Managed by The Friends of
the Farm at Hilltop, Inc.
Greetings! 
April is here and it is a time of transition for us all. During this past Winter, FOFAH has been busy growing and making changes for a new season at the Farm.
FOFAH'S Big News

Two landmark events are blossoming this Spring at Hilltop Farm.

First, FOFAH has purchased the property at 1606 Mapleton Ave, from the estate of Betty Stroh. This is the 3 acre parcel and house that was the home of Charlie and Betty Stroh. The Stroh's owned and managed Hilltop Farm from 1940 until the Farm was sold in the late 1990's. They bred racing thoroughbreds and a large herd of Holstein cattle. Charlie was a Connecticut lawyer, public servant and farmer. After a great deal of restoration and hard work is planned for this property before it can be enjoyed by all our visitors.

Our other big news is that FOFAH has signed a lease with Jason and Crystal Siemienkowicz of Suffield to open and manage the Hilltop Farm Store and Creamery. Their ice cream and frozen dessert business will be located at the east side of the Barn, facing Mapleton Avenue - on Rt 159. They expect to host their Grand Opening during this Memorial Day Weekend. You may see them on the property before this date preparing for the opening. We hope that you join us in supporting their business.
Infrastructure Construction and Summer Programs
During Summer 2022, there will be a number of infrastructure projects that will require digging trenches and installing underground pipes so we can move forward. Consequently, there will be no Summer Nature Kids Programs and other programs scheduled during the work week.
We are sorry and we will miss the Campers this year.
Work Day on Saturday April 9
April Is National Volunteer Month

A Hilltop Farm Work Day is scheduled for this Saturday 8:00 am - 12 Noon to take on spring cleaning projects. Some of the projects include cleaning out the Barnyard, and moving the blue picnic tables. It is time to take out the benches, as well. Other projects include picking up sticks and debris on the grassy areas, including cleaning the yard at 1606 Mapleton. Also there will be mulching in the gardens around the houses. Some bigger projects include covering the ridge of the egg incubator building. If you can, please register here.
Earth Day - April 21
Suffield High School Sustainability Council

An Earth Day Celebration, "Sustainable Suffield" on the Green is planned by the SHS Sustainability Council. The event, with sustainability related activities and demonstrations, will highlight saving our planet. Join them for this fun day of learning. See you there!
Outdoor Yoga
Yoga at Hilltop Farm to Start on Sunday, April 24th.

All yoga classes will be held on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. We will meet in the barnyard. Classes are $12 each or $100 for a 10-class punch card. Cash or Venmo @Allisonzzz accepted. Yoga mats, blocks, and straps will be used. You should bring your own or you can use the ones provided.

Chair Yoga at Hilltop Farm will be held one Sunday a month on these select dates:
Chair Yoga classes will be held at 10:30 a.m. and are $12. May 15 , June 12, July 17, August 14, September 11 and October 16. Cash or Venmo @Allisonzzz accepted. Please email at fit.blisswithallison@gmail.com.

Inclement weather will cancel classes. Check for weather-related update here.
Dog Obedience Training
Heather Hitchcock is planning to offer Dog Obedience Training classes at Hilltop for six weeks on Tuesdays from May 10 to June 14 at 5:30 PM.

For additional information contact Heather at hjhtg01001@yahoo.com.
Monster Tag Sale- May 21

Make plans now to join FOFAH for a "monster community tag sale in front of Suffield’s “Monster” barn. Crafters are also welcome! Sign up now for a 12’ x 12’ space for $30. Details and application for vendors can be found here.
** Rain date Sunday, May 22th **








The Fundraising for the Painting the Big White Barn Continues
FOFAH turns 20 years old this year and will finally be painting the barn, which will cost an estimated $200,000. We hope to qualify for a grant, however, this will still require the need to raise half the amount, or $100,000+. Painting is expected take the entire summer and we’ve already begun replacing damaged clapboard.

Every $20 you contribute will cover the cost of preparing and painting 2 square feet of the roughly 20,000 square feet of clapboard. So please donate generously and help us get this job finished!

Please contribute here.
Final Words
Sad News & Thank You
FOFAH and the entire Community lost several dear friends during the month of March.
Joanne Sullivan, MaryAnne Zak and Tom Wardell were all extremely generous throughout their lives, with their time and resources. They each led lives that inspired everyone and their passing has left us all saddened. They will be remembered by their deeds.
PO Box 372
Suffield, CT 06078-0372
860-758-0668