What's coming up at Massaro Community Farm in Woodbridge.

There is a lot going on at the Massaro Community Farm.  41 Ford Road, Woodbridge, Connecticut.

 

The following is shared here unedited a s a public service:

 

Fall Session of Kids Dig Farms: Get your child unplugged and outdoors through this hands-on farm program. Kids will learn fall farming basics , the role of food preservation, make a harvest pizza, prepare for seasonal transformation, plant garlic and more. Snacks included. $110/Woodbridge residents; $120/non-residents. Runs every Monday from 9/21-11/16, 3:30-5:30pm. REGISTER HERE.

Exploring Climate Change Adaptation Strategies through CT Agriculture: This workshop, taking place this Wednesday, September 23 from 5:00-7:00pm, will offer attendees a chance to explore and share strategies to help farms cope with the challenges of climate change associated with drought, heat stress, excessive moisture, longer growing seasons, unpredictable weather, and changes in pest pressure.  Participants will also learn about State and Federal programs that can help them adapt, including conservation programs, risk management tools, and crop insurance products. Current examples and techniques from the Massaro Farm will be discussed. REGISTER HERE.  Bring a potluck dish or snack to share for a social time with beginning and experienced organic farmers.

The Basics of Essential Oils:  Join class leader Kristin Gholson this coming Saturday, September 26 at 10:00am as she leads us through the basics of using essential oils at home. Attendees will receive a basic overview of essential oils and how they can be used for home health care, clearning & gardening. Attendees will also receive a product buying guide and get to assemble & take home a jar of detox bath salts! There will be some essential oils door prizes; bring a friend for an extra chance to win! $10/pp at the door includes class & all materials. REGISTER HERE.

Family Fun Day, Saturday October 3 1:00-5:00pm (rain date October 4): Visit the farm for our annual fall extravaganza! At this family-friendly event you can ride a hay wagon, get your face painted, paint a pumpkin, plant some garlic, play corn hole, play tug of war or try your hand (or leg) at sack races, and much much more! This year we are also very happy to host the Woodbridge Rotary who will be registering kids for Amber Alerts. Parents will greatly appreciate this FREE service of having vital information on hand in case of an emergency. This year's event is part of Woodbridge Day, a town-wide celebration including a road race, car show, and scarecrow celebration. $10/family. Food available for purchase. Those interested in volunteering their time & talents in leading a game or craft should contact Caty Poole at (203) 736-8618 or via email at caty@massarofarm.org. 

Massaro Community Farm to hold event on Rock to Rock ride

Massaro Farm in the Fall

Massaro Community Farm will hold an open house event about the annual Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride at the Woodbridge Town Library from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 28, according to a release.

Thw event will serve as an advance registration for those who wish to join Team Massaro in this year’s ’quest for the gold’ and ride with the team in the 7th annual Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride in New Haven, the release said.

The ride will be held April 25 this year. It runs from West Rock to East Rock.

Atop East Rock

 

"The farm will also be inviting community members to get involved at the farm this year, and to drop off their CSA subscription forms for the coming season," the release said.

"Last April, on a cold and rainy day, a dozen or so riders braved the elements and rode with Team Massaro, helping them raise more than $10,000 towards the purchase of a much-needed new tractor for the farm," the release said. (The number of riders is an estimate, the release noted)

The view from East Rock

The Angel of Peace atop East Rock

"In only its second year participating in this event, which raises funds for area environmental organizations, Team Massaro eked out first prize in fundraising by a slim margin on the morning of the event. As a result, the team won several prizes, including a cruise for the team aboard the classic schooner, Quinnipiack, which sails from Long Wharf Pier. But most importantly, we achieved our fundraising goal and purchased that new tractor," the release said.

Stop by the Woodbridge Town Library for the event to learn how to register and learn what it would mean to be the "phantom rider."

Information also will be available "about individual and group volunteering at the farm, and accepting CSA subscription forms for the 2015 season."

Editor's note: All information and the photo in this post were contributed. Click one of the buttons below to share it.

Congregation B’nai Jacob Judaica Shop highlights holiday and community

WOODBRIDGE - The Judaica Shop at Congregation B’nai Jacob is showcasing unique items among its collection menorahs, dreidels and other symbols of Chanukah that reflect the sense of community spirit in recovering from Hurricane Sandy as well as the spirit of the Jewish holiday, according to  a statement.

"The Community Menorah by Ivan McLean, depicts energetic figures as candleholders, twisting and turning, bounding with joy while still joined to each other," the statement said. 

"This metal menorah beautifully expresses how when people come together, as they have in response to recent events like Hurricane Sandy, they bring light. The menorah’s simple, good-natured design celebrates the warm feelings of every Chanukah celebration and makes a striking conversation piece all year-round."

The Judaica Shop at Congregation B’nai Jacob, at 75 Rimmon Road, is a non-profit service of the synagogue, the statement said. 

The Shop is open to the community by appointment (call 203.389.2111) or during its regular hours: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Tuesday, noon-2 p,m,; Wednesday, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m.; Thursday noon to 2 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to noon.

The first candle lighting for Chanukah is Saturday night, Dec. 8.

Editor's note: All information and the photo in this post were contributed.