Happening Local

The September October show at the Top Shelf Gallery, "East & West," will feature painting, drawings and yarn works by Xiaohong Song. The North Windham artist produces florals, still lifes, landscapes, and portraits in a number of media, including oil, watercolor, charcoal, and pencil. The show will open the first week in September with an artist's reception Wednesday, September 16, at 5:30 p.m.

I AM THE PROBLEM A Solo Exhibition: Artist Edward A. Burke Presented by Three Rivers Gallery at CT State Community College in Norwich and curated by Professor Sandra Jeknavorian, Director of Three Rivers Gallery. Through thirteen paintings and drawings, I AM THE PROBLEM explores climate change, ecological fragility, and humanity’s responsibility for the natural world. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the environmental choices shaping our shared future and encourages dialogue about our relationship with the natural world.

We are accepting new singers for our choirs this September. We have choirs for children, teens, and adults that rehearse at the same time. + There is no audition to join + Affordable + Vocal technique instruction included We rehearse on Sundays from 3:00-4:30pm at Storrs Congregational Church in Storrs-Mansfield. Our choirs currently accepting new singers: * Choir Matrix - adult choir for upper voices * Harmonia - youth choir for ages 11-16 * Nova - children's choir for ages 6-10 Sing with us today! Register on our website.

Poets at Large Presents Knowles and Aeroelastic Flutter September 26th, 2026 Poets at Large will continue its seventh season on Saturday night, September 26th with two disparate types of poetry. The show begins at 7 p.m. at The Vanilla Bean Café, 450 Deerfield Road, in Pomfret, CT and featured that night will be Frederick-Douglass Knowles II and performance artist duo Aeroelastic Flutter. Suggested donation is $10.00. Knowles is a Hartford Poet Laureate Emeritus, an English Professor at CT State Community College and author of BlackRoseCity (Author House 2011). He is the recipient of The Nutmeg Poetry Award, a Connecticut of the Arts Fellow in Artistic Excellence in Poetry/Creative Non-Fiction, and a two-time Pushcart Prize nominee. He will be showcasing work from his newest book, Sinking in Moonlight Alone. Aeroelastic Flutter is a spoken word and sound collaboration, combining the often-absurdist poetry of Jim Whitten with the guitar work and sound exploration of Nicholas Pecsok. Their project experiments with lo-fi audio and borderline performance art, challenging audiences to reevaluate how poetry can be performed and defined. Poets at Large has brought over 150 published and awarded poets to the area since 2020 and dozens of people have participated in the open mic portions during that time. Poets at Large is a project of Windham Arts. All events are ADA compliant and are recommended for ages 16 and up. Readings for the rest of the season are sponsored in part by donations from bankHometown, Charter Oak FCU, WHZ Financial and The Putnam Area Foundation. Contact karen.warinsky@gmail.com to sign up for the open mic; 5-minute max as time allows.

Hampton's popular Harvest Festival will be held September 26 from10 a.m.-3 p.m., on the lawn between the community center and the town hall at 164 Main Street. Rain venue is the Hampton Elementary School at 380 Main Street. The festival will feature the traditional mix of farm and craft vendors and community organizations, plus food, music, and entertainment for the youngsters. Emphasis will be on locally grown produce and foodstuffs, plus art and craft work. Admission is free and both sites offer plenty of free parking. Information: 860 455 1086.

All members of the community are invited to take advantage of our safe and secure shredding and recycling service. Bring up to three file size boxes of confidential, personal, and business documents for complimentary shredding. We will also be collecting non-perishable food items for Care and Share of East Lyme. Items in need are canned and dry goods, that are not in glass containers, in the following categories: tuna, meats, stew, vegetables, fruits, pasta, rice, instant potatoes, dried beans, peanut butter, and baby food. For this event, we’re offering free Hard Drive destruction, with a limit of 60 Hard Drives.

This fall, downtown Northampton will become home to a citywide treasure hunt of miniature public art. Opening September 26–27 and remaining on view throughout October, Fun Sized: A Tiny Public Art Festival invites visitors to slow down, look closer, and rediscover downtown Northampton through fifteen miniature, site-specific artworks hidden throughout the city. Using a free printed or digital map, visitors will search for tiny murals, sculptures, installations, and unexpected artistic interventions tucked into overlooked corners and everyday spaces. Along the way, participants collect clues that lead to the festival's final hidden artwork—the Golden Moment. The inaugural festival features work by local and regional artists: Adam O'Day, Chelsea Dupois, Cicely Carew, Dina Gjertsen, Erika Zekos, Eva Pushkova, Felipe Ortiz, Fred & David Zinn, John Higby, M. Rudder, Maggie Nowinski, Mary Cleary, Michael Medeiros, Raishad Glover, Sally Curcio, and Scout Cuomo. Fun Sized presented by Bright Matter Studio.

Enjoy an intimate evening with David Wilcox, acoustic folk artist. Saturday 9/26/26, 7:30pm at The Packing House, 156 River Road (Rte 32), Willington, CT. $35 advanced online purchase. $40 at the door. Bring your own food and beverage. Tables first come first serve. Doors open @ 6:30.

Saturday, September 26 9am to 3pm 59th Annual Antique Show & Artisan Crafts Show On the historic Lebanon Green Fundraiser for the Lebanon Historical Society $8 admission, children under 12 free admission Free parking — Up to 60 dealers—Held rain or shine 855 Exeter Rd, Lebanon Bring your cash! Coffee & donuts, grilled hot dogs & burgers Hot foods served at 11am homemade: corn chowders and clam chowder sandwiches and slices of homemade pie For dealer & more information call 860-642-6579 or www.historyof lebanon.org

Unlock the secrets of financial success with our credit class! Discover how to build and maintain credit scores, understand the hidden mechanics behind credit reports, and learn strategies to leverage credit for your financial goals. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to boost your existing score, this class offers valuable insights and practical tips. Don't miss this opportunity to take control of your financial future and turn your credit into a powerful asset! Register today! MEMBER FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

Curious about your iPhone but not sure where to start? This class is designed especially for those who are new to smartphones or want a refresher. We’ll cover the essentials, including how to navigate your device, adjust settings, use key apps, and stay connected with family and friends. Learn at a comfortable pace in a supportive environment that encourages questions and hands-on practice.

All members of the community are invited to take advantage of our safe and secure shredding and recycling service. Bring up to three file size boxes of confidential, personal, and business documents for complimentary shredding. We will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Bank. Items in need are canned and dry goods, that are not in glass containers, in the following categories: tuna, meats, stew, vegetables, fruits, pasta, rice, instant potatoes, dried beans, peanut butter, and baby food.

According to OmniWatch, in 2025, identity theft cases surged to 1.5 million nationwide, marking a 36% increase over the previous year. This workshop will teach you how to recognize common scams like phishing and imposter schemes, implement practical defenses, and respond quickly if your identity is compromised. You’ll also learn real-world strategies to protect your personal and financial information in today’s digital landscape. Join us to turn rising risks into actionable steps for security and peace of mind. Register today!

Sharon Wapen facilitates an interactive gathering on the difficult topics of death and dying, Wednesday, October 7 from 3:30- 5 p.m. in the community room at Hampton's Fletcher Memorial library. This is a free program, but registration is required and the group will be limited to 12 participants. Sign up at fletchermemoriallibrary@gmail.com or by calling 860-455-1086.

This training will help you learn the skills needed to use QuickBooks Online. Laura Bulas, CPA, owner of LRB Accounting LLC and a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, will introduce the platform and practical ways to use it. Register today!

The 22nd Roslyn Young Memorial Concert. “Salon Music in Early America” a musical tribute in honor of the 250th anniversary of our nation. The Music of the Meetinghouse presents the 22nd annual Roslyn Young Memorial Concert on Sunday, October 11 at 4 PM at the First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meetinghouse Lane in Madison. The concert features music by Arne, Handel, Corelli, Oswald, Hopkinson, and others, performed on period instruments by Claire Smith Bermingham, violin, Jeremy Rhizor, violin, Margrét Hjaltested, viola, Anneke Schaul-Yoder, cello, Dylan Saurwald, harpsichord, and soprano Brittany Palmer. Reception will follow. Tickets are $25/Free for children and available at the door. For more information please contact 203-245-2739, ext 12, or rymemorial46@gmail.com. Please visit RoslynYoungMemorial.org. The Roslyn Young Memorial is a non-profit organization established by the family of professional violist Roslyn Young to honor her memory by presenting an annual concert of classical music near Guilford, CT, her hometown.

According to OmniWatch, in 2025, identity theft cases surged to 1.5 million nationwide, marking a 36% increase over the previous year. This workshop will teach you how to recognize common scams like phishing and imposter schemes, implement practical defenses, and respond quickly if your identity is compromised. You’ll also learn real-world strategies to protect your personal and financial information in today’s digital landscape. Join us to turn rising risks into actionable steps for security and peace of mind. Register today!

Trying to recover from a time when money was really tight? Break the cycle and begin to develop a financial recovery plan! We'll assess your current financial situation, identify ways to increase income and prioritize expenses, and discuss how to guard against credit repair scams that are too good to be true. Register today!

Have questions about buying a home or improving your credit? Stop by anytime between 11 AM and 2:30 PM or schedule a one-on-one chat with a Chelsea Groton Bank lender. Whether you're just exploring your options or ready to take the next step, we're here to help, with no obligation to get a loan. Walk-ins are welcome and appointments are encouraged. MEMBER FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but knowing what to expect can make all the difference. Join us for a free Homebuying Dinner & Learn at El Guanajuato Restaurant in Windham, where dinner and homebuying education are on us! This informative class will walk prospective buyers through the homebuying journey, from early preparation to closing day. You’ll gain practical insights on financing options, the mortgage process, working with a real estate agent, and important steps to take before beginning your home search. The class will be presented in both English and Spanish, so attendees can participate in the language they are most comfortable with. While you learn, enjoy dinner on us! Attendees will be able to choose a meal from a special limited dinner menu at El Guanajuato Restaurant, courtesy of Chelsea Groton Bank. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, thinking about buying in the future, or simply want to better understand the process, this relaxed evening is designed to help you feel more confident and prepared. Dinner and the class are complimentary, but space is limited so advanced registration is required. MEMBER FDIC | Equal Housing Lender |NMLS 402928 Comprar una casa es un paso emocionante, pero saber qué esperar puede marcar una gran diferencia. Acompáñenos a una cena y clase gratuita sobre la compra de vivienda en El Guanajuato Restaurant en Windham, ¡donde la cena y la información son por nuestra cuenta! Esta clase informativa guiará a los futuros compradores a través de todo el proceso de compra de una vivienda, desde la preparación inicial hasta el día del cierre. Aprenderá información práctica sobre opciones de financiamiento, el proceso hipotecario, cómo trabajar con un agente de bienes raíces y los pasos importantes que debe tomar antes de comenzar la búsqueda de su hogar. La clase se ofrecerá en inglés y español, para que los participantes puedan recibir la información en el idioma con el que se sientan más cómodos. Mientras aprende, ¡disfrute de una cena por nuestra cuenta! Los participantes podrán elegir una comida de un menú especial con opciones limitadas de El Guanajuato Restaurant, cortesía de Chelsea Groton Bank. Ya sea que esté comprando una casa por primera vez, pensando en comprar en el futuro o simplemente quiera comprender mejor el proceso, esta noche informal está diseñada para ayudarle a sentirse más seguro y preparado. La cena y la clase son gratuitas, pero el espacio es limitado y se requiere inscripción previa. Miembro FDIC | Prestamista de Igualdad de Vivienda | NMLS 402928

All members of the community are invited to take advantage of our safe and secure shredding and recycling service. Bring up to three file size boxes of confidential, personal, and business documents for complimentary shredding. We will also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Bank. Items in need are canned and dry goods, that are not in glass containers, in the following categories: tuna, meats, stew, vegetables, fruits, pasta, rice, instant potatoes, dried beans, peanut butter, and baby food.

STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT – The acclaimed a cappella ensemble, Take Note!, is pleased to announce an upcoming benefit concert in support of Safe Net Ministries. Take Note! performs Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, located at 7 Spring Street, Stafford Springs, CT. As a long standing community nonprofit, serving residents facing food insecurity in northeastern Connecticut, Safe Net Ministries operates a vital food pantry that provides nutritious groceries, household essentials, and compassionate support to individuals and families in need. Through partnerships with Food Share, local businesses, and dedicated volunteers, the organization distributes hundreds of food boxes each year and ensures reliable access to healthy meals. Safe Net also connects families with seasonal programs such as school supply drives, holiday support, and emergency aid. During colder months, the organization offers referrals for energy assistance to help households stay warm and safe. To learn more about services, volunteer opportunities, or ways to contribute, visit safenetministries.com. With demand rising and funding urgently needed to sustain these services, donations to Safe Net Ministries will be gratefully accepted at the door. Take Note! is a volunteer 20 voice a cappella ensemble based in Mansfield, comprised of select, talented local singers who enjoy challenging and diverse musical styles. Under the artistic direction of Linda Tracy, Take Note! performs without charge for the benefit of nonprofit organizations throughout Eastern Connecticut. The ensemble’s mission expresses this vision well: “Through performances in support of charitable endeavors, we are raising spirits, raising voices, raising hope.” To learn more about Take Note! and stay up to date with our events, visit: http://www.take-note.org/ or follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/71306851330/ Thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you at the concert!

Join Chelsea Groton Bank for an informative and engaging session focused on staying safe in today’s digital world. As online dating platforms continue to grow, so do the risks of scams, fraud, and identity theft. In this workshop, we’ll walk you through common red flags, techniques scammers use to build trust, and practical steps you can take to protect your personal information. Let us help you understand who’s a keeper and what phishes should be thrown back. Register today!

Join us for an exclusive forum designed specifically for business owners, nonprofit leaders, and team members responsible for business operations, technology, and data security. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated and AI-driven threats continue to evolve, organizations of every size need practical strategies to stay protected. This dynamic session will help you: Recognize emerging cyber threats, including AI-powered scams, business email compromise, ransomware, and social engineering attacks. Protect your organization's data, finances, and reputation with practical safeguards that are easy to implement. Understand the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence, including how criminals are using AI and how businesses can safely leverage AI tools. Respond confidently to security incidents with proven strategies, tools, and resources. Hear directly from industry experts who understand the unique challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofit organizations. Through real-world examples, current trends, and actionable best practices, you'll gain valuable insights to help strengthen your organization's cybersecurity posture. Register today!