Middlefield library plans ‘fairy garden’

MIDDLEFIELD — The Friends of the Levi E. Coe Library is creating a fairy garden on the grounds by early summer. Residents, civic organizations, seniors, Scouts and more are invited to create a book-themed garden to be displayed from June 25 to July 9. It may be based on

books in general or on a particular book, story, scene or character(s). These should be constructed in a container, such as a wood box, sturdy shallow cardboard

box, basket, wagon, etc., so that it is easy to move around. All displays should be waterproof, as they are expected to be displayed outside in the Shakespeare Garden. Drop-off dates are June 20 to 23. There is no fee to participate. Participants can take their gardens home on or after July 9. To register a group, call 860-3493857.

Singer/songwriter coming to Kate

OLD SAYBROOK — Singersongwriter Jon Pousette-Dart will be performing June 4 at 8 p.m. at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center at 300 Main St. Active as a performer/recording artist for over 40 years and counting, the artist founded The Pousette-Dart Band, and “carved” a place in the landscape of American music in the 1970s, according to a press release. Their single, “For Love,” reached Number 83 on the Billboard singles chart in 1979. Tickets, $35, may be purchased at katharinehepburntheater.org.

ARPA applications open

MIDDLETOWN — The city of Middletown’s American Rescue Plan Act Task Force will stop accepting applications June 13 at 4 p.m. They must be submitted to the city to be considered for funding by the ARPA Task Force. For information, visit middletownct.gov/ARPA, call 860638-4820 or e-mail brig.smith@middletownct.gov.

Boat show benefit results

ESSEX — The sixth Connecticut Spring Boat Show helped to raise over $23,000 for Sails Up 4 Cancer over the course of event, held April 29 to May 1 at Safe Harbor Essex Island. There were over 2,400 attendees. Sails Up is a nonprofit organization supporting cancer care, education, prevention and research. The combined totals raised from the regatta, boat show and the auctions will exceed $70,000. The 2023 CT River One-Design Regatta was put on by a collaboration of the Essex, Essex Corinthian, the Pettipaug, Duck Island and

Frostbite Yacht Clubs in 2023. For details, go to ctspringboatshow.com.

Memorial Day observances

CLINTON — Clinton’s Memorial Day ceremonies are scheduled for May 30 at 11 a.m. Observances include ceremonies at town cemeteries, a parade down Main Street and the main ceremony at the Lower Green. The parade will step off at Post Office Square and proceed to the lower green. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Clinton Town Hall auditorium. All veterans in Clinton are invited to march in the procession. No uniform is required. Gather in Post Office Square at 10:40 a.m. to join in the parade.

Memorial Day parade

MIDDLETOWN — Middletown’s Memorial Day parade will be held downtown May 30. The procession will step off in front of Macdonough Elementary School on Spring Street at 10:30 a.m. and proceed down Main Street to the South Green for an observation.

Youth career development

MIDDLETOWN — The Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Community Renewal Team on the Middlesex Youth Career Development Services Program, designed to empower out-ofschool youth 18 to 24 by providing them with on-the-job training, paid internships, or certificate programs at Middlesex Community College. The program focuses on medical billing and coding, phlebotomy, pharmacy technicians, personal training, security guards, PCT and certified nursing aid program. There is a paid work experience component for certified clients. For information, contact Julia-Sapia Bryant at sapiaj@crtct.org.

Arts festival submissions

ESSEX — The Essex Green Summer Arts Festival is seeking artists and fine artisans for the outdoor event on the Town Green June 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and June 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The deadline is June 6. Fine artisans may submit work for consideration for sale in the Store at Spectrum Gallery, 61 Main St., Centerbrook. For details, go to spectrumartgallery.org/shop.

Infant massage class

DEEP RIVER — A parent educator from Healthy Futures will lead a class to demonstrate the techniques of infant massage at the Deep River Library Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Parents will learn the benefits of massage for children, as well as meet and socialize with other parents. This is best suited for infants under 16 months. People should bring a blanket or towel. Registration is required at deepriverlibrary.accountsupport.com.

American Red Cross grant

MIDDLETOWN — The Liberty Bank Foundation has approved a $25,000 grant dedicated to the American Red Cross of Connecticut to help bolster humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine being coordinated by the International Committee of the Red Cross. It will support ICRC in providing lifesaving aid to those in need. This includes providing humanitarian needs, such as food, shelter, critical care items and first aid.

Clam chowder sale

HADDAM — The Haddam Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary will hold its annual clam chowder sale May 30, across from the Town Green after the Memorial Day parade. A cup of chowder will be $4; and quarts, $10. Quarts should be ordered in advance by calling 860-345-8245. They must be picked up by 11 a.m. in the kitchen.