Thursday, December 15, 2011

Happy Autumn!

Today is the last CSA pickup of the 2011 season.

That said, this will not be the last email as there are still loose ends to be tied up (paperwork and financial) and next year to think about (April…when the CSA starts up again…is not so far away). Contracts for next year will be emailed to current CSA members by early February and then in early March, contracts will be emailed to new interested folks.

Where are all the seeds from the Farsi Winter Squashes??? PLEASE save and return them (see below). Farmer Bill got the seeds when he was in Nepal so if you don’t return them, he can’t buy more and he’s not going back to Nepal any time soon…if ever.

PLEASE!!! I BEG OF YOU…DO NOT bring in Farsi Winter Squash seeds that are…wet (not even damp), in a plastic bag, unlabelled, and not Farsi Winter Squash seeds!!! They need to be the correct seeds, bone dry (may take one to two weeks) and then, and only then when they’re completely dry, put the seeds in something that breathes (NO – plastic/wax paper/parchment paper/tin foil, YES – paper bags, newspaper, paper towel, tissues, heck – even toilet paper), labeled Farsi Winter Squash (we weren’t asked to save any other one we received…Acorn and Butternut’s what I recall). And please don’t eat them. The farm needs them much more than anyone’s tummy does. These seeds are not available in this country and none of the Halseys are going to Nepal anytime soon to acquire more. If you want to grow them yourself, keep 10 (way more than enough) and give the rest back. Any questions, I’d be happy to answer (no question is too anything to not be asked…I think that’s what I’m trying to say ).

This week’s email includes…

1. HELP! Your CSA needs you this week!!! We’re looking for TWO (2) people from 3:30 to 5:30pm and ONE (1) person to help from 5:30 to 7:30pm…
2. Nice article on Biodynamic farming that mentions Green Thumb Farm…
3. This week’s list…subject to change without notice (farming is like that)…
4. Celery Root (Celeriac) Tutorial…
5. Saving seeds (FYI - the seeds will keep till next April if you don’t hand them this week)
6. Upcoming events


1. HELP! Your CSA needs you this week!!! We’re looking for TWO (2) people from 3:30 to 5:30pm and ONE (1) person to help from 5:30 to 7:30pm…

Whether you owe CSA hours or not…whether you even planned on working this season or not…you could offer to help out…regardless. Besides, at the start of the CSA you get “first dibs” and at end of the CSA you have the opportunity to take extra produce from what’s left. This must be appealing to somebody…yes?

If you can be at the CSA from 3:30 to 5:30pm or 5:30 to 7:30pm this week please…
1. Respond to this email before 1pm Thursday
2. Call 631-421-4864 and leave a message before 1pm Thursday
2. Call the CSA at 631-385-1079 after 3pm THURSDAY ONLY and ask to speak to someone from the CSA and leave a message
3. Show up a little before 3:30pm or 5:30pm and see if there’s still any help needed

You can ALWAYS stop by the CSA a little before 3:30 or 5:30 to offer to help in case someone doesn’t show up (or is late) without letting anyone know.



2. Nice article on Biodynamic farming that mentions Green Thumb Farm…

as well as Farmer Bill’s brother Larry Halsey and their brother-in-law, Steve Storch (married to sister JoHanna Halsey). Steve and Larry have both been to the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington as featured speakers with films about food and farming and may do so again in the near future.

Also, I used to know Hugh Williams (one of the early known Biodynamic practitioners) back in the day not so much as a farmer, but as a fellow activist protesting the Shoreham nuclear power plant! And then was sad that soon afterwards, he moved upstate New York to become a very well respected organic/biodynamic/anarchist farmer in that part of the world (I selfishly wished he would remain farming on Long Island but with the price of land and taxes…need I say more?)…

http://www.edibleeastend.com/online_magazine/farming-to-a-different-beat/



3. This week’s list…subject to change without notice (farming is like that!)

Week #34
December 15, 2011

1. Celery Root (Celeriac) – 1
2. Daikon/Rutabaga/Turnip combo to be weighed
3. Carrots: Purple – 1 bunch
4. Squash, Winter: Farsi - 1
5. Jerusalem Artichokes – 1 bag
6. Peppers, Hot – 1 bag/box (?)

Total Items: 6 (?)



4. Celery Root (Celeriac) Tutorial…

Celeriac: The Vegetable World’s Ugly Duckling – nice NPR piece…
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6551175

How to peel and chop Celery Root (Celeriac)…
http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/giving-salad-a-spin-winter-salads/sidebars/1

Chef Jean Georges Vongerichten talks about Celery Root (Celeriac) and other things…
http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/giving-salad-a-spin-winter-salads

Celery Root (Celeriac) and Mushroom Lasagna…
http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/celery-root-and-mushroom-lasagna



5. Saving Seeds (FYI - the seeds will keep till next April if you don’t hand them this week)

It’s that time of year again when Farmer Bill asks us to save the seeds for one or two varieties of our Winter Squashes.

How to save Winter Squash seeds…

Mission…

1. Remove gunk
2. Dry out
3. prevent mold
4. Label correctly

If any of these actions are not accomplished the seeds need to be thrown out and your efforts will have been wasted

It’s VERY important to make sure you have the correct seeds saved and to label them correctly. If you don’t do this, the incorrect plant may hybridize with another similar plant which defeats the efforts of saving the seeds…it’s being done to save a particular variety of plant – not to create a new one.

1. Remove seeds from Winter Squash and get off all the gunk (not a botanical or culinary term but the best I can come up with at the moment) by putting the seeds in a bowl of water and rubbing the gunk off COMPLETELY
2. Once all the gunk is off, drain off the water in a colander
3. Spread out the seeds in a single layer on a baking tray or a large piece of cardboard or any non-porous surface (don’t use newspapers or paper towels as it may stick to the seeds and…there are reasons but the short version is the farmer doesn’t want ANYTHING stuck to the seeds)
4. Every day move the seeds around to help facilitate drying and prevent mold
5. Let them dry for a week or two…longer than you think would possibly be necessary (do not try and speed process along by drying in a microwave or oven…it will kill the seed…yes, it’s been done by CSA members in the past)
6. When completely dry, pack in a paper bag or wrap in newspaper (NEVER in anything plastic) and label exactly what they are…This week I believe it will be Winter Squash - Farsi
7. Save a few for yourself if you wish to grow them next season in your own garden but please return the rest to the CSA (leave at the sign-in table) as the farm needs them more than you do

Any questions about seed saving…please ask.



6. Upcoming events

Thursday, December 15th

3:30pm to 4:15pm

LI Rally Against Fracking
Mary Jane Davies Green
Plandome Rd (near the Manhasset train station)
Manhasset
For more info, a map, and to register (to let them know you’ll be coming):
http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/p/salsa/event/common/public/?key=72273
Even though we may not have any natural gas, Long Islanders will be directly affected by hydraulic fracturing. Fracking upstate will increase our air pollution, and could send millions of gallons of toxic and radioactive wastewater to treatment facilities on Long Island. That is why this coming Thursday, Food and Water Watch, Grassroots Environmental Education and Reach Out America will be holding a rally to show that Long Islanders care about hydraulic fracturing. The rally will take place at the Mary Jane Davies Green in Manhasset- the small park right on Plandome Road, near the train Manhasset train station. Come, and bring as many friends and family members as possible!

Wednesday, December 21st

5 to 6pm

Bhavani nterviews Jonathan Bloom, author of American Wasteland
I Eat Green
Progressive Radio
To listen live or to listen to archived shows:
http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/eating-green/

American Wasteland chronicles how we waste food from farm to fork and examines the impact of our squandering. In his blog, Wasted Food, Jonathan writes about why we waste food, why it matters and what we can do about it. American Wasteland was chosen by The Slow Food Huntington Book Club, as their first read, and as a passionate food advocate, Bhavani is so excited to have Jonathan Bloom as her guest!

The shows are also available on iTune to be downloaded on iPhones.


Friday to Sunday, January 20th to 22nd

30th Annual Organic Farming and Gardening Conference
NOFA-NY Winter Conference 2012
The Cooperative Economy
Saratoga Springs
New York
For more info and to register:
http://www.nofany.org/events/winter-conference


Saturday to Saturday, January 21st to 28th

Spa Cooking at Rancho la Puerta with Bhavani
Tecate, Mexico
For more info and to register:
http://www.rancholapuerta.com/activities/events/ev120121.html

Rancho La Puerta encompasses 3,000 picturesque acres, including a a six-acre organic farm! Rancho La Puerta’s Cooking School hosts cooking classes that celebrate the magic that happens whenever good cooks use just-picked local, seasonal, organically grown ingredients. This sensory experience, combined with your opportunity to cook, side-by-side with Bhavani, and then sit down to a fine meal you helped prepare, provides an unforgettable culinary experience.

Bhavani offers three hands-on cooking classes during which you will enjoy preparing your own meal along with fellow cooks. Classes take place at La Cocina Que Canta's culinary center. You also will have the opportunity to harvest produce from their organic garden, Tres Estrellas.

February 15th

3rd Annual No Farms, No Food Rally
Albany
For more info:
http://newyork.farmland.org/new-york-policy/2012-no-farms-no-food%c2%ae-rally-%e2%80%94february-15-albany

Join farmers, food advocates, local officials, environmentalists and other New Yorkers at the State Capitol to urge state leaders to support funding and legislation that protects farmland and the environment, increases the availability of nutritious food grown in New York and strengthens the farm and food economy. Bus transportation roundtrip from New York City to Albany will be available. Online registration is coming soon!


Friday and Saturday, February 24th and 25th

Fri – 8am to 7:30pm
Sat – 8am to 6pm

Eat. Work. Grow the Movement: Just Food’s 2012 Conference
Food and Finance High School
525 W 50th St
NYC
$15 to $50
To purchase tickets:
http://jfconference2012.eventbrite.com/
For more info:
http://justfood.org/events

Join Just Food, local food lovers and advocates, CSA members, community gardeners, urban and rural farmers, food professionals and entrepreneurs for two days of hands-on workshops, discussions, skill building sessions, and good food. Learn about cooking and food preservations techniques, CSA trends and the food justice movement in NYC and beyond, as well as ways you can mobilize to create good food projects in your own community.

On Friday, we’ll conclude with a Good Food Jobs Fair and on Saturday, we’ll celebrate the end of the conference with an Expo featuring exemplary local food artisans, sustainable businesses, and organizations.


Wednesday, February 29th

13th Annual Organic Turf Show
For more info and to register:
631-963-5454
http://neighborhood-network.org/index.htm

The Neighborhood Network Turf Show, which is designed for turf care professionals, features vendors of 100% natural horticulture products, and workshops on organic care of lawns, athletic fields, and even non-toxic indoor pest control. Come learn about the latest in organic turf and land care.

More info TBA.

February/March/April (date yet to be decided)
1st Long Island CSA Fair
More info TBA

Saturday, April 14th

8am to 6pm

Small Farm Summit 2012
Hofstra University
Uniondale
For more info or to volunteer and get involved:
http://www.longislandsmallfarmcentral.com/

Keynote speakers: Will Allen, CEO of Growing Power (featured in the movie Fresh) and Chef Ann Cooper, the Renegade Lunch Lady (former executive chef of the Ross School in East Hampton).

###

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Happy Autumn!

There’s NO ONE scheduled to work at the CSA this week between 5:30 and 7:30pm!!! Whether you owe CSA hours or not…whether you even planned on working this season or not…you could offer to help out…regardless. Besides, at the end of the CSA you have the opportunity to take extra produce from what’s left. This must be appealing to somebody…yes?

When is the last CSA pickup? December 15th.

Where are all the seeds from the Farsi Winter Squashes??? PLEASE save and return them (see below). Farmer Bill got the seeds when he was in Nepal so if you don’t return them, he can’t buy more and he’s not going back to Nepal any time soon…if ever.

PLEASE!!! I BEG OF YOU…DO NOT bring in Farsi Winter Squash seeds that are…wet (not even damp), in a plastic bag, unlabelled, and not Farsi Winter Squash seeds!!! They need to be the correct seeds, bone dry (may take one to two weeks) and then, and only then, put in something that breathes (NO – plastic/wax paper/parchment paper/tin foil, YES – paperbag, newspaper, paper towel, tissues, heck – even toilet paper), labeled Farsi Winter Squash (we weren’t asked to save any other one we received…Acorn and Butternut’s what I recall). And please don’t eat them. The farm needs them much more than anyone’s tummy does. These seeds are not available in this country and none of the Halseys are going to Nepal anytime soon to acquire more. If you want to grow them yourself, keep 10 (way more than enough) and give the rest back. Any questions, I’d be happy to answer (no question is too anything to not be asked…I think that’s what I’m trying to say ).

This week’s email includes…

1. HELP! Your CSA needs you this week!!! We’re looking for ONE (1) person from 3:30 to 5:30pm and THREE (3) folks to help from 5:30 to 7:30pm…
2. Cabbage recipe from first year CSA member and homeopath extraordinaire, Sonam Kushner (plus a couple more Cabbage recipes including the sexy one!)…
3. This week’s list…subject to change without notice (farming is like that)…
4. Dines Farm sighted in Huntington!
5. Saving seeds (FYI - the seeds will keep till next April if you don’t hand them in by next week)
6. Upcoming events
7. Notes from the Farm


1. HELP! Your CSA needs you this week!!! We’re looking for ONE (1) person from 3:30 to 5:30pm and THREE (3) folks to help from 5:30 to 7:30pm…

If you can be at the CSA from 3:30 to 5:30pm or 5:30 to 7:30pm this week please…
1. Respond to this email before 1pm Thursday
2. Call 631-421-4864 and leave a message before 1pm Thursday
2. Call the CSA at 631-385-1079 after 3pm THURSDAY ONLY and ask to speak to someone from the CSA and leave a message
3. Show up a little before 3:30pm or 5:30pm and see if there’s still any help needed

You can ALWAYS stop by the CSA a little before 3:30 or 5:30 to offer to help in case someone doesn’t show up (or is late) without letting anyone know.



2. Cabbage recipe from first year CSA member and homeopath extraordinaire, Sonam Kushner (plus a couple more Cabbage recipes including the sexy one!)…

Made this with last week's delicious Napa- tongue tingling, but delicious! From Gourmet Today. Serves 4.

1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1 serrano chile, finely chopped, including seeds
2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound Napa cabbage, core and cut crosswise into 1/2 " wide slices (8 cups)
1 bunch scallions
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

Whisk together vinegar, sugar, ginger, chile, oil and salt in a large bowl until salt is dissolved. Add remaining ingredients and toss well. Let stand, tossing occasionally, until vegetables are slightly wilted, for about 10 minutes before serving.

Good with steamed white rice, roasted sweet potatoes and fried sesame tofu (Simple Suppers from Moosewood).

Especially good at the end of a very rainy day!

Sexy Cabbage recipe!
http://www.amateurgourmet.com/2011/11/sexy-cabbage-sexytime.html#more-7057

And one that could possibly set your kitchen on fire and burn out your eyes and throat! 
http://orangette.blogspot.com/2009/01/best-we-can-hope-for.html



3. This week’s list…subject to change without notice (farming is like that!)

December 8, 2011

1. Cauliflower: Cheddar OR White, OR Broccoli: Purple – 1 head total
2. Carrots – to be weighed
3. Kale: Lacinato* – 1 bunch
4. Pak Choi: Red – 1 bunch (see Bok Choi Info Sheet)
5. Scallions – 1 bunch
6. Mustard Greens: Green OR Red – 1 bunch

Total Items: 7 (?)

Herb Share – Dec 1A (the end!)
Rosemary AND Sage

*Also know as…Black Kale, Black Tuscan Palm, Cavolo Nero, Dinosaur Kale, Flat Back Cabbage, Nero di Toscana, Palm Tree Kale, Tuscan Cabbage, Tuscan Kale…the Latin is Brassica oleracea



4. Dines Farm sighted in Huntington!

I had to see for myself so I showed up at the LI Winter Market last Saturday at Sweet Hollow Hall in Melville and lo and behold…there was Jay Dines grilling away.

Here’s the info for the LI Winter Market…
http://winterfarmersmarketlongisland.com/

And check out their Facebook page as well to keep updated as to the ever changing days and hours of this market.



5. Saving Seeds

It’s that time of year again when Farmer Bill asks us to save the seeds for one or two varieties of our Winter Squashes.

How to save Winter Squash seeds…

Mission…

1. Remove gunk
2. Dry out
3. prevent mold
4. Label correctly

If any of these actions are not accomplished the seeds need to be thrown out and your efforts will have been wasted

It’s VERY important to make sure you have the correct seeds saved and to label them correctly. If you don’t do this, the incorrect plant may hybridize with another similar plant which defeats the efforts of saving the seeds…it’s being done to save a particular variety of plant – not to create a new one.

1. Remove seeds from Winter Squash and get off all the gunk (not a botanical or culinary term but the best I can come up with at the moment) by putting the seeds in a bowl of water and rubbing the gunk off COMPLETELY
2. Once all the gunk is off, drain off the water in a colander
3. Spread out the seeds in a single layer on a baking tray or a large piece of cardboard or any non-porous surface (don’t use newspapers or paper towels as it may stick to the seeds and…there are reasons but the short version is the farmer doesn’t want ANYTHING stuck to the seeds)
4. Every day move the seeds around to help facilitate drying and prevent mold
5. Let them dry for a week or two…longer than you think would possibly be necessary (do not try and speed process along by drying in a microwave or oven…it will kill the seed…yes, it’s been done by CSA members in the past)
6. When completely dry, pack in a paper bag or wrap in newspaper (NEVER in anything plastic) and label exactly what they are…This week I believe it will be Winter Squash - Farsi
7. Save a few for yourself if you wish to grow them next season in your own garden but please return the rest to the CSA (leave at the sign-in table) as the farm needs them more than you do

Any questions about seed saving…please ask.



6. Upcoming events

Saturday, December 11th

4 to 8pm

NOFA-NY Long Island Chapter Holiday Party
Brickhouse Brewery
67 W Main St
Patchogue, NY
$30 per person for NOFA-NY members; $35 for non-members
For more info call:
631-447-2337
http://www.brickhousebrewery.com/

Includes buffet dinner, tax & tip.
Cash bar for Brickhouse Brewery's own microbrews


Monday, December 12th

8pm

Slow Food Huntington Steering Committee Meeting
Sky Room Cafe
Cinema Arts Centre
423 Park Ave
Huntington
Please RSVP if you plan on attending. If you cannot attend this meeting and would still like to participate, please contact us.
http://slowfoodhuntington.org

At our last meeting it was decided to finally create a steering committee to write bylaws for our chapter. All current members of Slow Food USA affiliated with our chapter are welcome to participate. Please contact us if you’re interested in being part of this committee.

Wednesday, December 14th

7:30pm

Dive! Featuring guest speaker, Jon Stepanian (founder of LI Food Not Bombs)
Cinema Arts Centre
423 Park Ave
Huntington
$9 – Members/$13 – General Public (includes a post-film Reception)
To purchase advance tickets (it probably will sell out)…
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/213464
For more info:
631 423-7610
http://www.cinemaartscentre.org/011/Films_On_Food.html#Dive
http://www.divethefilm.com/

Inspired by a curiosity about our country's careless habit of sending food straight to landfills, this multi award-winning documentary follows filmmaker Jeremy Seifert and friends as they dumpster dive in the back alleys and gated garbage receptacles of Los Angeles' supermarkets. In the process, they salvage thousands of dollars worth of good, edible food - resulting in an inspiring documentary that is equal parts entertainment, guerilla journalism and call to action.

Our guest speaker, Jon Stepanian, and his team of volunteers, collect thousands of pounds of perfectly healthy, nutritious and safe food from our local supermarkets and distribute it to our local community each week through “food shares.” This is food that would otherwise end up in dumpsters due to close expiration date or minor imperfections. LI Food Not Bombs hands out a week’s worth of groceries to about 3,000 people each week – an average of 20lbs per person. Jon will present a short video clip of their work and lead a discussion of this fascinating, and shocking side of our food system.



Friday to Sunday, January 20th to 22nd

30th Annual Organic Farming and Gardening Conference
NOFA-NY Winter Conference 2012
The Cooperative Economy
Saratoga Springs
New York
For more info and to register:
http://www.nofany.org/events/winter-conference


February 24th and 25th

Eat. Work. Grow the Movement: Just Food’s 2012 Conference
NYC
More info TBA

The conference will include participatory workshops, a sustainable food jobs fair and local food expo, and panel discussions with urban and rural farmers and food entrepreneurs. Learn about the food justice movement in New York City and beyond, as well as ways you can mobilize to create good food projects in your own community.

February/March/April (date yet to be decided)
1st Long Island CSA Fair
More info TBA

Saturday, April 14th

8am to 6pm

Small Farm Summit 2012
Hofstra University
Uniondale

Keynote speakers: Will Allen, CEO of Growing Power (featured in the movie Fresh) and Chef Ann Cooper, the Renegade Lunch Lady (former executive chef of the Ross School in East Hampton).

More info TBA



7. Notes from the Farm

November 18, 2011

Our CSA season is coming to an end….our last delivery being the 2nd week in December.

As is true every year, some crops have done well…and others not. Tomatoes, Carrots, fall greens, and Beans all did well. White Beets, Sweet Potatoes and Arugula…not so well. Other crops did about right – Peppers, Eggplants, Summer Squashes, Strawberries, and Peas.

Over the season we tried to bring in a large assortment of varieties of all these vegetables. Some things you are familiar with and others…maybe not. Part of our farm’s goal is to preserve the biodiversity of our planet’s food crops. By having a market for some of these minor crops through our CSAs, seed companies will continue to offer them and expand their offerings. Many of these crops are very well known in their region of origin – Chiogga Beets, Chiogga Radicchio, Travisio Radicchio, Siberian Kale, Japanese Daikons, Chinese Flat Pea, Dutch Dragon Tongue Beans and Middle Eastern Summer Squash are just some of the varieties brought in to you all this year.

So, enjoy the last several weeks of the CSA and THANK YOU…each and every one of you…for helping our organic farm survive into the 21st century!

Organically yours,
Farm Bill (Halsey)


December 2011

Our season is about over…last deliveries being the week of December 13th.

THANK YOU…to all our CSA members for supporting our Green Thumb certified organic family farm. It’s through our CSA member’s support we are able to keep our farm intact and growing.

There are ups and downs in every season and this one was no exception, but by having a diverse crop selection we are able to continually bring in a wide selection and variety of locally grown certified organic produce.

We’re still learning about what we grow and how to do it better. It’s always a challenge. That’s just part of what keeps it all so interesting. That, and being able to grow such a wide selection of food. Over 350 different varieties of seeds were planted this year, as well as 8 types of Strawberries, Rhubarb, and 40 kinds of Flowers. We enjoy what we’re doing and hope you all enjoyed the fruits and veggies of our labors!

THANK YOU ALL AGAIN!

May you all have a happy and safe holiday season, and we hope to see you all in a few months (April is not so far away).

Organically yours,
Farmer Bill (Halsey)

###

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Happy Autumn!

When is the last CSA pickup? December 15th.

Green Thumb Farm’s farmstand out in Water Mill closes for the season on Sunday December 4th if you want to catch their end of season sale on non-perishables.

Where are all the seeds from the Farsi Winter Squashes??? PLEASE save and return them (see below). Farmer Bill got the seeds when he was in Nepal so if you don’t return them, he can’t buy more and he’s not going back to Nepal any time soon…if ever.

PLEASE!!! I BEG OF YOU…DO NOT bring in Farsi Winter Squash seeds that are…wet (not even damp), in a plastic bag, unlabelled, and not Farsi Winter Squash seeds!!! They need to be the correct seeds, bone dry (may take one to two weeks) and then, and only then, put in something that breathes (NO – plastic/wax paper/parchment paper/tin foil, YES – paperbag, newspaper, paper towel, tissues, heck – even toilet paper), labeled Farsi Winter Squash (we weren’t asked to save any other one we received…Acorn and Butternut’s what I recall). And please don’t eat them. The farm needs them much more than anyone’s tummy does. These seeds are not available in this country and none of the Halseys are going to Nepal anytime soon to acquire more. If you want to grow them yourself, keep 10 (way more than enough) and give the rest back. Any questions, I’d be happy to answer (no question is too anything to not be asked…I think that’s what I’m trying to say ).

This week’s email includes…

1. HELP! Your CSA needs you this week!!! We’re looking for ONE (1) person from 3:30 to 5:30pm…
2. Interesting article about root vegetables…
3. This week’s list…subject to change without notice (farming is like that)…
4. It’s holiday time so here’s a gift idea…
5. Saving seeds


1. HELP! Your CSA needs you this week!!! We’re looking for ONE (1) person from 3:30 to 5:30pm…

If you can be at the CSA from 3:30 to 5:30pm this week please…
1. Respond to this email before 1pm Thursday
2. Call 631-421-4864 and leave a message before 1pm Thursday
2. Call the CSA at 631-385-1079 after 3pm THURSDAY ONLY and ask to speak to someone from the CSA and leave a message
3. Show up a little before 3:30pm and see if there’s still any help needed

You can ALWAYS stop by the CSA a little before 3:30 or 5:30 to offer to help in case someone doesn’t show up (or is late) without letting anyone know.

If you didn’t keep track of how many hours you’ve worked and are waiting to get the info from me, I should be finished (I started but it’s a bigger job than I thought wrangling all the little bits of paper) by Monday.



2. Interesting article about root vegetables…

Great article about eating root vegetables submitted by CSA member Jeff Tanenbaum. This article mentions John Jeavons (all too briefly)…the founder of Gro-Biointensive agriculture with whom I had the privilege of studying with…
http://scienceblogs.com/casaubonsbook/2011/11/vegeculture_and_the_season_of.php?utm_source=nytwidget



3. This week’s list…subject to change without notice (farming is like that!)

December 1, 2011

1. Cabbage: Green OR Napa – 1 head
2. Lettuce – 1 bag
3. Kohlrabi – 1 bunch
4. Cilantro OR Curly Cress* OR Dill – 1 bunch
5. Mei Quing Choi – 1 bunch
6. Radishes – 1 bunch
7. Cauliflower, Green – 1 head

Total Items: 7 (?)

* Curly Cress (also know as Pepper Cress/grass and Cressida…Lepidium sativum…in the mustard family)…salads, sandwiches
http://noteatingoutinny.com/2009/04/20/peppercress-and-poached-egg-salad/
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Herbs-720/Garden-Cress.htm
http://www.foodsubs.com/Greensld.html



4. It’s holiday time so here’s a gift idea…

Truffles (raw, vegan and gluten-free) made by a mom and her two daughters help fund their permaculture/organic farm/garden projects…

http://www.blackbirdnaturals.com/eat-cacao-truffles/

They also sell dried Herbs (medicinal and their own Stevia), and unusual seeds for your garden such as Goji Berry and Holy Basil.

These Truffles were featured on the Cooking Channel show Foodcrafters.



5. Saving Seeds

It’s that time of year again when Farmer Bill asks us to save the seeds for one or two varieties of our Winter Squashes.

How to save Winter Squash seeds…

Mission…

1. Remove gunk
2. Dry out
3. prevent mold
4. Label correctly

If any of these actions are not accomplished the seeds need to be thrown out and your efforts will have been wasted

It’s VERY important to make sure you have the correct seeds saved and to label them correctly. If you don’t do this, the incorrect plant may hybridize with another similar plant which defeats the efforts of saving the seeds…it’s being done to save a particular variety of plant – not to create a new one.

1. Remove seeds from Winter Squash and get off all the gunk (not a botanical or culinary term but the best I can come up with at the moment) by putting the seeds in a bowl of water and rubbing the gunk off COMPLETELY
2. Once all the gunk is off, drain off the water in a colander
3. Spread out the seeds in a single layer on a baking tray or a large piece of cardboard or any non-porous surface (don’t use newspapers or paper towels as it may stick to the seeds and…there are reasons but the short version is the farmer doesn’t want ANYTHING stuck to the seeds)
4. Every day move the seeds around to help facilitate drying and prevent mold
5. Let them dry for a week or two…longer than you think would possibly be necessary (do not try and speed process along by drying in a microwave or oven…it will kill the seed…yes, it’s been done by CSA members in the past)
6. When completely dry, pack in a paper bag or wrap in newspaper (NEVER in anything plastic) and label exactly what they are…This week I believe it will be Winter Squash - Farsi
7. Save a few for yourself if you wish to grow them next season in your own garden but please return the rest to the CSA (leave at the sign-in table) as the farm needs them more than you do

Any questions about seed saving…please ask.

###

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Happy Autumn!

This week the CSA pickup is WEDNESDAY, November 23rd starting at 2:30pm. And because people are asking already…the last day of the CSA is December 15th.

If you know you won’t be picking up your CSA food this week (and no one will be picking up for you) PLEASE let us know by responding to this email and saying so.
Why? It’s so we could leave before 7:30pm if everyone has shown up who’s going to, and whoever isn’t checked off yet isn’t coming (so we don’t have to wait around in case they do show up). If someone can’t make it till 7:30pm, that’s fine, but if we can all leave earlier…I’m sure we all could use the time. And if you need to pick up later than 7:30pm, call the CSA between 2pm and 6pm at 631-385-1079 and let whoever answers the phone from the CSA know when you’ll be picking up, and we could leave a bag at the usual local late night spot (or the Cinema Arts Centre Box Office…state your preference).

Where are all the seeds from the Farsi Winter Squashes??? PLEASE save and return them (see below). Farmer Bill got the seeds when he was in Nepal so if you don’t return them, he can’t buy more and he’s not going back to Nepal any time soon…if ever.

PLEASE!!! I BEG OF YOU…DO NOT bring in Farsi Winter Squash seeds that are…wet (not even damp), in a plastic bag, unlabelled, and not Farsi Winter Squash seeds!!! They need to be the correct seeds, bone dry (may take one to two weeks) and then, and only then, put in something that breathes (NO – plastic/wax paper/parchment paper/tin foil, YES – paperbag, newspaper, paper towel, tissues, heck – even toilet paper), labeled Farsi Winter Squash (we weren’t asked to save any other one we received…Acorn and Butternut’s what I recall). And please don’t eat them. The farm needs them much more than anyone’s tummy does. These seeds are not available in this country and none of the Halseys are going to Nepal anytime soon to acquire more. If you want to grow them yourself, keep 10 (way more than enough) and give the rest back. Any questions, I’d be happy to answer (no question is too anything to not be asked…I think that’s what I’m trying to say ).

One of our CSA members told me that her doctor said she can’t wear flip flops. I don’t remember who it was to send her this info directly (sorry whoever you are  !). I told her Dr. Andrew Weil had info about flip flops that don’t do the damage the regular ones do and here’s the info (it’s never too early to be thinking about next summer  )…
http://www.orthaheelusa.com/women/sandals.html?utm_source=drweil&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=051011


This week’s email includes…

1. HELP! Your CSA needs you this week!!! We’re looking for ONE (1) person from 2:30 to 4:30pm, and ONE (1) person from 4:30 to 6:30pm, and THREEE (3) folks from 6:30 to 7:30pm (and any combination therein…from 2:30 to 7:30, 4:30 to 7:30, 2:30 to 6:30…whatever)…
2. Think global, drink local!
3. This week’s list…subject to change without notice (farming is like that)…
4. Dr Andrew Weil’s take on root vegetables (with recipe)…
5. Saving seeds
6. And now for something completely different…


1. HELP! Your CSA needs you this week!!! We’re looking for ONE (1) person from 3:30 to 5:30pm and ONE (1) person from 5:30 to 7:30pm…

If you can be at the CSA from either 2:30 to 4:30pm, or 4:30 to 6:30pm, OR 6:30pm to 7:30pm this week please…
1. Respond to this email before 1pm Wednesday
2. Call 631-421-4864 and leave a message before 1pm Wednesday
2. Call the CSA at 631-385-1079 after 2pm WEDNESDAY ONLY and ask to speak to someone from the CSA and leave a message
3. Show up a little before 2:30pm or 4:30pm or 6:30pm, and see if there’s still any help needed

You can ALWAYS stop by the CSA a little before 2:30 or 4:30 or 6:30 (this week anyway) to offer to help in case someone doesn’t show up (or is late) without letting anyone know.

If you’re waiting to see how many hours you’ve worked, that info will be emailed out by Wednesday AM.



2. Think global, drink local!

This holiday season, drink local…and responsibly, of course!

Here’s a wine merchant with a tasting cellar specializing in NY State wines, located in Riverhead at the Tanger Mall (and sign up for their email newsletter and “like” their Facebook page)…
http://www.empirestatecellars.com/

And along the same line, here’s a recipe (accredited to Daily Candy’s Nana) that can be made with NY’s own Hudson Baby Bourbon Whiskey…
http://www.tuthilltown.com/category/products/aged-spirits
Bourbon Sweet Potato Souffle
Serves six to eight
Ingredients
1 c. white sugar
1 stick salted butter, softened
6-8 lg. sweet potatoes (not yams)
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
½ c. bourbon
1 c. walnuts, chopped
1 tsp. butter
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
1. In a medium bowl, beat together sugar and butter until smooth.
2. Peel sweet potatoes, then boil until soft, about 20 minutes (test with fork). Cube and set aside in a large round casserole dish to cool.
3. When the potatoes are cool, separate the eggs and add the yolks to potatoes (save the egg whites). Blend with a hand mixer until smooth, then add sugar and butter mixture until thoroughly blended.
4. Stir in vanilla and bourbon with spoon.
5. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with hand mixer until stiff.
6. Gently fold whites into potato mixture; do not mix.
7. Bake for 30 minutes. To prevent souffle from falling, do not open oven door while cooking. While souffle bakes, lightly toast walnuts in remaining butter.
8. Once it is cool, top with buttered walnuts.
9. Devour.


3. This week’s list…subject to change without notice (farming is like that!)

November 23, 2011

1. Kale: Siberian, White – 1 bunch
2. Lettuce
3. Rutabagas
4. Sage OR Savory, Winter* – 1 bunch
5. Fennel
6. Scallions – 1 bunch

Total Items: 6

Herb Share – Nov 2B
Thyme AND Rosemary

*Winter Savory (supposed anti-flatulence herb if cooked with Beans)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_savory
http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/savory_winter.php
http://www.hipherb.com/garden/herb/winter_savory



4. Dr Andrew Weil’s take on root vegetables (with recipe)…

Dr Weil’s thoughts on why it’s a good thing to be eating Root Vegetables…
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP04258/Cheap-Filling-and-Nutritious-Root-Veggies.html

Dr Andrew Weil’s Roasted Root Vegetable Recipe…
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/RCP00221/roasted-root-vegetables.html

If you want to know exactly what a Root Vegetable is…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_root_vegetables



5. Saving Seeds

It’s that time of year again when Farmer Bill asks us to save the seeds for one or two varieties of our Winter Squashes.

How to save Winter Squash seeds…

Mission…

1. Remove gunk
2. Dry out
3. prevent mold
4. Label correctly

If any of these actions are not accomplished the seeds need to be thrown out and your efforts will have been wasted

It’s VERY important to make sure you have the correct seeds saved and to label them correctly. If you don’t do this, the incorrect plant may hybridize with another similar plant which defeats the efforts of saving the seeds…it’s being done to save a particular variety of plant – not to create a new one.

1. Remove seeds from Winter Squash and get off all the gunk (not a botanical or culinary term but the best I can come up with at the moment) by putting the seeds in a bowl of water and rubbing the gunk off COMPLETELY
2. Once all the gunk is off, drain off the water in a colander
3. Spread out the seeds in a single layer on a baking tray or a large piece of cardboard or any non-porous surface (don’t use newspapers or paper towels as it may stick to the seeds and…there are reasons but the short version is the farmer doesn’t want ANYTHING stuck to the seeds)
4. Every day move the seeds around to help facilitate drying and prevent mold
5. Let them dry for a week or two…longer than you think would possibly be necessary (do not try and speed process along by drying in a microwave or oven…it will kill the seed…yes, it’s been done by CSA members in the past)
6. When completely dry, pack in a paper bag or wrap in newspaper (NEVER in anything plastic) and label exactly what they are…This week I believe it will be Winter Squash - Farsi
7. Save a few for yourself if you wish to grow them next season in your own garden but please return the rest to the CSA (leave at the sign-in table) as the farm needs them more than you do

Any questions about seed saving…please ask.



6. And now for something completely different…

A unique Thanksgiving leftover recipe from the cookbook The Food52 Cookbook by Amanda Hesser (used to write for the NY Times Dining section) and Merrill Stubbs…

(They also have an iPad app that’s a holiday recipe/survival guide…
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/food52-holiday-recipe-survival/id479448314?mt=8 )

Turkey pho by Winnie Ab

Makes: 2 big bowls of soup
• 1 quart homemade turkey stock (or homemade or store-bought chicken stock)
• 1 bunch scallions (green top parts only), chopped
• One 3-inch chunk of ginger, sliced and smashed with side of a knife
• 1 teaspoon light brown sugar, or more to taste
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce, or more to taste
• 1 to 2 cups kale, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 pound leftover turkey breast, shredded
• 1 bunch (about 2 ounces) cellophane or bean thread noodles (or enough flat dried rice noodles to serve 2)
• 1 ½ tablespoons chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• 1 ½ tablespoons chopped scallions (white parts only), for garnish (optional)
• Sriracha hot sauce
• 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
Heat a cast-iron skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the spices and toast until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Immediately spoon the spices into a bowl to avoid burning them.
Add the toasted spices, stock, scallions, ginger, brown sugar, and fish sauce to a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let simmer for 20 minutes, skimming the surface frequently.
Taste the broth and add more sugar or fish sauce if needed. Strain the broth and discard the solids. Add the kale and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes. Remove from heat.
Add the turkey and noodles. Allow to sit for a few minutes while the noodles soften.
Ladle the broth into 2 bowls. Divide the kale, turkey and noodles evenly between the bowls.
Sprinkle on the garnishes and add Sriracha to taste. Squeeze lime juice to taste before eating.
###

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Happy Autumn!

Next week is the week of Thanksgiving and the pickup is WEDNESDAY, November 23rd. Watch your emails as the pickup time may be a bit earlier as I’m sure many of us need to head out of town, or get as much food shopping done as early as possible (and our farmer would like to get on the road ASAP to deal with holiday traffic headed east).

Because people are asking already…the last day of the CSA is December 15th.

Where are all the seeds from the Farsi Winter Squashes??? PLEASE save and return them (see below). Farmer Bill got the seeds when he was in Nepal so if you don’t return them, he can’t buy more and he’s not going back to Nepal any time soon…if ever.

This week’s email includes…

1. HELP! Your CSA needs you this week!!! We’re looking for ONE (1) person from 3:30 to 5:30pm and ONE (1) person from 5:30 to 7:30pm…
2. GREAT article on why buying local Honey is the way to go (know your beekeeper!)…
3. This week’s list…subject to change without notice (farming is like that)…
4. Buying local is now big business…about $4.8 BILLION dollars worth in 2008 and possibly up to $7 BILLION this year!
5. Saving seeds


1. HELP! Your CSA needs you this week!!! We’re looking for ONE (1) person from 3:30 to 5:30pm and ONE (1) person from 5:30 to 7:30pm…

If you can be at the CSA from either 3:30 to 5:30pm or 5:30 to 7:30pm this week please…
1. Respond to this email before 1pm Thursday
2. Call 631-421-4864 and leave a message before 1pm Thursday
2. Call the CSA at 631-385-1079 after 3pm THURSDAY ONLY and ask to speak to someone from the CSA and leave a message
3. Show up a little before 3:30pm or 5:30pm and see if there’s still any openings

You can ALWAYS stop by the CSA a little before 3:30 or 5:30 to offer to help in case someone doesn’t show up (or is late) without letting anyone know.



2. GREAT article on why buying local Honey is the way to go (know your beekeeper!)…

And read your ingredient labels! If there’s Honey in it you might want to put it back on the shelf (unless you know and trust the company as to where that Honey is coming from…but THEY might not know they’ve been deceived)…
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/11/tests-show-most-store-honey-isnt-honey/



3. This week’s list…subject to change without notice (farming is like that!)

November 10, 2011

1. Cauliflower: Cheddar OR Purple – 1 head total
2. Lettuce – 1 bag
3. Collard Greens – 1 bunch
4. Jerusalem Artichokes – 1 bag
5. Mizuna: Green OR Red – 1 bunch total
6. Carrots: Rainbow – 1 bunch

Total Items: 6



4. Buying local is now big business…about $4.8 BILLION dollars worth in 2008 and possibly up to $7 BILLION this year!

More individuals and businesses are buying local and the numbers show it! Yeah!!!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/usda-locally-grown-food-a-48-billion-business-much-bigger-than-previously-thought/2011/11/14/gIQAVj85JN_story.html



5. Saving Seeds

It’s that time of year again when Farmer Bill asks us to save the seeds for one or two varieties of our Winter Squashes.

How to save Winter Squash seeds…

Mission…remove gunk – dry out – prevent mold (if any of these actions are not accomplished the seeds need to be thrown out and your efforts will have been wasted) – label correctly (if you don’t do this, the incorrect plant may hybridize with another similar plant which defeats the efforts of saving the seeds…it’s being done to save a particular variety of plant – not to create a new one)

1. Remove seeds from Winter Squash and get off all the gunk (not a botanical or culinary term but the best I can come up with at the moment) by putting the seeds in a bowl of water and rubbing the gunk off COMPLETELY
2. Once all the gunk is off, drain off the water in a colander
3. Spread out the seeds in a single layer on a baking tray or a large piece of cardboard or any non-porous surface (don’t use newspapers or paper towels as it may stick to the seeds and…there are reasons but the short version is the farmer doesn’t want ANYTHING stuck to the seeds)
4. Every day move the seeds around to help facilitate drying and prevent mold
5. Let them dry for a week or two…longer than you think would possibly be necessary (do not try and speed process along by drying in a microwave or oven…it will kill the seed…yes, it’s been done by CSA members in the past)
6. When completely dry, pack in a paper bag or wrap in newspaper (NEVER in anything plastic) and label exactly what they are…This week I believe it will be Winter Squash - Farsi
7. Save a few for yourself if you wish to grow them next season in your own garden but please return the rest to the CSA (leave at the sign-in table) as the farm needs them more than you do

Any question…please ask.

###

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Happy Autumn!

Because people are asking already…the last day of the CSA is December 15th…and the CSA pickup day for the week of Thanksgiving is WEDNESDAY, November 23rd.

Where are all the seeds from the Farsi Winter Squashes??? We’re getting another batch this week so PLEASE save and return them (see below).

This week’s email includes…

1. HELP! Your CSA needs you this week!!! We’re looking for TWO (2) folks to be at the CSA from 5:30 to 7:30pm…
2. Notes from the Farm
3. This week’s list…subject to change without notice (farming is like that)…
4. Daikon salad recipe
5. Saving seeds


1. HELP! Your CSA needs you this week!!! We’re looking for TWO (2) folks for 5:30 to 7:30pm…

If you can be at the CSA from 5:30 to 7:30pm today please…
1. Respond to this email before 1pm
2. Call 631-421-4864 and leave a message before 1pm
2. Call the CSA at 631-385-1079 after 3pm and ask to speak to someone from the CSA and leave a message
3. Show up a little before 5:30pm and see if there’s still any openings

You can ALWAYS stop by the CSA a little before 3:30 or 5:30 to offer to help in case someone doesn’t show up (or is late) without letting anyone know.



2. Notes from the Farm

November 4, 2011

Our last CSA weeks are here, and our summer crops are done. We picked Beans and Tomatoes up till last week, and then the killing frost arrived and that was the end of that! We had a good season with our Beans and Tomatoes.

The next few weeks, we’ll be featuring greens and roots. We still have Scallions, Carrots, Radishes, Turnips, Kales, and some Kohlrabi. Our Cauliflowers and Broccolis have not done so well due to so much rain over the last two months. So much rain tended to wash away the fertilizer and compacted the soil… two things cole* crops don’t like.
*http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/vegetables/colecrop.html

As it is every year, some crops do well while other do not. Organic farming, and relying on the weather for your livelihood, can be challenging at times. By growing a wide variety of crops we always have something doing well. Next year will be no different with some crops doing well and others not…and you never know which ones will be which.

We are so thankful for the support and understanding of all our CSA members, as we strive to produce a wide range of certified organic vegetables, herbs and fruits.

Organically yours,
Farmer Bill



3. This week’s list…subject to change without notice (farming is like that!)

November 10, 2011

1. Tat Soi
2. Lettuce – 1 bag
3. Radishes: China Rose, China White, Daikon, Misato (Watermelon) – need to be weighed
4. Garlic
5. Scallions
6. Winter Squash: Farsi (SAVE THE SEEDS)

Total Items: 6(?)



4. Daikon salad recipe…

http://sarahscucinabella.com/2010/02/03/easy-daikon-salad-recipe/



5. Saving Seeds

It’s that time of year again when Farmer Bill asks us to save the seeds for one or two varieties of our Winter Squashes.

How to save Winter Squash seeds…

Mission…remove gunk – dry out – prevent mold (if any of these actions are not accomplished the seeds need to be thrown out and your efforts will have been wasted) – label correctly (if you don’t do this, the incorrect plant may hybridize with another similar plant which defeats the efforts of saving the seeds…it’s being done to save a particular variety of plant – not to create a new one)

1. Remove seeds from Winter Squash and get off all the gunk (not a botanical or culinary term but the best I can come up with at the moment) by putting the seeds in a bowl of water and rubbing the gunk off COMPLETELY
2. Once all the gunk is off, drain off the water in a colander
3. Spread out the seeds in a single layer on a baking tray or a large piece of cardboard or any non-porous surface (don’t use newspapers or paper towels as it may stick to the seeds and…there are reasons but the short version is the farmer doesn’t want ANYTHING stuck to the seeds)
4. Every day move the seeds around to help facilitate drying and prevent mold
5. Let them dry for a week or two…longer than you think would possibly be necessary (do not try and speed process along by drying in a microwave or oven…it will kill the seed…yes, it’s been done by CSA members in the past)
6. When completely dry, pack in a paper bag or wrap in newspaper (NEVER in anything plastic) and label exactly what they are…This week I believe it will be Winter Squash - Farsi
7. Save a few for yourself if you wish to grow them next season in your own garden but please return the rest to the CSA (leave at the sign-in table) as the farm needs them more than you do

Any question…please ask.

###

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Happy Summer (till tomorrow at 5:05am)!

September is Organic Harvest Month!!! (how did I forget???)

CSA member needs assistance! Judy Sherman of Plainview is looking for someone to pick up her share next week due to Rosh Hashanah. She can pick the food up on Friday. If you can help out, please respond to this email and I’ll get you in touch with her and vice versa.

CSA Lost & Found – Who left their canvas grocery bag at the CSA last week? It’s 100% organic cotton…natural color with the world Ecological written across the bottom on the graphic image side that has dots on it with the occasional heart/leaf/cotton boll/recycle sign…the other side is blank except it says it’s made by Fossil.

LAST CALL for Pine Nuts (NOT from China…if you don’t know why this is an issue…Google it) and Sundried Tomatoes? CSA member Fritz Lang has been away but is returning by September 20th and wants to do a bulk order but needs so MORE PEOPLE to split the booty. He can give you the details so let me know if you’re interested and I’ll make the connection. The Pine Nuts could be organic and grown in the USA IF there are enough takers and the order gets in quickly enough.

TIME TO START WEIGHING!!! Digital scales are here. The main thing is to err on the side of under weighing rather than being over the amount stated on the Wall Chart. The second thing is to please follow the weighing directions given by whoever is working by the scales (usually that means weighing more than one thing at a time in a certain order…this is what our farmer wants so this is what we do).

Herb Shares still available (see #7).

BRING BAGS TO PACK YOUR CSA SHARE…now and forever! Put bags (paper/plastic/canvas) in every car you own so you’ll never be without. In your trunk, glove compartment, back seat…whatever works for you. You’ll be needing them every week and the CSA is not set up to provide them. If you are sending someone else to pick up your CSA share (spouse, relative, friend, offspring), this is the most important thing to tell them.

Only ONE (or maybe two depending on Farmer Bill) more weeks left for new members to sign up…after that, whether we fill the CSA or not, Farmer Bill will stop accepting new members. We still have 81 intrepid CSAers for this week of the CSA season and we still have room for about 70 CSA members for the rest of the season. If each CSA member were to find ONE more member…ONLY ONE EACH…we could fill the CSA. Green Thumb Farms’ Brooklyn CSA is closed for membership with 200 members, their Queens CSA is closed for the season with 110 members and we’re last on the totem pole still trying to get to 100, and at that point seeing if our farmer will allow us to get to 150 members. Back a few years ago, he would have LOVED for us to have 200 members but since we’ve never come close, I think he’s given up hope…but would be amused and pleased if it ever happened. Plus it’s wacky…with everyone sharing, people having multiple email addresses, and the fact that there are people who want to get our emails who aren’t CSA members (events, veg sheets, etc), I’m sending this email to 110 email addresses! I’d be so happy if that translated to 110 CSA members but not yet!

Attached in the next email will be the CSA “kit” consisting of the contract for new members, brochure and fee sheet. Let’s do this thing! The sooner I don’t have to beat the bushes for members, the more time I have for things like managing the CSA better, finding cool new things to add to the CSA mix (Mushrooms, Tempeh, a Winter CSA Share?) and doing the extra work it would entail.

I’d be happy to place brochures, do a lecture, call, email…do whatever’s needed to spread the good word about CSA. If you have suggestions, please make them known.

This email includes…

***SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT***

BULK TOMATOES AVAILABLE AS OF…NOW!

What? Boxes of Paste Tomatoes (also known as Plum or Italian) from our own Green Thumb Farm (therefore certified-organic)…20 lbs of Tomatoes per box for $44.00…Red, and a small amount of Yellow ones are the colors available

How? To order…call the farm (631-726-1900) between 9am and 5pm any day of the week to place your order. It must be placed no later than noon on Wednesday for the week you want it (don’t order way in advance so the farm doesn’t have to keep track of it…call Friday to Wednesday of the week you want it to arrive on Thursday). If you wanted them this week and can call by noon today…you’ve got it!

Payment? Credit card only when you place the order by phone.

For how long? Till the end of September HOWEVER Farmer Bill said to order them…the sooner the better. What does that tell me? Two things…1) when they’re gone, they’re gone if a lot of people order them, and 2) I have no idea of what Tomato Blight is or isn’t doing at the farm (can change from day to day) and other things can also effect Tomato health and happiness (heavy rain, another hurricane – heaven forbid, etc). So, there’s no guarantee that they’ll be there at the end of the month.



1. Your CSA does not need you this week! However…
2. Have you been washing your Tomatoes? PLEASE READ THIS!
3. The list…subject to change without notice…farming is like that!
4. One of America’s oldest seed companies is in danger of going out of business…BUY SOMETHING NOW (and spread the word as far as you can)!!! Catalog is only $5!
5. Dines Farm Report
6. What’s the scoop on “baby” Carrots?
7. We still have plenty of Herb Shares available. Why would you want one?
8. What you actually got last week
9. Fun, Cool & Interesting Stuff to Do (new events added weekly)
10. Allergy Alert!
11. Certified Organic Seedlings Available from Green Thumb Farm!
12. Get involved in the Lost Ladybug Project!
13. Eaters/consumers in the NY Metro area interested in eating locally are going to be effected by Hurricane Irene for a LONG time (CSAs not able to fulfill their deliveries for the rest of this year…and possibly next year, farmers not being able to come to greenmarkets because of roads not being passable or they have nothing to sell anymore, NY area restaurants/eateries/stores not having any local foods to prepare/sell because their farmers were wiped out). Please read, look, and learn what’s going on, and consider helping in whatever way you can.



1. Your CSA does not need you this week! However…

You can ALWAYS show up a little before 3:30 or 5:30pm at the CSA and offer to work IF help is still needed…you never know! Everyone that’s scheduled doesn’t always show up on time…or at all.

If you didn’t get a confirmation email from Judi, you’re not on the schedule to work this week. If you did, you are.



2. Have you been washing your Tomatoes? PLEASE READ THIS!

Guess what? The Tomatoes have had Copper sprayed on them so they really need to be washed before you eat or use them. Why Copper? It’s an approved fungicide that can be used on certified organic produce to protect against the dreaded Tomato Blight. We’re lucky…Quail Hill Farm in Amagansett had to cancel its Tomato Taste-off because if it, Golden Earthworm in Jamesport is having their Tomato plants die because of it, and Green Thumb Farm is doing ok so far. Organic or not, all produce should be washed. Attached to this email is a good piece on what to use…Water, Bleach or Veggie Washes/Soap?

Tips for safely and properly washing produce…
http://ccetompkins.org/nutrition/food-safety-storage/7-tips-cleaning-fruits-and-vegetables
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/wash-fresh-fruits-and-vegetables-cutting-peeling-and-eating



3. The list…subject to change without notice…farming is like that!

Vegetable Info Sheets attached to email (keep in a notebook – by the end of the year you’ll have a cookbook!)

Week #22
September 22, 2011

1. Squash, Winter – Butternut
2. Radishes
3. Tomatoes
4. Snap Beans
5. Carrots
6. Tat Soi

Total Items: 6 (?)

Flower Share – LAST ONE OF THE YEAR (sad but true)!!!

Herb Share – Sept 2B
Oregano AND Thyme



4. One of America’s oldest seed companies is in danger of going out of business…BUY SOMETHING NOW (and spread the word as far as you can)!!! Catalog is only $5

The goal is to sell 1,000,000 catalogs!

The beautiful seed catalog is only $5.00. If you’re an artist or a crafter, catalogs like this are great to make greeting cards or for collage projects…
http://www.facebook.com/LandrethSeedCo

Read the company’s plea to help here…
http://www.facebook.com/LandrethSeedCo#!/event.php?eid=132783473485114

More info about the people that own the company in the comments section here…
http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-garden/2011/09/help-save-americas-oldest-seed-company/



5. Dines Farm Report…

The very short story is…
1. Dines Farm won’t be here till further notice…I’ll let you know what I know when I know it.



6. What’s the scoop on “baby” Carrots?

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400972/Baby-Carrots-Bad-for-You.html



7. We still have plenty of Herb Shares available. Why would you want one?

Why an Herb Share?

Tired of eating the same vegetable more than one week in a row…USE HERBS! They can totally change the flavor profile of what you’re cooking.

Just like we get Vegetable Information Sheets, we have Herb Information Sheets (and we may put an order in for an Herb Wheel…later for that).

You can freeze or dry them for use during the winter (or when you don’t have them fresh on hand).

Herbs are amazing for our health. We don’t eat enough of them. They have more antioxidants than Blueberries! Use them in Juices (in small quantities), on Salad, in Salad Dressings, on most anything you cook…Vegetables, Meat, Fish, Eggs, Soups…anything!

Herbs are green…anything that’s green is ultra healthy. Here’s some info from Dr. Andrew Weil…
To turn down pain: Like some over-the-counter painkillers, some plants also act as natural COX 2 inhibitors, thus reducing pain and inflammation. Adding Basil to the diet may be useful for those with minor aches and pains.
To fight infections: In India, Basil is commonly used a home remedy for coughs and colds and topically for minor cuts and scrapes. Research has now shown that the herb indeed has potent antimicrobial activity and may reduce bronchial spasm, said Dr. Low Dog. Thyme is another herb to consider when fighting off a cold. It is approved in Europe for use in upper respiratory infections; it’s also effective against oral thrush. Likewise, Sage tea is effective for sore throats.
To calm and soothe: Rosemary is a traditional remedy for headaches—perhaps due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Sage is approved in Germany for those troubled by excessive perspiration, and herbalists commonly recommend it for menopausal women troubled with night sweats.
To improve your outlook: Another promising herb for brain health may be Sage. Dr. Low Dog presented some of the research that suggests the herb may improve some symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease. She also noted that the word “sage” is used to signify a wise elder. Maybe the ancients were on to somethin
We DO get Herbs as part of our basic CSA share (this week we’re getting Parsley) but you get more of them with the CSA share…

We will most likely be getting Celery at some point this season…
Please Pass the Parsley … and the Celery
Parsley and celery contain a compound that may help protect against breast cancer, possibly by blocking the growth of tumor cells. This interesting finding, from a University of Missouri animal study, suggests that apigenin, a flavonoid found in parsley, celery, apples, oranges, nuts and other plant products, seemed to block or delay tumor formation in rats that had been programmed to develop breast cancer when exposed to MPA (medroxyprogesterone acetate). MPA is a synthetic hormone that has been found to accelerate human breast tumor development in women on hormone replacement therapy. In the rat study, apigenin blocked the formation of new blood vessels needed by breast tumors, and also reduced the overall number of tumors the rats developed. However, apigenin didn't stop cancer cells from forming in the breast in the first place. The investigators said that they're not yet sure what dose of apigenin would be appropriate for humans, but suggested that eating some parsley and fruit daily could help ensure that you're getting the minimal amount. The study was published online April 19, 2011 by Cancer Prevention Research.
How to I get an Herb, Basil or Flower Share after the CSA season start?

It’s easy…ASK or EMAIL! You need to join AT the CSA because…it’s a timing thing.



8. What you actually got last week

September 15, 2011
Week #21

1. Eggplant: Japanese and/or Italian – 1 lb
2. Peppers, Sweet: assorted Bell, Hungarian Wax and other Peppers of many colors – 1 lb
1 and 2 weighed together for a total weight of 2 lbs and a total price of - $5.00
3. Beans, Snap: Romano – 1 lb - $3.00
4. Tomatoes, Mini: Cherry, Red OR Plum, Red OR Plum, Yellow OR Sungold - Red – 1 pt - $4.00
5. Leeks – 1 bunch - $3.50
6. Squash, Winter: Sweet Dumpling – 1 - $2.25
7. Bitter Melon – 2 - $00.00

Total Items: 7
Total Amount: $17.75 ($.25 more than we paid for our weekly share…it adds up over the course of the season)

Flower Share
Week #9
Sunflowers



9. Fun, Cool & Interesting Stuff to Do (new events added weekly)


September 1st to September 30th

The NY Locavore Challenge

Eat fresh, local, in season, organic…for a day, a week, a month! Put on by the Northeast Organic Farmer’s Association, this is the 2nd year for this event.

For more info, to register, and to get involved…keep coming back as clearly it’s early in the planning stages…unless YOU want to help plan and be actively involved…
https://www.nofany.org/?q=node/237
https://www.nofany.org/events/ny-locavore-challenge


Thursday, September 23rd to Sunday, September 25th

10am to 4pm

169th Annual Long Island Fair: Celebrating Agriculture on Long Island
Old Bethpage Village Restoration
1303 Round Swamp Rd
Old Bethpage
$12 Adults/$8 Children and Seniors
For more info:
http://www.lifair.org/


Friday, September 23

6 to 7pm

The Healthy Planet Radio Show
WUSB-FM 90.1

HealthyPlanet's Executive Director, Bob DiBenedetto's, “The Healthy Planet” radio program is airing on WUSB (90.1 FM), broadcasting out of SUNY Stony Brook. This is part of “Natural Alternatives” which airs every Friday from 6 to 7 PM. “The Healthy Planet” will be on at least one Friday each month.


Saturday, September 24th

Moving Planet
Check out the Facebook page for the event?
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=287528064595750
For more info:
631-421-5591
www.healthy-planet.org

Join Healthy Planet, 350.org and other groups in a bike ride rally to demand solutions to the climate crisis

2pm to 10pm

Gaia’s Essence Women’s Wellness Conference
Islandia Marriot
3635 Expressway Drive North
Islandia
$30 (includes a LOT…check out the website…DVD Food Matters and goody bag)
To register online:
http://www.gewwc.com/tickets.htm
For more info:
http://www.gewwc.com/index.htm
The featured speaker is Andrea Beaman. Andrea is a natural foods chef, author, and television host dedicated to alternative healing and green, sustainable living. Her inspirational story follows an eye-opening journey from sickness to wellness. Successfully healing her incurable thyroid disease with health-promoting foods, exercise and other natural therapies was the catalyst that transformed Andrea Beaman’s life. Andrea was a featured contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef and was a guest on Barbara Walters’ The View and CBS news. She is a food expert with the wisdom to help you clean out your body and get healthy

Sunday, September 25th

Dine Out Irene
Participating restaurants will give up to 10% of their sales to Just Food and Grow NYC, to help NY area farms devastated by Hurricane Irene

For more info and to see participating restaurants…
http://dineoutirene.com/


Tuesday, September 27th

7pm

The Art of Farming
Sotheby’s
1334 York Ave (at 72nd St)
NYC
$500
For more info and to purchase tickets:
http://artoffarming.org/

Celebrate edible heirlooms and the art involved in their creation. Just in time for the harvest season, this special evening provides a unique platform for local farmers, purveyors, celebrity chefs, food industry experts and philanthropists to join together for a shared interest in supporting local agriculture and sustainable food options for all New Yorkers. The evening includes a cocktail reception with delicious hors d'oeuvres by Rouge Tomate, followed by a seated family-style dinner reflecting the bounty of the season. Featured dishes will be created by a line-up of prominent NYC and tri-state area chefs, known for their pride in farm-to-table cuisine, including Dan Kluger of ABC Kitchen, Alexandra Guarnaschelli of Butter, Ralf Kuettel of Trestle on Tenth, Jeremy Bearman of Rouge Tomate, Jimmy Carbone of Jimmys 43, and more. The chefs will use heirloom vegetables grown by local farmers especially for the occasion.

The evening's highlight will be a live auction of incredible food and drink experiences led by a Sotheby's auctioneer. All proceeds from the event will benefit GrowNYC, an organization working to create the next generation of farmers and healthy food ambassadors through Greenmarkets, school and community gardens, and hands-on education programs, and The Sylvia Center, a program that inspires and teaches children to eat well through hands-on experiences at Katchkie Farm and in school and community centers all over New York City.


Saturday, October 1st to Sunday, October 16th

Right2Know March
A Mobilization for GMO Labelling
For more info and to register:


Thursday, October 6th

11am to 6pm

Join Sacred Rose® Tea for a Complimentary Tasting
The 11th Annual Women's Expo
Middle Country Library
101 Eastwood Blvd.
Centereach, NY
For more info:
http://www.womensexpoli.org/about.htm
www.sacredrosetea.com

7pm

Supporting Children’s Immune Systems Naturally
with Ellen Kamhi, RN – The Natural Nurse
Holistic Moms Network
Elwood Public Library
1929 Jericho Tpke
E Northport
FREE
For more info:
www.holsticmoms.org
Email: wsuffolkhmn@aol.com

Ellen will speak about food, herbs, homeopathy and more! At this monthly meeting (first Thursday of the month) you can connect with other parents interested in holistic health and green living.


Sunday, October 9th

Healthy Planet Restaurant Outing and Lecture featuring Michael Greger, MD

For more info and reservations:
631-421-5591
www.healthy-planet.org

HealthyPlanet Restaurant Outings are social outings with a purpose. Bring together delicious food and knowledgeable speakers on informative topics of all kinds, and you get the perfect mix of fun and growth-promoting education. They are also designed to establish a relationship with restaurants which encourages them to offer more health-enriching, plant-based options. These events are also an opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of other concerned community members. Good friends make the best partners when it comes to making a difference in our world!


Saturday, October 15th

Annual Green Thumb Farm CSA Hay Ride and Pumpkin Picking
Montauk Hwy (Rt 27)
Water Mill
For reservations:
631-726-1900

Further info and times of tours TBA.
Full disclosure…the Pumpkins are not from Green Thumb Farm and they are not organic….however they are more for a Halloween decoration rather than eating (though they are edible).


Sunday, October 16th

World Food Day
Millions Against Monsanto actions/events
For more info:
http://www.facebook.com/millionsagainst
http://organicconsumers.org/monsanto/index.cfm


Sunday, October 23rd

12:30pm

Wild Food & Ecology Tour with Wildman Steve Brill
Sunken Meadow Park
Kings Park
Parking lot by bath house
$20/$10 for children

For more info and to reserve a spot:
http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/


Monday, October 24th

Food Day
For more info:



10. Allergy Alert!

Eating fish and nuts during pregnancy may help eliminate childhood allergies! Or at least make the kids smarter…
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/8750495/Oily-fish-and-nuts-cut-chance-of-food-allergies.html

Another allergy helpful hint…
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP04158/Allergies-Bugging-You.html



11. Certified Organic Seedlings Available from Green Thumb Farm!

Order certified organic seedlings grown at Green Thumb Farm and have them delivered to the CSA for your garden!

How:
Have your credit card ready (to be paid only by credit card) and call the farm at 631-726-1900 between 9:30 to 4pm any day of the week and they will tell you, depending on when you place your order, what week they will arrive at the CSA…and make sure you don’t forget to pick them up!

How much:
$5.50 per pot (4” pot) with a 4 pot minimum order

What:
(if you don’t see what you’re looking for on this list, or want more details…call the farm and ask)

Flowers
Marigolds, Bonanza
Marigolds, Genie (edible)
Nasturtiums
Petunias

Herbs
Basil
Chives
Oregano
Parsley
Sage
Tarragon, French
Thyme

Tomatoes
Heirlooms
Minis
Red

Vegetables
Broccoli
Cabbage
Kale
Swiss Chard



12. Get involved in the Lost Ladybug Project!

Ladybugs are great friends of the farmer and home gardener. This could be a great project for the whole family!

http://www.lostladybug.org/

Anyone who has been a CSA member for any length of time has quite possibly had a Ladybug larva pointed out to them as they do show up occasionally in our CSA produce and end up crawling around the tables (if I find them, I put them outside the side door among the plants). Please take a look and if you see them in your garden…don’t harm them!!! And spread the word so your friends and neighbors won’t harm them either. I was astounded to find out what these weird creatures were and would have squished them, not knowing they were a beneficial insect…let alone a Ladybug!
Some photos including Ladybug Larva pictures (the ones I’ve seen at the CSA look like Hippodamia convergent or Coleomagilla maculate)…
http://www.ladybuglady.com/ladybugweb9.htm



13. Eaters/consumers in the NY Metro area interested in eating locally are going to be effected by Hurricane Irene for a LONG time (CSAs not able to fulfill their deliveries for the rest of this year…and possibly next year, farmers not being able to come to greenmarkets because of roads not being passable or they have nothing to sell anymore, NY area restaurants/eateries/stores not having any local foods to prepare/sell because their farmers were wiped out). Please read, look, and learn what’s going on, and consider helping in whatever way you can.

CSAs and Irene…
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Hurricane-Irene-Strikes-our-CSA-Farms.html?soid=1101511788374&aid=W_4k2l-CYEA

NYC greenmarkets will feel the losses of Hurricane Irene in the coming weeks…
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/09/01/2011-09-01_oh_crops_farms_flood_local_markets_to_be_without_fresh_veggies.html

http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2011/09/hurrican-irene-and-the-farmers-of-the-union-s.html

Letter from Kira (woman farmer) of Evolutionary Organics farm…heartbreaking and hopeful…
http://www.2minutestodinner.com/2011/09/06/floods-and-farming/

Good site for updated farm info and donation info…
http://www.justfood.org/


Check out these photos…this one’s a doozy…
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.185925204812296.47295.134669806604503&type=1#!/photo.php?fbid=185950308143119&set=a.185925204812296.47295.134669806604503&type=1&theater

http://blogs.villagevoice.com/forkintheroad/2011/08/will_the_nyc_gr.php#more
http://nonabrooklyn.com/regional-farms-devastated-by-flooding-nyc-greenmarkets-seeks-donations/

http://www.grownyc.org/blog/?p=137

How cute is this? But what a pain in the butt it must have been to haul all these goats up to the hay loft!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5X4EEybkRI

And then look at this farmer’s field (I mean lake)…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o7M8rWeZ6A&feature=related



Donate here…

Help NYC urban farms and gardens here…
https://www.nyrp.org/Donate_and_Membership/Make_a_Donation

Group that organizes the NYC Greenmarkets is setting up a donation page (they will be very effected by the crop losses)…
http://www.ediblemanhattan.com/topics/farms-foodshed/as-reports-of-farm-damage-roll-in-grownyc-has-set-up-a-donation-page-earmarked-for-hurricane-relief-nycgreenmarkets-grownyc/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=as-reports-of-farm-damage-roll-in-grownyc-has-set-up-a-donation-page-earmarked-for-hurricane-relief-nycgreenmarkets-grownyc

Things needed at an upstate shelter in farm country…
http://www.crcs.k12.ny.us/news/1112/0830redcrossshelter.html?utm_source=CHRF+Information&utm_campaign=9e6038db4e-WinterShareTeaser_081511&utm_medium=email#items

Like the Fabulous Beekman Boys? They want to help too…
http://www.facebook.com/FabulousBeekmanBoys/posts/10150358108404283

Fundraiser by Punk Domestics for the younger (by age or by heart) locavores amongst us…
http://www.punkdomestics.com/content/homesteaders-help-victims-irene

Radio station raising money for Delaware and Otsego County…
http://www.facebook.com/FabulousBeekmanBoys/posts/10150358108404283#!/profile.php?id=100000645762583&sk=wall

more ways to help…
http://www.watershedpost.com/2011/post-irene-how-help-catskill-region-farmers

http://catskillmountainrelief.blogspot.com/

http://www.hvfoodnetwork.com/forum/topics/irene-requests-offers


And let’s not forget the Vermont farmers that also got decimated…
http://7d.blogs.com/blurt/2011/08/after-irene-how-you-can-help-vermont.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/05/us/05cows.html?_r=2

http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?storyid=%7B37fd09a0-bd1b-489e-a410-9cd5a30a9a12%7D

Donate directly to Poor Farm (yes, Virginia…that’s really the name of it) in Vermont…
http://applewoodny.com/poorfarm.html


And now in Pennsylvania…
The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau has fielded reports of damage from throughout the state, including a Wyoming County dairy that had to dump a tank of milk because delivery trucks were blocked by bad roads, a Bradford County winery that lost 10 tons of grapes worth $15,000 and an aquaculture operation that lost $1.75 million worth of fish and equipment from flooding at facilities in York and Lebanon counties.

Can you give the gift of labor and time? Join “Crop Mob” and you’ll get periodic emails asking you to go to some farm that may need your help doing…whatever…there are now TWENTY farms upstate NY that are asking for help due to Hurricane Irene damage (I’m sure there will be more to come)…
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=265873753432271#!/groups/329782632114/

###

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Happy Summer!

September is Cancer Awareness month so eat your vegetables…sort of  .

The NY Times says eating vegetables doesn’t make a big difference…
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/08/eating-vegetables-doesnt-stop-cancer/
And Dr. Andrew Weil clarifies…
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400731/No-Cancer-Prevention-from-Vegetables.html

While others say yes (American Cancer Society) or dance around it by saying…kind of!
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081022164724.htm
http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/EatHealthyGetActive/EatHealthy/fruits-and-vegetables-do-you-get-enough
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=vegetable-compounds-comba
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/07/vegetables-diet-breast-cancer_n_952551.html


CSA Lost & Found – Who left their canvas grocery bag at the CSA last week? It’s 100% organic cotton…natural color with the world Ecological written across the bottom on the graphic image side that has dots on it with the occasional heart/leaf/cotton boll/recycle sign…the other side is blank except it says it’s made by Fossil.

LAST CALL for Pine Nuts (NOT from China…if you don’t know why this is an issue…Google it) and Sundried Tomatoes? CSA member Fritz Lang has been away but is returning by September 20th and wants to do a bulk order but needs so MORE PEOPLE to split the booty. He can give you the details so let me know if you’re interested and I’ll make the connection. The Pine Nuts could be organic and grown in the USA IF there are enough takers and the order gets in quickly enough.

TIME TO START WEIGHING!!! Digital scales are here. The main thing is to err on the side of under weighing rather than being over the amount stated on the Wall Chart. The second thing is to please follow the weighing directions given by whoever is working by the scales (usually that means weighing more than one thing at a time in a certain order…this is what our farmer wants so this is what we do).

Flower Shares and Herb Shares still available (see #5).

BRING BAGS TO PACK YOUR CSA SHARE…now and forever! Put bags (paper/plastic/canvas) in every car you own so you’ll never be without. In your trunk, glove compartment, back seat…whatever works for you. You’ll be needing them every week and the CSA is not set up to provide them. If you are sending someone else to pick up your CSA share (spouse, relative, friend, offspring), this is the most important thing to tell them.

Only ONE (or maybe two depending on Farmer Bill) more weeks left for new members to sign up…after that, whether we fill the CSA or not, Farmer Bill will stop accepting new members. We still have 81 intrepid CSAers for this week of the CSA season and we still have room for about 70 CSA members for the rest of the season. If each CSA member were to find ONE more member…ONLY ONE EACH…we could fill the CSA. Green Thumb Farms’ Brooklyn CSA is closed for membership with 200 members, their Queens CSA is closed for the season with 110 members and we’re last on the totem pole still trying to get to 100, and at that point seeing if our farmer will allow us to get to 150 members. Back a few years ago, he would have LOVED for us to have 200 members but since we’ve never come close, I think he’s given up hope…but would be amused and pleased if it ever happened. Plus it’s wacky…with everyone sharing, people having multiple email addresses, and the fact that there are people who want to get our emails who aren’t CSA members (events, veg sheets, etc), I’m sending this email to 110 email addresses! I’d be so happy if that translated to 110 CSA members but not yet!

Attached in the next email will be the CSA “kit” consisting of the contract for new members, brochure and fee sheet. Let’s do this thing! The sooner I don’t have to beat the bushes for members, the more time I have for things like managing the CSA better, finding cool new things to add to the CSA mix (Mushrooms, Tempeh, a Winter CSA Share?) and doing the extra work it would entail.

I’d be happy to place brochures, do a lecture, call, email…do whatever’s needed to spread the good word about CSA. If you have suggestions, please make them known.

This email includes…

***SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT***

BULK TOMATOES AVAILABLE AS OF…NOW!

What? Boxes of Paste Tomatoes (also known as Plum or Italian) from our own Green Thumb Farm (therefore certified-organic)…20 lbs of Tomatoes per box…Red, and a small amount of Yellow ones are the colors available

How? To order…call the farm (631-726-1900) between 9am and 5pm any day of the week to place your order. It must be placed no later than noon on Wednesday for the week you want it (don’t order way in advance so the farm doesn’t have to keep track of it…call Friday to Wednesday of the week you want it to arrive on Thursday). If you wanted them this week and can call by noon today…you’ve got it!

Payment? Credit card only when you place the order by phone.

For how long? Till the end of September (September 8, 15, 27, 29) HOWEVER Farmer Bill said to order them…the sooner the better. What does that tell me? Two things…1) when they’re gone, they’re gone if a lot of people order them, and 2) I have no idea of what Tomato Blight is or isn’t doing at the farm (can change from day to day) and other things can also effect Tomato health and happiness (heavy rain, another hurricane – heaven forbid, etc). So, there’s no guarantee that they’ll be there at the end of the month.



1. Your CSA DOES need you this week! We’re looking for ONE (1) person from 3:30 to 5:30pm and ONE (1) person from 5:30 to 7:30pm
2. Have you been washing your Tomatoes? PLEASE READ THIS!
3. The list…subject to change without notice…farming is like that!
4. One of America’s oldest seed companies is in danger of going out of business…BUY SOMETHING NOW (and spread the word as far as you can)!!! Catalog is only $5!
5. Dines Farm Report
6. Eggplant Info…male or female?
7. We still have plenty of Herb Shares and Flower Shares available. Why would you want one?
8. What you actually got last week
9. Fun, Cool & Interesting Stuff to Do (new events added weekly)
10. No, China, NO!!!
11. Certified Organic Seedlings Available from Green Thumb Farm!
12. And now for something completely different…
13. Eaters/consumers in the NY Metro area interested in eating locally are going to be effected by Hurricane Irene for a LONG time (CSAs not able to fulfill their deliveries for the rest of this year…and possibly next year, farmers not being able to come to greenmarkets because of roads not being passable or they have nothing to sell anymore, NY area restaurants/eateries/stores not having any local foods to prepare/sell because their farmers were wiped out). Please read, look, and learn what’s going on, and consider helping in whatever way you can.



1. Your CSA DOES need you this week! We’re looking for ONE (1) person from 3:30 to 5:30pm and ONE (1) person from 5:30 to 7:30pm

If interested and available…
1. reply to this email from now to before 1pm Thursday
2. call 631-421-4864 from now to before 1pm Thursday
3. call the CSA at 631-385-1079 after 3pm only on Thursday

You can ALWAYS show up a little before 3:30 or 5:30pm at the CSA and offer to work IF help is still needed…you never know! Everyone that’s scheduled doesn’t always show up on time…or at all.

If you didn’t get a confirmation email from Judi, you’re not on the schedule to work this week. If you did, you are.



2. Have you been washing your Tomatoes? PLEASE READ THIS!

Guess what? The Tomatoes have had Copper sprayed on them so they really need to be washed before you eat or use them. Why Copper? It’s an approved fungicide that can be used on certified organic produce to protect against the dreaded Tomato Blight. We’re lucky…Quail Hill Farm in Amagansett had to cancel its Tomato Taste-off because if it, Golden Earthworm in Jamesport is having their Tomato plants die because of it, and Green Thumb Farm is doing ok so far. Organic or not, all produce should be washed. Attached to this email is a good piece on what to use…Water, Bleach or Veggie Washes/Soap?

Tips for safely and properly washing produce…
http://ccetompkins.org/nutrition/food-safety-storage/7-tips-cleaning-fruits-and-vegetables
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/wash-fresh-fruits-and-vegetables-cutting-peeling-and-eating



3. The list…subject to change without notice…farming is like that!

Vegetable Info Sheets attached to email (keep in a notebook – by the end of the year you’ll have a cookbook!)

Week #21
September 15, 2011

1. Squash, Winter – Sweet Dumpling
2. Eggplant
3. Tomatoes, Mini
4. Snap Beans: Romano
5. Peppers, Sweet
6. Leeks

Total Items: 6 (?)

Flower Share



4. One of America’s oldest seed companies is in danger of going out of business…BUY SOMETHING NOW (and spread the word as far as you can)!!! Catalog is only $5

The goal is to sell 1,000,000 catalogs!

The beautiful seed catalog is only $5.00. If you’re an artist or a crafter, catalogs like this are great to make greeting cards or for collage projects…
http://www.facebook.com/LandrethSeedCo

Read the company’s plea to help here…
http://www.facebook.com/LandrethSeedCo#!/event.php?eid=132783473485114

More info about the people that own the company in the comments section here…
http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-garden/2011/09/help-save-americas-oldest-seed-company/



5. Dines Farm Report…

The very short story is…
1. Dines Farm won’t be here till further notice…I’ll let you know what I know when I know it.



6. Eggplant Info…male or female?

Eggplants…male or female?
http://whatscookingamerica.net/Vegetables/eggplant.htm

3 reasons to eat Eggplant from Dr. Andrew Weil…
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/TIP04181/3-Reasons-to-Eat-Eggplant.html



7. We still have plenty of Herb Shares, Basil Shares, and Flower Shares available. Why would you want one?

Why a Flower Share?

You’re paying $7 for a bunch of flowers that might easily cost $10 elsewhere (I just paid $10 for two VERY SMALL stems of Lilac the other week at the Sweet Hollow Hall market and they were on their way out after two days…the gal didn’t cut them properly as I learned in my research AND she should have had little packs of flower food to include for that price) AND the Flower Share flowers are organic. I get two Flower Shares every year and they are a joy to behold!

You don’t have to cut the ones in your garden and you can leave them to beautify your landscape.

They’re organically grown so you can sniff with impunity!

The first ones we usually get are Peonies (that’s enough of a reason for me) and then it may be followed by (and not in this order) Sunflowers, Zinneas, Sweet Williams, Snapdragons, Straw Flowers, Gomphrena, Flamingo Feathers…some are everlasts (can be dried) and some are not…all depending on what’s ready and when. The flowers do NOT come every week.

Why an Herb Share or a Basil Share?

Tired of eating the same vegetable more than one week in a row…USE HERBS! They can totally change the flavor profile of what you’re cooking.

Just like we get Vegetable Information Sheets, we have Herb Information Sheets (and we may put an order in for an Herb Wheel…later for that).

You can freeze or dry them for use during the winter (or when you don’t have them fresh on hand).

Herbs are amazing for our health. We don’t eat enough of them. They have more antioxidants than Blueberries! Use them in Juices (in small quantities), on Salad, in Salad Dressings, on most anything you cook…Vegetables, Meat, Fish, Eggs, Soups…anything!

Herbs are green…anything that’s green is ultra healthy. Here’s some info from Dr. Andrew Weil…
To turn down pain: Like some over-the-counter painkillers, some plants also act as natural COX 2 inhibitors, thus reducing pain and inflammation. Adding Basil to the diet may be useful for those with minor aches and pains.
To fight infections: In India, Basil is commonly used a home remedy for coughs and colds and topically for minor cuts and scrapes. Research has now shown that the herb indeed has potent antimicrobial activity and may reduce bronchial spasm, said Dr. Low Dog. Thyme is another herb to consider when fighting off a cold. It is approved in Europe for use in upper respiratory infections; it’s also effective against oral thrush. Likewise, Sage tea is effective for sore throats.
To calm and soothe: Rosemary is a traditional remedy for headaches—perhaps due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Sage is approved in Germany for those troubled by excessive perspiration, and herbalists commonly recommend it for menopausal women troubled with night sweats.
To improve your outlook: Another promising herb for brain health may be Sage. Dr. Low Dog presented some of the research that suggests the herb may improve some symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease. She also noted that the word “sage” is used to signify a wise elder. Maybe the ancients were on to somethin
We DO get Herbs as part of our basic CSA share (this week we’re getting Parsley) but you get more of them with the CSA share…

We will most likely be getting Celery at some point this season…
Please Pass the Parsley … and the Celery
Parsley and celery contain a compound that may help protect against breast cancer, possibly by blocking the growth of tumor cells. This interesting finding, from a University of Missouri animal study, suggests that apigenin, a flavonoid found in parsley, celery, apples, oranges, nuts and other plant products, seemed to block or delay tumor formation in rats that had been programmed to develop breast cancer when exposed to MPA (medroxyprogesterone acetate). MPA is a synthetic hormone that has been found to accelerate human breast tumor development in women on hormone replacement therapy. In the rat study, apigenin blocked the formation of new blood vessels needed by breast tumors, and also reduced the overall number of tumors the rats developed. However, apigenin didn't stop cancer cells from forming in the breast in the first place. The investigators said that they're not yet sure what dose of apigenin would be appropriate for humans, but suggested that eating some parsley and fruit daily could help ensure that you're getting the minimal amount. The study was published online April 19, 2011 by Cancer Prevention Research.
How to I get an Herb, Basil or Flower Share after the CSA season start?

It’s easy…ASK or EMAIL! You need to join AT the CSA because…it’s a timing thing.



8. What you actually got last week

September 1, 2011
Week #19

1. Cucumbers – 1 lb
2. Peppers, Sweet: assorted Bell, Hungarian Wax and other Peppers of many colors – 1 lb
3. Squash, Summer: Zucchini, 8 Ball, Yellow, Golden, Cousa Magda, Patty Pan- Green, Costata Romanesco AND/OR Bitter Melon – 1 lb
1, 2 and 3 weighed together for a total weight of 3 lbs and a total price of - $6.00
4. Beans, Snap: Green OR Yellow/Wax – 1 lb - $3.00
5. Tomatoes, Mini: Cherry, Red OR Sungold - Red – 1 pt - $4.00
6. Lettuce: Leaf, Green – 1 head - $2.50
7. Cilantro – 1 bunch - $2.25
8. Eggplant, Japanese – 1 - $1.75

Total Items: 8
Total Amount: $19.50 ($2.00 more than we paid for our weekly share…it adds up over the course of the season)



9. Fun, Cool & Interesting Stuff to Do (new events added weekly)


September 1st to September 30th

The NY Locavore Challenge

Eat fresh, local, in season, organic…for a day, a week, a month! Put on by the Northeast Organic Farmer’s Association, this is the 2nd year for this event.

For more info, to register, and to get involved…keep coming back as clearly it’s early in the planning stages…unless YOU want to help plan and be actively involved…
https://www.nofany.org/?q=node/237
https://www.nofany.org/events/ny-locavore-challenge


Sunday, September 18th

Slow Food National $5 Challenge Day
Old Westbury
$5
RSVP:
Bhavani@ieatgreen.com
For more info about the event:
https://secure3.convio.net/sfusa/site/SPageServer?pagename=5Challenge_Home

You're invited to help take back the 'value meal' by getting together with other Slow Food members for a slow food meal that costs no more than $5 per person.
Slow food shouldn't have to cost more than fast food. Join us for a 'value meal' prepared by Slow Food Huntington members. You can cook and bring a meal or show up and eat with the gang.

Wednesday, September 21st

7pm (6pm with VIP tickets)

Just Food: Let us Eat Local
The Altman Building
135 W 18th St
NYC
$175 to $275 (benefit for Just Food)
To purchase tickets:
http://www.nycharities.org/Events/EventLevels.aspx?ETID=3865
For more info:
http://www.justfood.org/events

Just Food is hosting an event bringing together some of the best sustainable food in New York City for a delicious tasting — an extension of the work they’ve been doing for fifteen years to raise awareness in the city about sustainable agriculture and connect city residents with farmers. This event will be a chance to raise funds for the great work Just Food is doing, including facilitating Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) in New York City, providing support to urban farmers, conducting workshops and hands on training, cooking demonstrations and food justice advocacy work.

Thursday, September 23rd to Sunday, September 25th

10am to 4pm

169th Annual Long Island Fair: Celebrating Agriculture on Long Island
Old Bethpage Village Restoration
1303 Round Swamp Rd
Old Bethpage
$12 Adults/$8 Children and Seniors
For more info:
http://www.lifair.org/


Friday, September 23

6 to 7pm

The Healthy Planet Radio Show
WUSB-FM 90.1

HealthyPlanet's Executive Director, Bob DiBenedetto's, “The Healthy Planet” radio program is airing on WUSB (90.1 FM), broadcasting out of SUNY Stony Brook. This is part of “Natural Alternatives” which airs every Friday from 6 to 7 PM. “The Healthy Planet” will be on at least one Friday each month.


Saturday, September 24th

Moving Planet
For more info:
631-421-5591
www.healthy-planet.org

Join Healthy Planet, 350.org and other groups in a bike ride rally to demand solutions to the climate crisis

2pm to 10pm

Gaia’s Essence Women’s Wellness Conference
Islandia Marriot
3635 Expressway Drive North
Islandia
$30 (includes a LOT…check out the website…DVD Food Matters and goody bag)
To register online:
http://www.gewwc.com/tickets.htm
For more info:
http://www.gewwc.com/index.htm
The featured speaker is Andrea Beaman. Andrea is a natural foods chef, author, and television host dedicated to alternative healing and green, sustainable living. Her inspirational story follows an eye-opening journey from sickness to wellness. Successfully healing her incurable thyroid disease with health-promoting foods, exercise and other natural therapies was the catalyst that transformed Andrea Beaman’s life. Andrea was a featured contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef and was a guest on Barbara Walters’ The View and CBS news. She is a food expert with the wisdom to help you clean out your body and get healthy

Sunday, September 25th

Dine Out Irene
Participating restaurants will give up to 10% of their sales to Just Food and Grow NYC, to help NY area farms devastated by Hurricane Irene

For more info and to see participating restaurants…
http://dineoutirene.com/


Tuesday, September 27th

7pm

The Art of Farming
Sotheby’s
1334 York Ave (at 72nd St)
NYC
$500
For more info and to purchase tickets:
http://artoffarming.org/

Celebrate edible heirlooms and the art involved in their creation. Just in time for the harvest season, this special evening provides a unique platform for local farmers, purveyors, celebrity chefs, food industry experts and philanthropists to join together for a shared interest in supporting local agriculture and sustainable food options for all New Yorkers. The evening includes a cocktail reception with delicious hors d'oeuvres by Rouge Tomate, followed by a seated family-style dinner reflecting the bounty of the season. Featured dishes will be created by a line-up of prominent NYC and tri-state area chefs, known for their pride in farm-to-table cuisine, including Dan Kluger of ABC Kitchen, Alexandra Guarnaschelli of Butter, Ralf Kuettel of Trestle on Tenth, Jeremy Bearman of Rouge Tomate, Jimmy Carbone of Jimmys 43, and more. The chefs will use heirloom vegetables grown by local farmers especially for the occasion.

The evening's highlight will be a live auction of incredible food and drink experiences led by a Sotheby's auctioneer. All proceeds from the event will benefit GrowNYC, an organization working to create the next generation of farmers and healthy food ambassadors through Greenmarkets, school and community gardens, and hands-on education programs, and The Sylvia Center, a program that inspires and teaches children to eat well through hands-on experiences at Katchkie Farm and in school and community centers all over New York City.


Saturday, October 1st to Sunday, October 16th

Right2Know March
A Mobilization for GMO Labelling
For more info and to register:


Thursday, October 6th

7pm

Supporting Children’s Immune Systems Naturally
with Ellen Kamhi, RN – The Natural Nurse
Holistic Moms Network
Elwood Public Library
1929 Jericho Tpke
E Northport
FREE
For more info:
www.holsticmoms.org
Email: wsuffolkhmn@aol.com

Ellen will speak about food, herbs, homeopathy and more! At this monthly meeting (first Thursday of the month) you can connect with other parents interested in holistic health and green living.


Sunday, October 9th

Healthy Planet Restaurant Outing and Lecture featuring Michael Greger, MD

For more info and reservations:
631-421-5591
www.healthy-planet.org

HealthyPlanet Restaurant Outings are social outings with a purpose. Bring together delicious food and knowledgeable speakers on informative topics of all kinds, and you get the perfect mix of fun and growth-promoting education. They are also designed to establish a relationship with restaurants which encourages them to offer more health-enriching, plant-based options. These events are also an opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of other concerned community members. Good friends make the best partners when it comes to making a difference in our world!


Saturday, October 15th

Annual Green Thumb Farm CSA Hay Ride and Pumpkin Picking
Montauk Hwy (Rt 27)
Water Mill
For reservations:
631-726-1900

Further info and times of tours TBA.
Full disclosure…the Pumpkins are not from Green Thumb Farm and they are not organic….however they are more for a Halloween decoration rather than eating (though they are edible).


Sunday, October 16th

World Food Day
Millions Against Monsanto actions/events
For more info:
http://www.facebook.com/millionsagainst
http://organicconsumers.org/monsanto/index.cfm


Sunday, October 23rd

12:30pm

Wild Food & Ecology Tour with Wildman Steve Brill
Sunken Meadow Park
Kings Park
Parking lot by bath house
$20/$10 for children

For more info and to reserve a spot:
http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/


Monday, October 24th

Food Day
For more info:



10. No, China, NO!!!

China is at it again with fake organic labeling…
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/09/usda-warns-of-chinese-organic-fraud/

China again…one out of ten meals served from restaurants in China is cooked with “gutter oil”…read and be disgusted…
http://globalspin.blogs.time.com/2011/09/13/china-cracks-down-on-gutter-oil-a-substance-even-worse-than-its-name/



11. Certified Organic Seedlings Available from Green Thumb Farm!

Order certified organic seedlings grown at Green Thumb Farm and have them delivered to the CSA for your garden!

How:
Have your credit card ready (to be paid only by credit card) and call the farm at 631-726-1900 between 9:30 to 4pm any day of the week and they will tell you, depending on when you place your order, what week they will arrive at the CSA…and make sure you don’t forget to pick them up!

How much:
$5.50 per pot (4” pot) with a 4 pot minimum order

What:
(if you don’t see what you’re looking for on this list, or want more details…call the farm and ask)

Flowers
Marigolds, Bonanza
Marigolds, Genie (edible)
Nasturtiums
Petunias

Herbs
Basil
Chives
Oregano
Parsley
Sage
Tarragon, French
Thyme

Tomatoes
Heirlooms
Minis
Red

Vegetables
Broccoli
Cabbage
Kale
Swiss Chard



12. And now for something completely different…

Here’s a silly seasonal vegetable joke by celebrity pastry chef Joanne Chang of Myers + Chang in Boston…

How do you repair a broken gourd?

With a Pumpkin Patch! 



13. Eaters/consumers in the NY Metro area interested in eating locally are going to be effected by Hurricane Irene for a LONG time (CSAs not able to fulfill their deliveries for the rest of this year…and possibly next year, farmers not being able to come to greenmarkets because of roads not being passable or they have nothing to sell anymore, NY area restaurants/eateries/stores not having any local foods to prepare/sell because their farmers were wiped out). Please read, look, and learn what’s going on, and consider helping in whatever way you can.

CSAs and Irene…
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Hurricane-Irene-Strikes-our-CSA-Farms.html?soid=1101511788374&aid=W_4k2l-CYEA

NYC greenmarkets will feel the losses of Hurricane Irene in the coming weeks…
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/09/01/2011-09-01_oh_crops_farms_flood_local_markets_to_be_without_fresh_veggies.html

http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2011/09/hurrican-irene-and-the-farmers-of-the-union-s.html

Letter from Kira (woman farmer) of Evolutionary Organics farm…heartbreaking and hopeful…
http://www.2minutestodinner.com/2011/09/06/floods-and-farming/

Good site for updated farm info and donation info…
http://www.justfood.org/


Check out these photos…this one’s a doozy…
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.185925204812296.47295.134669806604503&type=1#!/photo.php?fbid=185950308143119&set=a.185925204812296.47295.134669806604503&type=1&theater

http://blogs.villagevoice.com/forkintheroad/2011/08/will_the_nyc_gr.php#more
http://nonabrooklyn.com/regional-farms-devastated-by-flooding-nyc-greenmarkets-seeks-donations/

http://www.grownyc.org/blog/?p=137

How cute is this? But what a pain in the butt it must have been to haul all these goats up to the hay loft!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5X4EEybkRI

And then look at this farmer’s field (I mean lake)…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o7M8rWeZ6A&feature=related



Donate here…

Help NYC urban farms and gardens here…
https://www.nyrp.org/Donate_and_Membership/Make_a_Donation

Group that organizes the NYC Greenmarkets is setting up a donation page (they will be very effected by the crop losses)…
http://www.ediblemanhattan.com/topics/farms-foodshed/as-reports-of-farm-damage-roll-in-grownyc-has-set-up-a-donation-page-earmarked-for-hurricane-relief-nycgreenmarkets-grownyc/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=as-reports-of-farm-damage-roll-in-grownyc-has-set-up-a-donation-page-earmarked-for-hurricane-relief-nycgreenmarkets-grownyc

Things needed at an upstate shelter in farm country…
http://www.crcs.k12.ny.us/news/1112/0830redcrossshelter.html?utm_source=CHRF+Information&utm_campaign=9e6038db4e-WinterShareTeaser_081511&utm_medium=email#items

Like the Fabulous Beekman Boys? They want to help too…
http://www.facebook.com/FabulousBeekmanBoys/posts/10150358108404283

Fundraiser by Punk Domestics for the younger (by age or by heart) locavores amongst us…
http://www.punkdomestics.com/content/homesteaders-help-victims-irene

Radio station raising money for Delaware and Otsego County…
http://www.facebook.com/FabulousBeekmanBoys/posts/10150358108404283#!/profile.php?id=100000645762583&sk=wall

more ways to help…
http://www.watershedpost.com/2011/post-irene-how-help-catskill-region-farmers

http://catskillmountainrelief.blogspot.com/

http://www.hvfoodnetwork.com/forum/topics/irene-requests-offers


And let’s not forget the Vermont farmers that also got decimated…
http://7d.blogs.com/blurt/2011/08/after-irene-how-you-can-help-vermont.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/05/us/05cows.html?_r=2

http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story.asp?storyid=%7B37fd09a0-bd1b-489e-a410-9cd5a30a9a12%7D

Donate directly to Poor Farm (yes, Virginia…that’s really the name of it) in Vermont…
http://applewoodny.com/poorfarm.html


And now in Pennsylvania…
The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau has fielded reports of damage from throughout the state, including a Wyoming County dairy that had to dump a tank of milk because delivery trucks were blocked by bad roads, a Bradford County winery that lost 10 tons of grapes worth $15,000 and an aquaculture operation that lost $1.75 million worth of fish and equipment from flooding at facilities in York and Lebanon counties.

Can you give the gift of labor and time? Join “Crop Mob” and you’ll get periodic emails asking you to go to some farm that may need your help doing…whatever…there are now TWENTY farms upstate NY that are asking for help due to Hurricane Irene damage (I’m sure there will be more to come)…
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=265873753432271#!/groups/329782632114/

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