The crowd at Town Hall on Saturday night was entranced by tales of owls, filled with food and spirits and danced to classical music, all to support Sustainable Braintree and its third annual Green Gala.

"Sustainable Braintree is changing the face of Braintree," outgoing president Mary Mitchell said. She highlighted the farmers market, which will begin again this June, as one way in which concrete changes have been made in town.

"The same space (in front of Town Hall) is alive with vendors, neighbors meeting neighbors," Mitchell said. Her group's efforts have also included boosting recycling in Braintree, working on a community garden, distributing thousands of energy efficient lightbulbs and providing grants for local students and teachers.

"We're always looking for new talent," said incoming president Cheryl Edgar.

Mayor Joseph Sullivan said he was glad the town has been able to partner with Sustainable Braintree, and this year host the Green Gala. Three years ago, Sullivan joked, "They said Green Gala, I thought it was another St. Patrick's day party."