Liberty View

Local Yurt Company to Hold Open House—Launch Plan to Help Local Farms

2011-10-20T17:19:00.000-04:00

Local Yurt Company to Hold Open House—Launch Plan to Help Local Farms
NEW PALTZ, NY – October 20, 2011
On October 29th and 30th, from 1-5 pm, Matt Rogers of Clean Air Yurts and Highland Farmer Billiam van Roestenberg of Liberty View Farm will team up to present a new company specializing in custom handmade yurts along with a plan to help local farmers in the Hudson Valley and beyond.
In this economy, most businesses are sending their manufacturing overseas to save on costs, but according to owner Matt Rogers, “local handmade goods are integral to a community. They enhance a community by creating partnerships and strengthen the local economy.” Having recently started Clean Air Yurts, a company building local handmade yurts and custom furniture, Rogers has committed to remaining local by opening a new facility in New Paltz. “Today’s yurts are derived from the traditional buildings of no- madic Mongolians, “ Rogers explains, “but they’ve come a long way. Clean Air Yurts has taken the concept to a new level of comfort and style.”
In the wake of Hurricane Irene, Rogers, who lives on Dancing Meadow Farm in Gardiner, NY, saw first- hand the struggle small farmers go through in order to grow sustainable, organic food for themselves and their communities. These problems escalated as Irene hit, with many farmers watching helplessly as their crops, and sometimes even their soil, washed away with the flood waters and others, like Liberty View Farm, looked on as their ripe vegetables rotted from moisture and blight.
So, Rogers and long-time friend van Roestenberg hatched a plan to save small farms from their economic troubles. Yurts have the potential to help local farms in the area stay afloat by providing an alternative rev- enue stream. Since June, van Roesteberg has been renting out a small Clean Air Yurt nestled in the apple orchard of Liberty View Farm. Using the website www.Airbnb.com, he has offered his yurts and rooms
in his farmhouse for local tourists to rent, most coming up from the NYC area. “It’s been wonderful for farms like mine,” says van Roestenburg, “people like to stay in yurts because it’s a unique and beautiful ex- perience not found in hotels. They are looking to do things down to earth, they understand sustainability.”

Clean Air Yurts

30 Crispell Ln, New Paltz, NY 12561 http://www.cleanairyurts.com

Rogers has had the opportunity to travel around Europe, and while in his home town in Sicily, he noted the prominence of Agriturismo. Agriturismo is popular on farms across Italy, providing rural vacations that bring visitors to farms and ranches for overnight stays and often farm-fresh meals. This trend is quickly becoming popular in the United States and especially the Hudson Valley, where city dwellers can find some rest and relaxation while experiencing farm life. “Yurts are perfect for farmers who don’t want strangers in their homes,” says van Roestenberg, who sees yurts as serving dual purposes, “we’ve used the yurt to dry herbs and flowers, and the smaller model can be easily moved around the farm so I can place it where it best suits my needs at any time.”
Clean Air Yurts provides different styles of buildings, from those made for camping, travel, company advertising and other temporary uses, to yurts that are permanent and durable meant to stay in one place, and last a hundred years or more. The next generation of yurts, created by Rogers, is of the more perma- nent variety, eliminating the toxic PVC-coated canvas used by other yurt companies and instead feature- ing thick, fully insulated walls, wooden siding, and durable metal roofs. “Our new designs will have all
of the comforts of a fully insulated house. Real glass windows, wooden siding, and blown-in recycled cellulose insulation as well as the ability to wire and plumb them just like any house. But the real benefit is that they can be built on a site in less than a week, eliminating the hassles of having construction crews on a property,” Rogers explains. “Yurts were originally used as a temporary structure that could be easily moved from place to place. Today, people tend to set them up and leave them in the same place. This new design caters to that need and makes them more comfortable, as well as durable” This is the type of yurt purchased by van Roestenburg, and for display during the October 29th and 30th open house.
One may question how small farms, already struggling, can afford to purchase these yurts, which can range from $2,000 to $30,000 depending on the size and style. Rogers and van Roestenberg have a plan for that, too. Clean Air Yurts will offer a payment plan for farms looking to participate in agro-tourism. “That way, they can put half the cost down to start, then pay the rest off over the next year using the money they earn through rentals,” Rogers explains, “easily recovering their investment without going fur- ther into financial hardship.” Rogers and van Roestenburg also plan to help farmers advertise their farms, hold fundraisers, and set up accounts and utilize the website Kickstarter.com, a funding program where farmers can setup fundraising accounts and donors can invest anywhere from $5 to $2,000 or more, re- ceiving unique products and experiences in return for their money.

Clean Air Yurts

30 Crispell Ln, New Paltz, NY 12561 http://www.cleanairyurts.com

For more images of Clean Air Yurts, contact:
Matt Rogers, 30 Crispell Ln, New Paltz, NY 12561 610-295-4681
matt@cleanairyurts.com

Contacts:

Matt Rogers
Owner, Clean Air Yurts 30 Crispell Ln
New Paltz, NY 12561 610-295-4681 matt@cleanairyurts.com

Billiam van Roestenberg
Owner, Liberty View Farm
340 Crescent Avenue
Highland, NY 12528
845-399-9545 NaturallyGrownApples@gmail.com

Hudson Valley Farm Weddings

2011-07-11T05:57:00.004-04:00

Events are wonderful here on Liberty View Farm

Fulfilling the vision of a country wedding theme is unique and easy.

A sustainable way to have a most special day.

Our beautiful country farm setting is the perfect place to entertain. A country wedding venue has many advantages in that the setting itself offers almost all the "decoration." Privately, you and your guests have access to the orchard, edible landscapes and flower gardens throughout the property. Wonderful photo-ops are plentiful on our farm.

Our farm house is also perfect to accommodate you, the bridal party, and or your guests.

Great short video of Liberty View Farm Wedding Farm Wedding July 2, 2011

Sooji + Albert's Wedding Teaser (Same-Day-Edit) from Albert Cheung on Vimeo.

Your wedding on our farm can be anything you want it to be - from an informal event to a magnificent gala with grace and elegance, and of course anything in between. Dance under the stars, enjoy the mountain views; you can even spend a few nights in our beautiful farm house.

A great way to make your wedding unique and memorable, as well as affordable, sustainable and tasteful.

Cultivating something deeper for you, your family and guests to always remember.

On a farm cultivated with love.

Liberty View Farm Weddings and a Whole Lot More...

On a personal note; I have been a full-time farmer for several years now but since I was 18 years old I have been working on equal rights. I helped organized the Same Sex Weddings in New Paltz in 2004 and was the first couple married. Now I can even get married on my own farm starting July 24th! Same Sex Weddings on Liberty View Farm Starting July 24th!

It all started in 1999 when I bought this farm and met Jason West; here is one of the articles about me in the New York Times from 2004. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/03same.sex.weddings

It is an honor and privilege to have all weddings legal on my farm now. 2011 is certainly a great year, I still can hardly believe it.

always bearing fruit,

Billiam van Roestenberg

Get Dirty With A Farmer - Crop Mob Day

2011-05-04T16:08:00.009-04:00

Get Dirty With a Farmer

Saturday May 7th 11AM to 4 PM

For sometime now, I have been very interested in the growing popularity of Crop Mobs. These impromptu scenes of people getting together and having fun while helping small farmers are proving that there is really nothing like getting back to basics! Like the good old fashioned Barn Raising of yesteryear a day on a farm in the fresh air with like minded people is something very special indeed. There is something about wanting to be closer to earth and having a hand in producing food. A great feeling of satisfaction comes when someone helps another and when they learn to appreciate and honor taking time to enjoy how precious every bite is.

Likeminded individuals coming together to build community and supporting a small farm. Farming has always been difficult but in the early 20th Century it has even more challenges. Labor and fuel are extremely expensive, so when there are extra hands it save lots of time and a lot of money.

Networking, Building Community and Sustainability all in a days work!

If you shop at the local farmers market, then you already know more about where your food comes from. But if you really want to gain more awareness, you will learn more each and every time you are closer to your food's origin. For greater appreciation get dirty with a farmer!

You will create new memories and have stories to tell for the rest of your life while taking part and helping to provide a most innovative way to help a farmer.

Esprit de corps

The Mob or on our farm “Liberty Esprit de Corps” is fundamentally a group of people who arrive on the farm with several similar missions. To unite in an orderly condition to work in concert cleaning orchard, pruning, tending to edible landscape plots, planting seedlings, placing hay mulch, weeding, composting, turning up fresh beds and at certain times of the year harvesting a variety of crops. Where one, two or three people make for long hard days, a crowd is not only effective but also a lot of fun! When the chores are complete we all sit down, laugh and eat!

If you espouse to eating healthy and are conscious of how your food is grown and where it comes from then you will enjoy a Crop Mob. If you desire a sense of belonging and making a difference then you will benefit from a Crop Mob. If you want to be part of rebuilding communities then experience the power of a Crop Mob. If you envision and want Edible Landscapes all over rural, suburban and urban areas, growing food in backyards, front yards, roof tops and on the sides of streets then get some hands on experience from the fruits of your labor and come together for a day.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Agricultural tourism is a wonderful experience. Come up for a day or stay overnight. You can pitch a tent on the farm or stay at one of the many wonderful B & Bs in the area.

Pack a Pic-nic and get ready for a great day!

Drive (Car pool), Bus or take the train.

New Paltz Trailways Bus Station. Bus leaves NYC @ 9:30 AM arrives New Paltz 11:05 AM

Poughkeepsie Train Station is 12 minutes away on the Metro North Line that leaves Grand Central. We will even pick you up in Poughkeepsie on the 8:47 AM which arrives at 10:34 AM or the 9:52 AM which arrives at 11:34 AM.

Please make a reservation and confirm with us by sending an email or attending the Facebook Crop Mob Liberty View Farm Event if you need to be picked up from bus or train station.

Naturallygrownapples@gmail.com

845 399 9545

We the farmers will be very appreciative and you the Crop Mobbers will feel satisfaction and feel more connected to the earth, food and each other. Deeply cultivating community is no longer forgotten.

Marc and his associates in New Paltz

2011-04-07T17:18:00.002-04:00

Marc and his associates are just terrific!

They make you feel really good! All under one roof.

Greta People Great Practice

Monika Kretschmar, Ph.D.

Inner Voice Drawing®

Moving Beyond Limitations A Playful Tool of Connecting
to Your Higher Self and Drawing Out Valuable Answers to All Questions of Life

innervoicedrawing@gmail.com

Great Foot Doctor!

2011-04-07T16:31:00.001-04:00

Vanessa M Darmochwal, DPM

I got to know Vanessa when during harvest I broke some toes. I was limping all around the farm. In front of all these people on the spot I was given an exam to be followed up in her office the next day. My foot was full of dirt and dust looked terrible but it did not bother her! She was all dressed up.

An hour later Vanessa returned (new change of clothing) with all the proper medical foot gear to hold me over until I made it to her office. My foot was like new!

Phone: (845) 691-9388

3725 US HIGHWAY 9W
HIGHLAND, NY
12528

Enjoy an April shower of frivolity!

2011-04-07T15:23:00.000-04:00

A great place to eat right around the corner of my farm!
They are doing great things aside from serving great food!

Gunk Haus, a German gastropub in Clintondale, NY right around the corner from me... hosts “Drag Brunch”
Sunday, April 10th from 11 am to 5 pm to benefit ARCS

Performances between 12 and 2 pm but brunch services lasts from 11 am to 5 pm. Proceeds will go toward the Hudson Valley AIDS Walk.

Drag Brunch @ Gunk Haus! link
(845) 883-0866 or email info@gunkhaus.com.

A Documentary Film About Marriage Equality

2011-04-07T15:10:00.000-04:00

Why did they the featured families take time off work, spend money and travel to Washington DC? What were their hopes and how did it change their lives? You will meet people who are courageous and inspiring, who came to Washington DC, to demonstrate that they believe in Equality. Their stories are the reason we march. March On.

One Night Only!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Two Screenings: 4:30 and 7:30

Dinner: 6:30 - 7:25 (for all on the main floor of the Yellow Bird Building)

Dinner prepared and donated by Hudson Street Cafe, 237 Hudson St., Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY
A Special Fundraising Event
To Benefit the Hudson Valley LGBTQ
Donation only: $15.00
For reservations, telephone 845.561.3686/800.974.8592 and leave a message with exact information.
Tickets also available at Hudson Street Cafe - 845.534.2450 or in person. See Anne Pavek.

Pet Sitting

2011-04-07T14:31:00.000-04:00

If I am in the city for meeting for a day or several days I call Misha to watch my dog and sometimes even all the farm animals! She is very reliable and cost effective.

It is so beautiful to have someone so smart and caring for our little loved ones.

Mishas Ark Pet Sitting website link

845 255 4072

1 in 5 children in America are homeless and have nothing to eat

2011-04-07T14:05:00.000-04:00

Thank Goodness for Diane Reeder and her Queens Galley!

We all know this past winter has been challenging for every non profit and not just the organizations but for staff and those we serve. In some cases it has been the tough time that has brought many of us together. Organizations finding new ways to partner with each other to work around budget cuts, funding freezes and resource limitations. In some ways those challenges have brought some of us closer and we have become better for it.

For Queens Galley those partnerships have been a cornerstone for our organization. From the begining it was evident that truly to be successful in what we wanted to do we needed to connect with others as passionate about what they do and work together to create an imapact.

In the last year we have welcomed new faces on both sides of the kitchen door at the galley. More guests have come to dine and have been served by new faces that have quickly become familiar.

We have enjoyed more food, better food as donors discovered our appreciation for quality product and dedication to producing exceptional cuisine.

I cannot even begin to tell you how grateful we are to be here, in this community at this time. But, I guess since you're here too you already know the blessing from which I speak :)

When I say we couldn't have done this without you I'm not kidding. Because of the support we have had gathering, preparing and serving the food and taking care of people I have been able to turn my attention and focus on some critical issues...the physical structure we work from is a disaster.

The roof needs repair/replacement over one of the structures, the electric system needs to be updated and brought into this century, our equipment is barely surviving and in some cases not at all, plumbing issues have become standard and the foundation crumbling away leaving our basement vulnerable at every drop of rain has become a critical nightmare.

We do not own our building and we are fortunate that our landlord has been trying to help us by attempting to make repairs but they have made it clear that they can only make repairs within the parameters of what comes in via rent above expenses...which means they refuse to make any changes above and beyond bare minimum. We have attempted to buy the building several times and each time negotiations hit a road block. Our landlord went into this to make a profit, a profit as business investors they are entitled to demand no matter how unrealistic it might be in this economy. No, they won't donate the structure, they want the money.

I have been working with several people on different strategies, some more practical than others.

One of them, a bit of pie in the sky wishing for miracles is our application to ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition. As crazy as that might be to do any of you that know this place knows that it is a miracle that we're here at all.

I believe in miracles.

We need your help to nudge this miracle along. One of the criteria that the production looks for is a broad base of community support.

We have submitted our video as part of the application and you can view it by using this link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EY2_iHSsDc

My request to you is if you are inclined to help make this happen for us please write a letter of support and send it to the production company.

The address is

Lock & Key Productions

5062 Lankershim Blvd. Suite 3005

North Hollywood..., CA 91601

We need to show that without a doubt that we have the community behind us.

Tell them of YOUR experience with us. Have you volunteered? Known someone that we have helped? What kind of way has our being here touched your life or the lives of those around you?

Every letter, postcard or smoke signal is appreciated.

Thank you!

--

Diane Reeder

Founder, Executive director

The Queens Galley

254 Washington Ave Kingston NY 12401

(845) 338-3468 (v)

(845)901-0341 (m)

www.thequeensgalley.org

Tax Deductible Donations powered by NYCharities.org

Info for a better life.

2011-04-01T17:40:00.000-04:00

Hello fellow foodies, farmers, lefties, and lovers of all things progressive and real,

Spring has finally arrived and there is a lot going on here on the farm and a lot going on in the Hudson Valley and New York City Tri-State area too! Continuing community outreach, activisim and starting a new company to help small businesses and communities.

Mending Fences, Fixing Leaks and still Cross-Pollinating...

2011-04-01T17:39:00.000-04:00

Rene was in Florida for three months working and now we are fixing the farm from too much snow, blizzards and getting ready for 2011 season! Damage to barns, gutters, roofs, gates and lost all our winter kale crop.

2011-04-01T17:38:00.000-04:00

Woofie Joins Liberty View Radio Show!

2011-01-07T17:43:00.003-05:00

Rachael joins Billiam every Tuesday 6:30 PM for their call-in radio show.
Community, health, food policies and more. Entertaining, informative and real discussions that matter. Interviews include celebs from far and near.

WKNY 1490
Streaming live with podcast on demand.

Call-in 845 331-1490

Whig Party for david Sager!

2010-09-22T16:15:00.012-04:00

click on images to enlarge.

Liberty View Farm & Billiam van Roestenberg
Proudly request the pleasure of your company
to attend a wonderfully important event.

It would be awesome if all of us could vote for
a progressive like David Sager!
We can help David in another way...
Attend this event so that he will be able to
vote for us and represent all New Yorkers!

Sunday, September 26th, 2010
One O'clock
340 Crescent Avenue
Highland, NY

Would you be so kind to jump on your horse and
make off like Paul Revere and spread the word?
Call on your friends and neighbors to
attend one of the best events of the year.

David Sager for NYS Senate
A more affordable, healthy & equitable New York!
http://www.sagerforsenate2010.com/issues-and-agenda/
"We cannot build our own future without helping others to build theirs" Bill Clinton

Suggested donations $30 for Family Farm Apple Picking and meet David Sager $50 for Coffee And Cake.

Articulture still accepting atrists!

2010-09-03T12:36:00.003-04:00

Unison Arts Center Call for Entries for the Annual ARTICULTURE Day
Art & Crafts Fair * Farmer's Market * Square Dancing * Sculpture
Call for Entries for Crafts Fair and Sculpture Garden
And if you're not a crafts person or sculptor but just want to spend a perfect day listening to two great bands, eating farm fresh food, shopping for gallery quality crafts and enjoying all the fantastic farm-themed activities at Hurd Family Farm:
Save the Date! Saturday, September 25th.
* Rain date Sunday 26th
Stay tuned for more info...
Articulture/2010 Call For Entries

Contact: Stuart Bigley - 845-255-1559, Charles Hurd - 883-6300,
Billiam van Roestenberg, 845-399-9545

ARTICULTURE Call for the Arts

Unison Arts Center announces a call for entries for craftspeople and sculptors for its second Annual ARTICULTURE Day, to be held on Saturday, September 25th, at Hurd Farm, in Modena NY. The juried crafts show will exhibit pottery, glass, fiber, basketry, jewelry, etc. Outdoor sculpture will be sited throughout the farm.
Submissions may be made between August 27 and September 10th. There is a $25 submission fee for sculpture. Jpeg images of the proposed piece(s) should be sent to Submissions@unisonarts.org. The "subject" should be Articulture.
Craftspeople interested in exhibiting at the juried crafts show should request an application by contacting Helene Bigley at Helene@unisonarts.org also between August 27 and September
10th
. The "subject" should be Articulture. Booths are available for $25.
ARTICULTURE is an event created to promote Ulster County's three most important industries, the arts, agriculture and tourism. The event is organized by Unison Arts Center, Hurd Family Farm Farm and Liberty View Farm where it was founded several years ago. WKZE-FM Radio will broadcast live from Hurd Farm throughout the day.
ARTICULTURE is made possible in part through County of Ulster's Ulster County Cultural Services & Promotion Fund administrated by Dutchess County Arts Council.

Frack me!

2010-09-02T21:11:00.000-04:00

You are cordially invited to attend
A fundraising cocktail party
In honor of
Mark Ruffalo
And
Frack Action PAC

Sunday, September 12, 2010
at the home of
Susan Zimet & Steve Auerbach
100 Butterville Road
New Paltz, NY 12561

$250 per guest: 3pm pre-cocktail reception with Mark Ruffalo,
Frack Action’s spokesperson – includes photo

$50 per guest: 4:30pm cocktail party

100% of your gift for the cocktail party helps Frack Action PAC to continue protecting our environment against the devastation of hydro-fracking

RSVP by September 5th to: RuffaloFrackAction@gmail.com
Please make checks payable to Frack Action PAC
Send to Frack Action PAC c/o Susan Zimet
PO Box 444 New Paltz, NY 12561

Calling All CSA Farms, Farmers and Farmers Markets

2010-06-18T07:26:00.000-04:00

Take A Share In A Booth In The "Green Tent" At The Dutchess County Fair!
Low Cost, Limited Commitment To Be Present, and Tremendous Exposure.

This year at the upcoming Dutchess County Fair (August 24-29), I'm adding a new space to the Green Tent
(a BIG tent in the middle of the infield area of the Fairgrounds): It's a 10' x 25' space, for CSAs, farmers and farmers markets to
share at very low cost...a place where you can display information about your farm/CSA/farmers market, have people sign up
to become members for the next growing season, and just generally show the thousands of people who visit the tent what the importance of your enterprise is to our local communities.
The Dutchess County Fair attracts up to 400,000 or more visitors over six days. You'll never find another venue to get this kind of real-time marketing exposure to so many people.
And the cost -- $50 per farm/CSA/market -- can't be beat.

Also, by grouping together, you'll only be required to be physically present in the booth for a few hours one or two days of the Fair (all other Fair exhibitors/vendors are required to staff their booth 13 hours each day, for ALL six days!).

If you're interested, please contact me asap! Laurie Rich, Coordinator, Dutchess County Fairgrounds Green Initiative: 845.876.6330; LRich@frontiernet.net

Soup Kitchen 911

2010-06-04T08:47:00.001-04:00

Dear Friend of the Queens Galley,

The good news is the stove is on the way! Thanks to your help and
cooperation of so many others we will have the new 60" Southbend 6
burner double oven here and ready to cook in about two weeks.

The not so good news: We're in the worst financial shape we have seen
in a long time. The drain on resources between faulty equipment and a
surge in services leaves us in a dire situation at the moment.

As you know, The Queens Galley still provides food for all in need
even during the summer months.Our regular volunteers go on vacation
and every so often we run into folks who say they have "meant" to
volunteer but
didnt get around to it.

Summer is a critical time for families with children. Kids who
normally have access to free and reduced price lunch at school do not
have that luxury at home. When Food Stamps run out and families have
exhausted the
visits permitted to the food pantries we are literally the ONLY
resource for some families for food at the end of a month.

We desperately need funds and volunteers to get us through the summer.
We desperately need funds to get us through NEXT WEEK.

Please, write a check or drop off a donation of food and perhaps
decide to stay for an hour to pitch in and help keep us going.

I don't send posts like this often. Those of you who have been donors
for several years can count on one hand the number of times you have
gotten an email like this from me. I only "ring your bell" when we are
truly in need
or have something critically important.

We need your help. We need you to let others know how they can help.

Without you we cannot continue to make sure healthy chef prepared
meals that are served to anyone who hungers so they can dine with
dignity.

Without you we can't teach kids how to make healthier food choices
from food pantry basics. Without you we can't continue to connect
seniors and families to farmers markets to use food stamp benefits,
without you we
can't survive.

9,000 meals a month. Every day new faces come in but more striking is
the fact that every day we have regular faces. People who depend on us
EVERY day for food because there is no place else to go.

Ulster County does not have a single summer food program for kids. We
are
the closest thing to a summer dinner program in our ENTIRE county.

We need your help!! Please send invitations to join our FB cause to your
friends, add a personal message and encourage them to donate.

Without your help our doors will close.

I'm not being melodramatic, I am coming to you with a genuine fear and
concern...and plea for your help.

How ironic it would be to see that new stove arrive next week only to
have it sit there because we lack the funds to stay open.

Help us keep cooking? Thank you!

Donations made payable to :The Queens Galley 254 Washington Ave Kingston
NY 12401
or online: http://www.nycharities.org/donate/c_donate.asp?CharityCode=1133

Thank you for your help!

Diane Reeder
Founder, Executive director
The Queens Galley
254 Washington Ave Kingston NY 12401
(845) 338-3468 (v)
(845)901-0341 (m)
http://www.thequeensgalley.org

Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Queens Galley Soup Kitchen is up against the wall.
Liberty View Farm is still struggling from last year when we lost 50% of our crops due to all the never ending rain. Liberty View Farm is still in the red. I have decided that our apple tree leases will "sort of be on sale" to help Dianne feed the Hungry.

Even though growing our apples is expensive and hard; our apples are darn cheap for you when you lease a tree from us. We are giving you discount because you pick your own and buy in advance.

The Queens Galley And Liberty View Farm are in trouble.
Please support us and spread the news. If you find it hard to lease your own tree- do it with some friends!

Tree Lease $65.
Farmer gets $50
Queens Galley Soup Kitchen gets $15
You get 50 - 150 lbs. of healthy apples.
Lots of apples from "your own tree" during harvest and we all help feed the hungry Now!
I just can't sleep at night knowing there are hungry families here in the Hudson Valley.
Please - lets do this for each other.

Lease a tree here

"FREEDOM IS NEVER VOLUNTARILY GIVEN BY THE OPPRESSOR; IT MUST BE DEMANDED BY THE OPPRESSED." - MARTIN LUTHER KING.

2010-05-27T09:54:00.003-04:00

I'm an old man -a gay old man - I enlisted in the U.S. Navy - during the draft - in Feb. of 1964 - my time was one of respect for the office of the President and Patriotism was everywhere - homosexuals weren't mentioned anywhere in polite society - color T.V. was still in its infancy - a few gays were still being institutionalized in mental hospitals for being gay and the time of lobotimizing them was not so far off (in the 50's) although electro-shock was still commonly used.

My ship was the first transferred to Viet-Nam duty from the East Coast and we were on SAR duty (sea & air rescue)off of Hanoi Harbor.
We watched American Airmen fly into Vietnamese territory with their bomb and missle laden planes, fat with eggs of death. They came back shot up, sometimes barely able to control or fly their planes - they knew we were there to pick them up when they could'nt possibly go any further - so they crashed into the sea quite near us with the hope that they would get out alive.
We always managed to pick them up. Some times we had to get quite near to the coast to rescue them and once even went into Hanoi Harbor itself...on those occasions we drew fire from the beaches and land installations.
You have no idea of the terror when you're hearing in your headset the words 'incoming missles' all the while you're listening to the pinging of constant machine gun bullets hitting the ship, especially when you're 4 decks down and you know - YOU KNOW - that you'll neven get up those frigging decks if we would take a direct hit.
On the way to Viet-Nam, I re-enlisted -on board ship - for a further tour of duty - I was at the top of my game then - in rank and conduct with medals earned for good conduct and other campaigns hopefully including a Vietnam Service medal.

I was discharged at Treasure Island, San Francisco with an Less than Honorable Discharge in late Sept. of 1967.
While awaiting discharge we were held in a barracks half of which contained sailor and marines up on charges of murder, rape, theft - mostly hard-core criminals.
The guards/staff at the barracks were bigoted bullies and we were harrased at every turn. Our heads were shaved and we were marched around base in peculiar green overalls - I think 'prisoner' was stencilled on the backs - we were assigned humiliating detail work, cleaning garbage dumsters full of maggoty refuse baking in the hot sun and anything else those bastard guards could think of...

The hardest part was the nights listening to the sobs and weeping of those being discharged whose only crime was being gay. I remember a couple of guys particularily. One was an older Chief Petty Officer with 16 years of service - career military - his life in tatters and the other was a Marine - God-like in physique, absolutely one of the handsomest men I have ever seen. Screaming to all and sundry - almost constantly, I'M NOT GAY ! - I'M NOT GAY ! I'M NOT GAY ! that's all he would say, over and over and over again into the night.

The day before we were discharged we were taken into a used clothing store down on the waterfront, I think and we were given - we didn't have a choice - of civilian clothing that was clown like - that's what I thought anyway. I remember the putrescent metallic green womans raincoat with butter yellow outsized buttons that I had been given - the poka-dot shirt and the ill-fitting orange pants whose cuffs were up around my ankles - the shoes were worn, scuffed and battered and a size too big - all of this stuff was thrown at you by a 'clerk' whose attitute was that of amusement. The weirder the combination was the more amused he got until he was outright laughing at our situation.

I remember we were told repeatedly that we weren't going to be able to get jobs 'out there', that we were worthless, that we might as well do our relatives a favor and just end it all.

I had telegraphed my father asking him - since I had disgraced the family whether he wanted me to come home - he replied that they loved me, yes to come home and enclosed a money order for $500. - my Uncle was career Navy and had the forsight to tell my father what I might need - I bought new clothes at the Navy PX - our last night on base we were given some freedom and the next day early in the A.M we were given our papers and taken to the base gates and dumped. The bus to the airport was a public bus and at the airport I was injected into a different world - hippies and anti-war sloganeers - I was travelling on a military ticket and the clerk mentioned that I was lucky that I was in Civilian Clothes as those traveling in uniform got a hard time from the anti-war folk.

When I got home it was almost a full year before I could actually force myself to get out. My dad had actually gotten from somewhere - I know this had to have been difficult for him - the addresses of several gay bars in downtown Philly and he gave me $50. and said 'get out there and explore - go find yourself - you're not going to do it here'.

We have as a brother and sisterhood come so far from those days - you young people just don't know - don't realize just how far we've advanced - in some areas of the country they were pulling gay couples out of their homes and murdering them - they just disappeared - the local police knew but they were in on it. Gays were AFRAID of coming out - scared to death isn't so far from the truth.

Looking back at those years I can see huge leaps of advancement and we are so close - so close - to being recognized as equals. Appreciate every crumb, every little advancement that is mortar in the wall of equality...and push for more.

You guys are right in demanding the whole enchilada NOW and you are right to be pissed --- fight for our rights. Some of us are old and tired but we're here and with you in every sense.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What or where do I begin. I got chills reading this and then shed a tear. I wish in some way I could be in touch with this hero.

I organized the Same Sex Weddings in New Paltz NY in 2004 and was the first coupled married. I married a Gulf War I Verteran, a Maj. in the 82nd Airborne.

I did this facing jail time and with many death threats for all gay people. I feel proud I put my life on the line and in my own little way everyday I still fight for my rights and all Americans rights because when one segment of our population is discriminated against we open the door to many other types of discrimination.

We should all stand up, elected officials or not, and say America does not discriminate against anyone plain and simple!

I am so very sorry for what happened to this sailor and to the untold numbers who have suffered and continue to suffer as Second Class Citizens.

The Brave Gay Heros of the 21st Century are out fighting for our rights and standing up and shouting as they should! Let everyone know we will not be put down any longer! Enough is enough!

This new year I have decided to FIGHT DISCRIMINATION WITH DISCRIMINATION! republicans are not welcome on my farm! Not one New York State republican State Senator voted the end Gay Apartheid in NY! My farm Liberty View Farm was rated Top ten in America last year we grow organically and I will be damed if republicans will have benefit from the fruit of my hard labor. No matter how you slice it republicans do not believe in a clean environment, peace, univerasal health care or equlity. Let them feel what it is to be discriminated.

2010-05-03T10:06:00.001-04:00

Did you know you can cook and eat dandelion leaves in the spring they are really good tasting and good for you!

Did you know the Opinions of Dandelions are finally changing...

2010-05-03T10:01:00.001-04:00

Beautiful Dandelions!

Dandelion Wreaths

2010-04-23T08:17:00.002-04:00

What a beautiful week indeed. The Apple orchard is in full bloom and we had some friends give a hand while we enjoyed each others company in the fresh air and the mesmerizing aroma.... We focused on tending to work in the orchard to behold the beauty during this special time. It has been surreal, if you call it work, wandering around with goats and sheep laughing giggling all day long. Rene even taught Cassandra and I how to make Dandelion wreaths that he made growing up in the mountains of Czechoslovakia.

Beautiful Little Liberty View Farm

2010-04-22T09:48:00.002-04:00

I feel that all my hard work is worth the effort when we have beautiful days like this on the farm. Join us call me 845 399 9545

Gay/Hetro Valentine's Day Cards from Liberty View Farm

2010-01-11T16:49:00.007-05:00

2010-01-11T16:30:00.000-05:00

Farmer Billiam and artist friend Leslie came up with a clever idea to sell beautiful cards with drawings of his chickens and roosters with some very interesting themes for Valentine's Day.

Gay or straight: two chickens, two roosters or a chicken and rooster. The perfect card for all your gay friends and straight friends too! Give these cards to friends for Valentine's Day, or other occasions. Be creative by adding color or glitter in various ways AND if you email us a photo of your specially designed card we will enter you in a contest where you could win one of Liberty View Farm's "Lease a Tree!" So order your cards today and remember when you purchase and support our farm we in turn support others with donating our fruit and veggies and helping other organizations.

Abundance Day

2010-01-11T14:51:00.002-05:00

Abundance Day “ Swap your old treasures for new treasures”
February 20, 2010
Gardiner Library Community Room
133 Farmers Turnpike 11am- 4pm

No money is involved!
Abundance Day provides an opportunity to clean out your closets, nooks, and crannies, and bring items clean and in good repair to the Gardiner Library where they will be available to others to take home. While you are there circle the tables for items that you could use or enjoy! There is NO bargaining, no money is necessary; you bring what you are ready to part with and take whatever appeals to you. It is a fun day of sharing!
What to bring:
Quality items you no longer need or enjoy. We all have things that are not being well used or fully enjoyed – clean, fun, useful, interesting or beautiful items in really good shape. Bring the kids! Let them bring things to swap.
What NOT to bring:
Computers or parts of computers, large electronics.opened or expired containers of food, or text books.

If you have any questions about an item or the day please call Anne Rogers 255 0087 or email dancing112@yahoo.com

When and Where to bring items:
Bring items to the Gardiner library on the day of the swap NOT before. Once the doors are open you place your items on the designated tables and start shopping.
Some of the categories to consider:
Books, magazines, CD’s, DVD’s
Toys and Baby equipment
Household items
Tools of all kind
Small furniture pieces
Clothing, fabric in good condition

At the end of the day, whatever is not taken will be boxed and given away.
Anyone willing to take a load to a thrift store or recycling center please let us know.

Future of food and nutrition in our school district

2010-01-11T14:39:00.001-05:00

Please help us shape the future of food and nutrition in our school district in a constructive, dynamic, community-centered way.

We need your letters of community support as soon as possible!

As you may already know, the Rondout Valley Food Service Manager recently resigned, creating an opportunity for a replacement that will impact the well-being of our kids for years to come. On Wednesday, January 6, 2010, the District plans to interview civil service candidates to fill this position. By State law, the District is required to interview any candidate who has advanced to a certain level of civil service aptitude based on a series of exams. Although candidates may technically qualify for the Food Service Director job, the exams do not ensure that they possess the vision or skills to create a program that can nourish students with fresh, delicious and, when possible, local food.

While this job requires an expert business manager capable of providing food within a budget, we think it is equally important that the new hire understands our community’s interest in providing our children with better food choices. The best possible candidate would have a full understanding of food and wellness issues– including nutrition, agriculture, food sourcing and food preparation –as well as real world experience in the culinary arts.

Healthier, better tasting food translates into more students and staff buying meals as well as a program that is better able to support itself financially.

What are we asking of you? Let the Board of Education know that you care about these issues. Please send a letter (it can be as short as a couple of lines) to the Rondout Valley Board of Education expressing why school food and nutrition are important to you and your family.

To e-mail your letter, please follow this link: http://www.rondout.k12.ny.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=719450&pageId=993674

Important issues you may wish to discuss in your letter:

(Feel free to use these points as reference, but please write about what is important to you)

* Model programs show that healthy, non-processed, real food helps improve students’ behavior and their ability to focus and perform better in school. (for more info, see http://www.feingold.org/Bluebook/page-09-wisconsin.pdf)
* The importance of making a careful, thoughtful decision to hire the best person available for the job.

# Taking the time necessary to find and choose a School Food Service Director who has consideration for

* Cooking real food

# Delicious food
# Fresh local food
# Farm-to-School programs
# Food as curriculum
Thanks for your Support!

Sincerely,

Nicci Cagan & Mary Jane Nusbaum
Co-Founders
From the Ground Up
845-687-4124

A Special Christmas Tree Farm

2009-12-12T08:55:00.003-05:00

Locals of different religious views help our Soldiers for Christmas.

One good deed leads to another. After a very hard year for growing; local farmers help in their way too.

Eight long years of war and a local farmer donates more trees again this year as in the past. Several years ago Susan Hurd thought she and her family would get involved to help our Troops. She found a program called Trees For Troops. And again this year Hurds Family Farm with many years of community involvement has donated 10 of their Christmas Trees to this wonderful organization; Christmas Spirit Foundation that helps our troops; the trees are being delivered to Fort Drum. The Hurds Family Farm is well known for their apple orchard and corn maze, but for several years now they have also been busy growing and maintaining a plantation of Christmas Trees on their homestead in Clintondale, just 5 minutes from downtown New Paltz. Susan wanted this program to grow and while one of her neighbors dropped off a Pumpkin Pie for Thanksgiving, Susan mentioned to him that she needed him to take a photograph of a Veteran for a project she was working on. The neighbor was fellow farmer Billiam of Liberty View Farm. Both Susan and Billiam have been supporting one another on several projects for over ten years now. Billiam was just as excited about this as Susan and he has always been a big fan of hers for many reasons. Billiam has been buying and promoting Susan's Christmas Trees, wreaths and other holiday decorations for years. Billiam, who is not religious at all "loves her Christmas Tree Farm" because "the trees are locally grown and offer many years of safety for birds nesting which adds to their sustainability, they only cost $50 and they also provide winter jobs to workers in our community. Susan makes beautiful wreaths and other decorations from bushes and trees that are growing right in front of her old farm house. And I practice what I preach. I ask people to support and purchase from my farm and that is why I always support and purchase from other local farms like the Hurd's Farm. After all helping in small ways does make a difference!"

Billiam started spreading the word. He told his friend Carol Himmel of New Paltz, who celebrates Channakuh. She is interested about this project because of her ongoing interest and volunteering in supporting troops and their families. Carol said "Many of these service families are living on food stamps. They also can't afford Christmas Trees. I am joining forces to help Susan and Billiam this weekend at The Hurds Family Christmas Tree Farm." A Muslim friend of Liberty View Farm exclaims, "It is wonderful for two apple farms to work together in our community and not think of each other as competition; my Italian American Christian wife will be buying some decorations from Hurds this weekend and I am Leasing an Apple Tree from Liberty View Farm to be donated to family of New Paltz for the holidays. By purchasing locally we support our local economy to help keep farms growing in our area. We will also be dropping off some food donations as well. We are all Americans first and support Susan and Billiam for all their efforts to help our troops."

"It has been a tough year for many, but it always feels good knowing that here in this special community we come together and support each other in any way we can. Everyone at one time or another has life's struggles. We are all different in small ways and large and it is good to know we come together. This is a very long war and it is very comforting to know there is so much love and caring all around us. Let us work together to bring peace and happiness to as many as we can. We wish everyone a Healthy, Happy, Safe, New Year and in particular we wish to make the Christmas Season brighter for military families and especially for all of their children. We hope everyone in our community will join us in our efforts" Susan Hurd.

Susan, Billiam and Carol will be together this weekend accepting non perishable foods and donations for Family of New Paltz helping our local families of troops stationed overseas. The Hurds Family Farm is located on Hurds Rd. in Clintondale and will be open thru Christmas.
Drop by for a visit and share some hot apple cider! And kids get a ride on the Holiday Country Cow Tractor Train Ride for free.

Call Susan: (845) 706-8503
info@hurdsfamilyfarm.com

Call Billiam: 845 399 9545
naturallygrownapples@gmail.com

--

Sadie's Hudson Double Dutch Chocolate Cake.

2009-11-20T08:18:00.000-05:00

Hudson Double Dutch Chocolate Cake. Home-made Chocolate Cake recipe that is traditionally light and is slathered in Chocolate icing. $24

Our wonderful Sadie just turned 75 - Happy Birthday Sadie!
With her life long passion of baking and cooking, Sadie is going all out to make her famous deserts for all of us to enjoy. This is a favorite Home-made Chocolate Cake recipe that is traditionally light and is slathered in Chocolate icing.
Hudson Double Dutch Chocolate Cake $24

2.5 lbs., 9"diam., ten to twelve servings.

Sadie's Cookies

2009-11-20T08:17:00.001-05:00

New Paltz Pignoli Cookies $21.95 lb.
Stoneridge Almond Macaroons $12.95 lb.
Skytop Italian Iced Cookies $11.95 lb.

Mohonk Blueberry/Lemon Cake $

2009-11-20T08:15:00.001-05:00

Mohonk Blueberry/Lemon Cake $19.95

Sadie's Sour Cream Coffee Cake

2009-11-20T08:12:00.001-05:00

Sadie's Sour Cream Coffee Cake $15.95

Liberty View Farm Naturally All American Apple Pie

2009-11-19T21:13:00.001-05:00

A classic favorite made the old-fashioned way with our own Certified Naturally Grown Cortland and Empire Apples. A pinch of ciinamon, nutmeg and a very small amount of sugar are added because our apples are very sweet already - just like me! Baked in a light and flaky home-made crust.

Liberty View Farm Naturally All American Apple Pie
w/glass pie dish & additional 3 lbs of Certified Naturally Grown Whole Apples with Billiam's Famous Applesauce Recipe for you to make as a side dish in only 15 mins.
$29.

3 lbs. 9" diam., eight to ten servings.

For Thanksgiving place your baked goods order by calling Billiam or Rene @ (845) 399-9545 or (845) 883-7004 or email us: Naturallygrownapples@gmail.com no later than by Noon, Monday November 23rd.

Pick-up starting on the farm this Sunday

**Credit Card orders gladly accepted.**

Thanks to the collaboration of Carol, Sadie, Farmer Angie, Lagusta, and Rene.

One for all and all for one.

Queens Pumpkin Pie.

2009-11-19T21:12:00.001-05:00

Velvety and smooth. The unmistakable pie of Autumn, our not-too-sweet version of a classic with a hint of cinnamon and spice, it truly captures the meaning of this Holiday meal. Just add a dollop of fresh whipped cream and it will be a comforting end to your Thanksgiving Holiday Dinner.

Liberty View Farm Pumpkin Pie
w/glass pie dish & additional 3 lbs of Certified Naturally Grown Whole Apples with Billiam's Famous Applesauce Recipe for you to make as a side dish in only 15 mins.
$29.

Minniwaska Rocky Road Shortbread Cookies 4 for $5.00

2009-11-18T09:36:00.003-05:00

Holiday Pies, Cakes & Cookies

2009-11-18T09:23:00.003-05:00

I thought I would get a few farmers and cooks/bakers together and sell some wonderful Holiday treats.

For Thanksgiving, place your baked goods order by calling Billiam or Rene @ (845) 399-9545 or (845) 883-7004 or email us: Naturallygrownapples@gmail.com no later than by Noon, Monday November 23rd.

Pick-up starting this Sunday

Thanks to the collaboration of Carol, Sadie, Farmer Angie and Rene.

One for all and all for one.

America's Best Apple Picking Farm

2009-10-16T09:49:00.000-04:00

America's Best Apple Picking Farm. Top Ten by Travel and Leisure Magazine American Express Publishing!
Click here for link to Travel and Leisure magazine Website

Also the Eco-fabulous New Paltz Cow-munity Farmers Market and our farm stand in our old tin barn! Open all weekend rain or shine. There is even a large tent so you all can play with our baby goats!

Check out some of our photos Liberty View Farm Photos

Empire Apples 2009

2009-10-15T04:08:00.003-04:00

Liberty View Farm Certified Naturally Grown Apples ( Organically Grown Apples )

Well Harvest time is here! The apples are better than I thought! Come and get your Empire apples right now!

Our Empire Apples are ready to be picked

Well we had snow.
The bad news is that almost all of our flowers and a lot of veggies were killed in the frost.
The good news is that our Empire Apples taste terrific!
In fact I had a Waldorf School class here and one of the mothers said "these are the best apples I have ever tasted!" To which I told her that I am trying to relearn everyone how we were conditioned in the 20th century to eat bleached white bread, factory produced white eggs, and to eat fruit that was bland with very little nutrients so as to benefit a few huge companies. It makes it much easier for these huge wholesalers to pick fruit before they are ripe so they can store them for a year by the time you eat them. We need to eat more seasonally and we will all then learn to better appreciate all the hard work farmers like me go through and not take for granted one morsel of food that lays on our tongue.

So come this weekend or the next to our farm and taste the best apples!
It might be cool but inside our tin barn we have lots of warm food and cider and great company!
Pick up some kale, winter squash, comfort food & do not forget about Rene's old fashioned apple baked goods!
Fresh-air good healthy food and wonderful people
- buy local buy fresh!

Angie will be Saturday with her cooking delights...
Saddie will be here with her wonderful home made comfort food this Sunday!

Liberty View farm is open from 10 AM - 6 PM on the weekends and by appointment only during the week. We need appointments since we are a small farm and do the farmers market in the city during the week but also deliver to other organic farms and health stores. This is our busiest time of year!

When you come to harvest your apples from "your leased tree" we will escort you out in the orchard and show you to it! It is that simple. We assign them when you arrive because there are a lot of things we are thinking about like: we want you to enjoy some privacy we like to have you pick a tree that is not right on top of some one else, if you have little people we like to have them away from the parking meadow, if you are on crutches we of course would like to have you as close as possible to your parked automobile. Remember; please park in rear meadow behind old metal barns - follow signs. No running, no using ladders (we have pole pickers) watch where you walk - this is a working farm. Keep in mind that where there is high grass that means there is usually a divit or hole, be careful where you walk and take care of walking thru gardens.. Please also stay out of animal pens and ponds and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. And PLEASE no throwing anything in ponds. Bring bags, boxes and cameras. We also insist that you bring SMILES! Directions on our website Libertyviewfarm.biz

Our Empire Apples are ready to harvest in October and are best when they have been hit by at least one frost.

Billiam van Roestenberg

Liberty View Farm LLC

Apple cider making classes

2009-10-14T09:21:00.000-04:00

My Hero Matt will be giving apple cider making classes Saturday and Sunday 11 AM & 4 PM

Cow-munity Farm-Yard Sale Labor Day Weekend

2009-08-31T07:23:00.000-04:00

This Saturday & Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM
Liberty View Farm

Barn & Yard Sale.
Join us and shop or join us and set up a table or blanket and sell some things. Everyone is welcome to buy sell or both! Go into your garage, cellar or attic grab some things and make some money and maybe make some room for something new. A variety of items for many different tastes. Rene and I are running around the house and barn organizing things I have bought over the years and have never used.

We ask that 10% of proceeds go to charity.

This man and his agency - POWER HORSE!

2009-08-30T10:24:00.000-04:00

Bob Lewis

Hurd's Family Farm Corn Maze

2009-08-26T07:30:00.001-04:00

And after you visit Liberty View Farm you really should got to the Hurd's Family Farm Corn Maze just 8 minutes away! Ten years ago I was fortunate enough to meet and then help Sue Hurd with some of her projects; like helping her beautify the Clintondale Post Office. We bought flower boxes and planted them up! Then in 2000 she asked me if I was interested in helping her with an idea she had. A corn maze! Several months went into design and planning. It was the first one in the Hudson Valley and I remember flying in a friends plane taking all the aerial photographs. As with many of the projects I get involved with it was all very exciting!

Over the years I have gone on several occasions with friends and family of all ages and each time it is a real treat. At times it is both exciting and peaceful. A unique Eco-fabulous Eco-tourist experience with the most splendid views!

This year in honor of the 400 years since Henry Hudson sailed up the valley; the corn maze challenge design is the Half Moon Rising. A depiction of the ship that Henry Hudson sailed up the river that is named after him! Come and explore this local natural wonder, there is also raspberry picking, the Spanish ABC maze for children and several regional folk music festivals scheduled throughout the fall..

Who needs "6 flags"? Here you have corn that is 10 -12 feet high! And when the season is over the corn is donated and the plants are turned into compost! You have fun and you help a farm family all at the same time! How great is that?

The Hurds are terrific people and they help so many all the time. Susan and Phillip Hurd's son Charles not only works with me on my farm as a consultant, he spends his own money and over the winter flies to the southern hemisphere and installs solar powered wells in poor communities. They have helped me with my farm from the beginning too! The Hurds family has been farming here for over 150 years. As with many farmers problems right now the Hurd family is going through an extraordinarily personal hard time; so please support this fellow farm for me and many others. Tell them Farmer Billiam sent you! Phone: 845-883-7825

Rene and I BARN RAISING

2009-08-17T18:31:00.005-04:00

Today Rene and I helped our farmer friends Anne, Dave and son Mathew with raising their barn!

It was extremely hot and hard work but we made some progress!!

We love them and their farm so we have to put our money where our mouth is and help some fellow farmers in need!!!

Heres to making Dancing Meadow farm more productive for generations to come!

More photos here

Kale is very healthy- here are some recipes

2009-08-14T08:18:00.002-04:00

Martha Cheo's Kale recipes
Purchase some of Billiam's Kale and then de-stem. Chop fine and then add olive oil, apple cider vinegar, cucumbers, feta or goat cheese, salt & pepper and then add a little of Billiam's Raw Honey.....let it marinate a little while..... YUM!!!!

Massaged Kale

Ripe Avocado, ripe mango, olive oil & some fresh lemon juice!

Kale chips

Ingredients
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons salt (this makes them pretty salty- you may want to reduce the amount, then sprinkle the chips with salt w)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 bunches kale, rinsed with stems removed

Directions
1 Cut kale into 2 to 3 inch pieces.
2 Mix vinegar, oil, and salt in a large bowl then add kale and mix by hand.
3 Try to get all the leaves covered.
4 Place on baking sheets (I like to use parchment paper for easy clean up) and bake at 350 F until they are crispy.
5 After about 20 minutes, if it looks like they are not sizzling a bit or getting a little crispy, turn up the heat to 400°F.
6 Time for baking varies depending on the size of your chips and desired crispness.
7 The outer edges cook quicker than the pieces from near the stem.

What is this Utterly Interesting Symbol?

2009-08-12T06:31:00.000-04:00

An Utter of Course!

My modern take on one of my goats utters....

2009-08-11T18:19:00.006-04:00

I can hardly imagine that I have been here Ten Years!

You are invited to this fabulous farm party at our super private secret, incredibly underground location with lots of root veggies,
famous farmers,
foodies,
writers,
authors,
chiefs,
drummers,
artists,
activists,
fabulous gays,
musicians,
chickens,
sheep,
goats
and baby goats
lots of flowers....
and our Organically Grown Apple Orchard!

All the Gods need to hear this little farm needs help from all this rain - too much rain!

Everyone must tell all of their drumming friends to join our special drumming circles!

If you have any photos of taken here the past ten years...... bring them I want to see them!

This Saturday, August 15th 4 PM

here is a note from a friend who moved to Fl I miss them very much!

Oh how wonderful!! 10 years!! What an accomplishment!!! 10 years of love and dedication!!!

I only wish we could be there to blow kisses in the air and wishes for another 100 years in the wind!! May all of the Goddess' Blessings be bestowed on Liberty View Farm and Her Sweet Inhabitants!! May the sun come up and warm you and the land, the rain pour down to rinse and cleanse, the wind bring seeds from far lands, and the night rest for another day's journey and grace!

Mazel Tov!!!

And Happiest Birthdays to our Sweet Rene!!

xxxooo
Your Southern Family
The Sellers

.

Annie's work it beautiful!

2009-07-27T09:59:00.004-04:00

You can come to the market and buy the most incredible locally grown produce and then eat off locally made pottery!
I got the Fabulous Sheep Bowl. If you would like to purchase one of Annie's pieces just let me know!

Thai Yoga Bodywork

2009-07-26T22:19:00.000-04:00

Thai Yoga Bodywork is an ancient practice of maintaining good health and healing dis"ease" through the use of massage, acupressure and gentle yoga stretches. Thai yoga bodywork is medical discipline taught to doctors in medical school and used in Thai hospitals as well as being practiced in many villages by informally trained healers who have learned orally, without much theoretical background. During the 90 minute session the practitioner will gently massage and activate the energy lines (sen) to help the client release blockages, stimulate and relax the clients mind and body, promoting the natural healing processes. All the movements are done according to the client’s needs and the client remains in control of the amount of pressure and stretching that they desire. The practitioner will take the client through a series of yoga stretches that also help to release blocked energy. Thai Yoga Bodywork is done on a mattress on the floor, with the client fully clothed. It is best to wear comfortable clothing that will move with you through the stretches. Some recent comments from people that have received a massage : “ Delicious”, “Amazing”, “I feel like I am floating”, “You have a very loving touch”. If you are interested in receiving a Thai Yoga Body work session or would like more information please call Anne Rogers. Anne is a certified Thai Yoga Bodywork practitioner and is offering sessions in her home located in Gardiner. You can reach her at 845 255 0087 or dancingmeadowfarm@gmail.com
Sessions are 90 minutes long for 90 dollars. First time sessions are half price (45 dollars) and you can purchase more than one session for a discounted rate.

ARTiculture

2009-07-17T06:14:00.000-04:00

Photo above by Lauren Thomas

ARTiculture

Unison and Liberty View Farm teaming up for a one day multi-media arts festival.

Art in the Orchard. Barns and Edible Landscapes

Jazz Dance Ensemble and live Music tours of the farm and fun for all ages.

July 18th 3 PM-9 PM

For more info and photos go to my blog: [Cultivating Community & Farmers Blog](http://libertyviewfarm.blogspot.com/)

Frugalfarmerbilliam@gmail.com for more info.

Pie contest

2009-07-03T22:03:00.006-04:00

Photos of our pie contest & winner Laura Wells.

Her Gooseberry Pie and crust were fabulous!

We had many wonderful pies. Boy did my tummy feel good!

And most importantly we all had a great time.

Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness

2009-07-03T07:47:00.003-04:00

Independence Day

As a patriot of this great country and it's people and trying to live the American Dream I wanted to share some of the things I stand for.

The name Liberty View Farm came to me because I believe in liberty for all people and want liberty from harmful things we are doing to one another and the environment. A view towards cleaner sustainable living. I always wanted this little farm to help and inspire as I am daily inspired by all the wonderful people and organizations around me. Sure this is not a perfect farm, place, country or world but it just takes one small good thing to wash away a lot of the struggles we all encounter in our daily lives. Speaking of troubles....

Continued from E-newsletter:

Last Friday I was getting ready for terrific Eco-Fabulous Farmers Market ( Which I look forward to all week btw) when coming back from Kingston I blew another tire. Yes, I was already on a spare and now I was stuck in the mud! So many things to do like harvest for market!!!!! No cell phone someone nice enough to lend me their phone I called the only number I remembered. (not many people know this but I am dyslexic) I was stressed and numbers can get very hard for me. My good Friend Nora was coming to the rescue after getting delayed due to accident and road closure... eventually arriving with a smile just as one of these incredible storms approached. I felt defeated and overwhelmed running very much behind schedule plus the stress setting up for market and helping to manage market..... When all of a sudden all the struggles of the past few months with all the rain and flooding threats of hail. All the pressure from running the farm and other projects I am involved with and so many people I know that are having a tough time too-dealing with this awful debilitating Lyme Disease; my father's death my poor mother even the NYS Senate dysfunctional because of two State Rep. Dems that are against people like me, I broke down crying. Thank goodness for Nora at that moment and it actually felt good letting it all out. ( I want fellow farmers and others to know many of us are going thru things like this especially weather related)

Got the tires on as I was leaving some guy in a bike needed a lift so although it was out of my way and was adding to the 2 hour delay I felt I had to help this sopping wet stranger.....

Got to the farmers market with a few minutes to spare and a few veggies short but seeing all my good friends made me feel even better.

I love this place called New Paltz. " The Axis of Freedom" this place where many good people come together, inspire and help in countless ways.

2009-06-23T16:39:00.001-04:00

This is a story of how people in our area come to the rescue of one another.
All for one and one for all!

Last Friday, after 5 years of hard work, The Hudson Valley Materials Exchange Bus had it's maiden voyage. The project, called… ‘Reuse a Bus and Learning with Leftovers Mission’… had just begun. Loaded with inexpensive art supplies for children, camps and home schoolers… including leather, silkscreen print frames, 27 different colors of tissue paper, wood and chime tubes, awning fabric and shutters, the bus had just left The New Paltz Recycling Center and stopped for gas at the Modena Service Center for what was going to be the biggest event of the year. This year was going to be the best ever. Every year, the Hudson Valley Materials Exchange raises a large sum of money, selling materials at the Great Hudson River Clearwater Revival Festival, which was this past Sat June 20th.

Jill Gruber, president and founder, had just bought $200.00 of diesel fuel, and was looking forward to seeing all the happy faces of people, purchasing items that they can use. When all of a sudden, with just a turn of the key, this beautiful day and dream literally went up in smoke! In the rear of this large colorful bus, filled with hopes and aspirations, the engine had just blown. A black cloud of smoke was billowing everywhere.

"I was in shock"… Jill Gruber said…. “I remembered speaking to Billiam earlier in the day, he was setting up at Robins’ for the New Community Farmers Market. I told him how excited I was about the bus and he was very happy for me. I was very grateful that he and his fellow farmers were busy working hard every day to get local food to us all. I did not know what to do about my bus, but I knew I needed to speak with Billiam, he always has good ideas. I was on the verge of tears when he saw me. As always, Billiam welcomed me with open arms and told me everything was going to be ok. We both went to speak with farmer Dave Rogers, co-manager of the Eco-Fabulous Community Farmers Market. We all then went to speak with the owner of Robins’ Grocery Market, Mike. Mike came to the rescue as usual and asked how he could help. He said we could have the bus towed to Robins and we did!!! "I took a look inside the bus and saw things I can use for my home and grocery store. They have everything one could need, even a kitchen sink!"… said Mike. “This is great for the whole community…” said Anne Rogers of Dancing Meadow Farm. “ …and in such a convenient spot…” said Lauren from Alchemy Farm.

"…Cock a doodle do…!!!” “With all the terrific things to do here in this part of the Hudson Valley, you have to get up early. Save your weekends for fun things, and for convenience, shop with us on Friday evenings. Buy local nutritious food directly from the growers. Walk a few feet away to the crafty HVME bus, now parked in Robin’s parking lot, and get crafty with children of all ages. You will be all set for the weekend...” said Laura from Full Moon Farm in Gardiner NY.

Hudson Valley Materials Exchange, is an environmental not-for-profit organization, since1993. Their "Community Warehouse" and New Mobile bus… (um…immobile bus) redistributes surplus and used art, craft, education & building materials, rescued from commercial use. Open to the public and focused on educating communities to save money and learn how to make the best of resources. Over 3000 tons of materials have been used thus far and diverted from being put into landfills, saving over a million dollars in purchasing costs so far. HVME is a necessary resource for our environment and our community.

“I always believe in cross pollination. We all have wonderful projects and ideas and when we all help each other, we all benefit…” said Billiam. “ The Eco Fabulous Community Seasonal Friday Farmer’s Market is a great market that just got better every Friday 4 PM Seasonal local produce, local baked goods, great atmosphere! So y’all come down now, ya hear!!...”

2009-06-23T14:29:00.000-04:00

2009-06-12T13:44:00.000-04:00

2009-06-06T17:25:00.000-04:00

Liberty View Farm Apple Blossom Festival 2009

2009-05-03T20:31:00.000-04:00

Helping Anne & Dave

2009-04-25T12:04:00.003-04:00

Would you like to learn, have fun and help some farmers?

2009-04-24T09:26:00.003-04:00

As many of you already know, Dave Rogers has recently undergone open-heart surgery. Dave and Anne have been farming just under an acre of land for the past few years and they are counting on that garden for food and financials. Anne and Dave are two super groovy, always-willing-to-lend-a-hand, fun to be with kind of friends to all who meet them.

They are saving the date below and would appreciate any help in getting their garden set for planting. They have prep work lined up as well as the planting of 50 raspeberry plants (and those really need to get in the ground soon). I went over there and helped roto-till last weekend. Please pass on this Garden Work Party info to whomever you feel may be interested. Feel free to come at any time for any amount of time.

This Saturday, April 25th - 9:00AM to whenever, at Anne and Dave's garden, Crispell Lane (off Albany Post), Gardiner. 845 255 0087 or 610 297 2629

Anne and Dave have become very good friends of mine. I am so happy that Dave made it threw with flying colors!

I will see you there.

Sundance Film Channel

2009-04-21T05:49:00.003-04:00

People have been calling me telling me to watch the Sundance Channel to see myself. Well I am too busy.... and do not have TV.

Last year Sundance contacted me for a new series Eco-Trip. They heard about some of the innovative things I have been working on here on Liberty View Farm.

They wanted to feature me and my farm but I had told them that I could not do what I do with out the support of this great community. I told them how many of us work together and how we cross-pollinate one another! How 21st Century farming exists because we are going back to basics and good old-fashioned interaction.
I went out on a limb and insisted that the Eco-Fabulous Community Indoor Seasonal Farmers Market @ Robins Market also be featured because it is one for all and all for one!
Video clip of me
Eco-trip website

Apple Blossom Festival

2009-04-14T22:09:00.000-04:00

Liberty View Farm Tree Lease Members 1st Event in the orchard.

Don’t ask me why, but one of the first things I thought of when I bought this little farm was that it would be really nice to have themed parties. They can be so much fun; we always have a grand time indeed!

The First Coming Out of the 2009 Season Soiree.
It was a very long hard winter, don’t we all need to be outside with the apple trees in full bloom and share our pic-nics and pot lucks?

In any event, another opportunity to fulfill this fantasy has presented itself. Maybe it was the Stevia somebody next to me was smoking? This time we all dress up like AIG Executives and play some Tournament Croquet just like they do in Palm Beach with Bernie Madoff. AND since it falls on the Apple Blossom Festival we also have to wear hats! Preferably straw hats with lots of flowers – lots and lots of blooms!

Make no waste; head to your local millinery at once! This is the perfect time for a new straw hat or straw boaters. Art suppliers and the Salvation Army are waiting for your creativity! Have your maid run to the foyer or go out and purchase some silk flowers and plant-up your hats! If your housekeeper is not good with such things get your spouse to do it! If the First Lady can plant up the White House- we can certainly glue some flowers to a hat! As our President says “Yes we can!”
Happy days are here again…..

In case you think this is another pretentious High-brow event; think again. As you know I like to turn things upside from time to time here at Liberty View Farm. Yes indeed you will be hob nobing and milling around with farmers playing Croquet and Badmitton.

So, instead of formal whites, the dress code will be blooming hats for Ladies & Gentlemen, lots of plaid, argyle and if we are lucky and you have a great pair of legs; some knickers too! We will be giving out awards to the best dressed!

Come join us for another creative get together creating new memories.
Sunday May 3rd, 2PM Liberty View Farm
Badminton & Croquet a good old fashioned get together.
For Members only. Tree Lease holders of Liberty View Farm.
LVF Members R.S.V.P. via email.
R.S.V.P. with Guests as well.

Join my email list and get this free E-newsletter!

2009-04-10T10:28:00.005-04:00

March 27 Newsletter

another

March 21st E-newsletter

Frugalfarmerbilliam@gmail.com

Full Moon Farm

2009-03-11T20:51:00.000-04:00

Laura spins, dyes, knits and felts the wool from her sheep into one-of-a-kind wearable art including hats, scarves, shawls, purses and vests.

Laura Watson and Paul Colucci raise their animals on their land and rented property in the Gardiner area.
Specializing in grass fed beef, lamb & goat, pastured pork and wool.

A beautiful farm just 10 minutes from Downtown New Paltz. I am impressed with their attention to detail and how all their animals are extremely clean and healthy; they even grow their own incredible alfalfa - no need to feed any grain.
A beautiful home and farm indeed; I even noticed the hardware on a barn door which Laura had handmade by a local blacksmith! Laura is one of my fellow farmers at the Eco-Fabulous Farmers Market @ Robins where you should not miss the opportunity to say hello and meet this born and raised New England Farmer who learned much from her dad who was a veterinarian. You can instantly feel the love and knowledge she has for everything around her farm. Truly an inspiration for me.

Have you heard about the incredible Hudson Valley Seed Library?

2009-02-27T07:41:00.007-05:00

Liberty View Farm wants you to Grow Your Own Liberty Garden!

Liberty from pesticides Liberty from the global trend toward the corporatization and consolidation of seed resources - a healthy happy hobby for the whole family to explore and enjoy!

The Hudson Valley Seed Library is a homestead-based farm and business devoted to developing a seed production network in our region. Using hand tools and low-tech processes, they cultivate dozens of varieties of agronomic plants on our own farm. They also collaborate with certified organic, certified naturally grown, and other small growers throughout our region to grow dozens of additional varieties. Our goal is to offer high-quality heirloom seeds to the public through both our Seed Library program and retail sale. This year they are offering over 25 varieties of locally grown seed. By 2014,they aim to offer 100% locally grown seed. I invite you to join them in this effort by growing their seeds in your own home garden.

Hudson Valley Seed Library LINK

Fresh eggs, apples and more.

2009-02-05T10:47:00.004-05:00

Above is a photo of Lauren, Tim and his children at the Eco-Fabulous Farmers Market.

Eat Local Food.org and many other wonderful people and organizations are working everyday throughout the month to make a great Eco-Fabulous Seasonal Indoor Farmers Market at Robins Market every 3rd and 4th Saturday of the month.

Put down in your calendar The Eco-Fabulous Seasonal Indoor Farmers Market and spread the word!

Liberty View Farm Fresh Eggs are now available at Robins Market.

And our Apples will be available for just a few more weeks at Health and Nutrition in New Paltz.

Hope to see you all soon!

farmer Billiam

Our Melamine: There's Mercury in High Fructose Corn Syrup, and the FDA Has Known for Years

2009-01-27T20:43:00.001-05:00

Maybe Jeremy Piven didn't get mercury poisoning from fish at all -- according to the results of a new study released by the Institute for Agriculture and Trace Policy (IATP), the actor may well have been sickened by soda or candy or anything that contains high fructose corn syrup, which, if you eat processed food in this country means, well, just about anything.

Foodies and nutritionists alike have been griping about high fructose corn syrup for years, and the industry has responded with an "astroturf" campaign and a level of secrecy generally reserved for military officials or secret societies (see Corn Refiners' Association president Audrae Erickson's stonewalling performance in King Corn).

Of course, I wouldn't want to show my hand either, if the making of my product could be described as the undertaking of a "small Manhattan Project" (see eye-glazing production info here). But as it turns out, the HFCS industry has been hiding some major skeletons in its closet -- according to the IATP study (pdf), over 30% of products containing the substance tested positive for mercury.

What makes this news truly shocking is not just that the manufacturers of high fructose corn syrup would put consumers' health at risk, but that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) knew about the mercury in the syrup, and has been sitting on this information since 2005.

Here's the connection, according to the IATP press release (pdf): The IATP study comes on the heels of another study, conducted in 2005 but only recently published by the scientific journal, Environmental Health, which revealed that nearly 50 percent of commercial HFCS samples tested positive for the heavy metal. Renee Dufault, who was working for the FDA at the time, was among the 2005 study's authors. In spite of Dufault's involvement in the study, the FDA sat silent on this one for three years, and in fact last August, allowed manufacturers to call the sweetener "natural."

Here's how the mercury gets in there, according to Janet at the Ethicurean:

How did the heavy metal get in there? In making HFCS -- that "natural" sweetener, as the Corn Refiners Associaton likes to call it -- caustic soda is one ingredient used to separate corn starch from the corn kernel. Apparently most caustic soda for years has been produced in industrial chlorine (chlor-alkali) plants, where it can be contaminated with mercury that it passes on to the HFCS, and then to consumers.

And more from the press release:

"While the FDA had evidence that commercial HFCS was contaminated with mercury four years ago, the agency did not inform consumers, help change industry practice or conduct additional testing."

And on why this matters:

"Mercury is toxic in all its forms," said IATP's David Wallinga, M.D., and a co-author in both studies. "Given how much high fructose corn syrup is consumed by children, it could be a significant additional source of mercury never before considered. We are calling for immediate changes by industry and the FDA to help stop this avoidable mercury contamination of the food supply."

In China, heads might roll over a scandal like this one, at least if the country received global attention for its allowing corrupt health officials' greasy palms to come before, um, public health.

Of course, in this country, the FDA's "neck" is safe. But what about the health of American consumers? Let's see the Corn Refiners' Association try to spin this one.

Leslie Hatfield
Posted January 27, 2009 | 01:47 PM (EST)

Huffingtonpost

Originally posted on The Green Fork.

2 tickets $200 4 days in DC

2009-01-25T08:36:00.006-05:00

What a terrific week Rene and I had. First Sundance Film Channel came and filmed our farm and the farmers' market I started with friends in New Paltz then the next day we were off to Washington DC.
My friend Bayne gave us her two tickets to the Inauguration of President Obama. We stayed at a friends apt. right in DC, drove down, shopped at Wholefoods and spent a grand total of only $200 bucks on gas, tolls, food and lodging!

It was an incredible time indeed!

We will never forget it. The largest gathering in U.S. history and not one arrest. if it were not so cold I am sure most of us would have stayed the whole day.

It truly was awesome in every meaning of the word.

Thank you Bayne, Jackie, Diana and Azi.

Take a moment and look at our photos on our Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/libertyviewfarm/

Valentines' Day Apple Tree Lease Gift

2009-01-24T07:09:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentines Day

Valentines' Day is just around the corner!

Why not buy an Eco-Fabulous Sustainable Valentines Gift- Lease one of our Apple Trees- which are even red! This gift also gives to others because Liberty View Farm donates food to help feed the hungry and enables us to do other things for our community.

A terrific gift that is an investment in a lot of healthy local fruit, that helps the local economy and farmer and you can make lots of lovely apple pies, apple pie recipe that you can freeze and use when you need it, lots of apple sauce that you can preserve or freeze and lots more like eating it the way it is- it truly is the gift that keeps giving.

You even get a new certificate design for 2oo9.

Pack that picnic and see you on the farm....

Very romantic indeed!

http://www.libertyviewfarm.biz/website/Apples.html

2009-01-09T13:09:00.017-05:00

My friend Leslie called me today and asked about one of the farm vendors from the New Paltz Community Indoor Seasonal Eco-Fabulous market at Robins because she and her 88 year old mother had a yearning for a family recipe and wanted to support a local farm.

I reminded them of the name and location as well as website
Kiernan Farm on Bruynswick Road in Gardiner. http://kiernanfarm.com/ Within the hour she called me back and told me that not only was it a truly beautiful farm, but they had such a wonderful experience. The farmers advice and information were remarkable as well and they also were impressed with the savings! Naturally Grass Fed Beef- 15 mins to a memorable time of mother and daughter cooking a simple healthy delicious dinner together....creating new memories......I told Leslie this one of the reasons I love the Hudson Valley and how she and her mother are simply great examples of contributing this this wonderful way of life. I forgot to tell Leslie that the owners Marty and Thelma Kiernan also have a wonderful Bed and breakfast right there Blueberry Inn at kiernan Farm. The farm house is over 200 years old. http://www.blueberry-inn.com/ for more information.

Leslie is a local artist and I love her art work and involvement (I bump into her at several community meetings and events every month)below is one of her pieces she had offered for sale at a benefit we had here on the farm to raise money for a little boy with cancer and below that is some of Leslie's information:

http://lesliebender.com/

.

A list of cheap foods to stretch your grocery budget during the holidays and beyond.

2009-01-03T08:11:00.006-05:00

Is organic food always expensive? Think about it! Not really.

Go to our Frugal Farmer's Friday Tips Blog

Photos from our New Years Pot Luck

2009-01-02T08:30:00.008-05:00

Hello everyone,

Here are some photos from our New Year's Pot Luck Friends of the farm.

Always take a moment and look at our blog for photos from our events featured on our Flickr webpage.

You can hit slide show on the upper right...

A great way to bring in the new year...

Fantastic food, wonderful music, great conversations and lots of laughter!

here is the link to see the photos:
www.flickr.com/photos/libertyviewfarm/

.

New Years Day Pot Luck

2009-01-01T07:51:00.006-05:00

Liberty View Farm Friends
New Year's Pot Luck
Today, January 1st, 2009
Starting at 1:00 PM

Rene and I host this special occasion as a thanks to all of the wonderful people who support us and this little farm. We appreciate everyone who becomes a member and leases a tree to help us make it through the year. We are all so fortunate to live in such a wonderful community with such wonderful people supporting one another.

Looking forward to seeing you all.

always bearing fruit,

farmer Billiam & farmer Rene

Directions:

340 Crescent Avenue
Highland, NY
12528

From NYS Thru-way exit 18
Bear RIGHT onto Route 299 heading east towards the Hudson River

Go to 2nd light (Lowes Home Improvement Center) make RIGHT
Pass Apple Greens Golf Course
3 miles to first stop make LEFT onto Hurds Maple

Up and around bend (200 feet) Stone wall; Church make LEFT
onto Crescent Ave. 8 - 9 houses on LEFT

Little white house with red shutters.

Please use second driveway to the right of the house
pass under Weeping Willow Tree towards orchard
park around old barns

If you would be so kind not to wear shoes in the house we would appreciate it

Further information about our farm on our website.

2008-12-11T10:50:00.005-05:00

Eat Local Food is sponsoring a Community Indoor Market every third and fourth Saturday from 9AM to noon starting December 20th. It will be held at Robin's Market on Route 32, two miles south of SUNY. There will be a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9AM.

Everyone is invited to shop for local food ranging from organic to certified naturally grown and including fruits and vegetables, eggs, dairy products (cheeses, butter, yogurt and ketin), wine, fresh and dried herbs, maple syrup, honey, animal proteins like grass-fed beef, buffalo, ostrich, quail, rabbit, goat, mutton, lamb and venison, fresh baked goods and much more. Additionally with the wide range of basic provisions available at Robin's Market the opportunity exists to do one-stop shopping. When we support our local grocers and farmers we support our local economy and community.

The mission of Eat Local Food is to provide convenience, ease and support for those interested in consuming a diet rich in locally grown foods. In addition to the market itself there will be hands-on educational opportunities/ workshops for all ages on how to grow your own food, how to make choices for healthier lifestyles and more. You can find out more about these at www.eatlocalfood.org.

I recently joined the board of Eat Local Food and I am proud to announce a few good things.

I have always been a firm believer in cross pollinating and so does Eat Local Food.

In this economy and more than ever we truly believe - the more we work together the more we will succeed.

Within this rooting purpose, we are working with Robins Market because they are a LOCAL grocer who already buys from local farmers. If The Community Farm Market was held in an empty space somewhere else many of the patrons who regularly shop for local healthy food may not have found out about Robins Market and all the great things they do and provide. It is also a welcoming space for many other reasons as you will see. We feel that this collaboration is a wonderful example of how working together can benefit all.

We also feel that we are all a part of our "Local Industry" and we are not truly competitors at all because, even combined, it would be extremely difficult to provide all of the produce that the Hudson Valley requires. And, most of the local farmers have created their own nitch markets and specialize in produce that their land dictates as well as what appeals to their individual tastes and comfortability zones.

When we join together at The Community Indoor Farm Market we will also be participating in another innovative "cross pollinating" project. Several farm markets (from Beacon, New Paltz, Rosendale and Saugerties) are planning to pool their individual advertising budgets to further raise the public's awareness of all the positive potentials in eating locally and in shopping at local farmers markets. Now, instead of tiny little ads - we will be able to have LARGER ADS in larger papers - one for all and all for one!

In the same vein I came up with the idea to work with Robins Market because they are a LOCAL grocer who already buys from local farmers. If we would have had our farm market in an empty space somewhere else many of the patrons who regularly shop for local healthy food would not have found out about Robins Market and all the great things they do and provide. It is a great space for many reasons as you will see. We are all part of an "Local Industry" and we really are not competitors because we all together could not certainly provide all the produce the Hudson Valley requires. Also, most of us have created our own nitch markets and specialize in produce that our land dictates as well as what appeals to our individual tastes and comfortability zones.

Working together is important. A great example of this is SUNY New Paltz is very close to coming to an agreement with a local wholesale company which will be an official vendor to the university. That means they will finally be purchasing from local growers. We all know none of us could provide all of the food that is needed, but the meetings I have been part of with Sustainable Ag for the past 2 years will enable us to ramp up and sell more and more to the college. This is only the beginning, public schools, nursing homes and hospitals are on my list too!

Now as in the past, dealing locally will also enable us to learn that we can grow and at the same time we can support, trust and honor one another.

This year consumers (and producers) will have more consistency and convenience.
There will be a local farmers market every weekend this winter and early spring for the Greater New Paltz and Rosendale areas.

Rosendale farm market 1st weekend, Jim's Winter Sun Market 2nd weekend, New Paltz Community Indoor Farmers Market 3rd and 4th Saturday of every month.

Looking forward to seeing you all on December 20th.

And in the meantime call, email and talk to all your friends and customers about all of the great things that are happening.

If you know any other farmers or vendors please spread the word.

Community Indoor Farmers Market
Winter 2008-2009

This market is coordinated by Eat Local Food www.eatlocalfood.org

For information about the market contact:

Billiam van Roestenberg 845 800 1002 cell

Billiamvan@gmail.com

Rosalyn Cherry 212 864 2165 cell

Rosalyn@clutterkit.com

For information about workshops contact Ann Rogers 610 297 2629 cell

Dancingmeadow@gmail.com

This market is a unique collaboration where Robins’ Market once again generously helps eating local to generate a stronger economy and community.

Eat Local Food is 100% volunteer based and vendor fees will go towards another unique advertising venture for many Winter Farm Markets throughout the Hudson Valley.

2008-12-06T10:47:00.001-05:00

Buy Local

Buy Local this Holiday Season and throughout the whole year!

Photo above is of Ms. Rosalyn Cherry and myself at the wonderful Hurds' Farm - "What beautiful views!"

More than ever buying local and locally made gifts are the best way to go!

You can actually buy your holiday trees and greens from the terrific Hurds' Family Farm right down the road from me not even a mile away - right on Hurds Road!!!

Article from HV Biz

2008-10-08T12:40:00.003-04:00

There's a great article about the farm in the latest issue of HV Biz. Be sure to pick up a copy or check out the link below.

Core beliefs
Long a staple, apples shine anew
By JIM GORDON

Liking them apples in the Hudson Valley is as easy as apple pie. At one farm, even the most space-challenged loft dweller can own his or her very own apple tree. Another farm saw five cars become hundreds in its very first season in business last year. Apples, that most seductive of Biblical crops, are sexy again.

Article continues at HVBiz.biz. Click here to read more!

Thank you

2008-10-08T11:14:00.004-04:00

I am getting so many emails these days from excited, satisfied customers and friends. They are eager to share stories of their apple picking experience and all the wonderful food they are making with this year's crop.

I thought I would share a few of these letters with you.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this season so far. I look forward to seeing you all again very soon, and be sure to keep in touch.

Hello Boys!

I hope all is well. We had a WONDERFUL time at your place! Thank you for being such gracious hosts! Cheryl and I will come back on Sunday October 19 to pick EMPIRE apples. We are going to walk around New Paltz and attend a concert at Woodstock in the evening after leaving your orchard. We made 4 delicious apple pies the night we came back from your incredible farm/ orchard. Since they kept two, I brought the other 2 home and set them in my Bennington pie plates...I am SURE you know what these are like based on the decor of your lovely home! They were my Mommy's and were kept in our kitchen among our other collectibles as I grew up. She would be delighted if she saw them actually getting used and not just for deco! (wink) I have made bags up for several bags of apples for friends, colleagues and my students to share this week. In addition we will bring a bag to the Yoga Retreat next weekend to share as well as donate to local soup kitchens.

Rene! Tim made a nice breakfast using your sweet pepper. Mmmm. The eggplant was FABULOUS! Oh goodness me it was so much better than the purple eggplant! I hope you will have more when I come! I made it tonight and it was yummo! Give it a try! The flowers look beautiful in my kitchen. They add such brilliant color. I love them!

I have gathered egg cartons and bags to bring to you as I saw your need and it is a great way to reuse them! Have an awesome week! Take care and be well. -Stace (I am the short curly blonde one out of the bunch)

PS. I have asked 2 other girls to join us, and if not, will bring back apples and veggies etc. for them!

Hey Billiam...I just wanted to let you know that the Cortland apples we picked on Saturday were delicious and plentiful... wow!
After making apple pies, apple muffins, apple sauce, apple crisp and still having plenty more to eat & share, I have gotten nothing but rave reviews from co workers, friends, and family that were the recipients. They have made it a point of telling me that these are the BEST APPLES they have ever eaten! Just thought you might appreciate that.

also just a reminder, since we just picked from Bernie's tree to please change mine to an empire, can't miss out on the BEST empire's ever!

thanks so much!
Joann

I must tell you about the wonderful experience I had at Liberty View Farm on Saturday. A few years ago I read an article in the New Paltz Times about a clever idea about leasing an apple tree.
Billiam, the farmer (known and loved around town for so many community projects he's part of) has a certified naturally grown orchard, with cortland and empire apples that are not sprayed with chemicals. They use clay. He walked us out to the orchard and we chose our tree. He put my name on it, and off we went to pick what I think must be 150-200 apples. We had a blast and the apples were amaZing!! I'm a macoun lover, and to this date, no other apple has come close to the perfectly crisp, white, tart and slightly sweet experience each bite is. Billiam's Empires won my heart (and my mouth and belly!) I highly encourage you all to go there and lease a tree, or just pick a few. His website is below. He's a great guy, the orchard is beautiful, you are getting to eat apples that are pure and clean, and absolutely delicious! I'm in the midst of learning how to make apple butter, apple sauce, and apple everything to enjoy the bounty!
Nourishing Wisdom Website

An apple their feet....

2008-10-03T23:50:00.003-04:00

Hello Billiam,

Thanks again for the beautiful apples and the tour of your gorgeous farm (and home)!
Reuben ate an entire apple on the ride home.
The type of yoga I teach, Anusara Yoga, always offers a heart-centered theme.
This morning I taught my class based on a inspiration from our visit.
I taught about how nature is inherently organized, even when it appears chaotic. I used the example of a perfect apple and tree. I told them about the Bija-Vrksa (seed-tree) principle that states that the entire potential the tree lies within the seed, just like our infinite potential lives within us.

At the end, while they were lying in relaxation I left an apple at their feet. Everyone was munching on them as they left, commenting on how delicious they were. Many of them told me that they were going to pay you a visit. Thanks for your commitment!

You asked me to send you a link for my website. We're in the mist or redoing it as it is pretty old-school.
Its:
http://www.jmyoga.com/

Ben's website is www.yourgrowingplace.com if you want to check out all the natural building design and construction he does.

Blessings,

Ami

Fellow Funny Farmer friends Ron & Kate

2008-10-03T16:25:00.012-04:00

Hi Everyone!!!!

So... Kate and I made (what is supposed to be) a short funny video about "How we really farm" for a video contest Liberty View Farm & Arts for Peace sponsored in New Paltz a month or two ago and we actually won a $100 bucks!!! Whoo hoooo! It was really fun! It is supposed to be kind of poking fun of all the people in the organic and small farms movement that take themselves so seriously....

We just finished the final edit and posted it on You-Tube if you would like to see it... CLICK HERE

The best way to see it is to click the "WATCH IN HIGH QUALITY" button
to the the lower right hand side of the screen (unless you have a slow internet connection)

Hope all is well with all of you,
-Ron and Kate
Huguenot St Farm

Cultivating Community - Our Local Pharmacy

2008-10-03T16:18:00.001-04:00

Good Afternoon Billiam,

Today, Ulster County Office for the Aging set up a table to pass out information to our clients. Your farm donated a beautiful crate of locally grown apples. Please accept our gratitude for this gracious gift. Supporting Local businesses is important to us at Dedricks Pharmacy and Gifts.. Again,Thank-you.

William and Jack Sheeley and Staff
Dedricks Pharmacy and Gifts

Anouncing our Flickr Account

2008-09-17T13:06:00.005-04:00

Just in time for the fall harvest, we here at Liberty View Farm have created a Flickr account to share all of the wonderful photos we take. For those of you unfamiliar with Flickr, fear not. Put simply, and in their own words, Flickr is "almost certainly the best online photo management and sharing application in the world."

In addition to the farm's "Photostream" with all kinds of pictures from around the farm, I created a special Apple Picking Group. Here, anyone can view pictures of all the people and fun we are having during this year's harvest. Join the group and you can comment on the pictures, telling us who is in them and what your favorite part of your apple picking experience was. You can even add your own photos taken at the farm!

It's really fast and easy to sign up if you don't already have an account. And it is Frugal Farmer approved because it's FREE! Get into the fun of Flickr today!

Surf on over to my Photostream, or check out my Apple Picking Group and share your photos with us.

Healthy Lawns Project

2008-09-10T11:23:00.008-04:00

I recently had a friend pass this information along to me. Not only is it supporting a really good cause, it only takes a second to sign the petition and help ensure a more toxic-free New Paltz. If you don't live in New Paltz, I urge you to find a similar organization in your area or start the movement if it hasn't already begun. Click here to find out more.

You've seen the lawn signs. Now join the ever-growing number of people speaking up, demanding their right to live in pesticide free neighborhoods. Click here to begin.

Article from the Daily Freeman

2008-09-05T13:07:00.015-04:00

People & Events

Lessons from the farm

By ROCHELLE RISERVATO, Correspondent

08/10/2008


Billiam van Roestenberg. (Rochelle Riservato photo)

Once plagued by years of neglect and the decline of farming in the Hudson Valley, a ramshackle house and 11 overgrown acres in Highland were rehabilitated to become Liberty View Farm by a man with a cause.

This article continues on the Daily Freeman website. Please click here to continue reading.

Can you spot the black lab on the cow's face?

2008-08-11T15:41:00.011-04:00

Local photographer Rochelle Riservato has over three decades of experience in her photographic artistry for major magazines and newspapers. She has also worked with international book publisher Harper Collins. From political portraits to personal landscapes--special events and weddings to personal bodyscapes, livestock and pets. Rochelle has the personality to make clients feel at ease for natural and innovative visuals. Please visit her Web site at www.photosbyrochelle.com and view her Gallerys.

Bee Aware Week

2008-08-11T14:26:00.009-04:00

Click on Bulletin below for more information

Water Street Cinema

2008-08-11T13:32:00.003-04:00

There are only two weeks left of the Water Street Cinema.

Tonight, August 11th: "Pollen Nation," "Silence of the Bees," and "Of Bees and Men"

With the growing global concerns on the disappearance of bees, these films explore colony collapse disorder and how it can affect human civilization.

Next Monday, August 18th: “Communities in Power” and “Garbage”

For more information, follow check out Water Street Market and click on "Events"