Genuine Faux Farm

 

 

Tom Sawyer Days at the Farm


 

"Why, ain't that work?"

"Well, maybe it is, and maybe it ain't. All I know, is, it suits Tom Sawyer."

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

 

We're really not sure if we should let you do this work. Honest, we really think we should do it ourselves.

Well, ok, if you REALLY want to do some of this work.

Come to a Tom Sawyer Day!

Tom Sawyer Schedule for 2008
April 25 (Friday) 2pm to 6pm  May 10 (Saturday) 2pm to 6pm
June 14 (Saturday) Watch for Announcements!!  July 12 (Saturday)
August 9 (Saturday) September 13 (Saturday)
October 11 (Saturday) November 8 (Saturday)

What is a Tom Sawyer Day?

Tom Sawyer Days are scheduled events at the farm where we invite members on our email distribution list to come work on the farm for part of a day.

Why Attend?

Many individuals who have attended a Tom Sawyer Day have found a new appreciation for the food they receive through the CSA or purchase at market. Others have commented that they feel like they are more integrated into the CSA community. We have also received the comment that share holders find it to be a positive part of investing further in the farm and its principles.

We know from our own experience that it is, for some reason, relaxing to work for someone else for a short while. Why? Well, you don't have to make decisions, you know it will end...and you get to try something different from what you are used to doing!

Signing Up:

Once the day is announced, we ask persons who intend to participate to RSVP their intentions to us. It is important that we know WHO and HOW MANY are coming so we can provide appropriate tasks to all participants.

Showing Up:

You may show up at any point during the Tom Sawyer Day schedule. If the schedule calls for work from 3pm to 6 pm, you can arrive at 5pm and be just as welcome as those who arrive at 3pm. Just let us know what you are planning.

Please wear appropriate clothing. Bring gloves. Use sunscreen!

Tasks:

Tasks will vary depending on who shows up and the time of year. Weeding is frequently a necessary task, but we have done some of each of the following at TSD's:

  • weeding
  • painting
  • spreading mulch
  • set up tomato cages
  • tearing down tomato cages
  • cleaning up old vegetation
  • small building projects
  • setting up food for volunteers

We try to find something that everyone can do, including children with a parent's supervision.

Food:

There is often interest in food after the completion of the work period. If people want to bring a few items to munch, we supplement as best we can. Obviously, we don't want to turn this part into a huge production - but it's good to put fuel back into the workers! In fact, a volunteer or two can take on the task of arranging to prepare the food that is brought to share. Common fare is sandwich makings, snack items and some fresh, in season veg.

block of Tom Sawyer 'stamps' from BEP souvenir sheet
3/1/08 updated
background photo copyright by L.E.Bartel