Name: 2026 Power of the Purse
Start: 2026-04-30T17:30:40-04:00
Location: Elks Lodge 771

Elks Lodge 771

Hosted by Women United, Middlesex United Way’s women-led affinity group, Power of the Purse celebrates collective giving and the impact it has on women, families, and communities across Middlesex County. This signature event gathers local leaders, advocates, and changemakers for an engaging experience rooted in connection, purpose, and generosity.
Guests will enjoy a lively purse auction, meaningful networking, and stories that highlight why investing in women leads to stronger families and a more equitable future. Proceeds from the event support Middlesex United Way initiatives that promote financial stability, education, and health for women and girls throughout our community.
Join us and be part of the collective power that makes change possible.

Local Event: 2026 Power of the Purse

Middlesex County

Chris Dehnel

Hartford Metropolitan Area

Middletown

Connecticut

2026 Power of the Purse

Hosted by Women United, Middlesex United Way’s women-led affinity group, Power of the Purse celebrates collective giving and...

Lyman Orchards Apple Barrel Farm Market

Get ready for a hands-on day of family fun! Kids (and kids at heart) can climb aboard, explore, and snap photos with real emergency vehicles, including a police car, fire truck and ambulance! Meet local first responders, learn more about their important work, and enjoy an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the vehicles that help keep our community safe.
This free event is perfect for families of all ages, don't forget your camera!
Sunday, April 26th, 12 PM - 3 PM | Apple Barrel Farm Market

Local Event: Touch-a-Truck at the Apple Barrel Farm Market

Touch-a-Truck at the Apple Barrel Farm Market

 Get ready for a hands-on day of family fun! Kids (and kids at heart) can climb aboard, explore, and snap photos with real...

Middletown House Concert Series

Melding unparalleled virtuosity with an introspective sensibility, Nic Gareiss and Alexis Chartrand trace, with disarming spontaneity, their path across French Canadian, Appalachian and Irish traditions. Propelled by melodies inherited from Québécois folklore, the duo explores, with palpable pleasure, the sharing of sounds and gestures, blurring the lines between music and dance, melody and movement. This concert is a privileged opportunity to witness the contemporaneity of our traditions, the singular creativity of Nic Gareiss’ flatfooting and step dancing, and Alexis Chartrand’s unique playing on the baroque violin.
Montreal fiddler Alexis Chartrand (he/him) has traced a singular path across the Québécois traditional music scene. “Known for his pensive reworkings of Québécois fiddle tunes” (Songlines), he has pioneered the use of baroque violin and bows for the interpretation of this repertoire. His partnership with multi-instrumentalist and sound engineer Nicolas Babineau has led to the release of three albums, and to many concerts in Québec, Canada, the United States and Sweden. Hailed in 2019 as “two must-hears of Québécois traditional music” (Penguin Eggs), their 2024 collaboration with Nicolas Ellis and Orchestre de l’Agora « was a revelation and an intense emotional shock” (Le Devoir). He has explored the connection between music and dance with percussive dancers Nic Gareiss and Antoine Turmine. He has released duo albums with multi-instrumentalists Colin Savoie-Levac and Cédric Dind-Lavoie.
One of Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch," Nic Gareiss (he/they) has been hailed by the New York Times for his “dexterous melding of Irish and Appalachian dance.” He reimagines movement as a musical practice, recasting dance as a medium that appeals to both eyes and ears. Gareiss engages many percussive dance traditions, weaving together a singular dance practice marked by his love of clog, flatfoot, and step dance footwork; improvisation; and musical collaboration. Gareiss received the 2020 Michigan Heritage Award, his home region's highest distinction bestowed on traditional artists. He has performed in seventeen countries including at London's Barbican Centre, the Irish National Concert Hall, the Munich Philharmonic, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. He holds a MA in Ethnochoreology from the University of Limerick.
$25 suggested donation
Please contact Jody Cormack for reservations and directions
jcormack@wesleyan.edu, or 860-983-7963

Local Event: Alexis Chartrand & Nic Gareiss

Alexis Chartrand & Nic Gareiss

Melding unparalleled virtuosity with an introspective sensibility, Nic Gareiss and Alexis Chartrand trace, with disarming...

Middletown High School

GMChorale will present Joseph Haydn’s “Mass in Time of War” and Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy” at the Santo Fragilio Performing Arts Center at Middletown High School on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. The Middletown High School Advanced Choir, Saecula Singers, Orchestra New England, vocal soloists, and Eric Trudel on the piano will join the 90-voice GMChorale. Weaving all these musical threads together is Joseph D’Eugenio, Artistic/Executive Director of GMChorale.
Haydn composed the Mass in 1796, at a time when Napoleon Bonaparte’s French army was advancing across the European continent. From the very first measures of the Kyrie, the kettledrum introduces a sense of foreboding. This is intensified in the Agnus Dei, where it is said to evoke alarming images of an approaching army. This is then counterbalanced by the insistent and often bright tone of the Dona nobis pacem, implying that peace must eventually triumph over war. 
 

Written in 1808, also during the Napoleonic Era, Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy” is said to have influenced his “Symphony No. 9,” the first-ever choral symphony. The final movement of the 9th Symphony, incorporating Schiller’s poem “Ode to Joy,” echoes the familiar melodies heard in his “Choral Fantasy,” written 16 years earlier. 
These two choral-orchestral works are frequently performed in the same program. Haydn was Beethoven’s teacher in the early 1790s. Pairing these pieces offers an example of the transition from Haydn’s Classical Era to the early Romantic Era in Beethoven. The Haydn Mass exudes optimism in the midst of dark times, a hallmark of resilience. In a way reminiscent of the thematic emphasis in Haydn’s work, Beethoven chooses themes of fraternal harmony, exuberant joy and human resilience.
Join us on April 26, 2026 in Middletown for these inspiring and joyful masterworks in the production of “Echoes of Resilience.” A pre-concert lecture at 3:00 p.m. with Wesleyan University’s Neely Bruce is included in the price of the tickets.Tickets are available online at gmchorale.org.

To learn more about the upcoming concert program, tune in to WMNR on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 8:00 p.m., to hear Bob Anderson’s interview with GMC’s Artistic Director, Joseph D’Eugenio. To find the FM station carrying the show in your area, go to wmnr.org. 

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Local Event: GMChorale to present “Echoes of Resilience” in Middletown on April 26

GMChorale to present “Echoes of Resilience” in...

GMChorale will present Joseph Haydn’s “Mass in Time of War” and Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy” at the Santo Fragilio...

GMChorale to present “Echoes of Resilience” in Middletown on April 26

Klekolo World Coffee

Live Music Every Tuesday | April 28 | 7–9 PM
Zach Andersen closes out April with story-driven songwriting and a heartfelt acoustic sound.
Inspired by personal experience, video games, anime, and comics, Zach’s music feels honest, imaginative, and deeply human. He is also co-founder of the award-winning Monsters of Acoustic Rock (MoAR) concert series supporting local artists across Connecticut.
Klekolo World Coffee 
181 Court Street 
Middletown, CT
Free admission | Tips encouraged
More live music and events: 
<a target="_blank" href="https://klekoloworldcoffee.com/events/" rel="nofollow noopener">https://klekoloworldcoffee.com/events/</a>

Local Event: Zach Andersen | Klekolo Sessions

Zach Andersen | Klekolo Sessions

Live Music Every Tuesday | April 28 | 7–9 PM
Zach Andersen closes out April with story-driven songwriting and a heartfelt...

How do we stay present when someone we love is suffering, changing, or nearing the end of life?
This gentle online presentation offers heart-centered guidance for showing up with greater presence, compassion, and care at the bedside of someone facing serious illness or the end of life. Through simple, nonsectarian practices and soulful reflection, we’ll explore ways to support others—and ourselves—through some of life’s most tender and sacred moments.
Wisdom House Retreat &amp; Conference Center has offered to host our next online presentation
🙏🏻ZOOM Sharing Heartspace for Healing &amp; Hospice Thursday, April 30, 2026 7:00 PM 8:00 PM Wisdom House Retreat &amp; Conference Center Online Program Google Calendar ICS Presented by Melissa Lewis, RN, BSN, CPHCN
Join us for an introduction to holding presence and offering compassionate bedside support for a loved one facing a life-altering condition or approaching the end of life.
Together, we’ll explore beautiful, nonsectarian practices—including Assistive Sound-Breath™—that can be adapted to honor a person’s own beliefs, culture, and traditions. When shared within a family, these practices can become a meaningful legacy: a living heirloom of comfort, connection, and care.
Rooted in language that gently invites awareness of our non-dual nature, this offering provides essential tools for conscious caregiving and soulful bedside presence. It is especially supportive for caregivers, loved ones, and death doulas seeking grounded, heart-centered ways to accompany others through profound transition.
This is a free program. Donations are most welcome and appreciated to support our Ministries of Spirituality, Wellness, the Arts and Ecology. Thank you.
Online via Zoom (see link) COST | FREE
PLEASE NOTE: You are NOT registered for a ZOOM program until you receive a confirmation email. Call 860.567.3163 with questions.
Pre-Register by April 28th using link below (once registered they will send confirmation email with link to join)

Local Event: Sharing Heartspace for Healing & Hospice

Sharing Heartspace for Healing & Hospice

How do we stay present when someone we love is suffering, changing, or nearing the end of life?
This gentle online presentation...

May 23rd. Shred-It Event Fundraiser

May 23rd, 9-12. Rain or Shine. Shred-It Event Fundraiser. St. Pius X Church, 310 Westfield St, Middletown, CT '
Open to all CT Residents and small businesses.
Watch as the shredding truck securely destroys your unwanted documents. High School student volunteers will lift unwanted documents from your vehicle. 
Funds raised benefit children reading programs, teen service programs that benefit impoverished seniors and veterans, community gardens to feed the poor, Christmas Gift Giving Tree, and more. 
Suggested donations: $10 per brown paper grocery bag size. $25 per banker box or 3 brown paper grocery bag size. 
For more information, contact the Friary office 860 347 4441.

Local Event: May 23rd. NEED TO SHRED DOCUMENTS QUICK?

May 23rd. NEED TO SHRED DOCUMENTS QUICK?

May 23rd, 9-12. Rain or Shine. Shred-It Event Fundraiser. St. Pius X Church, 310 Westfield St, Middletown, CT '
Open to all CT...

Third Congregational Church

We have having our Annual Mission Tag Sale at Third Congregational Church 94 Miner St Middletown on Friday, May 1st 4-6 and Saturday, May 2nd from 8-12. We will have many items for sale from clothing to kitchen to electronics and more. All sales benefit our Mission Programs throughout the year.

Local Event: Annual Mission Tag Sale 

Annual Mission Tag Sale 

We have having our Annual Mission Tag Sale at Third Congregational Church 94 Miner St Middletown on Friday, May 1st 4-6 and...

Durham-Middlefield

East Hampton-Portland

New Haven County

Vincent Salzo

Meriden

Hartford County

Rocky Hill

Michael Lemanski

Berlin

Wallingford

Newington

Wethersfield

The Haddams-Killingworth

Glastonbury

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"

We are the FIRST and ONLY Brain Restore Center in CT

Trilogy Health & Performance LLC

In acknowledgment of Brain Injury Awareness month, we are excited to announce the opening of our new clinic, the FIRST and ONLY Brain Restore Center in all of Connecticut. Brain Restore Centers is a nationwide initiative, lead by experts across every medical speciality to finally tackle the problem of concussion, brain injury and cognitive decline rapidly increasing across our country. While Brain Injury and Cognitive Decline is on the rise in our country, our clinic is offering Free Advanced FDA-approved RightEye Exam to all Connecticut residents in an attempt to help give people in our communities a detailed deep dive into understanding the “WHY” behind what they are experiencing. Many members of our communities silently struggle with lingering symptoms of head injuries, PTSD, brain fog, depression, anxiety, and memory loss, and we want to give back by providing hope and help through real, science-backed brain health solutions. This community is part of a nationwide initiative supported locally to raise awareness about the brain’s ability to heal through modern therapies such as neurofeedback EEG detailed functional brain scan, low-level laser therapy, Neuro-rehabilitation Exercises, and neuro-functional medicine. We have been optimizing this treatment system over the last 10 years and are so grateful to finally be able to share it with our communities and loved ones. https://brainrestorecenters.com/ 49 Randolph Rd, Middletown, Connecticut 860-365-9445 info@trilogyhnp.com

 In acknowledgment of Brain Injury Awareness month, we are excited to announce the opening of our new clinic, the FIRST and ONLY Brain Restore...

Online Classes Now filling & Appointments Available

Readings By Karen, LLC

International Psychic/Medium Karen Hollis has used her abilities for more than 40 years to help people connect with their loved ones who have crossed over. Her private life readings are highly regarded for their accuracy, integrity, and compassion. Karen teaches seminars and has worked with law enforcement finding missing persons both in the United States and Canada. She has been featured on Discovery Channel’s “A Haunting,” and on “Paranormal Survivor.” As the lead Psychic/Medium Investigator with Ghosts of New England Research Society (G.O.N.E.R.S.), Karen is “the bridge between evidence and explanation.” To join one of Karen's classes or to schedule a private reading by phone, or in Karen's Office please call 860-665-8024

International Psychic/Medium Karen Hollis has used her abilities for more than 40 years to help people connect with their loved ones who have...

We instill the love of learning in youth.

March For Education Foundation

The March For Education Foundation works at the intersection of education, community, and creativity. We showcase the importance of learning through storytelling, local partnerships, youth engagement, and public-access television. Our mission is to support students, uplift educators, and provide resources and opportunities that help communities grow together.

The March For Education Foundation works at the intersection of education, community, and creativity. We showcase the importance of learning...

Managed IT Services, Disaster Recovery, & Cyber Security

UNAPEN, Inc.

Since 1991, UNAPEN, Inc. has provided IT and Cyber Security Services, Custom Software Solutions, Systems Integration, Software products and Workflow/Process Automation tailored for Investment/Wealth Managers, Non-Profit Organizations, Educational Institutions, Attorneys, and a diverse range of SMBs! The expertise of UNAPEN's seasoned professionals uniquely positions them to advise clients on the value of technology. Our goal is to solidify and protect your IT infrastructure, enhance cyber security, streamline operations and workflow, centralize data, and automate highly complex manual tasks to make your company more successful and competitive. UNAPEN is a long-standing Gold Certified Microsoft Partner. Our solutions fall into these categories: • Strategic Process Consulting • AI Workflow &amp; Process Automation • Custom Client Statements, Meeting Packages &amp; Mgmt Reporting • Custom Software Development - Applications &amp; Interfaces - On-Premise, Web &amp; Mobile • Create/Upgrade Custom Excel, Power Apps, Power BI, MS Access, SQL Server &amp; .NET Applications • Pricing &amp; Reference Data Interfaces for SS&amp;C Advent Axys &amp; APX • CRM for Investment Advisers, Wealth Mgrs, Family Offices, Banking and other industries • Data Warehousing &amp; Data Aggregation • Affinity SQL Data Repository for Advisors • Business Intelligence &amp; Business Mgmt Tools • Digital Transformation &amp; Cloud Migration • IT Services • Cloud Backup, Disaster Recovery &amp; Business Continuity • CyberSecurity - Advanced Network Analysis &amp; Security Threat Reporting, Dark Web Monitoring &amp; Alerts on Compromised Employee Credentials • CyberSecurity - Employee CyberSecurity Awareness Training • CyberSecurity - EndPoint Detection &amp; Response • vCISO CyberSecurity Assessments • Ransomware Protection As a service provider &amp; partner in your success, UNAPEN brings to bear a unique skill set comprised of in-depth business knowledge combined with unparalleled technological expertise &amp; service delivery capability.

Since 1991, UNAPEN, Inc. has provided IT and Cyber Security Services, Custom Software Solutions, Systems Integration, Software products and...

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...

Torza's Golf

Torza's Golf, a cherished family-owned golf driving range with a rich legacy spanning three generations. Nestled in the heart of scenic Connecticut, our range boasts a 23 bay facility available for novice, intermediate, and pro golfers, including 8 heated and covered bays that ensure year-round enjoyment.

Middlesex

Cromwell

Torza's Golf, a cherished family-owned golf driving range with a rich legacy spanning three generations. Nestled in the heart of scenic Connecticut...

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Middletown|Local Event

2026 Power of the Purse

Event Details

More Upcoming Events

Touch-a-Truck at the Apple Barrel Farm Market

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May 23rd. NEED TO SHRED DOCUMENTS QUICK?

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Annual Mission Tag Sale

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