Danbury Grange Sponsors Second of Its “Living Sustainably” Programs on June 22

Phyllis Rockwell, a vendor at the Danbury Grange winter markets, is a whiz at recycling. Her entire line of clothing is made from recycled sweaters and other castoffs. She designs and makes each one herself, so she is the perfect person to be heading up the Grange's "Living Sustainably" program. Her business is Newfound Farm Woolworks. Photo and caption: Mary Fanelli — Phyllis Rockwell, a vendor at the Danbury Grange winter markets, is a whiz at recycling. Her entire line of clothing is made from recycled sweaters and other castoffs. She designs and makes each one herself, so she is the perfect person to be heading up the Grange’s “Living Sustainably” program. Her business is Newfound Farm Woolworks. Photo and caption: Mary Fanelli

The buzz is about “sustainability” and the Danbury Grange has been in the forefront of the movement with its winter farmers market featuring local producers of goods and produce.

Now Phyllis Rockwell, lecturer for Blazing Star Grange and a vendor at the winter market, has put together a comprehensive two-year program on sustainability and combined it with Grange events throughout the year. We all recognize the dwindling resources in our communities: diminished farmland, dependence on questionable store-bought food, energy lost in poorly insulated and heated homes, and transfer stations that are untapped goldmines of useful, recyclable items.

On June 22 the Grange Hall in Danbury will hold its annual Barbecue Chicken Dinner when the second of four presentations will be featured: “Using Energy Sustainably in the Home.” Kim Quirk, from Energy Emporium in Enfield, and energy auditors from CAP-BM will be on hand to answer your questions about high and low tech improvements that you can make in your home to reduce energy consumption. The auditors will also help people who are interested in getting federal assistance in order to make necessary improvements in their homes. According to Kim’s website, “Fossil fuels are on the way out. Renewable energy is the goal for a sustainable future.” Don’t wait until winter to explore these options. Investigate now to save fuel and dollars later.

The presentation runs from 4:30 until 6:30 PM; Dinner begins at 5. You do not have to attend the dinner to benefit from the presentations! Come get informed and have a great home cooked dinner too. The next sustainability program, “Food Preservation,” will take place at 10 AM in the firehouse on September 7 during the annual Danbury Grange Fair.

Danbury Grange Hall is on North Rd, at the junction of Routes 104 and 4. For more information, contact Phyllis at 744-2332.