After Cancer, Trumbull Farmer's Maze Gives Back

Over the years in Trumbull, farm land has dwindled and now only one remains.

on Daniels Farm Road is the last family farm left in town. Since its beginning in 1925 when the property was purchased by Martin and Mary Plasko, the farm evolved and items such as Gifford’s ice cream and frozen chicken and turkey pot pies were added to the vegetables and dairy products sold at the farm. John and Pauline Plasko have owned and run the farm since 1997.

“Ten years ago we started the corn maze,” said Plasko about a component of the farm that is very dear to his heart.   

Eight years ago Plasko was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He received treatment at St. Vincent’s Medical Center and is now cancer-free. For the last eight years Plasko has donated one dollar out of every admission ticket into the corn maze to Swim Across the Sound, a St. Vincent’s charitable organization that assists the elderly and underserved with cancer prevention and treatment.

“One hundred percent of the money goes to help people,” Plasko explained. “No one is turned away. It’s a wonderful organization.”

In the past, Plasko has donated seven thousand dollars to Swim Across the Sound from just one season of the corn maze, but this year he is aiming even higher.

“I want to give them $10,000 this year,” the philanthropist farmer said.

The corn maze at Plasko’s Farm is 4.5 acres and, counting every trail including the dead ends, contains 2.5 miles of path.

Each year, the design is different and there are six stations along the way with hole punches to mark your way.

Hurricane Irene damaged many farms throughout New England and although Plasko’s Farm did sustain some damage from the storm, it wasn’t a complete loss.

The broken corn stalks were tied up and the maze is open for business.

The corn maze is open to the public on Fridays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.