Julie Rodriguez joins Turning Leaf Agency

MIDDLETOWN — The Turning Leaf Agency, at 1251 S. Main St., has appointed Julie Rodriguez as chief operations officer. She will be overseeing the dayto-day operationsm and overall care of the residences for individuals with developmental disabilities in Brooklyn and Canterbury, an announcement from the agency said.

Rodriguez joins Turning Leaf Agency with extensive leadership experience in the human services field, specifically with nonprofits, according to a press release.

John Prine tribute

MIDDLETOWN — The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center will present a weekend of music in a tribute to the late artist, a two-time Grammy award winning singer-songwriter John Prine. The public is invited to the 605 Main St. building Saturday and Sunday from 7 to 10 p.m.

“Prine’s music changed the face of modern American roots music,” according to a press release. He was known for an often humorous style of original music that has elements of protest and social commentary, it said.

Musicians will include Bob Gotta, host of Thursday Open Mics for 22 years.

On Saturday, Stan Sullivan takes the spotlight covering Prine’s songs and telling stories of his many experiences with the man. Sullivan is an acclaimed finger-picking-style guitarist who has won awards all over the country.

Tickets are $15, and available at Buttonwood.org, or call 860347-4957.

Holiday craft fair coming

GUILFORD — St. John’s annual Holiday Bazaar will take place Oct. 16 from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. at the church at 129 Ledge Hill Road. Weather permitting, the event will be held outdoors, featuring handmade crafts by local artisans, and vendorsm such as Mary Kay, Pink Zebra and Paparazzi. There will be raffle prizes of themed baskets and more.

Bell ringers being recruited

HARTFORD — The Salvation Army, which has service units in several Middlesex County towns, is looking for volunteer bell ringers for the holiday season. Volunteers stand by the organization’s red kettles and collect donations at locations around the state. For information, visit ctri.salvationarmy.org or call 860-702-0032.

Shops’ effort aids cancer research

CLINTON — Clinton Premium Outlets at 20 Killingworth Turnpike has started its Susan G. Komen 2021 campaign, Shop, Support & Save, to help in the fight against breast cancer by supporting cancer research.

Through Oct. 31, shoppers who make at least a $10 donation to the Komen organization at participating Simon properties or via simon.com/sgkdonate will receive a digital discount pass while supplies last. For information on participating retailers, deals and events, visit premiumoutlets.com/outlet/ clinton.

Carmen coming to the Kate

OLD SAYBROOK — Salt Marsh Opera, a nonprofit group based in Stonington, will present Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center at 300 Main St. on Sunday at 3 p.m.

For tickets, which are $55 to $65, go to katharinehepburntheater.org. At the request of Salt Marsh Opera, the center will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for attendance, according to the website.

Wild animals visit library

CLINTON — Young visitors to the Henry Carter Hull Library have had “up-close encounters” with many rare and exotic creatures, including lizards and birds, the library reports. One critter, Kooney Kooney, the New Zealand kunekune pig, roamed the library at 10 Killingworth Turnpike.

Head of Children’s Services Coralie Williams welcomed naturalist Chris Evers and the rescued/adopted Animal Ambassadors of Animal Embassy to the library for this program on wild animals. Girl Scout Troop 62191 sponsored this summer program about exotic animal rescue and environmental education.

In other library happenings, tweens made their own “mystical Rag-Tie Fairy Lights using colorful fabric scraps” and took them home to create their own “fantasy spaces,” according to a press release.

For information about upcoming events and programs. stop by the library, call 860-6692342, or visit hchlibrary.org.

Regional housing plan meeting

DURHAM — The Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments will hold a public meeting to introduce the creation of the agency’s regional housing plan on Oct. 12. The virtual meeting will begin at 7 p.m. via Zoom at us02web.zoom.us/ meeting/register/tZMrfuCrrTki H9w8Qwco9L_uOdDL_JBVacUk.

Chamber to host career fair

MIDDLETOWN — The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Middlesex County Career Fair on Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriot Hartford Cromwell at 4 Sebethe Drive in Cromwell.

The event ”will host over 40 companies ... which is very important due to the high number of openings,” Middlesex Chamber President Larry McHugh said. He thanked the other fair sponsors, the Connecticut Department of Labor and Workforce Alliance, “for their support of this event, especially Interim Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo” of the Labor Department.

To register a business or to view potential employment, visit middlesexchamber.com/career fair.