Earth Day is still on: 1-3pm!!

Come to the farm this afternoon to celebrate our planet!

Join us for a brief farm tour/update, followed by a tree ceremony to honor our new fruit trees donated by the Medway Lions Club.

Then: help us transplant spinach, kale and other little seedlings that will be grateful to be transplanted on such a special day under such wonderful conditions (imminent rain).

We are so grateful for the rain, but in all this dry weather I’ve been thinking: we are very, very lucky.  We live in a part of the world where food abounds.  Shipped to us from wherever, whenever we want it – even if every farm in New England was unable to produce food this season, I doubt any one of us would starve. 

It puts what I do in serious perspective.

But there are lots of places in the world, and lots of farms in the worlds where droughts are a matter of life and death - where the success and failure of their crops directly relate to their ability to survive.  I hope everyone, on this Earth Day 2012, takes a moment to immerse themselves in the reality of their fortune.  We all have many problems – some small and some very large, but we are also very blessed.

Enjoy the day and see you at the farm!

Brittany

PS: If you haven't signed up yet for our 5k, sign up today!  We are almost out of free T-shirts!

5k Registration

The Medway Community Farm is excited to offer eight one-week summer sessions where children will gain hands-on experience feeding animals, composting, learning about growing organic vegetables, and other activities relevant to each week's "theme":

Mmm Mmm: Healthy Eating (weeks 1 & 5)

Artistic Expression (weeks 2 & 6)

Our Natural World (weeks 3 & 7)

Old-Time Farming (weeks 4 & 8)

Attendees will be separated into groups; entering Kindergarten-3rd grades and entering 4-6 grades. For children entering 7th grade and up, please join our F.I.T. (Farmer-in-Training) program, in which you will serve in a leadership role. 

Entering Grades K-6 and 7th & up.

Dates: Monday-Friday , June 25-August 17 (no class July 4th)  9:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $100/session; $75/session for siblings or additional weeks ($80/$60 July 4 session)

Location: Medway Community Farm, 50 Winthrop Street

To sign up, please select a registration option here (page 19):

http://www.medwayschools.org/communityed/summer2012.pdf

Or you can call: 508-533-3222

Our Farmer used to be a camp counselor!  Yes, Brittany was a camp counselor, outdoor education instructor, farm education instructor and even an assistant overnight camp director for 8 years.  She has worked with children ages 2-17 in varying outdoor activities and has been through more than 10 full weeks of specific training for outdoor education instructors through the YMCA and Hawthorne Valley Farm.  She grew up going to overnight and day camps and is excited to bring this part of her life to Medway Community Farm.  She is certified in First Aid and CPR and was a lifegaurd for 8 years, including a summer as aquatics director at Hawthorne Valley Farm.

An example schedule:

9:00-9:15 - gather in the pick your own garden and make a plan together for the day

9:15-9:45 - break up into groups of 4-6 to complete farm chores such as harvesting vegetables, washing vegetables, feeding and caring for the animals, weeding the herb garden or making compost

9:45 - 10:30 - split into age groups for an activity that will reflect the theme of the week/ interests of the group.  Examples: nature walk/scavenger hunt, seed starting in the greenhouse/seed study, rainbow vegetable tour (healthy eating), insect hunt, building bat houses or bird houses

10:30-10:45 - snack

10:45-11:30 - another activty

11:30-11:50 - a fun game or craft related to the theme of the week

11:50 - 12:00 - pick a small bouquet or pint of tomatoes in the garden before pick-up!

Safety

We understand that before any can start to learn or have fun they must feel safe and be safe!  Please read our safety procedures to learn more about how we will keep your children safe at our farm.

We would love for you to join us!  Please feel free to ask any questions you might have!

We still have garden plots, flower shares, egg shares and coffee shares available.  Email our farm manager, bsidway@medwaycommunityfarm.org to learn more.

Our Farm Stand is Open Tuesday 2-7 and Saturday 10:30-2:300 starting May 29th.  Stop by to do a free craft with your kids and pick up some local veggies!!

Please email if you would like to be added to our waiting list.  We will contact you if a share becomes available.

Why Join Our CSA?

Thank you for your interest in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) membership at Medway Community Farm.  We are striving to develop a working farm that enhances Medway's rural character, enriches our community, and provides a setting for outdoor and farm education for all ages.  We are reaching out, in our second year with a full-time farmer, to community members who believe in what we do and are willing and able to support our growth.  

The CSA model is a farm business plan in which individuals are able to pre-purchase a portion (usually referred to as a share) of the farm's harvest.  In our case, it is either $300 or $550 worth of vegetables to be distributed on a weekly basis for 25 weeks.  By paying in advance, individuals enable us to afford the supplies, tools and labor needed to grow your food without incurring significant debt. 

By purchasing a share you are committing to the realities of a local harvest, and to the farm itself, adjusting your diet week by week to include all the fresh, healthy vegetables the farm is able to produce at that time.  It takes some commitment on the part of the shareholder to be ready to cook a few nights a week, look up recipes (or be willing to try the ones provided by the farmer and other members), and the rewards are well worth the effort.
 
It is empowering to nurture yourself and your loved ones with vegetables that were grown in an ecologically and socially responsible way.  Please read more about the CSA we are planning for next year in the following paragraphs.  If you have any further questions, or would simply like to discuss farm or food related topics and issues please do no hesitate to contact our farm manager, Brittany Sidway, at bsidway@medwaycommunityfarm.org.

To Sign Up: Email our Farm Manager Brittany at bsidway@medwaycommunityfarm.org.

What’s in a share?

Each week you will receive vegetables that have been grown on the farm.  This means all vegetables will be fresh and seasonal.  We are buying some winter squash and potatoes to include in the share that have been grown by Gretta Anderson at Moraine Farm because we do not have enough room for these sprawling crops.  Each share will be as balanced as possible, providing a variety of vegetables.  One whole share is enough for a family of 4 who eats a vegetable side or salad with 4-5 meals/week, or two people who love veggies! The half share is meant for families with less time to cook or fewer family members.

Choice:  Based on surveys from last season, we are attempting to add more choice to the CSA.  When you come to the farm to pick up your produce, there will be some choices about what you take.  Remember, a CSA is not a grocery store, and part of the benefit of membership is being able to try new vegetables.  Nearly 100% of members who responded to our survey last season said they learned to love new vegetables because of the farm!

2012 CSA Description

Full Vegetable CSA Share $550 Begins the last week of May, ends Mid November.  Each week will provide an average of $22 worth of food to be picked up at the farm.  This share will be slightly larger than the full share last season ($2 more/week), and will run for 25 weeks instead of just 20.  We try to balance our shares based on what is in season.   We will be including more winter squash, carrots and potatoes this season, as well as adding corn, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts to the crop plan. 

Example July 30^th Share: 3lbs tomatoes, 5lbs cukes, zukes, peppers, eggplants (you choose which ones), two bunches of herbs (choice basil, parsley, cilantro), a head of lettuce, a bunch of carrots, 2 pints of cherry tomatoes, a bunch of fresh onions.  There will also be chard, beets and scallions on the table as trades.

Half Vegetable CSA Share $300 Begins the last week of May, ends Mid November.  Each week will provide an average of $11 worth of food to be picked up at the farm.  This share will be slightly more than half of a share last season and will go for 25 weeks instead of just 20.  The “half share” will not be half bunches, or cabbages cut in half – it will be $11 worth of our standard bunched/bagged/sized vegetables with choice options.

Example July 30^th Share:  1 lbs tomatoes, 2 lbs cukes, zukes, peppers, eggplants (you choose which ones), one bunch of herbs (choice basil, parsley, cilantro), a head of lettuce, a bunch of carrots, one pint cherry tomatoes.

Pick Your Own (in addition to a full or half share) $50 Each week will provide the opportunity to harvest a little bit extra yourself.  Crops in the pick your own section will include peas, beans, cherry tomatoes, herbs, sometimes flowers and husk cherries.  The farmer will let you know what is available to pick each week and you will receive instruction on where and how to pick.  For example, on July 30^st you might pick: a pint of cherry tomatoes and a quart of beans.  The next week you might pick: a pint of plum tomatoes and a bunch of flowers.  This is a great way to get more of these summer delights while getting your hands (and your children’s hands) busy in the field.  Other crops that might be included: kale, chard, broccoli shoots, spinach.

More Example Full Shares:

Spring
2 heads lettuce
bunch of beets
bunch of radish
Choice: bunch of kale or bunch of arugula
1/2 lb spinach
bunch of scallions
Choice: 2 kohlrabi or two bok choi
2 pints of peas
 
Summer
Head of lettuce
Bunch of Swiss Chard
1 lb tomatoes and 2 pints cherry tomatoes
Choice: Mix and match: 4 lbs cucumber, zucchini, eggplant
Choice: 1 bunch basil or 1 bunch cilantro
1 bunch sweet onions
1 lb sweet peppers
1 bunch carrots

 
Fall
2 Heads lettuce
Choice: Pick two: 1 bunch carrots, 1 bunch beets, 1 bunch turnips
1 celery root
1 bunch leeks
Choice: 1 bunch kale or 1/2 lb spinach
2.5 lb potatoes
3-4 onions
2 lbs winter squash
1 lb broccoli 

When is pick up?

Distribution days will be Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 to 7:00, and Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. 

PLEASE NOTE: Tuesday and Thursday are full.  We do have a few shares left for Saturday pick up - if you are interested in a share, but are not able to pick up on Saturdays - please email our farm manger to be put on our waiting list.  bsidway@medwaycommunityfarm.org

Where is pickup?

Pickup will be at the farm 50 Winthrop St.

What if I am away on my pick up day?

It is perfectly fine to change your pick up day, but you must email the farm manager by 6pm the day before your designated pick up day, or the day you choose to pick up on, whichever comes first.  You may also have someone pick up your share for you, or the farm will donate your share for the week to a local food pantry.

How do we determine the value of our vegetables?

Prices used to calculate the value of vegetables in each share will be based on prices in grocery stores and those used by other local, small organic farms.  We believe healthy, sustainably grown food should be available to all and will strive to price our produce fairly.

 How do I reserve a share?

It is most helpful to the farm if you are able to pay in full as early as possible.  We are able to use the money to buy things like seeds, potting soil, compost, irrigation materials, and tools that will be needed as early as February.  A payment of $150 will reserve a half share and $275 will reserve a full share.  The share must be paid for, in full, by April 15th.

Why are payments needed so far in advance?

The reason the CSA model benefits a farm, especially a startup farm, is that the profit from the sale of shares can be used to buy seeds, tools, supplies and labor needed to grow the vegetables from the start.  Because we will start planting seeds as early as the last week of February we will need to have purchased a lot of our supplies by then.

Why is the CSA model and financial support so crucial for a startup farm like us?

We are a non-profit farm.  We are the result of a grassroots effort to promote sustainable agriculture in Medway and have achieved great success with very few resources.  We rely on CSA funds to operate each season, and would not be able to have a farm without the important up front investment of people like you.

What if I decide I want to cancel my share?

If at any point after making a reservation, and before distribution begins, you decide would like to give up your share the farm will try to sell you share.  If it can be sold before the distribution begins you will be refunded all but a $25 processing fee.  If you decide you do not want to continue receiving your share during the distribution season the farm cannot be responsible for the re-sale of your share nor can your money be refunded.  You are welcome to sell your share on your own at any point.

Vegetables we will grow:

Arugula

Radishes

Japanese Turnips

Spinach

Kale

Broccoli

Peas

Scallions

Cabbage

Napa Cabbage

Kohlrabi

Salad Mix

Lettuce

Carrots

Beets

Endive

Escarole

Fennel

Bok Choy

Cucumber

Zucchini

Summer Squash

Eggplant

Peppers

Tomatoes

Beans

Potatoes

Onions

Garlic

Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet Corn

Melons

Watermelons

Tomatillos

Swiss Chard

Basil

Parsley

Dill

Cilantro

Parsnip

Sweet Potatoes

Brussels Sprouts

Winter Squash

Rutabaga

Turnips

We cannot guarantee quantity of each of these vegetables you will receive, but they will all be planted in an attempt to include them in at least one of your weekly shares.

A friend took it this winter to work on the clutch - opened up the entire casing and now it "purr's like a kitten" and the clutch works great.  That was awesome in an of itself - but when he brought it back to the farm I had a huge suprise waiting for me in the driveway.

So here is what it looked like old:

And here is what it looks like new:

Thank you to my friend - who painted it as a gift - it was a total surprise and and very happy way to start the season!!!!

The Old Farm House, New Farm Community Center is moving right along!  Thanks so much to Tri-county high school students and their dedicated teacher!  Notice the brand-new windows and doors!

The Bees even got to go out for a “cleansing flight” today!  (Did you know Bees can’t fly when it’s colder than 50 – which means they can’t go to the bathroom in winter unless they get a lucky warm day.  That’s a long time to hold it!)

I hope you all are enjoying these warm days as much as we are on the farm!

Summer Internship at Medway Community Farm

Start date: June 18^th with some flexibility

End Date: August 26^th with some flexibility

Who we seek:

People with an interest in local food, gardening, farming, teaching, nature, art or other relevant subjects and experience working with children ages 5-12.  Qualified candidates will be passionate about our mission, willing to work both in the field and as a teacher, almost always outside.  Flexibility, when it comes to weekly scheduling, and a willingness to work occasionally on weekends is a plus.  Must be 16 or older. 

What you will experience:

Farm: harvest and wash nearly 30 varieties of vegetables, field maintenance including chemical free weed and pest control, irrigation strategies, greenhouse management, seeding and transplanting summer and fall crops and small animal care.

Market: farm stand set up and break down, sales strategies, customer service.

Education: planning and leading programs for children ages 5-12, leading free, 1 hour programs for the public, planning and leading your own special farm event.

Special Interest?

Are you particularly passionate about education or farming?  We can develop a special program to dedicate your time at the farm to your area of interest.  Applicants who apply and are accepted before April 1^st will have more of an opportunity for planning a specialized program with the farm manager.

Time Commitment: 300 hours, averaging 30 hours/week for 10 weeks, candidates must be available mornings from 8-12:30 and can expect to work some afternoons and weekend days as well.

Compensation: $2,000 stipend to be paid in bi-weekly installments and food from the farm.  We will work with you to meet college internship requirements.  Compensation provided through a Grant from Middlesex Savings Bank.

To Apply: Email our farm manager, Brittany Sidway at bsidway@medwaycommunityfarm.org with a cover letter, resume, and 2 references.

All decisions and actions of farm stand and interns must first consider the safety and wellbeing of program participants.  The farm can be a place for fun and education only if we assure the security of all.  The following lists different potential hazards on the farm, and how staff and interns will prevent potentially dangerous situations.

The Road – No participant will go within 30 feet of the road for any reason.  The closest any participant should be to the road is when they are in the farm stand area.  It is the staff and interns responsibility to make sure all children maintain a safe distance from the road.

The Old Foundation – No participant should ever go past the fence near the foundation, or into the foundation through the lower level.  Staff and interns must make this rule clear to participants on the first day, and enforce the restrictions.

Chicken Brook – No participants should ever go into the river/swamp area that surrounds the farm property on two sides.  It is possible to approach the bank, if a farm staff or intern is leading participants in an educational exploration.

Tractors, trucks, cars, the rototiller, the weedwacker, power tools – All vehicles on site are off limits to all participants.  Only Farm Staff are allowed to sit on, drive and use farm equipment, which includes any tool with a motor.  Participants should be made aware of this rule and it should be strictly enforced.  These motorized tools will be used only if absolutely necessary while participants are on site.  The farm staff will be aware of children and interns when driving on the property, and will never exceed 10 miles per hour.  They will check behind all vehicles before turning on the machines.

Poison Ivy – Participants will be discouraged from entering forested areas on the farm.  All Participants will be shown poison ivy on the first day, and will learn to identify it.  No staff or interns will lead children into areas with poison ivy.

Ticks – All parents of participants will be made aware of the possibility of their children getting ticks while at the farm.  We will encourage participants to wear light clothing that covers their legs and feet and ask all parents to conduct “tick-checks” after their children have been on the farm.

Dehydration – All participants will be asked to bring a water bottle every day.  Staff and Interns will encourage children to drink water while at the farm, particularly during breaks, which will happen every half hour.

“Strangers” – We are a community farm, with many people coming and going every day, either to pick up a CSA share, volunteer, or work on their personal garden plot.  The farm manager, farm staff and interns will keep a close watch over who is at the farm while programs are running and will immediately approach any unrecognized visitor and escort them while on the property. 

Dangerous Weather – Rain is not considered dangerous, and programs will continue despite rain.  In the case of hail, high winds, thunder, lightning, extreme heat, or other dangerous weather, all participants, staff and interns will make their way to the garage, and parents will be called to come pick up participants.  Programs will be cancelled if The National Weather Service projects 40% or higher chance of dangerous weather within a 2 hour range of program hours. 

Other procedures and rules to be followed:

All participants will wear hard-soled, closed-toe shoes.

No participants will every go alone anywhere out of sight of staff or interns on the property.

No Intern will ever be alone with a participant.  A rule of threes will always be followed.

All participants are expected to respect interns, staff and the rules.  If, after 3 warnings they do not follow safety rules, or if their violations are deliberate and hazardous (like going into the road) their parents will be called and they will not be welcome back to the farm without parent supervision.

All participants will respect the safety and wellbeing of others at the farm.  No verbal or physical abuse will be tolerated. 

COMPOST WORKSHOP    New!

Join our farm manager in a hands-on workshop that will cover the basics of at-home composting. Learn a basic recipe and a few methods for containing and maintaining the pile in your yard without odors! Cost: Free for CSA members, $2 for non-members Date: March 31st Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm

To sign up, please email Brittany Sidway (BSidway@medwaycommunityfarm.org)

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GREAT GARDENS HANDS-ON WORKSHOP    New!

Always wanted to start a backyard garden but felt intimidated?  Are you a veteran gardener who could use some tips to improve?  This adults-oriented workshop is just what you need, and it is free for those who sign up for an MCF garden plot.  You will benefit from the expertise of Brittany Sidway, MCF’s farmer extraordinaire, as she walks you through the steps to a great garden.

Three Sundays, 3:45-5:15 p.m.:

Garden Planning, March 18 at the Medway Senior Center

Spring Crops and Early Planting, April 22 (Earth Day) at MCF

Summer Crops and Garden Maintenance, May 19 (First day of plant sale) at MCF

$40 for three classes, plus a 10% discount on organic seedlings Limited to 8 attendees

To sign up, please email Deborah (Education@medwaycommunityfarm.org)

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KIDS IN THE KITCHEN     New!           

Ages: 2-5 with adult companion

Instructor - Rachel Morgenstern

Medway Community Farm is excited to offer this wonderful fun and healthy program for young children and their parent or grown-up friend! Join usto learn how to prepare delicious and healthy snacks that children WANT to eat. They will learn how to find food that is tasty, good for them, and good for our planet, as well as how to safely prepare food. Be prepared to get messy! Proceeds benefit the Medway Community Farm. Our instructor, and her assistant Deborah Kreiser-Francis, both have young children who - miraculously - like to eat their vegetables!

Spring Course #: C3-12                       

Fee: $45 per adult/child pair ($15 for up to one additional child per adult)

Day: Wednesdays - 3 sessions             

Dates: May 2, 9 & 16

Time: 9:30am-10:30am                         

Location:Burke School-Room 13 (Legion Ave. Parking Lot-Door 9)

To sign up, please select a registration option here (page 19):

http://www.medwayschools.org/communityed/winter2012.pdf

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SMALL HANDS MAKING SMALL GARDENS   New!

Ages: 2-5 w/adult companion; 6 & up

Instructor - Brittany Sidway

Here is the perfect opportunity to build something you can actually eat! In this fun new class, all participants will build a beautiful garden that will grow - you will fill your container garden with your choice of organic herbs and salad greens. You can make your edible garden for yourself or as a surprise for your mom on Mother's Day! Moms and Dads are welcome to join their gardener; children 6 and older may be dropped off. You are welcome to build a second garden for $20. Proceeds benefit the Medway Community Farm.   

Spring Course #: C4-12                       

Fee: $30 per participant

Day: Saturday - 1 session                    

Dates: May 12

Time: 1:30pm-2:30pm                          

Location: Medway Community Farm (50 Winthrop Street)

To sign up, please select a registration option here (page 19):

http://www.medwayschools.org/communityed/winter2012.pdf

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BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS - YEAR AFTER YEAR           New!

Instructor - Jeanne Raffa

Learn how to design a perennial flower garden to enjoyin near-perpetuity, with tips and guidance from instructor Jeanne Raffa, President of the Medway Community Farm Board of Directors, and a life-long gardening enthusiast. Proceeds benefit the Medway Community Farm.  

Spring Course #: C-12                         

Fee: $12

Day: Thursday - 1 session                    

Date: March 29

Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm                         

Location: Medway Senior Center (76 Oakland Street)

To sign up, please select a registration option here (page 19):

http://www.medwayschools.org/communityed/winter2012.pdf

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BIG IDEAS, LITTLE GARDEN               New!

Instructor - Brittany Sidway

Sometimes our eyes are bigger than our stomachs...and sometimes our vegetable dreams are bigger than our yards! Container gardening is an innovative way to create growing space in a small area, or supplement an existing garden. Fewer weeds and less-frequent watering are just two of the benefits to this approach. Join Brittany, Farm Manager of the Medway Community Farm, and learn how to plan your own container garden with organic salad greens and herbs.Proceeds benefit the Medway Community Farm.        

Spring Course #: C-12                         

Fee: $30

Day: Saturday - 1 session                   

Date: April 29

Time: 11:00am-12:00pm                      

Location: Medway Community Farm (50 Winthrop Street)

To sign up, please select a registration option here (page 19):

http://www.medwayschools.org/communityed/winter2012.pdf

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FUN ON THE FARM

The Medway Community Farm is excited to offer eight one-week summer sessions where children will gain hands-on experience feeding animals, composting, learning about growing organic vegetables, and other activities relevant to each week's "theme":

Mmm Mmm: Healthy Eating (weeks 1 & 5)

Artistic Expression (weeks 2 & 6)

Our Natural World (weeks 3 & 7)

Old-Time Farming (weeks 4 & 8)

Attendees will be separated into groups; entering Kindergarten-3rd grades and entering 4-6 grades. For children entering 7th grade and up, please join our F.I.T. (Farmer-in-Training) program, in which you will serve in a leadership role. Please visit our website: www.medwaycommunityfarm.org for information regarding our emergency/safety plan for inclement weather.

Interested but not quite sure? Join us for a free "Open House" Meet and Greet at the Medway Public Library on Thursday, April 5th, at 7pm.

Entering Grades K-6 and 7 & up.

Dates: Monday-Friday , June 25-August 17 (no class July 4th)  9:00am-12:00pm

Fee: $100/session; $75/session for siblings or additional weeks ($80/$60 July 4 session)

Location: Medway Community Farm, 50 Winthrop Street

To sign up, please select a registration option here (page 19):

http://www.medwayschools.org/communityed/winter2012.pdf

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EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN:

Drop-in Crafts at the Medway Farm and Farm Market  

Check out our farm stand (50 Winthrop Street) and farm market (Thursdays at Medway Garden Center, beginning in July), while your children enjoy making farm-oriented crafts from recycled and natural materials - egg-carton caterpillars, celery cards, and dried-herb bookmarks are just some of the fun creations we have planned. These crafts are FREE and open to all - donations are gratefully accepted. * Ages 3 & up * Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30pm-4:30pm, and Saturdays 11:00am-12:00pm * June 19-August 25 * * FREE

To sign up, please select a registration option here (page 19):

http://www.medwayschools.org/communityed/winter2012.pdf  

Rent a 200 square foot plot of Medway Community Farm land.  Rent includes composted, prepared soil available as early as April 15^th with access to water and tools until October 31^st.

Cost: $175

Email our farm manager, Brittany Sidway at bsidway@medwaycommunityfarm.org and reserve your plot today! 

Put "Garden Plot" in the subject line.