Name: Teen Writing Contest - Two Line Horror Story
Start: 2026-10-01T09:00:00-04:00
Location: Essex Library Association

Essex Library Association 

Words can be terrifying. Write an original short story (in the form of a two line, 300 characters story) and submit it to the library for a chance to win a spooky paint by number kit with a backlit wooden frame. Subject matter must be appropriate for library display. All submissions can be emailed to Jessica at <a href="mailto:jbranciforte@essexlib.org" target="_blank">jbranciforte@essexlib.org</a> until Thursday, October 31st. Our prizewinner will be announced on November 1st! Ages 12 - 18.

Local Event: Teen Writing Contest - Two Line Horror Story 

Middlesex County

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Essex-Chester-Deep River

Connecticut

Teen Writing Contest - Two Line Horror Story 

 Words can be terrifying. Write an original short story (in the form of a two line, 300 characters story) and submit it to the...

Ivoryton Library

Get ready to go back to school with the Ivoryton Library by decorating your notebooks and showing off your personality!

Local Event: Back to School: Notebook Decorating

Back to School: Notebook Decorating

Get ready to go back to school with the Ivoryton Library by decorating your notebooks and showing off your personality!

Essex Library Association

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages birth - 3) This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!
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Local Event: Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3)

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A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages birth - 3) This story time will take place...

Reserve a Teen Book Box on our website by filling out our Book Box form and our Teen Librarian will use your reading preferences to create a subscription box just for you.
Included in your package will be a book or two tailored to your reading preferences, a themed snack, and other small goodies. Your box will be set aside and checked out to you on our hold shelf. This is a zero pressure individualized guide for finding a new favorite book. Our number of boxes per month is limited.
<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6tc4Ls0MaVVv2yaUB7FYZBdxQF27mE--AuMtZSXmiNLHeMA/viewform" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6tc4Ls0MaVVv2yaUB7FYZBdxQF27mE--AuMtZSXmiNLHeMA/viewform</a>

Local Event: Essex Library - Teen Book Box Subscription 

Essex Library - Teen Book Box Subscription 

Reserve a Teen Book Box on our website by filling out our Book Box form and our Teen Librarian will use your reading...

A play-based music and movement story time for children and their caregivers! (Ages birth - 3) This story time will take place every Tuesday morning. Join us!
No registration required. Due to space, Please choose 1 session to attend.

Local Event: Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3) 

Wiggle Worms Story Time (Ages Birth-3) 

Get ready to go back to school with the Ivoryton Library by creating a keychain for your backpack!

Local Event: Back to School: Make a Keychain

Back to School: Make a Keychain

Get ready to go back to school with the Ivoryton Library by creating a keychain for your backpack! 

St Francis of Assisi Church

MIDDLESEX HOSPITAL VOCAL CHORDS (MHVC) seeks altos, tenors and basses to join them in preparing for their 36 annual holiday concert to be held on Sunday, December 6, 2026.&nbsp; The event will be held at Portland High School, 95 High St., Portland at 2pm.&nbsp; We are searching for enthusiastic men and women (over age 18) to expand our Vocal Chord family.&nbsp; No auditions or prior experience required and you do not have to be an employee of Middlesex Health.&nbsp; Deadline to join is Tuesday, September 8th.&nbsp; This is a community-focused group that has delighted audiences for 36 years with energetic concerts featuring a wide range of musical styles.&nbsp; Our 80 current members hail from Central and Southern CT and represent diverse backgrounds.&nbsp; What unites us is our shared love for singing.
If you want to enrich your life, make new friends and decrease stress, please consider joining our musical family.&nbsp; For more info, visit vocalchords20.org or call 860.347.2787.&nbsp; Visit us on YouTube or Facebook. We look forward to meeting you!

Local Event: Calling all Altos, Tenors and Basses to join Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords

Middletown

Calling all Altos, Tenors and Basses to join...

MIDDLESEX HOSPITAL VOCAL CHORDS (MHVC) seeks altos, tenors and basses to join them in preparing for their 36 annual holiday...

Calling all Altos, Tenors and Basses to join Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords

Program for kids ages birth-5.
Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime encourages exploration, creativity, and early learning through touch, sound, and movement. Kids are invited to move from station to station, at their own pace, to scoop, squish, pour, and play with a variety of textures and materials in a safe, supportive space alongside their caregivers. This program supports sensory development, fine motor skills, and social interaction—come play, learn, and make a (little) mess with us!
Program funded in part by the <a href="https://middlesexcountycf.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Community Foundation of Middlesex County</a>, and made possible by the GSB Grant Making Fund, and the Whelen Family Fund.
Essex Library programs are free and open to the public.
No registration required. Drop in!

Local Event: Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth - 5)

Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth - 5)

Program for kids ages birth-5.
Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime...

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Richard Kaufman

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Ellyn Santiago

Branford

St. George Church

Celebrate the 12th Anniversary of this vibrant community festival featuring live music from Rich DiPalma, Jen &amp; Tonic, and Sister Funk Band. Enjoy delicious Italian favorites like fried dough and meatball subs, participate in a spaghetti eating contest or grape stomping competition, and explore the kids zone and bocce area. Admission is $5.00, with children 15 and under attending for free.

Local Event: Italian Festival 2026

Italian Festival 2026

Celebrate the 12th Anniversary of this vibrant community festival featuring live music from Rich DiPalma, Jen & Tonic, and...

Long Island Sound

The 44th Annual WICC Surfside Hotel <a href="https://www.bluefishtournament.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth</a> returns to Long Island Sound on Saturday, August 29, with fishing officially beginning at 12:01 a.m. Anglers from Connecticut and New York will compete for bragging rights—and a $25,000 grand prize awarded to the tournament's largest bluefish.
The weekend-long tournament features more than $40,000 in total cash prizes, including:
<ul>
 <li>1st Place: $25,000</li>
 <li>2nd Place: $7,500</li>
 <li>3rd Place: $2,500</li>
 <li>Smaller cash prizes awarded through 20th Place</li>
 <li>Port Prizes awarded for the heaviest bluefish weighed at each official Connecticut and New York weigh station (see below for complete list of weigh stations)</li>
</ul>
Young anglers, 17 and under, will also have the chance to win big. The tournament will award a $1,000 cash prize to the largest bluefish caught by a youth angler. Second and third place youth winners will receive $100 gift cards.
Anglers may register online at <a href="https://www.bluefishtournament.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.bluefishtournament.com</a>&nbsp;or in person at any official tournament registration location throughout Connecticut and New York/Long Island.
Official Registration Locations:
Connecticut
<ul>
 <li>AW Marina – New London</li>
 <li>Black Hall Outfitters – Westbrook</li>
 <li>Black Rock Bait &amp; Tackle – Bridgeport</li>
 <li>Bobby J's Bait &amp; Tackle – Milford</li>
 <li>Branford Bait &amp; Tackle – Branford</li>
 <li>Dee's Bait &amp; Tackle – New Haven</li>
 <li>Fin's Bait &amp; Tackle – Clinton</li>
 <li>Fisherman's World – East Norwalk</li>
 <li>Fishin’ Factory – Milldale</li>
 <li>Hillyer's Tackle Shop – Waterford</li>
 <li>Sportsman's Den – Cos Cob</li>
 <li>Ted's Bait &amp; Tackle – Old Saybrook</li>
</ul>
New York
<ul>
 <li>Blue Water Ventures – Peconic</li>
 <li>Cow Harbor Bait &amp; Tackle – Northport</li>
 <li>Duffy's Bait &amp; Tackle – Glenwood Landing</li>
 <li>East Coast Fishing Supplies – Little Neck</li>
 <li>Jack's Bait &amp; Tackle – City Island</li>
 <li>Miller Place Bait &amp; Tackle – Mount Sinai</li>
 <li>Tyalure Tackle – Rye</li>
</ul>
The registration deadline is Friday, August 28, at 11:59 p.m. Registration is $36 per angler and is required to participate. Fishing begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, and concludes at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 30.
Throughout the tournament weekend, WICC, 99.1 PLR, STAR 99.9, and WEBE108 will provide hourly leaderboard updates and tournament results.
For registration, tournament rules, weigh station information, and live updates, visit <a href="https://www.bluefishtournament.com" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.bluefishtournament.com</a>, follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bluefishtournament" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/bluefishtournament</a>, or Instagram @bluefishtournament.
The 44th Annual Bluefish Tournament is proudly presented by WICC, The Surfside Hotel, Stevens Ford Lincoln of Milford, Bridgeport Harbor Marina, Water Dr., Little Pub, and The Fisherman Magazine

Local Event: 44th Annual WICC Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth with $25,000 Grand Prize

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44th Annual WICC Greatest Bluefish Tournament...

The 44th Annual WICC Surfside Hotel Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth returns to Long Island Sound on Saturday, August 29,...

44th Annual WICC Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth with $25,000 Grand Prize

Your CBD Store | SUNMED - Clinton, CT

Get 30% OFF In-Store! Did you know? About&nbsp;half of ALL new In-Store Customers were referred to us by their Primary Care Doctor! The Reason?:
For 7 Years Strong now, Your CBD Store | SUNMED has remained the LARGEST CBD Retail Franchise 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!
$$$ Come and Join us ALL&nbsp;THIS&nbsp;WEEK Tuesday&nbsp;August 25th - Saturday the 29th, for 30% OFF a second item when you purchase a USDA Organic MAX Strength THC/CBD Pain-Relief Topical Cream. Get 30% OFF ANY other product in the store! This includes our outrageously popular CBD/CBG Daytime Supplements and CBD/CBN Sleep Products! Gummy, Oil Tincture, or Water Soluble! (See Sale Rules*)
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 also carry exciting NEW Kava Gummies &amp; Kava Water Solubles!)
&gt;Our SUNMED USDA Organic CBD Oil Tinctures, Anytime CBD Relief Gummies&nbsp;and CBG Water Solubles are second to none! Enjoy 6-8 hours of Arthritis, Brain Fog, &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; This is a BOGO 30% sale.&nbsp; Sale applies to any purchase combining a CBD/CBG/CBN Daytime, Anytime CBD, or CBN Sleep Product; Pet Product; or THC-V TRIM Weight Loss Capsules; with a 2000mg or 4000mg THC/CBD Topical Pain Relief Cream. 30% OFF does not apply to the Topical Pain Relief Cream.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;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! $ The Pain-Free & Happy SALE! $

Your CBD Store - CLINTON! $ The Pain-Free &...

Get 30% OFF In-Store! Did you know? About half of ALL new In-Store Customers were referred to us by their Primary Care Doctor!...

Your CBD Store - CLINTON! $ The Pain-Free & Happy SALE! $

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RiverFire Glass LLC

RiverFire Glass is a working kiln glass studio, gallery and teaching space where creativity, craftsmanship and community come together. Located in the heart of Deep River, Connecticut, RiverFire Glass specializes in kiln-formed glass art, handcrafted gifts and hands-on glass fusing experiences for beginners and experienced artists alike. Whether you're creating your first fused glass ornament or designing an intricate glass garden panel, you'll find a welcoming environment where exploration and creativity are encouraged. What makes RiverFire Glass unique is the combination of professional artistic expertise and genuine personal connection. Owner and artist Jeni GrayRoberts has taught more than 2,000 students and brings years of experience in glass, design and creative education to every class. Students are guided through the fascinating process of transforming colorful sheets of glass into beautiful finished pieces through cutting, layering and kiln firing. Unlike paint-and-sip style experiences that focus on reproducing a predetermined project, RiverFire Glass encourages individual expression. Many classes offer a wide range of project choices, design options and creative freedom, allowing each student to create something uniquely their own. Visitors can browse a gallery filled with original kiln glass artwork, functional home décor, jewelry and seasonal gifts, many inspired by nature, water and the beauty of the Connecticut River Valley. Sustainability and thoughtful craftsmanship are woven into the studio's philosophy, with an emphasis on minimizing waste and creating lasting pieces that bring joy for years to come. Whether you're looking for a memorable experience, a unique handmade gift or a chance to discover your creative side, RiverFire Glass offers an inspiring destination where art, learning and community meet.

RiverFire Glass is a working kiln glass studio, gallery and teaching space where creativity, craftsmanship and community come together. Located in...

Connecticut’s only nonprofit, fully integrated senior care

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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.

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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.

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

Kaleidoscope Strategic Arts Collective in Downtown Chester

Kaleidoscope LLC

Kaleidoscope stands as Connecticut's premier art gallery and curated gift shop, dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary talents of regional artists and artisans. Strategically located in the historic downtown Chester, Connecticut, our gallery serves as a cultural cornerstone for art enthusiasts, collectors, and visitors seeking authentic, handcrafted treasures. Unparalleled Artisan Collection Our carefully curated collection features works from over 60 distinguished Connecticut artists and authors, representing the finest in regional creativity and craftsmanship. Kaleidoscope offers an ever-evolving selection of quality paintings, hand-thrown ceramics, artisan glasswork, textile arts, fine woodworking, designer jewelry, and locally-authored literature. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the rich artistic heritage and innovative spirit that defines Connecticut's creative community. Dynamic Cultural Programming Beyond our gallery walls, Kaleidoscope functions as a vibrant community hub, hosting signature events including exclusive book signings with local authors, live artist demonstrations, hands-on creative workshops, and engaging community gatherings. Our programming calendar ensures continuous opportunities for artistic discovery, skill development, and cultural enrichment. Integrated Culinary Experience Complementing your artistic journey, KaraBella's Kitchen—our in-house restaurant—provides a sophisticated dining experience, allowing guests to savor exceptional cuisine while surrounded by inspiring artwork. This unique integration of culinary and visual arts creates an immersive destination experience unmatched in the region. Visit &amp; Engage We invite art collectors, gift seekers, and culture enthusiasts to experience Kaleidoscope firsthand. Visit our downtown Chester location to explore our rotating exhibitions and discover one-of-a-kind pieces. For information about upcoming workshops, classes, and events visit our website or stop by our gallery.

Kaleidoscope stands as Connecticut's premier art gallery and curated gift shop, dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary talents of regional...

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Essex-Chester-Deep River|Local Event

Teen Writing Contest - Two Line Horror Story

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