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Join CISA for the June Local Hero Challenge: cook a special meal using as many local ingredients as you can; pick-your-own strawberries; or make your own yogurt, cheese, or ice cream -- or try all three! Find recipes, resources and details on how to participate here.
 CISA Community Members TALK TURKEY ... and more at the Diemand Farm Tour
On Thursday, June 27, from 5:30-7:30pm, learn how the Diemand family is making the transition from wholesale egg production to a diversified farm business. Tour the turkey range, bird dressing plant, woodshop, lumber mill and wind turbine. Then enjoy home-cooked food Diemand-style! Free tour starts at 5:30pm, $8 supper at 6:30pm. 126 Mormon Hollow Road, Wendell, directions here. Space is limited; please RSVP to Judy at CISA, (413) 665-7100 x17. Not a Community Member? Learn more here.
Raising the bar: Local Chili Cook Off benefits CISA
On Saturday June 22nd, The Hampshire County Bar Association is holding a benefit chili cook-off to raise money for CISA. Your $10 admission includes chili tasting and local bands. Cash bar, local auction and raffle items. Top local restaurants (including a handful of Local Hero members!) will compete. Check out the Facebook event for more information.
New resources on financial planning and management
Based on CISA's most recent workshop series for farmers, we have developed a range of resources on financial planning and business decision making, including financial record-keeping, enterprise analysis, raising capital, and great information from local farmers about how they make decisions in their own businesses. Please share!
Help CISA increase local products in the Valley's retail stores
Each month, we highlight two locally grown items and encourage you to ask for them in stores. Behind the scenes, we're urging local retailers to carry more local products, and helping them build connections to farmers. Look for lettuce and strawberries in June, and help us get more local items into retail stores by joining our new volunteer action group (contact Judy for more information). This month, you'll also find delicious local options for dressing your fresh June lettuce on our Valley Bounty page.
$100,000 Anniversary Fund - thank you for your help
More than 100 people have already donated from $5 to $4,000 to help CISA raise $50,000, and we have reached 25% of our goal! If you haven't yet taken advantage of this 2:1 match opportunity, please consider giving an increased gift today. Learn more about the Anniversary Fund and CISA's work through this great public radio interview.
You can help make CISA's fall fundraiser a success
CISA is seeking volunteers for our September 19 event, Taste the View. From decoration, design and set-up to food pick-up and kitchen help, we've got a job for you! Contact Judy to help out.
Staff changes
Many thanks to CISA's Development Associate, Sarah Stout, who will be leaving on June 28 to go back to school. We are delighted to welcome Judy Hall to that position. Judy has 32 years' experience as a fundraiser, program director and consultant; most recently, she's worked to increase local food sourcing for food pantries in the Western Mass Food Bank network.
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Local Hero profile: Meadowbrook Farm
