Today, Monday, August 21, 2017, is the day many of us will get to experience a total solar eclipse. Even if you’re not in the path of totality, this experience is still incredible. The moon covering the sun isn’t something we see every day, and many have wondered, what happens to the solar power if the sunlight is missing during that time?
Well, after some research, here are some answers.
In California, the eclipse is expected to wipe out six gigawatts of solar electricity, which is enough to power several million homes. If you’re on the path of totality like California, Utah, and North Carolina, there will be some issues with solar energy that is provided by solar panels and they will have to use a combination of other energy sources to make up for the loss.
Our home office in Avon, Connecticut, has had solar panels installed back in May of 2015. We have 572 panels and five inverters on the roof which helps reduce cost and also allows us to derive clean and pure energy from the sun, reducing our carbon footprint. It’s simple, we care about our planet and try to save as much energy as possible. Going green is a great way to go.
What does this mean for our office during the solar eclipse? Well since Connecticut is not in the full path of totality, we probably won't see much change to our solar energy but there is also a chance that since the sun is missing for the most part, so will solar energy, but only for a short time. We'll just have to wait and see what happens in a few hours.
Since it took over 35 years for this solar eclipse to arrive, we highly recommend checking it out. However, as all the warnings have stated, please don’t look directly at the sun. You can cause severe damage to your eyes and may not even realize it until days later.
Be safe and happy viewing!
Spring is finally here! It’s time of spring craft fairs, farmers markets, and other activities. Check out this list of events you can go and experience in Connecticut during spring. If you're not in Connecticut, don't fret! Many similar spring events and occasions will likely occur in your state and a town near you.
April 1 – 2016 Spring Home Show
The Spring Home Show is one of largest home shows in New England and the largest home show in Connecticut. Well over 300 exhibits, representing all the finest and most innovative companies in the home industry, will gather at the Hartford XL Center for this major spring event. Talk to the experts and find just the right designs at just the right price for your home improvement budget. Companies exhibiting at the show include remodelers, homebuilders, custom cabinets, kitchens and baths, chimneys, wood stoves, sunrooms, awnings and decks, duct and vent maintenance, storage buildings, heating and cooling services, windows, doors and siding, water treatment systems, banks and mortgage companies, home theatre systems, security systems, financial planners, building supplies, insulation, energy management companies and so much more.
Time:
Friday, 5pm – 9pm
Saturday, 10am – 9pm
Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Address:
XL Center
1 Civic Center Plaza
Hartford, CT
April 2 & May 7 – 2016 Dudley Farm Museum Winter Market
The Dudley Farm Museum Winter Market will offer baked goods, eggs, handmade crafts, jams and jellies, naturally-raised meats, pickles, winter vegetables and more.
Time:
Saturday, 9am – 12:30pm
Address:
The Dudley Farm
2351 Durham RD
Guilford, CT
April 2 – Newtown Spring Craft Fair
This event is dedicated to providing high quality arts and crafts products.
Time:
Saturday, 10am - 4pm
Address:
Edmond Town Hall (Gymnasium)
45 Main St. Rte 25
Newtown, CT
April 3 – Woodbridge Spring Vendor Fair
Get all of your gifts for Mother's Day, Father's Day, teachers, and graduates. Free admission and plenty of easy parking.
Time:
Sunday, 10am - 4pm
Address:
JCC of Greater New Haven
360 Amity RD
Woodbridge, CT
April 8 - 10 – American Fine Craft Show
For three days the XL Center in downtown Hartford will be transformed into 130+ galleries presenting extraordinary works direct from the makers' studios
Time:
Saturday, 10am - 7pm
Sunday, 11am - 5pm
Address:
XL Center
1 Civic Center Plaza
Hartford, CT
April 9 – 10 & April 30 - 31 – 2016 Connecticut Kids Closet
A children's consignment sale is an organized event where anyone can sell their new or gently used children's/maternity clothing, toys, baby and children's equipment, books, video, nursery furniture, etc. It is also a great way for anyone, whether they have items to sell or not, can buy quality children's or maternity items at great prices.
Time:
Saturday, 9am - 5pm
Sunday, 9am - 1pm
Address:
O'Neill Center Arena - Western CT University
43 Lake Ave
Danbury, CT
April 9 – Bristol Craft Fair
Shop among 40 venders and sell your gold to a professional broker. Food. Raffles. Fun. All for $1 admission.
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Address:
Saint Paul Catholic High School
1001 Stafford Avenue
Bristol, CT
April 9; April 23 Norfolk Winter Farmers Market
Find fresh vegetables and fruit, herbs, mushrooms, cut flowers and plants; local meats, chickens, cheeses and eggs; all sorts of breads and baked goods; honey and maple syrup, jams, jellies and pickles; handmade wares of every description and an array of wonderful foods to take home or eat on the spot for breakfast, lunch or supper.
Address:
Town Hall
18 Maple Ave
Norfolk, CT
April 9, April 23, – 2016 Storrs Winter Farmers Market
The Winter Farmers Market offers Mansfield and its neighbor’s access to fresh, locally grown foods all through the winter. Featuring all your favorite winter foods, including cold-storage crops; fresh-baked bread, pies, and pastries; hot sauce; maple syrup; honey; goat cheeses; pork; beef; chicken; and much more
Time:
Saturday, 3pm- 5pm
Address:
Buchanan Auditorium in the Mansfield Public Library
54 Warrenville RD
Mansfield Center, CT
April 9, April 23, May 21, May 28, June 11, – 2016 Litchfield Hills Farm – Fresh Market
This is a CT-Grown market at which farmers sell what they grow, harvest or raise; and vendors of processed products sell what they themselves have produced primarily from CT-grown products. All vendors engage in educating the customers about their products. It'll also have artists, authors, chefs, musicians and nonprofit tents. There is something for everyone. Support CT - Grown products, CT food, and fun.
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Address:
Litchfield Community Center
421 Bantam Road
Litchfield, CT
April 9 – 2016 Trumbull Spring Craft Festival
This event is dedicated to providing high quality arts and crafts products.
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Address:
Grace Episcopal Church (Hall)
5958 Main Street, Rt. 111
Trumbull, CT
April 9 – June 24 – New London Field of Greens Market
Featuring fresh produce, artisan breads, specialty items, art and home made goods.
Time:
Saturday, 9am - Noon
Address:
Saint James Church
76 Federal St
New London, CT
April 10 – 2016 Southbury Spring Showcase of Crafts
This event is dedicated to providing high quality arts and crafts products.
Time:
Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Address:
Crowne Plaza
1284 Strongtown Rd
Southbury, CT
April 16 – Connecticut Day of Percussion
The day will be full of performances and clinics by leading artists and ensembles in CT and the country!
Time:
Saturday, 9am – 6pm
Address:
Coventry High School
78 Ripley Hill Rd
Coventry, CT
April 16 – 17 – Fairfield County Women’s Expo 2016
This event attracts thousands of women that want to shop for the latest products and services in fashion, beauty, health, nutrition, fitness, financial planning, careers, home, education and much more.
Time:
Saturday – 11am – 5pm
Sunday – 11am – 5pm
Address:
Crowne Plaza Stamford
2701 Summer Street
Stamford, CT
April 16 – 17 – 2016 Indoor Flea Market and Craft Fair
More than 30 vendors and a white elephant room
Time:
Saturday – 9am – 2:30pm
Sunday – 9am – 2:30pm
Address:
North Congregational Church
11 Main Street North
Woodbury, CT
April 17 – 2016 Spring Motorcycle Swap Meet
Vendor's Antique/Custom Bike, Show, Music, and more
Time:
Sunday, 7am – 4pm
Address:
Stafford Motor Speedway
55 West Street
Stafford Springs, CT
April 23 – Connecticut Beltane 2016
There will be vendors, readers, workshops, May Pole dancing, crafts, music, dancing, food, community, and loads of fun.
Time:
Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Address:
VFW Berlin Post
152 Massirio Dr
Berlin, CT
April 23 – 2016 Derby Spring Craft and Vendor Fair
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Address:
Bradley School
155 David Humphrey’s Rd
Derby, CT
April 24 – 2016 Shelton Spring Craft Festival
This event is dedicated to providing high quality arts and crafts products.
Time:
Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Address:
Hyatt House Hotel
830 Bridgeport Ave
Shelton, CT
April 29 - 30 – Connecticut Storytelling Festival
Address:
Connecticut College
New London, CT
April 30 – Greater Middletown Relay for Life Vendor/Craft Fair
Rain or Shine we have DJ TY and a live band Back in the Day tents can not have stakes. This is a vendor and craft fair.
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Address:
South Green (Union Park)
Main Street
Middletown, CT
April 30 – Connecticut Sheep, Wool, and Fiber Festival
The Connecticut Sheep, Wool and Fiber Festival celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2009. This event is a delightful agricultural and learning experience for the general public as well as shepherds and fiber enthusiasts. It'll have vendors featuring fiber of all types, fiber tools, dyes, finished goods, soaps, herbals, local CT cheese and a variety of other quality items produced by small farms and businesses from the North East. This year's professional concessions will be offering a variety of menu. Fleece Sale, Spinning Bee Competition, Wheel Classes, Drop Spindle Class, Silk Reeling Demonstration, and much more
Time:
Saturday, 9am – 4pm
Address:
Tolland Agricultural Center
Route 30
Vernon, CT
April 30 – May 1 – 2016 Daffodil Festival
You'll not only see an amazing 61 different varieties of daffodils, there will also be crafts, amusement rides, food, entertainment, and a fireworks display for you to enjoy. It's going to be a great time for the whole family.
Time:
Saturday, 10 am – 7pm
Sunday, 10 am – 5pm
Address:
Hubbard Park
West Main Street
Meriden, CT
May 1 – 2016 Vernon Arts and Crafts Show
You will find a good assortment of country crafts, floral arrangements, adults and children painted clothing, folk art, furniture, fine jewelry, pottery, leather, baskets, original art, soaps, personalized items, American girl doll clothes, dolls, bears, woodcrafts and much more.
Time:
Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Address:
95 Hartford Turnpike
Vernon CT
May 1 – 2016 Simsbury Flea Market
The Simsbury Flea is an outdoor flea market featuring antique dealers, arts and crafts, vendors, a Food Truck Festival and live music at the Simsbury Meadows in Simsbury, CT on Sunday, May 1st. Come out for a fun day of shopping, eating and music. Admission $3, Kids are free.
Time:
Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Address:
Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center
22 Iron Horse Blvd
Simsbury, CT
May 6 - 8 – 2016 Dogwood Festival
The Dogwood Festival is the pride and joy of the members of Greenfield Hill Congregational Church who have celebrated springtime in Fairfield for over 80 years. Shop at the Arts and Crafts tents, a juried event featuring dozens of New England artists and crafters. Dogwood Dash and Mini Dash, Musical Performances, Grill Tent, Church-wide Antiques Sale, Plant and Garden Boutique, Kid Fun Activities, and much more.
Time:
Friday, 10am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 12pm – 5pm
Address:
1045 Old Academy Road
Fairfield, CT
May 7 - 8 – Milford Mother’s Day Arts and Crafts Show
Milford Spring Arts and Crafts Show on The Green is juried craft show featuring hand made items in a wide variety of Arts and Crafts.
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Address:
The Milford Green
12 Broad Street
Milford, CT
May 14 – Home, Garden, Lifestyle Show
A collaborative event (block party) between several local small business groups
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Address:
Shops at 485 New Park
485 New Park Avenue
West Hartford, CT
May 14 - 15 – 2016 Cannondale Spring Craft Festival
This event is dedicated to providing high quality arts and crafts products.
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Address:
Cannondale Village
28 Cannon Rd
Wilton, CT
May 15 & June 19 – 2016 Dave’s Flea Market and Craft Fair
Free Admission
Time:
Sunday, 9am – 2pm
Address:
Stafford Motor Speedway
55 West Street
Stafford Springs, CT
May 21 - 22 – Outdoor Crafts Festival of the Bruce Museum
More than 70 craft artists from all over the country, many of them new to the show, will be on the Museum grounds to show you and discuss their work. Fine contemporary craft, including ceramics, fiber, jewelry, glass, wood, metal, paper arts and leather, will all be available for purchase. There will also be family craft activities, live music and delicious food.
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Address:
Bruce Museum Grounds
1 Museum Drive
Greenwich, CT
May 21 - 22 – IFAM Fine Art Show and Sale
This is a juried art show Featuring Jewelry; pottery/Ceramics; Sculpture; Literary Arts; Fashion products; 2D (Painting, photographs, prints, etc); Fiber Arts (Baskets, weavings, etc); Katsina Carvings, Bead/Quillwork and much more.
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Address:
Pequot Museum
Mashantucket, CT
May 21 - 22 – 2016 Crafters’ Exhibit and Sale
Artists, crafters, musicians, actors, nonprofit organizations, workshops for kids and adults, concerts, poetry salon, open mic and lots more.
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Address:
Oxford Town Hall
Route 67
Oxford, CT
May 21 – 2016 Madison Spring Festival
100 Artists and Artisans from all over New England sell fine art, photography, sculpture, pottery, fiber, jewelry, furniture, garden, woodwork, farm and food products
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Address:
Madison Town Green
575 Boston Post Road
Madison, CT
May 21 – 2016 Canines n’ Crafts Fair
There will be dog demos and contests, prizes, food, vendors, and crafters. Free Admission
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Address:
North Stonington Fairgrounds
21 Wyassup Road
North Stonington, CT
May 28 – Anything Goes Motor Show 2016
There will be food and craft vendors.
Address:
Haddam Neck Fair Grounds
East Hampton, CT
May 29 – Milan Couture High Fashion Week
Featuring designers, models, vendors, photographers, and more.
Address:
Oronoque Country Club
Stratford, CT
June 3 - 4 – Fair on the Green 2016
With 110 or more of the east coast's best crafters, fine artists and artisans, the Fair on the Green will please both vendors and visitors alike.
Time:
10am – 5pm
Address:
Scenic Green
Milford, CT
June 4 – Strawberry Festival
Fun, food, games, strawberry shortcake, and music all to benefit the historic 1st congregational church
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Address:
The Green in Downtown Madison
26 Meetinghouse Land
Madison, CT
June 4 - 5 – West Hartford Arts and Crafts Show
Located on the beautiful Town Hall Common, the Arts and Crafts Show features more than 175 master artists and crafters whose work represents some of the finest in New England.
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Sunday, 12pm – 6pm
Address:
Town Hall Common
50 South Main Street
West Hartford, CT
June 4 – Stratford Main Street Festival
Main Street Festival is a community event designed to be a day of fun and entertainment for people of all ages and to encourage individuals and families to learn more about the Town of Stratford. Live entertainment, concert, beer garden, inflatables, mini golf, classic car show, and more.
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Address:
Downtown
Main and West Broad Street
Stratford, CT
June 5 – Naugatuck River Duck Race Festival
Time:
Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Address:
Water Street
Naugatuck, CT
June 5 – 2016 Shelton Arts and Crafts Fair
Join us at the 52nd Annual Arts and Crafts Fair. Always on the Huntington Green, this all volunteer run event has grown into an established community tradition kicking off the summer season in Fairfield County.
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Address:
Huntington Green
Shelton, CT
June 5 – 2016 Westbrook Arts and Crafts Fair
The Twenty-Eighth annual Westbrook Spring Arts and Crafts Fair. Come do our shopping and stop by this wonderful fair on the Westbrook town green. You'll find original, handcrafted items. Free admission,.
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Address:
Westbrook Town Green
Westbrook, CT
June 8 - 12 – Danbury Fair Mall Spring Art and Craft Fair
Featuring jewelry, floral designs, dolls, wood craft, home décor, and much more.
Address:
Danbury Fair Mall
Danbury, CT
June 9 – CT Business Expo 2016
Attendees connect and learn about new products, expand their customer base, gain access to key decision makers, stay ahead of the competition, broaden their brand awareness, meet new prospects, generate leads, see demonstrations, and network all day long.
Time:
9am – 4pm
Address:
The Connecticut Convention Center
Hartford, CT
June 11 – Parmelee Farm Market
Fresh local produce, eggs, dairy products, honey, breads, soaps, jams will be available. A limited number of quality artisans will be there as well. All will be accompanied by live, soothing music.
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Address:
Parmelee Farm
465 Route 81
Killingworth, CT
June 11 - 2016 Gallery on the Green
Over 70 injured artisans and crafters will showcase and sell their artwork. This includes: fine art, photography, jewelry, woodworking, pottery, folk art, furniture, clothing, glasswork, quilting, leather goods, and more.
Time:
Saturday, 9:30am – 4:00pm
Address:
Downtown
West Street
Litchfield, CT
June 11 - 12 – Art at Ives, Juried Fine Art and Crafts Show
This two-day event will feature a wide variety of high-quality original works and a diverse scope of art forms representing every major category. Food and live music, along with art classes, demonstrations and children's events also will be included. This event will be rain or shine.
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Address:
Ives Concert Park
West Connecticut State University, Westside Campus
43 Lake Ave
Danbury, CT
June 17 - 19 – 2016 Branford Festival
Since its inception in 1985, Father's Day Weekend in Branford has become synonymous with The Branford Festival. The Historic Town Green is transformed into a festival of crafts, activities, food, live music and much, much more. Whatever your interests, there is something available for the entire family.
Time:
Friday, 5pm – 10:30pm
Saturday, 8am – 11:00pm
Sunday, 8am – 4:00pm
Address:
Town Green
Town Hall Dr
Branford, CT
June 18 – Cheshire Strawberry Festival and Craft Fair
This traditional New England festival features farm-fresh strawberry shortcake along with grilled foods, handmade crafts, amusements and entertainment that are fun for the entire family.
Time:
Saturday, 10am - 4pm
Address:
Cheshire Green
111 Church Drive
Cheshire, CT
June 18 - 19 – MCC Strawberry Festival
This event will have over 75 juried exhibitors, local artists, strawberry shortcake, strawberry pies, baked goods, children's games and live entertainment. Come and join us for a fun filled weekend.
Time:
Saturday, 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm
Address:
Monroe Congregational Church
Monroe, CT
June 18 - 19 – The Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Fair
Come and join this event for a day of exciting adventures for the whole gamily. Explore an interactive fantasy world set in a time long ago where elves, fairies, orcs, goblins, animal-kin, dwarves, and magic are REAL.
Time:
Saturday, 11am – 6:30pm
Sunday, 11am – 6:30pm
Address:
Warsaw Park
119 Pulaski Highway
Ansonia, CT
June 18 – Bloomfield Strawberry Festival
The annual Bloomfield Strawberry Festival is a town-wide event that is open to the public and brings residents from throughout Connecticut together for a day of fun, food, and entertainment. Local entertainment, vendors, tag sale, food for sale, and much more
Time:
Saturday, 12pm - 7pm
Address:
Bloomfield United Methodist
297 School Street
Bloomfield, CT
June 18 – 2016 Trumbull Summer Craft Festival
This event is dedicated to providing high quality arts and crafts products.
Time:
Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Address:
Grace Episcopal Church (Front Lawn)
5958 Main Street
Trumbull, CT
In recognition of the first day of summer this past weekend, we thought it would be a good idea to fill you in on ways you can have a great couple months without breaking the bank. With the kids out of school and beaches beckoning, summer can easily end up costing more than you expected. Here are a few good ideas for saving:
Attend local festivals:
Most local events cost less than $20 per person. From beer fests to music showcases, these outdoor happenings offer cheap entertainment. Chances are, they will also be some of the best summer memories you can create. Festival offerings allow you to get out of the box and maybe even meet some new people.
Check out tag sales:
Summer is a popular time for people to clean out their homes and put on a tag sale. The best are the ones where multiple families join in and combine their goods in a neighborhood. Look for signs posted in your area and go see what great buys you can find. You’ll be outdoors and the prices are much better than going to a mall.
Host a movie night:
Outdoor movies are cheaper than going to the theater these days. All you need is a white sheet and a projector. Gathering your family and friends and popping in one of your favorite films is a sure way to host a successful summer evening of entertainment.
Find a new hobby:
With so much extra time in the summer, you can find all kinds of things to do that may become your new favorite hobby. You can peruse Pinterest and find some crafts you might like to try, or head out to a bike or kayak rental location and try something different.
Take advantage of the beautiful weather and explore what your area has to offer. Chances are you can find several activities that cost less than traveling to an amusement park or packing up the family for an extended vacation.
If you’ve made the decision to buy and are ready to pack up your existing home, there are a few things you need to know. Moving is the ultimate opportunity for de-cluttering your life and starting fresh. Throwing out all your unnecessary belongings is the perfect place to start.
Throwing it out
Beginning with your clothes, go through and determine what you haven’t worn in a long time and donate them. Then, take that same mentality to your other belongings like books and dishware. If you have to think about whether or not to keep something, chances are you probably don’t need it.
Packing it up
Shipping and packing supplies can be expensive. What are you going to do with hundreds of sheets of bubble wrap or used newspaper once you move? Use clothes and sheets instead to package your breakable belongings. It will save you room and money.
Make it official
Believe it or not, it’s easy to forget to change your address when you move. Notifying all the necessary people of your new location is important when it comes to your bills and accounts. Contact your bank, magazine subscriptions and any other services that might be at your existing address to save yourself a headache.
Get some help
Nobody likes to move, and few people really enjoy helping, but that’s what friends and family are for! Whether they help you pack or clean your old place, always remember to pay them. Taking them out to dinner or buying drinks usually helps sweeten the deal. Should you need more help, professional movers are always an option.
Getting organized up front, contacting your friends for help and remembering all the important steps that go along with changing your address will ensure your move goes well. With a stress free relocation, you’ll be free to enjoy your new home…and start unpacking!
The summer months are approaching and nothing beats hanging out in the sunshine on your patio with family and friends. To make sure you are prepared, follow these steps for your outdoor space:
Check Deck/Patio Condition
Cold weather and the winter months can wreak havoc on outdoor surfaces. Before setting up your patio check to see for any wear or damage that has been sustained during the winter. For wood decks, look for worn-out wood that is rotting or splitting. For brick, concrete, tile, or stone patios, search for any cracks or loose areas.
Clean the Patio
First sweep off any sand, dirt, dust, leaves and branches with a broom and clean between any deck cracks using a tool or stick. Next remove and pull out any weeds that have surfaced through the cracks. Make sure to spray between the decking boards and cracks eliminating any other material. Remember to always wear safety glasses when using a power washer to avoid damaging your eyes.
Clean Patio Furniture
Check patio furniture for any damage or loose bolts and screws. Throw away anything that is broken or unsafe. Make sure before using the furniture to wipe down each part with a washcloth and dry them with a towel. In order to apply a deeper clean, use dish soap to get out tougher stains. Also wipe down any pillows or cushions to remove any dirt that may have been collected in storage
Set It Up!
After all the furniture is cleaned, plan out where each piece will go. Put your designer cap on and set up your patio however you’d like. If your patio furniture is old or did not make it through the winter, consider replacing the old worn out furniture with something new. Another way to improve your patio is to add a planter box with flowers to give the space more color and some extra spice.
Just a few quick steps and you’ll be entertaining and enjoying memorable summer nights! Don’t forget some citronella candles to keep the mosquitos away.
