Longtime Easton farmer Irv Silverman, who owns Silverman’s Farm, gave Samuel Staples Elementary Schoolers a bright start to their school year this week - and the entire region something to smile about.

Four acres of sunflowers surround the front of the public school building after Silverman planted hundreds of pounds of seeds this past Spring, he told the Easton Courier. The sunflowers support the Ukrainian people during their continued war against Russia as a gentle reminder of kindness and strength for those who pass the fields or wander through them. Silverman has invited the public into the field to pick the flowers to enjoy them and spread the kindness they embody as their bloom season comes to an end.

A bit different than Westport schools’ green lawns, nearby Easton farmers using to this section of field at the elementary school is not unusual as they use the several acre plots for their crops. Silverman took on the rent this season in addition to his own 50 acre nearby farm & petting zoo for the purpose of helping and supporting others. Silverman has always been in the farming industry after his father Ben started their farm on Sport Hill Road in the 1920s. Irv has continued the tradition ever-since.

The sunflower fields are located at 515 Morehouse Road and are free and open to the public until their blooming season ends and the regional drought trudges on. Silverman’s Farms are located at 451 Sport Hill Road and will be open for apple picking, pumpkin picking, apple cider and pie purchases, and petting zoo visitors throughout the Autumn season.