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June Events In Vernon

Each year the first two weekends of June are packed with local events. The first weekend of June is CT Trails Day with multiple events in most Connecticut towns sponsored by the Connecticut Forest & Park Association. The second weekend of June is CT Open House Day sponsored by the Connecticut Office of Tourism, also with multiple events in most towns. So many choices, so little time.

This newsletter, the third and last of our Spring monthly series, features the hikes and open houses in Vernon. We hope you'll join in and perhaps explore parts of Vernon that are new to you. Two other events are included - The Vernon Chorale's last concert of the season on June 2, and a program on Lyme Disease at the Tolland County Ag Center on June 16.

After mid June activities in town quiet down so you can enjoy picnics and trips to the beach.

Many 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 by email of this type of event please join our MeetUp Group. We also send reminders of these events on our Facebook Page. And you will find upcoming events listed on the VVC website under the 'Events' tab. Many of the links below take you to MeetUp pages.

Have a good Summer and we'll send another newsletter in September for Fall events.

Click on images for a larger view.

Jon Roe   


Freja Park to Bolton Lake Hike

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 8:30-11:30 A.M.: As part of CT Trails Day join the Bolton and Vernon Conservation Commissions for a hike through Freja Park in Bolton along the Hop River State Park Trail north via the Tulip Tree Trail to the Middle/Lower Bolton Lake dam in Vernon.

Learn about the diversity of trees along the way from nationally known arborist MATT "TWIG" LARGESS (crowned "Tree Preservationist of the Decade" by Yankee Magazine in 2006). Discussion will also include the history of Freja Park, the importance of connecting unfragmented open space within the Bolton Notch/Valley Falls watershed and the latest efforts to keep the Bolton Lakes watershed ecologically healthy.

This is a free 4 mile one-way hike. Meet at the Bolton Commuter Lot, Route 6/44/I-384 in Bolton. Car Pooling to Bolton Lake will be arranged prior to hike. Rain or shine. For information contact ROD PARLEE, (860) 306-7250 or captundra@aol.com.

» Learn more.


Hop River Bike Ride, Part 1

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 11 A.M.-1 P.M.: As part of CT Trails Day explore the beautiful Hop River Trail on your bike. Along the way a local trail contributor and historian will share special features of the trail. You will receive a map with detailed descriptions of each stop as well as others you may wish to further explore by coming back another day. The trail is on a modest incline of crushed stone.

At Bolton Notch, cyclists may join Part 2, the Bolton to Andover ride, or return to Vernon on their own. Hybrid bikes recommended. Helmets are mandatory. Hard rain postpones; rain date June 3.

The hike begins at the Pedal Power Bicycle Shop, 520 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon.Pre-registration is appreciated. For information contact DON BELLINGHAM, (860) 872-6061 or vernongreenways@att.net.

» Learn more.


The Vernon Chorale's 'A Choral Tapestry'

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 7:30 P.M.: The Vernon Chorale closes its 36th season with 'A Choral Tapestry.' Conducting Fellow, LIZ BOLOGNA leads the Chorale in its annual June concert. The audience will be entertained by soloists and small ensembles as well as the entire Chorale. 'Underneath the Stars' by Jim Clements, 'The Waking' and 'I Go Among Trees' by Giselle Wyers are a few of the pieces to be performed in a concert celebrating spring and the poetry of new life.

The concert will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, 523 Hartford Turnpike, in Vernon. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 students and seniors and are available at the door.

» Learn more.


Suspended Bridge Ribbon Cutting

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 10 A.M.: As part of CT Trails Day a ribbon cutting will be held at the Suspended Bridge over the Hockanum River - its formal opening. The event is sponsored by the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department, Connecticut Forest & Parks Association, and the Friends of the Hockanum River Linear Park. The new bridge links the Vernon and Ellington Hockanum River Trails.

Speakers are expected to include Vernon Mayor DAN CHAMPAGNE, Ellington First Selectman LORI SPIELMAN and Town Engineer DAVE SMITH who designed and oversaw the bridge construction.

An educational walk led by GEORGE ARTHUR will also be available. Park at the Water Treatment Plant Facility, 100 Windsorville Road in Vernon.

For information contact ANN LETENDRE at (860) 875-4623.


Risley Park Hike

SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 1-3 P.M.: As part of CT Trails Day the Manchester Land Conservation Trust will lead a hike at Risley Park; their largest parcel of protected land spanning 155 acres in Vernon and Bolton. The property includes a former orchard, farmland, pond, and meadow.

This will be a strenuous 3.7 mile hike to a ridge with scenic views along the way, with rough and steep terrain, and some wet spots. Depending on the weather, the hike may be shortened to avoid some wet areas, but it will still be strenuous. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes.

This challenging hike starts in the parking lot just north of Risley Pond on Lake Street in Vernon. Park at the lot on the north side of the pond (reservoir) across from Amy Drive. Additional parking is available along Amy Drive. The hike is free. RSVP not necessary. No dogs, please. Extreme weather cancels.

The hike will be led by SUSAN BARLOW. For Questions contact Susan at (860) 643-9776 or sbarlow627@aol.com.

» Learn more.


CT Open House Day At Strong Family Farm

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 10 A.M.-4 P.M.: The Strong Family Farm is an historic agricultural education center where children, individuals, families and community groups can experience an authentic family farm environment.

For CT Open House Day we’ll be:
• Having tours of the 100-year-old barn (occurs every hour on the hour)
• Giving away free seeds while supplies last
• Holding a very special sale on our dahlia tubers
• Introducing you to the feathered instructors from our Backyard Chicken Program
• Helping kids make a recycled seedpod planted with sunflower seeds
• Offering products for sale from local farmers and makers

In addition Strong Farm will be hosting the Vernon Historical Society, Vernon Garden Club and sharing information about the Grange and organizations that comprise the Vernon Volunteers' Collaborative.

The Vernon Historical Society will have a display of antique farm tools, while the Vernon Garden Club will be present to answer any and all gardening questions people may have.

The farm is located at 274 West Street in Vernon.

» Learn more.


CT Open House Day at NECWM

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 9 & 10, 12-3 P.M.: The New England Civil War Museum is the only museum in Connecticut devoted to the fighting men of the War of the Rebellion.

The museum and its library work to convey the lessons of the American Civil War. They perpetuate the memory of the Civil War and of those who helped save the Union through the preservation and display of relics of that war. The museum also has an educational outreach program focusing on historical education of youth and promoting lifelong learning among adults.

Housed in an original Grand Army of the Republic hall the museum contains numerous one-of-a-kind artifacts from the Civil War, with an emphasis on Connecticut's contributions. The library and research center contain hundreds of books and periodicals for research and study and is located at Town Hall, 14 Park Place in Rockville.

Located at 14 Park Place in Rockville they are open both days this weekend from 12-3 p.m.

» Learn more.


CT Open House Day At Valley Falls

SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 10 A.M.-2 P.M.: The picturesque Valley Falls Farm is a 7-acre property owned by the Friends of Valley Falls. The property includes an historic 1850’s farmhouse and 6 farm outbuildings. The Friends will offer free tours of the Farm between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

At 10 p.m. enjoy a Family Nature Walk led by our own JANE SEYMOUR, Wildlife Technician, CT Dept of Energy and Environmental Protection (meet at the pavilion in the Park).

There will be hourly tours of Valley Falls Farm and the Red Barn throughout the day (meet at the Red Barn). The Vernon Garden Club maintains an historical herb garden at the farm as one of its projects and will talk about this garden as well as their other activities.

The farm is located at 345 Valley Falls Road. Parking is available at Valley Falls Park Parking lot, or limited parking at the Red Barn.

» Learn more.


Lyme Disease Program

SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 9 A.M.: A program titled Chronic Lyme Disease: Restoring Balance In The Body will be held at the Tolland County Agricultural Center form 9 a.m.-1 p.m. It will address holistic treatments of tick borne disease, new and emerging tick-borne illnesses and resources for people with chronic Lyme disease.

The speakers are:
DR.KATE ZACHAU, Osteopathic Physician, who will discuss treatment of symptoms and co-infections that can persist even after Lyme Disease & other tick-borne illnesses have been treated.
PROF. SANDRA BUSHMICH, Veterinarian & Associate Dean, UConn will discuss new and emerging tick-borne illness, their symptoms and treatment.
JASMINE WOLF, retired Massage Therapist and teacher will demonstrate methods for accessing our own inner wisdom to help us through difficult situations.

Attendance is free but online pre-registration is required. For Registration and Additional information: HolisticLymeConference@gmail.com or call Jasmine at: 860-742-5253 - mention Lyme Conference in your message.

TCAC is located at 24 Hyde Avenue in Vernon.

» Learn more.


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