Nonprofit Aggregator: Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington

This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Accokeek Foundation.

The park is closed on Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28, due to Hurricane Irene.

This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Accokeek Foundation.

This Week’s Harvest Leeks Dried Onions Garlic Frond Fennel Beans Figs Peppers Tomatoes Summer Squash Potatoes While we strive for consistency at the Ecosystem Farm, we ask that our SHAREholders please keep in mind that Friday and Tuesday harvests will not always be the same. For your convenience, an exact harvest list will be posted in the packing shed.

This week has been an eventful one at the Ecosystem Farm, as we were hit with one natural disaster and are now preparing for another. The 5.8-magnitude earthquake that rumbled along the East Coast on Tuesday struck us as we were washing produce in the packing shed. It was the first earthquake that we’ve ever experienced, and was quite a surprise; while the packing shed did shake quite a bit, it is still standing.

Of course, an earthquake isn’t enough: Hurricane Irene is set to hit us this weekend, with the potential to bring with it both wind and rain. To prepare, we’ve put our transplants in the greenhouse and will move those items in the barn and packing shed that might not fare well in a flood, from our hand-tools and cardboard boxes to our seeds. The last big hurricane that swept through the region—Hurricane Isabel, in 2003—brought floodwaters up from behind the barn and into the shed, so we will be on the lookout for similar damage. And just in time for the storm, we are pleased to report that our river irrigation pump is up and running (although we haven’t had need to use it).

In spite of this outrageous week, this has been a great August—especially when compared to the hot and humid month of July. While it’s still summer, there has been a noticeable shift into a more pleasant time, as evidenced by the new birds that have migrated into the area (not to mention those that have left already) and the shorter days and cooler temperatures that are so welcomed by our summer-weary selves.

Below, photos from this week on the Ecosystem Farm. Click images to enlarge, or view them on Flickr.

This Week’s Recipe: Pesto Pasta with Green Beans and Potatoes

Recipe from Real Simple

Ingredients:

1 1-pound box linguine or spaghetti

8 ounces (1/2 pound) potatoes (peeled if desired)

1 tablespoon kosher salt

10 ounces green beans, ends trimmed

1 cup pesto

1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated Parmesan

1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
2. Meanwhile, place potatoes and salt in large saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are almost but not quite tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Add beans and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain potatoes and green beans in colander. Let cool slightly. Cut potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces and cut green beans into 1-inch pieces.
4. Place pasta in large bowl and add potatoes, green beans, pesto, Parmesan, and pine nuts (if desired). Toss to combine.

Upcoming Events

Beekeeping Workshop: Saturday, August 27, 2011, 10 a.m. to Noon, Education Center: Join Jose Castillo of the Ecosystem Farm for an introduction to beekeeping, a wonderful pastime that is well-suited to our area and greatly beneficial to our local environment. This course will address the what, where, and how of basic beekeeping throughout the seasons. Participants will spend time both in- and outdoors. Registration required; click here to register.

Local Food Forum: Tuesday, September 6, 2011, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Education Center: The Local Food Forum is a monthly meeting of producers and consumers interested in local food. We discuss locally-grown fruits, vegetables, eggs and meat—from where to find them to how to make them more available.

This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Art Enables's Facebook Wall.

http://art-enables.org/special/special.php?specialID=33


Art Enables - End of Summer Break
art-enables.org

This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Accokeek Foundation.

The Accokeek Foundation, a progressive, nonprofit educational organization involved in land and historical preservation and sustainable agriculture, is seeking a Registration Coordinator to assist with education programs for diverse audiences. Each year, the Foundation presents about 100 events ranging from large public celebrations and performances to small educational workshops.

The ideal candidate is not only a helpful sales person, but also an ambassador for the organization. As the front-line staff member for registration, this position will interact with a wide range of individuals and represent the main point of contact between the public and other Accokeek Foundation staff members. This is a mission-critical position. Responsibilities include:

• Screen all incoming calls, mail, and general email.
• Thoughtfully and knowledgeably answer inquiries regarding the organization and specific events.
• Provide excellent customer service during all registration and donation interactions.
• Enter and update contact information, registrations, and payments in a timely and accurate manner.
• Handle contact and financial information with the utmost care and confidentiality.
• Monitor and coordinate all event registration via our database, as well as phone, online, and mail registrations.
• Send confirmations and invoices.
• Reconcile all transactions and provide follow up after each event, including management of survey data.
• Work with Foundation staff to resolve any concerns, complaints, and disputes in a timely and discrete manner.
• Manage calendars, perform general administrative duties, and provide other assistance as needed.

Skills Needed: Excellent verbal and written communication skills and comfort on the phone. Strong interpersonal skills (ability to interact professionally with the general public, with staff members and volunteers as well as Board of Trustees and major donors is critical to the position). Attention to detail and demonstrated punctuality. Experience handling money and demonstrated absolute integrity and honesty in handling credit card information, personal checks, and cash. Ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines in a busy work environment. Attention to detail. Proficiency in using technology, including cloud computing applications, as well as Microsoft Office Suite programs. Proficiency in spoken Spanish is highly desirable.

Personal Attributes: Ability to work independently and as a team member. Self directed, yet willing to learn and take direction when needed. Ability to work well under pressure and in a fast-paced environment with a diverse range of coworkers and volunteers. Outgoing, friendly, organized, detail-oriented, patient, and creative.

The position is 40 hours per week, 9am to 5pm Monday-Friday. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required. Starting salary range is $19,000-21,000 per year. The Accokeek Foundation provides a generous employee benefit package including health insurance, paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave, and a retirement plan. Great staff team and excellent work environment in park setting. Opportunities for advancement for the right individual.

The Accokeek Foundation conducts background checks in order to insure the safety and well-being of the organization’s staff and visitors. This position is open until filled. For best consideration, apply by September 2, 2011. The Accokeek Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply, forward cover letter and resume via email to accofound@accokeek.org. Please use subject line “Registration Coordinator, RC2011-1.”

This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Accokeek Foundation.

Become a Member of the Accokeek Foundation Today
(and get great stuff!)

Sign up for a one-year family membership ($45) by September 30^th and receive:

• Accokeek Foundation jute bag OR stainless steel water bottle,
• copy of The Possible Dream: Saving George Washington’s View,
• free admission for two to the upcoming “Twilight Tales” event at the National Colonial Farm!

or stop by the Visitor Center for details!

This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Art Enables's Facebook Wall.

In case anyone is planning on giving to United Way NCA or via the Combined Federal Campaign please consider Art Enables. United Way Designation Code 9699 - CFC Designation Code 46877.


Wall Photos

This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Accokeek Foundation.

This Week’s Harvest Garlic Dried Onions Beans Chard Figs Basil or Cilantro Peppers Tomatoes Summer Squash Potatoes While we strive for consistency at the Ecosystem Farm, we ask that our SHAREholders please keep in mind that Friday and Tuesday harvests will not always be the same. For your convenience, an exact harvest list will be posted in the packing shed.

The weather on the Ecosystem Farm continues to feel like fall, with air that is so much less oppressive than it was just a few short weeks ago. While we know that the month of September in this still new to us region can be a bit brutal, we look forward to what the future—one of shorter days and cooler nights—might bring.

With this change in weather comes a change in work and in staff. We have shifted our focus even further toward those fall crops that are beginning to grow and those that still need to be put into the ground; beets, radishes, and a few other root crops are on the “To Sow” list for next week. And we have bid farewell to one of our staff, as Molly leaves the farm for the University of Maryland. Hers has been a season of hard work, but a season of time well-spent.

Even as we part with some, we continue to meet new members of the farm-and-local-food community. This week, Jose staffed a table at the Crossroads Farmers Market in Langley Park, Maryland, which works to increase access to fresh and local food in this and another under-served neighborhood. While the Ecosystem Farm might not have had extra produce to sell, we do have outreach to offer, and consider ourselves fortunate to have had this chance to introduce others to the good work of the Foundation and this farm.

U-Pick: Tomatoes and Figs

As our final planting of tomatoes begins to come on—and come on strong—we have opened up several rows of tomatoes for SHAREholders to harvest. Open rows will be marked with white flags, and include all of those tomatoes that are growing in the New Field (the fenced-in area next to the gravel drive that leads to the packing shed), as well as one stand-alone row of cherry tomatoes located just beyond the fig trees. Varieties available in the New Field include New Girl, Big Beef, and Pink Beauty, as well as the ever-popular Sun Gold. Please do not forget to clip the entrance gate to the New Field closed when you leave.

For those interested in a few extra figs, please feel free to harvest them on the afternoon of your pick-up day or during the day that follows. In other words, those SHAREholders who are scheduled to pick up their produce on Fridays can harvest figs on Friday afternoon or Saturday. Those SHAREholders who are scheduled to pick up their produce on Tuesdays can harvest figs on Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday. We hope that this U-Pick schedule will allow all of our SHAREholders to enjoy this delectable summertime treat.

Reminders: Checking Names and Skipping SHAREs

Please remember to put a check-mark next to your name on the sign-in sheet when you come to pick up your SHARE. And if you know in advance that you will be unable to pick up your SHARE, please let your farmers know; a wasted SHARE is a waste of time and resources. SHAREs that are not picked up will be forfeited.

Below, photos from this week on the Ecosystem Farm. Click images to enlarge, or view them on Flickr.

This Week’s Recipe: Potato, Tomato, and Green Bean Salad

Recipe from Epicurious.com

Ingredients:

1 1/4 pounds green beans, trimmed

2 pounds small potatoes, quartered

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley or basil

8 tablespoons fresh orange juice

3 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1/3 cup olive oil

6 tablespoons drained capers

Directions:

1. Cook beans in pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 4 minutes. Drain. Refresh under cold running water. Drain, and transfer to medium bowl.
2. Cook potatoes in pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain. Transfer to large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons orange juice and 2 tablespoons vinegar; toss to coat. Cool to room temperature, occasionally stirring.
3. Add green beans, tomatoes, and parsley to potatoes. In small bowl, whisk to blend remaining 6 tablespoons orange juice, 1 tablespoon vinegar, oil, and capers. Add dressing to salad and toss to combine.

Note: This recipe can be made up to two hours in advance. Let stand at room temperature.

Upcoming Events

Monthly Foodways: Melon-choly Days: Saturday, August 20, 2011, Noon to 1:00 p.m., National Colonial Farm: Join us for a kitchen table conversation as we introduce you to the epicurean delights of colonial Marylanders. Learn how our tastes and the food itself have changed over 300 years as we explore the “receipts” (recipes) and meal preparation for everything from peas and pottage to food traditions for which Maryland is known. This month’s menu will include The Anne Arundel Melon, pickling melons, and melon mangoes.

Ecosystem Farm Volunteer Day: Thursday, August 25, 2011 (Recurring, Second and Fourth Thursdays), 1 to 4 p.m., Ecosystem Farm: Volunteers will join the farm crew in their work and, in the process, learn about organic and sustainable agricultural practices. Please wear appropriate clothing, including long pants, sturdy shoes or boots, sunscreen, and/or a hat. Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle. Work will vary depending on the weather.

Beekeeping Workshop: Saturday, August 27, 2011, 10 a.m. to Noon, Education Center: Join Jose Castillo of the Ecosystem Farm for an introduction to beekeeping, a wonderful pastime that is well-suited to our area and greatly beneficial to our local environment. This course will address the what, where, and how of basic beekeeping throughout the seasons. Participants will spend time both in- and outdoors. Registration required; click here to register.

This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Art Enables's Facebook Wall.

Art Enables is retiring our Motley Monument card series- but don't fret! We want to replace them with an entirely NEW set of 'unofficial monuments' AND you could win a set for free! Here's how:
Nominate your favorite (but little known) "thing" in DC! It could be a landmark, it could be a house, it could be a bridge (previous set of cards contained the Big Chair in SE, Dupont Circle fountain, Ben's Chilli Bowl for example). If we pick your suggestion, we will give you a set of cards for FREE!


Wall Photos

This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Art Enables's Facebook Wall.

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Wall Photos

This post is a reprint of a post that originally appeared at Accokeek Foundation.

After nearly 2 months of learning about colonial Maryland history, writing scripts, rehearsing, and braving the hot “Dog Days of Summer”, the Museum Theatre interns gave a stellar performance that was both entertaining and educational.

This week’s pic features interns, Lindsey Mitchell as “Miss Nancy Marple Fletcher Drew” and Trey Thomas as “Mister Henry Waring Claggett” as they perform Murder on the Potomac.

What great caption can you come up with to go along with this photo? Leave a comment below and we’ll post the chosen caption in the next issue of the eNewsletter.