Wellspring Organic Farm
& Education Center Newsletter
Fall-Winter 2012-2013 Volume 30, Number 3
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Farm to School - Grafton - Taste Testing Squash
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Wellspring Board
and Staff
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Darrell Smith,
President
Chris Ford,
Vice President
Amy Salberg,
Secretary
KC Thorson
Treasurer
Howard Hinterthuer
Joe Mantoan
Joanne Olsen
William Sims
Angela Rester
Executive Director
Will Moyer
Farm Manager
Mary Ann Ihm
Conference &
Hospitality
Coordinator/Founder
Francie Szostak
Education Coordntr.
Heather Hall
Asst. Farm Manager
Pat Brooks
Grounds Keeper
Michelle Juech
Housekeeper
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Wellspring Contacts
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Executive Director
wellspringed@aol.com
262-488-4747
Asst. Farm Manager
wellspringcsa@gmail.com 262-944-1687
Education Coordinator
wellspringeducation@gmail.com 847-946-5565
Conference & Hospitality Coord.
wellspring@hnet.net
262-675-6755
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Find us on Facebook and Pinterest!
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2013 CSA Now Available! Save money before
Dec. 27 | |
Sign up before December 27 and get 2012 pricing!
Our web site will be updated shortly for online registration. If you sign up for the 20 or 10 week CSA program before Dec. 27 you will receive it at 2012 rates on the share price. The only increase you will experience is the small delivery increase (if applicable - free if picking up at farm) and small increase in egg share pricing. Sorry folks, chicken feed and gas prices deem an increase. After Dec. 27 share prices increase by $15 for the full 20 week share and $10 for the half share of 10 weeks. That's only $1 to 75 cents more per week and helps us with additional soil amendments, irrigation, etc. Share Prices Before Dec. 27
Full Share - $495
Half Share - $305
Community Share - $455
Dec. 27 and thereafter
Full Share - $510 Half Share - $315 Community Share - $470 All delivery sites and times will be the same as 2012. Delivery Fees West Bend $51 Full/$22.50 Half Grafton, Cedarburg, Mequon, Thiensville, Menomonee Falls $78 Full/$39 Half Milwaukee and Wauwatosa $105 Full/$52.50 Egg Share
Egg share will be $1 more ($80 for 20 weeks and $40 for 10 weeks) If you wish to participate in the installment program then half is due by Dec. 31 and 25% by Jan. 31 and final 25% by March 31. For more information or to sign up over phone with credit card please contact: (262) 675-6755
or mail payment to 4382 Hickory Rd., West Bend, WI 53090 (your check saves us credit card fees :)
On-line payment should be available at our web site by Dec. 10. |
| Wish List for Wellspring | |
Wellspring has a list for
you and Santa too!
-Sunflower seeds, bunting mix, and suet for our winter birds
-Garbage bags-13 & 33 gal. size
-Toilet paper
-Garden hand trowels
-Car Port, Tent or Canopy 20'x30'or larger
-Pick-up truck or van in good condition
-12,000 BTU air conditioner for Coldbot Cooler
-Stacking chairs/good condition for use in conference facility
-Conference tables/the skinnier style
-Heavier duty Earthway Spreader to distribute
amendments to soil
-Lots of Wellspring Friends & Supporters & Sponsors for
our programs and events!
All donations are tax deductible as defined by law regarding 501(c)3 organizations
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| Pancake Breakfast to Support Intern Caleb | | Serious injuries lead to help needed for dental work
 Our wonderful 2013 Intern Caleb unfortunately had a serious accident about 3 weeks ago and though he now has a job "living his dream" in sustainable agriculture, he doesn't have dental insurance and with a broken jaw and many broken teeth, broken patella and arm, some extra support is necessary. Help a farmer! Join us for pancakes and a silent auction Sunday, Dec. 9 - West Bend - 9-10:30 a.m. More info at Support Caleb or call us at 262-675-6755. Make the drive, come help out Caleb! |
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Dear Wellspring Friend,
I can't begin to tell you how exciting it is to be part of a dynamic organization with talented, passionate and committed staff and a board of directors and volunteers who continue to grow our programs so that we can fulfill our mission and support to you and others in the community!
We so value your commitment to good food, to teaching the next generation of organic farmers and gardeners, to advocating for policy changes that support the environment and our planet Earth and encourage increased consumption of healthy and nutritious foods for all.
We have a lot of change happening....all good! Our Farm Manager Alissa has now moved on to farm on her own. Once again, Wellspring is fulfilling it's mission as our farm managers and interns venture out on their own! This really is no small feat and we are grateful that Wellspring relationships and the opportunity to hone her skills have led to this great opportunity for a talented Alissa!
Farm Manager Will Moyer will begin in January but he is already working on crop plans and seed orders and more! Will comes to us from Michigan after a national search with outstanding candidates. We will have more info later on to help you learn about Farmer Will!
Intern Heather is now officially Assistant Farm Manager Heather! We are fortunate to have her energy, enthusiasm, work ethic and talent as part of our talented team! She is already doing lots to "feed our soil" to ensure better growing and nutritious food for you in 2013.
So, I know you are getting all kinds of end-of-year requests from area non-profits. I truly hope that each of you will do whatever you can to support Wellspring in your end-of-year giving or at the beginning of 2013, as your means allow. I know that Wellspring is earning every dollar of support...your investment, as we continue to deliver exceptional educational programming, grow nutritious organic food AND provide the opportunity for anyone to learn to grow their own food from containers to backyards to hobby farm and bigger! We are proactively engaged in Farm to School, permaculture, creating a Wisconsin Food Policy Council, educating future farmers and serving as a catalyst to strengthening our local food system and the possible development of a food hub.
Please consider our wish list, Friends Supporting Membership and other donations.
2012 was a tough year! Though we grew great food, the drought took its toll on many of our fall crops when the transplants couldn't survive. We invested in infrastructure to keep water flowing, to kill off pests that were prolific after a mild winter, and we lost over $10,000 in revenue due to less produce at Farmers Markets and having to reduce the number of Winter Shares made available. Your financial support and other gifts are critical for us and no gift is either too large OR too small....everything adds up!
I hope we have earned your trust and support and that you feel good about being a part of an organization that is doing MORE than just growing great food!
Thank you in advance for ANY support you can give to us!
Click here to go to our website to make a donation via electronic check, payment from your PayPal account or use of any credit card through this secure online process.
On behalf of our staff, interns, volunteers, board of directors and all the young people that benefit from your gifts that subsidize their learning - MANY thanks!
Angela Rester
Executive Director
PS - 2013 CSA program has been finalized. Please see the sidebar for initial information and as a past shareholder sign up by Dec. 27 to have NO increase in the shareholder fees for 2013! |
FOOD LABELING - Our Right to Know | | Despite the efforts of many groups and individuals, California Proposition 37 (LA Times story) lost by a narrow 4% margin on November 6th. However, the issue has become better known and will not go away. Proposition 37 in brief summary - Requires labeling of food sold to consumers made from plants or animals with genetic material changed in specified ways. Prohibits marketing such food, or other processed food, as "natural."
"50 countries with over 40% of the world's population already label genetically engineered foods, including the entire European Union. Even China labels genetically engineered foods" according to labelsGMO.org.
San Juan County, Washington State, passed a resolution that makes it unlawful to grow plants or animals that have been genetically modified and provides penalties and destruction of such
organisms.
The FDA is being pressured to have GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) food labeled as such. Citizens have a right to know. Sixty other countries have fought for and won this basic right,
yet here in the US we continue to let corporate money corrupt our food.
Through strong grassroot support, hopefully we will eventually have GMO foods labeled They contain pesticides and genes from unrelated species that effect our health and we have no way of
knowing what's causing the problem.
It is reported that big corporations that gain from these contaminated foods spent millions on a negative campaign that confused voters with outright lies. If these companies think their GMO foods are safe, why wouldn't they be proud to label them as such? What are they hiding?
Consumers have a right to know what they are buying in the grocery store. Meanwhile, buying food directly from farmers through CSA farms (Community Supported Agriculture) and local
farmers' markets or buying organic in grocery stores is the safest practice to protect your health.
In fact, studies have been done that show that pesticides found in the blood of little children, disappears when the child eats strictly organic foods. Studies have also found pesticides affect the cognitive development of children. Click here for more information.
Wellspring wants to give kudos to Dr. Bronner Magic Soap for their commitment and financial support to Proposition 37. |
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Buy Local This Holiday Season!
Gift Ideas from Wellspring:
1. Gift certificates any amount for use at Farmers Market, classes, hostel or B&B, field trip for classroom, home school group, or youth group OR 2013 CSA Shareholder
2. An overnight for two in Wellspring's B&B - $75
3. The gift of a cooking class at Wellspring - $25
4. A private home garden consultation by a veteran organic gardener - $75 (within 40 miles of Wellspring - 1.5 hr. consult)
5. The Wellspring Story!
Founder Mary Ann Ihm tells the story of Wellspring and its first 30 years in a beautiful book with lots of photos.
All proceeds help build the endowment fund for Wellspring. $30 plus shipping and handling ($4.25) & WI sales tax ($1.68)
For all gifts, please contact:
(262) 675-6755
or email
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| Wellspring at Winter Farm Market in Port Washington | | |
Buy Your Greens & More in Port
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. you can find local and fresh food at the Port Washington Winter Farmers Market. Pick up organically grown Wellspring produce such as herbs, kale, arugula, onions, radishes, and much more! Click here to visit the web site to learn dates, location and more! We hope to see you there to support our winter growing for you!
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Support Wellspring - Invest in What You Believe!
RESPONSE FORM
Name _______________________________________________ Phone (H)______________________________
Address ____________________________________________________ (W)______________________________
City_____________________________________Zip______________ Email ________________________________
_____ I want to be a Friend of Wellspring. Enclosed is my contribution.
_____ I want to buy a copy of The Wellspring Story:The First 30 Years. $________ enclosed.
_____ I want to make a tax deductible donation to Wellspring:
_____Education/Farm to School Programs _____ Agricorps Youth Program
_____ Farmer Intern Training Program _____ Farm Equipment
_____ Used vehicle fund to replace truck _____ Area of greatest need (It's up to you.)
_____ Contact me to sponsor Taste of Wellspring, Dog Easter Egg Hunt, AGRI-Culture Fest
_____ I would like to underwrite a program. Please contact me.
_____ I want to stay overnight or learn more about holding an event (wedding, birthday, anniversary, etc., or conference at Wellspring.
Phone Mary Ann or email to make a reservation. (262) 675-6755; wellspring@hnet.net.
Make checks payable to Wellspring 4382 Hickory Rd. West Bend, WI 53090-8800
VISA and Master card accepted to make safe, secure online donations at our web site.
Stay informed! Visit our web site or Facebook page (link is on website)
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| Wellspring Programs and Event Calendar | | | Since its beginning thirty years ago Wellspring has been offering educational programs to the public. Now with Francie, our full time Education Coordinator on staff, we have many more programs throughout the year for people of all ages and interests. Highlights from the early 2013 event calendar are listed below. Click here for a full 2013 event calendar or visit www.wellspringinc.org to learn more and register
CALENDAR - 2013
Fair Trade Chocolate Cooking Class
February 7th, 6-8:30 pm
Join us in learning the history of the chocolate industry and the importance for consumers to purchase fairly sourced products. Steve Wallace of Omanhene Chocolate and Chef KC Thorson will lead cooking demos and tastings of an all chocolate menu while sharing insights about the world of chocolate. Omanhene fairly sourced chocolate will also be available for sale.
Cost: $20 before 2/4, $25 after
Cheese making workshop with Linda Conroy
April 6- 10 am - 3 pm
Learn the art of cheese making! Hands on lessons, take home cheese, cultures and extensive handouts.
Cost: $70 - includes lunch and cheese and cultures to take home before 4/3, $80 after
Dog Easter Egg Hunt Fundraiser - April 7, 2-4 pm
Leashed dogs and their owners will hunt for dog treats and prizes on Wellspring's 36 acres of trails, woods, meadows, ponds, Milwaukee river and natural habitat. Organic dog treats. Cost: $15 in advance; $25 day of. 2 dogs same family $25 advance & $45 day of.
Home Gardening Class: Preparing Your Garden for Spring
April 13th, 9-11 am
Learn how to create raised beds, how to prepare your soil for spring planting and which plants can be started in your garden.
Cost: $25 till 4/10, $30 after
Seed Savers Workshop
April 20th, - 1-4 pm
Seed Savers Exchange leads a hands on seed saving workshop. Learn the importance of preserving genetic heritages, well as wet and dry seed saving techniques. Cost: $30 until 4/15, $40 after
Seasonal Produce Cooking Class - Featuring Asparagus
May 9th - 6-8pm
Learn to prepare produce at its' peak! Chef KC Thorson lead demos, tastings and tips. Wine served and recipes to take home.
Cost: $25 till 5/6 - $30 after
Container Gardening Workshop
May 18th 9-11 am
Who says you need a large yard to grow your own food! Learn principles for growing a successful container garden. Bring your own container, and go home with a garden.
Cost: $35 till 5/13, $45 after Includes soil and seedlings.
-$20 per additional household members. (For those sharing a container)
Preschoolers and Parents Farm Days
May 29 - 9:30 - 10:45 am
Ages 2-5 welcome
Plant seeds, play nature-based games, enjoy a garden snack, meet the chickens and learn where our food comes from!
Cost: $5 per child till 5/24, $8 after
Worm Bin Workshop
June 8th - 9-11 am
Learn about vermiculture and how to start a home worm composting system. Hands on demonstrations and create your own worm bin to take home!
Cost: $40 till 6/4, $50 after - Includes portable worm bin and worms
Additional family members - $20/ person (For those sharing one bin)
Spring Preservation - Rhubarb and Strawberries
June 22nd, 9 am - noon
Learn food preservation techniques such as canning, freezing, and dehydrating in this hands on class. Bring home a jar of canned garden goodies - Think strawberry rhubarb jam!
Cost: $30 till 6/17, $35 after
Taste of Wellspring - July 21
AGRI-Culture Fest - October 12 & 13
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Wellspring is a member organization of CSGM, a workplace giving federation that helps build a community that ensures social equity and a healthy environment by connecting donors with issues they are passionate about. Unlike United Way, you can make your gift to Community Shares and DESIGNATE Wellspring as the recipient of your gift. Learn more by clicking here to visit their web site.
If you would like your workplace to know about Community Shares, contact John Jansen at (414) 342-0883
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 | | Our first year doing winter growing! Photo courtesy of � Paul Oemig |
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