HVA to hold annual auction in December

WASHINGTON — The Housatonic Valley Association’s annual Auction to Benefit the Environment is marking its 27th year on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. at the Washington Primary School located at 11 School Street in Washington Depot.

HVA is gearing up for another successful auction that includes donations from friends throughout the valley. The auction is known for offering unique experiences such as exotic vacations, weekend country getaways, outdoor adventures, theater and sporting event tickets and fine dining. Items up for bid will include home furnishings, antiques, fashions, artwork, outdoor gear and more.

The proceeds support HVA’s mission to conserve the natural character and environmental health of the communities of the Housatonic River watershed. Supporting the auction helps conserve riverfront land, stops pollution, protects drinking water, saves wildlife habitat, allows thousands of local children to enjoy and learn about our natural world — and so much more.

Christine Baranski, HVA Board member and star of CBS’s The Good Fight, is chairing the Benefit Auction Committee along with Margo Martindale, Seth and Alexi Meyers, Diane von Furstenberg, Linda Allard, Pam and Jack Baker, Robert Couturier and Jeffrey Morgan, Diane Meier, Graydon and Anna Carter, Carolyn Klemm, Hamilton South and Manuel Bellod, John Favreau, Pat Lahoud and Paula Van Ness.

Auctioneer Tim Luke takes center stage at 2:30 p.m. He has been featured on HGTV’s Cash in the Attic. With his co-auctioneer Greg Strahm, he keeps auction bidders on their toes with high energy, humor and warmth.

Washington’s own Chris Zaima is bringing his design expertise to the setting this year and, along with Debby Bennett of Kent Greenhouse and Gardens, will create just the right ambience for music (Miles of Swing), delectable edibles (Executive Cuisine), cocktails, wine, and exuberant bidding.

Honorary Auction Committee members at the Diamond and Platinum sponsorship level are invited to a special Bellini Brunch reception hosted by Linda Allard and Baranski at Linda’s home from noon to 1 p.m before the auction.

The auction has been a soldout event for the past several years and raises more than $150,000 annually for projects that protect land, rivers and local drinking water. Last year it grossed $165,000. Donors, along with more than 225 guests, make this possible.

Reservations can be made by calling 860-672-6678 or online at www.hvatoday.org.

Founded in 1941, HVA is uniquely dedicated to protecting the entire Housatonic River Watershed which includes about 2,000 square miles of land stretching from western Massachusetts through western Connecticut and eastern New York to Long Island Sound. HVA’s offices are in Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut; Stockbridge, Massachusetts and Wassaic, New York. For more information, please visit hvatoday.org.

Women’s Craft Celebration includes local artists

WEST HARTFORD — Twenty talented women come together to show and sell their artistic wares on Sunday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pond House Cafe in Elizabeth Park, 1555 Asylum Ave., West Hartford.

Many of the artisans have shown their work at our previous West Hartford celebrations for many years, and now will be joined by five new exhibitors.

Jewelry made of beads, silver and glass are featured along with illustrative art, fused glass, and handmade journals. Clay sculpture, pottery, soap, mixed media, quilts, dried flowers, unique fiber work, clothing, scarves and photography on metal round out the variety of art.

The juried selection of handmade artisan creations is the work of a group who will remember the late Christine London, who created clay masks and jewelry, and was one of the founders of the Women’s Craft Celebration that brings together a unique group of artists.

A traditional raffle will also be held, with proceeds donated to Food Share.

Funeral homes participating in Operation ELF

For 12 years, the funeral directors and suppliers of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association have made personal contributions of gift cards, unwrapped toys, and funds for the Connecticut National Guard’s Operation ELF (Embracing Lonely Families) holiday effort. This year, between Nov. 13 and Dec. 6, local funeral homes across Connecticut also will welcome donations from the public and will bring them to Operation ELF which assists military families who could use some help during the holiday season. In addition, on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., people can drop off gift cards and unwrapped toys to CFDA’s Annual Convention at the Radisson Cromwell Hotel at 100 Berlin Road in Cromwell. All gift cards, unwrapped toys and funds collected by the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association will be delivered directly to Operation ELF, which assists the families of Connecticut National Guard soldiers and airmen who are deployed during the holidays, and provides a wide range of support to military families throughout the year.

Especially needed are gift cards of any dollar value to grocery, department stores, home supply stores, gas stations, and pharmacies, as well as unwrapped toys for young people of any age.

For more information about the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association or its Operation ELF collection drive, call 860721-0234 or 800-919-2332, or visit www.ctfda.org