From a release provided by Lauren Agnelli:
Though the rain teemed like early April that day, the spirit of the winter holiday season reigned on Sunday December 13th in Chester with a packed house and merry spirits when Lauren Agnelli and Dave shared their finest songs of “Tidings of Comfort and Joy” – including several special, original holiday songs.
Besides being a merrymaking and music making opportunity for the community, the event was put together to collect donations of food and money for the Chester Food Pantry, which is very much in need at year’s end.
Joining performing songwriters Lauren Agnelli & Dave Rave were folk duo Ebin-Rose, songwriters Rodney Maxwell & Forrest Harlow, banjo player Leif Nilsson and classical symphony violinist Dana Takaki. Spirits were willing and many voices were raised during the holiday sing along segment – “Never before have I heard such tuneful and enthusiastic voices singing along!” Said bandleader Lauren Agnelli, who was ecstatic with the audience participation.
The specialness and festivity of the musical gathering was enhanced by the beautiful paintings in Leif Nilsson’s Spring Street Studio and Gallery in the heart of Chester, a charming space he shares with photographer/writer Caryn B. Davis. Refreshments were served and donations were accepted for the pantry as well as musicians.
Over a hundred pounds of non-perishable food items for the Chester Food pantry were collected, along with $86.00 cash. Hearty thanks go out to all who participated; for a small town and a gathering of forty-five listeners, this was impressive.
The singing listeners went away with full bellies and warm hearts that day – even in the December wind and rain.
Lights, Lights and more Lights… They’re everywhere this time of year. But how safe are they? And is anyone reading the fine print on the box?
On Friday, December 11th, Localonlinenews.tv asked the store manager at Moscarillo’s in West Hartford to help us understand the proper way to use stringed lighting.
Area businesses along with the Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services are hosting a fundraiser at 6:00 p.m. Monday, December 7th at the Otter Cove Restaurant (99 Essex Road Old Saybrook) to benefit 131 Essex children this holiday season. 85 children in Old Saybrook will also be assisted.
The event will feature music from the Russ Becker Trio. All proceeds will go directly to the Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services Foundation who will provide assistance to the families in need. Tickets are available for $50. Business sponsorships are available.
Tickets can be purchased at:
The Social Services Department in Old Saybrook (322 Main Street)
The Otter Cove Restaurant and Bar
Coldwell Banker in Essex
Realty 3 Mitchel Agency
Peonies
Contact Bill Foster at 860-767-2621 ext. 115 or email at bill@r3ma.com for more information.
From a release provided by Cary Hull:
All the Chester townspeople will be involved in the Annual Holiday Night Festival in the town of Chester, held this year on Friday, Dec. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Boy Scouts line the streets with luminaries, Saint Lucia Girls stroll around offering goodies to visitors, local singers lead the annual carol sing-along while the town’s Christmas tree is lighted and the Chester Rotarians help the children hang their decorations. The Chester Garden Club members decorate buildings and lampposts and the Chester Hose Company unveils the 2009 pewter ornament celebrating Chester, this year designed by Chester artist Sosse Baker.
Chester village is small enough to be ideal for walking, but it is big enough to offer a myriad of opportunities for browsing, shopping, wining, dining, and gallery exploring at the Holiday Night Festival. The stores, art and photography galleries, and restaurants throughout the village stay open all evening. Shopping opportunities run the gamut from unique infantwear to outrageous faux fur wraps, handmade watches and beads to wooden lamps, antique furnishings to wall reliefs, books to hats, calendars to tiles, and much much more.
Chester is well-known for its many different galleries, all of which will be open throughout the evening with exclusive holiday shows. In addition, this year more than 20 local artists and designers are setting up a Holiday Shopping Extravaganza with tables of their handmade gift items at the Chester Meeting House for the evening.
Free parking is available at the town’s parking lots at 20 Water Street and Maple Street, both a short walk to the center. Limited on-street parking is available as portions of Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic.
More information about the Holiday Night Festival is available at www.visit-chester.com and www.chesterct.org or by calling (860) 526-2077.
Links:
Chester Holiday Night Schedule of Events
We received the following upcoming Chester events from Cary Hull:
Sundays, November 22 to December 20, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
New this year! Chester plays host to a winter Holiday Farmers Market brimming with seasonal produce. Stroll the market, nibble on treats, and explore the shops of Chester making holiday shopping a joyous event. Chester has exceptional gifts, uncommon apparel, spectacular art and decadent foods. What you’ll find: Local farmers and food artisans, great eats and treats, Chester shops, restaurants and galleries with special offers, original & stylish gifts, market events like local authors’ book signings, holiday storytelling with Broadway stage veterans Peter Walker & Scotty Bloch, strolling carolers, cookie decorating and more. Get in the spirit, celebrate local with the Chester Holiday Farmers Market. For news inquiries contact: Michelle Paulson, mpsolutions@comcast.net
Chester Holiday Toy DriveIt’s not too soon to think about it! Trooper Adam Brown will be collecting toys from December 1 to December 18 for the 2009 holiday season. These toys will be distributed to families with needs in Chester and the surrounding communities.Please join Adam in his efforts to make all children happy at holiday time and drop off NEW unwrapped toys only, no clothing or used toys please. These new toys can be dropped off at the Town Hall during normal business hours at 203 Middlesex Avenue.
Small Town Concert Series
“Tidings of Comfort and Joy: Original Songs of the Season”Sunday, Dec. 13 4-6 p.m
A Musical Celebration by Lauren Agnelli, Dave Rave & Friends
Featuring Agnelli & Rave, Ebin-Rose, Leif Nilsson, and special guests
Leif Nilsson Spring Street Studio & Gallery
One Spring Street, Chester
http://www.nilssonstudio.com 860-526-2077
Admission: Donation, of nonperishable food for Chester Pantry. Donations accepted for the musicians. Refreshments served.
