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Wethersfi eld Farmers’ Market Opens May 20

The Wethersfi eld Farmers’ Market opens for the season on Thursday, May 20th. We feature more CT farmers than most markets. To be considered a Farmers’ Market, you have to have at least two farmers present. We have 9–10 every week plus an equal number of non-farmer vendors. We open early as many of our farmers grow year-round in high tunnels and greenhouses. The Market features organic fruits and vegetables, micro-greens, meats and fermented foods plus local cheese, milk (goat and cow), yogurt, honey, maple syrup, goat milk soaps and lotions and cut fl owers, holistic health practitioners, artisans and specialty food vendors. Live music, food trucks. The Wethersfi eld Farmers’ Market opens for the season on Thursday, May 20, 3–6pm. 220 Hartford Ave., Wethersfi eld. wfmarket.org facebook.com/wethersfi eldfarmersmarket wethersfi eld.farmersmarket@gmail.com

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Consultation Celebrating 40 Years of Rolfi ng® in May and June

Continuing to acknowledge her milestone 40th anniversary, Sharon Sklar, Certifi ed Advanced Rolfer, is choosing favorite themes for each month. Due to COVID, a big party or celebration is not happening, so the theme of the month is to draw attention to a cause or causes that Sharon wishes to showcase. Giving back to the community is very important and is the basis for her Pet Therapy Team at Hartford Hospital, which was recently re-instated from the COVID shutdown.

“Love Your Mother” May includes so many things: showing appreciation and love for your mother, sending a contribution in memory of her, or, if you love Mother Earth, volunteer to weed a garden (www.elizabethparkct.org/support/volunteer) or plant a new garden of your own. Help clean up the environment. Sharon’s favorite organization for this month is “The Ocean Clean Up.” They sell sunglasses made from captured and recycled plastic from The Great Pacifi c Garbage Patch. The sale of each pair of sunglasses promotes the cleaning of the size equivalent of 24 football fi elds of garbage fl oating in the sea, which would otherwise eventually affect our ecosystem around the globe. Check them out at www.TheOceanCleanUp.com.

“Just Do It” June is about taking a stand in your life, creating a goal, and making it happen (www.mindtools.com/personal/ goal/setting). Take steps to accomplish that goal: lose weight; take up jogging, hiking, or kayaking; clean out the garage—anything that lightens the load. Invite people back into your life; end the isolation. June is a wonderful month to shake free, adjust your mind, and set new goals for a better YOU! Sharon Sklar is in her 40th year of private practice as a Certifi ed Advanced Rolfer. State licensed and the only Rolfer in Central CT, Sharon works with direct manipulation of the soft tissue of the body and movement re-education over a ten-session series to help her clients feel freer, get more balanced, and reduce chronic pain. Great for athletes, children, and adults recovering from injuries, stress, and traumas of life. Call 860.561.4337 for more info or to schedule a consultation. SharonSklarRolfi ng.com. See ad on page 34.

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Tues., Wed., Fri. 10-6, Thurs. 10-7, and Sat. 10-5

Celebrating Mother’s Day Alcohol Free

The story goes that Anna Jarvis put Mother’s Day on the calendar on May 12, 1907, as a day dedicated to expressing love and gratitude to mothers, acknowledging the sacrifices women make for their children.

This day is often celebrated with beautiful flowers, perhaps an adorable gift made by our children, or by gathering together with family for a special meal. These holiday brunches spotlight mimosas or bloody Marys for the guests of honor, and it is almost unheard of to consider celebrating your special day without a cocktail…or three.

Alcohol use among women has been steadily on the rise for the past three decades, with rates of heavy drinking skyrocketing by 41% over the past year, leading to more days of drinking per week, binge drinking, and day drinking. Between 2019 and 2020, the online sales of alcohol rose by a whopping 262%. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that excessive use of alcohol during the pandemic could negatively impact health, threatening immunity and raising cancer risk.

As awareness grows about gray area drinking—falling somewhere illusive between “black out” drinking and occasional drinking—more women are choosing an alcohol-free life, recognizing how empowering and life enhancing it is to be alcohol free.

This Mother’s Day, allow yourself to indulge in genuine selfcare, using these suggestions as a guide. 1. Treat your skin and nervous system with a full-body coconut oil massage. 2. Soak in a hot bath by candlelight, with Epsom salts infused with your favorite essential oils and rose petals. Lock the door, sip herbal tea, and listen to a podcast or relaxing music. 3. Take a walk in the woods, noting all five senses as they delight in your surroundings. 4. Listen to a recorded yoga nidra practice from InSight Timer, then enjoy a catnap. 5. Nurture yourself with herbal medicine through the wonderful world of organic herbal tea and local honey. Joy Herbst MSN, NP-C is an AANP board certified nurse practitioner and gray area drinking sober coach. She specializes in recovery coaching for women who suffer from depression, anxiety, and problem drinking. She offers Sober Woman meetings, Women’s Circles, Yoga of Recovery and movement classes at the Women’s Community Wellness Center in Fairfield, CT. joyherbst.com | wcwcct.com | sober-woman.org See ad on page 27.

Soul Care as an Aspect of Well-Being

Several years ago, after years of unexpected life changes and health crises, I realized there was one aspect of my overall well-being that needed attention: my soul, my essence, my spirit. While we tend to many parts of our well-being through exercise, eating, and community activities, we may not give voice to our inner core, our soul, or whatever that may mean for you. As I entered a part of my life where I was seeking to know myself, deepen my connection with Spirit, and live an authentic life, I embarked on a journey that brings me to where I am today. Through over 40 years of corporate IT experience, combined with years as an ordained interfaith/interspiritual minister and spiritual counselor, I guide my clients from all walks of life and belief systems through an exploration of their true divine nature.

My offerings of spiritual direction (or companionship) inspire you to experience authenticity in your life through a connection and exploration of the ground of all being, that deepest of truths that is beyond life and death and goes by many names, and no name at all. You may consider yourself religious, or perhaps spiritual but not religious. Regardless, spiritual direction is a process of quiet contemplation, questioning, and exploration that draws upon many modalities and is tailored for each client. Through time in reflection and guided meditation, creative activities, or deep inquiry and prayer, spiritual counseling creates a sacred space for you to take care of your soul.

Sessions are offered via Zoom, and in person when health guidelines permit. All are welcome and I am honored to bring my offerings to you. You can learn more about me at www. lauriingram.com or reach me at lauri@lauriingram.com. I am happy to offer a complementary 30-minute consultation to see if spiritual counseling is a fit for you. Lauri Ingram is an ordained interfaith/interspiritual minister from One Spirit Seminary in New York City. Based in Hamden, Lauri is a certified Interspiritual Counselor (May 2021), Crystal Dreaming practitioner, certified color therapist, and Tibetan Bowl sound healer as well as the co-founder of Etheric Elements, offering crystal, light, and color therapy products to practitioners. You can learn more about Lauri at www.lauriingram.com and schedule a complementary exploratory virtual call. See ad on page 16.