The Highlands

With the opening of a new farm at The Highlands, Pennypack Farm & Education Center entered a new chapter in 2013!  The two Pennypack Farms - Horsham and The Highlands - each had a full roster of CSA members.  Each week, rain or shine (and even more rain!), you came to pick up your fresh, local, organically-grown produce. We now serve more than 500 member families, and the new farm at The Highlands has also allowed us to expand our educational activities (more than 4,700 people served) and increase our donations to local food banks (more than 5,000 pounds).

We started our farm manager apprentice program, which helps to educate young farmers on the many aspects of farming and farm management. We held our first Farm-to-Table fundraising dinner, all prepared by local chefs and farm friends to rave reviews. From the quinoa-stuffed heirloom tomatoes to roasted beet pannacotta, it was a meal to remember!

Susan Curry

At the 10th Anniversary Localicious event held in September, we honored farm founder Susan Curry as both our Sustainable Living Leader and Volunteer of the Year. More than 175 people attended the celebration, and helped to raise more than $20,000.  We met our challenge grant from the Arcadia Foundation and received an in-kind grant from IKEA, which helped to furnish our new offices and apprentice housing.

2013 was a busy and successful, and we have big plans for the coming year: putting in the Edible Classroom at The Highlands, expanding education programs, planting more berries (be sure to get your berry gifts!), and more! Thank you for your support throughout the last year, and we look forward to another wonderful year!

The farm's Board of Directors is pleased to welcome three new board members Kim Reese, Michele LaRocca and Rosanna Tedesco.

Kim Reese has been an active member of the farm's CSA for 2 years. She teaches mathematics at Pennridge High School. Kim is interested in helping the farm develop our on-farm education programs.

Michele LaRocca is a Wells Fargo advisor in Philadelphia. This year, Michele volunteered to help organize the Localicious dinner. She is looking forward to increasing the farm's presence in our community through events and education programs.

Rosanna Tedesco works at GlaxoSmithKline and is a chemist by training. Rosanna is committed to helping kids learn about sustainable agriculture and healthy eating habits.

At our December board meeting a new slate of officers was approved. Beginning in January they will be as follows:

Heather Hahn Sullivan - President

Karen Fread - Vice President

Brian Nardini - Vice President

Ron Frame - Treasurer

Mary Tobkin - Secretary

Heather Hahn Sullivan has been a board member since 2011 and Vice President since 2012. She is an experienced event planner and fundraiser. Heather has a thorough understanding of nonprofits and will help the farm strategically plan for the future of the organization.

We'd like to thank Anthony Spangler for his leadership as president since 2012. He has fulfilled his term in the position but will remain on the board.

The board would like to offer our gratitude to Patrick Druhan for more than 10 years of service on the board. Pat has been on the Board of Directors since the organization's inception. We will miss you at the table!

The success of Pennypack Farm depends upon people passionate about the organization. If you are enthusiastic about our organization, consider getting involved as a volunteer! Just see any staff or board member to find out how!