This week is shaping up with big sales at some of Middletown's home and craft stores as well as a free movie night, a gala in support of the Middletown Education Collaborative (MEC), and more. Plus, nominate a deserving athlete or coach for the Middletown High School Hall of Fame, register for vacation camp, get your blood pressure checked and more.

SAVE!

The Fabric Connection is holding their annual winter sale with 20-percent off all in-stock yardage of fabrics and trim or 25-percent off the cost of purchasing the entire bolt. The sale ends Monday, Jan. 31.

The Beach House is having a post holiday sale through Sunday, January 16. All Christmas items are 50-percent off and all other store merchandise is 20-percent off, with some exceptions. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 12 to 5 p.m.

The Knitting Corner & Beadery is holding a Winter Stock Up Sale through Jan. 15. All in-stock items are 20-percent off, excluding sterling silver and Swarovski Crystal.

NIGHTS OUT

Aquidneck Pizza once again will host a free family movie night on Thursday, Jan. 13 featuring “Despicable Me” on their 92-inch HD projector in their upstairs dining room. Doors open at 6 p.m. The movie is 95 minutes long and is rated PG.

The Middletown Education Collaborative (MEC) will host their 1^st Annual Winter Blues Bash on Friday, Jan. 14 at Ochre Court at Salve Regina University from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event will feature dancing to the sounds of the James Montgomery Band, light fare, raffles and live auctions. Tickets are $50 each or $400 for a group of 10 tickets. Tickets an be purchased online at www.mecmec.org, by emailing tickets@mecmec.org, or at Goode Spirits or the Newport Athletic Club.

HEALTH CHECK

The Visiting Nurses of Newport County are holding a Blood Pressure Drive at the Middletown Senior Center on Tuesday, Jan. 11 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

SCHOOL NEWS & VACATION CAMP

The Norman Bird Sanctuary is now accepting applications for their February Vacation Camp which will take place from Feb. 21 to Feb. 25. The theme of this next camp is Nature Detectives. The camping experience will include indoor classroom activities along with outdoor nature hikes, games and more. The cost is $200 for members or $250 for non-members. Visit www.normanbirdsanctuary.org for more information.

The Middletown High School Athletic Department is accepting nominations for the 2011-2012 Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Nomination forms must be received prior to Feb. 14. According to the nomination form, the program is seeking to recognize “those individuals and teams who through their commitment, sacrifice and dedication to the Middletown High School Athletic Program, have brought pride, excellence and distinction to our community as a player, coach, team or active supporter.” Nominees must have graduated a minimum of ten years ago or retired from their athletic position at least five years ago. To download the nomination, click here.

The Gaudet School Parent-Teachers Group Meeting will take place Tuesday, Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the school’s gymnasium.

ROAD CLOSURES

Hanging Rocks Road will remain closed in between Sachuest Point Road and Third Beach Road through Jan. 14. All vehicle and pedestrian traffic should seek alternate routes.