Developments (the good kind)

Welcome back, Farm Fans-

Here’s a look at what’s up this week:

• A Farm Update and Introduction

• Library Food and News

• Hope Kitchen Dinner

• AuSable Valley Grange Events

• Have you seen our Video?

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A Farm Update

Here’s the news you may have been looking for, and we’ve been waiting to share-

We invite you to consider joining us:

1pm on Sunday April 12^th

for a Community Clean-up/Open House Afternoon

at the Farm!

This gathering will take the form of a Volunteer Work Day at 1044 Mace Chasm Road as we address a variety of outdoor and indoor projects, rain or shine, followed by a simple Farm supper.

So mark your calendars, locate your work gloves, and stay tuned for other important details in next week’s newsletter… We are Super Excited to welcome folks back to our land!

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An Introduction

Recent readers have seen some mentions of Kelsey, who has become a more and more vital element of our Farm Picture the past few months. Thinking of how to describe her makes me just want to list all the adjectives in my thesaurus for WOW.

She is a remarkably gifted and dedicated woman whose energetic and passionate enthusiasm is giving us great hope for our future. Here is her story, in her own words:

Hello, Readers. I’m Kelsey, a neighbor from a few villages over who has accidentally fallen in love with the farm.

I have an extensive history in camping and retreat ministries, am involved in the work of local athletics healthcare through my athletic training licensure, and am a new student to the world of subsistence farming and gifting. My love language is memorizing your astrological and human design charts and insisting you receive a reading from me. My other love language is bodywork, specifically myofascial release. Adam has been on the receiving end of both in case you’re interested in a lively testimonial.

When I arrived for my first farm frolic in April of 2025, I felt the land immediately say to me, “are you ready?”

I was not, and did not have the capacity to lean in much due to my work schedule. I kept the place at arm’s length until November, when I encountered a health crisis that took me out of work for a total of seven weeks. Simply put, I could no longer ignore the way the farm was courting me during the winter months as I healed from surgery over the cookpot with Adam. The place slowly reeled me in by my heartstrings and I’ve already received so deeply from the work that I don’t see an end in sight.

I’ve written more extensively about my experience at Sand River in my personal Substack if you’re interested in the unabridged tellings…

I look forward to more stories emerging there, and here, as this journey unfolds.

I hope to be with you on the land soon.

Gratefully, Kelsey

We are dazzled by Kelsey’s fervent dedication to our land, livestock and future. She is a Mighty blessing, and we are beyond Grateful for her!

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Library Food and News

Feed yourself and a neighbor

We are Delighted that so many of our neighbors are taking advantage of our Farm Freezer at the Library, helping themselves to quarts of our frozen Chili, or Beef-Cabbage Stew, or Tomato Soup with Bone Broth.

Feel free to stop in at the Library to collect a quart for you and a neighbor!

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Be an informed citizen

Join SUNY Professors of Political Science Ray Carman, Daniel Lake, and John McMahon in the Library on Tuesday March 31 at 6pm as they explore the Declaration of Independence, a foundational document that continues to shape our lives today. All who attend will receive a pocket constitution with the Declaration included, as part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

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Hope Kitchen Dinner

It's almost the weekend- join us this Friday, March 27 from 5-7pm for our weekly community supper! This week, Chef Ben is making Tuna Noodle Casserole!

All are welcome and there is no charge to eat. Come share a meal with us! Bring your family and meet new friends, 124 Hill Street in Keeseville.

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AuSable Valley Grange Events

There are some terrific initiatives around us that offer groceries to folks who could use a helping hand to make ends meet. We are adding one more-

Come to the Grange at

1749 Main Street this Sunday March 29,

from 1 to 3pm.

You can pick up a bag (or bags) of food and supplies, no questions asked, no judgment, no limitations. There will also be snacks, beverages and a place to sit for conversations with neighbors you haven’t met yet. Spread the word and bring a friend!

All Are Welcome! Stronger together, one meal at a time.

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Have you seen our Video?

If you haven’t seen it lately (or ever), click below to see the gorgeous video that Mattias Olsson produced for us on his Campfire Stories platform….

We are always reminded of our gratitude to Mattias when we watch…. Happy viewing or re-viewing, friends.

Remember to meet us back here next week for more details about our Community Clean-up/Open House Day on April 12^th! Until then, please take good care of yourself and someone else….

With Love and Gratitude for your encouragement,

Allison