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Dear Friends,
Thank you for all the support you've provided us in 2023! The stories you share with us about discovering a new farm at a tailgate market or feeling inspired after a stop on the Farm Tour bring us joy and recommit us to this work as we step in to the new year.
Please help ASAP with a donation as we enter 2024 so that we can keep building and growing.
“Farmers are taking care of this land…we should put a spotlight on them."
That quote comes from Kelsey, one of ASAP’s 2023 volunteers, but we couldn’t have put it better ourselves. Kelsey reminds us why this work is inspiring on so many levels. She moved to the area a year and a half ago after traveling extensively. She decided to make Western North Carolina her home with the desire to meet new people and build community. Through a little research she discovered ASAP and signed up to volunteer for the Farm Tour in September. She and a friend were assigned to support Tomas C. Farms in McDowell County, which took part in the tour for the first time this year.
Kelsey quickly saw the Farm Tour’s impact. Many visitors were community members who had shopped at the farmstand that Tomas C. operates, but never knew the farm was right there. She witnessed these customers deepening their connection to the land, to the family, and to the food that they regularly purchase.
Kelsey said she instantly bonded with the Tomas family over their shared “first timer” status on the tour. It was farm owner Paty’s birthday, but rather than receiving presents herself, Paty sent every guest home with gifts—corn, sunflowers, and pumpkins. Kelsey called Paty a “burst of sunshine” as she joyfully offered up the bounty from her farm. Paty even invited Kelsey to stay after the Farm Tour ended to enjoy her birthday barbeque.
Since the Farm Tour Kelsey has kept in touch with Paty. They text every now and again to check in with one another. The Farm Tour builds bonds between people.
 In October, Kelsey attended ASAP’s volunteer appreciation event. “Holy moly, it was the sweetest!” she said. She met another volunteer there, and is now helping out with their garden in exchange for some herbs. Kelsey reflected that it can be hard moving to a new place and figure out what you can contribute. Through volunteering with ASAP, Kelsey was able to find a way to both contribute and grow her community.
Just like Kelsey, we commit to continuing to grow and nurture our community here in the Southern Appalachians. You are the fabric of the local food movement and you are our community. Together, we can sustain working farmland, nourish ourselves with fresh, local food, and build healthy communities for posterity.
As 2023 ends, we are filled with hope and gratitude thanks to your ongoing support. We are also full of anticipation and excitement for 2024 as we build on the amazing work we achieved together this year.
Have a healthy and happy new year!
With deep gratitude,
Your friends at ASAP
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ASAP Staff
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Board of Directors |
Emory Brandon, Graphic Design Coordinator
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Carrie Keller, President
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| Britt Garrett, Finance Coordinator |
Craig Mauney, Vice President
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Sarah Hart, Communications Manager
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Nilofer Couture, Secretary
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Sigrid JensenOyaski, Local Food Campaign Program Coordinator
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Francisco Castelblanco, Treasurer
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Melinda Lequin, Finance Director
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Wendy Brugh |
Amy Marion, Associate Director
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Bill Durr
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Mike McCreary, Farmers Market Program Manager
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Lisa C. Payne
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Taylor Millington, Grants Administrator
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Sarah Minter, Local Food Campaign Program Coordinator
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Molly Nicholie, Executive Director
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Madeleine O'Toole, Market and Events Coordinator
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Suzi Palladino, Growing Minds Program Coordinator
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Danielle Raucheisen, Growing Minds Program Manager
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Jessica Ruiz, Community Research Coordinator
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Nora Scheff, Development Director
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David Smiley, Local Food Campaign Program Manager
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| Caleb Thomason, Farm Fresh for Health Program Coordinator |
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| Debbi Timson, Growing Minds Program Coordinator |
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