Franklin Farm thanks its many supporters

The Franklin Farm Preservation Association has much to be thankful for. The farm had a record harvest this summer which allowed us to donate almost 13,000 pounds of fresh "chemical-free" vegetables to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and local food pantries...bringing our four year total to over 30,000 pounds. Volunteers from Rhode Island and all over the United States cultivated the land, nurtured our crops and provided a helping hand to those in need.

Thankfully, our farmhouse has a new roof that will protect it from the harsh New England winters for many years to come. We also received a grant from the Rhode Island Historic Commission to restore the barn roof to its original splendor. None of this would have been possible without the support of those who contributed financially or volunteered their time, or both. Here are some of the people and organizations who truly deserve our thanks.

First and foremost, we would like to thank The Valley Breeze. It is because of their support and goodwill that we were able to accomplish all that we did this year at the farm. From the very start...four years ago, The Valley Breeze assisted us in recruiting our very first volunteers. Since then, this vital local newspaper has not only written about Franklin Farm and its importance to the community, it has also been an active participant and supporter of the farm's mission and goals. The Valley Breeze has become such a valuable asset in our community. Please know how grateful the farm is to you.

Also, it is people like Dave and Cheryl Ferreira of Ferreira Home Remodeling who make such a difference in our community. Dave stepped forward and not only gave of his own time and energy, but arranged for the donation of all roofing materials and labor. Don Carlson of Certain Teed and Karen Cabral of M&J Supply donated all of the roofing materials. Without your help, the farmhouse would have endured more damage this winter, so not only Franklin Farm but the entire community will benefit from your unprecedented support. Please know that your kindness will always be remembered.

Matt Rowey of Emery's Catering in Central Falls provided the workers and volunteers with breakfast and lunch during the restoration work weekend. What a nice job you did, and the food was delicious. Thanks.

Also, at the urging of Bob Drisko, the Lafayette Lodge hosted a breakfast on Oct. 24 to raise funds for the farm's preservation fund. The breakfast was a tremendous success, not only raising money, but bringing the community together to enjoy good food and good conversation. Thank you for your very generous support.

Gilbane Building Company kicked off the Franklin Farm Restoration Project this year by agreeing to be its project manager. Jarrad Rocheleau of Gilbane, a Cumberland resident, is responsible for organizing the effort within the company. We look forward to working with Gilbane over the next few years. Jarrad, we appreciate all of your hard work on our behalf.

To all of the Cumberland residents who generously gave donations to the Franklin Farm Preservation Fund this fall, thank you very much. Every contribution will preserve an important part of Cumberland's history and enable future generations to enjoy the farm.

It would be very difficult for our garden to prosper without the kindness of Attleboro Farms and owner Greg Aubin. Over the past four years, all of our plants have been donated by this gracious nursery.

In addition, we need to thank Tom Miller of Eastland Electric for the new 200-amp service he donated and installed and George Gifford and Charles Seavor for the endless hours they donated designing the farm's master plan application. We also offer our gratitude to the Cook family who helped with the farm's well and water needs. In addition, members of the Cumberland-Lincoln Rotary have not only worked the land alongside us, but they also funded our new raised bed gardens.

Because of the hard work and continued support of Chip and Charlie Underwood, Frank Matta and Dave Cargill, the garden has been plowed and expanded to ensure that next year's harvest will be even more bountiful than the one we had this year. And, we can't forget all of the drivers from the Arnold's Mills United Methodist Church who delivered the fresh produce each and every week to the RI Community Food Bank. Thank you!

Finally, to the volunteers who came to the garden each and every week to work the land... you are truly the heart and soul of the Franklin Farm Community Garden. These dedicated volunteers include Joe Hollenbeck, Dave Gumbley, Chip Thurlow, Judy Quaglia, Julie Gueron, Bill Dennen, Sue Joyce, Linda Saxton, Dave Coutu, Frank Geary, Kathy Lambert, Mary Beth McIntire, Allison and Alizabeth Jewell, Mindy, Emily and Hannah Ratcliffe, Howard Lancaster, Roland Gauvin, Carrie Mitzel, the entire Mudge, Nakshian, Leonard and Dubeau families, and many, many more.

Thank you again to everyone who has supported the farm this year. With your continued support, we hope to have an exciting and even more bountiful 2010.

Chris Ratcliffe, Vice President

Franklin Farm

Preservation Association

Cumberland