Alumni

2009-2010

Brian Blackmon August 2009 – June 2010

I hail from the outer coastal plains of South Carolina. I did not grow up on a farm, but I grew up in a farming family. My mother, aunts, uncles and grandparents were sharecroppers and I spent my youth picking watermelons and playing in pastures.

I attended college at the University of South Carolina and subsequently graduated with a BA in English accompanied by a minor in Anthropology Anthropology. It was during these few years when a natural culinary curiosity combined with a finer understanding of anthropology combined to form what seems to be a lifelong interest: gastronomy. After graduating in 2008 I joined AmeriCorps and served a VISTA service year in Montana with the Montana Grass Conservation Commission. I was able to meet and learn from many of Montana’s ranchers and the boards that affect their livestock production during my year of service. I made some great friends and was able provide my services and experience with them.

Claire Godschalk August 2009 – June 2010

I’m originally from Cincinnati, OH, and recently returned there to continue my farm education.  However, I have ventured elsewhere in the past 8 years to discover my place in the world.  I studied at Mary Washington College in central Virginia where I nourished my creativity through scenic design.  Following college, I moved to Washington, DC, to work as an event designer.  In my two years there, I met some of the most influential people in my life, and discovered an intense interest in food and agriculture through books, volunteering at community gardens, and working at the farmers’ market.  I also explored the hills and hollows/hollers of Appalachia as often as possible during that time, and fell in love with that corner of the world.  I decided to move to Knoxville, TN, (nearly Appalachia anyway!) to be closer to the mountains and to further my agricultural education at Beardsley.  Following my short stay in Tennessee, I returned back to Cincinnati to work at a much larger vegetable farm.  I continue to learn nearly every day about food, nutrition, growing veggies, cooking, fermentation, and animal husbandry…and I love every minute!  I’m in the process of starting a winter market garden at my current country abode, and co-own 8 grass-fed cows and 175 free-range laying hens.  I’m not sure where my future farm will be – hopefully in the foothills of the mountains – but I’m excited for all that lays before me in life!  So, I still haven’t found my place in the world, but at least I’ve chosen a profession.  Farming, for me, is not just a physical pursuit, but also an intellectual, nurturing, educational, and spiritual pursuit.  It’s a way of life, and I plan on doing it for the rest of my time here on earth!  I’m happy that BCF could give me a start.

Graham Taylor August 2009 – June 2010

I was born and raised in New York State, an hour or so northwest of NYC. For many generations, my family has run a nursery and landscape business, and my love of the natural world was born out of my work there as a teenager. Over time, my interests have centered on the intersection of human health, agriculture, and the environment. I graduated from the University of Virginia with a BS in Biology in the spring of 2009, and am planning to go to medical school in the fall of 2010.

Other passions of mine include–in no particular order–cooking, national parks, running, pottery, trying unusual foods, and bicycles.

Lauren Bailey June 2009-April 2010

I’m currently interning with East Nashville Cooperative Ministry, which is a food bank and clothing bank .As the Farm and Food Systems intern, I am part of the fresh food initiative of the Cooperative. I take care of about 1/2 acre garden in the Bells Bend area about fifteen minutes from downtown Nashville. My internship allows me to see the beauty in both rural life and the inner city— I am able to be a part if the whole range of the food system from the production to the distribution to people.

My experience with AmeriCorps at Beardsley opened the door for me into the world of food and gardening. Learning from all of my teammates and supervisors and the CAC staff, I find that I gained a wealth of hands-on experience there. There are far too many good memories at Beardsley to single out a favorite. But, the laughter and friendships that were fostered at Beardsley continue to be a part of my life. And as William Shakespear said, ” I can no other answer make, but thanks and thanks.”

Rachel Winner August 2009 – June 2010

I grew up in Tampa, FL with my parents and brother, Frank. When I was 16, my parents had a mid-life crisis and moved the family to Asheville, NC, which turned out to be a wonderful transition for everyone. They created Barkwells, a pet-friendly resort where I enjoy working when I’m at home. I graduated Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA in May 2009 with a degree in International Studies and a Spanish minor. The best thing that happened to me at college was getting the job at the school’s farm. I also loved playing on the frisbee team, living at the Treehouse, and traveling abroad to China and Argentina. I love diggin in the dirt, martial arts, squirrels and talking to strangers. Some day I will pursue my next degree in sustainable development or religious conflict-resolution.

Ben Epperson Sept 2007- Feb 2010

I am currently the Program Manager of Knox County’s Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities program, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. HKHC provides advocacy and grassroots organization to help communities reshape their environment to provide more fresh food and more play spaces. Before HKHC, I worked as Beardsley’s farm manager for close to three years. I miss it. A lot! I am the father of two beautiful “free-range” daughters and am passionate about urban food systems and self reliant communities. Right now my wife and I are rebuilding a tiny house in Knoxville’s Parkridge Community.

2008-2009

Tara Dettmar August 08 – June 09

I’m a Florida girl through and through; born and raised in the beautiful sunshine state, inevitably loving the beach more than most things. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss it. However, I don’t believe it is my sole mission in life to be a beach bum so I promised myself I wouldn’t settle until I had thoroughly explored my options. I want to see the world and experience as much in life as possible and so far I think I am off to a good start. After high school I went off to school in the mountains of Asheville North Carolina where I attended Warren Wilson College. My first summer break I moved out west on a whim. While there I discovered how very much I loved exploring the outdoors through adventurous and challenging mediums. The next fall I declared myself an Outdoor Education major where classes consisted of winter camping, rock climbing and kayaking, among others. That same year I joined the college’s landscaping crew where I specialized in tractor work. My bosses were two of the most amazing men and I consider them just as much my professors as those whose classes I took. College for me was a much different experience. Working and doing service throughout my four years taught me a lot about myself and the world in which I was living. I learned to do things I never thought I was capable of, met people who inspired me, did service I was proud of and came out a much better person. I gained a fondness of Appalachia similar to that of my beloved beaches. I gained a deep respect for local food movements, sustainable living practices and blue collar work, in all of which I am an active participant. I never cease to surprise people when I tell them of the opportunities WWC lent me both at the time and presently. After college I spent a summer living and working on Cumberland Island, a national seashore on the coast of southern Georgia. The work was not ideal but it was a great way to bide my time until my current job began. I rode my bike six miles a day to and from the beach and ate only local and organic foods all while living in a near tropical paradise. Not too bad I suppose. Currently I volunteer for AmeriCorps and work at Beardsley. Though not always the easiest job, and often financially straining, I have learned so very much and cannot think of anything I’d rather be doing. My supervisor and co-workers are amazing and have taught me so much. Now that my term of service is coming to a close I am being forced to think of my next step. I am relatively clueless but not from a lack of options. My mental list of possibilities has expanded tenfold. It is only a matter of making a decision, which for me is never an easy process.

Jeff Martin August 08 – June 09

I was born and raised in a small town outside of Columbia, SC. Growing up we had lots of forest to explore and enjoy. After high school, I attended Clemson University which is in the upstate of South Carolina. While attending Clemson I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture. Unlike most of the students in my major, I was not interested in landscaping but more so in small vegetable production. Growing up I was always exposed to many types of gardens: vegetable, butterfly, and woodland gardens. I wanted to follow this area of Horticulture, so I spent a summer working with a Clemson University professor, Dr. David Bradshaw. Along with another student, the three of us planted, maintained, and harvested a 2.5 acre sustainable vegetable garden. The purpose of this garden was to continue the seed bank of South Carolina’s heirloom seed collection. I believe this sparked my interest in community food programs. Shortly after college, I decided I wanted to share my garden knowledge with others. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to grow food. I joined Beardsley Community Farm to provide resources to ones who would benefit the most from growing their own food. I hope to continue working with community gardens in the future to strengthen communities while providing healthy food.

Kirsten Halverson August 08 – June 09

Hi, my name is Kirsen Halverson. I have been working at Beardsley Community Farm for the last 9 months and have really enjoyed it. I think what Beardsley is trying to do ( getting more people in the city to garden) is wonderful. I have learned a lot by going into schools and helping coordinate volunteers. But a little about me…I graduated with a degree in English and French from Luther College in Decorah IA, where I first became interested in local food and sustainable agriculture after taking a capstone class labeled Food and the Environment. I got involved in the local farming community in Decorah by helping to organize a Local Food’s Night at our college’s cafeteria. I also worked on several farms that introduced me to aspects of Market Gardening and the CSA movement. Speaking of which, one of my favorite websites is localharvest.org, a great resource for finding local organic food in any area of the country. In addition to gardening I play violin, love to hike, swim and dance. Hopefully my future will in include a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies and later I would love to run my own farm/retreat center.

Shelagh Leutwiler August 08 – June 09

I arrived in Knoxville, TN on January 1, 2005. My original idea for coming to our sweet sticky little city was to complete my Bachelors in Fine Arts at The University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Through the years of playing with paint, graphite, ink and clay, I discovered a love for the citizens of Knoxville, plants, bicycles and dance parties. Living in nitty gritty Fort Sanders rendered me hopeless in the hot hot summer of 2006. Realizing that my deepest joys would be fulfilled if I could be closer to nature, a friend directed me to the closest piece of heaven, Beardsley Community Farm. I began volunteering that summer and couldn’t seem to get enough of life on the farm while I completed my education. After graduation, I landed a “real job” only to discover that the salaried and insured life is not for me, so I abandoned my post (with two weeks notice of course) and went to work on the farm. Life at Beardsley Community Farm was full of life. My favorite moments were those spent loading and unloading manure/compost/mulch out of the old dodge ram (most amazing truck ever), starting seeds in the greenhouse, learning more about Permaculture, chasing chickens/ducks, working with community gardeners, listening to the birds, harvesting honey, and most importantly teaching The Green Thumb Club at Beaumont Elementary. Working at BCF allowed me so many great opportunities, the most important one, being the opportunity to work with children. I now understand that if I am to have a career, it will be as an educator. So until I become teacher of the universe, at some amazing Montessori or Waldorf school, I am working all the time at Three Rivers Market (still providing delicious nutritious food for the community), and Bistro at the Bijou (girls just want to have fun). When I’m not working, I read about Reiki and Ayurveda, practice yoga, lose myself in the woods, host kick ass potlucks/parties, jump on my trampoline, dance until my legs fall off, become a bolt of lighting on my bicycle and focus for brief moments to plan my upcoming bicycle ride across America which begins in May 2010. Hooray!

2007 – 2008

Marie Boisvert August 06 – June 08

Working at Beardsley Community Farm from 2006-2008 gave me numerous skills and experiences that allowed me to easily continue on my agricultural path. I spent the first six months after BCF working as an apprentice at Bugtussle Farm, a family run CSA and meat operation in rural Kentucky. I began learning about animal husbandry and rotational grazing, while expanding my vegetable growing knowledge. As the heat of the South drove me to cooler climates, I followed my roots back to the Northeast, where I worked the duration of the maple sugaring season at my old high school. I lead crews of high school students in collecting sap and learned about every step of making maple syrup, from tapping the “sugarbush” to collecting and boiling sap. I currently work at Chase Hill Farm, a 100% organic and grass-fed dairy farm, where I receive excellent one-on-one instruction and education about maintaining an organic dairy and beef herd. I am milking about thirty gorgeous Normande cows and enjoying their delicious raw milk! I also work at Picadilly Farm, a large organic CSA. They cultivate over 20 acres and have hundreds of customers in both Eastern and Western Massachusetts! So far I enjoy learning about quality organic production at a larger scale. BCF inspired me to continue involving youth in agriculture. This Spring I have been working with my old elementary school to clean up their old perennial gardens and construct two raised beds for growing vegetables. I will be working with these students through the school year and then continuing the new garden club at their summer camp program. All of these projects keep me enthusiastic for the time when I hope to run a unique educational farm and homestead. Next season I will look to manage a working educational farm with goals similar to BCF. But for now, I am content looking at lots of cow udders.

Beth Hilliard August 07 – June 08

Beth Hilliard worked at Beardsley Farm as a part of the Urban Agriculture Team in 2007-2008. She is currently at the University of Washington Law School, where she plans to have a career in food and farm policy.

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