Massaro Farm

A supporter of the Massaro Farm recounts fond memories for us of how it used to be growing up around the farm:

“… I remember Tony sending us kids to the back line to bring up the cows (with only a stick and directions about what to yell) for milking at the end of the day. He would have us help in hooking up the cows, the collection tank process, scraping down the stalls, etc. and encouraged us to groom the cows (as well as delivering me a squirt in the face). Tony never let us near the bull, and was remarkably fond of the multitude of stray cats who lived in the garage.

He treated us with a lot of respect and without supervision even though some of us were very young.  Likewise, he would send us off to collect and weigh eggs for him and explained the coop rotation but never asked that we round up the hens on their last day.  I suspect he had the older ones in the neighborhood assist at those times.  As well, I think the older boys may have helped out with hay.  I can remember having freedom to roam the property (particularly the frog pond), help out if we wanted or not, and never seemed to become angry or intolerant.

In fact, the farm was always my first stop on Halloween because they gave good stuff out.  Mrs.  Massaro was patient and kind just like her sons while she was alive and I remember how much my mother enjoyed speaking about her.  Her grape vines and roses were off limits.  There had to be dozens and dozens of different kids from all over the hilltop that spent time at the farm who maybe, like me, look back fondly at this time as a rarity never to be repeated by their own children. “

Our first volunteer work day took place on February 20, 2010. Over 15 volunteers came out to pull nails, prep trim, and stack it for reuse in the farm house. The trim and woodwork had previously been removed as part of the necessary interior demolition. We hope to reuse as much material as possible. Not only does this preserve some character of the old farm house but also keeps materials from the waste stream.

If you’d like to volunteer at our next work day, please join our email list and keep your eyes open for future opportunities.

The recent article in the paper directed people interested in CSA subscriptions to this site. If you’re looking for a subscription in the Massaro Farm CSA please visit their site: www.massarofarmcsa.org

One year ago a $50,000 matching grant was awarded to repair and restore the dairy barn. Today, the barn work is nearing completion. If you haven’t driven by the farm, please do. You’ll be as pleased as we are with the progress. The structural work is complete and the barn is sound, the roof is weather tight with long-lasting shingles and the siding is nearly complete and looks fantastic. Work is not yet done, but we’re sure you’ll agree it’s come a long way.

A wonderful ending to a productive year. The Massaro Community Farm was granted IRS 501c3 status. This means that current and future memberships and past, present and future donations are tax deductible (please consult your own tax advisor). Achieving this status opens the doors for this organization to participate in a greater variety of grant opportunities. It also reflects our dedication to our community. We look forward to amazing things to come in 2010.

On October 25th many members of the community came out and planted garlic at the first annual Family Fun Day. Today, one month later, the garlic has sprouted and can be seen poking through the winter mulch. (Click on the images below for a closer look)

Field #6, next to the farm house, was turned over and planted with winter rye about the same time as the garlic planting. Winter rye is a perfect cover crop and known as “green manure”. It will grow throughout the winter and turned back into the soil in the spring. This process enriches the soil and prepares it for future vegetable crops.

Renovations to the dairy barn are moving along nicely. The roof should be weather tight before the first snow falls. Other exterio work includes new siding and windows, rebuilt dormer, and a restored roof vent. On the interior, new stairs to the hay loft have been built, and we’re planning the restoration of milking stanchions and manure cart. All of this has been made possible thanks to the State of Connecticut’s Agricultural Viability Grant awarded at the start of 2009.

During this time of year we reflect on our accomplishments and give thanks to those who have helped make them possible. And, thanks to your continued support, on Monday, the Massaro Community Farm made a great accomplishment:

We signed the ten year lease with the town.

This is another major milestone crossed in 2009: barn renovations, $300,000 USDA grant, and Family Fun day are just a few others. We certainly have much to be thankful for this year. Let’s not forget one more reason to be thankful, the opportunity given us by the Massaro brothers to continue their agricultural heritage.

And last, but not least, thanks go to our supporters. If you have not become a member of the Massaro Community Farm, visit our membership page and complete the form today.

The Woodbridge Library , in collaboration with the Massaro Community Farm, Inc (MCF), is offering a free screening of the movie, Food Inc. Representatives from the MCF will be present to answer questions before and after the movie.

When: Thursday, November 12th at 7pm

Where: The Woodbridge Library
(click here for a map)

** Seating is LIMITED to 45 **, so arrive early

After a rain-delay on Saturday, the Family Fun Day was a great success on Sunday. We estimate over 300 people came to the farm, painted pumpkins, planted garlic, and more. Check out the photo gallery for this event.

We hope everyone who came today will come again. And, for those who missed it, please come by next time.

Click for full size

The Massaro Community Farm, in collaboration with the Woodbridge Conservation Commission, is pleased to announce the 1st Annual Massaro Farm Family Fun Day.

SUNDAY October 25th from 1 ’til 4:30pm

Some of the activities on the farm will include:

• Walking history tours given by past Massaro farm-hands
• Planting 350 garlic plants
• Carving and painting pumpkins
• Homemade pies and goodies for sale

Community partners at the event, with more activities:

• Peabody Museum
• Ansonia Nature Center
• CT NOFA
• CT Beekeepers Association
• Woodbridge Clean Energy Task Force
• Woodbridge Garden Club

Stop on by, the event is FREE and open to the public.

===== VOLUNTEERS NEEDED =====

We need volunteers to help with this event (volunteer for just an hour and enjoy the rest of the event!). To make this event a success we’ll need volunteers to:

• Help set-up and/or clean-up
• Help facilitate activities geared towards children/families
• Bake pies or other homemade goodies (all proceeds will go to support the farm)

Please contact us at familyfunday@massarofarm.org if you’d like to help.

If you haven’t already, please consider becoming a member of the Massaro Community Farm today.