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Re: 2011 Report and Annual Appeal November 29, 2011 Dear Friends of the Farm,
Thank you very much for your past support of the farm. Here are some current questions: 1. Have you ever taken a close look at our farm buildings? If so, you have seen evidence of a leaky barn roof and leaky, inefficient windows. It is time to do some serious rehabilitative maintenance and repair, including a long-lasting metal roof for the barn, the Learning Center and farmhouse. 2. Did you know that we lost some income due to delays and uncertainties after a visit from the State Fire Marshall’s Office (SFMO) inspector last May? We now have a list of things to do, to bring our structures into compliance with the latest fire safety provisions that now apply to our type of facility. These repairs and upgrades are vital if we want to continue holding many of our regular events, and to continue to pursue our core mission, which is so simple, yet so important: To promote the values of sustainable agriculture and stewardship of the earth through education, demonstration and community involvement. 3. Did you know that Morris Farm was designated a "Forever Farm" by Maine Farmland Trust? Hurray!
I hope you were able to attend the Morris Farm Thanksgiving Community (potluck) Dinner on Thursday, November 17, to hear our great pickup band of local musicians, to join in the community fest. We fed each other, body and soul, and I observed many smiles and was given a “two thumbs up” sign from attendees as they left with well nourished bodies and reinvigorated souls, many Friends of the Farm. The dinner was a big TREAT, and it was free to all comers! A lot of folks joined us for that meal. Clearly many folks value the Farm, and I am writing to you now because I believe you value the farm.
For the good of the farm, and for the good of the regional community we serve, we all need to care for the farm. Please know that our board members are · working each week to help keep the farm alive and healthy, financially, functionally, for us all; · working to keep the roofs from leaking, to minimize our energy use, and to maximize our safety; · working to educate a new generation of kids through Farm Camp, the Farm-to-School programs and the Wiscasset Primary School Garden; · working to help adults learn and to build our communal agricultural resources (e.g., the Master Gardener's gardens and our modest Margaret Ellis Community Garden provided over 1500 pounds of good food to those in the community, much of it going through soup kitchens and food pantries). The costs of doing all this are daunting, and our list of “work to do” is longer, while our list of fund raising events has been shorter, due to the SFMO inspection. Yet, we are a special breed of farm that belongs to you, our members and Friends of the Farm. We need your time, talent and treasure to make it work. Please consider how you can best contribute your resources, to help us carry on. If you can offer your time and talents, contact Kim Andersson at the farm office, or visit www.morrisfarm.org for more info, or, if you can offer your treasure, donate online, where you can also see if you can help with our “Wish List,” or send us the enclosed card with your monetary contribution. We all say, “THANK YOU!” to all of you who are helping build our sustainable future. Won't you please help now?
Recently I played with and cared for our two granddaughters – such fun and important investments in the future of our world. My times with them, and at our community events and gatherings are potent reminders of our communal need to build a sustainable future, together. You can help! Please do. Thanks so much.
See the back side of this letter for some highlights of our remarkably productive year! Thank you.
Sincerely, Best Wishes for a wonder-filled post-harvest season!!! Eliot Field, for the Board of Trustees |
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