State forester to lead talk and walk

LYME — State forester Emery Gluck will give a talk on controlled burns and lead a walk Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m. off-trail on a 17acre tract of Nehantic State Forest in Lyme. The forest has been repeatedly subjected to controlled burns since 1993, according to a press release. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is using controlled burns as a forest management tool.

Those who wish to attend the “Fire! Talk & Walk” event, sponsored by the Lyme Land Trust and town of Lyme, should meet at the small lot on Keeny Road, the main forest road with an entrance on Route 156. Registration is required by emailing openspace@townlyme.org.

Author to speak on memoir, writing

CLINTON — Author Mary-Ann Tirone Smith will discusses her award-winning memoir, “Girls of Tender Age,” Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. at Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Turnpike.

Smith’s memoir details, with humor, her memories about growing in the Charter Oak section of Hartford in the 1950s, an announcement said. Her account recalls growing up with her autistic brother and in the shadow of a violent serial pedophile who murdered one of her classmates, the announcement continued.

The author will discuss the recent success of the Justice for Pidgie movement and State Assembly bill that recognizes and rewards Patricia “Pidgie” D’Allessio for her role in bringing the serial predator and murderer to justice, the announcement said.

Smith, a memoir writing instructor, will share tips. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Registration is required by visiting hchlibrary.org or calling 860-669-2342. Masks are encouraged for all guests.

Naturalist to share journaling tips

CLINTON — A free Nature Journaling & Illustration Workshop for adults will be presented by naturalist Meg Rondeau of the Goodwin Conservation Center in Hampton, will take place on Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. at Henry Carter Hull Library. Participants will be provided with tips and supplies to get started.

Registration is required by visiting hchlibrary.org calling 860-669-2342 or emailing sarah@hchlibrary.org.

Vocalina joins Essex Financial

ESSEX — Anthony J. Vocalina, who owns Vision Wealth Management in Waterford, has joined Essex Financial as a financial advisor in its Essex office.

He served for 20 years as a financial advisor at Fidelity Investments, followed by 15 years at his own firm.

He graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1987 and earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation in 2016.

Potter’s paintings in new show

OLD LYME — The Greenwich Art Society has opened a solo exhibition and sale of paintings by artist Jeanne Carol Potter of Old Lyme. The exhibit, which runs through Oct. 9, presents 47 of the artist’s recent watercolors, including landscapes, still lifes and portraits. Potter, who has been painting for more than 50 years, has spent more than 20 years teaching watercolor techniques.

Chamber to meet on insurance

MIDDLETOWN — The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce will host a health care insurance meeting Oct. 5 with SL Healthplans at noon on Zoom. Business owners who wish to learn how the chamber can help them with health care insurance needs can register at middlesexchamber.com.

Blessing of Animals on Sunday

OLD LYME — Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church, at 82 Shore Road (Route 156), will hold its annual Blessing of the Animals Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. The outdoor service will be held on the south side of church’s lawn. All pets must be leashed or tethered. For information, contact 860-434-1621 or office@saintannsoldlyme.org, or visit saintannsoldlyme.org.

Church card party

CROMWELL — The First Congregational Church at 355 Main St, will host a military whist card party on Oct. 7. Games are played in groups of four. No experience is necessary. Kevin Welch, who will lead the games, will explain how to play. There will be door prizes, raffles and light refreshments.

Entry fee is a $7 donation. Doors open at 6 p.m., and play begins at 7. Call 860-635-4806, 860-635-9434 or 860-635-2703 for information.

60+ Club meetings on hold

DURHAM — Durham 60+ Club and Travel meetings are still on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent announcement from Mary Ellen Dontigney, the vice president. An announcement will be made when meetings resume.

Five decisions head to voters

DURHAM — Voters will face five decisions, including setting a date for the annual budget meeting, at the annual town meeting on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Julian B. Thayer Auditorium at Coginchaug Regional High School.

Other decisions include electing one member to the Compensation Review/Personnel Policy Board, town representative to the Board of Trustees of the Durham Volunteer Fire Company, and three members to the Board of Library Directors, plus whether to approve a $10,000 transfer. More details are available at townofdurhamct.org.