middletown, Nov 16, 10 am.-4 p.m. for the annual Shop As You Drop Shopping Spree. Up to 20% of the total sales for the day will be donated to Cat Tales. Complimentary snacks and wine are available. Visit Ladybug Boutique on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ladybugboutiqueCT.

BONFIRE, STORYTELLING: Family Bonfire and Storytelling at YMCA Camp Ingersoll has been rescheduled for Saturday, Nov. 24. Come at 3 p.m. for basketball, super slide or a walk. Storytelling with Carolyn Stearns starts at 4:30 p.m., with smores and more. Rain or shine; membership not needed. Visit https:// www.facebook.com/campingersoll for more information or contact Taylor Savage at tsavage@midymca.org.

VINTAGE PLAYERS SHOW: The Vintage Players Ensemble Company performs an evening of one-act comedy pieces, “You Know I Can’t Hear You When the Water’s Running” by Robert Anderson and “Israeli Security” by Vintage Players alumna, Terri Klein, Nov. 17, 7 p.m. at Oddfellows Playhouse, Middletown. Tickets $25, reserve at www.oddfellows.org and clicking on “Shows and Events.” Reservations strongly recommended. A reception follows each performance. SPECIAL OLYMPICS HOLIDAY CLASSIC: Special Olympics Connecticut will celebrate its 50th anniversary with its Unified Sports® Holiday Classic, presented by the Connecticut Elks Association, Nov. 17-18. All are invited to come out and cheer on the participants of all ages and abilities from across the state who will compete in basketball, bowling, powerlifting and volleyball. Admission is free. For more information and games locations, visit soct.org, call 203-230-1201 or email specialolympicsct@soct.org.

PODIUM PLAYERS AUDITIONS: Podium Players Community Theater will hold auditions for its March 8 -10 production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Nov. 17-18, 1-5 p.m. at the East Hampton (CT) Town Library, 105 Main Street. Children 7–teen should attend from 1-2:45 p.m.; teens and adults, 3-5 p.m. Callbacks are Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m. at the library. For details go to podiumplayers.org

Sunday, Nov. 18

PASSPORT TO DURHAM: The Durham CT Economic Development Commission is sponsoring a Passport to Durham program on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Residents can get passports to area businesses and tote bags for shopping, free, from the Durham Public Library beginning Nov. 16 while supplies last. Details at http://www.townofdurhamct.org/ or www.facebook.com/DurhamEDC

9 to 5, THE MUSICAL: “9 to 5 The Musical” presented by Company 'N Tempo of Cromwell, will be presented Friday, No. 16, 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov 17, 2 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m .at Cromwell High School. Tickets $15. Reserve online at http://www.CompanyNTempo.com HOLIDAY SALE: The Holiday Sale at The Cooley Gallery features historic and contemporary art in all sizes, both newly discovered paintings by Old Lyme colony artists as well as exquisite watercolors and drawings by numerous Connecticut artists. On view through Jan. 6. Admission is free. Visitors are welcome and encouraged Thursday through Saturday 12-5 p.m. and Sunday 12-4 p.m. or online anytime at www.cooleygallery.com. The Cooley Gallery, 25 Lyme Street, Old Lyme. 860-434-8807. COLLMORE SERIES: The Collomore Concert Series wraps up its 45th season at the Chester Meetinghouse on Sunday, Nov. 25, 5 p.m., with music of the Ecuadorian Andes, played on more than 35 traditional instruments by the music group Andes Manta, at Chester Meetinghouse, 4 Liberty St., Chester. A reception follows the concert so you can meet the four brothers. Tickets $30, students $5. Reserve at www.collomoreconcerts.org using PayPal, or call 860-526-5162. The series is presented by the Chester Historical Society. PODIUM PLAYERS AUDITIONS: Podium Players Community Theater will hold auditions for its March 8 -10 production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Nov. 17-18, 1-5 p.m. at the East Hampton (CT) Town Library, 105 Main Street. Children 7–teen should attend from 1-2:45 p.m.; teens and adults, 3-5 p.m. Callbacks are Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m. at the library. For details go to podiumplayers.org SPECIAL OLYMPICS HOLIDAY CLASSIC: Special Olympics Connecticut will celebrate its 50th anniversary with its Unified Sports® Holiday Classic, presented by the Connecticut Elks Association, Nov. 17-18. All are invited to come out and cheer on the participants of all ages and abilities from across the state who will compete in basketball, bowling, powerlifting and volleyball. Admission is free.

For more information and games locations, visit soct.org, call 203-230-1201 or email specialolympicsct@soct.org. SNOW WHITE ON STAGE: Kidz Konnection Shoreline Theater Academy will present “Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs” Nov. 17, 4 p.m., Nov. 18, 2 p.m. at Andrews Memorial Town Hall, Clinton. Tickets $15 adults, $12 students/seniors. Reserve at tututix.com or contact kidzkonnectionct@gmail.com or 860-227-2363 for personal assistance. Tickets also sold at the door. For more info visit kidzkonnectionct.org. LIBRARY BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Russell Library Book Sale will be heldNov. 18, 1-5 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. To donate, bring your books to the Library or email for possible pick-up: friendsatrussell@gmail.com

APPLEPALOOZA: The 4th annual Applepalooza will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 31 North Main St., East Haddam, Nov. 18, 12-4 p.m. Learn to prepare apple pies, apple fritters, applesauce, and apple cookies, and take home anything you make. Apples and ingredients provided, bring your pie plate if you make one and containers for your goodies.Free. For more information visit www.ststeves.org/event/applepalooza/.

COLONIAL SUNDAY: First Congregational Church, 355 Main Street Cromwell, will hold its annual Colonial Sunday service, Nov. 18, 9:30 a.m. Come dressed in Colonial period and witness worship from nearly 300 years ago. Social hour following service features foods from yesteryear. For further information visit fcccromwell.org, Facebook.com or call the church at 860-635-4806.

CMS CONCERT: Members of the Community Music School faculty will perform chamber music and other works, Nov. 18, 3 p.m. at the Centerbrook Meetinghouse, 51 Main Street, Centerbrook. . The concert is free and open to the public and a meet-and-greet reception immediately follows. Donations welcome. READERS THEATER: Readers Theater presents “Church and State” by Jason Odell Williams, Nov. 18, 2 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Live drama enacted by local actors. Richard Kamins and Anne Cassady direct. Free. REMEMBRANCE SERVICE:

Middlesex Hospital’s Hospice and Palliative Care Programs will hold its annual remembrance service, 2 p.m. Nov. 18, at Mercy High School, 1740 Randolph Road, Middletown. Doors open at 1:15 p.m. The service is nondenominational and will honor the memory of those who died from Oct. 1, 2017 to Sept. 30, 2018 while receiving care under the Hospital’s Hospice Program and

the Hospital’s Palliative Care Program. All are welcome. For more information, call 860-3588852. HADDAM FAIR, BAKE SALE: A

holiday craft fair and bake sale will be held Nov. 18,12-4 p.m. at the Haddam Senior Center, 923 Saybrook Road, Haddam. Refreshments also available. Proceeds benefit Haddam Fuel Bank.

BENEFIT CONCERTS: Trinity Episcopal Church, 345 Main Street, Portland, is continuing its Music Series of “Vital Connections Through Music” with three concerts this fall at the church. Concerts start at 4 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 18, Emily Mure with Kala Farnham opening. Admission $15 per person, supporting Follow Me Home, a faith recovery residence in Portland. For more information visit Trinity Church Vital Connections Through Music on Facebook. SUNDAY WORSHIP: Worship with Eucharist, 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Adult ed, Forgiveness, Sunday School/confirmation, 10:30 a.m., at Faith Lutheran Church, 300 Washington St., Middletown. For more information go to www.faithelcamiddletown.org.

Monday, Nov. 19

WONDERFUL ONES: Wonderful Ones meet on Mondays, Nov. 5, 19 and 26, 10:30am. The Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For one year olds (12 to 23 months) Siblings welcome. Drop in; no registration required. VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION:

Teen Volunteer Orientation will be held Nov. 18, 6 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Only students in grades 7 to 12 who submit an application by 5 p.m. Nov. 16 may attend. The next orientation will be in January. Contact Teen Librarian, Heather Scussell: hscussell@russelllibrary.org with any questions. Registration is required. FOUR DECADES OF RED SOX:

Mike Shalin, author of “The Hometown Team: Four Decades of Boston Red Sox Photography,” will be at the Russell Library, 123 Broad St., Middletown, Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m. halin’s recently published scrapbook-style book features photos of BoSox legends by longtime photographer Steve Babineau. Free. SPANISH CONVERSATION:

Spanish Conversation Group meets Monday, Nov. 19, 5-6:30 p.m.p.m. at the Durham Public Library. Expand your speaking skills by practicing the language in a welcoming atmosphere. Meets monthly on the third Monday of the month. Drop in. BOOK DISCUSSION: Nonfiction Book Discussion group meets Monday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Durham Public Library. “Lost City of the Monkey God” by Douglas J. Preston will be discussed. Copies of the book are available at the library. Drop in. FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS:

Mortgage Account Officer Brad Thorpe will lead a workshop designed to guide first time homebuyers with an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the best options for down payments and mortgage rates, Nov. 19, 6 p.m at Henry Carter Hull Library. Details, hchlibrary.org.

DAV MEETING: Disabled American Veterans Chapter #7 will meet Nov. 19, 7 p.m. at the American Legion building, adjacent to Palmer Field on Bernie O'Rourke Drive. The chapter meets on the third Monday of each month. All disabled veterans are invited to join; the public is always welcome to attend.

Tuesday, Nov. 20

TECH TALKS: Tech Talks are back at the Portland Library, Nov. 20, 2 p.m. Tech Talk with Kevin, our favorite tech guru talks about, Excel, how do I … and any other technical quandaries & questions. THANKSGIVING SERVICE:

Thanksgiving Worship at Faith Lutheran Church,Nov. 20, 7 p.m., on 300 Washington St., Middletown. MILITARY MUSEUM MEETING:

The next meeting of the Greater Middletown Military Museum will be held Nov. 20, 7 p.m. at the museum, 200 Walnut Grove Road, Middletown. All are welcome.

AG OPEN HOUSE: The Middletown Agriculture Science & Technology program at Middletown High School will hold an Open House for interested 7th and 8th grade students and their families, Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m. at the Agriculture Science center, Middletown High School, 200 LaRosa Lane, Middletown. For more information call 860-704-4594 or visit https://mhs.middletownschools.org AARP MEETING: AARP Chapter #3310 will hold their monthly meeting Nov. 20, 1 p.m., at St. Pius Church, 310 Westfield Street, Middletown. Membership activities and trips will be discussed. Program is with Judy Allen doing cookie painting and decorating. Refreshments follow the program. The public is welcome. Bring a non-perishable food item to help Amazing Grace Food Pantry. For information call Shirley, 860 916-5978. ADVOCACY MEETING: EAst Hampton Senior Center Advocacy Meeting will be held Nov. 20, 3 p.m. More members are needed to help others address older adult issues. PASSPORT TO DURHAM: The Durham CT Economic Development Commission is sponsoring a Passport to Durham program on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Residents can get passports to area businesses and tote bags for shopping, free, from the Durham Public Library beginning Nov. 16 while supplies last. Details at http://www.townofdurhamct.org/ or www.facebook.com/DurhamEDC TERRIFIC TWOS: Twos are Terrific meets Tuesdays, Nov. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 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.

ORIGAMI CLASS: DI-NOvember Origami class will be held Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Explore the Japanese art of paper folding. For kids in grades 2 – 8 (ages 7 – 12). Drop in; no registration required. TED TALK SHORT FILMS:Lynn

Hidek leads a discussion on curated TED Talk short films, Nov. 20, 9:30 a.m. at the Henry Carter Hull Library. Coffee and tea provided. Details at hchlibrary.org. MYSTERY AROUND THE WORLD:Mysteries around the World Book Club at the Portland Library meets Nov. 20, 1 p.m. to discuss “A Taste for Death” by P.D. James. Copies of the book are available at the library. Drop in. MYSTERY BOOK DISCUSSION:

Mystery Book Discussion group meets Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Durham Public Library. “The Dry”by Jane Harper will be discussed. Copies of the book are available at the library. Drop in.

Wednesday, Nov. 21

PLAY SCRABBLE: Play Scrabble on Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28, 5-7 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 – 112. Drop-in or sign-up online and get an email reminder. PRESCHOOL STORY HOUR:

Preschool Power Story Hour meets Nov. 7, 14, 21, 28, 10:30 a.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. For kids in pre-k - kindergarten (ages 3 – 5). Siblings welcome.

Drop in; no registration required.

ORNA-MOMENTOS: Bookish Orna-Momentos, a A weekly event for bookish kids in grades 1 and up, meets Nov.21, 4 p.m. at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore , 413 Main St., Middletown. Read a picture book, or chapter from a bigger book, and create a coordinating ornament to deck our halls. No registration is required; free. Details at www.wesleyanrjjulia.com or call 860-685-3939

SLIME SCIENCE: Slime Science, Nov. 21, 4:30 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Each month we will make a different kind of fascinating, slimy slime. For kids in grades 3 - 5 (ages 9 - 12). Drop-in; no registration required. ESSENTIAL OIL WORKSHOP:

Babies and caregivers immerse themselves into the wonderful world of sensory exploration at the Deep River Library, Nov. 21, 10:30 a.m. Learn about the benefits of essential oils from a certified Aroma Touch Therapist and apply oils to babies with a gentle, soothing touch. Bring a blanket for baby to relax on. Registration is required limited to babies 6 -12 months. To register go to http:// deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.comand click on our monthly calendar, or call the library at 860-526-6039.

Thursday, Nov. 22 MIDDLESEX DRUM CIRCLE:

The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center, 605 Main St., Middletown ,hosts a Middlesex Drum Circle on Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m., $5. Reservations are suggested. Go to www.buttonwood.org or call 860-347-4957. COLLMORE SERIES: The Collomore Concert Series wraps up its 45th season at the Chester Meetinghouse on Sunday, Nov. 25, 5 p.m., with music of the Ecuadorian Andes, played on more than 35 traditional instruments by the music group Andes Manta, at Chester Meetinghouse, 4 Liberty St., Chester. A reception follows the concert so you can meet the four brothers. Tickets $30, students $5. Reserve at www.collomoreconcerts.org using PayPal, or call 860-526-5162. The series is presented by the Chester Historical Society. HOLIDAY SALE: The Holiday Sale at The Cooley Gallery features historic and contemporary art in all sizes, both newly discovered paintings by Old Lyme colony artists as well as exquisite watercolors and drawings by numerous Connecticut artists. On view through Jan. 6. Admission is free. Visitors are welcome and encouraged Thursday through Saturday 12-5 p.m. and Sunday 12-4 p.m. or online anytime at www.cooleygallery.com. The Cooley Gallery, 25 Lyme Street, Old Lyme. 860-4348807 SETBACK LEAGUE: Adults interested in joining a setback league either as a regular or a substitute should contact Mel Christiansen at 860-635-5727. Play is on Thursdays at 7 p.m. at the Coles Road Fire House. PASSPORT TO DURHAM: The Durham CT Economic Development Commission is sponsoring a Passport to Durham program on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Residents can get passports to area businesses and tote bags for shopping, free, from the Durham Public Library beginning Nov. 16 while supplies last. Details at http://www.townofdurhamct.org/ or www.facebook.com/DurhamEDC