Sherman Celebrates Local Farmers with “Sherman Grows Together” Event

On Sunday August 30th over 100 adults and many children were treated to a tour of several of Sherman's farms followed by a potluck supper at Babbling Brook Farm to celebrate all of Sherman’s farmers who produce a variety of food and other agricultural products. The “Sherman Grows Together” event was coordinated by a variety of volunteers, and all of the food and labor for the event was donated. Delightful music was provided during the celebration by Joe Vasaturo and the Midnight Blues Band. During the event Sherman First Selectman Andrea O'Connor read a proclamation recognizing the service and importance of each of the farmers in Sherman. Good food and company was enjoyed by all and importance of maintaining local farming and farmers was highlighted.

Conservation Commission members Pat Bailey, Ashleigh Blake, Bob and Ginny Gamper, Geoff Gwyther, Art Crane, Linda Yannone, and Colette Shulman all deserve kudos for their part in making the day a success. Robin Zitter and Mary Ann Vandeberg were the coordinators of activities at Babbling Brook with lots of help from Pete and Tom Lescynski and crew, Hunter Brawley, Dave Schneiderbeck, Pepper Evans, and many others. Farm related displays added interest - Nancy Wetherbee with her spinning wheel; Mel and Diana Bristol with organic products; Happy Rainbows with a wide range of options; Joel Judd and his collection of small tractors; the Sherman Historical Society with historical perspective on local farms; and New Milford decorative artist Gay Weathered. Naromi was especially pleased to welcome Ruth Parkins of Iroquois Gas Operating Company, whose funding through the Community Grants Program has facilitated the on-going restoration of Babbling Brook Farm.

Naromi Benefit Auction, Dinner & Dance, Saturday, October 17th, 2009

Naromi Land Trust will be holding a Benefit Dinner, Auction and Dance on Saturday, October 17th, from 5:30 to 10:30 PM at S & L Farm on Briggs Hill Road in Sherman. Hors d’oeuvres, mojitos/margaritas and martinis, champagne/beer and wine and a sumptuous barbeque dinner will be served in a spectacular fall setting, courtesy of Sam and Libby Edelman of Sherman. There will be both live and silent auctions of extraordinary experiences and outstanding objects. Live music will be provided by Future Tense-our area's most popular band.

For over 40 years, Naromi Land Trust has been dedicated to preserving Sherman's rural character, natural resources and wildlife habitats. It has been responsible for protecting approximately 1,700 acres land, most of which it has under ownership, management or conservation easement in perpetuity. Additionally, Naromi is committed to putting its land to best use, be that farming, recreation or simply protecting its scenic beauty.

The proceeds from this event will help Naromi maintain and improve its existing land holdings and conservation easements, acquire new parcels of land and easements, promote farming on its 275 acres of productive land and maintain and extend its 15 miles of hiking trails. Additionally, these proceeds will enable Naromi, in conjunction with other public and private organizations in Sherman, the region and State, as well as at the national level, to continue to develop comprehensive, long-term conservation strategies and programs and to preserve forever important, large parcels of land, like the recent acquisition of Towner Hill, an 81-acre ridgeline parcel high above Candlewood Lake.

Admission is $125 per person. Please contact the Naromi office for further details or if you would like to volunteer to help at the Event by phone at 860-354-0260 or by email at Naromi@sbcglobal.net. Please RSVP by October 4, 2009, as space will be limited.

The construction of a network of new trails has commenced on the recently acquired Towner Hill Preserve off of Route 37. The trail design was completed over the winter by Naromi staff and Board members, and clearing of the trails by a variety of volunteers and one Eagle Scout should be completed by this winter. A small parking area and trailhead will be constructed off of Route 37 once all the necessary permits are acquired, and a spur trail will also provided access to Towner Hill off of the Irene’s Woods Trail. For more information or to help with the trail clearing, please contact the Naromi office.

Glacial erratics at the Towner Hill Preserve