One of my favorite things is to connect people – it’s my own, little personal high – it’s like you can feel the electricity passing in the air…stuff is HAPPENING!  This past week I got a heavy dose of that particular kind of happy when Pine Mountain Settlement School hosted Harlan,Leslie, Perry, Knott, and Letcher Counties at their campus for the an Evening with Agroforestry!  Four different Grow Appalachia Garden Programs were represented at this event, which was supported by Community Farm Alliance, Grow Appalachia, Pine Mountain Settlement School, and the individual garden programs (Northfork, Cowan, Hindman, and Pine Mountain Settlement School).  We welcomed speakers from all over the region – Channing Richardson with Forgotten Foods Farm, Andrew Ozinskas with Natura Apothecary, and Storey Slone with Grow Appalachia informed and entertained 29 attendees.  The event was a warm reminder of the power of togetherness and – it might have been the relief I felt that people actually showed up, but I’m going to believe it was an affirmation of what can happen when people and organizations collaborate and create something beautiful together – I shed a few tears on the way home.  A BIG THANK YOU to Jennifer Weeber (my forever partner-in-crime-for good) and Amy Richardson (whose energy, motivation, and general badass-ness always pushes me to work harder).  And THANK YOU to my crew who made the trek to PMSS to be a part of the DREAM.

Northfork Grow App folks received seed starting materials (including reusable seed starting trays, coconut coir, and heating pads), ground cover, and the ubiquitous canning lids (cuz we always need more of those!).  In August we celebrated season extension with low tunnel kits and a fresh round of fall plants (cabbage, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, and pac choi).  Extension, as always, showed up in a big way to provide us space and support!  As we move towards October, I am thankful and hesitant, because I know my time with these beautiful people is coming to a close.  I will pass the torch to the next site coordinator.  Everywhere I look I cannot help but be overwhelmed with the beauty and abundance in my life.  I look forward to finding new ways to connect and GROW with my community.