For a happy-go-lucky girl, I do spend a fair amount of time imagining disaster. If the Big One hits while I’m sleeping, no books or heavy decorative items will fall on me—I already thought about that and hung nothing over my bed when I moved here. I still vary my regular route from time to time, you know, just in case the terrorists are watching. And I keep my phone charged and my car, at least most of the time, gassed up.
But truth is, I’ve been pretty disaster-free for my entire life (To those of you shaking your head at some of my relationships, I say: THAT IS NOT WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT), and so I’m lucky enough to be in a position—and to have a platform—to help when things get dire for others.
The situation is currently dire for Paul Betz, an organic farmer and honky-tonk DJ in Vermont, and his family. I don’t know Paul, and don’t know if I’ve ever had any of the produce grown from High Ledge Farm, but he’s a friend of Gary, a writer buddy of mine, and Gary asked me to put out the call on Paul’s behalf.
Just about two weeks ago, a propane tank on High Ledge Farm exploded, and the resulting fire destroyed everything: their home, their equipment and all of their seedlings. The investigation continues, and although Vermont-based High Mowing Seeds has allowed the Betz family to start new seedlings in their greenhouses, the family has not even been able to begin the rebuilding process.
Those of you who know anything about Vermont know this: the growing season is short. Those of you who know anything about farming know this: losing a growing season can kill a farm. The margins are just too precarious. High Ledge Farm needs to rebuild quickly if they’re going to rebuild at all.
High Mowing Seeds has set up a page to receive donations on behalf of the Betz family, to help them restore their business and get back on their feet. And if you live anywhere near Montpelier, VT, there’s a farm relief party on Sunday at 3 p.m., at The Lamb Abbey (in Pioneer Center just off Pioneer Street). Two bands will play: Hot Flannel, a smokin’ progressive acoustic jazzgrass band featuring fiddler extraordinaire Patrick Ross, and Sara Grace and the Suits, a phenomenally popular soul-folk band from Montpelier. Cash or check donations will be accepted, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Paul and his wife, Kate. This is a BYO beverage and food affair, and families are encouraged to attend. For more info, contact Ed DuFresne.
It’s a tough time for everyone right now, not just farmers. But if you can find it in your heart to help this family, I encourage you to do so. After all, we never know how close we are to disaster, and we never know when we’re going to need to ask for help in return.
on Apr 29th, 2009 at 10:49 am
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