Podcasts about orton family foundation

Series: Edible Schoolyards   Episode Description: “School meals are part of the education day.” —Betsy Rosenbluth   For far too long, the school lunchroom has been the butt of jokes and the source of dread for students and parents alike. Mention the words "cafeteria food" and visions of limp, gray mystery meat and rock-hard tater tots immediately come to mind. This pervasive stigma has reduced the lunchroom to a place where kids simply have to get through the meal as quickly as possible before rushing off to their next class.   By changing the culture and elevating the dining experience, we can empower students to see the cafeteria as an extension of the classroom, where they can learn about nutrition, explore new flavors, and take pride in the food that fuels their growing bodies and minds.   This week, we hear how we can transform the lunch room into a place of nourishment, community, and joy with Betsy Rosenbluth. Betsy is the Farm to School Director at Shelburne Farms, a nonprofit organization on a 1400-acre working farm in Vermont. For the past 10 years, Betsy has been spearheading efforts to expand farm-to-school programming across Vermont and support a national movement to transform the school food system.   Stay tuned as Justine and Betsy talk about the importance of tailoring programs to local needs, overcoming supply chain challenges, empowering students to make informed choices about their food, the benefits of building partnerships, and how farm-to-school programs are inspiring long-term impacts.  Connect with Betsy:  Betsy is Co-Director of Vermont FEED, a nationally recognized farm-to-school partnership program of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont and Shelburne Farms. Betsy also coordinates the Vermont Farm to School & Early Childhood Network and the Northeast Farm to School Collaborative and serves on the Advisory Board of the National Farm to School Network.   Prior to joining Shelburne Farms, Betsy helped establish the Burlington School Food Project and Education for Sustainability programs in Burlington schools. She also helped Vermont FEED draft and pass Vermont's first Farm to School bill and grant program. She led the effort to create a Lake Champlain museum on Burlington's waterfront with a nationally recognized youth employment program. Most recently, Betsy was Director of Projects and Interim Director at the Orton Family Foundation with a focus on community planning, development, and engagement in small cities and towns.    Website Facebook X  Instagram   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:06 Mission: Educate and Cultivate  06:38 Tailoring Programs to Communities 11:30 Getting Schools' Attention 15:34 Getting Funding and the Importance of Partnerships 18:31 Incorporating Values 22:45 Celebrating Food Through Cooking Competitions  26:37 Empowering Kids to Try New Things  

With Jen Cirillo and Betsy Rosenbluth of Shelburne Farms What is farm to school? Are there any common misconceptions about it? Why is farm to school such an essential part of the educational journey? In this lively discussion, Jen and Betsy walk us through the three Cs of farm to school, how educators can better incorporate it into their teaching (without taking up too much extra time!), the core values underlying the practice, and the ways our current food system reinforces injustice and inequity. There's also talk of salamanders, overcoming barriers, forging meaningful relationships, and the importance of throwing a party! (A bad plant pun might have found its way into the mix, too…) Guests: Jen Cirillo serves as Director of Professional Learning at Shelburne Farms. She brings 20 years of experience in Education for Sustainability (EFS) from co-developing and teaching a teen program integrating art, science, and sustainability to her most recent work leading professional learning programs around the world. Jen has a strong background in standards-based curriculum development, facilitation, and evaluation, plus a wealth of experience engaging schools and communities in creating a vision for a just and healthy future. Jen holds a B.S. from the University of Vermont and an M.S. from the Audubon Expedition Institute/Lesley University. Betsy Rosenbluth is Project Director of Vermont FEED, a nationally recognized farm-to-school partnership program of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont and Shelburne Farms.  Betsy also helped to establish the Burlington School Food Project and Education for Sustainability programs in Burlington schools. Prior to joining Shelburne Farms, Betsy was Director of Projects at the Orton Family Foundation. *Episode edited by M. Angel Goñi Avila

Community Heart & Soul is a community engagement process at work in towns across the country. Created by the Orton Family Foundation as a way to help communities involve everyone, invest in what matters most to residents, and plan for the future, the process is being explored by several Virginia communities. In this conversation, Orton Family Foundation Director of Training Sara Lightner gives a background of the program and highlights how it's been used over the past decade. "Really listening, and trying to ensure that everyone is part of the conversation helps to weave everyone together so that the long game is part of it," says Lightner. "We're not just here for the right now, but we're here to make sure the decisions we make now take into account impacts years to come." In Virginia, the communities of Bowling Green, Orange, and the Alleghany Highlands are all exploring the Community Heart & Soul model. Get more information on Community Heart & Soul here.

Mary Woods is an artist, a poet, and the author of "The Heart of the Matter,” which guides the reader to becoming wholeheartedly happy. I know Mary through her service work with Beloved Community Council and Heart of Williamsport. We've worked on the HoW project for three years, and it's amazing to see the change of heart she's experienced as the project assistant. HoW's mission is to collect stories from our diverse community, identify what people value, and share this information to guide Williamsport’s future. Developed by the Orton Family Foundation, the Heart & Soul Community program empowers people to shape the future of their communities by improving local decision-making, creating a shared sense of belonging, and ultimately strengthening the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of each place. It's a fuzzy concept, but after a few years of working together, we think we have it down pat. Mary does, at least. She's been talking to hundreds of people, one-on-one, with interviews and then follow-up conversations to develop clarity on what the people of Williamsport value. The amazing thing is, the program mirrors her book, which she authored years before HoW took over her life.  She describes the book as, the result of a willingness to listen to and follow her heart. Mary is married to David DeFebo. And you know I can relate to that. It is a spiritual message that transcends different beliefs and divisions, so that we can remember the love that unites us all. I enjoy working with Mary on local projects because she’s an optimist and is always kind. She’s obviously taking her own advice. Learn more about Mary's book on Amazon: "The Heart of the Matter" is an idea whose time has come. It is a simple, yet profound message that will hit a chord and resonate in your heart because it rings true. Like a children's book for adults, it is a fast and easy read, reminding grown ups of the innate wisdom that their inner child never forgot. This is a book about the whole heart that guides the reader to an experience of being wholeheartedly happy. It is a spiritual message that transcends different beliefs and divisions, so we can remember the love that unites us all at heart. Highlighted with original poems, as well as quotes from A Course In Miracles to Swami Beyondananda, it is an inspirational and heartfelt look at life that takes us to the very heart of the matter.

Increasingly, philanthropic organizations are thinking more broadly about how to support systemic change in local communities. On this call, you’ll hear how three foundations are investing in long-term transformation using Community Heart & Soul®, the Orton Family Foundation’s community development model. Speakers: –Brad Ward, director of community philanthropy, Council on Foundations At the Council, Brad interacts with hundreds of community foundations across the U.S. and with colleagues in North America. His specialty is engaging a variety of constituents in community philanthropy and navigating an innovative new era of community leadership and philanthropic engagement for the field. –Gabrielle Ratté Smith, senior associate for strategic partnerships, Orton Family Foundation Gabrielle was a founding member of Community Heart & Soul in Essex, Vermont. In her role at Orton, she helps funders design programs that use the Heart & Soul model to bring about positive change in small cities and towns. -- Kathy Kreuchauf, president, Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Under Kathy’s leadership, The Community Foundation launched successful initiatives to strengthen the local non-profit community’s board and staff leadership, as well as a unique partnership with the Orton Family Foundation to support the on-going economic and social viability of small towns in western Ohio. -–Nancy Van Milligen, president and CEO, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Nancy has helped to grow the Foundation’s charitable funds to more than $55 million and established it as a trailblazer in community leadership and engagement initiatives. Nancy is a past president of the Iowa Council on Foundations. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque is working with communities in western Iowa using the Community Heart & Soul model. -–Susan DeVenny, executive director, J. Marion Sims Foundation At the helm of J. Marion Sims since 2015, Susan brings over 30 years of experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, most recently serving as the state director for SC First Steps to School Readiness, South Carolina’s early childhood agency. The Foundation is working with Orton as part of Sims’ ongoing commitment to lift up and empower community voices to support a healthy community. -–Fran Stoddard, moderator A national award-winning producer of video programs, Fran produced and hosted a popular interview program on Vermont Public Television for more than a decade. She frequently serves as moderator for community events and has served on numerous non-profit boards. This FREE event was recorded at 1-2 p.m. Eastern, Thursday, Nov. 30. Presented in partnership with the Council on Foundations. Follow along with our Google Doc here: http://bit.ly/2ySs6XV.

Deep community engagement gives local leaders the courage to take risks that lead to positive change. The Orton Family Foundation pioneered the community development method Community Heart & Soul® based on that premise. On this call, you’ll hear how three leaders went beyond a "check the box" approach to engagement, working with residents to create ambitious plans that have led to dramatic and lasting results in their towns. Speakers: --Jim Bennett, city manager, Biddeford, Maine, and past ICMA president. Community engagement led the city to buy and tear down an incinerator in the downtown, spurring major revitalization. Jim has an impressive history of public service in Maine, beginning at the age of 21 as an elected municipal official. Over his 35 years of municipal service, the communities he has served have received a number of recognitions, including All-American City designation. He has been recognized by ICMA for several outstanding programs implemented under his direction as well as awarded the Manager of the Year by Maine Town and City Managers Association. --Mike Bestor, former city manager, Golden, Colorado, and ICMA member. Empowered by the input of more than 2,000 local residents, city staff revamped development review guidelines to ensure growth aligns with what residents want for their town’s future. --Kirsten Sackett, community development director, Ellensburg, Washington. Kirsten led a Community Heart & Soul project in Cortez, Colorado that got a diverse group of residents participating in local government and built bridges to underrepresented communities. She liked the results so much she’s doing the same thing in Ellensburg. Presented in partnership with International City/County Management Association (ICMA). Follow along with our Google Doc: http://bit.ly/2gAH1Zl.

Storytelling is a powerful way to broadly engage a community and hear from voices that often go unheard. Hear how storytelling has brought residents together, bridged long-standing divides, and ultimately helped community foundations make positive, lasting, and meaningful impact. This conversation is co-sponsored by Council on Foundations and Orton Family Foundation and focuses on storytelling in the Community Heart & Soul™ method of community development. With guests Nancy Van Milligen, president and chief executive, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque in Iowa; Katherine Kreuchauf, president of the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation in Ohio, Jason Neises, Heart & Soul coordinator, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, and Monica Palmquist, a community organizer who served on her town’s Heart & Soul Team in Cortez, Colorado. Hosted by Fran Stoddard of the Orton Family Foundation. "Our foundation has been leading effective community engagement since 2005. We believe strongly that local decision making is key to building strong, sustainable communities. With Orton's experience, support, and resources like the Community Heart & Soul Field Guide, we see an opportunity to move our work from good to great." Nancy Van Milligen, president and chief executive officer, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa. Follow along with in our Google Doc: http://bit.ly/1T9d8yN

Young people often feel left out of the larger community conversation, yet can bring fresh eyes, optimism and enthusiasm to any initiative. And, in many cases they want to be included, but just haven’t been asked. On this call recording, you’ll hear about the benefits of youth inclusion from the perspective of students and their elders. The results might surprise you. Featured speakers are Mark Nahorney, director of community relations, University of New England, who led an effort to get college students engaged in activities in downtown Biddeford, Maine. Andrew Cimonetti is a sophomore at the University of Vermont from Essex, Vermont. He played a key role in his town's Community Heart & Soul™ project, serving as co-chair of the Heart & Soul Team. Ali Lightfoot is production manager at public radio station KVNF in Paonia, Colorado. She directs "Pass the Mic," a youth (ages 8-12) reporting project that was instrumental in breaking down barriers and bringing new voices into the conversation about the region's future. Hosted by Fran Stoddard of Orton Family Foundation. Follow along with our Google Doc: http://bit.ly/1PSDAHp

Community Heart & Soul™ had its genesis in one planning commissioner’s frustration with business-as-usual planning. Orton Family Foundation founder Lyman Orton saw flaws in a development review system that left decisions that affected the entire community in the hands of a few. Community Heart & Soul shifts the paradigm by starting with deep community engagement that results in clear priorities based on what matters most to all residents. Learn more about how this barn-raising approach to community development can benefit your town. Alece Montez-Griego, Orton director of programs, is joined by Rick Muriby, planning manager, Golden, Colorado, and Jane Lafleur, executive director, Friends of Midcoast Maine. Follow along with the Google Doc notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h_wgG-ebp0m-c-N_ih_9xrDtfAJn-Aw3-yCHyd8UUB4/edit

Hear how Community Heart & Soul™ offers a way to involve everyone—from business owners to neighbors—in planning and development that leads to lasting results. The bottom line: knowing what a community wants upfront reduces risk for developers, increases investor confidence and makes possibilities happen in a way that benefits community members and investors. Listen to this lively call on how Heart & Soul sparks transformation with Jared Duval, economic development director, Vermont Department of Economic Development and Orton Family Foundation trustee; Daniel Stevenson, director of economic and community development, Biddeford, Maine, and Patrick Wright, executive director, Gardiner Main Street, Gardiner, Maine. Follow along with our collaborative notes: http://bit.ly/1I2bdVp

Psst!! How do you start the buzz about a community design project and get people to participate? Listen to this recording to learn about spreading the word in your town, including tips and tools for working with local press, developing project messaging, and preparing an effective communications plan. Our speakers on this call were Amy Frykman, Vice President at Resource Media and Fran Stoddard, Communications Consultant at the Orton Family Foundation. This call is part of a capacity building series offered jointly by CommunityMatters and the Citizens’ Institute on Rural Design. Access call notes online at http://bit.ly/18OT1NV

This call will help you think through critical steps in shaping a successful CIRD application or any community-centered design project. You'll get tips and resources for building partnerships, involving a diverse cross-section of the community, and designing a project that fits with local values and priorities. Featuring Ariana McBride, Senior Associate at the Orton Family Foundation and Shelley Mastran, former Co-Director, Citizens' Institute on Rural Design

This call provides a brief introduction to CIRD and the 2013 Request for Proposals from program partners. Featuring Cynthia Nikitin, Vice President of Project for Public Spaces and Rebecca Sanborn Stone from the Orton Family Foundation. Recorded on January 23, 2013. Notes available online at bit.ly/136KqmF.

We all tell stories about ourselves, our histories, and our places. But how often do those stories play a role in deciding your community's future? This call recording focuses on how communities across the country can use stories to identify residents' values, strengthen relationships, and shape community planning decisions. Featuring Barbara Ganley, Director of Community Expressions, LLC and Betsy Rosenbluth, Director of Projects at the Orton Family Foundation. Call recorded on January 26, 2012. Notes available online at bit.ly/rHpY5F.

Is your community looking to involve more citizens and enhance what makes it special? On this recording, you'll learn about a new kind of community planning - where meetings are held over potluck dinners and in neighborhood living rooms and citizen feedback means sticky notes and storytelling celebrations. Featuring Jane Lafleur, Executive Director of Friends of Midcoast Maine and Damariscotta Heart & Soul Coordinator and Betsy Rosenbluth, Director of Projects at the Orton Family Foundation. Recorded on December 15, 2010. Call notes available online at bit.ly/fCSwEe.