February 2022 Newsletter
Naramata Community Farmers Market Returns
The market is returning to Manitou Park in June! This year we are looking at adding improvements to make it even better than ever. Want to get in on the action? If you're a vendor looking for a booth or a volunteer who'd like to pitch in and lend a hand, we'd love to hear from you. Please contact us at naramataslowmarket@gmail.com and meet you at the Market!
Naramata Child Development Centre
Thank you Naramata for Making Futures Bright! It felt a bit like a Christmas miracle, but in fact it was the support of an engaged and caring Community. Almost $14,000 was raised for the Childcare Centre in less than 30 days. A huge thank you for every donation, large and small. Collectively these donations have allowed the Childcare Centre to bridge their gap and offer a competitive and comprehensive benefit package, so deserving to those who are caring for our youngest Naramatians.
Our work here is not done. Let’s ensure the Centre remains an integral part of Naramata for another 40 years. How can you help:
Become an Advisory Board Member – Have you been involved in running not-for-profits or other businesses in the past? Or were you involved in Early Childhood Education? Your wisdom and experience would be a huge asset.
Provide long term rental accommodation for staff - Do you have an unused suite in your house or would you like to a roommate? Accessing affordable housing is a major barrier for retaining staff. These are dedicated, working and qualified potential tenants, roommates and friends.
If you can assist with housing or advising please email vanmiddendorpwill@gmail.com
International Dark Sky Association
Recognizing the fragility of the night sky and the importance to our Community, NaramataSlow Community Group is currently investigating the designation of Naramata as an Official Dark Sky Community through the International Dark Sky Association with the endorsement of “Area E”, Regional District of Okanagan and Similkameen (RDOS) Director Karla Kozakevich.
Official designation would render Naramata only the second community in Canada to achieve this designation, with numerous benefits from environmental to social to economic resulting.
We are reaching out to other community groups and community members that support the idea of Dark Sky designation, to write a letter of support. Please email your letters of (and or ideas, questions and comments) to darkskynaramata@gmail.com
Our Naramata skies are so beautiful at night – let's ensure that we can preserve and pass this important connection to the natural world, to all future Naramatians big and small. People, plants and animals all depend on Earth’s daily cycle of light and dark rhythm to govern life-sustaining behaviours.
Photo credit: Preserved Light Photography
Earth Day, April 22, 2022
Get ready for a Spring outdoor community event celebrating Earth Day! NaramataSlow and the Naramata Community Association are partnering up to bring you some fun and educational activities designed to take care of our environment. This years Earth Day theme is "Invest in our Planet" focusing on climate change, sustainability, decreasing waste and restoring environment. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks!
