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Now that Spring is here, we want to let you know what has been happening at
Hilltop Farm in Suffield.
We have been busy! Come and visit Hilltop Farm during our June Programs and see what we have done!
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| Something is Always Happening at Hilltop Farm! |
FOFAH STOPS TRAFFIC on RT 159 !
During this winter, Hilltop Farm has been undergoing a series of upgrades and major renovations.
All traffic was stopped in early spring on Route 159 in order that CT Water Company could put the finishing touches on the installation of an 8 inch pipe across the road to Hilltop Farm! This is a long awaited upgrade to the infrastructure. Members of FOFAH have been working for over 8 years to make this upgrade to the water supply system. By increasing the service, water pressure will be increased to the barn.
Because of the size of the barn, the CT State Fire Marshall's office is requiring additional fire detection/suppression systems to be installed before allowing public events, inside the barn. FOFAH has been quoted $155,000 for an internal fire suppression system. Our fundraising efforts are ongoing. Once we raise the funds, a fire suppression system will be installed, and events inside the barn will be possible.
Farmstead House Restorations Underway
In another area of the farm, a great deal of work has been accomplished due to a STEAP (Small Town Economic Assistance Program) Grant! The $250,000 grant was awarded to the Town of Suffield and FOFAH from the State of CT for the restoration of the houses at Hilltop Farm. This grant must be matched by funds raised.
New roofs have been installed and crumbling chimneys have been repaired. The original windows are being painstakingly restored in order to retain the original 1920s appearance. The underground utilities of water, gas, sewer hookup and electricity will give the houses new life. These farm houses were once the homes of the Hilltop Farm Manager and the Dairy Herd Manager along with their families. Once they are renovated, these houses will enhance the preservation of the farmstead.
Also with the continued support and donations from the community, the 8 7 car garage has been rebuilt. The new roof and walls will make it possible for us to store our tractors, farm machinery and equipment safely and securely.
Although you may not have been able to see all that has been going on at Hilltop Farm this winter, FOFAH is always working to upgrade all parts of the Farmstead. Come visit Hilltop Farm soon!
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May & June Programs
Sunday, 2:00PM June 7 is CT Trails Day.
Come to Hilltop for a Presentation and walk led by Weed Scientist and Board Member Todd Mervosh, PhD
The walk will focus on proper identification and detrimental properties of several non-native invasive plants, on the farm such as Oriental bittersweet, multiflora rose, autumn olive, Japanese barberry, and phragmites. Walk the 1.5 miles through Hilltop Farm's open space and preserved wetlands. Also a letterbox is on site. Questions and to register contact Kacy at 860-758-0668, KacyC@HilltopFarmSuffield.org
The program will begin at the big white barn at Hilltop Farm, 1616 Mapleton Avenue (Route 159) in Suffield. Follow signs to parking. Rain or shine. |
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Other Special Events at Hilltop Farm
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Connecticut residents are invited to discover - and rediscover - the state's exciting arts, history and tourism offerings during the 11th Annual Open House Day.
Come to the
"Open House" at the Farm on Saturday, June 13 from 8:30 AM-2:00PM. Enjoy a s
elf-guided tours of the farmstead and nature trail around the town owned open space, which is managed by FOFAH. Be sure to visit
our Butterfly Garden and learn how to attract butterflies to your yard!
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| Bald Eagle Golf Outing June 28
You are invited to join The Friends of the Farm at Hilltop celebrate American Eagle Day and and our own nesting eagles at Hilltop Farm at our Bald Eagle Golf Outing on Sunday, June 28.
This is a major fundraising event that is organized with the assistance of WMG, (Windsor Marketing Group), of Suffield.
The event will be hosted at the Suffield Country Club at 341 North Main Street in Suffield, CT. Registration is at 11:30am, with a 1:00pm Shotgun Start.
Dinner is at 6:00pm. If you are unable to attend, you can donate to be a tee sponsor for $100. Registration forms and other sponsorship opportunity information, see our website www.HilltopFarmSuffield.org. |
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Many Thanks to Our Own Friends
of the Farm
Students from Pine Meadow Academy of Windsor Locks have been volunteering their time at Hilltop Farm twice a week during this spring to complete their service learning projects. Under the direction of Board members, Bobbie Rodgers and Rodger Ives, the overgrown patch of raspberry bushes has been given new life. Because of these students, FOFAH is looking for a bumper crop of raspberries this season. Thank you Pine Meadow Academy Students!
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If your civic, school or scouting organization is looking for a site for a volunteer project, please contact FOFAH at 860-758-0668. We have many potential projects and areas for a lasting improvement.
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| Volunteers are the Lifeblood of Our Organization! |
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. FOFAH is an all volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting local history, nature and agriculture of Suffield and the region.
Our volunteers are always working on something; repairing, planning, planting, building, writing, etc, etc, etc. If You would like to volunteer your time and talents, join us a Hilltop Farm Work Day. These Workdays are the Second Saturday of each month from 8am to 12 PM at the Farm. Call 860-758-0668 or email us at Info@HilltopFarmSuffield.org.
Right now Volunteers are getting ready for the Annual Harvest Dinner scheduled on September 5 and FarmFest 2015 on Labor Day, September 7. If you would like to attend or volunteer for either event, please contact us 860-758-0668 or email us at Info@HilltopFarmSuffield.org.
Our Board Members- All Volunteers !
A
t our Annual Meeting of FOFAH on March 12, we elected the following Officers & Board Members for 2015-2016.
The new FOFAH Board of Directors Officers are Kacy Colston, President; Ray Wilcox, Vice President; Bobbie Rogers, Secretary; Mike Welch, Treasurer; Janet Banks, Past President.
Board Members are Anne Banks, Robin Bienemann, Christine Davidson, Megan Hastings, Roger Ives, Jr, Todd Mervosh, Eileen Moncrief, Mark O'Hara, Howard Orr, Ray Pioggia, Deb Santy and Scott Wheeler.
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