Golf, tennis tournament benefits nonprofit

More than $93,000 was raised for Ability Beyond at the organization’s Golf Championship and Tennis Tournament on Sept. 16.

The event attracted more than 110 people to Ridgewood Country Club in Danbury. The competition is one of Ability Beyond’s largest fundraisers and helps the Bethel-based nonprofit to provide job training and more to individuals with disabilities.

Bridgewater

Learn to plan your finances

The Burnham Library Board of Trustees will sponsor a personal financial planning seminar from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the library.

The event will feature a panel discussion about personal financial planning with a focus on year-end planning and potential tax advantages available under the new IRS tax guidelines.

The panel will consist of Cheryl Johnson, Esq., Verrill Dana LLP; Nicholas Guiditta, financial advisor, managing partner, Resolute Point Private Wealth at AmeripriseFinancial Services; and Wendie Grabel, EA, master tax advisor, H&R Block.

For more information and RSVP, call 860-354-6937.

Brookfield

Local’s memoir recognized

A local author’s memoir on growing up during World War II has been recognized in Readers’ Favorite’s international book award contest

C.D. Peterson, who lives in Brookfield, published “Home Front” in 2017. Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the internet. The organization receives entries from all over the world.

Brookfield

Author shares about finding out her father isn’t her father

More than 130 people recently turned out for the grand finale author visit for the 2019 One Town, One Read program.

This year’s book was “Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity and Love” by Connecticut-based author Dani Shapiro. It is a true story about Shapiro’s recent accidental discovery through an innocent at-home DNA test that her father was not her biological father.

These types of discoveries are becoming more and more common. Shapiro reports that in every audience throughout her national book tour, at least one person shares a similar revelatory experience

Shapiro read from her book and was interviewed. Audience members were also able to ask questions and have their books signed.

Brookfield

Multi-year high school reunion

Brookfield High School’s first four graduating classes, 1967-1970, will hold a joint 50th reunion this weekend.

Events run Thursday through Sunday and include a hike, golf, breakfast and a tour of the high school.

Hotel rooms are available at the Wyndham in Southbury, which will also be the site for a Saturday night dinner.

Classmates are asked to “get connected” with the committee at brookfieldreunion.com.

Brookfield

Swimmers perfect skills

More than 85 people participated in a camp at the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut that was designed to help them swim faster.

Fitter & Faster Swim Tours organized the “Two-Day Explosive Power Swim Camp” at the end of September.

Leading the camp was Elite Clinician and Olympic Gold Medalist Nick Thorman, NCAA All-American Nils Wich-Glasen, and World Championship Gold Medalist Tim Phillips.

Participants learned relay skills on the first day, followed by how to make faster turns on the second day.

Danbury

Food donated after drive

B’Nai Israel collected more than 1,500 pounds of food and $300 for local organizations during a food drive over the summer.

The drive was held this summer at Stop & Shop on Lake Ave. Ext. The donations went to Dorothy Day Hospitality House and the Daily Bread Food Pantry.

Brookfield

Halloween stories to be told

An international storyteller will recount spooky tales at 5 p.m. Saturday for the Brookfield Libary’s “Goblins and Giggles: Stories for a Halloween Eve” program.

Rona Leventhal, an improv theater and movement specialist, is described as “part mine, part singer, part actress.”

The program is recommended for ages 5 to 8.

Registration required at www.brookfieldlibrary.org or by calling (203) 775-6241.

Brookfield

Art demonstrations to be offered

Brookfield Crafter Center will host an open house and member sale from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday where attendees can explore over a dozen fine crafts and meet artists on the faculty.

The center’s eight studios will be open for demonstrations.

Danbury

Organization holds 25th annual gala

The Filipino American Association of Western Connecticut celebrated its 25th Annual Gala and Induction Ball at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury on Oct. 5.

FAAWC was founded in 1995 in Danbury with five families whose goal was to unite local Filipino-Americans to promote the rich heritage of Filipino culture, values and traditions. The group has grown to over 100 families including young parents, ensuring that the unique Filipino history and culture are preserved for future generations.

The organization holds various annual events and donates to local food banks, homeless shelters and military troops.

In the Philippines, FAAWC has provided financial aid, books and necessities for victims of natural disasters, participated in medical missions and contributed towards the improvement of health and education of underprivileged families.

Danbury

Duo to perform

The Cosmos Piano Duo will perform at Richter House at 3 p.m. Sunday.

The group specializes in performing uplifting and familiar compositions such Rhapsodies and Dances. Admission is free and refreshments will be served following the presentation. All donations are accepted.

Danbury

World-renowned pianist to visit city

World-renowned classical pianist Cecile Licad will appear in her Danbury Concert Association at 3 p.m. Sunday.

The concert is at the Veronica Hagman Concert Hall at the Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC) on Western Connecticut State University’s Westside Campus. Tickets are $25 for adults. Those under 18 are free through a grant from the Danbury Cultural Commission.

Danbury

Resident celebrates 100th birthday

Danbury man Felix Bonacci recently celebrated his 100th birthday in front of family and friends.

Mayor Mark Boughton declared Oct. 4, 2019 as “Felix Bonacci Day” in the city. Bonacci immigrated to the country at 10, served in the military and as a vice principal and a principal. He was instrumental in developoing the Richter Park Golf Club.

Kent

Artist to sign books

House of Books will hold a book signing from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday with chef and consummate entertainer Alex Hitz.

He will sign copies of his latest book, “The Art of the Host,” which addresses the finer points of elegant entertaining and serves as a useful guide.

Hitz is an award-winning chef, speaker, columnist, event designer and master host.

Kent

Church to host Harvest Fair

The First Congregational Church of Kent will hold its Harvest Fair on Friday.

Activities will include crafts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a quilt show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a turkey dinner, with takeout available, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Spaces for the flea market are available for $25 per space by contacting Bonnie Donzella at bonniedonzella@gmail.com.

New Fairfield

Judge chili to benefit seniors

The Candlewood Lions will host its 20th annual chili tasting and competition from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Sunshine Senior Center.

Money raised will go toward the senior center. The event is $3 per person. Children are free.

Attendees will sample chili from more than 12 or more pots and then vote for their favorite in three categories—political, professional and individual. Trophies will be awarded to the top vote-getter in each category.

Anyone can enter by bringing a large pot of chili to the senior center on the day of the event.

For further information or to participate in the contest please call Lion Bob Gyle at (203)746-6562 or Lion President Tracy Poeti at 203-885-0305.

New Milford

Food bank to benefit from oil changes

Affordable Automotive has announced the recipient of its Giving Back Program for the month of October is the New Milford Food Bank.

For every oil change this month, the business will donate $5 to the program.

At the end of the month, they will calculate the amount of oil change services and contact the food bank to present them with the check.

New Milford

Church event to feature chili

New Milford Assembly will hold a Fall Fest Chili Throwdown at 4 p.m. Saturday.

To enter a chili, email info@newmilfordassembly.church or call 860-355-0812.

In addition to the chili throwdown, offerings at the church will include corn hole, a donut-eating contest, pumpkin painting, a bonfire and more.

New Milford

Forum on youth survey to be held

New Milford Coalition for Awareness and New Beginnings will hold a town-wide forum at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Sarah Noble Intermediate School.

The forum will address the results of a youth survey that was given to New Milford eighth-, 10th- and 12th-grade students, followed by an active discussion on what young adults are thinking and doing regarding substance abuse, mental health and suicide.

The public is invited to attend the program.

New Milford

Vietnam War, cookbook programs to be held

New Milford Public Library will offer a variety of programs in the coming days.

Local author Charles McNair will discuss his book “Soldiers of a Foreign War,” which focuses on the complexity of the Vietnam War, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

McNair was 19 when he enlisted in the medical corps and was sent to Vietnam as an operating room technician. He began writing the book in 1971 and finished in 2015.

The library’s Cookbook Club will begin its new season Thursday at the library.

October’s cookbook will be “The Nightmare Before Dinner: Recipes to Die For: The Beetle House Cookbook.”

Attendees will choose a recipe and bring samples to the meeting.

Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month.

New Milford

Fundraiser combines auction, raffle

The Woman’s Club of Greater New Milford will hold a “Quarter Mania” event Saturday, with doors opening at 11 a.m. and the auction beginning at noon.

This is a new type of fundraiser for the area. It is a cross between an auction and a raffle where individuals will bid to have a chance to win a prize or gift certificate.

Bids are in 25-cent increments from one to four quarters.

Light lunch items and desserts will be available to purchase.

A numbered bidding paddle can be purchased for $5 and a corresponding numbered chip will be placed in the drawing basket.

All items up for bid will be displayed and the required bid amount clearly shown.

Once the auction starts, individuals will bid for the correct number of quarters on the items and raise their paddle.

Auction organizers will pick a number at random and keep picking until the winning bid number is selected.

Approximately 100 items will be available.

New Milford

Haunted Trail to provide scares

Harrybrooke Park and Harden House Museum’s sixth annual Haunted Trail returns this weekend.

The trail runs from 6 to 10 p.m this Friday and Saturday, as well as Oct. 25 and 26.

The event is not recommended for children 12 and under.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at HarrybrookePark.org, with early bird savings and group rates available.

The event raises money for Harrybrooke, New Milford Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of the Lakes youth, the Boys Scouts, NMHS Grad Party, The Children’s Center and The United Methodist Church.

In addition to the community groups, the park receives volunteer efforts from the friends of Harrybrooke Park, the Leo’s Club, Gentile Tree Service and the volunteers from the greater New Milford community.

Individuals from Candlewood Valley Country Club will prepare and serve all of the food.

Newtown

Painting workshop to be offered

The Society of Creative Arts of Newtown is offering a two-day Plein Air Painting Workshop (oil or watercolor) with award-winning artist Diane Dubreuil from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday.

The fee is $100 for SCAN members and $130 for non-members. The workshop will gather at The Newtown Meeting House.

To register for, send your check to: SCAN, P.O. Box 41, Newtown CT 06470. Please indicate name, address, phone, e-mail, and Plein Air Workshop on your check. You are registered once you pay the fee. Call Adele Moros at 203-744-7690 with questions.

Newtown

Halloween event to benefit health care center

The Avance Day Spa and AIR Gallery will host their first Boo Fest from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday to benefit Kevin’s Community Center of Newtown.

The event is kid and handicap-friendly. Halloween treats and complimentary masks will be offered.

In this their 17th year, the Halloween Boo Boxes are customized, hand-crafted and filled with novelties, treats and candy. New items to the “Boo Village” are Halloween Trees with lights and a variety of gift items replete with confections.

Kevin’s Community Center was founded in 2002 by Dr. And Mrs. Z. Michael Taweh in memory of their son, Kevin. The clinic provides free medical care for Newtown residents.

Newtown

Pumpkins to race

Newtown Lions Club will host The Great Pumpkin Race from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday behind Edmond Town Hall.

Pumpkin races are held for three age groups (8 & under, 9-12, 13 & over). Pumpkins must have four wheels and two axles, both of which must pass through the pumpkin. Decorated pumpkin contests are held for the same three age groups, with prizes awarded for the scariest, funniest and best decorated pumpkins.

There will be food, music and entertainment.

Registration is at 10 a.m. with $5 per entry in the decorating and race contests. The Lions Club mustang raffle is at 1 p.m.

For additional information, contact Gordon Williams at (203) 405-6392 or e-mail him at gmwllw@charter.net

Redding

Crafts, animals, more offered at local farm

New Pond Farm will host a variety of events this week.

Elementary school students can participate in a “beaver craft” from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday. Guest instructor Adrianne Roberts will share a short story then inspire kids to create one of the colorful main characters. This program is $10 per New Pond Farm member child and $12 per non-member child. Registration is required at www.newpondfarm.org or by calling (203) 938-2117.

A member of the “Beatrix Potter Society” will lead a program from 2 to 3:30 pm. Wednesday. McClung will discuss how the author studied mycology before publishing her books. The program is $10 per member and $15 per non-member.

Program Director Tim Laughlin will lead the the first in a two-part series of classes on the art of fly tying from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Each class will offer a different entry level fly that participants create and take home. All materials and equipment will be provided. The event is $10 per member, per class and $12 per non-member, per class

The farm’s Annual Harvest Festival & Nature Day is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday with historical demonstrations, livestock, crafts and music. Master falconer Brian Bradley will also demonstrate the hunting skills of falcons, hawks, and owls. The event is $5 per person (3 years and up) or $20 per family.

Registration is required for all events except for the festival at www.newpondfarm.org or by calling (203) 938-2117.

Ridgefield

Three shows to be performed

The Michael Chekhov Theatre Festival will present three shows at the Ridgefield Theater Barn this weekend.

At 8 p.m. Friday, “Truth Values” will be performed. The show is directed by Unexpected Theatre Company/

The Plastic Theatre Company will give a staged reading of “Unnatural Acts” at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The solo piece “Honduras” by Sara Farrington at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets can be purchased at ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org.

Roxbury

Funding to go to outreach program

The town has received a $2,250 check from the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal through its Vicariate Outreach Program.

The funding will help the the town continue its mission of providing resident relief including fuel assistance.

Sherman

Counseling session to teach forgiveness

Sherman Congregational Church will offer group counseling on the topic of forgiveness from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturdays beginning this week through Nov. 16.

New Milford resident Laura Baxter, who holds a master of science degree in counseling and is a certified counselor, will lead this session, which will be approached from a Christian perspective.

There is no charge for the first session. Donations will support the Sherman Church Community Relief Fund.

For more information, contact Baxter at 860-733-9972 by voice or text, or email baxter7109@gmail.com.

Southbury

Flu clinics to be offered

The Pomperaug Health District will hold flu clinics for seniors at various locations beginning this week.

The Health District clinics are staffed by experienced nurses. Appointments are not required, except for at the Woodbury Senior Center. New for this year: the Health District now accepts UnitedHealthcare, including the Medicare Advantage plan.

Clinics are at Heritage Village from 10 a.m. to noon this Wednesday and 11 a.m. to noon Oct. 30. Oxford Senior Center will host a clinic from 10 a.m. to noon this Thursday, whiile Southbury Senior Center’s will be from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 23. A session will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 24 at Woodbury Senior Center.

Weekly walk-in clinics are also offered from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Jan. 6, with the exception of this Monday, Nov. 11 and Dec. 23.

For more information and the fees for vaccines, visit www.pddh.org.

Southbury

Class of 1989 to celebrate reunion

Pomperaug Regional High School’s Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th reunion on the weekend of Oct. 25.

The alumni will watch the football game at 6:30 p.m. Friday, with a party at The Painted Pony Restaurant at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets are $25 per person in advance or $30 at the door. Tickets include food and entertainment, with a cash bar. To RSVP and order tickets contact Susan Sanford, Susan@vcmpt.com by Friday.

Washington

Author to sign latest book

Children’s book illustrator Wendell Minor will sign copies of his newest book, “Hi, I’m Norman,” at Hickory Stick Bookshop at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The biography of Norman Rockwell was written by Robert Burleigh for young readers.

Many of Minor’s other books will also be available for signing.

Washington

Local author to discuss book set in fictional CT town

Gunn Memorial Library will present a conversation with Washington resident Diana Varlay and Kent author Betty Krasne about Krasne’s book “The Good Life?” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The book is set in fictional Lynnfield in Northwest Connecticut, against the backdrop of 1980s excess.

Books will be available for sale and signing at the event.

Washington

Learn how to build family tree

Gunn Memorial Library will present an illustrated presentation, “Growing Your Family Tree,” with professional genealogist Toni McKeen at 1 p.m. Sunday.

The program is being held in recognition of National Family History Month.

The program will help attendees learn how and where to begin doing family research, which important websites to use, and how to establish a system to keep track of a family tree as more ancestors are added to its branches.

Registration is required by calling 860-868-7586.

Washington

Exhibit to open

The Washington Art Association & Gallery is opening an exhibit, “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” on Saturday.

The exhibit, featuring artists Brad Greenwood and Sam Funk, will run until Nov. 16. Greenwood is a painter, while Funk is a sculptor.

Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.