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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1996-02-07, Page 31FRI. & SAT. 7 PM ONLY SAT. & SUN. MAT. 2 PM FRI. - THURS. FEB 09 - 15 FRI. & SAT. ,\ 9 PM ONLY SUN. - THURS. 8 PM GRUMPI STILL LUNG. STILL FIGHTING. STILL READY FOIL LAVE., THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1996 PAGE 31. Community garden prepares for second year By Cameron J. Wood The Advance Times Nothing beats garden fresh produce for quality and taste. And that's what Fran and Tony McQuail are hanging on their community shared agriculture venture, The Meeting Place Organic Farm. Now entering its second year of existence, the North Huron community garden project is gaining momentum after a great freshman season. "The rural community has lost so much of its residents; they have lost their sense of community," Fran McQuail says of the great change in the agricultural world. Off-farm labor has contributed to the emotion of isolation: there is little time to spend with neighbours and friends. "People don't plan to work together, they plan to work apart." But the Meeting Place Commun- ity Shared Garden brings people together in agriculture. McQuail explained that some just don't have the time or resources to grow their own food. Buying shares in the venture allows people the opportunity to learn more about organic farming and save money on produce normally purchased at the grocery store. The Community Shared Agricul- ture (CSA), according to the McQuail's literature on the venture, puts the culture back into agriculture. It enables residents to re-establish a social community around food — a mutually beneficial partnership for shareholders and the farm family. In addition, the CSA reduces the need for transporting food over the long distances and keeps money in the community, supporting the farmers and the local economy. "The concept (of community shared gardens) has been around for about 15 years. It is popular in Europe and about 160 exist in the United States," she said. Canada's first CSA venture on record developed in South Huron eight years ago. That garden continues to thrive and others in the region have developed over the past few years. "The basic premise is that CSA gives people the opportunity to band together and have a co- operative agreement with the gardener." The gardener, in turn decides what vegetables will be grown and plans the garden for the season. Some shareholders can assist in the venture, either by spending time in the field or by helping out on pickup days. McQuail said all the shareholders gather at the end of the season for a festive harvest bee, potluck with garden fresh vegetables of course. CAPITOL THEATRE 291-3070 All Seats $4.25 LISTOWEL • Dolby Surround Sound Stereo • STARTS FRIDAY FEB. 9 - FEB. 15 7:00 & 9:20 p.m. 12 Monkeys (Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt) AA The community garden is a shared risk venture as well as shared bounty. McQuail explained that some growing conditions are uncontrollable and that like the farmer, the shareholders must come to accept that situations can develop that will affect the harvest. In 1995, the risk for the members of Meeting Place became not one - of poor harvest, but of bounty. McQuail said some vegetables grew so well that she reached the point of extending the shareholders quota. Last season green beans, pickling cucumbers, sweet corn and tomatoes boomed. Not such a bad thing. "But this year we're hoping to have things planned better," she said of the timing involved in growing vegetables to harvest maturity. This means careful thought into the actual growth life to time ripening to ensure fresh vegetables types throughout the season. Harvest for the season begins at the end of the second week in June and concludes in October. Nelda McEwen, a member of the In response to strong advance ticket sales, The Grand Theatre run of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler's "perfect romantic musical", A Little Night Music, has been extended for seven additional performances. Winner of seven Tony Awards, A Little Night Music begins previews on March 5, opens March 8 and will now play through Saturday, March 30 on The Grand's Mainstage. In turn-of-the-century Sweden — where the summer sun refuses to set — four pairs of lovers waltz through birch trees to the music of passion and folly. A glamorous actress, tired of "the merry-go- round", seeks a man with whom to share the autumn of her life. But there are young wives, jealous lovers, curious daughters and imperious mothers to be manoeuvred around and shuffled about before the final smile of the romantic summer night. Elegant, witty and delightful, A Little Night Music's score is by Stephen Sondheim, the brilliant composer and lyricist of such ground-breaking musicals as Folies, Company, Into the Woods, and Sunday in the Park with George. A Little Night Music - featuring the hit song Send in the Clowns - is part farce, part Mozart and all romance. 41 • • IP IP — * frlai Varentine's Day Say it with Flowers Why wait? Call now & order for pickup or delivery on February 14 523-4440 Luann's Country Flowers 117 Queen St. Blyth Wire Service available Meeting Place CSA in 1995 who attended the Jan. 24 information meeting in Wingham, said the fact that community gardens play an integral role in ecological stewardship attracted her. "I'm environmentally sensitive so I can't cat foods treated with all kinds of pesticides and herbicides. It makes real ecological sense to support farmers that farm in an ecological responsible manner." McEwen said she also felt better knowing who was growing her food and could see first hand the kind of operation involved. "It's the principle as well as the product. Experts in pest control have in recent years begun questioning the role of chemicals in agriculture. In a recent article published in Farmer to Farmer, an Internet supplement to Organic Online, pointed out that chemical control of pests has only led to stronger, more aggressive pests: able to survive current pest control measures. "Pesticides haven't been doing that well," author Paul Buxman said in his article "A Move Towards Natural Farming. "With all the pesticides created since A Little Night Music is directed by Michael Shamata with musical direction by Don Horsburgh, sets designed by John Ferguson, costumes designed by Susan Benson, lighting design by John Munro, choreography by Timothy French and sound design by Jim Neil. The outstanding cast features Patricia Collins as Desiree, Benedict Campbell as her old flame, Fredrik, and Marion Gilsenan as Madame Armfeldt, her mother. Bruce Clayton plays Desiree's current lover, Count Carl- Magnus Malcolm, Mary Ellen Mahoney is his wife Charlotte, Maryke Hendrikse is Desiree's daughter Fredrika, Kristen Gauthier is Fredrik's 18-year-old wife, Ann, and John Ullyatt is his frustrated son, Henrik. The company also includes Trish O'Brien (Petra), Kristine Andersen (Mrs. Anderssen), Gisele Fredette (Mrs. Segstrom), Howard Jackson (Frid), Steve Ross (Mr. Lindquist), Jennifer Simser (Mrs. Nordstrom), Jay Turvey (Mr. Erlansen), Mark Nykoluk and Regan Thiel. For ticket information, please visit The Grand Theatre Box Office at 471 Richmond Street, London, or call (519) 672-8800. Toll-free at 1-800-265-1593. Toll-free Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania at 1-800-567-5194. HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUTH! FEB. 18/96 Love, family & friends 1940, you would think that the percentage of pest damage would have been reduced over the years. But instead, the USDA estimates that American farmers are now losing approximately 12 to 15 per cent of their crops to pests each year. That is almost double what we were experiencing before we had all these chemicals. We seem to be going backwards." Buxman continued, "When our farms become more natural many good things began to happen. We save money, protect air and water quality, revitalize our soils and improve quality." McQuail said in 1996 they are looking to offer CSA shares to 20 families. So far 13 have committed to the venture. Shares are available in different 3rmats. The most popular is the mhole share, $450 for the season which will feed a family of four with fresh vegetables. Full share members pick up their vegetables twice a week. A half share, $240 with one day per week pick up, is designed for a couple. Working shares are also available. These offer members the chance to receive the vegetables at a lower share price, but those members must spend some time in the field assisting the gardener. Pre-payment is required as the gardener must plan and purchase seeds for the season. McQuail said that their own experience with the CSA in 1995 was members saved approximately 25 per cent on the cost of similar vegetables at local supermarkets. In addition, the CSA grows popular exotic greens that have been traditionally unavailable through grocery stores in the region. The McQuail's operate the organic farm near Lucknow on West Wawanosh sideroad 21-22. The 100-acre farm has been certified by the Organic Crop Improvement Association for 10 years. Anyone interested in learning more about the CSA venture can contact them at 528-2493. A vegetable list is also available, although types will vary year to year. Pizza, Pizza, Pizza Buy one at/regular price and get a second for 1 /2 price Eat in or Take Out Thursday, Friday & Saturday Only 5 p.m. - 12 midnight at the the WU) Im 523-9381 Now 7 [)ays INIERTRACI( WAGERING Friday The original MacLEAN & MacLEAN "outrageous but funny!!!" EXCLUSIVE REGIONAL APPEARANCE with special guest ON THE EDGE Tickets '7 0' On Sale Now! Saturday ON THE EDGE No Cover Upcoming At Jonny's February 16 & 17 PEACE February 24 HAREM SCAREM `Night Music at The Grand LONG DISTANCE? CALL 1-100-265-3436 FOR TOLL FREE MOVIE INFO