Maysie's Farm Conservation Center

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Fundraising
by Amy Bruckner

Many companies give some portion of their charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations that serve their local communities. Maysie's Farm Conservation Center (MFCC) certainly fits that bill - a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public understanding of the importance of conservation and ecological thinking. You're probably aware of the myriad of workshops, lectures, and educational campaigns that have been offered to CSA members and the general public by MFCC. Well, all that takes money even though these programs have been partially staffed by volunteers. And then there are major capital purchases for the CSA, such as farm equipment, that is not covered in the annual CSA budget. Foundations, corporations, individuals and government grants provide the primary funding to develop and conduct these educational programs and purchase major capital equipment. But writing grants and knocking on doors of corporations takes time (again partly volunteer effort).

So, how can you help? If you know whom to contact at your company about charitable contributions, let us know and we can make the contact to request a donation. We would simply ask you to be supportive by letting your company representative know about your involvement at MFCC. Companies are much more likely to give to organizations with which their employees are actively involved. Case in point, my own company was much more amenable to contributing once they heard how involved I was.

Another way to help is to choose the United Way Donor option if your company participates in the United Way Workplace Campaign. By selecting MFCC as your donor option contribution, the United Way will pass your contribution on to us. Additionally, many companies match their employees' donations to nonprofit organizations. If you could check if your company has this option, it might significantly increase the contribution that we receive.

We would greatly appreciate if CSA members would contact me, Amy Bruckner, at 610-942-9327 with the information about your company's charitable contributions representative.

Fresh Spinach Dip
Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens

5 cups cleaned, torn spinach

1 15-oz. can chickpeas, with about 3 Tablespoons of the liquid from the can

3 Tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves minced garlic

1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Cool. Blend until smooth. Serve with crackers or chips.
Colcannon
Donšt know what to do with all that kale? Try this traditional Irish recipe, taken from the CSA Cookbook.

4 medium potatoes, quartered

3 12 cups chopped kale

1 Tablespoon butter

3 leeks or 1 large onion, chopped

1/3 cup milk

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

salt and pepper to taste

Steam potatoes. Steam kale separately. Meanwhile, heat butter in skillet, add leeks or onion and cook until soft, stirring frequently (and/or adding a little water) to prevent sticking. When potatoes are tender, peel and mash them. When kale is tender, drain well. Combine potatoes, kale, leeks, milk, parsley, salt and pepper. Four servings.

Attention, Shareholders!

As the CSA season gets started, we hope you are enjoying your vegetables! Once again this year you will notice the presence of Distribution Managers when you pick up your food. These volunteers spend a little extra time at the farm each week making sure the vegetables are stocked in the barn, pointing you towards the pick-your-own beds, offering recipes, and answering questions. BUT WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS!! This job requires no special knowledge or experience — just a willingness to help out. If this is something you may like to try, talk to one of the managers on your pick up day or give Sam a call (610 458-8129).

Just a few more reminders about picking up your vegetables:

It helps if you bring your own bags, but there is usually a supply of bags in the barn.

Read the board for quantity guidelines and for any farm messages.

PLEASE remember to sign in so we know youšve been there. You may also leave messages on this sheet (i.e., if youšll be on vacation the following week).

Donšt forget to pick up chickens or eggs that you ordered, and fill in the amount of money paid (cash or check).

Children are welcome at Maysiešs Farm, but they must be supervised. Be sure to check out the Childrenšs Garden and watch how it changes from week to week!

Please respect the privacy of the house. Some parts of the barn are off-limits as well: the second floor, the tool room, and areas on both sides of the food distribution area.

It helps a great deal if you call the farm in advance if you are unable to pick up your food.

Take your time and enjoy yourself! Be sure to check out any volunteer activities or member events. And donšt forget to pick up some materials to share with friends, family, and neighbors.

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From the Editor:
Maysie's Messages welcomes and encourages all submissions.
The opinions expressed in Maysie's Messages do not necessarily reflect the views of Maysie's Farm Conservation Center.
Send submissions to:
newsletter@maysiesfarm.org or to
Maysie's Farm Conservation Center
15 St. Andrew's Lane
Glenmoore, PA 19343

For more information about Maysie's Farm Conservation Center or Community Supported Agriculture, contact Sam Cantrell at (610) 458-8129, or at either the e-mail or postal address above.
Art Direction/Layout for the paper newsletter: Lisa Henry Lacek
Editor: Colleen Cranney
Webmaster: Amy Guskin

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