CSA for November 3rd

Hi!! This is the last pickup for the season!
We will be getting:

Sweet Potatoes
Peppers
Swiss Chard
Salad Mix
Celery or Chinese Cabbage
Turnips
Red Beets

Extras: Hot Peppers, parsley, tyme and maybe some second peppers

Levi has some ducks for sale at 2.50 a pound if anyone is interested. I will need to know by 2 pm today!
Also Apples, Winter squash, honey, eggs, Kale, Molasses, peppers

Thanks for a great season and hope to see you all next year!!

Blessings,
Mary

CSA for October 27th

Good day to everyone. I apologize this is so late.
This week:
Celery
Salad Mix
Radishes
Sweet Potatoes
Peppers
Tomatoes
Broccoli or Lettuce

Extras:
Cilantro
Dill
Hot peppers
Okra

For sale:
Eggs, Flowers, Honey,Molasses, Salad Mix, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes
If there is anything not on the list that you would like please put it in your order and I will see if we can get it.

I know this is late but if you can get your orders to my by 2 that would be very helpful.
Thank you,
Mary

A Call for Thoughts and Prayers from the CSA Family

Please extend your thoughts and prayers to the Levi Fisher family.

Mary confirmed today that the victims of yesterday's I-69 tragedy in which five were killed were relatives of the family. Those killed were not immediate family members, but extended. Melvin, the father, was the gentleman I worked with earlier this year when considering milk at the CSA.

The deceased are: Melvin Fisher (father & driver), 39; Savilla Fisher (mother), 38; Ruben Fisher, 16; Christian Fisher, 11 and Eli Fisher, 1. Seven others were injured.

Three crash victims are still in critical condition at Methodist Hospital, including Ida Lengacher, 32, of New Haven, her daughter Julia, 3, and son John, 1. Leon Fisher is also in critical condition.

Matthew Lengacher, 9, Mary Beth Lengacher, 7 and Nathan Lengacher, 5 are in fair condition.

I'm sure the family will appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

--Christopher

csa for october 20th

carrots
collard greens
tomatoes
sweet potatoes
chinese cabbage
red beets
peppers

extras:
okra
basil
mint
hot peppers

Please refer to last week for extras for sale.
Have orders in by 1 friday

thanks,
Mary

CSA for October 13th

This week!
Pumpkins
Some peppers
Some tomatoes(cant believe there are any)!
Salad mix
Sweet Potatoes
Winter Squash
Broccoli or Lettuce
Turnips

Extras: Basil,Okra, Hot Peppers,Chives,Mint

Extras for sale:
Honey
Eggs
Flowers
Potatoes
Winter Squash
Salad mix
Red Beets
Kale
Chard
Sweet potatoes
Lady finger popcorn

Have a great weekend
M

An Exciting CSA Change...

I'm pleased to announce that charter shareholders Amy and Jeremy Keating have accepted the responsibility for hosting the 2008 season at their Irvington home. Please join me in thanking them for their gift to our community.
From two-years' experience in a similar role, I can tell Amy and Jeremy that they'll enjoy meeting an incredible group of neighbors (and that they'll never forget to pick up their week's share.)
Truly, thanks, Amy and Jeremy.
Great time for the rest of us to share our continued support in the project: email us at irvingtonagriculture@gmail.com with your plans to help Amy, Jeremy, and the rest of the 2008 committee prepare a great season!

-Christopher

Irvington Green Initiative and Citizen's Action Coalition Fund

At pick-up this week, look for flyers from these initiatives. Myers-Nunn neighbor Laura Hildreth has posted some interesting information for you to take, including information on a "living green and mean" forum at the Irvington Branch Library. There's some exciting environmental stuff brewing in Irvington, and you may want to be involved.

-C

We're Wrapping Up 2007! 2008 News Below...

Evening, All. I hope you are well.
Our season is nearing its end. We've enjoyed 80% of our harvest, and there are just 5 weeks left. I do sincerely hope you've enjoyed your experience this year. I hope to see you next year.
Some quick items for wrap-up and next season planning:

• Soon we'll send a link to an evaluation tool so you may share information about your experience this year and improve our project for next year. Please look for it within the next couple weeks. We hope you'll take the time to share. With 96 families involved this year, we have a wealth of information from which we can learn and grow.
• Please start discussing your participation plans for next year. Will you have the same share partner? Will you family want to move up to a whole share? Down to a half share? We'll call for interest in next year's project in the last couple weeks of season. We'll be asking soon about your plans for the next season. While your commitment won't be binding, we'll certainly appreciate knowing where you stand for next year's season.
• If you have friends interested in Irvington CSA, get them to email irvingtonagriculture@gmail.com right away with their interest in next season's wait list. The list is getting long, and my hunch is we're close to full already for next year. Just a hunch, but they need to let us know of their interest.
• Join us! We've already a few new committee members for next year. Won't you join us, too? In just our third year (2008) we'll appreciate as much help as is out there. Take it from me, this committee's work need not be burdensome. It's been a great way to meet neighbors and enjoy the summer.

Get to thinkin'

We'll look forward to hearing from you soon.

C

CSA for October 6th

Hello!!!

For this week:
Peppers
Some tomatoes
Salad Mix
Green Beans
Okra
Broccoli or Lettuce
Radishes
Sweet Potatoes

Extras:
Basil
Mint
Dill
Chives
Hot peppers

Extras for sale:
Salad Mix
Swiss Chard
Spinach
Mustard Greens
Red Beets
Carrots
Popcorn

Please email me with any orders by 1 on friday!
Thanks and have a blessed weekend
Mary

CSA for September 29th

Hello All and welcome to Fall!
This week:
Butternut Squash
Lettuce
Peppers
Popcorn(please know that it may not be quite ready when we get so let it dry a bit first)
Swiss Chard
Salad Mix
Sweet Potatoes

The Tomatoes are getting scarce so not sure if there will be any in shares...if you are interested in any to purchase we may be able to get a few

Extras:
Okra
Basil
Chives
Hot Peppers
Mint

Available to purchase:
Eggs
Honey
Potatoes
All kinds of hot peppers( cayenne,habenero,hot banana)
Kale
Chard
Carrots
Beets
Salad Mix
Spinach(this is coming from Levis sons farm-we will hopefully see some from Levi in our share soon-wasnt quite ready)
Salad mix

Please refer to last week for prices-and I need your orders by 11 am tomorrow as the Fisher family has a meeting in the eve.
Thank you so much!
Mary

Response: Irvington CSA Questions and Concerns

I appreciated Mary's post on the extras. As she opens most of the email due to special orders, she's the one who seems to get the slack. I, too, have been hearing some complaints. I started the following post last weekend but I hadn't yet finished it for posting. I'm throwing it out there, though incomplete, to add my two cents on the matter. Brevity is not my strength. But the following should add insight to these concerns. -- Christopher

Good day, All. I hope you are well.

The irvingtonagriculture@gmail.com inbox has had some recent member concerns that I thought I should attempt to address. I appreciate those sharing concerns, and I'm happy to respond. Please note some recent questions and related responses from me below. I'm including, too, responses to concerns I've heard or answered at pick-up.

Please note that the responses are mine and are based on my understanding/opinion on the issues raised, and the questions are presented by me in such a way to aggregate several statements and questions and to present them clearly. I do not in any way attempt to represent the understandings/opinions of the other coordinating committee members, our farmer, or our trucker. I'm happy to connect you with those folks if you have further concern or if you find my responses inadequate or otherwise frustrating.

We aren't getting enough in our share. How are quantities determined?

Quantities are determined and packed by the Levi Fisher family. When the truck arrives, we learn exactly what and at what quantity each share will include for the week. I understand that the vegetables included and the quantities of each are determined by many factors, including weather, crop success or failure, crop readiness, and value.

While most seem to understand other crop circumstances, I see a lot of concern when it comes to crop value. I know that Levi and his family work hard to provide a fair value for the money paid for each share. I assume there is some balance, though, to their work. In my conversations with Levi and his family, I've personally seen that they are very aware of the value of items provided and strive to make your experience in the CSA a good one, especially from a value standpoint.

My family has belonged to a Fisher CSA for three years, first as a half-share holder in the Avon group and for the past two years as full-share holders in Irvington. To be sure, we've seen ebbs and flows in crops and quantities, but we've yet to feel that we aren't getting proper value for our money. Quite the contrary, actually. We've felt quite blessed -- sometimes even burdened -- by the quantities.

I understand not all shareholders will have the same experience. Please know that we're doing our best to make the experience the best it can be for you. If you feel you aren't getting a good value, I respectfully submit the following:

• Every week this year we've had extras. The farmer often miscounts items in packing. Other shareholders will leave items they don't want. Shareholders will surrender their shares (we had 8 surrenders last week). I've mentioned several times, including in the registration materials and on this blog, that you are welcome to stop by at 3 p.m. to claim those extras. Just last week, shareholders who stopped in walked away with one or more extra shares! I got two. Extras are usually here. Stop by and help us get rid of them.
• Remember that your payment was for more than just the vegetables. The farm is quite a way from Irvington, and we pay a lot to get the food here. Further, some of your payment was for supplies and such used at the pick-up site. The farmer's portion of your share's payment was $520 or $20.80 per week. Organically grown produce sold at groceries would easily cost more for the same items included in your weekly share. Sure, there are lighter weeks. But remember those summer weeks when we left with 2 or 3 grocery bags? More on costs below because we've had a lot of questions on that.
• Shop comparatively. In considering your participation next year you might look at other CSA's and their set-ups. There are certainly others out there. I will note that some on our waiting list have experienced other local CSA's and are fighting to get into ours. But I'm sure there are some good ones out there.
• Talk to the farmer. One of the glories of CSA living is that you can know your growers, distributors, etc. Call the farmer. Visit the farm. Learn about his methods. Ask him how he makes choices on the quantities. I think you'll find Levi and his family delightful and more than willing to hear your concerns.
• Talk with us and other shareholders. Use the forum to start a discussion. See if others are feeling the same way. Maybe you're on to something that should be changed...
• Join next year's planning committee and influence the project. We could always use more help and new perspectives.
  

How is our fee used? Who's getting paid here?

I've seen a lot on this question. Your $614 fee is three-part as follows:

• $520 to the farmer. As mentioned earlier, that's $20.80 per week.
• $89 for transportation.
  
• $5 for supplies and misc. For bags, pens, markers, magnet paper, printer ink, you name it. Note that I am personally billed for extras ordered, and I have shareholders forget or refuse to claim (or pay for) items they ordered every week. I use this $5 fund to help cover some of those expenses, too.

Your committee is entirely volunteer and is not paid. The farmer does provide two free shares to the host of the Irvington group (that's me). This year, those free shares are distributed as follows:

• One-half share goes to my family. We paid for the other half of our full share.
• One and one-half shares go to families who may not have been able to afford participation this year. Your committee chose those families.

I heard farmer Levi's produce is available in groceries, farmer's markets, and other places. Didn't I pay for that produce already?

Yes. Levi and his family supply other places. They have CSA projects in Irvington, Lafayette, Avon, Westfield, and Terre Haute. They supply Wild Oats with some items. They supply some (fantastic) local restaurants, including one owned by an Irvington shareholder. They even have a vegetable stand in their yard.

No. We as shareholders haven't paid for the items sent to those places. We paid for shares, not the whole crop. We should expect the farm to earn revenue in other ways outside of this CSA.

Why are there so many extras for sale? Didn't I pay for those already?

The extras can get a little complicated. There are many reasons for there being items on the extras that aren't in your share. The most significant one is that not all extra items come from Levi's farm. All of the items included in our shares come from his farm. Other circumstances include crops not producing enough for all shares and other things. The farmer can answer all questions on the extras, and he'll be open to dialogue with you if you choose.

Pick-Up

ARGH! I always hate to be the one to bring up the gripe, but we've had some reports of issues at pick-up recently, including:

• aggressive driving on Michigan Street
• walking through my neighbors' yards instead of using the sidewalks
  
• trash discarded in my yard and driveway
• mistreatment of volunteers at pick-up
  

Please remember that this project is hosted at a private home in a quiet neighborhood and keep these things in check.

--Christopher

Evaluation help, please...

Any members interested in helping me evaluate this year's project? I don't have a lot of extra time right now, but I think a year-end survey might be helpful and informative in our planning for next year. Email me and let me know: c@christophernunn.com.

Next year's CSA project will be with a new host family. (Still in Irvington. More on location and stuff in a later post.) I'd really like to give them and the coordinating committee a healthy kick start with feedback from this year.

--Christopher

2008 Committee Forming Now!

Yes, we're planning for next year already. Will you join us? Email us and let us know.

On a personal level, I've found participation to be quite rewarding. And since we have a good sized group this year, the work hasn't seemed to burden any of us as far as I can tell. We'd love to have you on board.

--Christopher

Have you linked in?

I did a quick and not so thorough search on Linked In, Think.MTV, and Facebook for Irvington CSA shareholders. Several of us are on these networking sites. With 96 fantastic families shareholding in this project, you have a great resource here to expand your own personal or professional network. Won't you join us?

Answers to extras

I have received a few emails from people upset about the extras for sale.
Some as far as anomymous emails.
Please understand that there is nothing that is not explained in the packet you received in the beginning.
The simple answer is that many of the extras come from other farms.
Sometimes there are extra of crop that wont distibute in the shares that are then sold.
I am sorry if this wasnt understood.
Please email me with any questions.
Mary

Extras for sale for 9-22

Extras for Sale:
Winter Squash-.70lb or 20.00 a bushel
Green Beens-1.50 lb
Carrots
Beets
Chard
Kale
Italian golden tomatoes
Hot Peppers
Potatoes
Okra
Thyme
Hot banana peppers
Cayenne peppers
Habanero peppers
Peppercinis
Fish peppers
Salad mix 4.50 lb
Spinach 3.00 lb

Eggs are coming back!!
No more maple syrup for the season!
Honey is still available- stock up for the winter!
Is anyone interested in milk for the winter? I need to see if we have enough to have it delivered.
Please email me with order by 3:00 on friday.
Thanks for everything this season,
Mary

CSA 9-22

Hello everyone!
This week:
Heirloom Tomatoes
Possibly Cherry Tomatoes
Red and Yellow Peppers
Kale
Potatoes
Parsley
Indian Corn

Extras
Okra
Chives
Hot Peppers
Basil

Thanks,
Mary

The Extras

We will be getting Basil, Okra, Chives and Mint

CSA for September 15th

Hello to all my CSA friends!

This week:
Tomatoes
Peppers red and yellow
Sweet Potatoes
Kale
Winter Squash
Salad Mix

Thanks and have a great weekend

Extras for sale for Sept 8th

Extras available for sale:Tomatoes-all kinds!! 28.00 for a box or 2.00 ppCherry tomatoes-1.50 ppItalian golden-2.00 ppCanning tomatoes-8.00 a box(these are seconds)Hot peppers,jalapenos,hot banana peppers,cayenne all 3.00 ppRed, white, yellow potatoes 15.00 for a half bushel or 1.00 pp Carrots-1.30 pp Red Beets-.60 pp HoneyMaple Syrup Flowers-3.50Eggs are still low ...first come first served. Please order if you are interested.
Levi has told me he thinks there will be red onions so please order if want some and we will try and get them.
Please notice that the tomato prices have increased as they are becoming scarce.
Please email me by 5 with orders!
Thanks and have a great weekend.

CSA for September 8th

Greetings friends!

This week:
Butternut Squash
Tomatoes
Red and Yellow Peppers
Hot Peppers
Swiss Chard
Okra
Salad Mix

Extras:
Basil, Parsley, 2nd peppers

Thanks,
Mary

Extras for sale for Sept 1

Extras available for sale:
Tomatoes-all kinds!! 28.00 for a box or 2.00 ppCherry tomatoes-1.50 ppItalian golden-1.50 ppCanning tomatoes-5.00 a box(these are seconds)Hot peppers,jalapenos,hot banana peppers,cayenne all 3.00 pp
Red, white, yellow potatoes 15.00 for a half bushel or 1.00 pp
carrots-1.30 ppRed Beets-.60 ppHoneyMaple SyrupFlowers-3.50
Eggs are still low ...first come first served. Please order if you are interested.
As far as onions go there may be red available
There are a few red or yellow watermelon still available

please email me by 2 on friday.
Any questions- email me!

Blessings,
Mary

CSA September 1st

Good day to everyone!

We will be getting:
Tomatoes-different kinds
Bullhorn peppers
Potatoes-red or yellow
Winter acorn squash
Salad mix
Soy beans or sweet corn

Thanks and have an incredible weekend!

Hi All,

This week:
Tomatoes all kinds
Red Beets
Soy Beans
Okra
Red and Yellow Peppers
Swiss Chard
Sweet Corn( a little)

Extras-Hot Peppers, Basil, Parsley

Please refer to last weeks blog for the extras for sale.
Still very low on eggs-same as before, first come first served
No sausage til next season

PLEASE EMAIL ME BY 6 on friday(today)

Thanks and have a great weekend,
Mary

Extras for sale for August 18th

Tomatoes-all kinds!! 28.00 for a box or 2.00 pp
Cherry tomatoes-1.50 pp
Italian golden-1.50 pp
Canning tomatoes-5.00 a box(these are seconds)
Hot peppers,jalapenos,hot banana peppers,cayenne all 3.00 pp
There are a few canteloupe 2.00 and watermelons 4.00 available
Red, white, yellow potatoes 15.00 for a half bushel or 1.00 pp
Corn-3.75 per dozen
onions-.75 pp
carrots-1.30 pp
Red Beets-.60 pp
Honey
Maple Syrup
Flowers-3.50

Eggs are low, first come first served!
No more broccoli or sausage!!!

please email me by 1:00 on friday!
Thanks,
Mary

Eggs are low and no more sausage

Just a note to let you all know that eggs are running low, the heat and the time of year. The chickens dont produce as much.
The orders will be filled as first come first served.
Also there is no more sausage(dont cry) There will be none until next year.
Sorry!!
Thank you,
Mary

CSA August 18th

Greetings!
I have returned from hot and humid florida!
Here is the list for this week:

Sweet Corn
Tomatoes
possible cherry tomatoes
Bell Peppers
Red Potatoes
maybe October Beans

Please pray, hope, wish for rain!! The crops for now are doing well but the fall crops will not be happy unless they get some rain!
Thanks and have a great week!

Mary

Volunteer Schedule Updated

Hi everyone!

We've updated the volunteer schedule for the remainder of the season. You can view it by clicking here.

Note that there are still a few open volunteer positions. Please remember that each half-share is responsible for volunteering at least once (full shares volunteer twice). If you aren't available at any of the times that are left, please contact us because there are always other ways we can help out.

Thanks for everything!

Items for sale for August 4th

There are many extras for sale!Corn-3.75 a dozenBroccoli-2.00 bunchOnions-.75 per poundCanteloupe-approx 1.75-2.25Carrots-1.30 per poundThere is still sausage, honey, maple syrup, eggs, and the beautiful flowers!
Also Red Beets .60per pound, Green Beans, Tomatoes approx 2.00 per pound(all kinds)If you can you can get 20 -25 pound boxes for less.Watermelon-approx 4.00
Please email by 4 tomorrow!
Thanks and have a great weekend!

CSA for August 4th

Good Day Everyone!
Please pray for rain! Crops are doing well but in need of some rain!
For this week:
Green Beans
Cucumbers
Red and Yellow Peppers
Tomatoes!! All kinds!
Kale
Red Beets
Canteloupe
And MAYBE Corn

For the extra table:
Mint, Parsley, Chives, Okra, Basil, 2nd peppers, Hot Peppers

Please be considerate of others...there are 55 shares so please try and leave extras for others!
Thanks!
Mary

Recipe! Watermelon & Cucumber Gazpacho

We got almost all of the ingredients for this in our shares last week!

From Epicurious:

One 3-pound seedless watermelon, diced (about 5 cups), divided

1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, diced (about 1 cup)

1 medium-size red bell pepper, seeded, diced (about 1 cup)

1 medium-size yellow bell pepper, seeded, diced (about 1 cup)

1 small jalapeño chile, seeded, minced

3 pale green inner celery stalks, diced (about 1/2 cup)

1/2 small red onion, diced (about 1 cup)

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup crème fraiche or sour cream

Puree 4 cups watermelon in blender until smooth. Transfer puree to large bowl. Add remaining 1 cup diced watermelon and next 10 ingredients; stir to combine. Cover gazpacho and refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.

Divide gazpacho among bowls; top with dollop of crème fraîche. Makes 4 servings.

- Rob

Extras fore sale!

There are many extras for sale!Corn-3.75 a dozenBroccoli-2.00 bunchOnions-.75 per poundCanteloupe-approx 1.75-2.25Carrots-1.30 per poundThere is still sausage, honey, maple syrup, eggs, and the beautiful flowers!Please email me and I will get your orders in ....please try to get orders in by 5

For July 28th.

Good day everyone!!
We will be getting:
Tomatoes
Cherry Tomatoes
Sweet Corn
Squash
Cucumbers
Canteloupe
Green Beans
Green Peppers


Extras, basil, parsley, okra, hot peppers, chives!

Please email me asap for orders!
Thanks,
Mary

For July 21st

Good Day All!!

We will be receiving:
Onions
Corn
Broccoli
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Green Peppers
Canteloupe
Squash
Maybe green beans
Maybe eggplant

Extras:
Basil, Parsley, Okra

Honey is back! If you have been ordering and havent gotten any please email me and I will order some for you!
There are many extras for sale!
Corn-3.75 a dozen
Broccoli-2.00 bunch
Onions-.75 per pound
Canteloupe-approx 1.75-2.25
Carrots-1.30 per pound

There is still sausage, honey, maple syrup, eggs, and the beautiful flowers!
Please email me and I will get your orders in ....please try to get orders in by 12:00 friday!
Thank you!
Mary

Got bags?

Hey, Recyclers! We need both paper and plastic bags at the pick up site very badly. Anyone have some they'd like to throw in?

Christopher

Want some cucumbers and squash?

Lots of extra cucs and squash. Call me Sunday. 418-7295.

Christopher

CSA 7-14-07

HI EVERYONE!!!

We will be receiving some great veggies this week!!

Broccoli
Green Beans
Squash
Cucumbers
Swiss Chard
Garlic(yummy)
Green Peppers
Cherry Tomatoes

The extras are: Basil, Parsley,Mint and Chives.

If you ordered anything for last week I apologize for the mix up.
Please email if you need anything for this week. If you ordered on the sheet I should have it and you should receive and email confirming. Please contact me if you do not have a confirmation.
Thanks everyone and enjoy!
Mary

Picnic Update

Please remember the pitch-in at the family farm on Saturday. It is from 4 to 7 p.m.

Please RSVP to irvingtonagriculture@gmail.com if you haven't already let us know through email or by signing up at the pickup site.

Here is a link to the directions to the farm:

http://www.christophernunn.com-a.googlepages.com/irvingtoncsapicnic

You may bring any dish you choose. If you'd like, I'd be happy to list dishes on the blog to help you avoid duplicates. Just send us an email to let us know what you're planning, and I'll list it.

For those of you not going, good news! A youngster from our group will be filming a pod at the picnic, and I'll get it posted to the blog early next week. You'll get to see more of the farm and learn about the crops' progress. I'm hoping we'll get some words from Levi, too, but we'll see.

Pick up is still the same: Shares prepacked at 2, pick up till 3, surrendered at 3.

I won't be attending, so I wish you a great time. I'll look forward to the pod footage to update me.

--Christopher

Special Order Mishap

Please accept my apologies for the problems with special orders last week. I believe I was the cause. I didn't intend to create a problems.

--Christopher

A Recipe from the Extras Table!

I tried this chutney the other day and it ended up being incredibly delicious. You'll have a little additional shopping to do, but this recipe should spark some ideas for the freebies on the extras table!

Mint-Cilantro Chutney

• 1 cup cilantro leaves
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
• 2 serrano chiles, seeded and sliced
• 1 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
• 1/2 tsp. salt, plus more to taste

Puree all ingredients in the blender (I had to use a little extra lemon juice and some olive oil to blend it properly.) Spread a thin layer of the chutney on a tortilla or pita with hummus and some of those abundant salad greens for a really great lunch.

- Rob

CSA for June 30th!

Hello All!!
We will be receiving:
Kholarabi
Squash
Cucumbers
Cabbage
Broccoli or Kale
Chard
The extras for this week are
Basil
Parsley
Chard
Mint
I spoke to Levi and he is hoping that anyone that can attend the open house will be there!!! He hopes to meet as many people as possible!!!!
It will develop a great relationship between all of us!!

The rain has been glorious!!! Thank you for your prayers!!
Please email us with any questions or concerns!
Blessings,
Mary

Your questions finally answered

I've had some serious catching up to do as work has been very, very busy and I've had some significant family and volunteer responsibilities recently. Forgive my delay and bear with me on my long responses to some recent questions...

First, I hope you're enjoying the season. I'm loving it. Great food. Great neighbors to talk with each week... I wonder if any of you -- like me -- are starting to feel the (good) burn of a lot of produce to process, learn recipes for, cook, enjoy, and share.

Answers to a few questions that've come up regarding the CSA and pick-up in the past couple weeks:

• You may still pick up until 3. We're just pre-packing shares and releasing volunteers at 2 or earlier. The Myers-Nunn's or one of the committee members will tend the site until 3. Our change to pre-packed shares at 2 allows us to clean the site earlier and to release volunteers (you) an hour to an hour-and-a-half earlier. Please, rest assured you're still welcome until 3.
  
• We are still surrendering shares at 3. Please, feel free to email us if you have an occasional special need that can't be overcome. We've yet to come up with a situation on which we couldn't work with the shareholder. Note, though, that several people tend the email. Emails sent late Friday through Saturday may not be noticed before the surrender happens.
• There have been surrendered shares each week thus far. I hate to let any CSA produce go to waste, but I have limited time to distribute the produce to others or preserve it for my own family. Please know you are welcome to visit the site at 3 to claim surrendered shares. I've had a few non-CSA members stop in recently for surrendered food, but I'm really committed to distribution among shareholders. Please help me out: come on by and pick up your stuff and, if you want more, come back by at 3. We just might have some left!
• By all means, you may have someone else pick up for you. We're more than happy to accommodate your needs. If you are out of town or can't make it, feel free to share your crop with a friend or family member. They'll love you for it!
• This week, the fern-looking thing was fennel. The bulb was kohlrabi. Fresh fennel is new to me, but I'm nuts about kohlrabi. Kohlrabi is one of the many cultivars of wild kale I wrote about in an earlier post (The First Broccoli). It is truly one of the treats of the summer at my house. We eat it raw usually, but I've been thinking of cooking it and making a variation on colcannon this week.

I think that's it. Let me know if I've missed a recent question of yours.

Enjoy your day.

--Christopher

CSA Tip: Use the Forum

The forum established by Gabe Bosslet is starting to get some interesting posts. It's a great place to share recipes and to ask those persistent "What is this and how do I use it?" questions. Already, some kale recipes have been exchanged and some interesting connections have been made between shareholders.

Visit the forum, register, and enjoy. Your participation will make it a better resource for us all. Link is in column at right.

--Christopher

CSA Tip: Use the Free Extras Table

What if you don't like fennel?
Or get too much salad mix? (that's always my problem)

Use the free extras table to share produce you may not use. Simply put it out for another family to enjoy.

I've seen this work well, and folks always appreciate a little more of the things they enjoy. I've even seen folks notice the gift and offer to trade a gifted item for something from their share you may enjoy more than the item you left.

--Christopher

Raw Milk Update

I've seen some interest from the group in raw milk posted about earlier but a couple barriers have come up to participation:

• A person willing to coordinate any raw milk stuff has not emerged.
• I've decided not to offer my home as a pick-up site for milk products.

I've had several conversations with CSA members and others about raw milk and local suppliers. I've learned of another farm (but I'll have to ask someone again about the name!) that is local and may serve as a resource to those of you interested. If you want to be connected, please let me know at irvingtonagriculture@gmail.com.

--Christopher

News from the Farm

When I spoke with Levi this morning, he gave me a few quick updates on the season's crops that I'd like to pass along:

• Early potatoes and corn have not done as well as last year due to the cold start to the season and the lack of rain; however, the later crops seem to be doing very well. We should start to see corn and potatoes within three or four weeks.
• Tomatoes, peppers, cantaloupe, and watermelon were described as "exceptional crops." Levi expects a great harvest on these items. We'll start to see these items in a couple weeks.
• Due to the cold and the birds, the black raspberries aren't going to be plentiful. Levi says the later red and yellow varieties may be bumper crops, but it's too early to tell for sure. We'll see these berries in August and September.

--Christopher

An Invitation from the Fisher Family

When I spoke with Levi early this morning, he passed along an invitation for the Irvington Community Supported Agriculture shareholders to visit his family's farm for a pitch-in. Levi invites the Irvington CSA group each year. It's a great opportunity to meet your farming family, to get to know other CSA shareholders, and to learn more about where and how your produce is grown. We hope you'll be able to join us!

The details:

Irvington Community Supported Agriculture
Pitch-In at the Fisher Family Farm, Twin Crooks
Saturday, July 14, 2007
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Montezuma, Indiana

Please RSVP to irvingtonagriculture@gmail.com by Wednesday, July 11.

(Driving directions will be printed on postcards and made available at the pickup site this week.)

Please note that pick up times will remain the same on the day of the pitch-in. The Myers-Nunn's will arrange for coverage of the pick-up site if scheduled volunteers need to leave early to travel to Montezuma. Please let us know if you will not attend the pitch-in and can help cover the pick up site from 2 until 3 p.m.

--Christopher

A lot of extras available for order

Good morning, All. I hope you are well.

I spoke with Levi this morning, and he updated me on extras available for order this week. There are quite a few.

We will accept email orders for these, but please put "special order" in the subject line so we are sure to notice your message. Also, we will confirm your order by email. If you don't get a confirmation within 24 hours, please check in with us. We often get a lot of emails when orders are plentiful.

Orders must be in by 5 on Thursday in order to be filled this week.

Available for order this week, delivered on Saturday, June 30:

• Cucumbers (Levi says a lot of nice ones, good for pickling and canning), $25/bushel or $14/half bushel.
• Zucchini, $30/bushel or $16/half bushel
• Zucchini and yellow squashes in smaller quantities at $1/pound
• Popcorn, $1/pound
• Basil, $10/pound
• Parsley, $8/pound
• Kale, $1.40/pound
• Chard, $1.60/pound
• Red beets, $1.30/bunch
• Flower arrangements, $3.50
• Sausage, $2.40/pound (this will come in packages of varying weights, prices determined by actual weight of individual packages)
• Maple syrup, $7/pint
• Eggs, $2.25/dozen
  

Honey is on hold for now. Levi does have an order in for more. It's not a good honey season.

Let us know if we can help you to any of these. Again, please put "special order" in the subject line and order by 5 on Thursday.

Take care,

Christopher

Check out the Irvington CSA forum!

The forum is up and running. There have been some good recipes posted, but we could certainly use some more.

For those of you who have never used a forum before, it is very simple. It is free to register, there is NO obligatory spam e-mail with your registration, and no annoying ads to wade through. It is very easy to maneuver around and reply to postings, and is a good way to share ideas among the group. The more people that use it, the more useful it will be, and the more information people can get to others in the group. It is also a great and easy way to float ideas about the CSA (or any other ideas you can think of).

Simply go to irvingtoncsa.informe.com and click "register" at the top. Save it to your favorites, and everytime you go to the forum it will highlight posts you have not read, etc. Try it out!

--Gabe

CSA for June 16th

Hi Everyone!

This week:

• Snap Peas
• Asparagus
• Lettuce
• Salad Mix
• Squash
• Cabbage
• Chard

Extras:

• Chives
• Mint
• Oregano
• Basil
• Cilantro

Pick Up Time is Changing

70 of our 96 shareholders provided votes on our proposed change to the pick-up times. Thanks for your feedback. You can scroll down to the poll for exact results, but the gist is that the group is okay with the proposal.

As such, please note that each week - beginning Saturday, June 16:

• Pick up will start at noon
• At 2, shares will be bagged and labeled for any shares not picked up
• Shareholders may stop in to grab a bag until 3
• Shares are surrendered at 3 unless we've made prior arrangements for occasional unusual circumstances
• Shareholders may still stop in at 3 to request extras or surrendered shares.
  
• We'll have just one volunteer shift, instead of two each day. We'll need less from you!
• Volunteers shifts will end at 2 instead of 3. Often, things get really, really slow after 1 or 1:30. When that happens, we'll end the shift earlier. The committee member in charge of the day will take it from there.

We'll see you Saturday!

Christopher

Whole, Organic Milk Could Be Available. Interested?

Good day, folks. I hope you are well.

I received a call today from another CSA farmer, Melvin Fisher, who wondered if our group may be interested in whole, organic milk, cream, and yogurt from his farm. I discussed it with him a little, and I told him I'd throw it out for discussion and see what happens.

Here's what I know:

• He said the cows are organic but not certified organic. The rest of his farm is certified. The cows are grass fed and hormone free, etc.
• It is against the law to sell milk like this in Indiana. The loophole he takes advantage of is that you can get milk from your own cow and consume it. As such, those interested in milk have to buy into the herd ($75) and purchase the milk products on top of that. Only those herd owners can order the milk products. When one stops getting milk from him, he will buy back the share. I understand this is pretty common. I've heard of these arrangements before and not from the farmer.
  
• It may be possible for the milk to be delivered on the same day as the CSA veggies for convenient pick up; those getting milk would have to be responsible for any increases in transportation fees we incur, though. If delivery is on a different day, the milk could come on a truck that goes to Avon, Westfield, and Bloomington already, adding an Irvington stop. I would likely not be open to having delivery at my house if delivery and pick up are not on Saturday during the existing CSA times.
• There would be some infrastructure needed. We have refrigeration in my garage, but it really is needed for the eggs, chickens, and such. We may not have room for all of the milk products. We'd have to get coolers or some other thing to supplement.
  
• I would see this as separate from the current CSA. I'd be happy to help you get going, but I don't have time or interest, really, (Just try to get me to drink ANY milk!) to coordinate this. I assume coordination would be similar to CSA but with a smaller group, including registration, communication, getting updates and such from the farmer, placing orders with the farmer, collecting payment, and dealing with unclaimed orders, etc.
  
• If there is a group who is interested, I'll pass along contact information and such so you can start discussions with the farmer.
• I'd be happy to help you with the communication tools we use for the CSA now: blog, email, document sharing, etc. and help you link from the existing CSA resources.
• If there is a group interested, I'll keep you posted on my thinking, but: I do need to do some more thinking regarding my risk on this. I have some reservations regarding the distribution at my house. I know absolutely nothing about safety or other issues involved with these products. While I assume there wouldn't be any safety issues, I don't want to lose my house over someone getting sick or something. Any of the many lawyers in the group want to give me some ideas?

All that said, please let me know at irvingtonagriculture@gmail.com if you are interested. If there's interest and a coordinator emerges, I'll get you on the road!

Christopher

What do I do with all of this kale?

Until the CSA last year, I really thought kale was just something that came under your baked potato at Sizzler. After trying and failing to work with it on my own last year, I tried to hunt down some recipes that would help me make it delicious. Here are links to a few that I am going to try this year.

If you have other ideas, post them in the comments or send us an email so we can post them to the blog!

- Rob

Links from Vegetarian Times Magazine:

• Tuscan-Style Spaghetti with Kale and Cannellinis
• Red Potatoes with Kale, Avocado and Feta (this would probably make one heck of a potato salad if served cold)
• Sesame Noodles with Kale
  

Irvington Farmer's Market is this Sunday!

The monthly Irvington farmer's market is Sunday from 12p-3p in the northwest corner of Ellenberger Park!

2007 Volunteer Schedule

Hi there!

The long-awaited 2007 volunteer schedule is available online. You may view the schedule by clicking here.

Volunteers should plan on being at the pickup site from 11am - 2pm on their scheduled day. If time permits, volunteers will be sent home early. Most of the help is needed at 11am (to unload the truck), and from the main pickup hour of 12-1pm.

The schedule was built with your requested dates in mind when possible. Each 1/2 share should only need to volunteer once for the summer. If you see an error, or need to switch dates with someone else, please contact the "wrangler" at the CSA pickup, or send an email to irvingtonagriculture@gmail.com.

Please remember that volunteering is mandatory for 2007 CSA membership. If you cannot volunteer during the pickup times, there may be other ways that you can contribute. Please speak to the wrangler or drop us a line so that we can work out an alternate solution.

Thanks! See you on Saturday!

-Rob

NEW! CSA forum available.

New Irvington CSA shareholder Gabe Bosslet has set up a forum for the Irvington CSA group. It's a great place to make connections with other shareholders, announce community events, share recipes with the group, etc.

A link is posted in the column at the right. For now: http://irvingtoncsa.informe.com.

Please visit, sign in, and start sharing.

And thanks, Gabe, for your idea and set-up work!

What do I do with all of this Swiss Chard?

I noticed yesterday that a lot of people skipped their Swiss Chard while picking up their CSA. If you can't eat the chard right away, you can freeze it and use it later.

From the University of Illinois Extension website:

Chard leaves freeze well after blanching, but the stems become soggy and rather unappealing. Canned chard does not fare as well producing a product similar to canned spinach.

To freeze:

1. Prepare a sink of cold water. Rinse chard through several changes of water lifting leaves out leaving sand and soil behind. Then separate the stems from the leaves.
2. Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Drop about one pound of whole leaves in boiling water, cover and blanch for 2 minutes (blanch stems for 3 minutes).
3. Remove chard from water and immerse in an ice water bath for 2 minutes. Drain.
4. Pack in zip-closure freezer bags or freezer containers, leaving no headspace. Label, date and freeze at zero degrees for up to one year.

- Rob

CSA Poll: Pick Up Times

We had some feedback from CSA shareholders volunteering at pick up, and we'd like to know how you feel about it.

Some background: Pick up is scheduled from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.. We're seeing this year that most shares are claimed between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m., and we only have a few shares picking up after 2 p.m. Volunteers are left with little to do between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The question at hand: How would you feel if we changed pick up to be between the hours of 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.?

Scroll down to respond to the poll.

If we did make the change, our shareholder volunteers would simply pack any unpicked shares into bags, label them with your share name, and leave them on the tables until 3 p.m. You could still pick up until 3 p.m., but any shares not claimed at 3 p.m. will be surrendered unless we've made special arrangements with you regarding late pick up (just like now).

Volunteer shifts would end at 2 p.m. instead of 3 p.m., and the Myers-Nunn's or a committee member would come simply come and close things up at 3 p.m.

What do you think? Let us know in this poll below. If changes are made, we'll let you know. They would begin in week 5, June 16. Polling closes Sunday, June 10.

--Christopher

2007 Irvington Garden Tour

Don't miss the Irvington Garden Club's Annual Garden Tour, Sunday, June 24, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Advance tickets are available June 10 at:

• Antique Mall of Irvington
• Eddie's Ace Hardware
• Eleven S. Kitley
• Habig's Garden Shop

Tickets are $10 day of tour and $8 in advance.

All proceeds go to beautification projects in Historic Irvington.

Want to know more? Visit the Garden Club website.

Christopher

Special Orders

Special orders are available each week. You may order when you pick up, or you may email us with your order. Orders must be placed by Thursday noon of each week so we can get with the Fisher family to have them filled.

If you order by email, please help us out by putting "special order" or something similar in the subject line. We're getting a lot of email, and we want to make your order a priority. Help us to not miss you...

Special orders available (so far) for order and delivery next week are:

• Eggs, $2.25 per dozen
• Maple Syrup, $7 per pint
• Honey, $8 per quart
• Salad Mix, $2.25 per 1/2 pound
• Oregano, $12 per pound
• Sausage, $3.60 per 1 1/2 pounds
• Lettuce, Green, $1.25 each
• Lettuce, Red, $1.25 each
• Lettuce, Romaine, $1.25 each
• Yellow Squash, $1.00 per pound
• Zuccini, $1.00 per pound
• Flowers, $3.50 per bunch

There's a lot of lettuce available. Remember, this is a short, early crop and it won't come for too much longer. Fill up!

One shareholder reminded me this week of wilted lettuce. Hadn't thought of it in years, but I'm sure we'll be having it at my house this week! Here's a recipe if you want it to help you use the large quantity of lettuces we received in our shares this week. I bet those garlic scapes would be good in place of the green onions called for in the recipe!

Christopher

Thanks, Shareholders! And some answers to your questions.

A big thanks to you all. It looks like we're settling into the season well. Everyone seems to be learning the ropes of pick up, ordering extras, etc. We sailed smoothly this week! All special orders were claimed and paid for; I came home to a clean, organized garage thanks to our helpful volunteers; pickup seemed to go quickly.

A couple shareholders have offered great suggestions that we'll implement right away. Note a couple changes:

• We'll start placing heavier items at the front of the pickup line. That way you won't have to juggle through things to avoid squashing things already in your bags.
• We'll be sure to place special order messages in blog posts rather than a listing on the sidebar. This way, those who use an RSS reader will receive the list in their feed and won't have to click through to the actual blog to learn of special orders.

Do you have a suggestion? Email us.

Some questions have come up recently, too:

• What if I want to sell my produce for one or more weeks?
• What happens to my share if I forget to pick up?
• Can others pick up for me?
• And more...

Here's a link to the 2007 Frequently Asked Questions document that can help with these and other questions you may have. Something not answered there? Please, feel free to email us.

Always, if you have a question or concern, please know we're happy to help. Just let us know.

Christopher

What's that curly thing on the free extra's table?

This week's most asked question: What is this curly thing on the free extras table? They were garlic scapes. The season for these is short. We may have them one more time, but they won't come much more than that. Cross your fingers, because they are just delicious.
At our house, we use the garlic scapes just like we would a chive or scallion. Chopped in a salad, omelet, or such. I may be making a big ol' mac and cheese later, and I was thinking of substituting the scapes for the onion.
I did some Googling this morning and found some great resources on the scapes and their use. From Mary Jane Butter, here's a great description and a couple recipes.
Christopher

Farm and CSA Update

Irvington CSA #2

Gabcast! Irvington CSA #2

The First Broccoli

I heard the most fascinating fact on NPR today: broccoli and other common vegetables are actually cultivars of wild kale. They did not occur in nature until mankind bread them for specific characteristics. I knew broccoli, cabbage, and others were related, but I had no idea of this fascinating lineage.

Here's the NPR Moment of Science podcast of the story and a Wikipedia entry about it, too.

Christopher

Irvington Guild of Artists' 2007 Collectors Show and Silent Auction

Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Bona Thompson Center. Learn more about IGA and their work on a public art piece at the Irvington Branch Library, too!

Christpher

Picking Up Special Orders

Please be prepared to claim and pay for your special orders at pick-up. You'll notice on your postcard a reminder of the items you selected for special order and the amount due. Please pay the volunteer on duty and enjoy your extras.

Please note that I am personally billed for special orders and am responsible for paying whether or not you pay for it. Last year, we did have some issues with this, and I just want to offer a friendly, proactive reminder. This week, I ended up with over $10 in special orders not claimed and paid for. That can add up fast for me.

Christopher

CSA Tip: Feeds and Readers

Keep forgetting to check the blog for updated information? Did you know that the Irvington CSA blog is feed-enabled? To subscribe, simply scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on subscribe.

What's a feed? Learn more at the Wikipedia post on feeds.

And from the shameless commerce division of the CSA: Let Google help you manage this and other feed subscriptions with Google Reader. I use Google services, including Google Reader, for all of my business and personal stuff and have found them to be reliable and affordable (read: free).

Christopher

CSA Tip: Strawberries

Every once in a while, I'll post recipes and tips for using your produce. By far, the most asked questions I get a pick up are: (1) What is this? and (2) How do I prepare this?

Have strawberries left over? I've found a couple ways to prepare strawberries that are just fantastic. I've used both ideas below with CSA strawberries I froze last season and the inferior grocery-store ones, too.

Roasted Strawberries: Yes. Roasted. They are delicious! Take the strawberries and put them in the oven in a small crock. I roast them at 375 degrees for a couple hours, stirring them every half hour or so. They sweeten and caramelize a little. You can add a little sugar or honey for more sweetness if you want. I've used roasted strawberries as a topping for ice cream or shortcakes. Last summer I even made a homemade roasted strawberry ice cream that was incredible. I just substituted the roasted (and cooled) ones for fresh called for in the recipe. Best strawberry ice cream I ever had...

Strawberry-Honey Refrigerator Jam: Even faster. I'm making this tonight with this week's strawberries. Throw hulled strawberries and some honey to taste in a pan and bring to a boil. Boil for 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly. Delicious jam! Keep it covered in the refrigerator. It won't keep long, but you'll eat so quickly it won't matter!

When you have great tips or recipes to share, email us at irvingtonagriculture@gmail.com so we can post it for the other shareholders.

Christopher

Small Change at Pickup

I'm switching from envelopes to postcards at pickup. The envelopes are proving unnecessary and actually fairly difficult to print quickly. Please look for a postcard similar to the envelopes used. When paying for special orders, just give your cash or check to the volunteer, and we'll take care of it for you.

Christopher

Natural Solutions Foundation

Some information from CSA Shareholder Amy Ireland: "natural solutions foundation is pretty vigilant w/ their activism w/ values that the CSA holds important, such as maintaining organic status, antibiotic-free and hormone-free foods, and so on. thought i'd pass on to you to forward as you see fit. thanks! amy"

Change Codex - Protect health freedom from Codex Alimentarius. Website contains information, resources, and calls to action.

Growing Goodness

We were contacted today by Growing Goodness. You may be interested in their site at www.growinggoodness.com.

There seems to be a great deal of material about organic food, CSA's, and other topics that may interest members. Their blog is great!

Here's a channel I previewed from their site about the CSA movement:

Lots more where this came from at their blog and site!

Irvington Community Supported Agriculture Update, May 24, 2007

Good day, All. I hope you are well. Some updates from the farm and CSA Group:

--Remember pick up on Saturday is from 12 to 3. We'll be happy to see you again!

--If you are traveling out of town, please arrange to have someone else pick up for you. We want you to have your goodies, so please remember we are surrendering unpicked produce at the end of the period this year and are not making follow-up calls to those who've failed to pick up.

--For special circumstances regarding pickup or other matters this week or any week during the season, please email us at irvingtonagriculture@gmail.com and we'll help the best we can. Please note that -- while I don't mind calls for emergencies -- I'd rather not be called in lieu of email as we have a whole committee working on this year's project. I may not be the correct person to contact. Please know we check our email daily and your written communication will get noticed by the right volunteer.

--Please note that we may miss emails sent between Friday afternoon and pickup time. Please let us know of things as soon as you realize you have an issue.

--I spoke with Levi early this morning. This week's share will likely include: asparagus, lettuces, salad mix, green onions, and strawberries. Possible other times include radishes and kale/chard mixes. Free extra herbs will also be available.

--Last week, we were only sent 30 shares of asparagus. Levi found a box at the farm that didn't make it onto the truck. Those of you who missed asparagus last week were very gracious, and we appreciate that. Levi will be sending an extra share of asparagus for those who didn't get it last week.

--There will be extras available for order at pick up on Saturday and through email during the week. See the column on the right for a list of available items.

--If you ordered extra items, please remember your checkbook. Please do bring the book rather than just one check. Extras come from more than one farmer. Depending on your order, you may need to write more than one check. We will have change available if you will be paying cash.

--We're still working on settling the volunteer schedule. We had registrants as late as this week, and it's taking us a minute to get through matching the needs with your availability. Committee member Beth Harp will be in touch soon. Thanks for your patience with us on this!

--While registration is closed, we are getting a little bigger with transfers from other Twin Crooks sites, etc. Right now, we have 55 full shares. We are the largest in the group, and we have a full 10 shares more than we did last year. Thanks to all of you who spread the word for me.

--If you think another site may be more convenient for you to pick up at, please note that Westfield and Avon are having difficulty filling, and we can transfer your share for pick up there. Just let me know and I'll help you navigate the process. Note that both Avon and Westfield have pick up during the weekdays. You will have to pay another transportation fee, but you'll also be refunded the fee (prorated based on the date of transfer) from the Irvington group.

Enjoy your holiday weekend. We'll see you Saturday.

Christopher

Sorry, we're full!

Irvington Community Supported Agriculture is full for the 2007 season.

If you would like to be a part of the 2008 season, please email us at irvingtonagriculture@gmail.com and put "wait list" in the subject line. We'll contact you in the fall with an update.

Enjoy the summer.

-Christopher

Almost full! Act quickly.

There is only one share remaining, and all half-shares have been matched. If you know of someone who wants a share, be sure to let them know we have one available. They can call me today at 418-7295 for help registering.

--Christopher

Last minute comments, questions, concerns?

With the CSA starting Saturday, we've had some last minute questions pop up. I'm happy to help in any way I can. If you have a last minute communication, please see the posts below to see if your question is answered. If not, please feel free to call me on Friday. My number is 418-7295.
I look forward to seeing you Saturday and to meeting many of you for the first time...

Christopher

Half Share Notes

Please note that Irvington Community Supported Agriculture operates on a mostly whole share basis. We welcome groups who wish to share their produce, though, and many of you are in that situation.

When you arrive at pickup, there are committee members who can help you through the process of picking up your food. Please note a couple important things, though:

--Pick-up is for a whole share. You will go through the line and pick from the bins a whole share of produce. From there, it's yours and your share partner's. The CSA committee will not be prepared to tell you how to split it or who gets what.

--We've seen share partnering work well when partners appear at pick-up at the same time and negotiate the splitting or when one share partner shows at pick-up and distributes from there. Please find the arrangement that works best for you.

--We'll have knives and cutting boards available all season if you need them for splitting some of the larger items that may come one/share.

It's all in the details!

Good day, All.

Some final details to cover:

--Payment and registration forms are very much needed. Please make sure you've dropped them off in order for me to have you set for this weekend. We are hitting the end of registration, and it's hard to tell how many shares are open.

--See below for pickup and volunteer details.

--CALL ME. I'm away from Indiana and will be traveling tomorrow morning and through the day. While I have internet access in the car, it can be spotty, especially as I'm going through these horrible southeastern forest fires. Please, after today, call me at 418-7295 with last minute detail questions, concerns, registration problems, etc. I'll help as best I can.

Christopher

Volunteer Assignments

As you know, Irvington Community Supported Agriculture requires volunteer work at the pick up site in order to be a member. Most of you signed up for volunteer dates upon registration, and some have called or emailed to inquire of the specific times.

Please know that Irvington CSA committee member Beth Harp is working through the volunteer assignments now and will be in touch soon. Don't worry, we won't leave you out.

Some members did not indicate volunteer dates on their forms. Please ask a committee member on Saturday to help you designate some available times. We have lots to do, and we need you to participate.

Christopher

First Pick Up is Saturday

Please stop by Saturday between 12 and 3 at 5857 East Michigan Street for the season's first pickup. The beginning couple of the weeks of the season are light, but Levi says that this week we can expect lettuces, salad mixes, asparagus, herbs. Radishes and strawberries are coming soon.

I've been away from Indiana, but Levi said it's been pretty dry. He told me on Tuesday that some rain would be a real blessing to push things up a bit. If you've had rain, great. We might see more. If you haven't, pull out your favorite rain dance or prayer to move the crops on.

Levi reports that planting is going well and the fields are getting loaded with plants galore for our enjoyment this summer.

More later...

Christopher

When is the first pick up?

Levi and I spoke yesterday. He thinks the crops will be ready for a May 19 start date, but it is possible that pick up may begin on May 26.

While you're waiting for the season to start, be sure you've completed your registration including payment. We don't want you to be left out. Registration forms are in the column on the right.

Also, note earlier posts below with important CSA information, including:

-crop list
-video of a recent visit to the farm
-recent farm updates

Scroll on down for the most updated information.

Please note that the committee will send email updates regularly but that the most up to date information will always be on the blog. Be sure to bookmark this page or subscribe to the Atom feed to keep yourself informed.

Looking forward to seeing you!

--Christopher

How do I pick up my share?

We're getting much closer to the first CSA delivery. As such, you may want to know what to expect at pick up. Here goes:
--Pick up is from 12 noon to 3 p.m. each Saturday for 25 weeks. You may come to the Myers-Nunn home at 5857 East Michigan Street to pick up your share.
--In the garage, you'll find a coordinator who can help you to your share and answer any questions you may have.
--You will have an envelope waiting for you that looks something like the example at left. Note that it is filed according to the share name you provided at registration. Let us know if we have any of your contact information recorded incorrectly.
--Simply sign for your share where indicated and complete the other items as needed, including paying for any extras you may have ordered (more on extras in a later post) and informing us of any concerns, questions, or extra orders for the next week's delivery.
--Bring your own bag or take one of those provided and simply go through the line of produce pulling items in the quantities labeled on nearby signs and tables. Note always that labels refer to whole shares. Half-share partners, please pull your share according to the labels and share with your partner as you choose.

Registration

Please be sure to get payment to me quickly. There has been some delay in folks making payment, and it's becoming difficult to measure just how many shares are available.

Please continue to spread the word. It looks as though some interested shareholders may not be able to follow through on their interest, and we still have some shares available.

I'll post those looking for half-shareholders in the column at the right in case someone needs a partner.

More later...

Christopher

Farm and Delivery Update 5/8/07

Good day, All. I hope you are well.

I spoke with Levi early this morning, and I have a quick update on the farm and the crops:

--Asparagus, lettuces, spinach, and radishes are coming in strong and will be the first crops delivered when we start up. The cold weather earlier has slowed things a bit, and Levi says it would be nice to get a good shower to push them up a touch.

--There will be a strawberry crop, but it won't be as strong as last year. Levi shared again how the cold weather earlier has affected this crop. See the video below for pictures of the strawberries in bloom. Notice the flowers with black spots that won't produce berries. These were blooms that started prior to the cold spell. Even so, there will be strawberries.

--Peas are doing quite well! Levi says that it's not going to be a bumper crop but that it will be stronger than the last couple of years.

--Our first delivery is scheduled for May 19 and will likely consist of lettuces, spinach, asparagus, and radishes. There is some possibility that the first delivery is pushed back to May 26 if we don't get some rain to push the early crops on.

Keep your eye on this blog and on emails from the coordinating committee for frequent updates.

--Christopher

Crop List

In case you missed it, be sure to check out the crop list.

The list is taken from a scan of the Avon group's booklet a few years ago, but the crops and schedules remain more or less the same throughout the years. Please note that other text surrounding the crop list on this document applies to the Avon group in the past. Information on costs, etc. is not accurate.

Registration materials are at the right if you haven't yet completed and returned yours.

--Christopher

A visit to the farm...

Here is a short video I produced after a recent visit to the farm to check out the spring crops. Last word from Levi was that the first delivery will be on May 19. More info to come later.

--Christopher

2007 Shares Still Available

There are a few 2007 shares still available. We'll post available shares regularly in the column to the right; however, it is always good to email to confirm availability prior to sending in your registration. These go fast!

Please note that the registration materials refer to April 25 as a deadline. This does not mean that shares may not be purchased after then. Shares will remain available until sold out.

--Christopher

Crop List and Farm Update

I had the honor of visiting the farm on Thursday. I learned quite a bit about the farm and took a few pictures. I'll post some notes on the visit and photos this evening.

Until then, please see http://www.christophernunn.com-a.googlepages.com/irvingtoncsacrops for a pdf list of the crops planned for this season. The pdf is extracted from the Avon group's handbook, so only the crop list is applicable to our group.

Always, email us if you have questions or concerns.

--Christopher Nunn

The April Show is Coming.

For CSA shareholders interested in other community events: Please note that the April Show is this Friday, April 27, at 322 North Arsenal Avenue -- not far from your Irvington home!

The show -- entering its tenth year -- is a unique one-night only exhibition featuring the artworks of Indianapolis artists who have faced daunting obstacles. It is truly a must-see annual Indianapolis art event.

Have other community events that may be of interest to CSA shareholders? Well, email us. We'll be happy to help spread the word.

Quick Update: The Season is Approaching!

Just a few quick notes regarding this year's CSA:

--We should know soon the exact date of the first pickup. We'll post to the blog as soon as we hear from farmer Levi.

--If you haven't completed your registration yet, please do so soon. We've been holding shares for continuing 2006 members even while open to the public. All waitlisted registrants have been accepted, and we're now in publicity mode to fill the remaining shares with new shareholders. Please make sure you don't get left out! Email to update your intent. We'll be releasing held shares to new registrants if we don't hear from you by the end of this week.

--Check the blog at http://irvingtonagriculture.blogspot.com. Be sure to bookmark it. Maybe even add it to your RSS feeds. The blog will start to pick up soon, and you'll want to stay informed of pick up start, farm news, etc., so be sure to check it often.

--Spread the word! We have only a few shares left, and they're first-come, first-served. Help us let folks know through your email groups, etc. that shares are available. We'll post the number of shares available to the blog on a frequent basis after the end of this week so folks can check for availability prior to registering. If you know someone interested, please have them email us at irvingtonagriculture@gmail.com right away. We'll get them on the road to membership!

Looking forward to seeing you!

Your CSA Committee

We're getting full!

Thanks to all of you who've responded to this year's calls for interest, etc. We're happy we'll see you again this summer. The CSA is filling up quickly, though. If you haven't yet responded, please make sure you respond to your reminder emails and phone calls as soon as possible so you don't get left out. Enjoy your weekend; we'll look forward to hearing from you.

Christopher

Registraton is OPEN!

I've made some progress on the registration materials for this season's CSA. Please download and review the informative Welcome pages, the Frequently Asked Questions, and the Registration form for this year.

This year a full share is $614. You may register at any time, but early registration pays. You receive a $25 discount for full payment registration by April 10; a $10 discount is available for full payment registration by April 25.

Don't forget to join us for the information/registration meeting with Farmer Levi:

Thursday, March 22

5:00 p.m.

Irvington Branch Library

I'll have some more documents up as I'm able to get them done.

Enjoy this beautiful weather.

2007 CSA Coming Soon!

I talked to (our farmer) Levi and (our driver) Bill this week, and I'm really looking forward to this year's project.

Our delicious produce should start arriving mid-May. I just can't wait. While we still have a freezer full of strawberries at our house (even though I've made roasted strawberry sauces and ice creams all winter), Kyle and I just used the last of our frozen spinach and corn from this week. I'm already feeling deprived.

Organizing this year's project is underway big time. Documents revised... Members to contact... Garage to clean... Here's what I know so far:

Our organizing/information meeting is scheduled for March 22 at 5:00 p.m. at the Irvington Branch Library. Levi will be there, and he and I will have answers to all of your questions.

I'll have registration/informational materials completed this weekend, and I'll get them to you.

Until then, enjoy the warm, sunny weather.

-Christopher