Camphill Village Kimberton Hills News

Camphill Cafe announces expanded hours

2012-01-31T09:35:00.000-08:00

The Camphill Cafe announces new expanded hours!
Starting this week: 10 am to 2 pm, Wednesday-Saturday
June-August: 10 am to 2 pm, Tuesday-Saturday

Join us for a local and organic lunch, mostly vegetarian, but always delicious!

This week's special is: Jason's Black Bean Burritos with enchilada sauce and cheese. The soup of the week is: root vegetables with coconut milk, basil, lemon and ginger.

In the meantime, check out this great review about the Camphill Cafe on Eat Local Philly: http://eatlocalphilly.com/2010/10/27/camphill-village-cafe/

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills presents Astral Artists concert - January 30

2012-01-25T09:09:00.000-08:00

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills presents a free concert on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.

Operatic performers Jonathan Beyer, baritone and Kristin Okerlund, 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. Camphill Kimberton is pleased to once again host these gifted musicians.

Reviews of Jonathan Beyer include:

“The audience found its treat in a young, fresh-faced baritone named Jonathan Beyer. The 27-year-old appeared natural, plowing through an ambitious program. Beyer’s voice is big and virile. He produced tones evenly throughout the registers, showing no strain when pushing high and loud.” -- The Washington Post

“Baritone Jonathan Beyer (Papageno) was the substantial voice that carried the piece. He brought proportion and context to difficult writing and maturity to his stagecraft. His Papageno was a model of articulation, but also of nuanced singing. An able comedian, he was musically arresting and brightly funny, his timing in both boosting the opera’s impact.” – Broad Street Review, Philadelphia

There is no charge for the concert, which is underwritten by the generosity of the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation.

Several Phone Lines Out of Service

2012-01-23T08:09:00.001-08:00

Several phone lines at Camphill Kimberton are currently out of service. Should you need to reach someone, please call the Development office at 610-935-8660 and your call will be directed or the message will be passed on. Thank you for your patience.

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills hosts Fiber Arts Workshops

2012-01-17T06:26:00.000-08:00

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills announces several fiber arts workshops to be held in the winter and early spring of 2012.

• Nuno Felting, learn to use silk and wool to create unique handmade scarves.

Saturday, January 21, 9 a.m. to noon

$50 in advance – strongly recommended as workshop space is limited

$60 day of, no guarantee if workshop is full

Materials included.

• Spinning with a Drop Spindle, learn to spin your own yarn

Saturday, March 10, 9 a.m. to noon

$50 in advance – strongly recommended as workshop space is limited

$60 day of, no guarantee if workshop is full

Includes wool and your own drop spindle.

• Beginning Spinning with a Wheel, learn to card with hand and drum carders and spin and ply wool using a spinning wheel

Saturday, March 24, 9 a.m. to noon

$45 in advance

$50 day of

$80 both spinning workshops in advance

• Beginning Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom, learn to warp a loom and weave a scarf

Saturdays, April 14 and 28, 9 a.m. to noon

$120 in advance

Materials included.

For further information and to reserve a place, please call Felicity at 610-935-0350. All workshops are held in the Fiber Arts Workshop, Kepler Building, Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. Camphill Village Kimberton Hills is located at 1601 Pughtown Road, Kimberton, PA.

Bring and Buy is coming back!

2012-01-11T07:24:00.000-08:00

We've got news - the "Bring and Buy" is coming back! For those who might not know, the Bring and Buy was a lovely thrift shop that we had years ago in the space that is now the new Camphill Cafe. Stay tuned for more updates. We hope to open in February!

In the meantime, we are looking for donations of natural fiber clothing, household goods, toys and books. Please drop off items, during normal business hours, at the side door of Kepler. For a receipt for your donations, please contact Bernadette at bernadette@camphillkimberton.org. Thank you!

Help us maintain a high quality of life - Donate Today

2011-12-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

We often use the words “high quality of life” to describe the environment at Camphill Kimberton.

But what does that mean? How do we measure our success?

Last year, Regina moved to Serena House, our special care home for village elders. She had continued to work part-time, but she recently became fully retired. While she still meaningfully contributes to life in Serena House (making the beds, ironing, washing the dishes), she is learning to spend her day differently, as often happens to people when they retire. She may enjoy a leisurely walk, an unhurried chat in the café or reading with the children of the village. “It has been a dream to be here,” says Regina. “I love having Herb next door to me. The coworkers are good to me and they help me.”

On an outing to the store, Charlene encountered an old friend who lives in an “institution” where they aren’t allowed to dance. This encounter inspired a poem that night while she was tending to the chickens: The night of the earth, The stars to see, The moonlight glows over the chicken pen, You happen to be free.

Mary now can play a song by heart on the cello. Our Music Director, Veronika, intended the exercise to help her become more connected to the music. But it has actually given her an incredible sense of accomplishment – Veronika believes that success has led to a new drive in her and she is learning more and more. “If you know a song “by heart” you really own the piece,” says Veronika. “Mary can read music and that is good – but it is an intellectual thing, a mechanical thing. It isn’t making music. By learning the song by heart, you are becoming part of the song. She now can make music rather than just repeat notes. There has been a shift in who she is as a result of memorizing the song, actually playing it, and then performing it for the public.”

A recent outside evaluation by AmeriCorps, determined that Camphill communities provide a higher quality of life than four other types of residential options for people with disabilities. With your help we can continue to provide Regina, Charlene, Mary and all village residents with an opportunity to live a healthy, happy life, with a sense of purpose and pride.

Please consider making a gift to our Village Support Fund by clicking here. Your gift in any amount will be deeply appreciated and carefully used to enrich the lives of the people with special needs who make Camphill Village Kimberton Hills their home. Thank you!

Benefit for Chasin' for Chalfin - December 16

2011-12-05T06:45:00.000-08:00

Join us on Friday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. for a Benefit Concert for Chasin' for Chalfin.

Chasin’ for Chalfin was established to help Jake Chalfin, who was severely injured when he fell at the Blue Ridge Fall Races in Berryville, Va., on September 18, 2010. As a result of his extensive injuries, Jake is now paralyzed from the chest down and is facing significant long-term expenses associated with his special needs.

Chasin’ for Chalfin, a committe of his close friends and family, is committed to raising $1 million as soon as possible to help Jake with these extraordinary expenses as he tackles the biggest hurdle of his life.

Camphill Kimberton is pleased to host this benefit concert for our friends, the Chalfin family. Jake's sister, Julia Chalfin, will perform her American Diva show in Rose Hall. The show tells how a country bumpkin became a successful international Opera Diva. It is a humorous trip of musical self-discovery through Musicals, Pop, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Jazz and Classical music, in search of the appropriate genre and world fame. The program includes songs from these musical styles and finishes with a series of opera arias. The performance also features Tim Peck, master of the keys. Parallel to Julia´s story, Tim shares how he developed his skills as both a talented classical pianist and free swinging jazz musician.

A reception will immediately follow the concert at the adjacent Camphill Cafe.

Ticket prices are:
General Admission: $25
General Admission & Reception: $40
Reserved Seating: $45
Reserved Seating & Reception: $60
Patron includes 2 reserved tickets to the show and reception with business logo and /or name on website & program: $250
Contact Sue McElroy for questions about this event, tickets or information. Phone 610-827-1916 or Email:mac942@verizon.net

Please visit their website for more information and for ticket sales: http://www.chasinforchalfin.com/julia.html.

Camphill Kimberton wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T10:42:00.000-08:00

As many of us prepare for Thanksgiving, we reflect on the past year and are thankful for what we have been given. We invite you to look back with us by watching the video linked below.

As supporters of Camphill Kimberton, you give us so much. We thank you. Our wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Special thanks to our coworkers for contributing so many beautiful images.

2011 Service to the Community Award Recipients: Terry and Pat Brett

2011-11-15T11:19:00.000-08:00

At a recent event, Camphill Kimberton was pleased to present the 2011 Service to the Community Award to Terry and Pat Brett.

In the 1980's, Terry and Pat Brett began a much needed cooperative to meet the needs of people in the area wanting wholesome organic food. They also cooperated to create Seven Stars Yogurt production, which allowed the Seven Stars Farm to continue productively, and grew the small farm store across the road from the Waldorf School. Their tireless efforts developed not only a successful business, but also a friendly shop where people could meet and share interests. When the old Kimberton Hardware store became available, they moved there, bringing a lively business to the heart of Kimberton – now known as Kimberton Whole Foods.
Their interest in developing community led them to incorporate a café and many more useful and needed product lines. They sourced locally before it became fashionable, and included Kimberton Hills products from the beginning. To help meet Kimberton Hills' needs, they offered wholesale prices for bulk items, and continue to do so to this day.

As their business expanded, they took it to several area communities, and with those new stores, their vision of wholesome, organic locally sourced (where possible) foods. They collaborate with distributers to create more visibility for good food, and educate their consumers through newsletters, events, and in-store educational materials. They have opened their Kimberton Store for educational and charitable events, and have encouraged good citizenship through their examples, as well. They have led in sustainable areas beyond agriculture -- for instance, in business, ecology, and community building. They can be counted on to help support local charitable, artistic, and educational events, and of course, the efforts to create a more walkable and sustaining community in Kimberton.

Perhaps most people know them most for their incredibly deep work ethic and commitment to doing all they can to meet needs of their customers and community. Luckily they have a family of progeny that has also supported the business and the work it has taken to build and sustain it. They remain people whom one likes to meet when visiting the store-- friendly, interesting, interest-ed, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to living their ideals. They are wonderful people and strong friends of Kimberton Hills, where Terry served on the Board, and a significant power for good in our region.

Terry and Pat, thank you, for all you do in this community and beyond!

Upcoming Events at Camphill Kimberton

2011-10-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

Please mark your calendar to join us for the following events:

Saturday, November 5 at 7:30 p.m. - Poetry, Song and Story

Come to the Camphill Cafe for a night of poetry honoring and celebrating the ancestors. Hosted by Dagmar Hoell. Please RSVP to dirisholl@gmail.com. Free will donation accepted.

Tuesday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m. - Alash Ensemble

Alash Ensemble, masters of Tuvan throat singing, will present a concert at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. Be there as this captivating musical ensemble brings the ancient art of throat signing to the Rose Hall stage.

Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing, a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. Tuvan throat singers can produce two or three, sometimes even four pitches simultaneously. The effect has been compared to that of a bagpipe.

Masters of traditional Tuvan instruments as well as the art of throat singing, Alash are deeply committed to traditional Tuvan music and culture. At the same time, they are fans of western music. Believing that traditional music must constantly evolve, the musicians subtly infuse their songs with western elements, creating their own unique style that is fresh and new, yet true to their Tuvan musical heritage.

Admission to the concert is $10. All tickets will be sold at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.

Seating is limited. The Camphill Cafe will be open at 6 p.m. for light supper and refreshments before the concert.

Thursday, November 10 at 6 p.m. - An Evening for Kimberton Hills
At this annual fundraising event for CVKH, held at the Kimberton Inn, we will also present the 2011 Community Service Award to Terry and Pat Brett of Kimberton Whole Foods. If you'd like to join us, please contact bernadette@camphillkimberton.org

Sunday, November 13 at 7 p.m. – Recorder Ensemble

Join us for a recorder concert in Rose Hall led by Bob Patyk. Donations accepted.

Friday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. - Benefit Concert for Chasin' for Chalfin
Chasin’ for Chalfin was established to help Jake Chalfin, who was severely injured when he fell at the Blue Ridge Fall Races in Berryville, Va., on September 18, 2010. As a result of his extensive injuries, Jake is now paralyzed from the chest down and is facing significant long-term expenses associated with his special needs.

Camphill Kimberton is pleased to host this benefit concert for our friends, the Chalfin family. Jake's sister, Julia Chalfin, will perform her American Diva show in Rose Hall. The show tells how a country bumpkin became a successful international Opera Diva. It is a humorous trip of musical self-discovery through Musicals, Pop, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Jazz and Classical music, in search of the appropriate genre and world fame. The program includes songs from these musical styles and finishes with a series of opera arias. The performance also features Tim Peck, master of the keys. Parallel to Julia´s story, Tim shares how he developed his skills as both a talented classical pianist and free swinging jazz musician.

A reception will immediately follow the concert at the adjacent Camphill Cafe.

Ticket prices are:

General Admission: $25
General Admission & Reception: $40
Reserved Seating: $45
Reserved Seating & Reception: $60
Patron includes 2 reserved tickets to the show and reception with business logo and /or name on website & program: $250
Contact Sue McElroy for questions about this event, tickets or information. Phone 610-827-1916 or Email:mac942@verizon.net

Please visit their website for more information and for ticket sales: http://www.chasinforchalfin.com/julia.html.

What a weekend for Camphill Kimberton!

2011-10-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

We did it - Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

We are thrilled to announce we have surpassed the goal of the Catherine Marie Todd Matching Gift Challenge. We raised $67,411.27 in gifts of cash and pledges. Thank you!

Because of your generosity, we have also received the matching gift - $50,000 has been contributed by our very generous donor, Clifford Todd, in memory of his sister, Catherine Marie.

We gratefully accepted the donation at a celebration luncheon held at the Camphill Cafe on Saturday, October 15.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible! And special thanks to Ruben M. for creating this video.

Then on Sunday, October 16 it was time for the 5th Annual Camphill Challenge - a bike ride in support of the three Camphill communities in Pennsylvania: Camphill Kimberton, Camphill Soltane, and Camphill Special School. Approximately 300 riders participated in the event. It was an absolutely beautiful fall day for the ride and the picnic that followed. Thank you to those who supported this collaborative event.

Camphill Cafe closed Saturday, October 15

2011-10-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

The Camphill Cafe will be closed on Saturday, October 15 for a private event. Thank you for your understanding. We will be open again on Wednesday, October 19.

Main Phone Line Out of Order

2011-10-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

Our main phone number - 610.935.0300 - is out of order. If you need to reach someone in our offices, please call the Development Office at 610.935.8660 and your call will be directed.

Our apologies for the inconvenience. Thank you for your patience.

A busy autumn at Camphill Kimberton - join us!

2011-10-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

We are looking ahead to the season’s many upcoming events – hope you’ll join us for one or more of them. Fall is a beautiful time in the village; come for an event, or just lunch and a walk. Thanks for your continued support!

October 7, 8 p.m., Rose Hall – Dylan Babitch Trio

Come hear this trio’s rebirth! Featuring the music of Dylan Babitch on piano, Ali Bervine on bass, and Mike Mahoney on drums. Tickets are $10 at the door.

October 16, Kimberton Waldorf School – Camphill Challenge

Three Camphill Communities in Chester County -- Camphill Special School, Camphill Soltane, and Camphill Village Kimberton Hills -- will be hosting the fifth annual Camphill Challenge! The Camphill Challenge is a family-friendly bicycling excursion on October 16 amidst gorgeous Chester County autumn foliage, horse farms, and historic homes. Featuring a 50-mile ride for avid cyclists, a moderately challenging 25-mile ride, a 10-mile circuit and also a 1-mile family fun ride to Beaver Farm, the Camphill Challenge is the perfect way to bike for a cause, not just because! The ride begins and ends at the Kimberton Waldorf School and is followed by lunch and music.

For more information on the benefits of becoming a sponsor of the Camphill Challenge or if you are interested in riding in the event, please visit www.camphillchallenge.org or see the attached brochure. This year you have the ability to create your own fundraising page – check it out! There is a reduced fee of just $30 if you register by September 30, and you will also receive a T-shirt! Sponsors must register by September 30 to have their name on the T-shirt.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Bernadette at 610-935-8660, or bernadette@camphillkimberton.org.

November 1, 8 p.m., Rose Hall - About Cleaning and Caring: A talk by Linda Thomas
Finding the motivation to create order and cleanliness in our living and working spaces can be challenging—until you hear Linda Thomas! Linda will be working with the Camphills in our area to teach many of the methods she has learned in her work at the Goetheanum and in her own business. On Tuesday November 1st, she will speak in Rose Hall—don’t miss it. Suggested donation is $10.

November 8, 7:30 p.m., Rose Hall – Alash Ensemble
Join us for a very special concert by Alash, masters of Tuvan throat singing (xöömei), a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. What distinguishes this gifted quartet from earlier generations of Tuvan throat singers is the subtle infusion of modern influences into their traditional music. One can find complex harmonies, western instruments, and contemporary song forms in Alash’s music, but its overall sound and spirit is decidedly Tuvan. Tickets are available at the door, $10. Seating is limited so please arrive early.

“This is some of the most beautiful and haunting music I have heard. If you have not heard them, you have no idea how incredible they are.” — Jeff Coffin of the Flecktones and Dave Matthews Band

“There are plenty of recordings of Tuvan throat singing out there, but they can’t compare to witnessing such sonic magic in real time.” — Washington Post
Visit the Alash website to hear music samples and learn more about Tuvan throat singing: http://www.alashensemble.com/

November 10, Kimberton Inn – An Evening for Camphill Village Kimberton Hills
Save the date for our annual dinner at the Kimberton Inn. This is always a wonderful evening where we celebrate Kimberton Hills and present the Annual Community Service Award to a great friend and supporter.

CVKH Blog: $50K Challenge Deadline: September 30

2011-08-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

Camphill Kimberton has been given a wonderful gift - the chance to raise $100,000 for those who live and work in our village. A friend named Clifford Todd has challenged the Camphill Kimberton community to raise $50,000 in operating funds. If we can raise the first $50,000, Mr. Todd will match it and donate another $50,000. We will only receive his donation if we can raise $50,000 on our own - by September 30.

Read on to learn more about Cliff Todd, and his reasons for giving.

Betsy Church and her late husband, John, formed a friendship with Clifford Todd (pictured at left) almost 60 years ago. Cliff was with them in the hospital the day their son, Ross, a villager at Camphill Kimberton, was named. “It was an immediate bond,” says Cliff.

As time passes contacts often fade, and Betsy and John lost touch with Cliff for more than 40 years. Betsy’s daughter recently found Cliff via the internet and reconnected the long-lost friends, now in their 80s.

It is a remarkable story of the strength of friendship. However, Cliff’s qualities of loyalty and connection were fostered long before he met the Church family.

Cliff is a twin. He and his sister, Catherine, were born at home. Catherine arrived first and the complications of her delivery left her with a traumatic brain injury leading to developmental disabilities. Cliff was born “normal.”

“We were a poor family with seven children,” says Cliff. As she grew up, Catherine had a number of health issues, including ear problems, but medical attention was not always available or affordable. “When I got my first job, at age 16, I bought her a hearing aid,” he recalls.

This bond of brother and sister surpassed any limitations of disability. “Most people couldn’t understand her, but I could,” says Cliff. “We had our own language.” Catherine lived her final years in a nursing home and would draw back if anyone touched her. “I could touch her,” recalls Cliff. “I could put my hands on her shoulders and she would know it was me.”

After a recent trip to the village to visit Ross, Cliff mentioned that he wished a place like Camphill Kimberton had been available for his twin sister. He told Executive Director Diedra Heitzman that he wanted to leave a legacy gift to the village – a truly remarkable gesture.

Months later, Diedra received another call from Cliff. This time the impact of his generosity would be felt immediately.

Cliff posed a challenge to Diedra: could we raise $50,000 in operating funds? If we are able to raise the first $50,000, he will match it by donating another $50,000.

We will only receive his donation if we can raise $50,000 on our own.

“He really thinks Camphill is a wonderful place,” says his friend, Betsy Church (pictured at left, with her son, Ross). “It was his wish that he could have had a place like Camphill Kimberton for his sister.”

Our charge now is to make it happen. “I always wanted to do something in her name,” says Cliff.

Inspired by this wish and fueled with the generosity of our friends and supporters, Camphill Kimberton will be able to provide a beautiful home -- for others like Catherine Marie Todd, and in remembrance of her.

Double the Impact

We’re off to a great start! At the time of posting, we have raised $39,530 of the $50,000 requirement.

Thank you!

Now it is your turn. This challenge gives you a wonderful opportunity to effectively double the size of your gift, maximizing its impact. This is also a great way involve your family and friends in helping you support Camphill Kimberton. We can customize a personal fundraising plan to help you reach out to your contacts.

Gifts in any amount are welcomed and will help us reach our goal. Consider it this way: $25 will become $50; $250 will become $500. And working together, $50,000 will become $100,000!

To make your contribution to the Catherine Marie Todd Fund and ensure that we will receive the additional $50,000 matching gift, please contact Bernadette Kovaleski at 610-935-8660, bernadette@camphillkimberton.org, or PO Box 1045, Kimberton, PA 19442. Please memo your contribution "Todd Fund."

You may also make an online gift by clicking the Donate Now button below.

Thank you for your continued support!

CVKH Blog: Two-thirds of the way there!

2011-07-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

“He really thinks Camphill is a wonderful place,” says his friend, Betsy Church (pictured at left, with her son, Ross). “It was his wish that he could have had a place like Camphill Kimberton for his sister.”

Our charge now is to make it happen. “I always wanted to do something in her name,” says Cliff.

Inspired by this wish and fueled with the generosity of our friends and supporters, Camphill Kimberton will be able to provide a beautiful home -- for others like Catherine Marie Todd, and in remembrance of her.

Double the Impact

We’re off to a great start! At the time of posting, we have raised $30,125 of the $50,000 requirement.
UPDATE: As of August 18, we have $37,585. We are two-thirds of the way! Thank you!

Thank you to Betsy Church, who made our very first donation. Thank you also to an anonymous donor who gave a leadership gift of $10,000. Gloria and Herbert Abramowitz, Joe and Mary Beth Bright, K.C. Layfield, and other family members of villagers have also given significant donations.

Now it is your turn. This challenge gives you a wonderful opportunity to effectively double the size of your gift, maximizing its impact. This is also a great way involve your family and friends in helping you support Camphill Kimberton. We can customize a personal fundraising plan to help you reach out to your contacts.

Gifts in any amount are welcomed and will help us reach our goal. Consider it this way: $25 will become $50; $250 will become $500. And working together, $50,000 will become $100,000!

To make your contribution to the Catherine Marie Todd Fund and ensure that we will receive the additional $50,000 matching gift, please contact Bernadette Kovaleski at 610-935-8660, bernadette@camphillkimberton.org, or PO Box 1045, Kimberton, PA 19442. You may also make an online gift by clicking here. Please memo your contribution "Todd Fund."

Thank you for your continued support!

CVKH Blog: A great time at the Hootenanny

2011-07-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who participated in our Hootenanny on July 16! It was a beautiful day and fun for all who attended. Enjoy the photos!

CVKH Blog: Hootenanny on Saturday, July 16

2011-07-11T06:56:00.000-07:00

The Hootenanny, a festival of local music and food, will be held July 16 from 3-10 p.m. at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, 1601 Pughtown Road, Kimberton, Pa.

Join us for the following performers on the hay wagon stage:

3 p.m. - Dirk Quinn

4 p.m. - Aimee Wilson and the Factorye
5 p.m. - The Turnips
6 p.m. - Contra dance with Joe Pescatore
6:45 p.m. - Elisha Kane (on the acoustic stage)
7:20 p.m. - Tara and Friends
8 p.m. - Cowmuddy
9 p.m. - Mostly Maybe

The entertainment will also include village acoustic acts between sets.

The Hootenanny has been organized to celebrate the joy of local culture. In addition to the music, the Camphill Café will be serving food made with local, organic ingredients. Patrons who bring their own reusable plates and utensils will receive a reduced meal price.

There will also be local craft vendors, games, raffles and more. Children will have the chance to spot cows, chickens, sheep and more on the working dairy and vegetable farm.

The admission fee is $10, $8 in advance. Advance tickets can be purchased by contacting Bernadette@camphillkimberton.org or 610-935-8660 by Thursday, July 14. Attendees should bring their own blankets or lawn chairs.

Camphill Cafe Menu: July 6-9

2011-07-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

Join us for lunch this week at the Camphill Cafe, open Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Entree Special: lasagna with kale* and chard*

Soup of the week: barley with zucchini*, eggplant*, potatoes, rosemary*, cilantro* and soy.

*from our CSA garden

CVKH Blog: Hootenanny set for July 16

2011-06-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

Join us as we celebrate summer with our annual local food and music festival - the Hootenanny will be Saturday, July 16, starting at 3 p.m. and going until sundown.

Performers include: Dirk Quinn, Aimee Wilson and the Factorye, Tara and Friends, Mostly Maybe, Cowmuddy, and a contra dance called by Joe Pescatore.

Come and enjoy music, organic food, artisan vendors, games and a hayride. Bring your own blanket or chair and stay a while.

$8 for advance tickets, $10 at the gate. Receive reduced meal price if you bring your own reusable plates and utensils.

To purchase tickets, email bernadette@camphillkimberton.org.

CVKH Blog: It's Pollinator Week!

2011-06-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the efforts of Alice Dworkin, estate manager at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, Kimberton, Pa., Governor Tom Corbett has issued an official proclamation naming June 20-26, 2011 “Pollinator Week” in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Pollinating animals, including bees, birds, butterflies, bats, beetles and others, are vital to our delicate ecosystem, supporting terrestrial wildlife, providing healthy watershed, and more. The work of pollinators ensures full harvests of crops and contributes to healthy plants everywhere.

Therefore, the hope of Pollinator Week is to share with the public the importance of pollinators.

In celebration of these important creatures and the work they do, the Camphill Café is offering a special menu for the week, featuring foods that are pollinated. The exceptional menu includes:

• Vegetables (carrots, onions, pumpkin, broccoli, cauliflower, celery) with coconut milk and lemon over brown basmati rice

• Tomato soup with red pepper, bell pepper, chili pepper and coriander.

• Fruit crisps: cranberries and apples or raspberries, peach and mulberries

Many of the Café’s regular offerings also contain pollinated foods, including:
• Chicken salad: made with safflower oil, walnuts and cranberries.
• Salad dressing: made with local honey, safflower oil, sesame oil, apple cider.
• Mango lassi: made with mango and cardamom
• Chai: made with fennel and cardamom
• Iced tea: made with peach and clove

The Camphill Café is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All foods are organic and as local as possible, many grown on-site in Camphill Kimberton’s Community Supported Agriculture garden. The Pollinator Week menu will be available from June 22-25.

On Wednesday, June 22, at 2 p.m. a tour of Camphill Kimberton’s gardens and orchard will be available for those interested in learning more about the diverse farm community. To reserve your space on the tour, please contact Bernadette Kovaleski at 610-935-8660 or bernadette@camphillkimberton.org by Monday, June 20.

Camphill Cafe Art Opening, Saturday, June 18 at 4 p.m.

2011-06-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 18 at 4 p.m., the Camphill Café will host an art opening featuring the work of Kai Pedersen. Kai went to the Kimberton Waldorf School and graduated from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

Food and drink will be available for purchase on Saturday evening.

Learn more about the artist at http://www.kaipedersen.com/.

CVKH Blog: Camphill Cafe Menu, June 15-18

2011-06-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

Outdoor seating is available at the Camphill Cafe, open Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, serving local, organic and biodynamic specialities.

This week's special is quiche with kale. The soup of the week is vegetable, brown rice, and coconut milk with ginger.

Join us for lunch this week and stay tuned for an announcement about a special menu for Pollinator Week, June 20-26.

CVKH Blog: Family and Friends Day: Exploring our Social Responsibility

2011-06-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 4 was a beautiful day for our annual Family and Friends Day celebration. Visitors from all over joined with us as we explored the theme of social responsibilty within the context of life in Kimberton Hills.

The day began with a song performed by the CVKH Orchestra set to the tune of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." The lyrics were written by Jessica Sabo and the crowd sang along.

Mine ears have heard the rooster
as he crows o'er Pfeiffer Hill.
Calling time for work, to milk the cows,
to weave and mow and till.
Let us rise each day to greet the sun
and beauty of Camphill.
The Cows all say "Hello!"

Glory, glory, such a pleasure
Glory, glory, to see you here.
Glory, glory, try the cookies!
The Cows all say "Hello!"

We knit and weave with fibers sheared
and spun all naturally
Cooking lunch with vegetables that
grow biodynamically
Let us thank the cows for milk that makes
our yogurt and our cheese.
The Cows all say "Hello!"

Glory, glory, such a pleasure

Glory, glory, to see you here.
Glory, glory, Thanks for singing!
We all say "Hello!"

The afternoon continued with presentations about our garden, forestry project and development work, followed by a delicious lunch on the green. After lunch, our visitors had a chance to participate in fleecing, playing with the orchestra, walking the woodlands and more.

A great day was enjoyed by all! Thank you!

CVKH Blog: Phoenixville Area Middle School students grant $1,000 to Camphill Kimberton's CSA

2011-05-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills recently received a $1,000 grant from Phoenixville Area Middle School’s Help4Others group.

Help4Others, or H40, is a Youth in Philanthropy Group at the Phoenixville Area Middle School. This group of 14 eighth grade students meets once a week to learn more about needs in their community and how people give back. With guidance from their teachers, Gina Keenan and Monica Daley, they reviewed proposals submitted by non-profit organizations and visited sites in order to help them determine how to best distribute funds.

Out of nine area non-profits the students selected, Camphill Village Kimberton Hills received funding to purchase strawberries and supplies for the Sankanac Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Garden. The Sankanac CSA at Camphill Kimberton grows vegetables and produce on approximately 12 acres that feed the 100 village residents and an additional 150 families outside the community. CSA members sign up and pay a fee at the beginning of the year, which then enables the farmer, Todd Newlin, to buy seed, supplies, and equipment. Newlin, along with people with and without disabilities, ready the soil, greenhouses and seedlings. Starting at the end of May and continuing through October, CSA members visit the farm each week to pick up that week’s harvest. Every growing season differs slightly depending on the weather. Buying fresh and local produce has many benefits to personal health and to the environment.

Youth in Philanthropy, now its seventh year at both the middle school and high school, is supported by the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation. The program is intended to help young people gain a deeper understanding of needs, charity and volunteerism within their own community.

Lynn Pike Hartman, vice president of programs at the Foundation, spoke at the award presentation held on Wednesday. Hartman used the analogy of the strawberries purchased for Camphill Kimberton to express to the students how important their work in H4O has been. Just as the strawberries need careful, diligent tending in order to become thoroughly red and delicious, the H4O has been proof that through their hard work they now have evidence of reaping what they have sown.

“If you plant honesty, you reap trust,” said Hartman. “If you plant goodness, you reap friendships. If you plant hard work, you reap success, and if you plant charity, then you reap heartfelt joy. Remember this joy and that you can bring this feeling into your lives every day.”

Other award recipients included The Clinic, Police Athletic League, Good Samaritan Shelter, Mom’s House, PACS, Healthy Start, and the Southeastern PA Autism Resource Center.

CVKH Blog: Events in May, June and July

2011-05-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills will be host to a number of events this spring and summer. Mark your calendars to join us for the following:

The Dylan Babitch Trio, May 27 at 8 p.m. in Rose Hall, featuring Dylan Babitch on piano; Jason Fraticelli on upright bass; and Mike Mahoney on drums. $10 admission.

Family and Friends Day, June 4 at 10 a.m., our annual gathering of our friends and family.

Im-pulse Eurythmy Performance, June 19 at 4 p.m. in Rose Hall, featuring a unique configuration of nine Waldorf graduates - five from Brazil and four from the United States, presenting their graduation performance.

Talk on the Egyptian Book of the Dead, July 3 in Rose Hall, presented by Denis Ruff.

Hootenanny, July 16, from 3 p.m. until dark on the Kepler Green, featuring local music and food, along with games and vendors. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 that day. Contact 610-935-8660 for advance tickets.

Camphill Cafe Menu: May 11-14

2011-05-10T06:37:00.000-07:00

The Camphill Cafe is open for lunch Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our food is organic, local and delicious! Outdoor seating is available. Read on to discover this week's specials.

Entree: Moussaka - Greek mediterranean casserole layered with eggplant, organic ground beef, bechamel, tomato and cheese.

Soup: leek and cream

CVKH Blog: Family and Friends Day - June 4

2011-05-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

Family and friends, mark your calendars to join us for our annual Family and Friends Day celebration on Saturday, June 4. Join us for interesting programs, delightful conversation and a delicious lunch!

CVKH Blog: Gunther Hauk to speak at Camphill Kimberton on May 7

2011-05-05T08:40:00.000-07:00

In conjunction with the Honeybee Festival held in Phoenixville this weekend, on Saturday evening there will be a talk at Camphill Kimberton featuring Gunther Hauk, internationally known and respected beekeeping authority of Spikenard Farm Bee Sanctuary. Hauk will present a lecture titled "Spiritualizing our Understanding of Nature - Bee Colony Collapse Disorder as a wake-up call." Hauk shows a healthy way forward by revising our relationship with the beings of nature.

The lecture will be in held in Rose Hall at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, 1601 Pughtown Road, Kimberton, PA 19442, at 8 p.m.

There is a $10 suggested donation to support the work of Spikenard Bee Sanctuary. For more information, contact: Sherry Wildfeuer at 610-935-0302.

CVKH Blog: Hootenanny Date set for July 16

2011-05-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

Camphill Kimberton has set the date for our annual Hootenanny - a summer festival celebrating local food and music. Please mark your calendars for July 16 and plan to join us here at the farm for a great time! More details to be announced soon.

CVKH Blog: Camphill Cafe closed April 26-27

2011-04-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

The Camphill Cafe will be closed to the public on Wednesday, April 26 and Thursday, April 27 to accomodate our symposium guests.

Regular hours will resume on Friday, April 28. Thank you!

Camphill Cafe Menu, April 20-23 - Matzah Ball Soup special for Passover

2011-04-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Camphill Cafe is open for lunch Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our food is organic, local and delicious! Read on to discover this week's specials.

Entree Special: Quiche with zucchini, yogurt, and cheddar, mozzarella and feta cheese.

Soup of the week: organic chicken and matzah ball soup. Special for Passover week!

Camphill Cafe Menu: April 13-16

2011-04-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Camphill Cafe is open for lunch Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our food is organic, local and delicious! Read on to discover this week's specials.

April 13-16, 2011

Special: Burekas - a Turkish pastry filled with organic beef or zucchini and feta cheese

Soup: curried carrot with ginger and coconut milk

Also this week, check out the Spring Yard Sale, happening next door to the Cafe, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday until 8 p.m.

CVKH Blog: MGM Photography and Virago Baking Company team up to support Camphill Kimberton

2011-04-07T11:49:00.000-07:00

Two area businesses have partnered to host a benefit for Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, a Chester County community that includes adults with developmental disabilities. On Saturday, April 16, Virago Baking Company in Lansdale will host a fundraiser featuring portraits by MGM Photography.

Come out to Virago Baking Company between noon and 4 p.m. to have your child’s photo taken. For a donation to Camphill Kimberton, you will receive your child’s portrait and a $50.00 gift card to MGM Photography. While you are waiting, be sure to order a delicious treat from the bakery.

“I am glad to give back to great people,” says Melissa Pappentick, artist at MGM Photography, who has sponsored charity fundraisers in the past. MGM Photography specializes in family and child photography and has been in business since 2007.

Virago Baking Company, an all natural bakery cafe, specializing in gluten-free, vegan and European style cakes and pastries is located at 322 1/2 W. Main St., Lansdale, PA 19446.

For more information on MGM Photography, visit http://www.mgmphotography.net/.

For more information about Virago Baking Company, visit http://www.viragobakingcompany.com/.

Cafe Menu: April 6-9

2011-04-05T07:49:00.000-07:00

The Camphill Cafe is open for lunch Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our food is organic, local and delicious! Read on to discover this week's specials.

April 6-9, 2011

Special: macaroni & cheese

Soup of the week: pumpkin, carrot and sweet potato with dry apricots and coconut milk

Join us for lunch!

Power Outage Today: April 4

2011-04-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

Camphill Kimberton will be experiencing a power outage today, April 4, most likely between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. PECO will be updating and repairing service in this area. We appreciate your patience as we may be unreachable via email and phone for a few hours. Thank you!

CVKH BLOG: April Events - something for everyone

2011-03-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

April is looking like a busy month around here! If you're planning your calendar, here's what's coming up:

Workshop: Beginning Spinning with a Wheel, April 2nd, 9 am to noon -- Join us at Camphill Kimberton in the Fiber Arts workshop and learn to card, spin and ply wool using a spinning wheel. $45 in advance, $50 on the day. To register, call Felicity at 610-935-0350.

2nd Annual Kimberton Waldorf School and Kimberton Whole Foods Green Fair, April 2nd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Come out for a gathering of great local organizations, artisans, farmers, and more! This is a true community event...free for all and family friendly. Here’s your chance to meet your local farmers, producers, practitioners, artists, and green-minded companies. There will be lots of free samples, educational materials, and local art and music. A delicious organic lunch to benefit Kimberton Waldorf School’s Food for Thought lunch program will be sold for $5.00. This event is at the Kimberton Waldorf School, 410 West Seven Stars Rd. Phoenixville, PA 19460.

Everyman: a medieval morality play, April 9 at 4:30 p.m. -- Join us at Camphill Kimberton in Rose Hall for this play updated for modern times by Richard Dancey. Performed by the Youth Group of The Christian Community in the Washington D.C. area. Appropriate for ages 9 and up! Donations go towards the Youth Group Summer Trip to Austria and Italy.

Spring Yard Sale, April 13-16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., open until 8 p.m. on Friday -- Treasures await you at our annual yard sale event, held in the former cafe space, adjacent to the Camphill Cafe. The Cafe is open from Wednesday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.... why not stay for lunch?

Special Spring Photography Fundraiser, April 16 from noon to 4 p.m. -- Come to Virago - a an all Natural Bakery Cafe, specializing in Gluten-Free, Vegan and European Style cakes and pastries - and have your child's photo taken by MGM Photography for a donation to Camphill Kimberton. This event is held at Virago Baking Company, 322 1/2 W. Main St., Lansdale, PA 19446.

Third Annual Wine and Dine Talkfest, April 17 at 5 p.m. -- Join us at the Birchrunville Store Cafe for an intimate evening of great food, local wines and exceptional conversation, all to benefit Camphill Kimberton. Contact bernadette@camphillkimberton.org for your reservation.

Coffeehouse at the Camphill Cafe, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. -- Live music and refreshments, featuring the music of BJ Sarkissian & Tamara Sheen at 7 p.m and Tara Cannon at 8 p.m.
Being Human in the 21st Century - a symposium, April 26-29 -- Humanity has developed powerful forces of technological innovation, integrating policies, and ecological insight, yet today we face challenges unimaginable even decades ago. What is needed of us now? We invite you to participate in a dialogue-centered symposium “Being Human in the 21st Century: Towards New Thinking” that brings together outstanding social thinkers, environmentalists, and other active participants to share and create insights into what is needed to inspire and develop the best aspects of human nature and civilization. The event takes place at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, 1601 Pughtown Road, Kimberton. Visit www.Camphill.org for more details and tickets or call 610-935-0300, ext. 12.

Tues eve April 26, 6:30-9pm, $15, $10 for students
Thurs eve April 28, 7pm-9pm, $20, $15 for students
Thurs eve and Friday morning, $75
Full conference April 26-29th, lunches and dinners at Camphill Café included, Regular fee: $350.00; Camphill resident fee: $250; Senior, Student, or Disability Discount Fee: $150.

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills…Talkfest Time! April 17 at 5 p.m.

2011-03-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, it’s getting close. April 17 is right around the corner and we’re rushing towards the next splendiferous Kimberton Hills Talkfest. We had a burst of people reserving their spot immediately upon receiving the first announcement and a few more when they found the second announcement in their inbox. Our clocks have sprung forward, the snow is gone, the snowdrops have bloomed while the crocuses are rising…and it’s time for the rest of you to sign up.

In other words, get the lead out and register for the upcoming food and wine event of the spring…Talkfest.

Francis is already cooking away at the Birchrunville Store Café. I’m out stomping grapes as fast as I can. For a mere $164.99 per person you get to spend 3 hours munching on the world’s most exceptional oardoors while imbibing the fruit of the vine and yakking it up with an amazing collection of erudite, well traveled, interesting, beautiful people…all there to support a good cause while filling their stomachs…and minds.

Why, I’ll even tell you stories about my recent trip to Namibia and Botswana where I dined at NICE, lunched with the CEO of the Namibia Stock Exchange, flew on Air Congo…really, snuck into the Botswana Diamond Hub, and…well, you’ll just have to show up to hear the rest and all the sordid details.

We are pleased to announce that yet once again, Benari LTD has agreed to be a sponsor. You too can have this honor. Call Bernadette at 610-935-8660, email her at Bernadette@camphillkimberton.org, or even send smoke signals. Register now! Sponsor now! Just send gold now!

Remember, sponsorships start at a mere $750 for which you get to talk for 73 seconds, have an oardoor named after you, and you get 2 tickets.

For a measly $1500 you get all of the above except you have 128 seconds and Steve takes you and a friend out to dinner at the Birchrunville Store Café…and he brings the wine.

And best of all, for a mere $3000 you get all of the above except you get 4 tickets, talk for 156 seconds, have a table for 4 at the Café, and can tell Steve to stay home…and you still get the wine!

The early discount of $164.99 is still in effect but you only can claim it by registering immediately. Quick, register now before you forget.

Be There!

Steve Smolinsky
Board President

CVKH Blog: Spring Yard Sale, April 13-16

2011-03-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

There are treasures to be found at the Camphill Kimberton Spring Yard Sale. Come and shop and then stay for lunch at the Camphill Cafe.

April 13-16, 2011

Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
Friday: 10 am - 8 pm

Donations of clean, good quality natural fiber clothing, household items, toys and tools will be gratefully accepted by the side door of the Craft Shop.

Questions? Contact Felicity at 610-935-0350.

Camphill Cafe Menu: March 9-12

2011-03-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

The Camphill Cafe is open for lunch Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our food is organic, local and delicious! Read on to discover this week's specials.

March 9-12, 2011

Stuffed grape leaves with organic rice and beef

Stuffed grape leaves with organic rice, pine nuts and feta cheese

Soup of the week:

White bean

Join us for lunch!

CVKH Blog: A Poem for Spring

2011-03-07T06:54:00.000-08:00

The spring is coming
The fall went to bed
The day is much longer
The cows are out
The chickens say hallelujah!
And that is all

-- Charlene Roth

CVKH Blog: Two Spinning Workshops Scheduled

2011-02-28T06:20:00.000-08:00

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills announces two spinning workshops to be held in March and April.

The first workshop, Spinning with a Drop Spindle, will be held Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Craft Shop at Camphill Kimberton in Kimberton, Pa. Participants will learn to spin your own yarn as the nomadic people of the world do. Registration cost is $45 in advance and $50 the day of and includes materials and your own drop spindle to take away and spin with.

The second event, Beginning Spinning with a Wheel, will be Saturday, April 2, 2011 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Craft Shop at Camphill Kimberton in Kimberton, Pa. Learn to card, spin and ply wool using a spinning wheel. Registration cost is $45 in advance and $50 on the day.

For further information and to reserve a place, please call Felicity at 610-935-0350. Register for both workshops in advance for $80.

Camphill Kimberton is located at 1601 Pughtown Rd., Kimberton, PA.

CVKH Blog: Year-long volunteer positions available

2011-02-21T09:18:00.000-08:00

People with diverse backgrounds, skills and personal goals join our community for a year of service or for a lifetime, volunteering their time and energy; they live, work, learn and grow with us.

We currently have openings for Garden Apprentices and Service Volunteers.

Garden Apprentices: Immediate openings available. We offer the opportunity for aspiring agrarians to gain experience in biodynamic, organic, and sustainable methods of agriculture and land stewardship in a social therapeutic setting together with adults with developmental disabilities. Garden Apprentices receive strong “hands on” training by working alongside experienced farmers. In addition they receive a solid theoretical foundation in biodynamic and organic agriculture.

Service Volunteer or Short-Term Coworkers: In the fall of each year, a group of volunteers from around the world join us for a year of service to support the work we do with adults who have developmental disabilities. Service volunteers spend time working within a household, as well as in a land or craft workshop. Whether you are looking for a volunteer experience during a “break” following training or college, or if it is time to reexamine your life’s direction, a year of service in Kimberton Hills will offer new inspirations as well as be a time to reflect and consider future life goals.

For more information about these opportunities, contact Craig Brown at 610-935-3963 or craig@camphillkimberton.org.

Cafe Menu: Feb. 16-19

2011-02-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

The Camphill Cafe is open for lunch Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our food is organic, local and delicious! Read on to discover this week's menu.

This week's special:
Bourekas - a Turkish puff pastry filled with broccoli, peppers and feta cheese OR organic ground beef

Soup: Red Lentil

Join us for lunch!

CVKH Blog: SHARE THE LOVE!

2011-02-14T08:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

We asked and you answered. Why do you love Camphill Kimberton? Let us count the ways.....

I visited 28 years ago and played music with Herta Hoy. I fell in love with Camphill, spent a year in Ringwood, three at Humans-Haus, and became a Waldorf teacher. That musical experience with Herta was very important. I love Kimberton! -- Craig Thom

It's a place of natural beauty! Here's a photo I took there last summer: http://tinyurl.com/46melgl -- Emma Peabody

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills is a place where I have grown to appreciate the true meaning of community. I have been fortunate enough to have developed extraordinary friendships while offering hair and body care services for nearly 20 years. As an employee at Kimberton Whole Foods, I was able to work closely with the Camphill bakery, dairy, and assist folks with perfect job placement within the store. Last year, I was married in Rose Hall, fulfilling a life-long dream, clebrating in such a wonderful and truly spiritual space. Knowing Camphill has enriched my life in more ways that I can describe. I love you all. -- Karen Izzi, Ph.D., the Peaceful Healer

Because my cousin Ina loves living there and I love Ina. -- Debbie Chalfin

One of the reasons why I love Kimberton Hills is the unexpected joy you find each day. When I came into work this morning there was a lovely bouquet of flowers on my desk - someone here thought of me and thought I would enjoy them... and I do. My guess is it was Charlene! There is a lot of love and kindness here. -- Bernadette Kovaleski

Thank you for your participation. It's good to be loved.

Please forward this blog to your friends and family to SHARE THE LOVE!

CVKH Blog: Nuno Felting Workshop - February 12

2011-02-07T08:26:00.000-08:00

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills is hosting a Nuno Felting Workshop on Saturday, February 12 from 9 a.m. to noon. At this hands-on craft workshop, you will learn to use silk and wool to create unique handmade scarves, like the one pictured at left.

The registration fee is $50 in advance, $60 the day of the workshop, and includes materials to make your own scarf. For more information or to reserve your space, contact Felicity at 610-935-0350.

Camphill Kimberton is located at 1601 Pughtown Road, Kimberton, PA. www.camphillkimberton.org

Camphill Cafe Menu: Feb. 2-5, 2011

2011-02-03T07:29:00.000-08:00

The Camphill Cafe is open for lunch Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our food is organic, local and delicious! Read on to discover this week's menu.

This week's special:
Roasted roots over quinoa

Soup:
Turnip & sweet potato

Beverage specials:
Pineapple-coconut smoothie
Blended chai - our own recipe!
Mango Lassai

Stop by our Cafe for delicious food and good company!

Power Outage

2011-02-02T11:07:00.000-08:00

Due to the winter storm, the offices at Camphill Kimberton are currently without power. We apologize if you are trying to reach us. Thank you for your patience!

CVKH Blog: The Prince and the Pauper, Feb. 18-20

2011-01-24T07:47:00.000-08:00

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills presents The Prince and the Pauper, a musical comedy by Lewis Hardee, February 18-20, 2011.

Directed by Veronika Roemer, The Prince and the Pauper is based on the story by Mark Twain. Prince Edward, son of King Henry XIII, and a poor boy of the slums of London have a chance encounter. They discover that they look very much alike and decided to change clothes “for an hour or two.” The exchange lasts much longer and both boys, as well as everyone around them, discover many new things about life and each other.

The musical is freely based on Twain’s story, making even more fun of stiff royalty and showing the audience that poverty of goods does not mean poverty of heart. The music is a delightful mix of modern show tunes and Elizabethan era songs, with many catchy tunes.

This is the sixth show produced by Roemer, who lives and works in Camphill Kimberton, an intentional community that includes adults with developmental disabilities. Each production features residents of Camphill Kimberton and the wider community. Members of the Kimberton Hills orchestra will provide musical accompaniment of piano and various percussion instruments.

Show times are:
Friday, Feb. 18, 2011 – 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011 – 2:30 and 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011 – 2:30 p.m.

All shows are in Rose Hall. Suggested donations are $12 for adults, $6 for children, and $35 for a family.

Cafe Menu: January 19-22

2011-01-18T09:10:00.000-08:00

The Camphill Cafe is open for lunch Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our food is organic, local and delicious! Read on to discover this week's menu.

This week's special:
Spanish quiche with zucchini, parmesan and feta cheese

Soup of the week:
Creamy nettle and broccoli

Beverage specials:
Pineapple-coconut smoothie
Blended chai - our own recipe!
Introducing a new menu item: Labbane cheese, now available every day.

Labbane cheese is a homemade soft cheese, made from Seven Stars Yogurt, with Middle Eastern spices (Za'atar) and olive oil, served with chips or bread and salad.

Want to try a few of our amazing salads? We will make your favorite plate, with your choice of salads and spreads, served with bread and a green salad.

You can choose from the following, or try them all!
Chicken salad
Tuna salad
Hummus
Labbane cheese
Eggplant salad with garlic and red wine vinegar (coming soon)

Stop by our Cafe for delicious food and good company!

CVKH Blog: Service to Others

2011-01-17T06:36:00.000-08:00

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 17, 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday.

Dr. King believed in a nation of freedom and justice for all, and encouraged citizens to live up to their purpose and potential by applying the principles of nonviolence to make the United States a better place to live.

Today let us ask ourselves - how can we honor this man and his legacy? How can we make a difference in the lives of others? How can we live up to our purpose?

For more information on the MLK Day of Service, visit http://mlkday.gov/.

For information on volunteering at Camphill Kimberton, visit http://www.camphillkimberton.org/volunteer/index.php.

CVKH Blog: Cafe Specials Jan. 12-15

2011-01-11T10:49:00.000-08:00

The Camphill Cafe is open for lunch Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our food is organic, local and delicious! Read on to discover this week's menu.

This week's special:
Lasagna with spinach or broccoli

Soup of the week:
Zucchini and tomato

Beverage specials:
Pineapple-coconut smoothie
Blended chai - our own recipe!

Introducing a new menu item: Labbane cheese, now available every day.

Labbane cheese is a homemade soft cheese, made from Seven Stars Yogurt, with Middle Eastern spices (Za'atar) and olive oil, served with chips or bread and salad.

Want to try a few of our amazing salads? We will make your favorite plate, with your choice of salads and spreads, served with bread and a green salad.

You can choose from the following, or try them all!
Chicken salad
Tuna salad
Hummus
Labbane cheese
Eggplant salad with garlic and red wine vinegar (coming soon)

Stop by our Cafe for delicious food and good company!

CVKH Blog: Third Annual Talkfest set for April 17

2011-01-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

That’s right. We have set the date for the next spectacular Kimberton Hills Wine and Dine Talkfest at the renowned Birchrunville Store Café. More information will follow as it gets closer but you can put the date in your calendar right now. So before reading further, put it in every calendar you have from the one on the refrigerator to the one in your phone.

The last few times we did this I was harassed by people who were unfortunate enough to have already scheduled something else by the time they got our announcement. I heard from people who were stuck hiking in France, on safari in Africa, cruising the Mediterranean, drinking wine in California, walking on the Great Wall in China, and even getting married. Each and every one of them…you know who you are…asked why we had scheduled the Talkfest at this inopportune time…for them.

In spite of this…we sold out!

So, now that it’s in your calendar you won’t plan anything else for that day. If you already have something planned, you have plenty of time to re-schedule that other thing you thought you were going to do April 17. I suggest as soon as you finish reading this you call (610-935-8660) or email (bernadette@camphillkimberton.org) Bernadette and make your reservation.

For a minor fee to a great cause you will have:

Fantastic and neverending oardoors
A variety of magnificent wines
Scintillating conversation with exceptional people
No…I repeat, no program at all

The last few years people had so much fun we had to shove them out the door to end the Talkfest. It was so great that some people reserved their place for this Talkfest before they left the last one!

Don’t be left staring through the window wishing you were inside. Just for you, we are offering an incredible early registration discount of $164.99 per person. This discount is only available when you register.

See you there,

Steve Smolinsky
President, Board of Directors
Camphill Village Kimberton Hills

Cafe Menu: January 5-8

2011-01-04T08:50:00.000-08:00

The Camphill Cafe is open for lunch Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our food is organic, local and delicious! Read on to discover this week's menu.

This week's special:
Millet Delight - millet, zucchini, and feta cheese covered with tomato and pepper sauce, served with salad. A gluten-free dish!

Soup of the week:
Creamy spinach and carrot

Beverage specials:
Pineapple-coconut smoothie
Blended chai - our own recipe!

Introducing a new menu item: Labbane cheese, now available every day.

Labbane cheese is a homemade soft cheese, made from Seven Stars Yogurt, with Middle Eastern spices (Za'atar) and olive oil, served with chips or bread and salad.

Want to try a few of our amazing salads? We will make your favorite plate, with your choice of salads and spreads, served with bread and a green salad.
You can choose from the following, or try them all!
Chicken salad
Tuna salad
Hummus
Labbane cheese
Eggplant salad with garlic and red wine vinegar (coming soon)

Stop by our Cafe for delicious food and good company!

CVKH BLOG: Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T06:10:00.000-08:00

All of us at Camphill Kimberton wish you health and happiness in this new year. Thank you for your tremendous financial support and friendship in 2010!

Your contribution matters. Make an investment in Kimberton Hills.

2010-12-13T08:24:00.000-08:00

When you consider your charitable giving for this year, we hope you will experience the joy of helping others. Whatever and wherever you give, you need to know that your gift is supporting something that matters.

Kimberton Hills matters. We do extraordinary work for extraordinarily little money. We provide a home and meaningful work for people who do not have the capacity to live on their own. We do this with uncommon care and attention, while at the same time making it possible for everyone in Kimberton Hills to be doing things that help the wider world, whether by example, by products, or by actions.

If Kimberton Hills only produced biodynamic food for 100 families beyond its land, or only was a leader in land preservation and sustainable living, it would be worth supporting. If it only provided a welcoming place for concerts, plays, lectures, and meetings, it would be valuable. Yet Kimberton Hills manages to do this while also incorporating adults with significant disabilities in nearly all aspects of our work.

This village shines as it cares for one another and the community at large, as it promotes local, organic, biodynamic food, holds wonderful events in Rose Hall, and welcomes people in many ways – as volunteers, customers, audiences, and neighbors. We understand that it is important to carefully steward what we have been blessed with – the people, the land, the animals, and your gifts. We value what we have and are grateful for the belief that people have in our mission.

Kimberton Hills’ annual budget depends on charitable gifts for nearly a fourth of its total. Our substantial efforts to keep costs down and quality high have yielded an overall budget that is less than last year’s and makes our cost per person with disabilities 1/5 – 1/3 of usual costs. Yet, a recent study evaluating the quality of life for people with disabilities found that Kimberton Hills is exceptionally high.

All of our efforts are needed to make this community continue to be the model and valuable endeavor that it is. We ask you to give generously this year, and sincerely thank you for your support!

To make your secure online donation, click here.

Thank you! Happy Holidays!

CVKH Blog: Jacobs Sheep Wool Available

2010-12-09T08:47:00.000-08:00

We have a limited supply of Jacobs Sheep wool available for purchase at our Craft Shop. This Pennsylvanian naturally raised and spun wool comes in two beautiful shades: natural gray and creamy white. The wool is 3-ply worsted weight with 240 yards in a 4 oz. skein. $20 a skein and for an additional $2 we will ship the wool to you.

Visit our Craft Shop or place your order at 610-935-8660.

Thank you!

CVKH Blog: Visit our Craft Shop for Holiday Shopping

2010-12-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

The Camphill Village Kimberton Hills Craft Shop is a unique and wonderful place to do your holiday shopping. The shop features a wide range of one-of-a-kind items including woven, knitted and felted handmade crafts. Many items are made from recycled materials and are handcrafted by adults with developmental disabilities.

The craft shop, located in the Kepler Building, is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. After shopping, stop by the Camphill Café for lunch, located just a short walk from the shop. The café offers organic, homemade soups, sandwiches, entrees and desserts and is open Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Gift certificates to the shop are also available. To see samples of items for sale in the craft shop, visit our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CamphillVillageKimbertonHills.

Happy Holidays!

CVKH BLOG: Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-22T08:49:00.000-08:00

“When we become more fully aware that our success is due in large measure to the loyalty, helpfulness, and encouragement we have received from others, our desire grows to pass on similar gifts. Gratitude spurs us on to prove ourselves worthy of what others have done for us. The spirit of gratitude is a powerful energizer.” — Wilferd A. Peterson

All of us at Camphill Kimberton extend our heartfelt gratitude for the friendship and support you share with us. With your belief in our mission we are energized to continue making a difference in the lives of people who live here in the village and beyond.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! Blessings to you and your families and friends!

CVKH Blog: A Trip to the Cider Press by Lawrence Sherma

2010-11-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

Every year the CSA and orchard crews go to Bauman's cider press. All the apples that are picked on Route 23 and from the serpantine and the orchard near the woodlot are picked. These are not perfect apples, but have a little scratch or hole. The perfect ones go to the households. The really bad ones can't be taken to Bauman's cider press, so we take the okay ones. We also use some pears.

The crew and the employees at Bauman's cider press pour all the apples and pears into a storage vault. They also use trailers and vaults with wheels to carry their items.

The juice from the apples and pears go into a small factory. We push the tap of it down and we start filling the bottles. The skin that is in the storage vault gets cleared out.

The Bauman's cider press also makes apple butter and pear spread using our apples and pears. They put the apples in a boiler and heat it to a certain temperature. At the cider press we will see many different products.

Some of the products are apple butter, pear spread, pumpkin butter, strawberry jam, apple tea, peach butter, grape jelly and much more. All the fruit jams and butter are cooked in the boiler. They also clean all the fruit skin, the whole place, and they carry all the crates of fruits in trailers and wagons.

Watching the employees at Bauman's cider press was very interesting. I am glad I got to work with them and learn all the orchard processing from them. I am very grateful to the CSA and orchard every year that I get to go to the cider press.

CVKH BLOG: A beautiful day for the Camphill Challenge

2010-10-18T08:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who participated in Sunday's Camphill Challenge - a bike ride event in support of the three Camphill Communities in Pennsylvania. It started out a bit chilly at 8 a.m., but as the day continued it was sunny and beautiful for the remainder of the ride and the picnic that followed.

More than 260 riders came out to support Camphill Kimberton, Camphill Special School, and Camphill Soltane. We heard it was a tough ride - but exhilarating!

Special thanks to Camphill Kimberton's sponsors: Phoenixville Federal Bank and Trust, BentleyRowland, Virtual Farm Creative, Kimberton Whole Foods, Carnevale Eustis Architects, and Denise Yarrison.

Thanks so much! See you next year!

CVKH Blog: Camphill Challenge set for Sunday

2010-10-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

The Camphill communities in Chester County will host the fourth annual Camphill Challenge cycling event on Sunday, October 17. Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, Camphill Special School, and Camphill Soltane are pleased to be working together on this collaborative fundraising event.

The bike ride, which begins and ends at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, offers 50, 33, and 10-mile courses for all ages and ability levels. Cyclists will ride through Chester County during peak autumn foliage with beautiful views of horse farms, historic homes, and covered bridges. A picnic and music will round out the day.
By participating in the ride, you will be making a difference to three unique communities, each of which create environments where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live with dignity and pride.

It's not too late to sign up. For more information about the Camphill Challenge, to register for the ride, or become a sponsor, contact Bernadette Kovaleski at 610.935.0300, ext. 12 or bernadette@camphillkimberton.org, or visit camphillchallenge.org.

Power Outage

2010-10-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

There has been a power outage at Camphill Kimberton. If you have been trying to reach us via phone or email, we apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your patience as we tend to this matter. Until further notice, if you need to reach someone, you may e-mail bernadette@camphillkimberton.org and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. Again, thank you for your patience.

CVKH Blog: Autumn is here

2010-09-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful time of year here at Kimberton Hills. We are preparing corn, making cider, getting to know our new service volunteers.

Although the sun isn't shining today, we welcome the rain. Our land needs it, our animals need it, and we need it. Darker, damper days allow us to appreciate the beauty of the changing leaves and warmth of the autumn sunshine. That is when the growth happens.

Come and visit us soon.

CVKH Blog: The Jasper String Quartet at Rose Hall, September 23

2010-09-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

Astral Artistic Services, 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 featuring The Jasper String Quartet on September 23 at 7:30 p.m.

The Camphill Cafe will be open at 6 p.m. for light supper and refreshments.

Hailed as “sonically delightful and expressively compelling” and “polished, engaged and in tune with one another,” the Jasper String Quartet’s unity comes from its belief in the timeless and lifelong pursuit of music’s depth and meaning. The concert will feature the music of Haydn and Beethoven.

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, but donations are accepted.

To learn more about the Jasper String Quartet, visit http://astralartists.org/our-artists/current-roster/the-jasper-string-quartet/.

CVKH BLOG: Do you "like" us?

2010-09-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

We know a lot of you like us and like what we are doing here at Camphill Kimberton. But do you "like" us on Facebook?

Come check us out at www.facebook.com/CamphillVillageKimbertonHills and click the "Like" button to stay even more updated on what is happening here at Camphill Kimberton.

We announce upcoming events, share what's on the menu at the Cafe, post photos, and generally stay in touch with you - our most important friends and supporters. Thanks - and we hope to see you on our Wall.

CVKH BLOG: Camphill Challenge set for October 17

2010-08-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

The Camphill communities in Chester County will host the fourth annual Camphill Challenge cycling event on Sunday, October 17. Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, Camphill Special School, and Camphill Soltane are pleased to be working together on this collaborative fundraising event.

The bike ride, which begins and ends at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, offers 50, 33, and 10-mile courses for all ages and ability levels. Cyclists will ride through Chester County during peak autumn foliage with beautiful views of horse farms, historic homes, and covered bridges. A picnic and music will round out the day.

By participating in the ride, you will be making a difference to three unique communities, each of which create environments where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live with dignity and pride.

For more information about the Camphill Challenge, to register for the ride, or become a sponsor, contact Bernadette Kovaleski at 610.935.0300, ext. 12 or bernadette@camphillkimberton.org, or visit camphillchallenge.org.

CVKH BLOG: Camphill Cafe Coffeehouse, Friday, August 20

2010-07-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

The Camphill Café invites you to experience their first evening of live music. This “Camphill Coffeehouse” will become a regular event, welcoming visitors to Camphill Village Kimberton Hills’ café for refreshments, conversation and great local music. The kick-off event is Friday, August 20, 2010. The café opens at 6:30 p.m. with music from 7 – 9 p.m.

Musical acts include The Seven Spaces and Amelia Sabra.

The Seven Spaces features Danny Minogue (drums, vocals), Jackson Hughes (vocals, guitar), Hagay Haut (guitar, vocals), and Aidan Gross (cello, guitar). Their music has a soft-rock, folky, and acoustic alternative sound.

Amelia Sabra is opera-trained, but realized she wanted to express herself through her own music. She has signed a record deal with RP Music, and her album will be coming out this fall.

Refreshments, including homemade desserts, snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.

The Camphill Café, is also open to the public for lunch Wednesday-Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to serving locally-grown, organic food on site, take-out and catering options are available for events.

CVKH BLOG: Great time at The Hootenanny

2010-07-19T08:32:00.000-07:00

A warm, sunny summer afternoon was the backdrop for the annual Hootenanny - a festival of local food and music. Thank you to all who joined us for the fun!

CVKH BLOG: Free concert in Rose Hall tonight; Cafe open for dinner at 6:30 p.m.

2010-07-15T05:54:00.000-07:00

Thursday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. – Join us in Rose Hall for a free summer concert featuring Dylan Babitch on piano. The Camphill Café will be open at 6:30 p.m. and at intermission for sandwiches, drinks and dessert. Stop by, grab a light dinner, and enjoy some music with us.

CVKH Blog: Join us for the Hootenanny on July 17

2010-07-12T05:48:00.000-07:00

Area residents have the chance to enjoy an array of local folk and country music at the upcoming Hootenanny at Camphill Kimberton. The Hootenanny, a festival of local music and food, will be held July 17 from 3-10 p.m.

Musicians scheduled to perform on the hay wagon stage include: Chris Ayer, Suzie Brown, Jubel Jenkins, Trevor Gordon Hall and The Turnips. The music begins at 3:45 p.m. and contra dancing with a live band will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

The Hootenanny has been organized to celebrate the joy of local culture. In addition to the music, the Camphill Café will be serving food made with local, organic ingredients.

There will also be local food and craft vendors, face painting, games for children, raffles and prizes. Children will have the chance to spot cows, chickens, sheep and more on the working dairy and vegetable farm.

The admission fee is $10, $8 in advance. Children under ten are free. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Camphill Café or by contacting Bernadette@camphillkimberton.org or 610-935-0300, ext. 12. Attendees should bring their own blankets or lawn chairs. Hope to see you there - rain or shine!

CVKH Blog: Final days to vote for Camphill Kimberton and Chef Steph

2010-07-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU to everyone that has been voting daily for Chef Steph and Camphill Kimberton in the Sears Chef Challenge! It has been an exciting journey and we are feeling great about the voting so far.

Will you help us in our final push to bring Chef Steph to the top? We need your help! If you haven't already been doing so, please log on to www.searschefchallenge.com and vote for Chef Steph and Camphill Kimberton. You will Steph under the Washington DC chefs. You can vote once per email address, per day through this Saturday. It literally takes less than a minute to vote and you will be helping a great organization! In fact, you will be helping four great organziations win $5,000.00 each. When you vote for Steph, you will also need to select a chef from LA, CHI and NYC. She recommend sChef Riq in New York, Chef Palak in LA and Chef Ron in Chicago. They are all talented chefs and are supporting great organizations as well!

Please also take the time to tell your friends and family about our quest to win the first round of the Sears Chef Challenge and get them voting. At this point in the competition every vote counts! Voting ends this Saturday at midnight EST.

If Steph advances to the next round of the competition, based on the number of online votes she gets, she will have an opportunity to go to Chicago and compete to win another $15,000 for Camphill Kimberton.

Let's get her there! Thanks for your support! Keep voting... and bring on Chicago!

CVKH BLOG: Vote for Kimberton Hills to win $5,000

2010-06-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

Help us and a local chef win big by voting online from June 26-July 10.

Phoenixville resident, personal chef and owner of The Comfort Gourmet, Stephanie McKeon Krzywanski, has been selected as one of 24 chefs nationwide to participate in the Sears Chef Challenge. The grand prize is a complete kitchen renovation valued at over $35,000, plus an additional $20,000 donation to the winning Chef’s charity of choice.

Krzywanski has chosen to partner with Camphill Kimberton. She explains, “I chose Camphill Village Kimberton Hills as my charity because it is right in my backyard (well, three miles away) and I support them on a weekly basis by purchasing milk, baked goods and produce from the village. I am a huge supporter of being local and organic and purchasing from Kimberton Hills supports that while also helping those with developmental disabilities. I have been searching for a food-related organization to donate my time after this competition and Kimberton Hills is my choice. It will be so personally rewarding for me to give back to my community by working with the residents. Thanks to Sears, I was able to make more of a connection with them instead of just purchasing their products for home and client use. The potential financial donation from Sears will go a long way as well.”

If Krzywanski wins the first round of voting, Camphill Kimberton will win $5,000. The first round of this three-round culinary competition began on May 5th with in-store demonstrations. Krzywanski will be competing in the Washington D.C. market.

The first round winner is determined by online voting, which begins on June 26th and continues through July 10th via www.searschefchallenge.com. Anyone can vote once a day during that two-week period.

Thank you for your support. Tell a friend and remember to vote!

CVKH BLOG: A Beautiful Family and Friends Day

2010-06-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day for our annual Family and Friends Day, held on Saturday, June 5. This is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year at Kimberton Hills and all who attended had a wonderful time. Visitors had the chance to learn about new endeavors for the various workshops, particpate in informative seminars, and enjoy a potluck lunch under the tent.

Local chef chooses Kimberton Hills as her partner charity for a nationwide contest

2010-05-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

Local Chef Stephanie Krzywanski is one of 24 chefs participating in the Sears Chef Challenge.

The Sears Chef Challenge aims to find the nation's next up and coming chef while raising money for the nation's food banks and food-related charities.
A total of 24 chefs in four cities: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. will compete by completing a variety of culinary challenges, culminating in the Championship Finals in Chicago. The chefs who progress toward the crucial semi-final stage will be decided by YOU - the online voters.

In addition, each chef is paired with a food bank or food-related charity, and Stephanie has chosen Kimberton Hills to be her partner charity! As the contest progresses, and Stephanie continues to win, Kimberton Hills will also win - either $5,000, $10,000 or $20,000!

Read all about the contest and how you can help by visiting http://www.searschefchallenge.com/. Online voting begins the first week of July. Stay tuned to email blasts and our blog for more details on how you can help make this happen for both of us.

Find out more about Chef Steph at her website http://www.yourcomfortgourmet.com/.

Thanks and stay tuned for voting details!

Singing Crow - a tale from the Brandywine: May 7-9

2010-04-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

Plan to join us as Kimberton Hills Productions presents a new musical: Singing Crow - A tale from the Brandywine, 1738, May 7-9 in Rose Hall.

This year’s production is special, as it is an original musical written by Veronika Roemer who has directed previous Kimberton Hills productions including Heidi - The Musical and The Sound of Music.

The story takes the audience back to the early pioneer time in the Brandywine Valley. Two new settler families have arrived from England, looking for a new and better life. They have been told that all the native people, the Lenape, have left the valley. But one day 12-year-old Maggie meets a Lenape boy, named Singing Crow, while she is out in the forest picking berries.

Instead of writing new music, Ms. Roemer chose to find original music from that time period. As the story unfolds, we hear songs from the early 1700s, songs that settlers from the British isles would have brought with them as part of their cultural heritage, as well as Native American music.

Performances dates are:
Friday, May 7: 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 8: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 9: 2 p.m.

Suggested donations:
Children: $5.00
Adults: $12.00
Families: $30.00

All performances are located at Rose Hall, Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, 1601 Pughtown Road, Kimberton, PA 19442.

Delicious food, great wine and fascinating conversation? Yes! Join us April 25.

2010-04-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

Where can you get all this? At the Wine and Dine Talkfest at the Birchrunville Store Cafe on Sunday, April 25 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Big news -- we have a sponsor! The international story, branding, marketing, and strategy consultancy Benari has partnered with Conversation on Networking, the leader in speaking, writing, and consulting on networking…to be our first ever sponsors…or half sponsors we think. They will share the 1.35 minutes and each gets to name ½ the oardoor. (If you don’t know what this means, review the other announcements…too much to repeat.)

So far a bunch of people have made reservations, most of them have called Bernadette at 610-935-0300 x 12 to pay up…thank you very much, some who came last year have the nerve to be out of the country so sent regrets, and many of you haven’t responded and made a reservation yet.

To refresh your memory: Food Meister Extraordinaire Francis Trzeciak will prepare huge amounts of his famous oardoors to go with the wine chosen by Grape Stomper Magnificent Marnie Old. And not only that, Marnie will be signing her new best seller Wine Secrets…one per couple but the 2 or 3 coupleless attendees can each have one of their very own. And not only not only that, but each and every person will leave with a nice piece of jewelry from Bead for Life, the amazing program in Uganda that uses paper beads to lift women out of extreme poverty. Wow! All for $145 a person.

Since our Board President has said he will guarantee a full house, help him out. Come and enjoy this amazing opportunity to listen to no speeches, eat no rubber chicken, get no requests for money (of course if you just happen to want to leave a few bucks…). You get to just stand around while great food is brought right to your waiting hand to balance out the wine glass in the other hand, while engaging in amazingly interesting conversations with the exceptional people who will be there with you.

The Camphill Village Kimberton Hills Second Annual Wine & Dine Talkfest…Be There.

2010 Stella Natura is available - inspiration and practical advice for gardeners

2010-04-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

At Kimberton Hills we believe that the health of land and people are deeply interdependent. In that spirit, we practice biodynamic agriculture, which begins with the best organic practices and incorporates a view of the land as a living organism.

If you want to learn more about biodynamics, you may be interested in reading STELLA NATURA, the Kimberton Hills Biodynamic Agricultural Planting Guide and Calendar. In print since 1978, the calendar is edited by Sherry Wildfeuer and published by Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. It can be ordered online at www.stellanatura.com or via phone at 610-469-9686. Locally it is available at Kimberton Whole Foods and at the Camphill Kimberton Craft Shop.

This Calendar has many aspects: a basic introduction to astronomy, a simple ephemeris, a planting guide, a star map, aid for following the movement of the planets in the night sky, and articles by ten different authors. All of these attempt to provide a true picture of the world outside us and ideas to assist in developing a healthy relation to that world.

Four dollars from each calendar sold goes directly to support the work of Camphill Kimberton.

Thank you to Casa de Venezuela and The Hill School for an amazing benefit concert!

2010-03-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

Many, many thanks to those who attended and participated in our Spring Benefit Concert on March 21.

Beautiful music, dancing and artwork filled Rose Hall as we raised money for both Camphill Kimberton and Veninos - Venezuelan Children In Need. The concert featured Venezuelan folk music performed by the popular Casa De Venezuela Music Ensemble, accompanied by their vivacious dance group. The talented a cappella groups the Hilltones and the Hilltrebles from The Hill School, Pottstown, also presented a selection of folk music from around the world.

The collaboration of these four groups was magnificent!

"Musical heritage is something that exists in every civilization on the planet," said Stephen Longenecker, Oaklawn-Tuttle Chair of Vocal Music at The Hill School. "Therefore, it can act as a unifying force between cultures, encouraging us to focus on shared aesthetics and emotions rather than physical or political differences. We hope that you will be reminded that music knows no boundaries of race, gender, class, or ability, and that through music, we can better understand what it is to be a part of a 'common humanity.'"

During the concert, there was an exhibit of Venezuelan-inspired paintings by local artist, Mary Jo Kimball Hopton. Her paintings are available to view at http://www.veninos.org/, and on Facebook during March 2010. Additionally, Chester County scenes captured in painting by Tim Swartz, in prints by Anne Keen, and in photos by Red Hammer were on display and available for purchase.

We look forward to working together next year on a follow-up concert. Stay tuned for details!

Special thanks to the following people for their efforts: Jane Blake, Rebecca Blake, Emilio Buitrago, Mimi Coleman, Erin Graver, Stephen Longnecker, Cathy Skitko, Rachel Martin Swartz. Thank you to the following stores for their donations for the artists' reception: Acme, Giant, Kimberton Whole Foods, Wegmans, and Los Mariachis.

Wine and Dine Talkfest at the Birchrunville Store Café - April 25

2010-03-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

We heard you again! Many of you who came to our exceptional first event have been harassing our most excellent and wonderful Board President Steve Smolinsky (yup, that’s me) about when we’re going to do it again. And there have also been those comments from those of you who were elsewhere that day and later found out you’d made a Big Mistake by not being at this event.

So…we’ve prevailed upon Francis Trzeciak, the world renowned chef and owner of the Birchrunville Store Café to do it again. Not only that, we’ve even managed to twist the arm (actually, it didn’t take much) of our favorite international sommelier and wine expert, Marnie Old, to pour again. Wow! So, grab your calendar and immediately write in that you will be at the Café at 5 p.m. on April 25.

Just like last year, no particular program other than lots of great food passing by for you to grab while holding a glass of fine wine in the other hand and yakking it up with spectacularly interesting people. Marnie will share some wine lore as she pours…and you’ll walk away with an autographed edition of her latest book Wine Secrets. (One per couple since we are trying to make a few bucks, but since we’re so nice singletons can have their own.) All this for a paltry $145 per person. Why, Marnie’s autograph alone is worth that much.

We actually already have nine people committed to come and four more that are searching for their calendars. It’s amazing! So don’t wait to call or email Bernadette (610-935-0300 x12 or bernadette@camphillkimberton.org) to make your reservation. We can only fit 50. And remember, the only thing you might wind up with for dinner if you miss out is stale beer and soggy soft pretzels left over from your Super Bowl party.

-- Steven Smolinsky, Board President

PS: Last year no one got around to sponsoring this exceptional event for reasons we can’t understand. You get to pay a modest fee and have your name splashed across the electrons in front of thousands. And…you get to support us. But, we are persistent so we figured we’d try again.

For a mere $500, you get to attend and we’ll drink a toast to your generous spirit and name an oardoor after you and let you talk to us all about whatever you want for 1.35 minutes.

For a mere $1,000, you get all of the above plus you get to bring a friend and have two oardoors named after you and get to talk for 2.27 minutes.

For a mere $2000, you get all of the above and Steve will take you and your friend out to dinner at the Birchrunville Café and supply all the wine. The catch is…Steve is there with you. But you do get to talk for 3.11 minutes.

And best of all, for a mere $3,000, you get the $2,000 package and can tell Steve to stay home. And you get to talk for 3.79 minutes.

Benefit Concert featuring Casa de Venezuela and Hill School A Cappella Groups

2010-03-11T11:14:00.000-08:00

Join us Sunday, March 21 when Veninos, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of street and shanty town children in urban Venezuela, and Camphill Village Kimberton Hills join hands and present a benefit concert in Rose Hall at 2 p.m.

Performing will be Casa de Venezuela Music Ensemble (pictured at left) and Dance Troupe and the a cappella groups, Hilltones and Hilltrebles, from The Hill School, Pottstown (pictured below).

On display that afternoon will be an exhibit of Venezuelan-inspired paintings by local artist, Mary Jo Kimball Hopton. Her paintings will be available to view at www.veninos.org, and on Facebook during March 2010. Additionally, Chester County scenes captured in painting by Tim Swartz, in prints by Anne Keen, and in photos by Red Hamer will be on display and also available for purchase.

A ticketed reception will follow the concert offering a chance to meet the musicians and enjoy Latin American refreshments. Tickets: $10 for students and senior citizens, $15 for general admission and $25 for concert and reception. All proceeds will be split between the two charities, Veninos and Camphill Kimberton.

For advance tickets, call 610-935-0330, ext 12 or e-mail bernadette@camphillkimberton.org.

For more information, visit:

Veninos – Venezuelan Children In Need: http://www.veninos.org/
Casa de Venezuela: http://www.casadevenequela.net/
The Hill School: http://www.thehill.org/

Nuno Felting Workshop - March 13

2010-03-02T06:47:00.000-08:00

Join us on Saturday, March 13 from 9 a.m. to noon for this hands-on craft workshop. You will learn to use silk and wool to create unique handmade scarves, like the one pictured at left.

The registration fee is $50 and includes materials to make your own scarf. For more information or to reserve your space, contact Felicity at 610-935-0301.

Handwoven Mexican Crafts Sale - March 13

2010-03-02T05:52:00.000-08:00

Come shopping at the Camphill Cafe on Saturday, March 13. We are hosting a sale of Mexican handwoven blankets, ponchos, shawls and scarves from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All purchases support a therapeutic community initiative in Mexico. Stay for lunch at the Cafe, which will feature a Mexican-inspired menu for the occasion. Hope to see you there!

Jazz Concert - March 20

2010-03-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

Join us for a live jazz music performed by some of the most talented emerging Philly jazz musicians on Saturday, March 20 at 8 p.m. in Rose Hall.

The dynamic and innovative quartet Presentense will perform original and interpreted music in CVKH, named "Best Live Music Venue in Chester County 2008" by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Admission is $10. Advance tickets are not necessary. We hope to see you there.

An Afternoon with Schubert - February 28

2010-02-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, February 28 at 3 p.m., join us in Rose Hall for an afternoon of vocal and piano music featuring the works of Franz Schubert and including an introduction to his life and times.

Performers include: Veronika Roemer, piano; Sarah Schneider, soprano; and Sherry Wildfeuer, recitation.

Advance tickets are not necessary. Suggested donation is $12.

Rose Hall and Camphill Kimberton are located at 1601 Pughtown Road, Kimberton, PA 19442.

Local Artist, Mary Kane, Shows at Camphill Kimberton

2010-01-15T11:39:00.000-08:00

What a treat for visitors who come in the front door of Kepler during the months of January and February!

In the foyer, above the mantle in the library, and ascending the staircase, beautiful and bold paintings are a perfect contrast and complement to Kepler’s architecture.

Mary’s works range from the real to the abstract, in fresh, bright acrylics.

“I love what I see in Chester County…the barns, hills and trees...and after a digestive process I enjoy reducing those images into basic shapes and simplified design,” Mary says about her work.

Works are for sale. Come in and treat your senses and view Mary’s paintings at your convenience. An opening reception is scheduled for Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 2 p.m. Please join us.

Course in Autism Approach offered Jan. 17, 18 and 19

2010-01-15T11:28:00.000-08:00

Are you living with or know someone who lives with a family member struggling with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Traumatic Brain Injury or other neurological challenges?
HANDLE is a unique approach that works through the "rehabilitation" vs "desensitization" of neuropathways that either did not develop properly or have otherwise been damaged.

One family member who has worked with a practitioner for some time and has seen results for her son, has asked the HANDLE institute to offer the 12-hour comprehensive course at Kimberton Hills on January 17, 18 and 19 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Designed for those who interact with children and adults experiencing cognitive, motor, and behavioral difficulties, the course presents the work of Judith Bluestone, the originator of the HANDLE approach. In her book The Fabric of Autism, Weaving the Threads into a Cogent Theory, Bluestone combines her personal autistic experience with academic research and more than 40 years of clinical practice to craft a unique and compelling view of autism. The HANDLE paradigm has proven itself a practical tool for achieving functional outcomes. In this course, you will learn activities you can do to help your child or clients, and guidance and understanding on what really works.

Carolyn Nuyens, Acting Co-Director of The HANDLE Institute, Certified HANDLE Practitioner and Instructor, will lead the course.

For more information, please contact Sherri Wildfeuer at (610) 935-0302.

Handle’s website is full of practical information: http://www.handle.org/

Not Just a Song and Dance: Joint benefit concert featuring Casa De Venezuela and The Hill School’s a cappella groups.

2010-01-15T11:25:00.000-08:00

Keep your calendar open for Sunday, March 21 when Veninos, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of street and shanty town children in urban Venezuela, and Camphill Village Kimberton Hills join hands and present a benefit concert in Rose Hall at 2 p.m.

Performing will be Casa de Venezuela Music Ensemble and Dance Troupe and the a cappella groups, Hilltones and Hilltrebles, from The Hill School, Pottstown.

On display that afternoon will be an exhibit of Venezuelan-inspired paintings by local artist, Mary Jo Kimball Hopton. Her paintings will be available to view at www.veninos.org, and on Facebook during March 2010. Additionally, Chester County scenes captured in painting by Tim Swartz, in prints by Anne Keen, and in photos by Red Hamer will be on display and also available for purchase.

A ticketed reception will follow the concert offering a chance to meet the musicians and enjoy Latin American refreshments.

Tickets: $10 for students and senior citizens, $15 for general admission and $25 for concert and reception.

All proceeds will be split between the two charities, Veninos and Camphill Kimberton.

For advance tickets, call 610-935-0330, ext 12 or e-mail bernadette@camphillkimberton.org.

For more information:

Veninos – Venezuelan Children In Need:      http://www.veninos.org/

Casa de Venezuela:       http://www.casadevenequela.net/

The Hill School:       http://www.thehill.org/

An Afternoon of Trumpet and Piano: November 15

2009-10-16T09:24:00.000-07:00

Join us for a benefit concert, featuring Frank Kaderabek, trumpet, and Veronika Roemer, piano, on Sunday, November 15 at 3 p.m. in Rose Hall.

Kaderabek served as Principal Trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1975 until his retirement in 1995. His previous appointments included Principal Trumpet of the Dallas and Detroit Symphonies and Assistant Principal Trumpet of the Chicago Symphony. For the past 32 years, he has been a faculty member of the Curtis Institute of Music and an adjunct instructor in the School of Music at West Chester University.

Roemer studied viola and piano in her native Switzerland and taught music at Emerson College in England. She moved to the United States in 1990 and has been active in teaching viola, piano and lyre. Currently, Roemer leads the music program at Kimberton Hills and performs regularly as a solo violist and as a piano accompanist.

The suggested donation for the benefit concert is $10 at the door. Advance tickets are not necessary. We hope to see you there!

Sun and Fun at the Hoedown

2009-10-06T07:10:00.000-07:00

Despite the forecast of rain and clouds, it turned out to be a beautiful day for the Fall Festival and Hoedown on Saturday, October 3.

Thank you to all who came out to enjoy the great music and folk dancing, crafts, food and pumpkin painting.

A special thank you to our lead sponsor: Phoenixville Federal Bank and Trust.

Hoedown Lineup

2009-09-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

We hope you plan to join us for the Fall Festival and Hoedown on October 3 from 3-9 p.m.

The following acts will be performing folk and bluegrass music on our hay wagon stage:

Issac Gillespie: 3-3:30,
Folk Dancing: 3:30-4:15,
Joe D'Amico Band: 4:15-4:45,
Wes Mattheu and The New Way Down: 4:45-5:30,
Joshua Marcus: 5:30-6:15,
Nicole Reynolds: 6:15-7,
Wissahickon Chicken Shack: 7-7:45,
The Great Unknown: 7:45-8:30.

Food from our cafe will be available for purchase. Pumpkin painting and donkey cart rides will be lots of fun for the kids. Local artisans and fair trade crafters will be here as well.

Tickets are $10 a person; children under 10 are free. Rain or Shine.

1601 Pughtown Road, Kimberton, PA - Hope to see you there!

Camphill Benefit Concert Silent Auction begins September 15

2009-09-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

As you know, the Camphill Benefit Concert will be held in New York City on October 6. If you can't join us for the concert, you can still help us raise awareness of the North American Camphill Communities and raise money for individual communities.

An online silent auction will be held until October 11. The auction goes live on Tuesday, September 15. Spread the word to your friends and family.

Two items for bid will directly benefit Kimberton Hills: a handwoven wool rug created in our weavery by Helen, Ina and Suzie (pictured here) and a four-day, three-night stay in a beautiful vacation home in Vermont. Visit http://www.camphillconcert.org/ to bid on these items or others!

If you are still interested in purchasing a ticket for the concert, you can also do that at http://www.camphillconcert.org/ - be sure to list Kimberton Hills as the beneficiary.

Thank you for your continued support!

Fall Festival and Hoedown - October 3

2009-09-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

We'd like to welcome you out to the farm at Camphill Kimberton! We are setting up the stage, making great food, and starting autumn with a party. Bring your own blanket or chairs and get ready for a good time!

The Fall Festival and Hoedown will feature live music and fun family activities on Saturday, October 3 from 3-9 p.m. here at the village. Highlights of the day include:

Live folk and bluegrass music: 3-9 p.m.

Games: 3-6 p.m.

Donkey cart rides: 3-6 p.m. (donations accepted)

Pumpkin painting: 3-6 p.m. (donations accepted)

Folk dancing: TBA

Local artisans and fair trade crafters: 3-9 p.m.

Juggling demonstration: TBA

Cost is $10 per person. Children 10 and under are admitted free. Rain or shine.

Come and join us as we welcome autumn!

If you are interested in volunteering that day, please contact bernadette@camphillkimberton.org. We can always use some extra help. Thank you!

Camphill Cafe Closed in August

2009-08-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

Please note: The Camphill Cafe will be closed throughout the month of August. Thank you for your patronage and we will see you for lunch when we reopen on September 8!

Classical Music Concert - July 31

2009-07-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

Join us on July 31 at 7:30 p.m. for Musicale, a classical concert featuring the works of Bach, Benedict, Bolling, Hayden, Saint-Saens, and von Weber. The sounds of flute, cello, piano and voice will fill Rose Hall.

Artists include: Emily Newbold, Krista Gallagher, Rineheld Cleff, Barbara Berry, Linda Child Clark, and Peter Paulsen.

Freewill contributions for expenses will be gratefully accepted.

Village participates in Movement Workshop

2009-07-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

Service Volunteer Jeanell Innerarity recently presented a Movement and Improvisational Workshop, open to the village and the greater community. Held in the Serena House basement, the group met once a week for five weeks for a fun and relaxing workshop. Participants worked through a range of yoga, tai chi, and Feldenkrais-based body awareness exercises, followed by improvisational movement and dance.

Jeanell will present a Dance and Movement Workshop featuring improvisational partner and solo dancing - date to be announced. Jeanell has visited Earthdance in Massachusetts and participated in the Seed Festival, which combines dance and improv with the study of permaculture and ecology.

A Wonderful Family and Friends Day

2009-06-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who visited Kimberton Hills for our annual Family and Friends Day! It was a beautiful afternoon filled with musical selections from the Sound of Music, the dedication of our Memorial Garden, and a delicious lunch on the green. We hope to see you all again soon.

Family Day: June 6

2009-05-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

The Annual Family and Friends Day will be Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join us for a day of fun activities and a potluck lunch. Hope to see you there!

Cafe Closed - May 30

2009-05-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Please Note: The Camphill Cafe will be closed for a private event on Saturday, May 30.

Did you know that the Cafe can provide both on-site and off-site catering?

Contact 610-935-8660 for more information on catering, room rentals, and conference/meeting space.

Camphill Benefit Concert: October 6

2009-05-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for the Camphill Benefit concert on October 6, 2009 in New York City! The evening features performances by Triform Bell choir, Pianist Cecile Licad, MaDFusion,
The Eroica Trio, Camphill Ensemble, Violinist Mark O' Connor, Paula Robison on Flute and Frederic Hand on guitar, with a special appearance by Stephen Colbert.

Visit www.camphillconcert.org for more information or contact development@camphillkimberton.org.