Preservation Begins in Spring

Local Food: For rural Vermont, putting up produce in season is a necessary step toward more sensible, afforable, and sustainable food. All along it has been part of our vision for Claire's and our enthusiasm for the Food Venture Center in Hardwick. So every time Steven has an opportunity to infuse local Green Mountain vodka with our neighbors' blueberries, hang ristras of peppers from Pete's Greens to dry, and put up his own house made ketchup, we know we've kept to our promise. Even in the Spring, as Steven foraged for ramps and fiddleheads, he turned to pickling - the results are visible in the open cabinet above the kitchen. With vinegar and his secret spice blends, Steven's pickled produce will surely be welcome come winter. Right now, you can sample the pickled ramps at the bar in our Ramp it Up Martini, a local version of the dirty martini.

Thanks to everyone who came by Claire's and our booth at Atkins Field on Saturday, our second anniversary. The beginning of our third year also means new CSR cards -they are available for pick up at Claire's.

Around the Galaxy: We are excited to welcome back Bill McKibben on Thursday, June 3 at 7PM. Bill will discuss his new book, Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet. Barbara Kingsolver says of the book, "Read it, please. Straight through to the end. Whatever else you were planning to do next, nothing could be more important."

Music Notes: Plainfield native Elle Carpenter joins us Thursday, June 3 at 7:30 for her first performance at Claire's. Don't miss her original rock and pop tunes.

Local Events: The Grange in East Hardwick is planning a plant swap, where you can drop off your extra plants and pick up some new ones, June 12 from 10:30-12:30, across from the East Hardwick Church. Contact Caitlin Strong at 472-8569 for more information.

As part of the The Art House's First Friday Art Talk, Tom Twetten and Carol Ceraldi will speak about book binding and repair June 4th at 6:30PM.