Discover the perfect spring read from shoreline authors
Celebrate 30 years of Halfinger Farms Welcome back, hummingbirds! Learn how to attract them to your yard
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A hummingbird on a crocosmia. Photo by Kevin Southwood / CourteSy of wild birdS unlimited of old SaybrooK
ruby-throated hummingbird
splendor
FROM THE EDITOR
ALICIA GOMEZ
Hi everyone, Spring, my favorite season, is finally here!
Not only am I excited about the warm weather, but I also cannot wait to watch nature flourish. There is no better time to explore all the shoreline offers. In this issue, you will find many ways to make the most of the season here.
Discover Haflinger Farms, a charming pick-yourown daffodil and greenhouse farm in Higganum, as it opens its doors for the season in April, welcoming visitors to enjoy fields of vibrant flowers. This year is especially special because it celebrates 30 years with a lineup of free and family-friendly events. Be sure to read the history of this farm and why it makes the perfect spring outing.
Spring also marks the return of the hummingbirds! If you are looking for a fun spring project, try making a hummingbird feeder to support these tiny visitors. In this issue, we not only tell you how to make your own feeders, but we also gain insight from local experts into how these birds travel thousands of miles to make their journey here each spring.
If you are looking for a new book to enjoy on a sunny afternoon, why not sit outside with a book from one of our talented shoreline authors? I am sure you will find something perfect for the season in our round-up. Spring is also the season of renewal, making it the perfect time to give back. Consider donating to a local food bank to help neighbors in need.
Tell me your favorite local spring activity on the On the Shoreline Facebook page!
Happy Spring!
Sincerely,
Alicia Gomez
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ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS BY Gretchen A. Peck, Jennifer Carmichael, Elle Rahilly
The views and opinions expressed in each article are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of On the Shoreline, The Day Publishing Company, or Shore Publishing.
on the cover A hummingbird on a zinnia. Photo by Kevin Southwood / CourteSy of wild birdS unlimited of old SaybrooK
Honorable mentions E April–May
very year, The Day asks readers to submit photos for a chance to be featured in our annual southeastern Connecticut calendar. We get hundreds of entries, and it ’s difficult to narrow those down to our favorite 36 for voting.
There are a number of reasons a photo might not make it to the top three for each month. We have strict guidelines for photo content and quality. Photos that use filters, contain people or pets, contain a single focal point (such as a flower or butterfly), are not representative of the area (a close-up of shells on the beach with no water, sand, or sky), or are not a horizontal orientation all have to be filtered out— no matter how beautiful the image might be. We also screen photos for quality to ensure they fall within our printing parameters.
This year, we’ve decided to share some of our favorites that didn’t make it to the finals for one reason or another. We hope you continue to share your photos with us each year.
Niantic River, Waterford. photo by patricia Sammataro
Beach at Giants Neck Heights, Niantic. photo by thomaS Wieczorek
Barn Island, Stonington.
photo by tracy o’Lari
Lieutenant River from Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme. photo by marLene meLeSko
American lady butterfly, Voluntown. photo by DaWn heather LaFLeche
Aurora Borealis over Mohegan Park, Norwich. photo by terri pierSe
Mason’s Island, Stonington. photo by caroL meLin
Comstock Covered Bridge, Salmon River, East Hampton. photo by Scott carLe
Waterford. photo by Janet aLLoWay
Wicked Tulips Flower Farm, Preston.
photo by SuSan teFF t
Grayville Falls, Air Line State Park Trail, Colchester.
photo by k aren cuLLinen
Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford. photo by thomaS Wieczorek
Deep River Landing, Deep River.
photo by keLLy SchiLLer
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Local food banks and pantries strive to help families, children, and elderly contending with food insecurity
By Gretchen A. Peck
Connecticut Foodshare estimates that one out of every eight Connecticut residents struggle with hunger, and one in six children are impacted by food insecurity. Those numbers have increased in recent years, influenced by several factors, including inflation and the rising housing costs in the post-COVID economy.
“ALICE” households are particularly vulnerable, according to Dina J. Sears-Graves, president and CEO of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. ALICE is an acronym for “assetlimited, income-constrained, employed.” These households earn more than the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford basic necessities, according to the United Way ALICE report.
“They have to make really tough decisions, and oftentimes, food is something they have to sacrifice in order to pay their utility bill or their rent,” Sears-Graves says.
As of 2022, in New London County alone, 37 percent of the population were ALICE households. The figure is expected to increase by 13 percent as of this year, largely due to inflation, Sears-Graves explains. In the age demographic of
65 and older, over 45 percent of the population is ALICE; 78 percent of single female-headed families with children qualify.
The United Way operates a food bank in southeastern Connecticut that provides food products to area food pantries and meal centers. It also operates a mobile food pantry, which distributes items to five area towns: Stonington, Norwich, New London, Griswold, and Groton. It’s an anonymous service. Sears-Graves explains that anyone in need can drive up, stock their trunks, and drive off. She estimates that between 1,000 and 1,050 households leverage the mobile pantry every month.
The food comes from several sources—local retailers, other statewide food banks, and three local farms that provide fresh fruits and vegetables. They also accept donations from residents who want to help. Some of the products they most often need are shelf-stable microwaveable meals, peanut butter, cereal, canned vegetables and soups, rice, dry beans, and shelf-stable milk.
Sears-Graves has spent her entire career in nonprofit service and 16 years with United Way. Asked about her reflections on the work, she says, “I’m from this area. I was born and raised here.
Mobile Food Pantry volunteers in southeastern Connecticut visit five area towns on a rotational schedule. Photo CourteSy of the united way of SoutheaStern ConneCtiCut
This is my community… I’m thrilled to be in this role so I can make a change. They are my family, my friends, my neighbors. These are my people.”
SHOPPING WITH DIGNITY
Dani Gorman is the youth and family services and senior services coordinator for the Town of Waterford and the administrator of Waterford’s “food locker,” located at 200 Boston Post Road. The town partners with Connecticut Foodshare and the United Way to provide non-perishable and fresh food to area residents facing food insecurity. Though customers’ privacy is paramount, they are asked to register, allowing the staff to better understand particular needs, Gorman says.
“We always have staple items that we make sure we have, like kid-friendly cereals, items for special diets—for example, if people have illnesses or require low-sodium food items,” Gorman explains. During the holiday season, they stock turkeys and hams.
To remove some of the stigma of food insecurity, the volunteer staff sources special items for monthly themes. For example, they might put together a special bag of goodies for back-to-school. They’ve assembled ingredients to make chili during football season. In the summertime, they offer hot dogs, hamburgers, and fresh fruit and vegetables from a local community garden.
Through a partnership with the local schools and Student Transportation of America, they host a “Stuff the Bus” food drive during the school year, when students bring donations to fill one or two school buses with non-perishable items.
“Nothing in the food bank is expired,” Gorman notes. “All expiration dates are checked regularly. Nothing should leave the food bank that has expired, and there’s a reason for that. It is our philosophy that when people are facing challenging times, we want the experience with us to be normal, just like they’re going to the grocery store.”
ABOVE The United Way of Southeastern Connecticut’s Mobile Food Pantry gets non-perishable foods and fresh fruits and vegetables directly to the communities facing food insecurity.
BELOW The number of people dealing with food insecurity has increased in recent years, due largely to factors including inflation and rising housing costs in the post-COVID economy. Photo by Chay
/ adobe
TOP Volunteers help distribute food products to ALICE—asset-limited, income-constrained, employed—households across the region. Photo by Syda ProduCtionS / adobe StoCK
Photo CourteSy of the united way
tee
StoCK
The food locker isn’t merely a place for those in need to shop. It’s a critical touchpoint; often, the staff will assist consumers in accessing other services—registering for SNAP benefits, senior services, help with energy costs or housing, or mental health services.
Linda Delico is the former treasurer and current secretary for the Food Pantry of North Branford. The organization helps 60 or so families each week. It’s staffed entirely by volunteers, according to Delico.
“We are funded primarily through donations,” Delico explains. “We have several fundraisers throughout the year, and fortunately, we live in a very generous community.”
The pantry is often stocked through community food drives and advertised in local newspapers and websites. They also obtain products through the aid of Connecticut Foodshare, and each summer, they receive farm-fresh produce.
Customers who shop at the pantry find themselves in varying states of need. In addition to elderly patrons on fixed incomes, many are fully employed yet still find it challenging to make ends meet. Food insecurity can happen to anyone, Delico says—because of a job loss, a medical crisis, a change in housing, or the death of a spouse or partner.
“Even if people are fairly comfortable, we’re all just a day away from something catastrophic. Life can change overnight,” she says.
LEFT Food comes from several sources—local retailers, other statewide food banks, local farms that provide fresh fruits and vegetables, and donations from residents who want to help. Photo by alfa27 / adobe StoCK
BELOW Volunteers help package food items for the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut’s Mobile Food Pantry. Photo CourteSy of the united way
RIGHT Food banks and food pantries around the region rely on volunteers to help neighbors and families in need.
Photo CourteSy of the united way
BOTTOM RIGHT Elderly people contending with fixed incomes and increased food costs are among the most vulnerable populations facing food insecurity. Photo by aerogondo / adobe
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humminghave a
By Elle Rahilly
The dazzling plumage and incredible flight abilities of hummingbirds have long captivated scientists and birdwatchers alike. These tiny birds, exclusive to the Americas, embark on an extraordinary 2,000-mile journey each February that takes them from the warm climates of Mexico and Central America to backyards across Connecticut.
“There are certain birds that just create excitement,” says Jessica Penfield, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Old Saybrook. “All these great songbirds migrate each spring and fall, but there is something about the hummingbird specifically.”
Known for their exceptional navigation skills, these birds are daytime travelers that rely on a combination of visual landmarks, the stars, the position of the sun, and even the Earth's magnetic field to guide them along their migratory paths.
“Hummingbirds are so interesting, both physiologically and morphologically,” says Milan Bull, Senior Director of Science and Conservation at the Connecticut Audubon Society. “First of all, they’re gorgeous. Their feathers have a reflective sheen that changes under different lighting conditions. The way light reflects off their
good
feathers determines the colors you see.” According to Bull, this reflective sheen can transform a ruby-throated hummingbird’s seemingly black plumage into a striking emerald when the sunlight hits it.
For locals, hummingbirds are not only a visual delight but also serve as a bellwether for warmer days ahead. But with an astonishing 55 wing beats per second (and up to 80 at their peak), these quick flyers can be tough to spot. They can even fly backward and upside down, making them a marvel in the avian world.
While many believe weather and temperature shifts drive hummingbird migration, Penfield points out that the length of the day is typically their primary cue. According to Bull, they also follow the blossoming patterns of flowering trees. Hummingbirds travel around 25 to 30 miles each day during migration, except for the stretch across the Gulf of Mexico, which can span a grueling 500 miles nonstop. This leg of the journey can take anywhere from 18 to 24 hours.
“For years, biologists couldn’t believe that hummingbirds could make it across the Gulf of Mexico,” Bull says. “They didn’t think they could store enough energy. But somehow, they do. It’s one of the miracles of hummingbird migration.”
Once they cross the Gulf, these tiny travelers must immediately stop to refuel. “This is important, because they need to regain nearly 25% of their body weight—sometimes as much as 40%—to continue their journey,” Bull adds.
Connecticut is a critical stop for hummingbirds along the Atlantic Flyway, a migratory corridor that
The revered ruby-throated hummingbird arrives in Connecticut for springtime splendor
stretches from the Caribbean to the northeastern United States. “Being on the Atlantic Flyway makes Connecticut a perfect place for hummingbirds to rest and refuel before continuing north,” says Penfield.
The males arrive first to establish territory, with the females following about two weeks later. Some hummingbirds will breed in Connecticut, while others will continue north to southern Canada.
Although hummingbird migration is one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, it is increasingly vulnerable due to climate change and habitat loss. The two biggest challenges hummingbirds face on their 2,000-mile trek are food scarcity and harsh weather conditions. When they can’t find suitable refueling stops, they become exhausted. As temperatures rise and blooming cycles shift, food availability may decrease, leaving hummingbirds with fewer resources for their long journey.
While about eight hummingbird species migrate to the United States, only the ruby-throated hummingbird reaches the East Coast. According to Penfield, this species has the largest breeding range of any North American hummingbird, stretching across the entire eastern half of the country. Extreme weather can sometimes drive hummingbirds off course, resulting in rare sightings of species like the Rufous or Calliope in Connecticut.
“We’re seeing more extreme weather patterns, and I think this will disrupt their migration routes,” Penfield warns. “Especially in the fall, they are running into more severe conditions, including hurricanes, storms, and tornadoes.”
Bull notes that a hummingbird sighting in October could signal the presence of a rare species in Connecticut, and the Connecticut Audubon Society asks residents to report any unusual sightings to them for research purposes.
Residents can support these migratory routes by creating welcoming environments for hummingbirds and other pollinators. Planting native species, reducing pesticide use, and supporting local conservation efforts are essential.
“Because native plants are so well-adapted to local conditions, they are hardier plants that are going to provide hummingbirds with the nectar they need,” says Penfield.
She explains that hummingbirds also eat insects as a vital source of protein, and that many native plants are larval food for butterflies and moths. Caterpillars are hummingbirds’ number one choice of food for their babies.
“They’re soft and squishy,” Penfield adds, “And provide everything that the little one needs.”
Plants like cardinal flowers, columbine, bee balm, trumpet vine, and honeysuckle—with their tubular flowers—are
ABOVE A pollinator garden at the CT Audubon Society’s Deer Pond Farm preserve in Sherman. Photo CourteSy of Ct audubon SoCiety
BELOW A hummingbird on a zinnia. Photo by Kevin Southwood / CourteSy of wild birdS unlimited of old SaybrooK
Tips and tricks for feeding hummingbirds
• Use a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water (e.g. 1 cup of sugar in 4 cups of water)
• Make sure to mix until sugar is dissolved. There’s no need to boil the water
• Extra nectar can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week
• Always use regular refined white (table) sugar, never raw sugar, honey, or corn syrup
• Never put dyes or food colorings in your nectar
• Glass feeders can be easier to clean than plastic and can resist mold growth better over time, while plastic feeders can be less expensive and more durable in case of a fall from the hanger.
• Feeders should be cleaned and nectar changed at least every three days (daily in hot, humid weather)
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excellent nectar sources for hummingbirds. When choosing plants, Penfield suggests examining the individual petals as opposed to the entire flower.
“When you look at bee balm, it’s not a tubular flower until you look closely and see that each little individual petal is a tube,” she says. “There are a lot of plants like that, where each part of that blossom is a tube that the hummingbirds will use to get nectar.”
If nectar-rich flowers and insects are scarce when hummingbirds arrive, offering nectar feeders can help them refuel. If possible, Penfield recommends having both feeders and native plants to ensure hummingbirds have access to various natural food sources. She also suggests making your own nectar by mixing a simple ratio of 1 part white table sugar to 4 parts water.
“That combined is going to create a nectar which most closely resembles the nectar in flowers,” Penfield says, adding that you should never substitute white sugar for organic sugar or honey. Also, never add any artificial dyes or food colorings.
Another point that Penfield stresses is the importance of keeping a hummingbird feeder clean and with fresh nectar at all times. “Feeders need to be cleaned and refilled every three days at least,” says Penfield. “And every day when we’re at the height of the summer heat.”
Nectar ferments quickly, producing a liquid that is harmful to hummingbirds.
“They’re gorgeous. Their feathers have a reflective sheen that changes under different lighting conditions. The way light reflects off their feathers determines the colors you see.”
— Milan Bull
It will also make the feeder moldy, which could kill the birds. Wild Birds Unlimited provides customers with an educational handout emphasizing the importance of maintaining clean feeders.
“We say in the handout that if you can’t commit to this then it’s best to not put out a feeder. You’re going to do more harm than good,” Penfield explains. “We want people to enjoy the hobby of bird feeding, but in a respectful manner.”
Both experts urge gardeners to pay close attention to what is being put on the plants and plant seeds they buy. Modern chemical pesticides like neonicotinoids have become the new DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), a harmful pesticide that was widely used until pioneering marine biologist Rachel Carson exposed its devastating impact on avian populations and ecosystems in her 1962 publication of Silent Spring. Neonics can be found on a lot of crops and plants today, so it’s important to always ask if a plant has neonicotinoids on it before purchasing and opt for an organic alternative if so.
Local conservation organizations such as land trusts and Audubon societies are working carefully to provide safe habitats for hummingbirds. The Connecticut Audubon Society focuses a significant amount of its work on restoring habitats that have gone to invasive species with native gardens for hummingbirds and other pollinators. It has about 3,400 acres
Rufous hummingbird.
Photo by ronnie howard / adobe StoCK
Calliope hummingbird. Photo by david / adobe StoCK
The iridescent nature of hummingbird feathers provides a different look depending on lighting and the angle at which a viewer sees the bird. Photo by danita delimont / adobe StoCK
Attract
hummingbirds with native plants
These plants are hardy, their color attracts hummingbirds, and they contain the nectar they need. Plant some or all of these in your garden and marvel as the tiny visitors gather!
columbine
cardinal flower trumpet vine
FROM THE COVER
of sanctuaries throughout the state, spanning Pomfret to Old Lyme to Fairfield to Goshen.
“Almost all our sanctuaries have broad meadows that we’re spending a lot of resources on—both through state and federal grants and private funding institutions—to restore to native pollinators. Which are terrific for hummingbirds, as well as for bees and for butterflies,” says Bull. “We’ve seen an increase in not only avian abundance and diversity, but also in bee abundance and diversity.”
Spotting hummingbirds during migration is crucial, as sightings decline significantly once the birds move north for the summer and only the nesting populations reside. Bull notes that hummingbirds typically don’t return to Connecticut until late August, when they begin their journey south for the winter.
“I’ll go from seeing one or two hummingbirds at one of our smaller sanctuaries during the summer, and then in the last week of August, suddenly there will be 15 or 20,” he says.
To make sure these tiny travelers aren’t missed, Penfield recommends preparing feeders early.
“Put out your nectar as the birds arrive,” she suggests. “Don’t wait until you start seeing them because you may have missed a bunch.” Wild Birds Unlimited tells its customers to start gearing up on April 15. Feeders should be out and in good repair. Then, within the next week or so, start making some nectar.
Beyond its astounding beauty, the migration of hummingbirds in Connecticut is a reminder to preserve the delicate balance of our local ecosystems.
As Bull puts it, “That little thin ribbon of shoreline that goes from Stonington to Greenwich is very fragile and very susceptible to changes in the environment.” By supporting hummingbirds and creating environments that welcome their return each year, we can all play a part in fostering one of the animal kingdom’s most remarkable migrations.
ABOVE A ruby-throated hummingbird. Photo by tomaS KoeCK / Ct audubon SoCiety
BELOW Hummingbirds use spider silk to help build their nests, which are generally just over an inch in diameter. Photo by omar / adobe StoCK Photo
BOTTOM A hummingbird at a sunflower. Photo by Kevin Southwood / CourteSy of wild birdS unlimited of old SaybrooK
Growing on
Halfinger Farms marks 30 years of growth and community with fun, free special events this spring
By Jennifer Carmichael
Excitement is blooming as Halfinger Farms, located in Higganum, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The farm just reopened its doors for the season on April 1. Owned and operated by firstgeneration farmers Jennifer and John Halfinger, the farm will host a series of free, fun-filled events starting on Saturday, April 5, culminating with a special Farm Birthday Party on May 4, from 12 to 4 p.m.
For three decades, this family-run farm has grown and nurtured flowers and plants that bring color and life to homes across the region. The Halfingers encourage visitors to explore the farms' greenhouses and enjoy the magic of stepping into its picturesque pickyour-own (PYO) daffodil farm, Dancing Daffodils.
“Thirty years ago, we planted the first seeds of what has grown into a vibrant farm that our family and community cherish,” says Jennifer Halfinger. “As we celebrate this milestone, we’re excited to welcome
John (right) and Jennifer Halfinger (center) with their son, Alden (left). Photo CourteSy of halfinger farmS
“Thirty years ago, we planted the first seeds of what has grown into a vibrant farm that our family and community cherish.”
Jennifer Halfinger
RIGHT Vase boutique at Halfinger Farm. Photo by winter CaPlanSon
BELOW The colorful expanse of the greenhouse at Halfinger Farms.
visitors back to Halfinger Farms for another season of blooms, beauty, and tradition. We know it’s spring when we see our first daffodil.”
The farm began with a 1,200-square-foot greenhouse and retail shop on the property where John grew up. Over the years, the couple expanded their offerings, and today, the farm features four greenhouses totaling 15,500 square feet, where they produce and sell a wide range of plants—including vegetable plants, herbs, flowering annuals, perennials, combinations, hanging baskets, and patio planters. In September and October, mums are a specialty alongside pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, and other fall field crops.
In 2017, the Halfingers purchased 12 acres a half mile down the road, excited to expand their farm. That expansion became the pick-your-own daffodil farm, and in 2020, Dancing Daffodils opened. This daffodil farm is one of the few in the country and boasts over 25 varieties in April. PYO daffodils are priced at 70 cents per stem, with no minimum purchase required. A vase boutique onsite offers a selec-
tion of reclaimed and rescued vessels on a “pay from your heart” basis.
“It’s been a journey of grit, determination, and hard work,” says John. “Through it all, we’ve persevered, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come. As we look ahead to the next 30 years, we plan to pass the torch to Alden, our 21-year-old son, to carry the farm into the next generation.”
Halfinger Farms’ dedication to growing high-quality plants and creating a welcoming farm experience has made it a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Its commitment to Connecticut agriculture extends beyond its greenhouses, helping to support the local economy and preserve the region’s farming heritage.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to Halfinger Farms as they celebrate 30 years of serving local communities with fresh, high-quality Connecticut-grown farm products and their growth as a vibrant tourist destination drawing visitors from throughout the region,” says Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Farms such as theirs are the cornerstone of our state’s economy and an enduring symbol of the hard work, passion, and commitment that keeps farming traditions alive for generations to come.”
The Farm Party on May 4 will feature special birthday offers, including 30 percent off individual pots of ever-bearing strawberry plants. Guests can explore the greenhouses, tour the farm’s restored 1800s Connecticut-style barn, and enjoy complimentary cake and lemonade. Local band The Engine Room will also perform live ‘90s music.
Halfinger Farms and Dancing Daffodils are open seven days a week at 489 Candlewood Hill Road in Higganum. Before visiting, call the picking hotline at 860-345-4609 for hours and daily updates on conditions. Visit halfingerfarms.com for more information.
ABOVE John (left) and Alden Halfinger (right). Photo CourteSy of halfinger farmS BELOW Pots of ever-bearing strawberry plants will be on sale during Halfinger Farms’ birthday party on May 4. Photo by winter CaPlanSon
Free and family-friendly events for spring 2025
SATURDAY 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
APRIL 5
SUNDAY 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
APRIL 6
ARTIST RECEPTION FEATURING LOCAL ARTIST MARY D’AMICO
[Rain Date 4/6] Who painted that amazing mural at Dancing Daffodils? It’s by the local artist Mary D’Amico! Visit the daffodil farm and celebrate D'Amico and her one-of-a-kind daffodil mural. D'Amico will offer a selection of her whimsical art pieces for sale during this special event. Complimentary cake and lemonade will be served.
BUNNIES AND BLOOMS
Join Halfinger Farms for a delightful morning of hand-gathering beautiful daffodils from the field and visiting with local rescue bunnies, guinea pigs, and chickens from Merryweather Farm in East Haddam. Immerse yourself in the beauty of spring as you pick your own daffodils (70 cents per stem), visit with the rescue animals, and shop at the pop-up farm stand curated by Merryweather Farm.
LIVING HISTORY DAY AT THE DAFFODIL FARM
Transport yourself back to the 1800s! Long before it was Dancing Daffodils, the stately farm across from Candlewood Hill was the Bonfoey family’s homestead, where Benanuel and Constance Bonfoey built their home and raised their 13 children. During this free event, The Cromwell Historical Society and The Dirty Blue Shirts living historians will transport us back to the turn of the 19th century. The group will offer us a glimpse into what life may have felt like during this exciting time in history.
FRIDAY 11 a.m.–3 p.m. APRIL12
APRIL18
SATURDAY 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
MAY 3
LET’S MAKE OLD-FASHIONED GREETING CARDS
Nothing compares to receiving a special message tucked inside a beautiful greeting card. Be the one who sends that card; make a daffodil-inspired greeting card at this free event. Break through the digital age and let someone know that they are special to you. Send them a handwritten note. Enclose a sweet message of goodwill to them on this very special greeting card that they may save for years to come because it was made by you.
VEGETABLE GARDENING WITH JILL MECHACHONIS: LET’S GET PLANTING
Jill Mechachonis, owner of Grateful Garden Company, is an experienced vegetable gardener passionate about teaching and growing healthy food. During this free event, Jill will be on hand to chat in the greenhouse about every aspect of veggie gardening, with a special focus on what can be planted in early May. Do you want to grow your own food in 2025? This is the perfect chance to start that plan! Complimentary lemonade will be served.
FARM BIRTHDAY PARTY
MAY 4
SUNDAY 12–4 p.m.
Featuring special birthday offers, including 30 percent off individual pots of ever-bearing strawberry plants. Guests can explore the greenhouses, tour the farm’s restored 1800s Connecticut-style barn, and enjoy complimentary cake and lemonade. Local band The Engine Room will also perform live ‘90s music.
stories springtime and
By Alicia Gomez
FSpring’s best books by local authors
rom mysteries to stunning photography, shoreline authors have been busy. This season’s reads highlight local talent, offering something for every reader. Whether exploring Connecticut’s maritime history or unraveling a gripping thriller, these books showcase the diverse stories and perspectives shaped by life on the coast.
et on the coast of Rhode Island, Last Night is a chilling murder mystery. A mother’s body is found, and her daughter is missing without a trace. In investigators’ attempts to figure out what happened, deep and dark secrets are uncovered. Luanne Rice tells a suspenseful tale of family, betrayal, and dark truths. Luanne Rice was born in New Britain and grew up partly in Old Lyme, frequently drawing inspiration from the coastal town.
Tom Straw weaves a unique, action-packed story where a celebrity chef’s cooking show is used as the perfect CIA cover. Thrust into a world of espionage, Sebastian Pike finds himself navigating the highstakes danger of his mission with a growing romance between him and agent Cammie Nova. Tom Straw is a Branford resident who has been Emmy nominated.
he Days I Loved You Most is a heartbreaking and romantic tale set on the Connecticut shoreline. Evelyn and Joseph fell in love in 1941 and raised three children, but when 60 years later, Evelyn is met with a tragic diagnosis, the couple decides to end their lives in one year. The book follows the couple as they revisit the past, reconnect with their children, and confront their mortality. Amy Neff lives in Connecticut.
Connecticut Waters: Celebrating Our Coastline and Waterways
by Caryn B. Davis
Connecticut Waters celebrates the state's rich maritime heritage, past and present through stunning photographs and storytelling. The book takes readers through Connecticut's lakes, rivers, and coastline, highlighting their role in industry, education, and recreation. From boat building and historic ferries to sailing vessels, seafood industries, lighthouses, and maritime festivals, it showcases how these waterways have shaped the state's culture and identity.
(Globe Pequot, 2021) Genre: Photography, History
Spring Into Action — Your Dream Home
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A. HAND-BLOWN MOSAIC BOWL
This one-of-a-kind, hand-blown bowl by local artist Jeffrey P’an is fashioned from mosaic elements laid out to accentuate the interaction of colors as you look into and through. The mosaic is fused in the heat of the glassblowing furnace, sculpted, and blown into shape. It is a bold accent wherever a splash of color is needed. 6 x 8.5 inches. Artist’s signature and date on the bottom. $1,900
Studio Jeffrey P’an, 25 Roosevelt Avenue, Mystic; 860-536-9274; studiojeffreypan.com
B. CUSTOM BRIDAL BOUQUET RESIN PRESERVATION
Keep a piece of your special day in your heart and home forever by turning your wedding bouquet into a beautiful custom work of art through floral preservation. Before placing a deposit, please reach out to Green Valley Jewels to ensure availability, pricing, and turnaround. Deposits are non-refundable. $100 deposit Green Valley Jewels, Brooklyn; greenvalleyjewels.com
C. MAPPING NANTUCKET TOWN
The historic harbor village streets of old town Nantucket are captured beautifully and authentically in this composition, along with wharves on the waterfront and hand-stitched ferry lines. New London artist Elizabeth Mador’s exclusive cloth artworks are interpretive maps inspired by her lifelong love of textiles and passion for data. $2,000
The Catherine Fosnot Art Gallery and Center, 165 State Street, New London; 860-523-2175; thecatherinefosnotartgalleryandcenter.com
D. RED TIGER EYE STONE
Plan on taking a road trip this spring? Red tiger Eye is the perfect stone to bring with you when traveling, helping to boost your concentration and enthusiasm for exploring new places. Combining the energy of the earth and the sun, it offers an uplifting vibe that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized even after a long drive. $2 each
fortably, providing you with better, longer views of the birds. The feeder has a clear bottom that allows you to see hummingbirds’ tongues lap up nectar (up to 12 times a second) and the level of the nectar solution. The feeder comes with a built-in ant moat to deter crawling bugs from reaching the nectar solution and is easy to clean with no corners or hard-to-reach places for mold and bacteria to hide. The raised flower designs surrounding the ports funnel rainwater around and away from the ports, and the raised extension on the underside of each port allows you to attach a "nectar guard tip" which will allow a hummingbird to insert its beak to feed while creating a barrier that deters bees and wasps. Capacity: 8 oz. $23.99 / 12 oz. $26.99 / 16 oz. $32.99 Wild Birds Unlimited, 434 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook; 860-661-5567; order.wbu.com/oldsaybrook
PROFESSIONAL, EXPERIENCED, DEDICATED Broker Associate CT and Licensed in RI o. 860.767.5011 | c. 617.645.4392
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susanmalan.williampitt.com
Essex
SUSAN A. MALAN
I. CHANDRA MOON PHASE BOBBY PINS IN MOTHER OF PEARL
F. BLUE FLORAL & GOLD HEART CALLIE BRACELETS
Each Callie bracelet is handmade in Old Saybrook and can be personalized to include a loved one’s name, coordinates of your favorite place, a special date—whatever means the most to you! These lovely pieces are made-to-order and come in a variety of colorways. $24 each
Pearls & Plaid, 117 Main Street, Old Saybrook; 860-662-9630; shoppearlsandplaid.com
G. TIDE CLOCKS
Set these nautical clocks with a whimsical twist to follow any location with regular tides. The dial shows the hours to the next tide change while the mechanically animated display shows the sea level changing in sync with the actual local tide. Perfect for shoreline living. Navy blue frame with crab, mermaid, and lighthouse images available. 11 x 6.5 x 2 inches. $145
Goods & Curiosities, 47 Main Street, Essex; 860-767-0210; store. griswoldinn.com
H. ABC GIANT COLORING POSTER
This giant coloring poster brings the alphabet to life through adorable illustrations of animals and objects. Designed for little ones, this educational print is a great first discovery of the alphabet with a creative and vibrant twist. Frame upon completion for decoration. $17 Bluebird Day, 149 Water Street, Stonington; 860-245-4766; bluebirddaykids.com
Artisans from India transform the inside lining of discarded oyster shells into this fair trade set of bobby pins featuring an iridescent celestial, lunar moon phase design. Perfect for showers, graduations, or your next special occasion this spring. $18
Flavours of Life, 86 Bank Street, New London; 860-444-9428; flavoursoflife.com
J. RAWLINGS 11.5” R9 CONTOUR YOUTH BASEBALL GLOVE
If you have a youth player looking to step up the quality of their baseball glove this season, this is the one for you. It features a contoured fit to ensure the glove stays securely snug throughout the innings, and the all-leather shell comes 80 percent broken in for a game-ready feel the second they step onto the field. $129.99
K. BRINGING NATURE HOME: HOW YOU CAN SUSTAIN WILDLIFE WITH NATIVE PLANTS
In his groundbreaking book Bringing Nature Home (Timber Press. 2009), Douglas W. Tallamy reveals the unbreakable link between native plant species and local ecosystems. When native plants disappear, the insects disappear, impoverishing the food source for birds and other animals. As habitat destruction accelerates, there is increasing pressure on wildlife populations. Luckily, there is a simple yet crucial step we can all take to help sustain biodiversity by choosing native plants for our own gardens. $20.45
The Golden Owl, 19 Golden Street, New London; 860-924-2695; goldenowl.shop
