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.

We're celebrating Autism Awareness Month with the director of clinical services at Autism Speaks discussing the role of early screening, recognizing the signs of autism, the disproportionate impact it's having among minority populations, and breaking down stigmas around this prevalent condition.

Then we're connecting with Connecticut's DEEP Commissioner to chat up the state's 20By20 initiative, which was launched to improve the transparency, predictability and efficiency of our regulatory processes across 20 targeted areas by the end of 2020.  

And we'll check in with our buddies from BACA - Bikers Against Child Abuse to find out how much heart so many of these rough looking bikers have — and how so many are willing to step up with a proven, safe, and effective intervention and support system that's making such a positive difference for victims of child abuse.

We're going to help gently bend you into better shape with Connecticut's Yoga In Our City movement, and let you know how you can tap into free virtual yoga classes to stay in shape and achieve peace of mind from the comfort of your home while gearing up for the 2021 season of outdoor community yoga classes designed by Civic Mind - and sponsored by ConnectiCare.

Then it's time for some really big news as we introduce the new executive director and get a sneak peek at what's in store for the 2021 International Festival of Arts & Ideas, which is ramping up its predominantly virtual festival May 14 - June 27, offering over 200 events — with 8 out of 10 available for free!

And we're circling back to Operation Hope - zeroing in on this nonprofit's efforts to help educate state residents who may be at risk of losing their home due to foreclosure - and we'll chat with Senator Tony Hwang about how he is supporting that effort at home, and in the statehouse.