Help Clean Up New England's Largest River

The Connecticut is New England's largest river - it flows south approximately 407 miles, source to Long Island Sound.

Volunteers from Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut will turn out Oct. 19  to pick up trash and debris from the banks of river in each state.

Connecticut River Watershed Council spearheads the annual cleanup and says more volunteers are always welcome. To sign up and confirm the date for the effort, go to www.ctriver.org. (The original date in early October was postponed due to heavy rains.)

Winter Farm Markets Around Connecticut

Winter farm markets abound in Connecticut. Don't miss the delectable food and fresh produce.

For a story about a recent outing, see Moo Dog Press.

To check out the listing of winter farm markets, times and schedules, visit www.ctnofa.org.

The above images are taken from the winter City Seed Farmers Market, which sets up near Wooster Square in New Haven. The next one is Feb. 6.

Yak Yarn Or Hand-Thrown Pottery Anyone?

The Yarn Garden in Meriden will host a "yarn tasting" on Sunday, Dec. 13, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The shop will close at 3:00 pm that day.

The 54th annual Wesleyan Potters Exhibit & Sale is one of the oldest juried craft shows in the country. The show highlights the work of its members plus more than 200 talented American artisans in every craft field. Exhibit and sale runs through December 13. Admission is free.

Alpaca Farms: Holidays, Yarn, Music

Alpacas are gentle creatures and the yarn made from their soft fleecy coats is warm and soft. On our roamings around the region, we're featuring farms and the potential holidays gifts they offer.

On Nov. 28 and 29, visit with alpacas, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Stone Bridge Farm, 116 Crary Rd., Griswold. The farm will be open every weekend until Christmas offering up holiday music and decorations. The Farm Shoppe will be open stocked with warm-as-toast alpaca hats, scarves and gloves. For information call (860) 376-5027 or visit www.stonebridgealpacas.com.

Holiday Alpaca Farm Days will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Burgis Brook Alpacas in Canterbury. Activities include meeting the alpacas, spinning, felting and fiber preparation. Farm-grown yarn and roving is available for handspinners, knitters and weavers. Admission is free.