The ginger is planted! We have had this ginger seed (rhizomes actually, just like you see at the store) in the works since March and are glad to see it finally safely making it into the ground. This ginger will grow through the summer and as it does, we will give it more nutrients, hill soil up around it's rising leaves to encourage more root production, and keep it well watered. With all this attention, our hope is that come the end of September, we will have delicious baby ginger to eat with skins so thin you don't have to peel it, flesh smooth like a garlic clove, flavor delicate and spicy. (And look at those locks!)
This crew! All for one and one for all! Here is Asia, Elisa, Amy, and Rose bunching green garlic in the shade of washpack. Isn't it a delight to see faces again? Since we are vaccinated we are able to safely stop wearing masks on the farm. I cannot tell you what a difference it makes for my psyche to see the lower halves of peoples faces once more.
Boomer patrol! Critters beware, this little dude walks the farm in search creatures to chase. Here is is walkin down the center aisle of one of our tomato houses. We are lucky to have him! He blends right in with the row cover. We will be rolling that frost blanket up soon since we are free and clear of frosts now.
I know you are all on the edge of your seats- no turkey vulture hatchlings yet but here's to hoping it's all in good time. They can take up to 41 days to hatch! In the meantime we are planting and nurturing our crops- installing trellis, weeding, and irrigating.
As time moves forward, we will begin opening online ordering for earlier in the week. Hang tight!
Keep coming out to the market to support your local growers and if you begin feeling worried about the crowds, remember you can pre-order. If you need help figuring it out, check out our trouble shooting guide at the bottom of the email. Need more help? Just email!!
In this email:
Pasta with wilted spinach and balsamic
This is a simple and satisfying meal. I love it so much. It always fills me up with flavor and joy. The spinach melts into the pasta and the zip of the balsamic plus the salt of the cheese really brings a joy.
If you want to expand on its simplest form, chopping and sautéing some green garlic add at the end would only add to the flavors.
Ingredients:
Cook pasta. Drain the pasta and return it to the hot pot. Toss in the spinach and sautéed green garlic if you are using it, along with some balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and some grated Parmesan cheese. If you like, you can also add pine nuts, but it is great on its own.
Make a large portion and dole it out through the week for lunch and dinner. See if you can make it last longer than a sitting. I barely can.
Notes from the Farm:
So much to do and less to say, this time of year is one of action. We execute long lists and are grateful for longer days. The barn swallows are back- zipping around, like sea creatures of the air, the red wing blackbirds dive bomb us when we are close to their nests, and we hear the strangled chicken call of the pheasant through the day.
The wild bees buzz on the flowered brassicas, the dandelions have gone to seed, and the dry soil welcomed the rain. It was so remarkably dry for spring. We are all out here working together, making connections above and below the soils delineation.
I am glad to be here and better get out there!
Onward and upward!
Helen, Jim, Amy, Elisa, Rose, Asia, Tyler and Brandon: The Lake Dividers!
Lake Divide Farm: Good for the Earth, Good for the Farmers, Good for the People. The Trifecta of sustainability. Good for the earth: Taking care of the natural world is a important, after all, it takes care of us; Good for the farmer: We believe farmers should have livable hours and livable wages; Good for the people: We believe in food equality and bringing our produce to market at an affordable price and keeping it accessible is important to us.
Fresh From the Field- We are at Market this week
Greens:
Microgreens (Arugula, Radish, Brassica Mix and Broccoli)
Pea Shoots
Spinach
Head Lettuce!
Arugula (from Tantre- Royal Oak and Eastern only)
All Manner of Deliciousness
Green Onions
Green Garlic - try our pesto recipe
Herbs
Sage
Oregano
Mint
Chives
Thyme (limited)
Coming Soon:
Squash!
Kale
Swiss Chard
:
Staying Active: Something to keep the gears of progress engaged: Last update May 13th, 2021
While the movement keeps moving, I struggle to keep up with updating the list. This doesn't mean that this work is any less important.
There are a lot of good seeds here. We need to keep working to raise them up. I will continue to add resources as they come up.
Keep learning, listening, speaking up, and showing up. We have to continue providing energy for change. There is much to be done. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.
If you come across resources, readings, or movements that you feel are powerful, please send them our way so we can share them.
I have included below a couple links to readings and some ideas on how to work towards racial equity within your community as well as links to some places where dollars can make a difference.
Because the Michigan Library Association had so much great information, I have linked to their Racial Equity Resources page here. You will find a wide range of resources including books, films, action plans, and organizations. https://www.milibraries.org/racial-equity-resources
Another good resource: Racial Equity Tools
To read: Definitely use the MLPP list for this (linked above). They have some many valuable reads listed there.
Read books by people of color and indigenous people. There are many great booklists to be found.
Anti Racism books for children- from Book Beat in Royal Oak.
This blog also included a few resources to help children cope with crises. Specifically the National Black Children Development Institute's "An Activity Book for African American Families: Helping Children Cope with Crises."
Soul Fire Farm's Food Sovereignty Action Steps: “If we are not acting to change the system, we are complicit, casting our silent vote to maintain the status quo.” The following food sovereignty action steps were compiled by the Soul Fire Farm community and Northeast Farmers of Color alliance It is divided into seven sections
To Listen and Watch:
There are so many TED talks on talking about race and racism, race, race relations, and the history of racism. Here is one to get you started.
What I am learning from my white grandchildren -- truths about race | Anthony Peterson | TEDxAntioch
Ted Talks on Racism
Something to do:
<>The 21 day Racial Equity Challenge I still recommend it!
<>Organize a reading group.
<> Show up! Detroit Will Breathe has been marching for Justice daily since March. While they are not marching daily now, they are very active. Check their website for their schedule https://detroitwillbreathe.info/
<> Join an organization: A few listed below, again more can be found on the Michigan Library Association's website
How to Have a Respectful Conversation About Racial Justice
If you come across a good community organizing tool kit, please send it our way so we can share it.
To contribute monetarily:
Zinn Education Project: Teaching People's History. 100% of Zinn Education Project funding comes from individuals.
The Zinn Education Project promotes and supports the teaching of people’s history in classrooms across the country. For more than ten years, the Zinn Education Project has introduced students to a more accurate, complex, and engaging understanding of history than is found in traditional textbooks and curricula. With more than 110,000 people registered, and growing by more than 10,000 new registrants every year, the Zinn Education Project has become a leading resource for teachers and teacher educators.
Donate generally to Zinn to help share the People's History.
Or Donate to Zinn's campaign to send people’s history books and lessons to Mississippi teachers and librarians
Detroit Will Breathe:
While their general fundraising GoFundMe currently redirects donations to support their Federal Lawsuit fund, you can find lots of information about the work that they have been doing and what they have accomplished on that page (found here)
Here is a direct link to support their federal lawsuit. Below is a bit of what the lawsuit is about. You can read more about it on their gofundme page.
Link to copy paste if needed: https://www.gofundme.com/f/detroit-will-breathe-federal-lawsuit-fund.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
The NAACP is at the forefront of the movement to build political power and ensure the wellbeing of communities of color. Underscoring the advocacy of our 2,200 local units across the country, we empower our communities to make democracy work for them. Your donation to the NAACP helps further our mission to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. Donate today to become our newest monthly sustainer.
Market Details: We are at market this week
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Wednesday- We will be back soon.
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Saturday with Amy: 8 am to 3 pm (or till sold out), pre-order walk-up or curbside pick-up, on site vegetables!. All orders must be picked up by 1 pm. All curbside orders must be picked up by 12 pm.
The market runs until 3 pm but we may leave early so it is important that you pick up your order by 1 pm.
For curbside pick-up: Email us to let us know. On market day, pull up and park along Detroit street and tell a volunteer your name and that you are picking up an order from Lake Divide.
Eastern Market, shed 2, Saturday with Shana 6 am to 2:30 pm, pre-order, walk-up or curbside, onsite purchases. *If you feel strongly or need to have a trunk pick-up because you are high risk, please email me and I can arrange to have your order dropped at your car.
Royal Oak, Saturday with Helen and Lisa! 7 am to 1 pm, pre-order, walk-up or curbside, onsite purchases.
Find us inside in our usual spot.
*If you feel strongly or need to have a trunk pick-up because you are high risk, please email me and I can arrange to have your order dropped at your car. I will email you the instructions Friday after all orders are in.
Stockbridge, Saturday on the farm with Jim, Asia and Elisa!
Preorders only please! When you get to the farm, stay in your car and shoot us a text. We will bring you your order!
If you are a CSA member and your account balance is low:
Ordering: How to Register with Local Line
If you have already registered with Local Line, just log in and use your account to order. If you haven't already done it, please make sure your account name is in the format Lastname.First as in Chandler.Helen or Neumann.Jim. This isn't required but it helps us when we are entering data, packing, and handling pick ups.
Trouble shooting:If you have filled your cart but your order isn't going through: If the answer to one of these questions is yes, that is the cause of your problem.
How to create a Local Line Account:
As time moves forward, we will begin opening online ordering for earlier in the week. Hang tight!
Keep coming out to the market to support your local growers and if you begin feeling worried about the crowds, remember you can pre-order. If you need help figuring it out, check out our trouble shooting guide at the bottom of the email. Need more help? Just email!!
In this email:
- Generally important notes-
- Recipe: Pasta with Spinach and Balsamic Vinegar
- Farm News
- Fresh From the Field
- Staying active and engaged with social change
- Market Details
- Ordering with Local Line: register and troubleshoot
- CSA members- what to do if your account is low
Pasta with wilted spinach and balsamic
This is a simple and satisfying meal. I love it so much. It always fills me up with flavor and joy. The spinach melts into the pasta and the zip of the balsamic plus the salt of the cheese really brings a joy.
If you want to expand on its simplest form, chopping and sautéing some green garlic add at the end would only add to the flavors.
Ingredients:
- Box of linguine (I like to use chickpea or lentil pasta for some added protein but good ole durum wheat is always delicious!)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 bags of spinach
- Parmesean
- Pine nuts (optional)
- Bunch green garlic (optional)
Cook pasta. Drain the pasta and return it to the hot pot. Toss in the spinach and sautéed green garlic if you are using it, along with some balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and some grated Parmesan cheese. If you like, you can also add pine nuts, but it is great on its own.
Make a large portion and dole it out through the week for lunch and dinner. See if you can make it last longer than a sitting. I barely can.
Notes from the Farm:
So much to do and less to say, this time of year is one of action. We execute long lists and are grateful for longer days. The barn swallows are back- zipping around, like sea creatures of the air, the red wing blackbirds dive bomb us when we are close to their nests, and we hear the strangled chicken call of the pheasant through the day.
The wild bees buzz on the flowered brassicas, the dandelions have gone to seed, and the dry soil welcomed the rain. It was so remarkably dry for spring. We are all out here working together, making connections above and below the soils delineation.
I am glad to be here and better get out there!
Onward and upward!
Helen, Jim, Amy, Elisa, Rose, Asia, Tyler and Brandon: The Lake Dividers!
Lake Divide Farm: Good for the Earth, Good for the Farmers, Good for the People. The Trifecta of sustainability. Good for the earth: Taking care of the natural world is a important, after all, it takes care of us; Good for the farmer: We believe farmers should have livable hours and livable wages; Good for the people: We believe in food equality and bringing our produce to market at an affordable price and keeping it accessible is important to us.
Fresh From the Field- We are at Market this week
Greens:
Microgreens (Arugula, Radish, Brassica Mix and Broccoli)
Pea Shoots
Spinach
Head Lettuce!
Arugula (from Tantre- Royal Oak and Eastern only)
All Manner of Deliciousness
Green Onions
Green Garlic - try our pesto recipe
Herbs
Sage
Oregano
Mint
Chives
Thyme (limited)
Coming Soon:
Squash!
Kale
Swiss Chard
:
Staying Active: Something to keep the gears of progress engaged: Last update May 13th, 2021
While the movement keeps moving, I struggle to keep up with updating the list. This doesn't mean that this work is any less important.
There are a lot of good seeds here. We need to keep working to raise them up. I will continue to add resources as they come up.
Keep learning, listening, speaking up, and showing up. We have to continue providing energy for change. There is much to be done. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.
If you come across resources, readings, or movements that you feel are powerful, please send them our way so we can share them.
I have included below a couple links to readings and some ideas on how to work towards racial equity within your community as well as links to some places where dollars can make a difference.
Because the Michigan Library Association had so much great information, I have linked to their Racial Equity Resources page here. You will find a wide range of resources including books, films, action plans, and organizations. https://www.milibraries.org/racial-equity-resources
Another good resource: Racial Equity Tools
To read: Definitely use the MLPP list for this (linked above). They have some many valuable reads listed there.
Read books by people of color and indigenous people. There are many great booklists to be found.
Anti Racism books for children- from Book Beat in Royal Oak.
This blog also included a few resources to help children cope with crises. Specifically the National Black Children Development Institute's "An Activity Book for African American Families: Helping Children Cope with Crises."
Soul Fire Farm's Food Sovereignty Action Steps: “If we are not acting to change the system, we are complicit, casting our silent vote to maintain the status quo.” The following food sovereignty action steps were compiled by the Soul Fire Farm community and Northeast Farmers of Color alliance It is divided into seven sections
To Listen and Watch:
There are so many TED talks on talking about race and racism, race, race relations, and the history of racism. Here is one to get you started.
What I am learning from my white grandchildren -- truths about race | Anthony Peterson | TEDxAntioch
Ted Talks on Racism
Something to do:
<>The 21 day Racial Equity Challenge I still recommend it!
<>Organize a reading group.
<> Show up! Detroit Will Breathe has been marching for Justice daily since March. While they are not marching daily now, they are very active. Check their website for their schedule https://detroitwillbreathe.info/
<> Join an organization: A few listed below, again more can be found on the Michigan Library Association's website
- Be the Bridge, led by Latasha Morrison at Be the Bridge www.bethebridge.com
- EmbraceRace www.embracerace.org
- GARE – Government Alliance on Race and Equity https://www.racialequityalliance.org/
How to Have a Respectful Conversation About Racial Justice
If you come across a good community organizing tool kit, please send it our way so we can share it.
To contribute monetarily:
Zinn Education Project: Teaching People's History. 100% of Zinn Education Project funding comes from individuals.
The Zinn Education Project promotes and supports the teaching of people’s history in classrooms across the country. For more than ten years, the Zinn Education Project has introduced students to a more accurate, complex, and engaging understanding of history than is found in traditional textbooks and curricula. With more than 110,000 people registered, and growing by more than 10,000 new registrants every year, the Zinn Education Project has become a leading resource for teachers and teacher educators.
Donate generally to Zinn to help share the People's History.
Or Donate to Zinn's campaign to send people’s history books and lessons to Mississippi teachers and librarians
Detroit Will Breathe:
While their general fundraising GoFundMe currently redirects donations to support their Federal Lawsuit fund, you can find lots of information about the work that they have been doing and what they have accomplished on that page (found here)
Here is a direct link to support their federal lawsuit. Below is a bit of what the lawsuit is about. You can read more about it on their gofundme page.
Link to copy paste if needed: https://www.gofundme.com/f/detroit-will-breathe-federal-lawsuit-fund.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
The NAACP is at the forefront of the movement to build political power and ensure the wellbeing of communities of color. Underscoring the advocacy of our 2,200 local units across the country, we empower our communities to make democracy work for them. Your donation to the NAACP helps further our mission to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. Donate today to become our newest monthly sustainer.
Market Details: We are at market this week
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Wednesday- We will be back soon.
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Saturday with Amy: 8 am to 3 pm (or till sold out), pre-order walk-up or curbside pick-up, on site vegetables!. All orders must be picked up by 1 pm. All curbside orders must be picked up by 12 pm.
The market runs until 3 pm but we may leave early so it is important that you pick up your order by 1 pm.
For curbside pick-up: Email us to let us know. On market day, pull up and park along Detroit street and tell a volunteer your name and that you are picking up an order from Lake Divide.
Eastern Market, shed 2, Saturday with Shana 6 am to 2:30 pm, pre-order, walk-up or curbside, onsite purchases. *If you feel strongly or need to have a trunk pick-up because you are high risk, please email me and I can arrange to have your order dropped at your car.
Royal Oak, Saturday with Helen and Lisa! 7 am to 1 pm, pre-order, walk-up or curbside, onsite purchases.
Find us inside in our usual spot.
*If you feel strongly or need to have a trunk pick-up because you are high risk, please email me and I can arrange to have your order dropped at your car. I will email you the instructions Friday after all orders are in.
Stockbridge, Saturday on the farm with Jim, Asia and Elisa!
Preorders only please! When you get to the farm, stay in your car and shoot us a text. We will bring you your order!
If you are a CSA member and your account balance is low:
- If you want to continue on as one of our members and your balance does not cover your current order
- Order what you want
- Add money into your account either by
- Putting a check or cash in your trunk/backseat Saturday for pick-up and emailing to let me know
- Mailing a check
- Using the online store
- If you just want to add more to your account, go for it! Use any of the methods listed above.
- If you no longer want to be a farm member
- We ask that you do not go over your balance.
Ordering: How to Register with Local Line
If you have already registered with Local Line, just log in and use your account to order. If you haven't already done it, please make sure your account name is in the format Lastname.First as in Chandler.Helen or Neumann.Jim. This isn't required but it helps us when we are entering data, packing, and handling pick ups.
Trouble shooting:If you have filled your cart but your order isn't going through: If the answer to one of these questions is yes, that is the cause of your problem.
- Is your total less than $10? We have a $10 minimum to help us deal with the extra cost of packing orders.
- Is it between Friday morning and Tuesday afternoon? Ordering is open from sometime Tuesday afternoon until Thursday at midnight
- Don't worry about this. We had to set up a work around to get Local Line to fit the needs for our business.
- Did you verify your email address? After you create your username and password, Local Line sends a confirmation email. You can find it by searching your inbox for and email from localline.ca and the exact phrase "please verify your email address"
How to create a Local Line Account:
- Head to the link at the bottom of these steps.
- Register using the green button to the right.
- You will be asked to enter a bunch of information and there are a two things that are very important
- Be sure to use the email address that this email went to. If you don't, you may be asked to pay using a credit card.
- Please use the Lastname.First for the Account name. (Your last name follow by a period followed by your first name, with no spaces. For example Chandler.Helen)
- You will then need to verify your email address by going to your email inbox and responding to the email that comes from Local Line.
- At last! You can order!
- Here is the link to use to create your Local Line account: https://www.localline.ca/lakedividefarm
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