CROMWELL | Apr 02 to Jul 31

Hilltop Runners is a running/walking group in Cromwell that meets Saturdays at 8 a.m. and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at Cromwell High School, 34 Evergreen Rd. All abilities are welcome. Walk on the track or run/jog on the road. For more information contact Jim at jhite81@sbcglobal.net or 203-645-2317. "Like us" at www.facebook.com/hilltoprunners .

Comstock Ferre Spring Classes

WETHERSFIELD | Apr 21 to May 26 | 1:00 pm

Comstock Ferre Spring Classes All classes are held on Sundays at 263 Main St., Wethersfield. Unless otherwise noted, classes are free of charge. We request that anyone planning to attend register in advance by calling at 860-571-6590 or email sales@comstockferre.com and provide your name and contact information. April 21, 1 p.m. Knife Skills: Cooking starts at the cutting board, not the stove. Pastry chef and gardener Beth Johnson cuts through the confusion. Come learn how to choose, maintain and use quality cutlery. Class size is limited and attendees must pre-register. Seeds of Death. This film exposes the dangers of genetically modified foods and features leading scientists, physicians, professors, attorneys and activists. You'll see the corruption surrounding GMOs and the deception being perpetrated against the world. You will learn about the detrimental health consequences of GMOs and about how Monsanto and the food industry at large are determined to keep the truth from consumers. April 28, 1 p.m. Organic Gardening Basics. Expert horticulturist Doyle Musser, founder and director of Harbor Shalom, will explain to the novice gardener how to start and maintain your organic garden and answer your gardening questions. May 5, 1 p.m. Easy Spring Greens: Now that spring greens are popping up in the garden and at farmers' markets, what do you do with them? Beth Johnson offers plenty of alternatives to splashing salad dressing over them. She also teaches how to make a healthy salad dressing! Class size is limited and attendees must pre-register. ‘The Case for Native Plants’– Using photos of scores of gorgeous gardens, designer and garden coach Deborah Kent will explain why you should add natives to your home landscape. You'll leave with plant profiles of great native trees, shrubs and perennials to add ‘oomph’ to your outdoor living spaces. May 12, 1 p.m. Take mom to an introduction on growing roses. Christine Paul, rosarian and member of the Connecticut Rose Society, which meets at Elizabeth Park, will talk about how to grow and show roses. Roses get a bad rap- they are not as hard to grow as you may think! Come learn about sustainable roses. May 19, 1 p.m. Keri Milne, garden coach and owner of The Perennial Gardener, where she installs, maintains and refurbishes garden beds, will explain the basics of garden soil and the art of composting. May 26, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Join us for our 2013 Heirloom Festival featuring speakers Scott Cheskey, Wiliam Woys Weaver, Lawrence Davis Hollander, James Weaver, Dr. Marie Mammone, and Analiese Paik; music including Shoregrass, Poor Old Shine and The Please and Thank You String Band; vintage crafters, children's entertainment, vendors, our own heirloom seedlings and more. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. Please note class schedule is subject to change. We'll try to post any schedule changes online and we will contact any individual who has registered using the contact information that has been provided. In case of inclement weather, please call 860-571-6590 to confirm whether the event will go forward.

Box Tops for Education

ROCKY HILL | Apr 24 to Jun 20

Myrtle H. Stevens and West Hill Elementary schools want to thank the community for helping contribute to our Box Tops Collections this school year. As we wind up the school year, please continue to support us by donating valid (non-expired) Box Tops for Education coupons in our community collection boxes at the senior center, library information wall, West Side Market near the front windows by the resisters and the parks & rec. window at the community center. If you can't make it to one of our collection boxes, please donate your Box Tops to a neighborhood child.

Rocky Hill Republicans

ROCKY HILL | Apr 30 to Jun 30

The Rocky Hill Republican Town Committee is looking for a few good men and women. If you are a registered Republican and are looking to become involved in your community and make a difference, then the RHTC wants to talk to you. We are looking for people to be potential candidates in the November 2013 municipal election. If you are interested or want more information, please contact Chairman Jeff Thomen at 860-257-3739 or Vice Chairman Mike Casasanta at 860-670-2652.

Giant Monthly Tag Sale

DURHAM | May 04 to Oct 05 | 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Notre Dame Church, 272 Main St., Durham, will again have its Giant Monthly Tag Sale and Flea Markets on the first Saturday of every month from May through October (May 4, June 1, July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 7 and Oct. 5) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The church has thousands of items in the air-conditioned hall and outside in the church garage, parking lot and on the lawn. Household goods, pots and pans, crafts, dishes, craft supplies, sewing supplies, knick-knacks, Christmas decorations, jewelry, whatchamacallits, furniture, clothing ($2.50 a bag), antiques, collectibles, books, etc. Breakfast and lunch will be available in the church hall. New items coming in continuously. 40 vendors in the parking lot. Vendor space available for $15- Call Bob Smith at 860-349-0356.

Volunteers Needed

| May 04 to Sep 21

The Central Connecticut Health District is looking for volunteers from Newington, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield to help at the Household Hazardous Waste Collections, run by the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC). Three collections are scheduled: :Saturday, May 4, at the Newington Town Garage, 281 Milk Ln. (off of Fenn Road), Newington; Saturday, June 22, at Wethersfield High School, 411 Wolcott Rd., Wethersfield; Saturday, September 21, at the Rocky Hill Water Pollution Control Facility, 80 Goff Brook Ln., Rocky Hill. The collections will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 1 p.m.; all volunteers are asked to arrive by 7:30 a.m. Volunteers are needed to distribute information and to register vehicles as they arrive to dispose of items that should not be collected with the regular trash. Volunteers will not handle hazardous materials. All volunteers will receive a free MDC T-shirt and a free lunch for their service. To register as a volunteer, please contact the Health District, serving the towns of Berlin, Newington, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield, at 860-721-2822.

Historical Society Tag Sale

NEWINGTON | May 18 to May 25 | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

The Newington Historical Society is accepting donations to its annual tag sale. Jewelry, small kitchen and electronic appliances in good working condition, glassware, dishes and other treasures will be gratefully accepted with the exception of large furniture, books or clothing. As in past years, items not sold will be donated to Hartford area homeless shelters. Bring those treasures to us during regular office hours, Monday and Friday, 8-11 a.m., and Wednesday 2-4 p.m. Please call to arrange a drop off time. Someone will be available at the Kellogg-Eddy House to accept your donations Saturdays, May 18 and 25, 9 a.m.-noon. If you are not able to drop off your items, arrangements for pick up can be made by calling the office and scheduling a time. Please call 860-666-7118 or email NGTNHeritage@aol.com .

Dollars for Scholars

WETHERSFIELD

The Wethersfield Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation, known as “Dollars for Scholars,” was founded in 1974 by Dr. Philip Sehl and the late Felix Babel to provide one-time scholarships to Wethersfield residents who are graduating seniors and plan to pursue any form of post-secondary education. This nonprofit organization is managed completely by volunteers and funded entirely by donations from local residents and businesses. Over 95 percent of all available funds are distributed to students who meet national Dollar for Scholars’ guidelines. Scholarships are based primarily on financial need, scholastic achievement, community service and educational goals. Since its founding, Dollars for Scholars has awarded over $2,306,300 in scholarships to more than 2,770 students!Dollars for Scholars needs the support of individual citizens as well as local businesses now more than ever to reach our goal. All donations are gratefully accepted. An individual scholarship can be awarded in your name or in the name of a loved one in amounts of $500 or more. This year, the Awards Program will be held Wednesday, May 22, at the Pitkin Community Center. It is a special night for Wethersfield residents and our graduating seniors, and we encourage all donors to attend. Please help us continue to support the students of Wethersfield and send your donation today to: P.O. Box 290338, Wethersfield, CT 06129-0338. Checks should be made payable to DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS and are fully tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. For questions, contact Brian Elmer at 860-550-0849 or Mary Daversa at 860-529-2711.

Memorial Day Parade Donations

NEWINGTON

Newington, like so many other cities and towns, proudly honors our veterans every Memorial Day with parades and ceremonies and is fortunate to have many willing and able volunteers that help make them possible. But we also require funds of $9,000-10,000 to help pay for bands, flowers for living and decreased veterans, police, etc. The Newington Memorial Day Parade Committee is asking for your assistance in through donations. A donation of any amount is appreciated and will go a long way in bringing the Memorial Day Parade to Newington. You may send your donation to: Webster Bank, NA, Attn: Tom Guzzo, 1120 Main St., Newington, CT   06111. This year’s parade will be May 25.

Cromwell Memorial Day Parade

CROMWELL | 6:00 pm

The Town of Cromwell and the American Legion Carlson-Sjovall Post will be hosting the annual Memorial Day parade and service in downtown Cromwell Thursday, May 30, at 6 p.m. Any organization or group interested in participating in the parade and other events is welcome to contact event coordinator Al Barrieau at 860-529-3665 or write to P.O. Box 77, Cromwell, CT 06416-0077. Deadline for registration is May 1.

Happy Hour Fundraiser

HARTFORD | 4:00 pm

Three greater Hartford Polish organizations are joining together to sponsor a Happy Hour Fundraiser for John Rice, 51, recently diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. With the help of his family and friends, John has been able to cope with the disease and continue to work at Tilcon Connecticut Inc., a New Britain construction company. To help him with his treatments and related future expenses, the Polish National Home, the Ladies Guild of SS. Cyril and Methodius Church and the Polish Cultural Club of Greater Hartford, Inc. are sponsoring a fundraiser Friday, May 31, at the Polish National Home, 60 Charter Oak Ave., Hartford. Tickets are $25 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, happy hour prices on all beverages, and door prizes. The event begins at 4 p.m. 80 percent of the ticket price will be donated to John. To be a part of this event, please contact Irene Underwood at 860-561-2336 or Carol Phelan 860-646-3114.

CROMWELL | 9:00 am

The third annual Teacher vs. Student 5K in Cromwell will be held Saturday, June 1, at Cromwell High School. Discounted early registration and is open now at� �www.cromwellcrosscountry.com . Race day registration is $25. All of the proceeds from this race will benefit the Cromwell High School boys and girls cross country teams. The race will go off at 9 a.m. Please be aware that there will be no parking at the high school on the day of the event. The main parking for the event will be at Edna C. Stevens school, with overflow at Woodside Intermediate school.

NEWINGTON | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

The Church of Christ Congregational in Newington is getting ready for its annual tag sale scheduled for Saturday, June 1, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., which benefits the Appalachia Service Project. If you have items you wish to donate, contact 860-666-4689 or churchofchrist@newingtonucc.org . We will be happy to pick them up. Vendor space is also available. All proceeds will fund our mission trip to the Appalachia region. For more information, visit www.asphome.org .

Free Concert

BERLIN | 7:00 pm

The Hyssongs Gospel Music Ministry Trio with Travelin' prayer Christian vocal group concert Saturday, June 1, at 7 p.m. Free-will offerings accepted and refreshments at intermission. Berlin Congregational Church, 878 Worthington Ridge, Berlin. 860-828-6586.

NEWINGTON | Jun 01 to Jun 02

The Newington Children’s Theatre Company (NCTC) will hold auditions for teens, ages 14-18, for its summer musical, Into the Woods, June 1 (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) and 2 (1-5 p.m.), by appointment only. Rehearsals begin June 8. Performances are July 12-14 (Friday & Saturday at 7p.m. and Saturday & Sunday at 2 p.m.). Interested teens should prepare a musical theatre song of their choice (preferably not from Into the Woods). To schedule your audition, call 860-666-6282. If cast, there is a $250 participation fee. www.NCTCArts.org .

Golfers Wanted

CROMWELL | 8:00 am

Ädelbrook The Children's Home of Cromwell, is holding its 18th Annual Golf for Kids tournament Thursday, June 6, at Lyman Orchards Golf Club. Your day, beginning with an 8 a.m. registration, includes 18 holes of golf with cart at the Robert Trent Jones Course, continental breakfast, afternoon buffet, raffle, auction and awards. Individual golfers are $180, with a discounted foursome price of $650 if you register before May 3. Ädelbrook is a non-profit multi-service agency dedicated to helping people of all ages who need specialized mental health treatment and/or developmental services. The Golf For Kids Tournament is our biggest fundraiser and we are looking for supporters to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. The money raised through our golf tournament helps acquire the necessary equipment to provide sensory therapy, purchase iPads with special applications for our nonverbal youth and buy other specialized therapeutic tools to help these youngsters increase independent functioning. To purchase your foursome, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities at the tournament, contact Sharon Graves at 860-635-6010 ext. 327 or sgraves@childhome.org .

WETHERSFIELD | 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Benefit for Multiple Sclerosis Saturday, June 8, 7-11 p.m. at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center, 200 Main St., Wethersfield. Sangria, food, music, prizes and fun. Buy tickets online at www.sangriathrowdownct.com .

ROCKY HILL | 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

The Dillon family will host their sixth annual Alex’s Lemonade Stand Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at the corner of France Street and New Road in Rocky Hill, as part of the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s National Lemonade Days fundraiser, now in its 13th year. The Dillon family decided to get involved in 2007 when their eight-year-old daughter, Kaitlin, was battling a rare genetic bone marrow disease. She has since undergone a successful bone marrow transplant. After holding their first stand, the Dillons pledged that they would host a lemonade stand every year to contribute to the battle against childhood cancer. If your workplace sponsors a casual Friday for charity, please consider Alex’s Lemonade Stand. 2013 Honorees: Lynn Aureli, Dr. Bob Aube, Rita Lynch-Hosack, Sharon Boettger, Walter Avery. To learn more, please visit www.alexslemonade.org .

NEWINGTON | 8:00 am

The second annual Lavery/McDermott Race to End Domestic Violence, a 5K trail run/walk in memory of MPO Peter Lavery and Officer Ciara McDermott, Saturday, June 8, at 8 a.m. at John Wallace Middle School, 71 Halleran Dr., Newington. Register online at www.active.com by May 25. $25/adults, $10/kids. Late registration is $35/adults.

Friendship Force of Connecticut

WEST HARTFORD | 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

The Friendship Force of Connecticut is celebrating its 35th anniversary since its inception. On June 9, there will be a luncheon at the Hartford Golf Club in West Hartford from noon to 4pm. Members, former members and those interested in possibly joining FF are welcome. The club will be hosting a group from Japan and they will be at the affair. Friendship Force International was started by President Carter. International group exchanges visit host FFI clubs around the world and there are domestic exchanges also. For more information and reservations contact Betty De Angelis at bettydeangelis@att.net .

Cromwell Panthers 10 Year Fundraiser

CROMWELL | 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Cromwell Panthers Football invites everyone to come celebrate our 10 years of varsity football. Come and reminisce with past and present players and coaches June 14, 6:30-11 p.m. at the Crown Plaza of Cromwell. $50/person; $40/alumni. There will be raffles, dinner, dancing and a silent auction. CPFC- P.O. Box 226, Cromwell, CT 06416 or cromwell.panthers@gmail.com .

Safe Graduation Decorating

WETHERSFIELD | Jun 17 to Jun 23 | 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

The Safe Graduation Decorating Committee needs parent volunteers from any grade at Wethersfield High School or community volunteers to set up and decorate for the Safe Graduation Party. Decorating begins Monday, June 17, and continues through Sunday, June 23, from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Please contact Sheryl Fallon at 860-558-4624 with your availability. Junior parents, this is a great opportunity to see how Safe Grad is done!

CROMWELL | 11:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday, June 22, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. at Watrous Park. $28 per person. A unique opportunity to meet all your Cromwell friends, regardless of the year they graduated. Food by Old World Pizza Truck includes unlimited pizza, grommet salad, desserts, cappuccino and espresso. bring your own snacks, munchies and cold drinks--only beer and wine allowed. Sign up online by June 10 at www.cromwellalumni.com . No walk-ins.

NEWINGTON | Jun 22 to Jun 27

Bhagavad Gita for Everyday Living, by Swami Mukundananda, spirituality, yoga and meditation teacher. Saturday-Sunday, June 22-23, and Monday-Thursday, June 24-27, at Vallabhdham Temple, 26 Church St., Newington. Prasadam will be served after the program. To register, call 201-280-6938, email info@jkyog.org or visit www.jkyog.org .

NEWINGTON | Jun 24 to Jul 21

The Newington Children’s Theatre has opened enrollment for their Summer Theatre Arts Programs. Their four-week (June 24-July 21), full day program (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) for kids, ages 8-15, gives participants the opportunity to learn and strengthen their musical theatre skills by working with acting, dance and music instructors in preparation for a fully-staged production of the Roald Dahl classic, Willy Wonka, with public performances July 18-21. Cost: $995. A deposit of $400 is required to hold your child’s spot. Not quite 8 years old? NCTC is offering a two-week half-day program for kids, ages 5-8 running July 8-July 21. Participants will learn basic musical theatre skills in preparation to become part of the ensemble in the full-day program’s production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka. Cost: $200. A deposit of $100 is required to hold your child’s spot. This summer, NCTC is also offering a two-week full-day program, running July 22-August 4. A truncated version of NCTC’s four-week program, kids, ages 8-15, will work with acting, dance and music instructors in preparation for a fully-produced one-act musical, Disney's Sleeping Beauty. Cost: $475. A deposit of $200 is required to hold your child’s spot. All sessions will be held at the NCTC Performing Arts Theatre, 743 North Mountain Rd., Newington. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information, call 860-666-6282 or visit www.NCTCArts.org .

Free Vacation Bible School

BERLIN | Jun 24 to Jun 28 | 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Sponsored by Berlin Congregational Church, 878 Worthington Ridge, Berlin. Monday-Friday, June 24-28, 2-5 p.m. "Kingdom Rock," an epic adventure. Make new friends, amazing experiments, wild games, snacks and music. For more information, call 860-828-6586.

Comedy Show

ROCKY HILL | 7:00 pm

The Rocky Hill Republican Town Committee is proud to present An Evening of Great Comedy With Comedian-Extraordinaire, Dave Reilly. Saturday, June 29, at the Sphinx Temple, 3066 Berlin Tpk., Newington. Buffet Dinner at 7 p.m.; show Starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person and $125 per couple. Call (860) 670-2652 for tickets or more information.

Vacation Bible School

CROMWELL | Aug 05 to Aug 09 | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

As you make your summer vacation plans, set these dates aside: August 5-9, 9 a.m.- noon! Get ready for a rip-roarin’ good time at SonWest Roundup, this summer’s Vacation Bible School theme at Hilltop Covenant Church, 82 Hicksville Rd., Cromwell. All children, ages 3-11 are invited. For more information, please call the church office at 860-635-4032

WHS 50th Reunion

WETHERSFIELD | Sep 21 to Sep 23

Wethersfield High School Class of 1963 will be celebrating its 50th Reunion Sept. 21-23, 2013. Please call or email Sue Collins Dubois (suzyque20@aol.com ) 860-633-3285 or Betty Ann Vose Fusco (suzyque20@aol.com ) 860-529-8440 if you have not received information.

Class of 1963 Reunion

NEW BRITAIN | Sep 27 to Sep 28

New Britain and Pulaski High Schools combined 50th reunion: Sept. 27-28, 2013. 1963 Graduates of all New Britain schools are welcome to attend. If you have not received a notice, contact Pat Wysocki Anderson, 860-229-4536 or Jane Reynolds Pallokat, 860-485-1501. Send your email address to nbhs_phs1963@yahoo.com .

BERLIN

Yankee Peddler Fair Nov. 23, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Rental fee of $40 for eight-foot table and chair. Handmade crafts only. Advertising on radio, Internet, newspapers and local businesses. Berlin Congregational Church, 878 Worthington Ridge, Berlin. ww.berlincongregationalchurch.org or email tinaagagner@aol.com for application.