News From The Nest, Summer2014

3 Irish Jewels Farm | (919) 602-9883 | www.3IrishJewelsFarm.
org
Summer 2014
Keep your face to the
sunshine and you
cannot see the
shadows. Its what the
sunowers do.
~Helen Keller
Issue No. 4
IN THIS SUMMER ISSUE:
PAGE 2
A Letter From the Founder: Were Planting the Seeds!
PAGES 3-4
Announcements: 3IJF Pilot Program & Golf Tournament
PAGE 5-7
Updates from Recent Events
PAGES 8-10
Community Spotlight: TrLi Irish Pub, Mast Farm Inn,
Brookwood Community
PAGES 11-12
Give Me a Sign - Expressions of PosAutivity, by Shawna H.
PAGE 13-14
Confessions of an Autism Dad, By David Green
PAGE 15
Chef Steves Favorite Farm to Fork Recipes,
By Steve Mesa
PAGES 16-19
The Freckled Gardener, By Nancy Butterfield
PAGES 20-21
Erins Crafty Corner
PAGES 22
Reminders: Shop at Amazon Smile, Buy The Bluebird
Dance, Vote for 3IJF to receive the Eagle Rare Award
PAGES 23-24
Thank you to our Wonderful Donors!
PAGE 25
Nest Egg Fund: Help feather our nest!
PAGE 26
Meet our Board of Directors, Our Mission, Vision & Logo
PAGE 27
Contact Information
Were Planting the Seeds!
NEWS FROM THE NEST
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
2
3 Irish Jewels Farm | (919) 602-9883 | www.3IrishJewelsFarm.org
Dear Friends,
elcome to our Summer 2014 edition of News From the Nest, the quarterly
newsletter for 3 Irish Jewels Farm! I stumbled upon a quote recently that
I havent been able to shake from my head: We waste time looking for
the perfect lover, instead of creating the perfect love (Tom Robbins). What, you
may be asking, does this have to do with anything at all? Well, my husband and I
recently attended an amazing 2-day conference outside of Houston, TX (also where
I was born and raised) at Brookfield Community. It was, by far, the best conference
we have ever attended (and we have attended many). Out of the several valuable
lessons we learned while we were there, the one we walked away with that has stuck
with us the most is this: JUST DO SOMETHING. Quite fitting, Id say, since summer is a
time of light, joviality, expression and wholehearted action!

A very good friend and colleague of mine once said, Everyone knows that if you start wrong,
chances are good that you will end wrong. We feel a deep responsibility to be wise stewards of every
dollar of the $311,000 donated to 3 Irish Jewels Farm. And after operating in fundraising mode for
over two years now, we realize that our donors would like to see some action. Folks, it is time in our
journey that we start doing something other than talking about what we are going to do. Its time that
we start actually helping individuals with autism in our community. We may not be able to start out as
large as we would have originally liked, but we have learned: Thats ok. Referring back to the quote I
opened with, its time to stop spending time looking for the perfect piece of land that we simply
cannot afford right now for our project, and instead start creating our project in a smaller way and
grow from there. So, we are excited to announce that we have decided to start a pilot program at 3
Irish Jewels Farm! Starting September 29th, we will be starting a small Planting the Seeds Track-
out program for children with autism. A local church in Raleigh has ever so graciously allowed us to
use their site and facilities to do this on Monday, Wednesday & Fridays from 9am-4pm, until we have
raised enough funds to purchase our own land. We will also be offering a Bluebird Club (Grades
9-12) and Take Flight Club (Ages 18+) to individuals with autism on select Saturdays for social
opportunities and outings. Remember those bluebird eggs in my backyard I talked about in my last
newsletter? Well, 4 exquisite baby bluebirds hatched from those eggs and my family and I watched as
the new fledglings took flight 2 weeks later. And just like those baby bluebirds, Im excited to say that
it is time for us at 3 Irish Jewels Farm to take flight!
At the end of the day, 3 Irish Jewels Farm stands by our mission. And that is to provide a safe,
loving and productive environment for adults and children with autism, where they can thrive and
reach their fullest potentials. And above everything else: Be happy. But this is never going to happen
if we as a society continue trying to fit square pegs into the round holes that are already existing in
our world today. Instead, I urge you to think about this: How about we - society - start creating square
holes for our beautiful fellow square pegs? How about we create an environment that works for
THEM and not necessarily what WE think should work for them. Our loved ones with special needs
can and should be our teachers if we let them. Each and every one of them have gifts to offer if we
just take the time to look and learn. We at 3 Irish Jewels Farm are learning. Because as Paul Collins
says in his book Bad Animals, the problem with pounding a square peg into a round hole is not that
the hammering is such hard work, its that youre destroying the peg. We are their students and are
slowly but surely starting to create an environment that is centered around their individual needs. And
as Mother Theresa once said, We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a
drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something. We at 3IJF
hope to emerge as one of many drops in the ocean of a social revolution. Right now... Today. Please
help us celebrate!
Warmly,
!"#$ &'()*+,-#$
We know only
too well that
what we are
doing is nothing
more than a
drop in the
ocean. But if
the drop were
not there, the
ocean would be
missing
something.
~Mother Theresa
W
A Letter from the Founder
WERE PLANTING THE SEEDS!
Erin OLoughlin,
Founder & President
The treasures in our backyard last month
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
3
Track-Out Programs (Grades K-8):
September 29-October 17, 2014... M/W/F, 9am-4pm*
~And~ Bluebird Club(Grades 9-12) &
take Flight Club (Ages 18+): Select Saturdays, 6-9pm
Announcing...
3 Irish Jewels Farm
Planting the Seeds
Pilot Program!
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9-4pm,
Group 1: Ages 5-7
Group 2: Ages 8-10
Group 3: Ages 11-13+
(Rotating groups)
9:00 Horticulture (Rotate groups 1, 2, 3,)
10:30 Water Play/Social Time/Movie (Groups 1-3)
11:30 Group Lunch (Groups 1-3)
12:30 Gym Time (Rotate groups 2, 3, 1)
2:00 Arts & Crafts/Woodworking/Culinary Skills (Rotate groups 3, 1, 2)
3:30 Clean-up work areas (Groups 1-3)
4:00 Leave for the day
Bluebird Club & Take Flight Club: Select Saturdays throughout the year, 6-9pm
Individuals, Grades 9-12 and Ages 18+, will have the opportunity to enjoy supervised outings and activities, such as movies,
eating out, bowling, cooking classes, and hanging out together. Prices will vary.
For more info on either program, please e-mail Erin at Erin@3IrishJewelsFarm.org
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
3
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NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
4
Save the Date!
We are excited to announce that the
3rd Annual 3 Irish Jewels Farm
Golf Tournament
will be hosted by
Tir na ng Irish Pub this year!
Friday, October 24, 2014
9:00am
Wildwood Green Golf Club
Join us on Friday, October 24th, 2014 at Wildwood Green Golf Club in Raleigh, for a
fun-filled day of golf and celebration with our new host and loyal supporter -
Tir na ng Irish Pub in Raleigh! More details to come...
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
5

arch... On the 22nd, the 3 Irish
Jewels Farm board of directors
attended the NC Rose of Tralee
Selection at Tir na
ng Irish Pub in
Raleigh. Not only
did we have a
fantastic night of
Irish fun, but partial
proceeds went to 3
Irish Farm.
Congratulations to
Nancy Boyce for
being selected North
Carolina's Rose for
2014! The North
Carolina Rose Centre is part of the Rose of Tralee
International Festival in Ireland. The Rose of Tralee
International Festival is one of Ireland's largest and
longest running festivals, celebrating 55 years in
2014. The heart of the festival is the selection of the
Rose of Tralee which brings young women of Irish
descent from around the world to County Kerry,
Ireland for a global celebration of Irish culture. The
festival also includes street entertainment, carnival,
live concerts, theatre, circus, markets, funfair,
fireworks and our internationally renowned Rose
Parade.
This year the good folks at The NC Rose Centre
have selected 3 Irish Jewels Farm as their charity to
focus on throughout the year. We are so excited to
collaborate with such a wonderful charitable
organization and with Nancy Boyce. Through the
NC Rose of Tralee, we have made further
connections and gained additional sponsorships
with Celtic Complexion and Tir na ng Irish Pub.
And for that we are so thankful.
On March 30-31st, I attended the
FRED Conference (Farms &
Ranches Enabling People with
Disabilities) in Los Angeles,
CA. FRED is dedicated to the
idea that all individuals
deserve to live their passions,
and determine THEIR choice of
the future they live. FRED brings top
thinkers: experts, families, self-
advocates, together to share leading
practices and accelerate approaches to
building those futures.
Once again, it was a phenomenal
event and I learned so much and
made countless connections. In the
next decade, almost 1,000,000
special needs teens will transition
into adulthood. And while our
nation certainly has a lot of work
to do and is nowhere near where
it should be, the FRED
Conference always leaves me with a sense
of hope, knowing how many of us are out there in
the nation advocating for our adults with
special needs.
pril... On the 8th, we were beyond
honored to receive a $3,000 donation from
EMC Carolinas. Each year the System
Engineer community holds a fantasy football
challenge with teams from each of the regions in
the US MidMarket division. The area that claims
the championship is given the honor of selecting
any charity of their choice to present with a
donation on behalf of the participants.
Continued on next page
M
Updates from Recent Events
WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO?
FRED Conference
Director, Mari-Anne
Kehler, with
Marianne
Williamson and
Golden Heart
Ranch Director,
Rose Hein. Ms.
Williamson was
brilliant speaking
about Disability
Rights as Human
Rights at FRED.
The bluebird carries the sky on his
back
~Henry David Thoreau
A
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
6
This year the Carolinas Area earned the title. After
considering several national charities as a group, it
was decided that the team preferred to select a
cause and an organization that was specifically
serving the Carolinas area and where their
donation could have a positive impact.
We at 3 Irish Jewels Farm are grateful that EMC
Carolinas chose us as their charity and have played
such a huge part in sustaining our
mission.
Also in April, 3 Irish Jewels Farm became a
member of the NC Agribusiness Council. The
mission of the North Carolina Agribusiness
Council is to raise awareness of the states # 1
industry and the significant contribution of
agribusiness to North Carolinas economy and
advance agribusiness interests and programs,
thereby increasing employment and expanding
agribusiness opportunities in North Carolina.
Current economic data shows that Agribusiness
contributes more than $74.3 billion to NC's
economy and the industry employs 688,000 (17%)
of North Carolinians. We at 3 Irish Jewels Farm
hope to employ many people on the
spectrum in our own agribusiness in the
very near future.
On April 19, the Carolina RailHawks
kicked off their soccer season by hosting
3 Irish Jewels Farm for their 2014 home
opener against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. 3IJF
fans received 20% off tickets (as they do on all
home games all season long with coupon code
3IJF), the RailHawks won 4 to 1 and a fabulous
time was had by all.
On April 27th, Stephanie Gedmintas
with Denim by Demand - Vault
Denim and Melissa Jacobs with Stella
& Dot graciously co-hosted Bling
for a Cause, a fundraiser for 3 Irish
Jewels Farm at Niche Wine Bar in
Holly Springs. The event was well
attended & brought in over $500
and everyone had a fantastic time.
ay... On the 17th, the Carolina RailHawks
hosted their 6th Annual Taste of
the Triangle Pregame Festival at
Wake Med Soccer Park. Taste of
the Triangle originated in 2009 and
features restaurants, breweries, and
vendors throughout the Triangle offering
free samples to individuals with tasting
bracelets. Soccer fans got to experience
the cuisine of local restaurants from all
over the Triangle that included
everything from burgers, Bojangles
sweet tea to sushi, beer and live
music. 3 Irish Jewels Farm had the
pleasure of having our vendor booth
there as well. Continued on next page
Updates from Recent Events,
Jeremy LeBlanc
(right), Senior System Engineer
of EMC, presenting Erin
OLoughlin & Steve Mesa with a
$3,000 donation.
We ought to do good to others as
simply as a horse runs, or a bee makes
honey, or a vine bears grapes season
after season without thinking of the
grapes it has borne.
~Marcus Aurelius
EMC Carolinas System
Engineer staff
M
The Carolina RailHawks Team
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
7
On the 20th, I had the honor of speaking at the
North Raleigh Civitan Club. Civitan International
is an organization of volunteer service clubs
around the world, dedicated to helping people in
their own communities. Civitans help wherever the
need arises - from collecting food for a homeless
shelter, to volunteering at their local retirement
home, to building a playground for children with
disabilities. Civitans have been helping people
since the organizations founding in 1917. Civitan
adopted a special emphasis on helping people with
developmental disabilities. It was one of the major
supporters of Special Olympics International, and
thousands of Civitans still support these local
events. Civitan clubs also fund and organize
special camps and events for people with
developmental disabilities. We at 3IJF look
forward to exciting collaborations with the North
Raleigh Civitan Club.
On May 21st, Steve Mesa & I attended the NC
Agribusiness Meeting and Farm Tour at the
beautiful Adams Vineyards in Fuquay-Varina,
Wake Countys first vineyard and winery. Steve
and I made some great local connections and
managed to slip in a delicious wine tasting at 10:30
in the morning. This job definitely has its perks!
une... On the 5th & 6th, Colm and I traveled to
Houston, TX to visit Brookwood Community for
their Networking Days event. We were absolutely
blown away by this place. We came away with an
infinite amount of hope and new wisdom for our own
future at 3 Irish Jewels Farm. Brookwood serves as a
phenomenal model for what is possible. I highly
recommend everyone to take a visit.
Finally, on June 21st, 3IJF had our first annual
Board Retreat. We had a full day of productive
work and planning at the home of board members
Dave & Robin Green, then rewarded ourselves
with a dip in Dave & Robins beautiful pool and an
AMAZING dinner provided and prepared by our
very own board member and personal chef, Steve
Mesa. Thank you to all of my wonderful board
members who came and contributed. Im beyond
proud to say that the entire board was there and we
have nowhere to go but up and forward now.
Updates from Recent Events, Continued
Bees do have a smell, you know, and if
they dont they should, for their feet are
dusted with spices from a million
owers.
~Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine
J
Tiny Muscadine grapes
forming on the vine at
Adams Vineyards
Dave Green, 3IJF Treasurer,
enjoying a dip in the pool after
some hard work at our 1st
Annual Board Retreat. Cheers!
Andrew Moriarty, 3IJF VP, sporting
a very manly froggy towel at our 1st
Annual Board Retreat.
Steve Mesa, 3IJF board
member & professional chef,
preparing our scrumptious
meal at the 3IJF Board Retreat.
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
8
Community Spotlight:
THREE COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO
WE THINK SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED...
TrLi Irish Pub
Chef Eamonn Kelly -
Homemade authentic Irish
Food in the tradition of the
Emerald Isle - Born and
reared on a dairy farm in
Galway, Ireland, Chef
Eamonn learned his culinary
skills in the time-honored
way, watching his mother
prepare the family meals.
She used neither recipes nor
measuring cups, just the knowledge gently imparted from her
own mother, and in turn from generations past in the rural West
of Ireland.
Attending one of the best culinary schools in Galway, followed
by years of living and traveling in America, further developed
the craft that Eamonn learned at home. The influence of many
different cultures and ethnic foods has added breadth to his
approach and range of cooking. The resulting menu consists of
the honest Irish favorites you would predict, expanded by
many exciting alternatives.
Eamonn moved to Raleigh from Connecticut recently, together
with his wife, Jacqueline and daughter, Grace. He is outgoing
and friendly in the best Irish tradition, so if you see him dont
be afraid to introduce yourself and have a chat.
Martin Mahon, Owner - Originating from County
Roscommon and spending much of his like in England, his
formative years were spent witnessing a steadily vanishing
way of life in he West of Ireland. Early memories included
fields being ploughed with horses, hand-milking of cows and
the dinner being cooked over an open turf fire. What marked
out the household was the importance of hospitality, the guest
always being made welcome, greeted warmly and treated well.
The house was humble enough, but the feeling inside it was
grander than a palace.
After graduating in Biochemistry and moving on to work
internationally for pharmaceutical giant
GlaxoSmithKline over more than two decades, settling
into the pub-trade here in North Carolina appeared an
unlikely progression. That being said the early lessons in
hospitality learned in the tiny
farmhouse at Carramore have proven valuable in setting the
goals for TrLi Irish Pub.
TrLi Irish Pub & Restaurant - TraLi has been well
established in Brier Creek for more than six years now and is a
favorite meeting spot for friends, colleagues and business
associates. Known as a good place to enjoy conversation and
relax, enjoy good hearty food or choose from a selection of
craft beers.
Recognized for its
atmosphere, good
humor and warmth,
TraLi has taken a
place at the heart of
the Brier Creek
community.
After giving it
careful thought,
Grace Park, Morrisville was chosen for the next TraLi. The
amount of growth there and the number of Morrisville
customers who showed up at Brier Creek meant that it was a
natural progression. It would be a new pub, but recognized by
at least some of the community there. In just under a year it has
gathered itself a loyal group of regulars and is taking on the
atmosphere of the pub at the heart of a community. Serving up
the tried and tested menu staples such as Shepherds Pie and
Fish & Chips, it also has some unique variations on the
traditional Irish dish Boxty introducing it to many appreciative
customers. The design and appearance of the pub was all
created in Ireland, built and installed by Irish craftsmen to be a
faithful reproduction of an urban Irish pub of the nineteenth
century. The most interesting finishing touch to the pub was
the incredible stained glass created by Master Craftsman Paddy
McDonnell of Belfast (now a resident in Apex) and the joinery
work of Michael McCarthy of Cork (now a resident in Wake
Forest) who framed the glass magnificently.
We at 3 Irish Jewels Farm are hugely thankful to both
Chef Eamonn & Martin. They are enthusiastic supporters
of our project and aim to help our project succeed in any
way possible. They have already convinced a local
brewery to create a special 3IJF beer, due to make its
debut in the late summer/early fall! Furthermore, they
have the best boxty this side of Ireland and theyre
known for the best pint of Guinness in North Carolina!

NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
9
Community Spotlight, Contd
The Mast Farm Inn
The Mast Farm Inn is a world renowned full service North
Carolina Bed and Breakfast, Country Inn, Restaurant And
School Of Cooking in the Valle Crucis Historical District of
North Carolina,
which has been
welcoming
guests since the
1800s. The
Mast Farm Inn
is a Historic
Hotels of
America hotel,
a Select
Registry Inn,
and is on The
National
Register of
Historic Places.
Likely the most
wonderful experiences and food you will ever encounter will
occur at The Mast Farm Inn.
Its a beautiful piece of history nestled in quiet Valle Crucis.
Nestled high in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina
is a peaceful rural
community that has
stayed untouched over the
years. The majestic scenic
beauty continuously
mesmerizes residents and
draws visitors from
throughout the world. Its
the perfect place for a
getaway wedding,
honeymoon or just a relaxing vacation with the family. And the
food will knock your socks off at every meal. The service is
friendly and accommodating, while each room is more lovely
and peaceful than the next. The grandparents can sit on the
beautiful porch drinking tea and catching up, the young adults
can go hiking or enjoy the hot tub at one of the cabins, the kids
can run around the farm enjoying the creek and the animals, the
newlyweds or anniversary couple can get the chance to
remember what life is all about in the first place, and teachers
can get a much needed break with The Mast Farm Inn special
teachers rate - a nationwide first!
Henri Deschamps is the owner & CEO of The Mast Farm Inn,
in partnership with his wife Marie-Henriette, his two
daughters: Danielle Deschamps, and Sandra Deschamps Siano,
and his son-in-law Gaetano Siano. Henri and his family have
been immensely generous to 3 Irish Jewels Farm and we truly
cannot thank them enough.
Brookwood Community
Like most things, Brookwood grew out of necessity. Vicki
Streit, the daughter of Brookwoods founder and Executive
Director Emeritus, Yvonne Tuttle Streit, had the mumps when
she was only a year old. Complications arose and Vicki
developed encephalitis and meningitis, which left her severely
brain damaged.
The Streits took Vicki to Purdue University, USC, and UCLA
to learn how to teach necessary life skills. They presented the
information gathered to school districts around Houston hoping
they would incorporate the knowledge into their special
education curriculum, but, the school districts were not
interested.
Fortunately, Mrs. Streit had degrees in psychology and
education. Mrs. Streit began home-schooling Vicki formed a
learning group, around a picnic table, in Mrs. Streits backyard.
Soon, other children with special needs from the area joined
this group. They outgrew the backyard and found it necessary
move to a Baptist church, where the school quickly grew to
several rooms within that facility. Eventually, with the help of a
large grant, they built their own school building.
Most young people with functional disabilities think
graduation from school is a magic day. They tend to
think this because they have studied and worked hard and
the diploma they earned is their key to success. But after
graduation there are not many places adults with functional
disabilities may work. It is a very sad situation.
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
10
Community Spotlight, Contd
Realizing this need to provide lifelong
special education, Mrs. Streit studied
residential facilities in the United
States and Europe taking a special
interest in a community in Bethel,
Germany. Bethels residents, adults with
special needs, were receiving training and
executing contract work for companies throughout
the country.
People with disabilities, like all people, have a basic need to
feel useful and feel they are contributing to the world. There is
a real difference between sitting around the house in a
wheelchair all day doing nothing and sitting in a wheelchair
and making something of value for someone else to enjoy. At
Bethel, this work fulfilled the need and their happiness showed;
however, not everyone had a job.
Hence, The Brookwood Community was founded in 1985. It
was built on 475 acres of rolling hills in Brookshire, Texas.
Brookwood is a short distance from Houston and all the
necessary amenities. In addition to its educational and
enterprise programs, Brookwood provides a safe and nurturing
home environment with proper nutrition, plenty of activity and
productive challenges.
The Brookwood Community provides an educational
environment that creates meaningful jobs, builds a sense of
belonging, and demands dignity and respect for adults with
disabilities.
Their campus consists of eight group homes, two single-
family staff homes, a residential Inn,
health and dental
clinic, Worship
Center, enterprise
building, activities
and administration
building, 47
greenhouses, Gift
and Garden
Center and the
Caf at
Brookwood,
and several
other support
buildings.
Their programs serve 110 resident
adults (known as Brookwood citizens) who are
functionally disabled and live at Brookwood 24/7. Another 80
plus adults participate in their day program. The range of
diverse needs they help include people with autism spectrum
disorders; intellectual disabilities; developmental disabilities;
traumatic
brain injury; dual diagnosis;
and/or aging care needs. They also serve as a resource for
families. Brookwoods outreach program actively shares their
innovative concepts and techniques with other professional
caregivers across our
nation and around the
world.
Their purpose is: To
provide opportunity
through education so
that Brookwood
citizens will:
Acquire
meaningful
job skills
and hold
real jobs in the
Communitys own business
enterprises
Experience the pride that accompanies the ability to
contribute to ones own support
Grow socially, emotionally, and spiritually
As I mentioned earlier, Colm and I had the honor of visiting
Brookwood earlier this June for their Networking Days. For
lack of better words, we were completely blown away. We had
to keep reminding ourselves that this is a program that has been
in operation for 30 years, and they started out as a tiny school
in the backyard of a small bungalow house. So, this can be
done with a ton of hard work, determination and belief. To me,
personally, Brookwood represents a model of the possibilities.
We may or may not ever get to be as big as Brookwood, but its
wonderful to know that the possibilities are there if we so
choose. The good folks at Brookwood Community graced us
with their infinite amounts of wisdom and it is thanks to them
that we learned we need to JUST DO SOMETHING... hence,
the idea of our pilot program, Planting the Seeds, was born
shortly thereafter. So, we owe a huge thank you to all of the
Brookwood Family, especially
Founder Yvonne Streit (who is a force
to be reckoned with), Executive
Director Vivan Shudde, Director of
Advancement Joe Mazzu,
Development Officer Travis
Duncan, and Outreach &
Community Relations Coordinator
Jana Mullins. Those two days in
June will go down in my history
as days I will never forget -
because they were a turning
point for 3 Irish Jewels Farm.
Networking Days Group, June 2014
Brookwood Community
A Brookwood citizen celebrating life
***********
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
11
Give Me a Sign - Expressions
of PosAutivity
have been thinking about doing a Autism Positivity blog post entry for a few days. I
kept drawing a blank on what to write about, so I was unsure if I would participate.
Then, I read last night that this year's suggested theme is communication, and
expression. This new info reminded me of a post that I have been thinking about
writing for awhile. I hesitated, because I don't know if many will think it's positive. I
don't know how it will be received by others in the autism community, especially those
that don't typically follow my blog who don't know our story. Then, I remembered how
much I tend to care about people who don't know my story who want to lend judgment on
how I should express myself. I have no cares to give about those opinions. While speaking
about the themes being self expression and communication style of people with autism, I can
safely say that this blog is how I express so much of my inner self. The people that follow me
here know me more authentically than anyone I know in real life who has never read my
writing (save maybe a couple people), so I do myself a disservice when I censor my writing
to fit what what I think others want to read.
As most of you know I have a 10 year old profoundly autistic son named Beans. He is
nonverbal. For years, the school and private speech tried to teach him to use Picture
Communication Symbols, or PECs for short. We tried the symbols, the actual pictures, and
even objects. We tried devices, and differing methods, all the while Beans became more and
more irate, while virtually not improving in any of the methods at all. As we all know,
behavior is communication. It didn't take me very long to decipher what he was upset about.
Life is confusing and overwhelming for him as it is, but imagine being asked to participate in
an activity for 7 years that made no sense to you, everyday. You were asked to point at random pictures, and not allowed to do
anything until you did. This activity would follow you from eating to playing. Always that book of pictures. I often wondered
what they looked like to him. Were they just colorful pieces of laminated paper? How did he feel when he saw that book come
out day after day? He melted down more frequently, and his communication had not improved any measurable amount in that
seven years. We had some of the best service providers in the country teaching him to use the book in private speech, and
public school. No to little improvement was a clear indication this was not working for him. The meltdowns from frustration
was a clear sign to me that he does not learn this way.
I didn't know the struggle that lay ahead of me in getting professionals on board to use another method. It was such a
shocking, and sobering experience to me to be completely shot down when I went to explain to them that my son has not
improved in seven years using PECs, or other communication methods like it. We need to try a new, completely different
method. Not only would they not try, but they insisted I was wrong. This is the go-to method for a nonverbal student, they
said. He will get it, but it might take more time, they insisted.
I stood my ground. They had time. Seven years is a long time. I stamped my feet, and I dug my heels in. I know my son. He
doesn't understand PECs. He doesn't think in pictures. He needs to learn another way. Just because it is not conventional does
not mean it can't be done.
He is no longer in school, and due to my insistence on respecting his space the private SLP would not work with him anymore.
It seemed to me that they were not willing to work with him, but rather only to mold him to the education they received about
how to teach him. They knew of one way, and that was all. He HAD to fit that way, or they assumed he was just being
difficult.
Shawna H. is a stay at home
mom with Asperger Syndrome.
She has 3 kids, CJ (age 15, who
is dyslexic), Bubby (age 12,
who has mild autism), Beans
(age 10, who has severe
Autism). She homeschools
Beans, due to an unfortunate
incident at his previous school.
She loves being a mom and
blogs about her adventures in
parenting in an atypical
household at The Introverted
Matriarch:
http://inneraspie.blogspot.com/.
I
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
12
Give Me a Sign, Continued
I wouldn't stand for it. He had made some progress with signing, so that is the method I insisted we use. He had such a
traumatic experience with any picture symbols or cards that I would not allow them to be introduced into the learning
environment. Beans made it clear they upset him. Why keep pushing something that doesn't work and causes extreme anxiety
for the child? Nonsensical and upsetting to me that anyone would try.
As I try to come up with the best way to communicate with Beans, some of my ideas rub even those in the autism community
the wrong way. The main reason I believe sign language works really well with him is because I don't think he thinks in
language. As a matter of fact, I don't think he understands much verbal language at all. This is usually a point of contention
with me, and others. Not understanding verbal language is not to say he doesn't think. He doesn't think like most. He doesn't
even think in ways that tend to mirror others on the spectrum, as far as I have been able to tell. When most hear me say that I
don't think Beans understands most of what we say to him they insist he does. They use examples about how they ask him this
or that, and he understands by coming to them, or going toward the thing they're talking about. He does come when his name is
called. Almost always, so I will give them that. He definitely understands his name, and responds to it, which is totally
awesome for so many reasons. He doesn't respond to directions in the absence of gestures, or other context clues, though. He
responds very heavily to gestures, and clues. For example, if I ask him at 1:00 in the afternoon to come take a bath while not
standing by the bathroom, he will come to me because he knows I am talking to him, but he will not do anything despite always
being thrilled to have a bath any time. After a few seconds he will likely walk away, unless I point or use some other gesture,
indicating to him what I am wanting him to do. If I change that up by standing by the bathroom, or by sticking to the routine, he
will know what is expected of him, and go to the bathroom on his own quickly. This pretty much is how all language is for him.
He doesn't tend to hear the words. He gets the clues by what you're doing, e.g. pointing at, standing by, holding, and what time
of day it is.
So, if you're still with me, you may see where I am going with this. By deciphering how Beans thinks, and altering his
environment to his needs, I am in no way presuming he is incompetent, but rather quite the opposite. He needs to be
communicated with differently. Ignoring that, and insisting he doesn't, would be such a sad thing to do. He needs to be able to
communicate with the world, and we need to communicate with him. I want him to be heard. I want him to hear me. This point
is often so missed by others that insist that he can understand everything we say, and presuming that I feel he's not able to think,
or problem solve when I say he doesn't. As a matter of fact, he spends a great deal of his day trying to problem solve by
gleaning clues from his environment about what is happening, and what is going to happen. He is very communicative in the
way of gestures, and signing. He engages with us all day every day. It's just in a different way, and so many miss that by trying
to force fit him into something he isn't. His language is not standard, but it's his way of speaking, thinking, and being. The best
thing we can do is to listen without preconceived notions.
***********
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
13
Confessions of an Autism Dad
A RAY OF HOPE
By David Green
t was 1997 when the shit hit the fan. To be more accurate, it was my three-year-old
son Corey smearing his feces on his bedroom walls. What had been a bright, happy
toddler became a withdrawn, uncommunicative three-year-old who walked on his
toes and flapped his hands continually. We didn't have a clue. We didn't know anything
about autism and didn't know anyone with children on the spectrum. In a short period of
time we went from hearing "boys talk late" to "your son has moderate to severe autism".
Panic. Severe Panic. We descended into the alphabet soup of EI, ABA, OT, PT, SI, PDD-
NOS, ASD, and all I could think was wtf?
Despite being stunned and staying up all night having panicked conversations, we went into
fast motion. We read everything we could, went to countless meetings, heard all kinds of
speakers, and found others in the same situation. We got Corey early intervention, sent him
to two separate special needs preschools each day, and fought to hire ABA instructors. We tried all the educational
approaches, too many drugs to count (most of which made him worse) and the off-beat solutions like secretin and
gluten/casein-free diets. Over the years we took Corey to some of the biggest names in the field, including Isabella
Rapin, and Fred Volkmar of the Yale Autism Center In addition, we read the books like "Let Me Hear Your Voice"
by Katherine Maurice. Her story amounted to professing if you are dedicated and persistent enough, you can cure
your child of autism. Ours is not that kind of story. Improvements were small and life was very, very difficult. We
tried to have family nights out a restaurant but often left before the food got there as Coreys noises were visibly
irritating the other patrons and putting our stress levels through the roof. We did our best to provide a normal
upbringing to our neuro-typical daughter while having our lives dominated by Corey's needs.
Of all the presentations we attended, the one that stands out the most was by Dr. Ami Klin of the Yale Autism
Center. Dr. Klin specialized in Aspergers Syndrome, so most of what he spoke about wasn't particularly relevant
to us. There were two things that stood out to me. The first was an amusing anecdote about a middle school
boy with Aspergers who drew a girl to give a gift to for a Secret Santa. Unsure of what to get her, he
asked his mother for advice. She advised him to "get her something a girl would use." Everyone was
embarrassed when the gifts were opened and it turned out he had bought her a box of tampons.
The second thing I remember is what I would like to pass on the parents of children with
autism who are younger than Corey. After the presentation, I asked Dr. Klin a question. I have
no recollection of what I asked him, other than it pertained to Corey. His answer was "All
children grow and develop. All children grow and develop." I didn't know whether to believe
him or not but it was better to have hope. Certainly things did not turn around any time soon
after that lecture. In fact they probably got worse as Corey got bigger and stronger and was able
to give us deeper scars when he scratched or bit us.
David Green,
3IJF Board of Directors
& Treasurer
I
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
14
Confessions of an Autism Dad, Continued
However, somewhere along the way things did get better. Maybe those of us around Corey got better at dealing
with him as well. Corey got happier and more in control of himself. He was able to occupy himself more and was
easier to reach. He still spoke very little but managed to communicate his needs. His tantrums became fewer and
more moderate. We found activities that Corey actually enjoyed like swimming and hiking. Taking Corey to a
restaurant became possible and even enjoyable.
Don't get me wrong, he still wets his bed almost every night, needs constant supervision and is, in many ways, a
permanent 2 year old. But he has come a long way. Corey is 20 now. Our life is different from many of our empty-
nester peers. We can't go to dinner or a movie spontaneously or away for a weekend without plenty of advance
planning. On the other hand, our life is infinitely better than during the earlier years with Corey. Corey's life is
considerably better too. So that is what I have to offer the parents of younger children of autism -- all children
grow and develop, life will get better eventually.
Now we have to figure out what is next, what the future holds for Corey and therefore for all of our family. We
need a place where Corey can be safe, happy and fulfilled both for him and for the rest of the family. That is why
it is so important, for us and for the many other families like us, that we are able to make the dream of this farm a
reality.
***********
David is an investment advisor and private investor. Previously, he was a bond trader on Wall Street, most recently as a Managing Director
at Chemical Bank and President of Chemical Securities, Inc. David holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics as well as an MBA from the
Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Originally from Cleveland, he and his wife Robin are the parents of an adult son with
autism as well as a daughter who attends medical school. David enjoys golf and skiing.
Watercolor by Evelyn C.
Chef Steves Favorite
Farm to Fork Recipes
BASK IN THE SUNSHINY FLAVORS OF SUMMER
By Steve Mesa
3 Irish Jewels Board favorite, tapenade is a dish with origins in
Provence, and it takes advantage of many of the ingredients normally
associated with that region. Tapenade makes a great appetizer, and Id been
serving (and eating) it for years when I found the idea of serving it on a bed
of Greek yogurt. The balance of salty and creamy is a natural combination,
and it really takes this simple dish to the sublime. Use pita chips to scoop
yogurt and tapenade together into delicious mouthfuls. Any leftover tapenade can be used in a variety of ways. I like to
rub some under the skin of a chicken before roasting (with lemon and herbs in the cavity), and
its also great in salad or pasta or even on a burger. Incidentally, I love to drink
the liquid that drains out of the yogurt. Its really good for you and
very refreshing!
Tapenade
24oz Plain Greek yogurt (try to buy the full fat version)
10oz Kalamata olives, pitted
2oz Anchovy fillets, oil-packed, drained
3oz Capers, salt-packed, rinsed
1oz Garlic, minced
1ea Fresh lemon, juiced
1T Extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp Black pepper
The night before you prepare the tapenade, place the
yogurt in a fine mesh strainer over a bowl, cover with
plastic wrap, and place in the fridge.
Place the olives, anchovies, capers, and garlic in the bowl
of a food processor and mince with a series of pulses. Take
care not to puree the mixture too finely; its important for
the tapenade to still have some texture. Add the lemon
juice and olive oil and mix them in with a few quick
pulses. Add black pepper to taste.
To serve, spread the strained yogurt on a large plate,
leaving an indentation in the middle. Spoon the tapenade
into the center of the yogurt and garnish the plate with a
few turns of black pepper and a drizzle of good olive oil.
A
Steve Mesa,
3IJF Board of
Directors &
Professional
Chef
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
15
A native of Northern California, Steve has a degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. He
worked as a professional chef on the West Coast before moving to the Raleigh area. He has two children - a 9 year-old daughter and a
7 year-old son with autism.
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
16
The Freckled Gardener
CULTIVATING SOIL & SOUL IN THE HEART
OF NORTH CAROLINA (USDA ZONE 7B)
By Nancy Buttereld
heres no question about it: summer has arrived in
North Carolina. Gone are those (few) days of bright,
cloudless Carolina blue skies that faded into
comfortably cool, mosquito-free evenings. And gone, too, is
that honeymoon period in the spring when fungal and
bacterial diseases have yet to get going, and insidious garden
pests are just waking up from their winter slumber.
It wouldnt be summer in the South without a backyard
vegetable garden. Sally, my youngest daughter, is finally old
enough to weed around seedlings and water bush beans with
her yellow ducky watering can. However, she is still too
young to be trusted around my tomato plants; those tiny
immature ones many weeks away from ripening seem to draw
her in and whisper, Pick me, Sally. Nothing beats
discovering her secret collection of gumball-sized green
tomatoes that shes hidden in a bucket.
Ah, tomatoes. Theyre undoubtedly the most popular plant
grown in gardens during the summer. Theyre the fruit that
motivates: the staking, the pruning, the watering, the
mulching, the fussing, the feeding, the sweatingall labors
of love in the journey to home grown goodness. In April, Erin
and I had the privilege of visiting with Dr. Craig LeHoullier,
an internationally revered tomato guru, at his driveway
greenhouse in northern Wake County.
Craig recently moved his 15-year tomato, pepper, and
eggplant seedling sales operation from the State Farmers
Market to his home. Literally hundreds of beautifully spoiled,
LeHoullier-grown plants carpeted his driveway near his
garage tomato laboratory. And were talking a veritable
tomato candy land here, folksso rich in variety that Craig
has created a menu on his blog of over 70 heirloom and
unique tomato varieties, 35 pepper varieties, and 12 eggplant
varieties. Craigs customers are usually die-hard tomato
growers, loyal supporters of his ongoing tomato research and
breeding projects, curious gardeners, seed-savers, heirloom
lovers, and past samplers of those storied tomatoes at
gatherings such as Tomatopaloozaa local event that Craig
and his friend Lee Newman began about 12 years ago to give
people the chance to learn about our rich horticultural
heritage while munching on mouth-watering varieties that
have been passed down from generation to generation. The
event became so popular (and increasingly hard to manage
logistically), however, that it had to be put on hold
indefinitely.
Seedling
customers
and tomato
enthusiasts
keep abreast
of news and
announcements through Craigs blog From the Vine found at
http://nctomatoman.weebly.com.
Craig personally selected several varieties of tomatoes,
eggplant, and peppers for me to try this year. Rather than
planting these treasures in my raised garden beds that I knew
were infested with all sorts of evil, I chose to experiment with
Craigs container and grow-bag method to reduce disease
spread and allow for greater flexibility in selecting where
plants are grown (find more information on Craigs technique
along with photographs at From the Vine). So far, things are
growing along beautifully here. Take a peek at the most
colorful and flavorful Solanaceae family plant list Ive ever
had.
Tomatoes
Dwarf Mr. Snow (open pollinated)medium to large, oblate
white fruit, dwarf growth, great flavor, named for A. C. Snow
of the Raleigh News and Observer.
Dons Double Delight (open
pollinated)potato leaf plant,
large red fruit with vertical gold
stripes, rich & sweet flavor
(immature striped fruit,
pictured left, with potato leaf
foliage).
Dwarf Sweet Sue (open
pollinated)wonderful flavor;
medium-sized, bright yellow fruit, potato leaf.
Summer Sunrise (open pollinated)a new potato leaf dwarf,
large oblate & smooth bright yellow fruit, super taste.
T
Nancy
Butterfield,
3IJF Board
of Directors
& Recording
Secretary
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
17
The Freckled Gardener, Continued
Dwarf Wild Fred (open pollinated)one of Craigs new
Dwarf varieties named for his father, short growing, large
purple fruit, nice flavor, derived from a cross between Dwarf
Champion and Carbon.
Sleeping Lady (open pollinated)another of Craigs new
Dwarf releases, medium brown & tasty tomatoes, heavy
producer.
Yellow Brandywine (heirloom)
potato leaf plant, large pale
orange fruit, delicious flavor.
Giant Syrian (heirloom)huge
red heart shaped fruit, old
variety sent to Craig in 1990 by
Charlotte Mullens of West
Virginia (immature fruit
pictured right).
Sungold F1 (hybrid)a tomato
machine, loads of orange cherry tomatoes, unique flavor.
Sweet Peppers
Fire Opalblocky ivory bell ripens to lavender, then to gold.
Orange Bella favorite sweet pepper, large blocky green
bells ripen to a lovely deep orange and are very sweet.
Amethystivory bell ripens to lavender, then to red.
Eggplant
Antiguabeautiful long white fruit with purple stripes, very
productive, sweet white flesh with few seeds.
Rosa Biancanearly round medium lavender fruit with
some white shading, nice for cutting big slabs for grilling, old
variety.
Twilight Lightningone of Craigs own selections, early,
long slender deep purple fruit, pale green & sweet flesh.
Talking Tomatoes with the NC Tomato
Man
How (and when) did you become known as The North
Carolina (NC) Tomato Man?
Hmmm.I think its my fault when I started posting at
Garden Web, later Tomatoville, I needed a name and it
made literal sensesomehow, through the years, it seems to
have stuck!
Youve been an avid member of the Seed Savers Exchange
and their revered tomato adviser since the mid-1980s. How
many varieties of heirloom tomatoes have come to you
unnamed, and how did you go about selecting names for
those varieties? Do you have a favorite? What about the
heirloom tomato makes it so special?
Not all that many came unnamed certainly Cherokee Purple
has become the best known. Lillians Yellow Heirloom,
Reifs Italian Red Heart and Pink Sweet are the others. I
typically consider what is shared with me an origin, a name
and the color. Then there are those Ive been lucky enough to
discover or create, such as Lucky Cross and many from the
Dwarf Tomato Project.
Id have to put Cherokee Purple, Lillians Yellow and Lucky
Cross on my top 10 list and they end up in my garden every
year a great combination of color, flavor and back story for
all three. Thats what really makes heirloom tomatoes so
special to me the opportunity to grow history, something
unique, flavorful and an opportunity to share it with others.
What advice do you have for the gardener who may be
skeptical about growing heirloom tomatoes?
Good gardening practices trump the hybrid vs non-hybrid
conundrum. Bad soil, difficult seasons, or presence of
diseases will impact hybrids as well as heirlooms, whereas
many heirlooms undoubtedly have naturally developed
tolerance or resistance to select diseases; otherwise they
wouldnt have survived for so many years. My advice would
be to try different varieties to see how they do for you. Dont
give up on a highly regarded heirloom after just one season;
each year is different and a repeat attempt could give a much
better outcome.
Gardeners know that life lessons abound amidst the
seeding, the weeding, the pruning, the nurturing, the
battling, and ultimately, the harvesting. What has the
garden taught you about life?
Wow thats a mouthful of a question, and something to
really ponder. Since Ive loved gardening for nearly my
whole life, I find life and gardening inextricably intertwined.
If I were to choose a few lessons, it is that finding a passion
it could be gardening, or quilting, or painting provides a
place for introspection, relaxation, and developing a sense of
self and what is most important to you. Planning ahead,
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
18
taking time to really look at whats going on, the excitement
of anticipation, of discovery these are all things that make
gardening successful as well as continually surprising and
exciting.
If we look in your garden and youre not there, where will
be most likely find you?
If I am not in my garden, or in my office (my garage, at the
table writing things down, making lists, reading about some
gardening topic), I am most likely with my wife on the deck,
listening to and watching the birds or doing crossword
puzzles, or in the house listening to an audiobook or music, or
walking our dogs or cooking (another of my favorite past
times!).
Youre a featured presenter this year at the 8
th
Annual
Heritage Harvest Festival at Monticello from September
11-13 lecturing on Great Tomatoes for Southeast Gardens
and Tomatoes in America: Then and Now. Tell us about
how you got involved with the festival.
The first time I spoke at Monticello was in 2007. Through my
involvement with the Seed Savers Exchange since the
mid-1980s, getting lucky naming Cherokee Purple (and
having it catch on so), then involvement with Garden Web
and Tomatoville, I seemed to start finding myself on speaker
lists, which was exciting (and still is!). Speaking at
Monticello, where Jefferson gardened, heirloom varieties are
so revered, is an absolute honor and privilege. Just walking
the gardens and grounds is inspirational.
Your first book, Epic
Tomatoes (Storey
Publishing), is scheduled for
release in December. I
personally cannot wait to
dive in. What prompted you
to give this book a go? Were
there any special writing
rituals? What did you learn
about yourself as a result of
working on this book?
Whats been the most
challenging piece of the
project?
My wife, Susan, has been
imploring me to write and
book tell my tomato story for many years, but I was
waiting to be approached by a publisher.which I was, by
Storey, hence this first book. My wife and I have been
spending at least a week at Ocracoke Island for many years,
and I always envisioned that to be a perfect place to start a
book. In October of 2012, that is exactly what I did. Among
the things I found out about myself as a writer: my tendency
to procrastinate in most things carried over to the book
writing process; my ability to type very rapidly, combined
with the build-up of so much information over the years
allowed the book to flow out of me quite quickly; mostly, that
I really do enjoy writing, even though I am quite anxious
about what is to come afterward. The most challenging part
was filling in those aspects of tomatoes that are not my areas
of greatest interest, such as general cultural practices and
tomato diseases.
How can our readers reserve a copy of your book and/or
purchase the book in December?
To obtain a placeholder for Craigs book, go to http://
www.amazon.com/Epic-Tomatoes-Select-Grow-
Varieties/dp/161212464X/ref=sr_1_1?
ie=UTF8&qid=1401077038&sr=8-1&keywords=Craig
+LeHoullier. Dont forget to shop through AmazonSmile
under the charity 3 Irish Jewels Farm!
Your work and international collaboration on the Dwarf
Tomato Project is absolutely intoxicating to this tomato
lover. What inspired you to tackle this project, and what
impacts will the continued introduction & increased
availability of these dwarf varieties have on the tomato
world?
Ah, what a fun, rewarding and successful project as well as
unique! This really is the first open source all amateur, all
volunteer tomato breeding project that I am aware of. The
main trigger was the need for better tomatoes for container
growing, which was a constant theme from my tomato
seedling customers over the years. Most Determinate varieties
dont taste very good, have a limited color range and are
medium sized or smaller. The existing Dwarf tomatoes prior
to our project were even more limited. Combine that trigger
with my developing friendship with Patrina Nuske Small of
Australia, who is excellent at doing crosses, and a hint of an
idea from a 1915 seed catalog for how they created a large
fruited Dwarf add some willing volunteers and a few
gardening discussion websites with which to share
information and we were off and running.
The project began in 2006, and as of 2013, we have 25 new
Dwarf growing tomato varieties in various seed catalogs, in a
rainbow of colors, all sorts of shapes and sizes, but for the
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
19
most part, all of wonderful flavor and perfect for growing in 5 gallon
containers.
*To read more about the Dwarf Tomato Project including seed
sources, visit http://nctomatoman.weebly.com/dwarf-tomato-project-
introduction-and-information.html.
Ive said it before, and Ill say it again: the personal highlight of
my 2014 garden season is having had the opportunity to purchase
authentic LeHoullier seedlings of peppers, eggplant, and tomatoes.
With your book tour likely to be in high gear, what are your plans
for seedling growing next spring?
Now that is going to be a bit of a mystery, since Storey told me to
not plan very much for the first six months of 2015. I will strive to
get sufficient plants going for my long time, regular and most
passionate fellow gardeners.
Most detested garden pest?
Tomato fruit worm. Deer cause great damage (but I dont blame
them we moved into their neighborhoods), tomato hornworms are
fairly disgusting but easy to locate and remove. Tomato fruit worms
sneak into the green fruit, tunnel and eat their way in and ruin many
tomatoes (and peppers).
Most detested garden disease?
Fusarium Wilt, which can take healthy plants and turn them into
bright yellow, finally dead, specimens in the blink of an eye.
Favorite perennial in your yard?
Salvia Guaranitica black and blue. It loves our yard it is taking
over our yard, in fact, which the hummingbirds definitely endorse.
Favorite organic gardening technique?
Using essentially nothing on plants by good preparation, and seeing
them do well.
Any vegetable you havent grown?
Kohlrabi, Celery, Celeriac, Turnips
Garden tool you cannot live without?
Short handled three tine cultivator is a favoritebut even more, my
big wheel barrow in which I mix copious amounts of the stuff I put
into my pots.
Least favorite gardening task?
Bleaching and detergent spraying the pots, stakes, cages, and
driveway.as well as waiting at Home Depot for the folks there to
load the copious amounts of potting mix (one should bring their
smart phone and a beverageit is not a good process!)
Best thing about gardening in North Carolina?
Long growing season
Worst thing about it?
Preponderance of diseases, critters, above 90 temps and high
humidity just when the tomatoes dont need them/it
Most common gardening questions you are asked?
Should I pull the suckers from my tomato plantswhat do you put
in your containershow do you stake your tomatoeswhat is this
tomato disease?
Favorite tomato companion plant?
Ive done very little with companion planting, but basil is probably
the most common, just because it is a good plant to tuck between the
tomato plants.
Wackiest garden moment?
Another wow question.could be the night I realized that the deer
were getting into my driveway garden by somehow crawling under
the fence system I erected. Then again, being imprinted by a baby
groundhog and followed around my yard as I grappled with what to
do with the destructive critters was quite a cognitive dissonance
moment!
Describe Craig LeHoullier in 10 words or less.
Always conflicted
between being
social and needing
down time.
Or.Very
luckynever
bored due to so
many hobbies.
!"#$% "'(# #$)'* )+, ,-./ 0-//$'1 2' 3-)4-1#'5 +"5 ,-./ 6/'37%'1 6-/'8'/ 3'%'2/+#'5999 :+"3,
Nancy, an aspiring horticultural therapist, is an avid home gardener of 20 years with a special passion for historic and heirloom perennials, trees,
vegetables, and herbs native to the South. Her gardening blog, Nancys Carolina Kitchen Garden
(http://nancyscarolinakitchengarden.blogspot.com), chronicles her adventures in her yard and potager.
You can contact Nancy at thefreckledgardener@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @FreckledGardenr.
Dr. Craig LeHoullier, the NC Tomato Man,
& Nancy Butterfield, the Freckled Gardener
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
20
Paper Hedgehog
This craft is great for practicing scissor skills. Enjoy!
What you'll need:
Thin paper plate with ridges
Paint
Black Marker
Scissors
Paint Brush (Optional)
How to make your Paper Hedgehog
(1) Fold the paper plate in half. (2) use the black marker to follow the design below. (3) Cut out the shape you made with the
marker. (4) Cut along each ridge. (5) Add details and paint.
(1) (2) (3) (4)
Erin's Crafty Corner
. /01 )2 34 /56)"#70 8,#$+9
NEWS FROM THE NEST
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21
4th of July Shirt
I have all kinds of good memories from the 4th of July as a child.
Everything about the day is a celebration - the food, the
fireworks, the family get-togethers. Warm summer nights,
waiting for the fireworks show to begin. Heres a fun and easy
4th of July tutorial for making a flag t-shirt with your loved ones.
Happy 4th!
What you'll need:
Clean white cotton
shirt
Masking tape
Red & Blue fabric
paint
Craft dabbing
sponge brush
Star stickers
How to make your 4th of July Shirt
1. Place a piece of cardboard in between the two layers of the t-shirt. This
will prevent the paint from leaking to the back of the shirt. Use masking tape
to section off the star portion of the ag and to make the white stripes.
2. Use a craft sponge to dab on the red stripes. {Dabbing helps give it a more
rustic look and its good for sticker resist painting because it uses less paint than
brush painting; so there is less
chance for it to get under the
stickers}.
3. After the paint has dried,
pull off the tape, and put new
tape around the outside of the
star section of the flag {to
keep the blue from mixing with
the red stripes} Fill the star
section with star stickers,
making sure to press down
firmly {so the paint cant bleed
under them}.
4. Dab with blue paint. {Make sure to dab enough paint around the stars so
that the star shapes can be sufficiently recognized} Wait until dry, and
remove stickers and tape.
Removing the star stickers is especially fun. It looks like a real flag now!
Erins Crafty Corner, Continued
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
22
Dont Forget!
Shop Amazon & Give Back to 3IJF!
AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon that
lets you enjoy the same wide selection of products, low
prices, and convenient shopping features as on
Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on
AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), the AmazonSmile
Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to
the eligible charitable organization of your choice. We
hope that youll visit AmazonSmile often and choose
3 Irish Jewels Farm as your charity!
The Bluebird Dance
Erin OLoughlins childrens book can now be
purchased in bookstores, Amazon (Dont forget to use
Amazon Smile!) & Barnes & Noble! ALL sales will
benefit 3 Irish Jewels Farm.
The Bluebird Dance is a
sweet and simple story
about a bluebird family,
held together by a very
strong bond. When it
comes time for the baby
bluebirds to find the
courage to spread their
wings and explore the
world on their own, the
family must search for a
place where they can all
stay together, yet each
create a home for
themselves. Join Mama,
Papa, Grace, Patrick & Thomas on
their wild and funny adventures as they search for the
perfect home!
Please Vote for Us!
3 Irish Jewels Farm has been nominated for The Eagle
Rare Life Award again and we need your votes! The
Eagle Rare Life Award was created to allow people to
share amazing, inspirational stories about amazing
people. Seven of those amazing stories each year are
awarded money to be donated to the charity of the
winning nominee's choice. The grand price is $50,000
donated by Eagle Rare. Eagle Rare will also host a
local award reception for the
Grand Prize award winner.
They will also donate
$4,000 to the other 6
finalist charities. So
please click HERE
and vote for 3 Irish
Jewels Farm, once
a day, every day
until January 6,
2015 (set your daily
alarms, we do)!
Stay Updated!
Make sure and stay up to date on 3IJF events and
happenings by signing up on our mailing list HERE. If
you would like to volunteer in any way, we would love
to have you! Please sign up on a separate form HERE.
And of course, dont forget to like us on Facebook and
follow us on Twitter @3IrishJewels.
3 Irish Jewels Farm
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
23
A THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS
On behalf of all of us at 3 Irish Jewels Farm. thank you for your generosity! Your support assists us in
continuing to build upon our dream. The following individuals & organizations have shown their support
through monetary contributions. Thanks to all of you, we have raised over $311,000 so far.
OVER THE RAINBOW
DONORS ($20,000+)
Samuel P. Mandell Foundation
Erin & Colm OLoughlin
POT O GOLD DONORS
($5,000+)
Pat Murnane's Irish Pub
EMERALD DONORS ($1,000+)
Anonymous
Bohler Engineering - 2013 Golf Sponsor
William & Elva Bond
Scott Corrigan - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Lauren & Balazs Csaki
Danco Electrical - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Henri Deschamps
Digestive Healthcare - 2013 Golf Sponsor
EMC System Engineers
Fox Liquor Bar
Anthony & Deborah Fraioli
Laura & Marc Fraioli
Beth & Matt Galla
Greater Raleigh Emerald Society
Dave Green - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Robin & Dave Green
Hi-Tech Fabrication - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Lucille Hudson - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Kestrel Heights Elementary School
Margeurite Norris - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Samuel P. Mandell Foundation - 2013 Golf
Sponsor
TE Matching Gift Program
Wake County Ancient Order of Hibernians
The Well Fellowship
IRISH EYES DONORS ($500+)
Anonymous
Barish Family - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Dr. & Mrs. Charles Barish
Mitchell & Joanne Bigel
Celtic Complexion
Jeffrey Chaffkin
Champions Bar & More/Adnan Hamed
Kelly DAmico
Electric Motor Shop - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Susan Finkelstein
Marceen & Matthew Gasperoni
Robert & Lisa Gray
Ken Kohagen
Raleigh St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival
Committee
The Skin Center of the Triangle -2013 Golf
Sponsor
United Way of the Triangle
SHAMROCK DONORS ($150+)
Aetna Foundation
Courtney Barrus
Paul & Renay Becker
Allison & Matt Byman
Kelly Bullock
Frank & Joan Conn - with AOH
Laura Fraioli
Stephanie Gedmintas
Joyce Gevirtzman
Wayne Gilman, LLC - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Elise Graziano & Steve Mesa
Pete Hartmann - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Melissa Jacobs
Jennifer Jurkus
John King - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Anne Leahy
Jeremy & Katherine LeBlanc
Jerry & Joseph Lemanski
Howard & Lori Levine
Dr. Dick McKay
Andy May
Maureen Morrell
Karen Moss - In memory of Janet Sullivan
Nita Newman
Jordan OLoughlin
Kevin & Amy Paczosa
Patricia Paget
Ruby Tuesday Restaurant
Toni Anne Rocker
Jonathan & Helene Rod
Susan Kessler Ross
Rufty Homes - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Lorna Siegal
Sharon & Fred Tooley
George & Ann Tosky
Michael Ungar & Deborah Warner
Maude Veech
Kelly S. Wyatt
Philip Young
John Zaremba
Quan Zhou & Jun Chen
CLADDAGH DONORS ($50+)
AOH Penna - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Angela Abromitas
Dee Abromitas
Carmen Andrews
Andy May Group, LLC
Billie & Davie Barbour - In memory of Janet
Sullivan
Mary & Marshall Bassett
BathroomRemodel.com
Jamie Benjamin
Alan & Mindy Biegelman
Karen & Alan Booth
Brentwood Carpets - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Nancy & Alan Butterfield
The Butterfield Family - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Citation Labs
Courtney Campbell, CPA - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Debbie Clements
Buck Cochran
Mimi Cook
Dee DAmico
Kelly D'Amico
Michael Devine
Meredith Dixon
Ben Dulman
Sophie Dunn
Lora Eddington
Kendra Elliott - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Continued
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
24
Claddagh Donors, Continued
Fidelity Bank - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Dan Friedman & Family
Frank Goodwin Auto Service
Nicole Gaunt
Gentle Touch Car Wash - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Golden Junebugs Group (via Lisa Kimmett)
John Guerin
Suzanne Gumpp
The Helms Family - 2013 Golf Sponsor
John & Elaine Johnson - In memory of Janet
Sullivan
Jennifer Jurkus
HomeAdvisor.com
Stefanie & Douglas Kahn
Debra Kossman
L&M Transportation Service, Inc.
Helen LaVere
John Mainey
Cheryl Martin - In memory of Janet Sullivan
Karen Meir
Steve Mesa Family - 2013 Golf Sponsor
James G. Norris, Sr. - 2013 Golf Sponsor
James G. Norris, III - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Lori Norris - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Mitchell Norris - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Will Norris - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Stephanie Novick
Bruce & Mindy Oberhardt
Siobhan & Fursey OLoughlin
The Osborne Family - 2013 Golf Sponsor
PLOC - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Pravana Tan & Wellness Spa - 2013 Golf
Sponsor
Debbie & Rob Quint
Carl & Lisa Roberts
Suzanne Roda
Rick Rollinson
Jamie Rorrer
Elizabeth & Mike Ross
Virginia Riley
Bruce & Sandy Rubenstein
SAS Institute - In memory of Janet Sullivan
Frank & Richelle Sajovec
Rachelle & Jay Schwartz
Caren Seusserman
Sue Moriarty Investments - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Fred Tooley - 2013 Golf Sponsor
TreeRemoval.com
Leslie VanDyke
Eileen VanHouten
Wake Manor Properties - 2013 Golf Sponsor
Tammy Wells-Angerer
NC Representative Jennifer Weiss
John Zaremba
Robyn Ziperski - In honor of Corey Green
3IJF FRIENDS
Elizabeth Butterfield
Susan Butterfield
Sally Butterfield
Jeanne Holmes
Melissa Jacobs
Mark LaCasse
Marlene Leavell
Arthur & Heather Levey - In memory of Janet
Sullivan
Terri Mainey
Lori McIlwain
Virginia & John Nugent - In memory of Janet
Sullivan
Ronnie Marshall
Siobhan O'Loughlin
Purple Creek
Cliona Salazar
Shari Sims
Cheryl L. Turney - In memory of Janet Sullivan
Sherry Warner
A THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS,
CONTINUED
T
h
a
n
k
Y
o
u
!

NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
25
The Nest Egg Fund
HELP FEATHER OUR NEST!
Donate to our "Go Fund Me" campaign by clicking the icon to the
left. There is no need for a Paypal account, nor do you need to sign
up for any separate account in order to donate to this campaign.
Make an online donation with PayPal by clicking
the icon to the left.
Click on the form to the left, download, and mail in with
your check or money order.
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Our Nest Egg Fund is designed to nourish
the startup costs of 3 Irish Jewels Farm. Startup costs include expenses such as cost of sales,
professional fees, technology costs, administrative costs, marketing costs and future land
acquisition. You can help by contributing a donation in the amount of your choice to 3 Irish Jewels
Farm. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprot tax exempt organization. Your gift may qualify as a charitable
deduction for federal income tax purposes. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call
Erin at (919) 602-9883, or e-mail her at Erin@3IrishJewelsFarm.org.
Thank you in advance for your support!
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The present was an egg laid by the past
that had the future inside its shell.
~Zora Neale Hurston
NEWS FROM THE NEST
PAGE
26
Board of Directors,
Our Mission, Vision & Logo
3 Irish Jewels Farm
Board of Directors
Erin OLoughlin
3 Irish Jewels Farm
President & Founder
Andrew Moriarty
Bohler Engineering
Vice President
Nancy Buttereld
Durham County Public
School System
Recording Secretary
David Green
Private Investment
Consultant
Treasurer
Robin Green
Grant Writing Chair
Susannah Hough
Fundraising Professional
Steve Mesa
Professional Chef
Colm OLoughlin
Digestive Healthcare
Laurie Smith
Parent
Advisory Board
Dawn Allen
GHA Autism Supports
Brian Brady
Brady Law Firm, PLLC
Donna Kuni
ABA Consultant
Maureen Morrell
Autism Society of NC
Mission
To create an environmentally sustainable agricultural community where adults
on the autism spectrum can live dignified and meaningful lives with support in
a healthy, safe and enriching environment and achieve independence through
meaningful work, recreation and community involvement. In addition to adults
living on the farm, school-age children with autism will be able to attend track-
out and summer programs so that they can also experience the farm life. We are
a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt organization.
Vision
To offer a person-centered home to adults with autism in which they can thrive
and continue to grow and learn. The tranquil agricultural setting will provide a
well structured residence with safety, cohesiveness and serenity. Well-trained
co-workers who are familiar with the resident farmers special needs will assist
the farmers in learning and discovering new skills, encouraging them to reach
their fullest potential. In turn, the resident farmers will experience appropriate
and rewarding work, along with organized leisure time and social activities.
As a community within a larger community, we will strive to educate the
general public about autism awareness and will invite community members to
volunteer in farming activities and special events. 3 Irish Jewels Farm will
collaborate with the many universities and schools around the Triangle and
provide internships, classes, volunteer opportunities, as well as educational
workshops and support groups to the general public.
Our long-term goal is to create a pilot program in the Triangle of NC, nurture it
and grow it to the best it can possibly be, and then open more around the state,
and then around the country. Because we know that we will be at capacity
within just moments of opening, and there is a need for hundreds more of 3IJFs
around the country. Please join us in making this happen... our fellow brothers
and sisters with autism depend upon us.
Our Logo
I love the symbolism that encompasses birds, nests & eggs. Eggs represent a
new chance at life, hope, the excitement of seeing the treasures that lie within
those eggs. Birds represent the connection between the sky and the land,
freedom, the ability to spread their wings and soar independently. The nest
symbolizes home, love, protection. I admire the manner in which a mama bird
constructs her nest piece by piece, gradually making it strong and protective.
And so I chose three eggs in my nest for my three beautiful children. I dedicate
this farm to my three children, Jordan, Marcus & Brendan. May this farm
provide a strong and protective place for those who need its support. May it
allow everyone who walks through its doors to spread their wings and soar.
May it provide you and your family with hope and a new chance at life. And
may it provide all of us with the opportunity to discover the treasures that lie
within us.
NEWS FROM THE NEST
Summer is like childhood. Its
full of warm memories and
gone too soon.
~Kellte Elmore
Summer 2014
FROM:
3 I RI SH J EW
ELS FARM
( 919) 602- 9883
www. 3I ri shJ ewel sFarm. org
Eri n@
3I ri shJ ewel sFarm. org
Issue No. Four
Summer 2014, Issue No. 4
MAIL TO:
3 Irish Jewels Farm Supporter
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3 Irish Jewels Farm | (919) 602-9883 | www.3IrishJewelsFarm.

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