Thursday, September 22, 2011

Community Foundation - Staff Retreat

What a great place to hold a staff retreat!  The intimate setting in the Warming House provided a comfortable place to brainstorm, team-build and have open and inclusive conversation, while the expansive grounds gave us the chance to explore, clear our heads and take in the natural beauty of the region.  We can’t thank you enough for your hospitality.  We would definitely hold staff meetings here again.”

Monday, July 18, 2011

Girls Incorporated ~ July 29th outing at the Farm!

At Girls Incorporated of Holyoke our mission is to: Inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold by providing them the opportunity to develop and achieve their full potential.

We provide girls ages 5-18 with engaging and educational youth development programs that are cutting edge, research driven and designed to meet the specific needs of girls. Girls are at the center of everything we do; our priority is listening to girls, responding to their needs and providing them with the opportunity to make positive change in both their community and in their own lives. Tailored in response to the many challenges facing youth in the Holyoke community, and with the Girls' Bill of Rights as the philosophical framework in which to design our programs, we offer programs and services that are unquestionably transformative for girls and young women.

At Girls Incorporated of Holyoke our vision for girls is one of an equitable society.
We advocate for and provide an environment in which:
  • Girls explore career choices that are not limited by their gender.
  • Girls think critically about their economic, social and political environment and actively work for positive change as leaders in the community.
  • Girls explore their creativity and self-expression in a setting this is supportive and non-threatening.
  • Girls respect and care for themselves in mind, body and spirit.
  • Girls embrace all types of diversity within and outside of their community.
  • Girls value education as a means to achieve economic independence.
To learn more about Girls Incorporated National, visit http://www.girlsinc.org/

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Young children from Square One in Springfield, MA will learn how to fish at Worthington Pond

On July 22nd, Worthington will provide a day of fishing and food for the children of Square One in Springfield.

Formerly the Springfield Day Nursery, Square One has been providing early education and child care support to working families in Western Massachusetts for more than 127 years.  Today, they provide a wide range of services to children and families, but remain grounded in their commitment to providing affordable, learning focused child care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers in a safe, stable and secure environment.  They are guided by research showing that children who begin learning early become better learners for life.  Kids who get off to a good start are better equipped to become successful and happy as adults.  They become more productive and more likely to make a positive contribution to their community.  Moreover, they become better equipped to provide expanded opportunities to their own children.  At Square One, their role is to help build the foundations for both better lives and a better community.

A private non profit organization, Square One receives funding from public agencies along with donations from private sector businesses and individuals, allowing us to provide education and care along with transportation, all at low costs to parents.  Additionally, they are able to provide tuition assistance for some families.
Founded in 1883 to provide care for children of working parents, they have evolved and expanded over the years.  Their programs include both center and home based childcare as well as Parenting Works, a program that provides parent education, support and training through groups, home visitation and case management.  http://www.sdn.org/

Monday, June 20, 2011

Vintage Style Wedding at Worthington Pond Farm & Gardens ~ amazing!

This vintage wedding shoot at Worthington was one-of-kind!

Producer: Mike Tierney, Audio Media Solutions, LLC, www.audiomediasolutions.net
Photography & Art Direction: Matt & Lindsay Branscombe, BSC Photo, www.BSCphoto.com
Event Planner: Christina Morin, Celebrations by Christina, www.celebrationsbychristina.com
Women’s Apparel: Corrine Crocker-Luby, Corrine Weddings, www.corrineweddings.com
Men’s Apparel: Kevin Kousch, Formal Affair, www.formalaffairtux.com
Florist: Rebecca Daleb, Flower Boutique
www.flowerboutiquect.com
Hair and Make-up: Larissa Lake, www.larissalakemakeupartist.com
Catering: Johnsens Catering, www.johnsenscatering.com

Vintage styled T length wedding dress by CT boutique Corrine and Yellow shoesVintage inspired wedding ceremony by the pond at Worthington in Somers, CT photographed by modern wedding photographer BSC PhotoVinatge inspired sweatheart tableFirst dance with dry ice fog by CT modern wedding photographer

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Celebrations by Christina at Worthington Pond Farm & Gardens

Celebrations by Christina specializes in working with today’s busy Bride and Grooms to design a memorable wedding day. They recognize that couples today have hectic schedules, work many hours and don’t have the time they would like to devote to their special day. Celebrations by Christina works alongside each couple to assist in the wedding process.

At Worthington Pond Farm & Gardens, Celebrations by Christina will be available for on-going communication with the bride and groom as well as complete wedding day coordination.  You will be able to enjoy your day!!
Celebrations by Christina is not just about weddings, but is a full service event planning business as well. She offers full service packages for:
  • Corporate events
    Let us plan and coordinate your offsite meetings, holiday parties and team building sessions!
  • Engagement parties
    Celebrate your engagement in style! Let us create an event to remember as your journey to your wedding day begins!
  • Wine Tastings
    Wine tastings can be a great alternative to any party and a great way to bring family and friends together!
  • Anniversary parties
    Commemorate years of wedded bliss with a celebration to remember!
  • Baby/Bridal showers
    Whether entering motherhood or becoming a bride, we take the traditional idea of a shower and put a new twist on it!
  • Bar/Batmitzvahs
    Enjoy your special day with your friends and lots of fun!
  • Birthday/Surprise parties
    Celebrating the big 30 or higher? Let Celebrations by Christina plan a birthday party to remember all decade long!
  • Fundraisers
    Let us help you reach your goals for a special cause!
Contact us at info@worthingtonpondfarm.com for a tour and consultation!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

COVERED BRIDGES OF NEW ENGLAND

Worthington Pond Farm & Gardens featured in a Documentary Film on PBS
COVERED BRIDGES OF NEW ENGLAND
During the 19th and early part of the 20th centuries, New England was home to almost 1000 covered bridges.  Today, there are less than 200 in the six state region.   Each has a story to tell, both about itself and the place where it stands.   If you appreciate the charm of days gone by, you'll take pleasure in viewing the Worthington Pond Farm covered bridge. A town truss bridge with an arch, it was constructed entirely from lumber harvested from the area and milled on site. The bridge has a clear span of 62 feet. It is the only bridge in North America with dormers to allow light to flow in, and it was assembled entirely with trunnels (wooden pegs).

Owners, Dan and Jane Roulier, are donating 100% of the Documentary Film DVD proceeds to the Somers, Connecticut Emergency Fuel Assistance Program.

Worthington Pond Farm & Gardens is a uniquely picturesque property located on 88 acres of manicured farmland and natural forest in Somers, Connecticut.  It features beautiful gardens, rustic trails, an authentic reproduction covered bridge, a maple sugaring house, a 16 acre beaver pond, an extraordinary G-scale garden railroad and wagon rides.

Worthington is an ideal destination for wedding ceremonies, receptions, corporate outings, retreats, charity events and all-occasion parties.

If you are interested in booking an event, please contact us at info@worthingtonpondfarm.com.  We would be happy to showcase this one-of-a-kind destination!  ###

About Worthington Pond Farm & Gardens ~

Worthington Pond Farm & Gardens believes in giving back to the community.  The farm has been used as a summer camp for inner city youth groups, provides a venue for local schools to educate in the sciences, served as host to any charitable fundraiser and volunteer events, given educational scholarships, and has raised beef cattle for the meat to be donated to area homeless shelters.  Our commitment, passion and dedication are focused on education and less fortunate.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Day Lily Sale ~ Fundraiser for the Somers Education Foundation

The Somers Education Foundation announces its 2nd annual Day Lily Sale Fundraiser to be held on Saturday, May 14 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Worthington Farm Pond and Gardens in Somers, CT.. Saturday is "stock up on your plants and flowers" day for area residents. Residents can start their day at Worthington Pond Farm and Gardens with a FREE pancake breakfast(donations accepted). All are encouraged to make it a family day so youngsters and adults alike can enjoy breakfast and watching the running of the "G" trains. The lily sale will include 39 varieties of day lilies with 3-5 fans per pot and will sell at a special price of $8.00 each. The lilies have been donated by Worthington Pond owner Dan Roulier and proceeds of the sale will benefit the Somers Education Foundation. Adult and student volunteers will be available to assist patrons with their purchases. The Day Lily Sale and breakfast will be held rain or shine. Worthington Pond Farm and Gardens is located at 359 Mountain Road in Somers and signs will direct patrons. Somers Education Foundation is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support excellence in the Somers schools. The Foundation has awarded more than $125,000 in grants to enhance student learning.
For more information please contact Lou Bachetti.


http://www.somersnow.com/

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Cancer Free Kids - Pancake Breakfast at Worthington Pond

Cancer Free Kids is hosting a pancake breakfast on May 1 from 8 am - 12 pm at Worthington Pond and Farm in Somers.

Cancer Free Kids, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 2010 to benefit children and their families undergoing treatment at the Sadowsky Pediatric Oncology Clinic, in Springfield, MA. Our goals are to assist in the creation of a comfortable, stimulating, educational, and social environment while the children are receiving chemotherapy in clinic.
Treatment of childhood cancer results in significant side effects and social limitations as a result of a compromised immune system. These kids lose a large amount of time with friends, school, and contact with the public.
Our founder and president, June LeDuc, experienced first hand, the extreme limitations on these children when her 10 year old son Kurtis, was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma in 2007. Provision of play opportunities and social interaction that is conducive to every age level is vital to the emotional health of these special children.
Our goal is to give them back some of that time while they are at clinic, by helping create options for them to play, learn, and socialize with each other and their families.
Our philosophy promotes the wellbeing of the whole child. We believe that despite illness, all children have needs that are required to foster essential growth in order to achieve necessary developmental milestones.
http://www.cancerfreekids.net/

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Creating an Unforgetttable Garden Wedding

Where should we marry on the property....

You should spend some time meandering the gardens to determine which location is best suited for your ceremony.  Your guests should be seated comfortably and the aisle should have ample space for the bride and groom to gracefully walk down.  Determine when and where the sun will be during your ceremony so that your photographer can easliy capture your grand entrance, exchanging of vows and celebration of marriage.

Keep your flower arrangements simple....

You decided on a Garden Wedding ~ The setting is lush with flower gardens featuring perennials awash with beautiful colors throughout the season. Gardens line the entire property.  A trellis decorated with ivy, Spanish moss and fresh flowers creates an ideal focal point for your ceremony. For table arrangements, use varying shades of one color accented with white or cream or work with one color throughout to create a simple elegance. 

Fun favors for your guests....

Wedding Cone Favors ~ fill with your favorite seeds.
http://www.momentsofelegance.com/catalog/wedding-cone-favors-p-2520.html

Topiary Photo Holder/Place Card Holder
http://www.momentsofelegance.com/catalog/topiary-photo-holderplace-card-holder-p-2354.html?moesid=59701db0e577d50b6d56531900ba7361

Luminous Mini Lanterns
http://www.momentsofelegance.com/catalog/luminous-minilanterns-p-1149.html