About the Emma Prusch Farm Park Foundation
The Foundation was established in 1982 to support Emma Prusch’s wishes that her farm remain an agricultural preserve. We are an IRS approved 501 (c) 3 corporation and work with Park staff through an agreement with the City of San Jose. We maintain our own liability insurance.
What We Do
The Foundation works with the City and Park staff to oversee the development and management of the Park. We do not maintain the park nor do we get involved with personnel matters. Our job is to help make sure that the rural country atmosphere of the park is maintained.
Accomplishments
The Foundation has worked diligently in development of a Master Plan for the Park and back acreage, including restoration of the historical LeFevre home and carriage barn, installation of the windmill and planting a kitchen garden. Other accomplishments include:
- Since 1995, the Foundation has donated over $60,500 as scholarships for the Summer Camp Program, which includes environmental and agricultural education.
- Design and fund a Plant Science Center that includes a classroom, children’s community garden and green house.
- Planting and maintaining 168 redwood and maple trees along the west and northwest perimeters of the Park, dedicated as the Karl Schiavo Memorial Grove in 2007.
- Veggielution has started a Community Farm at the Park to engage local residents in food production and distribute food to those who need it. (www.veggielution.org)
Funding
The Foundation hosts several events each year to help raise money for Park improvements as well as to support the summer camp program. Events include the Annual Gardeners Market (spring) and Harvest Festival (fall), which are co-sponsored by the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners. We also work with 4H and FFA members to host annual animal field days.
The Foundation also secures grants from independent organizations including East Bay Community Foundation, the Office of Cultural Affairs for the City of San Jose, and the Story Road Business Association.
For More Information
Please feel free to contact any of the Board members with any questions you may have. Our Board President, Sharon McCray can be reached at 408-264-9654 or via email at samccray@aol.com.
Schedule of Meetings 2011
The Board generally meets on the 4th Tuesday of the Month. Meetings take place in the historic white farmhouse at the park from 6pm to 8pm. Meeting dates for 2011 are as follows:
| January 25February 22
March 22 April 26 |
May 24June 28
July 26 August 23 |
September 27October 25
November 15 December (no meeting) |
Board Members
The Board of Directors is made of up community volunteers committed to the preservation of this agricultural property. We come from all backgrounds and from throughout Santa Clara Valley. Membership on our Board is open to all persons.
Joseph Cono, Ph.D. Founding Board member, Landscape design & construction, retired
Walter Davis, Board member since 1997, US Army, retired, Community Garden Coordinator
Marilyn Diamond, Secretary, Board member since 1987, Registered Nurse, retired, UCCE Master Gardener
Amie Frisch, Board member since 2009, Veggielution Co-Founder
John Haggerty, Board member since 2006, 4H volunteer
Dot Maley, Board member since 1992, Emma’s Heirloom Garden Coordinator, UCCE Master Gardener, Master Composter
Sunday Marzano, Treasurer, Board member since 2004
Sharon McCray, President, Board member since 1998, UCCE Master Gardener, Master Composter, Tree Amigo, member California Rare Fruit Growers
Mark Anthony Medeiros, Board member since 2008, Veggielution Co-Founder
Dennis Norris, Board member since 2006, UCCE Master Gardener
Robert Towle, Vice President, Board member since 2002, 4H Representative, Retired educator, coordinator of Back Acreage Project
Kathy Towle, Board member since 2006, 4H Representative
Alan Hackler, Board member since 2010
David Duarte, Board member since 2010
Board Application
We are always looking for new board members to join our team. If you are interested in giving back to Prusch Park, please fill out our board application and send it to Sharon at samccray@aol.com.