The holiday season has begun – and we've got a lot of

celebrating in this issue. We have filled The Village

Green with crafts, activities, and recipes, as well as gifts

just perfect for this time of year.

And since the holiday season is the busiest time of the

year for most businesses, we even have a little (ok, long)

note from Gripe for businesses that are interested in

marketing their green products to the growing body of

eco-conscious consumers.

Shannon & Ciana

Gripe, the Green Guru

If You Don't Show, They Don't Know

It seems to be common knowledge these days that there is money in going green. The National Retail Federation and U.S. Census Bureau claim (respectively) that “80% of Americans identify themselves as environmentalists on national polls” and “88% of consumers said it is their duty to contribute to a better society and environment.” According to the Environmental Leader (environmentalleader.com), “78% of consumers like to buy brands that make a donation to worthy causes.” These are just a few of the statistics, there are many, many more quite like them.

Still, regardless of the new green consumer trend, some green businesses seem to be struggling along with their conventional counterparts, though others are benefitting from the growing amount of conscious consumers. What is the difference between a successful green business and a struggling one?

Intentions Matter When starting a green business, it's important to remember why you became interested in going green in the first place. Sincerity and enthusiasm show. Many green consumers are living a very different lifestyle from the one in which they began. Rather than keeping up family traditions, it is common for this consumer to be a skeptical, ecologically conscious, educated, and well-informed citizen who is fed-up with the average company's lack of ethics and concern for the ways in which the products they manufacture or sell negatively impact our present and future.

Walk it! GreenBiz.com has featured numerous articles lately informing businesses of the need to market appropriately to consumers. The underlying message in their articles: “Walk the walk.” It is not enough for a business to offer something they heard might be a green product and expect the green consumer to leap at the chance to buy it. Such businesses are gravely underestimating the green consumer. The green consumer hates greenwashing – and suspects every company to be doing it until proven otherwise. “Your messaging has to show why the points you raise are important, what they mean for sustainability, and how consumers can feel part of the solution by choosing you,” According to GreenBiz.com. Green consumers want to know the impact your product has on the individual, the environment, their local and global community (ethical standards, Fair Trade – you get the picture), as well as the present and future of our planet. When choosing a product, it's important to look at the big picture, because you can guarantee that the green consumer will. It's not enough to take things at face value. It's important to put yourself in the place of the consumer. Do your research. Make sure your company is talking the talk and, especially, walking the walk.

(Gripe Cont’d)

Let Them Know Although, there is a market for eco-businesses, the same amount of research and dedication that would be used to promote a conventional product is needed for an ecological one. As you can see, the green consumer is different from other consumers in many ways, but one of the most important to remember is that if you don't tell them you're green, they assume you are not. This may not seem like rocket-science, but I have lost count of the numerous times business owners have asked me why they should go green when they find it so difficult to sell the one green-ish product they now offer. When asked how they are marketing it, they almost always give a negligible answer. There is an old saying, “Build a better mouse-trap, and the world will beat a path to your door.” Baloney! Only if they know about it. (By the way, adding the product to your store shelf and placing a sign stating “eco-friendly” is not enough, especially if your business does not have a reputation for being green in the first place.) This is why it's so important to start at ground zero. Remember what it was like to be the green consumer, and follow the guidelines that would it would have taken to convince you. Get the word out! Advertise in green magazines. Write articles for newspapers. Submit announcements to radio shows. BLOG if you are so inclined. Market like crazy. If you follow these simple rules, you will considerably improve your chances to acquire a larger share of the growing green market. Now, go get 'em. And tell them Gripe sent ya'. ;-)

Send your questions to Gripe, the Green Guru at floridaeconet@gmail.com, ATTENTION: Gripe

by Tom Barlett

To find out about beekeeping, the first thing you’ll want to do is join a local beekeeping club like the Beekeepers of Volusia County Florida, which meets at the Volusia County Agricultural Center each month. You’ll also want to start reading some of the great beekeeping books. Other great sources of beekeeping information include magazines like Bee Culture (Beeculture.com) and the American Bee Journal (Americanbeejournal.com), both monthly publications. The internet also has a wealth of beekeeping information. Start by visiting the University of Florida Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab at http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honeybee/extension/bee_college.shtml and plan to attend the Bee College in March 2011. Details are provided online. The best time for a “NewBee” to start beekeeping is in the spring (March and April, when many plants are in bloom). There are several ways to start a new honey bee apiary. Consider on starting with two hives to provide enough resources to manage your apiary. The typical methods for starting a honey bee hive include package bees (a queen and 3 to 5 pounds of worker bees in a wire box, about $70), a Nuc (a queen, 3 to 5 frames of bees in a wood or plastic box, around $75 to $100), or a full hive (a queen, 10 frames of bees in a brood box, $125 and up). I recommend starting with nucs or full hives for beginning beekeepers. It is a good idea to find a local source to purchase your starter honey bees and to order your bees in the winter for spring delivery. Start by researching advertisements in the magazines listed above or contact me for other local sources which may not be advertised. ‘Til Next Time. Bee Friendly,

Tom Bartlett

Master Beekeeper

Backyard Beekeeper

President of the Beekeepers of Volusia County

Beekeeper7501@aol.com

386-756-2571

Beekeepers of Volusia County meets

the 4th

Wednesday of the month, 6:30pm

Volusia County Agricultural Center

1250 Indian Lake Road

Daytona Beach 32724

Masters to Makers Gifts for the Historic Restorer (Master or Maker)

by D. Shawn Beckwith

With the holiday season coming, ‘tis the season of giving, a time to remember our friends and family in a way that allows them to flourish and prosper. In considering my own passion for the artistic and aesthetics of historic building, I decided, what better gift than the gift of knowledge? So here are some suggestions for those like-minded folk with a love of old homes and restoration.

An elementary way to introduce a person to the world of historic restoration is a magazine subscription. My first suggestion would be Old House Journal. OHJ employs the seasoned approach to figuring out what the problem is – and what to do with it – and includes great eye candy photographs of righteous projects. Next would be This Old House. What a revolution these folks at PBS have created. Now you can find replicas of historic items in Home Depot, of all places. If, by chance, your friend lives in a bungalow or has an Arts and Crafts style home, American Bungalow is a choice magazine with very useful advertisements in the back to find that source to match a wall paper or who makes authentic quarter-sawn oak furniture. For those who like to tinker and putter around with tools, Fine Homebuilding has reliable techniques with digestible information.

Now for the serious holiday gift that is appropriate for a coffee table but meant to be used, get Susan Susanka’s The Not So Big House and Creating The Not So Big House. She uses tried and true principles for renovating older homes to capitalize on quality of life and responsible design and growth.

After giving these gifts that keep on giving, before you know it Daytona Beach may be on the cover of a national publication for its beautification efforts!

Happy Holidays!

D. Shawn Beckwith is a board member of Heritage Preservation Trust, and has helped restore 20+ historic house museums in Ohio and Florida. The mission of HPT is to work for preservation and restoration of historical artifacts, buildings, lands, and sites in Volusia County through educational programs, fund raising and grant acquisition. Visit heritagepreservationtrust.org

One Million Pillowcase Challenge What is the One Million Pillowcase Challenge?

American Patchwork & Quilting is challenging you to help us reach our goal of donating one million pillowcases to local charities. Many charities can benefit from the donation of a pillowcase and the challenge gives you the opportunity to donate and make a difference in your community.

How do I participate?

Find a participating retailer near you. However, if there is not a participating shop in your area, we encourage you to make a difference by creating pillowcases and donating them locally.

Local participants in the Daytona area include:

The Sewing Garrett 949 Beville Road Daytona Beach (386) 767-3545

and

Sea and Quilt Shop Hwy 100 Bunnell (386) 586-5409 1-877-586-5409 www.sewandquiltshop.com

Where do I find the pillowcase patterns?

Patterns are available at allpeoplequilt.com. Three new patterns will be added each quarter.

Can I design my own pillowcase?

Yes, creativity is encouraged. Keep in mind, however, the intended recipient’s age and comfort.

What do I do with my pillowcase when it’s finished?

Ideally, give to a charity. A suggested list of charities in available on allpeoplequilt.com

How do I report how many pillowcases I made?

The official pillowcase counter on the homepage will keep a running total of all the pillowcases donated to date. Sign up and enter the number of pillowcases you’ve created and donated at allpeoplequilt.com

(Cont’d On Next Page)

(Pillowcase Challenge Cont’d) Should I send you my completed pillowcases?

No. We want you to make a difference in your community. A suggested list of charities to contact in your local area is available at allpeoplequilt.com. (Suggestions include the United Way, Ronald McDonald House, Catholic Charities, YMCA, Red Cross, and many more.)

How long does the One Million Pillowcase promotion run?

Throughout 2010.

How do I contact American Patchwork & Quilting with questions?

Please email your questions and contact information to us at

millionpillowcases@meredith.com.

Patterns Follow On The Following Pages

Little Green Apples Christmas history and a recipe to share

by Debra Parsons

If you are looking for a Christmas tradition, but would rather skip the heavy turkey dinner, try this for an educational alternative. Look to other countries and the foods they serve for their traditional celebrations. For instance, did you know that the celebration of Christmas originally began in Italy? Three hundred years after the birth of Jesus, the Emperor Constantine adopted Christianity. He decided to honor Jesus by celebrating his birthday on the date of the feast day for the Roman god Mithras – on December 25th. It was a time of joy full of goodwill and sharing. The people exchanged gifts such as candles, clay dolls, dates, figs, honey, and coins. Laurel branches were used to decorate homes and temples. There are many Italian recipes that reflect that holiday tradition, such as lentils with sausage, baked cod, fried eel, spaghetti with tuna, mixed fried vegetables, strufoli, almond macaroons, and cannoli. So here is a recipe for lentils and sausage. Saluté! Lentils and Sausage 1 cup lentils, rinsed 2 cups water 1 cup dry white wine 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large tomato, peeled, seeded and chopped 1 slice bacon, diced 1 clove garlic, chopped 3 peppercorns 1 small bay leaf Salt to taste 2 pounds mild Italian sausage 1 small onion 1 small carrot, diced 1 stalk celery, chopped 4 peppercorns 1 small bay leaf Combine lentils, water, wine, oil, tomato, bacon, garlic, 3 peppercorns, 1 bay leaf, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered about one hour, until lentils are soft. Meanwhile, place sausage, onion, carrot, celery and remaining peppercorns and bay leaf into a large saucepan. Add enough water to cover by one inch. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 30 minutes. Remove sausage from liquid, remove casing and cut into thick slices. Serve sausage slices with lentils. Yield 4 servings.

Little Green

Apples

Italian Chia Crackers by Laura Sutton

I found this recipe in The Sunfood Cuisine. I don’t recommend consuming flax, because it’s xenoestrogenic, thus it is not an ideal human food, so I’ve tweaked the recipe a little. Chia is a much healthier option for those omega 3 fatty acids.

Italian Chia Crackers: 2 cups chia seeds 2 cups water (filtered or spring) 2 or 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp. dried basil 1 tsp. dried oregano 1/2 tsp. dried sage 1/2 tsp. dried marjoram

1 cup tomato, chopped 1 lemon, juiced 1 tsp. sea salt 1 dash of hot sauce Soak chia seeds in water for at least 30 minutes, then mix thoroughly with the rest of the ingredients in a bowl. Spread about 1/4" thick onto dehydrator sheets (you may want to use parchment paper), score into cracker shapes with a rubber spatula, and dehydrate at 104° for 8 hours. Flip crackers over (removing the paper), and continue to dehydrate until you reach desired crispness.

Wine and Dine on Native Edibles

by Dana “Green Man” Venrick Here in central Florida, we have many delicious native edibles. Just to list a few, by season, in the early spring, dandelion greens are abundant, followed a little later by native blueberries and huckleberries, not to mention yummy blackberries. In the summer, around August, native muscadine grapes are ready to pick, and in the fall, beautiful dark clusters of elderberries are juicy, ripe, and ready to enjoy. There are native edibles to eat pretty much year-round. It’s Mother Nature’s way of providing the perfect food each season of the year for nature’s creatures. Did you know that all of the above also make delicious wines? Dandelion wine has a mystic and a cult status that is legend. Florida blueberry and blackberry wines are absolutely delicious. And wines made from Florida muscadine grapes are becoming known world-wide. They’ve won quite a number of prestigious medals. Of course, elderberry wine is legendary for its flavor and intense color. Local growers have tapped into the ready availability of these native edibles, too. You can find fresh picked blueberries and blackberries from many local growers in spring. In August, ripe, succulent muscadine grapes are available from local vineyards such as Vineyards of Holly Hill. And in the fall, ripe elderberries are abundant locally (check out Planted Earth Vegetables in Deland). You can find all of these and much more at local farmers’ markets such as the Downtown Farmer’s Market, located on City Island in Daytona Beach. For fun, try out some of the famous recipes that can easily be found on the internet. Don’t forget to sit back and savor some incredibly delicious wines made from Florida native plants and fruit.

Dana Venrick, a Florida native and former horticultural extension agent with the University of Florida, is president of Quality Green Specialists (qualitygreenspecialists.com) and provides precision testing and recommendations to produce quality plants. Dana can be reached at dmvenrick823@yahoo.com or call him at 386-837-3878.

Ski Lift Bus or Cable Car by Debra Parsons

If you have never seen snow or miss the snow during the holidays, this will be a cool way to capture that chilly feeling and have fun with recyclables. You will need: A clean half-gallon paper carton, milk or juice Scissors Markers, crayons Any variety of decorative embellishments A white blanket or some variety of "snow" String Placing your carton on its side, be sure the peak or seal of the carton is horizontal; this will be the nose or front of your cable car. Carefully cut windows and a door into the side of your paper carton. For young children, you may want to let your child simply draw in the door and windows. Decorate and name your cable car. Carefully poke 4 small holes at each corner on the top of the carton. Cut 4 pieces of string about 6 to 8 inches long. Tie a knot at one end of each piece of string and thread the string through each hole in the top corner of the cable car. Tie a long piece of string between the backs of two chairs placed any distance apart according to your room size; this creates the ski lift cable loop. Tie the other end of each string to one side of the loop line. You will use the other side for moving your cable car. You could also create a ski slope resort on the receiving end of your cable car. Throw a white blanket over the destination chair and decorate. You can make cabins or chalets from clean cartons cut in half, using the top half for the roof and the cabin. You can even make clothespin or popsicle stick people to give them a lift in your cable car (or see Lynn Colwell’s article, in this issue, on creating little acorn people). Children, especially, find this type of activity magical, but it’s really a lot of fun for everyone. Happy Holidays!

Debra Parsons is the director of WHOLE (Wise Holistic Observations of our Living Environment), empowering families on the journey of edification. The class focuses on positive interaction and conscientious stewardship. For more information, call (386) 675-8907.

InvitationInvitation

Your organization is invited to participate in

Florida EcoNet's Weekend Of Service The weekend of February 18, 2011

Who may participate? Only "active" Florida EcoNet members

(organizations) may participate.

Active members must be considered "active" by Dec 1st, 2010 to qualify.

(The easiest way to become "active" is to begin writing and promoting your organization through the EcoNet's eco-community online magazine, The Village Green.)

What is "a Weekend of Service"? A vehicle to drive your organization to reach the market sincerely interested in what you have to offer—a membership drive. How to participate? Pick a project to start on the weekend of Friday, February 18 -- Monday, February 21st. Project must be located within the Volusia or Flagler county area (ideally within Florida EcoNet's "green district".)

Actions Speak Louder Than Words People are more likely to join an organization when they meet its members in person, doing what it is they say they do. So we're giving your organization an

opportunity to promote through the "loudest" method.

For more information or to submit your project idea,

call 386-676-0011, or email floridaeconet@gmail.com

A Greener America Starts with Simple Steps by Commissioner Shiela McKay

The greening of America is a growing movement across this country. It is very important and something that needs to be brought to the attention of everyone in this city and this country. Our planet’s resources are finite. I believe each generation has a responsibility to leave our earth for the next generation in better shape than they found it. Is such an ideal actually possible? I’m not sure. But I do know that we can do better than we have been. As our population grows, we all have to work a bit harder in order to maintain those elements that are essential to enjoying a quality of life that we’ve come to expect. Using up the planet because we can is no longer an optimum operating mode. I believe that all cities should be taking a leading role in encouraging their citizens to practice as many green techniques as practical. Many city building departments are already including green building practices in their policies and working in conjunction with such groups as homebuilders associations. But I think that cities need to go further. I believe they should be publicizing ideas and stimulating citizens to think and act in ways that will favorably impact our planet. I have just read a book called Celebrate Green that suggests ways to start making changes gradually, beginning with some of our holiday practices. It has been shown that there is 25% more waste during the last 3 months of the year than at any other time. With a little thought, there are a plethora of ways to make some changes between Halloween and this New Year. To stimulate thought among my city commissioners, I gave each of them a copy of this book and it immediately prompted some suggestions, including using more recycled materials and going paperless. At a conference recently, I received a tote made from recycled billboard material. I would love to see our city create a green exchange of ideas and have the ideas posted on the city website. Too often, we are made to feel that we need to make a major lifestyle change to have any real effect. But after reading this book, I now know that with each of us doing a few things, we can make a big impact. Holiday time is usually a fun time anyway, so why not decide to incorporate some new ideas into each holiday this year. Buying products made from recycled materials, cooking with organic foods, or handing the trick or treaters such things as a honey stick or a small toy are examples of making green choices. What can each of us come up with? Keeping our planet healthy depends on everyone making an effort. When the population of an entire city starts doing just one extra thing, the results are magnified and the whole community will benefit. Shiela McKay was born in New Haven, Connecticut, and graduated from the University of Connecticut. She started a teaching career in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and subsequently married and raised 6 children there. Her second career was as sales manager for a food broker. She was the president of International Training in Communications and active participator on the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors. McKay moved to Daytona Beach in 2000, and started a reading program for homeless children while serving as City Commissioner. She can be reached via skmckay@bellsouth.net or 386-299-5838.

When Kelly and Ciana started DIG, they had a vision of citizens filled with pride in their city – a city that could serve as an inspiration to other surrounding cities and to the citizens themselves as they saw the fruits of their efforts each day and were reminded of what they could accomplish. “Beautifying Daytona, one plant at a time” may not sound like much, but it's the impact of these efforts that are the focus of DIG.

It's the routine nurturing of a gardener as he or she lovingly restores a once blighted area. It's the creativity of a newly blossoming artist as she looks a barren lot and landscapes a public garden in her mind; the resourcefulness it takes to make that dream happen; the new friendships that actively build community ties. It is the small steps that inch their way into our hearts and minds and move us to bring about the change we want to see, renewing our city, our citizens, and ourselves. Though the members of DIG work to serve as inspiration to others, there is one member of the group who has served as inspiration to the rest – a person who seems to naturally understand that in order to fix the problem, you must become the solution. Clarence Taylor was born in Jamaica and came to Florida after his daughter began attending Bethune Cookman College. His wife Launa describes him as “a man of his word.” “He is a lovely man. He's a loving father. He's always willing to help, that's just how he is.” He likes to live near the beach, but is sensible enough to stick to the mainland. Should you pause to chat, he will readily tell you about his favorite gardening shows (especially the Master Gardeners on PBS), giving you the opportunity, as you listen, to soak in the beauty of his garden, lush with citrus, palm, and avocado trees, and an assortment of herbs, all nourished by his homemade compost. His home won the Beautification Award for Zone 6 in 2009. Clarence has been a true inspiration and model for all the members of DIG, and we would like to go above and beyond, the way he has taught us, and show him our gratitude. Please visit us on November 14th at 3pm for an award ceremony at the Downtown Rose Garden, located on South Beach Street near the corner of Orange Avenue in Daytona Beach, 32114.

For more information on DIG email digdaytona@gmail.com, and/or “Like” DIG Daytona Improvement Gardeners on

Facebook.

by Paul Rebmann Yaupon Holly is a widespread Florida native evergreen that has small elliptic to oval leaves with rounded teeth. Spring brings clusters of tiny white flowers. Red berries in the fall and winter help make this an attractive landscape shrub or small tree. It prefers well drained soil and is tolerant of shade.

You can view more photos of this plant and others at wildflphoto.com.

Florida Native Plant Society chapters Lyonia and Pawpaw will be having a joint chapter public meeting on November 9th from 7-9pm at the Deltona Public Library, located at 2150 Eustace Avenue. Yaupon Holly will be the featured “Plant of the Month.” For more information, including recipes (yep, people eat it), please join our meeting. Paul Rebmann is a member of the Florida Native Plant Society Pawpaw Chapter and part-time professional nature photographer. Paul has created a website - wildflphoto.com - featuring some of this photography and information about the flora and fauna of Florida. He is currently enrolled in the Florida Master Naturalist Program.

FNPS Pawpaw Chapter regularly meets on

The third Tuesday of each month

From

7-9pm

at

SICA Hall Community Center, located at 1065 Daytona Avenue,

Holly Hill, FL 32117.

For more information on the Pawpaw Chapter

visit www. pawpaw.fnpschapters.org

Easy petit people for ornaments and décor

by Lynn Colwell

I had been thinking about making some “people” to go under the dowel Christmas tree I made, when I spied a baggie full of acorn caps from a fall foray. Next thing you know, I’d put together a half dozen figures using corks, wood balls, and the acorn caps.

You can imagine it only took a minute to make each one. And if you had scraps of fabric, you could add scarves. I like the faces blank, but of course, you could color them as well.

Once I’d used up all the small wooden balls I had, I was hooked. What else did I have lying around with which to make more little people?

If you’re a crafter, I’m sure that, like me, your workspace is filled with items for which you have no earthly use – right now, but that you are absolutely positive you’ll use some day. That’s me, for sure. I dug through my “odd wood pieces” drawer and found some larger wool balls, an apple, and a tall rounded piece. Then I came upon a tea ball that had lost one part and a tiny blue glass bowl that once lined a silver plated saltcellar. Aha! The makings of beings.

I sure wish they made eco-friendly E600 glue. Except for that (and that’s a biggie–so if any of you have an alternative, please let me know), these guys are recycled, upcycled, eco-friendly, and make me smile. The “body” of the one below is the wooden apple turned upside down.

I couldn’t get over how perfectly the bowl and tea strainer fit on the “heads.” I drilled a couple of “eyes” into the tall guy, just for fun.

The Green Menorah Covenant and

sustainable gifts at Hanukkah

When we were writing Celebrate Green!, we wanted to include a chapter on Hanukkah, and since neither of us knew much about this celebration, in doing our research, we were excited to come across information about The Green Menorah Covenant.

Hanukkah honors the struggle of ancient Jews to restore the Temple of Jerusalem. After removing all the idols from the Temple, the Jews found only enough oil for their holy lamp to last one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days.

A menorah, with its eight arms, represents those eight days. And The Green Menorah is the symbol of a covenant among Jewish communities and congregations to renew the miracle of Hanukkah with respect to the Earth.

The idea of the covenant is to get Jews thinking and taking action to deal on a personal level with global “scorching.” Those who agree to participate do things like:

Call on their electric utility to switch to wind power Urge their synagogues to move to wind-generated electricity Connect with others (including politicians), to encourage green actions Choose at least one day during Hanukkah to walk instead of drive Ask a school or office to conduct an energy audit and follow through with changes Participate with organizations working to help mitigate global scorching. These ideas, obviously, are not new or unique to The Green Menorah Covenant, but what is relatively new, is tying these types of actions into our celebrations. Of course, they fit very well, so why shouldn’t we make a new tradition of doing them? For more information on The Green Menorah Covenant, visit the TheShalomCenter.org

Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green!® Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family. More tips on Celebrate Green® during this holiday season, including tips for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Years can be seen online at CelebrateGreen.net or by buying the book Celebrate Green!®

Celebration: Holy Food for the Holy Days by Joel Tippens

“It’s cold in here,” she said, as she slid into the kitchen chair, pushing the cutting board aside to set her coffee down. “Well, good morning to you, too. It’ll warm up pretty quick,” her mother replied, turning her head from the sink where she was rinsing a large colander and knife. “Your father turns the thermostat way back at night, but it’ll warm up. Did you get some coffee?” The girl sipped slowly from the warm steamy mug and glared disapprovingly toward the coffeemaker. “I told you to only buy Fair Trade coffee. This is that same old coffee you always get. It’s not Fair Trade, and I know it’s not organic, either.” “But it’s hot,” her mother said, without turning around. “And the price is fair to me. Besides, like I told you, they don’t sell that other coffee you talk about.” “The big stores do, and that coffee shop downtown.” “Well, I can’t pay for it when I can get that big can for the same price. You know how much coffee we drink around here and it’s got to last. Grocery dollars got to buy more than just coffee. But let me sit down a minute and have a cup with you. We’re so glad you could come home for the holidays.” The woman poured the last of the coffee into her cup, turned off the pot, and sat down across the table from her daughter, putting her feet up in the chair beside her. The girl studied her mother’s swollen ankles and asked, “What are you cooking?” “Oh it’s gonna be special! Boiling the potatoes right now and then you can help me put the corn casserole together. Then we’ll wash and snap those beans. Your father went over to the church to pick up the turkey. Last year they gave us a big one! Or maybe last year was a ham.… I forget.” “Well, I’m a vegetarian now,” the girl stated proudly. “Well that will make more for the rest of us,” her mother responded as she sipped her coffee and looked over the newspaper lying across her lap. “Did you buy the corn and potatoes at the farmers’ market, Mama?” “No, they come from the store. Buy one, get one, on the cans of corn.” The girl leaned forward over the table, as if to emphasize the tone in her voice as she almost shouted, “You mean the corn ain’t even fresh? I told you that you should go to the farmers market…” “Now wait a minute,” her mother said sternly as she folded the newspaper. “I know what-all you told me. But I don’t go to the farmers’ market on Saturdays. You know your father takes the car to work. And your brother and sisters aren’t in school on Saturday and I can’t leave them alone and me go off to ride the bus downtown – and I am certainly not up to taking them on the bus with me. Not after working all week and coming in late, and Saturday is laundry anyway.”

The girl sat back in her chair and sipped on her coffee cup for a moment or two. “What about the Whole Foods store I told you about? They sell organic produce. Couldn’t you go there instead of the other store? At least you know it’s organic. We talked about this, Mama, and it’s important if we want to change things. Michelle Obama…” Just then the door flew open and her father burst through and dropped a big paper bag on the table, shaking it and spilling her mother’s coffee. “Look at the size of this ham, man! You should have seen how long the line was! Any coffee?” he asked, picking up the empty pot. The girl continued, “Michelle Obama is even trying to get kids to exercise more and address the childhood obesity rates because…” “You gonna make more coffee?” her father said as he walked away into the other room. “Listen to me, child,” her mother said as she slid the brown paper bag off of the ham, “and listen good. I know you and your friends at school are all excited about all this organics stuff and holy foods…” “Whole Foods, not holy food!” “Whole food, organic food, fresh food – all of that green movement you’re so involved with, and I admire that, really, I do. But do you see that fancy store in this neighborhood? Those that can afford to buy their organic food, do you see any of them trying to help me afford it? When the big grocery store moved out a few years ago, do you see another grocery store being built in this neighborhood? I go to the store to buy food to eat. Not to save the world from the monster men you talk about that are trying to kill us. Right now, the way times are, you just happy to be able to buy food and eat it.” “But Mama…” the girl said, not knowing really what to say next. Her mother took the ham into the kitchen and laid it on the sink and came back with a large bowl of green beans, setting them in front of the girl and smiling. “See these beans? You want fresh holy food? Miss Autry give these to me yesterday. Right out of her backyard. She’s had a garden in that yard for as long as I can remember. Let’s get these cooked up. They are about as fresh as you and your friends could ever want. You and Michelle Obama can save the world some other day, so today let’s just be thankful for the food we got, okay child?” Joel Tippens is the director of the Fair Share Urban Agriculture Project. "Fair Share" is an Urban Garden Project of Salt of the Earth, Inc. a 501(c)-3 nonprofit organization. The mission of Fair Share is to organize an active community that promotes social, economic and environmental justice, moving people beyond charity towards self reliance; addressing root causes of poverty and hunger to achieve community food security for urban neighborhoods through sustainable urban agriculture. Find out how to support Fair Share by visiting wedigfairshare.org

A Kumquat Convergence

by Dee Duckworth

The inspiration for this quilt was Ricky Tims’s 2003 book Convergence Quilts. The quilted wall hanging measures 30” X 30” and is pieced using cottons and batiks. It is machine quilted and hand beaded. A Kumquat Convergence won Judges’ Choice at the Dade City Kumquat Festival in 2008 and juried in the Quilting Natural Florida exhibit at the University of Florida in 2010. Dee Duckworth is President of Racing Fingers Quilt Guild, which has been meeting in the Ormond Beach area for over 20 years. Monthly evening programs have included trunk shows, technique demonstrations, and community service projects. The Guild welcomes anyone interested in quilts, quilting, or fiber arts to attend a meeting as their guest. For more information visit www.racingfingersquiltguild.com.