Greetings from the daffodil-lined streets of Newton, where I’m ready to run the 2014 Boston Marathon to raise money for Newton Community Farm!

I’m also an author, longtime Auburndale resident, and 2008 Boston Marathon finisher. As a back yard gardener and cookbook writer, I practice on a tiny scale the mission of the Newton Community Farm to teach and model sustainable agriculture. My most recent book, A White House Garden Cookbook, chronicles the first growing season of Michelle Obama's garden and includes many recipes from community farms that work with children and families.

As a runner, I want to personally contribute to making the 2014 Boston Marathon a positive experience after the horrific finish line bombing. Running to make a difference to people in my community, not simply to reach an athletic goal, feels like the best way to accomplish this. What could be more sustaining than healthy, locally-grown food?

You can help me stay motivated and energized throughout the 26.2 miles of the marathon by making a pledge to help me reach my goal of raising $3,000 to support the farm’s updated facility for educational programs. To donate, click on the green Donate button on the right side of this page.

I have finished my training and I'm restlessly waiting as April 21, the date of the marathon, approaches. I built up mileage and stamina in a long run (at tortoise pace) once a week – and found healthy ways to stay fueled with carbs, a runner's best friend. Mileage always equals appetite, a positive equation for Mrs. Fruits and Vegetables, the moniker my children gave me long ago!

Thank you for supporting the farm as you support my Boston Marathon run.

With appreciation and grateful thanks,

Clara

To donate by mail, please print out this donation form and send checks payable to Newton Community Farm.  Please note on your check that the gift is in support of Clara Silverstein’s Run for NCF so it can be properly tracked.  Thank you!

We rely on community contributions to run our programs. Your donation helps us to provide staff for our farm volunteer days, conduct our educational programs and community outreach, and grow food for donation to local food pantries.

We are a community that celebrates and continues a 200-year farming tradition in Newton.  By planting and harvesting delicious crops and offering them for sale, we inspire people.  Shareholders and farmstand customers who pick up their food by coming to the Farm have an experience of nature that is increasingly rare, just by walking past rows of vegetables growing through the season and weighing their vegetables in the hanging metal scale. There is a delicious difference at home eating locally grown food that was freshly-picked!

A place to dig, learn and grow

http://newtoncommunityfarm.org/