Giving Thanks: ‘Freedom’ And Farm Benefit

Hearing Richie Havens sing “Freedom” is unforgettable.

Havens sang the opening performance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival, and he’ll perform at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School on Saturday, Dec. 12, 8 p.m. for a very special venue. Presented by the Killingworth Lions Club, the concert is to support of the Parmelee Farm restoration and renewal programs. Tickets are $25 and $35, while they last.

This is a small setting and all seats have an unobstructed view (within 75 feet of the stage). For information (and to hear a clip of “Freedom”) see the Paramalee Farm site listing, www.parmeleefarm.org.

The turkey below? Well, his goose is cooked - maybe. Found at the Sunday holiday market in Chester, which featured authors and vendors, it was a popular attraction for the people walking and enjoying the mild November weather. The market happens every Sunday, inside and outdoors in this river village.

The countdown to the holiday celebrations starts now, as food is gathered to be shared, family and friends congregate, and we continue our reporting on all things country.

There’s a new book written and published in Chester, Connecticut; feather earrings in dangles of gold and silver; fresh balsam wreaths, evergreens and holly roping, distinctive decorations right from the farm; wheelbarrows full of yarn; artisan quality cheese, food, jams, jellies and more featured at holiday fairs and events coming up.

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance,
the wise grows it under his feet.
- James Oppenheim

With the current economic storms and lulls, consider shopping different - meet the people who make beautiful things from area farms and markets - serving up wonderful products grown and made in Connecticut, fresh and unique to enjoy or gift.

It’s real, sometimes a surprise around every corner, to see just what is out there - like the glowing flowering kale grown in Killingworth, that is (in my opinion), breathtaking.

There’s the largest sheep farm in the state to investigate, and greenhouses full of decorated Christmas trees, right next to orchids in bloom - and the whole business is heated with wood. Yep.

An efficient power plant that uses waste wood - interesting all by itself. But that’s another story.