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Jazz At The Lake Annual Benefit and Auction Tranquillity Farm, Middlebury, CT September 23, 2017


Jazz at the Lake

The Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition (PRWC) invites old and new friends to Tranquillity Farm in Middlebury on Saturday, September 23 from 3:30 PM to sunset in celebration of our region’s water resources. Hosted by Tranquillity Farm owners, Dr. Scott and Jean Peterson, this year’s annual benefit, JAZZ at the Lake features the Berkshire Jazz Orchestra and welcomes the famed Faith Middleton of Connecticut Public Radio as Honorary Chair. Guests will be treated to a big band performance along with fine wines and tempting hors d’hoeuvres as well as silent and live auctions on this historical and amazing property overlooking Lake Quassapaug.

Tranquillity Farm was originally a 303-acre “model farm” developed by John Howard (J.H.) Whittemore, a successful industrial-era businessman in Naugatuck, and his wife Julia Spencer Whittemore. The sweeping landscape, featuring miles of distinctive stone walls lining the roads and crisscrossing the fields, was designed by Charles Eliot and completed by Warren H. Manning – both protégée of the Olmsted Bothers, a landscape design firm in New York City renowned for their design of Central Park.

Today the Peterson’s own a portion of the original property and reside in the renovated carriage house. They maintain the meadows according to their original layout on the plan created by Eliot and Manning. Recently while overlooking the lake, Scott said, “Tranquillity Farm is one of the most magical places Jean and I could ever imagine living, and we are very pleased to share it with PRWC and their guests.”

The Berkshire Jazz Orchestra will connect guests to the sonic power of a true big band. Focusing upon jazz/swing literature invigorated by contemporary arrangers, the ensemble showcases many creative and accomplished soloists in all instrumental sections. These spirited one of a kind improvisations bring new life, anticipation and energy to each concert performance.

JAZZ at the Lake celebrates PRWC's ongoing environmental coalition-based protection accomplishments. The event also raises additional funds to support student internships and the Youth Conservation Corps, educational and other environmental outreach programs, the science-based development of and advocacy for sustainable water and land use policies, watershed monitoring and restoration initiatives and other vital work.

“Food, Olmstead gardens, jazz and preservation… What else do you need?” says Faith Middleton, two-time winner of the Peabody Award and of other distinguished honors for her radio host and executive producer successes at Connecticut Public Radio. For years, Middleton has been an outstanding supporter of PRWC and passionately shares its dedication to the environment. In a recent Facebook post on her page for Food Schmooze, Faith thanked PRWC “for its extraordinary work on behalf of the watershed towns”, and wrote “I can't wait to be with all of you. I wouldn’t miss it, and I hope [others will] join me to support preserving clean water and land.”

JAZZ at the Lake tickets are $75 per person and it is recommended that they be purchased in advance at www.pomperaug.org or by calling 203-263-0076. All proceeds for the event support the work of PRWC. In the event of rain the celebration will be held on September 24.

Major business and foundation sponsors include Heritage Village/Connecticut Water Company, New Morning Market, Aquarion Water Company of CT, O&G Industries, Inc., Classic Turf, Connecticut Community Foundation, Ion Bank, Kevin and Alicia Bennett, Giuliano Richardson & Sfara LLC, Good News Café, Haynes Materials, Milone & MacBroom, Inc., Secor, Cassidy, McPartland P.C., Southbury Village Square LLC, Thule, Timex Group USA, and USA Hauling & Recycling.

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