Wine and Dine Talkfest - April 29 - more details revealed...

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills 4th Annual Talkfest!

Sunday April 29 at 5…Fourth and Final Announcement!

All The Important Details

I am so pleased to announce that we have a bunch of really amazing people coming to wander around drinking wonderful wine and eating spectacular hors d'oeuvres…or whatever the French call them…while talking with you. 

I am hugely disappointed to report that we still have a few spaces left! 

It is unbelievable to me that with two weeks to go we have not filled up the Birchrunville Store Café. It only holds 55 people…well, 89 if we do that shove them in the door thing they do on the Tokyo subway. Aditi Roy is going to be so disappointed that you aren’t there.

Ooops, did I let it slip that my special guest is the unbelievably talented, exceptionally knowledgeable, ridiculously friendly, world famous NBC news anchor and reporter Aditi Roy?

So cheer me up and make sure we don’t disappoint Aditi.  Call Bernadette at 610-935-8660 or send her an email at Bernadette@camphillkimberton.org and register.  Now!  It’s only $158.79 which is a pittance for such an exceptional experience that will explode your senses and expand your mind.

• Ridiculously interesting people with unbelievable stories
• Wine that will make your body glow
• Oardoors that will drive your taste buds into flights of ecstacy
• Aditi Roy…
• And No…I repeat, NO…silly program keeping you from the fun

Important Details:

You can’t get there via GPS!  Birchrunville is in a bit of an alternative universe so you need to go to the Birchrunville Store Café directions and follow them.  Using your GPS might leave you miles and miles away…while the rest of us eat your food and drink your wine.  Hmmmm, not such a bad thing for those of us who know where we’re going.

This is not a formal event.  Thank goodness. Come in comfortable clothes. Leave your tie at home and forget stockings. As for the women, no gowns please.  They scare the horses.

Most importantly, get there soon after 5. You never know if Francis will remember how to make something he sends out early. If you miss it…it’s your own fault.

So come on out and have a good time while supporting our wonderful place: Camphill Village Kimberton Hills.  If for some reason you have had a senior moment and forgotten to register, call Bernadette, 610-935-8660, or email, Bernadette@camphillkimberton.org, and register.  Quick, before you forget.

Steve Smolinsky
President, Board of Directors

4th Annual Talkfest, April 29, 5-7:45, Birchrunville Store Café, $158.79 per person

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

And then there’s the chance to meet a Really Big Star!

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills 4th Annual Talkfest at Birchrunville Cafe: April 29

Third Announcement!

I am so pleased to report that we have a bunch of reservations, including some from people we’ve never seen before.  Then there’s that amazingly fantastic and wildly spectacular television personality who has agreed to attend. 

Actually, when I told her about the event and she discovered that all she had to do was show up, drink good wine, eat fantastic oardoors, and wander around chatting with all of you of so very interesting people…she was ecstatic about coming. 

Now, about that oardoors thing.  It seems that a number of you have been a bit confused about my clearly way too obscure sense of humor about this.  You will not get splinters from the exceptional food of the Birchrunville Store Café. According to those in the know, it’s actually hors d'oeuvres…which to me sounds vaguely obscene.

But whichever way you spell them, they are world class morsels of scrumpiousness that will have your mouth doing backflips of delight.

Call Bernadette right now. 610-935-8660 or send her a note: Bernadette@camphillkimberton.org.  Reserve your place before we sell out and you wind up stuck at home eating week old leftovers washed down with flat beer.

Remember:

• Unbelievably interesting people sharing wildly entertaining stories
• Grape juice turned into Elixir of the Gods
• Both oardoors and hors d'oeuvres that will delight your taste buds
• And…No…that’s No program at all to interrupt your insightful musing

And…that secret, fascinating, beautiful, erudite, entertaining star that you've dreamed about meeting in person.  Okay, a little hint.  Think NBC.

All supporting that place that transcends exceptional: Camphill Village Kimberton Hills.

All this for the ridiculously low $158.79 per person.  

But there is a catch! This is the early registration price only available to those who register with Bernadette.  Call, 610-935-8660, or email, Bernadette@camphillkimberton.org. Register right now. As I mentioned in the last announcement, this special price is $6.20 less than last year’s price due to my having made a math mistake when I first figured it out.  Bernadette is making me pay that extra $6.20 for each person who registers so save $6.20 and take advantage of me.

And we do have sponsorships available.  Be in front of the most important people in Birchrunville.  Sponsor now.

Steve Smolinsky
President, Board of Directors

.

4th Annual Talkfest, April 29, 5-7:45, Birchrunville Store Café, $158.79 per person

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

And then there’s the chance to meet a Really Big Star!

Camphill Kimberton 4th Annual Talkfest coming up - April 29 at Birchrunville Cafe

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills' 4th Annual Talkfest!

Sunday, April 29 at 5 p.m.

The biggest event of the Birchrunville year is rapidly approaching. I am getting so excited about the thought of wandering around for a few hours sharing deep thoughts with all of you…while drinking a few glasses of nice wine and munching on the never-ending flow of the Birchrunville Store Café’s spectacular oardoors so excellently carried right to my hand by the oh so nice and helpful Birchrunville Store Café wait staff.

We already have a few reservations.  It’s never too soon to call Bernadette at 610-935-8660 or email her, bernadette@camphillkimberton.org  to reserve your place.  As you know, it’s standing room only so no need to ask about the seating plan.  Just a bunch of exceptionally talented and unbelievably interesting folks wandering around sharing stories for a few hours.

Yup, no long PowerPoint presentation, no speakers unable to stop talking, no handing out pledge cards…although it will be nice if you decide you like us enough to donate a few bucks.

There will be:

• amazing and unending conversations with exceptional people…such as you
• wine so good you’ll try and hide a few bottles to take home
• oardoors that have made Francis Trzeciak a world famous chef
• and…No…that’s No program at all to interrupt your delightful chats

Just you…and all the other wonderful people supporting Camphill Village Kimberton Hills while enjoying the best time ever.  Who needs Cirque du Soleil when we have all of you?

All this for only $158.79 per person.  Unbelievable! But remember, this is the early registration price so don’t delay.  Call, 610-935-8660, or email, bernadette@camphillkimberton.org. Stop reading and take a minute to do this right now. This special price is $6.20 less than last year’s price due to my having made a math mistake when I first figured it out.  Take advantage of my mistake.  This extraordinary deal is only available for everyone who makes a reservation.  Save $6.20 now.

Don’t forget, we do have some sponsorships available.  I’m in discussions with one prospective sponsor.  And I’m working on getting a local celebrity to attend for your conversational pleasure. He is shy about my mentioning his name, figuring if we released it the media would be crawling all over our little event. Of course, I want the media there so I’m also in conversation with a local TV news personality. Should be fun to listen to their conversation.

But to listen in you need to be there! I guarantee you will expand your mind. Whether or not you gain weight is up to you.

Steve Smolinsky

President, CVKH Board of Directors

4th Annual Talkfest, April 29, 5-7:45, 

Birchrunville Store Café, 

$158.79 per person

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

Benefit for Chasin' for Chalfin - December 16

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.

Upcoming Events at Camphill Kimberton

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.

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.

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

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/.

CVKH BLOG: April Events - something for everyone

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.

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: Third Annual Talkfest set for April 17

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

CVKH BLOG: A beautiful day for the Camphill Challenge

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

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.

CVKH BLOG: Camphill Challenge set for October 17

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: Great time at The Hootenanny

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: Vote for Kimberton Hills to win $5,000

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!

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

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.

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

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.