To health and happiness,

Shayne

Meteor display ignites shower of thankfulness

by Kate Lundahl

Just about a week and a half ago, I crumpled some newspapers and placed them in my Chiminea. I put lots of pieces of crispy kindling on top of the papers. I did this over the weekend in preparation for the meteor shower viewing. I didn’t want the kindling to be covered with frost when I started the fire. I figured the wood would stay dry in the little outdoor fireplace. At three o’clock on Monday morning, I made a pot of coffee. I dressed in tights, thick wool socks, flannel pants, a cashmere sweater, a mohair sweater, woolen leg warmers, a silk scarf, an angora scarf, lambskin-lined clogs, a wool hat, cashmere-lined woolen gloves and a long woolen cape.

My warmest fabrics covered my body and I was prepared to meet the cold of the early morning hour. I went outside and lit a match to the paper and the paper burned to heat the wood to a crackling start. The sweet smell of smoked escaped from the top of the chimney. As I laid larger pieces of wood on the fire, the crackle turned into a low hum.

I went inside to call some friends and reported a sighting of eight shooting stars during the fire start. I poured a cup of coffee and added some Baileys and turned off the lights and returned from the patio. The streetlights were to the east and the full moon was high in the western sky.

I sat in my cedar glider bench facing east, since the rumor was that the stage for the show was set in that direction. I felt comfortably nestled as I sat between the first trees I planted in my yard almost 13 years ago. The two blue spruce were keeping me company in my nighttime vigil. As the fire burned brightly, it heated the Chiminea and the heat began to radiate in my direction. I added larger pieces of juniper and pinion and the hum grew stronger. My eyes were on the sky and the display began. The meteors were showering above, to the south and the north, as well as in the east.

The storm did not hold the intensity of the one last November. However, last year I watched it from my friend Beth’s backyard. There were no streetlights nearby, and the moon was not full. We sat next to her fire pit, and as we warmed our stockinged feet on the hot rocks, we witnessed the most spectacular light show I have ever seen. This year the experience was much more mellow and subdued and I only saw 80 or 100 orbs and streaks dancing through the darkness. I sat on my patio for more than an hour and thanked my lucky stars.

The Forman School is a coeducational college preparatory boarding and day school for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and learning differences. (www.formanschool.org)

Candidates pass two proctored exams covering all aspects of caring for the varieties of turf used in cool season lawns. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices are emphasized in all facets of dealing with grass diseases and weed or insect problems.

Successful candidates understand the complete process to establish or renovate a lawn including the need for aeration, dealing with thatch, and safe, effective fertilization and pesticide application.

Certification enhances an individual’s professionalism, demonstrates a sense of personal achievement, and increased respect and recognition in the profession.

The PLANET certification program, Landscape Industry Certified, is supported and used internationally, shows credibility and commitment to best practices, and leaves a lasting impression.

PLANET is the association of members who create and maintain the QUALITY OF LIFE in communities across America. With more than 3,500 member companies and affiliates, these firms and their employees represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals.

Thanks to our Gold sponsor, Parker Medical, and Silver sponsors Aspetuck Tree & Landscape, and The Board of Directors of Literacy Volunteers on the Green. Thanks also to our beverage sponsor, The Bridge Fine Wine, Spirits & Beer.

Also, tee sponsors A-1 Auto Body Works, Campbell Services, Eastern Connector Specialty Corp., Lucente Agency, New Milford Spirit Shoppe, David and Nancy Hawley, Preferred Building Maintenance, Sandler Sales Training, Southpaw Builders, LLC and Union Savings Bank.

To our cart sponsors Law Office of Cecilia Buck-Taylor, PC, Emmons Tree and Landscaping Service, Kent Kitchen Works, Lore’s Lanes, McCaffrey Realty Professionals, New Milford Insurance Agency Inc., Innovative Dispute Resolutions, LLC, Pineman Sign Co., Powerhouse Appliances, RAC Diesel Service, Inc., River Design, and Washington Food Market—we extend our thanks.

Thank you to contributors A-Laszlo Painting, B&B Mason Supply, LLC, Brookfield Family Chiropractic, 
Margaret L. Ford, Jackie Goldner, Barbara J. Grathwohl, Vinnie and Jane Harrison, Marandola Fuel Service, Susan Metcalf, and Pineman Sign Co. Inc.

We would also like to thank the following area businesses and persons for donating raffle prizes and silent auction items: Arthur Murray Dance Studio, Brookfield Family Chiropractic, Bull’s Bridge Golf Course, Bull’s Bridge Inn,
Candlewood Lake Club, 
Edible Arrangements, Bev Federle, Jacquie Fresenius, Hyperbaric and Wellness Center, LLC, Lennie’s Flower Shop, Lowenthal/Levin/Hermens, Le Mystère, Mahalo Massage,
 Paul Morton Jewelers, Planter’s Choice, LLC, Glenn Newman/TPC Prestancia, New Milford Spirit Shoppe, Village Center for the Arts, 
Warner Theatre, 
Washington Liquor Store, Westport Country Playhouse and Dr. Glenn M. Wilson, DMD.

Lastly, a big thanks to the golfers in attendance—we couldn’t do it without you. We look forward to seeing you all again next year. We are fortunate to have a YardApes community whose generous support year after year makes all the difference. Our hats are off to you!

And, we’ve happened to have a bad run. That’s not to diminish the hardship and loss experienced by those fundamentally affected by recent weather events.   I know I ought to offer seasonal gardening tips and give advice on winterizing your property, but I feel compelled to talk about reconnecting with the outdoors…Read More

PLANET members converged on the Hill to meet with their officials and to discuss issues impacting the landscape, lawn care, and irrigation industries, including H-2B, the EPA’s WaterSense, and H.R. 872, the Reducing the Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011.

“This event allows us to meet with our elected officials and gives us an opportunity to educate them on issues important to our businesses and to the green industry. One voice will help make a difference, but imagine the impact if we all spoke out,” PLANET President Jerry Grossi said in a statement.

Four hundred landscape and lawn care professionals, hailing from twenty-nine states, converged at Arlington National Cemetery to revitalize its grounds. Volunteers spent the day mulching, upgrading sprinklers, cabling and installing lightening protection for trees, pruning, liming more than 200 acres, planting, and aerating the soil. This gift is valued at $200,000 in products and services.

Renewal & Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery commenced with a joint color guard ceremony and speaker presentations in dedication of the day ahead maintaining the landmark’s hallowed grounds.

“It was an honor and privilege to volunteer and to represent the landscape industry at our country’s most historic landmark,” Shayne Newman, founder, YardApes, Inc., said in a statement.

PLANET partnered with the Irrigation Association and the Tree Care Industry Association.  Supporting the event at the Platinum Level was Syngenta. (www.syngenta-us.com)

Proceeds from the tournament benefit The YardApes Charity Fund; since its inception, the fund has raised $35,000 for local nonprofits. Literacy Volunteers on the Green (LVG) will receive all proceeds from this year’s Golf Classic.

“The literacy rates in Litchfield County are surprising. We can do better. Literacy affects every facet of life. It’s something we all take for granted. Those who struggle with basic literacy face obvious disadvantages in terms of employment, interaction with their children, and their children’s teachers, for example, ” said Shayne Newman, founder of YardApes, Inc., in a statement. “I have to believe the challenges of our community’s minority changes the community as a whole.”

LVG is “dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals through English language instruction, basic reading skills and an introduction to the fullness of American life. This is accomplished under the direction of tutors who are trained and supported by the organization. All instructional services are provided free of charge,” according to the volunteer nonprofit’s mission statement.

Participation in this year’s tournament, whether through donation for raffle prizes, silent and live auction, or sponsorship is critical its success.   “We hope to hear from previous sponsors—friends of the tournament—and look forward to welcoming new donors and sponsors as well,” said Mr. Newman.

Player registration deadline is September 16, 2011.  Space is limited to 120 players.  A tour of the course, online player registration, as well as fields for sponsorship and donation are available through YardApes’ tournament link:  http://yardapes.org/2011-golf-classic/.

The tournament schedule is as follows:  11am registration and lunch; 12pm tee time; 5:30pm dinner and awards ceremony at Bulls Bridge Inn.

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