Fresh green and purple beans harvested from the Giving Garden

Optional meals & networking

Eat together. Keep the conversation going.

We have arranged Cafe Sol lunch for both conference days and organized group dinner opportunities so participants can network and socialize. All meals are optional, priced separately, and shown in U.S. dollars.

Friday, January 8 · 5:30 PM

Friday meet-and-greet

Gather at Flanders Fish Market and Restaurant, 22 Chesterfield Road in Flanders/East Lyme. The restaurant is a short walk from the entrance to East Lyme High School, so there is no need to move your car.

Order from the full restaurant menu

Choose from Flanders Fish Market's current regular menu and pay the restaurant directly; there is no conference charge.

Pre-registration is required. Space is limited, and reservations close December 15, 2026, or earlier if capacity is reached.

View Flanders' full menu

Cafe Sol · January 9 and 10

Conference lunch options

We have made arrangements with Cafe Sol to provide lunch for both conference days at a cost of $15 USD per meal. Participants can choose whether they want lunch brought to the conference site on either day. Orders close December 15, 2026, or when the capacity of 150 orders per day is reached. Sandwich orders include a pickle and a small bag of chips.

There are also several other options for lunch within walking distance or a short ride from the conference site.

We encourage participants to bring their own water bottles, which can be refilled on site. You are also welcome to bring a mug for coffee or tea. “GF” appears only where supplied by the caterer and should not be read as a general allergy-safety claim.

Saturday, January 9 · 6:00 PM

Saturday group dinner buffet

Dinner is at Flanders Fish Market and Restaurant, a short walk from the conference site. Pre-registration is required.

$37 USD per person · Capacity: 114 guests · Cash bar available

Reservations close December 15, 2026, or earlier if capacity is reached.

SoupCreamy New England clam chowder
Seafood entréeBroiled white fish with breadcrumbs and butter
Chicken entréeGrilled lemon-pepper chicken
PastaVodka penne
SaladGreen salad
BeveragesCoffee, tea, and soft drinks
DessertDessert

Vegetarian and vegan options are available by advance request.