Greetings
all,
Below is an great collection of upcoming events in the central Virginia bioregion! Folks can sign up for the email here. Send us announcements to: blueridgepermaculture@gmail.com. Click here to view this email as a webpage. And check out the BRPN on Facebook here.
Enjoy!
Christine, Terry, Emily and the BRPN team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
Below is an great collection of upcoming events in the central Virginia bioregion! Folks can sign up for the email here. Send us announcements to: blueridgepermaculture@gmail.com. Click here to view this email as a webpage. And check out the BRPN on Facebook here.
Enjoy!
Christine, Terry, Emily and the BRPN team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net
1.
Virginia
Farm-to-Table Conference
Strengthening Your Foodshed, Protecting Our Watersheds
Dec 2nd - 4th in Weyers Cave
The conference will feature engaging and inspirational
speakers with broad experience and knowledge of food, farming and pressing
environment issues including Dr. Dennis Keeney of Keeney Place and the
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, 2014 James Beard Leadership Award
Winner — Ms. Karen Washington of Rise and Root Farm and nationally recognized
“Queen of Urban Gardening”, Dr. Chuck Benbrook of Measure to Manage and
Benbrook Consulting Services, Mr. Robin Morris, Executive Director of Mad River
Food Hub and Ms. Ellen Polishuk of Potomac Vegetable Farms.
***New this year will be a full day pre-conference
tour of local farms and agribusinesses on Wednesday, December 2nd. This
chartered tour will offer insight to the successes and challenges by local
farms and agribusinesses that are stepping outside the traditional box. Join us
for an informational and fun experience!
We hope you plan to attend to network, learn and grow
Virginia’s farm-to-table movement in your community and watershed!
2.
City Schoolyard Garden hiring for Program Coordinator
City Schoolyard Garden (CSG) is excited to launch a job
search for a new Program Coordinator
position. The Program Coordinator is primarily responsible for the
development, coordination and implementation of the CSG Elementary School
Program and integration with other CSG program, organizational and community
goals. The Program Coordinator’s core functions include:
•
Coordination of Elementary School Garden
Program - support the work of our six, on-the-ground Garden Coordinator
Consultants at each of the Elementary schools and facilitate cross-school
experiential garden programming.
•
Facilitate the Harvest of the Month
Program - work with volunteers and partners to implement and expand our
Harvest of the Month Program which provides fresh, locally-sourced snacks
and supporting garden lessons to elementary school students and partners.
•
Coordinate Volunteer Engagement - coordinate
the dynamic volunteer program that supports each of our seven gardens.
•
Capacity Building Activities - in
partnership with CSG staff, build organizational and program capacity
through evaluation, strategic planning, partner outreach and other related
activities.
A more detailed job description and information on how to apply
can be found on our website at the CSG Program Coordinator Job Description.
3.
Allegheny Mountain Institute Farm Manager
Allegheny Mountain Institute is seeking a
qualified, Jill or Jack-of-all to
fulfill the position of its Farm Manager. An ideal
candidate will have a keen
interest in food systems and building community,
and the strengths and skills
needed to take both our farm and our programming to
the next level. AMI is a
team of food-crazed, passionate individuals who
know that the “dirty work” is
the backbone in building a healthier food culture
for all, and we are looking
for a like-minded steward to join us as we work,
eat, and grow together to
carry out AMI’s mission.
Executive Director
Allegheny Mountain Institute is seeking a
qualified, food and farm savvy
leader to fulfill the position of its Executive
Director. A commitment to
building sustainable food systems and community are
key components of the
Allegheny Mountain Institute, and an ideal
candidate will have not only an
interest in these areas, but the passion and drive
to dig deep and lead our
organization as it works toward building a
healthier food culture in our
region.
To apply:
To access full job descriptions, which include more
detailed application
instructions, please visit: www.alleghenymountaininstitute.org and
click on
the "Join Our Team" tab at the top of the
page.
You may also access these materials by sending an
inquiry to AMI at:
4.
Pygmy dwarf
cross goat free to a non-nibbling home. Junior is a black and brown,
approximately 2 feet high weathered goat looking for a few home. He's
pretty easy to handle and not aggressive to people or goats, seems friendly and
curious about my horse. He's free to anyone looking for weed control, but
he's not for eating! He stays in the fence and also stakes out, easiest
to lead around of the group.
Local delivery possible, but his friends are leaving on Dec 5th
so he's got to find a new home by then.
Please email with interest or questions. Amanda@littlerunfarm.com
5.
Living
Earth School
Leather
Working Workshop~ choose from several options!
Make your own Moccasin style leather shoes
-OR-
Make a leather satchel, backpack or messenger bag
~December 12-13
~No prior experience necessary
~Customize your very own hand crafted work of art!
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT AVAILABLE!
1. backpack: before Dec 1st $235, after Dec 1st $260
2. smaller bags and moccasins: before Dec 1st $175, after
Dec 1st $200.
(extra materials will be charged at $5 per sq foot if the
amount of leather is over 2 square feet)
Beauty and function combine in this amazing workshop
offering! Choose your own style and materials, and craftsman Peter Yencken will
give you detailed instruction and guidance to create your own durable and
comfortable bag. A popular option is a leather backpack. Peter designed this
style to be the perfect size for airline travel or as an overnight bag. Made
from oiled vegetable tanned cow leather. Other options are a leather couriers
bag, perfect for laptops or books, or a smaller day bag.
Come join master crafter Peter Yenken to craft your own
leather shoe that fits your foot perfectly. Imagine how amazing it would feel
to walk in a hand crafted shoe made exactly for you, by .........you! Create a
pair of shoes that allows the feet to function properly, as a foundation for
balance and shock absorption. Join the barefoot minimalist craze- your back,
hips, and knees with thank you! This
class would be a great holiday gift to yourself or a loved one!
6.
The
last Charlottesville Tracking Club of the season is the Sunday after
Thanksgiving from 1-4pm!
In addition, come on out to a free, hands-on Intro to
Wildlife Tracking activity and lecture beforehand less than a half mile away
from 10:30am to noon. This Intro is followed an hour later by the
Charlottesville Tracking Club. Feel free to bring a lunch or to grab one in the
hour between these events.
Check out the details here:
7.
From our friends at Transition Cville
Friday 12/4 Evolution Glass Opening Reception
5-7:30pm at 1740 Broadway St.
A beneficiary from a TomTom Crowdfunding event, Evolution Glass is now
ready to manufacture innovative countertops and tables of exceptional quality
using 100% recycled bottle glass. Their mission is to transform waste glass and
bring beauty into homes while taking care of our planet at the same time.
Come out for music, drinks and even live acrobatics! http://www.evolutionglassglobal.com/evolutionglassevents/
********************
Saturday 12/5 Earlysville Art & Crafts Show
9am-3pm at the Earlysville Fire Dept., Reas Ford Rd.
Each year they present a diverse & unique array of
handcrafted items and art designed and created by area artisans. They'lll have
approximately 30 vendors set up in the Fire House Banquet Room where you will
merrily work on your holiday lists, gifts and personal collections! A
food truck, Mouth Wide Open, will be parked and ready to serve both breakfast
and lunch so bring your appetite as well as your shopping lists. https://www.facebook.com/EarlysvilleArtsCraftShow
********************
Saturday 12/5 Free Union Artisans Open House
10am-5pm at Free Union Country School, 4220 Free Union Rd.
Come by for a relaxing cozy shopping experience with a wonderful
selection of fine artisan made gifts created by 10 local artists.
Pottery, baskets, textiles, jewelry, wood bowls, leatherwork, stained glass,
floorcloths, photography, fine stationary, and more! Free
Admission and tasty refreshments. Plenty of free parking. https://www.facebook.com/freeunioncraftshow
********************
Saturday 12/5 Primitive & Survival Skills Workshop
10am-2pm at the Scheier Natural Area
Learn how to make cordage, friction fire, shelter and other skills
needed to survive in the wild. Hot chocolate by the fire ring will be
provided to participants. Sponsored by the Rivanna Conservation
Society. Free. http://www.rivannariver.org/event/primitive-survival-skills-workshop/
********************
Saturday 12/5 Holiday Party for Environmentalists
6:30pm at TJMC Unitarian Universalist Church, 717 Rugby Rd.
Calling all environmentalists! Come gather together to share
food and festivities, and meet some of the dynamic organizations around
town. Bring some food to share, along with your own dinnerware.
Green Grannies will sing! For more info., contact Johanna at woodchild@va.net
or 293-5000.
********************
Sunday 12/6 Casa Alma Open House
2-4pm at 911 Nassau St.
Come check out this unique urban garden and hospitality
compound. This is an informal time for tours, Q&A,
conversation and light refreshments. http://casa-alma.org/
********************
Monday 12/7 Craft Cville
6-8pm at The Bridge PAI, 209 Monticello Rd.
Join in for craft night and get to know some of the members of your
craft community. Bring your latest craft project and get together to share
what everyone is working on. Light snacks and beverages will be
provided. Please feel free to bring your own snacks or drinks. Free. http://thebridgepai.org/calendar/craft-cville/2015-12-07/
********************
Tuesday 12/8 or Wednesday 12/9 Cville TimeBank Orientation
5:30pm at Northside Library, or 12/9 6pm at Main Street Market, 418 W.
Main St.
Everyone has something to give, and the TimeBank is a way to trade
services and build community at the same time. Potential members set up a
profile on the member portal, and attend an orientation prior to having
their timebank account authorized by coordinators. Once your account is
authorized, you can begin browsing current offers and requests – and post your
own! http://cvilletimebank.com/membership-information/
********************
Saturday 12/12 Holiday Giftie Class
6-8pm at The Elderberry, 1917 Commonwealth Dr.
Want to make and give herbal gifts for loved ones for the holidays?
Sign up for a session and get the space, support, materials and ideas to make 1
of each (for a total of 4 gifts) of the following categories of gifts: hand
creams, bath salts/oils, salves, bath teas. Space is limited so register early!
Free herbal tea and snacks provided. Handmade gifts are a thoughtful way to say
“I care!” $30 includes materials. http://www.elderberryherbals.com/calendar/
********************
Saturday 12/12 - Sunday 12/13 Shoe Making Class
9am-5pm at Living Earth School, Afton
Imagine how amazing it would feel to walk in a hand crafted shoe made
exactly for you, by . . . you! Come join master crafter Peter Yenken to
craft your own leather moccasin style shoes that fit your foot perfectly.
$175 if you register by Dec. 1. http://livingearthva.com/event/leather-shoe-making-class-virginia/?instance_id=693
********************
Simplify the Holidays
Want your holidays wrapped in more meaning - and less stuff?
Check out these tips from The Center for A New American Dream: https://www.newdream.org/programs/beyond-consumerism/simplify-holidays//?&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newdream&utm_content=3+-+Simplify+the+Holidays&utm_campaign=email&source=email
********************
8.
From our friends at VABF
Virginia
Biological Farming Conference
Smith Mountain Lake near Roanoke
January 29 - 30, 2016
Join us for Virginia’s premier gathering of farmers,
gardeners and supporters as the Virginia Association for Biological Farming and
Virginia State University collaborate to bring you knowledgeable speakers,
informative sessions, amazing local food and wonderful networking
opportunities! More Info Here.
Early Member Registration is Open Until Dec 10th
Become a member and save on conference fees
Save on conference fees by registering before December
10th via Eventbrite.
W.E. Skelton 4-H Conference Center
at Smith Mountain Lake in Wirtz, VA
The Skelton Conference Center is along the shores of
Smith Mountain Lake. It is very up-to-date and comfortable, but rustic
compared to some luxurious hotels. It is remarkably modern by
"camp" standards. (There are few TV’s on site, but WIFI is
available). Beautiful architecturally, the facilities are bright, heated, with
full plumbing and very clean. As always,
our conference food will be locally and biologically grown. We are working with
the camp chefs to make ‘locally grown’ the centerpiece of the menu. Supply the conference with your food.
Register Now for Pre-Conference Workshops
Thursday, January 28th
•
Steve Groff: Making Cover
Crops Pay
•
Roz Creasy, Rowen White & Ira
Wallace: Seed Savers Exchange 40th Anniversary Seed School
•
Purple Mountain: Hand Tools
and Mechanized Equipment for Small Farms
•
Jim Adkins: Slow Poultry
Strategy Seminar
Pre-Conference Workshop Registration is Here.
9.
More Virginia Farm & Food Events
Update By Mark Schonbeck
Read Mark's full article here.
GMO
Labeling Hoax
Tell your Senators QR Codes are NOT a viable substitute
for GE food labeling
You shouldn't need a smart phone to know what's in
your food. More info on the labeling crisis aka the "Dark
Act". Contact your Virginia Senators about the need for
mandatory labeling. Their votes are crucial. 'Recommended' language to be
attached to the mandatory ingredient label: "This product may
contain ingredients derived from genetically engineered crops or
animals/organisms". Consumers/citizens have a right to know. Take a
moment as you prepare your Thanksgiving feast and email Senators Kaine and
Warner. We can win this.
Opportunities
Positions
available at Riverstone Organic Farm (Floyd)
Field Manager for the 2016-17 seasons
This is a full-time position beginning February 1st
2016. A 2 year minimum commitment. 4 weeks of leave time, food share, housing
option available. Salary: $22k/year. Send Your Resume to William@swva.net. Visit Riverstoneorganicfarm.com for more info about
the position and the farm.
15
Acres for Lease in King William for Sustainable Agriculture
Modest or alternative lease terms considered
Approximately 15 acres of tillable land in King
William County, VA (approximately 20 minutes northeast of Mechanicsville, 30
minutes east of Ashland and 45 minutes northeast of Richmond) available for
lease for sustainable agriculture uses. Land was farmed conventionally for 30+
years with corn and soybeans, but has lain fallow for 2 years. Modest or
alternative lease terms (including barter and creative partnerships)
considered. Please send inquiries to Carolina Lugo.
Organic
Farming Grants Program Accepting Research Proposals
The deadline for proposals is February 8, 2016
The Organic Farming Research Foundation grants
program is currently accepting research proposals. In particular, OFRF
encourages farmers, ranchers, graduate students, early career researchers,
veterans, and Extension personnel to consider applying. OFRF was founded
over 25 years ago with the mission to foster the improvement and widespread adoption
of organic farming systems. To date, they have granted over $3 million for
326 research projects, ranging from developing GMO resistant corn to creating
organic tools to fight pests and disease. All research results are
freely available at ofrf.org. To submit a proposal, visit OFRF.org.
$350
Million to Protect Wetlands, Grasslands and Farmland
USDA announced the availability of $350 million in fiscal
year (FY) 2016 for long-term easements to protect wetlands, grasslands, and
farm and ranch land. The funding is available through the Agricultural
Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), which the 2014 Farm Bill created by
combining the Wetland Reserve Program, Grasslands Reserve Program, and Farm and
Ranch Land Protection Program. More Information Here.
10.
Sacred
Plant Traditions classes
Phyllis Light
April 29 - May 1
Mental Health & Methylation, Understanding
Weight Loss, Autoimmune Challenges and more
