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Welcome Spring!

Upcoming Early Spring Events

With the arrival of Spring our Vernon nonprofit organizations have a full schedule of activities. To help you plan your Spring this newsletter highlights nine events taking place locally through early May. Upcoming events include an interesting variety with music, a book sale, several walks, a holistic health fair, plus programs on the Civil War and medicinal herbs. A second newsletter next month will cover May and June.

Most of the organizations sponsoring these events are members of the Vernon Volunteers' Collaborative (VVC). You can learn more about VVC on their website. Check organizers' websites for any last minute changes.

This is just a sampling of what Vernon has to offer. We hope you'll take advantage of these activities to get to know our town a little better.

Click on images for a larger view.

» Go to The Tankerhoosen website.

Jon Roe   


Greater Vernon Holistic Healthfest

SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 10 A.M.-4 P.M.: The 12th Greater Vernon Holistic Healthfest returns to VCMS with booths, workshops and an on-site café. Vendors offer gems and minerals, Tibetan singing bowls, herbal products, soaps, teas, green products, healing sessions, gifts and much more.

This fair is unique for two reasons: the focus is on holistic practitioners and health, and it is a partnership between the holistic community and the Town of Vernon. Proceeds go to the Vernon Youth Services Bureau to support their programs and summer youth employment.

Vernon Volunteer's Collaborative organizations will have an information booth plus booths by Arts Center East, Friends of Valley Falls and the Vernon Historical Society who will have Vernon history books for sale.There will also be town displays by the Vernon Planning Department, and other local trail and outdoor groups.

Healthfest is held at the Vernon Center Middle School (VCMS), 777 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon. Cost is only $5 including all workshops. Visit their website for a listing of exhibitors and workshops.

» Learn more.


VHS: Hike Up Meetinghouse Hill

SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 10 A.M.: Join Vernon Historical Society members and friends for a hike to the top of Meetinghouse Hill led by DON SIERAKOWSKI. While not especially long, the hike is a steady, moderate ascent to the site of Vernon's first meetinghouse. From there we will have a gorgeous morning view across the fields and on to Hartford.

Wear study shoes or boots for walking in the fields. Ground condition updates will be posted on Facebook a few days prior. Snow or excessive mud date of April 5th.

The program is free and open to the public.

» Learn more.


NECWM: Following the 15th CVI From NC to VA

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 7 P.M.: The New England Civil War Museum (NECWM) hosts a program by HENRY ROPER. Follow the footsteps of the 15th CT from Wyse Forks, NC to Libby Prison in Richmond, VA.

Using the well-documented and recently uncovered Journal written by Capt. Theodore R. Davis of Company B in the 15th CT, this will be a unique, brand-new intimate look into the closing months of the war.

The program is free and will take place at the NECWM, 14 Park Place in Rockville.

On Thursday, May 1 the NECWM will hold a program on "The Boys of Tolland County, Company D, 14th CT Volunteer Infantry."

» Learn more.


The Vernon Chorale's Spring Concert 'Eternity'

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 7:30 P.M.: The Vernon Chorale revels in various vocal genres showcasing the ability of the human voice. What is eternity? Is it a beginning? An end? Or something else? Join us for an evening of music that will engage your curiosity and encourage us to ponder our relationship with the universe.

The Vernon Chorale was established in 1980 to offer residents of Vernon and the greater Tri-Town area an opportunity to participate in a community chorus that prepares and performs a wide variety of choral music.

This concert will be held at the United Congregational Church of Tolland, 45 Tolland Green Tolland, CT. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased online, at Arts Center East, or at the door.

The Vernon Chorale's last concert of the season, "A Vocal Tapestry" is Saturday, June 7 at St. John's Episcopal Church.

» Learn more.


Vernon Garden Club: Medicinal Herbs

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 7-8:30 P.M.: Join the Vernon Garden Club for a discussion of Medicinal Herbs led by VGC member RON ABRAMS.

Learn about the uses, side effects, and interactions of various herbs that people have used as medicine for thousands of years. Find out which herbs are safe and effective for different conditions, and how to use them correctly.

Guests are always welcome at meetings and children are encouraged to attend. Call (860) 926-4332 for details.

The program will be held at the First Congregational Church of Vernon, 695 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon.

» Learn more.


1908 Centennial at Central Park

Central & Talcott: A Tale of Two Parks

SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 10:30 A.M.: Central Park and Talcott Park, both established in the 19th century, still serve as treasured green spaces in the Rockville section of Vernon.

Join Museum Director JEAN LUDDY for a walking tour to hear about the origins of each park and how the community has used these open places in a densely populated area.

The tour will begin at the Vernon Town Hall, 14 Park Place. The tour of both parks should last about an hour.


Vernon Historical Society's Annual Book Sale

April 25-27 & May 3-4: The Vernon Historical Society's annual book sale runs for two weekends.

There are 15,000 books carefully sorted into categories for an easy, pleasant shopping experience. The annual Book Sale features a wide selection of used hardcover and paperback books, and DVDs.

All of the hardcover and paperback fiction is alphabetized by the author's last name. Non-fiction books are separated by subject categories.

The Vernon Historical Society building, located at 734 Hartford Turnpike (Route 30) in Vernon, is handicapped accessible. Admission is free.

» For hours and to learn more.


The Birds Of Valley Falls Park

SUNDAY, MAY 4, 7:30 A.M.: The Friends of Valley Falls are hosting DENISE ANAMANI, who will introduce you to the "Birds In The Park." The walk is a leisurely ramble, two hours or less.

Learn about the birds of Valley Falls led by biologist Denise, who works in the Department of Allied Health Science at UConn. Observe and identify the bluebirds and other native and some migrating species found in their various habitats at the park. Bring your bird apps and binoculars.

Free. Meet at the Valley Falls Park gazebo, 300 Valley Falls Road in Vernon.

On Saturday May 17 at 9:30 a.m. there will be a History Walk and on Saturday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m. there will be a Wildflower Walk.

» Learn more.


Civil War Day Kids' Camp & Muster

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 9:30 A.M. - 2 P.M.: Take a trip back in time. Children ages 8-13 will be transported back to the Civil War and learn about life and how to survive during the Civil War. This will include living conditions, communication, cooking, marching in formation and much more. A fun day for boys and girls.

Bring along a blanket to be made into a bed roll, a bag lunch and wear long pants and shoes (no sandals). Each participant will be supplied a canteen and a special tee shirt to keep.

Presented by members of the Alden Skinner Camp #45 of the Sons of Union Veterans in Rockville, 14th Connecticut Reenacting members, and volunteer help from the New England Civil War Museum. The camp will be held at the Strong Family Farm, 274 West Street, Vernon.

Cost: $25 and $15 for members. Limited to 40 students. If interested register soon.

» Learn more & register.


Coming Up In May

  • May 10 - Vernon Garden Club - Spring Plant Sale
  • May 10 - Bolton Land Trust "Spring Bird Walk"
  • May 13 - Vernon Greenways Volunteers Kickoff - "History of Vernon Railroads"
  • May 17 - Friends of Valley Falls "History Walk"
  • May 17 - TCAC Scantic Valley Tractor Show
  • May 18 - Friends of Valley Falls - "Spring Wildflower Walk"
  • May 18 - Strong Family Farm - 5k Chicken Run
  • May 18 - Vernon Historical Society - "CT's General Putnam"
  • May 25 - NE Civil War Museum - Alden Skinner Grave Rededication At Grove Hill
  • May 25 - Talcottville Memorial Day Parade
  • May 26 - Rockville Memorial Day Parade

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