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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Music at Storrs Farmers Market Aug. 6

Some of what you will find at Storrs Farmers Market this week: Flowers, Onions, Plants and Globe Artichokes; Maple Syrup, Maple Vinegar, Bees Wax Candles, Honey Sticks, Hosmer Mountain Soda; Raw Milk, Grass-fed Beef, Nitrate-Free Pork and Eggs; Fresh Goats’ Milk Cheeses, Yogurt, Aged Cheeses and French Ripened Cheeses; Peaches, Apples, Nectarines, Plums, Tomatoes and Jam.

This Saturday, we’ve got “Music at the Market” with Song-A-Day Music Center! Since 2002, they have been offering music instruction and instrument repair for local residents. Enjoy a variety of tunes, including children’s songs, while you stock up on fresh, locally grown and produced food.

And don’t forget – vote for us, if you enjoy your Storrs Farmers Market. Check out American Farmland Trust’s “America’s Favorite Farmers Market” contest.

Search for us under 06268 or Storrs, and show your support!

Storrs Farmers Market is open rain or shine from 3 to 6 p.m. every Saturday, now through November. (You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Some of what you will find this week: Flowers, Onions, Plants and Globe Artichokes; Maple Syrup, Maple Vinegar, Bees Wax Candles, Honey Sticks, Hosmer Mountain Soda; Raw Milk, Grass-fed Beef, Nitrate-Free Pork and Eggs; Fresh Goats’ Milk Cheeses, Yogurt, Aged Cheeses and French Ripened Cheeses; Peaches, Apples, Blueberries, Corn, Nectarines, Plums, Tomatoes, and Jam; Unique Destiny Roasted Garlic Salsa Verde made with CT Grown produce; French Breads (including Peasant Boule, Rye and Sourdough); Croissants; and Assorted Pastries (Danishes, Fruit Tarts; Flourless Chocolate Cake, Pear Almond and Chocolate Tart; Fresh-picked, No-spray Blueberries; coffees – Organic Fair Trade SWP Peruvian Decaf, Guatemalan SHB Huehuetenango Limonar, Ethiopian Queen City Harrar, Espresso Blend; and Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans – and so much more!

Posted Aug. 6, 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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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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BBQ and more at the Willington Senior Center

On Aug. 13, the Willington Senior Center will host a FREE barbecue from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by Country/Western Dancing from 8 to 10 p.m.

On Aug. 13, the Willington Senior Center will host a FREE barbecue from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by Country/Western Dancing from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Senior Center, located at 60 Old Farms Road in Willington.

The Senior Center will provide and serve food for the barbecue; participants are asked to bring a side dish.

Music will be performed by Country Duo, a live country and western band.

This activity is open to all seniors in Willington.  Senior Center membership is not required; however it is necessary to notify the Senior Center if you plan to attend.  You can RSVP by calling Jean at the Willington Senior Center (860) 684-5368 during office hours.

And on Aug. 24, the Senior Center will host a van trip to Gillette Castle in East Haddam, CT.

After exploring the castle, the grounds and beautiful views of the Connecticut River, participants will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Gillette Castle, East Haddam, CT. Photo copyright 2011 HTNP.com

This is a first come, first served activity and limited by the size of the van to 13 people so call ASAP to reserve your place.

The van will leave from the Senior Center in the morning.  For more information, or to register for the program, call Laurel, program organizer, at (860) 684-5368.

Posted July 27, 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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CT State Police to host K-9 Olympics at UConn

A K-9 team emerges from the moat at the beginning of the obstacle course at the 2009 Connecticut Police K-9 Olympics. Photo © by Brenda Sullivan 2009.

The pub­lic is invited to attend the 20th annual Connecticut State Police K-9 Olympics on Saturday on the University of Connecticut in Storrs.

Police dog teams will test their knowledge, ability, strength and stamina in the areas of obedience, obstacles, simulated apprehension and handler protection.

Police, fire, corrections, emer­gency services and local busi­nesses will have displays at this free event.

In addition, the Connecticut Child Identification Program (CHIP) will be on hand offering ID packets for children.

The packets include fingerprints, photograph, videotape and dental bite impressions, at no cost.

Food, beverages and T-shirts will be available for purchase with all proceeds benefiting the CHIPS program, the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Hometown Foundation in support of the Special Olympics.

All proceeds from a raffle will also benefit these causes.

No pets are allowed at the event, which is scheduled at the UConn Depot Campus on Route 44 in Mansfield between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For more information, visit the UConn Police Department web site at www.police.uconn.edu.

Posted 7-22-2011

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