Freedom Farm for Vets

March/April Update

Frank R — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:41:01 +0000

March is usually a busy time for us, as winter is breaking and spring work begins. Of course, this year Mother Nature threw us a curve, and slowed down the usual activities. So we skipped a post for the last “month of winter” in our updates, since there was so little to tell! We’ll do a little catch-up now.

March Update: Covered in snow and waiting for spring, the farm is still in hibernation! The stove is going and keeping the animals warm through the coldest days. Planning for the gardens and improvements on the barn “day room” have begun. Its time to get volunteers in place for the spring planting and the barn work, so if anyone is interested or has ideas for the gardens, please contact us.

April Update: The farm is waking from the winter snows and the melted snow and large rain water should help the ground prep for the garden planting. Planting will begin May 11th and go on for about two weeks. Anyone interested in helping out with the garden is very welcome. Please let us know if you can help, just to let us plan the work.

The farm has a new resident in Beau, a thoroughbred, to keep ”lil” Girl company. he seems to be getting used to the surroundings and has taken to the pasture. He and “lil” Girl will be great buddies and should be ready for visits anytime.

The work for the barn day room is ongoing. With age and weather, the large beams along the wall of the barn needed to be stabilized and work on the room will continue once this is completed.

The chickens and ducks have been out since the big rains have gone through and the ducks are LOVING it!! Grass is greening up and the buds on the trees and roses are beginning to appear. Its finally time to wake things up and watch them grow!

Come and visit the farm in early spring. These first warm days are a great time to be at the farm!

John

Remembering one of our supporters

Frank R — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:29:54 +0000

A good friend of the Freedom Farm, Mary Ann Cavener, passed away last month. The family designated the Freedom Farm as one of the beneficiaries of any remembrances people wished to donate in her memory.

Mary Ann took an interest in the welfare of our soldiers overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. She collected donations that she used to purchase items to send to our troops, as a way to express our gratitude for their service, and she corresponded with many, as well.

She showed that there are many ways to serve, and she will be missed. May she rest in peace.

John

February Update

Frank R — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 20:06:54 +0000

The staff from the Freedom Farm would like to thank everyone for the support we’ve received during this very difficult time on the farm. With every tragic event, good somehow finds its way around. It has for us, in the form of a new horse and friend named Beau.

Beau’s owner Jen called about three weeks ago after she heard of our losing Red, and wanted to help. It just so happens Jen’s father is a retired Navy Chief, and she could think of no better place to donate her horse. Beau is an 18yr old thoroughbred, who, after his time on the track was used for jumping. We’ll have a picture or two of Beau posted here in a few more days.

Surprisingly enough, he is as calm and quiet as they come. He loves the attention he’s getting here, and he’s getting used to his new home. Jen comes by on her days off to ride him and spend a little time with us around the barn. She has a special passion for horses, and it really shows when she is around them. Beau’s personality is a reflection of the excellent care he received from Jen. It’s a joy to have both of them around the farm.

We hope to be adding to the farm family with two mini-goats and two mini-donkeys. We’re waiting until some of the snow is gone, and we’re doing some barn rearranging to make room. They will be a great addition to the farm and, we look forward to the day they move in.

With the break in the weather (soon, we hope), we’ll start making preparations for the new growing season and a full summer and fall of activities. We hope to see more of our old friends, and make many new ones in the coming year -especially, our veterans! The days are getting longer. It’s the time for farmers to look forward, make plans, and get antsy to start a new year. We’re right there, too, anticipating new crops of food, friends, and good times.

John

January Update

Frank R — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 22:43:09 +0000

Red, in happier days

I must start out by apologizing for being so late preparing the last few months of updates for the website. I’ve been preoccupied lately, working night and day trying to make Red’s life as comfortable as possible. He had arthritis in his front legs, and at the age of 18 we were fighting a losing battle. Red’s pain finally ended on the 4th of February, probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, and the hardest day on the farm for his stable-mate ”lil” Girl.

Animals and farms go together. Few farms are limited to just raising crops, and ours certainly isn’t. No matter what kind of animals you raise, you get attached to them, and some more than others. You get fond of ducks, chickens, and some of the smaller livestock. But you really do get to love the larger animals. It’s hard not to. Horses in particular are very intelligent, and they have personalities. They just become as much a part of your family as a dog or cat.

Red was the gentle giant of the farm; he was a horse that knew how to brighten your day. If you were not in the best of moods he would find a way to take your mind off your problems. He had a big heart that he would share with all.

Red was a real character, too. Many times, while I was working on the farm, Red would want to help and our tools would take a walk. Fixing fences was always one of his favorite jobs, he loved to help you move your supplies and tools around the farm – but not necessarily where you wanted them! When we were filling the outside stock tank, he liked to stop the water by standing on the hose. Have you ever tried to move a 1400 lb. horse when he doesn’t want to?

When it came to our guests, he loved them all unconditionally. He knew what it took to get a smile and a laugh, and to warm a heart. Red was a people horse; he’d rather be with people than other horses, and if someone new came to the farm Red was right there to give his greeting. He could make people who might be timid around big horses feel relaxed and affectionate. All he wanted was to be loved and he would do anything to achieve his goal, which meant he mostly gave as much or more than he got.

“lil” Girl and I are sticking together like glue now and will carry on what Red started, helping veterans and their families enjoy the precious gift of life. Our hearts are broken right now, but together we will complete our mission.

So long Red - you will always be in our hearts!

John, Jody, and all our friends and family

December (and year end) Update

Frank R — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 23:21:00 +0000

We closed out the year with our final trip to the V.A. of the season. Season’s greetings were spread throughout the wards in the form of our hand-made ornaments. Marty Cornett made her own special “rounds”, making deliveries to the veterans. Her bubbly personality was just what the doctor ordered, and left each room full of holiday cheer, including a personal “Thank you” to each veteran she visited. Thank you, too, Marty!

The year on the farm was not all we had hoped for, at least as far as vegetable production was concerned; but being at the mercy of the weather is just part of farming, and we still did OK. With the addition of a well next spring water will no longer be an issue and the harvests should be plentiful. The winter will bring the re-model of the barn, with the completion of the day room and shop area, along with new siding and fencing. We have much to do before spring planting, and would welcome anyone to join us in the remodel - particularly if you’re looking for something to do to while away the winter hours in a productive way, volunteer style.

Coravir now has their web site up and running (http://www.coravir.org), so stop by and see the future home for our disabled veterans. We are looking for tradesmen willing to volunteer their time and expertise upgrading the utilities in the home. We have much to do before this facility can open in the Spring of 2013. Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC are just a few of the trades we need, and we’d really appreciate your help. Many of the other tasks needed will be performed by various groups, including local ROTC, and 4-H organizations. Bringing the community together for a worthwhile cause is how this wonderful home will be completed, and when it’s finished it will be something we can all be proud of.

Reflecting on our year of activities and fund raising on the farm, I have noticed that we occasionally meet folks who seem a bit confused about the responsibilities of a volunteer. Volunteers are special people who give of themselves to a cause for which they believe, and ask nothing in return, other than the good feelings they receive from doing something worthwhile. We have encountered one or two individuals who seemed more concerned about how volunteering made them look to the public; they don’t last for their cause is not just. Our veterans need us to be 100% true to our purpose - we have no time for those who wish to ride the coattails of those who care, and are willing to give back to those who gave us everything. It is our responsibility to give the best we can to those who gave us the best they can!

Our resolve for the new year is to try to improve our efforts where we’ve struggled, build on what we’ve done well, and continue to reach out to others who want to help us in our endeavors. Our veterans deserve nothing less.

A Happy New Year to all!

John

November Update

Frank R — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 23:04:35 +0000

Is winter ever going to come? This month has been so mild that we still have a few fall veggies hanging on. They look kinda funny with ‘frostbite’, but still taste good.

Planning for the expansion of the gardens next year has begun, since we’ll need to expand the gardens at least three times to provide the produce that Coravir’s kitchen will require. Our disabled veterans living at Coravir will be eating the healthiest vegetables possible starting next year. We’ll need as many volunteers as we can get to make this possible, so contact us if you’re interested. The rehab of Coravir’s new home is set to begin next month and, if all goes well, the home will open early Spring.

We need to thank the Warbird Heritage Foundation once more for opening their doors to our Veterans. We took a group from the James A. Lovell V.A. in North Chicago, IL to tour their facility on Monday the 5th. One of the highlights for me was when a wheelchair-bound veteran from WWII ran his hand over the wing flap of the P-51 Mustang and with a tear in his eye said he was so grateful to see “such a beautiful ol’ girl” in fantastic condition. This veteran told me how the P-51 Mustang saved his life more than once and what a joy it is now to be able to “see her again”. Sean did a fantastic job hosting the tour of the Warbirds; he really went all out for our veterans. Thanks, Sean.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. We’re looking forward to 2013 here on the Farm, and hope all of you are too.

John

October Update

Frank R — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 22:55:04 +0000

Fall has finally set in on the farm and this year’s events are winding down. We all had a great time at the Pig Roast - many thanks to Heather and the staff of the Tavern in Winthrop Harbor, IL for making the day a lot of fun and helping raise funds for our programs on the farm. Thanks also to the 2nd Brigade Motorcycle Club for their support at this event, they are a great bunch of dedicated veterans who step up for their brothers.

We arranged a tour of the Warbird Heritage Foundation hanger at Waukegan Airport for members of the Capt. James J. McKinstry chapter of the Internation Plastic Modelers Society. These guys are a mix of veterans and civilians who take pride in making scale plastic models of many of our past and present military aircraft. Many of the members came to the farm for a cook out after the tour. The reminiscences of the military veterans were very interesting to say the least, and we thank them for service and sacrifice.

The 4-H Club, “Country Bumpkins” of Wadsworth visited the residential floor at the James A. Lovell Center on Sunday, October 21,2012. The visit included about 12 4-H members in Halloween costumes who passed out pretzel packets to the veterans as a “reverse trick-or-treat’ day. The students put out pumpkins that they had decorated with paint, google eyes, feathers, and American flags to add to the dining tables and day rooms for the fall season. Many thanks go out to their 4-H adviser, Penny Latona, and the parents that accompanied the group. Our veterans truly enjoyed the costumes that brought them some Halloween fun, and the work of the students on the decorations. Great job!

September Update

Frank R — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 22:38:51 +0000

September was an exciting month for the Farm and our partner Coravir. In Latin Coravir means “Heart of a Hero”, which is the name for the new congregate home for veterans opening soon in Zion, Illinois. This new home will provide housing for as many as 100 disabled veterans who are searching for a fresh start.

Coravir provides all meals, laundry, and services for our wounded warriers in a friendly and homey atmosphere. Pool tables, computer centers, and a pet center are just some of the activities in the home - and for those who wish to take to the open air a shuttle service will take you to the Freedom Farm any time during the day. Coravir is always looking for volunteers to help us get the building ready to open. We have to complete the fire sprinklers on the first floor and do a little rearranging, then it will be doors open. This is a beautiful facility with all the comforts of home and a staff whose sole purpose is to help our veterans in any way they can.

The Freedom Farm for Vets is proud to partner up with Coravir in our mission that “No Vet is ever left behind”. We are here for you always - if we don’t provide it, either we know who does, or we’ll find out for you.

In other news, don’t forget about the Hog Roast coming up! We’ll be cooking at the farm on an open spit Saturday, Oct.20, starting at 6:30 AM and finishing by 1 PM. Then we’ll be going over to the Tavern in Winthrop Harbor for a feast, so come on out!

This summer has been one tough one for the roses. We’ve had a bad case of black spot mildew. An enormous number of Japanese beatles have kept us hopping as they try to eat the leaves that are left. We pick the little critters off twice a day and remove bad foliage. We haven’t lost any plants, and now with the weather change they seem to be doing better.

If anyone would like to volunteer to help with the daily care of our rose garden, we would welcome you with open arms. These roses are dedicated to our special family of veterans who have passed on, and we will not let them perish. We are currently working to prepare memorial plaques of last year’s roses in full bloom, so keep checking our Rose Program page.

A special thanks to all our volunteers who worked our information booth in hanger ‘A’ at the Waukegan Air Show Saturday, Sept. 8. They had a very busy day and many of you donated to help us continue on with our mission. Coravir’s CEO was on hand to explain their newly acquired facility in Zion. Good Luck to them!

This was our first year at the Wings over Waukegan annual show and we couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome. The air show staff helped our volunteers to put up a perfect booth in a minimal amount of space. Great job! Look for us to be back again next year.

Hog Roast

Frank R — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 22:42:16 +0000

We’ll be having our annual pig roast at the Tavern in Winthrop Harbor on Saturday, October 20th. The Tavern is located at 728 Sheridan Road. We hope to see you there!

August Update

Frank R — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 22:02:31 +0000

As August ends and summer begins to wind down, we have good news for the garden, despite the summer drought. Water was hauled to the gardens by hand this year, whenever it was available. The plants suffered severely and some never made it to harvest, but some were real winners! We have had a few trips to the food pantry this summer, much less than last year, but the tomatoes, leaf vegetables, and peppers have made it there. This month, we entered 34 categories at the Kenosha County Fair and won 29 ribbons!!! Our entries included fresh vegetables, canned vegetables, and cut flowers. In the blue ribbon category, we had a beautiful first place win in the cut flower division as our very own veteran, George Wieszczyk, planted and watered a bed of zinnias on the farm. George comes to the farm daily and has helped with the garden, horses, and the hard work in the heat with the watering and harvesting. Congratulations to you, George, and thank you so much for all your hard work!

This month, we also made preparations to participate in two events to represent the farm and get our information out to veterans and their families. We plan to have a ‘booth’ at the Labor of Love Music Festival in Munster, WI which raises money to support suicide prevention education on September 2, 2012. Then, we plan to attend the Waukegan Fly In at the Waukegan Airport to handout more flyers and information. We plan to take some of our Zinnias to show off George’s hard work and to let people know how proud we are of them. Our newest fundraiser is to begin a brick walkway, with engraved bricks to honor our veterans. Our sales will begin at the air show, for $50.00 each. Please feel free to contact us, if you want to order one.

Farm maintenance has been a big part of the work on the farm this month. Tractors needed work and equipment always needs updates and cleaning. John and George have teamed up to get things in good working order to keep things moving.

Looking forward to October, we are in the process of applying for a grant for transportation to the farm. When things are finalized, we will let everyone know. We are also having a Pig Roast at the Tavern in Winthrop Harbor, on Saturday, October 20th. Please mark your calendars now so that you won’t miss a great time!