In this Alert:
Message from the Director
Food Sovereignty Event Series
Rural Vermont Events
Activist and Volunteer Needs
Message from the Director
Greetings! As you may remember, several weeks ago we asked you to contact Congressman Peter Welch to urge him to support the Industrial Hemp bill now pending in Congress. Today, I am pleased to announce that your hard work paid off and that Congressman Peter Welch is now officially a co-sponsor of H.R. 1831, the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2011. Click here to see what your phone calls accomplished!
Your efforts in communicating the importance of this legislation were key to helping make this happen! In light of the Congressman’s decision, please take a moment to write him a short note thanking him for supporting the Industrial Hemp bill. Just as our elected leaders need to hear from us when we want them to do something, they need to hear from us when they have done something we approve of—this is how democracy works. You can thank Congressman Welch by clicking here.
Or snail mail to:
Congressman Peter Welch
30 Main Street
3rd Floor, Suite 350
Burlington, VT 05401
While his support is an important first step, the effort will not end until Vermont farmers can grow and market Industrial Hemp. As such, we need to step up again and make sure our Vermont delegation speaks with one voice on this issue. As your active participation is vital to our success, we will be reaching out to you again in the coming weeks as we move forward on our Hemp campaign! Thanks again.
Best,
Jared
Food Sovereignty Event Series
October 29, 8am-6pm- Environmental Action Conference, Vermont Technical College, Randolph
Rural Vermont will be leading a workshop on how to grow local food sovereignty in your community. Click here for more details.
November 3, 7pm-9pm- Marlboro Graduate Center, Brattleboro
In collaboration with the Post Oil Solutions Network, Rural Vermont will be facilitating a local food sovereignty discussion with communities in the Brattleboro area. Email robb@ruralvermont.org for more information.
January 19, 6pm-7:45pm Kellog Hubbard Library, Montpelier
Rural Vermont will be facilitating a discussion with Transition Town Montpelier about how communities can grow local food sovereignty. In preparation for Town Meeting Day articles, discussion will highlight Montpelier’s Food Sovereignty Resolution and other methods to raise awareness about the campaign.
If you are interested in having Rural Vermont facilitate a food sovereignty discussion in your community, please contact robb@ruralvermont.org.
Rural Vermont Events
TOUR DE FARMS: 2011 IS A SUCCESS!
On September 18th, 581 cyclists from all over Vermont and beyond arrived in Shoreham for a spectacular day of biking and eating under blue skies and amidst beautifully bucolic scenery. Thank you to the 2011 sponsors Earl’s Cyclery, Vermont Fresh Network, Wolaver’s Organic Brewery, and American Flatbread of Middlebury, and to our 40+ volunteers! Thank you to our 18 farm partners and 2 restaurant partners for contributing their fall harvest, their time, and their love – the event wouldn’t be possible without you! For a full list of 2011 Tour de Farms partners, and how and where to purchase and patronize, click HERE. Check out a great article about the Tour here: http://threadvt.com/?p=390 ; and check out some pictures, and upload your own, here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/tourdefarmsvt2011/! And lastly, save the date for next year’s Tour de Farms – Sunday, September 16th, 2012!
BEYOND MILK: RAW DAIRY PROCESSING !
Camembert, Queso Blanco, & Mozzarella
with Lea Calderon-Guthe
Wednesday, October 19th
10 am – 1 pm
Macora Farm, WOODSTOCK
More classes coming soon! All classes require advance registration and space is limited. $20-$40 sliding scale. All proceeds benefit Rural Vermont. To sign up, contact Shelby at (802) 223-7222 or email shelby@ruralvermont.org.
** SEEKING HOSTS & TEACHERS! If you’re a raw milk dairy and would like to host a class OR a raw milk enthusiast eager to share your kitchen skills with others, please contact shelby@ruralvermont.org or call (802) 223-7222. We’re especially interested in a teacher for Addison County, but are interested in scheduling all across Vermont!
RURAL VERMONT’S 3rd ANNUAL
“ART FOR AGRARIANS” ONLINE ART AUCTION
Monday, October 24th – Friday, December 9th
A dozen pieces of artwork donated by Vermont artists that reflect Rural Vermont’s vision for Food with Dignity will be showcased and auctioned to the highest bidders! The bidding will take place online, but the artwork will be available for live viewing in a number of places throughout the duration of the auction. Stay tuned for dates, locations and more info! All proceeds benefit Rural Vermont.
DEVIL MAKES THREE: STOMP & SMASH IRENE
A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR VT FARMERS
with the Toughcats & Wooden Dinosaur
Friday, October 28th at 7:30 pm
Vermont College Gymnasium, MONTPELIER
$20 – Advance tickets at:
http://goodnightirene.eventbrite.com/
All proceeds benefit the Vermont Community Foundation’s Farmer Relief Fund
Before the show, visit the Rural Vermont booth – sign the Montpelier Food Sovereignty resolution petition, get campaign updates, and buy your “Support VT farmers” flood relief tee (all proceeds benefit the VCF Farmer Fund)! More info about the band here.
AFTER THE FLOOD: STORIES OF HEART & HOPE
WITH STORYTELLER ANNIE HAWKINS
NOVEMBER DATE TBD, CHESTER
Rural Vermont is once again partnering with Grafton treasure Annie Hawkins to host the 3rd annual storytelling event and benefit for Rural Vermont. Stay tuned for more details …
Activist and Volunteer Needs
Local Food Sovereignty Campaign: As we gear up the local food sovereignty campaign, we need your help gathering signatures to place local food sovereignty articles on Town Meeting Day ballots. Contact Robb at robb@ruralvermont.org for petitions or information to get an article on your Town Meeting Day agenda.
Events: Help staff Rural Vermont’s booth at the Hunger Mountain Wellness Expo on November 5 in Montpelier, or table at the Montpelier Thanksgiving Farmer’s Market on November 19.
Craft Fairs: As the holidays approach, many craft fairs are happening all throughout Vermont. Rural Vermont needs volunteers to help sell our popular notecards at these fun events!
Email Robb, or call (802) 223-7222 to get involved today!!!
**Want to help but not interested in the above activities? Contact us and we’ll see how we can plug you in! **