Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Post Irene: How to help Catskill region farmers

The beautiful Schoharie Valley during better days.

We've been humbled by the huge interest from the regional community looking to help farmers who have been impacted by damage from this weekend's storm. What follows is a list of what we've heard from our regional business members on the assistance they need.

PLEASE share any updates you might have about farmer needs with us by contacting Challey Comer at ccomer@nycwatershed.org or (607) 865-7090. General community needs should be directed to the general resources listed below.


GENERAL RESOURCES - Where to go for general updates and relief efforts.

Watershed Post - Aggregated regional updates on road closures and donation/relief efforts.

River Reporter - Sullivan County updates on power outages and road access.

Irene in the Catskills - A Facebook group aimed at matching needs with supplies.

Catskills Irene Relief Resources - A clearing house for needs and resources to help our Catskills neighbors recover from Hurricane Irene.


HOW TO HELP IF YOU'RE IN...
  • Delaware/Otsego County - a list of suggestions from the Daily Star
  • New York City
  • MANHATTAN: Drop-off point Food, clothes, supplies "Powell Communications 84 Wooster Street (between Spring and Broom)" CatskillMtnRelief@gmail.com Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM -6:00 PM
  • Jon and Tiffany Kalupa are co-ordinating donations for anyone in NYC at 366 West 11th Street lobby of the building. (between Washington St and Westside Hwy) They will bring up donations from NYC Thursday night and each week thereafter. If you are down state, or have friends or family that are looking for a way to help....this is a good jumping off point.
  • BROOKLYN drop-off point Food, clothes, supplies Brooklyn Collection Center- Red Shed Community Garden 266 Skillman Ave (at kingsland) CatskillMtnRelief@gmail.com Monday- Friday 6:00pm to 8:00pm

UPDATES FROM OUR BUSINESS MEMBERS AND PARTNERS

Cha Cha Hut in Andes:
While it important to be concerned about what has been lost - also important to consider what is still here. OPEN THIS WEEKEND: Roxbury: Public Lounge, Cassie's Cafe, The East Branch & T-Bar (guessing ), Country Store. ARKVILLE: Casey Joe's, Arkville Bread & Breakfast & Great Woods Farm (formerly the Market Basket). ANDES: Cha Cha Hut BBQ, Woody's, Andes Hotel, Tay Tea (guessing), the various Main Street Shops & Hogan's General Store. GRAND GORGE: Pizza Palace & the Country Store. STAMFORD: Kaaterskill House, TP's CAFE, Gabrielle's, john's Tavern, the Grand Union, Mac-a-doodles, Ming Moon & Peach Tree Cafe. As important as it is to help in the relief effort is is equally important to support those businesses still here... Follow live link at http://chachahut.com/opencatskills/

Greenmarket in NYC:
The city-based network of farmers' markets is gathering donations for their farm vendors affected by flooding. All who give before September 30th will receive a free Greenmarket poster.

LinkHillhaven Farms in Stamford:
If anyone is interested in helping us build a team of disaster relief for our good friends, BARBERS FARM we'd be more than appreciative. We'll be meeting at Jefferson Central School at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Please bring drinks/food/gloves/work clothes appropriate. Let us know beforehand because we are creating a list, and we'd only like serious initiatives only please. Call the farm at (607) 652-2274.

Lazy Crazy Acres in Arkville: REQUEST FULFILLED!
We have been bottling as much milk as we can as there is a shortage in the area. You can get some at the old Market Basket in Arkville and at Sams in Fleischmanns. Currently we are having a generator issue and working on a solution... anyone have a 24kw generator that we - along with our dairy farming friends - can use? Cows need milking. Please call Jake Fairbairn at 845.302.8016.

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York:
Gathering information on farmers in need of assistance across the state and organizing crop mobs to clean up farms this weekend. Details in their latest email newsletter.

LinkOriole 9 in Woodstock:
If anyone would like to donate to Windham and/or Phoenicia, the people at Oriole 9 will be making a run up there at 3pm today. They'll be using the YumYum patio on Rock City Rd as a drop off center. Things they need: Non perishable food(peanut butter, canned goods etc..) Coffee, Tea, Blankets,Water, antibacterial soap, baby wipes, rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, etc.

Sap Bush Hollow Farm in West Fulton:
Goodnight Irene - An essay from farmer Shannon Hayes on the impact in her Schoharie County community.

Sherman Hill Farmstead in Franklin:
Herd manager Morgan George is organizing a flood relief fundraiser to take place somewhere...hopefully in or around the Franklin area. Organizers, writers, musicians, artists, anyone willing to help out should contact her directly. Contact me her at target409@hotmail.com or leave a message at 607-829-6886.

Water Street Market in New Paltz:
Farms and Family Benefit at Water Street Market on Monday, September 26th from 5 to 9PM. Live Music, potluck, $20 suggested donation. Anyone interested in volunteering to help get sponsorships, work the event, etc, we are having a meeting at Water Street Market Tuesday at 6PM to coordinate. If you cannot attend the meeting and still want to help, contact KT Tobin at ktobinf@gmail.com.

Willow View Hill Farm in Stamford:
If your livestock have survived and your hay has not - I have some willing to donate..training@willowviewhillfarm.comLink

PRESS COVERAGE

As Water Recedes, Cleanup Of A Soupy Mess Begins - NPR

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