COLD SPRING, N.Y. — In 1924, Evelina Perkins purchased 2,600 acres of countryside in Putnam County with her son and daughter-in-law and named it Glynwood Farm. Seventy-three years later, in 1997, her descendants established the core 225-acre property as a nonprofit organization and farming facility. Consistent throughout Glynwood’s expansive timeline is a commitment to land stewardship and concerted efforts to preserve and protect farmland in the Hudson Valley—the Perkins’s alliance with Open Space Institute being just oneexample in the region.
At its 9th annual Farm Dance Gala on Saturday, September 9, Glynwood will honor this important symbiotic relationship that helps to preserve the Hudson Valley’s iconic landscape, and the food and farming professionals who contribute to its distinction. The organization’s largest event of the year is a magical night of fun, food and festivity, with the added sparkle this year of an anniversary.
“Glynwood’s future, and that of our collaborators in food and farming, is a bellwether for agriculture in the Hudson Valley that is sustainable, healthy and economically viable,” said Alexander Reese, Chair of Glynwood’s Board of Directors. “Our annual gala is a culmination and celebration of farming’s daily challenges and triumphs.”
New this year is a silent auction, in addition to a rousing live auction that has become the cornerstone of the evening. A cocktail hour featuring the best locally sourced food and drink the Valley has to offer is followed by a seated dinner prepared by Harvest Real Food Catering. The Edith & Bennett Band is the musical entertainment, alongside caller extraordinaire, Eric Hollman. Event and ticket information can be found here.
Harvest Award
Now in its 14th year, Glynwood’s Harvest Award honors farmers and organizations that demonstrate innovation and leadership. This year, Fishkill Farms, located in East Fishkill, Dutchess County, will be celebrated for its embodiment of the principles of environmental stewardship through sustainable farming and contributions to the region’s agricultural landscape.
Fishkill Farms is an historic apple orchard that has been in the Morgenthau family for more than 100 years. After leasing the farm to outside management for a period, Robert and Josh Morgenthau, the second and third generation of the farm family, took the operation back in 2007, at which point Josh took over management.
Fishkill Farms has since grown from a conventionally farmed apple orchard into a 270-acre diversified, ecological farm with new orchards, products and infrastructures. More recently Fishkill Farms has introduced an orchard-based hard cider business, Treasury Cider. Fishkill Farms is one of twelve easement protected properties in Dutchess County through the Dutchess Land Conservancy’s Farmland Protection program.
“I’m honored to be receiving this year’s Harvest Award.At my family farm we’re committedto producing goodfood for our local community, and to promoting awareness of sustainable agriculture through our pick-your-own offerings and farm visits,” said Josh Morgenthau. “Having partners like Glynwoodhas been critical toour success.The experience of traveling to the UK as a participant in the Cider Project will have lasting impact on the viability of my business.”
Not only is Fishkill Farms aligned to Glynwood in proximity and praxis, they are an active participant in Regional Food initiatives created by Glynwood, including the Cider Project, the Hudson Valley CSA Coalition and as a grower for Kitchen Cultivars. Most recently, Josh Morgenthau was one of 12 apple growers, cider makers and researchers from throughout New York State who participated in a tour of Somerset and Hereford, England’s iconic cider producing regions.
Organized by Glynwood in partnership with Angry Orchard, attendees were able to gain insights into the operations of the U.K.’s mature cider industry by observing orchard systems and harvesting techniques, while investigating the economics of cider apple production in England.
Glynwood created the Harvest Award in 2003 to highlight positive outcomes that result when a regional food and farming is revitalized and to inspire others to take action within their own communities. The organization has included the award as part of its annual gala since 2013.
20 Years of Stewardship
Twenty years into Glynwood’s story as an organization, its mission has evolved, but the charter effort to bring people together around the preservation and vitality of local environments remains the same. To commemorate its resilience and longevity, and to honor its founding family, Glynwood is releasing a 20th anniversary publication: 64 pages of narrative, first-hand accounts and testimonials, accentuated by beautiful photography, an illustrated timeline and a foreword by Angela Lansbury, a longtime friend of the Perkins Family and perennial guest at Glynwood. This is the organization’s first concerted effort to encapsulate the robust history of this historic place; the limited-edition paperback imprint will be available to purchase at the Gala and online later this fall.
Sponsors
Glynwood is extremely grateful for the support of the following companies and organizations that joined early as sponsors of this year’s Gala: Heritage: Dr. Michelle Gordon/Northern Surgical Associates; Artisanal: Downey Energy, Lavori Sterling Foundation, Meyer Contracting Corporation, K&J Partners LLC; Heirloom: Hilpert Law Offices; Corporate Partners: Philipstown Tree Service, Hudson Valley Fresh, Canopus Construction, Fresh Company, C.A. Ricci Electric; Nonprofit: Hudson Highlands Land Trust, Scenic Hudson and Mohonk Preserve, Inc. (List in development.)
Sponsorships provide the critical support Glynwood needs to help farmers and food professionals continue to build a healthy, sustainable food system here in the Hudson Valley. Packages for both individual and corporate sponsorships are still available, including rates for nonprofits. For more information, please contact Dina Truncali at 845.265.3338.
About Glynwood
Glynwood’s mission is to ensure that the Hudson Valley is a region defined by food, where farming thrives. We farm, train farmers, promote regional food, and collaborate to realize our vision. We work to advance regenerative agriculture that benefits the natural environment, energizes local economies, enhances human health and strengthens rural communications. Our vision is a Hudson Valley defined by food: where farmers prosper, food entrepreneurs succeed, residents are nourished, and visitors are inspired. www.glynwood.org
–Glynwood
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