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SLUH/SLCC mission is to educate and empower our community family for a sustainable future by demonstrating the resilience of urban homesteading while contributing to the local urban food movement.
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Showing posts with label Farmer's Market. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Farmer's Market. Show all posts
FARMERS MARKET BEGINS SUNDAY JUNE 7TH
The Farmers Market begins Sunday June 7th.
The farmers market produce usually shows up in July so we have themed June as our plant month. In favor of this new tradition we are inviting all gardeners large and small with extra seedling to sell at the market this year...no table fees for the month of June. So if you sell at the farmers market for the month of June and MORE THAN HALF of what you are selling is seedlings/starts you only have to pay your $20 member fee...no table fees in June. We want to promote our community to grow their own and keep it local. You can download and print your application below.
Looking for Vendors for Farmers Maket!!
We had a great turn out our first day at Smokiam Park!! We are always looking for new vendors - Produce, Handmade Arts & Crafts, or Canned or baked goods!
August Update!!
Just an update at where we are at with the SLUH
projects. Some of you maybe wondering what is going on with the community
garden or if there is going to be a SL Farmer’s market or how to donate to the
Foodpool…
Community Garden ~
We are a rockin and a rollin!! Water is in and
land has been cleared. Our Bed making workday is Saturday August 11th
8 am to 2 pm! We will be working on making 8 beds instead of 12 this year
because we are so late in the season but will be making more beds as they are
needed. Half the community garden will have beds available for rent and the
back half will be our community’s “Giving Garden” that will feed our community
family through our food bank.
Project Coordinator
Tracy
Gardener Contact Info: tracyjayne@live.com
509-460-1040
Farmer’s Market ~
We are still working on our insurance for our
event permit with the city. We are hoping for a Fall Farmer’s Market ;-)
Project Coordinator
Candice Ruffle Contact Info: 509-264-8072
Foodpool ~
We are now taking volunteers and donations for
the Foodpool. If you are someone who would like to volunteer a Tuesday morning
to collect donations or if you have garden goodies to donate (or anything else
for that matter :) Let us know
Project Coordinator
Jennifer Peterson Contact info: SLUH@nctv.com 509-312-9826
Nonprofit status ~
Our Treasurer Brenda Ready has all our nonprofit paper work in YAY!! We will keep you all updated as Brenda teaches us the lingo haha it has been a learning experience indeed and we are so very thankful to have someone as knowledgeable as Brenda jumping the paperwork loops for us.
☼ SLUH Programs Update ☼
Community Garden ~
As of now everything
has been approved and signed by the McKay board, city council, and mayor. The
hold up is us…what a twist LOL. It seems we need our nonprofit status after
all. How it is going to work is that
the City and McKay have the lease agreement and SLUH is going to manage the
project under the city. For this to work we must have at least nonprofit
status. We will be having a fall garden class once the garden is completed and
allowing fall gardening for those who are interested.
Farmer’s Market ~
As with the Garden we
must have nonprofit status & insurance for our event permit with the city.
We are hoping for a Fall Farmer’s Market ;-)
Foodpool ~
We are now taking
volunteers and donations for the foodpool. If you are someone who would like to
volunteer a Tuesday morning to collect donations or if you have garden goodies
to donate (or anything else for that matter :) get a hold of Jennifer Peterson
– SLUH@nctv.com,
www.Facebook.com/soaplakeurbanhomesteads,
or 509-312-9826
Where we’re at ~
So as of now our SLUH
secretary is looking into all the legalities of it all to make sure we have the
right nonprofit status appropriate to operate our programs (we must come up
with the green dough as well ;-). We appreciate everyone’s patience while
remembering we are a group of volunteers wanting to make a difference in our
community and are learning as we go. A garden and farmer’s market is new to
Soap Lake and are beneficial in so many ways…and we’ll get there!!
Getting Started
Getting Started
Getting
Started
Homesteading: “Broadly defined,
homesteading is a lifestyle of simple self-sufficiency.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homesteading).
“According to author John Seymour, 'urban homesteading' incorporates
small-scale, sustainable agriculture and homemaking.” Urban homesteading is
really not much different just done in the city. Urban homesteading can refer to
anyone embracing the back to the land
movement of sustainability and self-sufficiency. The lifestyle is simple,
frugal, and rewarding on all levels of being.
We have actually named our family urban
homestead “Urbantopia.” For as long as my husband and I have been
together we have always had a vegetable garden. Each year it got bigger and
bigger. When we lived in Moses Lake we had a 10’ X 50’ veggie garden with a 25’
pumpkin patch. Since moving to Soap lake we have many veggie beds and a
greenhouse. The lifestyle has brought on a sort of domino affect of
sustainability. We homeschool our children, grow and practice herbal medicines,
soap making, candle making, sewing and so much more. The more we learn the more
want to learn as we embrace
the abundance of the natural rhythm of life ~ ♥ ~Growing Your Own Food is Empowing~
Growing your own food is empowering. For
many people this is the first step to self-sufficiency. The rewards
of growing Their own food brings on a domino affect of wanting to learn more
rewarding skills. Maybe you live in an apartment and think this kind way of life
is out of your reach but think again. Container gardening, Herbs on the window
sill, lettuce growning as a center piece on your dining room table (yes we do
this :) is one method of beating this myth. Join the Soap Lake Community Garden
Project in the process downtown. As you learn and reap the rewards of growing
your own fresh organic food you may start to think bigger because the more you
learn…the more you want to learn. You may want to learn more about raised beds,
composting, or maybe vertical gardening…trust me it is a domino
effect~
Preserving Your Harvest~
Well whatcha going to do with all that
abundance? Bet
you want to learn about food perservation now. It is amazing how much your
garden will provide. Our gardens give us enough to last us until the end of the
following spring. There are many diy root cellar projects online even methods if
you are unable to build one yourself. Canning and dehydrating are the main
sources of perserving your havest as well as some others. This will become
second nature every year as you harvest Mother Earth’s
gifts~
Urban Livestock~
You may decide that some chickens or
milking goats would really give you that nudge into true self-sufficiency.
As of May 2, 2012 SLUH has convinced the Soap Lake Committee and Mayor to allow 4 city chickens (no roosters). You can read the ordinance HERE to learn more. You can also check out the labels area or chicken page of this website to learn more about raising urban chickens.
A Frugal Life~
Frugality. To some this is a dirty word or their belief associates
it with lack. Well the contrary is true. In an urban homesteading way philosiphy
it is living a simple life of abundance through consuming less by recycling
resources while stepping a little lighter on our Earth. Many urban homesteading
take up rewarding skills and crafts such as sewing, soap making, candle making,
maybe cooking from scatch. Many go further and learn more about solar/wind
power, biking it, or bio fuels. I have a friend that recycle everything from
using tires in their garden to composting junk mail…truly go wild with your
imagination ~ your jund can become YOUR treasure~
As you poke around the website remember to check back often as we add articles. We will be adding website links in the side bar along with helpful books and magazines. This spring we will be adding Urbantopia videos of our families learnings as well…Happy Homesteading ~
SLUH Field Trip...1 pm Tuesday March 20th
 |
| Ryan Lancaster/Columbia Basin Herald |
Just a reminder of our “field trip” tomorrow :) We will be meeting at the potential community garden lot across from John’s grocery. This is a ‘no touch’ field trip…still waiting for our land usage agreement from SAMIS. We will be met by two city officials…first about 1-ish we will be measuring the lots then about 1:30 we will have someone out to help us plan for water hookup. We also will discuss bed placement…so anyone interested in these plans is welcome to join us ☼
Soap Lake supports community garden plan
Soap Lake supports community garden plan
Slated for lot near Daisy Street
 |
| Ryan Lancaster/Columbia Basin Herald |
 |
| Ryan Lancaster/Columbia Basin Herald Jennifer Peterson addresses the Soap Lake City Council Wednesday regarding a community garden and the possibility of raising chickens within the city limits. |
Posted: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 9:00 am
SOAP LAKE - The Soap Lake City Council approved the installation of a community garden on a lot near Daisy Street.
Soap Lake resident Jennifer Peterson spoke in favor of the concept in front of a crowded council chambers at the last meeting.
"This (lot) is visible from downtown and from the highway - it's an attraction both ways," she said. "The garden is meant to be a part of the community that everyone can interact with, residents and non-residents alike."
Peterson recently founded a group called Soap Lake Urban Homesteads in an effort to educate her neighbors on the benefits of a more self-sustainable lifestyle.
She asked the council to consider the garden as a park project and provide water to the site, saying she has rounded up community donations for other costs associated with the garden, which will contain about 10 to 12 plots.
While Peterson didn't have estimates for what it would cost the city to bring water to the site, Moses Lake Park Superintendent Roland Gonzales said that city spends about $1,300 a year on water for a community garden with about 70 plots. He added the cost is offset by a modest per-season charge to gardeners of $5-$25, depending on plot size.
Councilman John Glassco said he'd support the Soap Lake garden as long as the city puts a water meter at the site, which he estimated would cost about $300.
Councilwoman Crystal Lindgren was meanwhile concerned with how the garden would be protected from vandals, to which Peterson said the plan is to keep it open for now and look at installing a fence when funds become available.
"Moses Lake went for years without fencing. It was just this last year they started having problems with gleaning," said Mayor Raymond Gravelle.
Gravelle said he's spoken with a representative of the Samis Foundation, the group that owns the land, and received tentative approval for at least a portion of the lot to be used for the garden.
The space will be more than just a collection of rented plots, according to Peterson, who said it could be used as a gathering place for classes on topics like gardening or healthy eating, and it would house a regular farmer's market.
A certain portion of the land would be dedicated to growing produce for the Soap Lake Food Bank, she added.
Peterson was joined at Wednesday's meeting by Grant County Health District Administrator Jeff Ketchel, who said he was thrilled to learn about Peterson's efforts from Soap Lake Mayor Raymond Gravelle.
"I said, 'Wow, that sounds really exciting. That's something the health district really wants to be a part of,'" he recalled. "One of the aspects of a healthy community is healthy eating, and while healthy eating is often a personal choice, it is also a community choice."
Ketchel introduced Wendy Brzezny, a nurse with the health district who will act as a "healthy community consultant" to help organize projects such as the community gardens in Soap Lake and Ephrata.
Community gardens have proven to build healthier communities, Brzezny said, pointing to studies showing they increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, encourage activity and help provide food security and access to citizens.
"About 65 percent of adults in Grant County are either overweight or obese," she said. "We're trying to initiate things to help increase activity and healthy eating. (Community gardens) are ideal places where neighbors can gather to cultivate vegetables, fruits and friends."
In order to be sustainable, Brzezny said community gardens must have the backing of local governments.
Gravelle asked how many people in the audience, of about 40, were in support of the idea. Nearly everyone raised a hand.
"That's a pretty strong show of hands there," he said.
The council passed the measure unanimously with an amendment to have the Samis Foundation give their final OK before any ground breaking is planned.
Soap Lake resident Jennifer Peterson spoke in favor of the concept in front of a crowded council chambers at the last meeting.
"This (lot) is visible from downtown and from the highway - it's an attraction both ways," she said. "The garden is meant to be a part of the community that everyone can interact with, residents and non-residents alike."
Peterson recently founded a group called Soap Lake Urban Homesteads in an effort to educate her neighbors on the benefits of a more self-sustainable lifestyle.
She asked the council to consider the garden as a park project and provide water to the site, saying she has rounded up community donations for other costs associated with the garden, which will contain about 10 to 12 plots.
While Peterson didn't have estimates for what it would cost the city to bring water to the site, Moses Lake Park Superintendent Roland Gonzales said that city spends about $1,300 a year on water for a community garden with about 70 plots. He added the cost is offset by a modest per-season charge to gardeners of $5-$25, depending on plot size.
Councilman John Glassco said he'd support the Soap Lake garden as long as the city puts a water meter at the site, which he estimated would cost about $300.
Councilwoman Crystal Lindgren was meanwhile concerned with how the garden would be protected from vandals, to which Peterson said the plan is to keep it open for now and look at installing a fence when funds become available.
"Moses Lake went for years without fencing. It was just this last year they started having problems with gleaning," said Mayor Raymond Gravelle.
Gravelle said he's spoken with a representative of the Samis Foundation, the group that owns the land, and received tentative approval for at least a portion of the lot to be used for the garden.
The space will be more than just a collection of rented plots, according to Peterson, who said it could be used as a gathering place for classes on topics like gardening or healthy eating, and it would house a regular farmer's market.
A certain portion of the land would be dedicated to growing produce for the Soap Lake Food Bank, she added.
Peterson was joined at Wednesday's meeting by Grant County Health District Administrator Jeff Ketchel, who said he was thrilled to learn about Peterson's efforts from Soap Lake Mayor Raymond Gravelle.
"I said, 'Wow, that sounds really exciting. That's something the health district really wants to be a part of,'" he recalled. "One of the aspects of a healthy community is healthy eating, and while healthy eating is often a personal choice, it is also a community choice."
Ketchel introduced Wendy Brzezny, a nurse with the health district who will act as a "healthy community consultant" to help organize projects such as the community gardens in Soap Lake and Ephrata.
Community gardens have proven to build healthier communities, Brzezny said, pointing to studies showing they increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, encourage activity and help provide food security and access to citizens.
"About 65 percent of adults in Grant County are either overweight or obese," she said. "We're trying to initiate things to help increase activity and healthy eating. (Community gardens) are ideal places where neighbors can gather to cultivate vegetables, fruits and friends."
In order to be sustainable, Brzezny said community gardens must have the backing of local governments.
Gravelle asked how many people in the audience, of about 40, were in support of the idea. Nearly everyone raised a hand.
"That's a pretty strong show of hands there," he said.
The council passed the measure unanimously with an amendment to have the Samis Foundation give their final OK before any ground breaking is planned.
- Posted in News on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 9:00 am.
MARCH 7H SOAP LAKE CITY COUNCIL MEETING UPDATE!!!
BOTH PASSED!!!!!!!!!! it was as packed as when the mayor was sworn in! it was amazing!!! We still have to work out the water issue for the garden but it is just details. All memebers voted yes for the garden and farmer's market. For the new ordinance change it was 5/2!! pretty good. So an ordinance will be drawn up and presented for a public hearing I think for the 21st council meeting. i will check with the mayor to make sure I have that right. This is only the begining...it is time to get a rockin and rollin...We need to get a strong SLUH committee going i would like to have it actually on the list of city councils...what do you think? I am so excited!
Soap Lake Community Garden and Farmer’s Market Proposal
Soap Lake Community Garden and Farmer’s Market will be located behind the food bank across from John’s grocery. Visible from the highway and downtown Soap Lake this is attraction for both tourist and locals alike. Creating a gathering place for healthy fun activity, gardening, growing and buying fresh food, and learning gardening and healthy eating tips through volunteer classes.
We are asking the council to vote on the use of the plot to home a community garden and farmer’s market. The plot is already leased by the city and we are told, takes little adjusting to fit the requirements to home both the garden and market. It is understood some “paperwork hoops” must be jumped to meet city and insurance guidelines.
The Moses Lake Community Garden and Ephrata Community garden’s water usage is paid by the city and we are asking The city of Soap lake to also pay water usage for the our community.
Community Garden
Jim Baird of CloudView EcoFarms has generously offered to help sponsored this project with the help of materials for the ten 4 X 12 beds. We already have volunteers for building the beds and five beds already requested. The Soap Lake Urban Homesteads Committee will be holding continues fundraisers to help with the garden’s growing needs. $10 seasonal deposits will be required per bed. As funds become available so will more resources such as a future garden shed and tools.
Farmer’s Market
The farmer’s market will be open from the first Saturday of June until the last Saturday of October 8 am to 12 pm. Fees:
v Membership annual fee……………………………………$20.00
v Daily stall fee” Fresh produce, Bakers, etc………………..$10.00
v Crafters…………………………………………………….$5.00
v Educational booth…………………………………………No Fee
v Youth (under 18)………………………………………….No Fee
“Vendors” will be required to sign a responsibility agreement.
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