  D.I.G. Farm Inc THE MONTHLY DIGSOctober 2026  Honoring a Legend: Dick Button Hello friends and neighbors, This October 3, we would like to invite you and the community to gather for The Dick Button Animal Rescue Palooza Day—a heartfelt memorial event celebrating the extraordinary life of Richard “Dick” Button (1929–2025). Dick Button was far more than a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the defining voice of figure skating for generations of television viewers. Born in Englewood, New Jersey, in 1929, he revolutionized the sport in the late 1940s and early 1950s. At the 1948 St. Moritz Games, the 18-year-old became the first American man to win Olympic gold in figure skating and the first skater to land a double axel in competition. Four years later in Oslo, he defended his title while landing the first triple jump (a triple loop) ever performed in competition and inventing the flying camel spin. He claimed five consecutive World titles, seven straight U.S. championships, and remains the only American to win the European title. After his competitive career, Dick Button became the sport’s most influential broadcaster. Starting with the 1960 Squaw Valley Olympics, his sharp, passionate, and often delightfully acerbic commentary educated audiences for more than five decades, earning him an Emmy and induction into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He also produced professional skating events that helped many skaters build sustainable careers. Beyond the ice, Dick Button was a dedicated gardener, architecture enthusiast, and longtime North Salem resident. At Ice Pond Farm—the beautiful property he shared with his spouse and longtime partner, theater and television producer Dennis Grimaldi—he created gardens that reflected the same discipline, creativity, and sense of beauty he brought to skating.The couple hosted Garden Conservancy Open Days for years, welcoming the public to explore meadows, ponds, kitchen gardens, fountains, a bocce court framed by crabapples, and a circle garden inspired by skating. Since 2015, that same special place has been home to us, D.I.G. Farm (“Dealing In Good”), a nonprofit teaching farm dedicated to regenerative agriculture, community education, food access, and reconnecting people with the land. We continue the spirit of stewardship and generosity that defined Button’s life here. On Saturday, October 3 (10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. EDT) at 115 June Road, North Salem, D.I.G. Farm will host The Dick Button Animal Rescue Palooza Day as a living tribute. The event blends community, celebration, and care for animals—honoring a man whose life was marked by excellence, innovation, and an open heart toward the place and people around him. Whether you remember Dick Button’s dazzling jumps, his unforgettable television insights, or simply the beauty he cultivated at Ice Pond Farm, this is a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate his legacy, and support the ongoing good work happening on the land he loved.
Our very first Getting Dirty podcast episode recorded, was with Dick Button. Listen in for stories of the farm, the gardens he loved, and the spirit that still lives here.Listen here Also available on Apple Podcasts Our 2026 season continues with a rich calendar of hands-on learning. Join us for cooking, foraging, gardening, herbalism, and more. New calendar updates are posted regularly on our website and Zeffy events page. DIG Farm Youth Academy (ages 10–18) • Sustainable Farming – Permaculture principles, seasonal planting, trellising, harvesting & preserving • Foraging & Herbalism – Plant ID, ethical harvesting, infusions, salves, tinctures, wild ferments & more • Creative Culinary – Farm-to-table meals featuring foraged and garden ingredients • Wild Basketry Flexible options: drop-ins, homeschool units, or committed path with certification. Wild Roots Project • The Backyard Apothecary Lab Series/Foraging & Herbalism workshops throughout the season (Saturday, 10/17) • Family-Friendly Foray & Potluck – Guided foraging walks + community potluck • Wild Afternoon Tea with Wild Mocktail Hour – Private group experiences available • Private property consults, foraging walks, and hands-on herbalism projects for groups Other Offerings • Field trips and Scout programs aligned with merit badges • Children & Homeschool Program with For the People and Kids • Our children and adult library programs • Seasonal cooking & preserving classes through the Westchester Local Food Project • New indoor education space – The Hodge Podge Lodge (in partnership with Mill River Supply, Bedford Hills) for crafting, homesteading & herbalism skills VOLUNTEER & GET INVOLVED We are a volunteer-powered regenerative organic farm. There are many ways to dig in: • Garden Volunteering – Hands-on regenerative agriculture. Take home fresh produce! • Kitchen Volunteering – Prepare meals from rescued & donated produce for local pantries and shelters. • Food Rescue – Help recover prepared meals from schools and businesses for redistribution Sign up through our volunteer page or just reply to this email. Support our four core initiatives: Westchester Local Food Project, Access Nature Project, Wild Roots Project, and Seeds of Change Project.
OUR INITIATIVES AT A GLANCE Westchester Local Food Project – Community gardens, meal preparation & donation, food rescue, school garden support, cooking & preserving classes, and farmers market participation. Access Nature Project – Bringing the benefits of nature to underserved communities and people with disabilities through engaging outdoor programs. Wild Roots Project – Foraging, herbalism, mycology, wild art, and community gatherings that deepen connection to local ecology. Seeds of Change Project – Garden- and nature-based programming for incarcerated women and those recently returning to society. We continue the spirit of stewardship and generosity that defined Dick Button’s life at Ice Pond Farm. Come celebrate with us on October 3, and stay connected year-round through classes, volunteering, markets, and community. Looking to support in other ways? Consider a donation, sponsoring a class for someone who needs access, or sharing our events with friends. Every bit helps. Full calendar, ticket links, and sign-ups live on digfarm.org and our Linktree (link in bio / digfarm Linktree). Follow @digfarm on Instagram for day-of updates, photos, and last-minute opportunities. From our fields to you,  COMING UP: Ongoing Programs Wild Basketry, Foraging & Herbalism, Creative Culinary Classes, and Sustainable Farming through the DIG Farm Youth Academy run from April through early November, with dozens of dates available. These programs offer apprenticeship style, seasonal learning for teens and preteens, ages 10-18.
Hands-on herbalism workshops focused on foraging and turning wild & cultivated plants into home wellness products and apothecary creations. Children under 15 with an adult supervision. Kids Programs & Homeschool In partnership with For the People and KIDS! we bring an immersive farm educational experiences for children ages, 4-16. Field Trips & Group Visits
Scout troops (BSA, GSUSA, Cub Scouts, Venturers) are welcomed for immersive half-day or multi-visit programs focused on regenerative agriculture, permaculture, foraging, ecosystems, and farm-to-table themes. Activities align with merit badges in areas like Plant Science, Environmental Science, Nature, and Cooking. Ideal for service hours, badge work, or group bonding. Private Experiences Wild Afternoon Tea with Wild Mocktail Hour
 GETTING DIRTY Podcast  Upcoming Events and Workshops In full swing!
Apprenticeship style learning for teens and preteens.
Check out all of the amazing offerings from our partner farms and pick up your fresh veggies, meats, dairy and flowers. Garden tips, farming, farmer stories and quite a few laughs!
 D.I.G. Farm Inc |
