Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Upcoming events

Greetings all,

Happy snow days all! Lots of good stuff happening in the region. If you know anyone else that would like to sign up for this newsletter, they can sign up here.  If you have an announcement, email us at blueridgepermaculture@gmail.com for the next monthly e-newsletter. Click here to view this email as a webpage.  Happy fall!

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


1.
Virginia Biological Farming Conference  
Friday 1/29 - Saturday 1/30 
Due to the weather, we are welcoming late registrants and walk-ins at regular conference rates! (We think we have plenty of food for both pre-conference and regular conference sessions.)

Times vary, at the Skelton 4H Center, Smith Mountain Lake
25 Concurrent sessions, plus 35+ tradeshow exhibits!  There are also pre-conference workshops on Thursday.  Come out and learn from great speakers like Ira Wallace, Barbara Pleasant, John Boyd, and many more.  http://vabf.org/


2.
Shenandoah Permaculture Institute is excited to announce our Spring 2016 Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course in partnership with University of Richmond!
This 10 day, 72-hour PDC will be held over 4 weekends at the University of Richmond in Richmond, VA.
Dates: Feb. 19-21, Feb. 27-28, March 18-20, April 2-3
Course days will run from 8:30am to 5:30pm

Cost: $999 (includes lunch). Scholarships are available!

For more information and to register please visit:
http://spcs.richmond.edu/noncredit/areas/environment-sustainability/permaculture.html

Questions? Contact: Tom Parfitt at tparfitt@richmond.edu


3.
Living Earth School offerings in Central Virginia
2016 ADULT COURSES
·       Charlottesville Tracking Club Feb 20 – May 22
·       FREE Harrisonburg Family Nature Day!  March 5, 2016
·       Leather Shoe Making March 5 – 6
·       Women on Fire!  March 20
·       Women on the Water April 16
·       Wooden Bow Making April 23 – 24
·       Wild Edible Plants April 24
·       NEW! Moon Tribe for Women May 27 – 30
·       Coyote Mentoring June 3 – 5

YOUTH PROGRAMS
·       Once a Month programs Feb-May & Sept-Dec

Summer Camp registration is now open
Come Experience deep nature connection at its finest!
See more info at: http://livingearthva.com/


4.
Mason Sustainability Institute (MSI) is an organization that provides sustainability oriented education and skills development for George Mason University and its surrounding communities.  
 On March 5th – 13th, 2015, MSI will be hosting a 72-Hour Permaculture Design Certification Course, taught by Wayne Weiseman of the Permaculture Project LLC.  This course is open to community members - no prior experience necessary. Topics and activities include: soil remediation, urban food production, native plants, companion planting, design planning, hydro/aquaponics, renewable energy, and many more. Participants will earn a certificate in Permaculture Design, as well as Continuing Education units if requested at the start of class.

    Wayne Weiseman is certified by The Permaculture Institute of Australia and the Worldwide Permaculture Network as an instructor of the Permaculture Design Certificate Course. He is also certified by the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) and the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) to teach continuing education in Permaculture to licensed architects and landscape architects.  This intensive course will take place from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm with breaks for lunch, and some additional evening activities with served dinner. Catered lunch and dinners will be provided, and a light breakfast fare with snacks will also be available. The total cost for this course is $1,100. There are scholarships for differing degrees of partial amounts. 

More information on the instructor, Wayne Weiseman, go to:  http://www.permacultureproject.com/

More information on the course, as well as registration, can be found here: http://ocpe.gmu.edu/programs/green/permaculture.php

Scholarships are available for application at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mKW_V-qDrCudhVS9fe9U03yUHNXGXC2nhyo-qUH4Olw/viewform?formkey=dGxjbE5zejI0MU5nZWVra2hDSGUwUVE6MQ#gid=0


5.
From our friends at Transition Cville

Wednesday 1/27 Transition Town Pizza Party  
6:30pm at the Central Library, McIntire Room
Transition Towns all over the world are building resilient, resourceful local communities to thrive in these changing times - and so are we! Join us at the Transition Cville pizza party to meet Transition-minded friends and celebrate a new year of possibilities. All are welcome! Please bring your own plate, cup and utensils if you can. Pizza and drinks are on us; additional snacks are welcome.  http://www.transitioncville.org/

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Thursday 1/28 Wild Virginia Book Club Event  
7pm at the Sellers & Dzamba house, Charlottesville
 Come out for Wild Virginia’s second book club event, a discussion of Janisse Ray's highly acclaimed book about growing up in rural Georgia, "Ecology of a Cracker Childhood".  The book interweaves the stories of  the long leaf pine ecosystem of the south and of Ray’s childhood growing up in a junkyard in rural Georgia.  It has received many accolades including the Southern Environmental Law Center’s Reed Environmental Writing Award. Sign up here if you want to come:   https://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/51365/p/salsa/event/common/public/index.sjs?event_KEY=4900 .

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Saturday 1/30 Spring Vegetable Planting  
10am-noon at Tufton Farm
Join Monticello gardeners for a hands-on workshop full of tips and practical advice for spring gardening to help the home vegetable gardener maximize yields. Participants will start seed from the Monticello gardens to take home.  $28.  Register at https://www.monticello.org/site/visit/events/spring-vegetable-planting

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Monday 2/1 Craft Cville
6-8pm at The Bridge, 209 Monticello Road
Come out 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/2016-02-01/

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Saturday 2/6 Basic Tractor Repair 
9am-3pm at Middle Fork Farm
Correctly maintaining a tractor will add years to its useful life and save you time and money.  This class teaches you basic troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of your tractor.  $119.  Register through PVCC at http://www.pvcc.edu/academics/instructional-divisions/workforce-services.

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Sunday 2/7 Casa Alma Open House
2-4pm at 911 Nassau St.
Enjoy community and refreshments at this unique urban homestead.  http://casa-alma.org/

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Saturday 2/13 Organic Orchard Management and Pruning
9am-4pm  at 912 Woodfolk Dr.
This workshop will be conducted by Alexis Zeigler of Living Energy Farm. It will focus on planning, pruning, and maintaining an organic home orchard without the use of toxic chemicals.  The workshop location has an established orchard that produces a lot of fruit with no spraying and little maintenance.  You will be able to learn how to take care of the trees hands-on.  Light snowfall pushes the class to 2/20 .  $25.   Contact Alexis at  540-205-0433 to register.

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Annual Bake "N Bike Valentine's Day Scone Extravaganza
 Now in its 12th year, the “Bake ‘N Bike” scone sale is a local Valentine's Day tradition. During this one-of-a-kind event, costumed bicycling volunteers deliver freshly baked heart-shaped, chocolate chip scones with a valentine to  people all over Charlottesville.  For each order, there is a requested $20 donation. All proceeds go to Charlottesville Community Bikes, a non-profit program to promote environmentally-sound transportation, recycle bicycles, and make cycling accessible.  Get your order in by 2/13!  http://www.cvillecommunitybikes.com/

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Composting Available at McIntire Recycling Center
City and County residents will be able to take their food waste and compostables to McIntire Recycling Center from early January 2016 through March 31st, 2016!  Compostables must be brought in compostable bags (not regular trash bags).  Free three gallon compostable bags are available on site, or you can find them at Kroger, Whole Foods, and Harris Teeter.  NO YARD WASTE will be accepted, and NO COMMERCIAL FOOD WASTE or NON-COMPOSTABLES will be accepted.  Compostable items will be accepted during normal hours of McIntire Recycling Center.

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Energize!Charlottesville Tips and Tricks
Check out the Energize!Charlottesville webpage for all kinds of ideas on how to power down, save money, and help our town win the prize of $5 million for saving the most energy.  http://www.energizecharlottesville.org/

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Grubbin' On Bugs
If you missed this engaging Skill Share, much of what we learned can also be found in the article "Why Entomophagy Matters" at local blog http://hautepasture.com/.

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


6
Sacred Plant Traditions upcoming classes and workshops
COMMUNITY HERBALIST TRAINING 3 YEAR PROGRAM
Year I: Foundations of Herbalism – Nine-Month Weekend Program
March 12 – November 13, 2016
Year I: Foundations of Herbalism – Six Month Day Program
Sept 13, 2016 – March 14, 2017
Year II: Clinic I – Therapeutics
March 30 – Nov 9, 2016
Year III: Clinic II – Practice
March 31 – Nov 10, 2016
ONE-DAY CLASSES
June 8, 2016: Phytochemicals; What, Why and How?
June 9, 2016: Herb and Prescription Drug Interactions
July 23, 2016: The Art of Fermentation
July 24, 2016: Kitchen Apothecary
July 27, 2016: Inflammation & Insulin Resistance
July 28, 2016: A Day of Clinical Topics with Mimi Hernandez
Description: eaf4hedsMORE CLASSESDescription: eaf4heds2
Six Week Introduction to Herbal Healing:
Spring Session: April 12 – May 17, 2016; Day 10-noon, Evening 6:30 – 8:30
Summer Session: June 14 – July 19, 2016; Day 10-noon, Evening 6:30 – 8:30
Description: eaf4hedsWEEKEND PROGRAMS WITH GUESTSDescription: eaf4heds2
April 29 – May 1, 2016:
Weekend with Phyllis D. Light
July 1 – 3, 2016
3-Day Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification Training with Herbal Applications with Sam Coffman
June 24 – 26, 2016:
Rosita Arvigo – Mayan Cosmology

http://sacredplanttraditions.com/classes-in-herbalism-sacred-plant-traditions-va/


7.
Professor Barkslip's Fruit School: Better than Organic, with well seasoned orchardist Bill Whipple
Glade Road Growing, Blacksburg, VA - Saturday and Sunday March 5-6, both days 9 am - 5 pm
Join Bill Whipple through this holistic orchard approach to fruit happiness without chemicals founded on thoughtful site analysis, choosing appropriate species, and open-eyed management.  Applicable for home orchards, small farms and the rest of the world!

Saturday, March 5th, 9 am- 5 pm: Orchard site analysis and species selection; planting, soil and understory management; pruning for new plantings; pruning and mature tree care
Sunday, March 6th, 9 am- 5 pm: Plant propagation with seed, layer, and rooting; grafting and cloning around (hands-on with a tree to take home); advanced top working

Bill Whipple has been growing pears in southeast West Virginia for 28 years on his Talking Hill Farm without chemicals and markets them regionally. He has added over 1000 trees of mixed species in the last 10 years and has begun a fruit and nut breeding program. His model is a testimony to the fact that we can grow a wide diversity of chemical-free fruit in our region. Learn more about Bill on his website www.barkslip.com < http://www.barkslip.com/>.

Classes will be held at Glade Road Growing, 2351 Glade Road, Blacksburg, Va.
 *Homemade farm lunch provided both days.*
Early bird registration (by Feb 1); $150 full weekend; $85 single day
Late bird registration (after Feb 1): $180 full weekend; $100 single day

Details and sign up available at gladeroadgrowing.com < http://gladeroadgrowing.com/> or call (540) 808-0672
https://www.facebook.com/events/996470700412981/


8.
Plenty! Farm is hiring a Farm Manager and Two Interns for the 2016 season
Floyd, VA
Plenty! is a non-profit organization whose mission is to nourish community and preserve Floyd county traditions by encouraging neighbors to grow and share food.  The Plenty! Farm is home to the Plenty!Fresh Food Bank as well as the center for several food sharing programs and educational gatherings.  Plenty! values freshness in produce and programs, generosity in giving and receiving and welcomes all those in need of improved access to nutritious food.   The farm rotates 2 acres and a 2,100 sq. ft. high tunnel through mixed vegetable production using organic management. 
Please call 540-745-3898 or visit www.plentylocal.org for details and application information.


9.
Urban Environments: Conservation Practices in Developed Areas
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service - January 27, 2016, 2 pm Eastern
Presenter: Katrina M. Krause, Social Science Analyst, USDA Forest Service and USDA Northeast Climate Hub, with invited co-presenters
January 27, 2016, 2:00 PM Eastern / 11:00 AM Pacific, 60 Minutes
Join the Webinar


10.
RESEARCH FUNDING OPPORTUNITY - Organic Farming Research Foundation
Application Deadline February 8, 2016

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) grants program is currently accepting research proposals from applicants residing in Canada, Mexico and the United States. In particular, OFRF encourages farmers, ranchers, graduate students, early career researchers, veterans, and Extension personnel to consider applying. Focus on Soil Healht.
The deadline for proposals is February 8, 2016. OFRF will make funding decisions in March, 2016 and applicants will be notified of these decisions by mid-spring, 2016.

To submit a proposal, visit OFRF.org.


11.
Envision Gathers World-Renowned Roster of Instructors for 2016’s Yoga and Movement Workshop Lineup


Envision Festival - Costa Rica - Uvita, CR - In a lush jungle surrounded by miles of secluded beach near the bohemian surf town of Dominical, Envision Festival - Costa Rica is working to expand a new world of sacred movement, growth, focused practice, and the pursuit for personal discovery alongside an expertly curated music festival. As a gathering dedicated to awakening the mind, body and spirit, Envision Festival is proud to unveil the full yoga and workshop lineupfor the sixth annual edition of Envision, taking place on the shores of Uvita, Costa Rica, February 25 - 28, 2016.
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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Upcoming events

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  


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!
More Information Here.


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:
applications@alleghenymountainschool.org



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!

http://livingearthva.com/event/charlottesville-tracking-club-virginia/?instance_id=683



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:
http://livingearthva.com/event/charlottesville-tracking-club-virginia/?instance_id=683



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/

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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

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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

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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/

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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.

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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/

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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/

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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/ 

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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/

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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

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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

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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.


More Virginia Farm & Food Events


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

http://sacredplanttraditions.com/
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