CONWAY — The RH Conwell School recently took another step closer toward its goal of self-sufficiency as students, parents and teachers pitched in to build the school’s first compost bin.
Last week all grades at the school participated in various parts of the construction. They learned about planning, measuring, drilling and leveling, along with the power of community participation, the environmental importance of composting and how it can improve the school’s gardens.
Parent Alia Woofenden spearheaded the project by writing and obtaining a grant from the Worthington Cultural Council last year, said Worthington School Superintendant/Principal Gretchen Morse-Dobosz.
Eight families then volunteered to help with project by lending expertise, tools and labor.
“We are so excited about our build, and the students are very invested in the work,” Morse-Dobosz said. “Everybody participated, even the preschoolers were out there mesmerized watching the older kids working and using tools.”
Walking through the school’s gardens on a trip out to the new compost bin last Thursday afternoon, students from Kimberly Orzechowski’s third and fourth grade classes were excited to explain why the project is important to them.
Topping their list — making less trash, cutting down on pollution to help the earth, and making better soil to grow healthier plants.
Ella Overton, 9, explained the three stages that the compost will go through.
“This first one is where you put things like cardboard and food, the second is where it all breaks down and you have to turn it, and the third one is where you keep the finished compost that can go on the garden,” Overton said.
Overton, along with classmates Amanda Clemeno, 8, Cash Ricci, 10, and Olivia Kaeta, 8, said the school gardens are growing: herbs, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, garlic, corn, pumpkins and strawberries. They also said they have apple, pear, cherry and peach trees.
The next building project for the school will likely be a chicken coop where fresh eggs from the resident hens will be used in the school cafeteria.
The students also said they are looking forward to the installation of honeybee hives.
Morse-Dobosz said she was pleased to see the plans for the school’s self-sufficiency coming together, and she is happy to see the students coming up with ideas on their own help advance that plan.
“It is exciting to see it happening, and to be moving in the right direction,” Morse-Dobosz said. “It is all part of the bigger picture.”
WILLIAMSBURG — It is time once again for the Hilltown Christmas Place to open its doors for the season.
Owned and operated by Serena Zononi and located at 28 Goshen Road next to Paul’s Sugar Shack, the Christmas Place specializes in selling a variety of handmade products made by local artisans. The store opened Thursday.
From wood carvers and weavers, to painters and potters, the shop carries a plethora of items that artists sell on consignment.
Of course, the store also has a good supply of Paul Zononi’s award-winning maple syrup for sale.
Serena Zononi said the items for sale are always different.
“Last year I started out with 30 consigners and ended up with 70 as the weeks went on,” she said. “This year I am starting with about 65 and I am sure there will be more coming in.”
Zononi said that regular customers typically visit the store more than once during the season.
“I have had people come in two or three times because they know the inventory changes regularly,” she said.
While it is a seasonal “Christmas” shop, most of the items for sale are not specifically Christmas oriented and make appropriate gifts for any occasion.
After Thanksgiving, the shop will sell Christmas trees and wreaths as well.
The store is open through Dec. 24. For more information, call 320-2597
CHESTERFIELD — The Congregational Church of Chesterfield will host its annual Harvest Supper on Saturday.
A long-standing tradition, this event includes a full, all-you-can-eat turkey dinner with all of the trimmings that is served family style.
There will be one seating at 5 p.m. and a second at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $14 for adults and $7 for children under 12. For reservations call Nancy Hewes at 296-4230.
Ideas for this column on life in the Hilltowns can be sent to: Fran Ryan at Fran.gazette@gmail.com.