The winter chill continues, but there are plenty of activities to warm the heart. For those missing the fruits (and veggies) of summer, there’s a farmers market. Activists can take part in the Women’s Marches in Hartford and in New York City. And there are cool events for book lovers, would-be artists, film buffs, and music lovers, and much more. Got a cool event? Email [email protected] by Wednesday noon.
Through March 31
Cityseed Winter Market
If you’ve been missing the hustle and bustle of summer’s farmers’ markets head into New Haven for Cityseed’s Winter Farmers Market, which recently opened at the Metropolitan Business Academy School, 115 Water St, open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (the exception is Sunday, Feb. 12).
Offerings include winter root veggies such as potatoes, onions, and carrots; jams, jellies, and pickles; fresh herbs, micro mixes, goat cheeses, meats, seafood, dairy products, bacon, eggs, artisan baked goods, and more. Special guests on hand throughout the season, as well as the Caseus Food Trick.
For more information, go to facebook.com/cityseed. Park in the Community and Ikea lots.
Friday, Jan. 19
2018 National Geography Bee
The 2018 National Geography Bee takes place at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at Willoughby Wallace Library, 146 Thimble Island Road, hosted by the Connecticut Experiential Learning Center Middle School.
Students in the fourth through eighth grades in thousands of schools across the United States and in the five U.S. territories, as well as in Department of Defense Dependents Schools around the world take part in the event.
The champion of the local Bee will advance to the next level of competition, a qualifying test to determine state competitors. All school champions are then eligible to participate in the 2018 National Geographic Bee, held in Washington, D.C., for a chance to win college scholarships and the glory of being the National Geographic Bee Champion.
The public is invited. For more information, call Melinda Alcosser, 203 – 433-4658 or email [email protected] or visit www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee or www.CTExperiential.org.
Saturday, Jan. 20
Interactive Open House
An open house takes place Saturday, Jan. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. at CELC Middle School, 28 School St., in conjunction with Bushy Hill Nature Center.
Learn about CELC Middle School, offering academically rich real-world learning, personalized approach for students in fifth through eighth grades. Bushy Hill Nature Center staff will discuss summer programming and homeschool options offered throughout the year. Meet teachers and students, stay for the art, music, and science activities, and refreshments. Openings are available for 2018 – 19.
To RSVP, email [email protected] or call 203.433.4658 or visit www.CTExperiential.org.
Women’s Marches
Marches will be held in Hartford and New York. Buses to New York planned by Connecticut Shoreline Indivisible are probably full, so check local train schedules.
The gathering point in Hartford is 210 Capitol Ave. with the march running from 1 to 3 p.m. There will speakers, tables from activist organizations and voter registration. Buses leave from the First Congregational Church in Guilford at 8 a.m.
In New York City, the main entrance point will be between at 72nd and Central Park West. The rally (starting at 11:30 a.m.) will be at Central Park West & 61st/62nd St. The full block in front of the stage (61st to 62nd on Central Park West) will be reserved for those with disabilities. The march (starting around 12:30 p.m.) will go past Columbus Circle, East on 59th St., and South on 6th Ave. with exits at 45th/44th/43rd Streets. There will be many after march activities (indoors) to choose from.
For information about the accommodations, sister marches, post march events, and more details, see the link: https://womensmarchalliance.org/2018-womens-march-on-nyc/2018wm-faq/
Winter Paint Nights
The Branford Art Center, 1229 Main St., holds winter paint nights on Saturdays, Jan. 20, and Feb. 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The cost is $40, which includes materials and a glass of wine. There are also meditative art classes on Fridays, Feb. 2, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.; the cost is $25 per class.
For more information, call Yvonne Gordon-Moser at 860 – 334-4642 or 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.
Tuesday, Jan. 23
Casablanca: 75th Anniversary
Willoughby Wallace Library, 146 Thimble Islands Road, will air Casablanca, starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23. The showing celebrates the 75th anniversary of the film.
Casablanca is the story of Rick Blaine, a cynical world-weary ex-patriate who runs a nightclub in Casablanca, Morocco during the early stages of World War II. Despite the pressure he constantly receives from the local authorities, Rick’s cafe has become a kind of haven for refugees seeking to obtain illicit letters that will help them escape to America. But when Ilsa, a former lover of Rick’s, and her husband, show up to his cafe one day, Rick faces a tough challenge which will bring up unforeseen complications, heartbreak and ultimately an excruciating decision to make.
Free and open to the public.
Saturday, Jan. 27
Animal Tracking Classes
The Branford Land Trust will sponsor Animal Tracing Classes from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays, Jan. 27 (snow date Jan. 28) and Feb. 24.
Learn to recognize animal footprints and other signs of their passage through the woods during these free classes led by Tom Cleveland and Chris Woerner at the Lake Saltonstall preserve.
Meet at the Regional Water Authority parking lot on the north side of Hosley Avenue, 0.3 miles from Brushy Plain Road. Expect moderate terrain, some sloping trails and 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. Watch BLT’s Facebook page for possible schedule changes. For details, call Tom Cleveland, 203 – 981-9040.
Sunday, Jan. 28
Open House at St. Mary School
St. Mary School, 62 Cedar St., will host an open house from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28. Participating will be Principal Sr. Annette D’Antonio, MPF, some of our teachers, staff, parents, and students. For more information, call 203 – 488-8386 or visit smsbranford.org.
Jeff Fuller at HOME
Musician Jeff Fuller performs at HOME Restaurant, 1114 Main St., from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28, with guitarist Tony Lombardozzi.
HOME has intimate (couch and tables) atmosphere and the terrific food (mac-and-cheese and other comforts). Seating is first come, first served.
Fuller will also perform in Guilford at Ayuthai, 2279 Boston Post Road, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sundays, Jan. 14 and 21.
For Fuller’s schedule, go to https://www.jefffuller.net/performances.
Tuesday, Jan. 30
Branford Land Trust Lecture
Patrick Lynch, illustrator, photographer, and author of “A Field Guide to Long Island Sound,” will speak on the “Natural History of Long Island Sound and its Coastlines” at the first Branford Land Trust lecture in its Winter/Spring series on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m., in the Totoket Room of the Canoe Brook Senior Center, 11 Cherry Hill Road.
Brimming with maps, photographs, and drawings created by the author, Lynch’s presentation introduces the full breadth of the Sound’s environs from shorelines to deepest waters, including the area’s geology and meteorology, its history of human intervention, and its best and most accessible parks, nature reserves, and bird sanctuaries. He will explain the diverse collection of unique marine, estuarine, and terrestrial ecosystems in one of the most densely populated regions of the United States. The Sound and its coastlines are home not only to myriad of plants and animals – from shorebirds to turtles, whales, seals, and fish – but also to more than 20 million people.
The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.branfordlandtrust.org or its Facebook page. Additional lectures are Feb. 27, March 27, and April 24.
Wednesday, Jan. 31
Books ‘n’ Brews
Each month, Books & Brews, sponsored by the Blackstone Library offers two titles to choose from, each with its own discussion group to take part in. Books discussed this month will be Oryx & Crake by Margaret Atwood or On Beauty by Zadie Smith. Meetings take place at the Thimble Island Brewery, 16 Business Park Drive.
New members are welcome. Feel free to bring snacks. Thimble Islands offers a selection of craft beers (must be 21+ to drink alcoholic beverages), wine, soda, and water. No purchase necessary to take part in the book club.
RSVP via meetup.com.
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