Saturday, June 7 - Rain or Shine - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Admission $10 ~ Under 12 or Over 70 Free ~ No Pets, Please
Workshops • Weedwalks • Vendors • Kids Activities • Directions
Download an HerbFest Program Flyer here!
Directions:
I-84 Exit 67 - Turn onto Route 31 South, proceed 3.5 miles. Turn left onto North School Road. Topmost is 1/2 mile on the left.
Route 44 Westbound - At stoplight at the 4 way-intersection near Meadowbrook Plaza in Coventry, turn right onto Grant Hill Road. Proceed 1 mile, turn left at the intersection, onto North School Road. Stay straight onto unimproved portion. Topmost is at the top of the hill on the right.
Route 44 Eastbound - From the stoplight at Bolton Notch it is 2.6 miles to the 3-way intersection with Route 31. Turn left, North School Road is exactly 1 mile, on the right. program.
Get Directions here!
Program
9:00 ~
- Welcome with Rosemari Roast
- Bring your drums and rattles and join us in the circle around the fire pit, as we celebrate the beginning of this day. Help Rosemari to raise energy and create community.
- Look Beneath Your Feet - Weedwalks
- Gather at the Hospitality Booth at 10, 11, 1, 2 or 3.
- The green allies are waiting for you! Learn their stories, hear their history as food and medicine, and learn the best methods of identification as you stroll the grounds with one of our CT Herb Association herbalists.
10:00 ~
- Herbs of the Compositae (asteraceae) Family with Michael Ford
- We will take a look at this most complex of the plant families; the compositae and its tribes of the healing and toxic plants. (Barn)
- Michael Ford holds degrees in botany, biology, classics, pharmacognosy and education from the University of Rhode Island. Owner of Appolo Herbs, he has been working with herbs for 19 years. www.apolloherbs.com
- Aromatherapy for Your Home,Yourself and Your Family with Gayle Nogas
- Gain knowledge of how these oils alter your emotions, relieve pain, help fight colds and ease depression safely. (Tent)
- Gail Nogas is a Master Herbalist and has been proprietor of Gayle’s Thyme Herbal Apothecary in Enfield for 12 years. She has studied herbs and oils, their uses and applications, for more than 20 years. www.gaylesthyme.com
11:00 ~
- Introduction to Using Medicinal Herbs with Katherine Mashiak
- Katherine defines various herbal forms and their uses, and offers advice on their purchase. (Barn)
- Katherine Mashiak has studied herbs for over 25 years. She is the owner of Kassandra, It’s About Thyme...Herbs Unlimited in Somers. www.kassandraherbs.com
- Pravada Sound Healing with Nina Umai Spiro
- Self healing and speaking with the Earth through sound allows us to become present in new ways, in which we easily communicate with the natural world. (Tent)
- Nina Umai Spiro opened Pravada Sound Healing inspired by an early near-death experience. With 29 years experience in the realm of shamanic sound healing, she maintains a private practice as psychotherapist and shamanic sound healing practitioner in Leeds, MA. Email: pravada@earthlink.net - website in progress.
12:00 ~
- Echo Uganda
- We welcome back this unique group, as they share with us the captivating rhythms of East Africa played on their unique traditional instruments. Learn about their mission at www.echouganda.com
1:00 ~
- Herbal Cox-2 Inhibitors with Jody E. Noé, MS, ND
- An in-depth look at herbs that inhibit inflammation by affecting the COX-2 pathway, while we explore current research data that indicate their effectiveness. (Barn)
- Jody E. Noé, MS, ND - An herbalist and licensed Naturopathic Physician in practice for 15 years, Dr. Noé holds a Masters of Botany/Ethnobotany in Cherokee Medicine. She maintains a private practice in Westerly, RI, and is an assistant professor at the University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Physicians. www.drjodynoe.com
- Men's Health with Nathaniel Petley
- This class will cover topics important to the health of men of all ages, including reproductive health, heart issues and stress. (Tent)
- Nate Petley holds a Masters degree in Plant Science from UConn. He is owner of Acadia Herbals in Northampton, MA and creator of Nature Nate Herbal Products. He wildcrafts and teaches throughout New England. www.acadiaherbals.com; www.naturenates.com
2:00 ~
- Chinese Herbs and Theory for Women with Laura Mignosa
- TCM sees the body in a different way and explains many of the emotions and physical disharmonies that Western medicine does not. Time honored traditions for a satisfying life. (Barn)
- Laura Mignosa is a Nationally Certified Chinese Herbologist and has been the director of the Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies since 1992. She maintains a private practice at the school in Wethersfield, and also at Grant Chirporactic Health Center in Southington. www.ctherbschool.com
- Non-physical Aspects of Gardening with Ruth W. Williams
- We can co-create with the intelligence of the natural world. Presenting an overview of some modalities that allow us to support and enhance the energies of nature. (Tent)
- Ruth W. Williams is an empowerment coach, supporting groups and individuals in discovering their innate gifts and talents in order to achieve enhanced well-being. Personal Empowerment Processes is based in Coventry. Email: ruthlenel@sbcglobal.net
- Stress Management with Chinese Qi Gong
- Stress and its management are familiar challenges in our fast-paced lives. Join us for this free session to learn quick techniques for breathing, optimized body posture and focused intention that can help you re-balance your body’s energy and release tension and stress. (Lawn)
3:00 ~
- Are Your Digestive Problems Really Celiac Disease? with Fran Storch, ND
- Many people’s irritable bowel, reflux, gas and digestive problems are with gluten! Learn how to avoid it and utilize herbs and nutrition that help. (Barn)
- Fran Storch, ND maintains a private practice in Mansfield. She is passionate about bringing together Science and Nature for healing! Email: franstorchnd@hotmail.com
- Herbal Spirit: Your Alliance with the Green World with Rosemari Roast
- Nurture and build intimacy with your Green World. Through simple meditation, meet and commune with your plant allies and learn their teachings firsthand. (Tent)
- Rosemari Roast - Herbalist, healer and priestess of the wild, Rosemari is dedicated to “returning home” the medicine of the people. She offers empowerment through education, consultations, herbals, apothecary and healing sessions in. http://walkinthewoods.byregion.net
For the children
Goats, Etc. - This Ellington 4-H group of kids, just might bring kids! Please don’t consider them babysitters, but they will help entertain the younger set. They are also organizing our recycling efforts, and will cheerfully help you dispose of trash in the proper containers.
Vendors and Information Booths
- ALICE’S GARDEN & GREENHOUSE Heirloom vegetable, flower & herb seedlings 860.423.4906
- ART BY GILBANE Botanical illustrations, prints - herbs & native plants www.artbygilbane.com
- BASKETS BY EVELYN GERR Traditional functional hand woven baskets 860.644.0588
- BEADED BAG LADY Original one of a kind handmade jewelry 203.288.1778
- BELTANE FARM Fresh goat milk, cheese, yoghurt www.beltanefarm.com
- BETHANY HOMECRAFTS Felted wool sculptures, soaps, braided rugs 860.585.1488
- BIRCH MOUNTAIN POTTERY Functional & decorative stoneware pottery www.birchmountainpottery.com
- BIRDSONG FARM Salad greens, vegetables, beeswax candles 860.455.0541
- CHIVEFLOWER DESIGNS Unique sterling silver beaded jewelry 860.429.6309
- COLLINS COMPOST Fully composted leaves & cow manure www.collinscompost.com
- CONNECTICUT INSTITUTE FOR HERBAL STUDIES Herbal programs & China cultural tours www.ctherbschool.com
- DIOSA ESSENTIAL OILS Purest essential oils & natural scentsational delights www.DiosaEssentialOils.com
- EARTH COUNSEL Eclectic earth based groups, services, & products www.anearthcounsel.com
- EVOLVE TEA & HERBAL EMPORIUM Teas & accessories, soy candles, handmade jewelry 860. 666.1234
- FIRESIDE HARPS Handcrafted harps, dulcimers, banjos, other instruments 860.423.9248
- FRAN STORCH, ND/THE HEALING EARTH Compassionate, holistic naturopathic medical care! 860.423.2759
- GAYLE'S THYME Herbal apothecary & metaphysical shop www.gaylesthyme.com
- HEALING HANDS THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Therapeutic chair massage 860.742.9115
- HELYN'S CLEAN SOLUTIONS LLC All natural cleaning solutions www.HCSolutions.org
- THE HERB GATHERER Herb & native plants, herbal products 860.345.2631
- LEE LEE BAGS Funky fabric bags 860.531.0133
- LISA'S GARDEN DESIGNS Handmade hypertufa planters, garden ornaments www.formedforyou.com
- PAST THYMES Hypertufa planters, handpainted birdhouses, floorcloths 860.487.0483
- RICH VALLEY FARM/SUSAN PARKS SOAP Handmade goat milk soaps susanparks.com
- SAGEWOOD HERB FARM Fine herbal design; leaf, twig, vine www.sagewoodherbfarm.com
- SHOOTING STAR GALLERY Wired hanging jars,wire/bead projects 860.367.0362
- SILVER BIRDS JEWELRY Unique & unusual handcrafted jewelry www.silverbirds.com
- SLEEPY MOON Inspired, bohemian soaps & body products www.sleepymoonsoaps.com
- SUE'S HERBAL HEAVEN Client consultation, custom formulation, herbals www.suesherbalheaven.com
- TOPMOST HERB FARM GREENHOUSE Herbs, heirloom tomatoes, perennials & more www.topmostherbfarm.com
- TOTALLY CLEAN NATURAL SOAPS, LLC Skliin soothing from nature’s finest ingredients 860.742.6911
- WAYNE'S ORGANIC GARDEN/MARILYN'S BASKETS Organic vegetables, handmade baskets, felted hats www.waynesorganicgarden.com
- WHITE BUFFALO HERBS Handmade organic herbals & aromatherapy www.whitebuffaloherbs.com
- University of CT Master Gardeners ~ Northeast Organic Farming assoc (NOFA) ~ Willimantic Food Coop
Thanks
To those who help, to those who share, and to everyone who comes to learn and to celebrate this day with us. Stop by the membership table to learn more about the Connecticut Herb Association and consider a membership. Remember to come back next year, it’s always the first Saturday in June.