When shopping at all of our state’s wonderful Farmer’s Markets this season, be grateful that the Department of Agriculture is doing their best to make sure that the produce being sold is actually grown right here in Connecticut. There are a total of 123 certified Farmer’s Markets across the state, and the vendors at these markets may only sell produce actually grown right here in Connecticut. Each farmer that sells his produce at one of these markets must be state certified and vetted. They are also required to provide the agricultural department all of the information that includes their farm’s size and the crops that they grow. They also must allow a thorough inspection to be completed, and be prepared for surprise visits. Violators will face a fine that could be anywhere from $25 to $2,500, for any type of produce that is improperly labeled. This will assure any customer that produce they purchase marked “Grown In Connecticut” at one of these markets is truly local! Some things to keep in mind:

• Asparagus are in season during April
• Tomatoes are in season early July
• Cucumbers are in season late July
• Melons and celery are in season in August

For more information about Connecticut Farmer’s Markets go to www.ctgrown.gov

Have energy expenses? It's not cheap for Central Connecticut Homes  Installing low-flow shower heads and faucets not only reduces the amount of money you will spend on CT water, but they also reduce the amount of money that you will spend on the CT electricity or gas that heats your water. Most faucet aerators will cost you about two dollars, and most low-flow shower heads cost around thirty dollars. By using these devices you will be able to re-coup these costs within one year of use. Plus, many central Connecticut utility companies offer their customers rebates for using these devices. Since a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) will last six to twelve times longer and use up to 75% less energy than a regular bulb will, experts calculate that the purchase of one three dollar CFL will be re-payed in energy costs within three months of use. In less than one year, you can recover the cost of purchasing a lighting motion sensor. They cost about fifty dollars and one year is how long it will take to pay back the cost in energy bills in a very expensive state like Connecticut, and as little as five months in a less expensive state, such as Nebraska.