Glastonbury Partners in Planting (GPIP) Fall Member Meeting and Educational Presentation
Monday, October 6th 2025
at the Riverfront Community Center

The Public is Welcome for every part of the evening and encouraged to attend this event.    Bring a friend too!

Starting at 6:00PM, there will be a social hour to enjoy conversation, a picnic style dinner, and volunteer sign-up for fall work dates.  At 7:00PM, we will hold a brief business meeting followed by a presentation by our guest speaker, Ben LaRose on "It's All About the Apples!"

Join the Glastonbury Partners in Planting (GPIP) for an enlightening journey through the world of apples in our presentation, "It's All About the Apples."  Ben LaRose, from Belltown Hill Orchards, will discuss the history of apples in the United States with a special focus on Connecticut’s unique contribution to apple history and agriculture, highlighting local orchards and the many varieties of apples.  Ben will share his firsthand experience in the art and science of growing techniques, including planting, pruning, and harvesting tips for beginners and experienced growers alike. The presentation will also discuss tree care providing essential information on pest control, disease prevention, and seasonal maintenance to ensure healthy, productive apple trees. Finally, Ben will discuss the wide world of apple varieties grown today at Belltown Hill Orchards.  Whether you are an apple enthusiast, a home gardener, or simply curious about this familiar fruit, this presentation offers something for everyone.

Ben LaRose is the Pick Your Own Manager at Belltown Hill Orchards in South Glastonbury. As a young man he began to learn about growing fruit on the family’s orchard that dates back to the year 1910 when his great grandfather Louis started the orchard.  His grandparents Donald Sr. and Donna continued to grow the business, and today his uncles Donald Jr and Michael own and operate what is now one of the premier orchard destinations in the State of Connecticut. His love of farming brought him to the University of Connecticut where he received a degree in Agricultural Science. He now works side by side with his uncles and his cousins as part of the fourth generation of Preli’s working the land. Ben is the current Vice President of the Connecticut Pomological Society, a consortium of fruit growers working closely with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and the University of Connecticut to ensure the promotion and sustainability of family orchard growers in our state.