On May 18th, Riverton Grange will once again be visited by the Cherry Brook Chimes Bell Choir under the direction of Mary Lou Keefe. The choir originates from the First Congregational Church of Canton Center and was begun in 1982 by the then director Gail Petersen, with 11 members and three octaves of bells donated by parishioners of the church.

The choir now has 5 octaves of bells and three octaves of chimes. 

In addition to performing monthly at the church, the group has played at such venues as the Bushnell Memorial, the Hartford Civic Center, for the Winsted Boar’s Head Festival, marched in parades, played for local Granges, churches, rest homes, and traveled to such places as Mt. Holyoke, Roger Williams and Ithaca Colleges, and UMass and the University of Vermont to participate in the Area I American Guild of English Handbell Ringers  bi-annual conventions which typically attract upwards of 900 ringers.  

They have also participated in the yearly Farmington Valley Bell Festival since 1984 and the Connecticut-sponsored Spring Ring for two years. 

Keefe has been the Organist and Music Director at the church since 1989, is currently pianist for Riverton Grange as well as the Connecticut State Grange Pianist, and recently became the chair of the Riverton Grange Family Activities Committee.

The evening will begin with a typically delicious pot luck supper, to be followed by a concert. Each attendee is asked to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food bank.  Mark your calendars for an evening of good food, fun and conversation with entertainment included.

Riverton Grange Hall is located at 9 Riverton Road (Route 20), in Riverton.