Republicans Plan Can-It-Forward Event

On Saturday, the Republican and Independence for Montville candidates are getting together at the Mohegan Fire House to put a new twist on an old tradition.

They’ll be canning fruits and vegetables to donate to the Montville food bank, run by the Social Services department.

Kathie Doherty-Peck, who directs Social Services and the Senior Center, says that she's very exited about the idea.

The food bank is always looking for donations, she says, and this is a great way to get new and different items.

Normally, the food bank can't accept home-canned goods, but this project has received licensing from the Uncas Health District, so she feels secure about the donations.

"I hope it becomes an annual event," she says.

The event comes from an idea broached by Ball, the company that makes the glass jars that most everyone uses for canning. Saturday is National Can-It-Forward Day, and Ball is hoping that people will have canning parties like the one the candidates are hosting – and will not only can fruits and vegetables, but will teach those who don’t know how to can.

Ball itself is offering plenty of information, and videos, too. Click here for more information. 

Council Chairman Donna Jacobson and Council Vice Chairman Ellen Hillman - both longtime canners - say they think the idea is a way to do something good – and something different – for the community.

“People donate to the food bank,” Jacobson says, “and I said maybe we can donate something that’s not your average every day canned food.”

“What I am focusing on,” Jacobson says, “is trying to do items that people don’t normally have the extra money to buy You get your specific meats and vegetables – but you might not be able to afford salsas, or pickles or the little things.”

Hillman says she’s planning on making spaghetti sauce; she knows others are planning jelly, salsa, and possibly pickles.

She works at the food bank in Old Lyme, and says that sometimes, they get more stuff there than they can use. There was an extra case and a half of cucumbers that the food bank there was going to throw out.

“I brought them home and made 12 quarts of pickles on Sunday. I don’t mind pickles, but one jar will last me a whole year,” she says, and so she plans to donate the rest to the food bank.

Republican Town Committee Chairman Tom McNally received vegetables from a farmer -Dave - in Montville.

While he says he’s never canned, he thinks it’s a great idea.

“I am excited about it,” McNally says. “It’s unique and helpful. I am going to go and cut up food – whatever it takes, it’s for a good cause.”

The group would be happy for help, and donations, too. Jacobson said that any fruits or vegetables would be welcome, as would jars, especially smaller ones.

“Anyone is invited,” she says. “This is not limited to just us. The Ball Canning people are doing seminars that day on line, you can watch and learn about canning, and this is kind of the emphasis.”

The economic tough times that the country and the town are experiencing make the idea of canning particularly important now, Jacobson and Hillman both said. The idea of the Victory Garden has come back into vogue, both with people's own gardens, and with the new Community Garden that Hillman started behind Town Hall and the Senior Center. (Click for a story on the Community Garden).

has donated its kitchen for the event, which begins Saturday at 8 a.m.

Anyone who wants to come and chop vegetables, learn canning, or just come and talk, is more than welcome, Hillman says.

Also expected to participate, Hillman said, are James Andriote Sr., Tom McNally, Steve Loiler, Dick and Mary Clark Wilson, and Shirley Morphis.

To read about the Republican candidates, click .

To read about the Independence for Montville candidates, click .

To read about the Democratic candidates, click .