Podcasts about nofa

As First Nations and multicultural women gathered to listen, share and connect on Gumbaynggirr Country, our Composer in Residence, Elizabeth Jigalin, transformed the storytelling into a musical world. Check in to the Creative + Connected workshop at The Gallery, Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance, and find out what happens when women come together and create.  Voices of Women Artistic Director Lliane Clarke Workshop Co-facilitator and Translator Mizgeen Barakat Composer and sound artist Elizabeth Jigalin Workshop participants: Pamela, Esther, Carmel, Kirsty, Kirra, Michelle, Lucy, Lilian, Mohadese, Media Badal Ibraheem Khalaf, Nofa, Alice, Shamy, Shirin, Heather, Judith, Guli, Naomi, Gawri, Caty, Moriah, Olivia, Aisho, Charity.  Supported by Naomi Steinborner, All One Under the Sun and STARTTS Supported by Janan Greenwood and the team at Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance, Supported by Lillian Hong from TAFE NSW Mid North Coast Multicultural Network. Workshop Assistant TAFE NSW Macksville and Kempsey teacher Heather Clarke This Multicultural Grassroots Initiative received grant funding from the Australian Government and support from the Carla Zampatti Foundation.  

Hello from Coffs Harbour / Garlambirla! As First Nations and multicultural women gathered to listen, share and connect on Gumbaynggirr Country, our Composer in Residence, Elizabeth Jigalin, transformed the storytelling into a musical world. Check in to the Creative + Connected workshop at The Gallery, Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance, and find out what happens when women come together and create.  Composer and sound artist Elizabeth Jigalin. Workshop participants: Pamela, Esther, Carmel, Kirsty, Kirra, Michelle, Lucy, Lilian, Mohadese, Media Badal Ibraheem Khalaf, Nofa, Alice, Shamy, Shirin, Heather, Judith, Guli, Naomi, Gawri, Caty, Moriah, Olivia, Aisho, Charity. A collaboration between Voices of Women Artistic Director Lliane Clarke, Co-facilitator and translator Mizgeen Barakat and Naomi Steinborner, All One Under the Sun and STARTTS, Janan Greenwood and the crew at Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance, TAFE NSW Macksville and Kempsey teacher Heather Clarke and Lillian Hong from TAFE NSW Mid North Coast Multicultural Network. This Multicultural Grassroots Initiative received grant funding from the Australian Government and support from the Carla Zampatti Foundation.  

For more than 25 years, For the People has been a partner and supporter of Connecticut's Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter and in this Special Report we mark the next chapter in that relationship bringing our microphone to the floor of their 44th Winter Conference held recently at Wesleyan University. We'll talk a lot about sustaining and growing the number of farms and farmers here in our state, and how various organizations are doing just that. So sit back and hear all about Reboot Eco, Solid Ground, CT Veteran Grown, The CT Farm Energy Program, The New Connecticut Farmer Alliance, Land For Good, the UConn Extension, the Connecticut Land Conservation Council, and of course the executive Director at CT NOFA will join us as well!

In this milestone 150th episode of the No One Fights Alone (NOFA) Podcast, Austin, Kevin, and Brad come together for a reflective and honest conversation about the journey of building a platform dedicated to first responder and veteran mental health.What started as a mission to normalize conversations around trauma, addiction recovery, resilience, and peer support has grown into a powerful community of listeners who understand the weight carried by those in law enforcement, fire service, EMS, military service, corrections, and other high-responsibility professions.This episode is less interview and more real conversation — a chance for Austin, Kevin, and Brad to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the opportunity to bring meaningful dialogue to the first responder and veteran community. They discuss the joy of offering authentic conversations, the responsibility that comes with speaking into sensitive topics like PTSD and suicide prevention, and what it means to stay grounded in purpose as the show continues to grow.The conversation then shifts into a deeper discussion on integrity — living a life aligned with personal values and avoiding the quiet betrayal that can happen when someone drifts from who they truly are. The hosts explore how careers in high-stress environments can sometimes pull individuals away from their core identity, and why self-awareness, accountability, and connection are critical to long-term mental health.Austin brings insight rooted in recovery and personal growth. Brad shares perspective shaped by a career in law enforcement and leadership. Kevin adds reflections from his work in the behavioral health and trauma treatment space. Together, the three offer wisdom from different vantage points but with a shared mission: helping people live strong, connected, and value-driven lives.Topics discussed include:• First responder and veteran mental health • Trauma, resilience, and long-term recovery • Leadership and integrity under pressure • Identity beyond the badge or uniform • Avoiding value drift and personal burnout • Gratitude, growth, and sustaining purpose • Brotherhood and peer supportThis episode serves as both a celebration and a recommitment — a reminder that meaningful conversations can change lives, and that living with integrity matters just as much off the job as it does on it.Whether you've been with NOFA from the beginning or are just joining the community, this 150th episode reflects the heart behind the mission: honest dialogue, real stories, and the belief that no one has to navigate trauma, stress, or recovery alone.About the No One Fights Alone PodcastThe No One Fights Alone (NOFA) Podcast features real conversations about mental health, trauma recovery, addiction, resilience, leadership, and suicide prevention within first responder, military, and high-pressure professional communities. Through lived experience and open dialogue, the show works to reduce stigma, strengthen peer connection, and provide practical insight for those who serve — and the families who support them.Sponsored by Chateau Health & WellnessThis episode is proudly sponsored by Chateau Health & Wellness, a trauma-focused residential treatment program serving first responders, veterans, and professionals navigating PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use challenges.Chateau provides clinically sophisticated, relationship-centered care designed specifically for individuals working in high-responsibility roles who need treatment that understands both the demands of the profession and the person behind it.Learn more or connect with their team at: www.chateaurecovery.com

Austin and Brad officially welcome new co-host Kevin Thacker to the No One Fights Alone (NOFA) Podcast in this powerful season kickoff episode focused on first responder mental health, trauma recovery, and leadership resilience.Kevin joins the show bringing years of experience in behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and working alongside law enforcement, firefighters, military members, and other high-stress professionals. In this episode, the team reflects on some of the most impactful moments from past conversations — stories of recovery, peer support, overcoming addiction, navigating PTSD, and rebuilding identity after trauma.Together, Austin, Brad, and Kevin discuss the evolution of the podcast and their shared vision moving forward. They talk about expanding conversations around first responder wellness, mental health stigma in law enforcement culture, addiction in high-performance careers, and what true brotherhood and support look like when life gets heavy.Brad shares perspective from his 25-year law enforcement career and national wellness training work. Austin brings insight into recovery, accountability, and leadership. Kevin adds a strategic and clinical lens from his background in behavioral health and trauma treatment advocacy. The result is a dynamic conversation about where the show has been — and where it's headed next.This episode sets the tone for the upcoming season — more honest conversations, more practical insight, and more real stories from those who have walked through trauma and found strength on the other side.If you are a police officer, firefighter, EMT, corrections officer, military member, healthcare professional, or family member of someone serving in a high-stress career, this podcast is for you. No One Fights Alone exists to remind you that connection, recovery, and growth are possible — and that you do not have to navigate trauma, mental health struggles, or addiction in isolation.Thank you for being part of the NOFA community. We are honored to continue this journey with you.Thank You to Our SponsorThis episode of the No One Fights Alone Podcast is proudly sponsored by Chateau Health & Wellness.Chateau Health & Wellness provides trauma-focused residential treatment for first responders, law enforcement professionals, and other high-performing individuals navigating PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use challenges. Their clinically sophisticated, relationship-driven approach is designed specifically for professionals who carry significant responsibility and pressure.To learn more about trauma-informed residential treatment or to connect with their team, visit:www.chateaurecovery.com

Strap in and grab your NG tubes, because the EGS team in TIGER Country is taking you on a fast, forceful, and evidence-packed ride through 15 years of global SBO literature. From the OG 2011 Zielinski model to the latest 2025 predictive tools sweeping across Europe and North America, we're breaking down what matters when the bowel stops behaving and the clock starts ticking.  Join Dr. Rushabh Dev and the Acute Care Surgery crew at the University of Missouri as they tackle the most common EGS consult in America with humor, data, and real-world pearls. Get ready for CT red flags, strangulation scores, Gastrografin truths, and the eternal battle between “operate early” vs. “wait it out.” Whether you're a med student trying to decode your first CT or a seasoned attending debating the next Gastrografin challenge, this episode delivers the insights you need to Dominate the Day. Participants: Dr. Rushabh Dev FACS (Moderator, Surgical Attending) – Assistant Professor of Surgery, Associate PD ACS & SCCM Fellowship, SICU Medical Director, Lieutenant Commander United States Navy Reserve   Dr. Raymond Okeke; Acute Care Surgery & SCCM Fellow  Dr. Eugene Ismailov, General Surgery Resident; PGY 5 Dr. Brycen Ratcliffe, General Surgery Resident; PGY 4 Dr. Desra Flecher, General Surgery Resident; PGY 3 Objectives: 1. Identify the core clinical and CT predictors of operative need in SBO including mesenteric edema, free fluid, closed-loop obstruction, lack of enhancement, and feces sign absence — and understand how these features have remained consistent across 15 years of research. 2. Compare major international SBO predictive models (Zielinski, Geneva Severity Score, STRISK, and NOFA) and describe how they inform real-time decision-making in North American acute care surgery. 3. Apply evidence-based algorithms, including the 2025 JTACS EGS pathway to structure SBO evaluation, integrate Water-Soluble Contrast studies, and avoid delayed surgery in high-risk patients. 4. Evaluate the long-term impact of operative vs. non-operative management with emphasis on recurrence risk, timing between episodes, and how to incorporate recurrence data into patient counseling. 5. Synthesize 15 years of evolving SBO literature into practical bedside strategies by balancing red-flag findings, risk-model guidance, and individualized clinical judgment to optimize outcomes. STRISK and NOFA Calculator: Prediction Models | Clinical Abdominal Surgery Helsinki References  1. Geneva Clinical Severity Score Wassmer, C. H., Guber, J., Zeindler, J., Meier, R. P. H., Ouaïssi, M., Ris, F., Morel, P., Didier, C., & Gkikas, I. (2023). A new clinical severity score for the management of adhesive small bowel obstruction: A cohort study. International Journal of Surgery, 109, 262–270. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37026805/ 2. STRISK & NOFA Predictive Models Räty, S., Rinta-Kilpinen, E., Eklund, M., Turunen, N., Koskinen, I., Rasilainen, S., Korhonen, T., & Paajanen, H. (2025). Development and external validation of prediction risk models for strangulation or non-operative treatment failure in small bowel obstruction: A multicenter prospective study. Surgery, 178(1), 45–56. Prediction Models | Clinical Abdominal Surgery Helsinki 3. JTACS EGS Algorithm – Evidence-Based, Cost-Effective Management Livingston, D. H., Wolfson, D., Cogbill, T. H., Rice, T. W., Patel, N., et al. (2025). Evidence-based, cost-effective management of small bowel obstruction: An Emergency General Surgery Algorithms Work Group project. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 98(4), 512–528. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40842046/ 4. Tennessee Recurrence Study (Operative vs Non-Operative Management) Medvecz, A. J., Dennis, B. M., Wang, L., Countouris, M. E., Croce, M. A., Sharpe, J. P., Ivanova, A., & Miller, R. S. (2020). Impact of operative management on recurrence of adhesive small bowel obstruction: A longitudinal analysis of a statewide database. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 230(4), 544–551.e1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31954815/ 5. Early Predictive SBO Work – Zielinski (2010–2011) Zielinski, M. D., Eiken, P. W., Bannon, M. P., Heller, S. F., Lohse, C. M., & Huebner, M. (2010). Small bowel obstruction—Who needs an operation? A multivariate prediction model. World Journal of Surgery, 34(5), 910–919. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20217412/ 6. Zielinski, M. D., Haddad, N. N., Cullinane, D. C., Eiken, P. W., & Huebner, M. (2011). Prospective, observational validation of a multivariate small bowel obstruction model to predict the need for operative intervention. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 212(6), 1068–1076. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21458305/ Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more.   If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen Behind the Knife Premium: General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-review Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Download our App: Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049 Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US

Text me a message!Today's episode comes from Granville Vermont where we visit with John Hirsch of Clearfield Farm. With over 10 years under his belt he's refined his farm business to be lean on labor and focused in scope as his primary crops are wholesale carrots and potatoes. He's also excited to be getting into grain and doing more intensive rotations with cover crops. We start off the episode with a look at his new harvester, hop in the truck to check out the fields, before digging deeper into his motivations and visions of his farming career later in the episode. Support the showVisit the website to see photos/videos from the visit: https://thefarmersshare.comFollow the show on Facebook and Instagram: @thefarmersshareSubscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thefarmersshare

This week the rugby league landscape was dominated by the news of David Nofoaluma signing for the Halifax Panthers and rest assured the boys have covered it in depth!Tune in to hear all the latest rugby league news, state of origin coverage and the return of the rugby league romance column for the year. It's all this and more on another thrilling episode of the world's most comprehensive rugby league podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northeast Farmers Market SeasonHost Amaris Pollock welcomed Devin Cornia who is the Executive Director of the Northeast Farming Association of New Jersey back to the show. They discuss the upcoming farmers market season and the opportunity for people to interact with farmers and learn about agriculture.  They also discussed Devin's history within the industry, along with some of the programs, initiatives, and the publication "The Natural Farmer" which NOFA provides to the community.NOFA's Local Food Initiatives:Devin explains that NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association) is a 50-year-old organization with seven state chapters supporting organics, land stewardship, and local food. The New Jersey chapter, which is 40 years old, focuses on supporting community and economic vehicles that make local food work. Devin discusses the challenges and opportunities in the current economic environment, emphasizing the need for collaboration and investment in local economies to build resilient, self-reliant food systems. He also highlights the importance of organic farming for health and the environment, and shares two exciting projects: a commercial kitchen to support value-added product creation for farmers, and a grains project involving a documentary and grain processing equipment installation to strengthen the local grain economy.NOFA-NJ Updates and Initiatives:Devin also discussed NOFA-NJ's upcoming events and website, encouraging people to check for future activities starting in July. Amaris and Devin also talked about NOFA-NJ's outdoor project which is nearly complete and can accommodate around 50 people. That space will open the doors to future opportunities for dining events, discussions, and more--which both farmers and the surrounding communities can benefit from. ------------------------------------------- Next Segment------------------------------------------Annette Anthony's Book Tour Event at Free Library:Annette Anthony, author of "Always Enough: A Global Memoir," discusses her upcoming event at the Free Library of Philadelphia as part of World Heritage Week. The sold-out event, scheduled for Tuesday evening, will include a talk, book signing, and food tasting featuring two seasonal salad recipes from her book. Annette shares her background as a native Philadelphian and how her experiences in West Philadelphia and as part of a military family shaped her global perspective. She expresses excitement about Philadelphia being honored as a global city and its renowned culinary scene, including the recent attention from Michelin.Cookbook and Cultural Flavors:Annette discusses her cookbook and her love for Ethiopian food. She shares a humorous story about taking her father to an Ethiopian restaurant for the first time, where he mistook the injera bread for a napkin. Annette explains that her cookbook includes recipes from various cultures and that she enjoys seeing readers make the recipes their own. She highlights the Casablanca Couscous recipe as a versatile dish that can accommodate different dietary preferences. Annette also mentions that she is working on another cookbook and emphasizes the importance of being mindful about food choices. ------------------------------------------- Next Segment------------------------------------------Chef DiMeo's Culinary Empire Expansion:Chef Antimo DiMeo discusses his culinary journey and how his passion led him to form the Bardea Restaurant Group with numerous concepts, all located in Wilmington, Delaware. He shared what inspired him while growing up; with his origins founded in his grandmother's kitchen. After a brief period studying finance at Drexel University, he found himself focusing on the fermentation of dough and decided to pursue his passion. This decision resulted with DiMeo learning his craft under a Michelin-starred restaurant in Naples, Italy.  DiMeo then returned to the US, and after working in a notable restaurant in PA, he began his journey as a Chef-Owner and opened his first restaurant, Bardea Food & Drink. Since then, he has expanded and now offers multiple concepts like Bardea Steak, Casa Nonna, and the upcoming Roost. DiMeo focuses on Italian-inspired cuisine with global influences, emphasizing quality ingredients and innovative techniques. He takes pride in elevating Wilmington's food scene, maintaining consistency across locations through a central commissary kitchen, and expresses excitement about continuing to grow and improve the local culinary landscape. ------------------------------------------- End of Episode------------------------------------------Related Links:https://nofanj.orghttps://annetteanthony.comhttps://www.bardeafoodanddrink.com

In this shorts episode I offer some of my favorite informational resources, from vague concepts to specific books to the exceptionally obvious. Many are linked in the show notes. At the end I try out a new style of Q&A, will it work? Only time will tell.   State level organic associations:  MOFGA in Maine or NOFA in other northeast states Clubs: NAFEX, NNGA, and their facebook groups. Podcasts: Perennial AF from the Savanna Institute, Poor Prole's Almanac, In Defence of Plants, Live Like the World is Dying, Cultivariable   Books: Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation by Dirr and Heuser, The Holistic Orchard by Michael Phillips, Cornucopia II : a source book of edible plants by Stephen Facciola , Edible Forest Gardens by Dave Jacke and Eric Toesmeier, Radical Mycology by Peter McCoy, Tree Fruit Field Guide to Insect, Mite, and Disease Pests and Natural Enemies of Eastern North America by Plant and Life Science Publishing. The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery , Breed Your Own Vegetable Varieties by Carrol Deppe, Secrets of Plant Propagation by Lewis Hill. Seed to Seed by Suzanne Ashworth. Online resources: BONAP, Plants For A Future, The Woody Plant Seed Manual | US Forest Service Research

Pat McMonigle spent 19 years in the FBI, serving as an analyst, Special Agent, and Field Supervisor. He investigated national security crimes, led hostage negotiations, and worked on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, earning 24 commendations, including the Combat Theater Award for his 2017 deployment to Afghanistan.Despite his success, Pat witnessed the toll of the job, losing at least nine colleagues to suicide. In 2022, after a devastating case, he was diagnosed with PTSD. Seeing the FBI's failure to support struggling agents, he resigned in June 2024 to protect his own well-being.Now, as a guest on No One Fights Alone with host, Brad Sheperd and co-host, Ben Pearson, Pat shares his journey through trauma and recovery, advocating for PTSD awareness and mental health reform in law enforcement.

Connecticut's Northeast Organic Farming Association - or CT NOFA - held their 43rd Winter Conference last weekend at Eastern CT State University, and For the People was there to put together a live Special Report that digs into everything from worms and bugs to a proposed state Constitutional Amendment and making agriculture more sustainable and equitable - especially for veterans, minority community members, and new Connecticut farmers. So stay tuned and hear from participants including She Worms Composting, the CT Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), CT NOFA's Director of Advocacy, the CT Land Conservation Council, Phocas Seeds, CT REsource & Conservation Development, and the New CT Farmer Alliance.

CT NOFA's 43rd Winter Conference is coming up, featuring a series of virtual workshops  in the lead up to a full day, in-person gathering and celebration on March 1. So, we're connecting with NOFA's leader to learn all about it and tell you how to get involved.

CT NOFA's 43rd Winter Conference is coming up, featuring a series of virtual workshops February 25-27 in the lead up to a full day, in-person gathering and celebration on March 1. So, we'll open connecting with NOFA's leader to learn all about it and tell you how to get involved. Then, we'll circle back with AARP Connecticut to unpack some of the most important elements of the organization's 2025 Legislative Agenda. These are not just initiatives that are important to older residents, so stay tuned and learn how these issues impact you. And we'll close with our partners from the Thin Line Peer Support Team - which is working hard providing one-on-one connections to help our first responders and military service members address issues including depression and PTSD. Tune in and find out how you can help by sponsoring or playing in their upcoming golf tournament!

Join our host, Tony Kennette, our staff soil scientist Ruben Parilla, and guests William Padilla-Brown and Jake Tulius in a discussion about Soil Microbes & Citizen Science!  From tardigrades, and algea, to mycorrhizal networks, this crew will get you salivating for successful soil!   This Episode has been brought to you by MDAR    PERTINENT LINKS: https://microbiometer.com/ www.R-Soil.com  https://www.mycofest.net/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLLc79M4OqQ  www.nofa.org  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9b1P8jCbjIg&list=OLAK5uy_mmECE0x8KPzkhCh_pDZmjnYb3GV7CpYi0  www.TonyAndTheTrees.com 

You'll be delighted to know that the NJ farming community is looking out for your best interest, in particular a group of like-minded individuals who formed the Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) New Jersey chapter. In doing so, they've created an organization which focuses on providing information, fun activities, and yes--produce, from the local farmers, interest groups, educators, and AGRO enthusiasts alike. We've said it numerous times, and I'll say it again: Without farmers, we wouldn't have clothes, food, or beverages. The same goes for all the small (and large) vendors who create goods and services to make those provisions available to all of us, and NOFA is aiming to bring all of them together so everyone can benefit from fresh organic goods, shelf-stable organic products, and so much more! You'll have a blast learning about NOFA , and stay tuned to find out some of the exciting events that NOFA is offering this Fall and Winter!(https://nofanj.org)Next, you'll hear from Casey Carroll who owns Coray Kitchen in Delmar, NY. Casey and her husband, Chef Javier Villatoro, their farm-to-table restaurant offers delicious and creative selections that reflect Chef Vialltoro's heritage and culinary innovations from his own garden! He builds upon his menus each year by saving the seeds from what he harvested & used on his menu, which is something he learned while growing up in his hometown. Casey, who loves the benefit from having Chef Javier as her business partner and husband, shares the love behind what brings patrons to Coray Kitchen time and time again, along with the story behind the name, how they met, and what you'll experience when you join them for a meal.(https://www.coraykitchen.com)I last spoke with Victoria Lambert, who is a bio-lab technician who's taken her love of science and research into the kitchen when she started her business, Happy Bakery. Victoria first opened her bakery with one vision: Offering cinnamon buns that had creative flavors and options. She soon found success, as well as a need to re-imagine the offerings since she quickly sold-out of menu items on a daily basis. So today, you'll find those warm, fragrant buns along with other items to hit your sweet-loving spot, like fudgy brownies and dense cookies. Need I say more to tempt you? You can find where she's vending at by following her online on her instagram handle at @happybakerywc!

We invited Capt. Matt Bloesch into the NOFA studio to tell us his incredible story of losing his father at a young age. Matt is a full time Law Enforcement Captain in California whose dad was killed in the line of duty by an accidental discharge of a weapon. Matt talks about loss and his turning to alcohol as a mechanism to ease his pain ultimately coming to grips with his dependency on alcohol. Matt also discusses the impact that Concerns of Police Survivors has had on his career, personal life and now his passion.

I remember being seven or eight years old and drawing… having construction paper, big rolls of paper all over the living room floor, drawing pictures of where my cows and my sheep and my chickens would go on my future farm.—Melissa   You pick and choose your battles for sure…do we want to focus on cleaning up all of our  step-in fence for the sheep and  do all the outdoor stuff or are we going to focus on a house that we can bring friends into? So unfortunately,  our game nights have taken a hit on not being able to invite people over, but our understanding of field management and what is required outside is more of a priority and we're appreciating that. Our decor is not the best, but whatever.--Toby   As Toby writes: Melissa and I own and operate Three Square Farm. We do rotational grazing of our beef and dairy cows and meat sheep. We moved to Vermont 5 years ago and started our farming journey 3 years ago.  Toby also does hay crops on almost 100 acres and is diving into precision ag. Through many challenges, lessons learned (some the hard way), and classes with NOFA, we have gotten our enterprise on a good standing. With many more years to come and the passion for agriculture ever blossoming within our selves we like to look back on the struggles of being newly married, a new location, and many other challenges we faced. This only makes us stronger and the love of this career richer. At this point we couldn't see ourselves doing anything else. Three Square Farm email address   Three Square Farm website   Three Square Farm Instagram   Three Square Farm Facebook   NOFA Vermont Beginning Farmer programs   Todoist app   New England Grazing Network web site   Vermont Grass Farmers Association web site   Your Transformation Story program registration is open!   Choosing to Farm Patreon link The Choosing to Farm podcast is all about telling origin stories, learning from the journeys, and creating connection among first-and returning-generation livestock farmers and ranchers across the US and the world.  After nearly 30 years working professionally in agriculture as well as being a returning-generation farmer myself, I'm here to share stories, tips and resources to help livestock farmers and ranchers heal our relationship with success.  Want to help? Like, share or review this episode! Want to help even more? Join our Patreon to support the show or even buy me a cup of coffee at the Choosing to Farm web site! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/choosingtofarm/message

This episode is a culmination of voices and stories of our NOFA community members that visited the in person Winter Conferences.  For those of you who don't already know, most of the NOFA state chapters host an annual Winter Conference.  Some are jam packed single days, others are weekend long intensives, and others have been held in a more virtual online format.  None-the-less the Winter Conference is filled with workshops, presentations, and experiences for Farmers, Gardeners, Foodies, Chefs, and Agricultural and Environmental Policy advocates.  And it's one of the greatest places to connect with other people who are equally, and sometimes even more passionate about the work we're all doing.  Hear the stories and intentions of people like YOU from NY, NJ, CT, VT, MASS, RI, NH, PA and MA!

Dr. Bryan Connolly is a botanist, horticulturalist, and professor of Biology at Eastern Connecticut University in Willimantic, CT, my (Owen's) hometown. His research interests include rare plants of New England, the nightshade family, the rose family, and cannabis. Before Eastern, Professor Connolly was a faculty member at Framingham State University in Massachusetts and also worked for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Mississippi's Medicinal Plant Garden, New England Wild Flower Society, and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. He is also involved in his family farm: Cobblestone Farm CSA in Mansfield Center, CT. In this interview we hear about Bryan's 33 year journey with seed saving, seed production, and plant breeding; his work with giving a boost and sometimes reintroducing native plants from New England to Puerto Rico; his work with students around growing cannabis for medicinal uses; and his trials and initial breeding work with some crops we shared with him, including pigeon peas, field peas, and roselle.    SEED AND PLANT STORIES TOLD IN THIS EPISODE: Chenopodium formosanum (Taiwan) Grass Jelly (Taiwan, Indonesia) Erubia (Puerto Rico) Corpse Flower (Indonesia) Easter in August Cherry Tomato Minnesota 13 Field Pea Bo (Black-Eyed Pea Leaves) Mississippi Purple Hull Pea Northern Adapted Pigeon Peas Solanum chacoense (South America) Cannabis (specifically the beverage, Bhang from India) Chin Baung (Burmese Roselle Leaf)   MORE INFO FROM THIS EPISODE: Bryan's ECSU professor bio Bryan's instagram: Northeastern Connecticut Botany Breeding Organic Vegatables, NOFA publication, by Rowen White and Bryan Connolly Organic Seed Production and Saving, NOFA publication, by Bryan Connolly Stewarding Indigenous Seeds and Planting by the Moon with Stephen Silverbear McComber, Seed Savers Exchange Ploidy (number of chromosomes in a cell) Ploidy, genetic diversity and speciation of the genus Aronia ABOUT: Seeds And Their People is a radio show where we feature seed stories told by the people who truly love them. Hosted by Owen Taylor of Truelove Seeds and Chris Bolden-Newsome of Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram's Garden. trueloveseeds.com/blogs/satpradio   FIND OWEN HERE: Truelove Seeds Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter   FIND CHRIS HERE: Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram's Garden

My guest today on Digging in the Dirt is Monique Bosch. Monique has designed and built over 40 edible school and community gardens and farms throughout New England, including a 2-acre urban farm in Bridgeport CT. She works with CT. NOFA as a Soil Health Technician as well. She has founded and run… for profit and non-profit entities, including Green Village Initiative (GVI) and Wiggle Room LLC. Monique teaches ‘How to Grow Your Own Food' classes and speaks on healthy soil and community gardening, sharing her knowledge of regenerative agriculture practices, and community building. I invited her here today to talk about what we can do now… here in the fall, to better our soil so we can have successful results next spring and summer.

On Monday, August 14, the EcoAction Committee of the Green Party held a webinar on climate and agriculture. This segment focuses on the remarks of Liz Henderson of NOFA (Northeast Organic Farm Association), who discusses the need to build healthy soils and reforms needed in the pending Farm Bill. Agriculture is often overlooked as a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Globally agriculture accounts for almost a third of emissions. Our food system is also under threat from climate change and extreme weather, at both the level of production and distribution. The lack of access to healthy, affordable food for many is already a major domestic and global problem. Only recently has the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) begun to highlight the role of agriculture in the climate crisis, including the recommendation to move to a more plant-based diet. With Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

In this episode I am joined by Central Massachusetts cattle farmer, Ridge Shinn to discuss the amazing possibilities that good management of cattle can have on soils and land as a whole. Ridge Shinn is the founder of Big Picture Beef in Hardwick Mass. Big Picture Beef is an aggregator of grass-fed cattle and an educational resource for cattle farmers interested in a Grass-Fed paradigm.  Ridge is also frequent and long time contributor with us at NOFA and most recently co-author with Lynne Pledger of the book Grass-Fed Beef for a Post-Pandemic World.  This podcast episode is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number ONE20-378. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. More information on Ridge and Big Picture Beef you can visit the website bigpicturebeef.com  To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt  

A discussion with Kim Stoner and Maya van Rossum, leaders, respectively, in CT and nationally to get state legislatures to pass so-called Green Amendments, which guarantee residents the right to clean air, clean water, clean soil and climate protection. Kim is a leader of the CT Climate Crisis Mobilization and is director of advocacy for the CT Chapter of NOFA, the Northeast Organic Farming Association, working on the CT Environmental Rights Amendment. Maya is founder of For the Generations, a clearinghouse for the many state efforts, and author of the book, "The Green Amendment: Securing Our Right to a Healthy Environment."

As we celebrate the first full week of Spring it's appropriate that we also celebrate the return of the Northeast Organic Farming Association Connecticut Chapter's 41st Winter Conference that concluded with the first in-person event since 2020, and like we have been for decades, For the People was on scene to bring you interviews with CT NOFA leadership, reps from the FDA, the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund, and vendors talking about seeds, alpacas, sustainable appliances, and environmentally safe products and practices. So stay tuned and join The award winning For the People as we plant ourselves on the Weslyan University campus to experience everything CT NOFA.

Well, it's happened again! Wests Tigers are now on our equal worst-ever losing streak. But, were there some little rays of sunshine poking through on a stinking hot day at Belmore? On this edition of the Wests Tigers Podcast, Joel Helmes and Garry Watson take a look at the 26-22 loss to the Bulldogs. Some of the main talking points include: What's going on with Nofa? The controversial call by Tim Sheens to bring David Nofoaluma off the field. Does this signify a bigger issue with the veteran winger? John Bateman. Have we found a new fan favourite with his unorthodox style and in-your-face attitude on the field? Where does he play next week, lock or second-row? The halves. Is the Luke Brooks and Adam Doueihi experiment finally over? And, if so, where does Doueihi play (assuming he's the one that gets moved)? Plus all the other major talking points from a mostly quite dire outing against the Bulldogs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've got exciting news for farmers, gardeners and those who love our land resources - The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut (NOFA-CT) is with us previewing the 41st Winter Conference coming up in March and culminating with an in-person gathering and celebration at Wesleyan University. Then, we'll tell you about CONNIE - the CT Health Exchange that's required to implement by May. There are more than a few serious concerns about it and a lot that consumers aren't aware of — so we'll call on the President of the CT Psychological Association to help unpack some of the key details you need to know. And we'll close with more good environmental news - a 41-mile section of the Housatonic River just received federal Wild and Scenic designation, which should lead to better protections for the waterway. So we'll chat up a leader from the Housatonic Valley Association - one of the two organizations that helped Connecticut earn this high profile national designation to learn more.

In this episode I interview Mary Sage Napolitan and Evan Abramson about their collaborative work on re-establishing ecologically diverse landscape to the properties of Island Grown Initiative in the town of Vineyard Haven on the island of Martha's Vineyard.  Mary Sage and Evan are presenting their work on this project at our upcoming NOFA/Mass Winter Conference happening the weekend of January 14th & 15th 2022.  Mary Sage Napolitan is the Regenerative Landscape Manager at Island Grown Initiative. Born and raised on the island, her work focuses on collaborative design, farms as an intersection of social & environmental issues in the landscape, and perennial and native foods for ecosystem health and food sovereignty. Evan Abramson is the Founder and Principal of Landscape Interactions, creating functionally diverse and ecologically resilient landscapes for campuses, conservation properties, farms, municipal parks, and more and is responsible for over 300 acres of habitat installed in the Northeast United States, specifically targeting at-risk bee, butterfly and moth species. You can find more information on Mary Sage and Island Grown Initiative at igimv.org More information on Evan Abramon and Landscape Interactions as well as the downloadable .pdf of this project and others, visit landscapeinteractions.com To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and engineered by Jason Valcourt

In this episode I am joined by my colleague Ruben Parilla our NOFA/Mass Soil Tech Coordinator and together we interview Lincoln Fishman of Sawyer Farm in Worthington, MA. Lincoln is presenting at our upcoming NOFA/Mass Winter Conference happening the weekend of January 14th & 15th, 2022.  Lincoln Fishman is co-owner/operator of Sawyer Farm. In 2010 they started raising vegetables and livestock, and using only draft power. In 2020, Sawyer Farm started experimenting with no-till systems and an the spring of 2022, sold their team and bought a tractor to allow them to fully explore tillage-reduced systems. They currently grow most of their crops in perennial Dutch White Clover, with some high value crops in other no-till systems.  More information on Lincoln and Sawyer Farm you can email him at sawyerfarmshare@gmail.com or visit their website at sawyer.farm  To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

Viele VAs sind QuereinsteigerInnen und haben ihren eigentlichen Beruf an den Nagel gehängt, um in anderen Bereichen digital arbeiten zu können. Doch was, wenn der erlernte Beruf doch digital ausführbar wäre, es nur noch niemanden gibt, der das macht? Aline hat sich genau dem angenommen und revolutioniert den Beruf als Notariatsfachangestellte in der digitalen Welt. Ihre Mission ist es, dem Fachkräftemangel entgegenzuwirken und beweist, dass der Beruf in Teilzeit als VA sehr viel lukrativer ist, als in der Vollzeit Festanstellung. In diesem Interview sprechen wir darüber, wie auch du damit starten kannst, deine Dienstleistung online anzubieten (am Beispiel der Notariatsfachangestellten, kurz: NoFa) und deiner Branche möglicherweise den Start in ein digitales Arbeiten zu ermöglichen wie Aline in die Sichtbarkeit getreten ist und ihren Kundenstamm aufgebaut hat wie sie mehr Geld und Zeit in der Selbstständigkeit erwirtschaftet, als in der Festanstellung Mehr Infos zu Aline findest du auf ihrer Website: www.notariatservice-krumpholz-jung.de _________________ » Starte jetzt die 12-wöchige Ausbildung als Virtuelle Assistenz “Business Mastery- von der Gründung bis ersten Kunden” https://kristinholm.de/va-business-mastery

In this episode I interview my colleague Andrew Laurion to discuss the bioremediation project underway in Springfield, MA. We talk about the changes in the soil, the properties and the community now that this project has been underway for two years.  Andrew Laurion is the Bioremediation Project Coordinator for NOFA/Mass and the Youth Program Coordinator of the food justice organization Gardening the Community (GTC) in Springfield, Massachusetts. Andrew is also an avid urban grower, a woodworker and loves his role mentoring the youth and helping to create healthy, sustainable communities To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list at NOFAmass.org. Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

Sisemalungiselelweni okuhlukanisa kodwa kubukeka kuza mawala emndenini wonke.Izingane zethu sezenza izinto ngendlela ehlukile.Ezinye zezindlela zazo ngalesimo zenza ngikhathazeke ngazo.Yikuphi okuthathwa njengokulindelekile nokuphilekayo nakho esimweni esinjengalesi ? Yikuphi okungenziwa ukubhekana naloludaba?”

With David Nofoaluma loving life down in Melbourne for the Storm, we thought we'd get the world's biggest Nofa fan in Patty Sills to check in on how he's feeling seeing him in Purple and Gold. Plus he, Josh, Rob and Aaron preview the game on Sunday against the Dragons at Commbank Stadium....can the boys give bounce back, play for some pride and give us something to cheer about? (Please)   Listen live to the WestsLife Podcast twice a week on YouTube, Facebook or Twitter. If you'd like to contribute to the show email us podcast@westslife.com   WestsLife Podcast is sponsored by Wests Ashfield Leagues Club. Stay tuned this season for exciting dining offers and giveaways via our podcast in association with Wests Ashfield! For more information visit Wests Ashfield's website- www.westsashfield.com.au or follow them on Facebook or Instagram @WestsAshfield WestsLife is also sponsored by Shayne and the team at MG Pump Solutions.  See us on the socials: WestsLife YouTube channel WestsLife.com @WestsLifePod on Instagram and Twitter Facebook.com/WestsLifePod Support and contribute to the show at Patreon.com/WestsLife

In this episode I am joined by two of my NOFA colleagues Monique Bosch from our CT NOFA chapter as well as Ruben Parilla of NOFA/Mass and they introduce us to the world of microscopy. We discuss the advantages of looking at your soil and compost under the microscope to determine the state of affairs and influence your soil management strategies.  Monique Bosch, is the Organic Land Care Coordinator and the Soil Health Technician at CT NOFA and an avid microscopy enthusiast.  Ruben Parilla, is the NOFA/Mass Soil Tech Coordinator and is also an avid microscope enthusiast. You can find more microscopy info and resources from CT NOFA at ctnofa.org/microscopy You can find Soil Health and microscopy info and resources at nofamass.org and navigate to the soil health technical services page.  To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

Shayne, Rob and Josh are back for another news and preview ep as Wests Tigers look to get their second win of the season against South Sydney Rabbitohs. Plus the inside word on Nofa being dropped, Daine wanting to be re-signed, why Naden left Canterbury and where's Tommy Talau? Wests Tigers are proudly sponsored by Wests Ashfield Leagues Club. Stay tuned this season for exciting dining offers and giveaways via our podcast in association with Wests Ashfield! For more information visit Wests Ashfield's website- www.westsashfield.com.au or follow them on Facebook or Instagram @WestsAshfield WestsLife is also sponsored by Shayne and the team at MG Pump Solutions.  See us on the socials: WestsLife YouTube channel WestsLife.com @WestsLifePod on Instagram and Twitter Facebook.com/WestsLifePod Support and contribute to the show at Patreon.com/WestsLife

In this episode I am joined again by our NOFA/Mass Soil Tech Coordinator, Ruben Parilla. We interview Yoko Takemura of Assawaga Farm in Putnam, CT. This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. Yoko Takemura owns and operates Assawaga Farm with her husband Alex Carpenter in Putnam, CT. Since 2016 they've grown organic vegetables with an emphasis on Japanese varieties, flowers and fruits on less than an acre using no-till and regenerative practices. Here's our conversation with Yoko where we discuss their approach to soil health and various no-till practices.  You can find more info on Assawaga Farm at assawagafarm.com and on FB and Instagram at Assawaga farm To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

In this episode I am joined again by my NOFA/Mass colleague, Soil Health Projects Manager, Christine Manuck. We interview Meryl Latronica, Director of Farm Operations at Just Roots in Greenfield, MA. We continue our conversations with farmers working within our Compaction Mitigation grant as a collaboration with an MDAR 2020 Specialty Crop Block Grant titled Accelerating Soil Health Through Compaction Mitigation: A Data-Supported Peer-to-Peer Farmer Learning Project. Meryl Latronica is the Director of Farm Operations at Just Roots.  She is a dedicated and experienced production farmer, farm-based educator, community organizer, mentor to new farmers and devoted member of the New England farm community. She has been focusing her work on balancing intensive organic vegetable production with a commitment to building strong communities around food and farms. Just Roots provides educational programming on the farm, in schools and in the community and has a mission to create equitable access to healthy local food in Western Massachusetts, and work toward just, vibrant, and sustainable farm and food systems everywhere. You can find more info Meryl and Just Roots and the various programs they support at JustRoots.Org To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

NOFA/Mass Winter Conference Highlight - When and How To Kill (Winter) Cover Crops With Arthur Siller In this episode we're drawing another highlight from our annual NOFA/Mass Winter Conference that happened remotely in January 2022. We join University of Massachusetts at Amherst PhD student Arthur Siller as he outlines four different cover crop killing strategies that we can employ, and he also overviews our primary winter cover crops and their management strategies. Arthur Siller is a PhD student in the Hashemi lab at University of Massachusetts at Amherst's College of Natural Sciences Stockbridge School Agriculture. They have extensive experience in sustainable farming practices, doing current research on cover crop termination strategies to reduce off-farm resources and improve soil health.  You can find more information on Arthur Siller and the programs of UMass Amherst's College of Natural Sciences Stockbridge School of Agriculture at stockbridge.cns.umass.edu To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

In this episode we're drawing more highlights from our annual NOFA/Mass Winter Conference that happened remotely in January 2022. First we join Natural Farmer, Marco Thomas for an introduction to the Natural Farming technique of collecting of Indigenous Micro Organisms (IMOs).  Then, we join Richard Robinson of Hopestill Farm for a deep dive into mulching, and his impassioned reasons for using leaves as mulch as possible.  Marco Thomas is a natural farmer in Central Virginia, and is the founder of Microbes by Marco producing small batch craft inputs for soils. His work is focused on building soil and cultivating microorganisms to enhance his own garden and urban farm and he is guided by the principles, “Do as nature does.” and “Focus on the natural way.”  Richard Robinson began organic gardening over 40 years ago and became a serious farmer in 2004. He grows certified organic vegetables, small fruits, and Christmas trees at Hopestill Farm in Sherborn, MA. Richard has also a member of the NOFA/Mass Board of Directors since 2017. You can find Marco Thomas at MicrobesbyMarco.com  and on Instagram at: marco_is_growing More information on Richard Robinson and Hopestill Farm can be found at Hopestill.com To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

In this episode I am joined by our NOFA/Mass Soil Tech Coordinator, Ruben Parilla. We interview soil scientist, Dr. Justin Richardson, from University of Massachusetts Amherst, about the state of the invasive Jumping Worm in the Northeast.  Dr. Justin Richardson is an Assistant Professor of Geosciences at UMass Amherst working in the field of Biogeochemistry. Dr. Richardson studies metals and metalloids, examining metals due to their role as essential nutrients for ecosystems and toxicity to plants and humans. He also studies forest soils due to their impact on forest resources and their illustrative nature of vegetation-soil-rock interactions. You can find more of Dr. Richardson's work and many publications on his website Soilbiogeochemist.com To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt

NOFA/Mass Winter Conference Highlight - Seed Sovereignty Means Land Sovereignty In this episode we're drawing highlights from our Round Table discussion on Seed Sovereignty at this year's annual NOFA/Mass winter conference.  You will hear two inspiring opening statements that preceded the discussion from Amirah Mitchell and Luke Jeffries. You can find Amirah Mitchell at Sistahseeds.com and on Instagram at SistahSeeds. More information on Luke Jeffries and Kenhteke Seed Sanctuary can be found at kenhtekeseedsanctuary.com as well as on Facebook To find more information on the Northeast Organic Farming Association chapter in your state please visit us at NOFA.org For additional information on upcoming workshops, articles and NOFA/Mass project updates, please follow our NOFA/Mass Facebook page and join our mailing list. NOFAmass.org   Music by Matt Jatkola https://mattjatkola.com/ https://mattjatkola.bandcamp.com/ https://jatk.bandcamp.com/ Music by Jason Valcourt https://www.jasonvalcourt.com/ JV on YouTube NOFA Podcast produced and edited by Jason Valcourt   Biography Information Amirah Mitchell is a farmer, seedkeeper and community educator. She holds a B.S. in Horticulture from Temple University and has worked in agriculture since 2007. She has worked on urban farms in Massachusetts, Georgia and Pennsylvania, including four years at Truelove Seeds, a Philadelphia-based farm and seed company. Currently, Amirah is working to start her own farm business, Sistah Seeds, growing heirloom seeds from across the African Diaspora. Luke Jeffries is a Mohawk from Tyendinaga, Mohawk Territory. He is a language learner, avid gardener, and Project Coordinator for Ratinenhayénthos, who operate the Kenhté:ke Seed Sanctuary in Tyendinaga. They have rematriated a seed collection in the last few years and have been working to ensure that the living collection remains viable for future generations.

The Ag Engineering podcast is a conversation with small scale fruit and vegetable farmers to discuss tools, tips or techniques to improve the sustainability of your farm. In this episode, we visit with Howard Prussack of High Meadows Farm to talk about some of the old equipment used on his farm.Visit the show notes for photos, videos or relevant links at http://agengpodcast.comLearn something from the show? Let me know or share feedback here! Support the show

We’re now over a month past the solstice and I can assure you that there’s more light in our day and there will be an end to winter. For now, there certainly is a lot of cold and it’s a shame there’s no way to conduct a harvest. I’m Sean Tubbs and I spend my time indoors with the curtains drawn pouring through meetings and agendas to bring you Charlottesville Community Engagement, a newsletter and podcast that wants you to keep track of the sky. On today’s show:Legislation to allow Charlottesville to hold a referendum on a one percent sales tax  increase for education has passed the SenateCharlottesville needs more time to respond to a lawsuit from a former city managerAlbemarle County begins the redistricting process and may accelerate it due to a pending federal lawsuit that could force House of Delegates races this NovemberCharlottesville’s public housing body is briefed on back rent owed by a third of tenants, and the city wants proposals for three quarters of a million dollars in affordable housing moneyFirst Patreon-fueled shout-out:With winter weather here, now is the time to think about keeping your family warm through the cold Virginia months. Make sure you are getting the most out of your home with help from your local energy nonprofit, LEAP. LEAP wants you and yours to keep comfortable all year round, and offers FREE home weatherization to income- and age-qualifying residents. If you’re age 60 or older, or have an annual household income of less than $74,950, you may qualify for a free energy assessment and home energy improvements such as insulation and air sealing. Sign up today to lower your energy bills, increase comfort, and reduce energy waste at home!Pandemic updateAs Virginia policy on COVID mitigation strategies continues to change with a new Governor, the numbers continue to come in. Today the Virginia Department of Health reports another 10,699 new cases and the seven day-percent positivity is at 29.5 percent. While the trend this week is downward, these numbers are still higher than at most points during the pandemic. In the Blue Ridge Health District, there are another 350 new cases reported today and the seven-day average for new positive tests is at 25.1 percent. There have been four new fatalities reported since Friday in the district. Augusta Health and the University of Virginia Health System are pleading with members of the public to get a COVID vaccination and a booster to reduce strain on the medical infrastructure. “After two years and four surges, COVID-19 has tragically claimed the lives and health of too many in our communities,” reads a joint press release from both entities. “Our care teams are exhausted, both physically and mentally.”The release points out that the vast majority of hospitalized patients are unvaccinated and urges people to get the booster. It also asks people to continue wearing a mask in public but to upgrade to one that is medical grade as opposed to a cloth mask.Richardson lawsuit updateThe city of Charlottesville has asked for more time to respond to a federal lawsuit from former City Manager Tarron Richardson. Richardson filed a civil rights suit in November in the Western District of Virginia against Council and four individuals claiming he was discriminated against after members of Council broke a non-disparagement clause. He was also barred from publishing an op-ed in the Daily Progress. Charlottesville asked for an extension to respond to the argument, and Judge Norman K. Moon has given them until February 16.  See also: Former City Manager Sues Charlottesville, November 24, 2021Chamber of Commerce welcomes new membersThree new people have been added to the Board of Directors for the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce.Eric Mayberry is the president of the Daily Progress as well as director of sales and local marketing. Jonathan Chasen is a private wealth financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors. Rebecca Ivins is a client solutions manager for Hourigan, a construction company that has worked on several projects in Charlottesville including the Dairy Central building, the CODE building, and the Apex building. Charlottesville sales tax bill clears Virginia SenateHere’s a snapshot of where the General Assembly was at the close of business yesterday. The Senate has passed 37 bills, and the House of Delegates of Delegates has passed three, all three of which deal with insurance. So let’s focus today on the 40-member Chamber, where Senator Chap Petersen’s bill to permit hunting on Sunday passed the full Senate on a 29 to 11 vote (SB8). Both Charlottesville and Isle of Wight County are one step closer to being able to hold a referendum for a one percent sales tax increase to support education. SB37 for Isle of Wight County passed on a 27 to 12 vote. SB298 for Charlottesville passed on a 28 to 12 vote. Another bill would allow all localities in Virginia to hold such a referendum also passed on a 28 to 12 vote (SB472). Other bills that have passed the Senate:Legislation to allow employers to offer rewards to people who get the COVID-19 vaccine through their health insurance wellness program has passed on a 19 to 17 vote (SB42)A bill to direct the Department of Health to create a prescription drug awareness program in conjunction with the Board of Pharmacy passed unanimously. (SB14)A locality’s planning commission would have up to 100 days to make a recommendation on a Comprehensive Plan amendment under a bill that passed the Senate on a 26 to 14 vote. (SB35)Candidates for constitutional officers for localities would be required to identify their party registration if the House agrees to (SB39) and Governor Youngkin signs it. The Senate voted 25 to 15.  The Senate unanimously approved a bill to float $101 million in bonds for projects at Virginia Tech and James Madison University (SB93).Juvenile and Domestic Courts could waive the requirement for the ceremonial occasion when a minor gets a driver’s license if SB139 if the House agrees. The Senate passed it unanimously. (SB139)Candidates for public office would have to file campaign finance reports electronically under SB222, which passed the Senate unanimously. Another bill to expand required disclosures for who pays for campaign advertisements also passed the Senate on a 23 to 15 vote (SB318). Finally for the Senate, a bill to allow Arlington County to appoint an independent police auditor passed on a 21 to 19 vote (SB388). Second Patreon-fueled shout out goes to WTJUAlgorithms know how to put songs and artists together based on genre or beats per minute. But only people can make connections that engage your mind and warm your heart. The music on WTJU 91.1 FM is chosen by dozens and dozens of volunteer hosts -- music lovers like you who live right here in the Charlottesville area. Listener donations keep WTJU alive and thriving. In this era of algorithm-driven everything, go against the grain. Support freeform community radio on WTJU and get ready for the Folk Marathon, beginning on February 7. Consider a donation at wtju.net/donate.Public housing agency owed $100K in unpaid rent At last night’s meeting of the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority, one Commission noted that there is a great deal of unpaid rent on the agency’s books.“We have roughly a third of our public housing residents not paying their rent,” said John Sales, the CRHA’s executive director. In all, the CRHA is owed about $100,000 in back rent but Sales said that’s not the only financial hit public housing takes as a result because a federal match cannot be made. “And CRHA is not receiving the rental subsidy on it which negatively impacts the overall financial standing of the housing authority,” Sales said. The CRHA has been redirecting other funds towards covering the shortfall with grant funding covering April, May and half of June from last year. Sales said continuing lack of rent payment continues to trouble the federal government.“[The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development] is calling it out at every meeting and asks where we are doing to address it,” Sales said. The CRHA’s fiscal year ends on March 31. Sales said the agency is hiring an eviction prevention coordinator and housing stabilization position soon to work with families.“There is a policy now where the housing authority has to work with the families before moving forward with any eviction proceeding to at least get them to attempt to get the rent relief program,” Sales said. Sales said eviction is a last resort. The average rental payment is $247 a month and the monthly operating expense to run CRHA is currently $265,927. HUD considered CRHA to be a “troubled” agency and there will be an audit on March 16. At the meeting, former Charlottesville Mayor Nikuyah Walker was officially appointed to serve on the CRHA’s redevelopment committee in an at-large capacity.City seeking affordable housing proposals Since 2007, Charlottesville has had an affordable housing fund to help create and preserve affordable housing units. Today they’ve begun the process of soliciting proposals for how to use $750,000 from the current fiscal year’s capital budget. The notice for funding availability (NOFA) refers to the affordable housing plan adopted by Council last March. “This Plan recommends that the City make a strong and recurring financial commitment to address housing needs in Charlottesville in order to increase the number of subsidized affordable homes by 1,100 homes, preserve existing 600 existing subdidized affordable homes, and stabilize 1,800 to 2,000 owner and renter households facing housing instability,” reads the application.The application comes at a time when the firm HR&A continues to work on an audit of how the housing fund has been used. They gave a preliminary report to Council on December 20 that states the city has not tracked how the $38 million in local funds have been used to date. The current capital improvement program budget for this year includes $1.5 million for CHRA redevelopment, $900,000 for the supplemental rental assistance program, and over $3 million for the redevelopment of Friendship Court. The budget actually shows a line item of $925,000 for the housing fund this year. Questions are out but the answers will come in a future edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement. See also: Council briefed on affordable housing funds, December 31, 2021Goldman lawsuit prompting Albemarle to consider expedited redistricting scheduleThe redistricting process in Albemarle County got underway last night with an information session on how it will work out. Guidelines require magisterial districts to be contained with Virginia’s legislative and Congressional lines. Under the new maps approved in late December by the Virginia Supreme Court, Albemarle falls entirely within the new 11th Senate District.“Albemarle County falls into two different Virginia House of Delegates districts, the 54th which is basically the urban ring around the city of Charlottesville and then the 55th which is the majority of the county,” said Anthony Bessette, the Senior Assistant County Attorney.There’s a slight glitch when it comes to the new House of Representatives maps.“Almost all of Albemarle County is in the 5th District but there is a tiny sliver up [north] that is in the 7th District,” Bessette said. There’s even a Twitter account for the sliver. Since 2010, Albemarle’s population grew by 13,385 people according to the Census but the growth isn’t even.“Rio and White Hall grew a great deal whereas on the other hand Scottsville did not grow at the same pace,” Bessette said. That means the Rio District and White Hall districts will need to be reduced in size and others will need to be expanded. In December, Supervisors approved preliminary guidelines that would keep their number at six. “The determination of whether to have six supervisors, five, four, seven, eight, etc, is a local decision that the Board of Supervisors gets to make,” Bessette said. Because of a federal lawsuit that may force an election for the House of Delegates this year, staff is now recommending an accelerated schedule in order to prepare for potential primaries in June. “Long story short on that is that timeline would see the process compressed further to begin on February 2 and end on March 23,” Bessette said. Attorney Paul Goldman has filed suit against the state Board of Elections arguing that the current districts for the House of Delegates are unconstitutional because they are out of date. Goldman filed a brief on January 18 in the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and attorneys for the Board of Elections have until January 28 to file additional materials. Public comment on redistricting will be taken at their February 2 meeting. The maps that have been developed so far were not shown to the public at the information session. Registrar Jake Washburne said three maps are being proposed. “We are planning to send those to the Board of Supervisors so they can be placed on the Board of Supervisors’ agenda for February 2,” Washburne said.  If you want to submit written comments:Richard J. WashburneGeneral Registrar Albemarle County Department of Voter Registration and Elections 1600 5th Street Charlottesville VA 22902 rwashburne@albemarle.orgThanks for reading!For ways to support this newsletter visit Information Charlottesville. Please send this on to someone else so we can grow the audience. Please let me know if you have questions! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Later this week the CT League of Conservation Voters will be hosting their 2022 Environmental Summit, so we'll check-in to see what's in store as lawmakers, advocates, policy experts, and the public discover what key environmental issues are on the table for the 2022 state legislative session. Then we'll visit with the director of CT's Office of Health Strategy to look into the business of health care as delivered by local hospitals with a review of key data from the OHS Annual Report on the Financial Status of Connecticut's Short Term Acute Care Hospitals. And we'll close touching base with the The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut - previewing their 40th Winter Conference. Find out why you should attend this virtual event offering over 20 workshops on farming, seed saving, organic land care, community food security, social justice issues, and more. 

On this episode... MAKE SEX SACRED AGAIN.If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a 5 star rating! It will help more guys find and benefit from the show.It's now super simple to schedule a free clarity call with me!Go here to easily schedule a call and let's chat: https://calendly.com/stevenmathis----For questions, feedback, or more information on private coaching, you can also hit me up on one of these channels:Text me, or call me and leave me a voice message anytime:801-742-1439Connect on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/stevenmathisConnect on Telegram:https://t.me/HolisticAlphaConnect on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/stevenlmathis/https://www.instagram.com/holisticalpha/Email me:steven@holisticalpha.comJoin me on Spotify Greenroom for upcoming live audio group chats:https://spotifygr.link/9Aw3z3cx7jbMy favorite herbal supplement company for testosterone and performance enhancing herbs: Lost Empire Herbs - use the code "holisticalpha" at checkout for 15% off.

Isehlukaniso wuhambo olungelula neze ukuluhamba,ikakhulukazi uma kubandakanyeka nezingane, ungalindela isikhisi esidephile impela.Izingane zithenteka kabi ngokuhlukanisa kwabazali bazo, uMama noBaba kumele bazi bazobhekana kanjani ngokwesaba nokudideka kwezingane zabo.

•  I'm a second generation builder, so I started in diapers, I spent summers... My dad was a developer here in Chico, so I spent summers working on the job. After school? Yeah, so grew up on the job site, then decided to go to college to do something else, was a Recreation major and somehow ended up back in construction. I'm married to also a second generation builder, so we in our spare time, always built together, got into houses, redone them and we were in the process of redoing our house when the Camp Fire struck. So hence, that led me to a lot of time on my skid steer on our property and our neighbor's property, and then reconstructing with my family, which has been quite a dream, it's been great. (01:23)•  Without a doubt, it's one talking to girls who... Anybody really that will listen really about how great construction is, especially girls, because my generation a 20 something year-old, that book wasn't really open to me, that platform. It should have been, and being in a building family, definitely it should have been. But really then, it really wasn't. So right now, I'm just trying to tell any girl that will listen, consider construction as a career choice, really anybody... You don't have to go to college if you want to do construction, but to be able to see what you physically build at the end of the day is such a beautiful thing. And really, my calling right now is launching a mobile training unit that will travel to areas that have been affected by wildfire. (3:33)•   It would be amazing if I had unlimited funds to do anything with, so it's been something that we've been throwing around to the Valley Contractor's Exchange, which for those that don't know, builders exchanges are non-profit member-based construction associations. I have the greatest job when I'm not physically out there building, I get to advocate locally for building and whatever that looks like in various communities throughout the country. So it's been something we've been talking about here for 20 years, how great would that be, and we've been trying to find community partners to do that with community colleges or office of education or just other community partners that could help us make that a reality, and we never really got anywhere on that. And so the silver learnings that come out of these terrible natural disasters like we experienced with the Camp Fire and then the subsequent North Complex Fire, fortunately, unfortunately, provides some funding sources that aren't typically available to us. (06:42)•  Yeah, ideally, if they have two weeks to spend with us, that's an 80-hour per core curriculum, it's an industry recognized all over the United States and is recognized basic construction skills and safety. So they can take that if they want to enter the work force, which... No joke, that's what we're also trying to do here, when we talk about rebuilding after the Camp Fire, rebuilding Paradise, it's painfully slow only because we don't have the physical bodies to the work, so if we can empower people... And the other part of that is construction is a really intimidating industry to get into, especially as a woman, right? Like physically go on a job site and show up, you have to show up and utilize those tools and equipment and know what you're doing. It's hard, it's intimidating. So I feel like if we can go into these communities and teach them those basics and then empower them and have them physically build something, and then they can look at it and say, Wow, I did that. (10:48)•   Do you have a goal date? I do. The goal, the drop dead date. I'm going to say January 1st. I think it'll be... I think the pieces will be together before then... Yeah, so we're securing funding right now, the NOFA hasn't even been released yet, but we're still filling out the application, we've had several conversations with the EGA, this is right on their radar, like this is right in line with what they're trying to achieve, not only through fire rebuilding, because we're coming out of COVID also,  and then we've talked to our local community foundations. We're going to talk to them about funding. BCE does have some money in the bank, so they can have some skin in that game too. And then go out to industry and ask them to put their skin in the game, because we know they need employees... And the other part of what we're going to do here is take this truck and trailer to schools, there's no more construction tech classes in high schools and middle schools. And so right now, on a very small scale, we do construction camps with the Boys and Girls Club, we do construction camps with our local recreation district to grow those programs too. (13:10)•  Yeah, so happy to be alive and to have my family and to realize the only things that we lost were just things... We were home, so we were able to get our pets loaded up, we've been evacuated several times, so you know, I know how to pack... I have my favorite underwear, stupid stuff like that, you lose most of your clothes, but just be able to put on that perfect pair, it's crazy. But we didn't take the other things like the paintings that my grandmother did and my grandfather's war memorabilia, that stuff sucks, but the rest of it is just really things... I have my family and I have a great husband that knows how to build. So that first two months, we didn't know where we were going to live and life is just got really strange and has weird ways of taking care of you.  (19:17) ABOUT AMY:Amy Rohrer, Co-Owner of Rohrer Construction and Executive Director of Valley Contractors Exchange, is a second-generation builder living in Butte Creek Canyon. Amy is passionate about empowering girls and women in construction! She engages youth by teaching construction camps with the Boys and Girls Club, and summer camps where she is sure to offer an equal number of Girls Build! camps.  After their family's home and construction shop was lost in the 2018 Camp Fire, She and her husband got HAZWOPER certified and spent 6 months removing the ash and debris from their property, as well as their neighbor's property, before they got down to the business of rebuilding. In fall of 2021, she is launching a mobile training unit that will travel to burned-out communities and teach fire survivors basic construction safety and skills though hands-on-tools community rebuilding projects.  In her work life, Amy is happiest on her skid steer (named Miss Kitty), pouring concrete, or framing and standing walls. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband and 2 teen-age sons, playing golf, soccer, and paddle boarding.  Amy is fond of saying, “I may be 5' 2' and 110 pounds but put me on a piece of equipment and I am just as strong as a 6' tall bodybuilder!” WAYS TO CONNECT WITH STEFANIE…• Website: https://shebuildshomes.com• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shebuildsbetter• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shebuilds.homes• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/shebuildsshow

Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai speaks at NOFA/Mass 2018 with Jackson Madnick, an innovator who has developed an ultra low maintenance lawn seed. This is an all natural, non GMO slow growing grass which needs to be mowed only once every 4 to 6 weeks! ***** Website:..

Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai and the Shiva 4 Senate Campaign team at NOFA/Mass 2018 held on January 13, 2018 at Worcester, MA. Say NO to Monsanto, NO to GMOs! ***** Website: https://Shiva4senate.com Support Shiva4Senate Campaign: https://Shiva4senate.com/donate ..

Michael J. Novogradac, CPA, discusses what's at stake in today's midterm elections and shares another update on tax extenders legislation. Then, he reviews the inflation-adjusted LIHTC and private activity bond caps for 2011; shares the IRS's announcement about the 2010 national pool; summarizes HUD's proposed rules for the national Housing Trust Fund; and shares information a NOFA released by the state of New York. Then, he shares highlights from Rosa Martinez's keynote address the New Markets Tax Credit Investors Conference in Chicago. Next, he discusses a task force that is examining the National Park Service's administration of historic preservation programs, including the historic tax credit. And finally he discusses Sen. Sherrod Brown's call to extend and expand the Section 48C tax credit program, and summarizes a report about jobs created by the geothermal energy industry.