Spark Makerspace, 225 State Street, New London, , 06320

People interested in electronics, 3D printers, computer programming, Arduino, micro-controllers, the internet of things, robotics, CNC mills and all other tech geekery get together. Bring something for show & tell or an inkling of a concept to start a group project. No previous experience or knowledge required, just your enthusiasm.

Free for Spark Members, suggested donation for nonmembers

860-629-8477

Art Exhibits/Openings

Mercy by the Sea, 167 Neck RD, Madison, CT , 06443

Janet McKenzie's art will be displayed at Mercy by the Sea, 167 Neck Rd, from March 18 - April 29 with an Opening Reception on March 18 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Artist Janet McKenzie is known for inclusive paintings honoring diversity with a commitment to celebrating the sanctity of women.
Janet McKenzie first came to national prominence in 2000 with her controversial dark interpretation of Christ, Jesus of the People, which won the National Catholic Reporter's "Jesus 2000" global art competition. Revealed for the first time on The Today Show, the painting, which invariably generates conversation, received a worldwide response. Orbis Books published the book, Holiness and the Feminine Spirit: The Art of Janet McKenzie, which won the 2010 First Place Award for Spirituality from the Catholic Press Association, and The Way of the Cross: The Path to New Life, a collaboration with Sister Joan Chittister, OSB.

Art Exhibits/Openings

Wayne's Barbershop, 3 Pearl Street, Mystic, CT , 06355

A Cinematic Presentation of Fine Art Black and White Photography by Mystic, CT Photographer Michelle Gemma

Community

Lyman Memorial High School, Route 207, Lebanon, CT

8 a.m.-1 p.m., make an appointment to donate by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Community

Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, 27 Chase St., Pawcatuck, CT

socialize and receive information regarding veterans benefits and services through state and federal agencies and programs; (860) 425-6617.

Community

Waterford Senior Services, 15 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, CT

9 a.m., open doors, strength I; 10:15 a.m., strength II; 10:30 a.m., tai chi; 11 a.m., brain flex; 11:45 a.m., brain flex; 11:45 a.m., cafe lunch; 12:30 p.m., canasta; 1 p.m., coloring club; (860) 444-5839.

Community

East Lyme Senior Center, 37 Society Road, Niantic, CT

9-10 a.m., 30 classes for $60; $65 non-residents; stop by to register (860) 739-5859.

Community

Ledyard Senior Center, 12 Van Tassell Drive, Gales Ferry, CT

9 a.m., pinochle; 10 a.m., wii, mahjong; 1 p.m., play pool, bowling @ Spare Time in Groton; (860) 464-0478.

Community

Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, 27 Chase St., Pawcatuck, CT

9:30-11:30 a.m., line dancing; noon-3 p.m., dominos; 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Walmart shopping; (860) 599-3285.

Community

Groton Senior Center, 102 Newtown Road, Groton, CT

9:45 a.m., a trip to Newport's only dinner theater to enjoy their great home-style buffet, a wonderful play in their intimate theater and a fun-filled cabaret in the dining room; 11:30 a.m., buffet; 1 p.m., curtain; cabaret follows play; 6 p.m., return; $65 residents; call for information (860) 441-6785.

Community

East Lyme Senior Center, 37 Society Road, Niantic, CT

10 a.m., with Tracey Kroll; drums provided; free; call to register (860) 739-5859.

Community

East Lyme Senior Center, 37 Society Road, Niantic, CT

10 a.m., free; call to register (860) 739-5859.

Community

Public Library of New London, 63 Huntington St., New London, CT , 06320

10 a.m., bring your project and materials; free; (860) 447-1411.

Community

Groton Public Library, 52 Newtown Road, Groton, CT

the Library is available to accept applications for new passports by appointment only: Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; passport acceptance fees will rise to $35 on April 2.
Applications available at the Library. Valid documentation and applicable fees required; visit: www.grotonpl.org or www.travel.state.gov for complete information; call for appointment (860) 441-6750.

Community

Huntington Street Baptist Church, 29 Huntington St., New London, CT

10 a.m.

Community

East Lyme Senior Center, 37 Society Road, Niantic, CT

10-11:30 a.m., bring basic supplies, drawing pencils, sketch pad and kneaded erasers; free; call to register (860) 739-5859.

Community

Christ Church Westerly, 7 Elm St., Westerly, CT

10-11 a.m., park in lot behind church.

Community

Salem Free Public Library, 264 Hartford Road, Salem, CT

The knitting group meets on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, in the reading area of the Salem Free Public Library. The group meets weekly to work on their own projects or to contribute to the annual knitted goods sale to benefit the Friends of the Salem Library. Refreshments are served. You may just drop in, no registration required!

Community

Old Saybrook Town Hall, 302 Main St., Old Saybrook, CT

10-11:30 a.m., The ABC's of a Business Plan and Understanding a SWOT Analysis; presented by Tanisha Baptiste of the Small Business Administration; free; registration required; anne.driscoll@scorevolunteer.org.

Community

East Lyme High School, 30 Chesterfield Road, East Lyme, CT

10:30-11:15 a.m., 24 classes for $24; $29 non-residents; call to register (860) 739-5859.

Community

Estuary Council of Seniors, Inc., 220 Main St., Old Saybrook, CT

10:30 a.m., $6; (860) 388-1611.

Community

Groton Public Library, 52 Newtown Road, Groton, CT

11 a.m.-7 p.m., open hours for assistance in the Tech Center; no appt. necessary; (860) 441-6750.

Community

East Lyme Public Library, 39 Society Road, Niantic, CT

11 a.m., Missing, Presumed by Susie Steiner; free; registration required (860) 739-6926.

Community

Norwich Donor Center, 45 Salem Turnpike, Norwich, CT

call for an appointment 1-800-733-2767.

Community

Mystic & Noank Library, 40 Library St., Mystic, CT

2 p.m., William Crawford will help attendees focus on living a purpose-driven life; RSVP to (860) 536-1133.

Community

U.S. Coast Guard Academy Officers’ Club, 15 Mohegan Avenue, New London, , 06320

Join us for Bethsaida's 10th Annual Gala on 4/26/2018 at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Officer's Club. $75 per person. Cocktail hour starts at 5 pm. Register at https://www.bethsaidact.org/gala.html Michelle Jacobik will be honored with the Bethsaida Community Impact Award, and Lindsay Boyle will be honored with the Carol Croteau Humanitarian Award

Community

Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, 110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, CT

5:30-8 p.m., held by The Arc New London County; make a difference in the lives of people with IDD; short films featuring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; culture and fine food provided by MPMRC Catering along with a silent auction featuring high quality items, services and baskets; all proceeds benefit The Arc New London County and the families we serve, funding a volunteer corps that has donated 1643 service hours back to our Southeastern Connecticut community, support groups for survivors of sexual abuse and similar vital programs for people with IDD and their families; (860) 889-4435.

Community

Bill Memorial Library, 240 Monument Street, Groton, CT , 06340

Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to the Bill Memorial Library in the City of Groton, CT on Thursday, April 26th at 6:00 p.m. to make their very own Peeps Diorama. Participants will use marshmallow Peeps, candy, and craft supplies to create their very own Peeps Masterpiece. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative, best use of Peeps, and best book-themed creation. After the program, these dynamic dioramas will be put on display at the Library. This program is free, but registration is required. To register, please call the Library at (860) 445-0392.
Library hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Saturday, 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Community

Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, 365 Montauk Ave., New London, CT

6-7 p.m., Main Building; (860) 447-8125; www.oa.org.

Community

La Grua Center, 32 Water St., Stonington, CT

6 p.m., Military Matters Series: Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Our Naval Base with Capt. Paul Whitescarver; Q&A and wine reception to follow; $5; (860) 535-2300.

Community

Christ Episcopal Church, 78 Washington St., Norwich, CT

6-7:30 p.m., Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing; call to register (860) 373-2236 or email: zp.grasp@gmail.com; www.grasphelp.org.

Community

Groton Lodge of Elks, 700 Shennecosett Road , Groton, , 06340

6:30 p.m., $11 minimum package; no smoking, no alcohol; doors open at 4:30 p.m.; (860) 445-2163.

Community

Estuary Council of Seniors, 220 Main St., Old Saybrook, CT

6:30 p.m., doors open at 5:30 p.m.; $12; all ages; (860) 388-1611.

Community

Fort Trumbull State Park-Conference Center, 90 Walbach St., New London, CT , 06320

On April 26, 2018, Sally Whipple, the Executive Director of the Old State House, will kick-off the 2018 series of the Friends of Fort Trumbull State Park, called Musings on Museums- The Memory Keepers, with a discussion of why cultures have the need to create museums. There are few people more qualified to speak on this subject, since Sally successfully made the case to legislators not to close the Old State House when they were attempting to deal with difficult decisions on budget issues.

Sally pointed out the important historic events which had occurred at Connecticut’s Old State House, an architectural gem designed by American architect Charles Bulfinch. During its early history, the Old State House served as the location of the Senate, the House, the Governor, the Courts, the State Library, and a museum of curiosities from around the world. The important Connecticut and national events that occurred there included the Amistad Trials and legislative events related to Prudence Crandall, the State Heroine. In addition, famous legislatures who served there included Noah Webster and P.T. Barnum. With a history likes this, the Old State House was saved from closing because its administrators successfully made the case for its importance for our State and Nation.

In 2015, Ms. Whipple received an Award of Excellence from the New England Museum Association. The award mentioned that she was noted for having “turned an institution that many believed was closed into a vibrant, engaging, creative, and partnership-oriented museum.” The museum now focuses on bringing to students, residents, and tourists a mixture of history and civics lessons.

Sally holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Seton Hill College in Pennsylvania and a Master’s Degree in History Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program in New York. She is the past president of the Connecticut League of History Organizations, a member of the editorial board of “Connecticut Explored” magazine, and a former Director of Education for the Mark Twain House. She and her husband live in Colchester.

The public is welcome to attend this free presentation at 7 p.m. at the Fort Trumbull State Park Conference Center. New members are always welcome. Come early as seating is limited. More information about the Fort and the Friends of Fort Trumbull is available at www.fortfriends.org and on Facebook at Friends of Fort Trumbull State Park.

Community

All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 25 Jay St., New London, CT

7 p.m., hosted by the GRACE Committee; guest speaker: Roger Benham; all are welcome.

Community

Union Baptist Church, 119 High St., Mystic, CT

Community

St. Paul Lutheran Church, 56 Great Hammock Road, Old Saybrook, CT

7 p.m.

Community

Denali, 75 Main Street, Old Saybrook, , 06475

Join Denali and the Conservation Commission of Old Saybrook for the final showing in the commission's Winter Film Series.

This film, Rising Tides, explores the topic of coastline erosion, showing what has been done in the past, what is being done now, what worked, what didn’t and what the coastal areas can expect in the future. Filmed along some of the United States’ most threatened coastlines – Florida, North Carolina, and Southern California– as well as in France, the Philippines and India, the directors interviewed a vast range of scientists, environmentalists, business owners and government officials. The experts concur that the combination of glacier melt, thermal expansion of sea water and plate tectonics coupled with the impact of man-made erosion due to developments too close to the shores, are to blame. A 2012 N.O.A.A. publication, estimates that over 123 million people or 39% of the nation’s population lived in coastal shoreline counties. This award-winning documentary offers an interesting and educational perspective so that the viewer can decide what should or should not be done to combat this global threat in our very near future.

Community

Niantic Community Church, 170 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic, CT

7 p.m., inspired by Jan Phillip's book, God Is At Eye Level; facilitated by NCC community minister, Patty Chaffee; work with assignments and share photos, journey and process, during monthly gatherings; free; registration required (860) 739-6208.

Community

Mohegan Congregational Church, 27 Church Lane, Uncasville, CT

7:30 p.m.

Community

Temple Emanu-El, 29 Dayton Road, Waterford, CT

7:30-9 p.m., meets Thursdays; email: etssdv@gmail.com for more information.

Education/Lectures

Waterford Public Library, 49 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, CT , 06385

You’ve thought of everything – except for how to protect these assets should you need long-term care. If you’re 40 or older, long-term care insurance approved by the State’s Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care should be part of your retirement plan. Our presenter is Aldo Pantano from the CT Partnership for Long Term Care with the State Office of Policy and Management. Registration is recommended, but not required, by calling the Information Desk at 860-444-5805, x2.

Kids/Family

Waterford Public Library, 49 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, CT , 06385

Fantastic Friends Storytime welcomes all 3 to 5 year olds to participate in an interactive storytime with a craft! Registration not required, however space is limited. Please call the library or check our website for more information.

Kids/Family

Otis Library, 261 Main St, Norwich, CT , 06360

Children enjoy stories, songs and rhymes while their grownups wait in the Children’s Department. Caregivers are encouraged to join the fun during craft time at the end of the class! Space is limited; please register beginning February 12. Ages 3-5.

Kids/Family

Salem Free Public Library, 264 Hartford Road, Salem, CT

Call 860-859-1130 to register.

Kids/Family

Public Library of New London, 63 Huntington St., New London, CT , 06320

Tweens in 3rd to 6th grade are invited to join Miss Ty at the Public Library of New London every Thursday afternoon at 4:00pm for a snack and fun activity. This program is free and will be held weekly. There will be no program on April 19.

Misc. Events

Waterford Public Library, 49 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, CT , 06385

Libraries all over Connecticut are participating in this exciting program to make people of all ages aware of the power of their library card. Beginning Monday, April 2, pick up a passport at your local library and then take your library card and passport to at least five libraries to get it stamped and receive a small gift, and then be eligible to win a $150 gift card! Passports must be stamped by April 30th and turned in to your home library by May 7th. Final drawing will be held on June 5th. (A list of participating libraries will be available when you receive your passport.) Ask for your passport today at the Waterford Public Library! This event is co-sponsored by Connecticut Library Association ("CLA").

Music

The IRONS Restaurant & Bar at Hilton Mystic, 20 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT , 06355

Musical influences include Bob Dylan, Pearl Jam, Mumford and sons, Neil Young, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Fleet Foxes, Band of Horses, Tom Petty, Grateful Dead, Rem, Other Lives and many more.

Learn more about Majestic Fuzz here: https://www.facebook.com/Majestic-Fuzz-303847738497/

Stage/Theater

Washington Street Coffee House, 13 Washington St., New London,

Poetry Open Mic at Washington Street Coffee House in New London.
(A twice-monthly event on 2nd and 4th Thursdays).
This is an uncensored, artist-friendly environment open to poets and songwriters of all ages and skill levels. Free. For information call (860) 303-0615.

Stage/Theater

Comix Comedy, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, CT , 06382

Adam Ferrara is coming to Comix Mohegan Sun 4/26/18-4/28/18 for 4 awesome shows! Check him out Thursday at 8pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8pm, and again at 10:30pm. Visit http://adamferrara.comixmohegansun.com for more information!

Stage/Theater

Comix Comedy, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, CT , 06382

Come see Comix club favorites and New England's brightest comedic talents on Thirsty Thursday! You never know which future star will drop in for a surprise set at these shows! Come on down to Comix and enjoy this Thirsty Thursday Showcase! Please visit http://www.comixmohegansun.com/thirsty-thursday for more show and ticketing info.