Nov 8 2012

Lexicon of Sustainability Pop Up Art Installation – Sunday, November 18th – 9 AM to 1 PM

Fresh from installations at the Lawrence Farmers Market on October 17th and the Exeter Farmers Market on October 25th, the Lexicon of Sustainability Pop Up Art Show is coming to the Newburyport Farmers Market on Sunday, November 18th.

Words are the building blocks for new ideas. They have the power to activate change and transform societies. By illuminating the vocabulary of sustainable agriculture, and with it the conversation about America’s rapidly evolving food culture, the Lexicon of Sustainability educates, engages and activates people to pay closer attention to how they eat, what they buy, and where their responsibility begins for creating a healthier, safer food system in America.
In all, nearly two hundred leaders in food and farming from across the country have contributed their valued experiences to this rapidly growing Lexicon of Sustainability. These insights have been translated into large format “information art” photo collages, a series of short films, and pop up shows across the USA.

Don’t miss this engaging and beautiful photographic exhibit highlighting the language of sustainable food.

Nov 8 2012

Local Flavor Community Potluck – Sunday, November 18th at 6:00 PM

Local Flavor Community Potlucks are monthly, zero-waste gatherings focused on celebrating local food, engaging discussions and building new friendships in the community. Bring a potluck dish, using a many locally-sourced ingredients as possible, and a “mess kit” (non-disposable plate, cup, utensils and napkin). All ages are welcome.

The potluck will held at Central Congregation Church, 14 Titcomb Street.

Nov 6 2012

My Year as a Novice Beekeeper – Monday, November 19th at 7 PM

On Monday, November 19th at 7 PM, Deb Carey will share her experience as a beginning beekeeper tending the hives at the New Eden Community Garden in Newbury. Whether you are just curious about beekeeping or have years of experience and would like to share your knowledge, we would love to have you. Rumor has it that there may be samples of different flavored honeys available for tasting. This meeting of the Greater Newburyport Edible Garden Group will held in the Program Room of the Newburyport Public Library at 94 State Street.

Oct 16 2012

Local Flavor Community Potluck – Sunday, October 21st at 6 PM

Local Flavor Potluck Picnics are monthly, zero-waste gatherings focused on celebrating local food, engaging discussions and building new friendships in the community. Bring a potluck dish, using a many locally-sourced ingredients as possible, and a “mess kit” (non-disposable plate, cup, utensils and napkin).

The potluck is sponsored by Transition Newburyport and Greater Newburyport Community Resilience Circles and hosted by the Central Congregation Church, 14 Titcomb Street, Newburyport.

Oct 4 2012

Virtual Visit to a Backyard Foraging Paradise – October 15th at 7 PM

On Monday, October 15th at 7 PM, the Greater Newburyport Edible Garden Group (EGG) will be transported to the Food Forest Farm in Holyoke MA, where permaculturists Eric Toensmeier and Jonathan Bates designed and created a low-maintenance, sustainable food garden of perennial, poly-culture, multi purpose plants. EGG enthusiasts Deb Carey and Chaffee Monnell visited the farm and will be sharing their experiences and photos of the site. Eric Toensmeier is the author of “Perennial Vegetables” and co-author of “Edible Forest Gardens”. For a sneak preview of the site check out this video The meeting will held in the Program Room of the Newburyport Public Library at 94 State Street.

The Edible Garden Group was formed by community members who are interested in getting together to learn and share information about sustainable food growing – veggies, fruits, nuts. The meetings are focused on building community resilience through increasing the availability of safe, nutritious, sustainably-grown local food. For more information contact Deb Carey at boiester@gmail.com or 978-388-5629.

Sep 10 2012

Is Your Life Too Plastic? “Bag It” – Sept 16 at 4 PM & Sept 26 at 7 PM

In the US, it is estimated that we use 60,000 plastic bags every five seconds; most of these are thrown away. But where is “away”? Many communities and individuals have become concerned about the effects of plastic bags on our soil and water, marine life and even on extreme weather events by blocking storm drains. Simple steps can be taken by everyone to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags in our lives.

In the greater Newburyport community, a group has been formed called Citizens for Sustainable Bagging to learn more about these issues and look for ways that we can help reduce the number of plastic bags that are thrown away each day. Two meetings have been scheduled for all who would like to work on this issue. A film called “Bag It” will be shown to kick off the discussion at both meetings. “Bag It” began as a documentary film about plastic bags and evolved into an investigation of plastics and their effect on our waterways, oceans, and even our bodies. The film is appropriate for all ages and families are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

The film screening is co-sponsored by Community Resilience Circles and Transition Newburyport and will be hosted on Sunday, September 16th at 4:00 PM by the Central Congregational Church at 14 Titcomb Street in Newburyport and Wednesday, September 26th at 7:00 PM by the Amesbury Friends Meeting at 120 Friend Street in Amesbury.

Following the September 16th program at Central Congregation Church, all are invited to participate in the Local Flavor Community Potluck Picnic at 5:30 PM.

Look for the Citizens for Sustainable Bagging–Newburyport, MA Facebook page or call Janine Brunell Looker at (978) 499-8570 for more information.

Sep 10 2012

Local Flavor Potluck Picnic – Sunday, September 16th at 5:30 PM

The potluck will held at Central Congregation Church, 14 Titcomb Street and will follow the program “Bag It” which begins at 4:00 PM.

Sep 2 2012

Edible Garden Group – Monday, September 10th at 7 PM

Join the Greater Newburyport Edible Garden Group at Chaffee Monell’s for a fascinating tour of the systems he has created at his home for food growing, water and energy conservation.

The tour will highlight the solar heat harvester he built for dehydrating food in the summer and heating the house in the winter. Be sure to check out this slideshow preview.

The tour will begin at 7 PM at 7 Maplewood Avenue in Amesbury.

The Edible Garden Group was formed by community members who are interested in getting together to learn and share information about sustainable food growing – veggies, fruits, nuts. The meetings are focused on building community resilience through increasing the availability of safe, nutritious, sustainably-grown local food. To learn more visit the website at http://hyperlocavore.ning.com/group/egg and feel free to join the discussion on-line.

For more information contact Deb Carey boiester@gmail.com, 617-922-1831 or Marsha Bogart branett@comcast.net, phone 603-401-8134.

Aug 7 2012

New Community Resilience Circle Forming – Fall 2012

In January 2011, Chuck Collins of the Institute for Policy studies, gave a presentation at the First Parish Church of Newbury, sharing a new idea about small groups of people gathering together to share their stories and concerns about economic and ecological challenges.

Two such groups have formed in Newburyport since his visit and participants have found that it is a place where they can talk openly about these challenges and fears. The groups explore a new kind of security based in mutual aid and community support, and help build an economy that’s fair and in harmony with the earth.

A new group will be forming this fall. If you are interested in learning more about resilience circles visit localcircles.org. If you are interested in participating in a Newburyport area resilience circle please email Conrad Willeman clw1@mac.com.

Aug 6 2012

“Bag It” Coming to Newburyport in September