A bit of a history lesson. Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 as a national day to focus on the environment. According to earthday.org, Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin founded the event in response to a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, in 1969. People were driving gas guzzlers and there was an increasing awareness of the problems associated with air and water pollution. Twenty million Americans took to the streets on April 22, 1970, in a movement that led to environmental concerns gaining national attention and resulting in protective legislation. Those concerns from 48 years ago are still in the forefront today as policy rollbacks are underway at the EPA. Make a difference this weekend by taking part in some of the local events listed below.
Saturday, April 21
Earth Day Clean Up
Branford Land Trust, the town of Branford, and Branford residents will take part in the annual “Rid Litter” Day from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 21. Participants gather on the green to pick up a trash bag and gloves, then are given a location to clean up. Trash will be collected in the big Dumpster on the green.
Wear comfortable shoes and boots, and Branford colors, red and black. For more information, call 203 – 315-0622.
Rise Up Singing!
Rise Up Singing – An Evening Of Folk, Jazz, Pop & Rock takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at the Guilford Community Center, 32 Church St. The concert benefits Unidad Latina en Accion (ULA), grassroots New Haven-based organization of immigrants defending labor, civil and human rights.
This benefit is sponsored by Connecticut Shoreline Indivisible. Performers will be Fernandito Ferrer – Nueva Trova, Cyd Slotoroff – singer/songwriter, Isabella Mendes and Jeff Fuller — Brazilian jazz duo, Alison Farrell – singer/songwriter, Julie & Lars Selberg – pop, rock duo, Cahoots – Patty Chamberlain, Nancy Wilson, George Bassett and David Chamberlain – jazz, folk, pop a cappella quartet.
Tickets on Eventbrite (benefitconcertforula.eventbrite.com) or at the door, $20. Children 12 and under free.
Beginning April 21
Thomas the Tank at Essex Steam Train
Thomas & Friends will be at the Essex Steam Train, Railroad Avenue in Essex, on April 21, 28, 29, as well as May 5 and 6, with departure times every 45 minutes from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Passengers select a departure time when purchasing a ticket (ride is approximately 25 minutes), but family activities take place all day.
After meeting Thomas, guests will also have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor, and Percy the Small Green Engine. Included in the ticket price is access to unlimited rides on five carnival rides, face painting featuring Day Out With Thomas characters, Isle of Sodor storytelling, a special Thomas the Tank Engine video theater and magic show, and Thomas the Tank Engine play areas. Caboose the Clown will create colorful balloon characters, while Sunny Train presents her music show.
For more information, go to essexsteamtrain.com or call 860 – 767-0103.
Sunday, April 22
Earth Day Down on the Farm
The Shoreline Outdoor Education Center and The Dudley Farm Museum will celebrate Earth Day from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 22, at the Dudley Farm, 2351 Durham Road.
Lauren Brown, author of “Wildflowers and Winter Weeds,” will lead an early spring wildflower walk (no dogs, please), while a beekeeping demonstration and activities for children and adults will be held on the grounds. Plant corn in the Heritage Garden, tour organic Community Garden, grow your own “Bean Baby”, and learn why “Balloons Blow.”
Informational material on invasive species, attracting pollinators and “good bugs”, and ways to deter deer with an inexpensive homemade spray will be available. Free and open to the public. For more information call 203 – 457-0770 or email [email protected].
Poetry Reading, Book Signing
On Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, Rock Garden, 17 S. Main St., will host author and naturalist Jen Payne for a spontaneous poetry reading and book signing featuring her book “Evidence of Flossing: What We Leave Behind.”
From 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., the author will sign books and read poems upon request from this collection of poetry that Rita Kowats of “Spirituality Without Borders.”
The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more information and to purchase copies of the book, visit www.3chairspublishing.com.
Night at the Museum
Matthew Starr Barmes, lead shipwright at Mystic Seaport Museum, will speak at the Stony Creek Museum, 84 Thimble Island Road, at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 22.
He will discuss the Mayflower II’s history, current restoration, and the plan to have her sailing for the 400th anniversary of the original crossing in 2020.
Refreshments provided by Leetes Island Boatworks. Donation $10 at the door. For reservations, call 203 – 488-4014.
Tuesday, April 24
Branford Land Trust Annual Meeting
The Branford Land Trust’s 2018 Annual Meeting will feature guest speaker James O’Donnell, executive director of the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) at UConn. The meeting takes place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, at the Canoe Brook Senior Center’s Totoket Room, 11 Cherry Hill Road.
O’Donnell will speak about “Effects of Climate Change on Connecticut.” The meeting will include a brief presentation by BLT President Peter Raymond, followed by O’Donnell’s presentation, which will include sea level, flooding, river flow, and drinking water resilience, and also touch on some of the impacts including insurance rates, health, and adaptation strategies.
The evening is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
The not-to-be-missed event will be held in the Totoket Room at the Canoe Brook Senior Center, 11 Cherry Hill Road. Watch for details on these and other upcoming 50th Anniversary events on our website and Facebook page, www.branfordlandtrust.org.
Wednesday, April 25
Books ’n’ Brews
This month Books & Brews will discuss either “The Likeness” by Tara French or “Our Endless Numbered Days” by Claire Fuller. The group will meet Wednesday, April 25, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Thimble Island Brewery, 16 Business Park Drive. Come to the meeting and grab a book for next month, or borrow one from the library or purchase a copy.
Feel free to bring your own snacks. Thimble Islands offers a selection of craft beers (must be 21+ to drink alcoholic beverages), wine, soda, and water. No purchase necessary to take part in the book club. New members welcome. For more information, call the Blackstone Library, 203 – 488-1441.
Thursday, April 26
‘Bag It’
“Bag It,” a free 45-minute movie about how plastic packaging is cluttering up our lives, oceans and landscapes, will be shown at the Willoughby Wallace Library, 146 Thimble Island Road, at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 26. Discussion will follow.
What starts out as a film about plastic bags evolves into a wholesale investigation into plastic and its effect on our waterways, oceans, and even our bodies. Learn what can be done about the problem today,
For more information, call 203 – 488-8702 or email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 1
Honoring Shoreline Heroes
Branford Exchange Club’s annual event, Honoring Shoreline Heroes, takes place Tuesday, May 1, beginning at 5:45 p.m. at The Woodwinds, 29 Schoolground Road.
Those honored include Lt. Harold Barrington of the Branford Fire Department; Det. Arthur Ferris, Branford Police Department; Bat. Chief James Oca, East Haven Fire Department; Sgt. Kevin Klarman , East Haven Police Department; Capt. Dan Fisher, Guilford Fire Department; Officer Joanne Shove, Guilford Police Department; Lt. Kenneth Ash, North Branford Fire Department, Sgt. Court Sperry, North Branford Police Department.
Keynote speaker will be Adam Greenberg, author of “Get Up: The Art of Perseverance.” Dr. Henry Lee, Forensic Science and Chief Emeritus of the Connecticut State Police, will give the closing remarks. The New Haven County Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band will lead in the hero along with special guest singers.
The cost is $40 in advance, $45 at the door (as available). For more information, email [email protected] or call 203 – 901-7982.
Friday, May 4
Bernstein and Other Delights!
The Music4Music Performance Series at Trinity Church on the Green presents Bernstein and Other Delights, a 20th-century American-music extravaganza, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the church, 230 Temple St. (corner of Chapel) in downtown New Haven.
Branford native Ryan Bloomquist, a Trinity Boys Choir alumnus, is among the soloists. He is an actor and vocalist based in New York City. He recently played Matt in “The Fantasticks” at the Ivoryton Playhouse.
The event will feature music by legendary American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, born 100 years ago and a longtime resident of Fairfield. Program includes the composer’s “Chichester Psalms” as well as selections from Bernstein’s operetta “Candide,” performed by the Trinity Choirs of Men & Boys and Men & Girls under the direction of Trinity Music Director R. Walden Moore
The program also includes art-song arrangements of beloved American sacred songs performed by Trinity Boys Choir alumnus Edward Vogel, baritone, and Sarah Noone, soprano.
Tickets are $30 ($25 online; $20/$15 seniors, students). Call 203 – 776-2616 or visit trinitynewhaven.org/bernstein to learn more.
Rotary Dollars for Branford Scholars
Mr. & Mrs. Grimm, scholarship recipient-Alanna Grimm, John Mooney (Rotarian), Hap Storer (Branford Rotary president) Tony Terry (project leader), Karen Jensen (Rotarian)
The Rotary Club of Branford announces its annual scholarship appeal to Branford high school seniors who are pursuing advanced education in fall 2018. The award of $3,000 will be given to the applicant who provides outstanding evidence in academic achievement, community service, Rotary values, and financial need.
Applications are available at [email protected] and the Branford High School guidance office in addition to the James Blackstone Memorial Library and Willoughby Wallace Library. Completed application packets must be received by Friday, May 11. For more information, call project leader Tony Terry, at 203 – 481-6424.
The application has three components. First is a student-written essay focusing on Rotary principles. Then supportive documentation must be provided as specified in the application requirements such as high school transcript, teachers’ references. Finally, is an interview with a panel of Rotarians.
The applicant may be a pending graduate of any accredited Connecticut high school. This scholarship is for undergraduate study at a two or four-year college or technical school. Branford residency is required.
Saturday, May 5
High Tea to Celebrate Spring and Mothers
High Tea, sponsored by BSA Venturing Crew 424 in celebration of spring and mothers takes place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1109 Main St.
The menu includes seasonal soup, scones, tea sandwiches, desserts, black, green, and herbal teas. Gluten-free and vegan selections upon request. Suggested donation $20 per person; $70 for group of four. Senior discount upon request. RSVP at 203 – 376-2819 or [email protected]
Sunday, May 6
Let There Be Light
The New Haven Chorale welcomes the choruses of the Hartt School and Manchester Community College as well as the Hartt Symphony Orchestra for a performance featuring two major masterpieces on Sunday, May 6 at 3:30 p.m. at Woolsey Hall, 500 College St. Faure’s luminescent “Requiem,” a work of beauty and consolation, and Lauridsen’s transcendental masterpiece “Lux aeterna,” dedicated to his mother who inspired him to become a musician, will be performed and directed by Edward Bolkovac.
Tickets are $15 to $20. Email [email protected].
Cabaret, Art, and Refreshment at BAC
Cabaret singing by several adult cabaret students of Keely Baisden Knudsen, artistic director of the Legacy Theatre, takes place Sunday, May 6, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Branford Art Center, 1229 Main St.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. to browse the gallery during a pre-performance reception. Donations accepted. For art classes at BAC, call Yvonne Gordon-Moser at 860 – 334-4642 or email [email protected] and visit the gallery website www.branfordartcenterct.com.
In the photo are Keely Baisden Knudsen, Barbara Pochan, Jackie Trimble Shapiro, Linda Klein, Jenya Weinreb, Pam Reisler, and Michael Frost.
Thursday, May 10
Mama Meow Italian Buffet
In celebration of moms, including the four-legged variety, Branford Compassion Club will hold its Mama Meow Italian Buffet benefit, 6 p.m. Thursday, May 10, at Pompeo’s Restaurant, 485 W. Main St.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the event, which includes a silent auction, Mother’s Day gifts for those last-minute shoppers, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and cash bar.
Tickets are $35, available by e‑mail at [email protected], online at www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 203 – 444-0653. Tickets are also available Saturdays from 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. at the organization’s Feline Rescue and Adoption Center, 2037 Foxon Road, North Branford. Volunteers are always needed. For more information, visit the website at www.branfordcompassionclub.org, or stop by in person.
Water Safety
Journalist, author, and survival expert Ben Rayner will discuss water safety and how to prevent and survive water emergencies at the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Leetes Island Road, on Thursday, May 10, 7 p.m.
He says that more Americans drown every year than die from distracted driving and that the leading cause of accidental death of children aged 14 and under is drowning
The event is free. No registration required. Call 203 – 488-8702 for more information.
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