Mary Johnson photo
Branford goes to the dogs this weekend amid the dog days of summer. Woofstock, the annual fund-raiser for the Cosgrove Animal Shelter, hits the green this weekend. Jane Bouley returns to the library to sign copies of her new book – it’s a fascinating read. Take advantage of local produce at its best at the Dudley market and savor some fruit of the vine at the Shoreline Wine Festival at Bishop’s in Guilford. And, don’t forget to vote in the Primary on Tuesday!
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Saturday, Aug. 11
Jane Bouley Book Signing
In case you missed the earlier event, Branford Town Historian Jane Bouley will sign copies of her new book, “The Origin and Naming of Branford’s Streets,” from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11, at Blackstone Library, 758 Main St. Books will be available for sale for $25.
With extensive research using maps, town meeting records, city directories, and land records, Branford, Connecticut’s Town Historian Jane Peterson Bouley examines the origin and history of Branford’s roads and the relevance of the street names. The scope of Branford’s history as an 18th century farming community, during the industrial revolution bringing an influx of European immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries, and finally as a suburban community after World War II can be viewed through the development of its streets.
For more information, call 203 – 488-1441, extension 318.
National Farmers’ Week
In honor of National Farmers’ Market Week, Matthew Hoey lll, Guilford’s First Selectman, will attend the Dudley Farm Farmers’ Market on Saturday, Aug. 11 to honor the vendors, say a few words and issue a proclamation. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through October.
This is the 19th year that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has celebrated National Farmers Market Week (Aug. 5 to 11), which highlights the important role farmers’ markets play in the nation’s food system.
The Dudley Farm Farmers’ Market is in its 23rd year of providing organic vegetables and herbs, meats, eggs, honey, maple syrup, baked goods, goats milk soaps, jams, fresh-squeezed lemonade, kettle corn, alpaca yarn, natural body products, plants, flowers, and artisanal crafts direct from farmers and artisans to the public. It is located on the historic Dudley Farm, where people can also visit the farmhouse museum, the Quinnipiac Tribal Museum, the sheep, oxen, and chickens, and the heritage and community gardens.
For more information, call 203 – 457-0770, email [email protected], visit www.dudleyfarm.com, or on Facebook, Dudley Farm Farmers’ Market.
Woofstock on the Branford Green
The annual Woofstock on the Branford Green will be held Saturday, Aug. 11, from noon to 6 p.m. Woofstock is a day of fun, music, food, vendors, raffles and of course dogs. Dogs are available that day for adoption, too. There is a Woofstock Hippie Dog Costume contest, a Woofwalk in the morning, special guests, a children’s area and much more throughout the day. The event is hosted by the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter and Peiper Veterinary Clinic in Madison.
For more information, go to woofstockonthebranfordgreen.org/.
Saturday, Aug. 11, and Sunday, Aug. 12
Shoreline Wine Festival
The 12th Annual Shoreline Wine Festival, taking place Saturday, Aug. 11 (noon to 7 p.m.) and Sunday, Aug. 12 (noon to 6 p.m.), at Bishop’s Orchards Winery in Guilford.
The event will celebrate fine wines from Connecticut Wineries and Vineyards from all over the state, all offering their fine wines that range from grape wines to fruit wines. Pair this with some of the area’s finest foods, with the backdrop setting of a beautiful farm orchard and background sounds of tasteful music to put you in the mood.
There’s the opportunity to taste the wines from all of the wineries, enjoy a tour of the Bishop’s Orchards Winery, listen to numerous local wine experts, live music and entertainment, and a chance to visit with local vendors and artisans. Food offered at the event is an additional charge.
Advanced tickets are $30 for adults (plus 10 percent Connecticut Admissions Tax and online service fee). As of Aug. 4, the price will increase to $35 per person (plus tax & fee). Tickets are $10 for designated drivers.
For details and tickets, go to www.shorelinewinefestival.com.
Tuesday, Aug. 14
Connecticut’s Primaries
Voting takes place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Democratic and Republican candidates for the following offices: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer, and Comptroller (Republican only).
You must be a registered Republican or Democrat to vote in the primary.
Voting locations in Branford are as follows:
District 1: The Branford High School Old Gym, 185 East Main Street (changed from the Branford Community House to due to construction).
District: 2: St. Therese Church, 105 Leetes Island Road.
District 3: Orchard House. 421 Shore Drive.
District 4: Fire Headquarters, 45 North Main St.
District 5: Indian Neck School, 14 Melrose Place.
District 6: Mary T. Murphy School, 14 Brushy Plains Road.
District 7: Mary R. Tisko Elementary School Gym 118 Damascus Road (changed from the Walsh Intermediate School due to construction).
For more information, go to http://www.branford-ct.gov/Voter.
Wednesday, Aug. 15
Opie’s World
Opie’s World offers participants the opportunity to tap into nature at Lake Saltonstall. Sponsored by the Regional Water Authority, the event takes place from noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 400 Hosley Ave.
Opie the Opossum will guide kids as they explore the nature world. Fun and educational activities will include fishing, nature crafts, geology and more.
For more information, call 203 – 401-6766 or email: [email protected].
Kentucky Barracuda
Branford Historical Society presents author Joe Goodbody for a discussion of his new book “KENTUCKY BARRACUDA: Parker Hardin French – The Notorious Scoundrel and Delightful Rogue of Antebellum & Civil War America.” The talk takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, at the Blackstone Library, 758 Main St.
Goodbody brings this cunning rascal into the spotlight and covers his connection to Branford. Branford Town Historian Jane Bouley assisted with this information and perspective. French was arrested in Branford in November 1861 and charged with being a Confederate agent. Goodbody’s great-grandfather was a victim of Parker Hardin French on the fraudster’s California-bound gold rush expedition. The adventure faltered in mismanagement and collapsed in deception, fraud, and forgery.
To RSVP, call 203 – 488-1441.
Thursday, Aug. 16
Javon Jackson Quartet on the Branford green
The Javon Jackson Band, blends many styles including jazz, funk, R&B, and rock. They’re next up on the Branford green on Thursday, Aug. 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Jackson made his recording debut in 1992. He has recorded projects for Blue Notes Records and has collaborated with many well-known jazz artists.
In 2012, Jackson released two self-produced recordings, Lucky 13 and Javon Jackson and WE FOUR, celebrating John Coltrane. These CDs marked his return to acoustic jazz. Javon was the recipient of the prestigious Benny Golson Award from Howard University in Washington, D.C. for recognition of legendary excellence in jazz.
In addition to his performance schedule, Javon is a highly sought after jazz educator, conducting clinics and lectures at universities throughout the United States and abroad.
Friday, Aug. 17
Environmental Day Camp
Branford Land Trust photo
Branford Land Trust’s 23rd annual Environmental Day Camp for kids takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, at Killam’s Point Conference Center.
Children ages 5 to 9 will take part in hands-on activities, including touch tanks, woodland and Long Island Sound exploration, nature crafts, and more.
A full day’s agenda, map, and list of what to bring will be mailed upon receipt of registration and payment of $45; additional children, same family $35. Scholarships available. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Aug. 14.
For more information, call Martha Rice, 203 – 314-7128, or email [email protected], or go to www.branfordlandtrust.org.
Call for Artists/Artisans Branford Fall Art Festival
Branford Art Center invites all artists/artisans to participate in the 4th Annual Shoreline Harvest Art and Cool Jazz Festival that will take place under the Big Tent on the Branford Green on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Spaces are 10x10. Bring your own racks/tables or rent a table for $5. There will be food vendors. Register at www.branfordartcenterct.com by Aug. 31; the fee is $70.
For further information or questions, call Yvonne Gordon-Moser at 860 – 334-4642 or email [email protected].
Sunday, Aug. 18
Summer on the Point
Branford Land Trust photo
The First Congregational Church and the Branford Land Trust host a late summer walk at Killam’s Point on Saturday, Aug. 18 at 10 a.m.
Killam’s Point, located off Shore Drive, is an ecological treasure, habitat for many species of bird and animals, with healthy forested uplands, expansive salt marshes, beaches, and spectacular granite bluffs. The Branford Land Trust and the First Congregational Church collaborate to provide programs open to the public sharing the beauty, serenity and fragility of the Point.
Space is limited and registration is required; call 203 – 747-4184 to sign up. For more information, visit www.branfordlandtrust.org.
Classic Car Show
The Branford Rotary Club’s fifth annual Classic Car Show will be held on Sunday, Aug. 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Van Wilgen’s Garden Center, Valley Road, The event benefits the club’s charitable events and organizations in honor and support of veterans, including the “Take-A-Vet Fishing” program and the annual “Veterans Day Luncheon.”
This event Features more than150 Classic Cars with raffle prizes and trophies awarded. The family event will include fabulous cars and music; ood and beverages will be available.
For sponsorship or more info visit http://www.branfordrotary.org or email [email protected].
Saturday Cinema
Blackstone Library celebrates summer reading by watching movies based on The Great American Read, a list of America’s 100 most loved books. This month “Ready Player One,” directed by Steven Spielberg can be viewed at Fire Headquarters, 45 N. Main St., from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 18. This movie is based on the award winning novel, “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline.
The movie is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action violence, bloody images, some suggestive material, nudity and language.
Registration required. Call 203 – 488-1441 extension 318.
Through Sept. 20
Find the Branford Hornet photo: BranfordHornet
Forty Branford merchants are joining together to encourage residents to find the Branford High School Hornet and promote their businesses.
Participating merchants will display the BHS Hornet somewhere in their businesses and residents can win gift certificates and prizes by finding them.
Participants will have until Thursday, Sept. 20, to complete a list of 35 out of 40. The winner will be announced at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, on the Branford green at the fourth annual Shoreline Harvest and Jazz Festival. (The winner must be present to win.)
To take part, register at Branfordartcenterct.com (cost $2 per entry to benefit Branford High School), then download the list of merchants, which will be posted July 30 and listed in local papers. Take a photograph with your phone of you or someone in your group with the BHS Hornet and post the photo to Instagram with the hashtag #branfordmerchants.
For more information or to register a business, email Yvonne Gordon-Moser at [email protected].
