Stony Creek Quarry Tour
It’s Mother’s Day weekend. Time to give mom a break from the kitchen and household duties. You can’t go wrong with brunch – there are lots of good places in town. Pet moms count, too, so dad… scoop the litter box or walk that pup! You’ve had a couple weeks notice to excavate all that old paperwork – now’s the time to bring it all to the Stony Creek Brewery and have it shredded securely. Many other events, as well, for pet lovers, music lovers, book worms, Creek buffs, and those would like to contribute to the community!
Saturday, May 13
Stony Creek Quarry Tour
Visitors to the Stony Creek Quarry will view the past, present, and future of this famous site. The tour begins at 10 a.m. and will be limited to 100 people. (See top photo).
Proceeds go to the Guilford Keeping Society and the Stony Creek Museum, which are organizing the tour in collaboration with the quarry.
Unk DaRos and Carl Balestracci, both quarry historians and descendants of quarrymen, will share stories of the quarry’s history, the lives and work of the quarrymen and the dangers they faced on a daily basis. There will be new stories from Carl Balestracci, who has just completed a book on the neighboring Beattie Quarry, which provided the stone for the base of the Statue of Liberty. His book, John Beattie and His Quarrymen: Building America Stone by Stone, will be available for sale at the quarry. All proceeds from the book will be shared by the Guilford Keeping Society and The Stony Creek Museum.
Tickets are $15, available at Page Hardware, Breakwater Books, and the Greene Gallery in Guilford, as well as the quarry itself and Taken for Granite in Stony Creek. Because of the rough terrain, children 10 and under will not be admitted. On arriving at the quarry, visitors will be asked to sign a liability waiver. Organizers suggest that those who might have trouble standing for an hour might like to bring a folding chair.
Parking will be available inside the quarry gates. Directions to the quarry from the Guilford Green: Route 146 for 4.2 miles, right on Quarry Road (in Branford) to the end. Directions from Stony Creek: Route 146 for .6 miles, left on Quarry Road. For more Information go to guilfordkeepingsociety.com or call 203 – 453-2263.
Stony Creek Brewery Shred Event
Stony Creek Brewery will hold a Shred Event to benefit Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to noon, in the Brewery’s parking lot at 5 Indian Neck Ave. A $5 donation is requested for each box of paper; 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Closer to Free Charity for the Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center.
Open to the public, the Shred Event is an opportunity to securely destroy confidential documents and records, protecting them from identity theft.
The Shred Event service will accept papers, photographs, blue prints, and a variety of other documents.
After the event guests are welcome to visit the Stony Creek Brewery, which will open at 10 a.m. Guests can enjoy a selection of 16 Stony Creek beers as well as a variety of wines and soda at their waterfront grounds.
For more information on Stony Creek Brewery visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/StonyCreekBeer or visit the Stony Creek Brewery website at www.stonycreekbeer.com.
Build on The Green 2017
Raise the Roof/Habitat for Humanity will hold this year’s shoreline ”Build on The Green 2017” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 13. Volunteers will come together to build exterior walls for use in a future Habitat for Humanity house. Gather with Raise the Roof and the Shoreline community for this day of building.
Participants can register for one of four 90-minute build shifts or to help with setting up and cleaning up. Build volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and sign a waiver. Volunteers younger than 18 must have the waiver co-signed by a parent. If you’d like to help but prefer not to build, there are other volunteer opportunities for that day. E‑mail Raise the Roof at [email protected] with hours of availability.
Visitors can write their wishes and blessings or add artwork on one of the Message Walls, which will be built into the next Raise the Roof Habitat house, tucked into the heart of the home.
Visit http://www.raisetheroofct.org/ for details on the day’s event.
Blackstone Memorial Library Tour
If you’re new to town or would just like a “refresher course,” take an hour on Saturday, May 13, to tour the Blackstone Library, 758 Main St., from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Learn historical tidbits, and get an insider’s peek into the day in the life of a Blackstone library employee. The building is a town treasure and this is a great opportunity to explore its nooks and crannies. Call the library at 203 – 488-1441.
Monday, May 15
Tick Talk: Let’s Talk Ticks
The East Shore District Health Department and the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library present environmentally friendly ways to avoid getting ticks on yourself, your pets and in your yard. The talk will take place on Monday, May 15, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Willoughby Wallace Library, 146 Thimble Island Road.
Information will be presented on removing ticks, preventing ticks in your yard, preventing mosquito bites, planning for travel, Lyme Disease, West Nile virus, Chikungunya, and more.
Tuesday, May 16
Literature of the South
Literature of the South: Four Novels by Women concludes on Tuesday, May 16, at 7 p.m., at Willoughby Wallace Library, 146 Thimble Islands Road. Mark Schenker, senior associate dean of Yale College and dean of Academic Affairs, will lead the discussion of “Salvage the Bones” by Jesmyn Ward.For more information, call 203 – 488-8702.
Friday, May 19
Branford Compassion Club Celebrates 20 Years
The Branford Compassion Club feline rescue and adoption organization celebrates its 20th anniversary Friday, May 19, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., with Swing Cats Cocktail Party, a Swing era-themed benefit, at Pine Orchard Yacht & Country Club, 2 Club Parkway.
Attendees will be transported back to a ’40s nightclub and get “in the mood” with the spirited dancing music of the aptly named The Survivors Swing Band, inspired by its lively 95-year-old sax player Jules Bashkin.
As BCC has survived and grown from a small group of volunteers working out of their homes to an 80-plus-member organization of volunteers with its own Feline Rescue & Adoption Center at 2037 Foxon Road, North Branford, The Survivors carry on their mission of keeping alive the music of Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, and other musical giants of the 1930s and ’40s.
There will be dancing, silent auction, hors d’oeuvres stations, surprises, and a lot of appreciation to those who have supported the privately funded BCC for two decades. ’40s attire is encouraged, but not required. Tickets are $75 a person, available through brownpapertickets.com or by emailing [email protected].
This is one of only two major annual fundraisers, which help defray the daunting task of keeping BCC’s shelter open and vibrant. The other is Animal Awareness Day, Oct. 1 on the Branford Green.
BCC’s Feline Rescue & Adoption Center, 2037 Foxon Road, North Branford, is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more event info, call Donna Doherty (203 – 481-3595) or Peg Johnson (203 – 444-0653). To donate or volunteer, visit http://www.branfordcompassionclub.org or call 203 – 483-6369.
Saturday, May 20
Branford Art Center’s Two-Year Anniversary
Branford Art Center (BAC) will celebrate its two year anniversary on Saturday, May 20, from 5 to 8 p.m., at 1229 Main St in Branford with wine, refreshments, smooth jazz by John Brasil and Friends, and featuring nationally known sports, cinema and, music figure artist Marc Potocsky.
BAC opened its doors two years ago for its first art opening reception with 15 artists and a crowd of over 250 people. Since then, the green building with the large gold lettering at the bottom of the hill has become a place for people to visit, paint, create, shop for art and artsy gifts, and simply enjoy the welcoming and healing ambiance of the Art Center.
In addition to fine representational art, abstract art, and photographic prints, BAC offers an assortment of artisan gifts, such as hand-crafted jewelry, hand painted glassware, mosaic trays, stained glass, hand painted tiles, scarves, elegant wearable art, totes, cards, hand made soaps, felted items, and sculpture (large and tiny).
For more information about class schedules, events, and studio availability, call Yvonne Gordon-Moser at 860 – 334-4642 or email [email protected] and visit the gallery website www. branfordartcenterct.com.
Tom Lewis at Branford Folk Music Society
The Branford Folk Music Society will present Tom Lewis, one of North America’s foremost exponents of contemporary sea songs, on Saturday, May 20, at 8 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, 1009 Main St.
His repertoire – from traditional shanties to songs fashioned out of his own seafaring background – recruits his audience for a voyage by turns reflective, dramatic and humorous. Long a Branford Folk audience favorite, this will be Tom’s sixth appearance at the coffeehouse.
His musical career began in 1960 when he was posted to a naval station in Scotland and began frequenting local folk clubs. He retired from the Her Majesty’s Royal Navy in 1983.
Born in Northern Ireland, Tom’s Celtic heritage is obvious in his clear, strong voice, evoking quiet sorrow for a fisherman lost to the sea just as honestly as it powers out a shanty “to be heard above the gales.” Because of his naval background, he brings a rare authenticity to the realm of nautical song.
Admission is $25 for non-members, $20 for members, $5 for children 12 and under.
Sunday, May 21
“Evergreen Woofs” Dog Parade
The ninth annual Evergreen Woofs Dog Parade will take place Sunday, May 21, at 10 a.m., at Evergreen Woods Community Building parking lot and lawn, 88 Notch Hill Road, North Branford.
The event is a fundraiser for Guiding Eyes for the Blind of Southern Connecticut, whose territory stretches from Wallingford to Deep River to New Haven. Dogs of all walks of life – and their owners – are welcome. Registration is $5 per pooch, with a unique award given to each entrant. Hot dogs and lemonade will be sold as well.
For more information, call Briana Benn-Mirandi at 203 – 483-3224 or email [email protected].
Beatlemania at the Blackstone
Relive the music, the memories and the magic of John, Paul, George and Ringo on Sunday, May 21, at 2 p.m., at the Blackstone Library, 758 Main St.
Dressed in replica costumes with the exact instrumentation, The Hofners will play note-for-note renditions of The Beatles’ most beloved classics. The Hofners are a Beatles tribute band comprised of various singers and musicians who have performed in Beatle groups over the years. Relive the music, the memories and the magic of John, Paul, George and Ringo with note-for-note renditions of The Beatles’ most beloved classics from the ‘60s. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Rotary Dollars For Branford Scholars: Deadline May 22
The Rotary Club of Branford offers its annual scholarship to Branford high school seniors who are pursuing advanced education in the fall 2017. 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.
The application has three components to be fulfilled. First is a student-written essay focusing on Rotary principles. Then supportive documentation as specified in the application requirements such as high school transcript and 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.
Applications for the Rotary scholarship are available at [email protected] and the Branford High School guidance office as well as the James Blackstone Memorial Library and Willoughby Wallace Library. Completed application packets must be received by May 22. For more information, call Tony Terry at 203 – 481-6424.
Tuesday, May 24
Branford Town Government 101
Branford Town Government 101 will be presented on Wednesday, May 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Branford Fire Department, 45 Main St.
“Everything you always wanted to know about town government, but didn’t know who to ask” will include a discussion, mock RTM meeting, followed by light refreshments. This will be a basic primer on how Branford’s town government is organized and functions to serve its citizens. Free and open to the entire community.
Questions? Email [email protected] or visit Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BranfordDTC. Presented by the Branford Democratic Town Committee.
Wednesday, May 25
Branford and the Refugee Experience
IRIS (Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services of New Haven) and the Branford Action Coalition will host an open dialogue on The Refugee Experience, from selection to resettlement, on Wednesday, May 25, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Branford Fire Department, 45 North Main St.
This community forum will focus on the refugee experience and its impact on Branford and the shoreline, as well as the federal screening process that ensures that refugees are properly vetted. Chris George, executive director of IRIS, will lead the program, joined by Betsy Hyde of the Refugee Welcome Committee. The forum will be moderated by Reverend “Skip” Ferry, pastor of the Short Beach Union Church.
After the prepared presentations, there will be an open question and answer period, and, possibly, an opportunity to talk with a local refugee family about their re-settlement in Branford.
Locally, the Refugee Welcome Committee (made up of members of the Branford’s First Congregational Church, First Baptist Church and St. Mary Church, as well as other Branford residents) has helped a number of asylum-seekers escaping conflict and extreme hardship to find safety and security in Branford and other shoreline communities.
For more information, call Maryann Amore at 203 – 654-1006 or email [email protected].
Sunday, May 28
Stony Creek Museum 2017 Opening
The Stony Creek Museum kicks off its 2017 Season on Sunday, May 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. with its annual Ice Cream Social, along with a Touch a Truck from the Stony Creek Firehouse, the Walsh Intermediate School Dance Team, and a singing of the National Anthem.
This year’s feature exhibit, the End of the Line Stony Creek Trolleys in collaboration with the Shoreline Trolley Museum, features a depiction of the Stony Creek Village in 1920, in a model hand carved by Unk DaRos, Branford’s former first selectman.
The Stony Creek Museum features a public exhibition of manuscripts, pictures, objects, artifacts, memorabilia, and items that reflect the history of Stony Creek and the Thimble Islands. Other attractions shown in the exhibits include the Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps, historic firefighting equipment, and a video on the puppets from the Weil family Sicilian puppet collection. A century-old Apothecary Store complete with original drugs is also displayed.
The Stony Creek Museum is open Memorial Day to Columbus Day, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. In addition, groups can be accommodated by appointment year round by calling 1 – 203-488‑4014. For more information, call 203 – 488-4014 or go to www.stonycreekmuseum.org.
Looking Ahead
Animal Camp
Register now for Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter’s Animal Camp. Sessions will take place June 19 to June 23, June 26 to June 30, July 17 to July 21, July 24 to July 28, Aug. 14 to Aug. 18, and Aug. 21 to Aug. 25.
The camp is a fun, educational, hands-on camp that allows children to interact and learn about all kinds of animals. The focus is to promote respect for all living creatures, including each other. Included will be games such as animal tracking, nature art, and water games.
For more information or registration forms, go to branfordanimalshelter.org, call Laura at 203 – 315-4125, or Dawn at 203 – 393-8628.
Summer Playground Camp
Registration is open for Branford Recreation Department’s Summer Playground Camp for ages 5 – 12, which begins July 3. The camp will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, July 3 to Aug. 11 (no camp on July 4).
Cost for the basic camp program is $400 for six weeks. A Before Care Program costs an additional $125 and an After Care Program (from 3 to 5 p.m.) is an additional $175 per camper. Site choices for the 2017 Summer Camp include Hammer Field, Veteran’s Memorial Park, Stony Creek Playground, and Foote Park. Field trips are included in the basic camp fee with the exception of Lake Compounce Day (July 25), which is an additional $50. There are limited spots on the trip to Lake Compounce. Children must be enrolled in Summer Camp to register for this trip.
For further information or to register, the office at 203 – 488-8304 or to enroll online go to www.branfordrecreation.org.
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