Archive for the ‘Community’ Category

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A Story of a Community

Monday, May 25th, 2009

by Catherine Haug

Last week I was spurned to action by an article in the Bigfork Eagle’s Bigfork Summer Playhouse supplement.  And that action was published as a letter to the editor in the May 21 edition of the Eagle, and which I copy, below.

But first, a clarification:  I am a proud supporter of the Playhouse and Children’s Theatre, and hope both continue to have a long life in our small community.  I just can’t suffer the delusion that Bigfork was a no-nothing village before the arrival of the Theatre.

Hillary Clinton is famous for saying “It takes a village to raise a child.”  Well, that is true for me.  I grew up under the watchful care of this village, and I love it dearly.

(more…)

Posted in Community | Comments Closed

Progress at St. Patrick’s Community Garden

Monday, May 25th, 2009

by Catherine Haug

 

Tilling garden siteThis last week, a group of volunteers planted approximately 70 pounds of red and white potatoes in newly tilled ground behind St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Ferndale.  In the next few days, a small plot of pumpkins and corn will be added.  This is all in a newly tilled field planned for approximately one hundred 15′ x 15′ community garden plots in 2010.  You can view a sample plot at the site.

 

A large compost bin in available at the site, if you would like to contribute compostable materials for next summer’s gardens.  Donations of straw bales, for use in mulching the potato garden are also welcomed.

From the Bigfork Eagle:

The following article and photo are by Alex Strickland, editor of the Bigfork Eagle, and appeared in the May 21st issue of that newspaper (used with permission). (more…)

Posted in Community, Community Garden, Ecology, Gardening | Comments Closed

On Community and Friendship

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

by Catherine Haug

Community is a big deal with me, and one of the reasons I wanted to be an active part of ESP.  

I returned to Bigfork after my retirement not only because it is “home,” but also because I wanted once again to be a part of this special community I remember from my childhood. I’m a bit disappointed to find it is not as alive and committed as it was back then, but the basics are still here, and I intend to be a part of its resurgence. (more…)

Posted in Community, Home & Ranch | Comments Closed

Local Restaurant Features Locally-raised Meats and Produce

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

by Catherine Haug

Several local restaurants feature local produce, including Showthyme, La Provence, and the Culinary Design Studio.  And now, another restaurant offers locally raised meats:

From The Raven newsletter:

“This summer we are focusing on Montana Growers.  We are serving Natural Beef, Chicken and Local Pork from Farm to Market, and we are thrilled to serve Ceres Bakery Buns – a FANTASTIC Bakery on Main Street in Kalispell.  Help us in supporting the local economy and healthy food!”

The Raven is located on the lake in Woods Bay.  Call 837-5472 for more information.

Be sure to check out the Farm Hands Map to help you support local growers.  The map includes farms, gardens, farmers’ markets, restaurants, and stores featuring locally-produced foods.

Who is Your Farmer?

Posted in Community, Food-Nutrition-Health, Shop Local | Comments Closed

On the Brink of Crisis: A Commencement Address

Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

by Catherine Haug

Up ’til now, ESP has not pushed the impending economic/peak oil/climate/political crisis as a reason to change one’s way of life.  Rather, we have simply explored many ideas and actions on their own merit.  Now we have decided to explore a bit deeper, this crisis in which we are now all enveloped, and our response to it.

Sharon Astyk’s blog, Casaubon’s Book,  explores “a future shaped by peak oil, climate change and economic instability.” Edmund suggested we start with Sharon’s May 15 post (As You Go Out Into the World), a hard look at the future for the College Class of 2009. It offers a fairly succinct challenge to all of us as we prepare to meet the changes that await us all. Will we be ready? Will we accept the challenge? (more…)

Posted in Community, Energy | Comments Closed

Gardening at Senior Housing

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Bigfork’s Senior Housing Complex

by Fran Wade

I had hoped to organize a community garden at the Crestview Senior Housing complex in Bigfork this spring.  As most projects, it took more time to accomplish than expected — sort of like herding cats.  With luck, we may have the foundation laid, so that next year we will be ready to plant when the season begins.

The Montana Conservation Corps has added our complex to their list for raised bed boxes in 2010 (see ‘Compact Gardens for Senior Housing,’ below).  And I’m still negotiating with the new manager of the complex for space. (more…)

Posted in Community, Gardening | Comments Closed

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