CALENDAR

Thursday, Feb. 7

BRICK BUNCH: Brick Bunch at the Deep River Public Library meets Feb. 7, Feb. 21; 3:45 - 4:45 pm; Open Lego play with friends. Drop in program, no registration required.

BABY BOUNCE: Baby Bounce at the Deep River Public Library meets Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and play. Best for children up to 24 months; older siblings welcome. Drop in, no registration.

LIBRARY JOB GROUP: Job Group meets on Thursdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Each Thursday a different topic related to careers is discussed, followed by a networking session. Drop-in; no registration required.

BOOKS AND BREWS: Books and Brews Book Discussion: “Small Hours” by Jennifer Kitches, FEb. 7, 6 p.m. at Stubborn Beauty Brewery, 180 Johnson St, Middletown. Copies of the book are available at Russell Library. For adults. Drop-in; no registration necessary.

ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC: Acoustic Open Mic with Bob Gotta at the Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main St., Middletown, Feb. 7, 7-9 p.m. $5 cover. Details, call 860-3474957 or visit www.buttonwood.org. Held on the first Thursday of the month.

SAILING CLUB: The Shoreline Sailing Club meets Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. at Bistro Mediterranean Tapas & Bar in Westbrook. New members are always welcome. Learn more at www.shorelinesailingclub.com.

KNOW YOUR BRAIN: Cardinal Kids: Getting to Know Your Brain!, Thursday, 4:30 p.m., taught by Audrey Konow, for kids in grades 1-5, at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore , 413 Main Street, Middletown. Free event, email books@wesleyan.edu to register.

Friday, Feb. 8

FUN FRIDAY: Fun Friday at the Deep River Public Library meets Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22; 10:30 a.m. Stories and songs followed by craft and open play. Perfect for the preschool set. Drop in, no registration.

JAZZ TRIO CONCERT: The TJ Thompson Trio performs at the Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center, 605 Main St., Middletown, Feb. 8, 8 p.m., $15 cover. Details, call 860-347-4957 or visit www.buttonwood.org.

Saturday, Feb. 9

OPEN HOUSES: The Children’s Tree Montessori School, 96 Essex Road, Old Saybrook, will hold an open house Feb. 9, and March 2, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. For more information call 860.388.3536 or visit www.childrenstree.org.

OPIOID CRISIS RESPONSE: Epoch Arts, 27 Skinner St., East Hampton, presents an arts response workshop on the opioid crisis, Feb. 9, with art in any form. All are welcome. For more information, www.epocharts.org. 27 Skinner Street East Hampton.

GET ORGANIZED: Real Simple columnist and Professional Organizer Ellen Madere, free talk on home organization and clutter clearing, 1:30 p.m. Feb. 9, Essex Library, 33 West Ave., focus on room by room organizing tips. RSVP: 860-767-1560.

CREATING CARTOONS: Karen Schumann, children’s event coordinator from RJ Julia Booksellers, will show how to create cartoons in the style of Dogman and Bad Guys, Feb. 9, 10:30 a.m. at the CHester Public Library, Registration required. Call 860-526-0018 to reserve a seat.

PALLET PAINTING: Abigail Roccapriore from Shoreline Pallet Design will teach how to create one-of-a-kind artwork on reclaimed wood, Feb. 9, 11 a.m. at the Chester Public Library. $10 materials fee required with registration. Call 860-5260018 to reserve a seat.

MAN OF THE YEAR: The Knights of Columbus, Council 6 of Cromwell have selected Doug Sienna as the 2019 Cromwell Man of the Year. He will be honored at a ceremony at Cromwell Town Hall, Feb. 8, followed by a reception at the KofC hall. Tickets are available from Mark Walsh 860-306-2219 or Tom Tokarz 860-250-5991.

TASTE OF ITALY: Community Music School will present the third annual Taste of Italy fundraiser with a lively game of Italian cheese rolling, Feb. 9 at Angelini Wine in Centerbrook. Tickets $65 include food, wines and cheese rolling. For additional information and tickets, visit www.cmsct.org/cheese or call 860-767-0026.

FILM SCREENING: Documentary film about Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf, free screening on revolutionary garden design, 4 p.m. Feb. 9 and 4 p.m. Feb 20, Essex Library, 33 West Ave., focus on Oudolf’s gardens, design process, theories and ecological implications. RSVP: 860-767-1560.

AUTHOR TALK: The Chatham Historical Society and East Hampton Library present a talk and slide show by author John Cilio on his book, “Women’s Work in WWII,” 1 p.m. at the East Hampton Library Community Room at 105 Main St. in East Hampton. Free, with refreshments, donations welcome. Register at http:// engagedpatrons.org/ EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=6559& EventID=355896&PK= or call 860-2676621.

STAN SULLIVAN AND FRIENDS: Stan Sullivan and Friends including Don Sineti perform Saturday at the Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main St., Middletown, 8 p.m. $20. Reserve at www.buttonwood.org or call 860-347-4957.

ART RECEPTION: A reception for artist Cathy Valley’s show, “Be Love Now,” Saturday, 4-6 p.m. at the Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main St., Middletown. Free. Details at www.buttonwood.org or call 860-347-4957.

EPOCH ARTS PRESENTS: Epoch Arts, 27 Skinner St., East Hampton, will present “An Arts Response: The Crave: Battling Opioid Addiction,” Feb. 9, 8 p.m. The school partnered with the East Hampton Prevention Partnership and a representative pharmacist from CVS and hosted several opioid workshops. The show includes stories, art, film, poetry, music, dance. Tickets $8 at the door. Details go to www.epocharts.org

STORY TIME: Special Story Time, “Mirabel’s Missing Valentines” with author Janet Lawler at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore , 413 Main Street, Middletown, Saturday, 10:30 a.m., free. Details at www.wesleyanrjjulia.com or call 860685-3939

Sunday, Feb. 10

PALLET PAINTING: Abigail Roccapriore from Shoreline Pallet Design will teach how to create one-of-a-kind artwork on reclaimed wood, 11 a.m. at the Chester Public Library. $10 materials fee required with registration. Call 860-526-0018 to reserve a seat.

SERVICE TIME CHANGE: Beginning in February, Haddam Neck Congregational Church services will begin at 11 a.m. Services offer scripture, music and quiet contemplation. A coffee hour follows in the church schoolhouse at 408 Quarry Hill Road, Haddam Neck. All are welcome. Learn more at www.haddamneckcongregationalchurch.org

SUNDAY WORSHIP: Worship with Eucharist 9 a.m.; Sunday School, Adult Ed. on Forgiveness,10:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church on 300 Washington St., Middletown. For more information go to www.faithelcamiddletown.org.

Monday, Feb. 11

SNAP CIRCUIT PLAY: Snap Circuits for ages 8-12 meets Feb. 11, 6 p.m. in the Activity Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Drop-in; no registration required.

KINDNESS CARDS: Kindness Cards & Cocoa at Henry Carter Hull Library, Clinton, Monday, 3-6 p.m. Make holiday cards for local seniors and veterans and enjoy some hot cocoa and Munchkins. All ages are invited. hchlibrary.org for details.

Tuesday, Feb. 12

CAREER WORKSHOP: Career Workshop with Dr. Marcia LaReau, founder of Forward Motion and author of “Careermageddon: Cracking the 21st Century Career Code,” Feb. 12, 5 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Registration is requested but not required. For questions or registration contact Bob Carlson or Christy Billings at 860-347-2520.

RUSSELL READERS: Russell Readers: “My Old Man” by Ernest Hemingway, meets Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 2, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Meets the second Tuesday each month. For information contact Chantal Foster at 860-573-2946 or Chantal.foster@comcast.net.

BOOK PLAY: Book Play! , 10:30 a.m., Feb. 12, playful story time, for 18 months-3 years old at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore , 413 Main Street, Middletown. Free, drop in, Details at www.wesleyanrjjulia.com or call 860-685-3939

COMIC BOOK WORKSHOP: Cardinal Kids: Comic Book Making Workshop, Feb. 12, 4:30 p.m., taught by Jahnavi Mehta. Create storylines, characters, and dialogue using colors and their imagination! Free event, email books@wesleyan.edu to register.

CHAMBER WORKSHOP: The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce’s KeyBank workshop series will present “Best HR Practices in Hiring, Disciplining and Firing Employees” Feb. 12, 8 a.m. Registration $30 members, $40 guests, at middlesexchamber.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 13

MATH ESCAPE: Love Monster Math Escape at the Deep River Public Library, Feb. 13, 5 p.m. Open to children ages 5-8. Registration is required. Link to register: Love Monster Math Escape, call 860526-6039 or email drplchildrensdept@gmail.com.

AUTHOR TALK: “Soldiers of a Foreign War” with author Charles McNair, Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Books will be available for signing and purchase after the talk.

COMEDY MOVIE: The 2018 comedy,“Juliet, Naked” based on the novel by Nick Hornsby, will be shown Feb. 13, 5:30 p.m. at Henry Carter Hull Library, Clinton, with free popcorn from Chips Pub III.

PORTLAND LIONS: The new Portland Lions Club was formally chartered for service in September 2018. Meetings will be held on the second Wednesday, Feb. 13, March 13, April 24, May 8, June 12, 6:30 p.m. at the Portland Waverly Center, 5 Waverly Avenue, Portland.

SIMPLE TAI CHI: Simple Tai Chi with Mike McEwen at the Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts & Cultural Center, 605 Main St., Middletown, Feb. 13-April 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m. or Feb. 14-April 4, 12-1 p.m. $80 for 8 weeks. Pre-register at www.buttonwood.org or call 860-3474957

BOOK GROUP: Forever YA Book Group, Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m., at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore , 413 Main Street, Middletown. Register at at books@wesleyan.edu.

POTTERY SHOPPING: Wesleyan Potters Gallery Shop, 350 South Main St., Middletown, celebrates Valentine’s Day with a special Men’s (andWomen’s) Night Out shopping event, Feb. 13, 5-7 p.m. Free gift wrapping, a beer tasting, silent auction, food and a large selection of hand crafted gifts will be available. For more information, call 860-347-5925 or visit www.wesleyanpotters.com.

Thursday, Feb. 14

LIBRARY JOB GROUP: Job Group meets on Thursdays, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Hubbard Room, Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown. Each Thursday a different topic related to careers is discussed, followed by a networking session. Drop-in; no registration required.

INDOOR SNOW FIGHT: Indoor Snow Fight, STEM Activity, at the Deep River Public Library, Feb. 14, 4 p.m. Build catapults fit to launch mini-marshmallows. Registration is required for this program, open to children ages 5-9. Registration is required. Call 860-526-6039 or email drplchildrensdept@gmail.com.

BABY BOUNCE: Baby Bounce at the Deep River Public Library meets Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and play. Best for children up to 24 months; older siblings welcome. Drop in, no registration.

SIMPLE TAI CHI: Simple Tai Chi with Mike McEwen at the Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts & Cultural Center, 605 Main St., Middletown, Feb. 14-April 4, 12-1 p.m. $80 for 8 weeks. Pre-register at www.buttonwood.org or call 860-347-4957

VALENTINE’S DAY MUSIC:

Valentines Day with Jacquelyn and Friends, Thursday, 7-9 p.m. at the Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts & Cultural Center, 605 Main St., Middletown. Free, with refreshments. Details at www.buttonwood.org or call 860-347-4957.

WORLD ART: Cardinal Kids: World Art, 4:30 p.m., Feb. 14, at Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore , 413 Main Street, Middletown. Irmina Benson will lead students in reading, activities and a short art lesson. Free event, email books@wesleyan.edu to register.

POT LUCK LUNCHEON: The Durham 60+ Club and Travel will have their annual Valentine's Pot Luck Luncheon Feb, 14 12:30 p.m., Durham Activity Center, Second Floor, 350 Main Street, Durham. Set up 11:30 a.m. All participants will share their special dish. Seniors from surrounding towns are welcome.

Friday, Feb. 15

MARY POPPINS: Colchester Community Theatre will stage Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins”, Feb. 15, 7 p.m, Feb. 16, 2 p.m., 7 p.m., and Feb. 17, 2 p.m., at Bacon Academy High School Auditorium, 611 Norwich Avenue in Colchester. Adults $15, children 12 and under, seniors, $12. Preferred limited seating, $25. Reserve at ShowTix4U, or go to Plotkin’s Jewelry, Colchester, or Photo Connection, Colchester) after Feb. 8. Sponsors are needed; call 860639-9315. Weather questions, check the group’s Facebook page.

FUN FRIDAY: Fun Friday at the Deep River Public Library meets Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22; 10:30 a.m. Stories and songs followed by craft and open play. Perfect for the preschool set. Drop in, no registration.

ARCHITECT SERIES: Architectural historian Christopher Wigren will give a free illustrated talk on Connecticut architecture from his recent book: “Connecticut Architecture: Stories of 100 Places,” 7 p.m. Feb. 15, in The Cube at Centerbrook Architects, 67 Main St., Centerbrook. Copies of the book will available for purchase and signing after the talk. RSVP: 860-767-1560.

LOVE CONCERT: Waberi Jordan celebrates love with music, Friday, 8-10 p.m., $10 admission at the Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main St., Middletown. Reserve at www.buttonwood.org or call 860-347-4957

Saturday, Feb. 16

BOTTOMLEY TRIO:The Brett Bottomley Trio will perform at the Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main St., Middletown, Feb. 16, 8 p.m. Tickets $15. Playing Latin, original and jazz standards, featuring Ken Fischer on piano and Bob Ahern on drums. Details, call 860-347-4957 or visit www.buttonwood.org.

BOWLING FUNDRAISER: The DeSoto Council #6 of the Knights of Columbus in Cromwell is hosting a bowling fundraiser to benefit the Cromwell Food Bank, Feb. 16, 12-3 p.m. at Bowl-ORama in Newington. $20/bowler ($10 kids 12 & under). Advance registration preferred, go to www.cromwellkofc.com/charitybowl.htm for registration details. Questions, email cromwellkofc@yahoo.com.

MARY POPPINS: Colchester Community Theatre will stage Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins”, Feb. 15, 7 p.m, Feb. 16, 2 p.m., 7 p.m., and Feb. 17, 2 p.m., at Bacon Academy High School Auditorium, 611 Norwich Avenue in Colchester. Adults $15, children 12 and under, seniors, $12. Preferred limited seating, $25. Reserve at ShowTix4U, or go to Plotkin’s Jewelry, Colchester, or Photo Connection, Colchester) after Feb. 8. Sponsors are needed; call 860-639-9315. Weather questions, check the group’s Facebook page.