Tag Sales, Farmers Markets, Barbeques and more this weekend

Saturday, Aug. 20

WILLIMANTIC FARMERS MARKET
The Willimantic Farmers Market, located under the pavilion at the corner of Jackson and Main streets, is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon through October.

NRA BASIC PISTOL SAFETY COURSE FUNDRAISER
First Congregational Church of Coventry will host an NRA basic pistol safety course fundraiser at 8:30 a.m. $100 donation. All proceeds benefit the Raise the Roof (and paint the steeple) fund. A $25 deposit/ balance upon arrival at class. Info: (860) 202-2821 or e-mail dcaye4@gmail.com.

CAR WASH EVENT TO BENEFIT THE WINDHAM CHAMBER
Chamber of Commerce is holding a benefit car wash from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of 361 Boston Post Road, North Windham, across from WalMart. Cost is $12 per ticket, includes lunch. Register early online for early bird discount and pay only $8 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased at The Windham Chamber or online. We are also looking for sponsors to be recognized on the chamber’s sponsor banner at the event.

HEBRON FARMERS MARKET
The Hebron Farmers Market, located on the grounds of Church of Hope streets and the Red Barn at the intersection of routes 66 and 85 in Hebron, is held every Saturday through Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

CFC CHURCH TAG SALE
Christian Fellowship Church, Route 97, Scotland will hold a tag sale to benefit missions from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $3 admission.

LEBANON FARMERS MARKET
The Lebanon Farmers Market located on the Town Green, 579 Exeter Road, Lebanon, is held every Saturday through Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon

THRIFT SHOP AND KID’S BOUTIQUE
The Thrift Shop and Kid’s Boutique is open Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon at the First Congregational Church on 199 Valley St., Willimantic. New items every week. Donations of new or gently used clean adult (men’s and women’s) and children’s clothing and other children’s items accepted. Info: (860) 423-6827 or visit www.churchw.org.

TAG AND BAKE SALE
Chaplin Congregational Church, 43 Chaplin St., Chaplin, will be holding a tag and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info: (860) 455-9078 or to donate items (860) 465-9073.

HAMPTON TAG SALE
Hampton Community Center at “Little River Grange,” 178 Main St., Hampton, will hold a tag sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Benefits Moonlight Cat Rescue. Donation of sale items welcome. Contact Kate at (860) 889-2351.

SATURDAY BEREAVEMENT GROUP
Hospice of Eastern Connecticut, 34 Ledgebrook Drive, Mansfield, will hold its Saturday bereavement group from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Group is appropriate for those who are grieving a year or more. Group is open to the community. Info: (860) 456-7288, ext. 293.

SCOTLAND HUNTINGTON HOMESTEAD OPEN HOUSE
Tour guides lead visitors through the birthplace of Samuel Huntington, signer of the Declaration of Independence, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Gov. Samuel Huntington Trust opens the Homestead on the first and third Saturdays of each month through October and is located on Route 14 just west of the Scotland town center. Free admission, donations welcome. Info: (860) 423-1547.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL PARTY – NATCHAUG SCHOOL
A back-to-school party for all Natchaug School students will be held in the parking lot of Christian Life Church at 143 Windham Road, Willimantic. The event offers free haircuts, school supplies, backpacks, games and drawings for bicycles, gift cards and more. The church is hav­ing a cookout with hamburgers and hot dogs as well. The event starts at 11 a.m. All students and their families are invited to attend. The church is accepting pre-registration by calling (860) 423-4923 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

AMERICAN PATTERN GLASS EXHIBIT
Join collector Deb Jani for a reception and exhibit opening of Great Grandma’s Sugar Bowl: Early American Pattern Glass 1840-1915 at the Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House. Jani will be available from 1 to 4 p m. to discuss collecting these “affordable” objects, many of which were passed down as treasured heirlooms. The museum, owned by the town of Lebanon, is located at 780 Trumbull Highway (Route 87). Admission is free and the house is air conditioned. For information, call Alicia Wayland at (860) 642-7987.

TEA AND SCONES SERIES
The Windham Textile & History Museum, 411 Main St., Willimantic, will feature a monthly Tea and Scones program on the third Saturday of each month from 3 to 5 p.m. $15/person. Bev York will talk on the ori­gins and history of taking tea. For reservations, call (860) 456-2178.

ANNUAL CHICKEN BARBECUE
Eastford Independent Fire Co. No. 1, 6 Westford Road, Eastford will be holding a chicken barbecue from 4 to 6 p.m. Featuring drive through service. Eat-in or take-out. $10 for all dinners. Tickets John Paquin at (860) 974-0256 or Jeaninne Spink at (860) 974-1678.

SCOTLAND CONCERT
Local band The Blackburns will perform on the Scotland Town Green, located at the center of town at the intersection of Route 14 and Route 97, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets and a picnic supper during the concert.

Sunday, Aug. 21

LITTLE HEARTS TO BENEFIT FROM MOTORCYCLE RIDE
The Columbia chapter of the Harley Owners Group (Columbia HOG) sponsors a benefit ride each year in honor of a 10-year-old Col­umbia girl named Daena, who was born in 2001 with a congenital heart defect. Daena and her family are members of Little Hearts, a nonprofit that supports families affected by CHDs – the number-one birth defect and leading killer of infants and newborns. Registration is from 9 to 11 a.m. Event starts at TSI Columbia Harley-Davidson, 8 Commerce Drive, Columbia. Lunch begins at noon and event concludes at 1 p.m. at the Franco-American Club, Club Road, North Windham. Participants can register, donate online and purchase event T-shirts at www.dae­nasrun.com. The registration fee is $25 per rider, $15 per passenger. Participants can also donate money and/or purchase T-shirts at www.littlehearts.org. For more information on Columbia HOG, visit www.columbiahog.com.

ASHFORD FARMERS MARKET
The Ashford Farmers Market is held at Pompey Hollow Park, off Route 44 across from Ashford Town Hall. The market will run every Sunday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October. Info: Loretta at birdeye123@earthlink.net.

COVENTRY FARMERS MARKET
The Coventry Farmers Market is held at the Nathan Hale Homestead at 2299 South St. The market will run every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October. Info: www.coventryfarmersmarket.com.

ANNUAL CHICKEN BARBECUE
The Columbia Lions Club will be hosting a chicken barbecue from noon to 3 p.m. at Recreation Park, Hennequin Road, Columbia. Adults are $9.50 ($10 at barbecue), seniors (62 and over) $8.50 ($9 at barbe­cue), Children under 12 $6.50 ($7 at barbecue). For tickets, call any Columbia Lions Club member.

STEAK BARBECUE, CAR CRUISE AND OPEN HOUSE
The Moriah Lodge No. 15, 220 Providence Road, Brooklyn, will host a day of events which include an open house, car cruise and steak barbecue from 1 to 6 p.m. Cost is $14/person. Trophy awarded for best car.

‘IMAGERY AND WRITTEN WORD’
The Windham Regional Arts Council presents ‘Imagery and Written Word’ at Windham Community Memorial Hospital Corridor Gallery, Mansfield Avenue, Willimantic, through Aug. 31. Images, photos or graphics com­bined with words to create a visual statement.

Posted 8-18-2011

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Enjoy a Concert at the Lake, Butterfly Walk, farmers markets and more this weekend

Photo by Al Malpa

Saturday, Aug. 13

WILLIMANTIC FARMERS MARKET
The Willimantic Farmers Market located under the pavilion at the corner of Jackson and Main streets is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon through October.

HEBRON FARMERS MARKET
The Hebron Farmers Market, located on the grounds of Church of Hope and the Red Barn at the intersection of routes 66 and 85 in Hebron, is held every Saturday through Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m.

BACK TO SCHOOL TAG SALE
Immaculata Retreat House, 289 Windham Road (Route 32), Willimantic, will be holding a back-to-school tag sale from 9 a. m. to 2 p. m. Back to school items: computer desks, chairs, dorm size refrigera­tors, frames, bric-a-brac etc. Info: ( 860) 423-8484.

THRIFT SHOP AND KID’S BOUTIQUE
The Thrift Shop and Kid’s Boutique is open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon at the First Congregational Church on 199 Valley St., Willimantic. New items every week. Donations of new or gently used clean adult (men’s and women’s) and children’s clothing and other children’s items gratefully accepted. Info: (860) 423- 6827 or visit www.churchw.org.

LEBANON FARMERS’ MARKET
The Lebanon Farmers Market located on the town green, 579 Exeter Road, Lebanon, is held every Saturday through Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon.

PREPARED CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASSES
Windham Community Memorial Hospital offers an all-day “mara­thon” childbirth education class from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the hospital’s education center. Cost is $65 for families delivering their babies at WCMH and $75 for families delivering elsewhere. Info: (860) 456-6894.

BARBECUE AND COUNTRY WESTERN DANCE
The Willington Senior Center, 60 Old Farms Road, Willington, will host a free barbecue from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by country/western dancing from 8 to 10 p.m. The center will provide food for the barbecue. Participants are asked to bring a side dish. A live band, “Country Duo,” will provide the music. All seniors are welcome. Info: (860) 429-8321.

CONCERT AT THE LAKE
Sun Rise Park will perform with special guest Brett Giglio at Patriots Park, Coventry at 7 p.m. Admission is one or more non-perishable, dried or canned food items per person. All donated proceeds will be distrib­uted to the Coventry Food Bank and to the Covenant Soup Kitchen.

MUSICAL ‘BARNUM’
EastConn’s Capitol Theater Arts Academy will present the circus-­themed musical, “Barnum,” at 2 and 7 p.m., at EastConn’s Capitol Theater, 896 Main St., Willimantic. Tickets $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children under 12. To order tickets, call EastConn’s Capitol Theater Box Office (860) 465-5636.

STEEPLE CHASE BIKE TOUR FUNDRAISER
Perception Programs Inc. and the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry (WAIM) will host the 20th annual Steeple Chase Bike Tour, an annual fundraiser that benefits both organizations. The Steeple Chase offers cyclists 20-, 35-, 50-, 62.5- and 100-mile routes that wind through 14 towns in scenic northeastern Connecticut. The tour is held rain or shine. Pre-registration $25 for individual riders and $75 for families or groups. Riders also raise additional sponsorship – $50 for individuals and $100 for families or groups. Day of registration is higher ($30 and $85). Riders are encouraged to pre-register by visiting www.perceptionpro­grams.org, www.active.com or calling Ruth Gordon (860) 450-7122.

Sunday, Aug. 14

ASHFORD FARMERS MARKET
The Ashford Farmers Market is held at Pompey Hollow Park, off Route 44 across from Ashford Town Hall. The market will run every Sunday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October. Info: Loretta at birdeye123@earthlink.net.

COVENTRY FARMERS MARKET
The Coventry Farmers Market is held at the Nathan Hale Homestead at 2299 South St. The market will run every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October. Info: www.coventryfarmersmarket.com.

BUTTERFLY OUTING – COLUMBIA
A slow-pace butterfly walk at Szegda Farm will take place at the main entrance at 165 Szegda Road, Columbia. A 90-minute, slow-paced walk will explore trails on rolling terrain at 11 a.m. No dogs. Beginners and all ages welcome. Participants will be helped to identify butterflies and their host plants in field and forest. Info: Call Joan Hill (860) 228-2849 or jhill003@charter.net.
Posted 8-11-2011

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Ackert: Coventry Farmers Market is a barn finalist

State Rep. Tim Ackert, R-Coventry, announced earlier this week that the Coventry Regional Farmers Market is a finalist, along with Michigan and New Jersey farmers’ markets, in the Great Barn Giveaway.

The winner of the contest, spon­sored by W. H. Silverstein Inc., Farmers Market Coalition and America’s Farmland Trust, will receive an $80,000 open-air, post and beam market barn.

“This is a magnificent oppor­tunity for our town and region,” said Ackert. “The farmers’ market is such an important part of the economy and community and the possibility of adding this barn, at no cost to the taxpayers, is very exciting.”

Joining Ackert at a press confer­ence announcing the status was Eric Trott, director of planning and development in Coventry, and Winter Caplanson, executive director of the Coventry Regional Farmers Market.

Caplanson said she is excited the new barn will allow the market to offer things it currently does not have capacity for.

” We have an opportunity to take this incredibly popular and well-attended farmers’ market and ratchet it up to the next level,” said Caplanson. “In our barn we envi­sion being able to offer things that we’re currently not able to offer at the farmers’ market.”

Caplanson said a safe and weather tight barn would allow for things such as art demonstrations and music.

Trott said the farmers market is an economic development engine that guarantees thousands of visi­tors every weekend and offers a true taste of what Coventry is and what the community offers.

Additionally, the CRFM serves as a significant destination that can be a starting point for other destination elsewhere in Eastern Connecticut. “The farmers’ mar­ket directly supports small cottage industry, home-based businesses and agri-business in town and the region,” Trott said. “It creates a unique attraction that provides for a country fair atmosphere that is second to none.”

Ackert encouraged people in town and throughout Connecticut to continue to vote for Coventry.

Voting ends Monday, Aug. 15.

To cast a vote or for additional information, visit www.greatbarn­giveaway.com.

Posted 8-10-2011

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Coventry's Hale Homestead to celebrate 'Spirit of '45 Day'

The Nathan Hale Homestead will celebrate the end of World War II Sunday (Aug. 14) with a tribute to current soldiers serving overseas.

As part of the tribute, it will be a collection site for items to send to overseas military personnel.

The event is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Street location.

It is part of the Hale Homestead celebrating “Spirit of ’45 Day,” a day to commemorate the end of World War II.

In addition, the Homestead will offer free admission to veterans of all wars and their families from Sunday through Labor Day.

It is serving as a collection site for items to send to soldiers cur­rently serving overseas and will provide writing materials for visi­tors who wish to write a letter to soldiers.

Connecticut has a long history of providing for soldiers, accord­ing to a release from the homestead.

During the American Revolution, the people of Connecticut gath­ered many goods such as food, clothing and ammunition to sup­ply the troops earning the nick­name “The Provision State.”

Items to be collected for current service persons serving abroad include hard candy, cookies, sun­screen, DVDs, cards and paper­back books.

Last year, Congress unanimous­ly voted in support of National Spirit of ’45 Day, to be observed on the second Sunday in every August, coinciding with Aug. 14, 1945, the day President Truman announced that World War II was over and America assumed the leadership for rebuilding the post­war world.

The idea of a national day to honor the “ordinary heroes” of the WWII generation originated with Edith Shain, the nurse in the famous photograph taken in Times Square on the day the war ended. She died last year at 92.

The Nathan Hale Homestead is located at 2299 South St. in Coventry.

The Homestead is open for reg­ular tours from Memorial Day Weekend through Oct. 30.

Hours are:

• June – August: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday – noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• September – October: Friday, Saturday – noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The homestead is also open on Monday holidays – Memorial Day, Labor Day, July 4th and Columbus Day.

Admission is $7 for adults; $6 for students, teachers and seniors; $4 for children age 6-18; children under 6 and Connecticut Landmarks members are free.

Families – 2 adults with chil­dren – are $15 and groups of 10 or more are $5 per person.

For school groups and special curriculum- based programming, call Bev York, site administra­tor, at (860) 742-6917 or e-mail hale@ctlandmarks.org.

Posted 8-10-2011

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This Weekend – Music in the Park, Slow-Paced Walk, Indoor Sale & More

Saturday Aug. 6

WILLIMANTIC FARMERS’ MARKET
The Willimantic Farmers’ Market located under the pavilion at the corner of Jackson and Main streets is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon through October.

HEBRON FARMERS MARKET
The Hebron Farmers Market, located on the grounds of Church of Hope and the Red Barn at the intersection of routes 66 and 85 in Hebron, is held every Saturday through Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

INDOOR SALE – WILLIMANTIC
The McSweeney Regional Senior Center, 47 Crescent St., Willimantic, will host an indoor sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sale to feature books, yarn, tag sale items and a bake sale. Info: (860) 423-4524 or www.mcswee­neyseniorcenter.org.

LEBANON FARMERS’ MARKET
The Lebanon Farmers Market located on the town green, 579 Exeter Road, Lebanon, is held every Saturday through Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon.

HUNTINGTON HOMESTEAD OPEN HOUSE
Tour guides will lead visitors through the birthplace of Samuel Huntington, signer of the Declaration of Independence from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Gov. Samuel Huntington Trust opens the homestead on the first and third Saturdays of each month through October. It is located on Route 14 just west of the Scotland town center. Free admission, dona­tions welcome. Info: (860) 423-1547.

AFTERNOON TEA
Janet Carlson Calvert Library will host an afternoon tea at the Dr. Ashbel Woodward Museum, 387 Route 32, Franklin from noon to 2 p.m. Info: (860) 642-6207.

SACRED GROUNDS COFFEE HOUSE
Visitors are invited to come out for a night of fellowship, snacks and entertainment. Free. Coffee house event to feature “Rusty Implements” from 7 to 9 p.m. to feature an outdoor concert, South Windham Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, South Windham. Bring chair or blanket. Info: (860) 423-8375 or (860) 230-7147.

PROGRESSIVE GARDEN PARTY
The Willimantic Victorian Neighborhood Association is seeking res­ervations for its annual Progressive Garden Party at 6 p.m. Aug. 14 in the gardens of two historic Victorian homes beginning at 266 Walnut St. and ending at 237 Walnut St., Willimantic. Reservations are $30/person by Saturday, Aug. 6. Info: (860) 456-3088.

Sunday Aug. 7

CANTERBURY VFW BREAKFAST
Canterbury VFW, Route 169, North Canterbury Road, Canterbury, will host a breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Cost is $5.50 with children 5­years-old and under free.

ASHFORD FARMERS MARKET
The Ashford Farmers Market is held at Pompey Hollow Park, off Route 44 across from the Town Hall. The market will run every Sunday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October. Info: Loretta at birdeye123@earth­link.net.

COVENTRY FARMERS MARKET
The Coventry Farmers Market is held at the Nathan Hale Homestead at 2299 South St. The market will run every Sunday from 11 a. m. to 2 p. m. through October. Info: www.coventryfarmersmarket.com.

SLOW- PACED WALK – COLUMBIA
A slow- pace walk at Szegda Farm will take place at the main entrance at 165 Szegda Road, Columbia. A 90- minute, slow- paced walk will explore trails on rolling terrain at 11 a. m. No dogs. Beginners and all ages welcome. Participants will be helped to identify butterflies and their host plants in field and forest. Rain date: Aug. 14. Info: Call Joan Hill (860) 228- 2849 or jhill003@charter.net.

STENCILING PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
The Prudence Crandall Museum, routes 14 and 169, Canterbury, will host a stenciling program for children of all ages from 1 to 3 p.m. Supplies provided. Info: (860) 546-7800 or www.cultureandtourism.org.

MUSIC IN THE PARK
Alex Caisse Park, Willimantic, is the site of ‘Music in the Park’ at 2 p. m. Event to feature “Little Big Band.” Free concert. Info: Windham recreation department at (860) 465- 3046.

LACTATION/ BREASTFEEDING CLASS OR CONSULTATION
Windham Community Memorial Hospital offers a breastfeeding class at 4 p. m. Cost is $10. Info: Pamela Yerkes, certified lactation con­sultant, at (860) 456- 6973.

DEREK WALDRON TO PERFORM RECITAL
Derek Waldron, organist/ pianist at First Congregational Church of Lebanon, will perform a recital at 6 p. m. at the church (588 Exeter Road, Lebanon) with a reception to follow. There will be a variety of classical, light classical, show music and some of Waldron’s own compositions. Info: (860) 642- 6179.

Posted 8-5-2011

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Deadline extended for 2011 Festival on the Green art submissions

Viewing the art exhibit at the 2010 Festival on the Green in Storrs-Mansfield, CT. The 2011 Festival on the Green will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25 outside of E.O. Smith High School on Route 195/Storrs Road.Original photo used for graphic courtesy of Janine Callahan via MDP.

The Mansfield Downtown Partnership has extended the deadline for local artists to submit work for consideration for the Juried Art Show 8th Annual Festival on the Green. Entries will now be received until Friday, Aug. 19, 2011.

The Juried Art Show is an annual attraction at the Festival, which celebrates the best of Mansfield with food, music, arts, and hands-on activities. You do not have to be a Mansfield resident to submit artwork.

This year, the event will be from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25, in the front parking lots of E.O. Smith High School on Route 195/Storrs Road.

If it rains, the Festival will be held inside the school.

A Call to Artists and Prospectus is available for local artists interested in submitting works for consideration. You may contact the Mansfield Downtown Partnership office at 860-429-2740 to request these items or to ask any questions you may have about this wonderful community event.

Area artists wishing to exhibit may submit up to four (4) pieces of creative works of original art for review.

These pieces may be 2- or 3-dimensional however, because space is limited, they must be no more than 36 inches by 48 inches (the maximum single measurement for sculptures must be 48 inches). This measurement includes the frame.

A selection committee will determine which pieces will be shown.

Of the shown pieces, a jury will award the following prizes: Best in Show ($250), 1st ($125), 2nd ($100), and 3rd ($75) during the Festival on the Green. There is a non-refundable $10 entry fee. Again, the new submission deadline is Friday, Aug. 19, 2011.

Participation in the Festival’s Juried Art Show is a unique opportunity for local artists to showcase their work and to join in the celebration of Mansfield.

Our community will have the opportunity to enjoy fine art created by neighbors and friends and to become more aware of the quality of artists in our region.

For more information about the Mansfield Downtown Partnership, visit the Web site at www.mansfieldct.org/mdp

Posted Aug. 2, 2011

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Coventry Farmers Market nets Yankee Magazine honor

The widely popular Coventry Farmers Market was recently ranked in the top five best farmers markets in New England by Yankee Magazine.

The market features vendors selling hand­made and baked goods, generating sales that exceed $350,000 each year and attracting approximately 65,000 visitors annually.

It is held June through October on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nathan Hale Homestead on 2299 South St., Coventry, CT

Roberta Wilmot, chairman of the farmers market operating committee, said the commit­tee was very excited about the honor.

The market is now in its eighth season.

“We’re thrilled,” Wilmot said. “It’s quite an honor for the market.”

Markets were evaluated by Christine Chitnis, a travel writer at Yankee Magazine who writes for local and national publications, often on farming and sustainability.

Chitnis had chosen 65 farmers markets to feature in her book, “Markets of New Eng­land.”

From these, she chose her five favorites based on the following criteria for Yankee magazine: atmosphere, selection of goods and purveyors and what sets the market apart from others.

Coventry Town Manager John Elsesser said the recognition celebrates the hard work of volunteers who organize the summer event. “It solidifies their stature,” Elsesser said.

This is not the first honor for the market.

The market was honored as “Best of the Best” among Connecticut farmers markets by Boston Magazine in May and was recog­nized as “Connecticut’s Preeminent Farmer’s Market” by New England Travel Magazine.

The market is also one of three finalists in the “Great Barn Giveaway,” a contest spon­sored by the Farmers Market Coalition, Yankee Barn Homes and the American Farmland Trust. Through this contest, a 24-foot-by-6­-foot “open-air” barn is being awarded, Wilmot said.

If the committee receives the barn, valued at $80,000, it will be used to host demonstra­tions, such as cooking demonstrations.

Voting for the contest begins Aug. 1 on the Yankee Barn Homes’ web site at www.yankeebarnhomes.com “We’re very excited,” Wilmot said.

Elsesser said the farmers market continues to be busy every weekend and, when he attends, he sees a lot of cars in the parking lot.

The recognition by Yankee magazine will help the committee “sustain” the level of suc­cess the market has had, Elsesser said.

Wilmot said the committee has been pleased with the attendance at the market so far this summer.

She said she felt people are embracing the trend of buying local food, the ” thrust” of the market when it opened eight years ago. “It’s local, it’s fresh,” Wilmot said.

Upcoming events include the ” Beet-Nic Bash” this Sunday and “Dog Days” on Aug. 7.

During the “Beet-Nic Bash,” demonstrations will be held involving beets, Wilmot said.

Per the approval of the town council, the market became its own entity, independent from the town, in May.

It is now a 501(C) non-profit institution. This label enables the market committee to apply for grants that could cover its insurance costs. In the past, the town has provided the market with insurance, limited property maintenance and bookkeeping.

Under the new agreement, however, the committee – not the town – will be respon­sible for its financial and insurance matters.

For more information visit www.coventry­farmersmarket.com.

Posted 7-28-2011

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Enjoy a summer concert, Chicken BBQ or family movies this weekend

Saturday, July 30

WILLIMANTIC FARMERS’ MARKET
The Willimantic Farmers’ Market located under the pavilion at the corner of Jackson and Main streets is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon through October.

HEBRON FARMERS MARKET
The Hebron Farmers Market, located on the grounds of Church of Hope and the Red Barn at the intersection of Routes 66 and 85 in Hebron, is held every Saturday through Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m.

HIKE TO BLACK SPRUCE POND
A 3.75-mile walk will take place to parts of the Natchaug Trail, the Blue/Yellow Trail and the Airline Trail from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants may want to bring bottled water, insect repellant, binoculars and a hat. Pre-registration is requested but not required. Information/ registra­tion: call (860) 455-9534 or e-mail juan.sanchezjr@ct.gov.Hike starts at the Goodwin Forest Conservation Education Center off of Route 6 at 23 Potter Road, Hampton.

LEBANON FARMERS’ MARKET
The Lebanon Farmers Market located on the town green, 579 Exeter Road, Lebanon, is held every Saturday through Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon.

FAMILY MOVIE EVENT
The Scotland Public Library, 21 Brook Road, Scotland, will have a family movie at noon. The library will show a G-rated movie and pro­vide popcorn and beverages. Info: (860) 423-1492.

MOVIE – ‘DIARY OF A WIMPY KID’
Willington Public Library, 7 Ruby Road, Willington, will host “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules” in the Community Room at 12:30 p.m. This movie is rated PG. All ages are welcome and bring your own snacks. Info: (860) 429-3854.

FUNDRAISER AND FOOD DRIVE
Sneaker’s Café, 55 Nott Highway (Route 74), Ashford, is hosting a fundraiser and food drive for the Ashford Food Pantry from 1 to 6 p.m. Cost is $25/door or $20 with the donation of five canned goods. Kids under 13 are free.

OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN BBQ
The First Congregational Church of Coventry, 1171 Main St., Coventry will host a chicken barbecue from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the social hall. Fundraiser for church’s “Raise the Roof Campaign.” Cost is $9 for seniors and $10 for adults.

ELTON JOHN AND TIM RICE’S ‘AIDA’
The Windham Theatre Guild presents Elton John and Tim Rice’s, “Aida” at the Burton Leavitt Theatre, 779 Main St., Willimantic, at 8 p.m. Adults, $19; Students/seniors, $16; $11 for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased on line at windhamtheatreguild.org or by call­ing (860) 423-2245. Tickets will also be available at the door.

SUMMER CONCERT/DANCE SERIES
Columbia’s recreation department will host a summer concert/dance series with a DJ playing hits from the 1970s to today from 8 to 11 p.m. at Columbia Town Hall, 323 Route 87, Columbia. Cost is $8/person. Info: (860) 228-8513.

Sunday, July 31

ANTIQUE BOTTLE AND STONEWARE SHOW
The Museum of Connecticut Glass field (site of the Coventry Glass Works) at the corner of Route 44 and North River Road, Coventry, will host an antique bottle and stoneware show from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (early buying at 8 a. m.). Info: Jim Megura at (203) 775- 8460 or Bruce Mitchell at (203) 799-2570. E-mail: LFranz465@Hotmail.com.

WCMA ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
Willimantic Camp Meeting Association will host its annual business meeting at 9:30 a.m. Coffee and fellowship hour will start at 8:30 a.m. in the John Pearce Chapel. All our welcome.

ASHFORD FARMERS MARKET
The Ashford Farmers Market is held at Pompey Hollow Park, off Route 44 across from the Town Hall. The market will run every Sunday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October. Info: Loretta at birdeye123@earth­link.net.

COVENTRY FARMERS MARKET
The Coventry Farmers Market is held at the Nathan Hale Homestead at 2299 South St., Coventry. The market will run every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October. Info: www.coventryfarmersmarket.com.

‘PACK & GO’ COMMENTARY – LEBANON
The exhibit, “Beads to Baskets: Art and Artifacts of 19th-Century Eastern Native Americans,” at the Jonathan Trumbull Jr. House will close at 1 p.m. with an unusual “pack and go” commentary by collectors Charles and Barbara Adams. They will tell the stories about each artifact as it is removed from the exhibit case for packing. The museum, owned by the Town of Lebanon, is located at 780 Trumbull Highway ( Route 87), Lebanon. Free. Info: (860) 642-7987.

SUNDAY TANGO
Sunday tango is slated at the old Kramer school gym, corner of High and Prospect streets, Willimantic from 3 to 6 p.m. Info: (860) 922-1420.

Posted 7-28-2011

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Last Green Valley has new tourism brochure

The Last Green Valley recently unveiled its latest edition of its comprehensive Visitors Guide to south central Massachusetts and northeastern Connecticut.

The 112-page, full-color, glossy brochure has information such as area accommodations, campgrounds, museums, restaurants, shops, farms and outdoor activi­ties.

In addition, it has segments from past Last Green Valley publica­tions including the “Wild Guide and Notables and Notorious,” major seasonal events, bike routes, hiking, paddling and more.

“This brochure is our premier tourism publication,” said Last Green Valley Executive Director Charlene Cutler.

“It showcases more than 200 tourism-related businesses and provides visitors and residents with one source of information about The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor. Plus, all the information found in the new Visitors Guide can also be found on our website,”  she said

The visitors guide is attractive, easy to navigate and the perfect size to keep in a vehicle or purse.

To receive a copy, visit one of the many visitor rack locations found throughout the 35 towns of The Last Green Valley, in addition to town halls and libraries.

A complete listing of visitor rack locations can be found on www.TheLastGreenValley.org, by call­ing (860) 774-3300 or by e-mail­ing Mail@tlgv.org.

Posted 7-28-2011

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This weekend – Farmers Markets, Theater, Food

Saturday July 23

CHURCH BREAKFAST
First Church of Christ, Routes 89 and 195, Mansfield Center will host a blueberry breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. Breakfast includes hot blueberry French toast with blueberry sauce, sausage, bacon, home fries and blue­berry muffins. In addition, local blueberries, blueberry jams and sauces, muffins, and pies will be available for purchase. Info: (860) 423-9008. Tickets $10/children under 12, $5.

‘YOUNG PEOPLE’S DAY’ AT HEBRON FARMERS’ MARKET
Hebron Farmers Market is hosting a Young People’s Day. This is an opportunity for (five) young entrepreneurs to sell during regular market hours, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children age 10-16 are welcome to set up a booth to sell their hand made products or home grown produce. A par­ent (or guardian) must be present with their children during the market. Apply as soon as possible on the comments/questions page at www.hebronfarmersmarket.com. Include the child’s name, age, product and phone number.

VFW TAG SALE
Canterbury VFW will hold a tag sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 21 North Canterbury Road, Canterbury.

LEBANON FARMERS MARKET
The Lebanon Farmers Market located on the town green, 579 Exeter Road, Lebanon, is held every Saturday through Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon.

THE FANTASTIC WORLD OF FERNS
The Goodwin Forest Conservation Education Center will host session about ferns at its center located off Route 6 at 23 Potter Road, Hampton from 10 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration is requested but not required. For information or to register: (860) 455-9534 or juan.sanchezjr@ct.gov.

FAMILY BUILDING DAY
The Scotland Public Library will host a Family Building Day with KEVA Planks from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come to the library and create amazing structures with small wooden KEVA building planks. This pro­gram is open to children 5 and up and a parent or caregiver. The library is located at 21 Brook Road in Scotland. Info: (860) 423-1492.

INSECT INVESTIGATIONS
The Goodwin Forest Conservation Education Center will host “Insect Investigations” from 1 to 3 p.m. This is a chance to swing a net and catch some insects. For children ages 6 and up. The center is located off Route 6 at 23 Potter Road, Hampton. Pre-registration is requested but not required. Information/register: (860) 455-9534 or juan.sanchezjr@ct.gov.

PUPPET SHOW – STORRS
Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, University of Connecticut campus at 3:30 p.m. Thomas Getchell, excerpts from “The Proleptic Voice: A Visual Poem.” A marionette tour-de-force of vignettes reveal­ing themes of faith, hope and charity in the poetry of one of America’s greatest poets, Emily Dickinson, inspired by her metaphor of life as a circus. Admission is $3 for children, $5 for adults.

CHICKEN BARBECUE
The Gilead Congregational Church, Meeting House Road and Route 85, Hebron, will host its annual chicken barbecue from 5 to 7 p.m. Cost is $12 adults and $5 children. To order tickets or for more information, (860) 228-3328.

SACRED GROUNDS COFFEE HOUSE
Visitors are invited to come out for a night of fellowship, snacks and entertainment. Free. Coffee house event to feature “Sound Judgment” from 7 to 9 p.m. in an outdoor concert, South Windham Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, South Windham. Bring chair or blanket. Info: (860) 423-8375 or (860) 230-7147.

ELTON JOHN AND TIM RICE’S ‘AIDA’
The Windham Theatre Guild presents Elton John and Tim Rice’s “Aida” at the Burton Leavitt Theatre, 779 Main St., Willimantic, at 8 p.m. Adults are $19; students/seniors, $16; $11 children under 12. Can be purchased online at www.windhamtheatreguild.org or by calling (860) 423-2245. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Sunday July 24

SPECIAL SERVICE
First Congregational Church of Coventry will host a special service featuring Bruce John’s music at 9:30 a.m. at 1171 Main St., Coventry. Open to the public Info. (860) 742-8487.

ASHFORD FARMERS MARKET
The Ashford Farmers Market is held at Pompey Hollow Park off Route 44 across from Ashford Town Hall. The market will run every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October. Info: Loretta at bird­eye123@earthlink.net.

MUSICAL MUSTER AT THE NATHAN HALE HOMESTEAD
Connecticut Landmarks’ Nathan Hale Homestead hosts the 24th annual Musical Muster from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Nathan Hale Ancient Fifes & Drums Corps presents this free event, which includes perfor­mances by the Nathan Hale Ancient Fifes & Drums Corps, the Nutmeg Volunteer Junior Fife & Drum Corps, Westbrook Drum Corps, Colonial John Chester Fife & Drum Corps, Deep River Drum Corps, Sailing Masters of 1812, Windsor Fife & Drum Corps, Connecticut Valley Field Music, Marlborough Junior Ancient Fife & Drum Corps, Abel Joslyn Irregulars and the Marquis of Granby Junior Ancient Fife & Drum Corp. At noon, a parade will commence and the traditional music muster will take place from 1 to 5 p.m.

COVENTRY FARMERS MARKET
The Coventry Farmers Market is held at the Nathan Hale Homestead at 2299 South St. The market will run every Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October. Info: www.coventryfarmersmarket.com.

CHRISTIAN OUTREACH CHURCH FUNDRAISER
A church fundraiser will take place from 2 to 7 p.m., El Pilon Restaurant, 725 Main St., Willimantic. $10 plates include rice, beans and pork. Other items will be sold at additional prices. Kingdom Life Christian Outreach Church is sponsoring the Kingdom Connection Youth Center, a youth center geared towards empowering and building the youth of Willimantic. Call (860) 634-8320 for further information.

ELTON JOHN AND TIM RICE’S ‘AIDA’
The Windham Theatre Guild presents Elton John and Tim Rice’s “Aida” at the Burton Leavitt Theatre, 779 Main St., Willimantic, at 2 p.m. Adults are $19; students/seniors, $16; $11 children under 12. Can be purchased online at www.windhamtheatreguild.org or by calling (860) 423-2245. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Posted 7-22-2011

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