Connecting with Connections

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The Connections class at the Academy of Lifelong Learning connects the community with a wide variety of speakers, from healthcare to politics, clinics to …farms! I was honored to be asked to speak to the Connections class on February 21 about Highland Orchards and our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. Two of our customers were instrumental in asking me to present to the class. Of course, I selected a winter time slot, when we are a bit slower. I remember wondering if they had a snow date. Not to worry this year; February 21 was 75 degrees!

Wacky weather makes a great introduction to a talk about farming, and we had a great time. So many in the class have been long-time residents of northern Delaware and were familiar with the changes in population and eating that I presented. A little history of the farm and the way that farming has changed over the past 100 years brought into focus the fact that farming is a business. The CSA program was new to many, and the class’s curiosity and questions made for a lively discussion.  CSAs were first started in the United States in 1986 when two began in two different states; a relatively recent development in the history of farming. There are now thousands of CSA programs across the country.  We have run our CSA for over10 years.

It’s impossible for me to talk about farming without showing fruits and vegetables, so I brought a small share, a large share, and a fruit share to show what a share is. The mystery item in the share bags was fresh turmeric root, which was something new for many in the room. Always good to learn something new!

It was great to be around people who enjoy their community and love learning about their community. Thank you, Connections!

- Ruth





There are many many organizations around here that offer ways to enhance your knowledge. Below are some of our favorites (in no particular order). Let us know in the comments which ones I’ve missed so I can update the list (and so I can go visit them!). 

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware (open to adults age 50 and up)
Mt Cuba Center
Winterthur
Delaware Center for Horticulture
Your local library! I like browsing The Happenings Guide 
The State Parks. They've got a handy dandy program guide too
John Heinz Wildlife Refuge
Delaware Nature Society
Delaware Beekeepers Association
Longwood Gardens
And... us! Look for our upcoming talks on facebook 

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