Portland, CT

The Brownstone Quorum will hold it's Annual Meeting at 7pm on Monday Jan 28 in the Mary Flood Room at Portland Library, 20 Freestone Ave, Portland, CT. The guest speaker will be Ray Purtell, Director of Parks and recreation in Glastonbury. Purtell has recently completed the creation of Glastonbury's multi purpose Riverfront Park on Welles Street. On a recent tour of Portland's Quarrylands/Riverfront property with members of the Quorum, Mr. Purtell was impressed. "It is a great property-so much history, terrific educational site", he said. "So beautiful. It'll be a wonderful park!" Purtell has a bachelors degree in Parks and Recreational Management from University of Massachusetts at Amherst. A brief business meeting with reports, election of officers and awards will precede Purtell's talk. Refreshments will follow. The public is invited to attend and participate.

Portland Night 2008 will be held Saturday, April 5, from 6:30-11:30 p.m. in the Prince Edward Ballroom at St. Clements Castle. Cost of the event is $125 per couple, which includes surf & turf sit down dinner, dessert and music provided this year by Awesome Audio. Tickets are on a first come, first serve basis. Deadline for reservations and payment, which is non-refundable, is March 21. Fore more information or reservations, call Lissa Ghent at 342-2372.

The Museum Of Portland History at the Callander House is readying it's exhibit of early PPortland farms. Much of the land in PPortland was once used for general farming and tobacco production. Today, only a few farms remain of the many that were once in town. The exhibit will begin with the Sunday, Feb. 3, museum opening and enlarge as artifacts and information become available. if you have any information about, picture of or articles relating to early PPortland, CT farms or any other farm related materials that you would be willing to loan us for this exhibit, contact Sue at 342-0433 or Phyllis at 342-0303. Original photographs or news items will be copied for the exhibit and returned promptly.

The Women's Fellowship of the First Congregational Church in Portland will celebrate chocolate once again as they host their 11th annual Mid-Winter Chocolate Fest on Sat., Feb. 2, from 1-4:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at the church, 554 Main Street, Portland, CT. All are invited to drop by. Visit the Chocolate Mousse Cafe, where one can choose from a variety of food, such as Lemon Truffle Pie or Turtle Cheesecake. The double truffle "Black Beast" will once again be on the menu, thanks to it's creator, Linda Rumsey of Sweet Memories Bake Shop. Diners will also be entertained with table magic performed by TB-The Master of Disaster (otherwise known as Tim Barksdale) and live piano music provided by church member Carolyn Soderberg. At the Valentine's Craft Booth, people can pick up gifts for their sweethearts or for themselves. Jewelry, picture and floral note cards, pressed flower candles and much more will be available to choose from. At the Candy Booth there is an assortment of items, including truffles, almond brickle, English toffee, fudge and lollipops in all shapes and sizes like Husky paws, roses, firetrucks and moose. The Baked Goods Booth will offer a variety of breads, muffins, bars, cookies and pies in both chocolate and non chocolate flavors. Also, the "Not Just For Kids" craft corner will give children and other crafters the opportunity to create a variety of fun valentine crafts. Make something to surprise a special friend or relative or just to keep for yourself. Snow date is Sunday Feb 3. Admission is free. For more information, call the church at 342-1111.

St. Mary's Church, located on Freestone Ave, Portland, CT, is hosting a life-sized Candyland game, Saturday, January 19. Meet all your favorite characters including Queen Frostine, Mr. mint and Grandma Nut as you wind your way through the lollipop forest and over treacherous glumpy swamp. Activities, treats and prizes for all participants. Parents can guide their children through the game or sit with a cup of coffee while confirmation stunts take the children through the board. Order tickets now by calling Deb at 342-0293 or Annmarie at 342-5735. You can also purchase them at St. Mary's after Masses Jan. 5, 6, 12 and 13. Cost is $5 per child and $10 per family. Select from three game times: 9-10 a.m., 10-11 a.m. or 11 a.m. - noon.