On November 18, Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell received the “Farmland Preservation Legacy Award” from Working Lands Alliance, a statewide coalition dedicated to raising awareness of the need and importance of saving Connecticut’s farmland.

The Craft Center’s own Jim Degen was called upon to turn a bowl to give to the governor for the occasion.  The bowl itself is 12½” in diameter and 3″ deep, inscribed on the bottom for the occasion, and, of course, signed by Jim.  It is made of Connecticut grown cherry and has a textured and ebonized treatment on the outside surface.

The coalition’s members include farmers, environmentalists, anti-hunger advocates, chefs, and historic preservationists.

“Governor Rell’s unwavering support for farmland preservation has led to a dramatic acceleration of land protection activity and fueled an increase in high quality farm applications to the state program, demonstrating her firm belief in the long-term future of a viable agriculture industry,” said Terry Jones, WLA Chairman.