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Pennypack Pickings
Volume 7, Issue 15
July 18, 2009
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Pennypack Farm & Education Center
685 Mann Road, Horsham, PA 19044
Hosted by The College Settlement of Philadelphia
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Quick Picks
Local Foods Market Tasting & Potluck Dinner
Saturday, July 25, 5:30pm
Join us for a potluck dinner and lots of great local food! $2.00 suggested donation per person. Bring a potluck dish to share and your friends & family. Sign up in the harvest house.
On the menu - Bison Burgers from Backyard Bison, Pennypack Tomatoes, Beef Hot Dogs from Hendricks, Portobello Mushrooms from Lancaster Farm Fresh.
Pennypack Campout - Last Call!
Friday, July 31, 5:30pm
Registration extended to July 22. Only a few spots left. Please email Janice Blades, janice.blades@gmail.com, to register. Include names of all campers and ages of all children. $15.00 per person due at time of registration. Raindate is August 1.
Education Reminder
Pennypack Farm offers a diverse selection of classes and workshops throughout the season and we hope you have an opportunity to participate. Please remember the following when registering for any programs.
Pre-registration and pre-payment is required
To register, send an email to education@pennypackfarm.org
or call 215-646-3943 x3
Please provide the following info when registering:
Names of all attendees, including children
Ages of children
Contact name, email and phone
Note: The registation deadlines for Canning with Christina and "Wildman" Steve Brill are July 20th. See details for all programs below.
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Farm Notes from Farmer Fred
July 13, 2009
At Pennypack Farm we do not use chemical pesticides. However, under organic management, many safe and effective pest controls are available to us. That's a good thing because we have plenty of insect pests. Some of them are so widespread and abundant that crop rotation and the use of fabric barriers are insufficient or impractical.
One of our worst pests is the Mexican Bean Beetle, a critter that looks like a drab lady beetle as an adult. Its larval stage, which does the damage, adheres to the underside of the leaves of the bean plant like a little spiny yellow wart. In past years they have defoliated our mid- and late-season bean crops. This year we are making a renewed and more careful effort to fight them with a parasitic wasp called Pediobius. This tiny wasp, barely visible to the naked eye, lays eggs inside the bean beetle larvae and kills them. We purchased the Pediobius from a lab in New Jersey, and made two releases, timed at the appearance of the Mexican Bean Beetle. So far our tiny friends seem to be helping.
We are trying a similar tactic with leafminers, a tiny caterpillar that tunnels inside the leaves of the beet, chard, and spinach plants. Here also we have released a parasitic wasp called Diglyphus, a wasp that specializes in eating the leafminer larva. Unfortunately our timing was off and the leafminers got a big head start; we hope to get some relief by the time our fall plantings of beets, chard, and spinach are up.
Another class of organic control is the naturally occurring bacterial diseases of insects. One such bacteria is called Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt), applied as a spray, to control caterpillars on cabbage family leaves. Bt was first discovered in 1911. A newer bacterial ally is the active agent in Spinosad, which is especially effective against Colorado Potato Beetle larva. Saccharopolyspora spinosa was allegedly discovered in a soil sample taken at a defunct Caribbean rum distillery by a scientist on vacation in 1982. (Then I hope he went back on vacation and drank a mojito.)
Yet another arrow in our quiver is a patented hybrid fungus that forms beneficial associations with the roots of plants in the cucumber family. Trichoderma harzianum (our ally) directly attacks root-damaging fungi. Fungal attacks typically cause cucumber, squash, and melon plants to wilt almost overnight. The good fungus comes as a powder that we put in solution and soak the rootballs before transplanting. This year we have seen far less of the fungal wilts.
At Pennypack Farm, I like to think we are not at war with nature; we just have occasional disagreements!
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Looking for Leaders
Dear Pennypack Farm members and supporters,
The
Board of Pennypack Farm & Education Center wants to add several new
members to the team. Please look to see if you, or if someone you
know, should be invited to join the Board of our organization.
Pennypack
Farm is a young, fast-growing organization. This is our 7th year of
operations, and those who have been with our farm for a couple of years
can see the year to year growth and expansion and improvement of our
programs! This requires active participation by board members. Our
board provides oversight to the organization, but in addition, many of
our activities are organized by board members. We are a working board
- not just an oversight body! Our current board is made up of
enthusiastic people who are hands-on in practically every way to make
this farm a thriving success.
We are looking for people with a variety of talents - including:
Organizational Leadership in the not-for-profit sector
Administration and Management
Development and Fund Raising
Education and Community Outreach
Farming (sustainable or conventional)
Marketing and Sales
Media Publicity and Public Relations
Open space issues, environmentalism
If
you enjoy and are somewhat skilled and experienced in any of these
areas, please contact me and let's discuss how you can become part of
the team that runs the farm! The process for joining the Board: if
you're interested in joining, or you know of someone we should consider
-- Call or email the board president, Harm Scherpbier at 215-540-9001
or email at president@pennypackfarm.org.
Several Board members
will meet with the candidate. We'll tell more about the organization
and the functioning of our board, the tasks and expectations, and how
we run the farm. Candidates will tell us about their interests, skills
and talents, and motivation to join the board. After we share
information both ways, we'll jointly decide if it's a good fit and take
it from there.
So: please let us know if you're interested -
we're a good team working on a great mission, and we would welcome you
"On Board"!
I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
Harm Scherpbier
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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, send an email to education@pennypackfarm.org or call 215-646-3943 x3.
Please provide the following
Name of program
Names of all attendees, including children
Ages of children
Contact name, email and phone
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 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: $10.00 per person/per program
Email - education@pennypackfarm.org
July 23 - Organic Pest & 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.
Future Topics:
August 27 - Preparing Your Garden for Winter and Looking Forward to Spring
September 24 - 100 Mile Diet
October 22 - Soil
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Registration deadline extended to July 20
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 20
Fee: $30.00/person due at time of registration.
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Essential Oils
More than Aromatherapy
Monday, August 3
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Susie
Beiler will help you to discover a powerful therapeutic modality to
incorporate into your holistic lifestyle. Learn how to use essential
oils in your home, in your body, and with your children and pets. You
will experience the oils through smelling them during the presentation
and learn the differences in quality of oils and how to choose the
best.
Registration is required by July 27
Fee: $12.00/person
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Sugar Workshop
Monday, August
10
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Presented by Susie Beiler. Are you
addicted to sugar? Add sweetness into your life! Learn the harmful
effects of refined sugars and artificial sweeteners in your body.
Incorporate healthy (chemical-free) natural sweeteners into your
lifestyle. Understand your cravings, empower yourself to live an
extraordinary life by adding sweetness to your life!
Registration is
required by August 3
Fee: $12.00/person |
Registration deadline is July 20
 "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, send an e-mail to 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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Composting 101
Thursday, August 20
7:00 -8:30 p.m.
Composting your yard and kitchen waste is an easy, thrifty way to both dispose of organic waste and feed and nurture your soil. Compost feeds your plants, improves soil texture and improves its ability to retain moisture.
Do you want to know how to make compost, without fear of odor, ooze or pests? This presentation will answer your questions.
Presented by Kathleen Geist, former Organic Recycling Educator the for Penn State Cooperative Extension, Montgomery County. Kathleen was known as the "Compost Queen" or the "Agent of Decay," and she taught thousands of happy County residents the basics of composting.
Cost: $10.00/per person
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Little Sprouts - Summer Session
10:00am-11:15am
Morning sessions only - Space is limited
Children ages 3-5 will enjoy this time on the farm with their favorite grown-up. Each themed session includes a story, craft and farm activity.
Cost: $5.00/child (over age 2) Preregistration is a must.
Under 2 may tag along free - no craft provided.
Tuesdays
July 28 - Fun with the Food System
August 4 - Berry bonanza
August 11 - Melon madness
August 25 - Garden Creatures
Note: no class on August 18
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 The Playful Chef
Food, Crafts, Fun!
11:30am - 12:30pm
(right after Little Sprouts)
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!
Pre-registration & advance payment is a MUST!
Cost: $12.00 per child/per class or
$10.00 per child/per class if registering for 4 or more classes
Tuesdays
July 21st - Dirt Dessert
July 28th - Garden Vegetable and Pasta Salad
August 18th - Fruit and Yogurt Sundaes
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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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Weekly Harvest
lettuce
carrots
beets
kohlrabi
basil
parsley
fennel
onions
collards
kale
turnips
cucumber
zucchini
summer squash
cabbage
upick
snap beans
blackberries (late in the week or next)
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Sampson the
Farm Cat
Sampson the Farm Cat
Needs a Home
Many of you may know Sampson,
the farm cat.
He lived at the farm last year, was taken home by one of
our CSA shareholders over the winter and spring and has returned to the
farm. He is a great cat, but we feel he would be happier in his own
home. If you might be interested in adopting Sampson, please contact
Andy at the farm or pennypackfarm@gmail.com
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FOOD, INC.
Playing at Ambler Theater
Starting Friday, July 17
I
was driving to work one morning, listening to NPR, and heard a story
about the upcoming movie "Food, Inc.". Featuring Joel Salatin, the
famous farmer at Polyface Farm in Virginia, and Michael Pollan, author
of Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food. These are the rock stars
in the world of sustainable local farming and healthy food!! The topic
of the movie is to expose the food industry with it's cost to health,
environment, animals, and the people who work in it. Clearly, this
movie will be preaching to the choir for you all, but it's still great
to see how there is increasing mind-share of locally grown healthy
food. And it feels good to be affirmed in our conviction that we're
part of the up and coming thing!
Harm
FOOD, INC. is an alarming documentary that lifts the veil on the questionable
practices of the U.S. food industry. For show
times: http://amblertheater.org
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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.
Next meeting
Thursday, August 6
7:00pm
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Hazardous Waste
Collection
Montgomery County
Click here for complete details.
August 8th
Abington High School
Abington
October 24th
Lower Merion Transfer Station
Narberth
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Local Foods Market - Product List
Every week you will see here a list of products available in the local foods market. Bring your appetite and cash or checks at your weekly pick-up. Prices and selections can vary.
Click on a suppliers name to link to their website.
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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
Linden Dale Farm
Goat Feta
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Meat & Poultry
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Pennypack Farm
Broilers
Liver/heart packs
Neck packs
Backyard Bison
Bison, ground
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
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Breads & Treats
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Metropolitan Bakery
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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