Animal Awareness Day on the Branford Green Sunday with its Blessing of the Animals is a favorite among all pet lovers. Somehow, it seems that the pets are aware of the how special the occasion is and are always well behaved. The day features lots of other educational activities and vendors with all sorts of information. Fall activities abound with plenty of opportunities to get into the spirit of the season.
Friday, Oct. 5
F2G2 Game Night
The Blackstone Library, 758 Main St., hosts Game Night from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5. All types of board games will be available, from fast-paced, hilarious party games to highly strategic, thinky games. F2G2 is all about having fun, learning new games, and making friends.
There are games for everyone, regardless of experience level. Feel free to bring your own games too. Adults of all ages are welcome.
Registration required. To register, RSVP on the library’s Meetup site at https://www.meetup.com/Everyday-Adventurers or call 203 – 488-1441.
Saturday, Oct. 6, and Sunday, Oct. 7
The Sound & The Flora Of Stony Creek
The Branford Garden Club presents a Standard Flower Show, titled The Sound & the Flora of Stony Creek. This flower show takes place inside three private homes and six historic buildings throughout the village of Stony Creek. The show runs Saturday, Oct. 6, 1 to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 7, noon to 4 p.m.
The show is a fundraiser to help support the beautification and maintenance of Branford’s many town gardens.
For tickets, which are $15, go to: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sound-the-flora-of-stony-creek-tickets-46861302417. Tickets purchased online can be exchanged on the day of the show for a program book listing schedule details and venue map at Stony Creek Museum, 84 Thimble Island Road; Seaside Hall, 215 Thimble Island Road; and Taken for Granite, 409 Leetes Island Road. Free shuttle service to all locations within the Stony Creek village during show hours.
Sunday, Oct. 7
Animal Awareness Day
Branford Compassion Club will host its annual Animal Awareness Day, featuring the Blessing of the Animals, from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, on the Branford Green. The event is a celebration of the furry, feathered, scaly and finned members of our families – a Petoberfest of music, food, bake sale, special kids’ activities, surprises, education and awareness and fun for all.
The highlight of the day is the Blessing of the Animals at 1:30 p.m., held annually around the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. One can expect to see an impressive variety of dogs, cats, birds, gerbils, ferrets, and perhaps even a horse or rabbit or two, filling the Green to be blessed by local clergy from several denominations.
BCC also uses the event to teach the public about humane treatment of animals, especially for young visitors. Quinnipiac University Prof. Donna Latella returns with Mooka, Mabel and Willy, her popular mini therapy horses, who may look cute and cuddly, but are serious about their role as therapy horses. Therapy dog Gelato joins the trio. Caesar, the very affectionate miniature poodle, makes an encore appearance to the Kissing Booth.
At 3 p.m., New Haven Police Officer Martin and his K‑9-unit partner Ax, will demonstrate the skills of a four-legged police officer. The 4‑year-old German Shepard is dually trained for both Narcotic Detection and Patrol Work, which includes everything from tracking and evidence recovery to building search and suspect apprehension.
Visitors to the Green also can help care for homeless felines by bringing donations of food or shelter supplies to fill the Sprinter van supplied by Black Rock Truck Group of Branford. Check the Wish List posted at www.branfordcompassionclub.org.
For more information about donating or volunteering at the shelter, visit www.branfordcompassionclub.org or call 203 – 483-6369.
Saturday, Oct. 13
Fabrique/Women in Business
Designer Bag Sample Sale to benefit the Branford Community Dining Room, which provides 60,000 meals annually, takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, and Sunday, Oct. 14, at 11 Research Drive. More than 2,000 bags will be featured, including computer cases, tablets, folios, backpacks, rollers, ladies bags, and luggage. For more information, call 203 – 481-5400 or email [email protected].
Dudley Farm Farmers’ Market
The Dudley Farm Farmers’ Market, 2351 Durham Road, meets from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 13. Vendors offer local and organic produce, meats, maple syrup, jams, baked breads, pastries and pies, honey, fresh squeezed lemon and limeade with strawberries, goats milk soap, beeswax candles, alpaca yarn, natural body products, and a wide variety of exquisite hand-made crafts.
The free Children’s Corner activity (10 to 11:30 a.m.) will be story-telling with Barbara Kiesel, narrating Native American Animal Stories with puppets, and the Dudley Farm String Band will perform.
For more information, call 203 – 457-0770, visit www.dudleyfarm.com, or Facebook, Dudley Farm Farmers’ Market.
Opening Reception at BAC
An opening reception for Holly Whiting and Candace Klein will be held at the Branford Art Center, 1229 Main St., Branford, on Saturday, Oct 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. Free refreshments.
Gallery artist Holly Whiting uses reactive metallic paints to achieve extraordinary and unusual art. Her paintings will be featured in the studio gallery through the end of October. Another gallery painter, Candace Klein, will display her line of Upcycle Clothing in the front window through Oct 15. Klein designs a combination of different textured and patterned fabrics to create a range of unique fall clothing.
Fall classes have also begun for children and adults.
For more information, email Yvonne Gordon-Moser, [email protected] or call 860 – 334-4642 or visit branfordartcenterct.com. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
An Evening with the Spirits
An Evening with the Spirits, presented by Blackstone Library and Branford Wine & Liquor, features a variety of whiskeys and other spirits to sample, plus psychics and mediums to help discover otherworldly spirits.
Psychic Chrystyne McGrath will conduct a large group reading at 7:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. — one session or the other can be attended. Additionally, psychics will be available throughout the evening to sit one-on-one for a brief individual reading.
Tickets are $40 per person, open to ages 21+.
Appetizers included with ticket. No physical tickets will be issued, check-in at the door. Silent auction will also be held.
This fundraiser benefits the Blackstone Library, supporting the innovative programs and crucial services offered to the Branford community.
For more information and to buy tickets, go to http://www.blackstone.lioninc.org/eveningspirits/.
Sunday, Oct. 14
Virtual Treasure Hunt
Photo by Jen Payne
Branford Land Trust and the First Congregational Church will host a Virtual Treasure Hunt at Killam’s Point, on Sunday, Oct. 14, at 1 p.m. This is the final of four 2018 outdoor events co-sponsored by the two groups; it is free and open the public.
Educator and environmentalist Jim Goggin will lead a family-oriented walk that will show why Killam’s Point is so special. Bring cameras and binoculars to enjoy the crisp air, the ospreys feeding for their long migration, the granite bluffs against the sparkling Sound, schools of bunker fleeing a bluefish frenzy, chipmunks and squirrels harvesting acorns.
Killam’s Point is located along Shore Drive just west of the Orchard House Adult Day Care Center. Drive slowly to the end of the road to the parking area. Space is limited. To register, call 203 – 747-4184.
(Photo by Jen Payne)
Music from South of the Border
Elaine Thoma, flute, and Neal Fitzpatrick, guitar, will perform “Suite Buenos Aires” by Maximo Diego Pujol, and other Latin American classics, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at the First Baptist Church of Branford, 975 Main St.
Thoma, a flute faculty member at the Neighborhood Music School in New Haven, studied with Jean-Pierre Rampal and James Galway and holds degrees from Syracuse University, Boston University, and the Tanglewood Institute.
Fitzpatrick has performed with the New Haven Symphony, the Aspen Music Festival, and the 92nd Street Y in New York. He teaches from his studio in Branford, both classical and jazz guitar.
The concert is free; donations are welcome. The event is sponsored by Musical Art Society of Branford, a non-profit organization founded in 1920 to support and promote music in the community. The concert begins the society’s 99th musical season.
Monday, Oct. 15
Swing Into Rotary Golf
The Branford Rotary Club’s seventh annual Golf Classic takes place Monday, Oct. 15, at the Wallingford Country Club, 195 Long Hill Road, Wallingford, located off I‑91 and just minutes from Route 15. The schedule for the tourney is as follows – 7:30 a.m., registration; 8 a.m., continental breakfast; 9:30 a.m., shotgun start; 1 p.m. BBQ buffet, cocktail hour (open bar) raffle, and auction. Prizes will be awarded.
The event will benefit the Branford Counseling Center Basic Needs Program, Cosgrove Animal Shelter, local veterans’ groups, Soundview YMCA Annual Campaign, and the Orchard House.
Registration is $150 per golfer. Appropriate attire and spikeless shoes are required; jeans are prohibited. Spectators are welcome. Cocktail party and lunch buffet available for non-golfers at $30. For more information, call or email Ed Vescovi, 203 – 415-9191 or [email protected]; or Doug Shaw, 203 – 494-8510 or [email protected]. Register online at www.branfordrotary.org. Register online at www.branfordrotary.org.
Friday, Oct. 19
Broadway in Branford
Branford based Broadway production company Seaview Productions will present the fifth annual “pay what you can” Broadway in Branford on Friday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. on the Branford Green. Proceeds from the evening support Legacy Theatre’s efforts to restore the historic Stony Creek Puppet House in Branford.
For reservations go to www.LegacyTheatreCT.org. Anyone donating of $20 or more will receive reserved seating (chairs provided) closest to the stage.
Saturday, Oct. 20
Classic Whiffenpoofs
Classic Whiffenpoofs will sing in a benefit concert at Trinity Church on the Green in Branford on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m.
Made up of 13 former Yale Whiffenpoofs, the Classic Whiffenpoofs include alumni from the Classes of 1962 – 1972. They have performed together since 2011, with their classic ensemble sound and rich renditions of traditional Whiffenpoof repertoire.
Proceeds will benefit two Outreach Programs of Trinity Church: BHcares Shoreline and Columbus House. Tickets are $25 at the door. Reception follows. For more information, call 203 – 533-7439.
Wednesday, Oct. 24
“Get Happy”
Branford Counseling Center will be offering a free showing of the award-winning documentary, “Happy,” on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the Branford Fire Department headquarters, 45 N. Main St. 2nd floor.
Moving from the bayous of Louisiana to the deserts of Namibia, from the beaches of Brazil to the villages of Okinawa, “Happy” is a film that explores some of the non-material roots of happiness, and in the process shows that while there isn’t a formula for it, everyone can become happier.
A panel discussion and informational materials will be provided following the film. Refreshments will be provided. Call the Branford Counseling Center with any questions: 203 – 481-4248.
Saturday, Oct. 27
Halloween Hysterics At Henry’s
Learn the secrets that lurk behind the formidable stone walls of Connecticut’s oldest house on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. when the Henry Whitfield State Museum presents Halloween Hysterics at Henry’s.
Participants can see the 379-year-old Whitfield House in a new light – or rather, in no light. The lights will be off as visitors explore the entire building. The basement, usually closed to the public, will have a few surprises for those brave enough to venture there. Bring a flashlight to investigate all the nooks and crannies.
In the museum’s Visitor Center, enjoy some candy, craft a gravestone or gargoyle out of clay, and do some coloring. In the Education Center, learn about the Guilford Green graveyards, the Whitfield connection to the Salem witch trials, and the origins of Halloween traditions in the display “Holidaze: The Real Story of Halloween, Thanksgiving & Christmas.”
This program is recommended for ages 6 and older. Admission is $6 and free for ages 12 and younger. Parking is free at the museum, located at 248 Old Whitfield Street. For more information, call 203 – 453-2457, e‑mail [email protected], visit www.cultureandtourism.org, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/henrywhitfieldstatemuseum.
Tuesday, Oct. 30
Halloween Pawty
A Dress Up Halloween Pawty for adults to benefit the homeless animals at Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter takes place from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, at Rossitto’s Ristorante, 284 E. Main St.
The cost is $30 per ticket, which includes hors d’oeurves and one glass of wine. There will be a 50/50 and prizes for costumes. For more information, go to Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter on Facebook.
Through the End of October
Haunted Isle
Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven gets into the Halloween season with its Haunted Isle, which begins Friday, Sept. 28, and continues from 7 to 10 p.m. on weekends, Oct. 5 and 6, 12 and 13, 19 and 20, 26 and 27.
The Haunted Isle experience consists of a short trolley car ride (about 5 minutes each way), which will drop off participants at the Isle itself, where they will be walking along an unlit trail through the woods where ghouls, goblins and ghosts will do their best to scare them. Plan to spend at least an hour at the Isle exclusive of time spent waiting in line. See the online information for cautionary
Local food trucks will serve food and beverages on site. General admission tickets are $13 each online, $15 at the door. Express and VIP tickets are available online. For details, go to shorelinetrolley.org/special-events/haunted-isle/.
