The South Danbury Christian Church continues its speaker series on two Friday evenings in November. On Friday, November 8, Kevin Gardner will speak on Traditions and Techniques of Building New England Stone Walls. In addition to being a stonewall builder, Gardner is a teacher, writer, actor, and author of the book The Granite Kiss (which he defines as “that instantly discouraging, and inevitable, experience in stone work when a fingertip or two fails to escape the contact point between two large stones on the occasion of their first meeting”). His presentation – always lively and satisfying – will include some of the history, techniques, and significance of this most recognizable feature of the Yankee landscape.

On Friday, November 22, Danbury’s own musical historian (or historical musician), Tom Curren, will present the program, New England History in Song, tracing 400 years of music, from the chants of Native peoples through European settlement, the pioneer days, and the founding of the new nation, through to the 20th century. “The Song of America sings from the pages of American history,” said Fred Waring, popular musician, bandleader, and radio-television personality, in 1954, “and it’s still true today,” notes Curren, a former headliner at the Tilton Inn and currently a member of the musical group, The Good Old Plough.

The Speaker Series events begin at 6:30 PM and are free to the public, with light refreshments (donations accepted) served at the end of the programs. The South Danbury Christian Church is located at 1411 Route 4 in South Danbury. For more information about the fall series, call 768-3191.