Spring 2010 Out, But So Are Thieves!
February 25th 2010 It’s a case of good news, bad news. The good news: our spring issue has been mailed out to our subscribers, giving them first crack at it as always, and we’re hearing good things about it. One of my nephews particularly likes one of the ads on page 15, so you’ll have to check that out. It may not be to everyone’s taste! Let me know what you think of it.
We’ve also done something different with our centre spread, but early responses to it are either approving or unconcerned. If our audience doesn’t mind, we may do more of this.
The bad news is that even in the rural countryside close to the Niagara Escarpment, where it has been safe for decades, thieves are at work. In the middle of the night recently, our cars were opened and an electronic device was stolen. Our border collie security system was off duty, although she clocks in at the slightest sound of a racoon on the verandah. The theft might not have happened had the cars been locked, although there’s the chance that a window could have been smashed during the theft. I would rather have the thief steal without damaging the car. Motion detector lights could have been a deterrent, but they are annoying because they go off even when a racoon, deer or coyote strolls by. I don’t want to scare off wildlife, I choose to live close to them.
The police were happy to take my report, even coming by to dust my car for fingerprints, a private, interesting CSI episode in my own driveway! We may not lock our cars, but we no longer leave anything of value in them, either. Beware and be advised: even on the Escarpment, there are some unkind people taking advantage of our easy lifestyle.
Agriculture Protecting the Environment at Guelph Organic Conference
January 07th 2010Escarpment Views is a media sponsor for the Guelph Organic Conference again this year. It will take place at University of Guelph from Jan. 29 to 31, 2010. Here is some more information about it:
We all have a shared goal of protecting the common environment. This includes the biodiversity of landscapes, climate, habitats, air and water. To this goal, in late January, hundreds of eco-minded individuals will flock to Guelph to tap the knowledge of agriculture’s best minds.
Anne Freeman, Manager of the Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market and representative for the Greenbelt Farmers’ Market Network, will facilitate ‘The Farmers’ Market Forum: Challenges, Opportunities & Connections For Producers & Communities.’ When asked why she believes this to be a timely and important offering at the 2010 conference, Freeman replied “Farmers’ markets play a key role in connecting urban and rural communities and contributing momentum to support of sustainable food choices. Through the forum we aim to discuss key features needed to make the markets engage a broader public and really work for producers.”
The speakers include successful farmers and educators who are on the cutting edge of progress in harmony with nature. Together, they represent hundreds of years of experiencing the very challenges you might be facing. Whether you farm 80 acres or grow a small garden in your backyard, you’ll find the Organic Conference to be a great value for your money and well worth your time.
Visit www.guelphorganicconf.ca
With 30+ informative introductory and advanced workshops, 150+ trade show exhibitors and tasting fair on Saturday & Sunday, locally-sourced organic food, an inspirational keynote speaker and an interactive public forum, the GOC is considered one of the foremost educational and networking events in the organic community.
From its humble beginnings with a handful of attendees as an afternoon seminar in 1982, the most recent 2009 event attracted an estimated 1750+ farmers, distributors, retailers, advocates and students.
How do you support organic agriculture, farming or gardening?
Gift Idea: Escarpment Views Notecards
December 18th 2009 Just in time for last-minute Christmas shopping, we’re announcing a new page on our website, where we hope to offer unique products for sale. We have begun by showing Escarpment Views blank notecards.
I always have blank notecards available. I use them for all occasions, writing my own messages for birthdays, congratulations, sometimes condolences. I even use them for letters to friends and relatives. A “real” card in the mail can be a great pleasure.
Our notecards feature some of Mike Davis’ most popular photography of places near the Niagara Escarpment: the first four magazine cover photos, Scotsdale Farm and flowering lilac bushes. These photos have produced a lot of “Aahs” from viewers.
You get eight cards and envelopes for $10 plus GST and mailing. If you happen to want more copies of any images, let us know. We’ll customize your order at no extra charge! If you want the notecards by Dec. 24, let us know and we’ll rush them to you.
Do you have other photographs from the magazine that you’d like to see as notecards? And do you have ideas for other interesting products we can offer through our website? Don’t be shy about promoting your own work if you have something cool. Leave a comment and share your ideas.
Subscribe and Benefit Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy
December 02nd 2009 We’re pretty pleased to announce a new initiative through our subscriptions. Just in time for seasonal gift giving, we’re inviting people to do a good deed for nature along the Niagara Escarpment.
Here’s the deal: if you take out a subscription, for yourself, friends, family or business associates, we will give $5 from each new subscription to Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC). This is a great charitable organization that works hard and effectively to protect land and natural areas along the Escarpment. So far, they’ve created nature reserves from Caledon to Manitoulin Island totalling 7,170 acres. The habitat of 57 rare and endangered plant and animal species are now permanently protected. We’re delighted that EBC has agreed to work with us.
You can subscribe through this page. And when you send your cheque, let us know that you want to support EBC. This month, give the gift of protecting nature along with a year of great features about life near the Escarpment.
Any comments on whether this initiative makes sense for us?
Added note: Sue commented that she wondered if this offer is only for new subscriptions, not renewals. I should have made this clear, that renewals SURE ARE eligible. I only meant that subscriptions or renewals from now on can benefit EBC. If you’ve already sent your money, you can’t give this benefit retroactively. That would be an accounting nightmare for Mike. We mean this offer to apply going forward. So if you’re considering renewing, go ahead & specify that you want to benefit EBC!
Kubota’s Contest Closes Oct. 31!
October 22nd 2009Anyone with a farm, rural property or acreage might love Kubota’s utility vehicle. It’s great for hauling equipment, building materials, hay or firewood over rough terrain without the need for an attached wagon. The Kubota RTV 500-V [oops -- I've been informed it should be RTV500-A] is the grand prize in a draw that closes Oct. 31.
One challenge about this draw is that you actually have to win twice: first, your name must be drawn to win a pedal toy tractor – not a bad prize on its own – and then you have to win the second draw for the grand prize.
To enter the contest, fill in the form that’s in the Kubota newsletter in the centre of the Autumn issue of Escarpment Views. Drop it off at your nearest Kubota dealer and hope that you’re twice lucky!
Who do you know who would like the toy tractor, and what would you do with the utility vehicle if you won?