By Jackie Miller
Sonnenschein Green Initiative sponsored the Green Evening Café last Tuesday, July 29 at 6 p.m. at the Emporium Café. The focus for the evening was Buying Local. Doors opened at 5:30 for the Sonnenschein Marketplace, where local farmers, entrepreneurs and vendors offered locally made and grown products, pastured meat, hand-made items, canned and baked goods, and health & beauty products.
Cassandra Warner led an open discussion around gardening. She reminded us that now is the time to start planting fall gardens – greens and fall potatoes.
Becky Jane Newbold, Publisher of Validity Magazine, lead the discussion about Local Food and Regionalism. According to Merriam-Webster, Regionalism is an “interest in or loyalty to a particular region.” That means supporting our local region, our local farmers and our local businesses. That support helps build and maintain a strong local economy. Becky has networked with local farmers, herbalists, artisans, and businesses across Middle Tennessee, and she made the point that many of the products of everyday life can be bought in our local area to promote regionalism, rather than going out of town to shop. She also discussed the community, environmental, and economic benefits of supporting our local farmers.
Antonia Meadors, owner of Wild Duck Soup Emporium in Centerville, shared how Hickman County is supporting their local farms and artisans with their annual “Arts & Ag Tour” during Memorial Day Weekend. See their website for more information at http://artsandagtour.wordpress.com/arts-ag-tour/.
A special treat this month was Early Summer Potluck Extravaganza! Everyone brought their favorite dishes, based on harvest from their gardens or local farms. Many brought examples of their own garden harvests – to show off and sell!
The Tennessee Association of Crafters is opening a new chapter in our area. For more information, contact Sarah at 931-242-6969.
Glinda Watts, an Herbalist that has just moved into the area, has scheduled a Plant Walk up in Pinewood, TN on Saturday, August 16th. Please contact Glinda at 901-647-4097 for more information. Glinda will speak to us briefly at the August meeting about harvesting Elderberries, and at the September meeting, will discuss how to make Elderberry Rob with the berries that have been harvested.
The next Green Evening will be Tuesday, August 26 at 6 p.m. at the Emporium Café. The theme for the evening will be Emergency Preparedness – specifically 72 hour kits. There will be an open discussion – “What’s In Your Bug-out Bag?” Doors will open at 5:30 for the Sonnenschein Marketplace. We hope to see you there! For more information, contact Jackie at 931-729-3694.