Thursday, February 20, 2014

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



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

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

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

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

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

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


ADAM FRY, bass-baritone


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



DIZHOU ZHAO, piano

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

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Camphill Kimberton ED Felicity Jeans among graduates of the Community Health Leadership Academy


New Community Leaders Celebrate 

article and photo courtesy of Phoenixville Community Health Foundation

It all started on September 4, 2013 when nine individuals began their leadership journey through the Community Health Leadership Academy. These committed community volunteers met one evening a week for 11 weeks, learning from experts, both locally and nationally based, on aspects of leadership. They have had to apply their new-found knowledge by developing a community service project that will benefit the greater Phoenixville community.

The students and their projects are: Karen Bearden who is re-designing the GRIMES after-school program; Robert Fedick, Jr. who is designing a web-based sharing program called “ShareOurStuff.org;” Felicity Jeans, Executive Director at Camphill Kimberton, who has instituted a Community Craft Conference for the Camphill communities; Kim Howard who has started her journey to develop Growing Up Farms to provide healthy foods to those in need; Christine Keisling has begun a campaign to ensure the Philadelphia Freedom YMCA is accessible to people of all abilities; Gloria Kelly is collaborating with meals programs and food cupboards to ensure access to all in need; and Margie Watson is developing an initiative called “Reclaiming Yourself” to empower teen girls against bullying and abuse.

l/r: Bob Fedick, Felicity Jeans, Gloria Kelly, [Lynn Hartman, PCHF] Karen Bearden, Margie Watson, Christine Keisling, Kim Howard


“The Community Health Leadership Academy is designed for adults who want to become more involved in their community,” said Lynn Pike Hartman, Phoenixville Community Health Foundation Vice President for Programs and Academy Facilitator. During the graduation luncheon at the Freedoms Foundation on November 26, Hartman encouraged all of the graduates to continue their leadership journey and their desire to create positive change in their communities. Hartman said, “I hope you have come to understand that leadership is not a one-size-fits-all jacket you can take off the hanger and put on. Instead it is personal qualities that show you to be a person of strength and integrity. Show the world, and this community, the true leaders that I know you are.”

The Community Health Leadership Academy is sponsored by the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation and the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations. The mission of the Academy is to provide a vehicle to identify, train and empower greater Phoenixville area citizens for leadership roles that promote our community’s health and advance its quality of life.

Dr. Louis Beccaria, President and CEO of the Foundation, addressed the graduates. Beccaria said. “This Academy is designed to grow future Champions of the Community, and with now 105 graduates, the program is having a positive impact on the greater Phoenixville community.”

For more information on the Community Health Leadership Academy please contact Lynn Pike Hartman, Vice President-Programs, Phoenixville Community Health Foundation at 610-917-9890 or LPHartman@pchf1.org.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Have you found a match?

Michael and Charlene - a great match!  
I just spent five minutes validating a matching gift request.  Only five minutes to receive an additional $500 for our Village Support Fund.

How can that be?

Matching gift programs are charitable giving programs set up by corporations in which the company matches donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations. Through these programs, when you make a donation your company will also make a donation to the charity in the same amount or “match” your gift. Some companies will even double or even triple match a donor’s gifts.

Today's donor made a $500 contribution to us in December. He requested a matching gift from his employer. The company contacted us to make sure he made the donation, I just validated it, and in a week or so, the company will send us an additional $500 gift.  With just five minutes of time, our donor's contribution was doubled!

How can you find a match?

Speak with a representative at your company to see if they participate in a matching gift program and see if Camphill Kimberton is eligible to receive matching gift funds. If your gift is eligible, simply request a matching gift form or website link from your employer, and send it and your contribution to Camphill Kimberton's Development Office, or make your gift online here.

Some companies who have recently matched gifts are:
Glaxo Smith Kline
Intuit
Johnson & Johnson
Swiss Re
UBS

Feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions.  Thanks for your continued support!

Bernadette Kovaleski, Director of Development
bernadette@camphillkimberton.org

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

9,803 volunteer hours!


from guest blogger, Mimi Coleman

It’s February; I’m celebrating!

“Why February?” you may ask, “The holidays are over; why celebrate now?”




Because I finished tallying all the day-volunteer hours for 2013 and it came to 9803 hours total.  That is so many hours!

That includes all non-resident volunteers: individuals, summer volunteers, and groups.  All these interested people put in a lot of hours collectively and we are all very grateful for that.  I calculated that it would take one person almost five years to put in that many hours, working 40 hours per week!




So that is why I am celebrating!  The numbers of volunteers, all of their hours, the great help you all gave in 2013, the better system for tracking hours that I put together with the help of my faithful volunteer-friend Barbara, I celebrate all that, and ask you to celebrate, too!  Keep volunteering.  Bring a group out to work for the day.  Do the day-volunteer ‘victory dance’ when you finish a hard day of work.  It all goes to a great cause here at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills.


And, if you or your friends or family are interested in volunteering, please contact me.  I am often available for tours and to welcome new volunteers.  

Thanks again!

Mimi Coleman
Day Volunteer Coordinator


Monday, January 27, 2014

SAVE THE DATE: Camphill Kimberton's 6th Annual Talkfest, April 27




When I first got the idea for this little event I figured I’d only have to do it once. Stupid me. It was such a hit that we are now planning Talkfest6! Worst of all is that many of you start harassing me about when it will be as soon as January 1 arrives.

I ran into a few people since Francis Trzeciak, our great friend and the world famous Chef and Proprietor of the Birchrunville Store Café, confirmed April 27, 2014 as the day. And…we already have some reservations even before they know anything about this year’s event…including the teeny tiny donation in support of Camphill Village Kimberton Hills…where I am still President of the Board of Directors.

So…to those of you who have complained in the past that you did not get enough notice, here it is. Block out from 5:04 to 7:49 on Sunday, April 27 in all of your calendars. Don’t forget the big paper one on the back of the cabinet door in the kitchen.

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

This means move your daughter’s (or your) wedding date, postpone your vacation, ignore any other invitation that arrives, and plan on attending the most spectacular event ever, starring…you. And some other most interesting people in the world.

One last thing.  New this year. We have a world famous artist creating something just for us to be raffled off at some point during Talkfest. He has generously donated this in support of our most worthy cause: Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. Figuring you all will want a chance to own this museum-worthy object, I have cleverly included the price of a raffle ticket in the donation for the event.

Yes, we are definitely going to fill up all 60 or so spots so to ensure you’re not disappointed, block out the day in all your calendars and them immediately email your reservation to our most excellent Bernadette Kovaleski, bernadette@camphillkimberton.org, or call her, 610-935-8660. Or both.  Or this year you can even register online by clicking here.  

The ridiculously low donation? $167.23 per person. Wow! To support such a great place as Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. And at no extra charge you get a raffle ticket for a specially-created piece of art by that world famous artist I mentioned. He’s a bit shy but I think I can get him to let me announce his name in my next missive. Hopefully we’ll even have a picture to share before too long.

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


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


6th Annual Talkfest, April 27, 5:04-7:49, Birchrunville Store Café, $167.23 per person
Extra raffle tickets…$22.87. Buy several…they’re small.
Be there! You’ll have a great time while supporting an exceptional place.

Register here

Ask About Becoming A Sponsor

Monday, January 20, 2014

Shares available at Camphill Kimberton's Sankanac CSA




Camphill Village Kimberton Hills announces that shares are available for Sankanac CSA’s 2014 season.

Part of Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, the biodynamic 15-acre garden operates as the 200-member Sankanac CSA, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer.  Typically a farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public which includes a set amount of vegetables or other farm products, based on the harvest.  Participants purchase a share and in return receive seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.

The gardens of Sankanac CSA, which are organic and biodynamically farmed, are harvested each week, and shareholders can pick up their produce either on Tuesdays or Fridays for 24 weeks.  There are also U-pick crops, including flowers and berries.

Members can choose to purchase either a full or partial share depending on their personal needs. A full share is designed to feed a family of about four; a partial share to feed a couple, or a veggie-loving individual. The cost for a full share is $765 and a partial is $440.

Sankanac CSA grows a diverse seasonal mix of vegetables, flowers, herbs, and berries and also tends a small herd of mixed livestock (sheep, goats, donkeys).  The head gardener, Todd Newlin, and his wife, Mary, oversee this enterprise with a crew of over 10 gardeners (including individuals with special needs, apprentices, service volunteers, and interns).



The crew is deeply committed to the use of biodynamic methods, which allows them to strengthen the fragile ecosystem as well as provide food of the highest quality to our local community. Activities in the CSA include plant propagation, greenhouse management, pruning, crop cultivation, harvesting, tractor and equipment operation and maintenance, irrigation, livestock management, composting, and making/using the biodynamic preparations.

The group warmly welcomes new members, and does have available shares for the upcoming season. Please email SankanacCSA@gmail.com for more information or to request a share.

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

Thursday, January 9, 2014

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, where can we recycle you?




Although we hate to say goodbye to the holiday season, it's time to take down the Christmas tree.  Here are some suggestions for ways and places to recycle or compost your tree.


In general

AJ Blosenski Trash and Recycling Service has a list of local townships that are offering either curbside Christmas tree collection or a drop off location to their residents. 

Tips for composting your Christmas tree yourself, from Organic Gardening:  http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/recycle-your-christmas-tree

Some suggestions on what to do with your used Christmas tree, from Networx: 


SECCRA (Southeastern Chester County Refuse Authority) will accept your Christmas trees for composting after the holidays. The compost will be used for landscaping and beautification around the landfill.
Call the office at 610-869-2452 ahead of time if you need directions. Remember to tarp your load.



Local to Camphill Kimberton

East Pikeland Township Residents
According to the township website: 
Residents have two choices on how to recycle their tree:
Township Public Works Crew will conduct a curbside pickup of trees Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. OR drop the tree off yourself at the Township's Recycling Yard, Location B, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Whether you participate in the drop-off or curbside tree recycling program please remember to remove all tinsel and ornaments from the tree, do not wrap the tree in plastic (it will not be picked up).  Also, do not place the tree at your curbside with your trash, your hauler will take it and it will not be recycled.  Any questions, call 610-933-1770.  The trees we collect will be recycled into wood mulch that is available to Township residents in the Spring.

East Vincent Township
According to the township website:
Christmas trees will not be picked up Monday, January 6 as previously scheduled. Trees will be picked up January 13 & 20.  Trees must be at the curb and have all decorations removed.

Phoenixville Borough
According to the borough:
Christmas trees should be free of all decorations. Trees should be put out for collection on your trash day and will be collected and composted from now until February 28, 2014.

Schuylkill Township
It is recommended that residents talk to their individual trash haulers for details.  Contact information for all trash haulers registered in the township can be found here.

Upper Uwchlan Township
According to the township website:
Christmas Tree and Yard Waste Collection: January 8 and 22, 2014


Other locations

East Bradford Township
According to the township website:
Curbside Christmas Tree Collection
Saturday, January 11th
Saturday, January 25th
Please place cut tree curbside by 6 a.m..  Please make sure to remove all lights, decoration and tinsel!
If we have snow, please make sure the tree is visible at the curb.

Philadelphia
According to the Philadelphia Streets website: 
The City of Philadelphia Streets Department will be offering Christmas tree recycling. Here's how you can do your part to renew the earth by recycling your tree:
Make sure your tree is free of all decorations
Make sure your tree is not in a plastic bag and is untied
Drop your tree off at one of our three Sanitation Convenience Centers:
3033 South 63rd Street
Domino Lane & Umbria Street
State Road & Ashburner Street
The residential Christmas Tree Recycling Program will run from Monday, January 3 through Saturday, January 14 (closed on Sunday, January 8) between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Remember, there will be no curbside collection of Christmas trees for recycling purposes. Trees left at the curb will be treated as trash, which means they will not be recycled.

West Bradford Township
Info here: http://www.westbradford.org/ChristmasTrees.pdf

West Chester Borough
According to the borough website:
Christmas tree collection remains the same (first two weeks following New Year's Day).

West Goshen Township
According to the township website:
Township homeowners can place their trees at the curb for removal on Saturday, January 18, 2014. For those living in apartments or residents wishing to dispose of their trees earlier, West Goshen will continue its tradition of accepting Christmas trees to be mulched. Township residents may bring Christmas trees to the West Goshen Community Park at the lower end of the main parking lot (next to Fern Hill Road) between December 26th and January 20th.

No other trash or yard waste will be accepted at this special collection. Do not leave trees in plastic bags. Make sure all decorations, wire, tinsel, and stands are removed. Wreaths will not be accepted. This service is for Township residents only. Anyone illegally dumping additional trees will be prosecuted.
Remember - mulching your tree saves valuable landfill space and takes advantage of a natural, renewable resource!

Westtown Township
According to the township website:
Christmas Tree Pick up - Saturday, January 11, 2014.  Have curbside by 7 AM, completely undecorated, including tinsel, and not in a bag.