eco-LOCAL Sowing 2011 edition

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www.rt67cafe.com

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On the Cover Meet Deb Ball and Stephen Farrara, sister and brother proprietor of the Eagle Bridge Custom Meat and Smokehouse the newest USDA inspected facility for meat processing in the Upper Hudson Valley. The expansion of their custom cut butcher shop into the realm of USDA processing could very well be the biggest story of the local food system in these parts in some time. This facility has allowed more farmers to bring there animals to market in a timely fashion, which means more availability to you, the customer. If you are a fan of local naturally raised, pastured meats, then this is huge because prior to their opening, there was a long wait time for farmers to get their animals processed for public consumption. With the opening of Eagle Bridge Custom Meat’s USDA facility, they’ve relieved some of the pent up demand for this service. It was a big move for Deb and Steve, but they had faith in the community that their enterprise would be well received. And well received it has become. Find out more about this dynamic duo inside. Thanks Deb and Steve, you are truly Farm-to-Fork eco-localizers!

DEPARTMENTS

7

News and Views

8

The Wellness Doc

9

Money Matters

FEATURES

10 Ask the Energy Expert 12 Joy(s) of Functional Living 46 EcoLocal People

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Cover Story - Meet your Meat Eagle Bridge Custom Meat and Smokehouse

17

FARM TO FORK GUIDE

31

Washington County

36

Farmhouse on Top of the World

41

Young Landless Farmer

44

Transition to Tomorrow

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Letter from the Publisher After a winter season that dragged on for way to long, everyone is looking forward to the sowing season - the time to dig in the ground and plant the seeds for our summer veggies. For those of you who have not yet taken on a gardening project, I’d encourage you to start one this year. The activity is very grounding, no pun intended; choosing the seeds, planning the layout, and weeding the weeds that will inevitably come is a very holistic experience. It feed the mind, body, and soul. When your plants bear fruit, there’s nothing more satisfying than picking it fresh creating a meal out of it. It’s better than anything you can find at the grocery store. If you find a garden too cumbersome, then at least venture out to your local Farmers Market. We’ve put together another edition of the Farm to Fork Guide within these pages, and when assembling the data, I was astounded as to the quantity of Farmers Markets we have in the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys. Wherever you are, there’s one near you. It’s a great indicator that the local food scene is alive and well. And that’s a good thing, because it means that our farmland is productive and being worked by passionate people.

In this issue, we take a close look at a couple of young farmers who have been smitten by the soil and the things that they can grow in it. It goes to show you that Farming is a very legitimate career choice, at any stage of your life. You get to work outdoors everyday, play in the dirt, and get sweaty. What could be better than that? Farming is just one aspect of the business of getting food onto our plates. Someone also has to process all the meat animals into the steaks, chops and hamburgers that we enjoy. There are plenty of meat farmers, as you will find in the farm to Fork Guide. But all that meat has to be processed somewhere. There have been only a few options for farmers, creating a bottleneck in the food system. Fortunately, there is a newcomer offering USDA meat processing, which would be the subject of our cover story – Eagle Bridge Custom Meat and Smokehouse. Owners Steve and Debbie took the big leap into USDA processing, and there addition has helped relieve the congestion for local farmers. And that increased supply means more availability at your local farmers market. And the extra competition may help to bring prices down. All good things for the local food supply.

So whether you grow your own, our buy from other growers, be sure to fill your plate with as much local food as possible. It’s the easiest way to shop local, and keep money circulating the region. Buying local also reduces food miles, which means you’ll be eating fresher and helping to reduce the consumption of fuel used in food transportation. An important note about the Far to Fork Guide: the featured listings you will find inside are paid listings – please do your best to seek them out to service your needs. They value you, the eco-local reader by supporting the continued production of this magazine. If you like eco-local, like them.

Oh, and like us on facebook, too! -David DeLozier, Publisher

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eco LOCAL PUBLISHER / EDITOR / SALES David Delozier 518-858-6866 ecolocalliving.com DESIGN / PRODUCTION Centerline Design 518-883-3872 PHOTOGRAPHY David Delozier, Johanna Sophia, Paul J. Nettleton www.pjnphotography.com CONTRIBUTORS Harry Moran, Kathleen Quartararo, Dr.Michael Quartararo, Johanna Sophia, Stacey Morris, Mary Beth McCue & Mark Bomba SUBSCRIBE Eco-LOCAL Living is the free bi-monthly magazine for people choosing to lead sustainable, intentional lifestyles in New York's Upper Hudson Valley.

It can be found throughout the region at independent retailers, shops, restaurants and other high traffic locales Visit www.ecolocalliving.com to find a location near you. If you would like to receive a subscription, send $24 along with your name and address to: Eco-LOCAL Media 38 Tamarack Trail Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

If you would like updates and information by email, please sign up at our website.

SUPPORT We seek to transform this special region of upstate New York into a local living economy of vibrant towns, productive farmlands and healthy open space.

By reading eco-LOCAL, you become part of our cause. But more is needed - we need you to take an active role, by engaging in the commerce that will create the living economy of our future.

This magazine is brought to you solely by the advertisers found within. Please tell them you appreciate their support of eco-LOCAL Living. We are all in this together, and we must support each other.

Thank you!

Every effort has been made to avoid errors and misspellings; however, if you see an error, please accept our apologies. We welcome your ideas, articles, and feedback so that we can give you the best service possible. Eco-LOCAL Living does not guarantee nor warrantee any products, services of any advertisers, nor will we be party to any legal or civil claims or promises. We expect advertisers to honor any claims or promises. We reserve the right to revise, edit and/or reject any and all advertising with or without cause. Liability is limited to the cost of the ad space in which it first appeared for printing errors of the publisher's responsibility or if the publisher fails to print an ad or article for any reason. We reserve the right to edit articles if needed for content, clarity and relevance. Unless otherwise noted, we use the Creative Commons License (in place of standard copyright), which allows anyone to freely copy, distribute, and transmit all content, although it must be attributed in the manner specified by the author or licensor, and no one may use it for commercial purposes, or alter, transform, or build upon it.

News and Views Two Transition Events are Coming to the Capital Region Two Transition events are coming to the Capital Region during the Summer Solstice: The Turning Point at Saratoga Apple, Schuylerville in Saratoga County, on June 1819, and the WYO Fest 2011 at Wyomanuck Center for Sustainable Living in Stephentown, Rensselaer County on June 25th.

The Turning Point will be Celebrating the high point in the Sun’s annual journey. In 1777, Old Saratoga was the Turning Point of the American Revolution. In 2011, Humanity is at a Turning Point in our relationship to Nature.

Join us for a Summer Solstice celebration to learn new ways to be on Earth. Featuring: WORKSHOPS on renewing earth fertility, permaculture, natural health and tapping into your 6th sense.

HOME-MADE MUSIC 21st Century songs, singing & dance led by some of the area’s finest musicians.

CEREMONY Drums for Peace: bring your own drum & rhythm; Solstice Sunrise: greet the sun,

camping available. This is a sharing event… food is potluck; bring your own dishes to share. For information go to www.carbonnegative.us/TurningPoint or call 858-6866 WYO Fest 2011 at Wyomanuck Farm is located on Wyomanock Rd, Stephentown, NY, just 0.5 mile west of NY Rte 22 just south of Rt 43.

Music at 1pm - HuDost, the ultimate in musical creativity! 3:30 KDZ Drummers – all welcome to drum with the best!

Workshops on photovoltaics and natural building; Interpretive walk of Wyomanock lands with David Hunt, naturalist; “Transition Town” discussion with Tina Clarke.

Good Food - Will be available for an additional donation. For more information contact mark the time; Sacred Space: discover temples thom@designwithearth.com. hidden in the land; Creative Community: Volunteers and workshop presenters needed weave connections into culture. for both events. Share your passion for $10 per day suggested donation, overnight sustainability and help build community.

Feeling Joyful… It’s YOUR Choice!

The standard of success in life? How about the amount of joy you feel? When you really think about it, what else matters? Can you feel successful if you are not joyful?

When I think about what makes me happy, I could say new clothes, great dinners, time with friends, vacations, jewelry, Mercedes convertible, great massage, pedicure, NEW 800 COUNT SHEETS, sweet mangoes, playing Boggle with my kids... wow... didn’t realize how long I could go on. But it isn’t those things. Not one of them, It is only how they make ME FEEL. My joy - And I would say those activities make me feel… Pretty!

Relaxed. Ecstatic. Silly. Luxurious. Loved.

Joyful. Sometimes so freakin’ happy I can barely stand it. And then at times just happy, nothing huge, just, oh I don’t know, melancholy, maybe? But definitely feelings I enjoy.

By Kathleen Quartararo

times do you chose your thoughts or your focus to improve how you feel? Or, do you go thru the motions - the monotonous, continual, never-will-be-finished tasks ~ that not only mean nothing in the great scheme of things ~ but leave you feeling overwhelmed, overworked, stressed, frustrated or annoyed.

How many things do you do in a day that make you feel good, or even great? How many times do you say YES to something you KNOW you would love to do? Or are you stuck on “when I’m done”, “next time”, as soon as I catch up”, “when I get the money”, I don’t really have time”, yadda, yadda, yadda! ENOUGH! What has to change in our lives to shake us into realizing it IS the little things?! The little everyday, take-a-breathethings that make us feel joyful. Let’s start thinking the thoughts and doing the activities that bring us joyful feelings… and see what happens. How bad could it be?

How many times a day do you feel great? Kathleen is the Owner of Virgil’s House, 86 Henry How many times do you chose to think about Street in Saratoga Springs. things that make you feel good? How many ecolocalliving.com 7

The Wellness Doc

By Dr. Michael Quartararo of Adirondack Advanced Chiropractic

Asking the Right Questions? sounds elementary, but many of the patients I have seen over the past 17 years have been asking very poor questions and therefore getting very poor answers about their health and well-being. For example, when a patient enters our office with chronic headaches they often ask, “Doctor, what can you do to help the pain in my head?” The obvious answer to that question is prescribing some medication that will make the patient not feel the pain in their head. The drug will treat the symptom they are having and let them continue to avoid the cause of their symptom. Using principles of logic, the patient does not get the headache because they lack that drug in their system. There has to be cause of the headache. Are they dehydrated, do they need different glasses, do they have neck problems, etc. This is one of the many reasons prescription drugs are over prescribed in America. Drugs answer the questions that are being asked: “How can I not feel depressed?”

“How do I not feel lower back pain?” “How can I lower my cholesterol?” Are these really the questions that should be asked? What if we started asking WHY? “Doctor, why do I get headaches?” Why do I get lower back pain?

Why am I depressed? Why do I have high cholesterol? When we start to ask why, we get better answers that don’t end in more drugs and medication. We get to the CAUSE of the problem and not just deal with the effect.

During my studies in becoming a certified wellness chiropractor, I learned many different holistic principles. I was educated in a wide variety of clinical practices of holistic healers.

I studied how eastern medicine and western medicine differ. I looked at body physiology purely from a human animal standpoint. That is, how we are just human animals in the animal kingdom and we have specific dietary, movement, and environmental needs like any other animal on the planet. All of these concepts help me direct my patients toward living a healthier, fuller life. That being said, This concept of asking the right questions the most important concept I learned in all my also leads one to avoid health issues in the studies that I can share is how to ask the right future. Asking the right questions let us make questions. better decisions. Then we can avoid getting Asking the right questions about your health the effects of the poor decisions we made in care leads you to the right answers. That the past from asking the wrong questions.

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“How can I avoid high blood pressure? How can I avoid lower back pain? “How can I live a stress free life?” These questions help us find answers to living a healthy lifestyle and avoid most health care issues. When we educate our patients how to ask the right questions then true wellness can be achieved. As long as we continue to ask questions about the effects of our health issues, getting to the true cause is impossible.

Be Well!

Dr. Michael Quartararo has been a chiropractic wellness practitioner for 17 years in Saratoga Springs. He is the CEO and founder of AAC Family Wellness Centers, a Milton family and pediatric wellness center. He is a member of the New York State Chiropractic Council, International Chiropractic Council, International Pediatric Chiropractic Council and World Chiropractic Alliance. He can be reached at www.aacfamilywellness.com or aacdocs@adirondackchiropractic.com.

Money Matters

By Harry Moran, CFP® AIF®

Slow Money: Connecting the Dots this also provides an opportunity to build strong relationships with our neighbors and to make sure their businesses can grow and prosper. Slow Money is all about relationships, not transactions. As with many things, the devil is in the detail so I’d like to briefly explore how we as consumers can play a meaningful role in helping this fledgling, sustainable economy get more traction.

As I’ve written about previously in this column, the principles of “Slow Money” are really quite basic and foundational. At its’ core, Slow Money is about reconnecting people to their communities by supporting sustainable, local farming. Supporting the local food economy is a great way for individuals to experience the positive, restorative power of their money at work since food is such an elemental need and the results are so tangible. In addition to helping regain a sense of connection with our money,

Most of us are probably already aware of the options we have for supporting, existing local farms. We can buy their goods at local farmer’s markets or, in some cases, at the farm itself. We can also join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) in which we receive a share of the harvest in exchange for either monetary payments or our labor at the farm. The CSA arrangement offers numerous advantages to the farmer and consumer. Farmers get to put in their marketing time early in the season before their long days in the fields begin and also enjoy the benefit of having some revenues early in the season to help smooth out the ups and downs of their cash flow. Consumers of course get to enjoy ultra-fresh, highly nutritious produce and can learn about new vegetables and creative ways to cook them.

People also have a chance to get to know their farmer and learn more about where food actually comes from and this can be a great way for families

to educate their children that food doesn’t just magically appear on the shelves of the local supermarket. Local Harvest (www.localharvest.org) is one of several great resources on CSA’s and farmer’s markets and offers a directory that is searchable by zip code.

One of the great challenges we face though is developing ways we can support start-up farms and provide the capital needed to a llow newer, existing farms to expand their production. While sophisticated, affluent investors may have the opportunity to access private equity deals, there really have been very few options for people of more modest means. The Calvert Foundation (www.calvertfoundation.org) has been exploring whether it would be practical to create a product for individual investors to invest in a pool of local food economy businesses but this is new terrain and there are several layers of complexity involved which make this difficult. One of the obstacles is that such a vehicle would probably need to be national in distribution and diversified across several regions but investors are of course most interested in supporting farms that are reasonably close to their homes, which is completely aligned with the Slow Money ethos.

-Continued on Page 30

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Ask the Energy Expert

By Mark Bomba, Alteris Renewables

Solar Farming in the Ag Marketplace The time is right for small farms to take advantage of funding from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) which provides grants (& loan guarantees) to rural small businesses and agricultural producers for up to 25% of the cost to the purchase and install of renewable energy generation systems.

In order to take advantage of the funding and to increase one's opportunity a small farm should fall within several key components: Preferred size of grant: No greater than $20,000 which means the total cost of the project should be no greater than $80,000. of receiving the funding we have to subtract Preference is given to “very small the estimated home's usage and then design businesses�- those with less than 15 the solar system around the farms actual employees & less than $1 Million in annual usage. receipts. The individuals that are to receive With funding from the state and federal the funding must at least generate 50% of government the costs of the system is their gross income from agriculture. reduced further. NYSERDA (New York State Majority ownership must be held by US Research and Development Authority) assists on a per watt incentive level of $1.75 per citizens or permanent residents. watt and the federal government provides a The applicant must own and control the grant of 30% of the systems total cost. The system, though a qualified third-party may be federal grant has a down side because that engaged to operate it. doesn't come back to the farmer until 6-9 A 10kW (10,000 watt) Photovoltaic (Solar months after completion of the system, Electric) System must produce at least 50% therefore, the farmer has to float the federal of the farms usage. A pole mounted 10kW grant money for that time period.

Solar Electric system will produce approx A typical 8 kW Pole Mounted System with the 12,700 to 13,400 kWh (kilowatt hours). A farmer's participation in the project would farms usage therefore could be 26,000 kWh's cost approximately as follows: and receive funding. This doesn't limit us to $60,000 10kW in system design, we can design and Total System Cost ($14,000) install a system in the 16kW range and still NYSERDA Grant ($15,000) fall within the financial parameters that USDA REAP Grant allow the farm to still receive funding from Initial Out of Pocket Cost $31,000 Federal Grant* ($18,000) the USDA REAP Program.

Final Cost after grants $13,000 A farmer can assist in reducing their costs for the system by participating in the project, for A system of this size would produce example, trenching, digging the foundations approximately 10,500 kWh per year which has a present value of $1,600-$1,700. If the for the poles, concrete‌ cost of electricity remains the same the The USDA wants to help the farmer to control payback will be approx. 7 years. Historically, their electric costs but they don't want to pay rates of electricity have been rising at 5-6% for the farmer's home's usage. Generally per year. farms that fall within these categories have a single meter and the home is on that same With this funding, farmers can now not only meter. In order to increase the farm's chance utilize the Sun for their farms in producing agriculture they can also embrace clean, 10 ecolocalliving.com

green and cost-effective energy generation.

Beatrice Berle took advantage of this program installing a 7.74 kW Pole Mounted Solar Electric System on her farm last year.

This system produces 65%-75% of her usage on the farm.

One day farmers may not only be farming their land they may become farmers of the the Sun. We basically only need open space to the south and farms usually have that somewhere on their property. We can back feed power up to 500' without concern.

By farmers utilizing this program it allows the farm to invest in expanding their operations over time instead of their utility bills.

Alteris Renewables assists in the applications to NYSERDA and the USDA for the grant monies and all systems are turnkey installations. Building permits, electrical interconnect agreements with the utility company and engineering is included in the pricing.

Alteris Renewables is the leading provider of renewable energy in the Northeast and is dedicated to making solar power accessible and affordable for the farm community. With more than 25 MW installed for over 3,000 customers in the past 30 years and more than a dozen offices across nine state, Alteris has industry-leading expertise in engineering, design, project financing and performance analysis of solar electric systems and large wind solutions.

How can Alteris Renewables help?

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The Joy(s) of Functional Living

By Mary Beth McCue, RD, LDN, CDN, Functional Nutritionist, Saratoga Nutrition

The Function of Farming Determines the Function of You The Farm-to-Fork (“Farm-to”) movement is one of many programs, which is evidence of a paradigm shift in how we think, grow, purchase and use food. Sprouted from the desire to support community-based food systems, strengthen family farms, and improve the health of our land and ourselve's, the sustainable farm movement is amongst the fastest growing business in the world.

programs aimed to produce high yielding cultivars, combined with intensive chemical fertilization to push yields higher, have resulted in vegetable and grain crops that are no longer as nourishing because their limited root systems can't absorb enough nutrients. The result is a "hidden hunger" caused by trace element deficiencies in those who consume those foods. The recent study by Brian Halweil, “Still No Free Lunch”, presents a very complete picture of the relationship between plant breeding, high chemical fertilizer use, and the decline in nutritional value of what we eat. A few forward-thinking scientists around the world are starting to look into biological issues, and they are finding that the system that biological farmers have been creating for the past 120 years is as good as they have claimed it to be."

Healthy Food access, by all accounts, by now should be viewed as a foundational birthright. So why are so many of us still without access to it ? Because there isn't enough local, sustainable farms to serve us.

If you purchase organic foods from your local supermarket, you purchase foods with little nutritional value. These foods are picked way before the ripened state; the state of highest nutritional value. SO they are pretty “dead” in terms of nutritional life. You are also supporting the area Local Level where it came from - thousands of miles away, not your local area. In Would you like to help expand the availability of Sustainable foods in essence, you're really not getting anything for the purchase of it. our local area? Did you know that all the community supported farms are usually sold out before the beginning of the summer? We need Biological Farming-Cutting Edge & Effective for All Factors of Farming more access to sustainable local farmed foods. Please go to the face When I lived in the Berkshires, I was a member of one of the 1st CSA book page of a local farmer (below) who is currently working at a in this country. They used Biological Techniques and I must say, I never community level, on expansion for our community. You can help. saw them have a bad year, no matter what mother-nature was up to.

Please contribute anything you may know that could help find more The reason why is because biological farmers work with and for land, and/or help acquire financial support. Please go to facebook nature, and for the healthiest food and land possible, while making page of Michael Kilpatrick of Kilpatrick Family Farm in Middle farming very efficient. It is a very safe and sustainable system designed Granville, NY (www.kilpatrickfamilyfarm.com). to keep production extremely efficient and healthy. In this farming technique, the chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil As a community, we can support each other to make more sustainable are kept in balance, which results in optimal outputs, even in bad food access a reality. For as Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a years. Biological farming improves the environment, reduces erosion, small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; reduces disease and insect problems, and alters weed pressure- all indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” without using heavy machinery, chemicals and pesticides. The methods For Your Home they use involve a unique system of beliefs, observations and For a Spring Herb Chart featuring herbs, soil type & moisture, sun, guidelines that result in increased production and profit. culinary uses and health/medicinal benefits for each herb, go to Superiority of Local, Sustainable Food Saratoga.com - on home page, hit the blog link, then go to Saratoga Elliot Coleman is a well-known author of organic farming and a farmer Nutrition Blog and download and print this awesome chart from Tia himself . He has been in the business for more than 30 years and is a Sophia Institute. Place a copy on the inside of your herb/spice kitchen regular column writer. One of his latest articles on Sustainable Farming cabinet. notes: "Nutritionists to their dismay, have found what they call Mary Beth McCue is a Registered Dietitian and a Certified and Licensed "dilution effects" in modern chemically adapted crops. Breeding Nutritionist. For more info SaratogaNutrition.com or call her at 257.6530.

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Now sharpening reel lawn mowers.

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Meet your Meat

Eagle Bridge Custom Meats and Smokehouse Story and Photos by David Delozier

The foodshed of the Mohawk and Hudson Valley is becoming renowned for its natural meat production. It takes the dedication hard work of many of the farmers who raise the animals for this high quality food. Perhaps the most important link in the bring the food from farm to fork is the processor - the facility that takes the live animal, performs the kill, and breaks down the carcass to produce the cuts that you choose at the market or direct from the farmer. All meats that are sold to the public have to be USDA inspected. While there are many farmers who raise meat animals, the bottleneck in the system is with the processing. The few USDA processing facilities that do exist have a long waiting list - sometime upwards of three to four months in advance to get an open slot.

Fortunately, this bottleneck has been relieved somewhat with the arrival of the Eagle Bridge Custom Meat & Smoke House, in southeastern Washington County. Stephen Farrara and Debbie Ball, a brother and sister partnership, are now filling a growing need for natural and humanely USDA processed meats.

Prior to their USDA approval, Eagle Bridge Custom Meat and Smokehouse operated as a custom cut butcher shop, they could only process animals for private use; in other words, the meat could not be sold to another party. For that, a USDA inspection is required.

It was a specialty niche, one that had high overhead and low profit. In fact, Stephen and Debbie were faced with the choice of going broke or expanding the natural meats production - which meant taking even greater financial risks. They traveled the

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country, looking at other operations, even considering a mobile processing unit. “We agonized over the decisions,” recalls Debbie.

“Not only over risking the investment but also over how to do it. We weighed all the possible options, from mobile slaughter house to partnering with others, or building a bricks and mortar complex - which is what we ultimately did.”

Ever since they have gone USDA certified, their schedule has filled up with local farmers looking for meat processor to accommodate their needs.

Eagle Bridge Custom Meat has been recognized as an Animal Welfare Approved facility, which they take great pride in. The cattle, sheep, goats or pigs have had good life in the pasture before they are prepared for human consumption at this small scale local slaughter house. In the facility, animals are treated with respect and care, one by one and processed according to individual farmers' requests. They are also seeking organic certification so that they can accommodate organic meat producers. “Putting a local product out for local people who are becoming more and more aware of the ecological and health implications of their foods, is very gratifying and works year round,” Debbie contends.

Debbie and Stephen are not just helping the customer seeking out healthier meat choices that are free of growth hormones and preservatives for long supermarket shelf life, they are also filling the need of many local small scale farmers seeking to process their animals and finding a shortcut from farm to market.

Though not the only USDA slaughter house in the area, Eagle Bridge Custom Meat is a 'one stop' local processor providing service from killing to partitioning, to smoking and processing into products like sausages, hot dogs and even private label packaging, if desired. We utilize as much as we can,” said Debbie. “The hides go for leather: the only thing we don't do is composting. We are working with another company who come and pick up.” “A lot of people think “we don't want to have a slaughter house in our back yard” but you would not know that we have one. And we live right here, so we don't want anything unpleasant either!” remarked Debbie Farmers are thrilled to have someplace nearby to go to for their meat processing.

“We provide a customized service,” said Debbie. “The farmer can stand by and watch the process and we ask 'is this how you want it done?' and they can make their choices.”

Nancy Brown of Lewis Waite Farm in Jackson agrees. “Steve and Debbie have been a Godsend,” she said. “Our beef is grass fed and grass finished, and it important to dry age the meat to enhance the flavor. Steve and Debbie accommodated our needs and

we are very pleased with the result.” Joanne Tarbox of Tarbox Earth's Bounty Farm in Rensselaer County is another happy customer. “Their processing is very efficient.

Our animals are treated humanely and the finished product is ideal for resale. The labeling and packaging is top notch,” said explained.

Eagle Bridge Custom Meat is embedded in the community with other businesses, too.

Since they have contact with so many farmers, they are a natural networking source. They've got connections with people who produce maple syrup, milk, and fine cheeses. “For example, there's a goat farmer nearby, we do his meat processing and have connected customers to his goat cheeses, Debbie explained. “We all are living in the same region, know each other, many farmers who use us are our friends, we talk about our families, and we do regular business together” she chimed.

Eagle Bridge Custom Meat and Smokehouse even has some unique customers, such as chef Noah Sheets of the Governor's mansion.

They are providing the Governor's kitchen with bacon. “All the bacon that gets served at the mansion comes from us,” Debbie said,

proudly. She continued, “He's really into local foods. And the Chelsea Clinton wedding specifically sought out our meats. High end restaurants and many other people have specifically come to see how we do things here and the care that goes into our products.”

So with such notoriety, the word is getting out. They've more than double there expectations in their first year of USDA processing. Recognizing their achievement, they were awarded the “Small Business of the Year” by the Washington County IDA. Being close to the New York City media market, Eagle Bridge Custom Meat has also caught the attention of the Food Network and PBS. Steve and Debbie are grateful for the publicity, but it has been a bit overwhelming at times. They're just doing what they've always done - working hard to provide service to their community. With all the accolades coming in, Steve and Debbie know that they made the right decision.

Contact information: Eagle Bridge Custom Meat & Smokehouse 139 Center Road, Eagle Bridge, NY 12057 Phone: 518-677-2702 eaglebridgecustommeat@yahoo.com ecolocalliving.com 15

Make us YOUR Market!

“Like� us on Facebook

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FARM to FORK GUIDE

W

elcome to the 2011 eco-LOCAL Farm to Fork Guide. Here you'll find an amazing bounty of local food and other agricultural products available at farms, grocery stores, restaurants, farmers' markets and retail outlets throughout the Capital/Saratoga Region of New York. Whether you're planning your weekly shopping... heading out for a great meal... or looking for that special gift, we encourage you to visit one of the many farms or businesses featured here and show your support for the people who help keep our local economy strong and vibrant. Fresh locally-grown food tastes really, REALLY good, plus...

Buying locally-grown food keeps money in the local economy, supporting your neighbors • Cooking with locally-grown food makes it easy to eat nutritiously • Buying locallygrown food connects you to farms and farmers • Locally-grown food is an investment in our working landscape • Locally-grown food can reduce energy demands through decreased transportation distances and minimal packaging • Local farmers carry on our region's food traditions, including raising heirloom varieties of produce and livestock not commonly found in the commercial marketplace.

HAND-CRAFTED CHEESES, CURDS & YOGURT Find us at the Glens Falls, Troy & Saratoga Farmers Markets

Phone 518.638.8966 Cell 518.222.0667 990 Coach Road Argyle NY 12809

www.cheesefarmer.com

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FARM to FORK GUIDE Shaker Shed Farm

Farmers Markets Featured Listings:

Ballston Spa Farmers Market Wiswall Park, Ballston Spa Thursdays 3-6PM; Saturdays 9AM-noon www.ballston.org Located in the charming Village of Ballston Spa, The Ballston Spa Farmers Market offers customers a great selection of local products including seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, eggs, cheese, yogurt, honey, maple syrup, and a large variety of locally made gourmet foods. The market also has several bakers, greenhouse growers, quality handcrafted items and a knife sharpening service. Come see our variety and small town charm!

Capital District Farmers Market 381 Broadway, Menands Saturdays 8AM-1PM; Sundays noon-4PM www.capitaldistrictfarmersmarket.org Founded in 1933 and owned and operated by farmers, this market is now one of the oldest continually operating markets of its kind in the country. The Wholesale Farmers Market is held every Monday,Wednesday and Friday from the beginning of May until the end of October. Farmers gather on the market square at 5:30 AM and sell in bulk to retailers, buying groups and consumers. In May and June it's flowers and plants, and then as crops begin to be harvested they have the freshest produce available. For those not buying in quantity, the Saturday Retail Market is the place to be. It's every Saturday May to October from 9 AM to 1 PM. Not only can you buy the freshest local in season produce from our local farmers, but other vendors offer naturally fed meats and poultry, cheeses, and other locally made products. The market is also the permanent home of several wholesalers who buy from our farmer members. For additional information, please call us at 4651023 or visit our web site CapitalDistrictFarmersMarket.org.

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945 Watervliet Shaker Road, Colonie, Albany County 869-3662 www.shakershedfarm.com The Shaker Shed Farm Market is a family-owned store in Colonie, NY. It was founded in 1974 when David and Bridget Brizzell decided they would sell pansies off a wagon at the roadside. Today, the family farms ten acres, has eleven greenhouses, bakes pies and cookies, sells fresh produce and flowers, crafts, gift items and small Amish furniture. They also have a CafÊ that that is open 9am 3pm daily. The Farm Store is open from Mon-Fri 9am-6pm and weekends from 9am -5pm. We’d love for you to stop by!

Saratoga Farmers Market High Rock Park Pavillion, High Rock Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Saturdays 9AM-1PM; Wednesdays 3-6PM. www.saratogafarmersmarket.org Everything sold at the Saratoga Farmers Market must be grown or produced by the vendors. This has been our policy since our first market opened 33 years ago! You'll find an abundance of fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, poultry, milk, cheese, baked goods, soaps, jams, yogurt, bedding plants, cut flowers, herbs, apples, honey and so much more! Don't miss the live music, special events and food tastings. Come for the food, stay for the fun. We zccepts EBT cards and FMNP coupons

Schenectady Greenmarket Around City Hall, Jay Street, Schenectady Sundays 10AM-2PM www.schenectadygreenmarket.com Schenectady Greenmarket is a year-round market held Sundays 10-2. November-April inside Proctors, May-October around City Hall. Enjoy live music, prepared food and the region's freshest greens, herbs, vegetables, fruit, cider, eggs, milk, cheese, baked good, muesli, peanut butter, honey, jelly, jam, tea, beef, chicken, pork, wine, pesto, artisanal wares, plants, flowers, pottery, demonstrations, children's activities and community groups!

Troy Waterfront Farmers Market Wednesdays 3-6PM on Broadway in front of the Atrium Saturdays 9AM-1PM at Riverfront Park, behind River Street www.troymarket.org

FARM to FORK GUIDE We are more than a farmers market! For over 11 years we've provided a community gathering place with music, great food, and family activities! Savvy shoppers from across the Capital Region come to shop, dine, relax and visit with family and friends.

We are now open on Wednesdays in front of the Troy Atrium on Broadway. Won't you join us?

Warrensburgh Riverfront Farmers Market River Street, across from Curtis Lumber Fridays 3-6 PM www.adirondackharvest.org The best of the north country farms is available to you from May - October at The Warrensburgh Riverfront Farmers' Market, a "producer only" market, limiting sales to locally grown, raised and prepared products including produce, plants, cut flowers, dairy, poultry, meats maple syrup, honey, wine, preserves, baked goods and refreshments.

Additional listings: Altamont Farmers Market, Orsini Park, Altamont Train Station, Main Street and Maple Avenue, Altamont. Saturdays, 9 AM-1 PM. Amsterdam Downtown Farmers Market, Roosevelt Apartments, Divisions St., Amsterdam. Thursdays, 9AM-1PM. Brunswick Farmers Market, Rt. 7 at the Town Office, Saturdays 9AM - 1PM. www.townofbrunswichfaarmersmarket.blogspot.com Burnt Hills Farmers Market, Dollar General Plaza, 772 Saratoga Rd. (Rt. 50), Saturdays 9AM - 1PM. Cambridge Farmers Market, Cambridge Freight Yard, Cambridge.

Sundays, 10AM-2PM. Canajoharie Farmers Market, Arkell Museum, 2 Erie Blvd., Canajoharie. Saturdays 10AM-1PM, Wednesdays 4-7PM. Central Avenue Farmers Market, 339 Central Ave. (the Linda/WAMC parking lot), Albany. Saturdays, 10AM-1PM. Cohoes Farmers Market, parking lot next to Smith's Restaurant, Cohoes. Fridays, 4-7PM. Farmers Market at The Crossing, Crossings Park, 580 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie. Saturdays, 9AM-1PM. www.colnie.org/farmersmarket.htm Delaware Area Neighborhood Farmers Market, St. James Church, 391 Delaware Ave., Albany. Tuesdays, 4-7PM. Delmar Farmers Market, First United Methodist Church, 428 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. Tuesdays, 2:30-6PM. Delmar Saturday Farmers Market, Bethlehem Central Middle School, 322 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. Saturdays, 9AM-1PM. Downtown Albany Farmers Market, Tricentennial Park, Broadway, Albany. Thursdays, 11AM-2PM. Duanesburg, Canal Street Station Farmers Market, Canal St. Station Railroad Village, 2100 Western Turnpike, Duanesburg, Wednesdays 4PM-7PM, Sundays noon-3PM. Empire State Plaza Farmers Market, north end of ESP opposite the Capitol, Albany. Wednesdays and Fridays, 10AM-2PM. Fort Edward Farmers Market, Broadway Bowl parking lot, Route 4, Fort Edward. Fridays, 10AM-1PM. Fort Plain Farmers Market, Legion Street lot, behind Haslett Park.

Thursdays 4-7PM. Glens Falls Farmers Market, South Street Market Pavilion, Glens Falls. Saturdays, 8AM-noon.

Gloversville Farmers Market, Bleeker Square, pavilion behind Church, Gloversville. Saturdays 8AM-noon.

Granville Farmers Market, Main Street, next to the old train station, Granville. Mondays, 2-5PM. Greenwich - Farmers Market at 70 Main, 70 Main St., Greenwich.

Wednesdays, 3-6PM. www.seventymain.com Hudson Falls Farmers Market, Sutherland Pet Store, 1161 Dix Ave.,

Hudson Falls. Tuesdays, 10AM-1PM. Johnstown Farmers Market, Johnstown Hotel lot, 55 E. Main St., Johnstown.

Tuesdays, 3-6PM. Middle Granville Farmers Market, Middle Granville Road, Granville.

Mondays, 2-5PM. New Baltimore Farmers Market, Wyche Park, New Baltimore Road, New Baltimore. Saturdays, 9AM-1PM. Queensbury Farmers Market, Elks Lodge, 23 Cronin Road, Queensbury. Mondays, 3-6PM. Salem Farmers Market, Salem Village Park, Salem. Saturdays, 10AM-1PM. Schenectady Farmers Market, in front of City Hall, Jay Street, Schenectady. Thursdays, 9AM-2PM. Schenectady Union Street Farmers Market, Upper Union Street behind Trustco Bank. Saturdays, 9AM-1PM. South Glens Falls Farmers Market, Village Park, Glens Falls. Mondays, 10AM-1PM. State Campus Farmers Market, Harriman State Office Campus Vendor Park. Thursdays, 10AM-2PM. Voorheesville Farmers Market, 68 Maple Ave. (Rt. 85A), Voorheesville, Fridays 3PM-6PM. Accepts EBT. Thurman Station Farmers Market, 815 NY Rt. 418 - at the Train Station Pavilion, Wednesdays 3PM-6PM, July 6 - Sept 28.

Waterford Farmers Market, Waterford Visitors Center, One Tugboat Alley, Waterford. Sundays, 9AM-2PM. Watervliet Farmers Market, 13th Street and 2nd Avenue, Watervliet.

Tuesdays, 2-5PM.

Food Co-Ops and Markets Featured Listings:

Cambridge Village Co-op, 1 West Main Street, Cambridge, Washington County 677-5731 www.cambridgefoodcoop.com The Cambridge Food Co-op has been serving the Battenkill Valley towns with wholesome, affordable natural foods for over 30 years. Our store serves both members and the public, selling local organic produce and products, like fresh cheeses and fresh baked whole-grain breads. We carry a broad variety of delicious, natural, wholesome foods, wild fish and pasture-raised beef. We cater to individual nutritional concerns by carrying a wide selection of gluten-free products. Special orders are also available. We also indulge our palates with international gourmet foods. We provide shopping efficiency with bulk and case-lot pre-ordering and we pass on greater savings with bulk food pricing and inexpensive bulk seasonings and grains. Open Mon - Sat 10 -6, Thurs until 8pm Sunday 11-2:30.

Four Seasons Natural Foods & Cafe 33 Phila St. Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County 584-5670 www.fourseasonsnaturalfoods.com Four Seasons Natural Foods Store and Cafe is located in Downtown Saratoga Springs, New York. In our retail store, we offer a full array of natural foods groceries, organic produce, teas, coffees, supplements, personal care and aromatherapy. We carry many locally produced items as well. If you can't find it, just ask!

Our cafe serves lunch and dinner and is unique in the area. We offer hot and cold entrees, soups, salads, fresh breads and muffins, homemade desserts, teas, coffees and cold beverages. Most dishes ecolocalliving.com 19

FARM to FORK GUIDE op feel as special orders are welcome and bulk discounts are always available! are vegan and all are vegetarian. Since 1988, we have been serving our community with natural products and healthy fare in a wholesome and fun setting!

Hawthorne Valley Association 327 County Route 21C, Ghent, Columbia County 672-7500 www.hawthornevalleyfarm.org Hawthorne Valley Farm, certified biodynamic/organic, includes grass-based dairy herd, 12 acres of mixed vegetables, a full-line natural foods store, and various on-farm education programs.

Organic foods made on the farm include hard and soft cheeses, yogurt, artisan breads, pastries, and raw, naturally fermented sauerkrauts. Call or vist our website for directions, store hours, and NYC Greenmarket info, and tours. Wholesale distribution available.

Honest Weight Food Co-op 484 Central Avenue, Albany, Albany County 482-2667 www.hwfc.com Honest Weight Food Co-op is a member-owned and -operated natural foods cooperative committed to providing the community with affordable, high quality natural foods and products for healthy and ecologically sustainable living. Specializing in local & organic produce, bulk foods, natural groceries, gourmet cheese & specialty items, local meat, natural health and body care and so much more! Open Mon-Sat: 7am - 8pm, Sun: 9am - 7pm

Wild Thyme Whole Food & Tea Co. 108 Milton Avenue Ballston Spa, Saratoga County 885-7275 www.wildthymetea.com Wild Thyme is a family run natural food store with a focus on Local, Organic, and Allergy Free products. With a huge selection of Organic, Biodynamic and Fair Trade teas, locally made all natural soaps and candles, and fresh baked gluten-free goods, our customers are sure to leave satisfied! Wild Thyme maintains a Co-

Additional listings: Helderberg Market, helderbergmarket.com. An online farmers market delivering your custom order to your door weekly; produce, eggs, poultry, meat, herbs, teas, bakery, syrup, honey, wool and more.

Hilltown Market and Natural Foods Co-Op, 26 County Route 353, Rensselaerville, 797-3144, hilltownmarket.com.

Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, 51 N Main St, Gloversville, Fulton County, 706-0681, Open the public, Mohawk Harvest strive to offer the best in local and organic produce, and a strong emphasis on locally produced food products.

Troy Food Co-op/Pioneer Market, 77-81 Congress St., Troy. 720-3183.

Member-owned market featuring local produce, meats, dairy and bakery, natural and organic foods, catering and prepared foods.

Dairy Featured Listings:

Argyle Cheese Farmer 990 Coach Rd. Argyle, Washington County 638-8966, cheeseplanning@yahoo.com www.cheesefarmer.com Argyle Cheese Farmer is located on Randles Fairview Farm, a family farm since 1860. The cheese, yogurt and frozen desert processing facility is located less then 200 feet from the barn that houses' the cows that produce the raw resource, milk, Dave and Marge Randles started producting and selling yogurt and cheese in 2007. The fresh, high quality milk source allows Argyle Cheese Farmer to consistently products that make you smile in good health.

Battenkill Valley Creamery 691 County Route 3 Salem, Washington County 859-2923, seth@battenkillcreamery.com www.battenkillcreamery.com In 2008 Battenkill Valley Creamery began processing and bottling milk on their fifth generation, family farm, located in Salem, NY. Battenkill Creamery was awarded the distinction of Best Milk in New York� at the 2010 State Fair in Syracuse. Our farm store features many local products and our homemade ice cream. Be sure to stop on by when in the Salem area! We deliver our milk and many other locally crafted foods to homes and businesses in the Saratoga Springs area. Battenkill Valley Creamery is the only local farm producing and bottling their milk in Washington, Warren, and Saratoga County. Come taste the difference!

Breese Hollow Dairy 454 Breese Hollow Rd. Hoosick Falls, Rensselaer County 686-4044, dcphippen@juno.com Breese Hollow dairy is a family run organic, grass-based dairy with a New York State permit to bottle and sell farm fresh raw milk.

Our hens use a mobile coop to stay on the pasture. We sell pastured poultry and grass fed beef. Products are available in our self-serve store at the farm. We are located south off State Route 7 on County Route 100 - Breese Hollow Rd. Come share our passion for holistic farming! We are NOFA-NY Certified Organic for our dairy, pastures and hay.

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FARM to FORK GUIDE Homestead Artisans Enterprises Liza & Dave Porter Ft. Edward, Washington County 638-8530, homesteadartisans@gmail.com A 42-acre farm on a hillside in Argyle, NY, with a great view. A modern experiment in small-scale, sustainable, integrated agriculture. The farm centers around our beautiful herd of Alpine goats that give milk for fine seasonal farmstead cheeses. Our pigs drink the whey which is a byproduct of cheese making. Rotating flocks of broiler chickens help improve the outer pastures for the goats. A colorful flock of 35 free-range laying hens maintains the barn and close-in pasture, as well as the lawns. We purchase the high-quality cows' milk from our friends Doug and Janelle Moores, who have a fine 'cheese herd' of Jersey, Brown Swiss and Ayrshire cows. From their milk we produce our famed array of artisanal cows' milk cheeses, and make more whey for the pigs. It all goes around in cycles - everybody helps and together we make the farm go. Come see us at the Saratoga Farmers Market!

King Brothers Dairy 311 King Road, Schuylerville, Saratoga County 695-MILK, jan@kingbrothersdairy.com www.kingbrothersdairy.com King Brothers Dairy is a local home delivery business. We focus on our great tasting, high quality, and fresh milk! We also carry a variety of other local produced foods including our own line of beef products, Saratoga Peanut Butter, Anna Mae's Jam, Willow Marsh Farm Greek Yogurt, Oscars' Smokehouse Products and more. Our desire is to provide the local community with fresh foods produced right here!

Additional listings: Meadowbrook Dairy, RR 443, Clarksville, Albany County. 768-2451.

Hormone/antibiotic-free milk in returnable glass bottles, heavy & light cream. Home delivery in Capital District.

Willow Marsh Farm, 343 Hop City Rd, Ballston Spa, Saratoga County.

885-8731. Farm store selling, milk, farmstead cheese and greek yogurt, beef veal and pork.

Worldling's Pleasure Fine Gourmet Specialties, 1533 8th Ave. Watervliet, 879-2306. Gourmet cheese spreads and condiments using locally sourced ingredients

Bakeries Featured Listings:

Linda's Country Kitchen 56 Bridge St. Johnsonville, Rensselaer County 753-4726, lindascountrykitchen@hotmail.com We specialize in homemade pies and baked goods, using local fruit ingredients. Our busy bake shop supplies pies and other delicious treats for your special occasion or family gathering. to the Come see us a the Saratoga Farmers Market on Wednesdays and the Troy Farmers Market on Saturdays.

Murray Hollow Bakers 392 Murray Hollow Rd. Shushan, Washington County 854-9790 Master baker Doug Roundtree is living his dream of baking artisan bread in a wood fired brick oven, in the same old-world method that has sustained past generations. Only four ingredients are used along with the most important ingredient, time. This is a bread worth seeking out! Available at the Cambridge Farmers

Market and other select retailers. Call for more information.

Rock Hill Bakehouse and Café 16 Exchange St. Glens Falls, Warren County, 615-0777 www.rockhillbakehouse.com The one that started the artisan bread revival! Handmade timetested methods of baking bread that have set the standard for craft.

We are eco-local - procuring our flour from New York farms and mills, minimizing waste, recycling everything, and donating to the local food pantries! We feed your mind as well - we support alternative films and entertainment for the thinking person. Find us also at the Saratoga Farmers Market and the bakeshop on Rt. 9 in Moreau, just off Northway exit 17N. Additional listings: All Good Bakers, 160 A. Quail St., Albany, 463-1349. The Capital Region's first Community Supported Bakery ("CSB").

The Placid Baker, 250 Broadway, Troy, Rensselaer County. 326-2657.

Bakeshop and café, also found at the Troy Farmers Market Roundhouse Bakery at Pompanuck Farm, 494 Chestnut Hill Rd., Cambridge, Washington County. 677-5552. Handmade artisan bread, available at the Cambridge Village Food Co-op.

West Village Café, 63 West Main St., Cambridge, Washington County.

677-2777. Bakeshop and Café, also found at the Saratoga Farmers Market

Meats / Poultry Featured Listings:

Brookefield Farms 65 Gibbs Rd Hartford, Washington County 632-9101 jennifer@brookefieldfarms.com www.brookefieldfarms.com Involved in agriculture since the 1700s, with over 100 years in beef production, our family is passionate about farming. Today, our natural Black Angus beef is raised on pasture - never on feedlots, never given hormones or antibiotics - and finished with corn to provide high quality marbling and tenderness. Visitors and phone calls are always welcome!

Cornell Farm 292 Lower Pine Valley Road Hoosick Falls, Rensselaer County 686-5545 www.cornellfarm.net Since 1940 the Cornell Family has produced brown eggs that are range raised, cage-free, using NO antibiotics or hormones. We mix our feed using our own non-GMO corn, oats, and alfalfa.

Over 50 types of vegetables & small fruit are grown utilizing season extension and many no-spray techniques. Maple Syrup, bedding plants, hanging baskets, fall mums, and vegetable starts are available seasonally. We can be found year-round at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market and the Schenectady Greenmarket.

Small square hay bales are also available at the farm. Farm does not receive visitors.

Frantzen's Scenic Acres Dale and Cheryl Frantzen 248 Line Rd, Berne, Albany County 872-1199 or 573-5949 www.frantzensscenicacres.com Our focus is on sustainable, slow-growing Heritage breeds of animals for their enhanced flavors and natural abilities to grow on ecolocalliving.com 21

FARM to FORK GUIDE grasses. We offer free-range eggs, chicken, duck, goose, turkey, and seasonal vegetables. Limited supplies of Scottish Highland beef is available. All products are free of chemicals, pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics. Order early for Thanksgiving turkeys - call for prices.

Garden of One/Lady Liberty Farm 60 Thunder Hill Rd. Reneeslaerville, Albany County 797-3373 rachel@gardenofone.com www.gardenofone.com We are an Eco/Holistic Educational Organic Farm & Retreat Center specializing in spirituality, sustainability, heirloom produce, heritage livestock, flower essence, aromatherapy and herbal products. Our extensive gardens are full of medicinal & culinary herbs, small fruits and unusual produce. We raise chickens, ducks, quail, pigs, goats, bees and rabbits. Our goal is to provide high quality food and to teach others how to the same for themselves.

Adirondacks. Our cattle are born and raised on the farm. They eat only our pasture grasses during the growing season and then hay from only our fields in winter. The cattle are unconfined on over 60 acres of pasture year-round. We treat our animals with respect, and are a certified Aniaml Welfare Approved Facility. Our cattle DO NOT get antibiotics, growth hormones or genetically modified feed. We produce a premium product with superior quality and taste and are dedicated to providing you with the healthiest and most delicious beef anywhere. We sell individual cuts of meat, frozen, in cryovac packaging directly from the farm.

We also sell sides of beef at an affordable discount.

South Farms Longhorns 1417 Peaceable St. Charlton, Saratoga County 882-1571 South Farms Longhorns - We raise grass fed Texas Longhorn Beef, our cows do not get artificial growth hormones, steroids or antibiotics. Longhorn Beef is leaner than most other breeds of cattle, lower in saturated fats and naturally flavorful. We are located on Peaceable Street, off Route 67 in Harmony Corners, Ballston Spa.

Heather Ridge Farm

Susie's Climax Creations LLC

989 Broome Center Rd. Preston Hollow, Schoharie County 239-6234 heatherridgefarm@aol.com www.heather-ridge-farm.com Shop at the farm! Grass-fed beef, lamb, goat, pastured pork, chicken, turkeys and eggs. Our animals are lovingly raised in small groups without antibiotics, hormones, on pastures without chemicals. Award-winning honey, sheepskins, sheep/llama socks, cheeses, maple syrup, and baked goods. Scheduled farm tours and walking trails. Farm store and Bees Knees CafĂŠ, serving lunch with our own products; open weekends. Wholesale orders are taken.

140 Titus Mill Rd. Climax, Greene County 755-1705, kliese140@gmail.com www.susiesclimaxcreations.com We are a small organic fowl farm, with homemade jelly, jams & pickles, located 25 miles south of Albany or at the Schenectady Greenmarket. Through Permaculture and Sustainable farming practices, our birds are provided with quality forage and a humane, productive lifestyle. Using strict organic values, the birds are fed a hand-mixed soy-free feed. Our birds run wild, free, in a natural environment with humane treatment during their entire lifetime.

Lewis Waite Farm

Additional listings: Anderson Acres, 52 Western Ave., West Charlton, Saratoga County.

882-6050 Angus beef vegetable and flower baskets. Farmstand on Rt. 67 in Charlton Brookside Farm, 125 County Rte. 45, Argyle, Washington County.

638-8972 veal, beef, chicken and turkey.

Nagimor Farm & Kennel, 165 Hite Road, Warnerville, Schoharie County 518-254-0021 Naturally raised beef, lamb, pork and chicken.

Foster Farm, 220 W. River Road, Schulyerville, Saratoga County 6953058. Pasture-raised sheep and poultry.

Gordon Farms, 144 Beebe Road, Berne, Albany County 573-7732, Chemical-free, pasture-grazed beef, raised and delivered with the lowest carbon footprint possible using a local USDA-inspected processing facility, solar-powered electric fences and geothermal water heating.

King Crest Farm, 831 Grooms Road, Rexford, Saratoga County 371-5069. Various cuts of beef and pork.

Maple Hill Farm, 110 Ashdown Road, Ballston Lake, Saratoga County 399-4097. Hormone-free, grain-fed beef from polled Hereford cattle.

Padgett Farm, Salem, Washington County, 854-9035. Naturally raised beef with no antibiotics, no steroids and no growth hormones.

Saddled Duck Deer, 14 Whites Beach Road, Ballston Lake, Saratoga County. 399-4516. Farm-raised, antibiotic- and hormone-free venison and rabbit.

Sap Bush Hollow Farm, 1314 West Fulton Rd, Warnerville, Schoharie County, 234 2105. Grassfed/pastured beef, lamb, pork, gourmet sausages, poultry, eggs, Thanksgiving turkeys, honey, crafts.

Sweet Tree Farm, 138 Karker Road, Carlisle, Schoharie County, 234-7422. Various cuts of grass-fed beef, pork and chicken.

135 Lewis Lane Greenwich, Washington County 692-3120, nancy@lewiswaitefarm.com www.lewiswaitefarm.com We are big believers in nature's way. We raise grass-fed, grassfinished beefd and pastured pork on our hilltop 450 acre farm Certified Organic by NOFA-NY. Our cattle are rotationally grazed. Our pigs enjoy pasture and woods. The animals live healthy, happy lives in scenic pastures. We raise our own food in our large garden. We love our rural way of life and enjoy the great scenery as much as our animals do. Find us at the Saratoga Farmers Market or on the farm by appointment.

Morning Fog Farm 1207 Switzkill Road Berne, Albany County 872-1772, eatwell@morningfogfarm.com www.morningfogfarm.com We are a small scale family farm devoted to our land, animals and customers. We offer the most nutritious and pleasurable eating experience available. Starting with fresh veggies and culinary herbs that will add taste and health to any meal prepared. For the main course, beef pork and chicken are simply the best you will ever taste.

Mack Brook Farm 312 McEachron Hill Rd., Argyle, Washington County 638-6817, macbrookfarm@mac.com www.mackbrookfarm.com We raise grassfed Angus beef on 300 acres in the foothills of the 22 ecolocalliving.com

FARM to FORK GUIDE Meat Processors Eagle Bridge Custom Meat and Smokehouse 139 Center Road Eagle Bridge, Washington County 677-2702, eaglebridgecustommeat@yahoo.com www.eaglebridgecustommeat.net Eagle Bridge Custom Meat and Smokehouse is a family owned and operated, USDA inspected, Animal Welfare Approved, meat processing facility. Conveniently located just off Rts. 22 and 67 in Southern Washington county. We offer full service meat processing‌ including butchering, cutting, smoking and specialty sausages. We are working to obtain organic certification through NOFANY at this time. Now taking bookings for lambs, goats, beef and pigs. We deliver outstanding products and customer service. Call us today or come down to see us!

Locust Grove Smokehouse 4725 Route 40 Argyle, Washington County 638-8591 We are a family run USDA processor for beef and pork, supporting the local farmer and providing and an efficient way for them to bring their product to the market. Our retail butcher shop features fine meats and many locally crafted products. When in Washington County, stop by, we'd love to see you!

Produce Featured Listings:

Denison Farm Retail and wholesale market vegetables 333 Buttermilk Falls Rd. Schaghticoke, Rensselaer County 664-2510 den_farm@yahoo.com www.denisonfarm.com We are a community supported family farm in the Hudson Valley, farming in Schaghticoke for seven years on the fertile soil that has been the home of the oldest CSA in New York State Buttermilk Falls Organic Farm. We are certified by a local agency, Certified Naturally Grown and we adhere to national organic standards. We provide over 470 families a weekly share (22 weeks) of fresh vegetables. We deliver to Albany, 2 sites in Clifton Park, Guilderland, Delmar, Niskayuna, Troy, Saratoga, and Round Lake. Shares can also be picked up at the farm and at the Troy and Saratoga Farmers Markets where we sell each Saturday from May through January.

and Capital Region. We are strong supporters of Organic Agriculture and have been Certified Naturally Grown since 2005. Learn more about our CSA, Farmers' Markets we attend, and much more on our website. We look forward to serving you.

Long Days Farm 42 Durfee Road Buskirk, Washington County 677-8128 longdaysfarm@hvwisp.net www.longdaysfarm.com Our small farm and stand are located in southern Washington County. We grow a wide variety of vegetables and berries, including many unusual varieties, using natural and sustainable practices. Our Heritage laying hens wander freely throughout our property and produce fantastic eggs. In the fall, we sell pastureraised broilers and roasters. Look for our painted signs on County Rt. 74 in South Cambridge.

New Minglewood Farm 99 County Route 52 Greenwich, Washington County 692-8579, vanlinc@juno.com www.newminglewoodfarm.com New Minglewood Farm grows a wide variety of vegetables, specializing in salad and cooking greens, heirloom tomatoes, sprouts, and shoots, fingerling potatoes, and shitake mushrooms.

All of our products are Certified Organic and available from May to October at the Saratoga Farmers Market. We pride ourselves on producing the highest quality 'hand-crafted' food possible!

Farm does not receive visitors.

OAFP Farm Stand 296 Town Office Rd. Troy, Rensselaer County 279- 9721, pantryman@empireone.com Visit our roadside stand on Town Office Road (off Rte 7, Brunswick) featuring green and yellow summer squash, heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, multicolored bell peppers, many different cantaloupes and watermelons, okra, eggplant, tomatillos, raspberries, blackberries, arctic kiwi, winter squash and pumpkins.

Look for our open signs. Coming soon Aquaponics: Tilapia & other fish

Happenchance Farm 396 County Rt. 68 Eagle Bridge Washington County 686-0750, happenchance396@gmail.com We are a small Certified Organic family farm. We grow mixed vegetables, greens, melons, flowers, strawberries, vegetable & herb transplants, using Certified Organic methods. Please phone for current crop availability as they vary from year to year.

Kilpatrick Family Farm 9778 State Route 22 Middle Granville, Washington County 300-4060, info@kilpatrickfamilyfarm.com www.kilpatrickfamilyfarm.com We are a family-run vegetable farm located in upstate NY near the Vermont border. As a four season farm, we grow and sell crops year round, through farmer's markets, and our Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA) in Glens Falls, Saratoga, Clifton Park, ecolocalliving.com 23

FARM to FORK GUIDE Orchards, Fruit & Farm Markets Featured Listings:

Tarbox Farm 1533 Rt 7 Troy, Rensselaer County 279-9517, jctarbox@yahoo.com Tarbox Farms Earth's Bounty is an on-farm Farm Market located on NYS Rt 7, seven miles east of Troy. Open Daily 9 AM - 6 PM. The farm raises a variety of vegetables, and small fruit picked each day for maximum freshness. The farm also raises quality beef to sell as USDA inspected for all retail cuts.

Underwood's Shushan Valley Hydro Farm 588 Juniper Swamp Road Shushan, Washington County 854-9564, peunderwood@wildblue.net www.shushanvalleyhydrofarm.com On an old dairy farm that encompassed over 200 acres of pasture and woodland, there are four bays covering only a quarter of an acre, providing herbicide and insecticide free tomatoes on a year round basis. Another similarly sized bay provides herbs. An excellent well, fed from the pristine hillside on the property, provides plenty of the purest water for the operation. Nutrients are mixed into this water to produce lush tomato plants for about ten months per year. The plants are an indeterminate variety, i.e. the vines continue to grow as long as the fruit is picked slightly before it ripens fully. Find our tomatoes and basil in almost all the Hannaford supermarkets in the Albany region, or at the Schenectady Greenmarket, Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, Glens Falls Farmers Market and the Saratoga Farmers Market.

Additional listings: Black Horse Farms, Route 9W, Coxsackie, 943-9324. Seasonal cut flowers and vegetables.

Country Garden, 3712 Consaul Road, Schenectady, 346-1996.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables, pick-your-own berry patches.

Freebird Farm, 497 McKinley Road, Palatine Bridge, 673-8822. Garlic.

Fox Creek Farm, Fox Creek Farm Road, Schoharie, 873-2375. Organic garlic.

George's Farm, 240 Wade Road, Latham, 785-4210. Various seasonal vegetables.

Glenville Berry Farm, 653 Swaggertown Road, Scotia, 399-3549.

Vegetables, berries and melons.

Krug Farm, 65 Everett Road, Albany, 482-5406. Greenhouse products, sweet corn and vegetables.

Lansing's Farm Market, 204 Lishakill Road, Colonie, 464-0889.

Seasonal produce, pick-your-own vegetables and berries.

Oreshan Farms, Route 9, Latham, 785-0217. Seasonal vegetables, sweet corn.

Our Family's Harvest, 245 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands, 768-2344. Retail outlet for Stanton's Feura Farms seasonal produce.

Paper Dragon Farms, 4683 Route 9, Corinth, 893-0726. Organic vegetables, tomatoes and pumpkins.

Pigliavento Farm, 3535 E. Lydius St., Schenectady, 356-9188.

Seasonal produce.

Slack Hollow Farm, 177 Gilchrist Road, Argyle, 638-6125.

Organic seasonal vegetables.

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Clark Dahlia Gardens and Greenhouses, Anna Mae's Jams 139 Hop City Road Ballston Spa, Saratoga County 885-7356 jammaker@nycap.rr.com Our Farm is located on Hop City Road, 3 mile south of State Route 67 west out of Ballston Spa. Herbs, bedding and vegetable plants, hanging baskets, some flowers are in greenhouses. We have a tomato house filled with tomatoes. Our orchard has apples, pears, apricots, and sour cherries. Rhubarb, red and black raspberries, juneberries, red and white, and black currants, Tayberries and jost berries are also grown. All these fruits are made into wonderful homemade jams, available for sale at the Saratoga Farmers Market.

Gardenworks Farm LLC 1055 Route 30 Salem, Washington County 854-3250 www.Gardenworksfarm.com Gardenworks is a family farm nestled in the Black Creek Valley where fertile farm fields meet the foothills of theTaconics. This specialty farm grows annuals & perennials & herbs as well as UPick blueberries & raspberries, flowers, fresh and dried, and a wide variety of gourds, pumpkins and winter squashes. For the Christmas season, Gardenworks sells Fraser Firs and Balsams along with their farm crafted wreaths & kissing balls. The renovated dairy barn is a bustling marketplace of local foods (cheeses, meats, organic vegetables, honey & maple products), handcrafts, floral designs and local art. Gardenworks is open everyday from April through December.

Lakeside Farms Country Store, Restaurant and Garden Center 336 Schauber Road Ballston Lake, Saratoga County 399-8359 www.lakesidefarmscidermill.com We welcome you to slow down and relax. Stop by and browse through our country store full of specialty items, unique crafts and gifts. Lakeside features an on premise bakery, deli, fresh produce, cheddar cheeses, maple syrups, honey, molasses, and the original apple cider donut. Breakfast and Lunch served daily.

Mildred's Meadows 6560 Duanesburg Rd.(Rt. 7), Duanesburg, Schenectady County 231-2946 www.mildredsmeadows.com Located in Duanesburg on Route 7, Mildred's Meadows offers locally produced food such as grass fed meats, eggs, dairy products, honey, maple syrup, bread, baked goods, organic & conventional vegetables, and fresh fruit. Organic soaps, natural body care products, herbal tinctures and artwork are also available.

Predel's Ranch 59 Garnsey Rd. Rexford, Saratoga County 399-0265 www.predelsranch.com Predel's Ranch is a farm, store and one-stop shop for locally sourced food and non-food items. We offer our own pastureraised Angus beef, with no hormones or steroids and we don't color our meats with dyes. We also have naturally raised pork and chicken, and our eggs are from happy free-ranging chickens. We

FARM to FORK GUIDE also stock many locally made items such as Alabu soaps and Pede brothers pasta sauce. Stop in and see why we say, “Naturally it's good…it's from Predel's!” Garnsey Road is just a quarter mile east of the Rt. 146 4-way intersection at Rexford.

Saratoga Apple 1174 Route 29 Schuylerville, Saratoga County 695-3131 www.saratogaapple.com Saratoga Apple is an orchard and farm market open 7 days a week, 12 months a year. We sell a wide variety of apples, cider, fresh baked goods, and produce. We also stock an assortment of local, natural, and healthy food and gifts. Apple cider donuts are made daily all year round. Pick Your Own apples in September and October. Come apple-picking on a weekday for a discount, or visit during weekends for the festive atmosphere, wagon rides, and special events. We grow our apples with great care, using lowspray techniques and micronutrient fertilization. A limited quantity of biologique apples are available upon request. You can find us at many regional farmer's markets, including both summer and winter markets.

Smith's Orchard Bake Shop 4561 Jockey St., Charlton, Saratoga County 882-6598 www.smithorchardbakeshop.com Smith Orchard Bake Shop is famous for its pies. Each year since we began in 2000, demand for them has grown tremendously.

Come visit our bake shop and store, located at Smith Brother's Farm. Our store features meats, eggs, fruits and vegetables grown

on the farm as well as our famous fudge, pies, donuts and other baked goods from the kitchen.

Additional listings: Altamont Orchards, 6654 Dunnsville Road, Altamont, 861-6515, altamontorchards.com. Apples, cider, cider donuts, pies and specialty items; pick-your-own on weekends.

Buhrmaster Family Farm, Scotia 518-399-5931 A family farm offering fruit, vegetables and annuals.

Bowman Orchards, 141 Sugar Hill Road, Rexford, 371-2042, Apples, berries, pumpkins, peaches, pears, sweet corn, soups, syrups, fruit butters, donuts.

DeVoes' Rainbow Orchard, 569 Route 9, Clifton Park, Saratoga County, 371-8397. apple orchard, farm market local products.

Gade Farm, 2479 Western Ave., Guilderland, 869-8019, gadefarm.com.

Various seasonal vegetables and fruits, baked goods, dairy, jams and jellies, salsas, soups and syrups.

Golden Harvest Farms, 3074 Route 9, Valatie, 578-7683, goldenharvest farms.com. Open-air fresh farm market, pick-your-own apples weekends Sept.-Oct. Goold Orchards, 1297 Brookview Station Road, Castleton, Rensselaer County, 732-7317, goold.com. Pick-your-own apples and berries, produce, cider and cider donuts, fresh-baked and frozen pies, winery.

Hicks Orchard, 18 Hicks Rd., Granville, Washington County, 6421788. Pick you own apples and fruit, Slyboro Cider maker, August.October Indian Ladder Farms, 342 Altamont Road, Altamont, Albany County, 765-2956, Apples, pumpkins, berries, cider and cider donuts, bakery, café, family activities.

Knight Orchards, 325 Goode St., Burnt Hills, Saratoga County 3995174,. Apples, pears, peaches, plums, vegetables, cider, pies, syrup, honey.

Kristy's Barn, 2385 Brookview Road, Castleton, Rensselaer County, 477-6250. Vegetables and fruits in season.

Liberty Ridge Farm, 29 Bevis Road, Schaghticoke, 664-1515, Farm market, pumpkins, pick-your-own berries, café, family activities.

Lindsey's Country Store, Orchard: 267 Sugar Hill Road, Rexford, Saratoga County, 371-5785; Store: 1537 Route 9, Clifton Park, 3713100.

Malta Ridge Orchard & Gardens, 107 Van Aernem Rd Ballston Spa, Saratoga County Call 365-6015. Pick your own apples in season, bakery items and produce available at the farm store.

Yonder Farms Cider Mill & Bake Shop, 4301 Albany St, Colonie, Albany County, 456-6823. Bake Shop and Gifts

Gardening/Horticulture Featured Listings:

Emerich Sales & Service Inc. 187 Valentine Road, Charlton, Saratoga County 399-8574 www.emerichsales.com Heavy gardening equipment sale and service. We are known for our " out in the country " low prices and friendly service. At Emerich's our parts department is staffed with a knowledgable professional staff that want to ensure you get the part you need the first time and at a fair price. We have the largest parts inventory in the area and carry parts for all the makes and models that we sell. In addition we carry parts for other competitive brands, to better serve your needs. ecolocalliving.com 25

FARM to FORK GUIDE Fiddlehead Creek 7381 Rt 40 Hartford, Washington County 632-5505 www.fiddleheadcreek.com We grow a variety of perennial flowers, grasses, ferns, and shrubs that are native to New York. We have a native plant in our nursery for every landscaping need. We also have eggs, maple syrup and other products from our farm in our shop. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am–5pm and other times by appointment.

Free Spirit Farm Garden Center 39 Atwell Rd. South Corinth, Saratoga County 495-8119, freespiritsfarm@roadrunner.com We are a husband & wife operated greenhouse business which offers a wide selection of vegetable and flowering plants, hanging baskets, fall mums & pumpkins, Christmas trees, weaths, kissing balls & fresh silk décor. We utilize safe fertilization on all our edibles, and keep in mind that we are eating what we grow! Our goal is to provide a natural, knowledgable, friendly environment that you and your family will enjoy visiting for years to come.

Stop in and ask how it all started because of six cucumber plants!

Open 10-7, May-mid July; Labor day - Halloween; ThanksgivingChristmas Eve. Call for additional availability.

Additional listings: Bob's Trees, 1227 West Galway Rd., West Galway, Saratoga County 882-9455. Trees, plants and shrubs, Christmas trees The Botanic Barn, 1570 Route 7, Troy, 279-3080. Nursery, garden supplies, personalized design services.

Colonial Acres Nursery, 2552 Western Ave., Altamont, 456-5348.

Country Living, 325 Union Turnpike, Earlton, 828-4031.

Faddegon's Nursery, 1140 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, 785-6763.

Gardening and nursery supplies since 1920.

Harvest Moon, 141 Remson St., Cohoes, 266-0370. Organic indoor and outdoor garden supplies and accessories.

Healthy Harvest, 63 Broadway, Fort Edward, 480-4698. Organic indoor and outdoor garden supplies and accessories.

Hewitt's Garden Centers, Route 9 and Sitterly Road, Clifton Park, 371-0126; Route 4 and I-90, East Greenbush, 283-2159; 605 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont, 439-8169; 1969 Western Ave., Guilderland, 456-7954; 1129 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, 785-7701; 294 Quaker Road, Queensbury, 792-3638; 3 Charlton Road, Scotia, 3991703; Route 9, Wilton, 580-1205. Garden supplies and accessories; nursery and greenhouse plants, shrubs and trees.

Hilltown Farm & Garden, 6003 State Route 32, Westerlo, 797-3697.

Seeds, bedding plants, fertilizers, natural & organic solutions.

Kulak Nursery & Landscaping, 1615 Route 146, Rexford, 399-2404.

Garden center, nursery, landscaping.

Olsen's Hardware & Garden Center, 1900 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands, 733-5868. Hardware store with nursery, garden supplies.

Osborne Mill Nursery, 231 Osborne Road, Albany, 482-8150. Plants, trees, and shrubs.

Other Side of Paradise, 481 Route 40, Troy, 237-5287. Nursery, garden supplies, trees, landscaping.

Organica, 296 Delaware Ave, Albany, 618-7666. Organic indoor and outdoor garden supplies and accessories.

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Patroon Nursery, 500 West Sand Lake Road, Wynantskill, 283-3807.

Flowers, plants, trees, shrubs, accessories and supplies.

Price-Greenleaf Store & Nursery, 14 Booth Road, Delmar, 439-9212.

Nursery, plants, garden supplies, trees.

Saratoga Organics, 19 Front Street, Ballston Spa, 885-2005. Organic indoor and outdoor garden supplies and accessories.

Troy's Landscape Supply, 1266 New Loudon Road, Cohoes, 785-1526.

Nursery, garden supplies, landscape design and installation.

Van Geest Nursery, 43 Donna Drive, Albany, 459-1093. Nursery, landscape consulting, period gardens and contemporary designs.

Wunsapana Farm, 4557 Hurst Road, Altamont, 861-6612, wunsapanafarm.com. Llama beans (manure) for soil enhancementgardens love them! Visit the farm website for more details and testimonials. Bags of beans are available at Altamont Agway and Gade Farm (on Western Avenue in Albany).

Zema's Nursery, Inc., 154 Presbyerian Hill Road, Stephentown, 733-5868. High-quality plants and trees.

Restaurants Featured Listings:

One Caroline Bistro 1 Caroline St. Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County 587-2026 www.onecaroline.com A busy little bistro located off Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs, featuring what we like to call global comfort food from local sources. Our cozy atmosphere, live music and utilization of the freshest ingredients create an experience that will tantalize all of your senses. We also feature many vegetarian choices. Live music nightly during the summer months and certain week days and weekends during the fall and winter. We feature high quality organic and heirloom vegetables from local farms. We use freerange, hormone and chemical free lamb, beef, chicken, veal and other quality meats. All of our fish and seafood is purchased thoughtfully and with great concern for the environment.

The Beekman Street Bistro 62 Beekman Street Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County 581-1816 thebeekmanstreetbistro.com We are committed to using local and sustainable products in the dishes we create. Saratoga Springs being the heart of Upstate NY's farming country makes this relationship a great fit. The farming communities offer and abundance of the freshest seasonal produce and meats which make it possible to practice the philosophy of “Farm to Table.” The evolving menu ensures that every dining experience is as fresh and innovative as the first!

DISH Bistro / Restaurant 93 Main Street Greenwich, Washington County, 692-0200 dishbistro.wordpress.com facebook.com/dish-bistro A charming cafe in the heart of historic Greenwich, a beautiful 20 minute drive east of Saratoga Springs on Route 29. We're Dishing up some of Washington County's tastiest local foods, and great live music events too! Enjoy our eclectic menu of local & organic foods, check out our local artwork, and visit the other great shops on Main Street! Visit our website for live music events and nightly dinner specials! Beer and Wine available. Join us for Lunch, Tuesday-Saturday, 11-3 and Dinner, Wednesday-Saturday, 5-9

FARM to FORK GUIDE Farmhouse on Top of the World 441 Lockhart Mountain Road Lake George, Warren County 668-3000, kim@topoftheworldgolfresort.com topoftheworldgolfresort.com The Farmhouse on Top of the World is a chef-owned and operated restaurant which showcases produce from our farms and meats, dairy and cheeses from area farms. Our menu changes to reflect the best local and seasonal products and sustainable seafood.

Delicious wine, beer and cocktail lists. Open Tuesday - Sunday on the east side of Lake George. Come see our beautiful views, and share our passion for local food! Member of the Slow Food Cooperative.

Fifty South Restaurant & Bar 2128 Doubleday Ave. (Route 50) Ballston Spa, Saratoga County 884-2926, info@fiftysouth.com www.fiftysouth.com This is the home of Kim Klopstock's The Lily and The Rose, gourmet catering company. We are dedicated to making good, wholesome food using local purveyors and farm produce. All of our food is cooked to order. Fifty South is open at 8 a.m. daily for breakfast and it is served all day long. A Sunday brunch is served until 3 PM. We can cook gluten free, and wheat free, and are happy to accommodate people's dietary concerns. We will also be doing to-go items... much more to come. Thank you for being a part of our family! Kisses, KK.

Good Times Lakeview Restaurant 175 Lake Road Ballston Lake, Saratoga County 399-9976, hkelleigh@aol.com www.goodtimesrestaurant.com The Good Times Lakeview Restaurant is located on scenic Ballston Lake in Saratoga County. Our five acre lot is home to large organic gardens, fresh herb gardens and hundreds of wild birds. Our homegrown veggies and herbs are used daily in our made to order lite and casual to hearty fare. We are all about local!

We feature local made craft brews, New York State wines and Saratoga County maple syrup, local cheeses and local USDA meats, apple cider and much more. Find on facebook and join the conversartion!

Harmony House Marketplace and the 188 Bistro 188 Remsen St. Cohoes, Albany County 238-2322 www.harmonyhousemarketplace.com In the Spring of 2006, two middle-aged women had an idea of creating a business that would highlight products from New York State while assisting with economic development and restoration of historic downtown Cohoes. Their motto: when you buy New York, you build New York! The New York Wine Seller is just that - a showcase of great wines from New York with tastings every Friday. 188 Bistro is open daily for lunch, and dinner is served Thursday -Saturday, featuring homemade delicacies crafted with love. Two micro-enterprises have joined the team - Sticky Fingers gourmet candied apples and R & G Cheese, making their signature chevre and other cheese in small batches. Come to Cohoes and discover the magic!

Lakeside Farms Country Store, Restaurant and Garden Center 336 Schauber Road Ballston Lake, Saratoga County 399-8359, info@lakesidecider.com www.lakesidefarmscidermill.com Enjoy a meal in our country dining area where we offer madeto-order fresh cooked breakfasts and specialty lunches every day. We feature grilled and deli sandwiches on home-baked breads, homemade soups, delicious deli salads and fresh vegetables,. End your meal with a decadent dessert from our bakery shop.

Max London's Restaurant and Bar 466 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County 587-3535, eatmax@gmail.com www.maxlondons.com Max London's is a restaurant and bar committed to a high standard of food and drink, where using what is local and seasonal affects all of our menu choices. We strive to create an atmosphere that is sophisticated yet comfortable, where one can enjoy a glass of organic wine, a pnt of craft beer brewed nearby or simply a gourmet wood-fired pizza. Stop in when you're in Saratoga Springs for dinner, late night or Sunday brunch.

Village Pizzeria & Ristorante Route 29, East Galway 882-9431 www.villagepizzeria.com At the Village Pizzeria, a family owned & operated local restaurant, located on Rt. 29, ten miles west of Saratoga, we've increased the size of our gardens to sustain our kitchen. We have ecolocalliving.com 27

FARM to FORK GUIDE gluten free, and whole wheat pizza, pasta & beer. View our menu & award winning wine list and join our mailing list at our website, or become a fan on Facebook to receive info about our upcoming wine tastings & other events. Patio is now open, enjoy dinner & a great bottle of wine al fresco nestled in our beautiful gardens. Join us for the "Toast to the Ta Ta's" fundraiser for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer... we are in it to end it!! May 12th, June 30th & Aug 15th

Wineries Featured Listings:

Natural Selection Farm Winery 85 Darwin Rd., Center Cambridge, Washington County 677-5208, krdenberg@logical.net Located in scenic Center Cambridge between County Rts. 60 and 74, we are a micro winery making wines in small batches from grapes and blueberries harvested on our farm, and from New York State juice. We feature burgundy dry reds: St. Croix, Geneva Red 7, Marquette and blends. Our dry white wines are Vidal Blanc, and Diamond. Rhapsody in Blueberry, a 100% blueberry wine, is a farm specialty. Our artfully handcrafted wines can be sampled at the winery and at local wine shops. Vineyard and winery tours upon request. Open daily from June - October, and 1-5 PM on winter weekends.

Additional listings: Altamont Vineyard and Winery, 3001 Furbeck Rd., Altamont, Albany County, 355-8100. Producing a distinguished selection of fine wines from more than 20 varieties of grapes grown and harvested in the Helderberg mountains Amici Vineyard Winery, 637 Colonel Burch Road, Valley Falls, Washington County. 469-0680. Committed to sustainable agricultural practices and operates in a n environmentally conscious manner to its fullest capability Colebrook Country Wines, 562 Colebrook Road, Gansevoort, Saratoga County, 261-1877. We make our own wine from grapes and fruit. You can find us at most Farmers' Markets.

The Saratoga Winery, 462 Route 29 Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County. 584-WINE. Diverse wines made by carefully hand selecting the finest grapes, primarily from the Finger Lakes region. Adirondack style tasting room open daily with live music and dinner served on Fridays.

Maple Featured Listings:

Raschers Sugar House 347 Perry Hill Road Shushan, Washington County 854-3770 Award winning producer of the region's only Certified Organic maple syrup. Unique, state-of-the-art wood-fired evaporator with steam-away converts 100% maple sap into the “World's Best Maple.” We are as green as it gets! No RO, no vacuum pumps; instead, we hug our trees! Sugarhouse tours by appointment. Mail order available.

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Additional listings: Adirondack Gold, 90 Bear Pond Rd, Thurman, Warren County 623-9718 Dry Brook Sugarhouse, 432 Chambers Rd, Salem, Washington County 854-7651 Grottoli's Maple, 91 Ritchie Rd, Middle Granville, Washington County 642-2856 Mapleland Farms, 647 Bunker Hill Rd, Salem, Washington County 854-7669 Nightingale's Maple Farm, 4767 Jersey Hill Rd, West Galway, Saratoga County 882-9334 Rathbun's Maple, 181 Hatch Hill Rd, North Granville, Washington County 642-1799 Valley Road Maple Farm, Valley Rd., Thurman, Warren County 623-9783 Toad Hill Maple Farm, 151 Charles Olds Rd, Thurman, Warren County 623-4744

Soap Featured Listings:

Egg Mountain Farm 535 Beattie Hollow Road Salem, Washington County 854-3003 eggmountainfarm@yahoo.com Our small goat dairy farm in Salem is where we make all natural soaps and skin care products. I started the business in 2007 with one goat. My goat milk soap and lotion are made from my goats milk! I make my soap the old fashion way with lye, palm oil, coconut oil and the fresh goats milk. I make my lotion with shea butter, coconut oil, soybean oil, honey, sunflower oil, aloe, glycerin and fresh goat's milk. This is a must try! I have a customer from Wantagh, NY who says it is better than Estee Lander, Clinique, etc. You can order my soaps and lotions on my website, or by telephone. We guarantee satisfaction!

Joy of the Journey Farm, LLC 686 Locust Grove Road Greenfield Center, Saratoga County 260-5215 www.joyofthejourneyfarm.com Our farm is a “green” business, making goat milk soap, with organic ingredients, fine skin products and natural tick and mosquito repellents. You can find our hand-crafted soaps made with organic ingredients and all natural repellents at the following stores in Four Seasons in Saratoga Springs, and at the Greenfield and Saratoga farmers markets. We also raise free-range chickens for eggs and meat, available at the farm. We feed organically!

Sororia Organics Soap Scotia, Schenectady County 381-4663 joy@purenaturaliving.com www.purenaturaliving.com Good for your skin and good for the soul…. Our soap and body butters are made fresh in small batches with pure organic oils, botanicals, clays and essential oils that are healthier for our bodies and the environment. Our labels are printed on handmade Lotka seeded paper. This paper is made in Nepal by rural craftspeople in an environmentally friendly process with 50% recycled content.

The whole process is not only earth friendly but also provides a large community with a healthy enterprise. These labels can be recycled, composted or planted in your garden and watch wild flowers bloom! Find us online or at the Schenectady Greenmarket.

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-Continued from Page 9

Recently, Michael Kilpatrick, of the Kilpatrick Family Farm (www.kilpatrickfamilyfarm.com), shared with me some of his experiences regarding the economic realities of farming. Michael runs a successful certified organic farm in Middle Granville, NY, which participates in 4 farmers markets each week and has 150 members in their CSA. He also has a bigger vision which includes starting a local organic farm in Saratoga Springs which would provide fresh produce for local residents and would also serve as a community center which would offer information and resources about the benefits of organic farming and supporting the local food economy. An operation like this which is integrated into a city would truly be a “win win” scenario but making this model work economically has so far proven very difficult. In areas like Saratoga Springs, land is of course very expensive and the best land is generally used for housing development. Between the costs of the land and the upfront costs for equipment, greenhouses, etc, the price tag is prohibitive. Acknowledging this reality, Michael is retooling his business plan and exploring other ways to structure the enterprise such as using the Community Land Trust model. There are undoubtedly many Saratoga residents who would love to see this happen and might consider committing capital to help get it off the ground but work needs to be done to create a framework that would facilitate this kind of partnership.

Others are exploring new models such as receiving a return on their invested dollars in the form of a CSA share. This approach may work well for mission-driven individuals who don’t require financial return on their investment but certainly wouldn’t be a solution for everyone.

Anyone considering such an arrangement would also be wise to do their homework and seek appropriate tax and legal advice to make sure everything is properly set up. I believe that the energy and passion around the Slow Money movement will ultimately drive innovation of new products but there are unfortunately very few options available at this point. We need to have all stakeholders at the table: farmers, investors, mission-driven financial professionals, local residents and community leaders, in order to achieve the sustainable, local economy we desire.

Harry Moran helps socially conscious investors define and achieve their highest goals by aligning their money with their values. A 25-year veteran of the financial services profession, Mr. Moran has held the Certified Financial Planner® designation since 1991. He is a member of First Affirmative Financial Network, a national professional organization dedicated to meeting the needs of the socially conscious investing community. Mr. Moran can be reached directly at Cornerstone Financial Advisors at hmoran@cornerstonefinancialny.com or 518-877-8800.

Mention of specific securities, funds, or companies should not be considered an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell the security, fund, or company. To determine the suitability of any particular investment, please consult with your investment adviser.

Remember, past performance is no guarantee of future results and no investment strategycan assure success. The opinions expressed are those of the author and may change without notice. Harry Moran is a registered representative offering securities through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc., member FINRA SIPC. Cadaret, Grant is not affiliated with Cornerstone or First Affirmative.

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Farm to Fork

Farmhouse on Top of the World

By Stacey Morris, Contributing Writer

It's mid-spring and Kimberly Feeney and Kevin London are bracing themselves. As owners of the trail-blazing restaurant “The Farm House,” the husband and wife team have a little more on their 'to do' list than the average chef/owner of an eatery.

That's because the Farm House extends beyond the confines of the kitchen and onto the five acres of carefully cultivated fields where much of their menu is grown. Fruits of the couple's hand-sewn labors include striped heirloom eggplants, a confetti of buttery soft salad greens, beets in a rainbow of different colors, and minutes-old eggs from the farm's 160 laying hens.

When they started six years ago, Feeney admitted that undertaking a farm-to-fork enterprise was a risk, but the couple didn't think twice about taking it - despite its proximity to ubiquitous pizza parlors, steak houses, and all-you-can-eat buffets.

“My family already had the land here,” she explained. “Kevin and I looked at the property and really thought it would work for growing our own food. We knew it would be a challenge being a seasonal business, but like anything else there are pros and cons.”

The past six years have been a labor of love for the couple, the operative word often being 'labor.' “We seed, weed, and harvest all of our vegetables,” said Feeney. “Cultivation starts in the greenhouses and then we transfer 70 percent of our crops outdoors. The growing season is so short, we have to get a jump.”

Photos by Peter J. Nettleton

Most of the seeding is done by hand, with a small portion tiled by a tractor with a rotor-till from the neighboring Top of The World Golf Course. “We work really hard half the year,” said London with a laugh.

The Farm House is modeled in part after the iconic Blue Hill at Stone Barns restaurant in Tarrytown, the nation's flagship seasonal and garden-to-menu restaurant, where London once worked.

“Our model is a little more approachable,” he explained. “It's aimed at the clientele here as opposed to the New York City area.”

Initially, there were queries from customers and prospective diners asking about 'missing' standards like salad bars and chicken breasts. “I had to explain why we don't have chicken breasts on the menu all the time,” said Feeney. “We get whole, local chickens, not parts.”

“We were young and naïve and didn't know what the Lake George market entailed,” said London. “Luckily people were quick to embrace us. First it was the second-home owners who live here, second were the Queensbury and Glens Falls residents.”

In addition to the five-acre garden and laying hens, Feeney and London supplement the menu with local meat, dairy, and grain products.

“They're all coming from people we know well and whom we know are proud of the product they're putting out,” said London.

Some of the local purveyors include Nettle Meadows Farm, Battenkill Dairy, Flying Pigs Farm, Clover Mead Farm, Wild Hive Farm, Kilpatrick Family Farm, Mack Brook Farm, and Garden of Spices Farm.

“I think because of our garden there's a perception we have a vegetarian menu,” said London. “But we have local beef, pork, chicken, and cured meats. And we get our fish Fed-Exed overnight from Maine and Montauk. It didn't make sense, carbon footprintwise, to get it from Alaska any longer.”

And despite the philosophy of eating local, the couple says their primary objective is that their customers have a memorable dining experience.

“We don't push the local angle to our customers,” said London. “If someone wants to discuss the local food movement, we can talk to them all day about it. What we really want is for our customers to have a great meal and enjoy the quality of the food and the atmosphere.”

Because of the seasonal nature of The Farm House's menu, entrees and appetizers are always in flux. In the spring it's Lettuce Risotto and hand-rolled Black Pepper Tagliatelle with Parsnips and Chard; summer features Summer Squash Salad with Basil, Pine Nuts, and Peccorino; and fall is known for Mack Brook Farm Cheeseburgers with New York Cheddar and Homemade Ketchup, Benton Country Ham with Yellow Beans, and Garden of Spices Chicken with Winter Squash Panade.

London says the business has grown steadily over the past six years.

“People are much more conscious of what they eat and how they feel after they leave a restaurant,” said Feeney. “We have people tell us they used to feel so full after eating at a restaurant that they wouldn't want to do anything afterwards. I think it's a common thing in this culture to eat until you can't eat anymore. Our customers appreciate the way we

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combine different ingredients and flavors.

Some of them have no idea they actually like turnips until they try ours. We have 30 types of salad greens, 19 varieties of tomatoes, and five types of radishes. We work hard at not being redundant on our menu.”

London said that because everything on the menu, including salad dressings, is made from scratch, they're able to accommodate customers with food allergies more easily.

“We know exactly where the gluten, dairy, and soy is on our menu,” said London. “And we can steer people with allergies away from them.”

Although they don't tout the local food angle very loudly to customers, Feeney says they don't have to because the flavor speaks for itself. “We get comments on our chicken all the time,” she said. “People want to know how we get it to taste so good. It's pastureraised and extremely fresh. We get the chicken two or three days after processing.”

When they're not busy with the restaurant, the couple sells produce, soups, and sauces at The Glens Falls Farmers Market. They also operate a CSA at the farm and through the farmers market.

“We're at the farmers market through Thanksgiving,” said Feeney. “I'm constantly on the phone booking weddings and we also do catering. But we do get some downtime from December through the end of February. I spend 25 hours a week in the office off-season. We do get away though. This year we spent two weeks in Brazil.”

Feeney also has done agricultural leadership courses through Cornell Cooperative Extension and until recently, was president of the board of Slow Food Saratoga.

“We're in a really good place now,” said London. “Our goal is to improve the quality of our food even more, whether it's the food that hits the plates in our restaurant or our line of prepared foods. I'm currently working on my ketchup recipe. I've had customers tell me it's changed their lives.”

Mission accomplished.

For more information on The Farm House at Top of The World in Lake George, N.Y., visit www.farmhousefood.com, or call (518) 668-3000. The restaurant is open May through October.

Stacey Morris is a food and travel writer based in Lake George, N.Y. www.staceymorris.com ecolocalliving.com 37

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ecolocalliving.com 39

Young, Landless Farmers

Finding a way to farm without owning the soil they toil Story and Photos by David Delozier

What do you want to be when you grow up? Is a questioned posed to all youths at some point, and the answers are as many as the career options that are available in the world‌a doctor? a fireman? a lawyer?,,,a farmer? A farmer? Really?

Of all the career choices out there, farming is probably the least chosen. Statistics point this out - less than 1% of population is in farming, yet they feed us all. It's a dirty job, as they say, but someone's got to do it. It's just that very few choose to do it. Farming is time intensive - in fact, it usually takes all of your waking hours and then some. Farming is land intensive - you need some acreage upon which to grow your plants and raise your animals. Given that, why would anyone, with all the other options out there, choose to be a farmer?

Kilpatrick Family Farm Growing a family business Michael Kilpatrick started in 2004 as a young 16 year old hobby gardener in the back yard of his parent's home in Westfield, Massachusetts, along with his brother Patrick. The Kilpatrick's were home schooling their children, and they thought gardening would be a great learning experience for the boys.The boys took to it with vigor and passion. They were thrilled with their first year's harvest - there was even a surplus they could share with the neighbors.

A couple years later, the family decided to move out to the country to have a more peaceful life, and found their current home in Middle Granville. Michael and brother Patrick marveled at the huge south facing front lawn, and they imagined an even bigger garden than the one they had in Massachusetts. With more land to work, they immediately began digging up the lawn to create their garden space.

Anyone who gardens knows that when the vegetables mature, there can be an overabundance. With their family garden producing more than they could eat as a family, Michael began looking at some ways to sell the excess production to neighbors and friend, and thus, the Kilpatrick Family Farm was born.

I spoke to a couple of young farmers in March, just as the snows of winter were yielding to the warming rays of the vernal equinox. Just how does one become a farmer? Well, according to these two, it is a calling. You have no choice in the matter. The earth has beckoned them to tend to it, to grow sustenance not just for themselves, but for others. And thankfully, we are the beneficiaries of their toil, as both families are producing high quality, organic vegetables that nourish our bodies and satisfy Encouraged by their parents, Michael and Patrick decided to get some training so that our souls.

Michael Kilpatrick

their enterprise could become more than just a hobby. Their big break came when they became interns at Pleasant Valley Farm in Argyle, owned by Paul and Sandy Arnold. The Arnolds were thrilled to have the opportunity to pass on their knowledge to the next generation, and Michael and Patrick became the perfect apprentices. “We knew how to grow vegetables, but the Arnold's really taught us how to make money!� exclaimed Michael.

The Arnolds were the perfect teachers, as they have been mainstays at the Saratoga and Glens Falls Farmers Markets for years. The Arnold's instilled in the young Kilpatrick boys the importance of using organic practices, because the high quality and healthful characteristics produced from those techniques will yield the highest price.

Their lucky break for the Kilpatrick's came when they were accepted as vendors at the Saratoga Farmers Market. The quality and quantity of their vegetables have been enthusiastically embraced by the public. Soon after came the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture, where the people invest in the future yield of the farm and receive shares of the farms production every week of the growing season), and expansion into the Glens Falls Farmers Market.

One thing that the Kilpatrick's have put their stamp on is 4 season growing. Michael has sought out local and regional experts on how to grow vegetable thorough the winter. People are amazed to find his fresh salad greens in January at the Farmers Markets. Because of his skill and knowledge, Michael has become a coveted speaker at many farmer conferences student of late. His youth is a particularly attractive drawing card, as most of the speakers are much older than he, and conference attendees are excited to see someone so young embracing their art.

The Kilpatrick Family Farm has expanded well beyond the family front yard, and they now lease property from landowners nearby. And it can't be just any land; Michael is obsessed with soil. He finds himself up late at night pouring over soil maps that he's found on the internet.

He's found that his own Mettowee River Valley that Granville sits in has some Class A soil -

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rich, dark bottomland that is perfect for growing vegetables.

But the dilemma that plagues all young farmers is land ownership. While it is encouraging that there are landowners willing to lease their land for farming purposes, and it allows folks like Michael to grow his business, any investments that he makes into the enriching the soil end up as investments onto land that he does not own.

With land values skewed towards development or non-productive privacy ownership, acquiring land for farming is cost prohibitive in most cases. Typically what has happened is that when a farm that goes out of business it ends up being bought by a developer to become the next cu-de-sac enclave of mcMansions. Or, a wealthy family buys the acreage for privacy and it falls out of productive agricultural use.

There are some alternatives, however, that seem promising. Some landowners actually want to see there land remain in farming, even thought they may not have the desire to do it for themselves.

Otter Hook Farms Embracing the farming tradition on another's land Another young landless farming family, the Kemnah's of Otter Hook Farm in Greene County, is an example of just such a deal.

Husband and wife team, Chris and Samantha Kemnah got into farming after both decided their “professional” careers were not providing the happiness they sought. They began leasing some land near New Baltimore and producing vegetables for a CSA venture.

The Kemnah's ended up farming several plots that were a few miles apart, which proved to be very inefficient.

Looking for a better option, Chris heard about a woman from California who owned a farm bought a sizable farm in Durham, near the Albany County border. She bought the place to escape to when her life in the film industry got too stressful. The land and home on the site sat idle for most of the time, and she wanted to have it used for farming in some way. Chris and Samantha decided to make arrangements to see the place. What they found was a dream come true - wide open pastures on a well drained hillside; a 19th century post and beam dairy barn with hayloft and still working crane - a remnant from the days when the farm used draft horses over 100 years ago. “It was exactly what we wanted,” exclaimed Chris.

Chris, Samantha and their two young boys moved into the farmhouse this past March. It was early spring, and the snow pack was still lingering in the fields. But inside the farmhouse, they've been getting ready for the growing season. When I visited, it seemed that every available space in the house was taken up by shelves filled with seedlings staring to grow under grow lights. Out in the barn, Chris had a flock of chickens that were soon to be reaching their egg-laying maturity.

He pointed to the hay loft, and explained how the old crane and pulley system was used to grab hay from the wagons and convey it across the barn to the loft. Below the loft were the draft horse stalls. Chris explained that he wants to bring that all back - the draft horse farming, working the animals and the land.

“It's a symbiotic relationship,” said Chris. “It's slow farming. You develop a relationship with the horses - an understanding. They provide the horsepower; we feed and care for them.

Their manure goes back into the soil and all the microbes digest it and improve the soil,” he explained. It's a stark contrast to the modern farm with its huge tractors and vast monoculture of chemically dependent genetically modified crop. But in Chris' view, going back is going forward, toward the proper relationship between human, land and beast.

Like Michael Kilpatrick, Chris Kemnah is obsessed with soils. In fact, before farming, he was a soils scientist for New York State. Chris has found a way to hear the land speak. “I sit down on the soil with my palms laying upon it and I listen,” he explained. “This land here,” pointing out to the fields, “wants to be farmed.

It's been lying fallow for years, building soil and nutrients. It's going to grow some kickass veggies!”

The Kemnah's have found a way to live their farming dream without actually owning the land. Of course, it would be much better if they could get a parcel that they could call there own.

But for now, the lease arrangement is there best option.

Slow Money A possible solution?

Another potential tool for the young farmer to gain ownership of the land could be an adaptation of the CSA business model. If people are willing to invest in the future yield of a farm's productivity, then perhaps they would consider investing in the farmers acquisition of land? A fund could be created wherein local investors could buy shares at and then receive payback of their principle and

Chris Kemnah interest from the profits of the farm. Like the organic movement in agriculture, it's an organic sort of fund-raising by the community, supporting a farmer in their midst who will provide them with wholesome sustenance and a monetary return.

There is such a movement emerging called Slow Money, which calls upon investors to support and underwrite the local food movement. It makes perfect sense that the most basic investment is that of land itself, and in the farmer who nurtures the land to yield its greatest potential, that of feeding the rest of us. We need to value land for its ability to grow food, not just mcHouses. By supporting land acquisition for the next generation of farmers' we are securing a future of safe food for our children.

Find out more: Kilpatrick Family Farm www.kilpatrickfamilyfarm.com Otter Hook Farms www.otterhookfarms.com Slow Money www.slowmoney.org ecolocalliving.com 41

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Served at Fifty South, Moon & River, Virgil's House, Four Seasons... and spreading like wild fire!

No order too large, no order too small - perfect for your special events, private or corporate

ecolocalliving.com 43

Transforming Existing Towns

Transition to Tomorrow's World Story by Prof. J. Sophiar, photos provided

WOW, this potluck party is kicking! The space is overcrowded. And everybody seems to be engaged in intense conversations. I hear laughter, too. This is how popular the idea of transitioning into a more localized, more organic, more sustainable lifestyle has become? I'm at the first Transition Town training weekend of the capital region, in Greenwich, NY, a small town just northeast of Albany. It is Saturday, March 18, 2011.

about it," she replies, "but I like this. All the people coming here are glowing. I can see this is special, this is a good thing. They want to start more community in the village, more caring for each other, more sharing."

Chai Stark is her name. She explains that she saw the announcement of the Transition Town Training in the local newspaper and she decided to call and offer her services. When she heard there was no budget for photography, she offered her services free of charge. "I live right next door, and I liked what Barbara was explaining." she said. "I have young children, who need a good community when they grow up." A good neighborhood is doubly important to her because she left her childhood home and family in the Philippines to join her husband here in Greenwich. Making this small town a welcoming community for its diverse population is a matter close to her heart. And thus she just became a collaborator in this transition initiative.

As I walked into the 70 Main Street meeting center, I passed a man who has difficulty walking. He was moving deliberately, swinging a walking stick, moving one leg with effort. In spite of the slowness and the limp, he exudes authority and knowledge. I was curious, but I didn't want to impose. So I just held the door open as he entered and offered to help him out of his winter coat.

Nothing more. Then I went about my business. I am here to report on this event and potluck party. I'm taking pictures of the busy crowd, presently eating. The atmosphere is densely joyful and people seem to be I met Barbara Price, coordinator of this event having intense conversations over colorful and founder of the Greenwich/Washington foods. A band is setting up to play.

County Transition Initiative, at a party at There's a photographer, I notice, with a real James Kunstler's house, the famous peak oil camera (I'm just a writer/filmmaker with a 'alarmist' and author of “The Long small cam.)

She must be the event Emergency� (Kunstler interview, Eco Local photographer. She's moving around as Living Winter 2011 issue). I had heard about though on cat paws, not disturbing the Transition Towns or Transition Initiatives rounds of people engaged in animated before. The idea is to transform existing conversations at the tables - she captures towns, cities, villages, by re-localizing their gestures and facial expressions; nobody commerce and food production to form more poses. As she wraps up for the day, I ask her self-sustaining, less fossil fuel dependent how she got involved in the transition town communities. The movement has spread movement. "Oh, I don't really know anything worldwide within a few years.

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The man with the limp is smiling at me, so I walk up to him "What makes Transition Towns different from regular villages that have a strong sense of community?" I ask. "That transition towns create the community - and eco-community," he responds. "It's not there by nature or by inheritance or by religion or political party, for that matter. It is developed because individual people conceptualize it, join it, make it, because they realize we can't keep on living like we have, exploiting the planet and ruining our environment! Oil is going to run out! Gas is going to run out! And before it runs out, we're polluting our groundwater while extracting it! Drinking water is going to run short! Nuclear energy is the most destructive energy we have ever created, so that's got to stop! And then what? We have to reinvent our culture! We have to re-localize, barter with our neighbors, become independent of long distance trucking!" I know he could go on for hours, but my look tells him I don't need the lecture.

"Yep!" I agree with the same definitiveness that characterizes his speech.

Then I find out some of his story. He is David Yarrow, lecturer on organic farming, greenchar, and sustainable living. He suffered a bolt of high voltage electricity while trying to help a friend clear the electric lines when moving a mobile home. I'm taken aback. "I was not supposed to survive those 600 Volts," he snickers. "But here I am. I guess there's more work to do." - "And you're doing it!" I shake my head in disbelief; "Six hundred volts?!" - "Yah. I went through the whole death experience, floating toward the light and all, but then I came back and even

Barbara Price got to walk again. Some 18 years ago." Was that his 'transition' to eco-living, I want to know? No, he was already on the organic track and knew about peak oil and the state of affairs of our planet's health. He had already initiated the New York chapter of NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association) and was very much eco-active.

"Are you Johanna Sophia?" the slim lady with the big curly hair wants to know and opens her arms, I barely get to nod, "I've read your site! You are shining!"…and we fall into a heartfelt embrace. "You are shining and you are doing all this great work teaching transition!" I say, laughing. “I'm just here to cover the story." "Sisters!" she says. She is Tina Clarke, the main speaker and transition town teacher. She has lectured to

corporations, non-profits, and churches about going green and conserving energy, but this is the work she most favors: teaching transition; motivating people to take action toward a greener lifestyle and more local interaction.

Ah! the world is slowly becoming more loving! People are recognizing and celebrating each other! There are families here with young children, babies on mother's backs or laps, white-haired folks and teenagers as well. Everybody is here. We are also transitioning to a generationally more holistic society; an all-inclusive community.

Using less oil will mean living decidedly healthier, less chemically driven and less media and drug-indoctrinated. “We want to have more time for celebrations. We want to have more time for living again!” two

mothers explain to me while their children are dancing up a storm to the blue-grass music. So many of us perceive ourselves as contributors to this transition into the fossilfuel-free, nuclear-fuel-free age. It is heartwarming! We contribute in various ways: first by learning to enjoy holistic living (life), secondly by setting examples, and thirdly by overcoming our individual differences and joining the 'intentional' larger community of the ones consciously transitioning. It's a fun crowd, the food is local and delicious, and the conversations are actually meaningful!

To find out more about transition initiatives and how you can get involved, contact Barbara Price at beeswing@nycap.rr.com or contact Johanna at SILC@SophiasCenter.com

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Eco-LOCAL People

Chris and Chrissey Eberhardt Get to know Chris and Chrissey Eberhardt, owners of Joy of the Journey Farm in Saratoga County Chris and Chrissey came to embrace farming rather recently, as Chrissey approached retirement from New York State. What started as a hobby – raising goats for their milk to make old fashioned soaps and lotions, has no become a full time job for Chrissey, and Chris is raising chickens for eggs and meat while continuing his day job as a computer geek (really!). Through their efforts, they are showing us how to re-localize and become producers of wonderful, needed things. Chris and Chrissey are an inspiration to all who meet them, and they are a great example of what it means to be eco-local!

Eco-LOCAL Living: How long have you been in business and what inspired you to get started?

Chris and Chrissey: My love for goats, since I can remember, started our business. We bought two Nubian does in 2006. We started doing farmer markets in Saratoga County selling goat milk soaps made with our own goat’s milk and organic ingredients. We make goat milk soaps with tallow (animal fat), without tallow for the vegetarian and shampoo bars. We also use our goat’s milk in the Whipped Body Butters (also made with organic ingredients). One day a girl walked up to our vendor stand and asked if we sold eggs and meat birds, we replied with no, but would you like us to raise them? Her reply was YES!!! And we’ve been selling eggs and meat birds since.

ELL: What's the best part about your job?

Chris and Chrissey: The best part of farming is the reward you receive from the customers who buy our products and the support from the neighborhood.

ELL: Why do you choose to operate your business in Greenfield as opposed to somewhere else?

Chris and Chrissey: We started looking for land about 10 years ago. It took over a year to find what we wanted. The property we bought was farmed over 50 years ago and was virgin land. Great soil, wooded now, which goats love. The location is great, close to Saratoga Springs, the Adirondacks and Greenfield is just beautiful!

ELL: Why do you think it’s important to keep it local?

Chris and Chrissey: Local is the only way to go because it keeps you in touch with your 46 ecolocalliving.com

customers.

ELL: What locally owned business (other than your own) could you not live without?

Chris and Chrissey: I haven’t shopped in a grocery store much, other than for paper supplies. We support the farmers market for most all of our food shopping needs. As a sustainable homemaker I make my own breads and put up foods for winter.

ELL: What are some of the things you do to help make the world a little bit better?

Chris and Chrissey: The average person uses over 10,000 chemicals before leaving to go to work. Soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, deodorants. The majority of these are chemical based. I am proud to say that my soaps and body products are made with organic ingredients without parabens and synthetics. Supporting local food to our community is also something we take pride in.

Our chickens are fed organically, allowed to free range and we use a holistic approach as much as possible.

ELL: What do you like to do in your free time?

Chris and Chrissey: Free time – what’s that?? Farming, if it isn’t a love, then don’t do it. Actually, I do try to practice Yoga and I truly enjoy raising and selling English Shepherds.

ELL: What's the best advice you've ever received?

Chris and Chrissey: Try to live each day like it’s your last day.

ELL: Our Facebook fans want to know: What is it that sets you apart from the national chains and promotes loyal, repeat customers?

Chris and Chrissey: Trust, quality products, approachable, customer service.

ELL: Our Twitter followers want to know: What drives you to keep doing what you do?

Chris and Chrissey: YOU, our customers and the love of the farm.

Joy of the Journey Farm products can be found at the Saratoga Farmers Market, Four Seasons Natural Foods in Saratoga and on online at www.joyofthejourneyfarm.com