This Independence Day weekend, we're paying tribute to all the folks who grow the good food we eat, who are taking steps to grow their own, or maintain their properties with organic standards in mind. 
So we're playing an encore presentation from our annual pilgrimage to the Northeast Organic Farming Association's Organiconn conference - which was held earlier this year at Wesleyan University. 
We caught up with NOFA's director, the event's keynote speaker, as well as a number of other guests promoting organic practices and programs that are enhancing our state's environment and public health, while engaging our youngest citizens to participate and enjoy the fruits and veggies they can raise and eat from their own personal, school, or community garden.

Today we're kicking things off with Abilis, a nonprofit serving more than 700 developmentally disabled individuals and their families. We'll learn more about an internationally renowned program Abilis is now offering called SibShops, combining recreation, discussion and information for siblings who endure the good (and sometimes uncomfortable) parts of having a sibling with a disability.

Then we'll meet Sacred heart University's VP for Advancement and new Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer to talk about how SHU is opening a new chapter aimed at broadening opportunities for both students and staff - and inviting you to support SHU's Jackie Robinson Scholarship Foundation with a chance to hang out virtually and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the famed Subway Series with Joe Torre and Bobby Valentine at 'SHU And 42'.

And we'll close talking about all the positive effects of exercise on your brain with Dr. Wendy Suzuki, who is poised to host a Zoom Workshop on the subject later this week for Newtown's Maplewood Senior Living community.

This morning we're circling back to speak with Jenn Hubbard - whose daughter Catherine was lost in the Sandy Hook tragedy - to find out all the exciting things ramping up for summer at the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, and to invite you to participate in the upcoming 5k Race For Catherine.

Then we'll touch base with the Commissioner of Connecticut's Dept of Veterans Affairs. On the heels of the Memorial Day holiday, there's lots to talk about as this critical support agency continues improving outreach and support services for the state's heroes and their loved ones.

And we'll close with representatives of the national Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and the Black Women’s Health Imperative to review a new report detailing the long history of predatory practices designed to get young women hooked on smoking, and what can be done about it.