October Events & Topsfield Fair 2024

Happy Autumn in New England! The Topsfield Fair happens Oct 4 – 14. If attending it, please visit the Rest-Stop-Ranch “Accessible Garden” display at the Flower Building. Karl has spent the past 3-4 weeks planning, designing, and building out the display evenings and weekends. Tons of heavy materials have been transported from our Topsfield home to the Fairgrounds for this display (pavers, lumber, bricks, and plants). Mary created the plant ID tags for the trees and shrubs, which will become part of our newest project: creating an Accessible Arboretum at Rest-Stop-Ranch! Baby Koi fish will arrive soon and be installed prior to the fair opening. The display will be open for the public to walk the trail and sit on the bench or chairs (2). Thanks to the Slow River Studio (Topsfield) for $735. donated to assist with the cost of the build!

Here’s our October schedule (see below). Hope to see you in our garden this season!

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All are welcome, free-of-charge, RSVP Required – please call/text Mary (978-887-4202)Please share our support programs with friends, family, clients, patients, or customers who are living the roles of long-term care-partner or care-receiver.

Weekly Programs

October 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24 – 1PM – 4PM; Garden RX. Open garden hours. Reserve your visit at least 1 day ahead, 1-2:30pm or 2:30-4pm.

October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 – 8:30am – 11:30am, Garden Crew. Volunteers (all abilities) meet new friends while assisting in the garden each week.

Monthly Programs

October 10 – 7PM – 8PM; Group Support; 2nd Thursday once a month. Care partners caring for a family member with FTD or Young Onset ALZ meet online via Zoom.

October 12 – 10am – 12pm: Memory Cafe. People with memory changes and care partners meet onsite in the Garden, April – October. Enjoy a cup of coffee and some friendly conversations, flower fun, bird & fish watching. Reserve your visit at least 1 day ahead.

October 12 – 12PM – 1PM; Meet & Eat. Once a month. New & Old Friends: Bring a brown bag lunch, garden questions, and/or questions about Rest-Stop-Ranch. Small group limit is 10 people. Reserve your seat at the table at least 1 day ahead!

October 13- 10AM – 2PM; Sunday Stroll. Reserve morning session 10am – 12pm, or afternoon session 12pm – 2pm.

Respite Retreats & Individual Support for Caregivers
By appointment with Mary E MacDonald, interfaith chaplain.

Consider Volunteering with Us!
View/Download our TEAM MEMBER APPLICATION
Our volunteers range in age from 14 to 80+. Most are young adults fulfilling volunteer requirements for school, or retired adults appreciating a weekly social connection while helping actualize our mission and vision. Any prospective volunteer is welcome to “come and see” the volunteer opportunity. Seasonal volunteers usually commit to a weekly schedule, April – November.

Help maintain our wheelchair-accessible gardens (once per week, Thursday, 9am – 12pm)
Work with a small group to clear trails, and care for plants.
Help offer therapeutic program hospitality (once per week, Tuesday or Thursday, 1pm – 4pm)
Work with a small team to support guests navigating the gardens.
Help manage papers and mailings in the office (once per week, Wednesdays, 1-4pm)
Work with our office staff to file papers, organize the library, or mail letters.
Help with outreach in the community (flexible schedule)
Work with our Outreach Coordinator to spread the word about Rest-Stop-Ranch services.

3 Easy Ways to Donate:

Online – Venmo “Rest-Stop-Ranch”; OR Facebook.com/reststopranch
Check – Make payable to “Rest-Stop-Ranch”; Mail to:
202 Haverhill Road, Topsfield, MA 01983

Cash – Locked Boxes Onsite

We are currently raising $7,000 to complete:

Lily Pond Overlook Patio and Forest Flowers Trail
Thanks again to ALL who have financially contributed over the years to make our ADA Accessible Garden Trails (0.5 mile).

With Gratitude,

The Rest-Stop-Ranch Team ~ Building access for all, with fragrant flowers and fruits within reach.