Subject: May Days: FRESH New London May Newsletter

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FRESH News
May 2017

Dear Friends, 

These colors are very New London Whalers, aren't they? Here is a riddle, if April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? 

Calluses and back aches! We are officially done with the delicate work of planting seeds and thinning seedlings and transplanting small wisps of plants. We are now digging and wedding and hoeing and watching the weather like seasoned farm hands. 

Yes, the hard work of farming has begun! 

As each new day brings a new political wrinkle, we are grateful for the discipline and distraction of hard work and how the life lessons of farming can be applied in just about any context. 

In this edition of our newsletter, we formally welcome and introduce our Urban Farm Manager, Tekowa Omara-Otunnu... And More!! 

May 20, Plant Sale and Raffle
Welcome, Tekowa: FRESH Urban Farm Manager
Hey Teens! Apply to Work with FRESH
May 24, Homes and Hands: A Film and Conversation about Community Land Trusts
Spring Flowers of the FRESH Urban Farm
Recipe of the Month: Pea Shoot and Mint Pesto
WELCOME TEKOWA: New Urban Farm Manager
It actually feels like forever ago! But it was less than two months ago that we offered the Urban Farm Manager position to Tekowa Omara-Otunnu. In fact, the May 20th Plant Sale will be her two month anniversary, so be sure to congratulate her (and FRESH). 

Tekowa brings a wealth of growing experience with her! She has worked with Little City Sprouts and Grow Hartford and coordinated the CT Food System Alliance. She graduated from UCONN in 2014 after majoring in Political Science and minoring in Human Rights and African Studies. 

She was introduced to farming at a while working at a Zen Buddhist Center. She reflects that "Having my introduction to organic farming be tied to my introduction to zen and mindfulness had a profound impact on me and since then farming has been a way for me to stay connected to the Earth, my community, my well being, and myself." 

Tekowa says: "I believe firmly that everyone has the right to accessible good food and that a farm can be both a place for self healing and a place for people to come together. I envision the farm being an oasis within the community and an environment where everyone feels welcome!" 

So far, so good! 
GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY THIS SUMMER
Apply Within
Are you between 13 and 19? Do you have a passion for vegetables? Are you looking for a great labor and learning experience this summer? 

Do you know someone between the ages of 13 and 19? Do you wish they had a passion for vegetables? 

FRESH New London has stipends available for young people who want to work with us! Apply online by clicking HERE or following this link: www.freshnewlondon.org/apply
RECIPE OF THE MONTH: Pea Shoot and Mint Pesto
There are tender green pea shoots everywhere we look and mint is growing out of the sides of some of our community garden beds. Through the wonder of the internet search engine we found a recipe that uses both of these abundant signs of spring.

We de-fancied this recipe a little but we still need to tip our hat to Saveur magazine for the idea.

Use this pesto with pasta, as a dip or spread!

Makes one and a quarter cups. Takes about 10 minutes.

Ingredients
3 cups pea shoots, woody stems removed
1 1⁄2 cups packed mint leaves, roughly chopped
1⁄2 cup walnuts or other nuts (optional)
1 1⁄2 tbsp. lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1⁄2 cup olive oil
Salt

Instructions
In a food processor, combine the pea shoots with the mint, walnuts, lemon juice, and garlic and process until roughly chopped. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth.

Scrape the pesto into a bowl and season with salt. If not using right away, store in an airtight container, covered with a thin layer of olive oil.
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Interested in supporting FRESH with a tax-deductible donation?
 
Of course you are!! 
Donate Here or follow this link: 
http://www.freshnewlondon.org/donate
PO Box 285, New London, CT 06320, United States
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