Filed under: Uncategorized
Arkansas Sustainability Network (ASN) |
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| January 20, 2010 | EMAIL NEWS |
| Developing sustainable communities through education, innovation and collaboration.
ASN 509 Scott Street Little Rock, AR 72201 501.837.7959 EmailASN@gmail.com www.littlerock.locallygrown.net Members, Donors, Volunteers, and Supporters since the last newsletter (December 2nd) 2nd Presbyterian Church LR Parks and Recreation Jerry and Lynn Senn Casey Pierce Melissa Tucker Allan Ward Jo Blankenship Ann Owen JoAnne Mills Amy Bell Eileen Feldman Bonnie Clinton Laura Frankenstein Laura Fiser Cindy Franklin Holly Mahony Emily English Megan McQueen Tracy Wedel Barbara Patty Mary Cameron Tammy Robinson Shirley Jo Pine Brenda Tiney Cheri Martinka Matthew McClure Rita O’Kelley Erin Bradford Lucy Towbin Helen Baldridge Rhonda Atwood Dotty and Ken Goss Carrie Scott Martin Maner Sandy Haden Robin and Emma Pearson Jessica Clendenning Rebecca Norris Dwayne McFarlan Juli Brandenberger Ragan Sutterfield Jonathan Buford Nathanael Wills Sherry Frigon Judi Cassavechia Shirley Gray Kelly Hight Elizabeth Ellis Maggie Smith Mark Robertson Amie Lein Erin Waller Sheb Fisher Erika Gee Elaine Braddock Shana Alexander Tracy Johnson Brett Wood Sally Mengel Eric and Milanne Sundell Miranda Atkinson Laurie Harrison Becca Krukowski Rebecca Rainwater Ken and Pam Lake MLK King Challenge Volunteers Executive Director: Katy Elliott Food Club Coordinators: Dwayne McFarlan Rebecca Norris Jessica Clendenning
Board of Directors: Juli Brandenberger Nancy Dockter Tera Easter Erika Gee Alison Hall Scott McGehee Dwayne McFarlan Ann Owen Julie de Preux |
EVENT HIGHLIGHTSSAVE THE DATE! March 5th – ASN Spring Fundraiser. Come meet farmers from the ASN Food Club. They’ll highlight what’s in store for the 2010 season while we enjoy dinner prepared by Scott McGehee and ZaZa Fine Salad and Wood-Oven Pizza Company! More info coming soon. January 30th – Learn about Cloth Diapering Join ASN and Green Mommie Diaper Service on January 30th, 11am to 12pm at Christ Episcopal Church (509 Scott Street) to get a first hand look at how easy cloth diapering is and the many cloth diapers options available to parents today. Cost: FREE; Children welcome. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by emailing EmailASN@gmail.com, or calling 501-837-7959 so we’ll know how many people to expect. February 20th – Soil Block Workshop at Willow Springs Market Garden ASN 2009 Year in review and what’s ahead for 2010!2009 was a great year for ASN!– A few noteworthy achievements from our Annual Review publication (to be released next month) include acquiring our first grants from Arkansas Community Foundation and the USDA National Institute for Food And Agriculture, establishing a part-time Executive Director position, increasing membership by over 40% and decreasing our overhead costs by 70%! We’re gearing up for an informative and productive 2010. This coming year you can expect Food Club to continue to connect our members with even more local farmers and farm products, and we’ll continue to coordinate local food dinners. Our work with Felder Farm will continue to offer student and teacher support and volunteer opportunities and we’ll begin our summer youth employment, green job training, and community programs. We ‘re also looking forward to working with the Arkansas Renewable Energy Association, the Winrock Institute, the Arkansas Earth Institute and a host of other partner agencies to bring workshops and discussion courses to you. Last, but not least, what do you want to see from ASN in 2010? Call or email us anytime. (501-837-7959, or EmailASN@gmail.com) Extending THANKS to members, donors, volunteers, and supportersASN would like to recognize all of our 2009 supporters, most recently Second Presbyterian Church for their donation to ASN and Felder Farm. We applaud Second Presbyterian Church for their outreach to numerous community initiatives. Felder Farm and ASN also celebrate a recent donation of a greenhouse frame from Little Rock Parks and Recreation. Construction is slated to begin immediately. Got skills and experience to help out? Let us know or email us for a list of materials that we will need to acquire to construct the greenhouse. We were happy to welcome MLK King Challenge Day of Service volunteers to Felder Farm for their incredible energy and assistance planting Felder’s first fruit bearing plants: Arkansas Black Apples and Blueberry bushes! We would also like to correct a misspelled name in our last newsletter and recognize Janet Udouj for her support of ASN. February 17th – Global Perspectives on Sustainable FarmingWednesday February 17th at Felder Farm’s own Ragan Sutterfield’s House (515 W. 24th St.), 6:00 pm. Interested in local food, community, and sustainable agriculture? Wondering about connections to other cultures around the world? Come hear Joanna Seibert share stories from her recent journey to China. Hear about the parallels, ironies, and wonderfully quirky idiosyncratic observations from grassroots farming villages to grasstop Chinese bureaucrats and academicians. Lots of photographs, appetizers and green tea provided. For more information or to RSVP, please call or email (501-837-7959, or EmailASN@gmail.com). Healthy Children, Healthy Planet Discussion CourseLet us know if you are interested in participating in a Healthy Children – Healthy Planet discussion course. This course, offered through ASN and the Arkansas Earth Institute, is a seven-session course addressing how the pervasive effects of advertising, media, and our consumer culture can influence a child’s view of the world. For more information or to express your interest in participating, please call or email (501-837-7959, or EmailASN@gmail.com). ASN Facebook page and Twitter!Connect with ASN on facebook – Facebook.com/ARsustainability and follow us on Twitter! – Twitter.com/friendsofasn. Connect with us as we post sustainability events, news and tips. Share your thoughts and join us as we build a discussion on topics such as food club products, green living tips, publications and local initiatives! ASN Volunteer Positions AvailableWe are currently looking for 4 motivated and energetic volunteers to co-coordinate Little Rock Local Food Club Pick-ups. Volunteers must commit to one Saturday morning per month, and 2 Saturdays every 3 months. Shift hours are from 8:30am to 12:30pm. It’s a good time and great place to meet and network with ASN members and supporters. A fun way to be part of our vibrant local food movement! Interested? Email us at EmailASN@gmail.com. ASN February Board of Directors MeetingFebruary 11th, at noon at Christ Episcopal Church. We currently have a couple of positions available for Board members. Email or call for additional information or to apply to be a Board member – 501-837-7959, EmailASN@gmail.com. _____________________Other Community HappeningsIt’s our pleasure to keep you informed of these community events, info, and announcements… State of the World 2010: Transforming Cultures: From Consumerism to SustainabilityIn Worldwatch Institutes’ most recent State of the World publication, sixty renowned researchers and practitioners describe how we can harness the world’s leading institutions—education, the media, business, governments, traditions, and social movements—to reorient cultures toward sustainability. For more information visit http://www.worldwatch.org/sow10 Ensuring a Healthy Future for Arkansas’ Water ResourcesJoin ARKANSAS’S WATER FUTURE (A coalition of Audubon Arkansas, Arkansas Public Policy Panel and the The Nature Conservancy, Arkansas Field office; Funded by the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation.) for a dinner and discussion on the Future of Arkansas’ Water Resources - Thursday, January 21st, 5:30-8:00pm, at Faulkner County Natural Resources Center, 110 S. Amity Rd, Conway, AR. Experts will be on hand to discuss the situation, listen to and answer your questions, and share how you can help protect your drinking water and favorite lakes, rivers and streams. Find more information and RSVP at www.ARPanel.org. Audubon at Dim Sum and DiscussionJanuary 25th, Lilly’s will host Dim Sum and Discussion. We will be meeting in Lilly’s Party Room. Come at 6:30 to enjoy some Dim Sum, with the Discussion starting at 7:00. This month, the speaker will be Neo Ueda from Audobon Society, who is the author of the blog greenarbytheday. She will speak about federal climate change legislation and how Arkansans can help get the bill passed. She will also talk about how to lead greener lives through food choices. Arkansas Earth Institute’s Annual Retreat – Jan 29-30Relax, get energized and gain fresh insights for the New Year. Enjoy a beautiful setting and informal atmosphere as we get creative with a hands-on art project, look at change and growth with interactive activities, take a labyrinth walk and explore ways to re-focus our energies and make an impact in our communities. Program begins Friday evening and concludes Saturday afternoon at 4 pm. Cost: $60 per person double occupancy; $90 for single occupancy. Price includes lodging plus three delicious meals (Friday night through Saturday afternoon), program, and hayride tour of Heifer Ranch. Location: Heifer Ranch Learning Center in Perryville, Arkansas. For more information or to register, please contact Jessica Clendenning at info@arkansasearth.org or 501-425-9443. Sustainable Systems at Work Discussion CourseSign up for this five-session discussion course designed to further organizational sustainability initiatives in the workplace. Participants in this discussion course will: a) Evaluate the current economic model and consider the case for change, b) Examine the concept of sustainability from an organizational perspective, c) Evaluate principles and frameworks for guiding a vision, d) Identify tools and strategies for implementing a framework and e) Develop an action plan to advance organizational change. Date: Wednesdays, Feb 3rd – March 3rd from 6 – 8 pm Cost: $35 covers the cost of the study guide Location: Village Commons, 1423 Main Street Space is limited so advance registration and payment is requested. For more information or to register, please contact Shelley Green at 501-213-5388 or email info@arkansasearth.org. Audubon Arkansas Backyard Bird EventJoin Audubon Arkansas on Saturday February 13th, from 8am to 3pm at Audubon Center in Little Rock. Learn how native plants, garden features, and smart planning can make your yard a healthy habitat for birds, butterflies, and beneficial wildlife. Featured experts include Mary Ann King, Lori Spencer, Jim Allen, Dan Scheiman, and Mary Smith. Cost: $50 for workshop & organic lunch. For more information, contact Mary Smith, marysmith@audubon.org. Sustainable Business Network of Central Arkansas Kick-offTuesday, February 23, 5:30-6:30pm, Sustainable Business Network of Central Arkansas Inaugural Networking Event, Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro (200 Commerce St., Little Rock), $10/person, RSVP by Feb. 12 to info@sbnca.org. Voluntary Simplicity Discussion Course starting March 3Date: Tuesday evenings, March 2 – April 20 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm (Note: We will skip March 23rd). Location: Heifer Village, downtown Little Rock. Cost: $40 tuition fee includes course materials and moderated discussions. Register by Tuesday, Feb 16, to receive a $10 discount. To register, e-mail HeiferVillage-Registration@heifer.org or call (501) 907-COWS (2697) for additional information, or visit www.heifer.org/discussions. Early enrollment is encouraged as space is limited. Little Rock Green Drinks has movedGreen Drinks will now be held at Dizzy’s Gypsy Bistro located at 200 Commerce Street in the Rivermarket (Formerly Vermillion). For more information, contact Pam Choate, pam.choate@gmail.com. 2010 NWA Green ExpoThe Planning and Coordination of the 2010 NWA Green Expo is underway. This expo will include: |
Filed under: Uncategorized
Arkansas Sustainability Network (ASN) |
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| December 10, 2009 | EMAIL NEWS | ||
| Developing sustainable communities through education, innovation and collaboration.
ASN 509 Scott Street Little Rock, AR 72201 501.837.7959 EmailASN@gmail.com www.littlerock.locallygrown.net Members, Donors, Volunteers, and Supporters since the last newsletter (October 15th) Margaret Birdsong Janet Odouj and John Beaton Shirley J. Pine Pam and Ken Lake Martha Richardson Jamie Tribo Christopher Martin-Naylor Sherry Clements Carrie Roys Amy and Steve Cefalo Judi Cassavechia Dotty and Ken Goss Robert Hupp Shannon Kramolis Holly Bertram Megan Serbus Polly Lockett-Sox Eileen Feldman Cathy Flanagin Charles Waddell Robin Gann Finton Shaw Anita Davis Carrie Scott John Nagel Martin Maner Jenny Diaz Shelley Green Erika Gee Gwen Heard Carrie Mensik Karen Leu Sandy Haden Misty Mounce Megan Serbus Tess Hardin Jaman Matthews Lynn Senn Tammy Robinson Laurie Harrison Daniel Johnson Shellia Kornegay Sam Harper Brett Wood Jo Renshaw Mary Anne Wildman Erin Vinett Leah Hennings Julia Beckham Amy Johnson Nao Ueda Jerry Phillips Terri Murdoch Jim Waldron Jennifer Anderson Megan Cole Mark Alderfer Melissa Jackson Neil Gillespie Carolyn Nash Carol Auger Diane Barton Steve Wild Barbara Sarnatano Faith Anaya Ann Rhoads Sam Lu Helen Austin Robin and Emma Pearson Gini Freemeyer Denise Pearson Doug Barton Stephanie Neilson Jessica Clendenning Rebecca Norris Dwayne McFarlan Danielle de Preux Juli Brandenberger Ann Owen Ragan Sutterfield Jonathan Buford Nathanael Wills |
Community HappeningsIt’s our pleasure to keep you informed of these community events, info, and announcements… Root Café Holiday Dinner and Handmade Pottery SaleFriday, December 4th from 6:30 to 9:00 Join the ROOT Cafe for a local foods community dinner at Christ Episcopal Church on Friday, December 4th from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. Dinner will be followed by a short presentation about handmade pottery and other local crafts in Arkansas given by four of the state’s most talented and highly-acclaimed potters: Jim and Barbara Larkin of Foxpass Pottery (Hot Springs) and Fletcher Larkin and Beth Lambert (Little Rock). There will also be a pottery sale after the presentation featuring unique pieces, both functional and decorative, by all four artists. Dinner will be a sit-down meal made from fresh ingredients sourced directly from local farmers and will include dessert. The menu is as follows:
Homemade Pie Menagerie (apple, buttermilk, pecan, pumpkin, & sweet potato) Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. Space is limited: Please RSVP to therootcafe@yahoo.com and specify meat or vegetarian option. |
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| Executive Director:
Katy Elliott Intern: Jenny Diaz Food Club Coordinators: Dwayne McFarlan Rebecca Norris Jessica Clendenning
Board of Directors: Juli Brandenberger Nancy Dockter Tera Easter Erika Gee Alison Hall Scott McGehee Dwayne McFarlan Julie de Preux |
Holiday Celebration at the Green Corner Store and Bernice Sculpture GardenOn December 3rd, come celebrate the holiday season with neighbors and friends at the Bernice Sculpture Garden and the Green Corner Store. From 4:30 to 6:30pm at the sculpture garden (corner of Daisy L. Gaston Bates Drive and South Main Street) there will be a potluck and tree trimming. Bring a dish to share. Children are invited to bring a handmade ornament to hang on the tree. Suggested donation: $5. For more information, call Kerri Sernel at (501) 765-5853, or email villagecommonslr@gmail.com. That same evening, from 5pm to 8pm at the Green Corner Store come relax and have fun selecting green gifts and handmade wares for everyone on your list and your 4-legged friends, too. Enjoy music, refreshments and surprises while we wrap it all up in eco-friendly style. For more information, call 501-374-1111. Split Estate Screening at Second PresbyterianPlease join us at Second Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 13 at 3 pm for the film, Split Estate, an award-winning documentary about gas-drilling in Arkansas’s Fayetteville Shale. The environmental problems that can occur in developing natural gas are less known than the industry’s economic promises. Arkansans need to know the effects on water, air and communities when developing this vital natural resource. This award-winning documentary looks at two states which lacked safeguards and protective regulations. The League of Women Voters provides this film to raise public awareness with the hope of reducing the environmental risks of Fayetteville Shale Play development. Q and A to follow with Joyce Hale from the League of Women Voters, 479-527-2777. Who: The film is sponsored by The League of Women Voters, the Green Faith Alliance, and the Second Presbyterian Environmental Stewardship Task Force (Ann Owen, 501-960-0063) When: Sunday, December 13th, 3:00 pm Where: Room 65 at Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock The church is seen at the intersection of I-430 and Cantrell Rd. Turn South off of Cantrell Road onto Pleasant Valley Drive; turn right into the parking lot. Both of the back entrances on the North and West sides of the church will be open. Cost: No charge, but donations accepted Upcoming Energy ConferenceA number of organizations in the state earlier agreed to support the 25 x 25 energy initiative (25% renewable energy by 2025). Save the Date for the “Costs and Benefits of Climate and Energy Policy for Agriculture and Forestry” conference to be held on December 17, 2009. The forum, to be held at the U of A Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service is being conducted with cooperation of Duke University and Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation. For more information contact Tom Riley, Director of the Public Policy Center, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture – Extension, 501-671-2080, triley@uaex.edu. Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and the Spirit of Giving Annual Food DriveThe Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, KATV Channel 7, Stallion Transportation Group, US Bank, and the Arkansas Activities Association are sponsoring a food drive at War Memorial Stadium during the high school championship football games December 4, 5, 11, & 12. Schools will bring food they have collected to War Memorial Stadium on the day of the game. The products must then be packed and weighed to award a winner during half-time. There is one game on each of the Friday nights at approximately 6:30 p.m. and 2 games on each Saturday, usually around 12:00 p.m and 6:00 p.m. Exact times have not been announced. Volunteers are needed to fill 3-4 hour slots around each game to help with these activities. If you are interested in being a Spirit of Giving Volunteer, please contact Temeka Douglas (tdouglas@arhungeralliance.org) or Michelle Shope (mshope@arhungeralliance.org). |
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Filed under: Uncategorized
Arkansas Sustainability Network (ASN) |
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| October 15, 2009 |
Email News |
| Developing sustainable communities through education, innovation and collaboration.
ASN 1419 South Main Little Rock, AR 72202 501.372.6996 501.837.7959 EmailASN@gmail.com www.littlerock.locallygrown.net THANK YOU to September and October Members, Volunteers and Donors! Epoch Church Unitarian Universalist Church Kids Cook Bob Watt Juli and John Brandenberger Bill and Susan Marak Jan Dean Alison Hall Helen Austin Megan Serbus Dorothy and Ken Goss Maggie Smith Amie Lein Tamara Robinson Laurie Harrison Judy Rudd Dwayne McFarlan Rebecca Norris Danielle de Preux Jessica Clendenning Cheri Martinka Alexandra Leavelle Judi Cassavechia Matthew McClure Lucy Towbin Betty Ruth Davis Ellen Engler Rhonda Atwood Helen Baldridge Kathy Strauss Rebecca Krukowski Kate Matthews Ellen Fischer Diane Rose Janice Panella Laura Fiser Porter Puckett Gwen Heard Maggie McKinney Camille Williams Kimberly Morton Wendy Backus Misty Mounce Gini Freemeyer Frankie Harrison Lynn Senn Rebecca Rainwater Mary Ann Critz Louise Miller Sandy Haden Shirley Pine Stephanie Nielson Jonathan Buford Tess Hardin Scott McGhehee Robin and Emma Pearson Stephie Gold Shelby Baker Mark Alderfer Sam Lu Catherine Snyder Sioban Bartley Lisette Christiansen Cindy Franklin Rodney Collins Carrie Scott Ragan Sutterfield Nathanael Wills
And all members, volunteers, and donors since our inception in May of 2006! |
Felder Farm, Educational Workshops, Natural State Expo, School Programs, Documentaries, Food Club, and More!All of this has been accomplished through the energy, dedication, and time of volunteers without any full-time staffWe are proud of all we’ve done and we want to do more to expand our network, impact, and influence.We would like to hire a full-time director and bring our work to more schools and communities and we want your help.You can now make your tax-deductible contribution to ASN with a simple, automatic draft from your bank account–an easy way to make sustainable giving to Sustain the Network!Donate Now!ASN UPDATESIn this newsletter, you’ll find updates on ASN’s partnership with Felder Farm, upcoming community events, and multiple ways to support and partner with ASN. Our most exciting announcement is that we have received a Community Food Project Grant from the USDA. These federal grants are very competitive and ASN’s success in obtaining one demonstrates just how far we’ve come in only three years. It is even more amazing considering that all our work so far has been done entirely with volunteers! We are very excited to continue our outstanding programs and to take advantage of new opportunities and partners like the Felder Farm project that will contribute to our goal of sustainability in our community. In order to do this, we need your help. The USDA grant is tightly allocated to the expenses for the Felder Farm project, so we find ourselves on the verge of exciting growth with little in the coffers to pay rent and regular operating expenses. We are cutting back on overhead by increasing efficiency and looking for a tenant to sublet some office space, but we have an immediate need to raise $15,000 to match the grant funding and to secure and continue our other programs. If you are in a position to make a contribution of any size, please take the time to do so now by mailing your check to ASN at 1419 Main Street, Little Rock, AR 72202, or visiting our website at www.arnetwork.org to make a contribution on-line. You can rest assured that we will continue to carefully manage our resources to make the biggest impact on sustainability in our community. If you have an interest in serving ASN by helping us grow our membership, please call our director, Katy Elliott at 501-837-7959 or email EmailASN@gmail.com for more information. We are thrilled to report that ASN has been chosen to receive a USDA Community Food Project Grant for our work at Felder Farm!Throughout the year we’ll be working with teachers and students to integrate the farm into Felder Alternative Learning Academy’s daily educational activities. The students will not only learn to grow their own food, but they will also have an opportunity to learn entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy. The grant will pay for a greenhouse and curriculum development so that all teachers across the curriculum can use the hands-on learning activities garden to augment lessons taught in the classroom. We are especially excited to be able to offer students summer employment opportunities. A select number of students will be offered a six-week summer job, where they will be paid to develop a value-added product line and expand the farm business operation. The program will teach students the financial and entrepreneurial skills needed to run the business. We want to extend a hearty thanks to our partners for this program, including Felder Alternative Learning Academy and School Farm, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, the Little Rock Workforce Investment Board, City of Little Rock Parks and Recreation, the Little Rock School District, and the University of Central Arkansas. Announcing Garden and Food-Themed Summer Camp ToolkitASN has developed a working document that serves as a toolkit for organizations and individuals implementing summer garden and food-themed programs. The toolkit features resources and tips for successful programming as well as easy-to-adapt templates for essential camp documents such as registration forms, camp schedules, community newsletters and more! For a small donation, agencies can receive electronic and print copies of the toolkit. Special thanks to the Arkansas Community Foundation for providing summer program funding for the 2009 From the Ground Up Felder Farm Summer Day Camp, which initiated development of the toolkit. We are officially looking for agencies to utilize and help improve this new resource, so contact us. Felder Farm Workday this SaturdayOctober 17th, 10am to 3pm. Join St. Michaels Episcopal Church’s youth to weed, rake, plant, make compost and much, much more. To RSVP email FelderFarm@gmail.com. For directions visit www.felderfarm.wordpress.com/map or call 501-208-7915 for directions. Website UpdatesThe ASN Website has recently been updated to include on-line donation capabilities, a listing of Little Rock Area community gardens, and information about our new toolkit. We’ll add pictures from the Cold Frame Workshop soon, so please visit the page at www.arnetwork.org. Increase Felder’s Carbon Footprint?!Felder Farm is looking for a large amount of free and easily available sources of carbon. This could be leaves, woodchips, sawdust, shredded paper, rice hulls, etc. If you know of a good source like a rice processing facility or saw mill that is close by let us know. We have lots of nitrogen sources for our compost but not enough carbon. If you have a good source email us at Felderfarm@gmail.com with the appropriate contact information. ALSO – if your business or church is throwing a hayride or utilizing hay bales for fall decorations, and you’d love to have Felder pick up your hay bales after the event let us know! ASN Office Space for Rent!We would like to welcome a community agency to share our office with us. Rent negotiable. Office features include wireless internet, phone service, utilities, ground level entry, storefront window space, tall ceilings, track lighting, and flexible space arrangements. Please contact us at 501-837-7959 to schedule an appointment to discuss details. Office Equipment for SaleCopier, color printer, and flatbed scanner – yours for best offer. 501-837-7959 for info. Felder Program Assistant NeededLimited Hours, Grant-funded, Compensation depending on experience. Contact us for details by calling 501-837-7959 or emailing EmailASN@gmail.com. |
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Executive Director: Katy Elliott Intern: Jenny Diaz, Hendrix College (Welcome Jenny, and Thanks for interning with ASN!) Board of Directors: Jill Bayles Juli Brandenberger Nancy Dockter Tera Easter Erika Gee Alison Hall Dwayne McFarlan Scott McGhehee Ann Owen Julie de Preux Penny Rudder |
Community HappeningsIt’s our pleasure to keep you informed of community events, info, and announcements… Arkansas Roots Cook-off!(featuring carrots, sweet potatoes, turnips, radishes, parsnips, beets, leeks, garlic, ginger, onions, rutabaga, and about 420 others!) Wildwood Park for the Arts, 1 pm, Saturday, October 24, 2009 @ the Second Annual HARVEST! Festival. Winning recipes will be published at wildwoodpark.org. Enter your prize-winning root vegetable recipe in the following categories: Appetizers ($50 prize), Casserole/Main Dish ($50 prize), Miscellaneous ($50 prize), $100 Prize for Most Memorable Root Recipe! Entry Fee of $5 per recipe/dish is used toward your $10 (adult) gate admission. For info or entry forms contact Jeff Roper: roperjeffw@gmail.com. Root Café and Arkansas Earth Institute Fall FestThursday, Oct 29 from 6 – 9 pm. at the Bernice Sculpture Garden at the corners of 14th and Main Street in downtown Little Rock. Featuring live music by Woody Pines and dancing with the Arkansas Country Dance Society. Delicious soups made with local ingredients and hot apple cider will be served. Bring a sweet or savory bread or dessert to share. $10 suggested donation ($25 for family). This is a zero waste event so please bring your own mug and spoon. For info: therootcafe@yahoo.com, or shelley@arkansasearth.org. Gleaning Arkansas Farm Fields with the Hunger Relief AllianceThe next gleaning is scheduled for October 24th in Wynne, AR. BUT – this is a weather-permitting activity. Please contact the Hunger Relief Alliance for up-to-date information and details by emailing Michelle Shope (mshope@Arhungeralliance.org), or Temeka Douglas (Tdouglas@Arhungeralliance.org). UALR 2nd Annual Green Jobs FairWednesday, October 21st, 9am to 11:30am in the student union. Part of Campus Sustainability Day. Visit http://ualr.edu/sustainability/index.php/home/campus-sustainability-day/ for more info. 2009 Family Economic Security ConferenceOn November 2nd and 3rd, in Little Rock, a consortium of agencies will be hosting this upcoming conference. Two workshop tracks (The Necessities of Life: Nutritious Food, Healthcare, Housing and Energy, and Sustaining Economic Security through Education, Asset Development and Available Resources) will be offered. Conference hosts include: Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families; Arkansas Coalition for Economic Security; Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association; Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance; Arkansas Interfaith Alliance; Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Little Rock Branch; and Southern Good Faith Fund. For more information contact Terry Bearden at (501)372-0807 or tbearden@acaaa.org. Conway.locallygrown.net Farm TourConway Locally Grown Farm Tour of Falling Sky Farm, Ratchford Farm, and Serenity Farm Bakery on Saturday October 17th will include transportation and lunch. The tour is limited to 15 people and the cost will be $40 per person. The shuttle will leave Little Rock early Saturday morning and return in the late afternoon. This is sure to be an educational and tasty trip. Contact Cody Hopkins for more info – cody@fallingskyfarm.com. Argenta Foodie FestSupport local farmers at Certified Arkansas Farmers’ Market Fall Foodie Fest in Argenta at 6th & Main Street, North Little Rock. Enjoy locally grown fall foods prepared by Arkansas’ favorite chefs, restaurants and catering companies plus live music, arts and crafts. Free admission. For info: www.arkansasfood.net. Sustainable Business Network of Central Arkansas Charter MembersSBNCA is now accepting applications for Charter Members and Charter Supporters through December 31, 2009. Visit www.sbnca.org for more information. UCA Week of Events to Highlight Local Food SystemsThe UCA Honors College will explore America’s food system and the growing issue of obesity in the U.S. as part of Challenge Week 2009. This year’s theme is ” Just Food: Farm-to-Fork Food Systems for 21st Century Communities.” The movement calls for ecologically responsible and economically sound agriculture, better food safety, anti-hunger policy, and programs that address obesity and other aspects of healthy eating. Challenge Week begins Nov. 5 and will run through Nov. 12, and will feature film screenings and speakers (Joel Salatin, Marion Nestle, and other notable people). Visit http://www.uca.edu/web/weblog/index.php?itemid=2233&catid=10 for info. Village Commons Fall Gardening WorkshopsIn October and November, Village Commons will host 4 gardening workshops. Topics include the Benefits of Gardening, Cultivating Tomatoes, Cultivating Potatoes, and Fall and Winter Gardening. For more information, contact Nancy Dockter at (501) 749-2062 or email new19doc@msn.com. Sustainable Systems at Work Study CourseSustainable Systems at Work is designed to engage employees in shifting organizations toward a more sustainable operation and work culture. For an overview of topics covered throughout this five session guide, go to http://www.nwei.org/discussion_courses/course-offerings/sustainable-systems-at-work-2 A Little Rock pilot group “Lead by Example – Sustainable Practices for your Business” will meet in downtown Little Rock on Tuesday mornings from 7 am – 9 am October 27 – Nov 17 and Dec. 1. Registration: $ 95 ($80 by Monday, Oct 12) includes study guide and continental breakfast at each session. To register, email HeiferVillage-Registration@heifer.org or call 501-907-COWS (2697). Payable by cash, check or charge. Mail checks to Heifer Village, One World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202. |
Filed under: Uncategorized
Arkansas Sustainability Network (ASN)Community News |
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| September 4, 2009 |
ARKANSAS SUSTAINABILITY NETWORK (ASN) |
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| Developing sustainable communities through education, innovation and collaboration.
ASN 1419 South Main Little Rock, AR 72202 501.372.6996 501.837.7959 EmailASN@gmail.com www.littlerock.locallygrown.net Executive Director: Katy Elliott Board of Directors: Alison Hall Scott McGhehee Tera Easter Penny Rudder Dwayne McFarlan Juli Brandenberger Erika Gee Julie de Preux Nancy Dockter Amie Lein Jill Bayles |
Updates from ASN
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Community HappeningsIt’s our pleasure to keep you informed of community events, info, and announcements… Will Allen of Growing Power, Inc to visit Little RockWill Allen and Growing Power (www.growingpower.org) will be visiting Little Rock on September 29th. Please mark this date on your calendar and stay tuned for details. At this point, a public forum is tentatively scheduled for the morning of Sept 29th from 9am to 11am. This will be your opportunity to hear Will (2008 MacArthur Fellows recipient and visionary local food and social justice leader) and engage in a discussion relating to Local Foods and Social Justice. Further updates will be available soon. For more information about Will Allen and Growing Power visit these websites: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/magazine/05allent.html, http://www.macfound.org/site/c.lkLXJ8MQKrH/b.4537249/, http://www.fastcompany.com/100/2009/will-allen Book your Booth at the City of Little Rock Sustainability SummitMark your calendars for September 25th and 26th at the Statehouse Convention Center, and reserve your booth now for this informative and engaging conference event to highlight local agencies and resources and feature presentations from city officials and panels on a variety of topics, including local food, urban revitalization, recycling, and more. As part of the event, we welcome the keynote speaker, Mayor Bob Dixson of Greensburg, Kansas. After Greensburg was devastated by a massive tornado, Mayor Dixson resolved to rebuild the city as a “green” town. Since this landmark decision, the town has become a leader in sustainable development and sustainable initiatives. To obtain a booth at the Summit, email LRSustainabilitySummit@gmail.com, or call John McClure with AR Convention and Event Marketing at 501-993-7502. Join Heifer Village Discussion CoursesCourses scheduled to begin in September include Food for Life: Making the Connection between the Food We Eat and How It’s Produced; Shaping a Sustainable Society: How Lifestyle Choices Impact Our Global Systems; and The Next Generation, Our Future: Nurturing and Caring for Our Children. For more information visit http://www.heifer.org/site/c.mmKTJbNUJrF/b.5076899/k.E13E/Programs.htm or call (501) 907-8800. Slow Food Event to Highlight Importance of Healthy School LunchesTime For Lunch: Slow Food Eat-in Spotlight on Green Business:Organic Dog is Dog-gone Green!Grand Opening of Organic Dog (natural dog products) at the Green Corner Store, 1423-D S. Main, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, 9/19. Register to win a gift basket and sample biscuits made from organic and locally grown ingredients. Free bandanas to the first 25 dogs to bring their human! Contact Juli Brandenberger at (501) 350-3064 or organicdog@hotmail.com. The US Green Building Council – Arkansas Chapter to host Sustainable Arkansas 2009 ConferenceFriday, September 11 at the Embassy Suites in Rogers, AR, this seventh annual statewide conference will bring together over 300 building professionals, government representatives and other folks interested in learning more about green building construction and the LEED project certification program. A large trade show of sustainable products and services accompanies the conference. Complete schedule and details available at http://www.usgbc-ar.org/uploads/sa2009_packet.pdf or contact Linda K. Smith, Executive Director at usgbcar@yahoo.com. Dreamland Ballroom Coming Out Party Marks the Beginning of a New Non-Profit to Restore and Celebrate a Little Rock Landmark Historic BuildingOctober 1st, at Taborian hall, located on the corner of 9th and State Streets (most recently the home of Arkansas Flag and Banner) a Coming Out Party will be held on October 1st to celebrate the founding of a non-profit to restore the Dreamland Ballroom building and develop a museum to celebrate the legacy surrounding this Little Rock landmark. For more information email Friends@DreamlandBallroom.com. Conway.locallygrown.net Fall Foods Local Dinner and Farm Tour – Save the Date!The Locally Grown Harvest Dinner and Food Pantry Benefit at Pia’s in downtown Conway is Monday October 12th at 6:30. The dinner will feature food from many of the Conway Locally Grown farmers and attendees will have the chance to meet and get to know these farmers. This year’s dinner, to be prepared by guest chef Matt Fuller of Central Park Fusion in Hot Springs, will feature vegetarian and meat options. Proceeds from this year’s dinner will go to the St. Peter’s Episcopal Food Pantry. The Food Pantry will use the funds to purchase food from Conway Locally Grown. 50 spots are available; cost will be $50 per person if you reserve your spot by Oct. 1st and $60 after Oct. 1st. We will have both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Conway Locally Grown is also planning a Farm Tour of Falling Sky Farm, Ratchford Farm, and Serenity Farm Bakery on Saturday October 17th. The tour will include transportation and lunch. The tour is limited to 15 people and the cost will be $40 per person. The shuttle will leave Little Rock early Saturday morning and return in the late afternoon. This is sure to be an educational and tasty trip. Village Commons hosts Fall Garden WorkshopsIn October and November, Village Commons will host 4 gardening workshops. Topics include the Benefits of Gardening, Cultivating Tomatoes, Cultivating Potatoes, and Fall and Winter Gardening. For more information, contact Nancy Dockter at (501) 749-2062 or email new19doc@msn.com Little Rock Green Drinks has Moved.BYOB to Little Rock Green Drinks! LRGD will be moving into a more permanent location in September where you can bring your own libations! Village Commons Non-Profit 1423 C South Main Little Rock 2nd Tuesday monthly 5:30 – 7:00 For more information contact: Pam Choate pam.choate@gmail.com 501-351-4406 |
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Arkansas Sustainability Network (ASN)Community News |
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| August 12, 2009 |
ARKANSAS SUSTAINABILITY NETWORK (ASN) |
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| Developing sustainable communities through education, innovation and collaboration.
ASN 1419 South Main Little Rock, AR 72202 501.372.6996 501.837.7959 EmailASN@gmail.com www.littlerock.locallygrown.net Executive Director: Katy Elliott Board of Directors: Alison Hall Scott McGhehee Tera Easter Penny Rudder Dwayne McFarlan Juli Brandenberger Erika Gee Julie de Preux Nancy Dockter Amie Lein Jill Bayles |
ASN News and…RSVP Today for Dinner on August 28th
Workshop Offers Help for Winter Gardeners…Build an Insulated Cold Frame – September 26thCold frames provide an easy and effective location for winter crops. Herb Culver, from Bean Mountain Farm, will lead this workshop at Felder Farm. Herb has been organic gardening for 30 years. He currently operates Bean Mountain Farm, which specializes in open-pollinated/heirloom vegetables, herbs (culinary and medicinal), and landscaping plants. At this workshop, Herb will teach us how to construct a 3’ x 12’ water barrel insulated cold frame at Felder Farm. 9am to 1pm, $15. Workshop culminates with a picnic-style lunch. Minimum: 8 participants, maximum: 20 participants. To register or for more info contact us at EmailASN@gmail.com, or call 501.372.6996. Looking for Environmental Educators and Curriculum SpecialistsAs we prepare for our work with Felder Academy teachers this fall, integrating the school garden into their classroom activities, we welcome input and assistance from folks throughout our Network. Are you interested in helping middle and high school students get hands-on educational opportunities that revolve around the topics of healthy food and gardening? If so, let us know! ASN Board of Directors MeetingWednesday, August 26th, 5:30pm at The House on Palm and Kavanaugh. We’re excited to welcome seven new members to the ASN Board of Directors! Others interested in serving on the Board of Directors or Advisory Board please contact us. |
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Community HappeningsIt’s our pleasure to keep you informed of community events, info, and announcements… City of Little Rock Sustainability Commission to Host Sustainability SummitSeptember 25th and 26th at the Statehouse Convention Center, mark your calendars for an informative and engaging conference event to highlight local agencies and resources and feature presentations from city officials and panels on a variety of topics, including local food, urban revitalization, recycling, and more. As part fo the event, welcome the keynote speaker, Mayor Bob Dixson of Greensburg, Kansas. After Greensburg was devastated by a massive tornado, Mayor Dixson resolved to rebuild the city as a “green” town. Since this landmark decision, the town has become a leader in sustainable development and sustainable initiatives. For more information email LRSustainabilitySummit@gmail.com, or call John McClure with AR Convention and Event Marketing at 501-993-7502. Food Preservation and Canning Workshop Series presented by the Root Café.August 18 – Raw Food August 25- Canning 101: Berry Delicious Jam Sept 1 – Perfecting Pesto and Freezing 101 Sept 8- Canning 101: Totally Tomatoes For costs and registration information, email TheRootCafe@yahoo.com. Spotlight on More New Green BusinessesIt’s All Green & More offer all natural bath & body products, organic clothing, fair-trade merchandise and more! Visit the store online at http://www.itsallgreenandmore.com. Slow Food Event to Highlight Importance of Healthy School LunchesTime For Lunch: Slow Food Eat-in The US Green Building Council- Arkansas Chapter to host Sustainable Arkansas 2009 ConferenceFriday, September 11 at the Embassy Suites in Rogers, AR, this seventh annual statewide conference will bring together over 300 building professionals, government representatives and other folks interested in learning more about green building construction and the LEED project certification program. A large trade show of sustainable products and services accompanies the conference. Complete schedule and details available at http://www.usgbc-ar.org/uploads/sa2009_packet.pdf or contact Linda K. Smith, Executive Director at usgbcar@yahoo.com. Little Rock Green Drinks is Moving!BYOB to Little Rock Green Drinks! LRGD will be moving into a more permanent location in September where you can bring your own libations! Village Commons Non-Profit 1423 C South Main Little Rock 2nd Tuesday monthly 5:30 – 7:00 For more information contact: Pam Choate pam.choate@gmail.com 501-351-4406 http://villagecommonslr.com/default.aspx Village Commons wants YOU!Do you have an idea for a program or workshop? Village Commons wants to hear about it! Village Commons also has rentable desk space available by day, week and month and space available. For more information contact: Pam Choate pam.choate@gmail.com 501-351-4406 http://villagecommonslr.com/default.aspx Village Commons is a nonprofit grassroots organization raising awareness through education and programs on sustainable living. Village Commons helps people - especially those in underserved communities – secure healthy and sustainable futures, through training for individual people and organizations. |
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Filed under: Uncategorized
Arkansas Sustainability Network (ASN)Community News |
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| July 8, 2009 |
ARKANSAS SUSTAINABILITY NETWORK (ASN) |
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| Developing sustainable communities through education, innovation and collaboration.
ASN 1419 South Main Little Rock, AR 72202 501.372.6996 501.837.7959 EmailASN@gmail.com www.littlerock.locallygrown.net Executive Director: Katy Elliott City of Little Rock Youth Employee: Jasmine Johnson Board of Directors: Alison Hall Scott McGhehee Tera Easter Penny Rudder Dwayne McFarlan Juli Brandenberger Erika Gee Julie de Preux Amie Lein Jill Bayles |
Greetings!From the Ground Up Summer Camp went great: thanks to the help of our summer staff and volunteers! We’ve posted hundred’s of photos from the camp on our Picasa account, available through our website at www.arnetwork.org (click on ‘photos’). We collected photos and plenty of video footage. I plan to edit and post short video of the camp on the website by the end of summer, so watch for updates. I want to send out a big thank you to Nathanael, Jonathan, Daryll, Larnie, Jasmine, and Ragan for their efforts on the farm, and also to our activity providers – Jack Sundell of The Root Café, Faith Anaya of Kids Cook!, and Hamid Ebrahimifar (mural.) Thanks to the Agricultural Heritage Museum, Dunbar Garden, and the Williams Library Summer Reading Program for welcoming us on our field trip. Last but not least, many thanks to the Arkansas Community Foundation for making the camp possible. In addition to our summer program, we’ve been busy re-constructing our website and planning for more summer programs and workshops (listed below). We needed a site that we can easily update. We’ve used an open source, so please check out the site and let us know what you think! www.arnetwork.org. As a side note, we can always use volunteers to help with our website, Facebook, and MySpace pages. Techies call anytime – 501.372.6996. We hope to see you this weekend: at Food Club pick-up or at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute’s “Bountiful Arkansas” event, where we will have an informative booth. For more info on that event, which features workshops, tomato tasting, and a lecture by the distinguished authors of “The 100-Mile Diet,” Alisa Smith and J.B. Mackinnon. If we don’t see you this weekend, perhaps we’ll see you at one of the upcoming events (listed below) or at a community event listed in the newsletter. Stay in Touch and Enjoy the Newsletter, Katy Elliott, Director Workshops Galore…ASN is currently accepting registration for the following workshops: Rainwater Collection Systems – July 18thASN and Seth Baldy, of Rain Barrels AR US, will host this workshop at the 15th Street Community Garden (15th and Louisiana), at 1pm on Saturday, July 18th. Come learn the “ins and outs” of rain water collection systems. $5 donation, limit: 20 participants. For an additional fee, participants are welcome to bring their own barrels and outfit them for water collection at the workshop ($10), buy and outfit a barrel on-site ($20), or purchase a barrel complete and ready-to-install ($40). To register, or for more info, contact us at EmailASN@gmail.com, or call 501.372.6996. FoodSavers – August 1stASN, Conserving Arkansas’ Agricultural Heritage, and Bean Mountain Farm will host this collaborative workshop at Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church, 10am to 3pm on Saturday, August 1st. We will be canning and saving seeds from a batch of Armstead Farm heirloom tomatoes. We’ll discuss the various means of food preservation (canning, freezing, and drying), and the basics of seed saving (start-up varieties, seed preparation, and appropriate technologies). Workshop facilitators have extensive experience with food preservation and seed-saving. They will share their experiences and techniques. Participants depart with a can of tomatoes, a seed drying screen and a full belly (lunch will be provided). $30, limit: 15 participants. To register or for more info contact us at EmailASN@gmail.com, or call 501.372.6996. Build an Insulated Cold Frame – September 26thOn Saturday, September 26th, we will be hosting a workshop focused on cold weather cultivation. Cold frames provide an easy and effective location for winter crops. Herb Culver, from Bean Mountain Farm, will lead this workshop at Felder Farm. Herb has been organic gardening for 30 years and currently operates Bean Mountain Farm, which specializes in open-pollinated/heirloom vegetables, herbs (culinary and medicinal), and landscaping plants. He has extensive gardening, seed-saving, and food preservation experience. We’re pleased to welcome him in leading this workshop and also to have him at our FoodSavers workshop in August. At this cold frame workshop, we’ll construct a 3’ x 12’ water barrel insulated cold frame at Felder Farm, and glean valuable experience in order to construct our own. Starts at 9am. $15, minimum: 8 participants, maximum: 20 participants. To register or for more info contact us at EmailASN@gmail.com, or call 501.372.6996. SAVE THE DATE! ASN Fundraiser, August 28th
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Community HappeningsIt’s our pleasure to keep you informed of community events, info, and announcements… Village Commons Grand OpeningThis Friday July 10th stop by and welcome our new neighbors to the Bernice Historic Building (1400 block S. Main St.) Village Commons is a 501(c)3 grassroots non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness through education and programs on sustainable living. Friday’s Grand Opening event will be a potluck style celebration so please feel free to bring a dish. For more info call Pam Choate at 501.351.4406. Green Corner Store- open for business and receiving new items daily!Speaking of neighbors, have you been by the Green Corner to Store (corner 15th and S. Main) to check out their eco-friendly inventory? If not, pop by and if so, stop by again! They’ll be receiving new inventory each week, so you’re bound to see something new. Spotlight on More New Green BusinessesOpal Abram’s Way delivers laundry detergent and cat litter to your door in reusable glass containers! Visit http://opalabramsway.com/index.html for info. Rain Barrels AR US provides affordable rain water collection systems: supplies and installation. Visit their Facebook page for info ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Rock-AR/Rain-Barrels-AR-US/83002581853 ), or register for our Rain Water Collection Workshop on July 18th. Seth, owner and founder of Rain barrels AR US, will be leading the workshop. Station Market and Deli sells Local Products DailyWhile we’re on the topic of green community businesses, let’s not forget the Station Grocery and Deli. They’ve got a large variety of local products and produce and delicious deli selections as well! Root Café Hosts a Series of Food Preservation/Canning WorkshopsFor more information about this workshop series, to be held at the end of this month, email Jack Sundell or Rebecca Stover at TheRootCafe@yahoo.com. Conserving AR Agricultural Heritage Releases New Short Film:http://www.youtube.com/ozarksatchel Central AR Alternative Fuels (CAAF) group in Faulkner County seeks support to attend a fuels conference…CAAF is comprised of a few members of the Faulkner County Supporters of Sustainable Communities (FCSSC) coordinating team. The group explores a variety of alternative fuel technologies, and currently is in the process of retrofitting lawnmowers with a system that reduces not only emissions but reduces the need for petrol. The group would like to attend this conference in New Mexico and need help to get there: http://www.teslatech.info/ttevents/2009conf/program2009.pdf Help them raise funds to attend the conference and get some help around the house at the same time! Aside from being members of CAAF and FCSSC the fuels group members have other skills such as: Journeyman Plumber, 3rd yr Electrician, Painter, and much more. We have over 15 years combined experience in all trades of construction/repair. If you need any repair/handyman work done just give us a call at (501)339-8538 and let us know how we can help. They have tools and will even mow your lawn. CAAF appreciates any support we can get to attend this wonderful learning opportunity!!! Box Fan Drive in NLRThe City of North Little Rock, North Little Rock Fire Department, and the North Little Rock Health Department are asking the public to donate new or gently used box fans to be distributed to elderly persons or those in need who are without air conditioners this summer. Fans can be dropped off at any of the North Little Rock Fire Stations Monday -Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For more information, contact Jeannetta Martin 791-8551. Photo Competition, $500 1st PrizeArkansas Workforce Centers, LR Workforce Investment Board, UALR, Bedford Camera, and CALS are sponsoring a photo competition. The task: capture the best original photos of Arkansans at work. Contact us for a copy of the rules. EmailASN@gmail.com. VeridianUSA makes recycled notebooks from paperboard and construction plansVeridianUSA, formerly ecoIntegration, seeks donations of construction plans and certain paperboard materials to implement and sustain the Recycled Notebook Project. A variety of partners are helping us with this project including the United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas. For Construction Plans: The general public receiving the notebooks would see 5.5” x 4.25” sections of your plans. Please do not donate old plans if this is a confidentiality issue for your company. For Paperboard: This should not be corrugated, must have at least one side free of any printing, and be of a size that is at least as large as 5.5” x 4.25”. If you are capable of making a contribution of construction plans or paperboard, Viridian will pick up your material on a regular basis or you can drop it off at their office. For more information or to donate, contact Todd Spain at intern@viridianusa.com. Heifer Village Offers Discussion Courses and More!This summer Heifer Village will be offering courses on food, simplicity, and sustainability. More events are in the works. Keep informed about Heifer Village Events and Programs by visiting their website - http://www.heifer.org/site/c.mmKTJbNUJrF/b.5076899/k.E13E/Programs.htm Green Jobs, Anyone?Recently we received notices about several green job openings, including positions at Audubon Arkansas. While we’re not sure if these positions have been filled or not, we do know that you can sign up for this great Google group run by April Ambrose to find out about green job opportunities in Arkansas: http://groups.google.com/group/greenarjobs |
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Filed under: Uncategorized
ASN is excited to announce the From the Ground Up Summer Camp, thanks to a grant we’ve received from the Arkansas Community Foundation!
This and more in our E-Newsletter…
* From the Ground Up
* Call for New Board Members
* Hold your next meeting or event at ASN
* Local Food Club, Eco-workshop suggestions, and South Main gardening
* AR Audubon Ecology Camps
* WRI Bountiful Arkansas Day
* SOAR Network is hiring
* The Root hosts New Functions for Old Fibers Workshop
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From the Ground Up Camp at Felder Farm is open to youth ages 8 to 15 living in the Felder Farm neighborhood and will operate from June 22nd until July 3rd. Each day will be action packed. Participants will help in the garden from 9am to 11am, break for lunch, and then be part of a fun activity each afternoon. We’re looking forward to cooking classes, food preservation, painting a mural, taking a field trip and more. Thanks to the Arkansas Community Foundation for making this possible!
How can you help? Come and volunteer with us! Sign up for a day, half-day, or a regular shift throughout the week. Email us for more info or a volunteer application – EmailASN@gmail.com or call us anytime – 501-837-7959.
Donate to support this and other similar summer programs we’re currently planning!
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ASN is looking for a few new Board Members! Interested? Email and let us know!
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ASN office is open for you to use for small events and meetings. To schedule use of our offices, email or call.
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Local Food Club continues weekly – Summer produce available from lots of local farmers! Carrots, Grass-fed beef, Broccoli, Lettuce, Garlic, Onions, Eggs, Strawberries, Squash, and more. Yum! Visit www.littlerock.locallygrown.net to set up an account and order.
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We hope to pick back up on offering great eco-workshops soon! Send us your suggestions!
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ASN’s South Main/15th Street Garden Plot is planted and ready for a little TLC. There’s room for a few more plants. Let us know if you want to help out with this new community garden and ASN’s plot.
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Check out the Arkansas Audubon ecology camps for 11 and 12 year olds to be offered in June: visit www.arbirds.org.
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Save the Date!
July 11, 2009
Bountiful Arkansas Day: A Celebration of Arkansas’ Homegrown Foods
Celebrate Arkansas’ local foods at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute atop Petit Jean Mountain for Bountiful Arkansas Day, a hands-on day of tasting and learning about locally grown produce from Arkansas. Join us for the following activities and more:
* Horticulture Workshops
* Tomato Tasting
* Winthrop Rockefeller Distinguished Lectures Program featuring the authors of The 100-Mile Diet
* Musical Entertainment by Runaway Planet
* Second Saturday Chef’s Series Culinary Arts Class
* Heritage Farmstead Garden Tours
* Exhibits and Vendors
Local food will be served in River Rock Grill during lunch and dinner.
Visit http://www.uawri.org/page/731/bountiful-arkansas for info.
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The SOAR Network is hiring! …
VISTAs will:
· conducting a comprehensive assessment of the homeless in our area
· serve as staff support to the SOAR Action Committees
· conduct area asset mapping to identify and engage all existing service, supports, and resources that can assist the homeless
· build a comprehensive resource directory of public and private funding sources that can be accessed by local agencies and congregations
· develop and manage the Online Information and Resource Sharing Center
· establish, manage, and develop a comprehensive resource bank of services, supports for the homeless.
· identify needs, gaps, or barriers in services and supports to the homeless in their area of interest and develop strategies and solutions for addressing them.
· establish, manage, and develop a Volunteer skills resource bank
evaluate the responsiveness and effectiveness of Network programs, services, and activities and use evaluation results to improve services or coordination.
· identify and leverage financial, material, and human resources to support the SOAR Network’s mission, goals, and services.
Up to half of each VISTA’s time will be spent on the streets and in camps engaging the homeless, assessing their strengths and needs, connecting them with services and supports, documenting problems and barriers in accessing or effectively utilizing services, and working to establish a permanent, comprehensive Outreach and Support system for the SOAR Network by the end of the project period.
* Location: Little Rock, AR
* Compensation: VISTAs receive an $833 month living stipend, full health coverage and either $1,200 cash or $4,700 in educational benefits at the end of tour
* For information contact Dennis Beavers: dennis@thesolutionsgroup.org or 501-343-5329.
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New Functions for Old Fibers
Brought to you by the Root Café and taught by Corri Bristow and Dede Lowe
Learn simple, creative, and artistic ways to repurpose old garments as fun and functional household items! Reuse comes before Recycle! Participants will learn to turn last year’s clothes into tote bags, aprons, potholders, plastic bag stuffers, and more. Sewing experience is helpful but not necessary.
The three-part workshop will take place June 7th, 14th, and 21st (Sundays) from 3:00 — 5:00 pm at the Station Grocery & Deli. The course fee is $50 and includes equipment, materials, use of space, and finished items to take home. Space is limited; if you’d like to sign up please call (501) 944-8500 or email therootcafe@yahoo.com.
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Arkansas Sustainability Network (ASN)
1419 Main Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
www.arnetwork.org
EmailASN@gmail.com
(501)372-6996
ASN Local Food Club
www.littlerock.locallygrown.net
Filed under: Uncategorized
ASN E-NEWS March 5th
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Special Announcement
ASN received notification earlier this week that a generous donor will underwrite 100 ASN members to attend a fundraising dinner for the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, to be held on April 3rd at the Statehouse Convention Center. The dinner features entertainment by Chuck Leavell, one of the most respected and sought-after piano players and keyboardists in modern music history, as well as one of the most dedicated and revered conservationists in the world. He has worked with The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, The Allman Brothers Band, The Black Crowes, Gov’t Mule, Train and many others. Dinner program also features partial presentation of a film entitled Out on a Limb, which is about agriculture, the environment, animal husbandry, and how to deal with the current problems facing our country, especially in the area of education. Several notable speakers will present and the Arkansas Cultural Enrichment Award will be presented to P.Allen Smith. ASN members will be eligible to attend the event, normally $150 per ticket for $25 per ticket. We would like to fill 10 tables, so we need 100 members to attend. If you and your guests would like to attend this event please let us know before Monday.
Our participation depends on the number of you wanting to go, so please be sure to be counted! You can confirm your interest in attending by emailing us at EmailASN@gmail.com or by calling 501-837-7959.
P.S. Thanks for your support of Felder, we are still accepting donations and will be at the Farm on Sundays. Hope to see you there! Also, some events and announcements of interest are also listed below…
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Cookbook Meeting, Saturday, March 7th, 1pm at ASN. An opportunity to get involved with publication of the ASN Local Food Cookbook. For info or questions contact Amie Lein, leinamiec@gmail.com, or stop in the meeting.
Cookbook Naming Contest is ongoing. Send names to EmailASn@gmail.com. The winner will receive a $15 gift certificate to www.littlerock.locallygrown.net.
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ASN Monthly Meeting, Thursday March 12th, 7pm to 8pm. Following a briefing on ASN current initiatives, partnerships and volunteer opportunities, we’ll have a short presentation – a review of resources and websites for learning about consumer society, impacts and sustainable global development.
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ASN Board Meeting, March 17th – Members and Supporters are welcome to attend. Please call 501-372-6996 or 837-7959 for directions.
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ASN is pleased to be the recipient of a mini-grant from Southside Main Street (SoMA). The grant will assist us in beautifying the exterior of our offices. Thanks SoMA!
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We received several requests to provide another Make your Own Green Cleaning Supplies workshop. If you are interested in attending a workshop on this topic please let us know!
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Also, FYI, Metroplan has launched a web-based ride matching service for central Arkansas commuters. Vist www.arkride.com for more info.
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As always, have a great week and we hope to hear from you soon!
Katy
Ongoing:
Saturdays – www.littlerock.locallygrown.net
Sundays – Sundays on the Farm – Call 501-837-7959 or 501-208-7915 for directions or Information.
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More green events in Central Arkansas –
www.sustainar.org – Sustaina AR on-line hub for green events and announcements.
www. fcssc.org/ – Faulkner County Supporters of Sustainable Communities
http://greenarbytheday.wordpress.com/ – GreenAR by the Day Blog
http://www.sustainablealternatives.org – Sustainable Alternatives
http://arearthinstitute.wordpress.com/ – Arkansas Earth Institute
http://sites.google.com/site/greencentralarkansas/ – Green Central Arkansas
Filed under: Uncategorized
Felder Farm Updates Sundays on the farm…
Weather permitting, we plan to be at the farm on Sundays from 1pm to 4pm. Feel free to stop by and help out or just check the place out. You can call 501-837-7959 or 501-208-7915 for directions or more info. Also, we are now accepting donations for the Farm. We are currently looking for a wheelbarrow or two, and we need money to help cover farm start-up costs right now primarily the irrigation system. For info email ASN at EMailASN@gmail.com or email Felder Farm at felderfarm@gmail.com.
ASN is partnered with Felder to help develop the farm through offering workshops and volunteer opportunities for members and supporters and to assist in developing Felder Farm educational programs. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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LOCAL FOOD CLUB COOKBOOK NAME CONTEST
Take part in our “Name the Cookbook” contest and win a $15 gift certificate for your Food Club purchase if your name is chosen. Email us your name suggestions (EmailASN@gmail.com).
Writers, artists, and anyone who would like to contribute to the cookbook, please contact Amie Lein at leinamiec@gmail.com.
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ASN Local Food Club * Local food delivered weekly on Saturdays, ordering open Monday thru Wednesday. For info visit www.littlerock.locallygrown.net.
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ASN Monthly Meeting: Thursday, March 12th, 7pm to 8pm. Following a briefing on ASN current initiatives, partnerships and volunteer opportunities, we’ll have a short presentation – a review of resources and websites for learning about consumer society, impacts and sustainable global development.
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Book Highlight: Smallholders, Householders: Farm Families and the Ecology of Intensive, Sustainable Agriculture by Robert Netting http://www.amazon.com/Smallholders-Householders-Intensive-Sustainable-Agriculture/dp/0804721025#reader
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We got this message from a student at the University of Central Arkansas:
I am working to set up a school garden at Arnold Drive Elementary School in Jacksonville. I was wondering if there was anyway I could get in touch with some gardeners who would be willing to help set up the garden or help maintain it. Thank you.
Dulce Armas (darmas1@cub.uca.edu)
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Salt of the Earth is an environmentally minded landscaping and lawn care company. We are a full service landscape company that is committed to using eco friendly/organic herbicides and fertilizers and focused on water retention/reclamation as well as low water use gardens. Here is a full list of the services we offer: -Organic/Eco Friendly Fertilizers and Herbicides -Complete Property Maintenance -Landscape Design -Custom Water Features -Planting Trees, Shrubs, and Flowering -Plants -Weekly and Bi-Weekly Lawn Care -Dog Waste Removal Service -Organic Vegetable Garden Installation and Maintenance If you have any questions or I can be of any help please contact me.
Sincerely, Jonathan Wilkins
Salt of the Earth saltoftheearthar@yahoo.com
501-366-1481
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Linda Tarr is an eco-consultant for Green Irene. To see more information about Green Irene visit www.GreenIrene.com/LindaMaumelle. Linda Tarr Green Irene Eco-Consultant phone (501)851-0940 www.GreenIrene.com/LindaMaumellee-mail linda.maumelle@greenirene.com
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Sustainable Alternatives has office space available. Preference given to non-profit / healing / community outreach / environmental organizations or individuals. * Wireless internet, * one parking space per tenant, * alarm security, * kitchen, * meeting space, * handicapped access, * includes gas, electric, water (normal use), * phone not included; you must establish your own phone service., * hardwood floors; 1930’s bldg, refurbished, * month to month considered, * shared office space a possibility for smaller orgs / individuals, * walk to convenience store, restaurants, natural food store, * Additional office support optional; phones; fax; etc; Sustainable Alternatives is also hiring a part-time seasonal garden assistant.
For info email Julie Hendrix – julie@sustainablealternatives.org
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Arkansas DeltaMade Market is back! The marketplace will feature about 20 Arkansas DeltaMade vendors including several new members to the program such as Belle’s Candles from West Memphis, artist Nancy LaFarra Wilson of McGehee, and Blytheville’s Backyard Herbs.
When: Friday, March 6, 2009 – 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Marketplace
Where: Clinton School of Public Service Sturgis Hall
*Make your reservations by emailing publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu or calling 501.683.5239.
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That’s all for now! Hope to see you or hear from you soon,
Katy Elliott
Filed under: Uncategorized
Hey Everyone! Just a quick note that ASN and Felder farmers will be at Felder Farm each Sunday from 1pm to 4pm. We’re raking up rows and getting ready to plant. For directions or to find out more call 501-837-7959.
See ya there,
Katy
