Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Events

One week into the New Year and the calendar is already filling up with interesting and informative events. Below is listing of some activities that you might find worthwhile. I will elaborate on many in the weeks to come, in the mean time, get out your date book and start penciling in these great community gatherings.


Kennett is about to host a brand new music venue The Kennett Flash. This Thursday, January 8th from 7-9PM the Flash is hosting a free preview party before their doors officially open on Friday, January 23rd. Reservations are recommended for this party which includes music and refreshments, contact lee@kennettflash.org if you are interested in attending.

Next Thursday, January 15th from 7-9PM is the monthly Chester County Green Drinks--a happy hour for environmentally minded folks. In fact, the Chester County Green Drinks takes it one step further and seems to be made up of mostly those with in interest in the local food system. We meet the 3rd Thursday of each month either at a farm or Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, PA. You can e-mail claire@inverbrook.com if you are interested in attending.


An event that is particularly near and dear to my heart is Down to Earth, a celebration of the connections between functional art, local food, and community. I am one of the co-organizers of this multi-faceted event and will include a whole posting on the upcoming Down to Events next week. In the meantime check out the website and mark Saturday, January 24th on your calendar for both a panel discussion and concert/beer tasting at the Chester County Historical Society in West Chester, PA.

For those willing to make a trip to State College, PA--the inspirational PASA Conference is happening Feb 5-7th.


Finally the Stroud Water Research Center is hosting the Wild and Scenic Film Festival on February 12th. More details to come as the date approaches.

I hope to see you at some of these events, lots of exciting gatherings for 2009!

Friday, January 2, 2009

Farming for the Future Conference








There has been no bigger force behind the sustainable agricultural enterprises here at Inverbrook Farm than PASA-The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture

"Promoting Profitable Farms Which Produce Healthy Food For All People While Respecting The Natural Environment."

The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) is a nonprofit organization working to improve the economic and social prosperity of Pennsylvania food and agriculture. PASA works with the farmers that grow our food, the consumers that eat the food, and those concerned with the ecological well-being of our environment and natural resources.

It was my attendance (well over ten years ago!)of PASA’s inspirational and informative Farming for the Future Conference that first got me hooked on the idea of starting a CSA. This conference is one of the best of its kind—it truly walks the walk with a perfect balance of meaningful information, inspiration, a green ethic, fun, art, networking and all kinds of other community building opportunities—not to mention some of the best meals I have ever eaten at a conference.

This year’s theme is “The Worldwide Search For Food Sovereignty: Finding Your Foodshed”

With keynote speakers author (Stuff and Starved), scholar, and activist Raj Patel and our own local watershed hero Bernard Sweeney from the Stroud Water Research Center.

If you have any kind of interest in learning more about how you can support and participate in a healthy and vital local food system, I strongly suggest joining the over 1000 people who attend the Farming for the Future Conference. Hope to see you there!