As the air turns crisp and the cold wind blows, our tenth season of farming at the Goodwill at Homefields Farm is coming to a close. You may have never thought about it, but there are three organizations working together here on tKale, Bean, and Potato Souphe property to make everything happen. Homefields Inc, is the founder and owner of the farm, Community Services Group (CSG) staffs the two group homes here, and Goodwill operates the farm program which trains and employs people with disabilities in agriculture and horticulture who come here from all over the county and includes the Homefields resident who elects to be in the farm program.
Although there are many tangible happenings here on the farm, some of the best things that happen are in the heart and mind. It is a place where people and individuals enjoy working with and watching life unfold. The season is just a dream in January and February and becomes a reality in March as the first seeds are planted, plants tended, and then transplanted into the field. Trainees often smile as they come to work, in some cases happily spending two hours on the bus one-way each day to get to the farm, the place that they take pride and joy in, understanding the beginnings and ending of the crops and seasons. For some it is a chance to escape repetitive indoor work, for others a chance to use their favorite skills such as mowing, landscaping, greenhouse seeding and plant propagation.

The tasks at hand vary greatly from day to day and week to week, so boredom is not an option—well ok, maybe we all get our fill of hoeing by the end of May. . . . Whatever interpersonal conflicts may have existed elsewhere, the camaraderie here is fabulous, and everyone knows that we have to pull together to get seeds planted in timely fashion, transplants placed in time, weeds removed in the proper stage, and the harvest gathered while each crop is in its prime. Last fall we were surprised by an early frost in September and we rallied to pull in several thousands pounds of squash before nightfall.

So as the sun sinks earlier in the west, the days shorten, and the ground inevitably freezes, we turn our eyes toward the next season, where surely every crop will yield a remarkable bounty, insects will all be elsewhere, rainfall will be gentle and weekly, and the temperatures never extreme. Such is the ideal, and although weather and all of creation is unpredictable, I know we can count on a great group of trainees and staff again in a new growing season.

Scott Breneman
Farm Manager

½ small onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic
15 ½ ounces vegetable broth
4 cups of water
4 carrots, diced
½ teaspoon basil or oregano
4 small potatoes, diced
1 can chick peas
1 bunch kale, cut into strips
1 can cannellini beans

Pan fry onion in olive oil until transparent. Add garlic and sauté another minute or so. Add next 6 ingredients and cook until nearly tender, about 15 minutes. Add kale and cannellini and simmer an additional 7 minutes. Season with pepper to taste and serve with toasted baguette for a satisfying meal on a cold winter day.

The black cats were out in force, and an owl had taken a daylight perch to hoot his negative greetings to all who dared show on the #6 tee box. There was an eerie dampness in the pre-dawn air when the energetic volunteers arrived to prepare for the special day.

The cats and owl stayed all day. The later morning and afternoon proved to offer a wonderful climate for the fun atmosphere that followed.

September 25 brought the 13th Annual Homefields Fall Classic Golf Tournament in all of its mock superstitious glory. Who would have expected less? At the same time, as the registration brochure proclaimed, we were superstitious but environmentally conscious, of course. The overall theme for #13, then, was “13 AND GREEN”. The 13 seemed obvious, but it wasn’t much of a stretch either to remember Homefields as the site of some wonderful earth-serving “green” thoughtfulness. Our hole-in-one car, a Zap Xebra electric sedan, reinforced the environmental theme. And, someone came within 1.5 inches of driving it home at the end of the day.

Almost eighty golfers played in the 7:30 morning round. Over 120 began play at 12:30 in the afternoon. Some set out with hope of winning prizes to reward their golfing skill. Many kept their score on a second scorecard honoring the number 13. This Triskaidekaphobia scorecard celebrated phobias of many types and tried to add elements of good and bad luck to golf skill in the scoring. Those of all skill levels took advantage of the day to have a great time while helping to earn money for Homefields.
Get your calendar for next year out, and mark Friday, September 17 as the date of #14, again at Crossgates Golf Course in Millersville. #14 will be a thematic challenge compared to #13, but we all will promise to work hard to bring joy and fun to the mix on that day. Please plan with your friends to join us for good golf, plentiful food, and numerous, if not constant, smiles and laughter.

Elsewhere in this Newsletter, one may read the names of the generous sponsors and donors who made this year’s outing such a significant success even in a year when money is tight for all. The generosity of the golfers who joined us under their own sponsorship is equally impressive. Our friends seem to return from year to year, and each year others are added to the total. All of us involved on the Golf Committee and the Homefields Board of Directors cannot tell you often enough how grateful we are for this show of support for our effort, and for Homefields as both concept and very practical successful reality.

A reminder to the great number of Newsletter readers for whom the words “Valentine’s Day” means more than hearts and flowers: For these hopeful throngs, it’s the Homefields Valentine Day Harley-Davidson Drawing. A word of caution—while not strictly “gambling”, becoming part of this anticipatory crowd can be habit forming at the least, and at most an addiction of unbridled passion for supporting Homefields’ mission. Tickets are available online at www.homefields.org or from Miller’s Smorgasbord, where the bike is available for inspection (2811 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks PA). You should know that the very lucky winner may instead choose to receive a check for the cash equivalent of the motorcycle. Influence to do so (or to start that engine), may at any time be exerted by spouses, significant others, friends, work supervisors, one’s children, and an array of assorted, vested interests. Know that when one’s Valentine sees red, “romance” is no longer a requisite player in this event where emotions run high and the stakes do, as well. And, the lucky winner may well ride off into the sunset, a bad omen for romance, only to return an hour later with champagne, chocolate and roses. All bets are on, all hopes are high, and we hope that YOU are the winner of the Homefields Valentine’s Day Harley-Davidson Drawing. Buy that ticket, NOW!

Linda Strauss, a founding member, discovered a young blue heron near the sheep fence on Homefields’ property, head under wing, apparently grounded by injury. Bradley Hagens is shown below, transporting the bird to receive medical attention. Mr. Hagens is a long-term CSA shareholder, has donated his talent to beautifying the grounds, and has provided much labor in the fields. Unfortunately the heron’s injuries were untreatable and it had to be put to sleep. We are in awe of the wildlife that materializes on our small property and will remember this creature’s brief stay.

Did that headling get your attention? Well stay tuned because the Lancaster Area Sewer Authority and Manor Township supervisors recently required 200 nearby residents to pay for what is ostensibly a matter of public works—switching over from their existing septic systems to public sewers. One resident estimated the cost for this overhaul at $16,000 to $20,000. Although this is occurring fewer than 5 miles away from Homefields, we should be attuned to the fact that the creep may be heading our way. A major advantage of public sewers is to housing developments and one is being planned directly beside Homefields’ property.

My name is Melissa Ostrowski and I am the newest member of the Homefields Board of Directors. For years I drove by the farm entrance without realizing the inspiring relationship between the residents living on the farm, the families of the residents, Community Services Group, and Goodwill Industries. Eventually, I got with the program and my husband, Dan, and I purchased our first share in the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program at Homefields.

As a lifelong area resident, School Counselor at Penn Manor High School, and Millersville University graduate, it was exciting to find such a hidden gem in my hometown.
 Let me tell you, there is nothing quite like ending a hectic day at work with a visit to the farm. Checking the chalkboard each week to see what bounty will make up our weekly share is always a pleasant surprise. My family has grown to love bok choy, garlic scapes, blue potatoes, white beets, leeks, and Japanese eggplant in addition to the much more familiar bell peppers, green beans, tomatoes, broccoli, blueberries, strawberries, and oh boy, the raspberries and blackberries! For a few years I simply savored the weekly visits lingering in the flower garden selecting the perfect zinnias, finding the plumpest strawberries in the pick-your-own field and trying new recipes found in the weekly “Notes From the Farm” email that popped into my inbox.

Little did I realize that as I brought along our daughter, Lydia, I was also making some pretty special memories. She happily searched for mouse melons and the plumpest berries, enjoyed husking the tomatillos, and tested out freshly picked concord grapes off the vine! I came to fully appreciate the impression that going to the farm each week was making on her until one day she told me that one of the greatest things about summer was spending a day at the Millersville Pool and then heading over to the farm (still in her swimsuit!) to pick up our share before we headed for home! I think it was about then that I took a step back and realized some of the magic that was happening daily on this modest parcel of land.

Recently I was privileged to attend a Halloween party at one of the residences. The caring, family-like setting was filled with laughter and happiness. This reinforced the unique synergy that exists! Not all communities are wise enough to support such an enterprise and it should be recognized for the value it provides. I hope that by serving on the board I can make some small contribution and I look forward to working to further both the Residential and Vocational Missions of Homefields.

Melissa Ostrowski

Homefields Inc., led by past president Joyce Smedley, has evolved into a more functionally structured organization with a volunteer board. I want to draw your attention to her final message as she departs her Presidency (at right). She notes six strategic directions which Homefields will take en route to successfully fulfill its mission. I hope you can see how each of the six is an important operational facet of that structure. Each of these has a volunteer committee wherein each member is a voice to generate ideas and apply personal knowledge to the tasks at hand. Board members sit on each committee, yet committee membership is certainly not limited to these hands-on volunteers. We look for and desire membership from community volunteers who contribute to Homefields with a more specific focus, and who are engaged in advising and exploring routes to action which will move Homefields toward success.

If you have experience and or expertise in one or more of the six areas, the pleasure of your company as a committee member is requested, and you will engage in a win-win experience. You’ll both strengthen the group of volunteers from which recommendations for action are generated, as well as gain the personal satisfaction of having been a decisive influence in the lives which Homefields serves and supports. You can make a real difference at a grassroots level. Phone or write Jay Groff, our new President, at 717.951.7376 or jgroff2506@msn.com. He will put you in touch with a committee leader who can explain how your strengths might best make a difference, and you will be on your way to identifying your valuable best as a Homefields Volunteer.

Lee Eastwood, Editor

Homefields welcomed Jason Supplee to the stone house in September. He’s our newest resident and his parents, Gary and Judy Supplee, hail from the New Holland area. Jason’s first month at Homefields was very exciting for him. He discovered that he and fellow housemate Brian Bixler knew each other when they were younger. The two young men are now planning a weekend excursion to the Poconos. Jason was also the winner of the 50/50 cash prize drawing at the annual Homefields Golf Tournament in September. Congratulations Jason!
On October 25th, the Advocate Committee hosted the annual Fall Festival which was held at the ranch house. Several members of the Board attended as well as parents, siblings and volunteers. The residents enjoyed decorating pumpkins and making picture frames with a Halloween theme. All the residents had a chance to dress up in costumes and have their pictures taken. The creativity was outstanding, the camaraderie was high, and there were smiles shared by everyone there. We can look forward to next year’s Fall Fest with memories of the fun that this year’s party became!Homefields welcomed Jason Supplee to the stone house in September. He’s our newest resident and his parents, Gary and Judy Supplee, hail from the New Holland area. Jason’s first month at Homefields was very exciting for him. He discovered that he and fellow housemate Brian Bixler knew each other when they were younger. The two young men are now planning a weekend excursion to the Poconos. Jason was also the winner of the 50/50 cash prize drawing at the annual Homefields Golf Tournament in September. Congratulations Jason!

On October 25th, the Advocate Committee hosted the annual Fall Festival which was held at the ranch house. Several members of the Board attended as well as parents, siblings and volunteers. The residents enjoyed decorating pumpkins and making picture frames with a Halloween theme. All the residents had a chance to dress up in costumes and have their pictures taken. The creativity was outstanding, the camaraderie was high, and there were smiles shared by everyone there. We can look forward to next year’s Fall Fest with memories of the fun that this year’s party became!

Completing my third year as President of the Homefields Board of Directors, I look back to accomplishments and to the future—or what is yet to come. In my first message, as the first non-founder president of the all volunteer Board of Directors, I reviewed the state of Homefields, past and present, and wrote about my motivations for being associated with Homefields while appealing for new volunteers.

The emphasis was on transition from a grassroots organization relying heavily on the original founders, to one with procedures, policies and strategic directions to provide the structure required to support Homefields . . . into the future.
I am happy to report that much of what I wrote about has been and is being accomplished. As I complete my term as President, I prefer to write about the future, knowing that the Newsletter highlights our accomplishments. I look to that future with confidence.

First and foremost is my trust in a very strong Board of Directors, and in enthusiastic, capable committee volunteers. Secondly, we now have operational structure and a plan for the future. The Board has been, and will continue to be guided by six strategic directions developed with the assistance of consultant, Kirby Martzell. Committee volunteers will be working to pursue goals related to 1). Current Facilities and Operations, 2). Funding and Financial Management, 3). Advocacy, 4). Marketing, 5). Expansion, and 6). Board Leadership.
Homefields is moving through transition years, into a period of confident leadership which strategically plans for its development. The future, in the capable hands of our new board president, Jay Groff, has a promise of achievement. That success will surely focus upon our residents, those most deserving and our reason for serving. I am so pleased to say that to serve as president for the past three years has been both a pleasure and a privilege.

Joyce Smedley