Lake Divide Farm
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Our Story and Our Mission
  • The Lake Divide Farm Team!
  • What We Offer
  • Farmers' Markets
  • Market CSA Membership
  • Work or Volunteer with us!
  • Farm News
    • Sign-up for our mailing list!
  • Recipes
  • Contact us

LDF News: Ordering open plus a brief survey!

1/19/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Helen moved her office into the newly renovated living room to be closer to the wood stove. It was a beast to install the wood stove, but we got it done
Picture
Tuesday in the winter has become onion cleaning day
Picture
Spring onions are holding up well in the greenhouse despite the lack of active heat
While all the thoughts aren't on paper, the planning continues. We are looking forward with hope. On the topic of planning, we are considering attending markets bi-weekly for the winter months and we want to know what you think. Please participate in our survey and be part of the decision. 

We are considering attending markets biweekly in winter months so that we can dedicate time and energy to planning for the year ahead, improving infrastructure, general farm maintenance, and a stronger start in the spring. The vegetables in the field need a little more time to recharge and we don't have quite as much in the way of storage vegetables as we have in previous years. Additionally, if/when the vegetables in the field come back around, we may return to a weekly schedule. However, we don't want to leave you in the lurch or have you missing us by being off schedule. So tell us, what do you think by answering the question below. Please feel free to write to us if you additional thoughts.

Should we attend markets biweekly through the winter months (January-March/April)?
Yes No No preference Whatever you think is best
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-  UPDATED please note!
    • Stockbridge customers can pre-order to pick-up on the farm Saturday between 1 pm and 4 pm. We will send you a phone number after you order. 
    • Eastern market customers! We are now inside shed 5 in our old spot from last year (on the north east edge) 
  • Recipe: French Onion Soup: turns out it isn't so hard and you get to drink wine!
  • Notes from the Farm
  • Fresh From the Field- What are we bringing to market this week!
  • Staying active and engaged with social change- (Updated December 8th- Donate to Zinn, read Soul Fire Farm's Food Sovereignty Action Steps, listen/watch TED talks)
  • Market Details-
    • Find our vegetables and other local goods in Stockbridge at Plane Food Market! 
  • Ordering with Local Line: register and troubleshoot
  • CSA members- what to do if your account is low
French Onion Soup:
From Smitten Kitchen
Because this is rich, I use 12-ounce (or 1.5-cup) ramekins/baking dishes (from BIA Cordon Bleu I cannot find online but here’s something kind of close. Some people prefer it in more of a 16-ounce or 2-cup bowl, in which case, you might only get 6 servings.Tip: I always start with an onion or two more than I need, because due to the vagaries of buying onions from grocery stores in the middle of winter, I never know when I’ll get one kind of banged up inside, except reliably any time I don’t buy extras.
Ingredients
  • 3 pounds thinly sliced yellow onions
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry, vermouth, or white wine (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf or a few sprigs of thyme (optional, and honestly, I rarely bother)
  • 2 quarts (8 cups) beef, chicken, or vegetable (mushroom is excellent here) stock, the more robust the better
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 garlic clove
  • One (3/4- to 1-inch) thick slice of bread for each bowl of soup
  • 1/4 cup grated gruyere, comte, or a mix of gruyere and parmesan per toast
PREPARATION
  1. Caramelize your onions: Melt butter in the bottom of a 5- to 6-quart saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions, toss to coat them in butter and cover the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let them slowly steep for 15 minutes. They don’t need your attention.

    Uncover the pot, raise the heat slightly and stir in salt — I start with between 1 and 2 teaspoons of fine sea salt, or twice as much kosher salt. Cook onions, stirring every 5 minutes (you might be fine checking in less often in the beginning, until the point when the water in the onions has cooked off) for about 40 to 90 minutes longer.
    [What? That range is crazy. Stoves vary so much, even my own. If your onions are browning before 40 minutes are up, reduce the heat to low, and if that’s still cooking too fast, try a smaller burner. The longer you cook the onions, the more complex the flavor, but when you’re happy with it, you can stop — the ghost of Julia Child will not haunt you, the Shame Wizard will not taunt you or anything.]
    Make the soup: Onions are caramelized when they’re an even, deep golden brown, sweet and tender. Add sherry or vermouth, if using, and scrape up any onions stuck to pan. Cook until it disappears. Add stock, herbs (if using), and a lot of freshly ground black pepper and bring soup to a simmer. Partially cover pot and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; discard thyme sprigs and bay leaf if you used them.
    While soup is finishing, heat your broiler, and if you don’t have a broiler, heat your oven as hot as it goes. If your bread is not already stale (i.e. you did not leave the slices out last night to harden, probably because nobody told you to), toast them lightly, until firm. Rub lightly with a raw garlic clove. Line a baking sheet with foil and arrange soup bowls/vessels on top.
    To finish: Ladle soup into bowls. Fit a piece of toast (trimming if needed) onto each. Sprinkle with cheese. Run under broiler until cheese is melted and brown at edges. Garnish with herbs. You can eat it right away but it’s going to stay hot for a good 10 minutes or so, if you need more time.
I know what I am having for lunch and dinner this week!

Notes from the Farm:
I am keeping it short and sweet. See the lovely pictures, make the delicious soup, and remember that this is a hard time of year for many people. Find glimmers of sunlight at every crest. 

See you at market!
Helen, Jim, and Amy: 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!

Quick note: You may notice that the crop list in the email does not always match the crop list in our online store. Items not found online may have sold out or we may not have posted them online. We sometimes do not post crops online that have not come into abundance yet because we don't always know how much (or how little) of a crop will be harvestable by the end of the week so we can't offer it for sale on Tuesday. These items go to market in small quantities. When they come fully into season, we will list them online. This is the best way we have come up with to manage these crops.

That said, you can always add to your order when you pick up at market.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we troubleshoot a whole new (to us) way of doing things.

Greens:
Bok choi
Kale- Siberfrills, Red Russian, and green curly!
Mustard greens (limited)

All manner of deliciousness: 
​
Cabbage- Round Green, red, red arrowhead. round red
Radish- Watermelon, purple daikon, spicy black, and some long white Daikon!
Rutabaga
Sweet turnips- wee baby roots with good cooking or salad greens!
Onions- Red and yellow

Futures: 
Chard- taking a week or two off yet.
Arugula- 4 weeks out?
Mustard
: 
Staying Active: Something to keep the gears of progress engaged: Last update December 8th, 2020
Our intention is to update this list regularly. Just because we are posting new links, the links from previous emails are still relevant. Additionally, you will find some links repeated. 

In the meantime, 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

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
T
ed 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/

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

"On Monday, August 31, 2020, Detroit Will Breathe and fourteen individuals filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Detroit, Mayor Duggan, and Chief Craig. Detroit Will Breathe is represented by attorneys Jack Schulz and Amanda Ghannam of Schulz Law PLC, William Goodman and Julie Hurwitz of Goodman Hurwitz PLC, and Sean Riddell of the Riddell Law Firm.

The City, through the Detroit Police Department, has continuously violated demonstrators’ First Amendment right to protest, Fourth Amendment right to be free from excessive force, unlawful arrest, and punitive conditions of detainment; and the right to be free from state-sponsored retaliation for conveying a message of racial justice under 42 U.S.C. 1981."


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:  
 
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Wednesday- We will be back in the spring

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Saturday (Jim): 8 am to 3 pm, 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 5, 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 Amy team!
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
Are you a CSA member but your order receipt says balance due in 30 days?
  • Don't worry about this. We had to set up a work around to get Local Line to fit the needs for our business. 
You have made an account but can't log in:
  • 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"  
If you still need to register with Local Line, follow these instructions. To avoid difficulty, PLEASE READ THROUGH THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
How to create a Local Line Account:
  1. Head to the link at the bottom of these steps.
  2. Register using the green button to the right.
  3. You will be asked to enter a bunch of information and there are a two things that are very important
    1. 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.
    2. 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)
  4. 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.
  5. At last! You can order!
  6. Here is the link to use to create your Local Line account: https://www.localline.ca/lakedividefarm
0 Comments

LDF News: Updated Action list, not at AA Wednesday

12/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Sunsets on the farm are over the top this time of year. Rich rich color. Plus you can see a bit more of our winter to do list here- getting that equipment under cover. It never appreciates being left out for the frost thaw cycle of the winter season.
We had our first 36 hours below freezing this week from Saturday evening until Monday afternoon. It seems the plants did well despite the dip below the crust. Time will tell all the more but we have seen them survive this before. What I was really impressed with was the Swiss Chard. Its stems usually crumple with the cold, but at a gland, they are looking really good! 

Before we go on with the rest of the email, I want to make two important notes:

First: We will not be at Ann Arbor's Wednesday market for the rest of the season. We are a little short-staffed and the market has been a little slow so we think it is the best decision for the farm. It has been a wonderful season there. If you usually attend only that market and have concerns about coming to Ann Arbor's Saturday market, please let us know and we will do what we can to make sure you have access to our food. 

Second: We are going to take a winter break. Our last market in 2020 will be Saturday, December 19th. Barring horrible weather, we will return to markets in 2021 on Saturday January 16th. Please keep an eye out for our emails and posts! 

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-  
    • Stockbridge customers can pre-order to pick-up on the farm Friday between 3 pm and 5 pm. We will send you a phone number after you order. 
    • We will not be attending Ann Arbor Wednesday again until the Spring
  • Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin Soup- time to eat those Long Pie pumpkins with some crusty bread.
  • Notes from the Farm
  • Fresh From the Field- What are we bringing to market this week!
  • Staying active and engaged with social change- (Updated THIS WEEK! December 8th- Donate to Zinn, read Soul Fire Farm's Food Sovereignty Action Steps, listen/watch TED talks)
  • Market Details-
    • Find our vegetables and other local goods in Stockbridge at Plane Food Market! 
  • Ordering with Local Line: register and troubleshoot
  • CSA members- what to do if your account is low

Recipe: Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup
From Cookie and Kate
I love pumpkins and never knew it until I ate one of our long pie pumpkins. While I have yet to try this particular recipe  for pumpkin soup (it sounds delicious) I know I would love it. I also like that it is easy to make dairy free!

Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • One 4-pound sugar pie pumpkin (that is generally one of our average sized pie pumpkins)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 large or 6 medium garlic cloves, pressed or minced
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ⅛ teaspoon cloves
  • Tiny dash of cayenne pepper (optional, if you like spice)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cups (32 ounces) vegetable broth
  • ½ cup full fat coconut milk or heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • ¼ cup pepitas (green pumpkin seeds)
PREPARATION
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Carefully halve the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds (you can roast the seeds if you’d like—see note—but you won’t need them for this recipe). (Note from Helen: ROAST THE SEEDS SO GOOD! Also, if you have an instantpot, squash cooks very quickly in there)
  2. Slice each pumpkin halve in half to make quarters. Brush or rub 1 tablespoon olive oil over the flesh of the pumpkin and place the quarters, cut sides down, onto the baking sheet. Roast for 35 minutes or longer, until the orange flesh is easily pierced through with a fork. Set it aside to cool for a few minutes.
  3. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add onion, garlic and salt to the skillet. Stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. In the meantime, peel the pumpkin skin off the pumpkins and discard the skin.
  4. Add the pumpkin flesh, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cayenne pepper (if using), and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper. Use your stirring spoon to break up the pumpkin a bit. Pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, to give the flavors time to meld.
  5. While the soup is cooking, toast the pepitas in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant, golden and making little popping noises. You want them to be nice and toasty, but not burnt. Transfer pepitas to a bowl to cool.
  6. Once the pumpkin mixture is done cooking, stir in the coconut milk and maple syrup. Remove the soup from heat and let it cool slightly. You can use an immersion blender to blend this soup in the pot. I prefer to use my stand blender, which yields the creamiest results—working in batches, transfer the contents of the pan to a blender (do not fill your blender past the maximum fill line!). Securely fasten the blender’s lid and use a kitchen towel to protect your hand from steam escaping from the top of the blender as you purée the mixture until smooth. Transfer the puréed soup to a serving bowl and repeat with the remaining batches.
  7. Taste and adjust if necessary (I thought the soup was just right as is, but you might want to add more coconut milk for extra creaminess/milder flavor, or maple syrup to make it a little sweeter).
  8. Ladle the soup into individual bowls. Sprinkle pepitas over the soup and serve. Let leftover soup cool completely before transferring it to a proper storage container and refrigerating it for up to 4 days (leftovers taste even better the next day!). Or, freeze this soup for up to 3 months.
NOTES: Soup inspired by the pumpkin soup at The Picnic House in Portland and roughly adapted from my curried butternut soup.
MAKE IT DAIRY FREE: Use coconut milk, not heavy cream.
MAKE IT VEGAN: Use coconut milk and maple syrup.
CHANGE IT UP: Kabocha squash works instead of pumpkin, and I bet butternut squash would work well, too.

Notes from the Farm:
With just the core on the farm, we keeping a quick pace to get through the long harvest list plus some auxiliary farm tasks. For instance, we have a few tunnels that would appreciate a weeding, some spring onions and winter lettuce that would thrive if planted, and a big ole bulk rutabaga harvest on our plates. There is also a lot of  seasonal office work that crops up this time of year. Order lists, crop plans, taxes (I swear this year we will get them in on time). The great Reckoning: what the heck happened this season and how can we do better! This are tasks like untangling a dream. I both enjoy them and dread them and always learn a lot. 

We are grateful to have this work, happy to be on the farm, and excited for all that we will grow this winter and all that we will grow in the coming year. 
Thank you so so much for all the cheer and support!

See you at market!
Helen, Jim, and Amy: 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!

Quick note: You may notice that the crop list in the email does not always match the crop list in our online store. Items not found online may have sold out or we may not have posted them online. We sometimes do not post crops online that have not come into abundance yet because we don't always know how much (or how little) of a crop will be harvestable by the end of the week so we can't offer it for sale on Tuesday. These items go to market in small quantities. When they come fully into season, we will list them online. This is the best way we have come up with to manage these crops.

That said, you can always add to your order when you pick up at market.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we troubleshoot a whole new (to us) way of doing things.
Greens:
Arugula- may be limited. The deep cold caused its tenderness some troubles
Bok choi- maybe- I noted last week that it could use a little time
Chard
Collards
Kale- Siberfrills and Red Russian!
Microgreens! Mustard Mix, Just Broccoli, Just Radish, Arugula
Pea Shoots (Limited)
Tatsoi

All manner of deliciousness: 
Brussel Sprouts (maybe)
Cabbage- Round Green,  savoy, green arrowhead, red, red arrowhead. round red
Radish- Watermelon, purple daikon, spicy black, and some long white Daikon!
Rutabaga
Turnips- purple top
Sweet turnips- wee baby roots with good cooking or salad greens!
Onions- Red and yellow
Wintersquash: Dumpling and Pie Pumpkins

Herbs:
Parsley (?)
 
Staying Active: Something to keep the gears of progress engaged: Last update December 8th, 2020

Our intention is to update this list regularly. Just because we are posting new links, the links from previous emails are still relevant. Additionally, you will find some links repeated. 

In the meantime, 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

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
T
ed 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/

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

"On Monday, August 31, 2020, Detroit Will Breathe and fourteen individuals filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Detroit, Mayor Duggan, and Chief Craig. Detroit Will Breathe is represented by attorneys Jack Schulz and Amanda Ghannam of Schulz Law PLC, William Goodman and Julie Hurwitz of Goodman Hurwitz PLC, and Sean Riddell of the Riddell Law Firm.

The City, through the Detroit Police Department, has continuously violated demonstrators’ First Amendment right to protest, Fourth Amendment right to be free from excessive force, unlawful arrest, and punitive conditions of detainment; and the right to be free from state-sponsored retaliation for conveying a message of racial justice under 42 U.S.C. 1981."


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:  
 
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Wednesday- We will be back in the spring

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Saturday (Jim): 7 am to 3 pm, 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, Saturday with Amy (Shana off for 1 more week) 7 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, Friday on the farm with Core team!
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
Are you a CSA member but your order receipt says balance due in 30 days?
  • Don't worry about this. We had to set up a work around to get Local Line to fit the needs for our business. 
You have made an account but can't log in:
  • 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"  
If you still need to register with Local Line, follow these instructions. To avoid difficulty, PLEASE READ THROUGH THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
How to create a Local Line Account:
  1. Head to the link at the bottom of these steps.
  2. Register using the green button to the right.
  3. You will be asked to enter a bunch of information and there are a two things that are very important
    1. 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.
    2. 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)
  4. 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.
  5. At last! You can order!
  6. Here is the link to use to create your Local Line account: https://www.localline.ca/lakedividefarm
0 Comments

LDF News: We're back! Ordering open (you too Stockbridge)

12/1/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Winter is here
Picture
Move over Jim I'm driving!
Picture
Amy bagging greens like a champ in cooler #1
Picture
Helen hanging out with the Bok Choi in the newly covered Hoop house 1
Here we are, back from our mini break. I ate an endless stream of delicious vegetables, slept like it was my job, and then did a little work on top of that. We have lots of greens growing in our tunnels and storage crops in our coolers- enough to keep us in nutrition for the measures of winter. 

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-  
    • Stockbridge customers can pre-order to pick-up on the farm Friday between 3 pm and 5 pm. We will send you a phone number after you order. 
    • We will close pre-ordering for Ann Arbor Wednesday at 10 pm Tuesday night.
    • Back at Ann Arbor Wednesday and Saturday, Eastern, and Royal Oak this week!
  • Recipe: Creamy Swiss Chard Pasta With Leeks, Tarragon and Lemon Zest (I haven't tried it yet but it sounds like a lovely cool weather consumptive!)
  • Notes from the farm
  • Fresh From the Field- What are we bringing to market this week!
  • Staying active and engaged with social change- (Updated Oct. 20th)
  • Market Details-
    • Find our vegetables and other local goods in Stockbridge at Plane Food Market! 
  • Ordering with Local Line: register and troubleshoot
  • CSA members- what to do if your account is low

Recipe: Creamy Swiss Chard Pasta with Leeks, Tarragon and Lemon Zest
From NYT cooking

This creamy vegetarian pasta is hearty enough for chilly temperatures while still nodding toward spring with the addition of bright-green chard, leeks and fresh herbs. For texture, it’s topped with toasted panko, a garnish that can go many ways: Instead of using nutritional yeast, which adds tangy flavor here, you can melt a finely chopped anchovy with the butter and toss it with the panko. You could also add some ground coriander, Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence. Toasted panko, plain bread crumbs or even crushed croutons are a solid back-pocket trick to add crunch to any pasta, especially the creamiest kind. Don’t skip the tarragon and lemon zest garnish, which add a fresh note to an otherwise-rich dish.

Ingredients
  • ¾ pound green Swiss chard (1 large bunch), washed and trimmed
  • 2 large leeks (10 to 12 ounces each)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup panko bread crumbs
  •  Kosher salt and black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast 
  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 16 ounces linguine or fettuccine
  • ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan
  •  Fresh tarragon leaves, for garnish
  • 1 lemon, for garnish
PREPARATION
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the chard: Tear the leaves off the stems, separating the leaves and stems. Thinly slice the stems, then coarsely tear the leaves into bite-size pieces. Set both aside in separate bowls.
  2. Prepare the leeks: Trim off the bottom and the dark green portion at the top, halve the remaining white and pale green portion lengthwise, then thinly slice them crosswise. Wash and drain the sliced leeks. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the bread crumbs: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium. Add the panko, season lightly with salt and generously with pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and toasted, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in nutritional yeast, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  4. Wipe out the skillet. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and melt over medium-high. Add the leeks, chard stems, garlic and thyme, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until leeks start to wilt and soften, about 5 minutes. Add the torn chard, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, until just wilted, 2 minutes.
  5. Add the stock and heavy cream, and boil over high until thickened, about 10 minutes.
  6. Once the mixture is simmering, add the pasta to the pot of boiling water and cook until al dente. Drain pasta.
  7. Transfer chard mixture to the empty pasta pot. Stir in the cooked pasta, then sprinkle with the Parmesan, stirring vigorously to melt it into the sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  8. Divide among shallow bowls or plates. Sprinkle generously with the prepared bread crumbs, top with tarragon and grate fresh lemon zest on top. Serve immediately.
Make non dairy subbing coconut cream, coconut oil instead of butter, and no parmesan.
Can sub onions for leeks
Needs to sit for sauce to thicken otherwise use more cream less stock
Notes from the Farm:
Helen, Jim, and Amy: We are the Skeleton crew, now through February. The three of us will do all the harvest, plant care, markets, and planning for the coming weeks, and there is a lot to do! This week we are just getting our wits about us after some rest and recuperation. I am so grateful for the sleep, for the mental space, for the time to work on ourselves. 

Now we are back. And it snowed! The snow makes getting around on the farm a little more complicated and gives us a challenge getting some winter hardy crops out of the field, but we mostly love it. It insulates our hoops, filling in cracks that cold air can pass through. It blankets the crops in the field, keeping the bite of the coldest weather off of them. And it is pretty. I love how it smooths out the rough edges. 

This time of year we are making our plans for 2021, putting in orders, and fixing equipment. This coming year, we are thinking finesse: To do what we do at about the same scale but better. No big swings. No big additions. Better yields, better weed control, better nutrition. Healthier soil, healthier plants, healthier people. Better systems, better communication, better flow. We are excited to get organized! I will let you know how it pieces together.

In the meantime, we have had good weather and are lucky to have lots of greens to harvest. I am so impressed with the Arugula, chard, kale, and tatsoi in the tunnels, they are all looking really good. The spinach really needs to be weeded but will pull through if we offer that. The sweet turnips are about the size of large gumballs and growing in thick rows. I think we will thin them out and enjoy the spoils. Bok choi looks good in the high tunnel, and the head lettuce has a month or two to go before it is a reasonable size.

See you at market I hope!
Helen, Jim, and Amy: 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!

Quick note: You may notice that the crop list in the email does not always match the crop list in our online store. Items not found online may have sold out or we may not have posted them online. We sometimes do not post crops online that have not come into abundance yet because we don't always know how much (or how little) of a crop will be harvestable by the end of the week so we can't offer it for sale on Tuesday. These items go to market in small quantities. When they come fully into season, we will list them online. This is the best way we have come up with to manage these crops.

That said, you can always add to your order when you pick up at market.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we troubleshoot a whole new (to us) way of doing things.

Greens:
Arugula
Bok choi
Chard
Collards (?)
Kale
Microgreens! Mustard Mix, Just Broccoli, Just Radish, Arugula (Limited)
Mustard Greens (Ruby streaks)
Pea Shoots (Limited)
Tatsoi

All manner of deliciousness: 
Brussel Sprouts (maybe)
Cabbage- Round Green,  savoy, green arrowhead, red, red arrowhead
Napa cabbage
Garlic
Radish- Watermelon, purple daikon, spicy black, and maybe some long white Daikon!
Rutabaga
Turnips- purple top
Onions- Red and yellow
Wintersquash: Dumpling, Butternut, Pie Pumpkins

Herbs:
Parsley (?)
Sage

Coming Soon: 
: 
Staying Active: Something to keep the gears of progress engaged:
Our intention is to update this list monthly. It was last updated September 29th. Just because we are posting new links, the links from previous emails are still relevant. Additionally, you will find some links repeated. This month, I found a whole boatload of great resources from the Michigan Libraries Association. I am particularly excited about the "21 day racial equity challenge" because it specifically relates to Michigan Policy. 

In the meantime, 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.

To read: This list is by no means whatsoever all inclusive.
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."

Essays and articles (links to arcles):
Five truths about Black History from ACLU
A litany of Survival: Giving birth as a black woman in America. By Naomi Jackson
The Restlessness of Black Grief: We are in the middle of a black bereavement crises and we do not have the privilege or time to grieve. By Marissa Evans

Books (links to authors website): This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
  • Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins
  • Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Dr. Brittney Cooper
  • Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon
  • How To Be An Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
  • Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color by Andrea J. Ritchie
  • Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
  • Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
  • Raising Our Hands by Jenna Arnold
  • Redefining Realness by Janet Mock 
  • Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
  • So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
  • The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
  • The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
  • The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness 
  • by Michelle Alexander
  • The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century 
  • by Grace Lee Boggs
  • The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
  • Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
  • This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color by Cherríe MoragaWhen Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America by Ira KatznelsonWhite Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo, PhD

To Listen and Watch: This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
  • 13th (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
  • American Son (Kenny Leon) — Netflix
  • Black Power Mixtape: 1967-1975 — Available to rent
  • Blindspotting (Carlos López Estrada) — Hulu with Cinemax or available to rent
  • Clemency (Chinonye Chukwu) — Available to rent
  • Dear White People (Justin Simien) — Netflix
  • Fruitvale Station (Ryan Coogler) — Available to rent
  • I Am Not Your Negro (James Baldwin doc) — Available to rent or on Kanopy
  • If Beale Street Could Talk (Barry Jenkins) — Hulu
  • Just Mercy (Destin Daniel Cretton) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • King In The Wilderness  — HBO
  • See You Yesterday (Stefon Bristol) — Netflix
  • Selma (Ava DuVernay) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution — Available to rent
  • The Hate U Give (George Tillman Jr.) — Available to rent for free
  • When They See Us (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix

Something to do:
<>The 21 day Racial Equity Challenge From the Michigan League for Public Policy. You can do this either on your own or sign up to work through it with a group. 
In their words: "Welcome to the Michigan League for Public Policy’s 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge! We would like to thank Food Solutions New England, whose Challenge we have used as a model and adapted to highlight racial inequity and our related policy priorities here in Michigan.
Several years ago, the League made a decision to apply a racial equity lens to the anti-poverty work at the heart of our mission. The disparities in health, wealth and well-being that we seek to eradicate are largely a result of racism enshrined in public policy over the course of U.S. history. Today, we cannot hope to achieve our mission of economic security for all Michiganders without understanding the origins of the concept of race, how it influences us as individuals and as an organization, and how it functions to preserve inequity in our laws, institutions and systems.
<>Organize a reading group. 

<> Show up! Detroit Will Breathe has been marching for Justice daily since March. 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/

If you come across a good community organizing tool kit, please send it our way so we can share it. 

To contribute monetarily:
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.


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:  
 
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Wednesday with Amy 7 am to 3 pm, Pre-ordering, curbside pick-up, On site vegetables sales! Pre-ordering from Tuesday afternoon until Tuesday at 10 pm. 

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.

Check out the A2 website for information on what to expect.

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Saturday (Jim): 7 am to 3 pm, 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, Saturday with Amy (Shana off for two weeks) 7 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, Friday on the farm with Amy!
Preorders only please! When you get to the farm, stay in your car and Amy will bring you your order. Please let us know if you would be comfortable with a self serve in the coming weeks. 
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
Are you a CSA member but your order receipt says balance due in 30 days?
  • Don't worry about this. We had to set up a work around to get Local Line to fit the needs for our business. 
You have made an account but can't log in:
  • 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"  
If you still need to register with Local Line, follow these instructions. To avoid difficulty, PLEASE READ THROUGH THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
How to create a Local Line Account:
  1. Head to the link at the bottom of these steps.
  2. Register using the green button to the right.
  3. You will be asked to enter a bunch of information and there are a two things that are very important
    1. 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.
    2. 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)
  4. 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.
  5. At last! You can order!
  6. Here is the link to use to create your Local Line account: https://www.localline.ca/lakedividefarm
0 Comments

LDF News: A2 tomorrow Nov 25th then back at markets Dec 5th. Happy Thanksgiving!

11/24/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
We planning and purpose, Jim headed up getting plastic over hoop house 1! This is the last big task to check off with many hands and doing it on the last day of full crew makes sense! And now, those little lettuces and boh choys can rock choy our taste buds in a bit! We got the thumbs up from Jim, everything must be okay! Great work Jim!
Picture
A final group photo for 2020! Thanks to this fab crew for all your tenacity and hilarity. We love you big time!
Picture
Finally, a view we have been looking forward to for a couple years- the plastic has been pulled onto Hoop House 1! Microclimate of warmth Ensue!
PictureEvery evening the sun falls from the sky. Earlier and earlier it drops! The farmers' relief, the farmers' lament. Thank you world for your cycles.

Picture
We should all follow Boomer's lead, under the blankets! Amazingly, even without thumbs, this guy manages to get a good blanket nest all on his own!
Ahoy!
​
Well, the tunnels were recovered and then put to the test. Last Thursday and Friday had gusty winds to 50 mph and the cats offered barely a rustle. We will keep our eye on it but it seems finishing the job really does the trick!

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-  
    • We will close pre-ordering for Ann Arbor Wednesday at 10 pm Tuesday night.
    • No Saturday markets this week (November 28th) We will be back December 5th with all the quality vegetable that you have come to love.
    • CSA members- if you pre-ordered online last week, your balances were not updated to reflect that. We they have now been updated! 
  • Recipe: Apple Cabbage slaw!
  • Notes from the farm
  • Fresh From the Field- What are we bringing to market this week!
  • Staying active and engaged with social change- (Updated Oct. 20th)
  • Market Details-
    • Find our vegetables and other local goods in Stockbridge at Plane Food Market! 
  • Ordering with Local Line: register and troubleshoot
  • CSA members- what to do if your account is low

Recipe: Apple Cabbage cole slaw
From my brain. You can waffle around on the dressing ingredients if you care to. You can scale this up or down as needed but I always need more delicious apple cabbage so not sure why you would go up or down. 

Ingredients
  • 1 large cabbage- red or green!
  • 2 or 3 apples
  • Rice wine vinegar
  • Tahini
  • Garlic or garlic powder
  • Ginger
  • Optional- walnuts, dried cranberries
Directions
  1. Finely chop cabbage. I used to love to shred the cabbage for my coleslaw. I recently found that a fine chop leaves more substance to the cabbage, more of a crunch! 
  2. Mince the garlic
  3. Shred the apples. I don't even peel them or cut them. Just shred them right to the core!
  4. Mix it all up!
  5. Dressing- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar, 1/4 cup tahini, ginger.
  6. Toss in those extras and salt to taste.
  7. It is delicious right away, and even more so after a day in the fridge. I love it.

Notes from the Farm:
The end of one season, the beginning of another. And just like every season is different, as is every season's crew. Every year we are lucky to work with a collection of steadfast and determined folks that are serious about getting vegetables to your plate. This year's crew is no exception and in many ways is exceptional. Today is the last day on the farm for the majority. They have all worked so so hard and have been so tenacious through one of our most challenging years yet. We are so grateful to have had the chance to get to know them better and the farm is better for them having been here. 

While for many this time of year usually entails great gatherings and heaps of food, for Jim and I, it is usually a time of rest and reflection. A time to give ourselves some space to gather and refold the the pieces of ourselves into a something familiar. We look for the places to offer gratitude. We look for the windows to offer forgiveness (mostly to ourselves). We search for acceptance. And we sleep until we can read complex sentences. I feel that this break is going to be closer to what we need it to be than the last three year's end of season breaks have been. And we are grateful for that. We are both carrying a deep tired. This is our first big reflection. The second comes  closer to the new year. 

We invite you to join us in rest, reflection, and self care.  Make some of your favorite dishes. Give yourself space to have your feelings. This year has been strange. It will continue to be strange. The strangeness has accreted on our backs as the year scraped by in a vacuum. Let's shake it off and give ourselves some room to remain flexible and fresh. 

We also want to say thank you to you, our food loving friends. Thank you all so much for sticking with us through this strange strange year and getting ready to embark on a fresh on together. You believing in us and enjoying our vegetables gives us space to do better and better at what we do. And in a year like this, it helps us hold on tight to the streamers flying of the back of the train. We are almost back on board and will never stop giving our all.

So eat lots of food, care your yourselves and your loved ones, and we'll see you back in a week!

Onward and upward friends!

Helen & Jim and The Lake Dividers: Lizz, Malcolm, Kyla, Rachael, Amy, Alyssa, Kathryn, Shana, Annie and Eva! 


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!

Quick note: You may notice that the crop list in the email does not always match the crop list in our online store. Items not found online may have sold out or we may not have posted them online. We sometimes do not post crops online that have not come into abundance yet because we don't always know how much (or how little) of a crop will be harvestable by the end of the week so we can't offer it for sale on Tuesday. These items go to market in small quantities. When they come fully into season, we will list them online. This is the best way we have come up with to manage these crops.

That said, you can always add to your order when you pick up at market.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we troubleshoot a whole new (to us) way of doing things.

Greens:

Arugula
Chard
Collards
Kale
Microgreens! Mustard Mix, Just Broccoli, Just Radish, Arugula
Mustard Greens (Ruby streaks)
Pea Shoots 
Tatsoi

All manner of deliciousness: 
Brussel Sprouts!
Cabbage- Round Green,  savoy, green arrowhead, red, red arrowhead
Napa cabbage
Garlic
Radish- Watermelon, purple daikon, spicy black, and maybe some long white Daikon!
Rutabaga
Turnips- purple top
Onions- Red and yellow
Wintersquash: Dumpling, Futusu, Butternut, Pie Pumpkins

Herbs:
Parsley (?)
Sage

Coming Soon:
Purple carrots- not sure these made it... sorry folks :(

Staying Active: Something to keep the gears of progress engaged:
Our intention is to update this list monthly. It was last updated September 29th. Just because we are posting new links, the links from previous emails are still relevant. Additionally, you will find some links repeated. This month, I found a whole boatload of great resources from the Michigan Libraries Association. I am particularly excited about the "21 day racial equity challenge" because it specifically relates to Michigan Policy. 

In the meantime, 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.

To read: This list is by no means whatsoever all inclusive.
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."

Essays and articles (links to arcles):
Five truths about Black History from ACLU
A litany of Survival: Giving birth as a black woman in America. By Naomi Jackson
The Restlessness of Black Grief: We are in the middle of a black bereavement crises and we do not have the privilege or time to grieve. By Marissa Evans

Books (links to authors website): This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
  • Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins
  • Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Dr. Brittney Cooper
  • Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon
  • How To Be An Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
  • Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color by Andrea J. Ritchie
  • Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
  • Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
  • Raising Our Hands by Jenna Arnold
  • Redefining Realness by Janet Mock 
  • Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
  • So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
  • The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
  • The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
  • The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness 
  • by Michelle Alexander
  • The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century 
  • by Grace Lee Boggs
  • The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
  • Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
  • This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color by Cherríe MoragaWhen Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America by Ira KatznelsonWhite Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo, PhD

To Listen and Watch: This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
  • 13th (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
  • American Son (Kenny Leon) — Netflix
  • Black Power Mixtape: 1967-1975 — Available to rent
  • Blindspotting (Carlos López Estrada) — Hulu with Cinemax or available to rent
  • Clemency (Chinonye Chukwu) — Available to rent
  • Dear White People (Justin Simien) — Netflix
  • Fruitvale Station (Ryan Coogler) — Available to rent
  • I Am Not Your Negro (James Baldwin doc) — Available to rent or on Kanopy
  • If Beale Street Could Talk (Barry Jenkins) — Hulu
  • Just Mercy (Destin Daniel Cretton) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • King In The Wilderness  — HBO
  • See You Yesterday (Stefon Bristol) — Netflix
  • Selma (Ava DuVernay) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution — Available to rent
  • The Hate U Give (George Tillman Jr.) — Available to rent for free
  • When They See Us (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix

Something to do:
<>The 21 day Racial Equity Challenge From the Michigan League for Public Policy. You can do this either on your own or sign up to work through it with a group. 
In their words: "Welcome to the Michigan League for Public Policy’s 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge! We would like to thank Food Solutions New England, whose Challenge we have used as a model and adapted to highlight racial inequity and our related policy priorities here in Michigan.
Several years ago, the League made a decision to apply a racial equity lens to the anti-poverty work at the heart of our mission. The disparities in health, wealth and well-being that we seek to eradicate are largely a result of racism enshrined in public policy over the course of U.S. history. Today, we cannot hope to achieve our mission of economic security for all Michiganders without understanding the origins of the concept of race, how it influences us as individuals and as an organization, and how it functions to preserve inequity in our laws, institutions and systems.
<>Organize a reading group. 

<> Show up! Detroit Will Breathe has been marching for Justice daily since March. 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/

If you come across a good community organizing tool kit, please send it our way so we can share it. 

To contribute monetarily:
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.


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:  
 
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Wednesday with Kyla 7 am to 3 pm, Pre-ordering, curbside pick-up, On site vegetables sales! Pre-ordering from Tuesday afternoon until Tuesday at 10 pm. 

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.

Check out the A2 website for information on what to expect.

ONE WEEK OFF FROM ANN ARBOR SATURDAY, EASTERN, AND ROYAL OAK!!

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Saturday with Alyssa and Jim "The Flame of the North" Neumann!:
 7 am to 3 pm, 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, Saturday with Shana! 7 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 Amy!
Preorders only please! When you get to the farm, stay in your car and Amy will bring you your order. Please let us know if you would be comfortable with a self serve in the coming weeks. 


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
Are you a CSA member but your order receipt says balance due in 30 days?
  • Don't worry about this. We had to set up a work around to get Local Line to fit the needs for our business. 
You have made an account but can't log in:
  • 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"  

If you still need to register with Local Line
, follow these instructions. To avoid difficulty, PLEASE READ THROUGH THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
How to create a Local Line Account:
  1. Head to the link at the bottom of these steps.
  2. Register using the green button to the right.
  3. You will be asked to enter a bunch of information and there are a two things that are very important
    1. 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.
    2. 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)
  4. 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.
  5. At last! You can order!
  6. Here is the link to use to create your Local Line account: https://www.localline.ca/lakedividefarm
0 Comments

LDF News: Preorder now available for Stockbridge & A Wicked Wizard's Winter Wind seeks to destroy farm, but the Lake Dividers fight back!

11/17/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
The winds this past weekend were intense and sustained all through Sunday. Our day of rest quickly transformed into a day of battle against the relentless winds. Helen and I raced around the farm with sledge hammers in hand to try to protect the hoophouses and the caterpillar tunnels. Wind gusts exceeded 60mph and pulled the plastic off 2 of the tunnels. We drive an 8ft t-post 4ft into the ground on either end of each tunnel as well as ropes tied to rebar between each hoop to hold the plastic down tight against the hoops. In a dramatic show of force, the wind ripped the t-post from the ground. Impressive.
Picture
Helen and Malcolm have been on repair duty all morning. The 2 tunnels have put back together and reinforced. Nice job you guys!
Picture
The Western roll up door on the main greenhouse was also ripped apart in the wind. Helen and I pulled of an emergency repair during the storm. Here's Malcolm putting the finishing touches on the permanent repair.
Picture
While Helen and Malcolm were racing around fixing the damage form the storm, Rachel, Kat and Alyssa have been pushing bulk harvest forward! With the colder temps coming in, it's time to harvest everything left in the fields and get it into long term storage. We let storage crops size up in the field as long as possible, this makes for some very cold bulk harvest days.
Picture
Alyssa and I aren't afraid to sling some vegetables in the cold! You can find the both of us at the Ann Arbor Saturday market.
Ahoy!

Well, how about that wind! It was almost as strong as the wind storm we encountered our first year on the farm. Well, not quite. But there were moments I was swept off my feet but it wasn't a romance. Not everything stayed in place (see pictures) but we got things resituated (also see pictures). 

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-  
    • We will close pre-ordering for Ann Arbor Wednesday at 10 pm Tuesday night.
    • Stockbridge farm members and customers can pre-order for pick up on the farm on Saturday.
    • We will not be at Saturday markets November 28th (not this Saturday but the following.) We will be back December 5th with all the quality vegetable that you have come to love.
  • Recipe: Pan Braised Radishes (great for the purple daikon!) and greens!
  • Notes from the farm
  • Fresh From the Field- What are we bringing to market this week!
  • Staying active and engaged with social change- (Updated Oct. 20th)
  • Market Details-
    • Find our vegetables and other local goods in Stockbridge at Plane Food Market! 
  • Ordering with Local Line: register and troubleshoot
  • CSA members- what to do if your account is low

Generally Important Notes:

Ann Arbor Wednesday pre-ordering closes at 10 pm Tuesday night!

Stockbridge farm members and customers 

If you signed up as a Farm Member online, please note, you can also use your account at market. Pre-ordering is not required!

If you had trouble ordering, please scroll down our "Ordering With Local Line" section.

Recipe: Pan-Braised Radishes and Greens
From Food 52

Ingredients
  • 2 large bunches radishes and their greens (I recommend the purple daikon bunches!)
  • 1 shallot (or one of our delightful onions)
  • 4 teaspoons butter, or more or less, divided
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • Water
  • 1 bunch fresh tarragon (can substitute dried rosemary, dill, oregano, or marjoram)
  • Splash Vinegar (optional)
Directions
  1. Trim the greens from the radishes, leaving a bit of the green stem intact. Place greens and radishes in a large bowl of cold water and let soak for at least five minutes. Remove greens and set in a colander to drain. Dry off radishes and slice in half. Note: Quarter larger radishes; leave small ones whole.
  2. Mince the shallot. In a large sauté pan, melt three teaspoons of the butter and sweat the minced shallots over medium heat for a minute or so -- you don't need any color here. Add radishes to the pan and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour in water to almost cover the radishes -- the top surfaces should be peeking out a bit. Bring to a simmer, partially cover the pan, and cook until the radishes are knife tender, about 5 to 8 minutes depending on the size of the radishes. Remove the lid and add the greens to the pan. Cover and cook for a minute or two more, until the greens have somewhat wilted. Use tongs to stir them a bit. Transfer greens and radishes to a large mixing bowl leaving juices remaining in pan.
  3. Bring juices to a simmer, and reduce until no more than a quarter cup remains. Add a teaspoon more of butter and stir to incorporate it with the juices.
  4. Finely chop the tarragon and add it to the bowl. Pour reduced juices overtop and toss to coat. Taste. Add more salt and pepper if necessary. Add just the smallest sprinkling of vinegar for a touch of brightness if necessary. Transfer greens and radishes to serving platter.
Notes from the Author:
Pan braising mellows a radish's spice and changes its texture, making it tender and moist, almost beet-like in nature. This recipe is inspired by a recipe in Deborah Madison's The New Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone. The overall flavors are simple, and lots of chopped tarragon and a splash of vinegar at the end give this cooked dish a lovely brightness. --Alexandra Stafford

Notes from the Farm:
As you saw, the big news on the farm was big wind. Gale force winds in fact- sustained 35-45 mph winds. We even had gusts up to 60 mph! That devilish draft thoroughly vented two of our caterpillar tunnels and tried to give the rest an airflow make-over. To no avail, Jim and I prevailed on Sunday, heaping soil on the ends of the tunnels. We were able to hold down the majority. I was in  fuzzy pajama bottoms with a partially finished coffee. Jim was wearing sneakers that are not in the least waterproof. We were ready for action despite. After battening down the loose pieces as best we could, I sloshed the remaining coffee on one of the market vans in a dramatic slip. It was cold anyway... and of course, there was another cup inside ready to be warmed, despite the coffee shift being over.

We have to hope that a night out in the open did our kale good. Last night was more than a little cold. The plants didn't look so happy about it this morning when Malcolm and I were working on pulling the plastic back on. Even so, I think they will recover. Malcolm and I spent more than a few minutes holding on tight, waiting for the wind to die down so we could tie it down. It amazes me how a mild wind transforms into power when you are holding a giant sheet of non-porous material. And so loud! At one point, Malcolm was no more than 15 feet from me, sound and self obscured by plastic. I didn't even know he was there! More than once I envisioned the tunnel as a tornado that we would ride into the sky. 

After we got the ends secured, we worked our way down the tunnel, throwing ropes (and in some cases ropes with rebar on the end) over the not quite transparent plastic. "This one has rebar" "Okay, ready!" Don't need one of those in the noggin'. As we shuffled along we knew it was working because it got quieter and quieter. Eventually, we could hear each other again. 

All the while, the crew is hustling, collecting tender roots that won't appreciate a dip into the low twenties tonight. Lots of our winter radishes are a mite smaller than we would like, but I sampled a few and let me tell you, they make up for it in flavor. 

Onward and upward friends!

Helen & Jim and The Lake Dividers: Lizz, Malcolm, Kyla, Rachael, Amy, Alyssa, Kathryn, Shana, Annie and Eva! 


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!

Quick note: You may notice that the crop list in the email does not always match the crop list in our online store. Items not found online may have sold out or we may not have posted them online. We sometimes do not post crops online that have not come into abundance yet because we don't always know how much (or how little) of a crop will be harvestable by the end of the week so we can't offer it for sale on Tuesday. These items go to market in small quantities. When they come fully into season, we will list them online. This is the best way we have come up with to manage these crops.

That said, you can always add to your order when you pick up at market.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we troubleshoot a whole new (to us) way of doing things.
Greens:
Arugula
Chard
Collards
Kale
Microgreens! Mustard Mix, Just Broccoli, Just Radish, Arugula
Mustard Greens (Ruby streaks)
Pea Shoots 
Tatsoi

All manner of deliciousness: 
Brussel Sprouts ?
Cabbage- Round Green, savoy and some coneheads, red, red arrowhead
Napa cabbage
Garlic
Radish- Watermelon, purple daikon, spicy black, and maybe some long white Daikon!
Rutabaga
Turnips- purple top
Onions- Red and yellow
Wintersquash: Dumpling, Futusu, spaghetti, Butternut, Pie Pumpkins

Herbs:
Parsley (?)

Coming Soon:
Purple carrots
: 
Staying Active: Something to keep the gears of progress engaged:
Our intention is to update this list monthly. It was last updated September 29th. Just because we are posting new links, the links from previous emails are still relevant. Additionally, you will find some links repeated. This month, I found a whole boatload of great resources from the Michigan Libraries Association. I am particularly excited about the "21 day racial equity challenge" because it specifically relates to Michigan Policy. 

In the meantime, 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.

To read: This list is by no means whatsoever all inclusive.
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."

Essays and articles (links to arcles):
Five truths about Black History from ACLU
A litany of Survival: Giving birth as a black woman in America. By Naomi Jackson
The Restlessness of Black Grief: We are in the middle of a black bereavement crises and we do not have the privilege or time to grieve. By Marissa Evans

Books (links to authors website): This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
  • Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins
  • Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Dr. Brittney Cooper
  • Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon
  • How To Be An Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
  • Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color by Andrea J. Ritchie
  • Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
  • Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
  • Raising Our Hands by Jenna Arnold
  • Redefining Realness by Janet Mock 
  • Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
  • So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
  • The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
  • The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
  • The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness 
  • by Michelle Alexander
  • The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century 
  • by Grace Lee Boggs
  • The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
  • Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
  • This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color by Cherríe MoragaWhen Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America by Ira KatznelsonWhite Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo, PhD

To Listen and Watch: This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
  • 13th (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
  • American Son (Kenny Leon) — Netflix
  • Black Power Mixtape: 1967-1975 — Available to rent
  • Blindspotting (Carlos López Estrada) — Hulu with Cinemax or available to rent
  • Clemency (Chinonye Chukwu) — Available to rent
  • Dear White People (Justin Simien) — Netflix
  • Fruitvale Station (Ryan Coogler) — Available to rent
  • I Am Not Your Negro (James Baldwin doc) — Available to rent or on Kanopy
  • If Beale Street Could Talk (Barry Jenkins) — Hulu
  • Just Mercy (Destin Daniel Cretton) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • King In The Wilderness  — HBO
  • See You Yesterday (Stefon Bristol) — Netflix
  • Selma (Ava DuVernay) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution — Available to rent
  • The Hate U Give (George Tillman Jr.) — Available to rent for free
  • When They See Us (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix

Something to do:
<>The 21 day Racial Equity Challenge From the Michigan League for Public Policy. You can do this either on your own or sign up to work through it with a group. 
In their words: "Welcome to the Michigan League for Public Policy’s 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge! We would like to thank Food Solutions New England, whose Challenge we have used as a model and adapted to highlight racial inequity and our related policy priorities here in Michigan.
Several years ago, the League made a decision to apply a racial equity lens to the anti-poverty work at the heart of our mission. The disparities in health, wealth and well-being that we seek to eradicate are largely a result of racism enshrined in public policy over the course of U.S. history. Today, we cannot hope to achieve our mission of economic security for all Michiganders without understanding the origins of the concept of race, how it influences us as individuals and as an organization, and how it functions to preserve inequity in our laws, institutions and systems.
<>Organize a reading group. 

<> Show up! Detroit Will Breathe has been marching for Justice daily since March. 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/

If you come across a good community organizing tool kit, please send it our way so we can share it. 

To contribute monetarily:
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.


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:  
 
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Wednesday with Kyla 7 am to 3 pm, Pre-ordering, curbside pick-up, On site vegetables sales! Pre-ordering from Tuesday afternoon until Tuesday at 10 pm. 

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.

Check out the A2 website for information on what to expect.

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Saturday with Alyssa and Jim "The Flame of the North" Neumann!: 7 am to 3 pm, 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, Saturday with Shana! 7 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 Amy!
Preorders only please! When you get to the farm, stay in your car and Amy will bring you your order. Please let us know if you would be comfortable with a self serve in the coming weeks. 
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
Are you a CSA member but your order receipt says balance due in 30 days?
  • Don't worry about this. We had to set up a work around to get Local Line to fit the needs for our business. 
You have made an account but can't log in:
  • 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"  
If you still need to register with Local Line, follow these instructions. To avoid difficulty, PLEASE READ THROUGH THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
How to create a Local Line Account:
  1. Head to the link at the bottom of these steps.
  2. Register using the green button to the right.
  3. You will be asked to enter a bunch of information and there are a two things that are very important
    1. 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.
    2. 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)
  4. 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.
  5. At last! You can order!
  6. Here is the link to use to create your Local Line account: https://www.localline.ca/lakedividefarm
0 Comments

LDF newsletter: Still November but who can tell?

11/10/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Kyla, Malcom and Rachel are just a darn pleasure to work with!
Picture
The winter plantings in the caterpillar tunnels is almost ready to harvest!
Picture
We pushed the final massive project of the season forward. The garlic planting is well underway. We took advantage of the warm weather opening this past week and got all the ground prepped. We're planting 24 beds this year. Given the spacing and bed dimensions, that's almost 29,000 plants!
Picture
These farm dogs really know how to brighten our spirits!
With this weather it is hard to feel down. Sun. Warmth. This is not your average November. I am not complaining. We ran the irrigation on Sunday and it was easy as ever. We didn't have to wait for anything to thaw. Now, needing to irrigate in November? That's something a little new! All this sunshine displaces the ages of rain we usually experience in this time of year. I'm not complaining though. Certainly not. 

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-  We will be closing pre-ordering for Ann Arbor Wednesday at 10 pm Tuesday night.
  • Recipe: Roasted turnips or Rutabaga- simple and succulent.
  • Notes from the farm
  • Fresh From the Field- What are we bringing to market this week!
  • Staying active and engaged with social change- (Updated Oct. 20th)
  • Market Details-
    • Find our vegetables and other local goods in Stockbridge at Plane Food Market! 
  • Ordering with Local Line: register and troubleshoot
  • CSA members- what to do if your account is low

Generally Important Notes:

No Ann Arbor Wednesday this week. We still need a little time to get the winter in gear. Look for us Saturday and next week.

If you signed up as a Farm Member online, please note, you can also use your account at market. Pre-ordering is not required!

If you had trouble ordering, please scroll down our "Ordering With Local Line" section.

Recipe: Roasted Turnips or Rutabaga
From The Spruce Eats
  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400 F.
  3. While the oven heats, trim and peel the turnips. Tender baby turnips can be simply scrubbed instead of peeled, but their peel will still be a bit more fibrous than the tender insides. Leave baby turnips whole; cut bigger ones into a little larger than bite-sized pieces. (NOTE FROM HELEN: I rarely if ever peel our turnips. I do not find the skins fibrous at all and enjoy the texture and flavor the add)
  4. Put the prepared turnips in a baking pan or on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil. Use your hands or 2 large spoons to toss the turnips around a bit to coat them thoroughly with the oil. Sprinkle them with salt.
  5. Roast the turnips until they're tender and browned. Start checking them after about 30 minutes. Depending on their size and age, it may take them up to an hour or more to become completely tender.
  6. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper, if you'd like. Serve and enjoy.
Are Turnips an Anti-Inflammatory?In general, fruits and vegetables have the capacity to reduce inflammation because of the antioxidants and other nutrients they contain. Turnips contain fiber, vitamin C, and minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, folate, calcium, and magnesium but have no fat or cholesterol. Some research indicates that turnip's various compounds have the capacity to help fight inflammation in the body.
Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the shallot with a pinch of salt, and stir frequently until starting to brown, 3-5 minutes. Add the ginger, garlic, and chili, and cook for 30 seconds. Add the cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric with another pinch of salt, and cook for another 30 seconds or until fragrant. Stir in the Thai red curry paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until starting to stick.
  2. Stir in the coconut milk, pumpkin puree, and chickpeas, and bring a boil. Reduce the heat, stir in the broccoli, and cover the pan. Cook for about 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green and tender. Stir in the lime juice and season to taste with additional lime, and soy sauce or salt. (As a reference point, in my soy-free version I used about 1/4 tsp additional salt. When making this with low-sodium soy sauce I added about a tablespoon.)
  3. Serve hot, with rice or other accompaniments of choice. (Pictured is white jasmine rice and steamed sweet potato).
Recipe Variations
  • After 20 minutes, add a few grinds of coarsely ground black pepper over the turnips.
  • When you take the turnips out of the oven, toss them with a tablespoon or two of minced fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, sage, and/or rosemary.
  • Drizzle the roasted turnips with romesco sauce or homemade pesto when you serve them. If it's spring and you have baby turnips, they are a particularly good match for green garlic pesto.
  • When the turnips are almost done, add about 1 tablespoon of butter, toss to melt and coat the turnips, then sprinkle them with about 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, and toss again to coat them evenly. Roast for another 5 to 10 minutes.
  • If you're cooking a chicken or a pork roast, simply add the turnips to the pan to roast with them. The juices from the roast will flavor the turnips beautifully.
  • Mix things up by roasting other root vegetables—potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and rutabagas are all goods choices. Cut the vegetables into similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly. Beets are tasty, too, but know that they will stain the turnips pink when they touch.

Notes from the Farm:
There was a bat in the house. We opened the door and let it find its way out. It was so silent in flight. I felt so lucky to get to see one up close. We see them every night hunting insects. The mostly likely candidate for that mammalian miracle circling our rooms last night is a Big Brown Bat. These species consume many agricultural pests, as well as mosquitos! Although bats are fantastic, they don't make the best housemates. Because of this, I was grateful to not find more of them when I carefully inspected the house. Tonight, I will sit out as the sun sets and watch a few key locations just to be sure. 

And in other farm news, we are rounding the bend on garlic. We have just over a third of it planted and the rest just about cracked and ready to head out for its winter slumber. The cloves are edging out root nubs, ready to dig in to the ground and gather some nutrients to prep for the spring sprint. That is what we are ready to do as well!

Helen & Jim and The Lake Dividers: Lizz, Malcolm, Kyla, Rachael, Amy, Alyssa, Kathryn, Shana, Annie and Eva! 


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!

Quick note: You may notice that the crop list in the email does not always match the crop list in our online store. Items not found online may have sold out or we may not have posted them online. We sometimes do not post crops online that have not come into abundance yet because we don't always know how much (or how little) of a crop will be harvestable by the end of the week so we can't offer it for sale on Tuesday. These items go to market in small quantities. When they come fully into season, we will list them online. This is the best way we have come up with to manage these crops.

That said, you can always add to your order when you pick up at market.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we troubleshoot a whole new (to us) way of doing things.

Greens:
Arugula (limited)
Bok Choi
Collards
Kale
Microgreens! Mustard Mix, Just Broccoli, Just Radish, Arugula
Mustard Greens (Ruby streaks)
Pea Shoots 
Radish greens
Spinach (limited)
Tatsoi (?)

All manner of deliciousness: 
Broccoli (limited)
Brussel Sprouts ?
Celery root- mini orbs
Cabbage- Round Green, savoy and some coneheads, red, red arrowhead
Napa cabbage
Garlic
Radish
Rutabaga!
Turnips- purple top and maybe sweet!
Onions- Red and yellow
Wintersquash: Dumpling, Futusu, spaghetti, Butternut, Pie Pumpkins

Herbs:
Parsley
Sage

Coming Soon:
Swiss chard
Baby romanesco
Purple carrots
: 
Staying Active: Something to keep the gears of progress engaged:
Our intention is to update this list monthly. It was last updated September 29th. Just because we are posting new links, the links from previous emails are still relevant. Additionally, you will find some links repeated. This month, I found a whole boatload of great resources from the Michigan Libraries Association. I am particularly excited about the "21 day racial equity challenge" because it specifically relates to Michigan Policy. 

In the meantime, 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.

To read: This list is by no means whatsoever all inclusive.
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."

Essays and articles (links to arcles):
Five truths about Black History from ACLU
A litany of Survival: Giving birth as a black woman in America. By Naomi Jackson
The Restlessness of Black Grief: We are in the middle of a black bereavement crises and we do not have the privilege or time to grieve. By Marissa Evans

Books (links to authors website): This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
  • Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins
  • Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Dr. Brittney Cooper
  • Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon
  • How To Be An Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
  • Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color by Andrea J. Ritchie
  • Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
  • Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
  • Raising Our Hands by Jenna Arnold
  • Redefining Realness by Janet Mock 
  • Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
  • So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
  • The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
  • The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
  • The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness 
  • by Michelle Alexander
  • The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century 
  • by Grace Lee Boggs
  • The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
  • Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
  • This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color by Cherríe MoragaWhen Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America by Ira KatznelsonWhite Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo, PhD

To Listen and Watch: This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
  • 13th (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
  • American Son (Kenny Leon) — Netflix
  • Black Power Mixtape: 1967-1975 — Available to rent
  • Blindspotting (Carlos López Estrada) — Hulu with Cinemax or available to rent
  • Clemency (Chinonye Chukwu) — Available to rent
  • Dear White People (Justin Simien) — Netflix
  • Fruitvale Station (Ryan Coogler) — Available to rent
  • I Am Not Your Negro (James Baldwin doc) — Available to rent or on Kanopy
  • If Beale Street Could Talk (Barry Jenkins) — Hulu
  • Just Mercy (Destin Daniel Cretton) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • King In The Wilderness  — HBO
  • See You Yesterday (Stefon Bristol) — Netflix
  • Selma (Ava DuVernay) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution — Available to rent
  • The Hate U Give (George Tillman Jr.) — Available to rent for free
  • When They See Us (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix

Something to do:
<>The 21 day Racial Equity Challenge From the Michigan League for Public Policy. You can do this either on your own or sign up to work through it with a group. 
In their words: "Welcome to the Michigan League for Public Policy’s 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge! We would like to thank Food Solutions New England, whose Challenge we have used as a model and adapted to highlight racial inequity and our related policy priorities here in Michigan.
Several years ago, the League made a decision to apply a racial equity lens to the anti-poverty work at the heart of our mission. The disparities in health, wealth and well-being that we seek to eradicate are largely a result of racism enshrined in public policy over the course of U.S. history. Today, we cannot hope to achieve our mission of economic security for all Michiganders without understanding the origins of the concept of race, how it influences us as individuals and as an organization, and how it functions to preserve inequity in our laws, institutions and systems.
<>Organize a reading group. 

<> Show up! Detroit Will Breathe has been marching for Justice daily since March. 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/

If you come across a good community organizing tool kit, please send it our way so we can share it. 

To contribute monetarily:
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.


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:  
 
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Wednesday with Kyla 7 am to 3 pm, Pre-ordering, curbside pick-up, On site vegetables sales! Pre-ordering from Tuesday afternoon until Tuesday midnight. 

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.

Check out the A2 website for information on what to expect.

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Saturday with Alyssa and Jim "The Flame of the North" Neumann!: 7 am to 3 pm, 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, Saturday with Shana! 7 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.


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
Are you a CSA member but your order receipt says balance due in 30 days?
  • Don't worry about this. We had to set up a work around to get Local Line to fit the needs for our business. 
You have made an account but can't log in:
  • 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"  
If you still need to register with Local Line, follow these instructions. To avoid difficulty, PLEASE READ THROUGH THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
How to create a Local Line Account:
  1. Head to the link at the bottom of these steps.
  2. Register using the green button to the right.
  3. You will be asked to enter a bunch of information and there are a two things that are very important
    1. 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.
    2. 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)
  4. 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.
  5. At last! You can order!
  6. Here is the link to use to create your Local Line account: https://www.localline.ca/lakedividefarm
0 Comments

November is here! Winter season is upon us!

11/3/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
We scrambled all though Friday to cover up our crops to protect them from the coming frost, nature had other plans. Despite succeeding on Friday, gusty winds up to 50mph rampaged through the farm Sunday and into Monday. Ugh! Few things illustrate wind as well as row cover lol
Picture
All 10 caterpillar tunnels have been completed! Nature tested our upgraded design with heavy winds immediately following completion, looks like we passed this test! Great job build team!
Picture
Here's the other 3 tunnels hanging out on the other side of the field... it just kinda worked out this way
Picture
It's sweater weather on the farm. Even Boomer is getting ready winter!
Picture
We're filling up the second walk-in cooler. All of the winter squash had to get moved from the greenhouse into storage this past week. It's a heavy time of year!
Picture
Alyssa dressed up as a business bear for Halloween at the Ann Arbor market. A tie on a bear means one thing, business!
​The main season markets have completed their run this year. This means Northville, Stockbridge, and Farmington. Although Farmington has one more optional market for this coming weekend and will have many vendors there, we won't be attending. We need to gather the steam under our sails. We want to thank all of our beautiful customers from these towns for coming together to eat and enjoy local farms and business. Community is so important and coming together as people is the only way forward. 

You will continue seeing us at Ann Arbor, Eastern, and Royal Oak year round. This year we will be creating an attendance schedule so we can cultivate some rest and rejuvenation for the farmer folk. You will be the first to know when this calendar is completed. 

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-  Back at Wednesday Ann Arbor this week. Look for us Saturday and next week.
  • Recipe: Pumpkin Curry! (It was so delicious)
  • Notes from the farm
  • Fresh From the Field- What are we bringing to market this week!
  • Staying active and engaged with social change- (Updated Oct. 20th)
  • Market Details-
    • Find our vegetables and other local goods in Stockbridge at Plane Food Market! 
  • Ordering with Local Line: register and troubleshoot
  • CSA members- what to do if your account is low

Generally Important Notes:

No Ann Arbor Wednesday this week. We still need a little time to get the winter in gear. Look for us Saturday and next week.

If you signed up as a Farm Member online, please note, you can also use your account at market. Pre-ordering is not required!

If you had trouble ordering, please scroll down our "Ordering With Local Line" section.

Recipe: Pumpkin Curry
from Yup.. it's vegan! 

I made this last week with one of our beautiful, smooth pie pumpkins (the long ones!) and it was fantastic. I doubled the recipe to accommodate the size of our pumpkin and never looked back. I had a little leftover to freeze in the end which is my favorite- low effort, local delicious meals for later. 

Some notes:
To prepare your pumpkin in the oven, cut it in half lengthwise and roast it cut side down at 350 until easy to stab with a fork (about 4o minutes). Scoop out seeds for roasting and flesh for curry.
Your pumpkin can also quickly be prepared in an instant pot if you have one. 
I used an onion instead of a shallot, added some cabbage in the beginning when sauteeing and it was a fantastic addition.
I don't recommend using the lime juice or soy sauce. While I added the lime juice as the recipe suggested for me, it unbalanced the already perfect spice balance I had going on. IngredientsSaute mixture:
  • 2 tsp olive oil or other oil
  • 1 large shallot diced
  • 1 and 1/2 inch fresh ginger peeled and minced or grated
  • 3 cloves garlic minced or grated
  • 1 chili pepper finely chopped (I used a cayenne chili)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
  • 3 tbsp Thai red curry paste
Remaining vegan pumpkin curry ingredients:
  • 1 and 1/2 cups full-fat canned coconut milk (1 standard can)
  • 1 and 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh; be sure not to use pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 and 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas rinsed and drained (1 standard can)
  • 2 crowns broccoli cut into small florets (about 8 oz)
  • 1 and 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • salt to taste (or use soy sauce if not soy-free)
Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the shallot with a pinch of salt, and stir frequently until starting to brown, 3-5 minutes. Add the ginger, garlic, and chili, and cook for 30 seconds. Add the cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric with another pinch of salt, and cook for another 30 seconds or until fragrant. Stir in the Thai red curry paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until starting to stick.
  2. Stir in the coconut milk, pumpkin puree, and chickpeas, and bring a boil. Reduce the heat, stir in the broccoli, and cover the pan. Cook for about 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green and tender. Stir in the lime juice and season to taste with additional lime, and soy sauce or salt. (As a reference point, in my soy-free version I used about 1/4 tsp additional salt. When making this with low-sodium soy sauce I added about a tablespoon.)
  3. Serve hot, with rice or other accompaniments of choice. (Pictured is white jasmine rice and steamed sweet potato).
Recipe NotesVEGETABLES: Mix and match this one pot pumpkin curry with other veggies such as cauliflower, asparagus, kale or collard greens (added when the broccoli is added), regular or sweet potato (added with the red curry paste), spinach or bok choy (wilted in toward the end of cooking). Baked or fried tofu can also be substituted for the chickpeas.

Notes from the Farm:
Cats constructed? Check! Crops covered? Check! Garlic planted? Not just yet. This big task still lingers on the to do list and its not a small one. We plant enough for all of us to get our fill (is that actually possible?) and to replant the following years crop. For us that means almost a half acre! 

First we weigh out how many pounds of each variety we will need to meet our planting goals. Then we "crack the heads", separating each head into individual cloves. Then we head out to the field to plant into the carefully (or in this year's case, hastily) prepared ground. We push the cloves into the ground seed plate side down, pointy side up, every 6 inches, in 4 rows, in beds 150 feet long. This year we will likely plant 22 of these beds! 

Then if we are on the ball, we will mulch the garlic with a thick layer of straw. In terms of temperature, the garlic would prefer bare ground, but we mulch to prevent the fierce weed competition that would ensue otherwise. Many years we have mulched in the spring. This year, we hope to get it all tucked away before the years end. Sooner if I dare hope.

For now, it is time to get crackin'! Fall cheer and hopes for peace and community. 

Helen & Jim and The Lake Dividers: Lizz, Malcolm, Kyla, Rachael, Amy, Alyssa, Kathryn, Shana, Annie and Eva! 


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!

Quick note: You may notice that the crop list in the email does not always match the crop list in our online store. Items not found online may have sold out or we may not have posted them online. We sometimes do not post crops online that have not come into abundance yet because we don't always know how much (or how little) of a crop will be harvestable by the end of the week so we can't offer it for sale on Tuesday. These items go to market in small quantities. When they come fully into season, we will list them online. This is the best way we have come up with to manage these crops.

That said, you can always add to your order when you pick up at market.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we troubleshoot a whole new (to us) way of doing things.

Greens:
Arugula (limited)
Bok Choi
Collards
Kale
Microgreens! Mustard Mix, Just Broccoli, Just Radish, Arugula
Mustard Greens (Ruby streaks)
Pea Shoots 
Radish greens
Spinach (limited)
Tatsoi (?)

All manner of deliciousness: 
Broccoli (limited)
Brussel Sprouts ?
Celery root- mini orbs
Cabbage- Round Green, savoy and some coneheads, red, red arrowhead
Napa cabbage
Garlic
Radish
Rutabaga!
Turnips- purple top and maybe sweet!
Onions- Red and yellow
Wintersquash: Dumpling, Futusu, spaghetti, Butternut, Pie Pumpkins

Herbs:
Parsley
Sage
Thyme

Coming Soon:
Swiss chard
Baby romanesco
Purple carrots
: 
Staying Active: Something to keep the gears of progress engaged:
Our intention is to update this list monthly. It was last updated September 29th. Just because we are posting new links, the links from previous emails are still relevant. Additionally, you will find some links repeated. This month, I found a whole boatload of great resources from the Michigan Libraries Association. I am particularly excited about the "21 day racial equity challenge" because it specifically relates to Michigan Policy. 

In the meantime, 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.

To read: This list is by no means whatsoever all inclusive.
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."

Essays and articles (links to arcles):
Five truths about Black History from ACLU
A litany of Survival: Giving birth as a black woman in America. By Naomi Jackson
The Restlessness of Black Grief: We are in the middle of a black bereavement crises and we do not have the privilege or time to grieve. By Marissa Evans

Books (links to authors website): This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
  • Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins
  • Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Dr. Brittney Cooper
  • Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon
  • How To Be An Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
  • Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color by Andrea J. Ritchie
  • Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
  • Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
  • Raising Our Hands by Jenna Arnold
  • Redefining Realness by Janet Mock 
  • Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
  • So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
  • The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
  • The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
  • The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness 
  • by Michelle Alexander
  • The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century 
  • by Grace Lee Boggs
  • The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
  • Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
  • This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color by Cherríe MoragaWhen Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America by Ira KatznelsonWhite Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo, PhD

To Listen and Watch: This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
  • 13th (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
  • American Son (Kenny Leon) — Netflix
  • Black Power Mixtape: 1967-1975 — Available to rent
  • Blindspotting (Carlos López Estrada) — Hulu with Cinemax or available to rent
  • Clemency (Chinonye Chukwu) — Available to rent
  • Dear White People (Justin Simien) — Netflix
  • Fruitvale Station (Ryan Coogler) — Available to rent
  • I Am Not Your Negro (James Baldwin doc) — Available to rent or on Kanopy
  • If Beale Street Could Talk (Barry Jenkins) — Hulu
  • Just Mercy (Destin Daniel Cretton) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • King In The Wilderness  — HBO
  • See You Yesterday (Stefon Bristol) — Netflix
  • Selma (Ava DuVernay) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution — Available to rent
  • The Hate U Give (George Tillman Jr.) — Available to rent for free
  • When They See Us (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix

Something to do:
<>The 21 day Racial Equity Challenge From the Michigan League for Public Policy. You can do this either on your own or sign up to work through it with a group. 
In their words: "Welcome to the Michigan League for Public Policy’s 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge! We would like to thank Food Solutions New England, whose Challenge we have used as a model and adapted to highlight racial inequity and our related policy priorities here in Michigan.
Several years ago, the League made a decision to apply a racial equity lens to the anti-poverty work at the heart of our mission. The disparities in health, wealth and well-being that we seek to eradicate are largely a result of racism enshrined in public policy over the course of U.S. history. Today, we cannot hope to achieve our mission of economic security for all Michiganders without understanding the origins of the concept of race, how it influences us as individuals and as an organization, and how it functions to preserve inequity in our laws, institutions and systems.
<>Organize a reading group. 

<> Show up! Detroit Will Breathe has been marching for Justice daily since March. 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/

If you come across a good community organizing tool kit, please send it our way so we can share it. 

To contribute monetarily:
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.


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:  
 
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Wednesday with Kyla 7 am to 3 pm, Pre-ordering, curbside pick-up, On site vegetables sales! Pre-ordering from Tuesday afternoon until Tuesday midnight. 

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.

Check out the A2 website for information on what to expect.

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Saturday with Alyssa and Jim "The Flame of the North" Neumann!: 7 am to 3 pm, 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, Saturday with Shana! 7 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.


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
Are you a CSA member but your order receipt says balance due in 30 days?
  • Don't worry about this. We had to set up a work around to get Local Line to fit the needs for our business. 
You have made an account but can't log in:
  • 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"  
If you still need to register with Local Line, follow these instructions. To avoid difficulty, PLEASE READ THROUGH THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
How to create a Local Line Account:
  1. Head to the link at the bottom of these steps.
  2. Register using the green button to the right.
  3. You will be asked to enter a bunch of information and there are a two things that are very important
    1. 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.
    2. 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)
  4. 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.
  5. At last! You can order!
  6. Here is the link to use to create your Local Line account: https://www.localline.ca/lakedividefarm
0 Comments

LDF newsletter; Online Ordering Now Open and look what we built (it's tunnels)

10/27/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
This is what lunch looks like, finding a bit of sun and space to picnic. Featured here is Alyssa, Lizz, Helen, Exie, and Kat.
Picture
Here we see the skeletons of 4 (!) caterpillar tunnels, right before they are covered with plastic. These semi-permanent passive solar structures operate just like a lil' hoophouse; capturing the suns rays and bouncin em around in there to gain and maintain a few degrees. This is how we have leafy things in the cold and dark of winter.
Picture
Teamwork Dreamwork! You can see Kyla, Rachael, Alyssa, Malcolm and Helen moving the very long piece of plastic from a previous tunnel to its new location!
Picture
HEAVE-HO! This part takes some finesse, and a lot of team work. We pull the plastic on length-wise to keep it centered and work as a team to pull, adjust, and cinch the cover in place.
Picture
Voila! Here we can see two finished caterpillar tunnels. Two of ten, that is!
Picture
Its getting cold at market, but we still have lots of delicious produce on our table! Never fear, food is here.
   ​Busy busy are we, building the structures that will provide for us in the months to come! We call them Cats for short, however these caterpillar tunnels are anything but, at nearly 140 feet long! 
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- No Wednesday Ann Arbor this week. Look for us Saturday and next week.
  • Recipe: Root-abaga stew
  • Notes from the farm
  • Fresh From the Field- What are we bringing to market this week!
  • Staying active and engaged with social change- (Updated Oct. 20th)
  • Market Details-
    • Find our vegetables and other local goods in Stockbridge at Plane Food Market! 
  • Ordering with Local Line: register and troubleshoot
  • CSA members- what to do if your account is low

Generally Important Notes:

No Ann Arbor Wednesday this week. We still need a little time to get the winter in gear. Look for us Saturday and next week.

If you signed up as a Farm Member online, please note, you can also use your account at market. Pre-ordering is not required!

If you had trouble ordering, please scroll down our "Ordering With Local Line" section.

Recipe: Root-abaga Stew
from All recipes (mostly)

It's getting chilly out there and is the perfect time of year to have hearty, earthy, soul food to warm ourselves up with. This recipe is really basic and leaves a lot of room for your own twist! You can sub any of these roots with other roots (radishes, turnips, sweet potatoes, parsnips, whatever your heart desires) Or skip the chicken and make it all veggies! yum :)

1 tbsp vegetable Oil
1-1/2 lbs chicken (diced)
3 Medium rutabaga (peeled and diced)
3 Medium carrots (diced)
3 Medium beets (peeled and diced)
4 Stalks of celery (diced)
1 red onion (diced)
water to cover
Optional (Garlic, sage, thyme, and parsley)

  Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Cook and stir chicken in hot oil until completely browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add rutabagas, beets, carrots, celery, and red onion to the pot (and optional garlic). Pour enough water over the vegetable mixture to cover completely. Reduce heat to low and cook at a simmer for at least 4 hours, adding water as needed to keep vegetable submerged.  Add herbs, salt and pepper to taste

Notes from the Farm:
Helen &co. are  super busy building an absolute army of caterpillar tunnels to provide for all of us through the winter. We build these structures now, over already established crops hand selected for the season. You can see the beds flush with green in some of our photos. We tuck the crops in with row-cover, and build them a little house. We will be tending to these structures all winter. If it is sunny we must vent them, it gets hot in there! If there is precipitation we must close them, no snow on these leaves! We will all be grateful to spend some time in them surrounded by green when everything else is frozen and covered in snow. Speaking of snow... I think I drove through some on my way to the farm today. Is it time to break out the thicker socks and hot chocolate? 
I sure hope so. 
Cozy times ahead!

Lizz writing for The Lake Dividers 

Helen & Jim and The Lake Dividers: Lizz, Malcolm, Kyla, Rachael, Amy, Alyssa, Kathryn, Shana, Annie and Eva! 


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!

Quick note: You may notice that the crop list in the email does not always match the crop list in our online store. Items not found online may have sold out or we may not have posted them online. We sometimes do not post crops online that have not come into abundance yet because we don't always know how much (or how little) of a crop will be harvestable by the end of the week so we can't offer it for sale on Tuesday. These items go to market in small quantities. When they come fully into season, we will list them online. This is the best way we have come up with to manage these crops.

That said, you can always add to your order when you pick up at market.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we troubleshoot a whole new (to us) way of doing things
.
Greens:
Arugula (limited)
Bok Choi (limited)
Collards
Kale
Microgreens! Mustard Mix, Just Broccoli, Just Radish
Mustard Greens (Ruby streaks)
Pea Shoots 
Radish greens
Spinach (limited)
Tatsoi (?)

All manner of deliciousness:
Broccoli
Celery- some of the best
Celery root- mini orbs
Cabbage- Round Green, savoy and some coneheads
Napa cabbage
Garlic
Rutabaga!
Onions- Red and yellow
Wintersquash: Acorn, dumpling, Futusu, spaghetti, Butternut

Herbs:
Parsley
Sage
Thyme

Coming Soon:
Radishes
Pie Pumpkins
 
: 
Staying Active: Something to keep the gears of progress engaged:
Our intention is to update this list monthly. It was last updated September 29th. Just because we are posting new links, the links from previous emails are still relevant. Additionally, you will find some links repeated. This month, I found a whole boatload of great resources from the Michigan Libraries Association. I am particularly excited about the "21 day racial equity challenge" because it specifically relates to Michigan Policy. 

In the meantime, 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.

To read: This list is by no means whatsoever all inclusive.
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."

Essays and articles (links to arcles):
Five truths about Black History from ACLU
A litany of Survival: Giving birth as a black woman in America. By Naomi Jackson
The Restlessness of Black Grief: We are in the middle of a black bereavement crises and we do not have the privilege or time to grieve. By Marissa Evans

Books (links to authors website): This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
  • Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins
  • Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Dr. Brittney Cooper
  • Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon
  • How To Be An Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
  • Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color by Andrea J. Ritchie
  • Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
  • Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
  • Raising Our Hands by Jenna Arnold
  • Redefining Realness by Janet Mock 
  • Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
  • So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
  • The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
  • The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
  • The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness 
  • by Michelle Alexander
  • The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century 
  • by Grace Lee Boggs
  • The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
  • Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
  • This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color by Cherríe MoragaWhen Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America by Ira KatznelsonWhite Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo, PhD

To Listen and Watch: This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
  • 13th (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
  • American Son (Kenny Leon) — Netflix
  • Black Power Mixtape: 1967-1975 — Available to rent
  • Blindspotting (Carlos López Estrada) — Hulu with Cinemax or available to rent
  • Clemency (Chinonye Chukwu) — Available to rent
  • Dear White People (Justin Simien) — Netflix
  • Fruitvale Station (Ryan Coogler) — Available to rent
  • I Am Not Your Negro (James Baldwin doc) — Available to rent or on Kanopy
  • If Beale Street Could Talk (Barry Jenkins) — Hulu
  • Just Mercy (Destin Daniel Cretton) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • King In The Wilderness  — HBO
  • See You Yesterday (Stefon Bristol) — Netflix
  • Selma (Ava DuVernay) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution — Available to rent
  • The Hate U Give (George Tillman Jr.) — Available to rent for free
  • When They See Us (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix

Something to do:
<>The 21 day Racial Equity Challenge From the Michigan League for Public Policy. You can do this either on your own or sign up to work through it with a group. 
In their words: "Welcome to the Michigan League for Public Policy’s 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge! We would like to thank Food Solutions New England, whose Challenge we have used as a model and adapted to highlight racial inequity and our related policy priorities here in Michigan.
Several years ago, the League made a decision to apply a racial equity lens to the anti-poverty work at the heart of our mission. The disparities in health, wealth and well-being that we seek to eradicate are largely a result of racism enshrined in public policy over the course of U.S. history. Today, we cannot hope to achieve our mission of economic security for all Michiganders without understanding the origins of the concept of race, how it influences us as individuals and as an organization, and how it functions to preserve inequity in our laws, institutions and systems.
<>Organize a reading group. 

<> Show up! Detroit Will Breathe has been marching for Justice daily since March. 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/

If you come across a good community organizing tool kit, please send it our way so we can share it. 

To contribute monetarily:
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.


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:  

ATTENTION! We WILL NOT be at Ann Arbor Wednesday this week! Look for us on Saturday!
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Wednesday 7 am to 3 pm, Pre-ordering, curbside pick-up, On site vegetables sales! Pre-ordering from Tuesday afternoon until Tuesday midnight. 

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.

Check out the A2 website for information on what to expect.

Northville, Thursday with Amy! 8 am-  3 pm, pre-order, walk-up or curbside, on site vegetables!
Ordering will be open from Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday at 3:30 pm
If you would like curbside pick-up, please include a note with your order indicating so. We will email you with a phone number to text (call if needed, text preferred) when you arrive to pick-up your order. 

Stockbridge, Friday with Malcolm! 4 pm-  7 pm, pre-order, walk-up or curbside, on site vegetables!
We will be at the market with your orders from 4 pm to 7 pm! If you would like curbside pick-up, please include a note with your order indicating so. We will email you with a phone number to text (call if needed, text preferred) when you arrive to pick-up your order. 

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Saturday with Alyssa and Jim "The Flame of the North" Neumann!: 7 am to 3 pm, 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, Saturday with Shana! 7 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.

Farmington, Saturday with Annie! 9 am to 2 pm, pre-order for walk-up or curbside, onsite purchases.


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
Are you a CSA member but your order receipt says balance due in 30 days?
  • Don't worry about this. We had to set up a work around to get Local Line to fit the needs for our business. 
You have made an account but can't log in:
  • 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"  
If you still need to register with Local Line, follow these instructions. To avoid difficulty, PLEASE READ THROUGH THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
How to create a Local Line Account:
  1. Head to the link at the bottom of these steps.
  2. Register using the green button to the right.
  3. You will be asked to enter a bunch of information and there are a two things that are very important
    1. 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.
    2. 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)
  4. 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.
  5. At last! You can order!
  6. Here is the link to use to create your Local Line account: https://www.localline.ca/lakedividefarm
0 Comments

Online Ordering Open! -No Ann Arbor Wednesday this week- so we can build Build BUILD!

10/20/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
The team is working hard on assembling the caterpillar tunnels! 3 of the tunnels have the hoops up, and are awaiting plastic. Each one of the proposed 10 caterpillars contains two 135'x5' beds. They are planted in cold hardy crops like arugula, turnips, spinach, mustard and lettuce. Every bed in each tunnel will additionally be covered with row cover (as seen on the sides of this pic) to provide an extra layer of insulation on those extra cold nights. Winter growing is a balancing act of protecting your crops from extreme cold while trying to also make sure they are getting adequate sunlight. These two things play against each other, and require us to cover and uncover the crops inside the hoops frequently (ugh!)
Picture
Boomer has been working the fields hard lately, but with the colder weather coming in, he has been taking breaks to help us in the office!
Picture
Another awesome Lake Divide Farm sunset!
Picture
Lead morale officer Exie T. Dog keeping it light and tight!
Picture
The final round of 2020 arugula is nicely sized up and getting prepped for the winter
Some sunny, some rainy, some grey are the days with great sunrises and saturated sunsets (did you see that picture?!) The crows aren't eating lunch with me yet. Welcome to the penultimate week of October. I don't know how we got here, but I heard there are doughnuts! 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- No Wednesday Ann Arbor this week. Look for us Saturday and next week.
  • Recipe: Delicious Savoy Cabbage Sautee
  • Notes from the farm
  • Fresh From the Field- What are we bringing to market this week!
  • Staying active and engaged with social change- (Updated Oct. 20th)
  • Market Details-
    • Find our vegetables and other local goods in Stockbridge at Plane Food Market! 
  • Ordering with Local Line: register and troubleshoot
  • CSA members- what to do if your account is low

Generally Important Notes:

No Ann Arbor Wednesday this week. We need a little time to get the winter in gear. Look for us Saturyda and next week.

If you signed up as a Farm Member online, please note, you can also use your account at market. Pre-ordering is not required!

If you had trouble ordering, please scroll down our "Ordering With Local Line" section.

Recipe: Savoy Cabbage sauteed with miso dressing
Found in my mind!

Half a savoy cabbage, or outer leaves of a savoy cabbage. (Taste them raw, they are so sweet!)
4-5 cloves of our delicious garlic
Sesame oil
Miso paste (red or white)
Chili paste
Soy sauce or tamari
Minced ginger (or powdered ginger)
Water to cook it down.

Heat sesame oil on medium heat
Mince garlic and rough chop cabbage (about 1/2'" square pieces?)

Toss the cabbage and garlic in the pan and stir occasionally.

In a bowl mix 1 TBS sesame oil, 2 TBS miso paste, 1 TBS soy sauce, 2 TBS water, 2 TBS Chili paste.
Stir it up until fully blended.

Added to pan and stir to coat. Add water (maybe a cup or two) and put lid on it. Let it cook down until the cabbage is soft- about 45 minutes.  Add more water as needed. 

This is great with rice or another grain. On toast. With a poached egg. I couldn't believe how much I loved it. 
This is just the preview to our romance with cabbage. 

Notes from the Farm:
I caught myself, laying in bed, googling in the dark. "How to be more light hearted" I asked the oracle void. I want the secret. TELL ME GOOGLE! Isn't there some wiki how?
I came across the lists that one would expect- gratitude, smile, human interaction, fake it til you make. In short though, no, there wasn't a wikihow so don't waste your time. It was hilarious though. And the hilarity of desperation reminded me how ridiculous this whole life is. This was Friday night, with only a few hours to sleep before the whirlwind of market. It has stuck until today. And so a good laugh is what you can expect from me as of Tuesday, I make no promises for Saturday, but let's hope it sticks on like the determined seeds of Devil's Beggarticks.

This week we are wholeheartedly moving caterpillar tunnels. By the end of the week I fully expect to have the whole slew of them covered and ready to protect our crops through the winter. The kale and chard that we transplanted at the end of September have put on an impressive amount of growth. They stand 3" tall and I feel confident that they will have something to offer us come December.

And in bird notes, I saw a spiraling swirl of vultures rises on the currents, heading south together. Maybe they have the right idea.

Onward and upward my friends! 

Helen & Jim and The Lake Dividers: Lizz, Malcolm, Kyla, Rachael, Amy, Alyssa, Kathryn, Shana, Annie and Eva! 


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!

Quick note: You may notice that the crop list in the email does not always match the crop list in our online store. Items not found online may have sold out or we may not have posted them online. We sometimes do not post crops online that have not come into abundance yet because we don't always know how much (or how little) of a crop will be harvestable by the end of the week so we can't offer it for sale on Tuesday. These items go to market in small quantities. When they come fully into season, we will list them online. This is the best way we have come up with to manage these crops.

That said, you can always add to your order when you pick up at market.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we troubleshoot a whole new (to us) way of doing things.

Greens:
Arugula
Bok Choi (baby bunches!)
Collards
Kale
Microgreens! Mustard Mix, Just Arugula, Just Broccoli, Just Radish
Mustard Greens (Ruby streaks)
Pea Shoots 
Radish greens
Swiss Chard (limited)
Spinach (limited)
Tatsoi (?)

All manner of deliciousness: 
Broccoli
Celery- some of the best
Celery root- mini orbs
Cabbage- Round Green, savoy and some coneheads
Napa cabbageGarlic!
Onions- Red and yellow
Potatoes- Fingerlings
Sweet Turnips- back in a couple weeks
Wintersquash: Acorn, dumpling, delicata, spaghetti, Butternut

Herbs:
Parsley
Sage
Thyme

Coming Soon:
Radishes
Rutabaga
Sweet Turnips
 
Staying Active: Something to keep the gears of progress engaged:
Our intention is to update this list monthly. It was last updated September 29th. Just because we are posting new links, the links from previous emails are still relevant. Additionally, you will find some links repeated. This month, I found a whole boatload of great resources from the Michigan Libraries Association. I am particularly excited about the "21 day racial equity challenge" because it specifically relates to Michigan Policy. 

In the meantime, 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.

To read: This list is by no means whatsoever all inclusive.
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."

Essays and articles (links to arcles):
Five truths about Black History from ACLU
A litany of Survival: Giving birth as a black woman in America. By Naomi Jackson
The Restlessness of Black Grief: We are in the middle of a black bereavement crises and we do not have the privilege or time to grieve. By Marissa Evans

Books (links to authors website): This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
  • Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins
  • Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Dr. Brittney Cooper
  • Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon
  • How To Be An Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
  • Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color by Andrea J. Ritchie
  • Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
  • Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
  • Raising Our Hands by Jenna Arnold
  • Redefining Realness by Janet Mock 
  • Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
  • So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
  • The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
  • The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
  • The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness 
  • by Michelle Alexander
  • The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century 
  • by Grace Lee Boggs
  • The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
  • Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
  • This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color by Cherríe MoragaWhen Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America by Ira KatznelsonWhite Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo, PhD

To Listen and Watch: This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
  • 13th (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
  • American Son (Kenny Leon) — Netflix
  • Black Power Mixtape: 1967-1975 — Available to rent
  • Blindspotting (Carlos López Estrada) — Hulu with Cinemax or available to rent
  • Clemency (Chinonye Chukwu) — Available to rent
  • Dear White People (Justin Simien) — Netflix
  • Fruitvale Station (Ryan Coogler) — Available to rent
  • I Am Not Your Negro (James Baldwin doc) — Available to rent or on Kanopy
  • If Beale Street Could Talk (Barry Jenkins) — Hulu
  • Just Mercy (Destin Daniel Cretton) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • King In The Wilderness  — HBO
  • See You Yesterday (Stefon Bristol) — Netflix
  • Selma (Ava DuVernay) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution — Available to rent
  • The Hate U Give (George Tillman Jr.) — Available to rent for free
  • When They See Us (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix

Something to do:
<>The 21 day Racial Equity Challenge From the Michigan League for Public Policy. You can do this either on your own or sign up to work through it with a group. 
In their words: "Welcome to the Michigan League for Public Policy’s 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge! We would like to thank Food Solutions New England, whose Challenge we have used as a model and adapted to highlight racial inequity and our related policy priorities here in Michigan.
Several years ago, the League made a decision to apply a racial equity lens to the anti-poverty work at the heart of our mission. The disparities in health, wealth and well-being that we seek to eradicate are largely a result of racism enshrined in public policy over the course of U.S. history. Today, we cannot hope to achieve our mission of economic security for all Michiganders without understanding the origins of the concept of race, how it influences us as individuals and as an organization, and how it functions to preserve inequity in our laws, institutions and systems.
<>Organize a reading group. 

<> Show up! Detroit Will Breathe has been marching for Justice daily since March. 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/

If you come across a good community organizing tool kit, please send it our way so we can share it. 

To contribute monetarily:
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.


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:  

ATTENTION! We WILL NOT be at Ann Arbor Wednesday this week! Look for us next week! 
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Wednesday with guest star Kyla! 7 am to 3 pm, Pre-ordering, curbside pick-up, On site vegetables sales! Pre-ordering from Tuesday afternoon until Tuesday midnight. 

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.

Check out the A2 website for information on what to expect.

Northville, Thursday with Amy! 8 am-  3 pm, pre-order, walk-up or curbside, on site vegetables!
Ordering will be open from Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday at 3:30 pm
If you would like curbside pick-up, please include a note with your order indicating so. We will email you with a phone number to text (call if needed, text preferred) when you arrive to pick-up your order. 

Stockbridge, Friday with Malcolm! 4 pm-  7 pm, pre-order, walk-up or curbside, on site vegetables!
We will be at the market with your orders from 4 pm to 7 pm! If you would like curbside pick-up, please include a note with your order indicating so. We will email you with a phone number to text (call if needed, text preferred) when you arrive to pick-up your order. 

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Saturday with Alyssa and Jim "The Flame of the North" Neumann!: 7 am to 3 pm, 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, Saturday with Kyla! 7 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 Shana! 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.

Farmington, Saturday with Annie! 9 am to 2 pm, pre-order for walk-up or curbside, onsite purchases.


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
Are you a CSA member but your order receipt says balance due in 30 days?
  • Don't worry about this. We had to set up a work around to get Local Line to fit the needs for our business. 
You have made an account but can't log in:
  • 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"  
If you still need to register with Local Line, follow these instructions. To avoid difficulty, PLEASE READ THROUGH THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
How to create a Local Line Account:
  1. Head to the link at the bottom of these steps.
  2. Register using the green button to the right.
  3. You will be asked to enter a bunch of information and there are a two things that are very important
    1. 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.
    2. 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)
  4. 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.
  5. At last! You can order!
  6. Here is the link to use to create your Local Line account: https://www.localline.ca/lakedividefarm
0 Comments

LDF: Online ordering open, the butternut is coming in, the tunnels are going up.

10/13/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Helen is putting broccoli back on the menu!
Picture
Amy and Malcolm harvesting the first round of savoy cabbage
Picture
Lake Divide Farm from 2000ft! Thanks to Don and Deanna from Plane Food Market in Stockbridge for the awesome photo!
Picture
Winter beds prepped for caterpillar tunnels
Picture
Hoophouse #1 planted in bok choi and lettuce. As soon as the wind lets up we'll be pulling the plastic over the top
Picture
Farewell Eddie Van Halen, rest in power.
Bobbling alongward toward the sun. Lots of sinking butter cups on the horizon. Flocks of cranes swooping through and murmurations of starlings and blackbirds twisting against the sky. So loud while they rest in the trees, but when they rise, no voices only wings, no words, only action.

I think I found where the bats are living and wait to watch them come out in the evening. And the the family of crows with the young one that we watched grow this year is still about the farm. But they all seem adult now. No solitary crow, trailing and harassing its elders for food. It is still my plan to tame them with peanuts. If ever. Sometimes they sit close to us while we eat lunch.
In this email:
  • Generally important notes
  • Recipe: Napa Cabbage Salad with Sweet Tamari-Sesame Dressing
  • Notes from the farm
  • Fresh From the Field- What are we bringing to market this week!
  • Staying active and engaged with social change- (Updated Sept. 29th)
  • Market Details-
    • Find our vegetables and other local goods in Stockbridge at Plane Food Market! 
  • Ordering with Local Line: register and troubleshoot
  • CSA members- what to do if your account is low

Generally Important Notes:


There is a small pre-ordering window for Ann Arbor Wednesday. Ordering opens now and goes until midnight tonight (Tuesday 10/06)

If you signed up as a Farm Member online, please note, you can also use your account at market. Pre-ordering is not required!

If you had trouble ordering, please scroll down our "Ordering With Local Line" section.

Recipe: Napa Cabbage Salad with Sweet Tamari-Sesame Dressing
Found on Blissful Basil

Normally, I try to choose recipes that we have most or all of the vegetable ingredients. This time around, I couldn't pass this one up. I am looking forward to trying it myself. We will all likely have to make some substitutions for the red pepper though...

This napa cabbage salad is crisp, refreshing, sweet, tangy, crunchy, and addictive. It's modeled off of that addictive napa cabbage salad that typically incorporates bits of crunchy ramen noodles. The flavor of this salad is very similar to that old-school favorite but with a slight twist on the dressing. White sugar is replaced by vitamin-rich grade B maple syrup. Cold-pressed olive oil takes the place of canola oil. Tamari sits in for soy sauce to keep things gluten-free. In place of the ramen noodles, you'll find crunchy sunflower seeds. I also added red peppers, carrots, and cilantro to perk up the freshness and color. The result is a refreshingly crisp and crunchy salad with a tangy and sweet vinaigrette. The recipe makes enough for 3 to 4 light meal-sized servings but could easily serve 6 to 8 as a side. 

Prep Time25 minutes
 Total Time25 minutes
 Servings 4

Ingredients:
  • 1 large head napa cabbage, washed and finely-chopped
  • 7 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks
  • 1 red pepper, seeded and cut into matchsticks
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds (I use raw sunflower seeds)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (I use un-hulled sesame seeds for added calcium)
Dressing ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons cold-pressed olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
Instructions:
  • In a large serving bowl, combine the cabbage, scallions, carrots, red pepper, and cilantro.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, tamari, and pure maple syrup until emulsified.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad, thoroughly toss to coat, and sprinkle with the seeds.
NotesThis salad holds up well even a day or two after being tossed in the dressing thanks to the cabbage. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for best results.

Notes from the Farm:
I have a feeling of uncertainty, which I think I expressed in earlier emails. I also don't think that this feeling of mine is unique. Things haven't been going as expected. There has been uncertainty with the virus and the division between people in community, and the weather. And for us on the farm, with Jim's surgery and the changing faces, and the scaling to match our goals. Even in my element, in the field and on the farm, tasks haven't been rolling out as anticipated. Some aspects of the future seem mysterious and potentially uncooperative. The avalanche of unpredicted variation from "the plan" has thrown me off. I am suddenly questioning myself on simple things- how to harvest tatsoi, whether it is too late to plant lettuce, whether to protect radicchio from the frost. If I pause and breath, I know the answers, but in an exhausted moment, I can forget to slow down enough to trust myself. I can forget that uncertainty in one compartment of my life does not intrinsically imply uncertainty in another.

But there are things I know: We will have onions, garlic, and squash this winter. The leaves will fall and so will snow. And spring will come. We will learn and grow- learn to take space to rest, learn to care for the land as it cares for us, learn to build resilience with the earth and in our community. 

Things I can almost know: We will have lots of cabbage and radishes in storage. We will have an amount of various greens most weeks through the winter. We learn to rest quickly enough to participate in it.

And there is much I won't know. I am settling into this shifting foothold. I am focusing on the things I can guide and interact with. I am showing kindness to others and to myself. I am finding gratitude in daily life. I am allowing "I'm not sure" to be an acceptable answer for now.

And when unforeseen factors derail my plans, well, I can only bow my head and say "Lead on wild world". 

All the very best to you. Enjoy this genuine week of Fall.

Helen & Jim and The Lake Dividers: Lizz, Malcolm, Kyla, Rachael, Amy, Alyssa, Kathryn, Shana, Annie and Eva! 


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!
Quick note: You may notice that the crop list in the email does not always match the crop list in our online store. Items not found online may have sold out or we may not have posted them online. We sometimes do not post crops online that have not come into abundance yet because we don't always know how much (or how little) of a crop will be harvestable by the end of the week so we can't offer it for sale on Tuesday. These items go to market in small quantities. When they come fully into season, we will list them online. This is the best way we have come up with to manage these crops.

That said, you can always add to your order when you pick up at market.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we troubleshoot a whole new (to us) way of doing things.

Greens:
Arugula
Bok Choi (baby bunches!)
Collards
Kale
Microgreens! Mustard Mix, Just Arugula, Just Broccoli, Just Radish
Mustard Greens (Ruby streaks)
Pea Shoots 
Radish greens
Swiss Chard
Spinach (limited)
Tatsoi

All manner of deliciousness: 
Broccoli!
Celery!
Cabbage- Round Green, savoy and some coneheads
Garlic!
Onions- Red and yellow
Peppers- mostly green- (limited)
Hot Peppers- limited
Napa cabbage
Snack Peppers- limited
Potatoes- Fingerlings
Sweet Turnips- back in a couple weeks
Wintersquash: Acorn, dumpling, delicata, spaghetti, Butternut

Herbs:
Parsley
Sage
Thyme

Coming Soon:
Radishes
Sweet Turnips
: 
Staying Active: Something to keep the gears of progress engaged:
Our intention is to update this list monthly. It was last updated September 29th. Just because we are posting new links, the links from previous emails are still relevant. Additionally, you will find some links repeated. This month, I found a whole boatload of great resources from the Michigan Libraries Association. I am particularly excited about the "21 day racial equity challenge" because it specifically relates to Michigan Policy. 

In the meantime, 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.

To read: This list is by no means whatsoever all inclusive.
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."

Essays and articles (links to arcles):
Five truths about Black History from ACLU
A litany of Survival: Giving birth as a black woman in America. By Naomi Jackson
The Restlessness of Black Grief: We are in the middle of a black bereavement crises and we do not have the privilege or time to grieve. By Marissa Evans

Books (links to authors website): This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
  • Black Feminist Thought by Patricia Hill Collins
  • Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower by Dr. Brittney Cooper
  • Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon
  • How To Be An Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
  • Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color by Andrea J. Ritchie
  • Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
  • Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
  • Raising Our Hands by Jenna Arnold
  • Redefining Realness by Janet Mock 
  • Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
  • So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
  • The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
  • The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
  • The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness 
  • by Michelle Alexander
  • The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century 
  • by Grace Lee Boggs
  • The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
  • Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
  • This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color by Cherríe MoragaWhen Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America by Ira KatznelsonWhite Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo, PhD

To Listen and Watch: This list taken from the Michigan Library Association's website
  • 13th (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix
  • American Son (Kenny Leon) — Netflix
  • Black Power Mixtape: 1967-1975 — Available to rent
  • Blindspotting (Carlos López Estrada) — Hulu with Cinemax or available to rent
  • Clemency (Chinonye Chukwu) — Available to rent
  • Dear White People (Justin Simien) — Netflix
  • Fruitvale Station (Ryan Coogler) — Available to rent
  • I Am Not Your Negro (James Baldwin doc) — Available to rent or on Kanopy
  • If Beale Street Could Talk (Barry Jenkins) — Hulu
  • Just Mercy (Destin Daniel Cretton) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • King In The Wilderness  — HBO
  • See You Yesterday (Stefon Bristol) — Netflix
  • Selma (Ava DuVernay) — Available to rent for free in June in the U.S.
  • The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution — Available to rent
  • The Hate U Give (George Tillman Jr.) — Available to rent for free
  • When They See Us (Ava DuVernay) — Netflix

Something to do:
<>The 21 day Racial Equity Challenge From the Michigan League for Public Policy. You can do this either on your own or sign up to work through it with a group. 
In their words: "Welcome to the Michigan League for Public Policy’s 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge! We would like to thank Food Solutions New England, whose Challenge we have used as a model and adapted to highlight racial inequity and our related policy priorities here in Michigan.
Several years ago, the League made a decision to apply a racial equity lens to the anti-poverty work at the heart of our mission. The disparities in health, wealth and well-being that we seek to eradicate are largely a result of racism enshrined in public policy over the course of U.S. history. Today, we cannot hope to achieve our mission of economic security for all Michiganders without understanding the origins of the concept of race, how it influences us as individuals and as an organization, and how it functions to preserve inequity in our laws, institutions and systems.
<>Organize a reading group. 

<> Show up! Detroit Will Breathe has been marching for Justice daily since March. 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/

If you come across a good community organizing tool kit, please send it our way so we can share it. 

To contribute monetarily:
We the People Opportunity Farm is wrapping of their fundraiser with just one day left. Here is a note from September 27th from Melvin Parson, founder and executive director of the farm.
"THREE DAYS LEFT! We are now only 12% away from our goal! Thanks thanks to you we have a little over $88,000!
What I’m about to say is a no-no in the world of fundraising however, In the sprit of authenticity & transparency I am going to report out that a big gift of 10k didn’t pan out (this would have have left us only 2% away from our goal). My thought is with only 3 days remaining that we won’t reach our goal however, in the event that we don’t...this campaign has been a huge success because of your support!!
Now I’m not closing the lid just yet! There is still 3 days left! And miracles are abundant!!!
Please enjoy the random pics.
Happy Sunday everyone and here is the link to contribute if you wish to do so!
https://www.wtpof.org/Contribute

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.

Market Details:  

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Wednesday with guest star Kyla!
 7 am to 3 pm, Pre-ordering, curbside pick-up, On site vegetables sales! Pre-ordering from Tuesday afternoon until Tuesday midnight. 

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.

Check out the A2 website for information on what to expect.

Northville, Thursday with Amy! 8 am-  3 pm, pre-order, walk-up or curbside, on site vegetables!
Ordering will be open from Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday at 3:30 pm
If you would like curbside pick-up, please include a note with your order indicating so. We will email you with a phone number to text (call if needed, text preferred) when you arrive to pick-up your order. 

Stockbridge, Friday with Malcolm! 4 pm-  7 pm, pre-order, walk-up or curbside, on site vegetables!
We will be at the market with your orders from 4 pm to 7 pm! If you would like curbside pick-up, please include a note with your order indicating so. We will email you with a phone number to text (call if needed, text preferred) when you arrive to pick-up your order. 

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Saturday with Alyssa and Jim "The Flame of the North" Neumann!: 7 am to 3 pm, 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, Saturday with Kyla! 7 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 Shana! 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.

Farmington, Saturday with Annie! 9 am to 2 pm, pre-order for walk-up or curbside, onsite purchases.


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
Are you a CSA member but your order receipt says balance due in 30 days?
  • Don't worry about this. We had to set up a work around to get Local Line to fit the needs for our business. 
You have made an account but can't log in:
  • 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"  
If you still need to register with Local Line, follow these instructions. To avoid difficulty, PLEASE READ THROUGH THESE INSTRUCTIONS:
How to create a Local Line Account:
  1. Head to the link at the bottom of these steps.
  2. Register using the green button to the right.
  3. You will be asked to enter a bunch of information and there are a two things that are very important
    1. 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.
    2. 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)
  4. 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.
  5. At last! You can order!
  6. Here is the link to use to create your Local Line account: https://www.localline.ca/lakedividefarm
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Farm News

    Read on for detailed tales from the farm! We try to share weekly and with sincerity to give our followers a window into sustainable food production and life on the farm.

    Visit our 
    Facebook page for more frequent photos and posts.

    Or sign-up to have Lake Divide Farm news delivered straight to your inbox!

    Archives

    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.