Before the meeting, Grangers and friends exchanged garden produce, starts, and flowers at the Produce Exchange.

We enjoyed a soup supper prepared by Chef Matt with potluck appetizers and desserts.

Peter and friends performed a rendition of “I’m an Old Cow Hand.” There was even a little line dancing! We welcomed new members Diane and Leo Cretin, Tony Cohen, Rei Blaser, Carole Rae Wataube, Steven Schmitz, and Jana Mariposa Niernberger. Jim Crawford gave a presentation about Regenerative Agriculture.

On Tuesday July 11, 2023, the Sebastopol Grange Produce Exchange will launch the first in a series of Food Preservation Demos with the Sonoma County Master Food Preservers.  All interested folks will learn to extend garden abundance by fermenting and canning in fun-filled evenings at the Grange.  In the first class, participants will observe the steps involved in making kimchi as well as come away with a supply list, the recipe Time for Q&A will be included.

The free series will occur the second Tuesdays of July, August, September and October.  Each event will follow the 5pm Produce Exchange, where home gardeners can trade or donate surplus produce and starts.  The Food Preservation demos will be held in the Grange kitchen at 6pm and run for approximately 1 hour.  Attendees are invited to bring their picnic dinner for community-building meal time after the demo.

Schedule:

• July 11 How to make Kimchi
• August 8 How to make canned Dilly Green Beans
• September 12 How to make canned Tomato Salsa
• October 10 How to make and flavor Kombucha with Fruit

“During this fifth year of the Home Gardener Produce Exchange and Donation we are excited to add to our repertoire by learning new food preservation skills,” say Carol and Dena, Produce Exchange hosts. “Produce swapping, donations to the food pantry, and preserving food all cut down on food waste and enhance the economy of abundance.”

For more information, visit https://sebastopolgrange.org/ or email produce@rahus.org To Sign up to attend any or all of the demos go to https://forms.gle/GQTSxnwTTrJZxCTC8

Grangers and friends enjoyed a dinner of enchiladas made by Chef Matt, accompanied by delicious appetizers and desserts brought by attendees
Grange Musician, Peter, led everyone in a sing-along, clap-along called the “Grange Pride Song. Chaplain Barton shared the poem: All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, by Robert Fulghum.
Scholarship recipient Miako Pizzorno shared slides and stories of her stay in France. President Lawrence swore in new Grange members Katie Krolikowski, Cindy David, and Anna Joyce.
Amy Crawford gave a presentation about Regenerative Agriculture and she and husband Jum’s mission to rebuild the soil on their Cotati farm.
Everyone is invited to join us for our next General meeting on Tuesday, June 27 at 6:00pm.

At our March meeting, we enjoyed a fabulous meal prepared by Chef Matt Roberts with potluck salads and desserts. Afterward, we watched the worldwide premier of Sonoma County Climate 2050, a 25-minute video produced by Grange President Lawrence Jaffee and funded by community donations. The video features Dr. Emily Schoerning from American Resiliency, a nonprofit that helps communities prepare for climate change.
Lawrence asked Dr. Schoerning to research US Government resources to find what climate change impacts are expected here in 2050. You can watch the video on YouTube.

At our January General Meeting, Grangers and friends enjoyed each other’s company over a supper of soup prepared by Carol and Dena and potluck desserts. (Find the recipe for the Golden Turmeric Lentil soup here.)
Sister Nancy joined us remotely from Sunnyvale, where she was recovering from her injury. She’s home now.
Barton read a poem and Paul led us in a singing of America the Beautiful.
We welcomed new members Jessica Seevers and Christine Covington.
Laura presented Jim Corbett with a check to support the Peacetown concert series.
Members voted in the 2023 Leadership Team.

It’s our 5th year & WE ARE GROWING! Join us & Grow our community!

*New winter season crops exchange
*Select seeds and starts will be provided
*Food preservation meet-ups
*New Collaborators
*Option to join the Grange Virtual Farm!

What: It is time for our yearly local project to redistribute homegrown produce and eliminate food waste. This is an opportunity to trade surplus items from your garden for something you don’t have. You may also bring produce that you have gleaned (with permission of course) from a neighbor’s yard. See below for dates when we will be joined by the Master Food Preservers who have a wealth of information to pass on. Plant starts will also be shared and traded.

Where: The Sebastopol Grange 6000 Sebastopol Rd/Hwy 12

Dates: Feb. 28, May 9 & 23, Jun 13 & 27, Jul 11* & 25, Aug 8* & 22, Sept 12* & 26, Oct 10* & 24.
* Master Food Preserver demos on 2nd Tuesdays at 6pm in the Grange kitchen.
Jul 11 – Kimchi, Aug 8 – award winning Dill Green Beans, Sept 12- Tomato Salsa, Oct 10 – Kombucha with fruit.

You will leave each demo with the recipe and ingredient list. Bring your picnic dinner and enjoy the demo and foodie socializing.

Contact: produce@rahus.org

Sebastopol Grange’s raffles at our recent Craft Fair enabled a recipient (Name has been omitted for their protection) to provide coal for 25 poor families in Afghanistan. We’re grateful to Dr. Elizabeth Sailer for making the connection so that we could offer this support. From our Facebook page:

Amy Crawford created a holiday wonderland in the Grange Hall with dazzlings displays of twinkling trees and botanical decorations throughout the hall, including festive owls. The food was fabulous, and the cookie table was chock-full of tasty treats. Grangers enjoyed catching up with old friends and meeting some new ones. Laura engaged some willing particpants in a whipped cream challenge and Lawrence and Paul entertained with some fun tunes. Thanks to all who came and to Laura, Carol, Amy, Dot, Hrieth, and others who worked hard to create this fun evening!