Spotlight listing of upcoming events

Sunday, Jan. 25

Dog wash fund-raiser — Trumbull Dog Owners Group (TDOG) will hold a dog wash fund-raiser from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Pet Valu, 37 Monroe Turnpike, in Trumbull. Cost is $10 and gets you a do-it-yourself doggie wash in one of three clean and back-friendly stations, including soap, shampoo, towels and even blow-dryers. Event will also include park staff, info, raffle and more. For more information, email trumbulldogpark@gmail.com.

Kahana Hula Cabaret — Three members of the Kahana Hula group will perform at the Center at 23 Priscilla Place at 1 p.m. Presented by the Trumbull Arts Commission. Audiences of all ages, toddlers through mature adults enjoy the interactive program of music, stories, song and dance, while learning the history, legends, culture and language of Hawaii. Cabaret seating; $5, bring your own refreshments. For tickets, call 203-452-5065.

NIA membership meeting — The Nichols Improvement Association (NIA), will be having its general membership meeting at 4 p.m., at Starkweather House, 1773 Huntington Tpke., in Trumbull. This meeting is an opportunity for members to review acrtivities and events from 2014, vote on officers for the Executive Board for 2015, learn of activities and events planned for 2015, and opportunties to volunteer.

Monday, Jan. 26

Improving and Maintaining your Home’s Curb Appeal — Rita Bond will present a slide presentation, when the Long Hill Garden Club meets at the Trumbull Library. Meeting begins at 11:30 a.m.; program will start at 12:45 p.m. The visual attractiveness of the front of a house and grounds makes an important first impression. Learn tips and techniques to perk up your home whether you are rejuvenating old, tired, overgrown beds or simply seeking to find the right style and color for a front door. Illustrative examples to help you evaluate and improve will be provided. For further information, contact Leslie at 203-892-5644.

Thursday, Jan. 29

PC Users Group — The PC Users Group of Connecticut will hold it’s monthly meeting at the Trumbull Library at 7 p.m. The program starts with a question and answer session. Following that, Jeff Heisner will talk on cyber security, with a short break for light refreshments. The main speaker will be Ethan Rabinowitz. He will talk on what’s involved to make a 3D model and the programing that goes into it. The meeting ,as always, is free.

Monday, Feb. 2

Trumbull Woman’s Club meeting/lunch — Trumbull Woman’s Club meeting and brown bag lunch with dessert provided by members will be in the Trumbull Library Community Room. There will be a collection of food and chews for the Trumbull Animal Shelter. The program at 12:30 p.m., is mystery author, Robert Ellis. For information call 203-261-2882.

Thursday, Feb. 5

Create own TV show — Channel 192 offers free training course. Teaches studio and field camera operation, editing, lighting, audio and more. Applications due Jan. 29. Information: 203-304-4050 or communityvision21.com.

Saturday, Feb. 7

Jazz evening — Guys grab your pinstripes and gals don your flapper dresses for an exciting new event benefiting The Kennedy Center Children's Services. Be transformed to a 1920s  jazz evening, The Speakeasy, at the Trumbull Marriott, 180 Hawley Lane. Private tasting room hosted by Onyx Moonshine with featured cocktails. Dance performances and instruction by Marko Urosevic from the Trumbull Fred Astaire Dance Studio also will be featured. Also, dancing, libations, auction, food stations and a photo booth. Starts at 7 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by live music, food and dancing at 8 p.m.  Register online at thekennedycenterinc.org,call Sam at 203-365-8522, ext. 216 or email slevin@kennedyctr.org.  Ticket: $125 per person.

Sunday, Feb. 8

Primavera Duo — Performance on Sunday, Feb. 8, at the Center at 23 Priscilla Place at 1 p.m. Sponsored by the Trumbull Arts, Primavera Duo is an eclectic mix of traditional and modern Italian favorites. With Tony on guitar and singing capabilities, and Vinny on keyboard and accordion, they create a beautiful sound that cannot be replicated. Playing favorites such as Al di La, Volare, and O Sole Mio. Be prepared to dance the Tarantella. Cabaret seating; bring your own refreshments. Tickets: $5. Call 203-452-5065.

Through May 31

Great Minds art collection on display —  The Great Minds Collection: 35 Portraits of Transformational Figures, will be exhibited throughout the Trumbull Library, 33 Quality St., a collaborative project of contemporary American artist Robin Morris and Trumbull residents Dick and Jane Resnick. Great Minds’ inclusion criteria where someone who has altered the human landscape, who has changed the way humans think, or what we think, or even how we think, and who has remained relevant today. Mark Twain, Buddha, Albert Einstein, Nelson Mandela, Thomas Jefferson, and the rest are portrayed in startling images that draw viewers into their amazing lives. For more information, call the Trumbull Library at 203-452-5197 or visit trumbullct-library.org.

ONGOING

Literary competition — Writers from elementary to adult are invited to submit previously unpublished works in the categories of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Once received, the entries are sorted and distributed to the panel of judges with the names of the authors removed for anonymity. All winning entries will be published in the 2015 edition of Penworks, the literary magazine of the Trumbull Arts Festival. Every year the winning writers have the pleasure of becoming published authors. The winners of the 2015 competition will be honored during the awards ceremony to be held in the Community Room of the Trumbull Library on the day of the Arts Festival, Sunday Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. Applications can be downloaded at trumbull-ct.gov, Arts Commission page. For more information, call the Arts office at 203-452-5065.

TOPS meetings — TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) Trumbull Chapter meetings are held every Tuesday, 10 a.m., at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 1734 Huntington Tpke., next door to Fairchild Nichols Memorial Library. Call Jo-Ann Minishi 203-268-6282 for more information or just show. Annual membership fee is $32 and weekly dues are $2.

Pilates classes — Regular pilates class runs Wednesdays, 9 a.m.; Pre-natal pilates class, Wednesdays, 10 a.m., at the NIA Starkweather House, 1773 Huntington Turnpike, Trumbull; $10/class NIA members; $12/class non-members. To register, email pilatesft@gmail.com.

Trumbull MS support group — Meets at the Trumbull Library, 33 Quality St., from 6:30-8 p.m., on the third Tuesday of each month. For more information, call Amy at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter at 800-FIGHTMS or visit ctfightsMS.org.

Seeking gardens — The Nichols Garden Club is still searching for a few more gardens to add to its tour which takes place the second week in July, 2015, from 4 p.m.-dusk. If you have a lovely or interesting garden, consider being on the tour. It is for a worthy cause, a scholarship for a Trumbull High School senior. Your garden need not be large and look for a variety of styles, including vegetable gardens, organic gardens, perennial gardens, Japanese style gardens or any garden with pretty features, such as a pond, a fountain, a pool , a pergola or outdoor kitchen, etc. If you have such a garden, or you know someone who does, contact Carole Hans at 203-372-4105.

Alzheimer’s Support Group —Support group for caregivers and families led by Harbor care Director, Lidia Ayala. First Wednesday of the month, 4:30-6 p.m. at Middebrook Farms of Trumbull, 2750 Reservoir Ave., Trumbull. Call 203-268-2400 for more information or e-mail layala@benchmarkquality.com.

‘Rails to Trails’ — Trumbull Historian/Author, Sue DelBianco’s video on the history of The Trumbull Valley when train was king, promoting industry and linking the communities. The video contains captivating historical images of the railroad, trains, ice houses, mills, and Trumbull’s very own amusement park called Parlor Rock. E-mail Sue DelBianco at delbiancosue@yahoo.com or call 203-260-5394.

Widowed men — Widowed Persons Service (WPS)/A New Way of Life, will sponsor breakfast at Old Towne Restaurant, 60 Quality St., the second and fourth Saturday every month at 9 a.m. Just show up or call Peter at 203-882-8662 for more information. All are welcome.

Learn about the Bible — ‘The Story’ book group at Grace Church, 5958 Main St., in Trumbull. For those wondering where to begin in learning more about the Bible and what’s in it each week in one of two group meetings; Sunday at 11 a.m., or Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. The Rev. Elsa Worth will also focus on the themes of the week’s chapter during the sermon each Sunday in the 9:30 a.m. service. No experience with the bible necessary. For more information or for details on how to get your own books, visit gracetrumbull.org.

Donations needed for animal shelter — Trumbull Animal Shelter, 324 Church Hill Road is in need of the following: Clay litter, rawhide chews, canned cat or canned dog food (any kind) and dog toys for strong chewers (for example, Kongs). Although it is appreciated, soft toys with squeakers and stuffing are discouraged, since the animals can tear them out and get sick. For other items, call the shelter at 203-452-5088 or visit Trumbull Animal Group (TAG) on Amazon.com. Click on Wish List and search for Trumbull Animal Group.

Monday night bingo — Monday nights, Congregation B’nai Torah, 5700 Main St., Trumbull; 6:30 p.m.; Special games available, as well as progressive jackpot and door prizes. Public welcome. For more information, call 203-268-6940.

Wednesday night bingo — American Legion Post 141 hosts bingo. Doors open at 5, games begin at 6:30, corner of Whitney Avenue and Teller Road. 20 games including winner take all, 50/50 and progressive jackpot, up to $1,600. Families welcome; George Areson, 203-261-6874; Peter Pappas, 203-268-7904.

Damsels in Divorce — Support group for women in all phases of divorce; from contemplation to completion, take place on the second and fourth Friday nights of every month from 7-8:30 p.m., at Grace Church, 5958 Main St., Trumbull. Look for the signs to see in which space the meeting will be held in when you arrive. Any questions, contact Jennifer at DamselsInDivorce@aol.com.

Cell phone recycling — B’nai Torah Nursery School, 5700 Main St., is continuing its collection of used/broken/unwanted cell phones, batteries and chargers from locations throughout the Trumbull area for refurbishing and distribution to women in crisis to call 911 in case of emergency. Collection boxes in Trumbull locations: B’nai Torah Nursery School, Trumbull Police Station, Old Towne Restaurant, Trumbull Library, Fairchild Library, CVS on White Plains Road, Minuteman Cleaners, Home Veterinary Services, and Guacamole Grill.

Donations sought — Donate your old but still usable clothing, shoes, sneakers, belts, linens, pillow cases, blankets, curtains or stuffed animals. Grace Episcopal Church, 5958 Main St., now hosts a St. Pauly’s used clothing drop-off shed. Easily accessible, and located in the rear parking lot behind the church. Receipts are available at the shed for your charitable donation. Place donations in plastic bags and tie them up to keep clean and dry. Do no put any rags, fabric scraps, pillows, toys, household goods or electronics in the shed. More information at gracetrumbull.org.

Al-Anon meetings — Al-Anon is a resource for family members and friends affected by alcoholism. Al-Anon meets Monday at 7:30 a.m., and Thursday at 11:30 a.m., at Grace Episcopal Church, 5958 Main St. Thursday at 8 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1734 Huntington Tpke. Alateen helps teens age 12-20 and also meets Thursday at 8 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church. There are no dues or fees to participate. For information, call 1-888-825-2666. Visit ct-al-anon.org. A free publication is available at Al-AnonFamilyGroups.org.

Bridgeport Art League — The Bridgeport Art League is seeking members. Monthly meetings are in held Shelton, featuring local artists and demonstrations. Members come from Milford, Orange, Stratford, Trumbull, Fairfield, Shelton, Easton and Monroe.

For more information, e-mail Diane Napolitano at napolitanj@comcast.net for information.

Caregiver’s support group — Maefair Health Care Center, 21 Maefair Court, Trumbull, monthly caregiver’s meeting is held the second Tuesday of each month from 2:30-3:30 p.m. For more information, call 203-459-5152 or e-mail outreach@maefairhcc.com. There is no cost to attend and light refreshments will be provided.

Evening prayers — Grace Church, 5958 Main St., on Mondays through Advent at 7 p.m. A quiet half hour of candlelight meditation and prayer accompanied by soft piano music. For more information, visit gracetrumbull.org.

Knitters and crocheters — Meet at Panera Bread in the Trumbull Westfield Mall on Wednesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. Enjoy sharing your craft with others. All levels are welcome.

Men’s Club — Tashua Knolls Senior Men’s Club welcomes new members; open to all men age 60 or older, no residency requirements. Club conducts weekly golf competitions, sponsors two bowling leagues during fall and winter months; 261-2069.

Early morning guided meditation — A time set aside for guided relaxation, centering prayer and meditation every Wednesday morning from 7-7:25 a.m., in the Grace Church chapel. For more information, visit gracetrumbull.org. Located at 5958 Main St.

Recreation classes — For caregivers and children ages 1-4. Toddler classes run Monday and Wednesday mornings. Art classes for preschooler ages 3 and 4, Thursday mornings. Call Trumbull Recreation for more information, 203-452-5060; or register in person at the Rec. office at 5892 Main St.

Exercise program — class combines cardiovascular fitness, strength training, agility, balance and coordination for all ability levels, Mondays and Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Teen Center, Indian Ledge Park; 203-253-3179; bootcamp-ct.com. Presented by Chris Terenzio of In-Home Health & Fitness.

Dog first aid/CPR — Certification through the Red Cross in dog first aid and CPR, 100 Corporate Drive; led by Dawn Lowery, certified Red Cross instructor and dog trainer. Contact Pet Degree Dog Training Center, 203-268-BARK (2275) for class times and information; petdegree@aol.com.

Dog obedience — Classes in all levels of dog training and obedience are offered by Trap Falls Kennel Club in Shelton. For more information, registration and class schedules, call 203-450-9485; e-mail tfkctraining@gmail.com, or visit trapfalls.org/Dog_Training.html.

Trumbull Business Network — Meets every Wednesday, 7:30 a.m., Helen Plumb Building, 6254 Main St.; trumbullbn.com/; shildneck@snet.net; 203-380-0453.

Furniture donations — The nonprofit Greater Bridgeport Furniture Warehouse Collaborative seeks donations of gently used furniture for low income, homeless and/or disabled individuals and families. Pick up may be arranged; donations tax deductible; 203-335-2725; warehouse hours are Tuesday-Friday, 9-2.