CISA Launches Search for New Executive Director

After nearly a decade of committed service, Annie Cheatham has announced plans to step down as CISA’s Executive Director. CISA’s Board of Directors is launching a search for Cheatham’s successor with the tentative timeline of bringing on a new Executive Director in three to six months.

“It has been an honor to work with an outstanding Board of Directors and staff over the past eight years to help CISA become a leader in the Buy Local movement,” says Cheatham, who joined CISA’s Board of Directors in November of 1999.

Cheatham’s vision and dedication has led to significant growth at CISA. Since she took over leadership of the organization in 2001, Cheatham has raised nearly $2 million in grants, tripled CISA’s annual budget, and added significant new programming. Most recently, Cheatham has garnered $184,000 in state and federal funds to investigate the need for dairy, meat, and salad greens processing facilities that are accessible to area farmers.

Under Cheatham’s leadership, the Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown® public education campaign achieved significant visibility throughout the state and continues to serve as a model for communities across the country and world.

Cheatham also led the organization to develop a Senior FarmShare program that provides hundreds of low-income seniors in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties with free weekly shares of fresh produce during the summer months. And, under her direction, CISA’s Farm Sales to Institutions program—which helps area colleges, hospitals, and business buy directly from farmers—has kept hundreds of thousands of dollars in the local economy.

“It was hard to make the decision to step down,” says Cheatham, “but as I look at how I’d like to spend the last years of my professional career, I have a strong desire to leave the role of administrator and work more directly with programs.”

“Annie has built tremendous momentum for the organization, and, by extension, for the entire local foods and farming movement,” says Sheila Dennis, Chair of CISA’s Board of Directors. “She leaves CISA bigger, stronger, and poised to have even greater impact sustaining area farms.”

Annie Cheatham with 2007 Local Hero
Award recipient Joe Czjakowski at CISA's
Eat the View event this September.

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CISA Workshops Help Farmers Plan for Future

As a more and more of Massachusetts farmers approach retirement age, many are looking at passing their businesses on to the next generation. It can be a difficult transition for farming families, particularly if the next generation does not want to farm.

To help area farmers with day-to-day business communication and with retirement planning, CISA’s Women in Agriculture Network is hosting a series of workshops focusing on Retirement and Succession Planning. The first workshop (shown in the photo), which focused on family communications, took place Thursday, November 8. The second workshop will address land and business succession and will be held on December 5th. The third workshop will be held in January and will focus on planning for retirement.

“We want to make sure farmers know what resources are available to help them keep their land in operation even as they enter retirement,” says Margaret Christie, CISA’s Director of Special Projects.

“We are offering these workshops through our Women in Agriculture Network because, more and more, farmers are passing farm operations to daughters. Women often keep family communication going, and daughters often carry the responsibility for helping their parents through the transition into retirement.”

For more information about the workshop series or to sign up to attend a workshop, contact Claire Morenon.

New Faces at CISA

Two new staff members have joined the CISA’s efforts to promote and sustain local working farms.

Jessica Cook (left in photo) has joined the staff as a program coordinator and will oversee CISA’s efforts to study and develop salad greens and meat processing options that will help more local farmers to get their products to market. Prior to coming to CISA, Jessica worked as a Country Director for the international non-profit organization Aid to Artisans, implementing a $2.6 million grant that supported economic development in the craft sector throughout Macedonia, as well as business support and market access programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Allison Neher joins the staff as a program assistant. A graduate of Mt. Holyoke College where she helped develop the Mount Holyoke Student Garden, Allison has been engaged with sustainable agriculture and community building efforts throughout the Valley. At CISA, she will help in forwarding a wide range of programs, including infrastructure development and the Local Hero program.

Welcome to Allison and Jessica!

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In Loving Memory

Barbara Greenstein, a longtime CISA Board member and a dear friend to the CISA community, died Friday after a bout with cancer.

A community mediator for many years in Northampton, Amherst, and Greenfield, and in the Small Claims and Juvenile Court in Northampton as well as an avid cook and teacher of violin and piano, Barbara was a key volunteer for the organization and joined CISA's Board of Directors in 1999.

"Barbara and I came on the CISA Board at the same time," says Annie Cheatham, CISA's Executive Director. "We looked at each other across the table many meetings, and both of us saw and understood the potential for CISA to be a leader in the region."

"Barbara attended to the business of CISA as any good Board Director would do," Cheatham continues, "but she also attended to the human needs of our Board, our volunteers and our staff. She believed in the heart and soul of CISA—in fact, she exemplified that heart and soul. She always called herself a 'consumer' member of our Board, but Barbara did much more for CISA than be a consumer. She gave and gave and gave, of time, talent and treasury. But most importantly, she gave us her deep love.”

We at CISA are deeply saddened by Barbara's death and send our sympathies to her family and many friends.

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LOCAL HERO NEWS

Get Local This Holiday Season

Just in time for Thanksgiving…

…Farm stands and stores are bursting with locally grown squashes, potatoes, pumpkins, greens, and more. Orchards are brimming with bushels of fruit and gallons of sweet cider. Locally raised free-range turkeys (or beef or lamb) can be found throughout the Valley. There’s even locally grown and fermented hard cider and fruit wines for your Thanksgiving toasts!

Local fresh turkeys are available but fortune favors the prepared. You have to order ahead. Diemand Farm in Wendell grows hundreds of turkeys each year, and takes orders at the farm for pickup. You can also order their turkeys at local markets throughout the region, such as Serios in Northampton, Green Fields Market in Greenfield and others. Call the farm for details, (978) 544-3806. Manda Farm in Plainfield, which specializes in heritage breeds, is already sold out.

Visit www.buylocalfood.com to search our database for farms with Thanksgiving ingredients near you.

For the December holiday season…and beyond!

Many locally grown food and farm products are available year-round. Local Hero grocers large and small carry local in winter. Eggs, cream, milk and cheese in the dairy aisle. Root vegetables and hardy cabbages in the produce department. There’s even local meat and fish.

Winter food is hearty, warming and delicious. Find even more locally grown food in our online database.

Do you crave fresh greens during the winter months? Swartz Family Farm in North Amherst has a unique CSA where you can pick up fresh, pesticide-free greenhouse grown herbs and greens all winter. Clarkdale Fruit Farm in Deerfield stays open weekends as long as it has apples and cider, often through February. Rice Fruit Farm in Wilbraham, Bashista Orchard in Southampton, Outlook Farm in Westhampton are open year round. Other farms have special hours leading up to the winter holidays. Local maple syrup and honey will sweeten those cold, sleety days.

You can also keep the holidays fresh and green this year with locally grown Christmas Trees, wreaths, swags, and more. They last longer, smell better, and are grown on well-managed tree farms by friends and neighbors. Find locally grown greenery, trees, and holiday decor right here.

Ripple Effect Award Given to Local Hero Farmer

Local Hero farmer Rachel Chandler Worth was awarded a Ripple Effect Award by the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts on October 4. The award recognizes women and girls who have made significant contributions to their communities. Rachel was recognized for the work she has done with CISA through the Farm2City program and the Senior Farm Share program.

CISA congratualates Rachel on her wonderful and inspiring work!

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Local Hero Farm Takes Top Honors for Fleece

Barbara Parry of Springdelle Farm in Shelburne received the Supreme Champion Fleece ribbon at the Eastern State Exposition in September for fleece shorn from three-year old Border Leicester ewe "Allegrita." The ewe also took first place in the Purebred Longwool class and Champion ribbon in the Purebred Fleece competition. The fleece was shorn in the week prior to the competition by professional shearer Andy Rice of West Halifax, Vermont. Shepherd, fiber artist, and proprietor of Foxfire Fiber & Designs, Parry raises a flock of Border Leicester and Cormo sheep on her 220 acre farm.

Local Hero Forester Nationally Recognized

Cowls Land and Lumber Co. received the 2007 Landowner Stewardship Award from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. This is the first time the award was given to a sustainable forest-based business and the first time it was awarded to a business in the Northeast. "We've always prioritized assuring good wildlife habitats, clean water and recreational opportunities when we manage our timberland," said Cinda Jones, the president of Cowls, who received the award in Louisville, Ky., on Sept. 19. [From 10/3/07,Daily Hampshire Gazette]

Cinda Jones of Cowls Lumber and Sawmill built her home (left) of locally grown woods from Cowls forest land.

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Ready for a change?

Has your Local Hero bumper sticker seen better days? We’ll gladly send you a new one so you can keep spreading the word that local is better. Just e-mail Tracie Butler-Kurth at tracie@buylocalfood.com to request a new bumper sticker. Be sure to include your mailing address and phone number.

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Local Take Out

Did you know that you can now pick up dinner for a family of 4 on your way home from work? Yes, BridgeSide Grille is now offering a hot tasty home cooked dinner because we know how crazy life can get. We do the work and you get the credit.
Call 413-397-8101 to order. Please order by 2pm for same day pick up.
Oh, the menu for the month is available on our Web site www.bridgesidegrille.com. Add us to your favorites.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Attention Fiber enthusiasts!

Looking for something to do after Thanksgiving? Local Hero member Sojourner Sheep in Florence (502 North Farms Road--look for the cranberry metal roof and enter the garage by the side door) is hosting an open studio on Saturday, November 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come see Diane Roeder, Sojourner's shepherd and fiber artist, and her friends in action as they spin, weave and knit all day. Purchase holiday gifts made from Sojourner Sheep wool, including the new Two-for-Toes sock yarn (also available locally at Northampton Wool in Northampton). For more information on the new yarn visit sojournersheep.com or email Diane. Details about the event can be found here. Unfortunately, this is not a children's event; rather, it is intended for the fiber enthusiast and the holiday gift shopper.

Prepare for the Holidays with Hickory Dell

Local Hero member Hickory Dell is hosting decorating workshops and photos with Santa and/or his "llama- deer" beginning November 24 and 25. For details visit click here.

Open Farm and Holiday Sale

Craigeburn Farm Alpacas (243 W. Pelham Road in Shutesbury) invites families visit the farm, sip cider and enjoy shopping for a special holiday gift made of warm alpaca fiber. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, November 24 and 25 and December 1 and 2. Come meet the animals that provide this wonderful fiber. For more information and directions, visit Craigeburn Farm web site.

Shop local this holiday season - and win!!!

The Pioneer Valley Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (PV BALLE) 4TH Annual Think Local First contest will begin next Saturday November 17th and run through the end of the year.

This year nearly 90 great local businesses have donated thousands of dollars worth of gift certificates to serve as an incentive for people to seek out and shop at the local farms, stores, and other independent businesses here in the Pioneer Valley. Anytime you spend money during the dates of this contest, if you choose to shop with a local business anywhere in the Pioneer Valley, for anything-save your receipts and you will have a great shot at winning prizes worth hundreds and hundreds of dollars.

For more details, please go to: www.pvballe.org and click on the Contest button. Note this new site may not be up until Saturday the 10th, so please check back. We want to thank Big Y and Alternative Recycling Systems for their generous sponsorship of this contest.

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CLASSIFIED

For Sale Roto-tiller, Howard HR7 Rotovator. Working width is 60 inches and works with a 20 HP tractor or greater 3 point hitch and PTO. In good condition. Price reduced. now asking $750. Call Dick Starkey, 413-774-4215

Farm/pasture land in Southampton is available for lease. Approximately 12 acres. Contact Susan at 413-527-2230.

Seeking Ashfield/Conway House to Rent. With gardening space, fireplace, 2 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms, 1-year lease with option to extend. We are a married couple, nonsmoking, no animals, no children, flexible start April – July 08. Linda Farmer/Kim Matland 413.244.8314.

Seeking Ashfield/Conway Farmland to Buy. A portion with southerly exposure and a good solar window to build/renovate a passive solar house and an herb garden. Favorable leaseback for farming. Linda Farmer/Kim Matland 413.244.8314.

SMALL FARM FOR SALE This lovingly cared for 4 bedroom antique Colonial is rumored to be one of the oldest homes on Main Street in Northfield. This property has so much to offer- Attached studio with loft, 2 Sterns built P&B barns, greenhouse, farm stand, large 4 acre tillable lot for gardening, and there is even a 2,000 sq. ft. space that in the past has been a restaurant with a separate heating system, but now awaits your plans." Phone Poppi or Kelly @ 413-498-2456 or 413-230-8337

For Sale: Mobile Dimension Saw, Model 127, 1700 cc engine, on trailer, in good condition. Cuts accurately any diameter log, producing lumber from 1/4" x 2" to 8 1/4" x 12 1/4". 24 foot track. Includes single edger saw blade for larger lumber, split edger saw blade to cut 2 boards with 1 pass, 3 ft. end stands and various parts. Asking $8,000.
(413)238-5827.

For Sale: Hitachi F-1000A in pristine condition, 12" planer, 6" long bed joiner. Heavy cast iron construction on movable stand. Asking $2,100. (413)238-5827.

For Rent: Charlemont farmhouse with up to 10 acres tillable land. Excellent soils. 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath, large garage and barn space. Perfect for small farm operation with opportunity for farm stand. Rent negotiable. Please call 413-834-8873

Part-time Bookkeeper/ Office Manager 10-15 hours/ week bookkeeping at The Farm School in Athol, MA. The Farm School is an educational farm delivering hands on programming to children and adults in the craft of farming. Contact Jennifer Core, Associate Director at 978.249.2656 or, jennifer@farmschool.org

Job opening: 24 hours per week, one year commitment. Statewide project based in Amherst seeks part time consultant to provide administrative and technical assistance and outreach. Previous office management, agricultural sales, advocacy, or school food service experience preferred. Consultant must be a good facilitator, organized, aware of farm and school food issues. Excellent computer skills and car required. $25 per hour plus mileage. Send resume and two references to Kelly Erwin, Managing Consultant, 16 Applewood Lane, Amherst MA 01002 or kelerwin@localnet.com. No phone calls. Information about Project at www.massfarmtoschool.org.

Volunteer needed to go to Palestine and help with the olive harvest next year, 2008. The season usually starts in mid-October and lasts about 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the harvest. Next year is expected to yield a bumper crop. Anyone who is interested can contact sherif2@comcast.net. (617) 491-2313 home, (703) 622-9151 mobile

FOR SALE: Large classic colonial farmhouse with wrap-around porch, barn, garage, building previously used for retail on 2+ acres in very quiet setting on country back road. More land available for rental with purchase of house. Or choose to purchase entire 20 acre property with fenced pastures, hay fields, prime farmland for crops and river frontage. West Northfield, MA. More info call Geri J at 413-863-9736, ext. 20 or email GeriJohnson@Realtor.com."

FOR SALE Kifco Water-Reel B210 with 320’ of 2.1” hose, Mercury 202 gun with several nozzles, expandable high mount gun cart and offset 3pt hitch attachment. Excellent condition. $4600 Three-inch layflat hose, 759’ of assorted lengths with camlock fittings. Excellent condition. $1500.
Contact Eileen, Ol'Turtle Farm farmer@olturtlefarm.com 413-527-9122

Rotavator, Howard HR7. Working width is 60 inches and works with a 20 HP tractor or greater, 3 point hitch and PTO. In good condition. Asking $950Call Dick Starkey, 413-774-4215

Farmland Wanted: Farm couple with 20 years combined experience seeks 30-50 acre farm for sale in Franklin or Hampshire county for a start-up organic vegetable operation. Please contact Elise at eliseleclair5@hotmail.com or (413) 522-9122.

For sale: Large classic colonial farmhouse with wrap-around porch, barn garage, building previously used for retail on two-plus acres in a very quiet setting on a country back road. More land available for rental with purchase of house. Or choose to purchase entire 20-acre property with with fenced pastures, hay fields, prime farmland for crops, and river frontage. West Northfield, MA or email Geri J at 413-863-9763 ext 20, or GeriJohnson@Realtor.com

Goats for sale. Contact Evelyn Hatch at Breezy Acres Farm 413-467-3276

For Sale: Farm team draft horses; horse-drawn farm equipment including corn planter, cultivator, plow, harrows, mowing machine, tedder, rake, manure spreader, fertilizer spreader, baler, wagons and more. Chee Chee Mamook Farm. 413-498-2160

Coordinator sought for newly forming non-profit Boston Area Gleaners. Ongoing for the last three years, harvesting some 564 boxes of produce (over 10,000 pounds) for charity, mostly going to Food For Free, a Cambridge food pantry that delivers. Low stipend and possible lodging. Contacting farmers, gleaning the produce and fund raising (administration) involved. E-mail Oakes Plimpton at plimag@rcn.com for further information.

FOR SALE: Purebred Finn ram & wether lambs for sale. Gentle, prolific & really nice fleece. Contact Sangha Farm for more information..... sanghafarm@yahoo.com 413.628.0026 www.sanghafarm.com

Lovely non-toxic S. Hadley riverfront home. Share with (mostly) absentee owner with chemical sensitivities. Lovely "green" S. Hadley home on the CT River. Private, natural setting: woods, organic garden, birds, views. Share with (mostly) absentee owner with chemical sensitivities. 2 bedrooms (3rd bedroom & 2nd bath in separate wing for my occasional use.) Available ONLY to clean, responsible person or couple who live 100% without fragrances, pesticides, smoke and synthetic chemicals and who will care for house in my absence. Lease until April 2008 or longer. Rent $1000/month for one, $1200 for two, plus utilities; deductions for extra maintenance/caretaking. References, usual deposits required. Pictures at westernmass.craigslist.org/apa/426014562.html Call Karen at 413-536-8059 before 8 P.M., please. Email: ksutherland@hampshire.edu.

Pasture available in North Amherst: Approximately 5 acres of pasture available (has been idle for 4 years) with access to brook. Needs new fencing. Willing to trade rent for fence installation. (sheep? goats? cows?) All considered. Joe or Sarah (413) 230-3137.

Land/homestead wanted to buy: Looking to purchase that perfect little farm/homestead. A fixer-upper farmhouse with 2-10 acres (at least 2 open tillable) within 1 hour of Northampton. Please call Rachel at 413-268-7548.

Wanted: Used small farm/market garden tools, equipment, and supplies. Please call Rachel at 413-268-7548.

Ongoing classes on organic cooking. Visit http://members.aol.com/lescerier/pages/classes.html to learn more.

For Sale: Tractor items.
A/C Pick Up Plow - one furrow - 2 way. Will fit Allis-Chalmers Model "B" & "C" tractors.
Also A/C Tractor Mowing Attachment (side bar mower).
Fits both "B" & "C" models. Complete with manuals. Both is good condition.
For further information contact
Terry Grinnan, prop
Saw Mill Site Farm Horseradish Products
287 Conway Road
So. Deerfield, MA 01373
p 413-665-3005
sawmillsitefarm@comcast.net
www.horseradishdirect.com.

Used books & ephemera relating to AGRICULTURE (also many other subjects including architecture, woodworking and regional history) are available for sale at:

Nancy L. Dole Books & Ephemera
32 Bridge St. 2nd floor
SHELBURNE FALLS, MA 01370
open everyday but Monday
(413) 625-9850
ndole@crocker.com

Farmland wanted. 10 acres+ sought by farmer interested in raising sheep. Prefers the Colrain, Shelburne, Buckland area. Contact Ginger Wall, Gmwall42@aol.com.

Land for rent. 15 organic acres in Buckland close to Shelburne Falls. Large barn available. Owner will help skilled operator with start up expenses. Water available. Very low rent/barter possible. Call Michael 413 625-8300.

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Editor, communications@buylocalfood.com
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture
1 Sugarloaf Street, South Deerfield MA 01373
Tel: 413-665-7100  Fax: 413-665-7101
http://www.buylocalfood.com