story & photo
by K.A.Breton

If it’s one thing Connecticut supports, it is its farmers. We have all seen the green and blue “Connecticut Grown” signs dotting the landscape, promoting Connecticut farmers and local farm grown products. One thing that farmers’ need in these hard economic times is support from their local communities.

In the State of Connecticut, it seems like everywhere you look, you can find one type of farm or another. Farming is not an easy occupation, as it takes a lot of hard work and just the right amount of heat and rain. They are more than willing to put in the hard work, but have no control over the weather. Last year, the extensive amount of rain produced a smaller crop than usual and a larger amount of fungus.

This year produced a better crop. “With all the heat this summer, everything is doing well and the corn crops are two weeks early,” said Betsy Molodich of Betsy’s Farm Stand in Sterling. Corn prices are the same as last year, and the sweet butter and sugar corn is plentiful.

Farmers love the earthy smell of the soil and harvesting a good crop as a result of their extensive labor. Many have their own stands to help sell their produce With the selling season being so quick, they look for other ways to sell their products in the market place, and look for new ideas to accomplish this.

All over the state, you can find local Farmers’ Markets, part of NECT Grown, and part of the Department of Agriculture, for the farmers to have an avenue to get the product out to the communities.

On Tuesdays from 4pm-6pm, farmers from Plainfield and the surrounding area gather on Route 12 in the Eagle Plaza to sell their produce. Most are picked the same day and it cannot get any fresher than that. You never know what types of fruits and vegetables you may find – it all depends on the week and which crops are ready to be picked.

Rob Freeman, owner, Edible Landscaping, Plainfield, was at the Farmers’ Market with fresh gooseberries and white currents, which is delicious in desserts. He also has a vast supply of root vegetables. “They grow early in the season, and others will grow in August,” said Rob.

It is time to take advantage of local-fresh grown produce.

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Beryl Fishbone, Director, Leffingwell House Museum, invites everyone to the “Great American Backyard Campout National Wildlife Federation” on June 26.

story & photo
by K.A. Breton

I remember what it was like growing up and going camping with my family. It was a simpler time. Today, in our busy 21st century lives, we are usually too busy to do the “old-fashioned” vacation.

On June 26, the Leffingwell House Museum is giving everyone a chance to get back-to-basics with the “Great American Backyard Campout National Wildlife Federation.” The event will be held at the museum, 348 Washington Street in Norwich. The museum is a specialized wildlife location.

Folks are asked to bring their own camping equipment, tents and sleeping bags, along with a food to share. A $20 per-tent donation will be shared with National Wildlife Federation, and if you are sleeping over a $5 donation to defray costs. Everything else will be provided by the museum.

Melodye Whatley, a member of the museum said, “This will be a chance to give back to our children what they don’t even know they have lost. Parents are encouraged to trade websites for a campsite and screen time for a green time.”

Ron Ward, another member said, “I am looking forward to the campout. It is very exciting and all about the kids. By us opening our doors to the Great American Backyard Campout, we are hoping the kids get excited and will develop a love for history, connecting with the museum and what is going on there. Kids being outdoors in a natural learning environment stimulate their imaginations, and they get to move around and be active – learning skills and playing with friends.” He continued on, “Many of the kids do not understand that a microwave or stove is not the only way to cook.” They will be cooking on an open fire for meals and roasting marshmallows.

Along with campfire cooking, there will also be a potluck dinner, a scavenger hunt, worm race, graces, croquet, bird blind building, insect identification, hula-hooping and music and dance from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Reservations are not required, but you are asked to register online at www.backyardcampout.org or call the Leffingwell House Museum and leave a message, 860.887.9000.

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