Canticle Farm
2010 Shareholder Handbook

 

Canticle Farm, Inc.

Farm:
3835 S. Nine Mile Rd Allegany, NY
Mark’s Cell Phone: 716-378-9714
Office:
St. Elizabeth Motherhouse
115 E Main St Allegany, NY 14706
Office Phone: 716-373-0200 ext 3358
E-mail: canticleoffice@yahoo.com
Website: www.canticlefarm.org
Nourishing Mind, Body, Spirit & Earth
 
Please read this handbook in its entirety as it covers many important topics. This handbook and a comprehensive description of Canticle Farm can be found on our website, www.canticlefarm.org
 

Mission Statement

The mission of Canticle Farm, Inc., a ministry sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, is to reverence, protect, and honor the sacredness of God’s Creation. Canticle Farm, Inc., a Community Supported Agriculture Farm, is committed to connect to all peoples, to practice Earth friendly habits, and to come to a realization of a Creation-centered spirituality.
 

Staff

President: Sr. Joyce Ramage, OSF
Treasurer: Phyllis Napier
Bookkeeper: Joan Haynes
Office Assistant: Lori Peterson
Farm Manager: Mark Printz
Assistant Farm Manager/Education Coordinator: David
Schummer
Farmers: Judy & Joanna Abraham, Rhonda Berman,
Rita Boser, Joe Butterbaugh, Lori Peterson,
and Kaylin Rodkey
Distribution Hostess: Rhonda Berman
Herb Tender: Barbara “Barney” Casey
Official Greeters: Jasmine, Yin and Patty
 

About Canticle Farm, Inc. 

Canticle Farm, Inc. is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) venture founded in 2001 by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on 10.5 acres of land on the S. Nine Mile Rd. in Allegany. The sisters desired to undertake a holistic approach to social and environmental problems. Following discussions with ecologists and visits to functioning organic and biodynamic farms in several states, the Franciscan Sisters voted to support the idea of a CSA to serve the Southern Tier/Northern Pennsylvania community.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) began in Japan in the 1960’s when a group of women became concerned about the increasing pesticide use, the over-processing of foods, the long distances that their food traveled, and the decreasing number of farmers in rural areas. They decided to support a local farmer by pre-paying for all of the produce they would receive from him during the growing season. The farmer then worked for several families with the assurance that all of the produce was already sold at a fair price. The CSA concept came to the United States in the 1980’s with the first CSA opening in Massachusetts in 1986.
 
The farm was named Canticle Farm. In the 13th century, Francis of Assisi preached and lived his ideas and thoughts about Christianity in Italy, parts of Europe and northern Africa (when he visited the Sultan). Thus he started a religious movement which became known as the Franciscan movement. He called those who followed him, his brothers. Italians love to sing and so did Francis and thus he composed the "Canticle to the Sun, (Song to the Sun)”. For Franciscans, the "Canticle to the Sun" speaksbeauties of Creation. As for our farm, there is not a greater example of Earth and Francis' appreciation of it.Thus the farm was named "Canticle Farm”.
 
2010 is Canticle Farm’s tenth season. We have grown from 46 full shares the first season to a goal of 130large shares this season. We look forward to bringing even more people into the Canticle Farm family in the future. The value of CSAs to the producer, the consumer and the entire community is priceless, as we hope you will see.

In order to provide healthy, safe food to those who often need it most, Canticle Farm raises funds to be able to allocate at least 20% of the shares to local food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and directly to families in need. This year Hinsdale, Limestone, Salamanca and Olean Food Pantries will be receiving donated shares along with the Warming House, Genesis House, The Guidepost, Cattaraugus Community Action and the YWCA of Bradford’s Domestic Violence and Homeless shelters. This Franciscan tradition of caring for those in need is funded entirely through private donations and grants.
 
We hope that you will see Canticle Farm as your farm – not only enjoying its gifts of nourishment and refreshment, but also contributing to its success and growth through your participation and involvement.
 

Directions

From Olean take 417 west. Continue through Allegany to First Street. Turn left at the light onto South First Street. Cross over the bridge and turn right on South Nine Mile Road. The farm is about ¼ mile on the left, next to the ReHabilitation Center.
 
From Bradford take 219 north. Immediately before the junction with Interstate 86 the South Nine Mile Road will be on your right. Turn right and go about 9 miles. The farm will be on your right just before the ReHabilitation Center.
 

Farm Hours

The farm is open during daylight hours. If the main gate is closed you may park in the ReHabilitation Center parking lot and then enter through the foot gate just to the left of the main gate entrance. Please do not block the driveway in the ReHab Center parking lot as large buses and vans need to utilize that space.
 

Farm Stand Discount for Shareholders

With the Canticle Farm membership card, you can receive 10% of your purchase of Canticle Farm produce at the Farm Stand. The Farm Stand is open on Tuesday & Friday from 2pm-6pm.
 

CSA Share Pick up Procedures

-Pick up times are 2 PM to 6 PM on your designated pick up day of Tuesday or Friday. Please do not come early, as we will not be prepared to distribute to you at that time. Distribution does not start until 2 PM however self pick is available at all times.
-In order to maintain a high level of freshness and quality, the majority of your produce is picked that morning. It is rinsed to remove major sediment and to cool and hydrate the produce. Additional rinsing may be necessary for some vegetables. Treat the produce like it came from your own garden.
-There will be a distribution host present to assist you with any questions.
-When you enter the distribution area, sign in on the shareholder list so that we know that you received your vegetables. Please use the comment section to communicate with the staff any requests or changes for your distribution day. Pick up a newsletter as well as any other special announcement fliers.
-Be sure to read the bulletin board to find out more details about what is going on at Canticle Farm and beyond.
-Bring bags, a basket, or a box to hold your share. We do accept your extra paper or plastic grocery bags; however, small bags (such as bread or sandwich bags) are not useful to us. Bags should be clean, dry and debris free.
-The marker board behind the produce gives produce names and amounts for large and small shares. You may take up to that amount of the specific item. Do not feel obligated to take food you know you will not eat. Consider taking it to a neighbor, or simply leaving it to be donated to a food pantry. Swapping of items is not allowed. The amount of vegetables to harvest is based on the number of large and small shares.
-If you would like to purchase part of a share, we ask that you find someone to split the share with. We request that you indicate on your enrollment form one primary
shareholder, who will be responsible for making the payments to the farm. The share must be picked up all at once – you cannot sign in and pick up only your portion of the vegetables. If you are sharing a share with others, you must decide amongst yourselves how to coordinate the pick up and division of the share. Due to time constraints, the farm is unable to become involved in this. All splitting of shares must be done outside the pick up area. Please avoid splitting the share in the middle of the distribution area, as it can cause bottle necks for other shareholders. Some people divide their share by picking up on alternate weeks.
 

Pick Your Own (PYO)

-Pick Your Own (PYO) items are listed separately. The distribution host can direct you to self-pick areas. Please only pick in the designated self-pick areas and walk only in roads and walkways, not on the beds. If you are able to, consider picking a few extras for those who are physically unable to go out into the fields.
-This year we will have a designated self-pick area, which have been planted expressly for this purpose. You may pick any day of the week; however quantities may be limited to allow for everyone to take advantage of this opportunity. You may pick your share quantities at any point during the current week. Some shareholders find it more convenient to return to the farm when they are dressed more appropriately, when they have more time, or to spread the vegetables out during the week.
-The gladiolas are NOT included in the self-pick items. They are part of a fundraiser for the farm.
-PYO items may include cherry tomatoes, peas, beans, flowers and herbs. Check the PYO board for availability. PYO will be available as vegetables come into season.
 

What if I can’t make it on my pick up day or I forget?

If you are unable to pick up your share on your designated day you can do one of the following:
 

1. Have Us Hold Your Share

If you call Mark’s cell phone (716-378-9714) before 6 PM on your pick up day, arrangements can be made to hold your share in our cooler until the next pick up day. Please leave a message if Mark does not answer. Due to some of the tasks at the farm, Mark is not always able to carry his cell phone. On distribution afternoons, Mark does check his phone frequently for messages.
 
For example, if your pick up day is on Tuesday and you call before 6 PM, we will keep your share of vegetables in our cooler with your name on it until Friday. If it is not picked up by 6 PM on Friday, it will be donated to a food pantry. You may pick it up from the cooler during daylight hours.

2. Change Your Pick Up Day

If you know in advance that you will be gone, you can change your pick up day by leaving a message in the “Comment” section of the sign-in sheet the week before. Simply state which distribution day you will be able to come the following week. Or, you may call Mark’s cell phone (716-378-9714) to leave a message at least 48 hours in advance of your scheduled pick up day to reschedule it. With any shorter notice, we may have already picked your share. Please do not get into a habit of changing your pick up day, as this can get very confusing.
 

3. Have Someone Else Pick Up Your Share

You may have someone else come pick up your share in your place. Simply have them sign their name in your slot on the shareholder list when they come. This is a wonderful way to share the goodness of Canticle Farm with neighbors, friends and family or let someone else experience fresh produce.
 

4. Donate to a Food Pantry

You may simply leave your share to be donated to a food pantry. If possible, indicate in the comment section of the sign in sheet the week prior to your absence that no one will be picking up your share the following week.
 
Our desire is that the food is not wasted and that as many people as possible benefit from the fruits of Canticle Farm.
 
TIP: Program Mark’s cell phone number (716-378-9714) into your cell phone for quick, emergency calls and don’t forget to leave him a voice mail when you call. Due to the physical constraints of his work he may not always have his cell phone in his pocket.
 
TIP: Enter a reminder on your calendar so that you get in the habit of picking up your share weekly!
 

Compost

We encourage you to bring your food full circle by bringing your compost to the farm! We use compost to enrich the soil to grow healthy and delicious crops in the future. Please ask the distribution host or a staff member for a compost collection container to take home with you for the season if you need one. You can bring this back to the farm filled with vegetable scraps, eggs shells, coffee and tea grounds, leaves (primarily maple and oak) and grass clippings from untreated lawns. Please do not bring us meat and dairy products or leftovers as these attract animals. If you bring a full container to the farm, please leave it with the lid on. Then take a new, clean bucket for your use. For larger quantities of yard clippings and leaves, contact a staff member for details.

 

Community

The community bulletin board will be hung in the distribution area. This bulletin board is for your use and benefit. You can hang notices on this board for services offered, services needed, items for sale or rent, or for upcoming events, etc. Please remember to check this bulletin board often to see what opportunities arise from shareholders at Canticle Farm.
 
The newsletter can be picked up weekly with your share. There is a new edition every week, containing news, tips, recipes and information pertinent to Canticle Farm. If you would like to contribute, please let the editors know or leave a note in the comment section of the sign in sheet. PDF versions of the newsletter are available on the Canticle Farm website, www.canticlefarm.org.
 

Volunteering at the Farm

Integral to the success of our farm is the commitment of our Participating Shareholders, who volunteer their time and talents as a part of their membership. This special arrangement is advantageous to all of us. It increases the financial sustainability of our farm; it allows us to know one another more personally as we bring our abilities and interests to the table (and soil!); it deepens each person’s commitment to the farm and to its larger goals. We are challenged to ask ourselves, and each other, important questions: What skills can I share? What are the farm’s greatest needs at the moment? What time can I make available to help? How can we make use of these talents for the shareholders’ benefit? By embracing our diverse backgrounds, professions, connections, abilities, and interests, we make ourselves a more self-sufficient farm community. It is this fantastic weave of people and skills that puts the “Supported” in Community Supported Agriculture!
 
This year, families in a participating large share will commit to 10 hours of service, and those in a participating small share will commit to 5 hours of service. These hours can be completed over the course of the growing season, beginning in February and ending in late October. Shareholders can offer suggestions for their service hours and are encouraged to discuss their ideas with the farm staff to find an appropriate niche for their skills and interests. Once arranged, the shareholder must log their services in the Volunteer Book, located on the table in the Distribution Center. This enables us to keep track of our work hours, keep insurance records, and thank one another for services rendered.
 
Potential areas of service include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Field work, planting, weeding, harvesting, irrigating
  • Greenhouse work, seeding, thinning
  • Community education, leading or arranging workshops and demonstrations
  • Public events, staffing fundraisers, planning festivals
  • General maintenance, carpentry, painting
  • Office work, preparing mailings, managing files
  • Maintenance of reflection area
  • Equipment maintenance and repair
  • Serving on a farm committee
In lieu of volunteer hours, shareholders may be able to donate specific items to the farm. Items must be off the farm’s wish list and be useable by the farm. Please contact Mark for more information about this option.
 

There are six committees that support the farm:

-The Farm Operation Committee provides support, advice and assistance in decision-making in all matters pertaining to the total farm operation, i.e. soil, seeds, planting, harvesting, water, pest control, methods of distribution, crop preservation, use of farm equipment, cooling systems, and personnel management.
-The Development Committee raises funds for the shares that will be donated to food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens; creates and maintains an endowment; organizes fundraising events to support short- and long-term planning for the farm
-The Marketing Committee promotes share availability to the public, posts regular notices in church bulletins and community centers, advertises meetings and special events in the local newspapers’ calendars, and advises on the layout and content of the farm community newsletter.
-The Finance Committee developsthe annual budget, reviews financial matters including quarterly reports, grant fund allocations, annual reviews and audits, and makes financial recommendations to the Board.
-The Spiritual Committee promotes spiritual goals, plans the Thanksgiving celebration, and cares for the Reflection Area.
-The Education Committee provides information regarding care of produce, nutrition, food preservation, ecological issues and farm practices, creates programs to educate the wider community, and executes press releases, articles, seminars, workshops, and presentations.
Please call the farm office (716-373-0200 ext. 3358) to find out about serving on one of these committees.
 

Important Safety Points, especially regarding children

  • In an effort to preserve the health of our shareholders and staff along with the beauty of our farm, we are asking that shareholders do not smoke while at the farm, except in their own vehicles. Mark feels that our farm is a canvas, and by smoking a person is desecrating the natural beauty that surrounds us. Please be respectful and don’t smoke.
  • Everyone must wear shoes at all times. We constantly find pieces of glass, pottery and old nails from times past in our fields.
  • Please walk only on walkways and roadways. Do not walk on field beds, even if they appear empty. They may hold seeds waiting to germinate, or be freshly tilled. By not walking on them, we also limit compaction.
  • Please know where your children are and supervise them closely. The farm is a busy place, especially during distribution. Staff members are not available to supervise your children.
  • Children are encouraged to play and are welcome to ask a farmer if she/he can help out in the field. We will accommodate them whenever possible. We occasionally may have to decline because the task at hand involves machinery or is not conducive to children. However, we will try to find an alternative task.
  • Please do not let children climb equipment.
  • Please do not let children be near the areas where machinery, parts and supplies are stored.
  • Please stay away from staff members when they are operating farm equipment.
  • If pets are brought to the farm, they must be under control at all times. We do not want to frighten shareholders or trample crops.
  • The electric fence surrounding our property is off during daylight hours.
  • Parents, please be sure to teach these rules to your children and make certain that they abide by them.
 

Reflection Area

Please take advantage of the peace and quiet offered by our reflection area, located just west of the farm fields. The reflection area holds a lovely perennial garden and our labyrinth which was built in 2004. The labyrinth is an ancient source of meditation. The reflection area is open to the public to enjoy.
 

Donations/Fundraising

Canticle Farm is a non-profit venture. The price of shares does not entirely cover the costs of running this farm. We rely on grants, donations and fundraisers to continue to offer our produce and presence to this community. Contributions of any kind are always appreciated, as is your participation and promotion of our fundraisers. Thank you for any way you can help. Periodically we will publish a wish list of items that would be particularly useful for the farm.