Waterbury, CT – If you grew up thinking veggies were boring, think again. On Tuesday, September 26th at 7 PM, the Palace Theater will host an evening that will cause foodies to rejoice. Authors and horticulturalists Shawn Joseph and Richard Myers will explore urban farming in Connecticut, specifically how to grow vegetables and create delicious recipes from a homegrown harvest. This event is made possible through the ongoing support of Rourke Insurance Agency, Timothy W. & Mary Ellen Rourke, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UConn Waterbury.
While selling at farmers markets over the years, the two noticed something common among most people they encountered; they were interested in the way certain vegetables look and were willing to “try them out,” but they had no clue how to prepare/cook them. On the flip side, Joseph and Myers have regular customers, including professional chefs who are confident in their cooking skills, but are lost when it comes time to grow the same crop they purchase weekly.
The duo was not able to find one individual book to advise everyone, so they decided to create a hybrid book to cater to both groups of people, Grow to Eat: A Vegetable Growing Guide/Cookbook Kit. This book details steps for growing tomatoes, summer squash, garlic, eggplants, collard greens, cucumbers and potatoes. Along with growing instruction, they also include delicious recipes to enjoy your bountiful harvest.
Joseph and Myers founded Bridgeport-based Park City Harvest, an organization dedicated to changing the image of farming within urban communities while feeding and educating the communities they serve. Their goal is to empower and educate urban youth about the impact that food has on health, community, and the environment. 
Tickets to this event are $20. Tickets may be purchased at the Palace Theater Box Office: 203-346-2000 or palacetheaterct.org.
About Shawn Joseph
Starting his gardening journey at the age of 7, Shawn developed his love and passion for all things plants very early in life. Over the years, he sharpened his skills growing a variety of plants in different ways and learned how they interact with each other and the surrounding environment. This curiosity about plant propagation continued as he pursued and obtained a degree in horticulture from Naugatuck Valley Community College.
As a horticulturist, Shawn currently spends his days farming and volunteering his time to help others learn the ways of organic gardening. In addition to his busy life as an urban farmer, he is also the Director of Operations for Brass City Harvest in Waterbury where he has worked for six years.
About Richard Myers
Born on an island where everyone is dependent on nature, Richard fell in love with plants at a young age. He was able to understand the importance of having one’s own crops, whether it was to feed the family, donate, or sell. Seeking an education that would match his love for plants led him to horticulture and he hasn’t looked back since.
About the “I Wrote That” Author Talk series
“I Wrote That” is a new series presented by the Palace Theater. It is devoted to books and the authors who write them, offering audiences the opportunity to engage with authors and ask questions in a less formal setting.
About the Palace Theater
Located in Downtown Waterbury, Connecticut, the Palace Theater is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit performing arts center with a mission “to preserve and operate the historic Palace Theater as a performing arts center and community gathering place that provides a focal point of cultural activity and educational outreach for diverse audiences.”

The Palace Theater gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support by Rourke Insurance Agency, Timothy W. & Mary Ellen Rourke, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UConn Waterbury.

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