Branford Happenings Aug. 22-28

OK, so maybe you don’t really need to wear that hoodie sweatshirt in the early hours of the morning but we can’t deny it’s getting cooler and fall is on her way.

Embrace some outdoor activities this week as we savor the last days of summer and learn how you can donate blood, drink some Awesome Lemonade, hear some live music and of course, give back to the community. And don’t forget, this week is also tax-free shopping (until Aug. 27) if you are in the market for back-to-school clothes.

Monday

; 6 p.m.; Free

Looking for some company on your bike ride? Call at 203-481-5511 to find out where this week’s mountain bike ride will be. You can also inquire about their as well.

Tuesday

; 11 a.m.  to 3:45 p.m.

If you’ve got time to spare and an extra pint of blood, stop by today to donate blood and help out the Red Cross. Walk-ins are welcome or schedule an appointment by calling 203-483-4580 or visit them online at www.stonycreekurgentcare.com

; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Free  

Come down to the Green tonight and enjoy dinner and family games thanks to the and East Shore District Health Department. The last event in this summer series, this family-friendly evening is an opportunity to bond with your own clan and the community. Healthy food and fun games cap off the evening!

Thursday

; 6:30 p.m.; Free

Don’t miss the last installment of the featuring the sounds of . This contemporary jazz-styled soprano saxophonist was raised primarily in Connecticut and studied music at Boston's Berklee College of Music. Head over to his website for a taste of his sound and if you attend the series, let us know how you enjoyed this last hoorah.

; 10:30 a.m. to noon; Free

The Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter is offering a free Family Caregiver Series for caregivers of people with any type of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.  This four part series will take place at Orchard House Adult Day Center, 421 Shore Drive, Branford.  There are two classes in the series left; today and September 8. This week the discussion will be: Family Dynamics, Keeping the Caregiver Healthy, and Community Resources.  The September 8 class will feature Legal and Financial Issues. To register for this free seminar series please contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 203-230-1777, ext. 14 (Hamden office) or maria.tomasetti@alz.org. 

Saturday

; 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Why drink lemonade when you can drink awesome lemonade? Lemonade for a Cure is an ongoing effort to try and raise money to find a cure for ALS. This lemonade will be sold by area youth at their Awesome Lemonade Stand at Indian Neck Fire Company 9. All of the money made during these stands will go to finding a cure for ALS. Check them out online to learn more.

Sunday

; 9 a.m.

is one of 29 satellite starting locations for the Dream Ride 2011 to support Special Olympics. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and riders department at 11 a.m. for a 40-mile scenic ride. The ride concludes with a party at The Farmington Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington. To ride visit www.dreamride.org or for more info call 203-250-5660.

Plan Ahead

Monday, Aug. 29

; Noon to close

Stop in for lunch or dinner and have Branford's finest serve you. Be sure to tip generously because all proceeds support Connecticut Special Olympics.