Connecticut Rose Ball benefits Cystic Fibrosis
On Saturday, Nov. 2 the Connecticut Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will host the Connecticut Rose Ball to raise funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis, a progressive, genetic, multi-organ disease that affects approximately 350 people in Connecticut. The event will take place on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Hartford Marriott Downtown, 200 Columbus Blvd. The evening will pay tribute to our 2024 honorees: Corporate Titan Holly McCarthy, Paul Drury Legacy Award recipients Granby residents Deb and Tim Lenihan, and CF Star Samantha Marino.
The Connecticut Rose Ball is a black-tie optional gala that has raised over $2 million since its inception. The night consists of a sumptuous dinner, open bar, lively auctions, dancing and the music of the Savage Brothers Band. Please join us in paying tribute to our honorees. To attend, visit events.cff.org/CTRoseBall or call the Connecticut Chapter at 860-632-7300.
“Good Trouble” at the Fern Street Play Festival
Known in the neighborhood as the church on Fern Street, the historic Universalist Church of West Hartford has a history of using theatre to build connections across its own progressive congregation and with the local community. To widen the circle of this tradition, the church has invited voices from far and wide for its second juried contest. Enjoy an evening of expertly directed readings that will entertain and provoke “good trouble.”
The Fern Street Play Festival will take place on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1 and 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of the Universalist Church, 433 Fern St., West Hartford. Suggested admission donation of $20 will go to winning playwrights. Free lot and on-street parking. For more information, contact FernStreetPlayFestival@gmail.com
Christmas Craft Fair
The 41st Annual Christmas Cottage Craft Fair will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely Street in Avon. The event will run Thursday and Friday, Nov. 7 and 8, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Come for a full showcase of beautiful crafts and fine art for sale by 30 juried local artisans. Free admission. Cash or check accepted, no credit or debit cards.
FV Chorale presents concert
Farmington Valley Chorale, under the leadership of Ellen Gilson Voth, presents Pedal Points on Sunday, Nov. 24, 4 p.m. at St. James’s Episcopal Church, 1018 Farmington Avenue in West Hartford.
Haydn’s Great Organ Mass with guest organist Nathaniel Gumbs will be the centerpiece. Guest vocal soloists are Soprano Mary Hubbell, mezzo soprano Meredith Ziegler, tenor Connor Vigeant and bass-baritone Greg Rizzo-Flower. Members of the youth and adult choirs from St. James’s Episcopal Church will also join the chorale.
Ticket prices are $25 for adults and free for students. For more information, visit chorale’s website at farmingtonvalleychorale.org
This concert is made possible by a grant from the Marjorie Jolidon Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
Four chambers host expo
Join the Bradley Regional Chamber with co-host East Windsor, Windsor and Bloomfield chambers (TVCA Chambers) at this table-top event on Thursday, Nov. 14, 5 to 8 p.m. This will take place at Almost Famous Brewing Company, 17 Kripes Rd, East Granby. The chambers have teamed up for an amazing evening of networking, snacks and raffle prizes. Entry to this event is free with a business card. Both members and non-members can sponsor a table for a small fee. Contact Jennifer Affe Jones, Jen@farmingtonvalleyplumbing.com
The History of Myrtle Mills Factory Store
On Saturday, Nov. 3, from 1–2:30 p.m. lifelong resident and community leader Tim LeBouthillier will take attendees through the fascinating history of Myrtle Mills Factory Store from its early beginnings and wartime contributions through its post-war retail innovations and eventual closure in the mid-1970s. The lecture takes place in the Elton Tavern Ballroom, Burlington Historical Society, 781 George Washington Turnpike, Burlington, and is sponsored by the Farmington Valley Historic Network.
Through archival photos, advertisements and anecdotes, the presentation will bring to life the story of a knitting mill that helped shape Unionville’s history and left an indelible mark on the American retail landscape. Audience members will also be invited to share their memories.
Light refreshments will be served. The ballroom is not wheelchair accessible. Fee is $5 payable at the door. For more information, contact Patty Hurlock at pattyhurlock@comcast.net or 860-670-3269.
Artificial Intelligence and the future of medicine
Dr. Mike Magee will take you through the forerunners to artificial intelligence in American medicine. Magee will discuss current uses of A.I. as well as look at where we may be five years in the future. He will present five case studies, giving students the chance to weigh in on the ethics of this fast-advancing medical world. The course will be held Wednesdays, Nov. 6, 13 and 20, 2–3:30 p.m. at the University of Hartford.
Sponsored by Presidents’ College Lifelong Learning at the University of Hartford, details on this and other great mini-courses and lectures are at hartford.edu/pc
Email pcollege@hartford.edu with questions or to be added to the mailing list.