Produce	Heavens Harvest Farm Newsletter
September 29, 2008	Volume 15
Full Shares Potatoes Onions Winter Squash— Butternut Acorn Delicata Buttercup Kuri Pumpkin Gourds Indian Corn Due to availability not all shares will have the exact same contents.	Hello from the Farm! Way back in early February, I shared with my wife Ethel my concern that our CSA was not keeping pace with our previous year. Having grown from 55 to 110 to 295 members in just 3 years I was certainly skeptical that we would see that amount of growth again. I admit that I was absolutely wrong! Thanks to all of you our valuable members, and especially our dedicated site hosts both new and old. We have exceeded my expectations. When I prayed last year for God to double our operation, I did not expect that prayer to be answered in this way. As it says, “O Ye of Little Faith”. Please help your site host by recycling your own box (last weeks and this week). For all those who volunteered during the season to watch a site or carry boxes or…Thank You!! We are now receiving inquiries daily about next year. Please know that we here at Heavens Harvest Farm value your partnership. As a gesture of thanks, we will take 5% off next years share cost if you sign up as an “Early Bird” by November 1^st 2008. We are not requiring a deposit at this time, just an acknowledgement that you are on-board for next year. Many of you may feel that you are not in a position to make that decision now, what with all the turmoil in our financial markets and politics taking center stage. Regardless of political views or financial struggles we all still need to eat to stay well. The quality of what we eat is so important. That is why we pledge to always grow organically, sustainably and certainly to keep it locally grown. All of our sister farms are within 1 hour of us, all located in Central or Western Mass. We are considerate of your needs, we eat the same food and know that eating fresh, raw, organic food is best! Some plans for next year… Using recycled plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes to deliver shares. Increased attention to even greater variety if weather cooperates. Ability to purchase extra portions of produce (we had 251b crates of beans for sale last year for people to freeze) Ten or more new sites in order to increase our current membership to 1000 + The addition of an individual share for single needs members Expand flower share availability (offered in only 1 community as a test this year) Creating an additional fruit share (all local IPM or organic fruit) Addition of a newer tractor and implements as both of our faithful machines are 55 years old. (Ford 800, Massey 135) Addition of another delivery vehicle to efficiently distribute 1000 + shares. Partner with excellent organizations like Community Servings located in Jamaica Plain to offer low income shares for those who would benefit greatly from excellent nutrition. Be as proactive as possible in addressing concerns, suggestions and fulfilling the needs of our members as we are able. Formation of local workshops to help members with preparing produce for consumption or preserving. (freezing, drying, canning, etc) Finally, a fully functional web site where members can sign up, pay for their share and find the latest information regarding Heavens Harvest Farm CSA for 2009 and beyond. User friendly and able to draw in prospective new members and potential site hosts. Any other thoughts? We value your input! Thank you for a rewarding and excellent year. Also, to the members who have helped us with extra finances to help defer the “massive” truck repairs, our deepest gratitude. Enjoy the full bounty found in your 15^th share. May God richly bless you in health and wholeness! Ashley & Ethel Sarah (Howard) Binley (daughter) Rachel Howard (daughter) Nia Keith (Intern) Valued Employees – Sean Seith, Tim Duval, Julie Paradis, Matt Singley (driver)