Apples are an iconic fruit. You know, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” “you’re the apple of my eye,” “one rotten apple will spoil the barrel,” etc.

This week the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company begins their community birthday calendar sale. The birthday calendar makes Middlefield and surrounding towns a friendlier place to live by informing people of the birthdays and anniversaries of their loved ones and acquaintances.

The start of school in District 13 is less than one week away, and those piles of material and at Coginchaug’s athletic facility don’t look like much yet.

The Home Energy Solutions (HES) program, a residential in-home service, helps homeowners reduce their energy use and cost by providing professional energy assessments and weatherization improvements.

Calling all tenors and basses — the Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords will resume their weekly rehearsals in preparation for their 21st annual winter concert. They will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 31, at 7 p.m. at the Rev. Msgr. M. Davitt Fox Parish Center, St. Francis Church, Elm Street in Middletown.

Middlesex County Community Foundation (MCCF) is pleased to welcome renowned animal trainer and behavioral specialist William Berloni on Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Centerbrook Meeting House. To celebrate the legendary “Dog Days of Summer,” Middlesex County Community Foundation (MCCF) is hosting a Party with a Purpose from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug.