Weekly Newsletter 11

CASALEGNO FAMILY FARM WEEKLY

Week of August 7 – 13, 2011

Last week we had the pleasure of hosting a lovely young couple that has been on the road traveling for over a year.  James and Maarja, from England and Estonia respectively, flew to Venezuela to begin a long trip up through Central America and eventually all the way to Canada.  They have been traveling in a yellow VW bus they bought in Mexico, camping on the way and working for farms as they go.  They were spirited, respectful, hard workers enthusiastic about our farm fresh produce and we were really happy to have the chance to get to know them and help these like-minded people on their way!

Who we are

For something different this week, I thought you all might be interested to know something about the hard working people that make up our little farm right now. 

ISABELLE JENNICHES      lead worker

Friend, neighbor and artist, Isabelle is an accomplished gardener originally from Germany.  She has been living in the states for 6 years and this August it will be one year that she has been working with us here on the farm.  She is a major part of our day-to-day operation and it was much of her hard work that kept our Farm Stand stocked through last winter.  You will often find her out in the field harvesting for the CSA boxes, prepping beds and creating many of the beautiful bouquets you see here at the stand.  Her strong work ethic, experience, commitment, and true regard for sustainable living make her an invaluable part of our farm.

REUBEN CASE-GABBARD    farm hand and beekeeper

A Soquel Hills native, long time family friend and all around great guy, Reuben has been farming with us for over a full season.  He graduated cum laude from UCSC in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in European History, and has plans to go back to school to get his Masters degree.  Reuben’s exposure to beekeeping during his childhood when his uncle kept hives on the family’s property led to his current interest in apiculture.  He is a hard worker with dedication to the land and strong beliefs in mindful eating.   When he is not working at the farm pulling monster weeds you might find him studying in preparation for grad school or onstage as singer in a local band.

MEGAN LUCY   UCSC intern/volunteer

A truly captivating young woman, Megan came to us through the intern program at UCSC.  After a hard earned major in Legal Studies with a minor in Education, her personal interest in organic farming and local foods encouraged her to do her required internship hours at a local farm, and we were lucky enough to get her!  She interned with us from March – May and enjoyed her time with us so much that she has stayed on with us as a volunteer whenever her busy schedule allows.  She will be embarking on a 1000-mile bicycle trip from the Oregon border all the way down to Mexico in September and we will really miss her!

CELINE COHEN    UCSC intern

Celine is another wonderful addition from the intern program at the university.  This month she will receive a Major in Environmental Studies with an emphasis on Organic Agriculture. Her background working with several other farms such as Frog Hollow, Thomas Farms and Billy Bob Orchards make her a great asset to us this summer. Celine is full of new ideas and is passionate about helping small farms.  Her infectious smile, enthusiasm and interest in small farm management will no doubt take her far on her path toward her goals in the world of organic farming..  An avid runner, she also loves to surf and spend time with her dogs.

 

MATT KOTILA   owner/farmer

As a member of the fourth generation of the Casalegno family in Soquel, Matt grew up here on the property and has been working on the farm since he was a little boy picking up apples off the ground in the orchards for 25 cents a box.  He helped his grandparents with the planting, harvesting and farmer’s markets during the summers, and 9 years ago began to take over the running of the farm.  His goal to restore the orchards and his dedication to the integrity of this piece of land show his pride in the hard work of his forbearers and his family’s heritage.

MARISSA KOTILA   owner/manager

Growing up in a big Italian family I am possessed of a love of family and a passion for cooking good fresh food.   I find that coordinating the CSA fulfills my desire to connect with the community by providing them not only with local organic produce but also with a link to the people that grow it.  And I love the feeling I get selling at Farmer’s Markets every week and personally talking to our customers knowing that our farm is nourishing people’s families all over the county every day.

                        

 

 

WYATT KOTILA  quality control/farmer in training

At almost 4 years old Wyatt can tell the difference between chard and kale, is an expert roly poly, slug and cucumber beetle catcher and is beginning to learn the art of gopher trapping.  You may see him running around the farm, munching on an apple or taking care of our 4 barn cats.

Special mention also should be made to our parents and all the Aunties, Uncles, Brothers and Cousins, that have helped out over the years.  We are so lucky to be surrounded by family members that are always there to lend a hand if we need it.   Most recently our awesome brother James has been coming out every Sunday to help out with the endless summer harvest.  It means so much to us to be able to have our family out here with us!

And of course none of what we do would be possible without the lifetime of hard work, wisdom and support from Grandma Vi and Grandpa Bill Casalegno.  They have taught us so much and continue to be an inspiration to us every day.  Grandpa was born and raised on this property and has lived here his entire life.  Many of the wonderful family recipes we share come from Grandma's kitchen.  The times we have spent learning from them here on the farm are some of our most treasured memories!