A Very Special Thank You to our Neighbors, Friends & Partners
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George S. Shepard Post 7
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Easton Legacy Fund Awards Smith Farm Grant for Handicap Ramp
Easton, MA (July 2022) - Thanks to a generous grant of $3,500 from the Easton Legacy Fund of the Southcoast Community Foundation, Smith Farm has received funding to construct a handicap ramp for the Asahel Smith Farmhouse.
The Easton Legacy Fund grant is launching Smith Farm’s efforts to raise a total of $25,000 for costs related to the construction of the back porch and will be used for the inclusion of a handicap ramp in the porch design.
“The Easton Legacy Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation is pleased to support Smith Farm at Borderland State Park in their fundraising efforts to construct a porch and handicap ramp as part of the Asahel Smith Farmhouse renovation efforts. The mission of the Easton Legacy Fund is to sustain and enhance Easton’s quality of life, and we are excited to partner with Smith Farm as they continue their efforts to reopen the Asahel Smith Farmhouse for programs that will benefit our shared community,” said David Ames, Easton Legacy Fund President.
Donors wishing to support this worthy cause may donate safely online either through the website at www.smithfarmheals.org, or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SmithFarmAtBorderland. Donations may also be accepted by checks made out to Smith Farm at Borderland, Inc. and mailed to Rich Eastman, Smith Farm Executive Director, P.O. Box 581, North Easton, MA 02356.
Learn more about the Easton Legacy Fund by visiting https://eastonlegacyfund.org
The Easton Legacy Fund grant is launching Smith Farm’s efforts to raise a total of $25,000 for costs related to the construction of the back porch and will be used for the inclusion of a handicap ramp in the porch design.
“The Easton Legacy Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation is pleased to support Smith Farm at Borderland State Park in their fundraising efforts to construct a porch and handicap ramp as part of the Asahel Smith Farmhouse renovation efforts. The mission of the Easton Legacy Fund is to sustain and enhance Easton’s quality of life, and we are excited to partner with Smith Farm as they continue their efforts to reopen the Asahel Smith Farmhouse for programs that will benefit our shared community,” said David Ames, Easton Legacy Fund President.
Donors wishing to support this worthy cause may donate safely online either through the website at www.smithfarmheals.org, or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SmithFarmAtBorderland. Donations may also be accepted by checks made out to Smith Farm at Borderland, Inc. and mailed to Rich Eastman, Smith Farm Executive Director, P.O. Box 581, North Easton, MA 02356.
Learn more about the Easton Legacy Fund by visiting https://eastonlegacyfund.org
Watercourse Solutions, Inc. Finishes the Septic Installation at Smith Farm
Easton, MA (March 2022) - Lucas Murphy, owner of Watercourse Solutions, Inc. of Easton, put the finishing touches on the long-awaited septic installation at Smith Farm just recently. The work started after the successful completion of the septic challenge in November of 2021, which raised more than $32,000 for the work. Lucas, a longtime bike rider and fan of Borderland State Park, gave the farm a great price break for the work, which required setting the main field off toward the property line away from the immediate farmhouse area. Smith Farm wishes to thank Lucas for his exceptional work and dedication to the farm's cause. We will be looking forward to working with him again in the near future when it comes time to bury the electric lines. From all of us at Smith Farm, thank you Lucas!
North Easton Savings Donates $5,000 to Smith Farm Septic Challenge
Easton, MA (November, 2021) – Smith Farm would like to announce the Septic Challenge a complete success, raising more than $17,000 to match the generous challenge grant of $15,000 by board members Chris and Marie Kelly. Courtney Palm, Vice President and Marketing Officer at North Easton Savings Bank, recently presented a check for $5,000 toward the challenge.
The donation by North Easton Savings Bank helped Smith Farm to exceed their goal, and makes it possible for Smith Farm to install the much-needed septic system. The work is slated for early November by Lucas Murphy of Watercourse Solutions, Inc.
The Smith Farm Board of Advisors would like to take this opportunity to thank our generous friends and supporters in this campaign. We are grateful to The Christine Loeber Foundation, the Inner Spark Foundation, Robert & Maura Turner, Fran & Marjorie Kelly, Moreau Hall Elementary School, Dan & Chrissy DeLoughery, Devin Ingersoll, Dan & Kimberly Wheeler, Robert & Aileen Newton, and Richmond Castano for supporting this very important milestone in the renovation of Smith Farm.
With the septic installation to be completed in November, Smith Farm will proceed onto the final steps of renovation in Phase III, the interior rehabilitation. Please stay tuned to our progress by visiting our website at www.smithfarmheals.org or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SmithFarmAtBorderland.
Thank you so very much!
The donation by North Easton Savings Bank helped Smith Farm to exceed their goal, and makes it possible for Smith Farm to install the much-needed septic system. The work is slated for early November by Lucas Murphy of Watercourse Solutions, Inc.
The Smith Farm Board of Advisors would like to take this opportunity to thank our generous friends and supporters in this campaign. We are grateful to The Christine Loeber Foundation, the Inner Spark Foundation, Robert & Maura Turner, Fran & Marjorie Kelly, Moreau Hall Elementary School, Dan & Chrissy DeLoughery, Devin Ingersoll, Dan & Kimberly Wheeler, Robert & Aileen Newton, and Richmond Castano for supporting this very important milestone in the renovation of Smith Farm.
With the septic installation to be completed in November, Smith Farm will proceed onto the final steps of renovation in Phase III, the interior rehabilitation. Please stay tuned to our progress by visiting our website at www.smithfarmheals.org or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SmithFarmAtBorderland.
Thank you so very much!
Groundbreaking Ceremony Held at Smith Farm to Introduce the Christine M. Loeber Memorial Garden.
Easton, MA (November, 2020) – A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Smith Farm at Borderland State Park on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2020, to mark the spot of the Christine M. Loeber Memorial Garden.
Christine Loeber grew up in Easton and spent many happy times at Borderland State Park. Christine graduated from Oliver Ames High School in 1987, received her undergraduate degree from The University of New Hampshire, and went on to work in Boston for several years. Her work with veterans at the Brockton VA led her to pursue her Master's in Social Work from Boston College, and she then dedicated her life to helping veterans.
Christine’s path led her to California, where she began serving as the Executive Director of the Pathway Home in Yountville, CA. She led programs for veterans with PTSD and brought her bright light to her work there. On March 9, 2018, she and two other staff members were killed in a tragic shooting by a former patient—a veteran with PTSD.
The Christine M. Loeber Foundation was formed in 2018 in honor of Christine, to further her legacy of helping others, with a specific focus on helping veterans and homeless individuals. The Foundation has generously supported Smith Farm in their efforts to preserve the historic farmhouse on the site and open it as a health and wellness center for organizations serving veterans.
The Christine M. Loeber Memorial Garden will be a space for visitors to sit and reflect, and to enjoy the beauty of Smith Farm and Borderland State Park. A plaque has been mounted on a rock in the garden with a quote from Rumi that reads "Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love, it will not lead you astray." This quote was displayed in Christine's home in California, and the Foundation chose it so that it could inspire others at this beautiful space at Smith Farm, as it did Christine in her daily life. The garden will be planted in the spring, and there will be a formal dedication ceremony in 2021, once the garden is complete.
Learn more about the Christine M. Loeber foundation by visiting
https://www.christinemloeberfoundation.org/
Christine Loeber grew up in Easton and spent many happy times at Borderland State Park. Christine graduated from Oliver Ames High School in 1987, received her undergraduate degree from The University of New Hampshire, and went on to work in Boston for several years. Her work with veterans at the Brockton VA led her to pursue her Master's in Social Work from Boston College, and she then dedicated her life to helping veterans.
Christine’s path led her to California, where she began serving as the Executive Director of the Pathway Home in Yountville, CA. She led programs for veterans with PTSD and brought her bright light to her work there. On March 9, 2018, she and two other staff members were killed in a tragic shooting by a former patient—a veteran with PTSD.
The Christine M. Loeber Foundation was formed in 2018 in honor of Christine, to further her legacy of helping others, with a specific focus on helping veterans and homeless individuals. The Foundation has generously supported Smith Farm in their efforts to preserve the historic farmhouse on the site and open it as a health and wellness center for organizations serving veterans.
The Christine M. Loeber Memorial Garden will be a space for visitors to sit and reflect, and to enjoy the beauty of Smith Farm and Borderland State Park. A plaque has been mounted on a rock in the garden with a quote from Rumi that reads "Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love, it will not lead you astray." This quote was displayed in Christine's home in California, and the Foundation chose it so that it could inspire others at this beautiful space at Smith Farm, as it did Christine in her daily life. The garden will be planted in the spring, and there will be a formal dedication ceremony in 2021, once the garden is complete.
Learn more about the Christine M. Loeber foundation by visiting
https://www.christinemloeberfoundation.org/
Inner Spark Foundation Makes Grant to Support Smith Farm's Renovation Challenge
Easton, MA (March, 2017) – Thanks to a generous grant of $5,000 from the Inner Spark Foundation, Smith Farm has received a significant boost to their fundraising efforts with the Easton Lions Club Centennial Legacy Project & the Avery Lee Williams Family Farmhouse Renovation Challenge.
The Farmhouse Renovation Challenge is helping Smith Farm achieve our goals to preserve the historic farmhouse on the site, and as stated in the Smith Farm mission, to use the facility to “enrich lives through education, arts, culture, spirituality and wellness.” The Easton Lions Club and the Avery Lee Williams Family have teamed up to match funds raised by Smith Farm up to $20,000—making a total of $40,000 available for construction costs related to the physical structure of the Asahel Smith Farmhouse.
The Inner Spark Foundation previously supported Smith Farm with a grant to help replace the roof of the Asahel Smith Farmhouse. Built in 1880 by Dr. Asahel Smith, the farmhouse is nestled in what is now Borderland State Park at a site that was chosen for its serenity and peacefulness.
“Inner Spark Foundation is pleased to renew our support of Smith Farm at Borderland State Park in their fundraising efforts to restore the historic Asahel Smith Farmhouse. The renovation of the farmhouse will bolster Smith Farm’s ability to offer the local community—in particular, veterans and veteran’s organizations—with a beautiful location for health and wellness programs. We are excited for Smith Farm’s future and proud to support this challenge grant,” said Jacqueline Gosciak, Inner Spark Foundation Trustee and Easton resident.
Donors wishing to support this worthy cause may donate safely online either through our website at www.smithfarmheals.org, or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SmithFarmAtBorderland. Donations will also be accepted by checks made out to Smith Farm at Borderland, Inc. and mailed to Carrie Crisman, Smith Farm Curator, P.O. Box 22, Norton, MA 02766.
The Farmhouse Renovation Challenge is helping Smith Farm achieve our goals to preserve the historic farmhouse on the site, and as stated in the Smith Farm mission, to use the facility to “enrich lives through education, arts, culture, spirituality and wellness.” The Easton Lions Club and the Avery Lee Williams Family have teamed up to match funds raised by Smith Farm up to $20,000—making a total of $40,000 available for construction costs related to the physical structure of the Asahel Smith Farmhouse.
The Inner Spark Foundation previously supported Smith Farm with a grant to help replace the roof of the Asahel Smith Farmhouse. Built in 1880 by Dr. Asahel Smith, the farmhouse is nestled in what is now Borderland State Park at a site that was chosen for its serenity and peacefulness.
“Inner Spark Foundation is pleased to renew our support of Smith Farm at Borderland State Park in their fundraising efforts to restore the historic Asahel Smith Farmhouse. The renovation of the farmhouse will bolster Smith Farm’s ability to offer the local community—in particular, veterans and veteran’s organizations—with a beautiful location for health and wellness programs. We are excited for Smith Farm’s future and proud to support this challenge grant,” said Jacqueline Gosciak, Inner Spark Foundation Trustee and Easton resident.
Donors wishing to support this worthy cause may donate safely online either through our website at www.smithfarmheals.org, or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SmithFarmAtBorderland. Donations will also be accepted by checks made out to Smith Farm at Borderland, Inc. and mailed to Carrie Crisman, Smith Farm Curator, P.O. Box 22, Norton, MA 02766.
TAKE THE CHALLENGE
Smith Farm at Borderland proudly announces the
Easton Lions Club Centennial Legacy Project &
The Avery Lee Williams Family Farmhouse Renovation Challenge
Smith Farm at Borderland proudly announces the
Easton Lions Club Centennial Legacy Project &
The Avery Lee Williams Family Farmhouse Renovation Challenge
Easton, MA (February, 2017) –Through the generosity of the Easton Lions Club in support of their Centennial Legacy Project, and of The Avery Lee Williams Family, Smith Farm at Borderland State Park is launching the Easton Lions Club Centennial Legacy Project & The Avery Lee Williams Family Farmhouse Renovation Challenge to help renovate the Asahel Smith Farmhouse. Easton Lions Club and Mr. Williams have teamed up to match the funds we raise up to $20,000—making a total of $40,000 available for construction costs related to the physical structure of the farmhouse.
Matthew Cioffi, President of the Easton Lions, says of his desire to get involved with Smith Farm, “It was nearly 20 years ago when I first saw the Smith Farm homestead. My family and I had recently moved down from Vermont. On a brisk winter day, while skiing at Borderland, I saw this quaint old farmhouse far across the field for the first time. As I approached the farmhouse, I began to see its character. I wondered how old the farmhouse was and who once lived there and maintained the fields and fences years ago. At that time, I figured it would eventually fall and become another piece of history lost to time. Over the years, I've learned more about the Smith Farm and its history. On my recent hikes through the trails I've been watching the progress on the farm restoration. It truly is a Zen-like island within Borderland, providing a respite for all who walk these grounds. I am very glad that the Easton Lions can be a part of the project during our 85th year serving Easton and the Centennial year of Lions International. I look forward to the day very soon when the house is restored for all to enjoy, inside and out.”
Beyond the goal of raising $40,000 in cash donations, Smith Farm will actively seek in-kind donations of supplies and materials to help us toward project completion. The Farmhouse Renovation Challenge will last until May 31, 2017 with the goal of raising $40,000 and breaking ground in the Spring of 2017.
In addition to the support of the Easton Lions Club and Mr. Williams, Smith Farm has secured a significant partner in Clarke Construction for our renovation efforts. Clarke Construction (Trevor Clarke, President) will complete the physical structure and woodwork restoration of the Asahel Smith Farmhouse. Alongside contractor Ernie Smith, who approached Smith Farm through our veteran partnership with the American Legion Post 7 in Easton, MA, Clarke Construction will serve as our contractor on the Asahel Smith Farmhouse Renovation.
To make the Farmhouse Renovation Challenge a success, we will need the support of the Easton and area town communities, businesses, wellness groups, and citizens who have an interest in preserving history AND in providing a place of wellness for all to take advantage of. Certainly anyone who has had the fortune of spending time at Smith Farm knows the value of its serenity, location, and programs that will continue to run throughout the coming year.
One such developing partnership which will benefit from the Asahel Smith Farmhouse renovation is Smith Farm’s partnership with the Center for Integrated Wellness (CIW), located at the VA Boston Healthcare System’s Brockton Campus. Smith Farm will be providing space for the Center to offer their creative treatment options, such as art and music therapy, as well as to build a Veteran’s Community Garden to help area veterans who are facing mental health challenges. Smith Farm will make our facility available to CIW as an alternative site for their existing programs—providing a serene and peaceful setting for Veterans who seek creative pathways to mental health and wellness.
Smith Farm’s engagement with veterans was a driving force for Avery Lee Williams, “I have been aware of the Smith Farm House since I was a kid. In the late 1940s and early 1950s I was a regular at Borderland as a camper. We lugged our jungle hammocks and fishing gear to the dam area and spied on the Ames offspring as they rode around in a Ford jalopy. Since then I, as a poor example of Army veteran (I was a Company Cook), have developed a special feeling for those with PTSD. I am Past Commander of Post 7 American Legion in Easton and, as such, I've been witness to the toll PTSD takes on those who have served us.”
Please help us to reach our goals along with the Easton Lions Club and The Avery Lee Williams Family. Donors wishing to support this worthy cause may donate safely online either through our website at www.smithfarmheals.org, or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SmithFarmAtBorderland. Donation will also be accepted by checks made out to Smith Farm at Borderland, Inc. and mailed to Carrie Crisman, Smith Farm Curator, P.O. Box 22, Norton, MA 02766.
Matthew Cioffi, President of the Easton Lions, says of his desire to get involved with Smith Farm, “It was nearly 20 years ago when I first saw the Smith Farm homestead. My family and I had recently moved down from Vermont. On a brisk winter day, while skiing at Borderland, I saw this quaint old farmhouse far across the field for the first time. As I approached the farmhouse, I began to see its character. I wondered how old the farmhouse was and who once lived there and maintained the fields and fences years ago. At that time, I figured it would eventually fall and become another piece of history lost to time. Over the years, I've learned more about the Smith Farm and its history. On my recent hikes through the trails I've been watching the progress on the farm restoration. It truly is a Zen-like island within Borderland, providing a respite for all who walk these grounds. I am very glad that the Easton Lions can be a part of the project during our 85th year serving Easton and the Centennial year of Lions International. I look forward to the day very soon when the house is restored for all to enjoy, inside and out.”
Beyond the goal of raising $40,000 in cash donations, Smith Farm will actively seek in-kind donations of supplies and materials to help us toward project completion. The Farmhouse Renovation Challenge will last until May 31, 2017 with the goal of raising $40,000 and breaking ground in the Spring of 2017.
In addition to the support of the Easton Lions Club and Mr. Williams, Smith Farm has secured a significant partner in Clarke Construction for our renovation efforts. Clarke Construction (Trevor Clarke, President) will complete the physical structure and woodwork restoration of the Asahel Smith Farmhouse. Alongside contractor Ernie Smith, who approached Smith Farm through our veteran partnership with the American Legion Post 7 in Easton, MA, Clarke Construction will serve as our contractor on the Asahel Smith Farmhouse Renovation.
To make the Farmhouse Renovation Challenge a success, we will need the support of the Easton and area town communities, businesses, wellness groups, and citizens who have an interest in preserving history AND in providing a place of wellness for all to take advantage of. Certainly anyone who has had the fortune of spending time at Smith Farm knows the value of its serenity, location, and programs that will continue to run throughout the coming year.
One such developing partnership which will benefit from the Asahel Smith Farmhouse renovation is Smith Farm’s partnership with the Center for Integrated Wellness (CIW), located at the VA Boston Healthcare System’s Brockton Campus. Smith Farm will be providing space for the Center to offer their creative treatment options, such as art and music therapy, as well as to build a Veteran’s Community Garden to help area veterans who are facing mental health challenges. Smith Farm will make our facility available to CIW as an alternative site for their existing programs—providing a serene and peaceful setting for Veterans who seek creative pathways to mental health and wellness.
Smith Farm’s engagement with veterans was a driving force for Avery Lee Williams, “I have been aware of the Smith Farm House since I was a kid. In the late 1940s and early 1950s I was a regular at Borderland as a camper. We lugged our jungle hammocks and fishing gear to the dam area and spied on the Ames offspring as they rode around in a Ford jalopy. Since then I, as a poor example of Army veteran (I was a Company Cook), have developed a special feeling for those with PTSD. I am Past Commander of Post 7 American Legion in Easton and, as such, I've been witness to the toll PTSD takes on those who have served us.”
Please help us to reach our goals along with the Easton Lions Club and The Avery Lee Williams Family. Donors wishing to support this worthy cause may donate safely online either through our website at www.smithfarmheals.org, or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SmithFarmAtBorderland. Donation will also be accepted by checks made out to Smith Farm at Borderland, Inc. and mailed to Carrie Crisman, Smith Farm Curator, P.O. Box 22, Norton, MA 02766.
