Friends of Holcomb Farm mourn the loss of Jenny Emery
Jenny Emery was a visionary leader whose wisdom, energy, generosity, and unwavering dedication to public service—and to Holcomb Farm—were truly extraordinary. Words cannot express how much she is missed, nor how appreciative we are for her years of guidance, commitment and heart.
As we move forward, we will work to carry forward Jenny’s vision with the same integrity and dedication that she brought to every aspect of her life and work.
Traditionally, Jenny provided most of the content for this page. In the future, you will see submissions from our board members, crew members and volunteers.
A Banner Year on the Farm
This year has been another banner year on the farm. We spent the season bringing in truckloads after truckloads of watermelons, sweet peppers, cabbage, melons, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes and more. The summer CSA share options were abundant, diverse, and delicious all season long and the pick-your-own members enjoyed one of the best flower seasons we’ve had. With the fields and greenhouses on a steady irrigation schedule, the lack of rain this summer and abundant sunshine made for happy plants overall. Adding water to the farm is a lot easier than removing it after torrential rain. When rainfall and drought records aren’t being broken, quality and bounty records are!
This season was so abundant that we were able to offer not just our Winter CSA for a second year in a row, but more shares than ever before. Sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, radishes, winter greens, and much more are winter veggies to look forward to on the farm. We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our farm crew and the generosity of our CSA members and community.—By Hanna Malzenski
Yoga on the Holcomb Tree Trail Knoll
Holcomb Farm hosted two free yoga events led by yoga students Ania Poltarek and Teresa Bellmund at the Knoll on the Holcomb Tree Trail. In June, both instructors led a Summer Solstice Yoga class where participants were led through 108 sun salutations to celebrate the kickoff of summer. Participants noted they loved the outdoor location, with beautiful views from the Knoll.
In September, Ania came back for an evening New Moon Yoga class where participants were led through a gentle yoga flow of moon salutations to celebrate the new lunar cycle and fall equinox. Participants, surrounded by the light of flameless candles, were able to watch the sun set and listen to barred owls calling.
Both Ania and Teresa attended West Hartford Yoga School and are informed in the practice of power yoga, yin and restorative yoga styles. They also are employed in the field of mental health and hope to incorporate what they’ve learned through their yoga training into their practices.—By Laura Midura
Holcomb Farm Tree Trail Habitat Walk
On Oct. 11, Peggy Lareau led a group of adults and kids on a hike on Holcomb Farm’s Tree Trail. The purpose of the trek was to discuss the concept of habitat and how the Tree Trail provides myriad habitats for local wildlife. The wildlife at the Tree Trail runs the gamut from tiny insects to large mammals. The children were especially excited to name the wildlife that may be found on the property. Of special interest was the pond, on the bank of which several turtles were basking in the late-season sun.
—By Shirley Murtha
Generous to the Core
This fall, Skip and Shelly Maletz, owners of Peck Orchard, once again generously offered up their bumper crop of apples to The Friends of Holcomb Farm’s (FOHF) Fresh Access program. Fresh Access, the largest program run by FOHF, provides fresh produce to over 500 households throughout the growing season. These individuals and families may be facing food insecurity, dealing with a health crisis or living on a fixed income. Gifts like the Maletz’s fresh picked apples help us provide what some may not be able to otherwise access.
Over a period of three weeks, the Maletzes allowed Fresh Access volunteers to pick from their beautifully manicured trees, filling bins with their McIntosh, Gala and Fuji apples. Volunteers also helped the Maletzes by picking each tree clean and removing all drops from beneath the trees to help ensure a healthy crop for next year.
The Maletzes not only allow volunteers to come pick at their orchard, but they also assist with the process and give guidance on when each variety is ready to harvest. While Skip is on his tractor transporting bins of apples from the sprawling and scenic hills of their property to our parked vehicles, Shelly is helping us pick, rake drops, or is on her hands and knees helping to sort drops from under the trees. On our largest harvest day, Skip and Shelly volunteered their own truck to help transport bins of apples from their orchard to Holcomb Farm. This year, they also welcomed Granby B.E.A.R. Transition Academy students to volunteer with us, some of whom shared this was their first-ever apple-picking experience. Having these young adults and their mentors help us out brought our total number of Peck Orchard apple-picking volunteers to 27 individuals.
Thanks to Skip and Shelly’s grand generosity, and the compassion and energy of some strong and giving volunteers, this year’s harvest at Peck Orchard procured 3,432 pounds of apples, which were donated at a value of $4,049.76 (based on an average of $1.18 per pound).
We sincerely thank Skip, Shelly and all the volunteers who are making a difference for those served by Fresh Access, including everyone who helped harvest apples: Lori and Fran Armentano, Patty Sansone, Jo-Ann Smith, Ann Wilhelm, Teri Baber, Jim and Dianne Szipszky, Sally King, Eric Lukingbeal, Lynn Barragan, Valerie Raggio, Donna Snyder, Ellen Pockoski, Ellen Godiksen, Laura Midura and the wonderful B.E.A.R. Transition volunteers.
—By Laura Midura
Holiday Gift Bag Sale
The perfect gift for the foodie, health nut, cook, or the person who has everything! Give the gift of local, chemical-free produce and Holcomb Farm merch! We have a brand-new tote design for this year and a very exciting new Holcomb Farm merch item! The holiday gift bag pickup will most likely be Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit holcombfarm.org to learn more!
Lost Acres Vineyard Holiday Market
We will be at the annual Lost Acres Vineyard Market from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20. This is the last guaranteed sale we have on the calendar where anyone who is not a winter share member can stock up on winter veg and greenhouse greens. Don’t miss your chance—brighten dark winter days with delicious, nutrient-dense, local produce!
Holcomb Farm Holiday Sales
Fill your holiday dishes with chemical-free and local sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, Irish potatoes, turnips, cabbage, radishes, and more!
Thanksgiving Sale
Farm Store and CSA Barn
Friday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.