Cultural Events

CVH Animal Sanctuary To Celebrate America250 With Red, White & Blueberry Community Harvest

Published: Jul 04, 2026 7:45 am

As people across the country commemorate America's 250th anniversary, Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary is inviting the community to celebrate the nation's agricultural heritage with a little "Red, White & Blueberry" spirit.

On Saturday, July 11, 10 am-2 pm, families are invited to visit Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary at 8 Commerce Road to pick a complimentary pint of fresh blueberries from the sanctuary's blueberry patch, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Inspired by the early American tradition of neighbors sharing the fruits of their harvest, the event is a simple gift to the community celebrating America's 250th anniversary and the timeless values of kindness, generosity, and neighborly spirit that continue to bring people together.

Jennifer Hubbard, president of CVH Animal Sanctuary, said, "One of the greatest traditions in our country's history is neighbors caring for neighbors … As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we wanted to honor that tradition in a simple way by sharing. We hope every family leaves with blueberries, memories, and perhaps a new recipe to enjoy around the table."

To help families bring a taste of history home, visitors will receive a keepsake recipe card featuring a traditional colonial-era Blueberry Grunt, a simple New England dessert enjoyed for generations. Families are invited to make the recipe their own or create a favorite blueberry dish and share photos of their culinary creations after the event. Whether it is a pie, muffins, pancakes, jam, or simply enjoying a handful of fresh berries, participants are encouraged to tag CVH Animal Sanctuary on social media and help spread a little more "Red, White & Blueberry" spirit throughout the community.

The blueberry patch is part of the sanctuary's organic garden, which is managed by Real Food CT. Throughout the growing season, the garden connects visitors with sustainable agriculture while providing fresh produce that is shared with local food pantries. Guests are encouraged to explore the sanctuary grounds while visiting and learn more about its mission of keeping animals safe in homes and native habitats.

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This should have been printed as XXVII in case you would like to redo your calculations.

Elections Have Consequences XXVI

It is actually XXVII - 27. There was a misprint in the title.

With the publication of installment No. 26, Trump’s Triumphs has now consumed enough broadsheet paper—approximately 3.6 miles—to stretch from the center of Newtown, past the dump, and nearly to Sand Hill Plaza. That is the amount of paper used to print these 26 installments alone. Do you think they will stop before we get to Monroe? If Trump becomes 48 in 28 then we would make the sound for sure!

Dave, you are right that only those in the Borough signed onto the law suits, as it was made clear during the Borough meetings that signers had to be residents of the Borough. However, as you know, there was a concerted effort by the Newtown Conservation Coalition to organize people (throughout town) and to orchestrate actions intended to foil the overall development. If one searches the Bee for “Newtown Conservation Coalition” one will find many articles and editorials that cite the coalition. More that 18 of those articles and editorials, from March 2024 through February 2025, are about the Castle Hill Development and include direct quotes from the NCC head/founder including, e.g.,: 1) Newtown Conservation Coalition founder Dave Ackert has sagely urged his fellow NCC members to “stick to the relevant regulations issues and concerns in your testimony,” as “general opinions and concerns will not be considered when making their decision." [https://www.newtownbee.com/08292024/borough-zoning-to-begin-20-60-castle-hill-public-hearing." [https://www.newtownbee.com/08292024/borough-zoning-to-begin-20-60-castle-hill-public-hearing] 2) “We’re being sold a lot of things,” said Ackert. “The developer said he is going above and beyond in preserving open space, but the only part [of the plan] that doesn’t have houses are the steep slopes. He’s not avoiding buildable land, he’s using every buildable inch.” [https://www.newtownbee.com/09272024/borough-zoning-hears-perspectives-on-castle-hill-development] In addition to the articles and editorials, you (Dave) also wrote over 8 letters related to the development, in essence speaking for the residents, e.g., saying “On behalf of hundreds of concerned residents living within 500 feet who signed protest petitions, and residents downstream who’s property and finances could also be negatively impacted, I ask the BOS to rescind the discontinuance decision now.” [https://www.newtownbee.com/07102025/discusses-rochambeau-trail-and-6-commerce-road] The main tools for the Newtown Conservation Coalition are FOI complaints and legal action. These actions have increased the amount both the Town and the Borough have had to pay for legal counsel over the last few years. The cost is shared by all households and businesses for Town actions. Unfortunately, it is shared by very few, relatively speaking, for Borough actions. This year’s Borough costs are $58,000 to date. There were FOIA/legal actions in 2024 and 2025 too. Eventually, we will all see if that was money well spent. My sense is that the answer is no.

What’s Going On In The Borough?

my concern is not limited to this single FOIA request or this one case. It is the broader pattern of obstructionism, fear-mongering, and personal nastiness reflected in your Facebook page and other public commentary. You routinely call people to action by presenting only one side of complicated issues, assigning the worst possible motives to those who disagree with you, and giving little consideration to the legitimate concerns or perspectives on the other side. That may generate outrage and attention, but it does not make you a constructive participant in Newtown’s civic affairs. You are entitled to question public officials and pursue whatever legal remedies are available to you. But you should not pretend that your own conduct, rhetoric, and repeated escalation of disputes have played no role in the hostility and expense surrounding these matters. Newtown would be a nicer and more productive community with less of this kind of divisive behavior.

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CVH Animal Sanctuary To Celebrate America250 With Red, White &amp; Blueberry Community Harvest