Monday, March 18, 2024

Amazing Benefit Dinner for Farmer Foodshare


Chef Netta Edwards and Daughter Amaranth

Over the past few years, a group of people from both Elderberry and Potluck Community Farm (adjacent to Elderberry) have been meeting regularly to explore ways to actively live our values.  The group is called Living Rightly on Earth, and one area of focus over the past two years has been supporting our local farmers.  Members of the group have visited farms and listened to the needs of farmers, volunteered at the Spring Forest farm, jointly joined a CSA, written letters in support of farm-friendly legislation, and more.  As part of this effort, we decided to do a benefit fundraiser for Farmer Foodshare, a wonderful not-for-profit whose mission is Fresh, Local Food for All.  They assist small farmers by buying their farm-fresh products and selling for them to places like schools & universities, grocery stores & co-op markets, and restaurants.  Surplus produce is boxed and donated to people in need. 


Hosting this dinner was a true community effort!  Community members helped in so many ways.  Vonda and Don helped before the dinner by being chef assistants for the food prep.  Others helped with menu design, set-up of the space, clean-up during and after the event, music, greeting guests, serving food and drink, managing invitations and donations, and loaning chairs, silverware and glasses (we had 37 guests.... we don't have enough of anything to serve that many!).  It all came together beautifully, and everyone enjoyed the evening.

The food was all donated or discounted from 14 local farms, and from Farmer Foodshare.  Chef Netta put together an amazing 5-course meal.

 

Before the dessert course, Hillary Bruce from Farmer Foodshare gave a short presentation about all the great things the organization does, and Mary presented her with the donations we raised from the event.  After our expenses, we were able to donate almost $5,000.  It was a lovely night of great food, and great generosity on the part of all involved--- Netta & family, volunteer helpers, farmers and donors.







Sunday, September 10, 2023

Elderberry Arts & Crafts Show and Sale: September 23, 2 - 4 pm

Saturday, September 23, 2 - 4 pm

Elderberry Cohousing Community
60 Elderberry Lane, Rougemont

Rain or shine – at our log cabin and common house.


Come enjoy a rare chance to see and buy local art and crafts made by members of Elderberry Cohousing and friends! 

These will include barn quilts, pottery, jewelry, potted native plants, original printed cards, painted rocks, crocheted handbags, semi-precious stones, wood carvings, and wall art of tiny paper quilts, crocheted hangings, and resin art canvases. 

Please bring CASH or CHECKS if you wish to purchase something.


Some of the craftspeople displaying art:


Mike: Barn quilts and 

framed cut paper quilts




Richard: Native potted plants 

from Elderberry’s nursery





Meredith: Resin art and painted stones 




Mary: Eclectic surprises 

(maybe print & sewing projects) 

for barter





Kate: Hand built pottery and 

polymer clay jewelry





Jamie: Crochet art





Wyatt Davis: 

Native American stone pipes, 

stone pendants, carved walking sticks and 

canes, and wood-burned artwork on
keepsake and jewelry boxes




Vonda: 

Spinning wheel and weaving demonstration



Margery:  

Original printed cards with images 

of her collages, 

handmade gift certificates
for massages, and small framed collages.



Becky and Ken: 

Native American artifacts,
bone knives and hand-cured leather,
including hides and furs



Lorie: 

Variously cut semi-precious stones



Maggie: 

Home-canned items (figs, pickles), 

plants, vintage jewelry


Dale:

Kombucha to share and
some jars of scoby to give away



There will also be tours of Elderberry. And folks will be demonstrating their work and happily talking about the crafts and art they enjoy!  


Please join us!