Keeping Morrie Huston's legacy alive: special moments for special people

Morrison Huston was authentic. He knew the importance of a real connection, felt the warmth of a genuine smile, valued laughter and new experiences.  

Morrie and Posie Huston, representing Kimberton Hills on a parade float

During his 18 years as president of the Board of Directors of Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, Morrie did all he could to enrich the lives of the villagers in the community, which included his daughter, Posie.
He organized ice skating trips, rode on parade floats, and welcomed villagers to sit with him during Board meetings.  His interest and care was real; it was authentic.  He gave devoted service to Kimberton Hills and ensured that everyone had an opportunity to pursue interests and enjoy life in all its wonderful aspects.

Through the Morrie Huston Villager Activity Fund, established following his death in 2008, we are able to continue his legacy and offer enjoyable outings, experiences and cultural activities to our residents, many who have minimal or no family support.

Last year, thanks to the Morrie Huston Villager Activity Fund, several villagers took part in the Camphill Challenge, a bike ride event in support of Camphill communities in Pennsylvania.  Also in the fall, two groups of excited villagers traveled with coworkers to Outer Banks, North Carolina. The use of the vacation home was donated to the village by the Andersons - Andy Eisenson's family - and all of their other expenses were covered by the Morrie Huston Villager Activity Fund, providing a wonderful and relaxing vacation for two groups of adults with special needs.

Beth enjoys the beach.

Mike and Ross in the Outer Banks.  

Each year, the funds are spent, and so each year we need to raise more.  What happens when you support the Morrie Huston Villager Activity Fund?  You fling wide the doors of experience for many individuals, providing opportunities for enrichment, education, and just plain fun.  It’s what we all need in our lives ~ regardless of our abilities or disabilities.  BONUS:  instantaneous gratitude and many wide smiles!

Please consider supporting this important fund.  To make an online gift, visit www.camphillkimberton.org/morrie-huston-villager-activity-fund.  Thank you!

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills' Hootenanny set for June 21

Camphill Kimberton’s Hootenanny, a festival of local music and food, will be held June 21 from 2-10 p.m. at 1601 Pughtown Road, Kimberton, Pa. 

Musicians scheduled to perform include: Jersey Corn Pickers, Pretty Dittys, Lily Mae, and Sidney Joseph and Organic Reverb, with additional local artists.

The Hootenanny has been organized to celebrate the joy of local culture. In addition to the music, there will be games, face painting, tractor rides and dancing.  Local, organic food, including vegetarian selections, from the Camphill Café will be available for purchase.  Children will have the chance to spot cows, chickens, sheep and more on the working dairy and vegetable farm, located about 50 minutes outside of Philadelphia, in Chester County, Pennsylvania.  

The admission fee is $10, $8 in advance. Children 10 and under are free.

Advance tickets can be purchased via www.camphillkimberton.org/hootenanny2014 by June 20. 

Attendees may bring their own blankets or lawn chairs.  The event is sponsored by Phoenixville Federal Bank and Trust. 

Proceeds from the Hootenanny will go to Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, a dynamic farming and handcrafting intentional community that includes adults with developmental disabilities. This non-profit organization has provided meaningful work and a supportive environment since it was founded in 1972. Located on 432 acres of farm, gardens and woodlands in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Kimberton Hills is also a local center for culture and a model for sound ecological living.

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills is located at 1601 Pughtown Road, Kimberton, Pa. Please use Google Maps for directions as most GPS systems do not recognize our address.

Visit www.camphillkimberton.org to learn more.

. . . 

Here's what our local media has to say about the Hootenanny:

http://phoenixvilledish.com/snips/2014/06/camphill-kimbertons-hootenanny-celebrates-local-music-food-june-21/

http://northernchesco.does.co/camphill-kimbertons-hootenanny-set-for-june-21/

http://www.philly.com/philly/calendar/263347971.html

http://phillyfunguide.com/music/hootenanny

http://news.engleonline.com/AdDesk/Htmlfiles/Readers/article.epc?id=104799

Principles and Practice of Anthroposophical Medicine with Ross Rentea, MD

True Botanica Foundation Presents:

Principles and Practice of Anthroposophical Medicine

with Ross Rentea, MD, speaker

June 13 and 14 in Rose Hall, Camphill Village Kimberton Hills

Rudolf Steiner calls Anthroposophy as such a Therapeutic Impulse that leads to the Healing of the Whole Human Being. Yet most, even very serious students of Anthroposophy, know very little about specific details and methods that are unique to Anthroposophic Medicine (AM), and certainly even less about how to make it fruitful in their everyday life. This weekend we will try to take first steps in “curing this ill”.

Friday Evening Talk on June 13, 7:30 – 9:00 pm – “Too Tired – Too Wired”
(Starting with a look at these basic polarities in our cultural health will help us also gain insights into many specific NEW anthroposophic remedies and Eurythmy exercises.) $15 at door.

Saturday Workshop on June 14, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
9:00 – 10:00 AM: From Research to Practical Applications (What are Potentized/Homeopathic Remedies; NEW Anthroposophic Remedies; Over the counter drugs for home and self-help use)

10:15 – 11:15 AM: Adult and Childhood Immunizations - an Anthroposophic Viewpoint - (Is all of anthroposophical medicine a subtle form of immunization? This general topic will allow us to discuss in more depth several “what to do’s” in daily life.)

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Artistic Group Activity: Eurythmy

2:00– 3:00 PM: Metabolic Illnesses (An Anthroposophic View of chronic diseases, various cultural health related issues and applicable anthroposophic remedies)

3:15 – 4:15 PM: Technology and Anthroposophy (What to embrace what to overcome)

4:30-5:30 PM: Case Studies - Questions & Answers

Saturday Evening Talk on June 14, 7:30 - 9pm - “Michael and our Health Karma”
(The karma that connects us to Michael is particularly related to our Health Karma. For Members of the Anthrop. Society and their invited Guests; Knowledge of Anthroposophy is assumed) Free to the community

Workshop cost: $35 or $45 (including Friday lecture)

For information and to RSVP contact: Rick Ruffin 215/432-0135 or rruffin@voicenet.com

Busy bluebirds in Kimberton Hills

from guest blogger John Tower, Kimberton Hills coworker

This is a busy time of year for bluebirds and tree swallows. They have to find a safe place to build a nest, collect just the right materials they need like dried grass, pine needles and white feathers. To have the energy to build a news and produce eggs, they need to eat a lot of bugs.  Right now, the bluebirds have gone so far as to lay five eggs in their nests and are beginning to sit on them day and night to warm them up so they will hatch in about 16 days.

John and Marilyn checking bluebird boxes.

Bluebirds were in decline until efforts were made to provide nesting habitat in the form of the boxes you see here in Kimberton Hills.  This is the labor of love that Marilyn Michalski, "the bird lady," has been providing us as a volunteer for many years.  You may see her with me on Monday afternoons in her red station wagon, checking the 58 boxes in operation this year.  She is happy to answer any questions on birds you may have.

Camphill Café announces summer menu

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills’ Camphill Café announces new menu additions for the upcoming summer season, available May 1.

Seasonal menu items include:

Fatush Salad: Arabic salad with lettuce, cucumber, parsley, mint, onions, tomato, feta cheese, pita chips, olive oil and lemon.

Fatush Salad

Eggplant salad: Fried eggplant, parsley, red wine vinaigrette, garlic and olive oil served with bread or tortilla chips and a side green salad.


Baba Ghanoush: Smoked eggplant with tahini and parsley served with bread or tortilla chips and a side green salad.


Hummus plate: Garlic hummus, roasted red pepper hummus and pesto hummus served with bread or tortilla chips and a side green salad.


The menu also now includes a Salad Plate, which is your choice of two or more of our regular or special salads served with tortilla chips or bread and a side green salad.  Salad choices include chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad, eggplant salad, baba ghanoush, labneh soft cheese, or hummus.

Salad Plate

The Café offers entrée and soup specials, which change weekly.  Most items are vegetarian; vegan specials are occasionally offered.  Homemade desserts and delicious smoothies are also available. The Café serves Sweet Water Baking Company’s bread and cookies, which are baked in a wood-fired oven just a few feet from the Café’s kitchen.

The Camphill Café will also continue its “Pay As You Wish Thursdays,” where customers are encouraged to come and share a meal at the Café, and pay for the meal with any amount they wish.

“The Café is very unique compared to other restaurants and features collaborative work by village residents and volunteers,” says Hilla Haut, café manager. “We are surrounded by the beauty of the land around us and our eco-friendly designed building. We invite you to visit us and enjoy our homemade dishes featuring local ingredients.”

The Camphill Café, in the heart of Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, serves seasonal foods grown both biodynamically and organically in Camphill Kimberton’s CSA gardens and from other local suppliers. The Café was recently renovated and features geothermal heating and air conditioning, natural solar tube lighting and outdoor seating. The café is open Wednesdays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Please call ahead for parties of six or more: 610-935-3599.  Catering for private events is available.  Please call for more information.

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills and the Camphill Café are located at 1601 Pughtown Road, Kimberton, PA 19442.

Kimberton Hills celebrates Earth Day 2014

Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, elected to the senate in 1962, struggled to bring environmental causes to the attention of Washington politicians. His idea of a "national day for the environment" - the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 - put pressure on politicians to create a national environmental agenda.  Senator Nelson's hope was not for Washington to organize the events of Earth Day, but for individuals and groups to organize activities within their own communities.  Citizens enthusiastically supported the effort and an estimated 20 million people gathered throughout the country to demand action on environmental legislation. It was the combined efforts at the grassroots level that gave the first Earth Day its major impact. We are called to preserve this legacy and continue the efforts that began 44 years ago.

At Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, we are doing our part to lessen our impact on the Earth. We have a strong dedication to the idea that the health of people and the land are not separate, that a community of people putting healthy ideals into practice can be in a mutually beneficial relationship with the land it stewards. Organic and biodynamic farming, gardening and overall stewardship of the land are important elements of our care for the Earth.  Please read more about our commitment to sustainable building and ecological design by clicking here.

We wish you a happy Earth Day and invite you to join with us every day in working toward a healthy planet, with healthy people, land and animals.

The above photo is Earth, as seen by our friend, Lily, age 4. "This is Earth and it is dirty because people aren't cleaning up and they throw their trash all over," says Lily.

What are a few simple steps we can all take to be sure we keep our Earth clean, for Lily and for all of us?

Try Composting.

Nathaniel at the compost collection area. 

Don't be so quick to toss that banana peel into the trash. Composting is an easy and free way to add nutrients to your garden while recycling kitchen and lawn waste. Proper composting can divert up to 30 percent of waste away from your garbage can and introduces beneficial organisms to the soil. Each household in Kimberton Hills collects waste for compost, which is taken to the garden.

Not sure how to get started with composting? Our friend Greg at eartheasy.com has some great suggestions here. 

Upcycle. 

Upcycling is taking waste and making it into something that has equal or greater use or value.  Kimberton Hills' weavery and fiber arts workshops do this regularly. For example, we create beautiful hand-woven rugs out of old jeans and felted juggling balls around used golf balls. We also reuse printed materials as space holders on looms or to create tags for items. There are many possibilities - try and see how creative you can be!  

Charlene and Lane show off our rugs made from old jeans.

Get pedaling.  

Ross takes a ride in the village.  

Dust off that bicycle just sitting in your garage and get moving. You'll be helping yourself and the planet feel better by doing a little bit of exercise, instead of driving your car. According to the WorldWatch Institute, a four-mile bike ride keeps about 15 pounds of pollutants out of the air we breathe.  

Many Kimberton Hills residents use bikes to get from one end of the village to the other and to get to local destinations.  

Buy Locally.  

Sankanac CSA

People everywhere are rediscovering the benefits of buying local food. It is fresher, tastier and more nutritious and also good for your local economy and the environment.  

If you aren't already a member of Kimberton Hills' Sankanac CSA (there may be a few shares still available), you can find farmers’ markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food near you at Local Harvest.

Springtime Cow Celebration

Happy Spring! The time has come for happier Kimberton Hills cows!

The celebratory letting-out of the cows into the Spring pastures was held Monday, April 14.  This is an annual event here in Kimberton Hills. Our herd is let into the pasture for the first time for the year, and they are always overjoyed to find the fresh, green grass. 

Please take a few minutes to watch our video highlights.  

 

Talkfest 6 Last Notice…probably!

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills 6th Annual Talkfest! 

Sunday April 27 at 5:04

I am so excited. Talkfest 6 is almost here. My taste buds are glowing in anticipation of the most delicious oardoors that our very own World Famous Chef Trzeciak is already working on joined with the most amazing French biodynamic wines. And a bit of cactus and sugar cane juice for a final delicious touch.

You get all of this culinary delight brought right to your waiting hand by the wonderful wandering tray bearers of The Birchrunville Store Café while wandering around talking with the unbelievable collection of exceedingly interesting people who are showing up…just to talk to you. Spectacular.

Best of all, you are supporting Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, a wonderful intentional lifesharing biodynamic farming and crafts community including people with special needs. You so need to be at Talkfest 6.

We have two great sponsors:

Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust…The Most Accommodating Bank Ever

Tonbo Visual Promotions…The Folks Who Make Your Promotional Products Work

We do hope you’ll support them the way they support us. And even though it’s last minute, you still can become a sponsor. Just to move your hand towards calling Bernadette about sponsorship…I just discovered that Tonbo has recently gotten a very nice new client who told them it was due to them being our sponsor. Yup, sponsorship does work. So…call Bernadette now: 610-935-8660 

For those of you procrastinators out there, Bernadette is waiting to take your reservation: Bernadette@camphillkimberton.org  or you can register online by clicking here.

Talkfest: an event filled with the most incredible people you can imagine. People who are old and new friends and supporters of Camphill Village Kimberton Hills.  And the program? I already mentioned it…it’s you! You and a collection of the most amazingly interesting conversationalists ever.

As usual---No speeches, No videos, No presentations, No nothing…except for:

The most scrumptious oardoors from the talented hands of Master Chef Francis Trzeciak and the other great people at the Birchrunville Store Café. The most engaging pressings of grapes, cactus, and sugar cane delightfully aged and bottled just for you.

And, a special treat. I have convinced a world famous wood artist to take a piece or two of our very own wood and create another of his masterpieces…a masterpiece some lucky attendee will take home as winner of our first ever Talkfest Raffle.

Creating your masterpiece

About that raffle, I have ensured that each and every person who calls 610-935-8660, or emails, bernadette@camphillkimberton.org,  and makes a reservation will get a chance to win. I was so clever. I included a raffle ticket right in the Talkfest donation. Okay, it was really Bernadette who told me to do this. She is way smarter than me about these things.

But it was me who then figured out we ought to offer those of you wanting extra changes to win this artistic masterpiece extra chances  to purchase additional raffle tickets for a teeny tiny additional donation. By a lot of them…they’re small.

One small donation gets you so much: an incredible time, great food and drink, and the joy of supporting such a worthy cause. Don’t be stuck watching television, eating leftovers while drinking plonk, and talking to yourself. Be at the Birchrunville Store Café on April 27 between 5:04 and 7:49.

The unbelievably low donation? $167.23 per each. Wow! To support such a great place as Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. Included in this low price…a raffle ticket for the Masterpiece by The Artist.

Be generous.  Purchase additional raffle tickets for $22.87 each. Remember…the more tickets in your pocket, the greater your chances. Be clever enough to make a reservation for Talkfest 6 and be part of the raffle.

Steve Smolinsky

Board President

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills

6th Annual Talkfest, April 27, 5:04-7:49, Birchrunville Store Café, $167.23 per person

Extra raffle tickets…$22.87. Buy several…they’re small.

Be there! You’ll have a great time while supporting an exceptional place.

Ask About Becoming A Sponsor

And Please, Please, Please Support Our Sponsors

Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust

Tonbo Visual Promotions

Remember: you really want to arrive on time. 

The oardoors will start coming right away and might never be repeated.

You’ve been warned!

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills hosts Astral Artists Concert, April 23 at 7:30 pm.

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills will present a free classical music concert on Wednesday, April 23, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

Performers Christine Lamprea, cello, and Daniel Anastsio, piano, from Astral Artists, an organization that guides and promotes the nation’s most extraordinary emerging classical musicians, will offer an evening of music in Kimberton Hills' Rose Hall.

Astral Artists is a non-profit organization whose mission is to discover the most promising classical musicians residing in the United States, assist their early professional career development and present their world-class artistry to the community through concerts and outreach programs.  Kimberton Hills is pleased to once again host these gifted musicians.

There is no charge for the concert, which is underwritten by the generosity of the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation.  Donations will be accepted at the door.

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills is located at 1601 Pughtown Road, Kimberton, Pa. Please use Google Maps, and not your GPS system to locate our community.

For more information and/or directions, please visit www.camphillkimberton.org.

CHRISTINE LAMPREA, cello
Colombian-American cellist Christine Lamprea is a multi-faceted soloist and chamber musician. The First Prize winner of the XVI Annual Sphinx Competition (2013), she joined the roster of the Sphinx Soloists Program, and as such will be presented as soloist with major orchestras worldwide. She has also received awards from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, the Young Texas Artists’ Competition and, most recently, captured First Prize at the 2013 Schadt National String Competition. She is also a winner of Astral Artists’ 2013 National Auditions. Upcoming engagements include solo performances with the Houston Symphony and New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Lamprea explores many genres of music as well as non-traditional venues for performance and teaching. Most recently, she was a member of a small ensemble that worked with jazz musician Anthony Coleman on avant-garde composer John Zorn’s game piece Cobra, for musical improvisers and prompter. A passionate teacher, Ms. Lamprea worked with Ecuadorian youth in Quito and Guayaquil, as part of a residency between The Juilliard School and “Sinfonia Por La Vida,” a social inclusion program modeled after Venezuela’s El Sistema program. She was also a Gluck Community Service Fellow at Juilliard, performing in hospitals and nursing homes in and around New York City as part of a mixed ensemble of dancers, actors, and musicians. Ms. Lamprea is the recipient of a Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans. She studied with Bonnie Hampton at The Juilliard School and holds a Master’s degree from the New England Conservatory, where she studied with Natasha Brofsky.

DANIEL ANASTASIO, piano
Anastasio graduated from The Juilliard School with a Master of Music degree in piano performance having studied with Jerome Lowenthal. He received his Bachelor's degree, magna cum laude, from Cornell University, where he double-majored in Music and Philosophy. At Cornell, he studied piano with Xak Bjerken and chamber music with Miri Yampolsky and violinist Joseph Lin. Throughout his earlier years growing up in San Antonio, Texas, Daniel benefited greatly from lessons with Rebecca Wilcox, who instilled in him a musical sensitivity and expressive freedom that has shaped his personality at the keyboard. Currently living in New York City, Daniel is privileged to be studying privately with renowned pianist and pedagogue Ann Schein. He was a finalist in Julliard’s piano concerto competition, and a recipient of the school’s Mieczyslaw Munz scholarship. His participation in festivals has included Kneisel Hall Chamber Festival, Tanglewood Music Center, Music Academy of the West, Icicle Creek Winter Piano Festival, and Cornell University’s Mayfest. Currently, Daniel’s time is split between chamber music performances and recordings, recitals, concerto performances, and studies to complete a Doctorate of Musical Arts.

Composting as a Free Deed, a talk by Bruno Follador on April 26

Join us on Saturday, April 26, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in Rose Hall for "Composting as a Free Deed" with Bruno Follador.

Bruno Follador was born in Brazil. He is a biodynamic researcher and has been working with biodynamic composting methods for several years with farmers and organizations in Brazil, Europe and the United States. Bruno is a geographer and received his training in Biodynamic gardening at the Pfeiffer Center, in NY. For three years he was one of the researchers and consultants of the Ludolf Andreas Lab, at Andreashof, a biodynamic farm in Germany, where he worked with compost and chromatography. At the moment, he lives between Brazil and the U.S. where he continues to work with chromatography and composting.

Bruno’s talk will take its start from a passage from Dr. Ita Wegman’s essay The Mystery of the Earth, 1929:
"Nature is becoming a mirror of chaotic human behavior, as is evident in catastrophes and anomalies; we perceive them in nature's mirror without recognizing them as our own reflection."

He will address such questions as, How can we develop a living, practical, and personal relationship with compost and soil fertility that goes beyond a mindset of waste management and yields? How does our way of seeing, thinking, and speaking contribute to creating our agricultural reality? Is there a relationship between soil erosion and social conflicts? And within this context: Could it be possible to start seeing the compost pile as an outer expression of our way of thinking and relating to Nature? Can compost begin to show itself as the outer expression of the inner gesture of the gardener and farmer?

Suggested donation: $15.00 at the door

Questions? Sherry Wildfeuer: 610-935-0302

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills is located at 1601 Pughtown Road, Kimberton, Pa.  Many GPS systems have trouble finding the location; please use Google maps for directions.

The mission at Camphill Kimberton is to create and maintain a land-based community together with adults with special needs.  Inspired by Anthroposophy, members of the community support one another to contribute to the wider society through biodynamic agriculture, handcrafts, and other ecological, social, cultural and educational endeavors.

For more information on our community, visit www.camphillkimberton.org. 

Welsh Subaru Shares the Love with Camphill Village Kimberton Hills

Thank you, Welsh Subaru!

L to R: Felicity Jeans, Executive Director, CVKH; Charlene Roth, Board Member and resident, CVKH; Michael Mains, Resident, CVKH; Bill Lewis, resident, CVKH; Jeffrey Welsh, owner, Welsh Subaru; Patrick Gilbert, sales manager, Welsh Subaru.  

Subaru of America, Inc. (“SOA”) and Welsh Subaru of Limerick recently presented a check to Camphill Village Kimberton Hills who was a partner in the 2013 Subaru “Share the Love” event. 

From Nov. 21, 2013 to Jan. 2, 2014, customers who purchased or leased a new Subaru vehicle could select from a list of charities to receive a donation of $250 from SOA. This year, Subaru of America, Inc. donated $10 million to participating charities. Over the last six years SOA has donated $35 million to a number of worthy causes through the “Share the Love” event.

SOA selected the five national charities: ASPCA®, Make-A-Wish®, Meals On Wheels Association of America®, National Park Foundation and Teach for America. Subaru retailers could also elect to add a sixth, local charity and Welsh Subaru of Limerick selected Camphill Village Kimberton Hills as its local partner.

The check for $11,208.29 was presented to Camphill Village Kimberton Hills by Jeffrey M. Welsh, Dealer Principal, Welsh Subaru of Limerick.

Follow Subaru on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/subaruofamerica
Join the dialog: http://www.twitter.com/subaru_usa #sharethelove
Visit Welsh Subaru on the web: www.welshsubaru.com




Thank you to Welsh Subaru for choosing Kimberton Hills as your local charity and thank you to all the new Subaru owners who chose Kimberton Hills to receive their "Share the Love" donation!

To learn more about Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, visit www.camphillkimberton.org.

CVKH takes a trip to see "The Hallman Legacy: Fine Art and Fiber Art"

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills recently visited the Mennonite Heritage Center in Harleysville for "The Hallman Legacy: Fine Art and Fiber Art" exhibit, featuring the art of our friend Ted Hallman and his late father.  

Ted Hallman (center, kneeling) surrounded by friends from Kimberton Hills.

"The Hallman Legacy: Fine Art and Fiber Art" weaves together more than 30 works by two generations of nationally recognized artists. This is the first time the works have been shown together.

According to The Morning Call, "It seems perfectly natural to pair Hallman's fiber wall hangings and sculpture with paintings by an artist who shares similarity in range of palette, texture and theme. When that kindred spirit is none other than Hallman's father, Ted Hallman Sr., the juxtaposition becomes a legacy."

Read more about the exhibit here.  

Bet Williams and John Hodian return to the U.S. with their “Family Circus Tour” stopping at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills will host musicians Bet Williams and Jack and John Hodian as part of their upcoming Family Circus Tour throughout the United States. The concert will be held Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. in Rose Hall. Advance tickets are available for $15.00.

From ancient monasteries in Armenia to music festivals in France, Germany & Switzerland, Bet Williams and John Hodian have been creating and performing music together for over 20 years.  With both the world music ensemble “Epiphany Project” and the alt-rock-pop-blues based “Bet Williams Band” the music these two artists create is a vast quilt of influences and inspirations. With their growing success overseas, the duo (originally from New York) settled in Berlin five years ago where they have built a strong cult following throughout Europe. Now Bet and John will be bringing music from both their bands to venues (and living rooms) all across America for a series of intimate concerts. This American tour is particularly special as they will be performing with their 10-year-old son, Jack, on drums and percussion.

With influences ranging from Qawwali devotional songs to Appalachian Folk, acoustic blues and Tuvan throat singing, singer/songwriter Bet Williams uses her voice in an endless number of unusual ways. John Hodian’s piano playing features haunting melodies, intricate rhythms, and a soulful intensity that reflect his Armenian roots as well as his formal composition training and affinity for improvisation. Epiphany Project has been described by the Washington Post as “a unique hybrid of world music, art song, Americana and avant-garde folk; utterly uncategorizable but always transcendently beautiful.” Their music is a blend of ancient and modern cultures and musical styles, but the earthy, trance-like rhythms and chant melodies make it seem strangely familiar.

Bet Williams is a fearless vocalist and dynamic performer whose music combines intelligent lyrics and infectious hooks. She has been lauded by National Public Radio as, “a blues-roots, new folk, tone poet with a highly charismatic stage presence and an astonishing four-octave range voice.” With a gift for storytelling and spontaneous humor, her stage performances can go from the profound and poetic to wild and spontaneous, at times bordering on performance art.

The upcoming performance at Rose Hall is a chance to hear music from both Bet Williams Band and Epiphany Project, along with an excerpt from John’s magnum opus “Nagash” based on texts by a 14th century Armenian mystic poet and priest. Rose Hall, part of Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, was voted the "Best Live Music Venue" in Chester County by readers of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Its excellent acoustics and intimate feeling make it an amazing place to experience live music.

The Camphill Café, adjacent to Rose Hall, will also be open for dinner prior to the concert and during intermission. Seating for the BYOB dinner at the Camphill Café will begin at 6 p.m. with the concert following at 8 p.m. Cost is $30 per person for both dinner and the concert. Reservations are required for dinner and can be made online or by calling 610-935-8660. The menu includes an entree from the sandwiches/salad menu or vegetarian quiche with salad, small soup, a drink and dessert. Concert-only tickets will be available online and at Rose Hall for $15. Visit www.camphillkimberton.org/FamilyCircus for more information and reservations.

…

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills – home to Rose Hall and the Camphill Café - is located at 1601 Pughtown Road, Kimberton, Pa. Many GPS systems have trouble finding the location; please use Google maps for directions.

The mission at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills is to create and maintain a land-based community together with adults with special needs. Members of the community support one another to contribute to the wider society through biodynamic agriculture, handcrafts, and other ecological, social, cultural and educational endeavors.

For more information on Kimberton Hills, visit www.camphillkimberton.org.

To find out more about Bet Williams Band, visit http://epiphanyrecords.com/bet-williams

For more information about Epiphany Project, visit: http://www.epiphany-project.com

Talkfest 6…Racing Towards You!

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills 6^th Annual Talkfest!

Sunday April 27 at 5:04

I screwed up!  Last missive I sent out about Talkfest 6, I forgot to mention our fantastic sponsors!  I am so embarrassed. So…

A huge thanks to our two great sponsors:

Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust…the Best Bank Ever

Tonbo Visual Promotions…the People With the Most Amazing Promotional Products

Give them a chance to make you happy. They really are great at what they do. And are wonderfully nice and helpful.

Whew…now I feel better. Still worried about my memory but we’ll talk about that at Talkfest.

Talkfest: an event filled with the most incredible people you can imagine. People who are friends and supporters of Camphill VillageKimberton Hills…an exceptional intentional lifesharing biodynamic community including people with special needs.

And the program? You know…it’s you. You and the rest of the most amazingly interesting conversationalists ever.

As usual---No speeches, No videos, No presentations, No nothing…except for:

The most scrumptious oardoors from the talented hands of Master Chef Francis Trzeciak and the other great people at the Birchrunville Store Café. The most delicious pressings of grapes, cactus, and sugar cane delightfully aged and bottled just for you.

And, a special treat. I have convinced a world famous wood artist to turn a piece or two of our very own wood into a work of art worthy of the most famous museum collection…and it will be raffled off to some lucky attendee.

Even better, I have ensured that each and every person who calls (610-935-8660) or emails (bernadette@camphillkimberton.org) Bernadette will get a chance to win. That’s right, I’ve included a raffle ticket right in the Talkfest donation. Well, actually Bernadette told me to do this. She is just so much cleverer than me. She also figured out a way you can register online by clicking here.  

But I figured out that it would be good to offer those of you who want extra chances the ability to purchase additional raffle tickets for a teeny tiny additional donation. By a bunch…they’re small.

The Artist at work. 

One small donation and you get an incredible time while supporting such a worthy cause. How can you stay home?  I am sure you can’t and will be at the Birchrunville Store Café on April 27 between 5:04 and 7:49.

The ridiculously low donation? $167.23 per each. Wow! To support such a great place as CamphillVillage Kimberton Hills. And at no extra charge you get a raffle ticket for a specially created artwork by The Artist.

Of course, I encourage you to purchase additional raffle tickets for $22.87 each. Remember…the more tickets you have, the better your chances. Only those of you clever enough to make a reservation for Talkfest 6 will be part of the raffle.

Steve Smolinsky

Board President

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills

6th Annual Talkfest, April 27, 5:04-7:49, Birchrunville Store Café, $167.23 per person

Extra raffle tickets…$22.87. Buy several…they’re small.

Be there! You’ll have a great time while supporting an exceptional place.

Ask About Becoming A Sponsor

And Please, Please, Please Support Our Sponsors

Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust

Tonbo Visual Promotions

It's March! Can you help Camphill Kimberton?

Who ends their fiscal year in March?

Most people don’t, but we do!

We tend to do a lot of things differently.

But it must be working.

We are healthy.
We are thriving.
We are happy.

But unfortunately, this year, we are a little bit short.

We still need to meet our Village Support Fund goal. The Village Support Fund is Kimberton Hills' annual operating money. It pays for all the things we need throughout the year: groceries, toilet paper, roof repairs, labels for our herb garden, paper for the office printers – all the things we need to keep our village going. It makes up about 25% of our operating budget.

To close the gap in our Village Support Fund, we need to raise $25,000 in 25 days.

That’s by March 31.

Why are we short, you might ask?  There are a few reasons why including:

• less funds were raised via special events than we were expecting
• some grant decisions have not been made yet, and some grant applications were not accepted 
• some donors supported designated special funds, in lieu of giving undesignated operating support

Approximately ½ of Camphill Kimberton’s operating income is generated by fees (villager family support), ¼ comes from the sale of goods, services and rentals (craft shop sales, Rose Hall rentals, etc.), and we rely on approximately ¼ of our income to come from charitable contributions.

Kimberton Hills has always been a careful steward of donated funds.  This year has been a difficult one and so we are asking - will you help us close the gap?  

To make your tax-deductible contribution to Camphill Kimberton, please click here, or send your gift to CVKH Development Office, P.O. Box 1045, Kimberton, PA 19442. 

Thank you!

Talkfest 6... coming closer!

Talkfest 6…Coming Closer!

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills 6^th Annual Talkfest!

Sunday April 27 at 5:04

Only six more weeks until Talkfest 6 arrives. Hard to believe that April is right around the corner as I look out on all the snow and notice my nose starts to freeze as soon as I step outside. Seems Puxatawney Phil was right…winter will endure for longer than we hoped.

Which is why it is so exciting that Talkfest 6 is just about here. I have it from a higher authority that it will get warmer, the snow will melt, and it is going to be a spectacular day to be wandering around the

Birchrunville Store Café, on the evening of April 27, 2014. Camphill Village Kimberton Hills’ great friend, the World Famous Master Chef Francis Trzeciak, tells me the food is going to even better than in previous years! I know this is hard to believe but he does have another year of practice and has developed some amazing new recipes.   

I’ve already found a few spectacular biodynamic and organic wines which I’m trying not to drink myself before you get your chance to fill a glass. There will be another bottle of that wonderful organic cactus juice which a number of you decided was great after we removed the sharp spears. Some of you asked what new treat I was going to find for this year’s event so imagine what just might be made from organic sugar cane in…France!

As you know it’s all in support of CamphillVillage Kimberton Hills…the most amazing intentional community including people with developmental disabilities. One small donation and you get an incredible time while supporting such a worthy cause. How can you stay home?

Just like the first 5 Talkfests, no program, no presentations, no videos, nothing at all but exceptional oardoors and wines…and a few of those other liquids I already mentioned…and you. You talking to the unbelievably interesting collection of people who assemble to wander around sharing ideas about this and that.

And all of them talking to you.

Let me repeat this: you will be at the Birchrunville Store Café on April 27 between 5:04 and 7:49.

New this year. We have a Universe Famous Artist creating a masterpiece that some lucky attendee will take home…if they win the raffle. That’s right, we are having a raffle at some point during Talkfest 6. The Artist has generously donated the piece he is right now creating just for this event in support of our most worthy cause: Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. Figuring you all will want a chance to own the work before some museum swoops in to steal it, I have cleverly included the price of a raffle ticket in the donation for the event.

We already have around a third of the slots filled. We are going to sell out. To ensure you’re not disappointed, block out the day in all your calendars and them immediately email your reservation to our most excellent Bernadette Kovaleski, bernadette@camphillkimberton.org, or call her, 610-935-8660. Or register online here.

The ridiculously low donation? $167.23 per ticket. Wow! To support such a great place as Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. And at no extra charge you get a raffle ticket for a specially created artwork by The Artist.

Of course, for those who really want to win, I encourage you to purchase additional raffle tickets for $22.87 each. Remember…the more tickets you have, the better your chances. Only those of you clever enough to make a reservation for Talkfest 6 will be part of the raffle.

Steve Smolinsky

President, Board of Directors

6th Annual Talkfest, April 27, 5:04-7:49, Birchrunville Store Café, $167.23 per person

Extra raffle tickets…$22.87. Buy several…they’re small.

Be there! You’ll have a great time while supporting an exceptional place.

Ask About Becoming A Sponsor

CVKH to be a part of Great Valley Arts and Culture Fair, April 10

Great Valley Arts and Culture Fair

Thursday, April 10, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

The Conference Center, Penn State Great Valley 

Penn State Great Valley unites a select group of the area's art, history and cultural treasures for a special evening. Local organizations (see list below) will display information about their mission, events and share opportunities to get involved. The evening will also include a cultural "sampling" when leaders from four of the organizations— Historic Yellow Springs, Wharton Esherick Museum, Colonial Theater and People's Light & Theater Company—will share what makes their organization unique.

The evening features opportunities to participate in hands-on activities and learn more about local arts and cultural organizations, volunteering, membership, events and more.

Participating Organizations

Willistown Okehocking Nature Center

People's Light & Theatre Company

Historic Yellow Springs

Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation

Wharton Esherick Museum

Friends of the Chester Valley Trail Schuylkill River Heritage Area

The Mill at Anselma

Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund

The Colonial Theater

Friends of Valley Forge Park

Wayne Art Center

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills

FREE admission (Preregistration is required. Register at https://gvartsandculturefair.eventbrite.com)

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Opportunities to participate in hands-on activities and learn more about local arts and cultural organizations, volunteering, membership, events and more.

7:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Special presentations celebrating four of the area's unique culture riches.

Camphill Kimberton presents Astral Artists, March 12 at 7:30 pm in Rose Hall

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills will present a free classical music concert on Wednesday, March 12, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

Performers Adam Fry, bass-baritone, and Dizhou Zhao, piano, from Astral Artists, an organization that guides and promotes the nation’s most extraordinary emerging classical musicians, will offer an evening of music in Camphill Kimberton’s Rose Hall.

Astral Artists is a non-profit organization whose mission is to discover the most promising classical musicians residing in the United States, assist their early professional career development and present their world-class artistry to the community through concerts and outreach programs.  Camphill Kimberton is pleased to once again host these gifted musicians.

There is no charge for the concert, which is underwritten by the generosity of the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation.  Donations will be accepted at the door.

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills is located at 1601 Pughtown Road, Kimberton, Pa. Please use Google Maps, and not your GPS system to locate our community.

For more information and/or directions, please visit www.camphillkimberton.org.


ADAM FRY, bass-baritone


Bass-baritone Adam Fry recently completed his tenure in Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artist Program. While at Pittsburgh Opera, he performed such roles as Basilio in Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia, the Mandarin in Barbe and Doucet’s production of Puccini’s Turandot, the 1st Officer in Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites, and the Marchese in Verdi’s La traviata. A winner of Astral Artists’ 2013 National Auditions, Mr. Fry was also a prizewinner in the Annapolis Opera Vocal Competition, District Winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, and a Finalist in the Lotte Leyna Competition. Recently, he made his Erie Philharmonic debut as soloist in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and performed the roles of Nourabad in Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers, Angelotti in Puccini’s Tosca, and Pasha Selim in Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio. He returned to the Erie Philharmonic for Rossini’s Stabat Mater and, in the 2012-2013 season, returned to Pittsburgh Opera as a guest artist in the roles of Count Ceprano in Verdi’s Rigoletto and the Imperial Commissioner in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Since making his Dayton Opera debut as the Imperial Commissioner, Mr. Fry has returned to Dayton for Mandarin in Turandot and the Doctor/Servant in Verdi’s Macbeth. He has also appeared as Don Magnifico in Rossini’s La cenerentola with Union Avenue Opera. In the summer of 2009, Mr. Fry was a member of Glimmerglass Opera’s esteemed Young American Artist Program where, as a cover, he went on to perform Don Magnifico in La Cenerentola and the Marchese d’Obigny and Dottore Grenvil in Jonathan Miller’s La traviata. He returned to Glimmerglass in 2010 to perform Bartolo in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro. He has also been a member of the Chautauqua Young Artist Program and the Lake George Opera Studio Program. While pursuing an Artist Diploma and a Master of Music degree at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Mr. Fry performed such roles as Colline in Puccini’s La bohème, Don Basilio, Man with a Cornet Case in Dominick Argento’s Postcard from Morocco, and Dulcamara in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore.

DIZHOU ZHAO, piano

Fanfare Magazine says pianist Dizhou Zhao “offers the blend of passion and intelligence that characterizes the mature artist” and that he “lives fully in the music.” Born and raised in China, Dizhou Zhao began studying the piano at the age of four in his hometown of Shanghai, and by age seven he had performed his first public concert and won First Prize in a competition in Shanghai. Just one year later, he was invited to record five of Mozart’s piano sonatas. At age 17, with only ten-days’ notice, he performed Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. The winner of numerous competition prizes, Mr. Zhao captured the top prize at Australia’s Southern Highlands International Piano Competition, the International Keyboard Institute & Festival’s Dorothy MacKenzie Artist Recognition Scholarship Awards, and the Louisiana International Piano Competition. He is a winner of Astral Artists’ 2012 National Auditions. Mr. Zhao performed Mozart’s Double Piano Concerto with famed Italian pianist Stefano Miceli in Boston’s Tsai Performance Center in 2010, with the Leipzig Philharmonic Orchestra. He was also the featured soloist in Stravinsky’s Concerto for Piano and Wind Instruments with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Recent engagements include a series of all-Chopin recitals in Texas and appearances at the Bergamot Music Festival and the New York Piano Festival. In 2008, Mr. Zhao recorded his debut solo CD in Moscow, for the Classical Records label. Dizhou Zhao came to the U.S. in 1999, to study at the New England Conservatory, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree with a distinguished performance award and studied with Russell Sherman and Patricia Zander. He also holds a Master’s degree from NEC, under Alexander Korsantia. He is currently the Executive Artistic Director of the Happy Day Music Performing Arts Center in Troy, Michigan.