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/

###

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Happy Summer!

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.

Anyone still interested in Pine Nuts (NOT from China…if you don’t know why this is an issue…Google it) and Sundried Tomatoes? CSA member Fritz Lang 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 80 intrepid CSAers for the twentieth 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 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)!!!
5. Dines Farm Report
6. Bitter Melon turns up in the most unexpected places!
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. Click here…
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 #20
September 8, 2011

1. Squash, Winter - Acorn
2. Carrots
3. Tomatoes
4. Snap Beans
5. Peppers, Sweet
6. Lettuce

Total Items: 6 (?)

Herb Share – Sept 1A
Parsley, Italian Flat Leaf AND Sage



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)!!!

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.

Spoke to Larry (who’s doing ok) and Dines Farm was above the flooding!!! Jay and animals are ok.

Jay is still figuring out how to make farming sustainable (economically…he has the other part pretty much down) to remain a farmer. Still looking for funding for USDA certification needs. I believe he is still at the Cobble Hill CSA (Green Thumb Farm supplies the majority of the produce they get) every Tuesday but Larry wants to check to make sure Jay will be there. Maybe someone could make a run to the CSA in Brooklyn to pick up orders and bring them to Huntington. You MIGHT be able to get me to do that.



6. Bitter Melon turns up in the most unexpected places!

Jarobi White of the band A Tribe Called Quest has a food blog and here he’s talking about…BITTER MELON (as well as going all organic and eating Apricot Pits for Vitamin B17)!!!
http://jarobiwhite.com/2011/08/bitter-melon-2/



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


Wednesday, September 7th

5 to 6pm

iEat Green Radio Show (internet)
http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/eating-green/
Bhavani Jharoff, of iEat Green (and Slow Food – Huntington) will interview Nicole Betancourt, Founder and CEO of Parent Earth. Nicole is a producer, director and social entrepreneur with seventeen years experience in media production and distribution. Her business, Parent Earth, aims to answer parents’ questions about food, and work with partners to create a world that nurtures healthy, thriving children. Parent Earth creates short online videos on everything from cooking and gardening to nutrition and behavior
http://www.parentearth.com/
7pm to 10pm

Wondrous Stories band
Hudson & McCoy
340 Woodcleft Ave (Freeport’s Nautical Mile)
Freeport
http://www.hudsonmccoy.com/

For more info on the band:
http://www.wonderous-stories.com/

CSA member Kenny Friedman is playing with this band…check it out! All performances are out doors and will be canceled on account of rain.


Thursday, September 8th

7 to 10:30pm

Wonderous Stories band
Malibu Beach Club
1500 Lido Blvd
Lido Beach
For more info:
http://malibushoreclub.com/_pages/blueoysterbar.html

For more info on the band:
http://www.wonderous-stories.com/

CSA member Kenny Friedman is playing with this band…check it out! All performances are out doors and will be canceled on account of rain.


Friday, September 9th

7 to 11pm

Wonderous Stories band
The Fishery
1 Main St
East Rockaway
http://www.kpsearch.com/DF/Fishery/all.asp

For more info on the band:
http://www.wonderous-stories.com/

CSA member Kenny Friedman is playing with this band…check it out! All performances are out doors and will be canceled on account of rain.


Saturday, September 10th

9am to 10am (submit entries)
11am – prizes awarded (Tomatoes can’t be picked up till 5pm)

14th Annual Hicks Nurseries Tomato Contest
Hicks Nursery
100 Jericho Tpke
Westbury
For more info:
516-334-0066

Prizes awarded for heaviest, largest circumference, most unusual looking and tiniest red Tomato.


Healthy Planet Membership Fun Drive
The Water Well
386 NY Ave
Huntington
For more info:
631-421-5591
www.healthy-planet.org

Socializing and speakers all day…music all night!

Noon

Food Chain Radio
http://metrofarm.com/
Food Chain Radio show with Michael Olson…he doesn’t announce what’s on the show till Thursday but it’s worth checking out and you can hear the older shows that are archived and there are a BAZILLION interesting shows on everything green and food related….everything from beer and bedbugs to raw milk and cosmetics.

Sunday, September 11th

6 to 10pm

The Invisible Band
The Fishery
1 Main St
East Rockaway
http://www.kpsearch.com/DF/Fishery/all.asp

For more info on the band:
http://www.invisibleband.com/

CSA member Kenny Friedman is playing with HIS band…check it out! All performances are out doors and will be canceled on account of rain.


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.


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!


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. Click here…

Help save NY food stamps and emergency food rations…
https://secure3.convio.net/fbnyc/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=177

Protect our drinking water…
http://action.ewg.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1938&tag=natfrackingpetitionfull&utm_source=natfrackingpetitionfull&utm_medium=email&utm_content=image&utm_campaign=natres

Fox guarding the hen house as Monsanto’s lobbyist, Michael Taylor, was appointed FDA food safety czar…let’s get the fox out of the hen house…
http://fdn.actionkit.com/cms/sign/dump_monsanto_mike?referring_akid=369.30354.hiXTis&source=taf



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…

A sweet video with soundtrack by Willie Nelson (unless you’re a vegetarian but even still…small family farms are better than factory farms)

I own no stock in Chipotle (nor do I work for them) but admit I do like them a lot…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMfSGt6rHos&feature=channel_video_title



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


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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