Holliston September 2013

Page 1

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Holliston Vol. 1 No. 10

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September 1, 2013

"Stewards of the Land" Holliston Farms Get Ready for Farms Day, September 8th BY ELIZABETH RICKETSON The above title was perfectly quoted by Donna Kramer as we discussed Farms’ Day, coming up September 8th, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and the Holliston Agricultural Commission one beautiful summer day on Adams Street. Meeting with Donna Kramer is always a tremendous honor and pleasure, and this visit did not disappoint. With each visit, I have the great fortune of learning just a little bit more about this amazing woman. Speaking earlier in the week, with Tony Lulek, chairperson of the Holliston Agricultural Commission (formed in 2005), he immediately credited Donna for being instrumental in changing the town’s bylaws designating Holliston as a farming community. Approaching Donna’s office, located at Breezy Hill Farm, I noticed a sign that I had seen many times before, but today its meaning resonated even more with me. I had a better understanding of the posted sign that read “Farm Bureau Member.” The Right to Farm Bylaw, which already existed at the state level,

from and how it was produced; to reduce fossil fuel usage in food transport; and to support the continued economic viability of local agriculture."

Photo courtesy of MacArthur Farm.

now was recognized and accepted at the town level. Signs were posted at every entrance to Holliston indicating that our town was in fact now a farming community. We have specific areas of Holliston zoned for agriculture. Donna stated “niche farming in the northeast has put us on the agriculture radar, making America productive and profitable." According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding Niche Farming: Many small and

mid-size farm operators compete successfully in today’s agricultural marketplace by supplying specialty farm products. Growing numbers of consumers and commercial buyers are interested in purchasing farm products with specific qualities. The local food movement is being buoyed by a host of social, economic, and environmental trends, including a desire to obtain fresher, higher quality food in season; to know exactly where one’s food comes

Donna emphasized that “the Holliston AgCom is a teaching tool and a liaison or mediator enlightening the community about farming.” Farms Day, is sponsored by AgCom, is an educational family day inviting the people to come out and see our farms. It is all about exposure to farming and emphasizing the importance of buying and promoting local farms. From educational movies on bees to the Holliston Community Gardens, practice and theory come together. Holliston Community Gardens have been a huge success “as natural as possible” adds Donna. The HCG began with only two plots and has now grown to sixteen. Anonymously and benevolently, two new plots were recently added . Donna recanted a

FARM continued on page 17

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Come Out and Celebrate! 22nd Annual Celebrate Holliston Parade & Field Day September 21st BY J.D. O’GARA What’s the best way to become acquainted with about 5,000 of your Holliston neighbors? Stop on by Celebrate Holliston’s 22nd annual field day on Saturday, September 21st, where over a third of the entire town gathers in one day. Each year, the town-wide celebration, created in 1991 to foster community spirit and help make residents and businesses aware of the many activities, talents and products available to them, begins with a parade at 9 a.m. The parade, says 2013 Celebrate Holliston co-chair Theresa Lamkin, will start lining up at 8 a.m. at the Placentino School. All facets of Holliston are welcome. The parade follows Woodland (which turns into Railroad Street, to Central Street up to the

CELEBRATE continued on page 2


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