Happy Election Day!
There’s a lot going on, and yes, sometimes things just seem bleak. But as a permaculturist knows, with challenges come opportunities. And in that spirit, I’m offering this weekly roundup as a way to focus on solutions and highlight the bright spots. So let me know how it hits. Share it with a friend if you want. (Even introverts can share info. We’re proving that right now.) Let’s reach out and connect the bright spots. Because who knows? If enough connections are made, we might just find ourselves in the light.
Local Opportunities:
1) November is when we start sharing meals with Rod’s House. We cook for 18, and the ever talented Nona Schulz has again signed up as our bread maker. If you’re interested in providing a meal yourself or with a group of your own, do visit the link (above or below) to sign up. It’s very easy and there are several options for group size and location.
Our menu this week is porcupine meatballs, fall salad (recipe below), raisin bran apple crisp and homemade bread and jam.
Fall Salad: sweet potatoes, bacon bits, kale, buckwheat groats (sub other whole grains), pecans + honey & olive oil drizzle, salt & pepper
To make: Bake sweet potatoes, cook bacon, steam kale, steam grain (I like buckwheat because it’s earthy and hardy. Steam it on stove, like rice. Keep the heat low.) Cool everything, dice to bite size, add to groats. Drizzle with 1 tbsp each of honey & olive oil and add sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2) The nonprofit organization ELLA will host a free community screening of its documentary The Price of Plenty – Voices of the Yakima Valley on Friday, Nov. 7, at the Grand Cinemas Yakima Valley in Sunnyside, 5-8PM.
“Our film uplifts voices from the Lower Yakima Valley impacted by pollution and environmental injustice. 💧 Highlighting the science, history, and community action behind contamination and health risks. 🌱 Featuring local advocates and leaders working toward a healthier, more just future.” –Ella
RSVP REQUIRED / SE REQUIERE RSVP
📱 Text your name, number & occupation to / Envía tu nombre, número y ocupación al (541) 626-6350 • or / o • 🎟️ Register on Eventbrite / Regístrate en Eventbrite
3) There’s a new crop of kids’ books in the Ehler Rd book stand + We’ve just stocked the 6$ bookshelf at at Cūriōsitās in Glenwood Square. Stop by and pick up your next read!
Around the State:
If your head is still in the garden and you’re already planning for next year, mark your calendars for Native Planting 101, a zoom workshop offered in March. In the meantime, you can check out the recordings from the learning series, offered by Cascade Conservation District in Chelan County. P.S. Don’t miss the resource list at the bottom of the page. It’s a gold mine!
In the News:
Blending solar power into farms could revolutionize food, energy production in Washington
“Researchers said the approach is particularly promising for perennial fruiting crops like apples and berries, with half of the identified land being orchards in central and eastern Washington.” (Source: KOMO News)
and
Rooting for the steelhead and salmon, life lessons can be learned from the spectacle in nature “It makes you scream,” said Duca. “It’s like watching a whale breach for the first time. When I first saw a whale breach, it’s just so phenomenal. And to see them against all odds trying to get up against all that water, it’s a phenomenal thing.” (Source: The Reflector)
National and International Focus:
Looking for large, high impact organizations to join? Check out UNA (United Nations Association)-USA and United Plant Savers. They’re connecting people from all over to build a better world for all.
Podcast recommendations: Here are a few that have piqued our interest this week.
1. The Future Requires a Politics of Relationality from Frontiers of Commoning: A monthly conversation with creative activists pioneering new forms of commoning.
2. The Art of Peaceful Protest in America with Olivia Negron from Defense of Democracy
3. How Nature Heals Us from Hidden Brain
4. Fela Kuti: Fear No Man
Post Script: Winter’s a comin’. I’ve been reading. And playing the guitar. I’ve started making kefir and am looking forward to kefir cheese. What are you working on? How are you embracing this hibernation season? Let me know.
Maria
