Pedal for a good cause in the 'Steeple Chase,' learn more about Freemasonry – this weekend

Willimantic Steeple Chase 2009

SATURDAY AUG. 21

YOUTH WATER COLORS

A water color-based art program sponsored by the Windham Historical Society and the Jillson Museum.  Program is free and it runs from 10 a.m. to noon for children ages 8-12 years old. The program includes basic water color instruction, sketching and painting. Contact Darlene at (860) 423-3900 for more information. Registration is required in order to purchase supplies.

LOCAL ARTISTS GALLERY OPENING

Featuring the talent of five local artists, including owner of Green Valley Arts, Paula Apro as well as Ashleigh Kay, Sarah Paquette, Lisa Gaumond and Jill Loomis-Merlo. A variety of work will be on display including handmade glass and ceramic jewelry, photography, fabric arts, paintings and much more. Viewing hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Artwork on display is available for purchase. Green Valley Arts is located in the heart of the Yale Forest at 144 Kozey Road in Eastford.  For more  information,  please visit www.GreenValleyArts.com

SUMMER READING FINALE

Guilford Smith Memorial Library, 17 Main St., South Windham, hosts its summer reading finale at 11 a.m. Program to feature live animals and snow cones. For more information, call (860) 423-5159.

BEREAVEMENT GROUP

Hospice of Eastern Connecticut Bereavement Group will meet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 34 Ledgebrook Drive, Mansfield. This group is appropriate for those who are grieving a year or more and it is open to the community. For more information, call (860) 456-7288, ext. 293.

VINTAGE BASEBALL GAME

A free game of vintage baseball will be played on the historic Lebanon green. Visitors can come and enjoy an 1860s vintage baseball game at 11 a.m. The Columbia Cranks will be playing the Thames Club of New London. Visitors are asked to bring their lunch, and their own blanket or chair to cheer on the teams.

HUNTINGTON HOMESTEAD OPEN HOUSE

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., tour guides will lead visitors through the birthplace of Samuel Huntington, signer of the Declaration of Independence. The Gov. Samuel Huntington Trust opens the Homestead on the first and third Saturdays of each month through October and is located on Route 14 just west of the Scotland town center. Free admission, but donations are welcome. For information, call (860) 423-1547.

STEAK DINNER

A fund-raising steak dinner will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Moriah Lodge 15, 220 Providence Road, Brooklyn coinciding with the car show. Cost is $14/person, eat in or take out. Free car show-prizes for best cars. Enter by 1:30 p.m. Open house at the lodge 1 to 6 p.m. Visitors can tour the Moriah Lodge and learn more about Freemasonry.

ANNUAL CHICKEN BBQ

The Eastford Independent Fire Co. No 1 Inc., hosts its annual chicken barbecue on Westford Road, Eastford. Event to feature “drive-through” service.  Dinner is from 4 to 6 p.m. Eat in or take-out. Tickets: John at (860) 974-0256 or Jeannine at (860) 974-1678.

19TH ANNUAL STEEPLE CHASE BIKE TOUR

The Steeple Chase is an annual fundraiser that benefits Perception Programs, Inc., and the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry (WAIM). The Steeple Chase offers cyclists 20-, 35-, 50-, 62.5- and 100-mile routes that wind through 14 towns in scenic northeastern Connecticut from one historic church to another – thus the “steeple” chase. Free food and beverages.  The tour is held rain or shine. Pre-registration is $25 for individual riders and $75 for families or groups. Riders can also raise additional sponsorship — $50 for individuals and $100 for families or groups. Day of  the race, registration is higher ($30 and $85).  Riders are encouraged to pre-register by visiting www.perceptionprograms.org, www.active.com or call Ruth Gordon during office hours at (860) 450-7122. People who want to sponsor someone or donate to the Steeple Chase can use the same contact.

SUNDAY AUG. 22

BUFFET BREAKFAST

A buffet breakfast will be hosted by the Knights of Columbus, 41 Club Road, Windham, from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Children under 5 free; ages 6-12, $5.50; seniors $6; and Adults (over 12) $6.50. Take-out available and all are welcome.

COVENTRY FARMERS MARKET

The Coventry Farmers Market is held June through October, Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds of the Nathan Hale Homestead at 2299 South St. in Coventry. One of the largest, most successful farmers’ markets in the state. Every weekend has a new theme, new vendors and live music. For more information, log on to www.coventryfarmersmarket.com.

ASHFORD FARMERS MARKET

The Ashford Farmers Market will feature Ashford’s own Babcock Band playing favorite tunes starting at 11 a.m. The market is located at Pompey Hollow Park, off Route 44 across from Ashford Town Hall. The market runs every Sunday from 10a.m. to 1 p.m. through October. The market features fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods including gluten-free, herbal products, cheeses, fruit syrups, maple syrups, local honey and massages. For more information, e-mail to birdeye123@earthlink.net.

CRAFT CLASS: CORN HUSK DOLLS

A class on corn husk dolls will take place at 1 p.m. at the Nathan Hale Homestead, 2299 South St., Coventry, during the Coventry Farmers Market. Cost is $10 and includes materials. Call (860) 742-6917 or visit www.ctlandmarks.org for more information.