If all else fails, there’s music! The Branford Jazz Series entertained us throughout the summer and now it’s time for the long-standing Branford Folk Music Society to begin its season. The music continues with the sixth annual Young Musicians’ Showcase where kids can try out their talents. In addition, there are plenty of chances to get out and enjoy the beautiful late summer weather along the Branford River, enrich your mind, and pick up some bargains at the annual Friends of the Library Book Sale and Short Beach Union Church Tag Sale. Need help sleeping? There’s a discussion on that, too!
Saturday, Sept. 9
Branford Folk Music Society’s 44th Season
The Branford Folk Music Society kicks off its 44th season of concerts on Saturday, Sept. 9, with a return visit from North Sea Gas, one of Scotland’s most popular folk bands.The concert will take place at 8 p.m. in the auditorium of the First Congregational Church of Branford, 1009 Main St., on the Town Green. Admission is $25 for non-members, $20 for members and $5 for children age 12 and under.Ronnie MacDonald, Grant Simpson and Dave Gilfillan comprise North Sea Gas and in concert they bring along guitars, mandolins, fiddles, bouzoukis, whistles, bodhrans, banjos and cracking senses of humor. They last performed at Branford Folk in 2013 and it was standing room only.North Sea Gas is known for their energetic repertoire that incorporates lively vocals and awe-inspiring three-part harmonies. The trio has been together for more than 35 years and has recorded 20 albums, the latest entitled “When We Go Rolling Home” released just this summer.For more information, call 203 – 488-7715 or visit www.branfordfolk.org.
Sunday, Sept. 10
‘The Mystery of Sleep’
ScienceBlog.com
Are you among the sleepless? “The Mystery of Sleep – Why a Good Night’s Rest is Vital to a Better, Healthier Life” will be presented by Yale Professor Meir Kryger at the Branford Forum, 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, at the Branford Library, 758 Main St. Kryger will discuss his new book. Free.
For more information, email [email protected].
Wednesday, Sept. 13
A New Bird Atlas for Connecticut
Menunkatuck Audubon’s 2017 – 2018 program series will begin with UConn Professor Morgan Tingley presenting an overview of the Connecticut Bird Atlas Project on Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Blackstone Library.
Prof. Tingley’s presentation will describe the project’s history, methodology, volunteer training, and need. He has a background in data collected in the field with biodiversity informatics and novel quantitative modeling techniques to understand critical ecological questions about organisms.
The Connecticut birding community will be called on to conduct surveys for the Connecticut Bird Atlas Project starting in 2018. The project will focus on all birds that breed, winter or migrate in Connecticut. It will contribute meaningful data for the State Action Wildlife Plan, to contribute to conservation planning, and to establish Environment Health Metrics.
To register, call 203 – 488-1441.
Thursday, Sept. 14
Social Security and You
Willoughby Wallace Library will host a seminar on Social Security benefits, led by Jeff Henault of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith of Madison. The event will cover eligibility, factors to consider before starting benefits, when is the most appropriate time to start taking benefits, and how to potentially maximize your benefits.
For more information, call the library at 203 – 488-8702.
Friday, Sept. 15
Rec ‘n’ Roll: Young Musicians’ Showcase
Branford Recreation Department’s sixth annual Young Musicians’ Showcase takes place Friday, Sept. 15, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the Branford green. (See top photo)
Scheduled groups include “Darn It All,” “The 34s,” and “The Roustabouts.”
Proceeds and donations this year will go toward the Ben Callahan Memorial Scholarship Fund. For more information, call the Rec Department at 203 – 488-8304.
Friday, Sept. 15, to Sunday, Sept. 17
Guilford Fair
The annual Guilford Fair takes place Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Sept. 15, 16, and 17 at the Guilford Fairgrounds. The Guilford Fair, a large agricultural fair that began in 1859, features an extensive array of activities, booths, events and entertainment all included with admission. Ride tickets are additional.
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, $5 children ages 6 – 11, children 5 and under admitted free. A three-day discount pass is available for $25. Parking on site is $5. There are no refunds in event of inclement weather or show cancellation. Free parking is available off of Exit 57 with shuttle bus service. For the full event schedule visit www.guilfordfair.org.
Saturday, Sept. 16
Perennial Plant Sale
A plant sale takes place in Ruby’s Garden at the United Methodist Church, 811 East Main St., on Saturday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Perennial fall plantings include clematis, creeping phlox, hosta, irises, shasta daisies, spirea, sedums and more. Landscaping plants include dwarf forsythia and other shrubs and trees. Pricing will be $5 to $18 for plants and $25 for trees.
Call Ruby Lawrence at 203 – 494-06911 for more information or visit the www.umcbranford.org.
Sunday, Sept. 17
Family Day
The 20th Annual Pat Andriole Family Day takes place on Sunday, Sept. 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. on the Branford Town Green. In the event of inclement weather, all activities will take place inside the Branford Recreation Department
The campaign, “Valuing Connecticut’s Families…It’s Everybody’s Business,” distinguishes families as the basic building blocks of society and encourages their support.
This event, named in honor of retired Branford Counseling Center Director, Patricia Andriole, is open to parents, children of all ages, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends. Scheduled activities, both fun and educational, relay games, food, entertainment, magic, music and much more will be featured.
Sponsors of the event include Branford Counseling Center, the Branford Recreation Department, the Branford Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking, the Branford Family Resource Center, the Branford Early Childhood Collaborative, Branford’s Youth Outreach Worker, Jeff Kikosicki, the Branford Police Department, the Branford Fire Department, the Branford Rotary Club, the Soundview YMCA and many other Branford agencies. For more information, call the Counseling Center at 481‑4248.
Tuesday, Sept. 19
Book Talk: Solitary Odyssey of a Female Kind
Author Isabella Green discusses her book “Solitary Odyssey of a Female Kind” at Blackstone Library, 758 Main St., at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19. Her compelling endeavor takes her backpacking around the world, on a budget, by herself after she returns from serving in the Persian Gulf War. Join her on a journey through many different cultures, religions & obstacles during her quest for healing, peace and a pilgrimage to retrieve her stolen spirit.
To RSVP, call 203 – 488-1441, extension 318, or visit www.blackstonelibrary.org.
Saturday, Sept. 16
Branford Land Trust’s Annual Branford River Parade
Kayakers and canoeists from Branford and surrounding communities will celebrate the beauty of the Branford River in a boat parade from behind the Branford High School to Branford Point Saturday, Sept. 16.
Boaters should drop boats off behind Branford High School between 8:30 and 9:15 a.m., driving to the parking lot at Parker Park at Branford Point to leave their cars/trucks and taking the shuttle bus (hired for this event) back to the high school for the 10 a.m. parade start.
Paddlers are encouraged to decorate their boats (or persons). Then, bring a picnic for you and your family, and join us to enjoy lunch at Branford Point at the end of our river journey. We will share memories about our trip, and enjoy the view of Branford Harbor and the river. (Rain date: Sept. 17, parade starts at 11 a.m., drop-off 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.)
This annual event is free and open to the public. It is presented by the BLT’s Nature Explorer Program, which coordinates events for adults and families. For updated information call Matt Radulski at 203 – 627-1063 or visit www.branfordlandtrust.org.
Short Beach Union Church Tag Sale
The annual Short Beach Union Church Tag Sale takes place Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 14 Pentecost St. Treasures of all kind available – no clothing or non-recycle baby items. Refreshments. Proceeds to benefit the Branford Food Pantry and the church.
Items can be dropped of on Sundays (Sept. 10 and 17, 1 to 4 p.m.) and Monday to Thursday (Sept. 18 to 21, 5 to 8 p.m.).
For more information, call 203 – 466-6274.
Saturday, Sept. 23
Take A Vet Fishing 2017
The Branford Yacht Club, 39 Goodsell Point Road, and the First Congregational Church host their sixth annual “Take A Vet Fishing” day, beginning with 5 a.m. registration on Saturday, Sept. 23. Boats will leave the dock starting around 7 a.m., and a barbecue will take place at the BYC following the outings on the water.
Veterans will travel from as far away as the Walter Reed Centers in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, and from all across Connecticut to enjoy a day on the water. This year about 150 veterans are signed up and 40 to 50 boats launching from the Branford Yacht Club to take them fishing. BYC members, as well as boaters from neighboring marinas, will captain their boats.
For more information, call Hillary Mendillo, 203 – 589-9406, or email [email protected].
Connecticut Shoreline Indivisible
Connecticut Shoreline Indivisible will have its Fall Kick-off Meeting from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the First Congregational Church, 110 Broad St., Guilford. State Rep. Rosa DeLauro will address the group from 10 to 11 a.m. and team meetings will take place from 11 a.m. to noon.
Current and new members are invited. For more information, email CTShorelineIndivisible.com.
Sunday, Sept. 24
BCTV’s Tour de Branford
BCTV’s Tour de Branford 2017, takes place Sunday, Sept. 24. The ride is designed for bicyclists to enjoy the beautiful scenery along in Branford and the shoreline. There’s both a 15-mile and 40-mile ride to choose from. The event starts and ends at the Stony Creek Brewery.
Monday, Sept. 25
Branford Rotary Golf Tournament
The Branford Rotary Club golf tournament will now be held on Monday, Sept. 25 at the scenic Clinton Country Club, 128 Old Post Road, Clinton.
The Clinton Country Club is a new venue for the event. Established in 1895, the Clinton course is one of the oldest in the country. The 18-hole course, designed by Geoffrey Cornish, is both challenging and beautiful.
Registration is $175 per golfer. The Branford Rotary tournament is a fundraiser for designated charities. See above poster for additional information.
Thursday, Sept. 28 to Sunday, Oct. 1
Library Book Sale
Friends of Blackstone Library holds its annual book sale under the tent on the Branford Green from Thursday, Sept. 28 to Sunday, Oct. 1. Admission for Preview Night, Thursday, from 5 to 7 p.m., is $15; free for members of the Friends of the Library. The general sale is Thursday, 7 p.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.
For more information, call 203 – 488-1441.
Saturday, Sept. 30
Trinity Church Fair
The 110th annual Trinity Church Annual Fair opens on the green Saturday, Sept. 30, with the traditional blueberry pancake at 7:30 a.m., ending at 10:30 a.m. Venues open throughout the morning starting at 8 a.m. and continue till p.m.
American lunch on the grill served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: sausage & pepper grinders/clam chowder and garlic toast. Supper from 4 to 6 p.m., plus there’s apple crisp and whipped cream.
Kids games, silent auctions, giant tag sale, jewelry, needle crafts, homemade baked goods, preserves, homegrown produce, books, DJ music, and more.
Canned foods will be collected for the Branford Food Pantry to help residents in need.
Sunday, Oct. 1
Animal Awareness Day
Branford Compassion Club will host Animal Awareness Day from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, on the Branford Green. The Blessing of the Animals is held at 1:30 p.m., along with children’s activities, business vendors, animal rescue organizations, bake sale, food, and music. Details, sponsor, and vendor information at branfordcompassionclub.org.
Saturday, Oct. 7
“Benstock”
“Benstock,” a musical event in honor of Ben Callahan, will take place Saturday, Oct. 7, at Nuzzo’s Farm, 736 East Main St. Ben died in July after drowning in the Branford River; he was 10 years old. He loved to play music.
All proceeds will go toward the Ben Callahan Foundation, established by the family to fund various charities in the community. Local bands will be featured as well as food trucks, vendors, and more. Email Cayla Florio at [email protected] to volunteer or donate services, supplies, or time.
Saturday, Oct. 15, and Sunday, Oct. 16
A Hogwarts Halloween
Registration is open for a Hogwarts Halloween at the Blackstone Library. Sessions take place Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon or from 1 to 3 p.m. OR on Sunday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon or from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is for children age 6 and up.
Children will get the feeling they truly have entered the halls of Hogwarts. Upon arrival, they will be escorted by Prefects to the Great Hall, where they will be greeted by Professor McGonagall. From there, attendees will take classes in Charms, Potions, and Divination.
This year’s school session also involves an escape challenge – Dolores Umbridge has been known to lock an entire class out of the Hogwarts building and onto the Hogwarts grounds. It will be up to each class to work together to solve the clues and find the magic key that opens the door back into Hogwarts proper. And, of course, no one will leave without their wand from Ollivander’s Wand Shop personally matched by Ollivander.
These sessions are drop-off only, with Prefects escorting the children through their two hours of classes. Admission is $30 per child. Costumes are encouraged. Also available for purchase: Class T‑Shirts (long sleeved), $20 each, and School Portraits, $10 each. Details at www.blackstone.lioninc.org/hogwarts-at-blackstone-faqs/.
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