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Managed by the Friends of
the Farm at Hilltop
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Greetings!
In late summer in New England and at Hilltop, we all witness the many facets of the seasons in transition. The days are getting shorter, the crops and honey hives are being harvested. The leaves have a subtle tinge of Fall. There are still many things happening at Hilltop Farm.
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The 2021 Volunteer of the Year |
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From Left to Right - Howie Orr, Board President, Tony Peterson, 2021
Volunteer of the Year and Kevin Stiles, 2020 Volunteer of the Year.
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Each year the Board of Directors recognizes an individual for outstanding service to the Hilltop Farm community. Early in August, FOFAH was again able to publicly celebrate its volunteers with its annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic at Hilltop.
The 2021 Volunteer of the Year is Tony Peterson. Tony has spent countless hours at the farm and improving the Hilltop Farm website. Much of his tech work is behind the scenes and improves business of running a non-profit group. Tony also is working with Board Member, Ray Pioggia to organize the documents and diaries of the late June Cook. Don Cook, June’s son and grand nephew of George Hendee, made the donation from his mother’s estate.
At the same event, the FOFAH Board was finally able to publicly recognize Kevin Stiles, the 2020 Volunteer of the Year. Kevin has been a constant worker, clearing and mowing regularly, often using his own equipment.
FOFAH appreciates the efforts of all the FOFAH Volunteers. They are very special people.
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Dedication of the Memorial Tree Grove |
Two Trees
Poem by Sky Ray 2021
Two Trees planted and dedicated today,
for two dear friends of the farm
Two wonderful ladies; Janet and June
both exemplified kindness and generosity
We lose one gray tree here to the ages,
then place two new saplings with honor
Nothing lasts forever,
but joy and appreciation celebrated
for our two lovely sisters
shines among the stars in heaven
Volunteer Appreciation Day - August 7, 2021
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The Memorial Tree Grove
Friends gathered at Hilltop on August 7 to dedicate two trees in the Memorial Grove commemorating the life and spirit of two amazing women.
June Cook passed away in 2020. She was the niece of George Hendee and provided history and inspiration to the organization.
Founding Director and former President, Janet Banks was Board President of the FOFAH for almost a decade. During her tenure, she steered the the organization through the leasing, purchase, restoration and opening of the historic Hilltop Farm. Her persuasive leadership style enabled the Hilltop Farm to flourish and grow. She passed in 2019.
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September Fence
Painting Event
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FOFAH invites you to don your old work clothes and help to paint the fencing along the South Entrance to Hilltop Farm. On Saturday, Sept 18 and Sept 25 from 9AM to 2PM volunteer work crews will be painting several hundred feet of fencing that was installed last year. Friends, community organizations and families are invited to join in the fun. Whether you see yourself as Tom Sawyer, Becky or Ben, FOFAH promises to make painting the fence an enjoyable experience. Sign up online or by calling 860-758-0668 to reserve your paint brush. Hope to see you there! |
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A New Training Partnership at Hilltop
The Ocean State Schutzhund Club (OSSC) and FOFAH have entered into an agreement for training space for the professional training of German Shepherd dogs at Hilltop on Sunday mornings. The OSSC members have the mysterious tent-like objects that you may see.
What Is Schutzhund? Schutzhund began in the 1900's as a breed suitability test for German Shepherd Dogs. It’s goal is to test the temperament and working ability of the dog in its performance of three different phases: tracking, obedience and protection. Over the years it has evolved into a sport, currently called “IGP”, that is practiced all over the world, involving several different breeds of dog.
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The Ocean State Schutzhund Club (OSSC) was formed in 1982, making it one of the oldest clubs in the US. The club belongs to the United Schutzhund Clubs of America, and currently, has about a dozen members.
Some of the dogs are just starting out, and some are ready to compete at the Regional and/or National level.
On Sunday mornings, you can see members training their dogs at Hilltop.
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The volunteers pictured on the left are planting garlic plants and in the photo to the right, volunteers are harvesting the grown plants. Other produce that have been harvested by these volunteers over the season have been blueberries, raspberries, herbs and apples in in addition to eggs and honey. |
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Yoga At the Farm - Sunday's and Wednesday's |
Join Allison Zaczynski on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. at Hilltop Farm for vinyasa Yoga class. Yoga season is until September 28. We will meet in the barnyard, on the lawn behind the white barn.
By request, Allison is also leading Chair Yoga on Sunday’s at 10:30 or by appointment. As you know, the New England weather can be unpredictable, so pay attention to the Fit-Bliss with Allison Facebook page for any updates regarding cancellations. For additional information and fees, go here. |
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Heather Hitchcock of The Essential Canine will be enrolling owners and their dogs for training in the Fall. She is a FOFAH Partner at Hilltop Farm. Contact her for further details at 413-218-2367. |
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You can be part of the fun for any of these events by being a Volunteer or Sponsor. Details on these events will be here or call 860-758-0668.
- When you visit the Farm, please remain on the trails and avoid walking in areas that are being farmed. Also, during your visit, please follow all CT COVID-19 Protocols.
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PO Box 372
Suffield, CT 06078-0372
860-758-0668
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