Thanks to the local food community, Westchester’s Hemlock Hill is rebuilding from the devastating fire that struck the farm in April.   With leadership from Scott Vaccaro of Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, several local businesses have come together to help “Raise the Barn” at Hemlock Hill Farm. The fundraising efforts thus far have achieved most of the $31,250 needed to rebuild the main barn.

This generous outpouring of support reflects Hemlock Hill’s direct influence on the local food movement in Westchester. Vaccaro, the owner and brewmaster at Captain Lawrence, says that he feels grateful to have such a productive farm in the area. “Our hope is to raise enough money to rebuild the main barn and, in the process, give back to a great local business,” he says. In addition to the fundraising efforts of Captain Lawrence, Tarrytown restaurants Village Dog and The Tapp have been generous Hemlock Hill supporters.

This summer offers additional opportunities to support local family farming and Hemlock Hill’s rebuilding efforts. On Thursday, July18, Jessica Lynn headlines a Charity Concert at Captain Lawrence’s Brewery in Elmsford, NY. A Barn Raising is also planned for late August at Hemlock Hill. All of these events will help the farm to fulfill its mission of providing customers and area restaurants with sustainably raised products from the Hudson Valley.

Captain Lawrence Brewing Company and Hemlock Hill Farm have shared a meaningful partnership since 2006. Vaccaro has worked with Laura and John DeMaria to both give back to the agricultural community and help minimize environmental waste in New York State. Captain Lawrence regularly sends spent grain from each brew cycle to Hemlock Hill Farm, where it is used as cow feed. This mutually beneficial relationship has expanded and grown into a productive alliance.

Hemlock Hill, which opened in 1939, has been owned and operated by three generations of the DeMaria family. It enjoys a partnership with the state and county to preserve the land on which it sits as protected farmland, safe from development. This agreement has also helped to protect an important part of the area’s watershed.

For tickets to the July and August events, or to support the cause, visit CaptainLawrenceBrewing.com and HemlockHillFarm.com.