Sunlight like spun glass reflected off the pond at Sticks and Stones Farm Retreat & Education Center Saturday, June 14. Enjoying the breeze, a spot of dappled shade, and the glistening water were Bridgeport residents Jessica Hunter, Carrie Picardi, and Mary Ross. They were among the many local and out-of-town guests at the farm’s fifth annual Open House and Mountain Laurel Festival. The 201 Huntingtown Road location is a quiet and serene escape for those interested in nature, trails, gardening, organic foods and crafts, and more.

At a table overlooking another waterway was Roman Achille, working with stone puzzles designed by Ethan Currier. Enjoying a snack near a large stone barn were Sandy Hook residents Rick and Cynthia Quintanal. The two musicians enjoyed their afternoon a the farm, and look forward to their own upcoming entertainment.

Farm owner Tim Currier’s daughter Kelly Davidson was visiting from Miami, and pointed out several additions to the property, including a pen with kid goats and a patch of garden beds representing square-foot-gardening, an example of how to make the most of small growing spaces.

“It’s an amazing way to window box garden,” she said.

Seated nearby was Justin Pegnataro, director of Two Coyotes Wilderness School, weaving a basket of bittersweet. “It’s nice to work on skills and get kids interested, and have a basket by the end of the day.” He runs educational workshops and summer camps at the farm.

Newtown resident Sheryl Fatse and her daughter Rachel spent the day making breathing sticks with children. Using a long pipe cleaner, she held it out, then bent it at the center to form a “mountain” peak. Using a bead, she demonstrated pushing the bead into the mountain and “climbing” to the top while inhaling. She then brought the bead down the “mountain,” and exhaled.

Founder of Yoginilini, a six-week yoga series for young adults, Ms Fatse also offered information on her upcoming workshop approach to yoga designed to “empower and inspire the creative spirit in high school and early college-age yogis.”

Shawn and Luise Gleason and their dog found a patch of shade where they set up samples of their framed photography, displaying many landscapes and natural outdoor scenes.

More information is available about the farm at SticksAndStonesFarm.com.