Exciting "Local Food" Meeting in April!

Our April 15 meeting is not to be missed! With the topic of "Local Food: Farms & Markets," we will have a fabulous panel of farmers, restauranteurs and buying club representatives in addition to lots of info from other farms and HMN-created lists of farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture shares, and local sources of natural, pasture-raised meat and milk.

Our speakers will also address issues of policy that affect local farmers and explain the costs, joys, and challenges of sustainable farming.

If you've been looking for ways to make your food dollars support local businesses, get this event on your calendar!

Doors open at 6:30, so come early to peruse the info and enjoy some refreshments. The presentation will start promptly at 7:00 and will feature representatives from

• Blenheim Organic Farm
• Food Matters Restaurant
• The Local Flavor Farm Buyer's Club
  
• Smith Meadows Farms

There will also be some great donations from local food-related businesses. If you want to donate refreshments or gift certificates for this event -- or if you'd like to send brochures/materials to go on our info table, please contact holisticmomsarlalex (at) gmail (dot) com.

The meeting will be held at our regular location, 716 S. Glebe Rd. Arlington, VA 22204. (Thank you to AUMC for donating space.) Children are welcome to attend

Organic Gardening meeting

Mitch Baker, lead horticulturist at American Plant in Bethesda MD, talked with us on March 18, 2010 about topics surrounding organic gardening. Mitch emphasized the importance of using organic composts and fertilizers in order to "feed well what is feeding you." Mitch said that most people buy simply the most nationally advertised brands of synthetic fertilizers, not aware of the processing and waste effects on the environment, and how most of these products only hold half of the nutrients of their organic counterparts (which makes organic compost/fertilizers more cost effective in the long run). Mitch also spoke on the topics of soil analysis, mulching, natural insect deterrents, container gardening, and seed charts.

Thanks for the great information, Mitch!

Green Living Expo a great success!

On March 20, our chapter and the Northern Virginia chapter worked in the Kids' Area of the Green Living Expo, sponsored by Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment. We helped children make collages, caterpillars and shakers using natural and recycled materials. Thanks to all the volunteers who came out to help!

















At the end of the day, Autumn Wilson of YogaChai did a family yoga demonstration that was enjoyed by all. Autumn is a mom of three and will be one of the speakers at our May 20 Yoga Night meeting.

Join HMN at the ACE Green Living Expo

Holistic Moms will be helping out with the Green Living Expo sponsored by Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment this Saturday, March 20. We will be doing crafts in the Kids' Area 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and then there will be a yoga demonstration at 3:15 p.m. The event ends at 4:00.

The Expo will feature vendors on the topics of Energy Conservation, eco-friendly commuting, healthy homes, and sustainable living.

Location: NRECA building, 4301 Wilson Blvd in Arlington (near Ballston Metro and on bus routes. The building’s garage (access on Taylor St.) be open only until 12 noon (exit anytime). If arriving after 12, Ballston Mall across the street is the best bet for parking.

In the Kids’ Area 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.:

-Native flower seed planting

-Natural and recycled crafts with Holistic Moms Network and Potomac Crescent Waldorf School

-Eco-themed games led by Arlington Regional Master Naturalists

-Long Branch Nature Center naturalist discussion/display on habitat and critters (10 a.m.-1 p.m. only)

3:15 in the Kids’ Area: Yoga Demonstration led by YogaChai of DC

Also of interest to kids: bike maintenance demos, tours of the “Little Green House” built by students at Arlington’s Career Center, and an “Energy Cycle” that measures human activity in relation to the power required for tools and machines.

Also at the Expo: Exhibitors and vendors on a wide variety of green topics, seminars, snacks for sale from Whole Foods Market, raffle items.

Hope to see you there!

Organic Gardening in March

Join us on Thursday, March 18 for a lively presentation and discussion on organic gardening with Mitch Baker of American Plant, a family-owned business committed to EarthWise gardening. The meeting will be 7-9 p.m. at 716 S. Glebe Road in Arlington United Methodist Church. The church parking lot is located on the north side of the building, accessible from both Glebe Rd. and S. 7th St. (the side street with the traffic light). Enter the left side of the portico and follow the signs. Children are always welcome at meetings.

March Moms Night Out - Learning about Polyface Farm

A group of moms got together on March 8 to watch the Polyface Farm DVD and learn about the pioneering sustainable farming practices of Joel Salatin, who has been profiled in the Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan and in Fresh, the movie, among other numerous other places. Some of us have already purchased tickets to visit the farm this summer as part of the $10.50 "lunatic tours."