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Pennypack Pickings
Volume 7, Issue 11
June 20, 2009
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Pennypack Farm & Education Center
685 Mann Road, Horsham, PA 19044
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Campfire - Monday, June 22 - 7:00pm
S'mores fixings are provided but bring you own s'more stick.
Work Day at the Farm - July 3 (4th of July Holiday)
Again this year, many of the farmers will be taking off for the July 4 holiday. We could definitely use help, especially in the morning hours, with the harvest and getting things ready for the CSA pick up. If you have the day off, this is a great way to contribute towards your share duty and help with farm operations. Last year we had over 25 people come to the farm on the 4th and harvested several hundred pounds of potatoes!
Feel free to show up in the morning hours, when its cooler, as early as 630 am and anytime thereafter until 1 or 2 in the afternoon. Those of us who will be on vacation, as well as those who will be here, will appreciate your help!
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Announcing a New Way to Join the Farm!
Clarification on the new way to join the farm:
There has been lots of interest from families on the CSA waitlist and others in the community to join the farm and be able to make purchases from the Local Foods Market.
And, as with any new program, there has been some confusion.
There are 2 membership levels:
Basic : $20.00
Recommended: $50.00
(includes a bunch of fresh herbs each time you come to shop)
- Membership are for the calendar year.
- You may buy anything in the Market (see the expanding list below) with the exception of eggs (our chickens don't produce enough to meet the demand from our CSA members).
- Pennypack Farm produce is NOT sold in the market. Our produce is all grown and harvested for our CSA members only...Sorry!
- You may shop as many time per week as you desire. Hours are Monday, Wednesday ,Friday 2:30- 7:30pm.
Many thanks for all of your enthusiasm.
Margot Bradley - Program Coordinator
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Farm Notes June 16, 2009
From Farmer Fred
What is a WWOOFer?
Pennypack Farm depends on a wide range of volunteer helpers - from interested individuals to corporate community service teams, from retirees to high school students. One of the most interesting and far-flung category of volunteer is the WWOOFer. Those initials stand for "World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms."
"Will work for food and the experience" could be their motto.
Founded in the United Kingdom in 1971, WWOOF today places thousands of volunteers on farms worldwide. Volunteer stays can range from a few days to a few months. The organization provides a list of farms, and individuals who subscribe to the list make their own arrangements with the hosts. Participants run the gamut in age, farming experience, and personal goals. Pennypack Farm typically hosts several WWOOFERs each season.
In 2008, we had the enjoyable company of two international travelers, Pete from Australia and, separately, Sylvia from Germany. Both worked with good humor in all kinds of weather conditions to help us complete our spring planting tasks. Pete introduced us to ANZAC biscuits (a kind of national pride cookie!) and Sylvia told us about her experiences growing up in East Germany before the Berlin Wall fell.
Our current crop of WWOOFers seems to represent another trend: college undergraduates who want to get their hands dirty. Bruce is studying at Brandeis University, and Kirsten is from Reed College. Both are working alongside farm staff for 40 hours a week, a tremendous contribution in this busy season. They join in at our daily farm lunch, take on cooking and cleaning chores, and generally amuse us with their energy and conversation.
WWOOFers stay at the home of a board member. Thank you, Susan Curry, for your hospitality! Some traveling WWOOFers even receive taxi service from Susan to the farm. We hope the WWOOFers don't track too much mud into your house!
My wife and I went WWOOFing ourselves, in 2004, for a whole summer in Scotland. It was one of the most fun and interesting experiences of our lives. While Pennypack Farm can't entertain WWOOFers with visits to castles and dancing at ceilidhs, we try to show our visitors a good time. Pennypack Farm's location near Philadelphia and New York appeals to some, and those with a career interest in organic farming can get some insights into the ups and downs of a thriving farm and education enterprise.
If you are interested in a WWOOF vacation yourself, visit the web site wwoof.org.
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HOST A YOUNG FARM VOLUNTEER
One week...or more....
Pennypack Farm benefits enormously every year from young people we call our WWOOFers (see Farmer Fred's notes above).
As you may know, one of Pennypack Farm's biggest problems is the lack of farmer/intern housing. One of the Board Members usually hosts these fine people (ages 20 to 35). Sometimes, more WWOOFers want to come to the farm than we have room for. We seek families who have space and are willing to open their homes to these aspiring farmers.
To host a WWOOFer means:
- Have a guest room with access to a bathroom
- Include them in your breakfast and dinner meals (they have lunch at the farm). Some are vegetarians; some cook.
- Anticipate how to handle muddy shoes. We have never had a WWOOFer who smoked.
- Transportation to and from the farm can be facilitated easily from the Doylestown, Mt. Airy, Jenkintown, or Ambler areas by farmers or farm educator.
- Their farm day is 8:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday - Friday, and sometimes a Saturday Farmer's Market
If you would be willing to host a WWOOFer for one, two, or three weeks anytime this year, please contact Susan Curry (215) 591-1551. You may express your preference for a WWOOFer of a specific gender, age or diet preference. Whenever a new WWOOFer asks if we can accommodate them, I will contact you all to see who can host the person.
Toward increasing small-scale organic farming world wide.
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The Dirt on Education
All education programs are open to the public.
Pre-registration and pre-payment is required.
To register for any program, contact Mike Hobbs at education@pennypackfarm.org or calling 215-646-3943 x3.
Please provide the following
Names of all attendees, including children
Ages of children
Contact name, email and phone
Program name, date and time
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Little Sprouts
New topics for June & July with new times!
10:00am-11:15am or 2:00pm-3:15pmAll morning sessions are filled!
Limited space available in afternoon sessions!Bring your curious preschooler down to the farm! These fun and educational programs are a great time for 3-5 year olds and their grown-up to experience a working vegetable farm in a safe and nurturing atmosphere. Each themed program will include time "being a farmer", reading a story, and doing a craft.
Cost: $5.00/child (over age 2) Preregistration is a must.
Under 2 may tag along free - no craft provided.
Tuesday, June 30 - Insect exploration
Tuesday, July 7 - Water cycle
Tuesday, July 14 - Garden Art
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Back by Popular Demand!
The Playful Chef!!
11:30am - 12:30pm
Ages 3 1/2 - 6 years old
Space is Limited
Does your child like to make snacks and eat yummy foods? Would you like to introduce your picky eater to some new foods? Join Chef Alisa Tammaro as we spend the morning cooking, making crafts and best of all, having fun. Put on a pair of messy clothes, bring your imagination and your appetite then get ready to party!
Preregistration is a MUST!
Cost: $12.00 per child/per class or
$10.00 per child/per class if registering for 4 or more classes
Thursdays
June 30th - Red, White and Blue Lemon Berry Trifle
July 14th - Fruit Pizza
July 21st - Dirt Dessert
July 28th - Garden Vegetable and Pasta Salad
August 18th - Fruit and Yogurt Sundaes
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 Introducing Farmer Andy Hour
4th Thursday of each month
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Join us as we kick off a new series of programs presented by Pennypack Farm's Farm Director, Andy Andrews. During each session Andy will discuss a different topic that is relative to both the farm and a home garden.
Fee: Each program is $10.00/person OR
Register for all 5 for just $45.00
June 25 - Planting and Seeding
Learn about different types of seeds (heirloom, hybrid, etc), how/why the farm chooses its seeds, and which plants benefit from green/hoop-houses. This program will be perfect for curious CSA members and home gardeners.
Registration is required by June 23
July 23 - Organic Pest and Weed Control
Farmer Andy will discuss how to keep garden/farm pests and weeds at bay while walking the farm and identifying the culprits as well as the beneficial insects.
Registration is required by July 21
August 27 - Soil
September 24 - 100 Mile Diet
October 22- Preparing your garden for winter and looking forward to spring
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Cooking Leafy Greens
with Chef Kathy Daddario
Wednesday, June 24
7:00-9:00 p.m.
This class will cover how to buy or pick greens and how to wash and store them. Chef Kathy will demonstrate how to cook the many varieties available today in the markets (and at the farm) and finally, how to incorporate them into very tasty meals for the family. Samples of delicious recipes will be provided.
Pre-registration is required by June 19
Fee: $15.00/person due at time of registration.
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Tomato Canning
with Christina Pirello
Saturday, July 25
10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Pennypack Farm & Education Center is very pleased to invite you to join Christina Pirello, the Emmy Award winning host of the national public television series, 'Christina Cooks,' for a lively tomato canning demonstration.
During this 2-hour class, tomato canning will be demystified and you will go home feeling excited and confident about canning your own summer harvest! Participants will have an opportunity to take home a can of tomatoes preserved during the program.
Go to www.christinapirello.org for more information about Christina.
Pre-registration is required by July 10.
Fee: $30.00/person due at time of registration.
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 "Wildman" Steve Brill
Tuesday, August 18
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Naturalist-Author "Wildman" Steve has been leading foraging tours in parks throughout the Northeast since 1982. Kids & grown-ups alike are welcome to sign-up, e-mail Mike Hobbs at education@pennypackfarm.org
Cost: $20.00/adults $10.00/children
Come learn with the best about the native edible foods that are growing in your own backyard!
Click here to visit "Wildman" Steve's website for more information.
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 Birthday Parties at the Farm
CELEBRATE YOUR CHILD'S SPECIAL DAY WITH PENNYPACK FARM
If you're looking for a unique, fun and easy way to celebrate your child's next birthday look no further! Celebrate your child's birthday with a farm-theme related birthday party. Spend time exploring the acres of fields, playing games and tasting yummy organically grown veggies.
For more information email education@pennypackfarm.org
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Family Workdays
Every Friday through the summer
(except 7/3)
10:00am - 12:00pm
Looking for a way to fulfill your share volunteer hours? Do you like spending time at the farm with your children? Please join us for family work days in the Edible Classroom. There will be someone on hand to lead the work but a to-do list is also hanging inside the shed.
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Weekly Harvest
lettuce
kohlrabi
broccoli
assorted greens
assorted herbs
kale
collards
turnips
zucchini/summer squash
upick
peas
raspberries
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Volunteers
Wanted
Campfire Storytellers
& Musicians needed.
Volunteers needed to make potluck dishes for Sunday Suppers. Recipes and ingredients provided.
Contact Janice Blades if you can help with either of these opportunities.
janice.blades@gmail.com
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Save the Dates
Potluck Supper
Sunday, June 28, 5:30pm
Please
join us for the season's first potluck dinner! Bring a dish to share
as well as your family's plate, cup, flatware, napkin and beverage.
Sunday, June 28th at 5:30pm at Pennypack. Rain date Monday, June 29th
at 5:30pm. Bison Burger
& Tomato Tasting
Dinner
Saturday, July 25
6:00pm
Join us for grilled Bison Burgers and farm tomatoes. Bring a potluck dish to share and stay for s'mores.
1st Pennypack Farm
Campout
Friday, July 31Reservations will be taken. Watch the Pickings for more details.
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CSA Committee Meetings
The members of the CSA Committee welcome anyone to attend our meetings. The Committee is a wonderful way to get involved in the Farm community.
All meetings at 7pm
Thursday, July 9
date change due to holiday
Thursday, August 6
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Local Foods Market - Product List
Every week you will see here a complete list of products available in the local foods market. Bring your appetite and cash or checks at your weekly pick-up. Prices can vary.
Click on a suppliers name to link to their website.
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 Pictured here is Rod Wieder, the Backyard Bison farmer. The response from most people when you say you buy local bison at the farm is "Where are there bison around here?" Check out the Backyard Bison website for all the details about this local Bison farm in Upper Bucks County. And next time you're at the farm, buy some ground bison or bison burgers. |
Eggs, Cheese & Dairy
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Pennypack Farm
Fresh eggs from the hens you know!
Lancaster Farm Fresh
Apple Tree chevre, garlic herb
Apple Tree chevre, plain
Hope Springs baby swiss
Hope Springs Sharp Cheddar
Misty Creek Hard goat cheddar
Noble Cave aged cheddar - Special 10% off
Herbal Jack
Toy Cow Black Cherry Yogurt
Toy Cow Blueberry Yogurt
Seven Stars Dairy
7 Stars: lowfat maple yogurt
7 Stars: Plain Yogurt
Flint Hill Farm
Goat Yogurt (like kefir)
Special Mozzarella (limited quantities)
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Meat & Poultry
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Backyard Bison
Bison, ground
Bison: stew cubes
Bison, bugers
Griggstown Farm Market
Chicken, basil and tomato sausage
Chicken, broccoli rabe sausage
Chicken, mozzarella and basil sausage
Chicken, white wine and garlic sausage
Chicken, spinach and feta sausage
Ground Turkey
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Fruits & Vegetables
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Lancaster Farm Fresh
Golden Delicious Apples
Cremini Mushrooms
Portabello Mushrooms
Green Valley Organics
New Red Potatoes
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Breads & Treats
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Metropolitan Bakery - We are increasing the quantity of bread ordered to meet the high demand.
Organic Spelt
Rosemary Olive Oil
Whole Wheat Baguette
Whole Wheat Sandwich
Granola 12 oz
Granola bars
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Pantry & Other
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Lancaster Farm Fresh
Honey: raw
Maple Syrup
Bobbi's
Garlic Hummus
Mild Garlic Hummus
Jalapeno Hummus
Kauffman's
Kauffman's Cider; 1/2 gallon
Sarah's Savories
Vrapple |
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