June 2023 Newsletter
Happy Father's Day
June means we're celebrating Father's Day and all the dads who have made an impact in our lives. Whether they lend a hand, crack a joke, or offer some good advice, they've got that special knack for making us feel safe and loved. Past or present, father or father figure, thank you for helping shape us into the people we are today. Happy Father's Day!
(above: the dads of team NaramataSlow)
Naramata Community Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 4-7 pm, Manitou Park
Get ready to embrace the laid-back vibes of summer at the Community Farmer's Market! Come take a stroll through Manitou Park, where time slows down and worries melt away. Immerse yourself in the sights, smells, and tastes of locally sourced produce, handcrafted treasures, and refreshing wines and spirits. Take a moment to unwind and savour dinner from one of the food trucks, while enjoying the tunes of talented local musicians.
Every Wednesday from 4-7 pm, join us for a leisurely celebration that embodies the essence of community. We invite you to come and relax with us in the company of friends and neighbors. Savor the simple pleasures that summer brings.
Want to help out? The NaramataSlow Farmers Market Committee is seeking enthusiastic volunteers who are willing and able to help with market set-up or take-down. For more information on how to get involved, please email narmataslow@gmail.com
A Naramata Cookbook
It may have been slow going – but it’s happening!
From the very first Harvest Supper in 2016, our Community Group has wanted to immortalize the amazing foodstuffs that Naramata inspires. It is finally coming together. Based around our community potluck Harvest Supper in the fall, the book will include recipes and stories inspired by the ingredients and traditions of Naramata.
We have accumulated some recipes, but we want more. What have you made in past years for the fall potluck? Do you place a jar of jam or pickles on the Preserve Swap table? Maybe you have another seasonal recipe that lets local ingredients shine, your go-to recipe when gathering with family or friends? We are accepting recipes that reflect the food on your table at any season.
So root through your recipe cards and send us your favorites. The recipes will need to feature or include at least one local ingredient or food product. This is your chance for your recipe (and you as a contributor) to be immortalized forever in a uniquely Naramata cookbook!
Email naramataslow@gmail.com with your ideas and your recipes. We’ll be sorting through them this summer, with photoshoots in Sept and October.
Neighborhood Small Grants
South Okanagan Similkameen
Congratulations to the Naramata community members who applied for and were awarded 3 neighborhood small grants in support of NaramataSlow principles, fostering healthy living and building community.
What is a Neighborhood Small Grant?
Small amounts of money can bring big changes. NSG projects create opportunities for neighbors to learn, share skills, and create workshops to benefit their community. These projects are no-charge and open to all.
With these grants, we are thrilled to offer three exciting events in the upcoming months:
Laneway Flowering Project
Dark Sky movie night
Naramata School/Family Garden shut down workbee and celebration.
The first of the workshops will be:
The Laneway Flowering Workshop
355 Richie Avenue, Naramata
June 24, 9:30 - 12:00
This project promotes using the laneways as safe routes, and encourages community by offering places to stop and chat outside of traffic. By planting beautiful plants instead of having weeds grow we can avoid the use of pesticides. It is designed to bring like-minded people together who enjoy gardening and want to learn more about low effort/low water plant options in our area and how to propagate them.
For more information please email nicolehackworth0@gmail.com
Watch for future workshops in the upcoming months!
Chefs in the Classroom - Wrap Up
On June 12, the Chefs in the Classroom program concluded with an awesome field trip to Bella Wines and Farm. The students walked to Bella, where they learned about the principles of regenerative and biodynamic farming. They had the privilege of exploring the grounds of Bella Wines, including the chicken coop, while indulging in scrumptious homemade biscuits. Jay Drysdale kindly shared his culinary expertise, farm and garden knowledge, and the children had the joy of observing piglets, chickens, as well as an array of vegetables and fruit trees. Thanks Jay & Wendy!
The event concluded with a Chefs in the Classroom Graduation ceremony, during which the young chefs were presented with certificates and commemorative photos. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Chef Evan Roberson from Hillside Bistro, along with the four dedicated volunteers who committed their time to provide six in-class, two-hour sessions every week. These sessions focused on imparting invaluable lessons in gardening, nutrition, and cooking. Chefs in the Classroom is a NaramataSlow sponsored initiative which fosters healthy living, community involvement, and sustainable food through educational gatherings.
Permaculture Farm Garden
The Naramata Permaculture Farm Garden is a community garden and public space in Naramata. The garden is located on the grounds of the local Naramata Centre. Established in 2019, the garden is a community space to observe and learn from nature, grow healthy food and provide habitat for birds and other species. In addition to extensive vegetable gardens, the green space features grasslands and a food forest with native trees and shrubs.
The Permaculture Garden is offering tours and Garden talks, providing valuable insights into the permaculture approach. These events will take place every Tuesday, starting from July 4th and continuing until August 29th, from 6:15 pm to 7:00 pm. We warmly invite you to drop by, engage in conversations, and discover the wonders of the garden. For further inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us via email at naramatapermaculture@gmail.com.
Dark Sky Designation
NaramataSlow continues on our quest to have Naramata designated an International Dark Sky Community. An IDA International Dark Sky Community is a town, city, or municipality that has shown exceptional dedication to the preservation of the night sky through the implementation and enforcement of a quality outdoor lighting ordinance, dark sky education and citizen support of dark skies.
Artificial Lights Disrupt the World’s Ecosystems
Nocturnal animals sleep during the day and are active at night. Light pollution radically alters their nighttime environment by turning night into day.According to research scientist Christopher Kyba, for nocturnal animals, “the introduction of artificial light probably represents the most drastic change human beings have made to their environment. Predators use light to hunt, and prey species use darkness as cover,” Kyba explains. “Near cities, cloudy skies are now hundreds, or even thousands of times brighter than they were 200 years ago. We are only beginning to learn what a drastic effect this has had on nocturnal ecology.” Glare from artificial lights can also impact wetland habitats that are home to amphibians such as frogs and toads, whose nighttime croaking is part of the breeding ritual. Artificial lights disrupt this nocturnal activity, interfering with reproduction and reducing populations.
Dark Sky Friendly Home Lighting Program
Do you know if your home lighting is community and night sky friendly? Most people will find that a few simple changes can lead to lighting that is both beautiful and functional, without contributing to excessive light pollution. There are Five Principles for Improving Outdoor Lighting At Home. This month we will look at Principle #1:
Does the Light Serve a Clear and Necessary Purpose?
Light is useful for safe way-finding and to help perform specific tasks. The example above illustrates the difference between dark sky friendly and unfriendly lighting. If you find that lights on your property are not necessary or useful, remove or disable them so that they are not accidentally turned on and use them only when needed.
Stay tuned for more tips as we endeavour to protect the habitat of our native animals by protecting our night skies.
Centre Beach Dedication - Delayed
Three years ago, our vibrant community united in an extraordinary fundraising endeavour to secure Centre Beach for the benefit of future generations. However, in keeping with our principle of embracing the unhurried pace, the commissioned commemorative art installation is nearing its final stages. We are wholeheartedly committed to making this occasion a truly exceptional one that reflects the spirit of our community. We eagerly anticipate announcing the forthcoming date when we can come together to celebrate this remarkable achievement. Please stay tuned for updates!
The Give & Take Hub
Introducing the Give & Take Hub, a community board designed to foster a sense of neighbourhood and address local needs. Individuals can submit their specific requests enabling others to step forward and donate their seldom used objects. Need canning jars? An old computer? A power tool? Post here. Together, we can make a significant impact, keep items out of the landfill, and build a stronger community one act of kindness at a time. To post your need, email us at naramataslow@gmail.com.
~WANTED~
Naramata Permaculture looking for a couple of hard rakes and a pitch fork. If you can donate any item, please email naramatapermaculture@gmail.com
