Re: Permaculture + Leadership + You: Tuition Deadline

Hello friends,

What would it feel like to wake up each morning knowing that
your life is profoundly aligned with your deepest values and
passions? Come envision a new future for yourself and for
our planet, rooted in sustainability, permaculture and
community. Read more @ http://commoncircle.com/pdc

The suburban permaculture and regenerative leadership retreats
we have coming up in northern and southern california will
change your life. Take a moment to read some of the amazing
things nearly one hundred past participants have said about
the program about their experience, and then make the leap
into the world and life you always wanted. You can read
some of the reviews at http://commoncircle.com/reviews

What: Regenerative Leadership & Urban Permaculture Design

Where: October 23 - November 4th - San Francisco Bay Area, CA
or December 17 - Dec 31st - San Diego County, CA
or April 7 - 22nd - Eugene, OR

-- We accept most financial aid, grants and Americorps awards
-- and you can get college credit for our programs. We also
-- offer highly flexible payment plans. Sign up early and
-- bring a friend FREE (contact us for details)!
--
-- Get more details @ http://www.commoncircle.com/pdc

"Common Circle's Permaculture Design course was a genuine heart
and mind opening experience. If you are interested in finding
how you can be part of the life giving earth healing solution
in today's global ecological and social crisis this course
gives you an in depth and extensive overview of what it takes
to make it happen. " - Jessica M, Course Graduate

During the workshop, we will talk about:

* Smart nature-inspired design principles
* Rainwater catchment and storage
* Greywater - smart water re-use with plant filters
* Food forests & garden design for food abundance
* Eco-psychology and Regenerative Leadership
* Intentional community design and dynamics
* Bio-remediation and toxic waste cleanup
* Natural building design - cob, strawbale and more
* Soil biology and regeneration
* Sustainable transportation and fuels
* Green business and sustainable economics
* Natural patterns and principles
* Everything you ever wanted to know about plants and soil!

When we speak about leadership, we speak about regenerative
leadership that makes people come alive because their deepest
passions come truly aligned with their day-to-day lives. It's
the kind of leadership our world needs most today -- not
leadership rooted in authority, but leadership rooted in
hope, inspiration and vision through alignment of values
and actions.

People come to our programs expecting to learn a ton about
plants - and they do, but they also learn a lot more about
people, leadership and community-building. Again - just go
read what past participants have said about our
life-altering programs.

--
-- Get more details @ http://www.commoncircle.com/pdc
--

Sign up before November 1st and you can bring a friend
with you with a huge discount on the tuition. We still
have a couple spaces left in the San Francisco course and
the December program is starting to fill up. Don't wait,
sign up today!

--
common circle education
14525 sw millikan way, suite 17760, beaverton, or 97005

Joanna Macy & Larry Korn - Regenerative Leadership and Urban Permaculture Design Certification Program - Los Altos, CA

Hello friends,

We're deeply honored to announce an incredible permaculture design
and regenerative leadership course with Larry Korn
(www.larrykorn.net), Joanna Macy (www.joannamacy.net), Kevin
Danaher (www.greenfestivals.com) and other amazing instructors!

With powerful instructors and a deeply rich curriculum grounded
in social/urban/suburuban permaculture and regenerative
leadership, this is the most powerful and complete permaculture
training available. As the nation's leadership, sustainable
living and permaculture school, Common Circle Education changes
people's lives. Join us to build the life you've always wanted
and the world where all beings thrive.

"Common Circle's Permaculture Design course was a genuine heart
and mind opening experience. If you are interested in finding
how you can be part of the life giving earth healing solution
in today's global ecological and social crisis this course
gives you an in depth and extensive overview of what it takes
to make it happen. " - Jessica M, Course Graduate

-- More info @
http://commoncircle.com/marketer/link.php?M=6340953&N=130&L=23&F=T --

Join an unforgettable program in leadership, permaculture and
sustainable design in California with the world's most renowned
instructors and change your life, your community and your
planet. Not only do Common Circle Education courses offer the
most complete curriculum of any similar course, but the people
who come to the programs make this the most powerful leadership
training offered anywhere.

What: Permaculture Design & Regenerative Leadership Certification
Who: Larry Korn (www.larrykorn.net)
Joanna Macy (www.joannamacy.net)
Where: The incredible Hidden Villa, Los Altos Hills, California
see www.hiddenvilla.org to get a sense of the
incredible retreat site where we hold these life-
changing programs!
When: October 23 - November 4th

-- We accept most financial aid, grants and Americorps awards
-- and you can get college credit for our programs. We also
-- offer highly flexible payment plans. Sign up early and
-- bring a friend FREE (contact us for details)!
--
-- Get more details @
http://commoncircle.com/marketer/link.php?M=6340953&N=130&L=23&F=T

-- More info @
http://commoncircle.com/marketer/link.php?M=6340953&N=130&L=23&F=T --

During the workshop, we will talk about:

* Smart nature-inspired design principles
* Rainwater catchment and storage
* Greywater - smart water re-use with plant filters
* Food forests & garden design for food abundance
* Eco-psychology and Regenerative Leadership
* Intentional community design and dynamics
* Bio-remediation and toxic waste cleanup
* Natural building design - cob, strawbale and more
* Soil biology and regeneration
* Sustainable transportation and fuels
* Green business and sustainable economics
* Natural patterns and principles
* Everything you ever wanted to know about plants and soil!

"My experience in the course was invaluable. I find myself with a
new permaculture lens that I can put on at will, and see the world
around me in a way that I feel leads to making more conscious
decisions and living better in harmony with the earth."
- Deborah F., Course Graduate

This course will combine critical design skills with leadership,
nature connection, and most importantly an urban focus, building
and exceeding upon the internationally-recognized Permaculture
Design Certification curriculum. Our programs offer by far the
most complete curriculum of any similar course -- with a huge
focus on leadership, personal growth and community design as well
as green business.

You'll learn how to create sustainable, thriving human systems,
from green houses and organic gardens, to local micro-economies
and communities, using sustainable design principles that are
applicable to every human system, from businesses, communities,
and cities to personal relationships.

"The experiences I have had and people I have met through
Common Circle has been life changing. On these trips, a
community is created and everyone's individuality is honored,
welcomed and celebrated as you work together each day to
prepare meals, confront issues large and small and discover
how each and every one of us can be the change that we wish
to see in the world." - Marlee F, Course Graduate

Because of our unique focus on Urban and Suburban solutions,
our courses are radically different from most other programs,
teaching permaculture as a design science rooted in nature.
With most of the world's population in cities, we must
meet people where they live with real sustainable solutions.

-- We accept most financial aid, grants and Americorps awards
-- and you can get college credit for our programs. We also
-- offer highly flexible payment plans. Sign up early and
-- bring a friend FREE (contact us for details)!
--
-- Get more details @
http://commoncircle.com/marketer/link.php?M=6340953&N=130&L=23&F=T

-- More info @
http://commoncircle.com/marketer/link.php?M=6340953&N=130&L=23&F=T --

Starting by learning the lessons from nature with some of the
world's most renowned organic farming experts, we will then look
at how to apply what we learned from the soil and the water to
building sustainable, lasting institutions.

Common Circle Education is the nation's ecological design and
sustainable living school with courses in Oregon, Hawaii and
California; our instructors are some of the most well-known
leaders in sustainability, organics and permaculture design.

We hope you will be able to join us for this incredible,
life-changing experiential course!

Much gratitude,

Vladislav for Common Circle Education
commoncircle.com

--
common circle education
14525 sw millikan way, suite 17760, beaverton, or 97005
LOVE US ON FACEBOOK:
http://commoncircle.com/marketer/link.php?M=6340953&N=130&L=29&F=T

FW: USDA Announces Grants to Improve the Health and Future of America's Children

FYI! This presents another opportunity to increase local food purchases as more fruits and veggies are added to school menus through this program.

 

Colleen

 

From: Yezak, Jennifer [mailto:Jennifer.Yezak@osec.usda.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 4:32 PM
Subject: USDA Announces Grants to Improve the Health and Future of America's Children

 

Good afternoon,

 

Below is a news release announcing grants to improve the health and future of America's children.  See the press below for grants awarded to your state.  A copy of the news release is also attached. If you have any questions feel free to call me.

 

Best Regards,

 

Jennifer Yezak

Director, Office of External & Intergovernmental Affairs

USDA / 202-205-9994 / 202-720-6643  or 202-255-7061

 

 

USDA Announces Grants to Improve the Health and Future of America's Children

Team Nutrition Initiative Works to Alleviate Childhood Obesity and Promote Physical Activity

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2011-- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced investments across the country to help children develop positive nutrition and physical activity habits that can lead to healthier lifestyles. The grants will provide nutrition education materials, resources for children and parents, and technical assistance and training for school food service providers and communities participating in the National School Lunch and Child and Adult Care Food Programs. The $6.4 million in funding supports elementary and secondary schools applying for the Healthier US School Challenge, a key component of the First Lady's Let's Move! initiative to end childhood obesity within a generation.

 

"If we want to build a strong economy and win the future, then we also need to win the race to educate our kids," said Vilsack. "And that means making sure that the 32 million kids who eat school lunches every day are fueled by nutritious food and healthy habits. With that winning combination we can help to reduce and prevent childhood obesity and ensure more healthful future for every child in America."

 

States will provide training and technical assistance to school food service staff in making school meals healthier, with more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat milk products on the menu, during the two year grant period. Grantees will also promote the use of USDA Foods and teach children to make healthy food choices through hands-on nutrition education experiences. Parents in these states will be offered information on how to support healthy habits at home.

States had the opportunity to apply for up to two Team Nutrition Training Grants for fiscal year 2011, competitive and/or non-competitive. The non-competitive grant funds are awarded as a basis to support States in their efforts to significantly increase the number of schools applying for the Healthier US School Challenge. States that guarantee a specific number of HUSSC applications during the grant period received a non-competitive award. The 31 States receiving grants include:

 

	Competitive	Non- Competitive
Alaska		$48,326
Arizona		$25,000
California		$19,777
Connecticut	$300,000	$49,854
District of Columbia	$282,005	$27,890
Florida	$236,850	$34,905
Georgia	$340,080
Idaho	$198,853
Indiana	$82,920	$40,000
Iowa	$304,097	$39,120
Kansas	$300,062	$49,909
Louisiana		$49,916
Maine		$26,206
Maryland	$195,884	$49,999
Michigan	$299,869	$49,100
Minnesota	$284,914	$47,727
Mississippi		$41,837
Missouri	$294,531
Montana	$339,333
Nebraska	$251,641	$35,600
New Mexico	$249,988
North Dakota		$28,283
Ohio		$27,000
Oregon		$41,555
Pennsylvania	$334,466
Rhode Island		$40,858
South Dakota	$289,628	$34,967
Vermont	$238,575	$24,181
Washington	$188,947
West Virginia	$268,064	$48,304
Wisconsin	$264,878	$19,640

Improving child nutrition is a focal point of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act that was signed by President Obama last December. This legislation reauthorizes USDA's Child nutrition programs, including the Summer Food Service Program and the National School Lunch Program, which serves nearly 32 million children each day. It will allow USDA, for the first time in over 30 years, the chance to make real reforms to the school lunch and breakfast programs by improving the critical nutrition and hunger safety net for millions of children. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act is the legislative centerpiece of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative. To learn more, visit www.LetsMove.gov.

More information on the Team Nutrition Training Grants and how schools can become Team Nutrition and Healthier US School Challenge schools is available at teamnutrition.usda.gov. 

#

 

 

Michigan Farm to School News

Hi all,

Check out the latest Farm to School news and info!

NEWS

FoodCorp Launched! Michigan FoodCorps members arrived in Michigan last month to start their service terms. The New York Times, Time and Parade's Dash Magazine all ran features (among a host of other great blog pieces) about the launch of the national FoodCorp program! Check them out, and share with your friends and colleagues: 

·         Click here for the NY Times piece by Mark Bittman

·         Click here for the Time story

·         Click here for the Dash story

 

Oregon State Legislature passes HB2800, the Farm to School and School Garden Bill

With unanimous bipartisan support from both the Oregon House and Senate, the Farm to School and School Garden bill was passed earlier this summer. Check out the press release here and the bill here.

 

School Food Reimbursement Rates Updated  

The USDA has issued the national average payments/maximum reimbursement rates for meals and snacks served to children in the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, and afterschool snack programs for the new school year. These rates, along with those for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), were published in the July 20, 2011 Federal Register and are effective July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2012.

 

Value of Donated Foods Adjusted for each lunch served by schools in the National School Lunch Program and for meals served in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) was also announced. For the period of July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2012, the national average value is 22.25 cents per meal. For additional information from the Federal Register, click here. 

Michigan Farm to School's School Food Budgets two-pager has been updated with this reimbursement and donated foods information. Click here to learn more about school food budgets including common procurement methods, funding sources, and typical costs for school food service programs.
 

EVENTS 

 

MSU Product Center: Making It In Michigan 2011

October 19, 2011

Lansing Center, Lansing, MI

http://www.makingitinmichigan.msu.edu/

 

Tools for Schools: Go! For Implementing Michigan’s Nutrition Standards

Sponsored by Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Department of Community Health and United Dairy Industry of Michigan, this free training for teachers, administrators, school health staff, food service professionals, parents and health champions will focus on using the new Michigan nutrition standards at schools. See attachment for dates and locations.

 

Conference Call Series: Afterschool Matters

FRAC has initiated Afterschool Matters, a new monthly conference call series, to discuss different aspects of the Afterschool Meal Program. The next call is on September 14 at 1 pm and focuses on Conducting Outreach for the Afterschool Meal Program. Register for the first Afterschool Matters call here.

Save the dates for future calls:

·         October 12, 1 p.m. -- Reducing Administrative Barriers

·         November 16, 1 p.m. – Building School Participation

·         December 14, 1 p.m. -- Recruiting and Supporting Large Sponsors

 

2011 Community School Gardener Networking Meeting 

November 5, 2011 from 9am-5pm 

Wayne County Community College, Eastern Campus in Detroit, MI

If you plan to attend, please fill out this brief survey to help organize this year’s event and shape it best for you.

Click here to learn more about the event.  

 

RESOURCES

 

FRAC’s Afterschool Meal Guide

This online resource can help afterschool programs get ready to receive federal funding through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and participate in providing healthy afterschool meals to children. Learn more here.

 

National Kids Count Data Book

The Michigan League for Human Servies in collaboration with the Annie E. Casey Foundation has released the annual Kids Count Data Book, a comprehensive resource on the well-being of children in the US featuring state-specific data. This year's book focuses on the impact of the national recession on children. The report is available at www.kidscount.org.

On-Farm Food Safety Questionnaire for Food Service Personnel

This food safety questionnaire by the University of Minnesota aims to provide food service directors questions to ask and the types of answers to listen for as they work with local farmers to get farm fresh produce into their schools. See attachment for the guide. 

Check out these Farm to School Resources from USDA Food and Nutrition Service:

• Frequently asked questions pertaining to Food Safety (includingGAP)
• Frequently asked questions pertaining to Farm to School Implementation
• Information on FNS policy related to local purchasing and Farm to School

 

OPPORTUNITIES 

 

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is accepting pre-applications for projects under the State of Michigan’s Community Development Block Grant Farm to Food and Downtown Infrastructure Grant programs. Submissions for the 2011 program will be accepted until October 21, 2011. Click here for more information. If you have any questions, please contact Katharine Czarnecki at czarneckik@michigan.org.

 

Whole Kids Foundation School Garden Grant Program 

The Whole Kids Foundation in collaboration with Whole Foods Market and FoodCorps is providing grants of $2,000 to support school garden projects! School garden projects at any stage of development - planning, construction or operation - may apply! Click here to learn more and apply. Applications are due December 31, 2011 at 5PM. 

 

 

 

Happy September, and all the best for a great school year!

 

Colleen Matts

Farm to Institution Specialist

CS Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems

Michigan State University

303 Natural Resources Building

East Lansing, MI 48824-1222

517.432.0310

www.mifarmtoschool.msu.edu

 

 

2011 MGHC Conference - Registration open

Guaranteed room rates at the Park Place Hotel have been extended to 9/12/11!

Attendees who require lodging should make their reservations by then.

Registration is now open for the 2011 Michigan Green Health Care Conference being held on Wednesday, October 5 at Park Place Hotel, Traverse City. The Michigan Green Healthcare Conference is intended for individuals that work in the health care field. Specifically, it is for sustainability officers, dieticians (there is a food track), nurses and individuals affiliated with engineering facilities and environmental services departments. This conference is designed to teach individuals in the health care field tactics to reduce their ecological footprint.   Highlights include: . Keynote speaker: Health Care Without Harm's founder and CEO, Gary Cohen . Senior Leadership Perspective on Sustainability Panel containing hospital Vice Presidents and CEOs . Two tracks (Food and General) so more information is covered . Healing Creek Tour or Healthy Food Hospitals Round Table at Munson Medical Center   This is the first year the conference is being opened up to vendors and sponsors. See links for more information.   Brochure link: images.magnetmail.net/images/clients/MHHA/attach/MIGreenConference_2011_FINAL.pdf Register online at: http://www.deq.state.mi.us/eforms/greenhealthcare-attendee-workshopregistration.html Vendor registration: http://www.deq.state.mi.us/eforms/greenhealthcare-vendor-workshopregistration.html   If you have any questions contact Paige Hathaway (phathaway@mha.org) at the MHA.

This email, including any attachments, may contain confidential information and is intended solely for use by the individual to whom it is addressed. If you received this email in error, please notify the sender, do not disclose its contents to others, and delete it from your system. Any other use of this email and/or attachments is prohibited. Click here to unsubscribe

 

6215 W St. Joseph Highway, Lansing, MI 48917

This E-mail, including any attachments, may contain  confidential information and is intended solely for use by the  individual to whom it is addressed. If you received this E-mail  in error, please notify the sender, do not disclose its  contents to others, and delete it from your system. Any other  use of this E-mail and/or attachments is prohibited.