tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80021384596579875172024-02-06T21:52:16.310-08:00Organic Farming on Long Island's North Fork ... @ NY Natural FarmMark Ungerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487400358921163791noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002138459657987517.post-34468352473840002882009-09-08T06:54:00.000-07:002009-09-08T07:45:09.836-07:00farm community<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnayOBWTyvbbPhuyTruUC8CXd22B-551FCm0XLuP51_rge-lVOzQ31_926rJ5T0nPDnrFVShi7H3QVx8O9TYDcxlCQDQI8ZZ_9-LTraCR99-rNFsmR7IA0Ink7fyFmcCEvbkgnK8_98Os/s1600-h/squash+blossoms.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnayOBWTyvbbPhuyTruUC8CXd22B-551FCm0XLuP51_rge-lVOzQ31_926rJ5T0nPDnrFVShi7H3QVx8O9TYDcxlCQDQI8ZZ_9-LTraCR99-rNFsmR7IA0Ink7fyFmcCEvbkgnK8_98Os/s320/squash+blossoms.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379100592378838418" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEcAT-DlJuCw_AtKNV-5N8fXRqsLW5I2mFsi6b9dWHjIgKPmQPxzt7_oH6gToFekKqVXL6v5POzIW2ckIoZ9GMk11b-25TIJ1ENMyumurD0sYCQybCSLQVp7EO_4Vaibht97ai1lY7C50/s1600-h/P1040782.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEcAT-DlJuCw_AtKNV-5N8fXRqsLW5I2mFsi6b9dWHjIgKPmQPxzt7_oH6gToFekKqVXL6v5POzIW2ckIoZ9GMk11b-25TIJ1ENMyumurD0sYCQybCSLQVp7EO_4Vaibht97ai1lY7C50/s320/P1040782.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379099292733203234" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Farming is by nature an organic process <div>and you are constantly reminded<div>of your place in the universe. </div><div> This years crop has been bombarded by </div><div>mother nature and her friends </div><div>- from the blight to the deer, our organic </div><div>tomato crop has suffered </div><div>yet still managed to thrive </div><div>and bear some fruit.</div><div><br /></div><div>and while this years crop is no where </div><div>near what we hoped or expected </div><div>but we are all grateful for </div><div>what it has provided -</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMrreDAYfWVL2ec6l_SogAZHU91iAcktOS3uGNiJbMRjrs5eeUSMD3XPIzB9AUl1PVLA85cY1enGO3ez2-OMsE-cD_dQKsvH_w2yEUdOWhTheQ_H1ejMsJ62oxBzCGBU3l3HmKRO7JzOp/s1600-h/a+farm+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMrreDAYfWVL2ec6l_SogAZHU91iAcktOS3uGNiJbMRjrs5eeUSMD3XPIzB9AUl1PVLA85cY1enGO3ez2-OMsE-cD_dQKsvH_w2yEUdOWhTheQ_H1ejMsJ62oxBzCGBU3l3HmKRO7JzOp/s320/a+farm+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379107151519736226" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4RtvLzq50ZUVe8-BD1735QVHE2FNCuB0rSLbEciSWIvPpxp_BmmhmWw3Wq-iiVwuLoErW9OZ17lHlxXq4XWwktH0O3ORINHJoHDgyIbxPVovfiTtZnAJw2-QRd1BMgEunZ6-Y01q7BEn/s1600-h/a+farm+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4RtvLzq50ZUVe8-BD1735QVHE2FNCuB0rSLbEciSWIvPpxp_BmmhmWw3Wq-iiVwuLoErW9OZ17lHlxXq4XWwktH0O3ORINHJoHDgyIbxPVovfiTtZnAJw2-QRd1BMgEunZ6-Y01q7BEn/s320/a+farm+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379107148525593090" /></a><br /></div><div>... a strong and vibrant farm community</div><div> - people that started the summer as</div><div>strangers are now friends whose </div><div>lives are intertwined by our farm experiences.</div><div>.......planting </div><div>............weeding </div><div>.................watering,</div><div>.....................engineering</div><div>...........................cooking and eating</div><div>.................................exchanging life stories</div><div>.........................................harvesting </div><div>and enjoying what nature does have to offer.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMS10ugVdtNrWj1MD32BAAn1cYKkzzDSaeF61AuYaOA5B-Hm5rbaVAT7ffjA9UiYXfc9hshzyYM_HFrpszqG-Pyiwh1XS6obBroEdtqkOJeGB1TQdmvmB1z-Q7GO5qTACn6V-XhfEuPWSq/s1600-h/P1040800.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMS10ugVdtNrWj1MD32BAAn1cYKkzzDSaeF61AuYaOA5B-Hm5rbaVAT7ffjA9UiYXfc9hshzyYM_HFrpszqG-Pyiwh1XS6obBroEdtqkOJeGB1TQdmvmB1z-Q7GO5qTACn6V-XhfEuPWSq/s320/P1040800.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379099797766135490" /></a><br /></div><div>... delicious tomatoes </div><div> grown with out nasty harmful chemicals</div><div>hand planted and nurtured by caring people</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rym30IDTqbw2FoQunAdoS86SrdLOdhRZ75ClFwwQayWjv97QyugpLlQzxu37JhtGqSnblm-HmKFikixJQYhxrvJYmhO_rFqISDcfiqWGv5CwT5KtDT3hNKDF_eyk4e-YVGHL3N-kP0Om/s1600-h/P1040797.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rym30IDTqbw2FoQunAdoS86SrdLOdhRZ75ClFwwQayWjv97QyugpLlQzxu37JhtGqSnblm-HmKFikixJQYhxrvJYmhO_rFqISDcfiqWGv5CwT5KtDT3hNKDF_eyk4e-YVGHL3N-kP0Om/s320/P1040797.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379102151505175506" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>.. the opportunity to spend time </div><div>outdoors breathing the delightful summer and </div><div>fall air, and to get out the city and into nature. </div><div>The trees, the grass, the wildflowers. </div><div> Thank you mother nature.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hPJTn2xYN352pTlCyLDOyBhUgo7qxDhsyYCscHasGYVP1F7Op2NsvBOwn-Gb4L8f12a8U-7JcaaFU3Ve5WQwmLDrMo-HN-72s2KgpdybYpsuiR1TuoLO33ciXsQUkKKHCJ3WBigTFZPy/s1600-h/wildflower.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hPJTn2xYN352pTlCyLDOyBhUgo7qxDhsyYCscHasGYVP1F7Op2NsvBOwn-Gb4L8f12a8U-7JcaaFU3Ve5WQwmLDrMo-HN-72s2KgpdybYpsuiR1TuoLO33ciXsQUkKKHCJ3WBigTFZPy/s320/wildflower.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379103348903223858" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>... the chance to learn new skills </div><div>and apply old ones to new projects.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEh1HvOco_y05Ilnc1iWbiRTP-_noqEOqjU_WTaIYLd5b_ANLoebDKZOX6E8fp96KA3BOxKoGRcFfz7pQeTqGYTUw31iM9GPmApOC2X-jJXfKpvgUyuA52oELphM-vbAz_zC42chNGvcpT/s1600-h/a+farm+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEh1HvOco_y05Ilnc1iWbiRTP-_noqEOqjU_WTaIYLd5b_ANLoebDKZOX6E8fp96KA3BOxKoGRcFfz7pQeTqGYTUw31iM9GPmApOC2X-jJXfKpvgUyuA52oELphM-vbAz_zC42chNGvcpT/s320/a+farm+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379106795788330818" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div>... the accidental garden </div><div>- where pumpkins, squash & tomatoes </div><div>grew from composted materials </div><div>without any intent from humans</div><div> - yet again proving</div><div>that mother nature has her own plans </div><div>regardless of our intent!</div><div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLPgK7s3pGYPU7Xcm5_efj6K0NRaps95FZQm5fc_YMWz4TFl05UZNN2FGVLoW0g3BuukNBAl9lUCSWxhhzbq85-cZLXikvdPqXiIbzwB7fGnXUuh8o6BVw0x0rXK6eSL7EluSkx4oqzpN/s1600-h/accidental+harvest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLPgK7s3pGYPU7Xcm5_efj6K0NRaps95FZQm5fc_YMWz4TFl05UZNN2FGVLoW0g3BuukNBAl9lUCSWxhhzbq85-cZLXikvdPqXiIbzwB7fGnXUuh8o6BVw0x0rXK6eSL7EluSkx4oqzpN/s320/accidental+harvest.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379102124961458626" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vsgzlJU5XNSiOso1QelKy8Zas7nzVNtYjaPJs0IeNWbPOjiLXqohdfY7MPy9FSd63TaKO2Nh3GqfAU1ka8qITxQpyqFZwDE1Y4e12zsjsKlDDoDh1lavMA_sqqYOfiVAmptFLuBVuLHo/s1600-h/anna+with+pumpkins.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vsgzlJU5XNSiOso1QelKy8Zas7nzVNtYjaPJs0IeNWbPOjiLXqohdfY7MPy9FSd63TaKO2Nh3GqfAU1ka8qITxQpyqFZwDE1Y4e12zsjsKlDDoDh1lavMA_sqqYOfiVAmptFLuBVuLHo/s320/anna+with+pumpkins.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379102140946277186" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>...the amazing people that gave their time and energy to this project</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4BBjBZHtmHhG5i3MD9eY3ZKrb_cXV8klclOSMAqhrqtYZ5tF6lX5S2ZilC58kG78xgoc5rWffVtZhCgBbF6WZ7xFsCtsS_1ou2DrorHHodFxq4m7337qbbVF1vZI84hTTxIIT1id4X-h/s1600-h/a+farm+5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4BBjBZHtmHhG5i3MD9eY3ZKrb_cXV8klclOSMAqhrqtYZ5tF6lX5S2ZilC58kG78xgoc5rWffVtZhCgBbF6WZ7xFsCtsS_1ou2DrorHHodFxq4m7337qbbVF1vZI84hTTxIIT1id4X-h/s320/a+farm+5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379107510864938306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoFvBkyYDNLwPIM_EH7F_zMjJ-fzqmjPrgWsISF4_lxkpQInyphmddJLXos3IGlS9nPmbvLz9unqP7qXjaw3m6m5FfF4WMlD77FFOCOIQqtbTYVaoGWzs5iyBuouB1khAGbJCrXTjvdqz/s1600-h/a+farm+4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoFvBkyYDNLwPIM_EH7F_zMjJ-fzqmjPrgWsISF4_lxkpQInyphmddJLXos3IGlS9nPmbvLz9unqP7qXjaw3m6m5FfF4WMlD77FFOCOIQqtbTYVaoGWzs5iyBuouB1khAGbJCrXTjvdqz/s320/a+farm+4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379107507694044930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtxhtf3iF-mIGvQGdVMoQ5JXcBCvICuxMXWgsRqSW37WPog5riGSJWlUxVUgDSWD_bv35L9DvRR5S5y9hZ7SIk5nDN0mv0jHeYu0_yOsAO1qhzbCU7laYAIRHVLgRsNI_AQSOy5lKhLRa/s1600-h/farm+lunch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtxhtf3iF-mIGvQGdVMoQ5JXcBCvICuxMXWgsRqSW37WPog5riGSJWlUxVUgDSWD_bv35L9DvRR5S5y9hZ7SIk5nDN0mv0jHeYu0_yOsAO1qhzbCU7laYAIRHVLgRsNI_AQSOy5lKhLRa/s320/farm+lunch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379102150568516098" /></a></div>Mark Ungerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487400358921163791noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002138459657987517.post-22871240126226022882009-06-21T14:00:00.004-07:002009-06-21T14:02:54.125-07:00organic farming on Long Island's North ForkVolunteering at Long Island’s Newest Organic Farm<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglM8W-djHqBtO5hfoDtbaKR10gzv4TywQTE7KjdDH-gjUMOhnpHHmZEh9QqEh0loKOn0Ey_NzFgzLUO0E3rqBVQSqmzLSNd7cv7GMBubj6qyPrnhy6mYZsCFvcUk3KYavkF5fKWMYR5h7V/s1600-h/P1030466.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglM8W-djHqBtO5hfoDtbaKR10gzv4TywQTE7KjdDH-gjUMOhnpHHmZEh9QqEh0loKOn0Ey_NzFgzLUO0E3rqBVQSqmzLSNd7cv7GMBubj6qyPrnhy6mYZsCFvcUk3KYavkF5fKWMYR5h7V/s320/P1030466.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347953054681893586" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mark Unger is a man with a vision – at the mid century point in his life he still sees all the possibilities and his enthusiasm and energy is contagious. His vision is to create a network of volunteers and patrons who will support and enable all of Long Island farmers to convert to organics - He’s starting by creating his own organic farm.<br /><br />Last year he and a patron started a farm on Long Island’s North fork in Mannituck. The heirloom tomatoes and garlic where sold to local restaurants and other local farmstands. This year Mark is partnering with another farm owner to grow all organic vegetables: heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, Chinese long beans, eggplants, garlic and more... on the farm on Oregon avenue.<br /><br />Mark works full time as an aviation instructor in NJ to support the farm and his vision. He and other dedicated volunteers post on various boards such as Craigslist, LI Organic Farm Volunteers, Earth Watch to recruit others to join in the fun while “saving the planet” or at least reducing the intake of pesticides and getting city and suburban folks out of their homes and off their couches to commune with the earth and each other.<br /><br />Since Mark has a full time job, New York Natural is a weekend farm. For the past few weekends volunteers have been helping to transplant over 2,500 organic tomato plants that Mark’s mom, artist Irene grew in her greenhouse in New Jersey. It’s a labor of love and certain with a limited budget may not always be the most efficient way, but all in all it has been great fun and amazing amounts of work are accomplished by the volunteers. You leave at the end of the day feeling that you have accomplished something worthwhile and spent a fun day outdoors getting to know other kewl folks!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NlKCQCZ4PgYNkDNK7504bgd7f0dnHgXoMjD8K5N9w63ZAl7eYfxpsLK8R6Ab_FJ031AHV6wX7-tdJWN9hZWBslLBDPVYgZiJ3s8b2tqb8isCvj8cjaLg5pCtBmgZ2VXZGUiK60t620V7/s1600-h/P1030485.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NlKCQCZ4PgYNkDNK7504bgd7f0dnHgXoMjD8K5N9w63ZAl7eYfxpsLK8R6Ab_FJ031AHV6wX7-tdJWN9hZWBslLBDPVYgZiJ3s8b2tqb8isCvj8cjaLg5pCtBmgZ2VXZGUiK60t620V7/s320/P1030485.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347978316673347138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKb-_pH07lXIACjnfQ-7VVsdulMvOoGdHv27cn1PfAqJYXk9fvpeafyeX5C-QGkuKHx0SNzC27LLOAD6wzIfit8ngo7OKQetAbsPgmB2ygtPFwFB8ENdCV9F7sqlsexD0fBeZGmSddQqq/s1600-h/P1030484.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKb-_pH07lXIACjnfQ-7VVsdulMvOoGdHv27cn1PfAqJYXk9fvpeafyeX5C-QGkuKHx0SNzC27LLOAD6wzIfit8ngo7OKQetAbsPgmB2ygtPFwFB8ENdCV9F7sqlsexD0fBeZGmSddQqq/s320/P1030484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347977454096380594" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Using both hand shovels and electric drills to make long rows of holes 2 feet apart (so that later plastic water tubing can be installed and the plants can be watered daily on a timer without having to have someone at the farm during the week) volunteers from NJ, Manhattan, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk have made the holes, shoveled compost in, transplanted the tomato plants, and even hand watered then dragging 5 gallon water cans up and down the long rows. All the while chatting and getting to know each other.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwUaGz-SVXbusyCGrXOoxmpGRwxkJcsKKKQ-p122wEqOjkVzizCNrUfuHRXbDeHtQC0blwm0GYinglt66NbliKyF-FtrHr42aQSRUh8iE4N4oAoAjWjEIJWoBNG_0xOk6RMN-OfUKxTiW/s1600-h/P1030460.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwUaGz-SVXbusyCGrXOoxmpGRwxkJcsKKKQ-p122wEqOjkVzizCNrUfuHRXbDeHtQC0blwm0GYinglt66NbliKyF-FtrHr42aQSRUh8iE4N4oAoAjWjEIJWoBNG_0xOk6RMN-OfUKxTiW/s320/P1030460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347946632921574194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In our busy society community is often lacking from our lives. The farm is creating a new community of individuals – some who come and go and some who have to be practically dragged off at the end of the day. All fantastic people of different ages, races, nationalities and talents.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Jake, a student at Stony Brook is working on building and installing a bio diesel fuel system. Once in place, used cooking oil will be collected from restaurants and institutions to be recycled into bio diesel to power farm vehicles, to grow algae for..., further reducing the carbon imprint of the farm and enhancing the Mark’s natural vision.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAN5pUpmuxPhP6tt7yTogbnWo5PxOUFqkygmWaWhgarIs20w-KaitbzTn4L5H-hG0FBCzfXXjmKH1jUCmPojfehidsdd6qqP9aAOSfBTeLOJicWc5ert2MEVLQsCIIoZaBTfqkqHaQZxV/s1600-h/DSC01282.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAN5pUpmuxPhP6tt7yTogbnWo5PxOUFqkygmWaWhgarIs20w-KaitbzTn4L5H-hG0FBCzfXXjmKH1jUCmPojfehidsdd6qqP9aAOSfBTeLOJicWc5ert2MEVLQsCIIoZaBTfqkqHaQZxV/s320/DSC01282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347951278451364962" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XT13QmlQe73OQKZACSWXDl0uiFU8oY1MiXIUP1bTaF6v_j8tljlFyHR0mJPV57khWEnzSQugmr3hyphenhyphenNMccOyrbNKV9qxsWL6o8TpU-ak48A7JTQqxEHiDwjwbhKmrhv_uDt5_DD_9wUNj/s1600-h/DSC01146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XT13QmlQe73OQKZACSWXDl0uiFU8oY1MiXIUP1bTaF6v_j8tljlFyHR0mJPV57khWEnzSQugmr3hyphenhyphenNMccOyrbNKV9qxsWL6o8TpU-ak48A7JTQqxEHiDwjwbhKmrhv_uDt5_DD_9wUNj/s320/DSC01146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347953058404992290" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Jessie, a vibrant young mother, student and entrepreneur of baby accessories including cloth diapers and baby carriers, worked side by side with other volunteers as her 12 month old daughter Amaris happily babbled and entertained the others, sometimes sitting among the trays of plants but often cuddled next to her mom in a cloth sling in the field.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx69FV89ylRE1SuXdEkEenAs3Er4v1IOOSjfvm2UqLwfINynE8xH2wvlMlF3hh2NS0dPO1FEX8MLhQ-1ogUZzmsZYNBcpRS6cvN9sAnw-wov5XHb4FE-zV0W13Tmd0mDxtrLliMGJ5Nkl/s1600-h/P1030468.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx69FV89ylRE1SuXdEkEenAs3Er4v1IOOSjfvm2UqLwfINynE8xH2wvlMlF3hh2NS0dPO1FEX8MLhQ-1ogUZzmsZYNBcpRS6cvN9sAnw-wov5XHb4FE-zV0W13Tmd0mDxtrLliMGJ5Nkl/s320/P1030468.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347949705192408162" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Jessie and Amaris helped to re- plant over 250 tomato into the fields – young tomatoes reigned on Long Island and the adults were reduced to cooey sounds and giggling baby talk. – Instant bonding for all.<br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoKicJ5HKh6IAhO_HtkcjtOZrxTh5VL0-weF3YHsRjQiI51iGIdZR8jtmE7h6AolwwmiqFJGkPHH8G1szOE19XQIJPJP1oRm9PlkkdS61kRhwohqcOywha_TTz6Nn6pf3nXYSZur5DEu0/s1600-h/DSC01276.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoKicJ5HKh6IAhO_HtkcjtOZrxTh5VL0-weF3YHsRjQiI51iGIdZR8jtmE7h6AolwwmiqFJGkPHH8G1szOE19XQIJPJP1oRm9PlkkdS61kRhwohqcOywha_TTz6Nn6pf3nXYSZur5DEu0/s320/DSC01276.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347954386710326642" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><b>Who could resist this smile!</b></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwIQyk5csqwzDpo6wuOtR2dW2_FQa8gyzlK4MRz3BgU82eWCtiCwZfycfGIdcuIu-XpyI3SPCd2KLZCwB1hOe3SDHHtU61aQ23fH4l3nlj6H7E9bwomaCVorvg2qK_SpU2387vH24moBo/s1600-h/P1030473.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwIQyk5csqwzDpo6wuOtR2dW2_FQa8gyzlK4MRz3BgU82eWCtiCwZfycfGIdcuIu-XpyI3SPCd2KLZCwB1hOe3SDHHtU61aQ23fH4l3nlj6H7E9bwomaCVorvg2qK_SpU2387vH24moBo/s320/P1030473.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347949712195793954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Other volunteers include Anne, an young immigrant from Russia and now a recently laid off accountant on Long Island (actually in the process of looking for a new job, so anyone who could use her talents please let us know)</div><div><br /></div><div> Mike, who works in one of Long Island’s libraries</div><div><br /></div><div>Anson, from Queens </div><div>a promotional marketing professional and free lance artist.</div><div>view some of his art work <a href="http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u169/sozaphoto/PORTFOLIOansonart/?action=view&current=c7d579c4.pbw">here</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClqv8ZhyphenhyphenBvpnxR0Myf0DfOe9zQ6Fe2hGM8jWUQpusNFYdQebKs-kHg0u1QoeCnj2vUtkmxIzlG0erplVUSXCsDRP730QUoo1b0IgzUB5mCFUJHm6MF6WFZ1oQka0aKNbJivnr1TZGIN5M/s1600-h/P1030483.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClqv8ZhyphenhyphenBvpnxR0Myf0DfOe9zQ6Fe2hGM8jWUQpusNFYdQebKs-kHg0u1QoeCnj2vUtkmxIzlG0erplVUSXCsDRP730QUoo1b0IgzUB5mCFUJHm6MF6WFZ1oQka0aKNbJivnr1TZGIN5M/s320/P1030483.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347963180589695730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbIecwrCt0Sfhu20FED7rXWB9ClMiVT2fx2LxXA6CLYjPMjMwQRZ2dKnZLMyHrSMlF2g8G8B448o5cOJXQQ5riP7R0I3yfezWEWpF0GpE3e__3l0pq04cJGynDKe9fwbPFhLMHKyY-QJ2/s1600-h/P1030480.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbIecwrCt0Sfhu20FED7rXWB9ClMiVT2fx2LxXA6CLYjPMjMwQRZ2dKnZLMyHrSMlF2g8G8B448o5cOJXQQ5riP7R0I3yfezWEWpF0GpE3e__3l0pq04cJGynDKe9fwbPFhLMHKyY-QJ2/s320/P1030480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347962264385192850" border="0" /></a><br /><br />College Students from NYU, Boston U, and Catholic University (DC) joined in on Sunday. Twins Liz and Jenn are also music reporters,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QP6-s3G9Pt0wrYL4L4yyBQSuRpUyEW5GWjhWXAS3I7K0uMbFGrZxZ8KfE1cMf8ZP8mMmKOlkI9l1kQGfvbC-v0yEmfhtqZXo-3vHA6l85TyCneq_FnZRYRDaaZqDfgX-VoufZRBi1K7Z/s1600-h/P1030494.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QP6-s3G9Pt0wrYL4L4yyBQSuRpUyEW5GWjhWXAS3I7K0uMbFGrZxZ8KfE1cMf8ZP8mMmKOlkI9l1kQGfvbC-v0yEmfhtqZXo-3vHA6l85TyCneq_FnZRYRDaaZqDfgX-VoufZRBi1K7Z/s320/P1030494.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347979531279755042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7Z_enANXz-siad549WiDMxy24Jzf-yTXLUnH-B5Sb16Kiqy8JfMm2ghgAmgTuQnzfRtjSA3hZUShODm_iUxKvkKe9Kqs3qVTI8eObqSIMR_8W6BFT76FGbtcbqVZhw19f9AQziGp9XAE/s1600-h/P1030491.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7Z_enANXz-siad549WiDMxy24Jzf-yTXLUnH-B5Sb16Kiqy8JfMm2ghgAmgTuQnzfRtjSA3hZUShODm_iUxKvkKe9Kqs3qVTI8eObqSIMR_8W6BFT76FGbtcbqVZhw19f9AQziGp9XAE/s320/P1030491.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347979521296835458" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVaIIu31xzvF2x4PxafOMXx2EqEsR2DR_mDm4z8ATOf_gz-F9mQdWoflREdv_j69hU2whyphenhyphenYn8CohG1s8ll3TD6d5v3QtpWYWbNKTULfApTlnMscoXw7m2-I5YmGGovxTeIo51cDN-dLMY/s1600-h/P1030497.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVaIIu31xzvF2x4PxafOMXx2EqEsR2DR_mDm4z8ATOf_gz-F9mQdWoflREdv_j69hU2whyphenhyphenYn8CohG1s8ll3TD6d5v3QtpWYWbNKTULfApTlnMscoXw7m2-I5YmGGovxTeIo51cDN-dLMY/s320/P1030497.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347974858075693106" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Jeannie, a social worker in Port Jeff but a local Mattituck resident for the past 23 years came to the farm via Mark’s connection with the local Suffolk Earth Watch group. We enjoyed her stories of the various interesting properties and houses she has been lucky enough in the area. Especially intriguing was the 2 story converted barn with one wall floor to ceiling windows over looking the fabulous natural scenery of the North fork<br /><br />Caterers, Andrew Crossan and Lisa Teiger of CuisinEtc,<br /><a href="http://www.cuisinetc.net/">www.cuisinetc.net </a> came out to volunteer and after the first weekend lunch of ho hum pizza offered to provide vibrant delicious vegetarian lunches to both feed the body and soul. Lisa and Andrew are looking forward to when the crops start coming in and being able to create yummy communal meals with produce they helped to plant and nature. Hopefully we can plant an in house herb garden to compliment the vegetables.<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhip-MHs49kIx3azNgYwDcsozuvBlgzK8NdC4H4-ClJWYt4rGf-XYDcgq5zIdl1E7ExOLXi4V6wQzYa6CV0LjTrnCuemo5zQ6QGx2KTqUCG0ATtfnHB2AJQRXih6HzjUyM4jum3luaOPgnn/s1600-h/P1030476.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhip-MHs49kIx3azNgYwDcsozuvBlgzK8NdC4H4-ClJWYt4rGf-XYDcgq5zIdl1E7ExOLXi4V6wQzYa6CV0LjTrnCuemo5zQ6QGx2KTqUCG0ATtfnHB2AJQRXih6HzjUyM4jum3luaOPgnn/s320/P1030476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347951272756394002" border="0" /></a>Lunch this weekend consisted of an extensive buffet of vegetarian & organic dishes such as<br />white & black garbanzo bean salad with tandoori onion chutney, Thai marinated broccoli with red & yellow peppers, brown rice, grilled pineapple, organic carrots & cilantro salsa vinaigrette, Greek feta & oregano salad, cheese tortellini salad tossed with sundried tomato & fire roasted peppers, loaves of roasted garlic country bread, fresh pita, white bean with kale & roasted pepper bruschetta, homemade banana bread, homemade cookies including orange cranberry oatmeal, chocolate chunk cookies & Mark’s favorite – crunchy gooey coconut meringues.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlPw5VagTXhOf8NAKhElMlECo1h1Q5ggZClaMaozUU9KBb_ZAQ9l7npG6S9PRUWRWdnE_tQcZWQVqedz34-NFuu-AeXfrq8v93Pp7TisoQ3ijgSq1tQdn7cAn-dHxllbbrUmB5gQ2U8bx/s1600-h/P1030508.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlPw5VagTXhOf8NAKhElMlECo1h1Q5ggZClaMaozUU9KBb_ZAQ9l7npG6S9PRUWRWdnE_tQcZWQVqedz34-NFuu-AeXfrq8v93Pp7TisoQ3ijgSq1tQdn7cAn-dHxllbbrUmB5gQ2U8bx/s320/P1030508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347976174199551858" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">vegetarian and vegan offerings courtesy of CuisinEtc Catering</span></b></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIOZfd-X3Q8jLAliT7wI5N1Zk7pLnCEiLhBK5aBH9DyPBjReOeEbuPRRUXNyQOTlzGa13pph5ULKMDLSIdzGIn-nFd21mXA4pgHXaDiDqeiyRV-hPxIq6EHg0-JQfNlurlKLQtGthofoE/s1600-h/P1030503.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIOZfd-X3Q8jLAliT7wI5N1Zk7pLnCEiLhBK5aBH9DyPBjReOeEbuPRRUXNyQOTlzGa13pph5ULKMDLSIdzGIn-nFd21mXA4pgHXaDiDqeiyRV-hPxIq6EHg0-JQfNlurlKLQtGthofoE/s320/P1030503.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347976167450604210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9VNAhvffF1XjIfKIehjy3GZQUPkrM0IxjFnb-eBrEm2J1qqTaggjvTDg-F_SC-KTsJksqLN-toPzmZhz74GUYhHl5uXNwf0r4FB2QvFm_0FTwVnK7rm1PAIgVlQhyNlPcr1BFE-Qg-Nk/s1600-h/P1030505.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9VNAhvffF1XjIfKIehjy3GZQUPkrM0IxjFnb-eBrEm2J1qqTaggjvTDg-F_SC-KTsJksqLN-toPzmZhz74GUYhHl5uXNwf0r4FB2QvFm_0FTwVnK7rm1PAIgVlQhyNlPcr1BFE-Qg-Nk/s320/P1030505.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347974866605715186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After lunch on Sunday, we were regaled with singing and guitar playing as well as Paul's wise-guy Brooklyn jokes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMFh1vk_ZOszoVw0WmC6BEQxRxQjBfyNFMGNJxgjDxVpVE_H-_GWO5dAxaWEQ5fbMNEe0ZobnRGZK4mJ-yztovedoBlhDffZjLbenuNzlBl6-FvppF3UqgA9VpW_pnrw20b0miYA8nTdC/s1600-h/P1030517.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMFh1vk_ZOszoVw0WmC6BEQxRxQjBfyNFMGNJxgjDxVpVE_H-_GWO5dAxaWEQ5fbMNEe0ZobnRGZK4mJ-yztovedoBlhDffZjLbenuNzlBl6-FvppF3UqgA9VpW_pnrw20b0miYA8nTdC/s320/P1030517.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347963187105439666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiNcwh0IzQ_xT7-W6oZTtjFgxOCtFWNJQgoc0MU2oedQhrbSH3-B8sKd2ZxHHTLUVv5RFJ67eMKy45smg56Y_eKnmixMFkazVPuRNv9snk20LP4WQ76QYVkue9-Najl-SK-dFQ9x2Wq1N/s1600-h/P1030522.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiNcwh0IzQ_xT7-W6oZTtjFgxOCtFWNJQgoc0MU2oedQhrbSH3-B8sKd2ZxHHTLUVv5RFJ67eMKy45smg56Y_eKnmixMFkazVPuRNv9snk20LP4WQ76QYVkue9-Najl-SK-dFQ9x2Wq1N/s320/P1030522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347979534817342338" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The work, food and fellowship makes Mark Unger of New York Natural Farming happy. He envisions a place where people work together, play together and participate in life in a visceral way while producing good nutritious food for New Yorkers. The Nork York Natural Farm certainly is on the road to that and more one organic shovel full of dirt at a time!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbi7gDkPY_umV1yVJn6hz9WBBFsh-ZQjqEDEnfH4Okw-7RyWFyzVHg7CRYQeiVosMkQLHMCcKSg9OOBu1EKKyr5pzqG1k22dbXYz06hG_PkzW9LB5TyPC2zpjJNndv3u8NBAI7dLMDdgXb/s1600-h/P1030459.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbi7gDkPY_umV1yVJn6hz9WBBFsh-ZQjqEDEnfH4Okw-7RyWFyzVHg7CRYQeiVosMkQLHMCcKSg9OOBu1EKKyr5pzqG1k22dbXYz06hG_PkzW9LB5TyPC2zpjJNndv3u8NBAI7dLMDdgXb/s320/P1030459.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347940176027145218" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">photos and blog writing courtesy </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">of Lisa Teiger </span><a href="http://www.cuisinetc.net/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events </span></a></div>Mark Ungerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487400358921163791noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002138459657987517.post-20901289415633570532009-06-21T14:00:00.003-07:002009-06-21T14:13:45.434-07:00some testomonials from farm volunteersBelow is a testimonial from Anson regarding Sunday,June 7th:<br /><br />On Sunday, June 7th I volunteered for the first time on a farm and learned everything from how deep the roots have to be planted in the ground to what a scape is and what can be done with it.<br /><br />I learned how to measure the distance between where each tomato plant needs to be set in the ground, how to dig the hole with the electric power machine, inserted the compost, watered the plant, and the term "Heirloom Tomatoes" that these plants were specially brought in from New Jersey to be grown on this farm.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">It was a great experience and I encourage others to try it. </span><br /><br />It was a peculiar hot day and I thought to myself "wow this is a huge farm".<br /><br />I did mostly planting of "Heirloom Tomatoes" and put compost in the ground to setup the plants to be seeded.<br /><br />I thought that the air quality was good. The rain water wets the leaves and that is no good. I wish there was a way to add a water well on the land.<br /><br />Some of the volunteers and I spoke about our particular situations of being unemployed. One just got out of a long marriage and is going through the motions. I like the variety of the others professions.<br /><br />Not everyday you get to farm tomatoes with a lawyer, chef, accountant, and airplane mechanic.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Good overall experience! </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Sincerely, Anson </span><br /><br />And one from Michael Bermudez below<br /><br /><br /><br />Hey Mark, here's a write up for the blog...<br /><br />Last Saturday, June 6, I found myself muddy, sweaty and tired,<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">and unable to get the smile off my face</span>.<br /><br />The weather was perfect for working outside, and there was plenty of work to be done!<br /><br /> I spent most of the day digging new homes for tomato plants, while the rest of the team took care of things like laying down stakes, distributing soil and actually planting the tomato plants.<br /><br /> I had lots of time to talk and get to know the people there, everyone seemed extremely knowledgeable.<br /><br />One topic in particular was about the company Monsanto and what they are doing to our foods. Soy is a big part of a vegan diet, so this was pretty startling! I absolutely loved hearing Mark talk about bio-diesel, and it's something i have been telling everyone.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to learning more about it. I know very little about farming, outside of growing some vegetables at home, but I never felt at a disadvantage, everyone is happy to share tips and tricks with you.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">One the ride home all I could think about was how fulfilling the work I did that day was !!!! </span><br />Working with my hands to help create food with a group of great people, you can't beat that. Now the wait for the weekend is just that much harder.<br /><br />I think this weekend its just going to be me, Justin has work on saturday. I sent out an email to my friends, hopefully I'll get a response.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">See you soon!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Michael Bermudez </span>Mark Ungerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487400358921163791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002138459657987517.post-5091824765351994102009-06-21T14:00:00.001-07:002009-06-21T14:00:45.248-07:00Mark Ungerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487400358921163791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8002138459657987517.post-47732185303446389672009-06-16T07:49:00.000-07:002009-06-21T14:00:36.677-07:00organic farming on Long Island's North ForkVolunteering at Long Island’s Newest Organic Farm<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglM8W-djHqBtO5hfoDtbaKR10gzv4TywQTE7KjdDH-gjUMOhnpHHmZEh9QqEh0loKOn0Ey_NzFgzLUO0E3rqBVQSqmzLSNd7cv7GMBubj6qyPrnhy6mYZsCFvcUk3KYavkF5fKWMYR5h7V/s1600-h/P1030466.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglM8W-djHqBtO5hfoDtbaKR10gzv4TywQTE7KjdDH-gjUMOhnpHHmZEh9QqEh0loKOn0Ey_NzFgzLUO0E3rqBVQSqmzLSNd7cv7GMBubj6qyPrnhy6mYZsCFvcUk3KYavkF5fKWMYR5h7V/s320/P1030466.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347953054681893586" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mark Unger is a man with a vision – at the mid century point in his life he still sees all the possibilities and his enthusiasm and energy is contagious. His vision is to create a network of volunteers and patrons who will support and enable all of Long Island farmers to convert to organics - He’s starting by creating his own organic farm.<br /><br />Last year he and a patron started a farm on Long Island’s North fork in Mannituck. The heirloom tomatoes and garlic where sold to local restaurants and other local farmstands. This year Mark is partnering with another farm owner to grow all organic vegetables: heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, Chinese long beans, eggplants, garlic and more... on the farm on Oregon avenue.<br /><br />Mark works full time as an aviation instructor in NJ to support the farm and his vision. He and other dedicated volunteers post on various boards such as Craigslist, LI Organic Farm Volunteers, Earth Watch to recruit others to join in the fun while “saving the planet” or at least reducing the intake of pesticides and getting city and suburban folks out of their homes and off their couches to commune with the earth and each other.<br /><br />Since Mark has a full time job, New York Natural is a weekend farm. For the past few weekends volunteers have been helping to transplant over 2,500 organic tomato plants that Mark’s mom, artist Irene grew in her greenhouse in New Jersey. It’s a labor of love and certain with a limited budget may not always be the most efficient way, but all in all it has been great fun and amazing amounts of work are accomplished by the volunteers. You leave at the end of the day feeling that you have accomplished something worthwhile and spent a fun day outdoors getting to know other kewl folks!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NlKCQCZ4PgYNkDNK7504bgd7f0dnHgXoMjD8K5N9w63ZAl7eYfxpsLK8R6Ab_FJ031AHV6wX7-tdJWN9hZWBslLBDPVYgZiJ3s8b2tqb8isCvj8cjaLg5pCtBmgZ2VXZGUiK60t620V7/s1600-h/P1030485.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NlKCQCZ4PgYNkDNK7504bgd7f0dnHgXoMjD8K5N9w63ZAl7eYfxpsLK8R6Ab_FJ031AHV6wX7-tdJWN9hZWBslLBDPVYgZiJ3s8b2tqb8isCvj8cjaLg5pCtBmgZ2VXZGUiK60t620V7/s320/P1030485.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347978316673347138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKb-_pH07lXIACjnfQ-7VVsdulMvOoGdHv27cn1PfAqJYXk9fvpeafyeX5C-QGkuKHx0SNzC27LLOAD6wzIfit8ngo7OKQetAbsPgmB2ygtPFwFB8ENdCV9F7sqlsexD0fBeZGmSddQqq/s1600-h/P1030484.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKb-_pH07lXIACjnfQ-7VVsdulMvOoGdHv27cn1PfAqJYXk9fvpeafyeX5C-QGkuKHx0SNzC27LLOAD6wzIfit8ngo7OKQetAbsPgmB2ygtPFwFB8ENdCV9F7sqlsexD0fBeZGmSddQqq/s320/P1030484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347977454096380594" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Using both hand shovels and electric drills to make long rows of holes 2 feet apart (so that later plastic water tubing can be installed and the plants can be watered daily on a timer without having to have someone at the farm during the week) volunteers from NJ, Manhattan, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk have made the holes, shoveled compost in, transplanted the tomato plants, and even hand watered then dragging 5 gallon water cans up and down the long rows. All the while chatting and getting to know each other.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwUaGz-SVXbusyCGrXOoxmpGRwxkJcsKKKQ-p122wEqOjkVzizCNrUfuHRXbDeHtQC0blwm0GYinglt66NbliKyF-FtrHr42aQSRUh8iE4N4oAoAjWjEIJWoBNG_0xOk6RMN-OfUKxTiW/s1600-h/P1030460.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwUaGz-SVXbusyCGrXOoxmpGRwxkJcsKKKQ-p122wEqOjkVzizCNrUfuHRXbDeHtQC0blwm0GYinglt66NbliKyF-FtrHr42aQSRUh8iE4N4oAoAjWjEIJWoBNG_0xOk6RMN-OfUKxTiW/s320/P1030460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347946632921574194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In our busy society community is often lacking from our lives. The farm is creating a new community of individuals – some who come and go and some who have to be practically dragged off at the end of the day. All fantastic people of different ages, races, nationalities and talents.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Jake, a student at Stony Brook is working on building and installing a bio diesel fuel system. Once in place, used cooking oil will be collected from restaurants and institutions to be recycled into bio diesel to power farm vehicles, to grow algae for..., further reducing the carbon imprint of the farm and enhancing the Mark’s natural vision.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAN5pUpmuxPhP6tt7yTogbnWo5PxOUFqkygmWaWhgarIs20w-KaitbzTn4L5H-hG0FBCzfXXjmKH1jUCmPojfehidsdd6qqP9aAOSfBTeLOJicWc5ert2MEVLQsCIIoZaBTfqkqHaQZxV/s1600-h/DSC01282.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAN5pUpmuxPhP6tt7yTogbnWo5PxOUFqkygmWaWhgarIs20w-KaitbzTn4L5H-hG0FBCzfXXjmKH1jUCmPojfehidsdd6qqP9aAOSfBTeLOJicWc5ert2MEVLQsCIIoZaBTfqkqHaQZxV/s320/DSC01282.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347951278451364962" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XT13QmlQe73OQKZACSWXDl0uiFU8oY1MiXIUP1bTaF6v_j8tljlFyHR0mJPV57khWEnzSQugmr3hyphenhyphenNMccOyrbNKV9qxsWL6o8TpU-ak48A7JTQqxEHiDwjwbhKmrhv_uDt5_DD_9wUNj/s1600-h/DSC01146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XT13QmlQe73OQKZACSWXDl0uiFU8oY1MiXIUP1bTaF6v_j8tljlFyHR0mJPV57khWEnzSQugmr3hyphenhyphenNMccOyrbNKV9qxsWL6o8TpU-ak48A7JTQqxEHiDwjwbhKmrhv_uDt5_DD_9wUNj/s320/DSC01146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347953058404992290" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Jessie, a vibrant young mother, student and entrepreneur of baby accessories including cloth diapers and baby carriers, worked side by side with other volunteers as her 12 month old daughter Amaris happily babbled and entertained the others, sometimes sitting among the trays of plants but often cuddled next to her mom in a cloth sling in the field.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx69FV89ylRE1SuXdEkEenAs3Er4v1IOOSjfvm2UqLwfINynE8xH2wvlMlF3hh2NS0dPO1FEX8MLhQ-1ogUZzmsZYNBcpRS6cvN9sAnw-wov5XHb4FE-zV0W13Tmd0mDxtrLliMGJ5Nkl/s1600-h/P1030468.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlx69FV89ylRE1SuXdEkEenAs3Er4v1IOOSjfvm2UqLwfINynE8xH2wvlMlF3hh2NS0dPO1FEX8MLhQ-1ogUZzmsZYNBcpRS6cvN9sAnw-wov5XHb4FE-zV0W13Tmd0mDxtrLliMGJ5Nkl/s320/P1030468.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347949705192408162" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Jessie and Amaris helped to re- plant over 250 tomato into the fields – young tomatoes reigned on Long Island and the adults were reduced to cooey sounds and giggling baby talk. – Instant bonding for all.<br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoKicJ5HKh6IAhO_HtkcjtOZrxTh5VL0-weF3YHsRjQiI51iGIdZR8jtmE7h6AolwwmiqFJGkPHH8G1szOE19XQIJPJP1oRm9PlkkdS61kRhwohqcOywha_TTz6Nn6pf3nXYSZur5DEu0/s1600-h/DSC01276.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoKicJ5HKh6IAhO_HtkcjtOZrxTh5VL0-weF3YHsRjQiI51iGIdZR8jtmE7h6AolwwmiqFJGkPHH8G1szOE19XQIJPJP1oRm9PlkkdS61kRhwohqcOywha_TTz6Nn6pf3nXYSZur5DEu0/s320/DSC01276.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347954386710326642" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><b>Who could resist this smile!</b></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwIQyk5csqwzDpo6wuOtR2dW2_FQa8gyzlK4MRz3BgU82eWCtiCwZfycfGIdcuIu-XpyI3SPCd2KLZCwB1hOe3SDHHtU61aQ23fH4l3nlj6H7E9bwomaCVorvg2qK_SpU2387vH24moBo/s1600-h/P1030473.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwIQyk5csqwzDpo6wuOtR2dW2_FQa8gyzlK4MRz3BgU82eWCtiCwZfycfGIdcuIu-XpyI3SPCd2KLZCwB1hOe3SDHHtU61aQ23fH4l3nlj6H7E9bwomaCVorvg2qK_SpU2387vH24moBo/s320/P1030473.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347949712195793954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Other volunteers include Anne, an young immigrant from Russia and now a recently laid off accountant on Long Island (actually in the process of looking for a new job, so anyone who could use her talents please let us know)</div><div><br /></div><div> Mike, who works in one of Long Island’s libraries</div><div><br /></div><div>Anson, from Queens </div><div>a promotional marketing professional and free lance artist.</div><div>view some of his art work <a href="http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u169/sozaphoto/PORTFOLIOansonart/?action=view&current=c7d579c4.pbw">here</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClqv8ZhyphenhyphenBvpnxR0Myf0DfOe9zQ6Fe2hGM8jWUQpusNFYdQebKs-kHg0u1QoeCnj2vUtkmxIzlG0erplVUSXCsDRP730QUoo1b0IgzUB5mCFUJHm6MF6WFZ1oQka0aKNbJivnr1TZGIN5M/s1600-h/P1030483.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClqv8ZhyphenhyphenBvpnxR0Myf0DfOe9zQ6Fe2hGM8jWUQpusNFYdQebKs-kHg0u1QoeCnj2vUtkmxIzlG0erplVUSXCsDRP730QUoo1b0IgzUB5mCFUJHm6MF6WFZ1oQka0aKNbJivnr1TZGIN5M/s320/P1030483.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347963180589695730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbIecwrCt0Sfhu20FED7rXWB9ClMiVT2fx2LxXA6CLYjPMjMwQRZ2dKnZLMyHrSMlF2g8G8B448o5cOJXQQ5riP7R0I3yfezWEWpF0GpE3e__3l0pq04cJGynDKe9fwbPFhLMHKyY-QJ2/s1600-h/P1030480.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbIecwrCt0Sfhu20FED7rXWB9ClMiVT2fx2LxXA6CLYjPMjMwQRZ2dKnZLMyHrSMlF2g8G8B448o5cOJXQQ5riP7R0I3yfezWEWpF0GpE3e__3l0pq04cJGynDKe9fwbPFhLMHKyY-QJ2/s320/P1030480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347962264385192850" border="0" /></a><br /><br />College Students from NYU, Boston U, and Catholic University (DC) joined in on Sunday. Twins Liz and Jenn are also music reporters,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QP6-s3G9Pt0wrYL4L4yyBQSuRpUyEW5GWjhWXAS3I7K0uMbFGrZxZ8KfE1cMf8ZP8mMmKOlkI9l1kQGfvbC-v0yEmfhtqZXo-3vHA6l85TyCneq_FnZRYRDaaZqDfgX-VoufZRBi1K7Z/s1600-h/P1030494.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QP6-s3G9Pt0wrYL4L4yyBQSuRpUyEW5GWjhWXAS3I7K0uMbFGrZxZ8KfE1cMf8ZP8mMmKOlkI9l1kQGfvbC-v0yEmfhtqZXo-3vHA6l85TyCneq_FnZRYRDaaZqDfgX-VoufZRBi1K7Z/s320/P1030494.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347979531279755042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7Z_enANXz-siad549WiDMxy24Jzf-yTXLUnH-B5Sb16Kiqy8JfMm2ghgAmgTuQnzfRtjSA3hZUShODm_iUxKvkKe9Kqs3qVTI8eObqSIMR_8W6BFT76FGbtcbqVZhw19f9AQziGp9XAE/s1600-h/P1030491.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7Z_enANXz-siad549WiDMxy24Jzf-yTXLUnH-B5Sb16Kiqy8JfMm2ghgAmgTuQnzfRtjSA3hZUShODm_iUxKvkKe9Kqs3qVTI8eObqSIMR_8W6BFT76FGbtcbqVZhw19f9AQziGp9XAE/s320/P1030491.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347979521296835458" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVaIIu31xzvF2x4PxafOMXx2EqEsR2DR_mDm4z8ATOf_gz-F9mQdWoflREdv_j69hU2whyphenhyphenYn8CohG1s8ll3TD6d5v3QtpWYWbNKTULfApTlnMscoXw7m2-I5YmGGovxTeIo51cDN-dLMY/s1600-h/P1030497.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVaIIu31xzvF2x4PxafOMXx2EqEsR2DR_mDm4z8ATOf_gz-F9mQdWoflREdv_j69hU2whyphenhyphenYn8CohG1s8ll3TD6d5v3QtpWYWbNKTULfApTlnMscoXw7m2-I5YmGGovxTeIo51cDN-dLMY/s320/P1030497.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347974858075693106" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Jeannie, a social worker in Port Jeff but a local Mattituck resident for the past 23 years came to the farm via Mark’s connection with the local Suffolk Earth Watch group. We enjoyed her stories of the various interesting properties and houses she has been lucky enough in the area. Especially intriguing was the 2 story converted barn with one wall floor to ceiling windows over looking the fabulous natural scenery of the North fork<br /><br />Caterers, Andrew Crossan and Lisa Teiger of CuisinEtc,<br /><a href="http://www.cuisinetc.net/">www.cuisinetc.net </a> came out to volunteer and after the first weekend lunch of ho hum pizza offered to provide vibrant delicious vegetarian lunches to both feed the body and soul. Lisa and Andrew are looking forward to when the crops start coming in and being able to create yummy communal meals with produce they helped to plant and nature. Hopefully we can plant an in house herb garden to compliment the vegetables.<br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhip-MHs49kIx3azNgYwDcsozuvBlgzK8NdC4H4-ClJWYt4rGf-XYDcgq5zIdl1E7ExOLXi4V6wQzYa6CV0LjTrnCuemo5zQ6QGx2KTqUCG0ATtfnHB2AJQRXih6HzjUyM4jum3luaOPgnn/s1600-h/P1030476.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhip-MHs49kIx3azNgYwDcsozuvBlgzK8NdC4H4-ClJWYt4rGf-XYDcgq5zIdl1E7ExOLXi4V6wQzYa6CV0LjTrnCuemo5zQ6QGx2KTqUCG0ATtfnHB2AJQRXih6HzjUyM4jum3luaOPgnn/s320/P1030476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347951272756394002" border="0" /></a>Lunch this weekend consisted of an extensive buffet of vegetarian & organic dishes such as<br />white & black garbanzo bean salad with tandoori onion chutney, Thai marinated broccoli with red & yellow peppers, brown rice, grilled pineapple, organic carrots & cilantro salsa vinaigrette, Greek feta & oregano salad, cheese tortellini salad tossed with sundried tomato & fire roasted peppers, loaves of roasted garlic country bread, fresh pita, white bean with kale & roasted pepper bruschetta, homemade banana bread, homemade cookies including orange cranberry oatmeal, chocolate chunk cookies & Mark’s favorite – crunchy gooey coconut meringues.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlPw5VagTXhOf8NAKhElMlECo1h1Q5ggZClaMaozUU9KBb_ZAQ9l7npG6S9PRUWRWdnE_tQcZWQVqedz34-NFuu-AeXfrq8v93Pp7TisoQ3ijgSq1tQdn7cAn-dHxllbbrUmB5gQ2U8bx/s1600-h/P1030508.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlPw5VagTXhOf8NAKhElMlECo1h1Q5ggZClaMaozUU9KBb_ZAQ9l7npG6S9PRUWRWdnE_tQcZWQVqedz34-NFuu-AeXfrq8v93Pp7TisoQ3ijgSq1tQdn7cAn-dHxllbbrUmB5gQ2U8bx/s320/P1030508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347976174199551858" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">vegetarian and vegan offerings courtesy of CuisinEtc Catering</span></b></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIOZfd-X3Q8jLAliT7wI5N1Zk7pLnCEiLhBK5aBH9DyPBjReOeEbuPRRUXNyQOTlzGa13pph5ULKMDLSIdzGIn-nFd21mXA4pgHXaDiDqeiyRV-hPxIq6EHg0-JQfNlurlKLQtGthofoE/s1600-h/P1030503.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIOZfd-X3Q8jLAliT7wI5N1Zk7pLnCEiLhBK5aBH9DyPBjReOeEbuPRRUXNyQOTlzGa13pph5ULKMDLSIdzGIn-nFd21mXA4pgHXaDiDqeiyRV-hPxIq6EHg0-JQfNlurlKLQtGthofoE/s320/P1030503.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347976167450604210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9VNAhvffF1XjIfKIehjy3GZQUPkrM0IxjFnb-eBrEm2J1qqTaggjvTDg-F_SC-KTsJksqLN-toPzmZhz74GUYhHl5uXNwf0r4FB2QvFm_0FTwVnK7rm1PAIgVlQhyNlPcr1BFE-Qg-Nk/s1600-h/P1030505.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9VNAhvffF1XjIfKIehjy3GZQUPkrM0IxjFnb-eBrEm2J1qqTaggjvTDg-F_SC-KTsJksqLN-toPzmZhz74GUYhHl5uXNwf0r4FB2QvFm_0FTwVnK7rm1PAIgVlQhyNlPcr1BFE-Qg-Nk/s320/P1030505.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347974866605715186" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After lunch on Sunday, we were regaled with singing and guitar playing as well as Paul's wise-guy Brooklyn jokes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMFh1vk_ZOszoVw0WmC6BEQxRxQjBfyNFMGNJxgjDxVpVE_H-_GWO5dAxaWEQ5fbMNEe0ZobnRGZK4mJ-yztovedoBlhDffZjLbenuNzlBl6-FvppF3UqgA9VpW_pnrw20b0miYA8nTdC/s1600-h/P1030517.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMFh1vk_ZOszoVw0WmC6BEQxRxQjBfyNFMGNJxgjDxVpVE_H-_GWO5dAxaWEQ5fbMNEe0ZobnRGZK4mJ-yztovedoBlhDffZjLbenuNzlBl6-FvppF3UqgA9VpW_pnrw20b0miYA8nTdC/s320/P1030517.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347963187105439666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiNcwh0IzQ_xT7-W6oZTtjFgxOCtFWNJQgoc0MU2oedQhrbSH3-B8sKd2ZxHHTLUVv5RFJ67eMKy45smg56Y_eKnmixMFkazVPuRNv9snk20LP4WQ76QYVkue9-Najl-SK-dFQ9x2Wq1N/s1600-h/P1030522.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiNcwh0IzQ_xT7-W6oZTtjFgxOCtFWNJQgoc0MU2oedQhrbSH3-B8sKd2ZxHHTLUVv5RFJ67eMKy45smg56Y_eKnmixMFkazVPuRNv9snk20LP4WQ76QYVkue9-Najl-SK-dFQ9x2Wq1N/s320/P1030522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347979534817342338" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The work, food and fellowship makes Mark Unger of New York Natural Farming happy. He envisions a place where people work together, play together and participate in life in a visceral way while producing good nutritious food for New Yorkers. The Nork York Natural Farm certainly is on the road to that and more one organic shovel full of dirt at a time!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbi7gDkPY_umV1yVJn6hz9WBBFsh-ZQjqEDEnfH4Okw-7RyWFyzVHg7CRYQeiVosMkQLHMCcKSg9OOBu1EKKyr5pzqG1k22dbXYz06hG_PkzW9LB5TyPC2zpjJNndv3u8NBAI7dLMDdgXb/s1600-h/P1030459.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbi7gDkPY_umV1yVJn6hz9WBBFsh-ZQjqEDEnfH4Okw-7RyWFyzVHg7CRYQeiVosMkQLHMCcKSg9OOBu1EKKyr5pzqG1k22dbXYz06hG_PkzW9LB5TyPC2zpjJNndv3u8NBAI7dLMDdgXb/s320/P1030459.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347940176027145218" border="0" /></a><p></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">photos and blog writing courtesy </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">of Lisa Teiger </span><a href="http://www.cuisinetc.net/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">CuisinEtc Catering and Special Events </span></a></div>Mark Ungerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15487400358921163791noreply@blogger.com0