Is Solar Right for You? Presented by WTF and Sustainable Westport 5.10.21

Wakeman Town Farm + Sustainable Westport Present

Solar Experts Will Take You Through The Process to Discover if Solar is a Good Choice for You

Have you been thinking about getting solar panels installed on your house? Our panel of green energy experts will take you through the process. Discover the different possibilities in solar. Should you lease or rent? What might your savings be each month? Learn about the Connecticut incentive program and more. Bring your questions for the Q&A following the lecture.

Moderator

Bill Constantino has been in the renewable and energy efficiency space for over 10 years He is currently the Director of Rhode Island C-Pace program and worked with the CT Green Bank from the start of their CT C-PACE program. He collaborates with contractors, project developers, building owners and capital providers in the development, underwriting and financing of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for commercial, industrial, nonprofit, multifamily and institutional building owners. He is also Co-Chair of Wakeman Town Farm.

Panelists

Ed Kranich is Manager, Incentive Programs, Connecticut Green Bank. Ed joined the Incentive Programs team in 2012 at the launch of the Residential Solar Investment Program and manages its operations, program design and data analytics. He joined the Green Bank in 2011 on its legacy Technology Innovation Programs. Ed holds a B.S. in Environmental and Resource Economics from the University of New Hampshire, a Certificate in Financing and Deploying Clean Energy from Yale University and a NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate credential.

John Rountree is the Owner and Principal of Rountree Architects, based in Westport, that specializes in Net Zero homes. From 2006 to 2014, he led a solar consulting company that designed solar systems for a variety of building types. In college, he became interested in how solar energy could be used to power buildings from the sun, with no carbon emissions. John's professional mission and passion is "design with the sun in mind.”

Susan B. Young is the Community Marketing Manager at PosiGen Solar and Energy Efficiency.  She is the proud parent of three sons, a turtle, and seven chickens (raised for organic eggs). She graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and a Master's in Counseling.  Before working at PosiGen, she was a Therapeutic Social Worker at the Family and Children Agency and an Intensive In-Home Child and Adolescence Psychiatric Service (IICAPS) clinician at Boys and Girls Village.  Susan developed a strong appreciation for renewable energy when she became a customer of PosiGen.  This experience gave her a deep admiration for solar power and energy efficiency.  She has a passion for increasing solar and energy efficiency throughout Connecticut. 

Live at the Farm - The Wonderful World of Honeybees - 5.8.21

The World of Bees + Why They're Essential 

Bees are behind a third of all the food we eat, including fruits, vegetables, chocolate, nuts, and coffee. Join us on the Farm on May 8 at noon to learn more about beekeeping and the microcosm that is the hive. We’ll follow a bee’s life’s journey from when she first emerges from her cell to her final flight. We will check out the Farm's hives and see the bees in action. Bee expert Shelby Shulman will answer your questions about the awe-inspiring world of honeybees. Children/families are welcome!

Bio

Shelby Schulman is an agriculture and food enthusiast from Westport, Connecticut. She studied Environmental Science and Anthropology at the University of North Carolina (go Tar Heels!). Her introduction to bees came about when she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guinea, West Africa. She transitioned her small village of 600 away from traditional towards a more modern, sustainable and safe beekeeping practice. Shelby has worked with Alvéole since 2019 - from opening their first US city, to overseeing northeast operations in New York City and now, managing all the Alvéole operations in the United States.

visiting + Volunteer Hours at the Farm

Spring is upon us…and we’re gearing up to welcome back our Farm friends. We are excited to announce visiting hours at the Farm starting soon, plus our hours for Garden Volunteers and for Meet the Farmer hours. Please join us for a walk around the gardens and grounds. Say hi (but please don’t feed or touch) our animals. All Covid rules are in effect. Kindly respect that some classes/programs may be in session. And kindly take any trash with you. Thank you.

Saturday Open Visiting Hours - All Ages Welcome! Starting April 3

Sat. 9-1 p.m. Kindly sign our Sign in sheet at the front gate when you arrive. This is for Covid contact tracing and will not be shared. Thank you!

Weekday Afternoon Volunteer Hours - Ages 13 + up. Starting April 2
Join us on the Farm for a hands-on volunteering stint in our organic gardens. Dress for a mess and learn a few gardening tips and tricks that will give you a greener thumb in no time while helping  Wakeman’s gardens thrive. Great after-school volunteer opportunity for high school students! Please check in with Farmer Ryan or a Garden Supervisor when you arrive.

Wed 2:15-4:30

Fri 2:15-4:30

Saturday Volunteer Hours + “Ask the Farmer” Hours - Ages 13 + up. Starting April 10

Sat. 8-11 a.m.

Get your hands dirty by doing some planting and maintenance, as Farmer Ryan digs into his Saturday morning Garden Chores. Spend an hour or so planting seasonal produce alongside Farmer Ryan, or simply stop by and ask questions about your home garden. Please check in with Farmer Ryan or a Garden Supervisor when you arrive.

WTF Fundraiser - Great mother’s day gift!

We are excited to announce our partnership with Homefront for our spring fundraiser!

See this beautiful garden in your own back yard and help to support @wakemantownfarm at the same time! A big thank you to @homefront_farmers for helping us to #payitfwrd - starting April 3rd buy a @homefront_farmers gift card from payitfwrd.co and 100% of the proceeds goes directly to @wakemantownfarm

Starting April 3rd, Homefront will be donating all the proceeds from gift card sales (purchased through payitfwrd.co directly to Wakeman Town Farm! Learn about farming and sustainable living, then bring it home to your family!

Out with the Bad: In with the Natives —A Pollinator Series Talk 4.19.21

ZOOM PANEL: OUT WITH THE BAD, IN WITH THE NATIVES!

Lose the plant ‘losers’ and add the winners – your garden and the earth will thank you – sign up for this Pollinator Pathway talk!

Learn which plants don’t belong – and get ideas for excellent natives to put in their place, to provide beauty and habitat for the pollinators we depend on. This zoom panel will provide an overview of which plants can cause environmental problems and which ones to plant instead. 

Another in the WTF Pollinator Series of talks.  

“If you grow it, they will come!”

Hear what the pros have to say about what you should be planting now. 

UConn advanced master gardener Alice Ely will be joined by plant whisperers Harry Spear of Native and Joe Gloria of Gilberties, with discussion, suggestions, and opportunities for Q&A.

Register below.

Summer Programs - Enrollment Via Parks +Rec underway!

This summer, we will be hosting two of our largest summer programs, one for tots 3-5, the other for teens. Please note: We will NOT be hosting our Jr. Farmers’ Summer Camps for ages 5-11 this season. We hope to resume next season. To view the programs, click below.

Your Backyard Chicken Flock - Ask the Experts about starting or raising your own flock 4.12.21

So, you’ve been thinking about raising chickens, but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you have a flock but want to learn more about organic nutrition or chicken swings...look no further!

Join experts Bruce Benedict of Benedict's Home and Garden and Mackenzie Chauncey of Kent Nutrition Group, to learn everything you want to know about starting and raising your own backyard flock. Bruce will walk you step-by-step through choosing the best coop, breeds and feeders for you to keep your flock happy and healthy. Mackenzie will guide you through feeding your birds from baby chicks to laying hens and all their nutritional needs along the way.

See the gear you’ll need, learn about costs, get all your questions answered, and see how Wakeman Town Farm is raising our new set of chicks!

Presenters Bios:

Bruce Benedict is a Monroe, CT-based third-generation farmer and the General Manager of the family business, Benedict's Home & Garden, for over 30 years. Bruce studied Agriculture and History at UConn; he is active in the Fairfield County Farm Bureau and the Trumbull Agri- Sciences Advisory Committee.

Mackenzie Chauncey is Territory Sales Manager, Kent Nutrition Group  

This Zoom event is suitable for all ages.

Thank you, Danna + Jen for Sponsoring EGGstravaganza!

Danna Rogers and Jen Kass are two of the greatest realtors and staging pros in town at CT Select Homes & The Higgins Group. But, behind the scenes, they are all heart! They have been longtime supporters of the Farm, with Danna donating her time and creative talents to our annual Harvest Fest auction, and both supporting the Farm in many ways over the years. This spring, the dynamic duo also helped support our beloved EGGstravaganza with a sponsorship. We are so grateful for you both!

sorry! sold out. EGGstravaganza! An Easter Egg Hunt for the Littles 4.3.21

EGGstravaganza! We are EGGspecially Eggcited for the return of EGGstravganza, a favorite Farm tradition designed for your little bunnies and chicks!

Sat. April 3 from 9 -10:30 a.m. Rain Date: Sun. April 4. 9 -10:30 a.m

Fee: Tickets : $10 PER PERSON (ADULT OR CHILD). FREE ADMISSION FOR UNDER ONE YEAR OLD. Thank you!

Hop on over to Wakeman Town Farm for a celebration of bunny fun!

This first-come, first-served, limited-capacity event will include:

-Egg hunt that begins at 9:15 a.m. (BYO Easter Basket!)

Each child will hunt for eggs and then turn them in for a special treat bag from BD Provisions.

-Coffee (BYO cup)

-Lawn Games - egg roll, egg toss. Win a prize!

-Story Time!

-Photos with the "Big Bunnies"

-Animal encounters. Visit our Farm animals, including our furry alpacas

All Covid precautions in effect, including mask wearing and social distancing. Kindly be aware of your surroundings and practice social distancing for the health and safety of all! Please park along Wakeman Drive.

Thinking about a Home Vegetable Garden? 4.6.21

Do you love sustainable living and the thought of starting your own vegetable garden at home? Homefront Farmers has a team of expert farmers who can help you achieve the garden and homestead experience of your dreams! Join us for a night of conversation and learning about vegetable garden design, how to extend your growing season with succession planting, organic pest management and the joys of growing your own organic food! Bring your questions! Zoom format.

Presenter/Discussion Leader: Haley Goldblatt - Homestead Manager

Moderators: Miranda Gould - Operations Manager and Taffy Miller - Managing Director

Planting for Continuous Bloom 3.22.21

ZOOM TALK: PLANTING FOR CONTINUOUS BLOOM

Monday, March 22, 7:00 p.m

Want to keep the color coming–and attract pollinators to your garden all season? Sign up for this Pollinator Pathway talk!

Learn to plant for a continuous season of bloom in your yard, with abundant blossoms for pollinators – and you! – to enjoy. 

“If you grow it, they will come!”

Loss of habitat is causing insect populations (and the birds that feed on them) to crash. We depend on native bees and other creatures to pollinate our flowers and crops. Creating a diverse and pesticide-free habitat in our own yards means we are supporting the very creatures we cannot live without . . .not to mention, providing a source of beauty and joy for ourselves. This talk provides direction and ideas which will bring many seasons of enjoyment for you, and the pollinators, too. 

Taught by UConn advanced master gardener Alice Ely. 

This pollinator series talk is sponsored by Wakeman Town Farm and Westport’s Pollinator Pathway.

sold out! Yay! Two Kids' Cooking Classes

We know you’ve missed our cooking classes, and two of our most popular kids’ culinary instructors have been working hard to create amazing menus and culinary experiences for the spring!

Programs are below:

Young Chef’s Club - CODE 308

Cost: $400, includes materials and ingredients
Instructor: Annalyce Loretto

Dates:
April 30
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 4

Ages: 8-11 (Grades 4-6)

Time: 4:15 p.m.-6 p.m.

Sessions: 6

Days of the week: Friday

Description: Are you a budding chef who wants to learn about basic knife skills, cooking techniques and a variety of delicious dishes, all while being hands-on in the kitchen? Then join the Young Chef's Club! Together, we will try out new ingredients and recipes, or share your favorite recipe that we can all make together. It's a club, after all! Menu items may include fresh gnocchi with a classic tomato or silky sage-butter sauce, fresh-baked oversized hot pretzels with a melted cheese sauce, delicious whole wheat toaster pastries with a sweet strawberry filling topped with a zesty lemon glaze, and more! We will also get our green thumbs working while incorporating hand-picked ingredients from the garden when available. Let's get those creative juices flowing—and let's get cooking!  

Chef Bio: Loretto was professionally trained at Natural Gourmet Institute, where she strengthened her passion for health-supportive cooking with a focus on real and natural food. She aims to inspire children to be adventurous eaters and become confident and knowledgeable in the kitchen. She also strives to encourage kids to find the joy in nourishing themselves with healthy and homemade food, while making it fun along the way. All Covid safety measures in effect.

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Cooking Around the Globe - CODE 307

Cost: $400, includes materials and ingredients

Instructor: Lisa Finn

Dates:
April 21, 28
May 5, 12, 19, 26

Ages: 11-14

Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 p.m.

Sessions: 6

Days of the week: Wednesdays

Cooking Around the Globe

So, you want to be the next celebrity chef? Well....we can’t promise that, but we can promise that you’ll dazzle your friends and family with the latest (and tastiest) globally inspired recipes, made in the state-of-the-art Tim’s Kitchen at Wakeman Town Farm. Making your own meals and sharing them with others will leave you with a sense of self-reliance that will provide you with lifelong confidence in the kitchen.

Whether you have little or no kitchen experience, you will learn basic knife skills, mise en place (recipe set-up), and kitchen etiquette, as you create delicious (and simple) recipes highlighting ingredients and spices from all over the world!

Dishes may include: Saucy Cuban Mojo Meatballs, Indian Khichdi (chicken & rice) and an authentic Cinco de Mayo Taco Fiesta, to name a few. All Covid safety measures in effect.

Chef Bio: Finn developed her love for cooking with her grandmother, who believed that simple and fresh ingredients make the most delicious and healthy meals. Eventually, Lisa turned her passion for food into a culinary career, completing her chef training at the Natural Gourmet Center/International Culinary Education in NYC. 

Lightened up weeknight Mexican dinners! Culinary Series with nutrition Coach Michele Brown 3.29.21

In this demonstration cooking class, we'll use several tricks and tips for lightening up our Mexican dinners so that we can trick our stomachs into thinking we've just enjoyed a more decadent meal!

This is often the secret to consuming fewer calories each day.

The series will continue with a future class on lighter Asian meals.

Mexican food is tasty and flavorful, and often a crowd-pleasing dinner. But we’re going to focus on ways to lighten things up a bit by adding unexpected ingredients so that our meal offers more variety, is less calorie-dense, and yet remains appealing to even the pickiest palates.

Mexican meals can also be a terrific way of introducing our family members to healthier choices that they may normally be passing on. When all of the ingredients are tucked into a wrapper, and surrounded by lots of flavor, we tend to be a bit more adventurous.

These recipes are family-friendly and use few ingredients so that we can get dinner on the dinner table as quickly as possible.

Class Format: We’ll be running through several recipes so that you can watch the preparation and familiarize yourself with the various ingredients. After the demonstration, we will send you the recipes and a list of each of the products used and where you can shop for them locally. Our goal is for you to want to run out to the grocery store and recreate these meals for your family this winter. 

Here's what we're making:

Family Tacos Three Ways (shrimp, chicken and veggie - tempeh and cauliflower)

We'll be employing a few shortcuts so that they’re on the table in a snap. To finish off our tacos, we'll whip up a three-ingredient sauce that transforms our simple family Mexican meal into more of a gourmet feast!

Crispy and Addictive Gluten-Free Quesadillas
These Quesadillas pair well with a simple salad for a quick and tasty weeknight lunch or dinner, or they work equally as well as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. 

Mexican Five-Can Soup
This is the "weight-loss soup" that has been such a client favorite through the years. We're going to use a simple core recipe, and then have the option of jazzing it up with additional ingredients. 

Dessert: Chocolate Frosty
Why not satisfy our chocolate craving with a guilt-free frozen treat that's infused with healing raw cacao and superfoods. 

We'll also be touching on the following topics:

Ideal tortillas and wraps for our Mexican meals

Tasty sides that reduce the calorie density of our meal, and make it extra delicious and interesting!

The go-to grocery store ingredients for adding a gourmet flair and flavor infusion to our simple meal.

The most ideal tortillas, tacos, and other wrappers

Terrific ways to trick your family into a meatless Mexican night :)

My favorite stir-fried black beans

A terrific go-to Mexican cheese

Addictive hot sauce - we order it by the case :)

Satisfying veggie-forward sides – lime infused brown rice, lemon and garlic black beans, roasted veggies, pickled cabbage slaw, chipotle sauce

 About the Series + The Instructor

Michele Brown, a certified nutrition counselor, enjoys teaching others how to make the transition towards lighter fare without sacrificing on flavor, and without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. She shares how even the healthy meals that promote weight loss and wellness can in fact be “crave-worthy”, and something that everyone looks forward to on a regular basis.  She is not a vegetarian or vegan, but has an enormous bent toward a lot less meat!  Over time, most everyone finds that these lighter dinner choices actually feel good in the belly, leave them feeling energized rather than fatigued, and become more of a daily preference.  Michele’s goal is to shift the palate permanently, as once this happens, we’re on our way to achieving the health goals we so desperately want, whether it’s shedding unwanted pounds or reversing chronic medical issues.

Meet our new Educational Programming sponsors! Dana + Doug

We’re sending a big hug out to Dana Ruston Robinson and Doug Robinson. They are sponsoring our popular educational talks at the Farm this season, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Our discussions/workshops will be on a variety of subjects, from gardening, to sustainability, to raising all manner of animals, to meeting local merchants who share our passion for agriculture, organics, the environment and learning new skills. Peruse our offerings on this website, and sign up for our mailing list, below. Thank you, Dana + Doug!

How to Raise a Dog with Vet Jessica Melman 3.8.21

How To Raise A Dog - March 8, 7 p.m.

Dr. Jess will talk all about diet, crate training, vaccination schedules, recommended flea/tick/heart worm prevention, common house hazards/toxins and more! What a great topic as so many of us our getting pandemic dogs and puppies. Dr. Jess will answer all of your dog questions as well.

Biography

Dr. Jessica Melman is a third generation veterinarian with both her father and late grandfather as veterinarians. Growing up surrounded by animals and observing both her grandfather and father in their veterinary clinics made her realize that her calling was to help animals through veterinary medicine. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 and then completed an internship in Small Animal Medicine & Surgery in New York City. Following her internship, she practiced veterinary medicine in New York City for 10 years before moving to San Francisco where she practiced for 3 years. It has been her dream to provide quality and customized concierge veterinary services to patients and clients in the comfort of their own homes. After moving back to the East Coast in 2016, Dr. Melman committed to fulfilling this dream by introducing Bespoke Veterinary Services, which provides exceptional at-home veterinary services and more in Fairfield County. 

Spring Kids' Programs

We have been hard at work creating Spring programs for tots through teens. Click here to see a few of the offerings, from Mommy + Me classes to Teen Apprentice programs to our April Vacation Week Camp.

Your Yard, Your Sanctuary - Turn Your Property into an Oasis 3.9.21

Are you new to your yard and garden or ready to take a fresh look at the plantings for a greener landscape? Wondering where to dig in right now? Lay the groundwork for success in your garden by learning steps to make a new yard your own with Alice Ely, master gardener. Find out how to start smart with soil testing, measuring sun/shade conditions, assessing plantings and prioritizing your garden goals. If you recently moved and don’t know what’s already growing, taking the time to get to know your garden can get you the best return on your efforts!

This is a virtual event, please register.

Community Partner: Westport Library

Alice Ely, UConn Advanced Master Gardener & UConn Master Composter, calls Westport’s Wakeman Town Farm her happy place. In addition to her role as Gardens Chair at
Wakeman Town Farm, she spreads the word about the Pollinator Pathway, and teaches homeowners how to garden, through her garden coaching business, Gardenwithalice.com. When she’s not in someone else’s garden, you’ll find her in her own, raising lots of milkweed and Monarch butterflies.

Maple Sugar + Tree Tapping at the Farm!

Sat. Feb 27 10-noon 

Cost: $10 for Tapping Kit, but otherwise FREE Ages 8 and up

There are few things sweeter than homemade maple syrup from your own backyard! Join us on the farm with local tree-tapping experts Carl McNair and Julie Beitman to learn how to tap your own trees for maple sap, as well as how to prepare the sap into delicious maple syrup. This workshop includes information on tree identification, learning when to tap, and what equipment to use, plus tips on evaporation and bottling. All participants can go home with their own maple-tapping kit ($10.00) and be on their way to mouth-watering homemade syrup. This is an outdoor class; please wear boots or shoes that can get dirty.

How to Raise a Cat with Vet Jessica Melman 4.5.21

How To Raise a Cat  

Monday April 5th 7-8 pm 

Dr. Jess will talk all about diet, litter box planning, vaccination schedules, recommended flea/tick prevention, common house hazards/toxins, keeping them indoors vs. outdoors and more! Dr. Jess will answer all of your cat questions as well. 

Sponsored by Earth Animal

Biography

Dr. Jessica Melman is a third generation veterinarian with both her father and late grandfather as veterinarians. Growing up surrounded by animals and observing both her grandfather and father in their veterinary clinics made her realize that her calling was to help animals through veterinary medicine. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003 and then completed an internship in Small Animal Medicine & Surgery in New York City. Following her internship, she practiced veterinary medicine in New York City for 10 years before moving to San Francisco where she practiced for 3 years. It has been her dream to provide quality and customized concierge veterinary services to patients and clients in the comfort of their own homes. After moving back to the East Coast in 2016, Dr. Melman committed to fulfilling this dream by introducing Bespoke Veterinary Services, which provides exceptional at-home veterinary services and more in Fairfield County. 

The Heart Auction - CLOSED - we will announce the winners soon!

Renowned contemporary artist Brendan Murphy, in partnership with auction co-chairs Nicole Gerber of United Westport for a Purpose and Jennifer Haviland of Haviland Reed, announced today the launch of THE HEART AUCTION to benefit the Wakeman Town Farm Sustainability Center in Westport, CT.  The Valentine-themed Auction of a unique Brendan Murphy Heart Wall Sculpture in silver based chrome will take place from February 2 - February 13, 2021.  The winning bidder will be announced on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. The reserve is $3,000.  Confidential bids can be placed at BrendanHeartWakeman@gmail.com 

Brendan Murphy, considered to be one of the fastest rising stars in the contemporary art world, currently has a one man show on display at 1 Main Street, Westport.  Murphy approached Jennifer Haviland and challenged her to find a way to support the Westport community through his art. Haviland chose a Westport organization she loves - Wakeman Town Farm.- as a Valentine to the work they do.  She says “There is a tremendously infectious grassroots community spirit at the farm.” 

Befitting the “love” theme, Murphy chose one of his eight-layer, silver-based chrome heart sculptures.  This highly collectible artwork, measuring 24x24x8 inches and valued at $18,000, features one of Murphy’s signature unique formulas.  One lucky bidder will walk away with this spectacular work of art while also benefiting a valuable local organization. Haviland explained, “A Heart for Valentine’s Day and Passion & Desire for the powerful emotions that sustain us in our lives and our successes - emotions that inspire achievement.  What is more Brendan Murphy has demonstrated his big heart by allowing us to auction one of his artworks.”

United in their passion for sustainability, environmental education, and food advocacy Nicole Gerber explained why they chose one of Westport’s iconic institutions as the beneficiary of The Heart Auction. “Wakeman Town Farm has a rich history in Westport, and resides at the heart of our community. The Farm is committed to inspiring local residents through sustainable practices, education opportunities, and community service. In this crucial time in our history, The Farm is actively supporting local organizations focused on alleviating food insecurity in our area. We are honored to support a nonprofit that allows the people it serves to serve others as well,” 

The Heart is currently on display with Murphy’s Show “96% Stardust” at the corner of Main St and Post Rd, Westport. For more information and to place a bid, please email Jennifer Haviland below.
Bidding starts at $3,000.

For more information please visit each website:

brendanmurphyart.com

havilandreed.com