Ahimsa Village: Community News & Events

2010 Summer Camp - Registration Open!!!!

2010-06-10T21:04:00.000-07:00

Launching "The Local Fresh Food Alliance" - Bald Eagle Valley by Rosalind McIntosh

2010-05-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

It is about looking at who we are, our talents, delights, and experience, and matching it with the need at this time and place.

Or as Roshi Bernie Glassman says, "Look in the refrigerator to find how to cook the meal!" (Or perhaps look out the back door if you have come to our "How to Make and Grow Your Own Raised-Bed Vegetable Garden" free demonstration workshop on Saturday May 22, 2010!)

So we take great pleasure in launching for the enjoyment of many --

Opening mid-June the community Green Shop!

2010-05-19T20:43:00.000-07:00

Our Local Fresh Food Alliance project is opening in mid-June The Green Shop, a farm stand on Rte 220 Alt near the glider port. It serves as a community outlet for local produce, plants, flowers, crafts, baked goods, products of Teen Entrepreneurs, and as a yard sale. Vendors and customers wanted!

Surplus produce is donated to local food banks, shelters, and soup kitchens.

Voluntary work is available, and for unemployed persons, there is work in exchange for produce or pay.

Next to the Green Shop is our 8' x 4' demonstration raised-bed garden, showing how much produce can be grown in a small closely planted area on top of any surface. The free demonstration workshop building this garden happens this Saturday, May 22, 1 to 3 pm. Please phone Deb 814 353 1270.

Being a Worry Buster – Neighbors Helping Neighbors by Rosalind McIntosh

2010-05-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

Kelle is now a "Worry Buster"

Who said “Hey! Isn’t this just the best thing we’ve done in a while?”

Members of Appalachian Zen House joined a dozen members of Martha and Julian United Methodist Churches for a morning of work for neighbors who had requested assistance - weeding a steep bank and covering it with a mulch with strong whisky aroma, shifting furniture, using donated carpet to mulch a nursery of young trees intended for the ball park, painting shutters, and cleaning up the community garden.

Summer Camp Assistant Wanted

2010-05-11T08:26:00.001-07:00

Ahimsa Village is seeking a summer camp assistant for the 2010 Summer Camp. Support teens in building environmental and community awareness. Compensation: Stipend and garden produce. Details at http://www.ahimsavillage.org/images/summer_camp_asst.jpg.jpg

To learn more about the Ahimsa Summer Camp visit the 2009 web page at http://www.ahimsavillage.org/summercamp/

Make and Grow your Own Raised Bed Gardening Workshop - May 22, 2010

2010-05-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

Free demonstration workshop to be held at Julian Woods Community, Julian, PA on Saturday from 1-3pm. Contact Deb Fisher at 814-353-1270 to reserve your spot. Details at http://www.appalachianzenhouse.org/images/raised_bed_workshop_color.jpg

Intentional Community and Success: Lecture by Bob Flatley on Friday, April 30, 2010 at 7:30PM

2010-04-27T21:29:00.000-07:00

Cooperative living makes a lot of practical sense in terms of saving resources, maximizing return on labor, and building synergistic relationships. However, it has been estimated that 9 out of 10 intentional communities in the United States fail within the first few years. Why do some communities succeed while others fail? What factors characterize successful intentional communities? This talk presents research on these questions through a historical review of major intentional communities, a review of the literature and a survey of people currently living in intentional community.

Bob Flatley has been researching intentional communities for over 20 years. He is a long-time member of the School of Living and a founding member of Ahimsa Village, an intentional community startup near State College, PA.

Upcoming Events in April

2010-03-30T09:53:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends: There are a lot of great programs happening in April. Please check out our web site for the latest details.

April 2 Friday,at 7:30PM, Showing of For the Next Seven Generations film followed by discussion at Ahimsa Village. For more details go to http://www.forthenext7generations.com/. Please RSVP to bob@ahimsavillage.org if planning to attend.

April 3 Saturday at 7:30PM, Kirtan and the Dances of Universal Peace at O-An Zendo, Julian. For more details go to http://oanzendo.org/schedule.html or call 234-1449.

April 21 Wednesday at 7:30, Transition Town State College presents film showing and discussion of "The Power of Community" at the Friends Meeting House, State College. More details to follow. Contact Jackie Bonomo at jabonomo@verizon.net

April 30 Friday at 7:30PM, Lecture by Bob Flatley: Characteristics of Success: An Investigation of the Factors Associated with Success in Intentional Communities. More details will be posted at www.ahimsavillage.org

News Flash: March 28, 2010 - two Transition Town initiatives are getting underway in Centre County - Transition Town State College and Transition Town Bald Eagle Valley. Click here to read article on our blog.

To get involved with TT State College contact Bill Sharp at bsharple@comcast.net

To get involved with TT Bald Eagle contact Deb Fisher at dflowersjulian@gmail.com

TRANSITION CENTRE: From Oil Dependence to Local Resilience by Bill Sharp

2010-03-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

Transition Towns is underway in Centre County. A steering group of a dozen is meeting at Ahimsa to found Transition Initiatives in Bald Eagle Valley and in State College. Several other Central Pennsylvania communities are starting to move in this direction.

The goal of the Transition Towns Response is to preemptively adapt to energy scarcity, climate change and growing economic instability. Our goals are to dramatically reduce dependence upon fossil fuels, develop strong local communities, promote our capacity to meet more of our needs locally, achieving a harmony with the environment and leave a legacy of sustainable living for our descendants.

The Transition Response was started in Ireland in 2005 by permaculturalist Rob Hopkins. Rob moved to England where he developed the Transition Towns model published in his guide for forming local initiates, The Transition Handbook. Transition US was founded in December 2008 and Transition Centre in March of 2009. There are now over 265 recognized Transition Town projects (sixty-one of which are in the US) in sixteen countries and many hundreds more forming.

Three of us recently attended a weekend Transition Training and have returned home ready to support the launch of Transition Towns in central Pennsylvania. We are in the process of apply for formal Transition Iniative Status.

You will find our web site at www.transitioncentre.org

Top "Cleanest" Fruits and Vegetables in the Produce Section

2010-03-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

Like the dirty dozen of produce, there is a list of the top cleanest produce you can purchase that is not organic. These are least likely to contain pesticide residue.

Here's the Cleanest:
Bananas
Kiwi
Mangos
Papaya
Pineapples
Watermelons
Asparagus
Avocado
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Corn
Onions
Peas

When organic is not available, here's some tips to protect you from "non-organic" produce:

Buy fresh vegetables and fruits in season.
Trim tops and the very outer portions of celery, lettuce, cabbages, and other leafy vegetables that may contain the bulk of pesticide residues.
Peel and cook when appropriate, even though some nutrients and fiber are lost in the process.
Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. This would limit exposure to any one type of pesticide residue.
Wait until just before preparation to wash or immerse your produce in clean water. When appropriate, scrub with a brush.
Special soaps or washes are not needed and could be harmful to you, depending on their ingredients. Read the label!

From the Berks Conservancy Green blog - http://berksconservancy.blogspot.com/

AZH Update by Steve Kanji Ruhl

2010-02-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

Appalachian Zen House (www.appalachianzenhouse.org) is enjoying a busy and productive season.

As part of our "Green Appalachia" program, we're involved with the Garden Starters project (please see Bill Sharp's report in this AVC newsletter), which is receiving enthusiastic interest from two other Centre County organizations that we're involved with through our "Many Paths, One Heart" multi-faith outreach -- the Interfaith Mission and Interfaith Power and Light.

Through our work with the Interfaith Mission, the Appalachian Zen House is participating in a blanket drive to help low-income people keep warm this winter; we also provide emergency fuel assistance, overnight shelter for homeless people in Centre County, recycled furniture, and other assistance. We're the first Buddhist congregation in the Interfaith Mission's 40-year history, and we've been warmly welcomed by the Christian and Jewish congregations. Kanji serves on the board, and he and Jiko regularly attend meetings. Member congregations of the Interfaith Mission have expressed interest in possibly doing Garden Starter projects at their churches.

Through our work with Interfaith Power and Light, a national organization focused on religious responses to global warming and climate change, Appalachian Zen House has helped to organize the first Pennsylvania chapter, and we are currently developing local environmental projects at Penn State and in the State College area. Kanji and Jiko serve on the steering committee and represent Buddhists in the otherwise Christian and Jewish membership. Again, our participation has been met with warm hospitality. Our Interfaith Power and Light group has expressed interest in endorsing and supporting the Garden Starters initiative.

Also, we soon will begin advertising nationally on the website of the Zen Peacemakers Order for a person to coordinate our Bald Eagle Bio-Fuels program, and also for a farm manager to run the No Harm Farm community-sustained agriculture initiative at Ahimsa Village.

We also have been in contact recently with our supportive friends and neighbors, the Mount Equity Zendo in Pennsdale, PA. The resident monk there, Daishin, is interested in our Bald Eage Bio-Fuels project. Also, the abbess, Dai-En Bennage roshi -- one of the first American women ever ordained as a Zen monastic in Japan, a major figure in international Soto Zen Buddhism, the only authorized Zen teacher in central Pennsylvania, and one of Kanji's teachers -- is featured in the current issue of our Zen Peacemakers Order electronic newsletter, "Socially Engaged Buddhism," speaking of her work in the federal prison at Lewisburg. The Appalachian Zen House is grateful for the friendship of our dharma brothers and sisters at Mt. Equity Zendo.

Jiko is currently working on projects in New Zealand and will return at the beginning of April; she'll assume directorship of Appalachian Zen House in June. Kanji, meanwhile, is training intensively for preceptorship in the Zen Peacemakers Order, assisting his girlfriend Myoki in her studies as head trainee during the Montague Farm Zendo ango period in Massachusetts, and preparing for his new job there as director of the seminary training program and the residence program, which commences in early summer.

Floating Lotus Zendo continues to offer authentic and formally authorized Zen training at Ahimsa Village each Saturday morning; all are welcome.

Garden Starters Program by Bill Sharp

2010-02-07T14:14:00.000-08:00

Garden Starters was organized just a few months ago as a vegetable garden project to support new food gardens and gardeners. We are working with Clearwater Conservancy, Spring Creek Watershed Association, Master Gardeners, and a growing list of other groups in and around State College.

To help groups and individuals grow their own fresh food, we plan workshops on making, planting, and maintaining gardens; and cooking and canning food. We will offer mentors, a demonstration garden, and seasonal celebrations. Materials to make gardens, tools, and plants will be provided to those in need. We will present raised-bed gardens for paved areas, the less mobile, and elderly. Involvement of children, youth and families is sought.

The benefits of gardening are many including: self-sufficiency, reduced food bills, fresh vegetables at the peak of their nutritional value, secure food, improved health, a delightful past-time, and having something delicious to share and exchange with neighbors.

We meet twice monthly at Clearwater Conservancy. All are welcome. If you would like information please contact Bill Sharp at bsharple@comcast.net.

Reflections on Green Buddhism Talk by Bill Sharp

2010-02-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of attending a presentation by Steve Kanji Ruhl on Green Buddhism at Ahimsa on December 12, 2009.

For those who may not know Kanji, allow me to draw briefly on his biography. Kanji, born and raised in Central Pennsylvania, has roots in this soil. His academic prowess was evident: He has a MA in Divinity from Harvard. He is a writer and poet. He is a lifelong Zen practioner who has trained in Japan, studied with John Daido Loori Roshi at Zen Mountain Monastery in New York, is a graduate of the Maezumi Institute's Zen House Seminary for Socially Engaged Buddhism and currently a novice minister training with Roshi Bernie Glassman of the Zen Peacemakers. He and Rosalind Jiko Kisan McIntosh opened the first Appalachian Zen House, based at Ahimsa Village last year.

It is impossible to give more than a glancing impression of the experience of his talk and I can do so only from the perspective of how it filtered through my own nervous system. Kanji gave a brief but concise history of Buddhism as it evolved across India, China and to Japan. He related the history of that tradition with that of the West and with our collective ancestor’s reverence for the Earth, trees and animals. I found this intriguing because, although I was brought up in a Christian faith, which is perhaps more focused on life after death than the experience of the real miracle of life between birth and death, I have always had a deep reverence for the Earth; perhaps as a result of growing up in a rural environment and due to my Celtic and Native American blood. But he also brought home the lessons I learned from the Japanese while once stationed in a remote area of Kyushu where I had my first direct encounter with both Buddhism and Shinto and my first real spiritual awakening.

Over my lifetime there has been a gradual, albeit limited, return to a more earthy religion. As Kanji pointed out, in the dim history of all our faiths, at the root of all of our civilizations, there were religious and spiritual traditions that reverences earth, air, fire and water and the flora and fauna that gave life to the world of matter and energy. As a longtime resident of the Southwest, and familiar with its Native cultures, I am reminded that the food we grow has been reverenced by our forbearers. Such traditions live, if barely, in forms such as Holy Communion where bread and wine are used as symbols of our deepest reverence. More and more people are returning to a sense of the sacred in growing, sharing and eating good foods.

Kanji talked about the spiritual people who retreated to the countryside in China and Japan, and also St. Francis. I’ve toured both Zen and Christian monasteries and marveled at the beauty and simplicity of life withdrawn from the bustle of city life. I find the best of the monastic traditions, both East and West in the times they were self-sufficient. Such highly disciplined and focused lives give the residents of these places an opportunity to sharpen their spiritual perceptions and may, I would hope, allow them to more completely focus on the here and now such as celebrated by the Buddhist.

Kanji talked about the Bodhisattva path, the deep compassion felt by great souls for all living things and the commitment by them to foregoing final enlightenment until all have been brought to fulfillment. He brought the spiritual dimensions of the environment movement up to date with examples of Green Buddhist leadership such as that of the Dali Lama and Thich Nhat Hahn but he also gave due credit to Pope Benedict, who just a couple of weeks ago denounced the world leader’s failure at the Copenhagen Climate Conference, and mainstream Protestantism and Christian evangelicals such as Rick Warren and Jim Wallis. I have worked with faith-based groups for a number of years and I am delighted to see a resurgence of interest in spiritual stewardship which needs to be encouraged.

There are important lessons for us in Kanji’s talk and his mission. I believe we are experiencing one of those times in human history like those that gave rise to its great spiritual traditions. We need, I am convinced, to more deeply reflect on our reality and flame that spark of compassion that assures us not only of personal salvation but the well-being of all that lives on this Earth.

Bill Sharp lives in State College. He is retired from a career in education, public service and business. He is active in developing more sustainable communities, is affiliated with the Transition Towns movement and chairs the Garden Starters group that meets twice monthly at ClearWater Conservancy. Bill can be reached at bsharple@comcast.net

It's Time to Step Up & Defend Animals in PA

2010-01-29T21:16:00.000-08:00

There are two important bills being considered by our State Legislature in Harrisburg. Let's let our elected officials (and candidates) know where we stand.

House Bill 1411 and Senate Bill 843 would ban live pigeon shoots and the use of launched or tethered live animals as shooting targets.

Senate Bill 50 would amend and strengthen the Dog Purchaser Protection Act, which holds sellers accountable for the health of the dogs they sell.

Please let your State Representative and State Senator know that you support these Bills and expect them to do the same. And anyone new running for the Legislature in 2010 also needs to be asked where they stand on these issues.

We need to be united in favor of protecting innocent birds and animals in Pennsylvania.
(information from Bob and Lynn Millar)

Vegetarianism: The most important solution to Global Warming

2009-12-31T16:20:00.000-08:00

A friend sent this to me. Thought it might be of interest to some of you.

Dear Friend,

In the run up to the Copenhagen climate change conference, it is vital the following information be disseminated to the public as well as to our political leaders.

A widely cited 2006 report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Livestock's Long Shadow, estimates that 18 percent of annual worldwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are attributable to livestock….however recent analysis by Goodland and Anhang co-authors of "Livestock and Climate Change" in the latest issue of World Watch magazine found that livestock and their byproducts actually account for at least 32.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year, or 51 percent of annual worldwide GHG emissions!

http://51percent.org/

The main sources of GHGs from animal agriculture are: (1) Deforestation of the rainforests to grow feed for livestock. (2) Methane from manure waste. – Methane is 72 times more potent as a global warming gas than CO2 (3) Refrigeration and transport of meat around the world. (4) Raising, processing and slaughtering of the animal.

Meat production also uses a massive amount of water and other resources which would be better used to feed the world’s hungry and provide water to those in need.

Based on their research, Goodland and Anhang conclude that replacing livestock products with soy-based and other alternatives would be the best strategy for reversing climate change. They say "This approach would have far more rapid effects on GHG emissions and their atmospheric concentrations-and thus on the rate the climate is warming-than actions to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy."

The fact is that we are being informed of the dangerous path we are on by depending greatly on animal flesh for human consumption. We still have the opportunity to make the most effective steps in saving ourselves and this planet. By simply choosing a plant based diet we can reduce our carbon foot print by a huge amount.

We are gambling with our lives and with those of our future generations to come. It's madness to know we are fully aware of the possible consequences but yet are failing to act.

Please make a truly environmental, healthy and compassionate choice, choose to drastically reduce your meat intake or simply go vegetarian or vegan. This is the single most powerful action for preventing climate change as it is the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Thank you for your consideration.

Yours Sincerely

Amber Sykes

Top Ten Green Buddhists by Steve Kanji Ruhl

2009-12-22T20:24:00.000-08:00

Among the many activities of the worldwide movement in Socially Engaged Buddhism today, perhaps the most significant are those related to Buddhist environmentalism, or Green Buddhism. Ranging from efforts of the Dalai Lama to have the entire Tibetan plateau declared a "natural park" and wildlife refuge called the Zone of Ahimsa, to strategies by monks in Thailand to prevent over-logging, to Thich Nhat Hanh's ecological awareness campaigns within his Order of Interbeing, to the decades-long commitment of American Buddhists such as Gary Snyder and John Daido Loori and Joanna Macy to honor and protect wilderness and sustainable human cultures and all living beings, the Green Buddhist movement is dynamic, vitally important, and inspiring to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. (And it also includes the activities of the "Green Appalachia" program sponsored by the Zen Peacemakers Order in partnership with Ahimsa Village in central Pennsylvania.) Unlike the Christian environmental movement, Green Buddhism does not espouse the ideal of responsible human stewardship of God's Creation, a view that affords humans a priveleged position within nature. Rather, Green Buddhism invokes the fundamental Buddhist principle of interconnectedness, in order to express the truth of the profound interdependence of everything within the cosmos, humans linked to animals and plants and oceans and mountains and stars in a harmonious network of interbeing.

Here's my top 10 list of Green Buddhists, in alphabetical order:

1. The Dalai Lama

2. Wendy Johnson

3. Stephanie Kaza

4. John Daido Loori

5. Joanna Macy

6. Peter Muryo Matthiessen

7. Thich Nhat Hanh

8. Prayudh Payutto

9. Sulak Sivaraksa

10. Gary Snyder

Honorable Mentions:

Robert Aitken, Rita Gross, the Karmapa (Ogyen Trinley Dorje)

Film Recommendation - The Shift by Wayne Dyer

2009-12-20T19:28:00.000-08:00

I just finished watching a great new film titled The Shift (2009) by Wayne Dyer. This is Dyer's first film. He is best known for his many bestselling books on self-help and the spiritual life. The film follows the lives of a group of people who are on vacation at a beautiful California oceanside retreat center. One group is a film crew who has come to interview Dyer about his latest book on the spiritual life. The segments of this interview are masterfully interwoven with the lives of the people at the retreat center illustrating in dramatic fashion what Dyer is talking about. Its a very powerful and effective method. I really learned a lot from this film - its all about making the shift from an ego-centered life to a service-centered life, letting go of our personal agendas and allowing our true self or as Dyer calls it our Authentic Self to manifest. Its there all the time, we just have to let go of our ego so it can shine forth. A truly remarkable and inspiring film. Highly recommended. To learn more about the film, visit the film's web site at http://www.dyermovie.com/. We plan to have a showing and discussion of the film at Ahimsa Village this year. -- Bob Flatley

January Program - Building Strong Local Economies and Community with Bill Sharp

2009-12-20T19:19:00.000-08:00

Please consider attending our January Sustainabilty Talk on Friday, January 8, 2010 at 7:30PM at Ahimsa Village farmhouse, Julian, PA 16844. Details below:

This workshop focuses on the inevitability of local communities turning towards increasingly self-sufficient economies as a response to changes in the global climate, economy and steady rise in the cost of energy. The workshop will discuss the conditions leading to the current social and economic crises, outline a model for a self-sufficient community; and open a dialogue on how such a community can be pursued.

Bill Sharp has been active in environmental and economic development issues for over 40 years. He has been a teacher, planner and manager in higher education, government and business. His has worked in urban and rural areas, served on and been an officer of several non-profit organizations and associations and been forming member of several of these. He has a life-long interest in community. He is currently working to develop an architecture for self-sufficient communities and is a local supporter of the Transition US and UK based Transition Towns network.

Light refreshments at 7:30pm, followed by program. Please RSVP to bob@ahimsavillage.org, 814-355-0850 if you plan to join us. Suggested donation $5 benefits the Ahimsa Education Committee.

Green Buddhism Talk at Ahimsa Village with Steve Kanji Ruhl

2009-12-02T19:40:00.000-08:00

Green Buddhism:

Using the Ancient Buddha Way to Meet Our 21st Century Environmental Crisis

Friday, December 11, 2009 at 7:30PM

What do Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, Pulitzer Prize winning writers Gary Snyder and Peter Matthiessen, the Dalai Lama, and activist Joanna Macy have in common? They're all part of the widespread Green Buddhism movement.

Please join us for this lively, fascinating, and unique presentation. It will offer a global perspective of Buddhist relations to nature, discuss Buddhist philosophical approaches to the environment, compare these to other world religions, explain the rise of the modern Green Buddhist movement in Asia and America, and describe how Zen Buddhists are now addressing environmental concerns in central PA and offering models for sustainable living and healing the earth.

Steve Kanji Ruhl received his Master of Divinity degree from Harvard University. Kanji is a lay Buddhist minister in the Zen Peacemakers Order, completing his training for ordination as a Soto Zen Buddhist priest. He is also a longtime environmentalist, an active lover of the sacred outdoors and member of such eco-organizations as the Sierra Club, the Creation Care Coalition of Centre County, and Interfaith Power and Light.

Light refreshments at 7:30pm, followed by program. Please RSVP to e4bob@yahoo.com, 814-355-0850 if you plan to join us. Suggested donation $5 benefits the Ahimsa Education Committee.

The Henry George Perspective by Mike Curtis

2009-11-11T19:56:00.000-08:00

Mike Curtis conducted a one-day workshop at Ahimsa Village on Oct. 18, 2009 on the economic philosophy of Henry George. Below is a summary of that workshop. Mike can be reached at mikecurtisarden@verizon.net. You can learn more about George by taking Mike's mini-course at http://www.ahimsavillage.org/henrygeorge.htm

There are many robbers in our midst: governments that steal with unjust taxes, inflation that robs those who have saved, and bankers that consume without having to produce. There are a myriad of other monopolists that rob the hard earned wealth from those who have worked and produced it. But, no matter how little or how much each of these other robbers take, there is one robber that takes all that is left, save just enough to create the incentives needed for production. And for those with the least education and skill all is taken, but a bare subsistence. The robber that takes all that is left is private property in land.

All the natural opportunities on which, and from which, we live — even the electromagnetic spectrum — is part of the land. And because there is no longer any free land place where people can live and employ themselves, wages tend toward those of chattel slavery.

Some workers are able to buy land and enjoy an advantage, even become robbers themselves — just as chattel slaves could sometimes buy their freedom and even buy other slaves; but private property in land, as slavery in the past, is none-the-less the ultimate robber of those who work and produce.

The income from land takes all the benefits of the general increase in the level of education, the infrastructure, invention, and the progress of technologies while wages tend to remain constant. That is why the increase in productivity never increases labor's standard of living nor eliminates the need for a Minimum Wage.

As the income of land continues to rise, the selling price of land is bid higher and higher by expectations of even greater incomes in the future.

The more the owners of unused land are offered, the greater the expectation of future offers and the less likely they are to sell. As machines replace workers more land is needed. Whether it is a farm worker who is replaced by a tractor that can plow more land or a factory worker who is replaced by automation each of those workers must have some other place to work. However, when those who are holding idle land as an investment refuse to sell, those who has been replaced by machinery cannot be reemployed.

The unemployed workers don’t buy as many of the products of other people’s labor, so factories lay off some of their workers. The more workers that are laid off the less demand for goods and services so more workers are laid off. Only after enough land becomes affordable that producers (workers) can access it does a recession or depression be end.

The Henry George Proposal

Eliminate all taxes that are levied on things produced or incomes from production and, instead, fund all public expenditures from the rental value of land. We must have exclusive use of land, for who would plant a crop or build a house — much less a modern factory — if they couldn't put up a fence and lock the door? By making the title to land conditional upon a payment of its rental value, the equal rights of every other member of the community to that same parcel of land would be satisfied.

As the holders land were only renting, the incentive would be to use the least possible amount of land and produce as much as possible on it; that is, within the limits of health, safety, and environmental sustainability, for the Earth belongs equally to all future generations as well.

As people would no longer hold land as an appreciating asset, there would be a much more intense development of the urban and suburban areas. As people migrated toward the centers of population, the demand and value of rural areas would fall. Large areas of the wilderness would remain natural and uninhabited. Somewhere between the edge of suburbia and the wilderness would emerge a free land alternative --- a place where land could be used, lived, and worked on without the payment of rent. Perhaps only a minute fraction of the population would actually live and work on the free land, but no one would work for some one else unless they were offered a higher standard of living than they could produce working for themselves.

Because no one could afford to hold unused land there would always be a free land alternative insuring high wages that would increase with the advance of material progress. The return to buildings, machinery, and products in the making would also increase as wages increase.

Because most new technologies increase productivity more where population is dense, the rental value of land from these areas would provide an increasing fund for the increasing needs of social growth. Not only would we see full employment, wages and the return to savings increase, but society would have increasing resources to pay for national healthcare and the development of appropriate energy. It is even likely that there would soon be resources to dispense a cash dividend equally to all our residents, who, by their cooperative presence, have created the value which attaches to land.

Businesses in which there can not reasonably be competition — like the roads and utilities — must be operated by the government. All other monopolies should be abolished.

The best mechanism to decide who produces what will then be the rewards of free people exchanging their labor for the products of other people's labor in the free market — a market that decides not only the value of everything else, but the rental value of land, which belongs to the community and society as a whole.

Black Moshannon Whole Earth Body/Mind Encounter, October 25, 2009 with Rosalind Jiko

2009-11-03T19:04:00.000-08:00

We started around a campfire at Ahimsa Village on a cool morning. Sitting feeling the earth holding us, the sky opening above, the forest around, and, with alert, soft, wide-open senses, the sounds, smells, and air on our skin. A few more sense- and awareness-opening activities and we were away to Black Moshannon State Park...read complete story at the Appalachian Zen House blog.

APPALACHIAN ZEN HOUSE: SOCIALLY ENGAGED BUDDHIST PROGRAMS ARE FLOURISHING AS FALL BEGINS

2009-11-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

“Engaku” is the Japanese Buddhist term for a deluded practice of “pursuing self-enlightenment while ignoring the cries of suffering in the world.” At Appalachian Zen House we do not practice engaku. Inspired by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh and other founders of socially engaged Buddhism, a worldwide movement endorsed by the Dalai Lama, at Appalachian Zen House we enact the Bodhisattva Vow to free all beings from suffering by regularly getting off of our meditation cushions and working to realize enlightenment by serving those who are hurt and in need.

In the past several weeks, in keeping with our mission to heal the earth and to serve those who are underserved here in our home of rural Pennsylvania, we have been very busy:

* Following our successful “Earth Education” summer camps at Ahimsa Village for low-income kids, led by Kelle Kersten and Jiko McIntosh, our Green Appalachia programs now enter a new phase as autumn begins. The committee for “Bald Eagle Bio-Fuels,” coordinated by Bob Flatley, met recently and Kim Bytheway offered a building in Julian for use as a project site; we plan to soon begin a pilot project converting several home heating oil tanks in Bald Eagle Valley from fossil fuel to bio-fuels, which we’ll purchase from regional sources.

Also, our “No Harm Farm” initiative at Ahimsa Village – starting a community-sustained agriculture project that will teach low-income people to grow organic food, and donate surplus to needy people in our area – will move forward in early November as we do work outdoors to build fences and prepare the soil.

And our Green Appalachia Eco-Tours project, promoting mindful awareness of the natural world in this time of environmental crisis, is now underway. Recently Jiko led a meditative day hike in Black Moshannon (please see related article for details).

* Through our membership in the State College Area Interfaith Mission, we Buddhists of the Appalachian Zen House also join with our Christian and Jewish colleagues in providing underserved people in Centre County with rental assistance, blankets, free recycled furniture, fuel assistance, and – if they’re homeless – temporary emergency shelter.

Through our membership in the Creation Care Coalition of Centre County – part of the national organization Interfaith Power and Light – we work with our Christian and Jewish neighbors in addressing global warming and climate change through programs with our local congregations. In early October, Steve Kanji Ruhl and Jiko were the only members of Buddhist clergy to participate in a two-day, statewide, predominantly Christian conference at Penn State called “Religion and the Ethics of Climate Change,” where they provided the conference with a Zen Buddhist perspectiveand distributed literature on Appalachian Zen House, the School of Living, and Ahimsa Village.

Incidentally, Kanji will offer a presentation on “Green Buddhism” as part of the Ahimsa Village Sustainability Talks series on December 11 – please watch for further details.

* The Floating Lotus Zendo of Appalachian Zen House continues to offer genuine, formally authorized Zen training in the renowned Japanese lineage of Maezumi-Yasatani-Harada, providing zazen and kinhin, dharma talks, private interviews, council circles, and pastoral care and counseling to a growing sangha.

* And finally, our “Speak Your Peace” program, coordinated by Sunny Rehler, commenced on Sunday, November 1, from 2:30-5:30 with an interactive workshop called “Getting Past ‘Us Versus Them’: How Conflict Resolution Techniques Have Worked in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict,” facilitated by Kristen Lokhan and Jessica Arends at the Friends Meeting House in State College, PA.

Please see our website at www.appalachianzenhouse.org for ongoing information about our programs at Ahimsa Village and elsewhere. You also may read about us in recent and current issues of magazines such as “Tricycle: The Buddhist Review,” “Buddhadharma,” and ”EnlightenNext.”

We are a registered non-profit corporation in Pennsylvania and gratefully welcome your financial support of our valuable work in taking Buddhist practice beyond the self-centeredness of engaku. Please send checks made out to Appalachian Zen House to Steve Kanji Ruhl, 198 Terra Vista Street, Howard, PA 16841. Many thanks.

Getting Past 'Us Versus Them': How Conflict Management Techniques Have Worked in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, an interactive seminar

2009-10-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

Getting Past 'Us Versus Them': How Conflict Management Techniques Have Worked in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, an interactive seminar with Kristin Lokhan and Jessica Arends, 2:30 p.m. - 5:30pm, November 1, 2009

Friends Meeting House, 611 E. Prospect St., State College.

A Speak Your Peace' Program of the Appalachian Zen House

For more information contact Steve Kanji Ruhl at zenwriter1954@yahoo.com

Click on flyer below for complete details.

New Book on PA Solar Energy - Review by Bob Flatley

2009-09-24T14:55:00.000-07:00

If you are a Pennsylvania homeowner with an interest in solar power Vera Cole's new book is for you. This hands-on, practical book is written to introduce solar power to the homeowner. It is not a technical manual on how to do an installation, instead it covers every aspect of the decision making process from concept to budgeting to the steps involved in arranging an installation.

The strength of the book lies in her simple yet clear advice guiding the homeowner through the decision making process. The book begins by describing how solar works then goes step by step through all the considerations a homeowner will need to make to decide whether solar might be a good choice for their property.

Of particular interest to Pennsylvanians is Cole's thorough explanation of the new federal and state incentives that can substantially reduce the final cost of a solar installation. She estimates that the average homeowner could save as much as 50% of the total cost of an installation. She covers the implications of state tax and rebate policy, including the latest changes in the law.

One question that people often ask is "How much can a homeowner save with solar electric or solar hot water?" This question is tricky to answer since the cost of fossil fuel-generated electricity can’t be predicted, nor can the future tax and rebate policies be foreseen. Nevertheless, Cole provides homeowners with some quick and easy calculations that can provide a rough answer to this crucial question. Another fuzzy area that the book makes clearer is Renewable Energy Credits. The market for RECs is in its infancy so there is no sure way to determine how homeowners might benefit. The author explains how RECs work and what a homeowner might expect to get from selling them.

The focus of the book is on the payback period for investment in solar. She seeks to answer the question: As an investment, does solar make sense for you? The book provides a way for readers to come to their own decision. If the answer is yes, the book includes advice and a checklist for homeowners to review; useful before, during, and after the installation.

The book itself is a statement of sustainability. It was written, designed, produced and printed in Pennsylvania on 100% post-consumer waste paper, produced at a plant powered by biogas. The book is published by the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association (MAREA), the sponsor of Pennsylvania's largest green festival - the PA Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Festival held every year in Berks County, PA. The author serves as MAREA’s Director of Local Power and holds degrees in mechanical and industrial engineering.

The book is a short and useful introduction and reference to a confusing area for many homeowners. It includes a very useful companion web site that provides more information in critical areas and the “SunnyMoney” online calculator that easily and quickly generates many of the figures a homeowner will need as they consider going solar. You can learn more about the book and try out the SunnyMoney calculator at http://www.themarea.org/solar.shtml

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This review will be published in the Sylvanian, the magazine of the PA Sierra Club. Bob Flatley is the chair of the Kittatinny Group. He served on the original planning committee that started the PA Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Festival and continues to volunteer at the event.

Apple Canning Workshop - October 17, 2009

2009-09-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

Henry George Workshop with Mike Curtis to be hosted at Ahimsa Village

2009-09-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

Join us for an exploration: How the world really works, & how it would work, with Henry George - workshop facilitated by Mike Curtis

October 18, 2009, 10AM to 2pm. Bring a lunch. Light refreshments and snacks provided. Suggestion donation: $5

Make a distinction between the Earth itself and the results of human endeavor .

See what sets wages as an amount and as a portion of what's produced.

Consider the relationship between the owners of buildings & machines and those who use them.

Trace the cause of unemployment, recessions, and depressions.

Learn the formula: common opportunity, individually produced property, and the sharing of community produced property with sustainability and abundance for all.

Examine land rent and the potential of a community land trust.

Henry George was the world's most famous economist. His book Progress and Poverty was only out sold by the Bible in the 19th century. His work was translated into almost every language in the world. John Dewey said the following about George, "Henry George is one of a small number of definitely original social philosophers that the world has produced," and "It would require less than the fingers of the two hands to enumerate those who, from Plato down, rank with Henry George among the world's social philosophers." His ideas so radical, progressive, and true have been largely ignored by modern economists who see them as a threat to modern capitalism.

Seminar Leader: Mike Curtis, former Dir. Henry George School of Social Science, NYC; Trustee and life long resident of the Arden Land Trust in Delaware, School of Living member.

Please RSVP to Bob Flatley e4bob@yahoo.com or 814-355-0850 if you plan to attend this important workshop!

PA Renewable Energy Festival

2009-09-06T20:33:00.001-07:00

The 5th Annual PA Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living festival will be held Sept. 18-20, 2009 at the Kempton Community Center in Berks County, PA. This is the largest event of this type in the Keystone State. Inspired by the Common Ground Festival and the Midwest Renewable Energy Festival this event offers a unique mix of green living, renewable energy, and sustainable living topics plus great music and entertainment. Ahimsa Village will be represented at the School of Living Table stop by and visit us! More info at their web site www.paenergyfest.com

Ahimsa Summer Camp

2009-09-06T19:51:00.001-07:00

The 2009 camp just finished up last week. The kids really enjoyed gardening, learning wilderness survival skills, and painting, as well as checking on the chickens every day and feeding them food scraps from lunch. On our last day the kids helped prepare a celebration meal—homemade pizza and fruit smoothies--complete with table cloth and candles out on the picnic table. Thanks to Dominque Marsalek, Jean Forsberg, Barbara Anderson, Chuck Cave, Deb Fisher, Brenda Schaufler, Huston Township Parks and Recreation Authority, and especially Rosalind McIntosh for helping make this year’s camp happen. We are planning to offer a one-day maple syrup camp in February 2010 and two weekend overnight camps in next summer in addition to the summer camp. View pictures.

Appalachian Zen House (AZH)

2009-09-06T19:33:00.001-07:00

AZH intern Rosalind McIntosh co-leaded the summer camp with Kelle this summer. Her experience with guiding meditation and teaching nature awareness and wilderness survival skills were beneficial additions to the camp program. Currently Rosalind is residing at Ahimsa Village in the old yurt—Dominique moved out at the beginning of August to live with her boyfriend in town—and has initiated morning zazen in the new yurt three mornings per week.

Floating Lotus Zendo met throughout the summer at Ahimsa Village. With the return of the Penn State students FLZ will once again have zazen in State College on alternating Saturdays. The Speak Your Peace program also has several events for the public in the planning phase for this fall, including workshops on non-violent communication, council circle, Byron Katie’s The Work, mediation, and other tools for compassionate communication. To learn more about AZH visit their web site at www.appalachianzenhouse.org

Chickens

2009-09-06T19:30:00.001-07:00

Henrietta got lonely during the School of Living meeting in July and followed us up to Deb’s, her former home. She was attacked by the rooster again but only suffered minor injuries this time. Deb gave us two more chickens to keep Henrietta company so now we have three chickens in residence at Ahimsa. The new chickens are Ji (Chinese for rooster) and Geneveva (pronounced Hen-ay-vay-va). Ji is young, still learning to crow like an adult rooster, and starting to look like a handsome rooster. Heneveva is the oldest of the three and only laid one egg since she arrived. Henrietta keeps laying one egg nearly every day. The chickens spend the hot afternoons in the jungle of weeds that have grown up in their pen.

How My Nephew Came to Attend the SOL Strategic Planning Retreet in July, 2009

2009-09-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

Hey, nobody told my nephew about this retreat on Ahimsa Village's Facebook Fan Page and the School of Living Fan Page didn't even exist yet. There wasn't even a Tweet on Twitter about it From:AEROEDUCATION before the Reaching in Reaching Out Retreat. I did however just discover that AERO has a new web address through TipTop Search. I did know that the SOL Strategic Planning Retreat was to be held at Julian Woods Community on July 10-12, 2009, through Ahimsa Village's weekly business meetings, but was not able to attend until a last minute opportunity presented itself. Regarding the background on School of Living as an organization, I barely know that: “The SOL was founded in1934 by Dr. Ralph Borsodi in Suffren, NY to teach people how to live the "good life" in trying times. His vision was carried on and expanded by Mildred Loomis at Lane's End Farm in Ohio and later Heathcote Center http://www.heathcote.org/cms/ in Maryland . The SOL was the leading organization for the "green revolution" and inspired such people as J.I. Rodale, Adele Davis, Paul Keane, the Nearing and many, many others. It pioneered many movements including organic agriculture, permaculture, alternative currency, alternative education, intentional community, “back to the land,” community land trust, etc. The recent history of the organization has focused on maintaining 6 community land trust communities and less so on “green education” (although each community is engaged in educational activities). What made this retreat so unique is that it is the first time in memory that the SOL has held a retreat with the specific purpose of reevaluating its mission, vision, and goals. The event marked a unique opportunity in the organization’s 75 year history to determine its future direction.” Read more.

My interaction with SOL had been a purely an administrative one during the Ahimsa Village property lease signing back in October of 2006. I remember that Robert, Herb, Rita James and some other Land Committee members were there. I had heard about some of the other communities through Bob and Kelle, but had never had the opportunity to chat with anyone from the Common Ground, Heathcote, or Seven Sisters communities. So up until July, my interactions with SOL living members revolved around Ahimsa, Julian Woods and CCA members. I had never read any Henry George, could never remember Borsodi's name, and realized that I knew next to nothing about School of Living's rich organizational history. Well, I'm glad to say that has all changed after I was fortunate enough to attend a the wonderfully organized, beautifully attended, and amazingly provisioned weekend event in Julian, PA. Arriving at Ahimsa Village Friday afternoon, after a visit with family in Bucks County, PA and a flight from my current homestead in Santa Cruz, CA; I was pleasantly surprised that my nephew would be arriving from York, PA the next day to join us...or cash in on his birthday glider ride at the Ridge Soaring Gliderport Getting in on Friday evenings potluck, I immediately knew that I was around good light-hearted people that were gearing up for a serious couple days of get-up, get-down, and get-dirty group action. The workshop sessions facilitated by Grace Potts and Alice Leibowitz of Insight Unlimited were well organized, educational, and productive...especially in a people kind of way. Even my nephew, who arrived mid-morning, was sweeped into a focus group upon arrival and put to task with marker in hand. If you don't recall his engaging conversations during the day, or his fancy disco dance steps Saturday night, you might remember him as the “government guy” in one of closing skits. I seemed to gravitate toward the land-related groups, discussions, and planning areas which opened my eyes to historic land acquisition issues, concerns of those living on the land, and current land administrative and legal hurdles, and future strategic planning opportunities. Beyond getting a real sense of organizational comradery, interpersonal warmth and some real action items, I brought home Henry George's “The Coming Keynesian Catastrophe”, four SOL t-shirts, and a lentil soup recipe. If you would like to reminisce about the weekend please check out the weekend retreat photos.

Wrapping up Summer Camp...

2009-08-30T07:42:00.001-07:00

Walking around the mountains and downtown state college, you can't help but notice that summer is over and fall has crept it's way back into our lives. It is far cooler, the leaves are turning and tumbling to the ground to nourish the soil and carry it through the long winter days ahead. As Summer ends and fall flourishes, the Ahimsa Summer Camp has also ended for another year. In the last days of the camp we have enjoyed hiking, camp fires, delicious organic meat free meals and fresh fruit snacks. The kids and staff engaged in educational discussions and healthy dialogue, in which the kids were asked to share their own experiences and points of view. The kids learned how to can their own veggies, to meditate, to use art as a tool for continued growth, and how to be responsible to one's own community. After every meal, the kids are expected to participate with everyone to clean up up for at least ten or fifteen minutes. This was just one method used to encourage coorperation, mutual respect, and empathy towards others. There was lots of energy during the last weeks which we channeled into gardening and other fun outdoor activities. On the last day, all the kids worked together to design and make their own pizza's from scatch. They were beautiful! We had star pizzas, hearts, triangles, etc. The toppings were fresh and delicious veggies, cheeses, and herbs. We picked flowers, set up a fancy table with candles, made smoothies, and had one last lunch together. Before hand, we had a moment of reflection and silence. A reflection of all that has happened that summer, all that we have been given, and the sacred gift of food.

It was a beautiful process to be part of and I am thankful to everyone involved. The kids were delightful and I was humbled to learn quite a lot from them. I look forward to the possbilities that next summer brings.

Happy Fall,
Dominique

Ahimsa Camp Day 6

2009-07-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

Namaste,
Today was a day of abundance. We were blessed with a vast array of activities for our camp, time and resources for an educational outing, and delicious homemade foods.

Our theme today centered around abundance and we spent a good portion of the day discussing where our material possessions originate and what is involved in the process of making them. In regards to this, topics such child slavery, sustainable living, simple living, and reusing items were covered. The kids were provided the opportunity to contemplate what it means to live in the U.S. within a global context.

Yesterday, I went shopping a few items to make our veggie snacks and meals today. I noticed that groceries seem to be getting more expensive almost each time I go. Even in the midst of this economic turmoil and the stress this brings to our individual lives, it helps to note that we are surrounded with abundance on a daily basis. In the U.S. we are afforded far greater material security then most other nations on this Earth. The important part, and the part we tried to show the kids today, is learning how to not abuse this abundance and to live in sustainable and ethical ways.

This morning I made yummy peanut butter balls with coconut, raisins, almonds, pecans, and granola rolled in with a taste of homemade maple syrup. We ate these and bananas for morning snack.

The kids helped to make pizza dough today and we discussed how several cultures hold bread making as a sacred art. To celebrate the coming harvest cycle and harvest moon, we ground some of our own grain and made homemade sun tea with various types of mint. We all had fun getting our hands dirty.

For lunch I made 7 vegan pizzas, fresh fruit, and some veggies. The pizzas were veggie chilli/black bean with colorful peppers, sesame with caramelized onions, sweet potatoes with my special garlic sauce and veggies on top, a vegan white pizza, a special kid friendly pasta topped pizza, and a dessert (cinnamon sugar, peanut butter, banana) pizza. In addition, we made another one to take with us to donate during the outing.

Following lunch, the kiddos helped to clean up a bit and then went to the local food bank as an outing and donated a homemade pizza to the volunteers there. They had fun also looking around the second hand stores and learning about all sorts of things including economic inequality and sustainable lifestyles that include utilizing community thrift stores.

The kids came back pretty excited and gardened and did some arts and crafts. One of the crafts featured making hats out of old plastic grocery bags. For snack we ate some healthy watermelon and relaxed before the kids headed home.

I am grateful for our one volunteer today Brenda who is going to college this fall and very interested in permaculture and gardening. She was a wonderful presence.

Take Care,
Dominique

Ahimsa Camp Day 5

2009-07-21T19:25:00.000-07:00

Dear cyberworld,
Tonight we are having a brilliant thunderstorm. I for one love summer thunderstorms. I spent the evening relaxing and watching the bats come out and play in the sunset. The air is electric at Ahimsa right now and everything is awakened by summer's embrace. Even at night, it is clear that all sentient beings are having difficulty sleeping instead of stargazing, watching firefly's, and enjoying the perfect warmth of summer nights in PA.

So, I am well rested after day 5 of camp and am ready to report all the happenings of the day. Our day started out (like all camp days) at 9am.
Today we were lucky to have two kids from NYC with us as part of the "Fresh Air" program. This program provides opportunity for kids to leave the city and explore nature. They focus on kids that would otherwise not be able to do so for various personal reasons. The kids we had with us are still here and will be here for a few days. They added quite a bit of personality to our group and our PA kiddos clearly responded well to them. It was refreshing to have their enthusiasm around and their delight in seeing a world so completely different from the concrete in NYC.

Unfortunately, we only 5 kids today instead of what has become our usual 7 or 8. However, this number was perfect for the morning yoga taught by a local mother, Jenn. We had just enough mats for the kids (not to mention room in the farm house) to do their yoga.
We began yoga following a morning snack and discussion of our hero's. Today Kelle made delicious homemade banana chocolate chip cookies for the AM snack. We split into pairs and had a interesting discussion of a individual hero of ours. I chose to speak about Grace Lee Boggs who currently lives in Detroit and is still "Living for Change." My partner talked about how her mom is her hero. The reasoning was quite interesting and through this discussion I came to realize that Janet (a Fresh Air kid) had a strong sense of self worth and positive self image. After working so long with teenage girls who hate their body, it was an inspiring morning for me. I found another hero in this little girl.

So, the kids came to the farm house from the morning yurt meeting and did their yoga. They gave a good effort. The boys who until that moment, were tentative about it because they did not want to be seen as "feminine," clearly enjoyed parts of it. They were even closing their eyes and attempting to be meditative during the process. Janet was clearly a pro at yoga and was able to do everything with ease. Some of the other kids giggled through it and simply enjoyed exploring a new way of being active and aware.

Following yoga, we gardened! I think the best part for everyone today was all the huge worms that were out following last nights rain. We weeded and planted a bit. During this, the kids were able to get to know each other better, get dirty, and joke around. They decided when they were done when they began to get restless and started their next activity using maps and compass.

Lunch Break: Lunch was absolutely delightful today. Kelle made 100% homemade organic vegan cheesy pasta, garlic bread, and fruit smoothies. Everyone ate and had some free time. They also participated in a required 10-15 minute clean up after wards that everyone has to take part of.

Finally, we headed up to the Zen-do for construction/art with Chuck. This was so much fun and the everyone (including the adults) learned a significant amount while having fun. Chuck began by explaining the process of making wooden candle holders and then explaining the tools we would use. We all made our own candle holders. I made one completely out of wood with it's bark intact instead of the stripped and sanded wood that Chuck provided. It fits in well with the yurt:). All of them were creative. One of the kids made a large skyscraper candle holder!

We walked back to Ahimsa and had the closing meeting in the yurt. The kids ate lots of fresh watermelon and waited for their parents to pick them up.

Wow, so much in one day. Stay tuned for next week's adventures.

Namaste,
Dominique

"Listen to all of these seemingly separate sounds and witness this symphony forms one tapestry, you are a weaver of this fabric that needs the harmony of we to be
You are profoundly blessed
Listen
To the silent prophecies they don’t want us to hear
We are the ones we have been waiting for
Wait no more"
-Goddess Alchemy Project

Pictures from School of Living Retreat

2009-07-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

School of Living Retreat July 09 Best Large Size

View over 100 pictures from the School of Living Retreat held on July 10-12, 2009 at Julian Woods Community, Julian, PA at http://picasaweb.google.com/schoolofliving

Ahimsa Camp day 4

2009-07-14T23:55:00.000-07:00

Namaste everyone in cyber world,

Today we had an exciting fourth day of camp at Ahimsa Village. Today we worked on survival skills and it was an enlightening experience. The kiddos started off the day discussing a beautiful quote by Chief Seattle about being part of nature and then we sang a song that reminded us of our interdependence with the natural world. This song touched on all the elements and led into a discussion of what is needed to survive alone in the wilderness.
We covered water, food, shelter, and temperature.
First, we dug a hole and created a water sanitation system in this hole.
Second, we worked on building our own individual fires and the kids collected wood, etc.
Afterwards, the kiddos got an excellent lesson from Debbie, a herbalist in Julian Woods. She was kind enough to explore our natural surrondings with us and point out medicial and edible wild foods. We found plenty to of edible foods to prepare with our lunch (including burrdock root, which we had fun digging up).

Lunch was beautiful! We had tomato/basil salad, corn on the cob (roasted on the fire), fire roasted potatoes, fire roasted homemade bread, soup made from our collected wild foods and mushrooms, fresh snap peas from the garden, and rasberry juice.
The food was delicious and the kids were so grateful they even helped to clean up a bit:)

Later on, we took a hike in the woods and found a spot to build temporary emergency shelter. The kids collected fallen logs/sticks/leaves and we made a makeshift tipi of sorts.

We ended the long day with discussion and tasty watermelon.

Thank you everyone who came or was involved, it was quite a day!

I'll leave you with this beautiful quote by one of my favorite activitists, Grace Lee Boggs:

"Fighting on the side of Humanity against the Empire of Money, we need to go beyond Opposition, beyond Rebellion, beyond Resistance, beyond Civic Insurrection. We don't want to be like them. We don't want to become the "political class," to change presidents, switch governments. We want and need to create the Alternative world that is now both possible and necessary. We want and need to exercise power, not take it."

We are the change.
With love,
Dominique

School of Living Retreat

2009-07-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

We just finished the School of Living (SOL) Strategic Planning Retreat – Reaching In, Reaching Out - held at Julian Woods Community on July 10-12, 2009. It was a unique event in the history of the SOL. The SOL was founded in1934 by Dr. Ralph Borsodi in Suffren, NY to teach people how to live the "good life" in trying times. His vision was carried on and expanded by Mildred Loomis at Lane's End Farm in Ohio and later Heathcote Center in Maryland . The SOL was the leading organization for the "green revolution" and inspired such people as J.I. Rodale, Adele Davis, Paul Keane, the Nearing and many, many others. It pioneered many movements including organic agriculture, permaculture, alternative currency, alternative education, intentional community, “back to the land,” community land trust, etc. The recent history of the organization has focused on maintaining 6 community land trust communities and less so on “green education” (although each community is engaged in educational activities). What made this retreat so unique is that it is the first time in memory that the SOL has held a retreat with the specific purpose of reevaluating its mission, vision, and goals. The event marked a unique opportunity in the organization’s 75 year history to determine its future direction.

The retreat used the Future Search method of strategic planning and was skillfully facilitated by Grace Potts and Alice Leibowitz of Insight Unlimited, a nonprofit that helps organizations “be the best they can be.” Over 50 people attended the 3 day event that featured looking at the past, present, and future. We are living in extraordinary times and are on the cusp of a major paradigm shift culturally, physically, spiritually, and materially. We feel the SOL can play a critical role in this transition as it did in the past. Our thinking is that at this moment in human history that the time is right for the SOL to reinvent itself in the spirit of Borsodi and Loomis but with a focus on our times and world situation. A new SOL will seek to teach people not only practical living skills but also social, cultural, spiritual, and communication skills that are as important as practical skills for living in the new paradigm. We hope to have a report from the retreat soon. We will post a summary here.

Updates by Dominique:)

2009-07-07T18:58:00.000-07:00

Buenos Dias amigos y amigas!

It has been crazy, hectic, and fun around here lately.
The weather is beautiful, a soft New England summer. The netting is finally up covering the blueberries, the Straw House is coming along (looking beautiful), and the summer camp is up and growing.

The Camp, day 3:

Today was very exciting because all of us were able to take a field trip to Julian Woods in order to receive art instruction from a local healer and artist. The art class was amazing and the kids loved it. The kids all made multiple oil/watercolor paintings. We discussed the healing properties of color and the connection between art, living, eating, and healing. Somehow art is profound, silly, fun, and engaging all at once. We also took a quick trip to the local pond where we were able to play in the water and enjoy the sunlight.
Today we also began Byron Katie with the kids, which went surprisingly well! The kids were very open to new ways of dealing with emotions. We approached it through charades and play.

It is hard to explain to kids why nature is so cool and how much nature provides for us. It is much easier to show them. Today we finished making some organic herbal salve from the land and each kid got to take some home. In addition, we went berry picking and had a delicious homemade lunch. Lunch was organic vegan lentil burgers, homemade bread, pineapple carrot cake, and fresh fruit/veggies-YUM! Thanks Rosalind!!

Cave exploring, hiking, art, meditating, etc. Today was generous in it's gifts and I am thankful for every part of it.

One thing I learned, to treat poison ivy "Jewel Weed"is wonderful:)

The land is open and blooming and it is summer at Ahimsa, feel free to visit, volunteer, learn and and connect while the weather is nice.

Coming up this weekend....the School of Living Retreat! Education, mayhem, and fun!

Summer Camp Week 2 Pictures

2009-06-30T17:44:00.000-07:00

Check out the new Summer Camp pictures at our web site: http://ahimsavillage.org/pictures.htm

Updates from dominique-

2009-06-22T07:35:00.000-07:00

Quick update:

Volunteer opportunity now up at serve.gov. Serve.gov is the volunteer movement President Obama began June22nd. It is part of his call for citizen action. Take Action now! Volunteer at Ahimsa.

I would love to see you around...

http://myproject.serve.gov/public/OpportunityDetail.aspx?projectId=6716&subProjectId=4828681

A quote from a very inspirational person:
"You have been telling people that this is the llth hour, now you must go back and tell the people that this is THE HOUR..." Adrienne Maree Brown director of The Ruckus Society.

Bears and Bees

2009-06-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

In researching what to do about the bear and bee situation at Ahimsa (we lost several hives last year due to a bear) I came across an excellent article published by the Mid-Atlantic Apicultural Research and Extension Consortium (March 2004). The researchers note that a decrease in suitable habitat areas for bees and bears have brought them in closer proximity esp. in Pennsylvania. Although there are no easy answers on how to deal with this problem, the researchers offer some advice including locating hives away from the forest edge, contacting the local game commission personnel to learn about bear populations in your area, loud noises, bright lights, and dogs sometimes work as well. As far as fencing goes they recommend using electrified barbed wire on t-posts. However they caution that a fence will only be effective in an apiary that has not been visited before. Once a bear gets a taste of honey bees an electric fence will not deter them. The complete article can be read at http://maarec.psu.edu/pdfs/bearsBees.pdf.

Welcome Dominique

2009-06-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

My name is Dominique and I recently moved into Ahimsa Village. I am 22 years old and graduated a year ago from college with degrees I am not really using. I am a traveler, student, and artist. Currently I am learning the art of living. I met Kelle through my work with youth in State College. Kelle and Bob were kind enough to welcome me into their life and I am very grateful. I am very passionate about a lot of what is going on at Ahimsa and trying to soak it all up. I am learning everything I possibly can and trying to make the most out of each moment. Please introduce yourself to me; I love new people and places. Email: lightingstar@mailcity.com

What will it cost to go solar?

2009-06-14T19:31:00.002-07:00

Ever wonder how much $$$ it would cost to convert your home to solar power and how long it would take to recoup the cost? Wonder no more. The PA Energy Festival people have created an online calcular called SunnyMoney that figures how much it will cost to install solar panels in your home. You simply have to enter your data into SunnyMoney and this calculator will tell you the system size, environmental impact, final cost, and even how much your home will appreciate. Check it out at http://www.themarea.org/sunny/sunny-money4.htm

Garden Update

2009-06-14T19:31:00.001-07:00

The gardens and orchard at Ahimsa are growing fast at this time of year with regular gentle rains followed by warm sunny days. Already we are enjoying fresh lettuce, endive, arugula, pac choi, radishes, herbs, and strawberries. Unfortunately slugs, mice, and crows are also enjoying the bounty way too much. Kale, collards, cabbage, cauliflower, beets, and carrots have been particularly tasty to the hungry wildlife. The trees in the orchard are thriving with the exception of the pawpaws. Gypsy moth and tent caterpillar damage is mild this year. The weeds are also growing prolifically, and therefore, we spend many hours weeding.

Henrietta the Hen

2009-06-14T19:28:00.001-07:00

Henrietta Hen came to live at Ahimsa Village a couple weeks ago after being attacked by an aggressive rooster at a friend’s place. She is missing feathers on her head and body but otherwise seems healthy, laying an egg nearly every day. We are in the process of resurrecting the old chicken coop and pen. Mostly we let her run free. She appears very happy exploring the yard and gardens. We are learning much about chicken habits and enjoy watching Henrietta’s explorations around the run and listening to her soft clucking. Eventually we would like to find one or two chicken or duck companions for her. Check out our new Farm Animal Sanctuary page.

Introducing the Appalachian Zen House by Steve Kanji Ruhl

2009-05-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

The Appalachian Zen House, incorporated as a non-profit 501 (c) (3) affiliated with the Zen Peacemakers Order, consists of an innovative and exciting group of ongoing projects, created to manifest the Bodhisattva Vow to save all beings by addressing rural poverty and environmental challenges in our own region of central Pennsylvania.

Local native Steve Kanji Ruhl, M.Div., currently finishing his pre-ordination training for ministry in the Zen Peacemakers, supervises the Appalachian Zen House projects with assistance from Rosalind Jiko Kisan McIntosh, a fellow Zen Peacemakers ministry candidate.

Featured in current issues of “Buddhadharma” and “Tricycle: The Buddhist Review” and in a forthcoming issue of “EnlightenNext” magazine, the Zen Peacemakers’ social ministry and its activities through the Appalachian Zen House build on models adapted from the successful experience of Roshi Bernie Glassman – one of the best-known Zen teachers in the world – to serve people suffering in the inner-city tenements of New York.

Here in the mountains and countryside of central Pennsylvania, the Appalachian Zen House comprises four main projects. The first, “Green Appalachia,” is based at Ahimsa Village and consists of No Harm Farm consists and the Earth Education Program, including the Ahimsa Summer Camp. The second, “Floating Lotus Zendo,” offers authentic Zen training through Zen Buddhist ministry. The third, “Speak Your Peace,” provides workshops in Non-Violent Communication, Council Circle, and Byron Katie’s “The Work.” The fourth, “Many Paths, One Heart,” focuses on multi-faith initiatives.

We seek to realize and actualize the interconnectedness of life, believing that “the depth of our realization of Oneness is shown by how we serve others.”

To learn more about AZH visit www.appalachianzenhouse.org

Ahimsa Village Summer Camp

2009-04-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

This year the summer camp will be a cooperative venture with Zen Peacemakers. It will be a significant component of a newly forming Appalachian Zen House program run by Zen Peacemaker minister Kangi (See http://www.tricycle.com/feature/bernie-glassmans-excellent-adventure for more information about the Appalachian Zen House and the Zen Peacemakers). Kangi and especially his assistant, intern Rosalind McIntosh, will be helping with grant writing, staff and camper recruitment, exploring collaboration with the local school district and program development. The purpose of the camp is to reconnect youth with the earth, plants, animals, and each other and to teach ways of maintaining these connections in our materialistic and individualistic culture. We are focusing on providing experiential and fun sustainability education for 12-18 year olds.

Maple Project

2009-04-10T20:09:00.001-07:00

We collected sap and boiled seven times during three weeks in March, yielding 7 gallons of syrup. It was great working with Scott and Kate on this project and we plan to do it again next year. Now we are enjoying the fruit of our labor-Delicious!!! View more pictures of this year's mapling at http://www.ahimsavillage.org/pictures.htm

Shared Self Community

2009-04-10T20:03:00.000-07:00

Samatman moved into the farmhouse at the end of February to begin what was supposed to be a three month trial period to determine whether or not we (Samatman, Kelle, and Bob) would go forward together in creating a shared self community. Such a community is based on four global truths: 1) we are experiencing multi-level unhappiness and disconnection; 2) our unhappiness is caused by our illusion that we are separate from each other and the other beings of this planet, 3) we really are one shared-self that is unlimited in love and happiness, 4) shared-self community is the path to remembering and manifesting our shared-self. We began the long process of redefining and transforming our activities and thinking within a shared-self framework. While many valuable insights were gained, we mutually decided that Samatman wanted the transformation to go faster than we (Bob and Kelle) were willing to go, and Samatman moved back to VA at the end of March. We plan to continue working on establishing a shared self community at Ahimsa (at a much gentler pace) and in the months ahead will share our progress.

Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators Presentation

2009-04-10T20:02:00.000-07:00

On March 21, 2009, Bob, Kelle, and Samatman presented our approach to environmental education at the 2009 Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators Conference held at Lake Raystown Resort and Conference Center. We discussed our various types of educational opportunities, including Non-Violent Communication workshops, Summer Camp, Friday Night Sustainability series, and other workshops. We also shared our educational philosophy. The power point presentation can be accessed from the Ahimsa Village website.

One of the people in the audience, George Vahoviak from Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center near State College, was inspired to bring his graduate class on sustainability and education to Ahimsa Village on April 6, 2009, for a tour and discussion of our educational philosophy. George seemed very interested in what we are doing here and this may be the beginning of a connection with Penn State students.

Ahimsa Garden

2009-04-10T20:00:00.001-07:00

Mary Lou Manhart (and her baby Lucy Mae) will be gardening with Kelle this year. So far we have planted peas outside and cabbage, lettuce, broccoli, collards, onions, leeks, celery, parsley, and other greens inside under lights. Carrots, beets, Swiss chard, and arugula will be direct-seeded soon.

This year we will not be selling any CSA shares, focusing instead on building the soil in new garden areas and growing as much food as possible for us. Zen Peacemaker Sangha members and ministry students plan to come throughout the summer to help with preparing the CSA garden, “deer-proofing” the orchard, netting the blueberries, and setting up irrigation system as well as other projects at Ahimsa.

Ahimsa applies for grant to put up a wind turbine

2009-04-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

Bob recently submitted a grant application thru the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to install a mini-wind turbine at Ahimsa Village. The turbine would be located on the hill between the house and the Straw cottage. We would install a Mariah vertical access wind turbine - http://www.mariahpower.com/overview.html. These are sold and installed locally by Envinity of State College. These turbines are inexpensive to purchase and install compared to traditional horizontal access turbines. They are also much quieter and will operate at low wind speeds. Updates on the grant will be posted here.

Ahimsa mentioned in Tricycle magazine

2009-04-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

The current issue of Tricycle, the nation's leading Buddhist magazine, features a story on Bernie Glassman and the Zen Peacemaker order. Specifically the article is about Bernie's vision for Zen Houses. One of the Zen Houses will be ZPO's first venture into a rural setting - the Appalachian Zen House. This house will be coordinated by Kanji Ruhl, a Buddhist Minister ordained by ZPO. Part of his vision is to work with Ahimsa Village in the establishment of a small CSA farm run by local people and the expansion of Ahimsa's summer camp. Read the complete article (pdf).

Benefit concert a huge success

2009-04-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 28, 2009 Cole Hons and Band rocked the O-An Zendo in a concert to benefit Ahimsa's educational programs. Over 30 people attended the event. Cole is a local singer song writer whose music features a spiritual and environmental theme. Judging by the smiling faces, feet tapping, and dancing every one had a blast! Cole originally played at one of Ahimsa's Friday Night Meetings. He is very involved with promoting the work of the 13 Grandmothers - http://www.grandmotherscouncil.com/ - and other efforts to heal the earth. We were delighted to have Cole play and plan to do a concert next year! You can check out pictures of the event at http://www.ahimsavillage.org/pictures.htm (click on Benefit Concert with Cole Hons). Go to Cole's web site at http://www.myspace.com/colehons to listen to music clips. A BIG THANKS to Barbara and Chuck for hosting the event at O-An Zendo.

Whatever happened to Walnut Acres?

2009-04-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

Does anyone on our e-list remember Walnut Acres Farm? I am not referring to the mass produced organic processed food that can be bought in many stores with the name Walnut Acres but the farm in Penns Creek, PA. When I was a kid my mother used to go to their bulk food store. It was the first organic bulk food store in the USA. In addition, they grew a lot of what they sold. Walnut Acres farm was started by Paul and Betty Keene in 1940s. They actually got their inspiration to farm organically from Ralph Borsodi at the School of Living (the same organization that holds the land in trust at Ahimsa). In 1946 the Keene's bought a run-down farm (with no electricity or running water) and started farming and selling their produce locally. Word got out and the business grew into one of the most successful mail-order food companies in the country. Things changed after Betty died in 1987 and Paul turned the business over to his daughter and her husband. They felt pushed to get big or get out and cut a deal with AOL founder David Cole who invested $4 million in the business. This was the end of an era, the new corporate owners decided that they needed to go big and go online and that the original farm was actually a burden. They sold off the farm, muzzled the original owners, and kept the logo and corporate name. I learned all this from an informative article I stumbled across online, it outlines the whole sad history of Walnut Acres. You can read it here (pdf).

Sweet Beginnings

2009-02-05T19:04:00.000-08:00

The maple sap will soon be flowing and we are getting ready. This year we have formed a maple syrup cooperative with friends Scott DiLoreto and Kate Anton. We have a brand new evaporator and maple arch, which will be set up this weekend. Tapping will take place at the end of February. The plan is to collect sap during the week and boil on weekends. We welcome your company in the sugar shack. Contact Kelle at magicjubilee@yahoo.com if interested in helping and having a sweet time with us. Check out more pictures of last year's maple operation at Ahimsa.

Is Alcohol the Fuel of the Future?

2009-02-05T18:47:00.000-08:00

A few of us on the land trust were very impressed by what David Blume had to say about alcohol used as a fuel for machinery. Henry Ford was a big advocate of alcohol fuel. The first cars were all run on alcohol. Apparently it was the fuel of choice in America before Standard Oil played dirty and pushed gasoline to the forefront. Blume's vision actually sees alcohol as a byproduct of a thriving permaculture-based organic farming system. He has a lot of provocative ideas. His book and video are available for loan from Ahimsa Village.

Check out this short video of David Blume:

Bald Eagle Energy Co-op

2009-02-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

A group of local people are now meeting at the Ahimsa farmhouse to talk about local energy solutions. The group has met twice. The goal is to form an energy co-op with the idea to of producing energy locally to benefit local people. Possible projects include a mini-biodiesel production facility, solar, wind, and energy efficiency projects. The group is still in its formative stages and is open to new people joining. Please contact Bob Flatley at e4bob@yahoo.com if you are interested in participating.

Friday Night Meetings

2009-02-05T06:17:00.000-08:00

Winter is a great time for meeting by the fireside. Ahimsa has hosted 3 Friday Night Sustainability Talks this winter and they continue to be a success in terms of interest and attendance. The November program featured Bill Torretti, a local homeopath, giving an introduction to homeopathic medicine. Bill discussed the history and principles of homeopathy and the how it works. There was a discussion on the use of remedies and how to use homeopathic remedies for the treatment of acute illnesses such as colds, coughs and the flu. Homeopathic treatment of chronic illnesses will also be discussed. In December, Jason Grottinni, an environmental scientist at Matson & Associates and founder of EarthW.O.R.M. International, did a great talk and presentation on sustainable landscaping. His talk focused on simple things people can do to create a "greener" landscape in their own yard. Topics included promoting the landscape as a system to be used in conjunction with the home, rainwater collection, xeriscaping, greywater recycling, composting, and vegetative roofs as part of the garden. our January program featured Scott DiLoreto of the Penn State School of Forestry talking about nut trees in PA. Scott talked about basic nut tree biology, reviewed nut trees suitable for cultivation in PA, wild harvesting, grafting,orchard establishment, cultivation, and sustainable management. The American chestnut blight and restoration attempts through breeding was also discussed.

We have a great programs scheduled for February. Feb's program will feature Laura Piraino of the Sierra Club. Laura will provide an overview of energy efficiency in Pennsylvania, including

an update of recent energy legislation, the Cool Cities Project, and community efficiency

best practices. Then learn how you can use no cost/low cost energy efficiency practices

and products to save money and make a difference in your own home. Click here for complete details and flyer.

Friends of Ahimsa Village Annual Fund Drive

2008-11-28T18:35:00.001-08:00

We want to thank all the Friends of AV for their support over the past year. Our major 2008 project was the Permaculture Orchard. The orchard is in and is doing well despite the 17 year locusts, japanese beatles, and gyspy moths this past year. Read more about the orchard. As we did last year, in lieu of holiday gifts we are asking our friends to make a donation to AV. This money goes to supporting the mission of AV. We certainly do understand if things are tight this year and a donation is not possible. Our standard request is for a $50 donation to continue as a Friend however any amount is appreciated. Friends can make checks out to "Ahimsa Village." If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please make check out to "School of Living" and indicate "Ahimsa Village" in the memo line. Alternately you can donate online via JustGive - it is linked to our website in the upper left corner - in the box that says "designate my donation" please enter "Ahimsa village." Friends are kept informed of seminars, lectures, demonstrations, and meeting updates through the Ahimsa email list. Friends can hike in the woods, participate in Ahimsa programs, and contribute to Ahimsa projects. Friends will receive our monthly e-newsletter and be the first to know about Ahimsa events and workshops. Friends receive a 10% discount on all Ahimsa workshops and programs. Thanks and have a great holiday season. We look forward to seeing many of you in 2009!

Upcoming program: Sustainable Landscaping, Friday, December 12, 2008 at 6:30PM

2008-11-28T18:33:00.002-08:00

Learn about the philosophy and practice of sustainable landscaping. Topics will include promoting the landscape as a system to be used in conjunction with the home, rainwater collection, xeriscaping, greywater recycling, composting, and vegetative roofs as part of the garden. Bring your ideas and questions to discuss. Program by Jason R. Grottini, environmental scientist at Matson & Associates and founder of EarthW.O.R.M. International, a small sustainable development/ engineering consulting firm in State College. Jason has research experience in environmental pollution control and green engineering practices. He has performed research on vegetative roof systems, stream bank restoration, and has designed several models for alternative waste water treatment systems for educational purposes. Visit our web site for complete details.

Cider Press Co-op

2008-11-28T18:33:00.001-08:00

Ahimsa is looking into purchasing a good quality cider press and sharing it with our neighbors i.e. establishing a cider press co-op. We are seeking a number of people to invest in the cost and thus have shared ownership/use of the press. The idea is to keep it local - preferably close to the Bald Eagle Valley so that it will be easily accessible to all owners. If you are interested please contact Bob Flatley at e4bob@yahoo.com

Vegetarian Homesteading

2008-11-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

Came across this great web site. The couple who host it are vegan homesteaders in Minnesota and they make a great case for the benefits of vegetarian homesteading over traditional homesteading: http://www.geopathfinder.com/9628.html

Introducing our newest resident, Olivia!!!

2008-11-28T18:29:00.001-08:00

Olivia arrived at Ahimsa Village on the afternoon of November 4th from the Centre Hall SPCA. She quickly made herself at home and stole our hearts. She is very playful, friendly, and talkative. She caught a cold at the shelter and we had to take her to the vet the weekend after she arrived. Now she is doing much better. View more pictures.

Friday Night Light: Bill Toretti

2008-11-28T18:15:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful Friday Night Light Program with Bill Toretti of Spring Mills. Bill is a local homeopath. The evening featured an introduction to homeopathy followed by an opportunity for people to ask questions. We had 15 people attend the lecture and judging by the many questions and comments raised people were obviously interested in the presentation. A big thanks to Bill for presenting! Those interested in Bill's services can contact him at btorretti@yahoo.com.

The Bees and the Bear

2008-11-28T17:53:00.000-08:00

The Half Acre Farm - Ahimsa Apiary is no more thanks to a regular visitor, a large black bear. All eight hives were methodically destroyed over a period of a month. Despite efforts to strap down the hives and secure the bee benches, our visitor was persistent. Liam is committed to re-establishing the apiary in the spring. We are currently researching solutions to this problem. One piece of advice from a local farmer was to put up electrified barbed wire fencing and scent it with food smells to attract the bear so that he gets a good shock. Research on the Internet suggested putting up a regular electric fence at least 6' high. We continue doing research and will keep people posted on our progress. We want to thank those who invested in this experimental program and hope to have better news in 2009.

Halloween Harvest Hoopla - November 1, 2008

2008-10-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

Announcing: Ahimsa Village 2nd Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, November 1, 4-8pm

Ahimsa Friends, please join us celebrating the fall transition and a second year of activity at our community.

Schedule of Events: 4pm property tour, 5-6pm lite meal and year in review presentation, 6pm bonfire & music. Bring your favorite instrument!!!!!

Location: Ahimsa Village, 4022 S. Eagle Valley Rd, Julian, PA 16844

PLEASE RSVP so we have an idea of how much food to get:

814-355-0850, magicjubilee@yahoo.com

Boyle-Martin Engagement

2008-10-03T19:55:00.000-07:00

A year ago in November, Tammie Lyn and Greg had their third date at Ahimsa Village just in time for AV's one year anniversary party. Last month Bob and Kelle joined Tammie Lyn, Greg, and others in York for some Bridal and Bachelor party fun. As they both have various degrees of interest and involvement with AV, we thought their introduction as a couple would be fun to include in this months newsletter.

Tammie Lyn and Greg both grew up around South Eastern Pennsylvania and currently live in Santa Cruz County. Tammie Lyn has a masters degree in occupational therapy and is currently Director of Rehabilitation at a long term care facility. Greg is a web editor with a BA in international and East Asian studies. Both try their best to make sustainability and nourishment of body, heart, and spirit a guiding force in their lives. While in Pennsylvania, Tammie Lyn volunteered for three years on an organic farm helping to establish a CSA program, selling at farmer's markets, and participating in PASA conventions. She also holds a certificate in herbology, enjoys expressing herself artistically, has a background in martial arts, and is involved with the Dance of the Deer http://www.shamanism.com/.

Greg met Bob in college and kept in touch waxing poetic over the years, and then joined Bob and Kelle helping to make Ahimsa Village a reality. Greg participates in a book discussion group, a neighborhood road association, and other support groups. He also dabbles with painting,

writing, and gardening. Greg has worked as a painter/carpenter, ESL teacher, cross-cultural trainer, web editor, and technical writer. Both Greg and Tammie Lyn look forward to supporting the growth of Ahimsa Village as they themselves begin a rich loving life together with a

ceremony planned for December.

2008 Garden Season Wrapping Up

2008-10-03T19:47:00.001-07:00

The 2008 garden season is wrapping up at Ahimsa Village. Despite all the deer, woodchucks, crows, mice, rabbits, and bugs we still had a fairly successful gardening year at AV. Its a constant battle living next to the mountains!

Summer Camp a Big Success

2008-10-03T19:45:00.001-07:00

The 2nd annual Ahimsa Summer Camp was a big success. Attendance was much larger and more consistent. We had anywhere from 7 to 14 children each week. The camp ran from June 19 thru August 28. Activities this year included bread baking, bird watching, hissing cockroaches, boat building, honey bee class, dances of universal peace, yoga bowling, cooking, swimming, cooperative games, drawing, hiking, making flower pots, gardening and more. Check out our web site for details for the 2009 camp. A special thanks to all those who helped make the camp a success: Kelle Kersten, Tammy Badger, Frank Hidgon, John Cierpy, Ann Wilken, Deb Fisher, Chuck Cave, Kanji Ruhl, Jean and Robert Forsberg, Lamizsah Brown, Half Acre Farm, Huston Township Park and Rec, Julian Woods Community. (view pictures).

PA Renewable Energy Festival

2008-10-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

Ahimsa Village played a role in the fourth annual Pennsylvania Renewable Energy & Sustainable Living Festival held on Fri., Sat., & Sun., September 19, 20 & 21, 2008 on 66 acres in Berks County, PA. The event attracts thousands of visitors. The purpose of the festival is to empower regular people and demonstrate practical solutions to America's energy crisis.

The festival featured over 60 lectures, workshops and hands-on demonstrations promoting solar, wind, hydrogen power, biofuels, green building, organic farming and sustainable living. Examples included an introduction to wind power, vegetable oil for fuel, alternative farming techniques, solar site selection and solar panel installation, biofuel auto conversions, and alternative heat sources.

AV member Kelle Kersten taught 4 workshops on becoming a localvore and eating less meat. Bob helped with AV support for all the speakers and keynotes. Frank volunteered at the School of Living table (SoL sponsored a table at the event). The SoL table generated a lot of interest - book sales were brisk!

Honey Harvest Postponed

2008-10-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

The bees have been busy but they haven’t been making honey—at least not fast enough or in large enough quantities for us to harvest honey as planned for late September. Our beekeeper, Liam Goble, explained that dry weather makes it difficult for bees to make honey and we’ve been very dry in Centre County this past summer. The weather pattern has changed in the past few weeks. Rain, rain and more rain. Liam believes that we could try to harvest honey later in October once the colonies have taken full advantage of the moisture and the prolific golden rod crop that is bursting out all around us. The main concern is that the bees have enough honey to get themselves through the winter months. The farmer’s almanac is predicting a colder winter so we have to be cautious. It is possible to supplement the bees with a sugar solution, but they do best with their own honey which contains an untold host of nutrients vital to their survival. So, honey lovers and hive owners will need to be patient with our experimental apiary and we’ll keep our eyes on the prize: seeing most if not all of our resident bee colonies make it through the winter. Next year our patience could pay off with stronger colonies and a bumper crop of honey. Thanks for your involvement in the apiary. If you have any questions about the hives, please contact Liam at 814-574-2273 or half-acrefarm@hotmail.com

AV adds Straw Lease and New Members!!!!

2008-07-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

On July 27, 2008 AV entered into an agreement with the School of Living to lease the Straw property. This 3 acre parcel adjoins the current AV lease (of 65 acres). The property includes a small house, 3 wells, and a spring. The property has a rich history including being the site one of the first white settlements in the Bald Eagle Valley. A pioneer cabin originally stood on the footprint of the current house. More recently the lot was occupied by Mary and Chester Straw from 1961 - 2008. The current plan is for the lot to be used as space for our newest partner, Frank Higdon, and his family to build an eco-house. Frank serves on the Board of the School of Living. He is committed to the visions of AV and SoL. His vision is to create a place where communitarians can engage in homesteading using organic agriculture, forest farming, and permaculture to create an ecologically sound, human-scale culture. AV is delighted to have Frank as the newest AV partner!!!!

Garden Update

2008-07-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

The Ahimsa gardens are in full swing. Its been a great growing year as we have had fairly regular rainfall plus the use of the Straw well (a neighboring well that is MUCH stronger than the Ahimsa well) so we have been able to irrigate the crops as needed. The tomatoes are beginning to ripen up; the cherry tomatoes are ready. The green beans have been producing in abundance for the last week. We plan to do some canning soon. In addition, green peppers, beets, fennel, carrots, and peas are all still producing. We have harvested and hung up all the garlic for drying and have been sparingly harvesting the potatoes. Lastly, lettuce has been planted for the fall garden. We have been very grateful for the assistance of John Cierpolowski and Jean Giddings in the garden this year. Both have contributed many hours of weeding, planting, harvesting. Thank you!

Buzzing Around the Village

2008-07-30T20:11:00.000-07:00

Ahimsa Village has recently been colonized by hundreds of thousands of crawling, buzzing insects. They feed voraciously on flowers of all types and there are large clusters of them in the Butterfly Meadow and the Permaculture Orchard—if you’re brave enough to seek them out. Unlike the Gypsy Moths and Japanese Beetles of recent weeks, we imported these little winged “friends of Ahimsa”—they’re honey bees.

Liam Goble, a local beekeeper and proprietor of Half Acre Farm in State College, offered a “home hive program” this year for those interested in hosting his ever expanding apiary. The deal was much like a community supported agriculture system in that we provided an initial investment of $150 per hive, and Liam established the hives on our land. He maintains the hives and at the end of the season, we hope to get a portion of the honey produced by each hive. Ahimsa members and friends have invested in more than a half dozen hives. The land can accommodate up to 20 comfortably—so there’s room for more if anyone is interested in joining the program.

The program got off to a rocky start in April after we established a number of hives with an experimental design that didn’t appeal to our visiting queens. The first three colonies swarmed off, leaving their hives empty, and us scratching our heads. We went back to the tried and true “Langstroth” hive design, and so far we have 8 healthy and productive hives. Liam has been conducting open inspections for home hive members. It is thrilling to stand so close to a hive full of bees and realize that they are really gentle creatures who would rather not sting you if given the choice. The inspections happen on a monthly basis throughout the season.

If you are interested in getting involved in the Ahimsa Apiary, you can contact Kelle to find out if there is currently space for additional hives in 2009. Liam can be reached at (814) 574-2273 or half-acrefarm@hotmail.com if you are interested in having a hive placed at your home. At this time, he is only servicing hives located in the State College and Bald Eagle School Districts. Liam also provides training and “hive kits” to those interested in beekeeping. We’ll be hosting our first beekeeping workshop in August 9, and our Fall Honey Harvest Festival is slated for late September. Hope you can join us!