Name: Teen Contest: What Would You Grow?
Start: 2026-05-01T09:00:00-04:00
Location: Essex Library Association

Essex Library Association 

Would you grow food and/or flowers? Tell us about your dream garden and give the environment some love by taking part in our interactive display this month. To participate, visit our Teen Department for a form or email your thoughts to Jessica at jbranciforte@essexlib.org. Simply draw or describe your plan in a few sentences. One lucky winner will receive a seed bomb kit, plants, and potting materials to create a mini growing space. This contest will run through the month of May. Ages 12 - 18.

Local Event: Teen Contest: What Would You Grow? 

Middlesex County

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Essex-Chester-Deep River

Connecticut

Teen Contest: What Would You Grow? 

Would you grow food and/or flowers? Tell us about your dream garden and give the environment some love by taking part in our...

Become a member of the Deep River Land Trust during April's membership drive!

Local Event: Deep River Land Trust's Membership Drive

Deep River Land Trust's Membership Drive

Become a member of the Deep River Land Trust during April's membership drive!

Essex Library Association

Program for kids ages 8-12.
Join Children’s Librarian Miss Nicole and Teen Librarian Miss Jessica for a fun, behind-the-scenes look at life as a librarian. Across four exciting sessions from January to April, Junior Librarians will explore everything from keeping the library organized, and creating eye-catching displays, to planning programs and learning the skills real librarians use every day. Get ready to discover what it really takes to run a library and have fun doing it.
Session 4, April 30, 4 PM: Plan the Fun: Programs &amp; Events!
This session is all about programming! How do librarians decide what programs to have, when to have them, and how often? How long does it take to plan a program? Participants will get to design their own program, and maybe someday the library can bring it to life!
May 21, 4 PM: Junior Librarian Graduation &amp; Celebration!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is required.
<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=582497&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register!</a>

Local Event: Junior Librarians: Plan the Fun! (Ages 8-12)

Junior Librarians: Plan the Fun! (Ages 8-12)

Program for kids ages 8-12.
Join Children’s Librarian Miss Nicole and Teen Librarian Miss Jessica for a fun, behind-the-scenes...

Register and ask questions of the author here:&nbsp;<a href="https://libraryc.org/essexlib/147960" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://libraryc.org/essexlib/147960</a>
Join us in an online conversation with bestselling author Jason Reynolds as we discuss his latest work, Coach, the fifth–and last–entry in the highly popular Track series. Following the immersive stories of Ghost, Lu, Patina, and Sunny, it’s finally time for Coach to shine in his own book as we discover: Who was Coach before he became an inspiring leader?
Before Coach was the man who gave caring yet firm-handed guidance to Ghost, Lu, Patina, and Sunny on the Defenders track team, he was little Otie Brody, who was obsessed with Mr. 9.99 (a.k.a. Carl Lewis) and Marty McFly from Back to the Future. Like Mr. 9.99—and his own dad—Otie is a sprinter. Sprint free or die is practically his motto.
Then his dad, who is always away on business trips, comes home with a pair of Jordans. JORDANS. Fine as fine can be. Otie puts them on and feels like he can leap to the moon…maybe even leap like Mr. 9.99 when he won the Olympic gold medal in the long jump. But one morning he wakes up to find his brand-new secret weapon kicks are missing—right off his feet! And Otie just might have a fuzzy memory of his dad easing them off as Otie was sleeping, but that can’t be right, can it?
Unless all the reasons for his dad’s “gone’s” are very different from what he’s been told… Because now, not only are the Jordans missing, but so is his father.
Register now to join in on the online conversation about the final installment to Jason Reynold’s Track series!&nbsp;
About the Author: Jason Reynolds is an award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author. Jason’s many books include Miles Morales: Spider Man, the Track series (Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and Lu), Long Way Down, which received a Newbery Honor, a Printz Honor, and a Correta Scott King Honor, and Look Both Ways, which was a National Book Award Finalist. Recently named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Jason has appeared on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and CBS This Morning. He is on faculty at Lesley University, for the Writing for Young People MFA Program and lives in Washington, DC. You can find his ramblings at JasonWritesBooks.com.

Local Event: On Writing Beloved Characters and Powerful Portrayals of Resilience in Virtual Conversation with Jas

On Writing Beloved Characters and Powerful...

Register and ask questions of the author here: https://libraryc.org/essexlib/147960
Join us in an online conversation with...

On Writing Beloved Characters and Powerful Portrayals of Resilience in Virtual Conversation with Jas

Scoop up this supply kit while supplies last in May, and gain a tiny canvas and paint set. There’s always room for art! The Teen Department creates a monthly series of free make and take art projects for our crew. Ages 12+ please! First come, first serve. Send a photo to <a href="mailto:jbranciforte@essexlib.org" target="_blank">jbranciforte@essexlib.org</a> or show us your finished project for a chance to be honored in our crafty D.I.Y. hall of fame.

Local Event: Teen Take & Make - Tiny Art Show

Teen Take & Make - Tiny Art Show

Scoop up this supply kit while supplies last in May, and gain a tiny canvas and paint set. There’s always room for art! The...

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Celebrate National Mother Goose Day with a special story time full of classic nursery rhymes, songs, and stories that generations have loved!
Join us for themed stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts! We’ll learn early literacy concepts like colors, shapes, opposites, the ABCs and much more, to prepare our pre-school age children for kindergarten.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
Registration is encouraged to ensure enough crafts are prepared.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=All%20Locations&amp;EventID=582499&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Little Learners Story Time: Mother Goose (Ages 2-5)

Little Learners Story Time: Mother Goose (Ages...

Program for kids ages 2-5.
Celebrate National Mother Goose Day with a special story time full of classic nursery rhymes, songs,...

Little Learners Story Time: Mother Goose (Ages 2-5)

Program for kids ages 8-12.
Calling all young Jedi tweens! You are invited to a Star Wars themed party packed with intergalactic fun: a scavenger hunt, craft stations, and more! Grab your crew and join us for an out-of-this-world celebration, and of course, May the Force Be With You!
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. Registration is required.<a href="https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsRegister.cfm?SiteID=1314&amp;BranchID=1000003139&amp;Branch=Essex%20Library%20Association%20&amp;EventID=582500&amp;PK=" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Click here to register.</a>

Local Event: Tween Time: Star Wars Party (Ages 8-12)

Tween Time: Star Wars Party (Ages 8-12)

Program for kids ages 8-12.
Calling all young Jedi tweens! You are invited to a Star Wars themed party packed with...

Kaleidoscope

Soy Candle Making Workshop Join Ronnie's Candles LLC for a Magical Candle Making Workshop!Date: <ul><li>May 1 2026</li><li>Time: 6:30-8:30 pm</li><li>Location: Kaleidoscope 56 Middlesex Turnpike Chester, CT</li></ul>What You Will Take Home *(2) of tour own handcrafted 6 oz. soy Candles in black tins/lids *Basic Concepts of soy candle making including different wax types, fragrances components, vessels and wicks *Printed materials including follow along instructions *Techniques for your to use at homeWhat to Bring: Yourself maybe family or friends and your creativityRegistrations Fee: $45 Fee includes a raffle ticket for one participant to win a Ronnie's' Candle Making Kit ($45 Value)
Reserve Your Spot Now! Limited Spaces available ---- don't miss out! We can't wait to see your there!

Local Event: Soy Candle Making Workshop

Soy Candle Making Workshop

Soy Candle Making Workshop Join Ronnie's Candles LLC for a Magical Candle Making Workshop!Date: May 1 2026Time: 6:30-8:30...

Clinton

The Haddams-Killingworth

New Haven County

Alfred Branch

Madison

New London County

The Lymes

Richard Kaufman

Guilford

Durham-Middlefield

North Branford

East Hampton-Portland

Chris Dehnel

Middletown

Ellyn Santiago

Branford

Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton, CT

ANY In-Store Purchase Enters you to WIN a FREE 6-Month Supply of our Best-Selling CBN Sleep Gummies&nbsp;&nbsp;OR&nbsp; our Award-Winning CBD/THC Pain Relief Topical!!!
For 7 Years Strong now, Your CBD Store | SUNMED has remained the LARGEST CBD Retailer in the Nation! It's just simple math...
Purity + Potency + Efficacy = BEST Overall Value.&nbsp;
Switch to SUNMED and Discover the benefits of REAL CBD!&nbsp;
AND....STILL HAPPENING&nbsp;NOW, Thursday April 30th, through May 31st, 2026, ANY In-Store Product Purchase will automatically Enter you into our BIGGEST Raffle Event of the Year! And since Every Customer has a different favorite product, we've designed this event so that EVERYONE can participate regardless of what you purchase!&nbsp;
~Every $10 Spent, In-Store = 1 Entry into our May 31st drawing for your choice of...(drumroll please...)
1) A FREE 6-Month Supply of our Best-Selling SUNMED&nbsp;MAX Strength&nbsp;CBD/THC Pain-Relief Topical Cream!*&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;or;
2) A FREE 6-Month Supply of our Most Popular SUNMED CBD/CBN Sleep Gummies!*
Would you like CBD products that actually work?! Then we are "Your CBD Store!" We are the largest CBD Retail Store Franchise in the USA, here to educate and answer your questions. We exclusively carry SUNMED CBD products in all forms and strengths. (We carry exciting NEW Kava Gummies &amp; Kava Water Solubles!&nbsp; Now also fFeaturing our new GLP-1 weight loss supplements!)
&gt;Our SUNMED Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tinctures, Full Spectrum Anytime CBD Relief Gummies&nbsp;and CBG Water Solubles are second to none! Enjoy 6-8 hours of Arthritis relief; Brain-Fog relief; &amp; Anxiety&nbsp;relief per serving!
&gt;Our SUNMED CBN Sleep Gummies and Tinctures are Vegan, have been Clinically Proven through a 660-person Human Clinical Trial, and are the most popular Edible product we sell in the entire store! 
&gt;Our SUNMED Topical Pain-Relief Cream is a 2-year, National Award-Winner of the USA-CBD EXPO, and offers 7-8 hours of pain relief per application!
(*Applicable to In-Store purchases only at the Your CBD Store | SUNMED Clinton, CT location.&nbsp; Number of Contest Entries received per purchase, per customer, is directly equal to 1 (one) Entry for every $10 spent before CT State Sales Tax. No Limit to the number of Entries per customer. Probability of Winning increases with Number of Entry Tickets acquired before May 1st 2026. Winning a prize is not guaranteed.&nbsp; &gt;&gt;&gt;&gt; 6-Month Supply of MAX Strength Pain-Relief Cream = 2 (4oz) Jars.&nbsp;&nbsp;&gt;&gt; 6-Month Supply of CBD/CBN Sleep Gummies = 6 (30ct.) Jars. Customers do not need to be present for the May 31st drawing to Win.&nbsp; &nbsp; A total of 3 Winning entry tickets will be drawn.&nbsp; Grand prize = 6-Month supply of Prize Option (1) or (2).&nbsp; 2nd Place = 3-month supply of Prize Option (1) or (2).&nbsp; 3rd Place = 1-month supply.&nbsp; Winners will be notified by phone. Cannot be combined with other offers or coupons.&nbsp; While Supplies Last. All purchases subject to age verification: 21+)
For more Info on our Award-Winning CBD products by SUNMED, just give us a call!: 860-664-4636. 
We TRULY Appreciate and Reward In-Store shopping with a Generous Loyalty Program!....Can't make it to the store?&nbsp; Shop online at the SUNMED Website link below.
<a href="https://getsunmed.com/?mystore=0011U000022hPPYQA2" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://getsunmed.com/?mystore...</a>

Local Event: Your CBD Store - CLINTON!  Still Raffling! $$$

Your CBD Store - CLINTON!  Still Raffling! $$$

ANY In-Store Purchase Enters you to WIN a FREE 6-Month Supply of our Best-Selling CBN Sleep Gummies  OR  our Award-Winning...

Portland Senior High School

The Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords (MHVC)&nbsp;will perform a "Tribute to America" to help honor our nation's 250th Anniversary on&nbsp;Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 4:00pm (please note the time change).&nbsp;&nbsp;It will be held at Portland High School, 95 High St., Portland, CTWe invite you to join us for an afternoon of music featuring our 85 voice chorus (directed by Samuel Tucker) and ten piece orchestra (directed by Alan Dougherty) performing a selection of patriotic, pop, rock, Broadway, jazz and gospel pieces.&nbsp; A&nbsp;"Tribute to the Armed Forces"&nbsp;medley is the ultimate hymn of patriotism and homage to our service men and women, past and present.&nbsp; "Bohemian Rhapsody", "God Bless the Broken Road", "Andrew LLoyd Weber in Concert" and "Beatles in Review" are some of the other selections which will showcase the texture, dynamics, layers and forces of the music and our voices.&nbsp; A few surprises are also in store.Our special guest this season is TODD&nbsp;ALLEN&nbsp;HERENDEEN,&nbsp;a triple platinum country and gospel star, who hails from Indiana and performs around the United States especially in Panama City Beach, FL and Memphis, TN.&nbsp; &nbsp;Todd is the ultimate performer who has entertained thousands from all walks of life around the country with his incredible voice and charisma.&nbsp; His amazing talent captures many different legends of music.&nbsp; He will perform one of his signature songs "MY NAME IS AMERICA".Tickets are $25 (non-refundable).&nbsp; Visit www.vocalchords20.org for more information or call 860.347.2787 or 860.342.3120.&nbsp; Purchase your tickets early as this will definitely be a sellout.&nbsp; Also visit and like us on facebook and instagram.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Local Event: Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords "Tribute to America"

Portland

Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords "Tribute to...

The Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords (MHVC) will perform a "Tribute to America" to help honor our nation's 250th Anniversary...

Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords "Tribute to America"

Surf Club Park, Madison Beach and Rec

You don't want to miss the 4th annual Spring Splash 2026!
Join us as we take the ultimate plunge into spring---straight into the icy waters of the Long Island Sound. This year, we’ve shifted the event to May so that while the water will still deliver that signature polar‑plunge chill, the air will be crisp, bright, and beautiful. It’s the perfect blend of thrill and comfort.And because bravery deserves rewards, we’ll be raffling off one adult and one kids Dryrobe, the ultimate prize for thawing out in style.
This is the kind of moment you’ll talk about all year---a chance to laugh, cheer, and make unforgettable memories with family, friends, classmates, teams, clubs, and neighbors. Whether you’re diving in for the adrenaline, the camaraderie, or just the bragging rights, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Come join the party on May 3, 2026, doors/registration opens at 10:00a (we're getting wet at 10:45a) at the Surf Club! Celebrate before and after your Splash with music, hot and cold beverages, delicious bites and more! Register at:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Madison/SpringSplash" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">runsignup.com/Race/CT/Madison/SpringSplash</a>
The Spring Splash is brought to you the Madison Jaycees, a 70-year-old, volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to improve the lives of those who live along the central CT shoreline. &nbsp;Over the past 10 years, we have donated over half a million dollars to families and local charities in need. &nbsp;The Jaycees also award annual College Scholarships to deserving graduates of Daniel Hand and Guilford High Schools.

Local Event: Madison Jaycees Spring Splash!

Madison Jaycees Spring Splash!

You don't want to miss the 4th annual Spring Splash 2026!
Join us as we take the ultimate plunge into spring---straight into...

You don't want to miss the 4th annual Spring Splash 2026!
Join us as we take the ultimate plunge into spring---straight into the icy waters of the Long Island Sound. This year, we’ve shifted the event to May so that while the water will still deliver that signature polar‑plunge chill, the air will be crisp, bright, and beautiful. It’s the perfect blend of thrill and comfort.
And because bravery deserves rewards, we’ll be raffling off one adult and one kids Dryrobe, the ultimate prize for thawing out in style.
This is the kind of moment you’ll talk about all year---a chance to laugh, cheer, and make unforgettable memories with family, friends, classmates, teams, clubs, and neighbors. Whether you’re diving in for the adrenaline, the camaraderie, or just the bragging rights, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Come join the party on May 3, 2026, doors/registration opens at 10:00a (we're getting wet at 10:45a) at the Surf Club! Celebrate before and after your Splash with music, hot and cold beverages, delicious bites and more! Register at:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Madison/SpringSplash" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">runsignup.com/Race/CT/Madison/SpringSplash</a>
The Spring Splash is brought to you the Madison Jaycees, a 70-year-old, volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to improve the lives of those who live along the central CT shoreline. &nbsp;Over the past 10 years, we have donated over half a million dollars to families and local charities in need. &nbsp;The Jaycees also award annual College Scholarships to deserving graduates of Daniel Hand and Guilford High Schools.

Local Event: Jaycees Spring Splash Fundraiser

Jaycees Spring Splash Fundraiser

Looking for someone to cut a lawn using a self propelled push mower. Lawn is too new and narrow and has spots that a big deck can't access. I will supply new self propelled mower, string trimmer and blower. One cut per week until September then every other week until November. Cash or Venmo. East Haddam. Please call or text 860 883 2304

Middlesex

East Haddam

In search of Lawn Service

Looking for someone to cut a lawn using a self propelled push mower. Lawn is too new and narrow and has spots that a big deck can't access. I will...

Connecticut’s only nonprofit, fully integrated senior care

Masonicare

Headquartered in Connecticut and founded in 1898, Masonicare is the state’s only not-for-profit, fully integrated senior care continuum, guided by a longstanding, mission-driven commitment to enhancing quality of life for older adults. Masonicare offers vibrant residential communities and a comprehensive range of health and wellness services designed to promote independence, longevity, and purposeful living. Its statewide continuum includes independent living, assisted living services, skilled nursing, medical and non-medical home health, hospice, adaptive memory care, acute inpatient and outpatient senior behavioral health, outpatient rehabilitation, and audiology services, redefining how aging is experienced by advancing proactive wellness, integrated care, and meaningful connection at every stage of life.

Vincent Salzo

Wallingford

Headquartered in Connecticut and founded in 1898, Masonicare is the state’s only not-for-profit, fully integrated senior care continuum, guided by...

Custom Storage Solutions for the Whole Home

California Closets

From walk-in closets and Murphy beds to kitchen pantries, entertainment centers, and home offices, our professional closet designers are experts in the art of home organization. California Closets is distinguished by a legacy of innovation, organizational expertise, quality craftsmanship, and design authority. Our teams of professional design consultants and installers are dedicated to providing an exceptional experience throughout the entire process of creating and installing organizational systems for the whole home. Serving Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties. We are excited to share that our Greenwich showroom is now open. This vibrant space merges creativity and innovation, showcasing a carefully curated environment that emphasizes our latest products and offers an immersive experience for our customers.

Fairfield County

Hayleigh Evans

Monroe

From walk-in closets and Murphy beds to kitchen pantries, entertainment centers, and home offices, our professional closet designers are experts in...

Experience The Monaco Difference. Extra Value. No Extra Cost

Monaco Ford of Niantic

Monaco Ford is a family-owned and operated Ford dealership proudly serving the Greater Connecticut and Western Massachusetts region since 1922. With over a century of automotive experience, Monaco Ford is committed to providing exceptional customer service, a transparent sales process, and a wide selection of new, used, and certified pre-owned Ford vehicles. Our dealership offers the full lineup of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, including popular models like the F-150, Explorer, Bronco, and Super Duty series. In addition to vehicle sales, Monaco Ford provides expert automotive service and maintenance, genuine Ford parts and accessories, and a variety of financing and lease options tailored to meet each customer’s needs. Built on a legacy of integrity, community involvement, and customer satisfaction, Monaco Ford continues to uphold its mission: to deliver a better dealership experience where customers become lifelong friends.

Monaco Ford is a family-owned and operated Ford dealership proudly serving the Greater Connecticut and Western Massachusetts region since 1922....

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Essex-Chester-Deep River|Local Event

Teen Contest: What Would You Grow?

Event Details

More Upcoming Events

Deep River Land Trust's Membership Drive

APR

30

9:00 AM

Essex-Chester-Deep River, CT

Junior Librarians: Plan the Fun! (Ages 8-12)

APR

30

4:00 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

On Writing Beloved Characters and Powerful Portrayals of Resilience in Virtual Conversation with Jas

APR

30

7:00 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Teen Take & Make - Tiny Art Show

MAY

1

9:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Little Learners Story Time: Mother Goose (Ages 2-5)

MAY

1

10:00 AM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Tween Time: Star Wars Party (Ages 8-12)

MAY

1

4:00 PM

Essex Library Association, 33 West Ave, Essex, CT

Soy Candle Making Workshop

MAY

1

6:30 PM

Kaleidoscope, 56 Middlesex Turnpike, Chester, CT