Spring/Summer Update
Spring has certainly sprung at Crown Point and throughout Northeast Ohio. We have had quite an eventful start to our growing season and are grateful for all of our members, shareholders, and friends who continue to lift up our work as we care for our greenspace that matters and sustainably feed our community.
One of the first signs of spring has been the start of our annual organic plant sale, one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. This year we had a tremendous sale, with the first Saturday being the single busiest day we've had in a decade! Although Mother Nature wasn't cooperating, a little rain wasn't going to stop all the gardeners from getting their organic seedlings!
Over 50 heirloom and hybrid varieties of tomatoes were offered in this year’s annual Spring Plant Sale in addition to native perennials, culinary herbs, cold weather vegetables, seed packets and much more.
Feeding the Community:
In addition to offering thousands of plants for sale during our annual plant sale, we were able to donate over 1,800 organic plants to 11 community gardens or other local non-profits. These plants will help provide healthy veggies to those in need in our community.
As of May 30, over 850 pounds of certified organic vegetables grown by our farmers, were donated to The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank for immediate distribution to the Stark County Food Pantry and others.
Farm Prosperity:
As spring nears its end, and summer begins our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is now underway. If you missed out on reserving a CSA share this season, stay tuned for the potential opportunity to purchase a mid-season or late-season CSA share (depending on availability of produce).
We are also planning on opening up a small farm-market most weeks for current CSA shareholders and the public. All veggies are harvested fresh, and are certified organic grown straight from our farm. More details coming soon!
Greenhouse grown lettuces and Asian greens grew especially well this spring, leading to increased produce donations earlier than years prior.
Staff Changes:
We would like to share that we have had two significant staff changes at Crown Point— The first change being the addition of our new Farm Manager, Bianca Macreno. Bianca is already off to a great start, and has brought a great energy and enthusiasm for the farm and mission of Crown Point to her work.
We are incredibly thankful for al the incredibly hard work that Sarah has contributed to the overall health of the farm, and the mission of Crown Point over the last several years in the Farm Manager, Assistant Farm Manager and Farm Crew positions. The health and sustainability of the farm is clearly in a better place due to the dedication and hard work of these two women.
The second change to our staff team was the retirement of our longtime Advancement Coordinator, Ellen Otto. Ellen’s work for well over a decade at Crown Point included many achievements including expanding our wedding and event program, cultivation and stewardship of donors and supporters, and overseeing the remarkable development of Crown Point’s signature fundraiser, Taste of Earth.
Ellen has become synonymous with Crown Point and we are so appreciative of the time and effort she has spent helping sustain the operations at Crown Point to allow the mission to expand and thrive.
Playing to an audience over 50, the Western Reserve Big Band was a perfect fit for our 1910 Century Barn. Sounds from a bygone era filled the barn, with many in the audience dancing!
Big Band in the Big Barn:
Another great success this spring was hosting Big Band in the Big Barn. On this unforgettable evening, the Western Reserve Big Band captivated our audience with incredible music from a bygone era that swelled inside of the barn leading to dancing by some and a wonderful time had by all. We are excited to announce this will likely become a mainstay in the yearly program offerings at Crown Point.
There is a lot to look forward to this summer and beyond— None of it would be possible without your support. Your support means the world to our organization and to those we serve.
Summer Farm and Science Camp For Kids:
With the onset of summer, we are all looking forward to our continued partnership with the Shaw JCC of Akron and Lippman School for our Summer Farm and Science Camp taking place select weeks in July and August. Additionally, Crown Point will be hosting our own independent week of summer camp July 29 through August 2nd.
There are limited spots available for camp— so please spread the word to any interested parents and campers and have them sign up on our website or inquire for more details!
Campers enjoying welcomed shade and a tasty, farm fresh snack under our newly constructed pavilion funded by Bath Community Fund.
Have a great summer— We hope to see you at one of our upcoming programs, or out on our trails!
With gratitude and excitement for the future,
Kevin Gross, Executive Director
