Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday will be celebrated at numerous events in and around Branford this weekend. Dr. King, the leader of the civil rights movement, was assassinated 47 years ago in Memphis, Tenn. He would have been 86. Public schools and many businesses are closed Monday to commemorate his life and his work. The Rev. James Manship, who led a civil rights movement in East Haven, will be the keynote speaker at a breakfast in Dr. King’s honor at Branford’s St. Therese’s Church.
Saturday, January 17
A Conversation With State Reps
Sean Scanlon, the new state representative for the 98th District, will hold a “Coffee and Conversation” with constituents in Guilford at Perk, 20 Church St., 10 a.m. to noon. Scanlon represents residents of Guilford, and Stony Creek and Pine Orchard in Branford. Residents may attend this event or one on Thursday, Jan. 22 in Branford at the Willoughby Wallace Library,146 Thimble Islands Road. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Incumbent State Rep. Lonnie Reed of the 102nd District will hold a conversation with constituents at the Blackstone Memorial Library on Thursday, Jan 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, Jan 18
Gospel Music
A concert of traditional gospel music will be held at the Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church, 45 Tabor Drive at 3 p.m. Lots of hand-clapping, foot-stomping and great gospel tunes performed by the Shoreline Soul Community Choral Gospel Workshop of America and directed by Angela Clemmons. The concert is free and open to the public.
Yale Peabody Museum Celebrates Dr. King
The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History will host a series of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. events this weekend on Sunday and Monday. The museum will honor Dr. King and his efforts to ensure environmental and social justice among all people. The weekend’s activities will include world-class performances and educational activities for visitors of all ages. Admission is free. Sunday features the 19th annual King Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice legacy which takes place at the Peabody, 170 Whitney Ave., from noon to 4 p.m. Click here for more information on the day’s Teen Summit.
Afternoon Tea at Downton Abbey
This special event is sponsored by the Friends of the Blackstone Library. Here is your invitation: Your presence is cordially requested at this fundraiser for the Friends of the Library. The afternoon begins promptly at 1:30 PM with a performance by Kandie Carle, known as The Victorian Lady, who will present a talk and demonstration of Edwardian dress. Dressing from corset to glove, she explains each article of clothing and its significance. High tea with finger sandwiches, dessert and prizes will follow, of course. Tickets may be purchased at the library for $20 for Friends members and $30 for non-members. Online tickets are now sold out. No one will be admitted to the performance after 1:30 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 19
Martin Luther King Breakfast
The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast, will be held this year at St. Therese Church, 105 Leetes Island Road, at 8:30 a.m. The keynote speaker is the Rev. James Manship, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, a Fair Haven parish made up almost entirely of immigrants from Latin America. In 2009 Rev. Manship was videotaping a police visit to an Ecuadorean-owned grocery store in East Haven when he was led off in handcuffs. He has his own civil rights story to tell. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Community Dining Room and the Branford Fuel Assistance Program. Tickets are $10. For more information and tickets call Betty Ann Trapasso at 203 – 488-4163 or John Ifkovic at 203 – 488-2120.
Peabody Events Continued
The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History continues its celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Doors open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Neighborhood Music School’s Premier Jazz Ensemble will perform in the Great Hall of Dinosaurs at 1 p.m., with other musical events to follow at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
American Girls And Their Moms
Mothers and daughters are invited to read about one American Girl historical character each month. Join participants at the library for a book discussion and craft related to that month’s American Girl. Dates will be given upon registration at the Willoughby-Wallace Library, 146 Thimble Island Road. Event begins at 2 p.m. Children in grades 3 – 6 with an adult are welcome to attend. Copies of each month’s Book Club book will be available at the library for checkout. Registration is required and space is limited. Please call the library at 203 – 488-8702 to register.
A Woof Event For Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter
Giovanni’s Restaurant in Northford will give the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter 20% of its dinner take tonight. Many of the shelter staff will attend the event and information will be available about animals available for adoption. All food and drink are included. Giovanni’s is located at 855 Forest Rd in Northford. Event runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The animal shelter serves Branford, Northford and North Branford.
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