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Ten Events In 10 Days In May!Over the next two weeks in Vernon there are five hikes, two special sales and three programs taking place. That's a lot of activity in a short time, so rather than send information piecemeal on Facebook or by email its compiled here to review and help you make plans. Most of the organizations sponsoring these events are members of the Vernon Volunteers' Collaborative. You can learn more about VVC on their website. If you would like advanced notice of this type of event by email please join our MeetUp Group. You will also find upcoming events listed on the VVC website under the 'Events' tab. Most of the links below take you to MeetUp pages. Hope the weather clears for our outdoor events. Plan to take in a few activities and see some of what we have to offer that Makes Vernon Special. And don't miss this month one of the most overlooked gardens in Vernon - The Wings Butterfly Garden on Lake Street. With many azaleas and rhododendrons it is particularly lovely in May. See website for more photos and background. Click on each image for a larger view. Jon Roe
Garden Club's Annual Plant SaleSATURDAY, MAY 7, 8 A.M.: The Vernon Garden Club holds their annual Plant Sale in the Sacred Heart Church parking lot from 8-10:30 a.m. A great place and good prices to buy seasonal plants from the experts who know what grows well in Vernon. The Sacred Heart Church Parking Lot is located on Route 30. In the event of pouring rain the sale will be held on May 14. Each VGC member brings 10 or more perky, potted, and clearly labeled garden plants. For members its a fun day to see what we’ve grown and share the bounty with our Community.
VHS Book SaleSATURDAY, MAY 7, 10-3 & SUNDAY, MAY 8, 12-3: This weekend is the second and last weekend of the Vernon Historical Society's annual book sale and fundraiser. There are still many bargains remaining. The annual Book Sale features a wide selection of used hardcover and paperback books, DVDs, VCR tapes and books on CD. All of the hardcover and paperback fiction is alphabetized by the author's last name. "Special Books" priced between $2-$5. Non-fiction books are separated by subject categories. The Vernon Historical Society building, located at 734 Hartford Turnpike (Route 30) in Vernon, is now handicapped accessible.
International Migratory Bird Day WalkSATURDAY, MAY 7, 8 A.M.: Join JANE SEYMOUR at the Belding Wildlife Management Center for a 2-hour free walk highlighting migratory bird habitat information. In 2016 International Migratory Bird Day highlights the importance of international efforts to conserve birds through agreements, laws, treaties, and collaborations. This year also marks the Centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty, a landmark agreement between the U.S., Canada and Mexico to protect our shared migratory birds. For information contact Jane at (860) 306-5418 or jane.seymour@ct.gov.
VGV Annual Meeting & ProgramWEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 7 P.M.: The outdoor season kicks off each year when the Vernon Greenways Volunteers hold their annual program. After DON BELLINGHAM’S opening session to introduce who we are and what we plan to do in 2016, JERRY KINSMAN will update us on his Vernon Blueways program. Then featured speakers ANN LETENDRE & JON ROE will present ‘Meetinghouse Hill: A Piece of Our Past is Preserved for the Future’. See Meetinghouse Hill website for details. The event will be held at the Teen Center, 375 Hartford Turnpike (Route 30) in Vernon. The public is welcome, so come and join us. Refreshments will be served. Questions: DON BELLINGHAM: (860) 872-6061 or Vernongreenways@att.net.
The Birds Of Valley Falls ParkSATURDAY, MAY 14, 8 A.M.: Spring is bursting out all over in the Park! The birds are singing, the wildflowers are blooming, and the streams are flowing over rock and pebble. The Friends of Valley Falls are sponsoring a weekend series of guided walks in the park. Each walk will be a leisurely ramble, two hours or less. In this first walk wildlife biologist DENISE ANAMANI will introduce you to the 'Birds In The Park.' Denise works in the Department of Allied Health Science at UConn. Meet at the Valley Falls Park gazebo, 314 Valley Falls Road in Vernon. For information, call Ginny at (860) 875-9865.
Canoe/Kayak Paddle of Upper Bolton LakeSATURDAY, MAY 14, 9 A.M.: The Northern Connecticut Land Trust sponsors this annual canoe and kayak exploration of Upper Bolton Lake, which in historical times was known for its cedar trees. Take a leisurely tour of this pristine lake setting, perfect for bird-watching, photo opportunities, or just a quiet morning enjoying the outdoors. Please bring your own boat, paddles, and life vests. Meet at the Upper Bolton Lake Boat Launch Area on Hatch Hill Road in Vernon. Call Karl at (860) 649-4949 for information.
History & Geology Walk In Valley Falls ParkSATURDAY, MAY 14, 1 p.m.: The Friends of Valley Falls are sponsoring a weekend series of guided walks in the park. Each walk will be a leisurely ramble, two hours or less. Join DON SIERAKOWSKI for a geology and history walk. He will discuss rock formations, the cotton mill, and the coming of the railroads to the area. Meet at the Valley Falls Park gazebo, 314 Valley Falls Road in Vernon. For information, call Ginny at (860) 875-9865.
The Wildflowers Of Valley Falls ParkSUNDAY, MAY 15, 10 a.m.: The Friends of Valley Falls are sponsoring a weekend series of guided walks in the park. Each walk will be a leisurely ramble, two hours or less. GINNY GINGRAS leads this third walk, 'Wildflowers of Valley Falls' which covers the May flowers in bloom. Ginny is a founder of the Vernon Garden Club and is President of the Friends of Valley Falls. Meet at the Valley Falls Park gazebo, 314 Valley Falls Road in Vernon. For information, call Ginny at (860) 875-9865.
Three Historic Barns Of VernonSUNDAY, MAY 15, 2 p.m.: Scattered throughout Vernon are historic barns, reminders of the time when this was a farming community. The Connecticut Trust For Historic Preservation’s website documents historic barns in Connecticut, including 40 in Vernon. At the Vernon Historical Society's May program three well known Vernon barns will be featured in an illustrated presentation that will include information about each barn’s history, purpose, architectural style, construction, restoration and preservation. NANCY STRONG will share stories about the iconic yellow barn on the Strong Family Farm on West Street. GINNY GINGRAS and BECKY PERSON from the Tolland County Agricultural Center will relate the Gunther Farm barn’s history which includes fire, windstorms, lightning strikes and a tragedy. Then ANN LETENDRE of the Friends of Valley Falls will discuss the unique stable and large red barn constructed by German immigrant Hans Munchow, probably based on designs from his homeland. Munchow transformed this traditional New England farm into a gentleman’s farm. The program is free and open to the public. VHS is located at 734 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon. For further information, please call the Society at 860-875-4326 or send an email to vernonhs@sbcglobal.net.
Invasive Plants In ConnecticutMONDAY, MAY 16, 7 p.m.: The Vernon Garden Club's May program is on invasive plants, which have become a major concern. This talk by diagnostician and horticulturist ROSE HISKES gives a broad, balanced overview of the invasive plant issue, then goes into the origins, identifying characteristics and life cycles of some species commonly encountered in Connecticut. Rose Hiskes works at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in Windsor. She has a bachelor's degree in agriculture from the University of Illinois and a master's degree in plant science from the University of Connecticut. She has worked in the green industry for over 20 years. Rose also works with the Vernon Greenways Volunteers each year supporting their Beetlemania inspection of the Rail Trail searching for invasive insects. The program will be held at the United Methodist Church, 142 Grove Street in Rockville. For details call (860) 872-4028. |
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