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The Christmas countdown is underway. If you have last minute shopping to do, avoid the traffic and the malls, and stop by Branford’s many shops along Main Street and elsewhere. Take some time for savor the season. Branford’s annual performance of Handel’s Messiah is sure to put things in perspective. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the staff of the Branford Eagle.
Friday, Dec. 22
Branford Messiah, now in its 31st year, will perform Part I of Handel’s Messiah on Friday, Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m. in the First Congregational Church on the Branford Green.
Well-known conductor Roy Wiseman, a professional chamber orchestra, and soloists join over 50 community singers to share the joy of the season in a beautiful and festive space. Soloist are Lielle Berman-soprano, Rebecca Ringle Kamarei-mezzo soprano, Edward Hull-tenor and Jorell Williams-baritone. The Branford Messiah will also be celebrating and honoring Edward Hull of Branford who has performed as the tenor soloist for 30 years. The musical experience was launched in 1986 by Ettie Minor Luckey,
For more information or to sign-up to sing email [email protected] or visit branfordmessiah.org.
Saturday, Dec. 30
Best Seller Book Club: Manhattan Beach
Blackstone Library’s Bestseller Book Club, explores newly released, highly rated books from a wide variety of genres. Members will meet Saturday, Dec. 30, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
This month they are reading Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan. Synopsis: With “Manhattan Beach,” Jennifer Egan – who dazzled readers with her Pulitzer Prize-winning, “A Visit from the Goon Squad” – spins a classic historical novel. Classic in the sense that it’s virtually impossible to put down. Classic in its sepia toned portrait of New York: set on the Brooklyn docks during World War II, when mobsters ruled, the war loomed, and a young girl dove her way into becoming the first female diver on the squad. Classic in its quintessentially satisfying characters: crooked gangsters, disappearing fathers, gritty sailors and an intrepid young woman equally at home in a 200-pound diving suit and a green silk dress who unites them all. Classic in its revelation of the dangerous, altruistic and nefarious choices people make to support their family, their country and themselves. Manhattan Beach is classic in all of its American glory.
To register, call 203 – 488-1441.
Branford Chorale Concert (rescheduled)
Winter Reflections, the Branford Chorale Winter concert, takes place on Saturday, Dec. 30, at 7:30 p.m. at Tabor Lutheran Church, 45 Tabor Drive. The concert was rescheduled from Dec. 9 due to snow.
The chorale will be singing many holiday and seasonal favorites and will perform a special tribute to some of the great musicians who recently died. Reserve tickets ($15 adult, $13 seniors 60 and older and children 12 and under) by emailing Maggie Bruno, [email protected], at this e‑mail or Andrew Woods, [email protected]. Tickets will be available at the door.
Monday, Jan. 1
BLT New Year’s Day Hike
Branford Land Trust will host a hike at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1, exploring the Saltonstall Mountain Preserve, part of a steep traprock ridge that reaches from west to east, straddling the Branford/North Branford border.
The 2‑plus mile hike, will be led by Bill Horne and Matt Reed through stunning habitat with expansive views from some of the highest points in Branford. Meet at the Lantern View Drive. Expect moderate terrain, some sloping trails and steep inclines, rocky underfooting. Parents should be prepared to carry younger children if they get tired. Wear appropriate dress and comfortable, supportive walking shoes. Bring water. Walking sticks welcome.
Weather may change plans, watch BLT’s website and Facebook pages for details. For updated information, visit www.branfordlandtrust.org.
Beginning Thursday, Jan. 4
January Art Classes at Branford Art Center
Branford Art Center, 1229 Main St., offers several art classes to while away the winter. Figure drawing open studio will be held Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon for six sessions, beginning Jan. 4. The cost is $90.
Winter Paint Nights take place from 6 to 7:30p.m. on Saturdays Jan. 13, 20, and Feb 10, which includes instruction and painting materials for two. $40 per class includes a glass of wine.
Meditative art classes designed to boost your creativity take place on five consecutive Fridays from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., beginning Jan. 5. $25 per class includes materials (enroll for all five nights and get one class free).
For more information, call Yvonne Gordon-Moser at 860 – 334-4642 or email [email protected] and visit the gallery website www.branfordartcenterct.com.
Friday, Jan. 5
First Friday Game Group
Game night at Blackstone Library, 758 Main St., will feature all types of board games, from fast-paced, hilarious party games to highly strategic games that will leave your head spinning!
F2G2 is all about having fun, learning new games, and making friends. There are games for everyone, regardless of experience level. Participants can bring their own games, as well. Adults of all ages welcome. To RSVP, call 203 – 488-1441, extension 318, or visit www.blackstonelibrary.org.
Sunday, Jan. 7
Branford Forum
Branford Forum will present “One Hundred Years of Solitude, Struggle & Violence Along the US/Mexico Border: An Oral History,” a talk by Quinnipiac University Prof. John Thomas, on Sunday, Jan. 7, at 2 p.m. at the Blackstone Library, 758 Main St.
The event is free. For further information, email [email protected].
Monday, Jan. 22
Digital Lives of Kids: ScreenAgers
A screening and discussion for all parents and families of the film “Digital Lives of Kids: Screenagers” takes place on Monday, Jan. 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Branford High School Auditorium, 185 E. Main St.
The film explores social media, habits, time management, pressures on teens and pre-teens, family relationships and developing healthy ways to grow up in a digital world. Sponsored by Branford Families, the film is part of a larger monthly series dealing with the issue of technology and lives of children. Admission is free.
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