Community Corner

Running, Dining in the Dark, Pet Portraits, and More in Ellington and Somers This Weekend

Check out what is going on in the region this weekend.

ZombieTHON Dash of the Undead
Friday, 5 p.m. - The Zombie Apocalypse devours the UConn campus on Friday. Will you, as one of the remaining humans, be able to make it across 2.5 miles of treacherous terrain on HorseBarn Hill? Running from safe zone to safe zone to achieve the title of ultimate survivor? Or will you become one of the hordes of undead? Or, as one of the infected, will you devour the health flags of the survivors and unleash the full horror of the Zombie Apocalypse? Prowling in your infected zone your goal is to turn all humans into… the undead! The cost is $25. As a human, that gets you an event t-shirt, the thrill of being chased by the undead, admittance to the survivor party for food, beverages and fun, a race bib, a survivor button (run survivors only), a UConn Dairy Bar discount with race bib, and the satisfaction of helping a great cause… humanity… and HuskyTHON. As a Zombie, it gets you an event t-shirt, the mouth-watering enjoyment of devouring humans, zombie makeup transformation in the infected zone, zombification party food, beverages and fun, a race bib, a special zombie goodie bag, a UConn Dairy Bar discount with race bib, and the satisfaction of devouring brains… and HuskyTHON! To register, visit http://recreation.uconn.edu/zombiethon-dash-of-the-undead/.

Mieka Pauley at Manitook Lake
Friday, 6 p.m. - Mieka Pauley possesses a voice that flows like good whiskey and a frankness that makes Alanis Morissette look shy. She conjures up a sonic immediacy with the same masterful command as Ani DiFranco with driving, yearning melodies that stand alongside the work of Michelle Shocked, Neko Case and Emmylou Harris. Pauley began as a solo artist in Boston. Her haunting voice and heartbreaking lyrics gained her more than a few fans, securing her bills with Eric Clapton, Jason Mraz, Citizen Cope, Lyle Lovett, Wyclef Jean, Black Eyed Peas, John Hiatt, Edwin McCain, John Legend, KT Tunstall, Natasha Bedingfield, Ben Kweller, Mindy Smith, Mason Jennings, the Avett Brothers, and many others while earning herself slots at must-see music events (Newport Folk Festival, South by Southwest, CMJ) and high-profile gigs like singing the national anthem at Red Sox games. She's also been featured on BBC London Radio, PRI's "Mountain Stage" and the music session blog Daytrotter. Her song Devil's Got My Secret can be heard in the movie Peace, Love and Misunderstanding, which stars Academy Award winner Jane Fonda, Oscar nominee Catherine Keener and Elizabeth Olsen. There will be light fare and a cash bar. Tickets can be purchased online, at TuLulah Salon & Organics, or by calling or texting Karen (860-306-4312), Vito (860-306-9467) or Chris (413-537-8114).

Pet Portraits

Saturday, 10 a.m. - On Saturday, Cathie from Cameredi Photography will be at Kibble-n-Stuff to take pet portraits. Your $10 donation will get you a 5x7 portrait and will go to support Kenway's Cause, a non-profit that offers support to families that adopt dogs from the City of Hartford Animal Shelter with medical issues. This is the third time that Cathie has donated her time to do this. You will get a great portrait of your pet and will support a great cause. Stop in or call the store at 860-627-0680 to schedule a time for your portrait. 

Abby's Ultimate Dance Challenge

Saturday, 6 p.m. - Gianna, Haley, Travis & Tyler are coming to Dance Kraze Dance Studio. Don't miss an opportunity to meet these ultimate dancers from the Lifetime hit show, Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition Season 2. There are different packages available. Registrations will be accepted online only. To register, go to http://audcdancekraze.eventbrite.com/.

Dining in the Dark
Saturday, 6 p.m. - Imagine, just for an hour or two that you cannot see. Dining in the Dark is an opportunity to encounter the other senses (touch, taste, smell, hearing) on a level rarely experienced by the sighted. Immersed in total darkness (blindfolded), guests are guided through a unique dining experience. This is a chance to take a short leave from the visual world and enter a different kind of sensual consciousness, for just a little while. The event includes dinner, live music, a silent auction, and cash bar. Meet Labrador puppies in training and observe working guide dogs - all to benefit Freedom Guide Dogs in their work to provide guide dogs to blind and visually-impaired people. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information, to purchase tickets, or become an event sponsor, contact Garrett Ludwig at 860-209-0421 or garrett@designrx.biz. Can't attend the event but want to help? Visit Freedom Guide Dogs to learn more and/or make a donation.

Concert and Halloween Party
Saturday, 6 p.m. - The TKB Club will be holding a concert and Halloween party featuring The Southern Comfort Band, a premiere Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band. Costumes are optional and there will be drink specials, prizes, and giveaways. The show is open to the public and people of all ages. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the TKB Club, Kevin's Coffee, R House Restaurant,
and Mark's Country Wine & Liquors.

Greg Tamblyn: "A Healthy Dose of Comic Relief"
Saturday, 7 p.m. - Multi-award winning singer songwriter Greg Tamblyn, NCW
(No Credentials Whatsoever) helps us celebrate the best in ourselves and laugh at the rest of ourselves. You can preview his songs, videos, and humor blog here: http://youtu.be/eb5HY60t_mU. Advisory: Greg’s songs and stories infect people with massive doses of love through the right-brain doorway of music and laughter. The cost it $12 at the door.

Indian Valley Family YMCA Spooktacular 5k and Family Fun Runs

Sunday, 8 a.m. - This is the third annual 5k race. Added this year are the Witch Way 1K for ages 6-12 and the Monster Dash for ages 5 and under. Costumes are encouraged and this event is open to runners of all levels. Finisher medals will be awarded to all participants. To register for this event you can call the IVFYMCA directly at 860-871-0008 or use the links provided.

5k Harvest Walk and Run
Sunday, 8 a.m. - The Community Child Guidance Clinic, Inc. (CCGC) in Manchester announces that it will hold its 2nd annual 5k Harvest Walk and Run on Sunday. This year, there is also a 1K kid's Fun Run. The event will be held at Manchester Community College. This will be a great family event. CCGC will have plenty of refreshments and healthy snacks. CCGC want to do its part for raising healthy children, families both physically and mentally. Proceeds this year will go to the "PLAYGROUND PROJECT" for the clinic school children. CCGC is encouraging children to wear a costume but for safety, no masks please. Bring your pet if they are people friendly as a crowd does arrive to cheer on their loved ones. Participants can save time and money by registering on line at www.ccgcinc.org. The cost is $20 in advance or $25 the day of for an adult. The Kid's 1k (under 11) is $10 and for students (up to age 18) the cost is $15. Sponsorships and volunteer opportunities are available. Contact Tina Ayoub at 860-432-9229.


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