Kent Quilters is a community quilt group which formed in the fall of 2014 at the Kent Memorial Library. Local women came together and created a log-cabin quilt to raise money for the library. We had so much fun with that project that we have continued, working with a different local non-profit organization every year.

Dive into the art of landscaping with our expert presenters, guiding attendees through the secrets of planting fall bulbs for vibrant sprint blooms. Discover the cutting-edge equipment used by landscape professionals, unveiling the science behind picture-perfect gardens. Hailing from northwest CT, Yardscapes stands tall as the region’s award-winning landscape company, uniquely accredited in the state. With a legacy dating back to 1990, we are your trusted partners in full-service design, construction, and maintenance for both residential and commercial spaces. Unearth the beauty beneath every landscape.

Eastern Water Solutions (EWS) is a trusted water services provider with a rich legacy dating back to 1966. Specializing in residential, commercial, and industrial water solutions, EWS offers a comprehensive range of services, from pump system installations and maintenance to sewage pumping systems. Under the leadership of Shane Grant, who took over the family business in 2005, EWS has expanded its expertise and established Eastern Industrial Pump Solutions in 2006. Shane fosters a collaborative work environment, valuing every employee as an integral part of the company's present and future.

EWS boasts certified professionals with extensive experience, adhering to the safest and most efficient practices. The company actively participates in the State of Connecticut pre-apprentice and apprentice program and holds various water and wastewater licenses. As proud members of leading water industry associations, including AWWA, CWWA, NGWA, and WQA, EWS is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and maintaining facilities' mechanical components at peak efficiency. Whether for residential homes, commercial properties, or industrial facilities, EWS offers reliable, environmentally friendly products and services, backed by their unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Meet Bill Brague, a seasoned professional in the realm of organic land care, proudly holding a CT-NOFA certification. Bill's remarkable journey spans two decades, driven by an unwavering passion for the great outdoors. During the growing season, he emerges as a skilled arboreal detective, adept at diagnosing and remedying diseases plaguing tress and shrubs, ensuring their sustained vitality. As winter blankets the landscape, Bill seamlessly transitions to the world of pruning and removals, contributing to the tree care team's expertise. Currently, Bill is an esteemed member of Arbor Services of CT, Inc., where his commitment to preserving the beauty of nature shines brightly. His extensive experience as a plant health care technician has bestowed upon him a treasure trove of insights, which he will share during his TradesUp Experience titled, “A Day in the Life of a Plant Health Care Technician.” During this enlightening experience, Bill unravels the art and science behind the precise applications that safeguard the health and vibrancy of our beloved trees and shrubs. Join Bill in his mission to unveil the secrets of preserving the green wonders of our environment.

Meet Daniel Rochford, your TradesUp Presenter, hailing from the picturesque town of Sharon, CT. As the owner of the renowned general contracting company, Old North Contracting, Daniel brings a lifelong passion for preserving timeless design aesthetics and authentic building materials to the forefront of their craft.

With a profound commitment to the art of craftsmanship, Daniel stands out as a true artisan in their field. Their “Carpentry by Hand” TradesUp experience promises to be enlightening and enriching. Attendees will have the opportunity to delve into the intricate world of hand-coping moldings, explore the nuances of wood species matching, and even try their hand at the refined skill of glass cutting, adding a touch of elegance and functionality to their own projects.

With an unwavering commitment to tradition and dedication to excellence, Daniel Rochford perfectly embodies TradesUp's mission, values, and vision. Come along on a journey led by Daniel, where you'll experience firsthand our shared dedication to creativity, precision, and the enduring principles that lie at the heart of TradesUp's mission.