Patricia Sziber, executive director, Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space
Jersey Fresh is alive and well in the Hopewell Valley! That is the consensus gathered at the feast that followed the Eat Locally Tour on Sept. 14, where 150 guests reveled in our area’s fresh produce, meats, fish and beverages. A joint project of Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space and the Northeast Organic Farming Association, the two-hour tour through Hopewell’s hills and valleys included stops at three area farms whose sustainable practices embrace the relationship between healthy food production and a healthy environment. Narrators on each of the three buses pointed out open space and agricultural highlights along the way.
The Eat Locally Tour was an enormously successful celebration of local food production and local ingenuity in preserving the best of Hopewell Valley. We are deeply indebted to the many people who were so supportive of this first-time venture. At the top of our list are very generous and enthusiastic farmers who welcomed three busloads of people to their farms: Mike Rassweiler of North Slope Farm, David Earling and Maria Nicolo of Gravity Hill Farm and Charlie and Lucia Huebner of Beechwood Farm. Everyone came away from their farms, not just with treats, but also with a new appreciation for the scope of farming in the Hopewell Valley area and for the dedication of the people who work the land. Chuck Katzenbach of Sweet Sourland Farm rounded it out with a display of maple syrup and honey harvested and bottled on his own farm. Everyone loved the special surprise that was in store at one of the farm stops, where several young ladies from Shelterwood 4-H Club handed out much-appreciated cups of water and lemonade and passed around munchies to the visitors.
Many thanks to all the wonderful sponsors who made possible the Eat Locally Guidebook, which was inserted into the durable green tote bags provided by our community-minded neighbor, Pennington Quality Market.
We owe a very special thank you to Hopewell Valley Vineyards for hosting the celebration that followed the tour. They were extremely generous and very helpful in preparing the event. And kudos to Chef Will Mooney of Brothers Moon for his knock-out buffet of everything from Jersey fish to Jersey fruit. Amazing! And River Horse Brewery for slaking the thirst of those who prefer beer to wine. Thanks, also, to Mountain View Band for the terrific musical backdrop to the feast, and to the generous donors of the unique silent auction items and trivia quiz prizes.
Finally, we want to thank the many volunteers who worked so hard to develop the tour and make it a success. We had no idea how it would go when we embarked on this venture but — take a bow—you did it!
