Feb.

14 Saturday

Valentine's Dance - Mary Our Queen Church has scheduled its 33rd Annual Valentine's Dance at the Aqua Turf, Wagon Room, 556 Mulberry St., Plantsville, Saturday, Feb. 14, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. The cost is $114 per couple and includes dinner, open bar and dancing to the band DeNovo. Dinneris served at 8 p.m. and includes salad, pasta, chicken florentine, maple glazed carots, roasted new bliss potatoes, pastry platter, and coffee and tea. Vegetarian choice is eggplant parmesan. For reservations and more information call Dodie Garstang, (860) 621-6649.

Twice Around Duo performance - The Coffee House at the First Congregational Church of Southington, 37 Main St., offers entertainment on the second Saturday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Peace Café. On Feb. 14, Valentine's Day, the Twice Around Duo is scheduled to perform.

15 Sunday

Accordionist performance - The Connecticut Accordion Association is sponsoring accordionist Bruce Gassman to perform at Cugino's Restaurant, 1410 Highland Ave., Cheshire, Sunday, Feb. 15, at 1 p.m. The performance will feature pop and 60's rock, light classical, Beatles and ethnic music. Accordion enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their instruments and participate in a brief workshop. The event is free to CAA members and the public is invited attend for a $10 fee. Reservations are strongly suggested, and can be made by contacting Marilyn at (203) 272-1202.

16 Monday

American Legion Auxiliary - The American Legion Auxiliary Kiltonic Unit 72, Southington, meets on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. After the business portion of the Feb. 16 meeting, the group will continue their work making the pocket flags for both troops being deployed and those currently serving. All members, new, longstanding and those interested in becoming a member are encouraged to attend. For more information, call Rachel Wache, president, at (860) 621-0890.

School closings - Southington Public Schools will be closed from Monday, Feb. 16 through Friday, Feb. 20 for winter vacation. Classes resume on Monday, Feb. 23.

Town closings - Southington Town Hall, the Southington Public Library, Barnes Museum and Calendar House will be closed Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of Presidents' Day.

Lifelong Learning Association - The Lifelong Learning Association schedules a variety of speakers at its monthly Timely Topics sessions, held at 1 p.m. on the third Monday of most months at Tunxis Community College, located at the intersection of routes 6 and 177 in Farmington. Feb. 16, Hans Wasler, World War II veteran is the scheduled speaker. Admission to the monthly events is $3 for guests and non-members or a yearly membership for $15.

For more information or to join, contact Gordon Chabot Sr. at (860) 621-6046 or Harold Adrion at (860) 673-6883 or by mail at P.O. Box 142, Avon, CT 06001.

17 Tuesday

When I'm in Charge - Southington Youth Services, 93 Main St., has scheduled a Red Cross program for 4th- and 5th-grade students called "When I'm in Charge," Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. Presented by Terri Benoit, this program covers how to be safe and responsible when students are at home on their own. The program will be held at the Youth Services office and the cost is $10 per student paid in advance. For more information and to register contact Youth Services at (860) 276-6281.

Nutmeg Depression Glass Club - The Nutmeg Depression Glass Club meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 96 Main St., Southington. For information, call Lesley at (203) 440-3686 or Bob at (860) 628-5389.

18 Wednesday

Book discussion club - The Southington Public Library, 255 Main St., offers a book discussion series "Between the Lines A Book Discussion Club" at 7 p.m., in the lower level program room. Each month a popular book is discussed by local scholars. Wednesday, Feb. 18, "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood is the featured book. The public is welcome.

Books are available at the reference desk and registration required. For more information and to register, visit the online calendar at www.southingtonlibrary.org, click on the calendar, and search for the program, or call (860) 628-0947 ext. 5.

Grandparents raising grandchildren - A special conference is being held Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 10:30 a.m., at the Farmington Senior Center, 321 New Britain Ave., Unionville, for grandparents and relatives who are raising grandchildren, nieces or nephews. The snow date is Thursday, Feb. 19. This free conference, being held during school vacation, will provide information, activities and workshops, a complimentary lunch, and prizes. Children are invited and encouraged to attend.

The conference is being co-sponsored by Southington's Calendar House Senior Center and Youth Services, the Farmington Senior Center and Youth Services and the Plainville Senior Center and Youth Services. For more information or to register for this program, call Susan Saucier at Southington Youth Services at (860) 276-6281.

19 Thursday

Radio hour at Barnes Museum - An old-time radio hour will be held Thursdays, Feb. 19 and 26, at 6 p.m. at the Barnes Museum, 85 N. Main St., Southington. People are invited to relax in the museum's living room to hear old radio broadcasts on the 1934 Scott radio console, such as "The Shadow" and "War of the Worlds." The event is free, but donations will be accepted. Hot tea and cocoa will be served. For more information, call (860) 628-5426.

Southington Women's Club meeting - The Southington Women's Club is scheduled to meet Thursday, Feb. 19, at 11:30 a.m, at The Orchards, 34 Hobart St., Southington. Lunch will be followed by a business meeting and a game of bingo. For further information about becoming a member of the club, call (860) 628-9080.

21 Saturday

Quilts for children in need - The Southwest Hartford Chapter of Project Linus is holding a "Make a Blanket Day," Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 37 Main St., Southington. The program distributes blankets to children of all ages who are in hospitals, shelters and social service agencies. Quilters of all skill levels are welcome to make quilts for children in need. For more information, contact the church office at (860) 628-6958 or visit the Web site www.swhartfordlinus.org.

Spaghetti and meatball dinner - The Sons of the American Legion Squadron 72 is hosting a Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner, Saturday, Feb. 21, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., upstairs in the Post home, 66 Main St., Southington. Cost is $6 per person and includes spaghetti, homemade meatballs, salad, bread and coffee. For more information, contact John Sunbury at (860) 627-2435.

24 Tuesday

Organics presentation - The Southington Land Conservation Trust is scheduled to present "Organics," Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. at the Southington Public Library meeting room, 255 Main St. The speaker will be Bill Duesing, the executive director of the Connecticut chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association. He also is director of the Connecticut Farmland Trust and the Oxford Land Trust, and owns and operates the Old Solar Farm in Oxford. For more information visit the Web site southingtonlandtrust.org.

Mardi Gras Night - The 5th annual Southington Rotary Mardi Gras Night is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 6 to 10 p.m., at Anthony Jacks Wood-Fired Grill, 30 Center St., Southington. Cost is $65 per person and includes food stations, beer, wine, and entertainment provided by Dr. Ya Ya's Gumbo Party. Proceeds from this event will used to benefit areas of greatest need in Southington. Additional information and pictures of the band can be seen on the Web site http://southingtonrotary.blogspot.com/. For reservations, contact Co-chair John Kennedy at (860) 276-8025, Co-chair Trish Walden at (860) 378-1226, or Anthony Jacks at (860) 426-1487.

Genealogy group - The Southington Genealogical Society is scheduled to meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., in the community room of the Southington Police Department, 69 Lazy Lane. There is no admission charge, no obligation to become a member, and no reservations are necessary. Ample parking is available and refreshments will be served.

Orchard Valley Garden Club meeting - The Orchard Valley Garden Club of Southington will meet Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m., at the Southington Public Library, 255 Main St., lower level. Program speaker will be John Calandrelli of the Sierra Club in Hartford, who will discuss land use and energy. New members and guests are welcome. For reservations, call Uta Zickfeld at (860) 621-2825 or e-mail gardenclubmembers@att.net.

25 Wednesday

Pottery techniques demonstration - The Southington Arts and Crafts Association has scheduled "Basic Pottery Throwing Techniques," for Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m., at the Orchards at Southington, 34 Hobart St. This free demonstration is presented by Richard Kupstis, a retired art and social studies teacher and past president of the Wesleyan Potters in Middletown. The demonstration follows a 6:30 p.m. members meeting. For more information, call (860) 793-9929.

26 Thursday

Radio hour at Barnes Museum - An old-time radio hour will be held Thursday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. at the Barnes Museum, 85 N. Main St., Southington. People are invited to relax in the museum's living room to hear old radio broadcasts on the 1934 Scott radio console, such as "The Shadow" and "War of the Worlds." The event is free, but donations will be accepted. Hot tea and cocoa will be served. For more information, call (860) 628-5426.

Red Cross blood drive - Mary Our Queen Church, 248 Savage St., Plantsville, is sponsoring a Red Cross blood drive, Thursday, Feb. 26, from 1:45 to 5:45 p.m. in the church hall. A free pasta and meatball dinner will be provided. For more information, contact the church office at (860) 628-4901.

28 Saturday

Pasta dinner - Youth from First Baptist Church of Southington, who will be going this summer on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, will be participating in the benefit "Life in Their Shoes," Saturday, Feb. 28. Proceeds from the pasta dinner, concert and silent auction will support the mission trip being organized by First Baptist Church of Wallingford. This year's concert will be "The Traci Basic Show." The event will be held at Sheehan High School, 142 Hope Hill Road, Wallingford. Dinner will be served 5 to 6:30 p.m. with the show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 adults; $7 students; and children four and younger are free. For more information or to purchase tickets, call First Baptist Church of Southington, (860) 628-8121.

Mardi Gras dance - The First Congregational Church of Southington is sponsoring a Mardi Gras dance, Saturday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m., at the Southington Elks Lodge, 114 Main St. Mardi Gras masks are encouraged. There will be raffle prizes, munchies, a cash bar and Cleve the DJ. Tickets cost $15 per person and can be purchased during coffee hour or at the door.

March

6 Friday

Comedy night - Heartstrings, affiliated with the Calvanese Foundation, is sponsoring a comedy night, featuring comedian Dave Reilly, Friday, March 6, at the Aqua Turf, 556 Mulberry St., Plantsville. All proceeds will be donated to the Southington Community Center. Cost is $50 per person and includes appetizers, salad, gourmet pizza, wine, beer, dessert, coffee and tea, and cash bar. The food will be served at 7 p.m. and the comedian will perform at 9 p.m.

To purchase tickets, contact Diana Sheard at (860) 793-2765. Tickets also may be purchased at the door. Checks should be made payable to the Calvanese Foundation.

7 Saturday

Arc Dinner Dance fundraiser - The Arc of Southington, an advocacy organization and service provider for people with intellectual, cognitive and developmental disabilities, will hold its 17th annual Dinner Dance fundraising event, Saturday, March 7, from 7 p.m. to midnight, at the Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry St., Plantsville. Tickets cost $60 per person and include a cheese table during cocktail hour, a family style dinner of salad, pasta, chicken and beef dishes, potatoes, vegetables, rolls, dessert, coffee, open bar and disc jockey Gary Racine of Ultimate Entertainment Professional Disc Jockeys. A silent auction and raffle will be held and all proceeds from the event benefit The Arc of Southington Social Services and Advocacy Program. For more information or tickets, call (860) 628-9220, ext. 100.

Kiddie Carnival - The Southington High School Key Club is sponsoring a Kiddie Carnival, Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to noon, in the high school cafeteria, 720 Pleasant St. Admission is one canned good per family. Tickets for games will be sold for 25 cents each. Each game costs approximately 2 to 4 tickets each.

11 Wednesday

Card making family workshop - The Southington Arts and Crafts Association is sponsoring the following spring program, which will be held at the Orchards Community Room, 34 Hobart St., Southington, Wednesday, March 11, at 6:30 p.m.: Card Making Family Workshop by Diane Sperry. Complete greeting cards for friends and family. Workshop and supplies provided for free by Southington Arts and Crafts Association. Registration is required by calling Diane at (860) 793-9501 or Deesper@aol.com.

Coping with stress - Coping with Stress is a free seminar being offered at Grace United Methodist Church, 121 Pleasant St., Southington, on the following Wednesdays, from 7 to 8 p.m.: March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8 and 15. Focus will be on the impact of continuous stress on the body and participants will be given tools to manage their stress. The group is being led by Patricia Dickinson, a licensed marriage and family therapist and a certified Gestalt therapist. Space is limited. For more information or reservations, call (860) 628-6996 on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.

14 Saturday

Mill Foundation for Kids dinner - The Mill Foundation for Kids, a community-based, charitable organization, has scheduled its 3rd annual fundraiser dinner, Saturday, March 14 from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., at the Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry St., in Southington. ‘Shamrockin' for Kid's will be a St. Patrick's Day themed dinner dance and will include raffles and an auction to raise funds to help children while in the hospital. The cost is $75 per person and includes dinner, open bar and dancing. Sponsorships for the dance are also available. The mission of the Mill Foundation for Kids, Inc. is to ease the burden of children dealing with illnesses by providing toys and other gifts to pediatric facilities for the use of children recovering from illnesses, as well as donating funds towards research aimed at eliminating pediatric illnesses. For tickets or event information, call Jill Burleigh at (860) 628-8745 or Laurie Faye at (860) 620-9232 or visit the Web site www.millfoundation.org. Bring a new toy to help fill the foundation's toy closet and earn free raffle tickets.

Dinner Dance fundraiser - The Southington Land Conservation Trust will be hosting a 60's and 70's Dinner Dance fundraiser, Saturday, March 14, from 7 to 11 p.m., at Testa's Restaurant, 26 S. Center St., Southington. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. The event includes a buffet dinner, disc jockey, raffle and cash bar.

To purchase tickets call Bonnie Sica at (860) 621-9553. For more information on the Southington Land Conservation Trust, visit to the Web site www.southingtonlandtrust.org.

Band Backers tag sale - The Southington Band Backers are sponsoring an Indoor Tag Sale, Saturday, March 14, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Southington High School cafeteria, 720 Pleasant St. Admission is $2. Antiques, collectibles, sporting goods, housewares, giftware, toys, games, electronics and other items will be available. The proceeds from the sale will go to Southington High School Marching Band members to help fund band trips, uniforms and other expenses.

15 Sunday

Gershwin performance - Pianist and showman Paul Bisaccia is scheduled to perform at the First Congregational Church of Southington, 37 Main St., Sunday, March 15 at 2 p.m. Although specializing in the music of George Gershwin, his performance repertoire and musical interests are wide ranging. Tickets cost $15 per person or $25 for a family of three or more. For ticket information, contact the church office at (860) 628-6958.

16 Monday

Lifelong Learning Association - The Lifelong Learning Association schedules a variety of speakers at its monthly Timely Topics sessions, held at 1 p.m. on the third Monday of most months at Tunxis Community College, located at the intersection of routes 6 and 177 in Farmington. March 16, Gilbert Traverso, Bristol Technical Education Center administrator is the scheduled speaker. Admission to the monthly events is $3 for guests and non-members or a yearly membership for $15.

For more information or to join, contact Gordon Chabot Sr. at (860) 621-6046 or Harold Adrion at (860) 673-6883 or by mail at P.O. Box 142, Avon, CT 06001.

19 Thursday

Spring High Tea - Barnes Museum, 85 N. Main St., Southington, will host the Ode to Spring High Tea, Thursday, March 19, at 3:30 p.m., the day before the first day of spring. Tickets cost $20 and must be reserved in advance on a first-come, first-served basis. Ladies are encouraged to wear beautiful or outrageous bonnets. Seating is limited.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call (860) 628-5426.

20 Friday

"Twelve Angry...Jurors," a play by Sherman L. Sergel, adapted from the television show by Reginald Rose, will be performed in the Peace Café at First Congregational Church, 37 Main St., Southington, Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21, and Thursday through Saturday, March 26 to 28, at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee performance, Sunday, March 22. Tickets cost $10 and can be reserved by calling (860) 628-6958 or (203) 631-0559.

21 Saturday

"Twelve Angry...Jurors," a play by Sherman L. Sergel, adapted from the television show by Reginald Rose, will be performed in the Peace Café at First Congregational Church, 37 Main St., Southington, Saturday, March 21, and Thursday through Saturday, March 26 to 28, at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee performance, Sunday, March 22. Tickets cost $10 and can be reserved by calling (860) 628-6958 or (203) 631-0559.

22 Sunday

"Twelve Angry...Jurors," a play by Sherman L. Sergel, adapted from the television show by Reginald Rose, will be performed in the Peace Café at First Congregational Church, 37 Main St., Southington, Thursday through Saturday, March 26 to 28, at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee performance, Sunday, March 22. Tickets cost $10 and can be reserved by calling (860) 628-6958 or (203) 631-0559.

25 Wednesday

Oil painting demonstration - The Southington Arts and Crafts Association is sponsoring the following spring program, which will be held at the Orchards Community Room, 34 Hobart St., Southington, Wednesday, March 25, at 7 p.m.: Oil Painting Demonstration by Jim Grabowski, award winning painter well-known for his use of bold colors and expansive canvas. This follows a 6:30 p.m. members meeting. For more information call (860) 793-9929.

26 Thursday

"Twelve Angry...Jurors," a play by Sherman L. Sergel, adapted from the television show by Reginald Rose, will be performed in the Peace Café at First Congregational Church, 37 Main St., Southington, Thursday through Saturday, March 26 to 28, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and can be reserved by calling (860) 628-6958 or (203) 631-0559.

27 Friday

"Twelve Angry...Jurors," a play by Sherman L. Sergel, adapted from the television show by Reginald Rose, will be performed in the Peace Café at First Congregational Church, 37 Main St., Southington, Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and can be reserved by calling (860) 628-6958 or (203) 631-0559.

28 Saturday

"Twelve Angry...Jurors," a play by Sherman L. Sergel, adapted from the television show by Reginald Rose, will be performed in the Peace Café at First Congregational Church, 37 Main St., Southington, Saturday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and can be reserved by calling (860) 628-6958 or (203) 631-0559.

30 Monday

Friendly's fundraiser - The Journey to Adulthood youth group of St. Paul's Church in Southington will be having a Friendly's fundraiser, Monday, March 30, from 5 to 8 p.m, at the 408 Queen St. location. This event will support the youth group's upcoming pilgrimage, which is planned for the Central American country of Belize. Any order, ranging from dinner to ice cream, will help support the youth group. There will be a raffle and clowns to entertain the youngest patrons. For more information about the J2A youth group, call the church office at (860) 628-8486.

April

14 Tuesday

When I'm in Charge - Southington Youth Services, 93 Main St., has scheduled a Red Cross program for 4th- and 5th-grade students called "When I'm in Charge," Tuesday, April 14, from 2 to 4 p.m. Presented by Terri Benoit, this program covers how to be safe and responsible when students are at home on their own. The program will be held at the Youth Services office and the cost is $10 per student paid in advance. For more information and to register contact Youth Services at (860) 276-6281.

20 Monday

Lifelong Learning Association - The Lifelong Learning Association schedules a variety of speakers at its monthly Timely Topics sessions, held at 1 p.m. on the third Monday of most months at Tunxis Community College, located at the intersection of routes 6 and 177 in Farmington. April 20, Tom LaPorte will present Early Bristol Photography. Admission to the monthly events is $3 for guests and non-members or a yearly membership for $15.

For more information or to join, contact Gordon Chabot Sr. at (860) 621-6046 or Harold Adrion at (860) 673-6883 or by mail at P.O. Box 142, Avon, CT 06001.

25 Saturday

Medication disposal program - The Southington Water Department, in conjunction with local volunteers, will be hosting a free medication disposal program for town residents, Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the SWD Headquarters, 605 West Queen St., Southington. This free event is an opportunity to clean out medicine cabinets and bring all expired and unwanted medication for proper disposal, including prescription, vitamins, over-the-counter and veterinary. All medicine will be disposed of properly by incineration and no medicine will be reused or resold. Also, thermometers, needles or medical waste of any type will not be accepted.

All medicines returned should be in the original bottle with the name and address of the patient crossed off with a permanent marker, which will be available at the event. Leave the name of the medication visible for the pharmacist's review. A law enforcement officer will be in attendance per state and federal laws. Participants will be asked a few general questions, such as town of residence and why the medication is no longer wanted; no personal information will be requested.

For more information, contact Tom West, superintendent of the SWD or Water Commissioner John C. Dobbins at (860) 628-5593.