The Newton Farmer
February 2022
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Dear Farm friends,
With the giant snowstorm this past weekend, it's difficult to believe that it's time to start signing up for spring and summer programs at the Farm! While we shovel out, I'm dreaming of sugar snap peas straight off the vine and warm summer days in the sun. We've been planning terrific kids' education programs, which include two school vacation week morning programs, after-school classes, and our summer offerings for kids. For more details and to register, check out our website. And the Summer CSA enrollment period has begun, which means delicious vegetables cannot be too far behind! Check out what Community Supported Agriculture is all about and our application schedule.
I hope you are doing well as we start the second half of winter and enjoying reading good books, which is my favorite wintertime hobby. I'm finishing up Birdology, an interesting work of nonfiction about bird behavior by Sy Montgomery that Farmer Greg lent me and The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson, an insightful exploration of Black migration from the South to other parts of the U.S. that was recommended to me by one of our NCF Board members. See below for more reading suggestions, and don't forget to stop by our Little Free Library on Winchester Street near the farm stand to get books and leave books to share.
With gratitude,
Sue Bottino
Executive Director
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Register for February School Break Program |
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February Break - Climate Change for Kids
February 21–February 25, 9:00–11:30 am for ages 7–12, $250
In a small-group setting, students will build their own weather instruments and perform experiments and demonstrations that show the important role that plants play in reducing carbon in the atmosphere, as well as design landform models to see how different weather affects a variety of landscapes. We will see how climate change affects our Farm and the surrounding land, using our space as a living laboratory to explore the changing world around us.
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The application period has started for our 2022 Summer CSA program. We offer the equivalent of 80 weekly shares of sustainably grown, fresh vegetables and herbs, and applicants can select either an alternate weekly share with pickups every other week for $391 or a weekly share for $725. The program is planned for June 1 through October 12, but the start date depends on weather and other growing considerations. Pickups are at the Farm on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2–7 pm and may need to be scheduled in advance, depending on Covid safety protocols. NCF donates unclaimed shares.
Application and Payment:
Forms and checks must be received at NCF by the due date. An applicant must be a current Friend of the Farm. You are automatically a FoF if you made a donation of $50 or more since November 1, 2021. Click here to make a nonrefundable donation.
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Dates:
Phase 1a: January 24–February 6 (due date) for Returning Summer 2021 CSA Sharers
Application form was sent by email.
Phase 1b: January 24–February 6 (due date) for Late Fall 2021 CSA Sharers
Late Fall 2021 CSA sharers will be enrolled after returning Summer 2021 CSA sharers if there are spaces remaining. Application form was sent by email.
Phase 1c: February 7–February 14 (due date) for 2021 waiting-list names
NCF will contact individuals on the 2021 Summer CSA waiting list. They will have until Sunday, February 14, to submit a completed application with payment to the Farm.
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Phase 2: February 7–February 27 (due date) for Newton Residents
The application link for Newton residents will be on our website at 10 am on February 7. At the end of Phase 2, NCF will hold a lottery to select as many new participants as we have shares available. The lottery will be random, with no preference given for when the application is received before the due date. To participate in the lottery, we must receive your application along with payment. (CSA checks will be returned to those who we cannot accommodate.) Please note you must be a current Friend of the Farm to apply for the CSA. Donations are not refundable. We will notify all applicants by Tuesday, March 1, as to whether or not they were selected in the lottery. Anyone who does not get in during Phase 2 may sign up for the 2022 waiting list.
Phase 3: February 28 until full for Newton Residents and General Public
If there are remaining shares available after Phase 2, we will accept applications from Newton and non-Newton residents on a first-come, first-served basis until we are full. Phase 3 will end when all of the shares are sold. Applicants who do not get a share in the 2022 program by the end of Phase 3 (or March 14, whichever comes later) may sign up for the 2022 waiting list.
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Upcoming Education Programs |
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Registration is open on our website for spring and summer education programs for kids. Preregistration is required. Scholarships are available.
Our classes are small so sign up before we fill up!
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Spring After-School Program
Wednesdays, 1:30–3:30 pm, two sessions of seven classes each in March–June for ages 5–12, cost $280 per session
Join us to plant seeds in the Learning Garden, uncover the hidden world beneath our feet, conduct experiments with plants, and spend time with the chickens.
Spring Break in the Garden
April 19–22, 9–11:30 am for ages 5–12, cost $200
Young gardeners will help prepare our Learning Garden, plant seeds and seedlings, and observe creatures emerging from their winter rest.
Summer Classes on the Farm
July 5–September 2, mornings 9–11:30 am for ages 5–8 or afternoons 1:30–4 pm for ages 8–12, cost $250 per week (We offer flexibility with the age groupings so please let us know if you would like to keep siblings or other peers together and we will try to accommodate requests.)
Calling all future farmers, scientists, chefs, naturalists, and gardeners! Join us to discover boundless connections between our food, each other, and the natural world. We will explore a different garden-based theme each week on topics like life cycles, the food system, and garden creatures, as well as learning gardening skills. We'll create a garden snack during each class to enjoy. We hold classes in our Learning Garden as well as the larger farm, giving kids valuable time in a natural space that they can call their own.
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Black History Month: Recommended Reading |
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In honor of Black History Month, we put together a selection of books concerning the intersection of Black history, farming, and food. These works are a combination of references, histories, cookbooks, and memoirs. They can help inform our understanding of how racism has manifested itself in the food system throughout history, and how generations overcame those barriers in defining the modern farming world. These readings can start ongoing conversations, reflections, and actions.
Over the next few months we will feature these and other books in our book reviews. If you have suggestions for books you would like to see highlighted or if you would like to submit a book review, please reach out to sue@newtoncommunityfarm.org.
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NCF is hiring an Assistant Grower for the 2022 growing season. We are seeking an individual who is passionate about local, sustainable agriculture and working in a community-oriented environment. The ideal candidate will be hard-working, creative, self-motivated, and excited to work with the public.
The assistant grower is involved in all aspects of farm operations and reports directly to the farm manager. The assistant grower works with the farm manager in determining CSA harvest, works occasionally with the director of education to integrate education programs and/or group visits into the farm, and helps staff, in conjunction with the farm manager, to manage our weekly farmers’ market booth. Other primary responsibilities include greenhouse work, planting and harvesting, weeding, and field prep using our walking tractors. In addition, the assistant grower takes a lead role in engaging with volunteers and overseeing the farm stand.
This is a physically demanding job requiring the ability to lift, bend, squat, kneel, etc., and do so in all weather conditions. We are looking for candidates with two seasons of farm experience or more, a valid driver’s license, and a good driving record.
For more details including information on how to apply, visit our website.
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Newton Community Farm is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, EIN #20-2482452. If you would prefer to donate by mail, please send a check payable to Newton Community Farm at the address below. Don't forget to ask your employer if matching funds are available. |
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NEWTON COMMUNITY FARM
303 Nahanton Street
Newton, MA 02459
617-916-9655
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