Upcoming Events 

November 2016

Greetings all,
 Below is an amazing collection of upcoming events in the central Virginia bioregion!  Folks can sign up for the BRPN e-newsletter here.  Send us announcements to: blueridgepermaculture@gmail.com, or click here to view this email as a webpage. And check out the BRPN on Facebook here.

Best,
Christine and the BRPN team
www.blueridgepermaculture.net 


1.  
Hebron Hill Crowdfunding campaign for healing and retreat sanctuary

Thank you so much for your interest in our efforts to foster healing and resilience by carving out a sanctuary of rest and renewal for others. Our crowdfunding campaign is live at www.igg.me/at/hebronhill!  Hebron Hill will feature permaculture gardens and active farming as part of their retreat program.  Please share widely, contribute what you can, and enjoy choosing from a great array of great perks available for every level of giving.
As you know, this project is very near and dear to my heart. Loving and losing my daughter forever changed me. She has been the greatest teacher of my life. Above all, she taught me the power of love. I have also learned the beauty of being fully present in the moment, the power of self-compassion, the necessity of believing the we can do hard things, the joy of giving to others, and the importance of listening to my gut.
In my bones, I know that opening up Hebron Hill as a space of solace for others is the right thing to do. Not everyone has access to a space that fosters healing and resilience but with your help, we’ll be able to offer this experience to many in need. Thank you for standing behind this vision and being a part of our journey.
www.HebronHillFarm.com
Learn more and support our efforts here!


2.
Urban Farm Intern - Staunton, Virginia
The Allegheny Mountain Institute is hiring a Farm Intern for the AMI Urban Farm at Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind in Staunton, VA. The Urban Farm Intern will work under the mentorship of the Farm Manager to carry out all aspects of fruit and vegetable production, including crop planning, planting, harvesting, post-harvest processing, and sales. He/she will receive extensive training in market garden production techniques, organic methods, and permaculture design and will have the opportunity to take on significant responsibility. This is a paid full-time educational internship from February 1, 2017 through November 30, 2017. To apply go to https://form.jotform.com/62944595846170

Garden Education Intern - Staunton, Virginia
The Allegheny Mountain Institute is hiring a Garden Education Intern for the Urban Farm at Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind in Staunton, VA. The Garden Education Intern will work closely with AMI Urban Farm staff to carry out on-farm classes, work study programs, Farm to School nutrition education, workshops, and events. He/she will receive extensive training in garden-based education from experienced horticulture educators and have the opportunity to collaborate on curriculum and lesson planning. In addition, the Garden Education Intern will participate in weekly farm operations including planting, harvesting, and post-harvest processing. This is a paid full-time educational internship from February 1, 2017 through November 30, 2017. To apply go to https://form.jotform.com/62944187768170


3.
Food Film Forum event Thursday Nov. 30th
The UVa Food Collaborative will host a Food Film Forum event Thursday Nov. 30, featuring 6 short films that highlight various community food system topics from seeds to climate change to our own Westhaven. There will be 6 expert panelists to lead discussion.

Location is 153 Campbell Hall, just up the steps from Culbreth Theatre, with free parking in the Culbreth garage (130 Culbreth Rd). Food provided by UVa Dining. 5:30 for food, 6:00 for films and 7:00 for panel/audience discussion.
 Moderator is Tanya Denckla Cobb from the Institute of Environmental Negotiation. Admission Free and open to all; any small donation welcome.


4.
Sacred Plant Traditions
Epigenetics, Methylation and the Alchemy for Understanding Mental Health
Saturday – Sunday, December 10-11

Join Phyllis D. Light, MA, Herbalist, for a weekend class devoted to natural approaches to mental health issues. She’ll divide the subject into subtopics for an easier understanding of the complex factors that may influence mental health disorders. We’ll talk about relationships, neurotransmitters, epigenetics, and methylation. In addition, Phyllis will discuss the role of herbs, foods, supplements, and lifestyle changes that can help return balance to mind, body, and spirit.    $225 for both days
 Registration and More Information


5.
Living Earth School - Winter Homeschool Program!
Learn to thrive in all seasons with our Winter Homeschool Program!
If survival and living off the land is your thing, then join us for some Wintery Homeschool Adventures and put your skills to the test! Our winter location will be held in Afton.

Join us for: Fire making, crafting, hanging out in our tipi, making our own winter-hardy shelters, tracking animals through snow and winter mud, finding springs in the forest and making warming tea over the fire...the possibilities are endless. Learn to live and feel at home in wintery conditions and gain confidence in your skills.  Ages: 10 and up
Dates: Wednesdays: Jan 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, and 22 -- 10am-4pm
Location: at our Afton base camp
There are very limited spaces for this class, so register now! Once it's full, it's full. We're super excited for this wintery opportunity! Act fast to get in on the early bird discount- see you there!
Register Here!


6.
WILDERNESS FIRST AID
Register Now!

December 10 and 11th, 2016 – – – 8:30AM – 6:30PM both days.
One Forest will be hosting instructor Matt Rosefsky for a weekend Wilderness First Aid certification course. This class is for Adults and focused youth 12+  No prior experience required.  This versatile class can give a wide variety of people an important skill set.  Whether you are a nurse, hiker, parent, or someone that just likes to be prepared this class is for you!

http://www.one-forest.com/groups-events/adults/wilderness-first-aid


7.
Growing Food, Building Community
AMI Fellowship Program: 2017 Applications Available

Allegheny Mountain Institute (AMI) is seeking inspiring individuals to participate in the sixth cohort of our AMI Fellowship program. The 18-month Fellowship prepares and empowers individuals to become teachers and ambassadors for a more vibrant and accessible local food system.  The Fellowship is a program of AMI, an educational non-profit organization with the mission to cultivate healthy communities through food and education.

Applications are due by February 1, 2017 and are available at: www.alleghenymountaininstitute.org
 For more information and questions, please visit www.alleghenymountaininstitute.org, the Allegheny Mountain Institute Facebook page or email us at info@alleghenymountainschool.org.


8.
From our friends at Transition Cville
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Saturday 11/19 Vinegar-Making Workshop
10am-noon at Monticello
Most people are unaware of the rich traditions of using vinegar in cooking, as a food preservative, and even as a wholesome beverage. Making vinegar at home is quite simple. Join wine-maker and master-chef Gabriele Rausse in reviewing the basic principles of vinegar-making, and then learn how to use it in preparing vegetables and meat and in concocting delicious aromatized dressings.  $24.  Register at  https://www.monticello.org/site/visit/events/vinegar-making-workshop.

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Saturday 11/19 Beer Brewing Basics
11am-12:30pm at Fifth Season Gardening, 900 Preston Ave.
Have you ever wanted to brew your own beer but feel a little intimidated by the prospect? Well this is the perfect chance to see the brewing process de-mystified and broken down into easy-to-replicate steps. Come and learn the basics and some proven techniques that will make your first brew one to brag about! Free.  http://fifthseasongardening.com/upcoming-classes-charlottesville

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Saturday 11/26 Small Business Saturday
All Day Downtown
Get a jump on your holiday shopping with Charlottesville’s local businesses. Get everything you need to be holiday-season-ready. Celebrate Small Business Saturday—shop small but think big!

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Saturday- Sunday 11/26-27  Felt Vest Making
9am-5pm at The Living Energy School, Afton
In this class you will learn to make a wool felted vest, perfect for winter time. First you will make a large piece of felt, using the traditional wet felting and rolling method.  Then you will cut out the vest and sew it up, adding bottoms and ties. Style and function all in one!  $225.  Register at http://livingearthva.com/event/felt-vest-making/?instance_id=1002.

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Saturday 12/3 Primitive & Survival Skills Workshop
10am-1pm at the Scheier Natural Area
Come join Steve Pullinger for one of the most popular workshops at the Scheier Natural Area.   You will learn about shelter, fire, and other useful skills.  Free.  Please register at  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCSPrimitiveWorkshop.

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Thursday 12/8 Film Screening:  "SEED:  The Untold Story"
7:30-9:30pm at the Regal Cinema, Stonefield
The Farm Stand of Louisa is hoping to host this feature-length documentary following passionate seed keepers protecting a 12,000-year old food legacy.  Gathr® screenings can only happen if a minimum number of people reserve tickets before a screening request expires.  If the minimum number of reservations is not met, the screening does not take place and no one is charged.  See the trailer at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7fjRZQJXmc.  Sign up for tickets at https://www.facebook.com/events/1794168630830934/.

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Evolution Glass:  Recycled Glass Reimagined
Evolution Glass is looking to repurpose even more recycled glass into beautiful tables and countertops.  To do this they need another kiln, glass crusher, and other equipment.  You can help make all this a reality by participating in their crowd-funding campaign:  https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/evolution-glass-recycled-glass-reimagined#/.

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Home Energy Check-Ups are Checking Out
The Home Energy Check-Up program - having a LEAP Building Analyst check out your home for $20 - will end Dec. 24.  Get on LEAP's schedule before prices go up!  http://leap-va.org/schedule-your-home-energy-check-up-with-leap/

Transition worldwide is creating awesome local economies that care for people and the environment... and hopefully saving humanity from climate change while we're at it. It ain't easy, but it's FUN!

info@transitioncville.org
www.transitioncville.org
www.facebook.com/transitioncville


9. From our friends at VABF

Tricycle Gardens – 2017 Urban Agriculture Fellowship Application
Richmond, VA
Information and Application (PDF)

Tricycle Gardens is pleased to accept applications for the 2017 Certificate in Urban Agriculture program now through January 15, 2017. The comprehensive, immersive training program is offered within Tricycle’s 11 month-long Urban Agriculture Fellowship program. Beginning in February 2017, a small cohort of Urban Ag Fellows will spend between 15-20 hours each week participating in dynamic classroom instruction, outdoor classroom discussions, demonstrations and practice. Urban Ag Fellows gain hands-on experience in urban farming and non-profit food access programming on Tricycle’s two Urban Farms, an urban orchard, and in Tricycle’s mission programs. The goal of the program is to provide experiential and technical training that enables a graduate to go on to starting their own small, urban farm, a small business in the field of urban agriculture, or support the work of creating healthier food systems in our local community. An information packet and application are available for download at www.tricyclegardens.org. For more information, please contact Tricycle Gardens Urban Agriculture Certificate Program Manager at 804-231-7767 or fellowship@tricyclegardens.org.


2017 Virginia Biological Farming Conference -  January 10-11, 2017

Register Now >

Join us January 10-11 for Virginia's premier gathering of farmers, gardeners, and supporters as the Virginia Association for Biological Farming (VABF) and Virginia State University (VSU) collaborate to bring you knowledgeable speakers, informative sessions, amazing local food, and wonderful networking opportunities!  Conference information can be found at vabf.org/conference. Information on speakers, sessions, and opportunities to be involved is updated weekly.

Pre-Conference Workshops are offered on Monday, January 9th.

Enjoy Membership Rates!
Join VABF or renew your membership starting at $40. For more information about memberships, visit vabf.org.

Lodging
This year come we are thrilled to offer an amazing venue for conference, the historic Homestead Resort located in the mountains of Hot Springs, Virginia. Rooms start at only $89/night! Bring your family, friends, and co-workers to conference this year and experience the Southern hospitality and elegant charm that have made The Homestead a premier destination for 22 U.S. presidents dating back to the 18th century. For additional information about The Homestead, visit their website.

Questions?  Email our conference registrar, Jacqueline, at conference@vabf.org or call 434-735-0139.

Exhibitors & Sponsors register here: https://vabfvsu2017exhibit.eventbrite.com/

Facebook Event page: 2017 Virginia Biological Farming Conference