The Week of October 17th, 2011Read/Post Comments

Brought to you by Earthworks Urban Farm,
a program of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen

Permaculture, Volunteer Opportunities, Community Announcements, Jobs, Updates


Peace everyone,

Earthworks seeks to promote sustainable agricultural practices, nutrition and care for the Earth. One way this can be expressed is through the holistic practice and discipline of thinking, living and working in balance and harmony with nature called permaculture.

What does permaculture look like in your community?  

Here is a summary on permaculture concepts and principles.


I. Volunteer Opportunities for the  week o f 10/17/2011:
Wednesdays thru Saturdays, 9am-12:30pm; Regular Volunteer Hours:  Please join us after working in the gardens for lunch in the soup kitchen Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Jam making!  Earthworks is in need of volunteers for processing fruit berries into currant, gooseberry, elderberry and raspberry jams.  Tentative dates are:

October 21st from 2:00 - 4:00pm
October 26th from 5:30 - 9:30pm
November 8th and 15th from 5:30 - 9:30pm

All volunteers, please meet at Capuchin Soup Kitchen at 1264 Meldrum, Detroit, MI unless noted differently. For individual volunteers, feel free to just come on by.  No need to RSVP.  For groups, please contact us in advance to schedule a day. Please come dressed appropriately for the weather and work.  During summer months, water bottles, hats with brims, sunscreen and work gloves are highly encouraged.  Long pants and closed toe shoes are required.  For questions, please email Shane at sbernardo@cskdetroit.org or call (313) 579-2100 x 204.


II. Community Announcements:
1. EMEAC Youth Fall Through, workshops and events!
Cass Corridor Commons (Corner of E. Forest) 4605 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Mondays & Wednesdays, 4pm-7pm
Multimedia Workshops: Videography, film-editing, 3d animation and more!

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4pm-6pm
YEA! (Young Educators Alliance) Youth Leadership and Activist Meetings

Food Justice Fridays (TBD)
Cooking lessons and demonstrations, break down food in the media, music, poetry and art. Join the Youth Food Justice Task Force.

Workshops are free and open to youth ages 12-24 (some experience requirements for YEA! and Youth Food Justice Task Force).  Call for details at (248) 258-5188.

2. Fair Food Network launches Fair Food List!

The Fair Food List connects YOU to leaders, innovators, and grassroots organizations who are building a more just and sustainable food system. The List was first published as the final chapter of Oran Hesterman's FAIR FOOD book, but has rapidly grown off the pages and onto our website.

No matter where you live, find organizations in your region working toward a fair food system:

• find a CSA to support
• volunteer for a local fair food organization
• join a food and agriculture policy advocacy organization

You're sure to find an organization working on any number of food related topics.
Questions or information, contact us at (734) 213-3999 or info@fairfoodnetwork.org.

3. MIFMA Now Accepting Nominations for the 2012 Board of Directors

On behalf of the Board of Directors Nominating Committee, we are excited to announce that MIFMA's Board of Directors elections will take place on December 8, 2011, at our Annual Meeting to be held in Grand Rapids during the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO. Please join us in finding the right people to serve on our board!

Please:

• Review the Board member nomination packet.
• Consider running for the MIFMA Board of Directors yourself.
• Nominate a fellow member.  Nomination forms are due October 21, 2011.   

Please contact the MIFMA office at (517) 432-3381 with any questions you may have regarding Board member nominations or this process.

4. Food Policy Council Community Food Justice Work Group Meeting
Colors - Detroit (inside Virgil H. Carr Bldg.) 311 East Grand River, Detroit, Michigan
Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011
6:00-8:00pm

For more information, call 313-833-0396 or go towww.detroitfoodpolicycouncil.net

5. Market Movie Night Series
Eastern Market's Shed 5 (Every 3rd Wednesday)
Wednesday, October 18th
7-9pm
FREE

A FREE monthly Gathering celebrating the connections between health, the environment, agriculture, food security, the economy & our community.  

This Month's FREE Film: In Sickness and In Wealth
What connections exist between healthy bodies, healthy bank accounts, and skin color? Four individuals from different walks of life demonstrate how one's position in society - shaped by social policies and public priorities - affects health.

Following the showing there will be small group discussion about the film and the growing the local economy of Detroit.  Please bring a comfortable seat. Though Shed 5 is enclosed and heated, it's a large space so bringing sweaters, blankets and friends is advised. Shed 5 is located at the corner of Russell and Alfred St. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Shed.

6. Taste of Home Cooking School - Fall 2011
Ford Community & Performing Arts Center - Michael A. Guido Theater, Dearborn, MI
Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011
7 p.m.

Cost: $17 General Admission, $37 VIP (includes VIP seating, Q&A with celebrity chef, early admission (4:30p.m.), appetizers and one of Taste of Home's bestselling cookbooks signed by the celebrity chef)

Join Metro Parent and Meijer as we host another Taste of Home Cooking School Show - from America's No. 1 cooking magazine.  This two-hour fun-filled cooking experience shows off new recipes for the fall. Doors open at 4:30p.m. for VIPs, 5 p.m. for vendor area, and the show begins at 7 p.m.

Culinary specialists show the step-by-step instructions on how to create satisfying and flavorful dishes. Each guest receives the Taste of Home Recipe Card Collection Cookbook showcasing the recipes displayed on stage. Visit vendor booths offering samples, coupons, recipes and more! You'll also receive a gift bag and be entered for prize drawings at the show!

Whether you are just getting started or are looking to refine your cooking skills and expand your recipe collection, Taste of Home Cooking School events have something for everyone. Come join us and let Taste of Home help you be the star of your own kitchen!
 

To Purchase Tickets call the Box Office at 313-943-2354 or visitDearbornTheater.com

7. Fall Garden Blessing

Earthworks Urban Farm 1624 Meldrum, Detroit, MI 48207
Wednesday, October 19th, 2011
10am

You are invited to join us for the blessing of leaves next Wednesday, October 19, at 10:00 AM at the green house next to the Meldrum Kitchen parking lot.  Leaves will then be available to take home and mix with your mulch for the winter "sleep."  Refreshments will be available after the prayer and blessing.  

We would appreciate an RSVP from anyone who would like to join us. If the weather is inclement, we'll still do the blessing, but inside the greenhouse.  RSVP: Br. Bob at 313-579-2100, ext 209 or bmalloy@cskdetroit.org.
8. The Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance News 21st Annual Harvest Dinner
Shed 3, Historic Eastern Market (On Russell St. between Division and Adelaide)
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
6pm-9pm
Tickets: $45 per person, $350 for table of 8.

Good food, fellowship, silent auction and entertainment by K. Edmonds.  If you would like tickets please call the Alliance Office at (313) 922-1435. RSVP required.

All are welcome!

9. Making it in Michigan: Michigan's premiere specialty food show
Lansing Center, 353 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
7:30 - 4:30pm

Be Inspired! Be Guided! Be Seen!

• Have an idea for a food business? Bring your idea and be ready to discuss it with the Product Center Team and we can help make your dream into a reality.
• Have a product developed and need distribution channels? Put your product in front of hundreds of key food and agricultural buyers at the tradeshow.
• Want to learn more about making your business more efficient and profitable? Our educational sessions cover strategies in recipe expansion, choosing the right co-packer, improving overall food safety, marketing and finding the ideal customer for your product.

This is the one day that every entrepreneur, producer, buyer and processor in food and agricultural businesses needs to attend. Learn how to bring your dreams and goals to reality.

Click HERE for a complete schedule.

10. Meldrum Fresh Market
Capuchin Soup Kitchen - Earthworks Urban Farm 1264 Meldrum Detroit, MI 48207
Thursday, October 20th, 2011
11-1pm

Bring Cash or your Bridge Card to purchase fresh organic produce harvested right from our gardens!  Come support us and tell your friends!

11. How Do Black Women Relate to the Land?"

Sponsored by the Center for the Education of Women in Various locations in Detroit and Ann Arbor, MI from October 20-25, 2011:

• Thursday, Oct. 20th, 5:30 - 7:00 pm Ford School of Public Policy, Betty Ford classroom,Ann Arbor
• Monday, Oct. 24th, 5:00 - 6:30 pm  A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning Auditorium, Ann Arbor
• Tuesday. Oct. 25th, 6:00 - 7:30 pm Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit

CEW welcomes Mistinguette Smith as the 2011 Twink Frey Visiting Social Activist. Smith, a graduate of Smith College and NYU, is a faculty member at the Center for Whole Communities. She describes her life's work as "helping to shape a world that makes well-being for black women possible."
Please register for the date you would like to attend. This event is free and open to the public. Light food will be served at a reception after.

12. CLR VACANT PROPERTY EDUCATION SERIES: Growing a legal garden
Gleaners Food Bank 2131 Beaufait, Detroit, MI 48207
Thursday October 20th, 2011
6:00pm to 8:00pm

Join us at our newest seminar offering as we discuss a timely issue of interest to many communities. This seminar is for community groups that already manage or have plans to start their own urban garden - large-scale or small.  

In this Q&A presentation, attendees will:

• Learn about the legal concerns that surround establishing urban gardens and farms
• Discuss community approaches to urban agriculture
• Gain information on the challenges, opportunities and methods for creating urban agricultural outlets

Panelists include:
Lucas Polcyn - William Acosta PLLC
Ashley Atkinson - Greening of Detroit/Detroit Garden Resource Network
Malik Yakini - Detroit Black Community Food Security Network

RSVP: Dalton Roberson, Jr. at (313) 969-7197 or droberson@clronline.org by Tuesday, October 18th.

13. International Festival
Southfield Pavilion, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI
Oct. 21-23, 2011
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday,
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $3/person, $5/family

The International Festival is a fun, affordable and enriching event for the entire family. The festival will offer international music and dance performances throughout the entire weekend including Polish, Indian, African, Spanish, Greek, Korean, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Ukrainian and many others; children's hands-on activities; cultural exhibits; and ethnic art and craft demonstrations. Guests will also be able to purchase imported products, handmade crafts, jewelry, fabrics, apparels and other unique gifts from around the world. A variety of international and ethnic food will also be available for purchase. A weekend pass is just $3 per person or $5 per family with free parking.

For more information, call Southfield Community Relations at (248) 796-5130.

14. Food Day 2011: $5 Food Challenge
COLORS-Detroit 311 East Grand River, Detroit, MI 48226
Monday, October 24, 2011
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Schedule:
6:00-6:15 pm - Reception
6:15-7:00 pm - Facilitated Panel Discussion & Dinner
7:00-7:30 pm - Food Justice Policy Breakout Conversations
7:30-8:00 pm - Report Out, Dessert, & Celebratory Closing

Panelists & Speakers:
Kami Pothukuchi, SEED Wayne & Wayne State University
Phillip Jones, COLORS-Detroit & Vice-Chair, Detroit Food Policy Council
Meredith Freeman, Fair Food Network
Members & Leaders of MOSES & the Restaurant Opportunities Center of Michigan (ROC-Michigan)

$5 per person for Values Meal will be accepted at the door.  Cash only.
Limited seating requires registration in advance.

For info, please contact the Restaurant Opportunities Center of Michigan at
(313) 962-5020 or michiganinfo@rocunited.org.


III. Jobs in the Community

1. Youth Program Assistant
American Indian Health and Family Services of Southeastern Michigan

2. Behviorial Health Specialist
American Indian Health and Family Services


IV. Update from Patrick

I can't give a very clear and full description of the week, as a spent a good amount of it away from Earthworks, but that doesn't mean I don't have a few things to share.  

We continue to harvest, in some ways our crops are even more diverse now, with the overlap of fall crops and summer crops remaining.  Out of Gleaners we harvested collards, two kinds of kale, broccoli, spinach, some really nice carrots, beets, broccoli, snow peas, eggplant, peppers, and perhaps most exciting of all, winter squash.

I was truly delighted to start harvesting the kobocha squash and hubbards, and some really nice ones too.  When all was said and done we harvested over 400 pounds of winter squash, with plenty of butternuts still out in the field.  I suspect that their harvest will come this week, we are right on time for our average first frost to get us any day now.  Right now we have the squash curing for a couple of weeks in the greenhouse to develop better flavor - but should be ready with plenty of time for thanksgiving!

We also were able to get the last of the garlic planted, and mulched, and ready to go for next year.  I do as always have mixed feelings about planting garlic, its a sure sign that fall is hear, and winter will be here soon.  It is also a sign that things are slowing down and becoming more reasonable and more restful days are coming.  

We keep at sifting compost, having stockpiled a pretty nice amount for the winter, and will keep on sifting and storing until it gets too darn cold.  Much of the irrigation is now up and stored away for the winter.  Now that it is becoming so much cooler, its about time to cover up the overwintering leeks, onions and spinach.  

The hoop house is nicely springing forth with life, the beds are covered in green again.  We have been having some pretty nasty cabbage worm problems, but I've been able to hand pick them pretty well and get things ununder control The hoop house seems to do a good job of protecting the pests from outside predators as well.  In time I suspect we will reach more of an equilibrium. We have also been noticing what seems to be a good amount of damage on some of our collards, which seem to be caused by ants.  I'm not completely certain, so I don't want to assume necessarliy that they are all to blame.  

The greenhouse is ready to have its new floor installed, we got fabric in and just need to tamp the soil down and install everything.  We are supposed to have some wet and cool weather this week, which will certainly help to encourage doing work in the greenhouse.

Our markets as of late are featuring a ton of tasty products - with our first batches of jam now available, having started jamming dates last week as well.  You should come buy some stuff!  We have great stuff for sale - and it supports our work!

I spent a couple of days up in toronto this last week, and was really impressed by all that they are doing.  I learned about a number of ideas that I think could really add to our work.  
I especially enjoyed "The Stop"  - http://www.thestop.org/

This week - composting, greenhouse floor, plenty of harvesting, mulching, weeding, installing the hoops over the leeks, onions and spinach, and general clean up.  

until next week,
onward!

Readers' Comments The Week of October 17th, 2011