A (September) day in the life of a volunteer….

It was one of those “Wish I could bottle this moment” times yesterday….bouncing around in the wagon with the growers, behind Adrienne driving the tractor, on our way up to the pumpkin and squash patch.
The air was fresher and cleaner, following the rains of the weekend, and it was thankfully cooler for this UK native to be working in the fields.
I never cease to be moved and thrilled by the happy and expectant atmosphere that I have come to know since working as a volunteer with the staff and growing team at Red Wiggler. Yesterday was no exception.
Perhaps it was because of the glorious colors of the produce we were about to pile in the wagon; yellow, gold, orange, green. Perhaps it was the energy that comes from being outside, communing with nature, and being amongst friends or maybe just the heralding of Fall and the knowledge that a busy summer growing season was finally coming to an end……whatever it was, it was an immensely satisfying and happy day for us all!!
Sue Skeith September 29th 2008
(see photo in previous posting)

Harvest #17-A

We've got just two weeks left of the regular season. For those of you deeply concerned about signing up for the 2009 season, current members have the right of first refusal and $50 will hold your spot. The fine details about the 2009 season have not been ironed out yet, but will be shortly.

ALSO, sooner than you know it, a frost will come and destroy all the basil, NOW is the time to get your basil and make that last batch of pesto. It stores great in the freezer or in an ice cube tray for later use.

**Cilantro and Dill are back!!

Here's what we have this week:

Radishes
Turnips
Baby Collards or Baby Kale
Pac Choi
Arugula
Sweet Peppers
Hot Peppers
Garlic
Eggplant
Winter Squash
Red Tomatoes
Heirloom Tomatoes
** and perhaps as bonus: okra, tomatillos, cherry tomatoes, beets

Part of our winter squash harvest

Harvest #16-B and notes

We spent Monday spreading compost and manure to prep our beds for next year's garlic planting that will happen in a month's time.

We have 3 more weeks of the CSA season. This week we have a great abundance, which includes:

Beets
Radishes
Baby Collards
Pac Choi
Arugula
Sweet Peppers
Hot Peppers
Eggplant
Cherry Tomatoes
Red Tomatoes
Heirloom Tomatoes
Garlic

*** Maybes: Beans, okra, carrots or Turnips***

-adrienne

Annual Harvest Supper was a success

Tropical Storm Hannah arrived the morning of Red Wiggler's long-planned annual fund-raising event. Possible disaster was averted with a one-day postponement that allowed us to have a beautiful and successful event. Sept. 7 brought mild weather and a sunny day for the supper under the big tent and a busy auction scene in the barn. Thanks to the resilience of our many friends, donors and sponsors, we raised close to $25,000 to support our programs for people with developmental disabilities, youth, the environment and all our community building activities.

This year's auction featured several firsts: a record of over 150 donations of artwork, crafts, merchandise, personal services and unique experiences; as well as an online "silent" auction process that generated enthusiastic bidding until we went "live" in the barn. We look forward to future years using the online auction to reach out into the community. If you are interested in seeing what items "went for" follow this link to the auction web site

Special thanks to Board member Nancy Everett and Debra Graugnard for their skilled coordination of every aspect of the harvest supper and auction. We gratefully acknowledge Whole Foods Kentlands, which prepared our vegetarian supper with produce from Red Wiggler and skillfully handled the one-day delay. Our thanks to the Engle-Pratt Family Band who regaled us with musical entertainment throughout the evening. There were over 25 volunteers who assisted with various aspects of the event- a hearty thanks to all who gave time to make the event a real success.

Finally- we have just launched our new and improved web site! please have a look- www.redwiggler.org

-Woody

Week 15-A Harvest

Our pollination for your crops provided by Naked Bee - We have also been selling honey extracted from the hives here at Red Wiggler - They even made up a special Red Wiggler Reserve label- We are selling them directly to CSA members during regular pick ups while supplies last-

This week is an "A" week, and we're starting to return to our greens and root vegetables. This week your pick up will include the following:

Braising Mix
Swiss Chard
Hakurei Turnips
Beets
Carrots
Sweet and Hot Peppers
Garlic
Red, Heirloom, and Cherry Tomatoes
Beans for Wednesday shareholders
Eggplant for Saturday shareholders

Enjoy!

Michelle

Week 14-B Harvest

The Red Wiggler Team earned more than a dozen awards last week at the
Damascus Community Fair!

This week we're back at it and will be for another 4 more weeks. This is a B week for all you alternate shares. Here's a glimpse of what we got going:

Summer Squash and/or Cucumbers
Eggplant
Garlic
Sweet Peppers
Hot Peppers
Cherry Tomatoes
Red Tomatoes
Heirloom Tomatoes
Beets
Chard or Arugula--yep, it's back!!

-adrienne

In the event you can't make it today-

Red Wiggler 2008 Annual Harvest Supper and Silent Auction
is re-scheduled for today, Sunday September 7th 4pm - 8pm due to Tropical Storm Hannah.

We understand that the change of date means that not everyone can attend. Please let us know if you will not be able to make it on Sunday so we can have an estimate of the number of people who will attend. For those not able to attend on Sunday, refunds are available. Alternatively, if you would like to have the cost of your dinner ticket become a donation for this important fundraising event, we are happy to follow up with a letter thanking you for your tax-deductible contribution to Red Wiggler. The proceeds from this year's dinner will support our programs for people with developmental disabilities, youth and the environment.

We hope that our guests will understand our decision to reschedule and bear with us as we hustle to make Sunday an exceptional day!
- Woody Woodroof, Director

Event Postponed and Rescheduled for Sunday September 7th, 4-8pm

Red Wiggler 2008 Annual Harvest Supper and Silent Auction
Due to poor and potentially dangerous conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Hannah
our event is postponed and rescheduled for Tomorrow, Sunday September 7th 4pm - 8pm.

This decision will ensure the safety of our supporters by keeping people off the roads during dangerous driving conditions and reduce the environmental impact of the event (gravel road run off, grassy parking etc.) given our proximity to the wetlands.

We hope that our guests will understand our decision and bear with us as we hustle to make the necessary changes.
- Woody Woodroof, Director This update was posted Saturday September 6th at 9:45am

Harvest Supper Update

Red Wiggler 2008 Annual
Harvest Supper and Silent Auction
September 6th 2008 4pm - 8:00pm
At this time the event is proceeding "rain or shine" as scheduled.

However,
If excessive wind, flooding and power outages occur
we will move the event to Sunday September 7th 4pm - 8pm

This decision will be made by 10:00 am Saturday Sept. 6 We will post here as well as create a phone message on the farm phone- 301-916-2216.
We recognize that this may not be ideal and we ask for your patience as we navigate Tropical Storm Hannah.

If you are a guest- please dress for an event held in a barn and under a tent. Dress is casual. When arriving you can drop passengers at the barn and then park. An umbrella will be very helpful. We are also encouraging guests to car pool if that is at all feasible. Also- please not that we can not process credit cards and ask that you bring a checkbook or cash. Thanks.

Woody Woodroof, Director

NO CSA this week--Annual Supper and Silent Auction

Folks,

There is NO CSA pick up this week! Please DO NOT come to the farm expecting vegetables at your regular time. We are taking the week to celebrate the year and FUN(d)raise.

See you next week. FYI, it's a B-week next week.

Ciao,
adrienne