Old River Farm opens in Middlefield

MIDDLEFIELD — Old River Farm, LLC, a small-scale vegetable and flower farm, has officially opened for business in Middlefield, according to a release. Owners Dominick Grant and Mary Farnsworth moved back to the area a year ago with their two young children to start Old River Farm. They are offering CSA shares for the 2018 season, in which customers will get a weekly market basket of vegetables, flowers, herbs, eggs and other farm products delivered to their door.

Grant said, “I have been dreaming of starting a small-scale farm with my family for many years. It is amazing to see it come to life. The soil here in the Connecticut River Valley is some of the best in the world and we are able to grow really high quality vegetables using natural practices.”

Their daughter, Louisa Grant, age 5, added “I like picking flowers and collecting the eggs from the chickens because it’s fun. My baby brother, Benjamin, likes stepping in the mud best.”

While this venture is new, the family and the land have deep local roots. Grant grew up in Portland and is a former managing director of Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown. Farnsworth worked at the Middletown Community Health Center and managed Vinnie’s Jump & Jive. The historic farm homestead in Middlefield was built in 1741.

Old River Farm is now selling 10 week and 20 week subscriptions for their CSA -weekly home delivery of farm goods for the 2018 season. Deliveries will begin in June and the areas served include towns in the Middletown area and the New Haven area.

To get more information or to purchase a CSA share, visit www.oldriverfarmct.com or email oldriverfarmct@gmail.com.

Military vehicles sought for Memorial Day Parade May 30

CROMWELL — Interested persons with military vehicles are invited to participate in the annual Town of Cromwell Memorial Day Parade on May 30.

The memorial service will begin at 6 p.m. on the World War I Memorial Green on the corner of Main and West streets. It will be immediately followed by the annual town parade along a parade route in downtown Cromwell. These events are sponsored annually by the Town of Cromwell and the American Legion Carlson-Sjovall Post 105. Interested persons should contact Parade Marshal Al Waters at 860-9307812.

Vocal Chords offer scholarship awards

MIDDLETOWN — The Middlesex Hospital Vocal Chords Executive Board is now accepting applications for its annual scholarships to be awarded to deserving students pursuing a career in nursing or music. They must have been accepted at an accredited college or university with one of these majors.

The Review Committee will consider academic record, extracurricular and community service activities, the students ability to articulate his/her career goals and the recommendations of the references.

The scholarships will be paid directly to the student at the spring concert, Saturday, May 5.

All applications must be postmarked by March 26 and can be obtained at the Middlesex County high school guidance offices. For more information, call 860-3492042.

Mercy High School holding raffle

MIDDLETOWN — Mercy High School is sponsoring a $25,000 education raffle. The money is tax free and can be used at any accredited school in the U.S., from kindergarten through college, and for student loans. Tickets re $100.

The drawing is Tuesday, April 10 at Mercy’s Spring Concert, which begins at 7 p.m., with the drawing at 8 p.m. Winners do not have to be present. Only 650 tickets will be sold.

For information, or to order a ticket, visit www.mercyhigh.com or call Mercy at 860-347-8957.

Girl Scout cookies are on the way

On Saturday and Sunday, March 3 to 4, trucks filled with boxes of Girl Scout Cookies arrived at different delivery spots across the state. At the delivery sites, volunteers will collect the cases of cookies that they ordered and either deliver cookies to customers or bring them to local booth sales throughout the month of March.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. This program not only teaches girls essential marketing and business skills but also powers amazing experience for them across the state.

From using their cookie money to go on camping trips to donating their proceeds at a local animal shelter, Girl Scouts are doing inspiring things made possible by each and every cookie sale. However, girls’ cookie earnings alone aren’t enough to power the Girl Scout Movement— investing in girls is ear-round commitment, not just during cookie season. To learn more go to gsoct.org

Scholarship committee to hold fundraising social

DURHAM — The Coginchaug Scholarship Committee has announced the date for their Community Scholarship Social (formerly Scholarship Ball) for Saturday, March 24, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Zandri’s Stillwood Inn in Wallingford.

The event will include dancing, a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction. The cost of the event is $60 per person, which includes light dinner, open bar, and dessert. Proceeds benefit this year’s graduating Coginchaug seniors and future graduates. Every senior who applies for a scholarship and is going on to secondary education receives a scholarship.

Tickets may be purchased online at https://squareup.com/ store/coginchaug-scholarshipcommittee/ or by sending a check to Michelle Niedmann, 29 Linmar Drive, Durham, CT 06422. Tables are available for 8 or 10. Send any seating requests to Sheryl Slight at slightes@sbcglobal.net.

For more information, text or call 860-955-0532 or via email crhsscholarshipfund@gmail.com. The committee is volunteer-run and are always looking for new members; email for more information.