FRIDAY, FEB. 6
SOUTHINGTON
SAINT THOMAS SCHOOL WINTER GALA. 6 p.m. to midnight. Throwback to the 1980s with musical guest Marty Q. State Senator Joseph Markley will be the guest MC. Open bar, sit-down dinner, silent and live auctions, raffle prizes, and dancing. $70. Checks are payable to Saint Thomas School, attention Gala Committee. Open to public. TheMelvins1@Cox.net
PLAINVILLE
DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT AND BAKE SALE. 6:30 p.m. Fund raiser for Plainville High School/ YMCA Project Graduation. Teams made up of six players. Anyone from the community can form a team. $10 entry fee per player. $2 admission for non-participants.Plainville High School, Kegel Gym, Robert Holcomb Way, Plainville.
BRISTOL
COFFEE HOUR WITH BRISTOL LEGISLATORS. 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Hosted by state Sen. Henri Martin, and state representatives Whit Betts and Cara Pavalock. Rodd’s Restaurant, 854-Farmington Ave., Bristol. Coffee will be provided.
OTHER
TOUR OF PALACE THEATER, 11 a.m. Palace Theater, 100 East Main St., Waterbury. $5 per person. (203) 346-2000.
SATURDAY, FEB. 7
BRISTOL
25TH ANIVERSARY CELEBRATION MARDI GRAS 2015. 7 to 11 p.m. Food, BYOB, Wheel of Fortune, dancing, wine and bourbon tasting, king and queen, 50/50 raffle, masks and costumes encouraged. Live entertainment. New England Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Ave., Bristol. $50 per person. Table of eight may be reserved. Masks available at the Museum Gift Shop. (860) 585-5411.
SINGLES GAME NIGHT. Held by Social Connections. Eat, play games, hang out. Bring your favorite game, appetizer or dessert to share, dress casual. Members free. Guests, $10. Gail’s, 35 Anthony Dr., Bristol. Reserve. (860) 582-8229.
BRISTOL CHOCOLATE EXPO. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Doubletree Hilton Hotel of Bristol, 42 Century Dr., Bristol. Adults, $15. Children, students, and seniors (60-plus), $5. Military and veterans are free with ID. Buy tickets early and save $5 per ticket. (860)597-4835, www.chocolate-expo.com
BOTTLE AND CAN DRIVE. Benefit for Bristol Eastern High School 2015 Project Graduation. 9 a.m. to noon. Bristol Eastern High School, 632 King St., Bristol.
FORMAL DONATION DEDICATION TO JAMES MURDOCK. Noon. Murdock donated to the Manross Library a military saber once owned by Colonel Manross. Murdock, a veteran himself, is terminally ill with cancer but did extensive research into the history of Colonel Manross to be included on the plaque mounted with the saber. American Legion Post 2 officers and membership will sponsor the event with the help of Scott Stanton of the Bristol Public Library. Murdock will receive an award for his dedication to local history, and appreciation for his efforts and his service through the years not only to the Air Force but to the State of Connecticut, a former executive officer in the command of the Horse Guard. Open to the public. Refreshments. Manross Library, 260 Central St., Forestville.
SOUTHINGTON
OPEN HOUSE AT LINCOLN COLLEGE OF NEW ENGLAND. 10 a.m. Overview of academic programs, services, and campus life; campus tours; meet program directors and student life staff; admission and financial aid information. Lincoln College of New England, 2279 Mount Vernon Rd., Southington. (860) 628-4751, ext. 40948, 1-800-952-2444.
OTHER
INFORMATIONAL SESSION FOR PROSPECTIVE FOSTER PARENTS. Held by Wheeler Clinic. Noon to 2 p.m. Silas Bronson Library, 267 Grand St., Waterbury. (860) 793-7277.
‘PROJECT ALIVE INSIDE.’ 6 p.m. A documentary about how music can pull a person out of the isolation of Alzheimer’s. Presented by the Central Connecticut State University Exercise Science Club. Welte Auditorium, Central Connecticut State University, New Britain. Free. Donations of iPods, MP3 players, and iTunes gift cards accepted. AliveInside.us
FEB. 7-8
OTHER
MONSTER JAM. Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. Pit Party on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Featuring trucks such as Max-D driven by Tom Meents, Crushstation driven by Greg Winchenbach, Storm Damage driven by Tim Mente, Hurricane Force driven by Steven Thompson, Trasher driven by Pat Summa, Stinger driven by Zane Rettew, Instigator driven by Paul Breaud, and Backdraft driven by Ty Cornelius. XL Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Hartford. Tickets start at $10 for children ages 2 to 12. Pit Party tickets are $10. XLCenter.com.
SUNDAY, FEB. 8
OTHER
TRAIN AND TOY SHOW. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m .Exhibitors, toy trains. Zandri’s Stillwood Inn, 1074 South Colony Rd., Wallingford. $6. Children 12 and under free with an adult. (203) 926-1327, ClassicShowsllc.com
MONDAY, FEB. 9
PLAINVILLE
VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH MICHAELA’S GARDEN. A fund raiser for the Petit Family Foundation. 9:30 a.m. Package 4 O’clock seeds (Michaela’s favorite), which then will be sold with all the proceeds going to the foundation. Volunteers need to count out 25 seeds, put the seeds in a packet, and seal with glue. Everyone is invited. Plainville Senior Center, 200 East St., Plainville. (860) 747-5728.
BRISTOL
MOHEGAN SUN CASINO BUS TRIP. Held by the St. Stanislaus Church Golden Agers. $25. Trip includes transportation, meal voucher, gaming package. Reservations. (860) 589-5597, (860) 583-8170.
TUESDAY, FEB. 10
PLAINVILLE
MOHEGAN SUN TRIP. Held by AARP Chapter 4146. Leave Our Lady of Mercy, 19 S. Canal St., Plainville at 8 a.m. Leave Mohegan Sun at 4:15 p.m. Reservations. (860) 747-1732. Cancellations broadcast on WFSB Channel 3.
BRISTOL
U.S. FAMILY HEALTH PLAN, A TRICARE OPTION, HEALTH BENEFITS CONSULTANT AVAILABLE. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Health care is provided to active duty family members, activated National Guard and Reserve family members, retirees and their family members, also included are certain “grandfathered” beneficiaries who are age 65 and older. Army Strong Community Center, 111 North Main St., Bristol. (860) 584-6258, donna.m.dognin.ctr@mail.mil
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11
SOUTHINGTON
‘NAVIGATING THE COLLEGE PROCESS.’ 6:30 p.m. Presented by the Southington High School Counseling Department for grade 11 parents and students. A power point presentation about the college admission requirements and process will be the main focus of the program. All students and parents of the class of 2016 encouraged to attend. Southington High School, 720 Pleasant St., Southington. (860) 628-3229.
FRIDAY, FEB. 13
OTHER
SINGLES HAPPY HOUR. Held by Social Connections. 5 p.m. Bonefish Grill, 2903 Berlin Turnpike, Newington. No charge. (860) 582-8229.
THURSDAY, FEB. 19
SOUTHINGTON
DAY TRIP TO THE CONNECTICUT FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW. Held by First Baptist Church of Southington. Departure will be at the church lower parking lot, 581 Meriden Ave, Southington at a time to be announced. Lunch stop at the Chowder Pot. (860) 621-3024, (860) 770-1557.
FEB. 19, MARCH 18
PLAINVILLE
FREE EMAIL ACCOUNT CLASS. Thursday, Feb. 19 and Wednesday, March 18 from 9 to 10 a.m. Step-by-step instructions on how to set up a free email account using Gmail. No prior email address is required to register for an email account and participants can use the library’s public computer to access their new email account anytime. It would be helpful if students bring their cellphones if they have one, although it’s not required. Participants must have basic mouse skills, a basic understanding of the internet, and know how to navigate a website. Plainville Public Library, 56 East Main St., Plainville. Each class is limited to six people and free registration is necessary. Register at library reference desk or call (860) 793-1446.
FRIDAY, FEB. 20
BRISTOL
SINGLES ‘50S, ‘60S, ‘70S DANCE. Held by Social Connections. 8 p.m. to midnight. DJ. Buffet. Nuchie’s, 164 Central St., Bristol. $12, members. $17, guests. (860) 582-8229.
FEB. 25, MARCH 25, APRIL 22
SOUTHINGTON
CONTEMPLATED WORSHIP. Fourth Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. First Congregational Church of Southington, 37 Main St., Southington.
SATURDAY, FEB. 28
SOUTHINGTON
1ST HOME AND BUSINESS SHOW. Held by Derynoski Elementary School PTO. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Derynoski Elementary School, Main Street, Southington.
MARCH 5-26
SOUTHINGTON
INCLUSIVE MUSIC THERAPY GROUP PROGRAM. Offered by Southington Park and Recreation Department. Thursdays, 5 to 5:45 p.m. Uses music intervention to promote hysical, emotional and social needs in a fun and creative environment. Participants will sing, dance, and play instruments. For Southington residents only. Limited to seven children. $80 per child. Pre-registration, payment required. (860) 276-6219. Southington.org/musictherapy
THURSDAY, MARCH 12
PLAINVILLE
AARP TRIP DAY OF IRISH CELEBRATION. The comedy of George Casey from County Clare, Ireland, vocalist and guitarist Liz McNicholl, and Irish Step Dancers. Fox Theater, Foxwood Resort Casino, Mashantucket. Promotional package included—lunch buffet and $10 slot pay. $74. (860) 747-1732.
MARCH 13-15
OTHER
‘LIVING IN THE PRESENT MOMENT OF CLINICAL WORK.’ A weekend retreat for mental health professionals. Copper Beech Institute, 303 Tunxis Rd., West Hartford. $250 plus accommodations. CopperBeechInstitute.org
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
PLAINVILLE
SIXTH ANNUAL WHEELER YMCA O’MAZING RACE. 4:45 p.m. Two hour St. Patrick’s Day themed scavenger hunt around town for a unique night of entertainment. Teams of four will walk, run, and drive to complete tasks and collect items while collecting points to win the coveted trophy and bragging rights. Begins at The Loop, 161 Woodford Ave., Plainville. Registration is $200 for a team of four. Fund raiser for the YMCA Annual Campaign. Register at the Wheeler YMCA, 149 Farmington Ave., Plainville. (860) 793-9631 ext. 109.
MARCH 18-MAY 13
SOUTHINGTON
INTERMEDIATE BALLROOM AND SWING DANCE LESSONS. Offered by Southington Parks and Recreation Department. Wednesdays, 7 to 8 p.m. Plantsville Elementary School cafeteria, 70 Church St., Plantsville. $50 fee per couple. Class size is limited. Pre-registration and payment is required. (860) 276-6219. Southington.org/ballroom
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
SOUTHINGTON
CRAFTERS NEEDED FOR ST. THOMAS SPRING FAIR. 9 a.m .to 3 p.m. 99 Bristol St., Southington. Deadline Feb. 6. (860) 628-2981.
BRISTOL
THE SIXTH ANNUAL ST. PAUL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL SPRING CRAFT FAIR. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Over 40 vendors will be showcased. Crafts include homemade chocolates, handmade knitted items, pet items, candles, soaps, skin care, jewelry, garden tools, art, healthy living, sports items, candles, and more. Full lunch menu and lots of drawings. Free drawing ticket with $1 admission. St. Paul Catholic High School, 1001 Stafford Ave., Bristol. Crafter spaces available but no jewelry. Lynn.damboise@snet.net
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
BRISTOL
BUS TRIP TO YANKEE STADIUM. Held by the St. Paul Falcons Softball Booster Club. Leave St. Paul Catholic High School, 1001 Stafford Ave., Bristol at 9 a.m. Game time is 1 p.m. Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees. Tickets are $125. Coach bus service, beverages on the bus, ticket to the game. GaryHov@aol.com, (860) 690-5959.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21
BRISTOL
BUS TRIP TO SEE NEIL SEDAKA AT MOHEGAN SUN. Held by the St. Stanislaus Church Golden Agers. $102 per person. Includes ticket, meal voucher, and gaming package. Valid photo ID required. Show starts at 3 p.m. Seats are in the lower level section of the arena. Reservations. (860) 589-5597.
MAY 18-20
BRISTOL
SPRINGTIME IN NEW HAMPSHIRE TRIP. Held by the St. Stanislaus Church Golden Agers. Visit North Conway, Castle in the Clouds, Mt. Washington Discovery Museum, take a trip on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. Spend two nights at the North Conway Hotel with two breakfasts, two dinner, sightseeing, and admissions. Costs $383. Deposit due Feb. 23. (860) 589-5597.
JUNE 9-10
PLAINVILLE
AARP TRIP TO COOPERSTOWN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME. Deluxe motor coach transportation. One night at Turning Stone Resort and Casino, Erie Canal Cruise through the locks. Visit to Fly Creek Cider II and then to the hall. Reservations. (860) 747-1732.
SATURDAY, NOV. 28
BRISTOL
BRISTOL EASTERN HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1975 40TH REUNION. Sign-up at Classmates.com
NOW thru FEB. 28
SOUTHINGTON
DIANE SPERRY OF PLAINVILLE WILL EXHIBIT HER PAINTINGS. Presented by the Southington Arts and Crafts Association. The Gallery at the Orchards, 34 Hobart St., Southington. (860) 628-5656.
NOW thru MAY 10
OTHER
‘OTIS KAYE: MONEY, MYSTERY, AND MASTERY.’ Exhibition will display Kaye’s “trompe l’oeil” (fools the eye) technique. 34 oil paintings, pastel works, and etchings. New Britain Museum of American Art, 56 Lexington St., New Britain. NBMAA.org
NOW thru FEB. 28
OTHER
‘ESSENTIAL IMPERMANENCE: THE WORK OF DEBRA LOSADA AND MICHELE KISHITA.’ Losada paints oil on pane. Kishita presents an installation composed of 8,000 paint stir sticks. Artist talk by Michele Kishita on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 1 to 2 p.m. Windsor Art Center, 40 Mechanic St., Windsor. (860) 688-2528, WindsorArtCenter.org
NOW thru MARCH 20
OTHER
‘SIDE SHOW.’ An exhibition dedicated to the “Believe It Or Not” world of the American sideshow. Tuesdays to Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Yale School of Art, 32 Edgewood Ave., New Haven.
ONGOING
BRISTOL
BINGO. Tuesdays at 10:45 a.m., Fridays at 6:45 p.m. Benefits St. Anthony School. St. Anthony Church, 111 School St., Bristol.
BINGO. Every Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. Free coffee and cookies. Bristol Polish Club, 541 North Main St., Bristol.