Camphill Kimberton's Talkfest at Birchrunville Cafe is Sunday!

 This is going to be the best Talkfest ever! We are close to totally filled up with people desperate to wander around enjoying wonderful camaraderie with exceptional people while pleasing the palate with The World’s Best Oardoors supported by exceptional organic wine and a bit of organic cactus juice. People responded to the First Announcement, the Second Announcement, and the Third Announcement …but we still can squeeze in a few of you.

And the more we squeeze in the more fun it is! After all, who knows who you’ll be forced to rub up against while meandering through the crowd.  So get going and register now by calling Bernadette, 610-935-8660, or emailing her, bernadette@camphillkimberton.org,  Poor Bernadette is forlornly sitting by the phone staring at her computer wondering why you have not registered yet.

Giving a gift of a standing spot at Talkfest is way better than most things people get as presents. Who needs more socks with weird patterns on them? But everyone will enjoy Talkfest. I figure if you bring a business prospect you will go home with a new client…who probably will start with a way bigger contract than they were thinking about before tasting Francis’ Galaxy Famous Oardoors.

Sponsor Interlude: We have two, yes two great sponsors, Tonbo Visual Communications and Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust. I’m working on getting Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust to give out some samples of that stuff they have piled up in their vault…so make sure you register just in case.

Speaking of Francis, as always Talkfest rambles on at the World Famous Birchrunville Store Café where Master Chef Francis Trzeciack presides. As you well know, Talkfest is all about Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, the most amazing intentional community including people with developmental disabilities.

Really Important Things To Know:

1. Show up soon, really soon, after 5:10. Or even a few minutes earlier. Oardoors begin to arrive then and you might miss one that never shows up again.
2. Many GPS systems can’t find Birchrunville. We like it that way but it can be a bit of a problem for foreigners trying to find us. So go to Birchrunville Store Café Directions to find out where we are.
3. Come casual. After all, we’re a farm. No, you don’t have to worry about cow patties so you can leave your boots at home.
4. Park either behind the Café or across the street in the gravel lot. No street parking in Birchrunville…unless you want a honey wagon to decorate your car.

Do register now before you wind up with cold hot dogs, mushy potatoes, and flat beer instead of the scrumptious delights of Talkfest.  Bernadette: 610-935-8660 or bernadette@camphillkimberton.org.

The ridiculously low donation? $159.73 per person. Yikes! Such a tiny amount to support such a great place as Camphill Village Kimberton Hills.

And I am still determined not to be talked into dancing on the bar. But you can. 

-- Steve Smolinsky, Board President

Camphill Kimberton seeks Dairy Farm Manager

CVKH is looking for a Dairy Farm Manager to join our community and help manage and/or co‐manage the following tasks:

 Training and providing work for a crew of around 10 people, including “villagers”, or residents
with developmental disabilities.

 Making sure that a herd of 25 to 35 lactating cows are milked twice every day. Doing the
milking of those cows 2-3 mornings per week and 1-3 afternoons per week, and overseeing
the rest of the milkings.

 Managing the health, feeding, and well-being of a herd of 35-40 organically certified dairy
cows and 45-50 heifers of various ages, as well as 3-4 bulls.

 Managing, breeding, and culling of those animals as needed, and all associated vet calls,
record keeping, and supplies purchased.

 Managing a flock of 100-200 laying hens, with a rotating pastured system. Buying and
culling hens, feeding, collecting, and selling eggs. Purchasing associated supplies, feed,
bedding. Maintaining 2 hen houses and fences.

 Bringing cull cows or steers to the butcher. Marketing meat for beef share purchases.

 Marketing our milk. Managing all associated communications, billing, and record keeping.

 Managing the supply of plastic bottles, lids, and labels for such milk, and overseeing the
bottling/delivery process, and sanitation procedures.

 Maintaining milk licenses, certifications, and associated reports.

 Maintaining and repairing 5 tractors, assorted trucks and farm equipment. Repairing and
replacing equipment as needed.

 Maintenance and repair of two barns and numerous sheds and out buildings.

 Managing approximately 210 acres of pastures and fields for the feeding of the dairy
livestock.

 Managing all aspects of the dairy budget.

 Managing the health and safety needs of dairy workers and village residents and visitors in
connection with the dairy, and the food safety of our products.

 Keeping the farmstead, dairy barn, and milk house in good order.

 Making and using biodynamic preparations, attending weekly Land Association meetings, and
collaborating with other village workshops.

If interested, please contact us at 610‐935‐3963 or email at information@camphillkimberton.org.

5th Annual Wine and Dine Talkfest at Birchrunville Cafe - April 7

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills 5^th Annual Talkfest!

Sunday April 7 at 5 pm

Announcement the Third

Holy Cow! Talkfest 5 is rapidly approaching. Luckily we have lots of registrations but We Are Not Sold Out Yet! I can’t believe it. You responded to the First Announcement and the Second Announcement…but not enough. Get off your butt and register now by calling Bernadette, 610-935-8660, or emailing her, Bernadette@camphillkimberton.org, right now.  She is sitting by the phone staring at her computer just waiting to hear from you.  

And don’t forget you know lots of people who might not be getting these announcements. They are not going to be happy if you forget to invite them…and then share your fantastic experience at Talkfest 5. Our great sponsor Tonbo Visual Communications is preparing an exceptional little gizmo that is all by itself going to give you unbelievable delight. So you really need to be there April 7, 5:10 until 7:57 when, as you know, Francis goes berserk.

Speaking of Francis, as always Talkfest rambles on at the World Famous Birchrunville Store Café where Master Chef Francis Trzeciack will send you over the edge with his spectacular spoonfuls of succulent delight…generally called Food Of The Gods Oardoors.  It’s all to support us, Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, the most amazing intentional community including people with developmental disabilities.

BREAKING NEWS!

Just this very minute while in the middle of writing this missive…it happened. Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust became our second sponsor. WOW! We are well on our way to having the best Talkfest ever with two such great sponsors -- Tonbo Visual Communications and Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust …and, with an amazing collection of people who have already registered. We are now well past half full so don’t wait to sign up. Standing spots are going fast.

Here is it Talkfest 5. Totally mindboggling. Who knew my little attempt to raise a few bucks would become a yearly global event? I did everything I could do to never do it again. After all it is a lot of work! A whole lot of work. A ridiculously huge amount of work. Yes, this is a subtle way of saying that in return for all this work I expect to see you there. What the heck…make me happy. Call Bernadette, 610-935-8660, or email her, bernadette@camphillkimberton.org and register and make me…and yourself…happy! Your mind and body…and mine…will thank you.

We only have 50 spots…well, actually something like 22 or 23 left…for exceptional people such as you who care so much about supporting the oh so worthy cause of Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. And remember, there is absolutely no boring PowerPoint presentation, no collection of people saying a few words, no asking for money…well, except here I guess, and, best of all, I will not deliver a speech!

We are definitely going to be full. Reserve your spot so you’re not disappointed and have to stay home with cold hot dogs, mushy french fries, flat soda, and only the television to talk to. Block out the day in all your calendars and then immediately email your reservation to our exceptional registration taker Bernadette Kovaleski, bernadette@camphillkimberton.org, or call her, 610-935-8660. Or both.

And then, simply show up.  We provide:

• Stupendously spectacular people
• Delicious drink to lubricate deep thoughts
• Personally made and delivered to your fingers oardoors from the mind of Chef Francis Trzeciack
• And NO…that’s No…program to interfere with your brain expanding evening

The ridiculously low donation? $159.73 per person. Yikes! Such a tiny amount to support such a great place as Camphill Village Kimberton Hills.

  

Steve Smolinsky, Board President

5th Annual Talkfest, April 7, 5:10-7:57, Birchrunville Store Café, $159.73 per person

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

Support our Sponsors…Ask About Becoming A Sponsor

Camphill Kimberton's 5th Annual Talkfest at the Birchrunville Store Cafe

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills 5^th Annual Talkfest!

Sunday April 7 at 5 pm

Announcement the Second

I am just beside myself with excitement about the response to our first announcement about Talkfest 5.  Not only does it look like we will have another great sponsor to join Tonbo Visual Promotions, our first great sponsor, but we received a bunch of reservations. It seems that people have been wandering around in desperation waiting for us to announce the date…April 7, and time…5:10 until 7:57 when, as you know, they throw us out.

As always Talkfest speaks on at the World Famous Birchruville Store Café where Master Chef FrancisTrzeciak will delight your senses with his oh so wonderful morsels of succulence…sometimes called never ending and ever changing oardoors. It’s all to support us, Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, the most amazing intentional community including people with developmental disabilities.

It still flabbergasts me that this is Talkfest 5. When I got harassed into doing this the first time I figured it would be a tiny thing that raised a few bucks while people had a wonderful time yakking it up with all the other interesting people there…and that would be that. I could go back to my house in the woods and be left alone again.

But no…you all had such a good time that I was dragged back to put on Talkfest 2…and 3…and 4…and now, 5. I had crazy people…you?...calling at all hours asking when Talkfest 5 was coming. Alright already, here it is. So call Bernadette, 610-935-8660, or email her, bernadette@camphillkimberton.org and register and leave me alone! But do come. Your mind and body will thank you.

Speaking of mind and body, did I remind you yet about the unbelievable oardoors? How about the exceptional organic wines…and after its great reception last year, perhaps a bit of another more potent plant juice…cactus pressings. And who knows what other wild and crazy organic liquid I might come up with to liven things up. But no, in spite of numerous requests I will not dance on the bar.

And then, the conversation. The Café will be filled with the most interesting people, each and every one of them just waiting to share their thoughts with you. It’s not often you get to talk to such a lively group of world travelers, homebodies, authors, executives, farmers, business owners, cheese makers, media stars, walkers, loggers, bug collectors, horseback riders, and even hermits!..all in one place.

We only have 50 spots for exceptional people such as you who care so much about supporting the so worthy cause of Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. I mention support here because, as you probably remember, the most exceptional thing about Talkfest is…there is no program! None! Nada!

We promise you absolutely no horrible PowerPoint presentation, no never-ending speeches, no asking for money…well, except here I guess.

Just a collection of the most interesting people ever assembled creating their own exceptional event. All of whom know why they’re there so will certainly remember that Talkfest is to support (could this be a subtle hint? Probably not since I would never do that) Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. Support meaning raise money…in case I’ve been too subtle up ‘til now.

Yes, we are definitely going to fill up all 50 spots so to ensure you’re not disappointed, block out the day in all your calendars and then immediately email your reservation to our most wonderful Bernadette Kovaleski, bernadette@camphillkimberton.org, or call her, 610-935-8660. Or both.

We make it easy for you. Simply show up.  We do the rest by providing:

• Unbelievably interesting people to share ideas with
• Superb wine to facilitate deep thoughts
• Universe Class unending oardoors from the fingers of Chef Francis Trzeciak
• And NO…that’s No…program at all to interfere with your conversations

The ridiculously low donation? $159.73 per person. Unbelievable! Such a small amount to support such a great place as Camphill Village Kimberton Hills.

Steve Smolinsky, President, Board of Directors
Camphill Village Kimberton Hills

5th Annual Talkfest, April 7, 5:10-7:57, Birchrunville Store Café, $159.73 per person

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

Support our Sponsors…Ask About Becoming A Sponsor

A Celebration of Mozart’s Opera, “The Magic Flute”

Attend a Lecture by Dr. Richard Fried about the Magic Flute

on April 17 in Rose Hall at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, 

or on Sunday, April 21 at the Christian Community in Devon

Go to the Opera Company of Philadelphia’s Magic Flute together on Friday, April 26

1)    Attend a Lecture!  THE REDEMPTIVE POWER OF LOVE AND MUSIC IN MOZART’S MAGIC FLUTE by Dr. Richard Fried:  Wednesday, April 17th at 7:30 pm for the lecture in Rose Hall, Camphill Village Kimberton Hills or Sunday, April 21, noon, after service at the Christian Community, 212 Old Lancaster Road, Devon.

A suggested $10 donation is welcome at the door. The lecture is free to those purchasing opera tickets to sit in Dr. Fried’s group.

THE REDEMPTIVE POWER OF LOVE AND MUSIC IN MOZART’S MAGIC FLUTE

The Magic Flute, composed in the last year of Mozart’s life, is one of the greatest masterpieces of opera. Fully appreciated and loved for its music, its plot is nonetheless often derided as a curious amalgam of Masonic ideals, set in a fairy tale. I first saw the opera in Covent Garden, London, in 1967, and was immediately captivated.  I have spent over 40 intervening years researching and studying the opera, and I think this commonly-held view by opera critics and musicologists totally misses the true meaning of the opera.

The Magic Flute was composed in the last months of Mozart’s short life, and represents the culmination of his personal struggle to integrate into one great work of art, his belief in human spirituality, particularly as expressed in the Masonic Brotherhood, his understanding of the eternal struggle between masculinity and femininity and its expression and ultimate redemption through love, and his profound belief in the healing power of music.  -Dr. Richard Fried

2)      Go to the Opera Company of Philadelphia’s Magic Flute together on Friday, April 26 at 8 pm!  A limited number of $90 tickets (Center Section of the Family Circle) are still available, call Lyla at Camphill Kimberton to reserve your tickets at 610.935.0300, ext. 12.

(Check preferred: CVKH, Development - Magic Flute, PO Box 1045, 1601 Pughtown Rd, Kimberton, PA 19442)

There is a possibility to carpool to the Opera Company - Guests can depart from the Kimberton Waldorf School at 5:45 pm for the 8 pm show.  Please let Lyla know if interested.  

5th Annual Wine and Dine Talkfest - April 7

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills 5^th Annual Talkfest!

Sunday, April 7 at 5 p.m.

To my amazement we are now preparing for Talkfest 5. When I was first harassed into sponsoring a little event for Camphill Village Kimberton Hills…apparently being Board President made me a soft touch…I figured once and done. But no. People loved the event at the World Famous Birchrunville Store Café and wanted me to do it again…and again…and again…and again.

What could I do but give in to the unending entreaties to schedule another Talkfest. And so, Sunday, April 7 from 5:10 in the afternoon…when the oardoors first show up…until 7:57…when Francis throws us out…you really want to be munching Francis’ spectacular food while drinking an array of interesting wines, hopefully all organic like last year.

Which reminds me. Last year I found a nice organic cactus juice so we had a bit higher powered tasting going on. Based on the amazing response to this agave, yup, I am going to bring it again and perhaps see what other organic surprise I can find.

We already have our first sponsor, Tonbo Visual Promotions. We are so excited to start off with a great sponsor who actually approached us before we even sent out this first announcement! And…they have requested we reserve a number of spots for them! Yikes! A sponsor and a good start at filling our 50 spaces.

Yes, we are definitely going to fill up all 50 spots so to ensure you’re not disappointed, block out the day in all your calendars and then immediately email your reservation to our most excellent Bernadette Kovaleski, bernadette@camphillkimberton.org, or call her, 610-935-8660. Or both.

It’s the best event ever because…it’s self-generated. No PowerPoint, no hard to understand speeches, no being forced to sit at a table with 7 other people while never getting to talk to 42 other interesting people, and no arm twisting. You know what we need and we know you will do the right thing.

If for some reason you are already scheduled to be traveling in Europe, at your kid’s wedding, or getting cosmetic surgery…there is plenty of time to reschedule those things. If you are embarrassed to have to do this, call Bernadette (610-935-8660) who is an expert at making up excellent sounding excuses and has a million ways to politely tell people you have a better place to be.

We make it easy for you.  Simply show up.  We do the rest by providing:

• Unbelievably interesting people to share ideas with
• Superb wine to facilitate deep thoughts
• Universe Class unending oardoors from the fingers of Chef Francis Trzeciak
• And NO…that’s No…program at all to interfere with your conversations

The ridiculously low donation? $159.73 per person. Wow! To support such a great place as Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. Personally I’d pay way more to be at Talkfest and support Kimberton Hills.

Steve Smolinsky

Board President

5th Annual Talkfest, April 7, 5:10-7:57 p.m., Birchrunville Store Café, $159.73 per person

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

Support our Sponsors…Ask About Becoming A Sponsor

Fiber Workshops - March 2013

Camphill Village Kimberton Hills announces two fiber arts workshops to be held in the winter and early spring of 2013.

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

Saturday, March 2, 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 23, 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.

For further information and to reserve a place, please call Felicity at 610-983-0937.  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.