Avalonia Advisory Council Has First Field Trip!
The Avalonia Advisory Council held its inaugural meetings this past February and June. Created to bring people representing a broad demographic into the Avalonia fold, the Council now has 19 members and is still growing. At the first meeting, members introduced themselves and benefited from a presentation by Avalonia President Dennis Main; the second meeting featured a talk by guest speaker Amy Paterson, Executive Director of the CT Land Conservation Council, on the benefits of open space to public health, as well as a legislative round-up by Council member State Senator Cathy Osten.
The Council meets via Zoom three times per year, but opportunities for in-person convening, learning, and socializing are being built into the schedule. The first of these occurred on July 26.
Council member Mia Colasuonno, co-owner of Lathrop Farm in Lebanon, provided a perfect first field trip! This compact, certified-organic operation grows herbs, vegetables, and fruits; produces its own honey and maple syrup; and makes available the eggs of its 30-plus chicken flock, representing about 10 varieties. The tour, led by Mia and co-owner Andrew Lathrop, included an introduction to the farm’s history; a walk through the growing fields; and refreshments at the tour’s conclusion that featured a variety of vegetables straight from the fields. Almost half the Council members, plus their guests, attended this enlivening event.
Council member Tammy Paradis about to sniff some herbs held by her daughter, Rachel. (Tammy’s hands hold her garlic plant!)
For more information about Lathrop Farm, go to: https://www.lathropfarm.com/ourstory
We hope you enjoy these pictures from our morning at Lathrop Farm!
Elanah Sherman
Avalonia Board Member and Advisory Council Chair