Speaking Of Farming…
Holcomb Farm was once again a key stop on the Granby Open Farm day route, organized by the Granby Agricultural Commission, and the many who stopped by enjoyed great hands-on experiences. Farmer Joe O’Grady gave families the chance to get up close and personal with the tools and equipment required to plant, grow and harvest the tons of food produced annually at Holcomb Farm. Julie Wern, local foodie and author of the blog, Simply Fresh, demonstrated fresh produce preparation for delicious and nutritious eating. And Peggy Lareau, a certified wildlife expert, brought animal pelts and shared information on the wildlife native to the Farm. Special thanks to Julie and Peggy, both long-time friends of Holcomb Farm.
Speaking of The Friends Of Holcomb Farm…
We welcome two new Board members: Donna Snyder, a retired engineer and long-time work-share CSA member, and Sue Canavan, whose graphic skills have already been a great benefit to our activities. Donna and Sue replace retiring board members Lynette Simpson and Jen Mooney, to whom we send our heartfelt thanks.
Speaking of the Website…
With help from the Pomeroy-Brace Grant through the Hartford Foundation, we are about to launch a new, up-to-date and much more user-friendly website. Whether for information on hiking and horse trails, the Farm Store and CSA, Fresh Access, the history of this town-owned community treasure, or how to rent the facilities, find it all at www.holcombfarm.org.
Speaking of Grants…
The Friends are thrilled to have been awarded a 2018 Pomeroy-Brace Grant so we can continue to upgrade and improve Holcomb Farm. The grant provides for new trees and signage along the hiking and horse trails, as well as major upgrades to a greenhouse, which will help our farming programs expand our growing capacity. Currently, the winter share CSA program always sells out, so in the future we hope to be able to meet the great demand for local food all winter long. The food we provide through Fresh Access is also growing, from 6,000 pounds to 8,000, with more increases in the future.