We’re heading into the three biggest events of the summer – the Branford Festival, the annual fireworks display, and the beginning of the Jazz series on the Branford green. They all prove that you don’t have to roam far to have a great time. In the meantime, take care of some housekeeping. We’re just going into hurricane season and so learn how to prepare. Update your pets’ vaccinations, and enroll the kids in summer camp. Don’t forget to head outdoors and help the Branford Land Trust celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Saturday, June 10
Horseshoe Crabs at Killam’s Point
Martha Rice will lead an exploration of Horseshoe Crabs at Killam’s Point, 19 Killam’s Point Road. Participants can help measure and tag some of these fascinating creatures. The event is sponsored by Branford Land Trust and the First Congregational Church.
For all BLT walks, please wear appropriate dress and comfortable, supportive walking shoes. Bring water. Walking sticks welcome.
For more information, call 203 – 747-4184.
Uncover Branford
Get up, get out and uncover Branford on Saturday, June 10, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Blackstone Library, 758 Main St. Uncover Branford brings neighbors together to share their favorite Branford places and stories. Then, plan a group outing to a special spot. They’ll go out into the community to explore and uncover new places, make new friends, have lots of fun, and discover the hidden gems of Branford.
They’ll document their adventures with photos and a short write-up of own personal favorites, which will be turned into a community exhibit at the Uncover Branford Open House and Reception at the end of the summer.
This project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Connecticut State Library.
Registration required. To register, call 203 – 488-1441, extension 318.
Sunday, June 11
Antiques Road Show
Branford’s own version of Antiques Roadshow hosted by Branford Antiques and Home Design, 824 East Main St., Sunday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guy Ferraro and Hans Strilbyckij will provide verbal appraisals of antiques for $5 and written appraisals for $35; 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter.
Tuesdays In June
Stop by the Stony Creek Brewery Tuesday nights in June and help celebrate the Branford Land Trust’s 50th anniversary. Have a beer, meet some BLT volunteers, and enjoy the evening knowing that $1 from every pint sold will be donated to the Branford Land Trust.
Monday, June 12
Kids and Teens Summer Reading Program
Two summer reading programs at Blackstone Library, 758 Main St., begin Monday, June 12, at 9 a.m. with the theme, Build a Better World.
The Youth Services Department is mixing up its summer reading program by pushing the traditional reading log aside and creating an interactive game board that will ask participants to complete a series of challenges throughout the summer – some will be reading based, while others may ask kids to attend a program, write a poem, or even listen to a book on CD – reinforcing that we can learn in a variety of ways. Go to http://www.blackstone.lioninc.org to register.
There’s also a popsicle social from 2 to 4 p.m. with music, games, and crafts. Sign up for summer reading, check out the game board and make your game piece. No registration required.
Wednesday, June 14
Menunkatuck Audubon: For the Love of Nature
With a passion for all things wild that began at a very early age, nature enthusiast and photographer, Donna Lorello, will share some of her experiences on Wednesday, June 14, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Blackstone Library, 758 Main St.
From birds and mammals, insects and flowers, water drops and sunrises, anything natural is fair game for her lens as she shares some of her experiences in how she photographs her subjects.
After receiving her first SLR camera as a teen, her zoom lens immediately found birds and flowers to focus on, which led her to study biology at Southern Connecticut State University; she was influenced by people like Dr. Noble Proctor and Peter Borgemeister for strengthening her love of nature. She became involved with the Branford Land Trust’s Osprey Observation Program, tagged Horseshoe Crabs during the first study season of Project Limulus, and expanded her skills in photographing natural subjects of all types using ethical methods.
Refreshments will be served. For more information call Carl R. Harvey at 203 – 389-6076 or email [email protected].
Friday, June 16 to Sunday, June 18
Branford Festival
File Photo
This year’s 33nd edition of the Branford Festival will kick off on Friday, June 16, and continue through Sunday, June 18. Plenty of music throughout the weekend, food vendors, craft and community expo on Saturday (be sure to visit the Branford Eagle’s booth), souvenirs, talent contest, baking contest, kids’ activities, Father of the Year contest and Father’s Day Road Race on Sunday … and did we say food vendors?
Entertainment throughout the weekend includes Bon Jovi and Bruce Springstein tribute bands, and local bands such as Eight to the Bar.
On Saturday, dozens of local businesses and organization will fill the green for the Craft and Community Expo – be sure to stop and say hello to the Eagle staff.
Food vendors are guaranteed to tickle the taste buds and be sure to take Dad to the Rotary breakfast ahead of Sunday’s Road Race. Sunday also features naming of Father of the Year and the annual Gary Dinello Classic Car Cruise.
Hours: Friday, 5 to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Full Branford Festival details at branfordfestival.com.
Beginning Monday, June 19
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.
Thursday, June 22
Family Emergency Preparedness Session
Brianna Weller, Emergency preparedness coordinator/health educator with the East Shore Health District will offer the latest information on preparing your family and home for emergencies on Thursday, June 22, 7 p.m. at the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Islands Road.
The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call 203 – 488-8702 or visit wwml.org.
Saturday, June 24
Rabies Vaccination Clinic on the Branford Green
File Photo
Hope
The Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter and Branford Veterinarian Hospital will host a rabies vaccination clinic on the Branford Green on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Vaccinations are free for the first 25 people in line; the cost is $10 per animal thereafter. Nail clippings are $5 and microchipping is $20. All dogs must be on a leash and cats must be secured in a carrier. The clinic is open to anyone from any town.
Branford Fireworks Display
It isn’t officially summer until people gather at Branford Point on Saturday, June 24, and points nearby (visible from Foote Park) to view the annual fireworks display.
The show begins at dusk, 8:45 to 9 p.m. Rain date, June 25. Details at https://www.facebook.com/Branford-Fireworks-578135275661466/.
Thursday, June 29
Branford Jazz Series Opens
The Branford Jazz Series on the town green kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, with The Recess Bureau, a collective of musicians who strive to continue on the ever-evolving path of music and explore possibilities of improvisation, and aims to go against the standard of jazz.
The series continues on July 6 with saxophonist Jeanette Harris and pianist/keyboardist Jay Rowe.
Restaurants along Main Street will be open during the concert and attendees are invited to bring chairs and blankets and picnic suppers.
The concerts are canceled in the event of rain – there is no alternate venue – and performers are invited back for next season. Details and schedule at Branfordjazz.com.
Beginning July 3
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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