The cycle of graduations is just about complete and families are settling into their summer routines, which includes amusing the kids. Summer reading programs are offered by the town’s libraries and the annual Animal Camp will be offered by the Cosgrove Animal Shelter and the Recreation Department. Everyone looks forward to the Branford Festival and the Jazz series, and, now for the second summer, the Branford Alps Farm Market. Eat, drink, and enjoy the summer.
Restaurant of the Week: Eli’s Branford, 624 West Main St.
As part of a family-owned chain started in 1994, Eli’s combines upscale American cuisine combined with a warm, friendly, atmosphere and extraordinary service that is an ideal meeting place for families, friends and sports fans alike. The menu (lunch, dinner, and late night) includes burgers and sandwiches, salads, entrees such as penne a la vodka and classic mac and cheese, chicken Florentine, scallops, salmon, chicken pot pie, flat iron steak, and other specialties. Guests can enjoy a large selection of craft beers, specialty cocktails, and wines around Eli’s signature horseshoe bar.
Friday, June 10
Summer Reading Programs
Summer reading is just around the corner at the James Blackstone Memorial Library. The official start date is Friday, June 10, and this year’s theme for K through 4th graders is On Your Mark, Get Set, READ.
Children can follow the link to sign up, learn about the prizes and track their reading. As always, we will be at the Branford Festival, so if you are interested in signing up face-to-face just look for us in the sea full of tents!Check with the library for a list of all the June programs, and be sure to check back for various events planned for the rest of the summer. Keep in mind that most events do require registration and have cut-offs.
Registration begins for the Summer Reading Program at Willoughby Wallace Library today, along with relay races and ice cream.
To preregister your child, call the Circulation Desk at 203 – 488-8702 and check the library’s website for additional information.
Saturday, June 11
Romance & Erotic Writing for Fun & Profit
With Permission
USA Today bestselling author Jamie K. Schmidt will show you how to use your creativity to get words down on the page in part 2 from 10 a.m. to noon of this two-part course. She’ll show you a quick plot outline that works for “plotters” as well as “pantsers” to make the most of your writing time. The writing course is held at the Blackstone Memorial Library.
She’ll go over finding time to write, getting motivated to finishing your project and where to send your manuscript. Schmidt will present to you the top five romance and erotic eBook publishers, what they’re looking for, terms, and what to expect once you send in your manuscript. She’ll talk about the importance of a query letter and a good synopsis and give examples. Do you want an agent or do you need an agent? Schmidt will show the pros and cons of both. She’ll compare self publishing your manuscript with deciding on an epublisher or a commercial publisher. You’ll leave the class with a list of websites and resources that will help you in your writing journey.
Space is limited, registration required. To register, call 203 – 488-1441, ext 318.
Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 19
The Branford Festival Weekend
File Photo
Sunday of the Branford Festival is the day for the Road Race, the 36th annual Father’s Day road race. More than 3,000 runners are expected to participate in the five-mile road race, fitness walk, and fun run. The road race is one of the country’s largest five-mile races and also one of New England’s top running events. This year’s race features cash awards and prizes valued at nearly $5,000.
“We’re overjoyed about the way the local running and fitness community has supported the event,” said race director Ray Figlewski. “Thousands of Branford residents come out each year to cheer on the participants. Thirty-six years ago, we never could have imagined this level of support.”
The race kicks off at the Branford Green. The one-mile fun run will begin at 9:30 a.m. The fun run will be followed by the two-mile health walk at 10:10 a.m. and the five-mile run starts at 10:15 a.m. All five-mile race participants receive a T‑shirt, food, and other race amenities. Runners can enjoy live music along the racecourse at seven locations. After the race, runners will be treated to a post-race brunch and participants are also invited for a post-race celebration at the Stony Creek Brewery.
Note: The Branford Eagle will be publishing a story next week on Festival events.
Beginning Monday, June 20
Animal Camp
The first session of Dan Cosgrove Shelter’s Animal Camp (see top photo) runs from June 20 to June 24, and continues June 27 to July 1, July 18 to July 22, July 25 to July 19, Aug. 15 to 19, and Aug. 22 to 26.
Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Young’s Pond Park in Branford located on Blackstone Avenue or in case of inclement weather, at the Recreation Department of Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library. Kids from ages 6 to 13 from Branford and North Branford are invited.
The theme of the camp is to respect all living creatures including each other. Field trips consist of places like Outer Island, Action Wildlife Foundation, Rescue Farms and various other fun places.
The cost is $130 per week – pick and choose the weeks. The fee includes a T‑shirt and weekly field trip. Sign up through the Recreation Department at 203 – 488-8304. Any other questions email Laura at [email protected]
Thursday, June 23
Branford Alps Farm Market
iBranford Alps Farmers Market, 17 Alps Road, will open for the season from 4 to 7 p.m. through Oct. 27.
The market is a non-profit seasonal market featuring both conventional and sustainable organic Connecticut produce, dairy, poultry, eggs, and meats, live music, body care products, and a few sea or farm-to-table food trucks in a mini food court. For more information visit, alpsmkt.org.
Steven Kroon Kicks Off Jazz Series
The Branford Jazz Series on the Branford Green opens up with the Steven Kroon Latin Jazz Sextet on Thursday, June 23, at 6:30 p.m. The series is sponsored by the town of Branford, in conjunction with the Branford Recreation Department, the Branford Festival, and the Branford Jazz Series Committee.
Kroon was influenced early on by listening to his father’s records, including hits from Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Machito, and enjoyed the talent of Lester Young, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Count Basie and many more who resided close by his Queens neighborhood. Another great influence was the producer, Henry Glover, who lived right on his corner. Another was conga lessons with the great Tommy Lopez, Sr. and percussionist Dom Um Romao.
Kroon has worked with notables such as Luther Van Dross, Ron Carter, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, and Diana Kral and played on various television shows including The Tonight Show, David Letterman, Jay Leno as well as the Grammy Awards. He has also recorded with much of the “Who’s Who” in the recording business, such as, The Temptations, Kenny G, Spyro Gyra, Bette Midler, Gary Bartz, and Paul Butterfield.
Kroon will be accompanied by Igor Atalita (keyboard), Waldo Chavez (bass), Bryan Carrott (vibraphone), Craig Rivers (flute & sax), and Joel Mateo (drums).
For more information on Steven Kroon and future artists of the 2016 Branford Jazz Series, visit the Branford Jazz website at: www.branfordjazz.com. For questions about the series, call 203 – 488-8304 or email [email protected].
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