Celebrate the Quince at White Silo Farm in Sherman this weekend

Quince is an ancient fruit, found in Roman cooking and grown across Turkey and southeast Asia. It grows on small trees and is closely related to apples and pears, but it lacks their immediate edibility and appeal. The fruit is knobbly and ugly, with an irregular shape and often a gray fuzz — especially when the fruit has been picked underripe. The ripest, nicest quince will have a golden tone and smooth skin as pictured directly above. But even ripe quince doesn’t taste very good raw.

Quince was popular in 18th century New England. Nearly every home had a quince tree in the yard because quince provided a natural and plentiful source of pectin that was necessary for home canners to ensure that preserves they were putting up for the winter were properly set and preserved.  After powdered pectins were invented, quince fell out of favor.

The first clue that quince hides something special is its aroma. If you leave a quince on a sunny windowsill it will slowly release a delicate fragrance of vanilla, citrus, and apple into your kitchen. It’s a heady, perfumed scent that is completely at odds with its appearance. Maybe this is why the quince is slowly making a comeback and is celebrated at White Silo Farm in Sherman on November 2 from 1:30 pm to 4 pm.

The event will be indoors and outdoors (heat lamps and firepits). The cost is $27 PP. It includes four items made with fresh quince – White Silo NY Times quince recipe with bacon, cipollini onions, and balsamic reduction sauce – quince butternut squash soup – Quince and cheese panini – Quince panna cotta. Reservations are required for the quince food items. Music with the Hummingbirds. Additional non-quince food items will be available for vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Reservations are limited and can be made on the http://www.whitesilowinery.com

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Honoring Native American Veterans November 3 @Institute for American Indian Studies

Many people may be unaware of the major contributions Native Americans have made to our armed forces. They have fought valiantly in the United States military in every conflict since the American Revolution, even before Native Americans gained U.S. citizenry in 1924.

Each year, in honor of Veterans Day, the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington Connecticut honors the exceptional military service of Native Americans in a formal dedication and ceremony. This year, the Institute is once again inviting the public to participate in the program that will honor Native and non-Native Americans whose passion and loyalty have helped to make America what it is today on Sunday, November 3 at 12:30 p.m. The Institute is located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut.

This year the Institute is honoring three people that collectively represent three branches of the military: Army, Coast Guard, and Navy. The honorees are, Valerie Gambrell (US Army, Eastern Pequot), Sargeant, Reginald Mitchell (US Coast Guard, Golden Hill Paugussett), and Petty Officer 2nd Class
Alicia King (US Navy, Golden Hill Paugussett).

Culturally, Native Americans have always celebrated their warriors. This year the Institute is honoring several local Native Americans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The Crow Hill Singers Drum Group led by Aaron Athey (Mohegan) from Uncasville will perform traditional songs to honor the contributions made by Native American Veterans and all Veterans. A new highlight is that Tails of Joy will have a canine ambassador as part of the proceedings. Tails of Joy is a non-profit dedicated to providing animal-assisted therapy. Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to enjoy light refreshments in the museum.

Although this planned event will take place outdoors, if the weather is, inclement it may move indoors. Advance registration is appreciated for this free event. Click here for tickets
https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/20669

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland, the IAIS offers educational programs, both permanent and changing exhibits and a replicated 16th-century Algonkian village. Its research department maintains extensive archeological and ethnographic collections and conducts archeological digs and other research. Its “Wigwam Escape” escape room offers an opportunity to solve a puzzle while learning about Indigenous life before European settlement. With a focus on “two-eyed seeing”, visitors can learn about the history of the American continent that incorporates more than 12,000-year history of human habitation. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, Connecticut.

About Veterans Day
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary marking the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for the annual observance and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars. The day honors military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation and a remembrance ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. The ceremony honors and thanks all who served in the U.S. armed forces.

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Witch Trials in Early New England

Join the Norwalk Historical Society and Leslie Lindenauer a Professor and author, as we dive into the dark history of witch trials in early New England – it’s gonna be a spooky ride!

In 1692-3 in Salem, Massachusetts the courts sentenced 19 people to hang and tortured a 20th to death. At least five more people died in jail. When most people think about the historic American witch trials, it is the events in Salem that dominate.

Fewer of us are aware that dozens and perhaps hundreds of people were tried for witchcraft in New England beginning over four decades before the events in Salem. Many of those trials occurred in Connecticut. At least sixteen people in Connecticut and Massachusetts were executed for the crime, most of them women. This program will explore those trials and consider how popular representations of witches – and Salem! – have changed over time.

Light refreshments will be served. Tickets online are $15 and $25 at the door. For tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thou-shalt-not-suffer-a-witch-to-live-witch-trials-in-early-new-england-tickets-1038259892287

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Wilton Pumpkin Fest

The 4th Annual Great Wilton Pumpkin Fest will return to the Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road, on Saturday, October 19th from 1 pm to 3 pm. It’s fun for all ages with all things pumpkin! Enjoy a festive autumn atmosphere while joining knowledgeable docents in cooking pumpkin pancakes over an open hearth and blacksmithing in the forge, try out a handful of fall-themed lawn games, or explore the museum campus to complete the pumpkin scavenger hunt, all with complimentary cider and donuts!

New this year – make your very own tie-dye t-shirt and explore how New England colonists used fall plants to dye their clothing.
And be sure to pick up your very own pumpkin to bring home! Browse the Wilton Kiwanis Pumpkin Patch on the Society’s front lawn and purchase the perfect one. Then head over to the pumpkin decorating station and put your creativity on display. Kiwanis will also have small gourds and mums on sale to help fill out your personal harvest display.

Start the season with a day of Fall fun for all ages! Pumpkin Fest is free admission, a $5 suggested donation per person is greatly appreciated. Cider and Donuts generously provided by the Village Market

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Stories from the Animals @ Institute for American Indian Studies with White Memorial Conservation Center

Everyone loves a good story. Listening to stories especially those passed down through generations is one of the best ways to connect with each other and the world around us. The Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut in partnership with Litchfield’s White Memorial Conservation Center is presenting a powerful program called “Stories from Animals,” beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 19th.

Colleen Harrak, White Memorial’s Environmental Educator will join award-winning storyteller, Darlene Kascak, of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation and IAIS Educational Outreach Ambassador for an entertaining program that includes stories and live, local woodland animals. The goal of this program is to show participants how to experience Etuaptmumk – a Mi’kmaw saying that translates to “two-eyed seeing.” This idea encourages people to look at the same concept from both Western and Indigenous knowledge.

Oral tradition is an important cultural component in Native American culture because it is the very stories told that keep the knowledge and the traditions alive. “As a storyteller in Native communities, I bear a profound responsibility,” said Darlene Kascak. “I am entrusted with the task of preserving, protecting, and passing down oral stories that are hundreds if not thousands of years old. This role is not a duty it is also a deep-rooted passion that I hold dear. I am driven by the urgency to keep this tradition alive so that future generations can experience the beauty of learning through storytelling,” Kascak added.

The highlight of this program is the combination of several live animal ambassadors brought by the White Memorial Conservation Center and the Native American stories about each of these animals that offer timeless life lessons. The price of participation is $15 for non-members and $5 for members of the Institute. Pre-registration is advised by visiting iaismusueum.org.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland, the IAIS offers educational programs, both permanent and changing exhibits and a replicated 16th-century Algonkian village. Its research department maintains extensive archeological and ethnographic collections and conducts archeological digs and other research. Its “Wigwam Escape” escape room offers an opportunity to solve a puzzle while learning about Indigenous life before European settlement. With a focus on “two-eyed seeing”, visitors can learn about the history of the American continent that incorporates more than12,000-year history of human habitation. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, Connecticut.

JanetLeave a comment

Author Talk & Book Signing: Around Every Corner of Connecticut @ Mattatuck Museum October 10

Connecticut News 8 Anchor Sarah Cody, author of “Around Every Corner in Connecticut: 100 Towns to Explore Every Season,” will discuss her new book at the Mattatuck Museum on Thursday, October 10, between 6 and 7:30 PM. The exciting book signing and author talk event with three-time Emmy Award winner and travel reporter is not to be missed. The Mattatuck Museum is located on the Green in Waterbury, CT at 144 West Main Street.

Around Every Corner of Connecticut celebrates the abundance of beautiful destinations and exciting seasonal (and year-round) activities off the beaten track here in Connecticut. Connecticut boasts so much beauty, creativity, and opportunity, beyond the well-known state parks, attractions, and museums. The book is a unique and spirited look at Connecticut through Cody’s unique lens. Full of New England charm, and brimming with activities, Around Every Corner of Connecticut provides activities and locations for people of all abilities and ages. This book is the heartfelt culmination of her professional and personal adventures throughout the region.

Sarah Cody has been traveling throughout Connecticut, reporting on local news for more than two decades, and uses her experience to take readers on a tour of her favorite spots. A look at each destination provides additional, valuable, and sometimes little-known information and tips. Using her experience as a travel reporter in the state for more than 20 years, Cody will talk about some of her favorite spots, including those in and around Waterbury.

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