Arkansas Sustainability Network (ASN)

Email News

ASN

1419 South Main

Little Rock, AR 72202

501.372.6996

501.837.7959

EmailASN@gmail.com

www.arnetwork.org

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 staff

We 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 UPDATES

In 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 Toolkit

ASN 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 Saturday

October 17^th, 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 Updates

The 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 Sale

Copier, color printer, and flatbed scanner – yours for best offer. 501-837-7959 for info.

Felder Program Assistant Needed

Limited Hours, Grant-funded, Compensation depending on experience. Contact us for details by calling 501-837-7959 or emailing EmailASN@gmail.com.

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 Happenings

It’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 Fest

Thursday, 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 Alliance

The next gleaning is scheduled for October 24^th 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 2^nd Annual Green Jobs Fair

Wednesday, October 21^st, 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 Conference

On 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 Tour

Conway 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 Fest

Support local farmers at Certified Arkansas Farmers’ Market Fall Foodie Fest in Argenta at 6^th & 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 Members

SBNCA 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 Systems

The 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 Workshops

In 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 Course

Sustainable 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.

Arkansas Sustainability Network (ASN)

Community News

ARKANSAS SUSTAINABILITY NETWORK (ASN)

ASN

1419 South Main

Little Rock, AR 72202

501.372.6996

501.837.7959

EmailASN@gmail.com

www.arnetwork.org

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

Community Happenings

It’s our pleasure to keep you informed of community events, info, and announcements…

Will Allen of Growing Power, Inc to visit Little Rock

Will Allen and Growing Power (www.growingpower.org) will be visiting Little Rock on September 29^th. 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 29^th 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 Summit

Mark 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 Courses

Courses 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 Lunches

Time For Lunch: Slow Food Eat-in
September 7^th, Noon at the Certified Arkansas Farmers Market (6^th and Main in Downtown North Little Rock).  Visit http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/campaign/time_for_lunch/
and check the Little Rock event for details!

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 Conference

Friday, 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 Building

October 1^st, at Taborian hall, located on the corner of 9^th and State Streets (most recently the home of Arkansas Flag and Banner) a Coming Out Party will be held on October 1^st 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 12^th 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 Workshops

In 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

http://villagecommonslr.com/default.aspx

www.greendrinks.org/

Arkansas Sustainability Network (ASN)

Community News

ARKANSAS SUSTAINABILITY NETWORK (ASN)

ASN

1419 South Main

Little Rock, AR 72202

501.372.6996

501.837.7959

EmailASN@gmail.com

www.arnetwork.org

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 28^th

Workshop Offers Help for Winter Gardeners…

Build an Insulated Cold Frame – September 26^th

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.  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 Specialists

As 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 Meeting

Wednesday, August 26^th, 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.

Community Happenings

It’s our pleasure to keep you informed of community events, info, and announcements…

City of Little Rock Sustainability Commission to Host Sustainability Summit

September 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 Businesses

It’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 Lunches

Time For Lunch: Slow Food Eat-in
September 7th
Details TBA
Visit http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/campaign/time_for_lunch/
and check the Little Rock event for details!

The US Green Building Council- Arkansas Chapter to host Sustainable Arkansas 2009 Conference

Friday, 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

www.greendrinks.org/

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.

Arkansas Sustainability Network (ASN)

Community News

ARKANSAS SUSTAINABILITY NETWORK (ASN)

ASN

1419 South Main

Little Rock, AR 72202

501.372.6996

501.837.7959

EmailASN@gmail.com

www.arnetwork.org

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 18^th

ASN and Seth Baldy, of Rain Barrels AR US, will host this workshop at the 15^th Street Community Garden (15^th 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 1^st

ASN, 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 26^th

On Saturday, September 26^th, 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 28^th

Community Happenings

It’s our pleasure to keep you informed of community events, info, and announcements…

Village Commons Grand Opening

This Friday July 10^th 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 15^th 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 Businesses

Opal 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 18^th. Seth, owner and founder of Rain barrels AR US, will be leading the workshop.

Station Market and Deli sells Local Products Daily

While 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 Workshops

For 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 NLR

The 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 1^st Prize

Arkansas 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 plans

VeridianUSA, 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