On May 20th, Riverton Grange No. 169 will 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 by the then director, Gail Pedersen, with 11 members and three octaves of bells donated by parishioners of the church.  The choir now has five octaves of bells and three octaves of chimes.

In addition to performing monthly in their church, they have played at 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 play such places as Mt. Holyoke, Roger Williams and Ithaca Colleges, and UMass and the University of Vermont to participate in the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers yearly conventions which attract upwwards of 900 ringers.  They have also participated in the yearly Farmington Valley Bell Festival since 1984 and the Spring Ring for the past two years where they have been one of the soloing choirs.

Keefe took over the duties of Organist and Music Director in 1989 and is currently the pianist for Riverton Grange as well as the Connecticut State Grange pianist.  The evening will begin at 6:30 with a delicious potluck supper, to be followed by a concert. Come and enjoy food, fun, and good conversation with some entertainment included.