Kimbercote
Field notes

Newsletter ~ Autumn 2011

As the beauty of Fall sets in, the winds of change are upon us. There is much to be thankful for, namely, the amazing people that surround us. While the Donais/Shisko family moves on, we are grateful for the progress we’ve made under their care. Fervent plans are underway as we chart our course with the Sutherland family. We have lots of exciting news to share – hope to see you soon!
– Kimbercote Board

Current Community Heartbeat
Moves down the road
After two and a half years as the family in residence at Kimbercote, the Donais/Shisko family is moving. We have made many friends here with whom we hope to keep in touch as we take up residence close by in Eugenia. Thanks to everyone who made Alan, the kids and me feel so at home during our time here. Please join us in welcoming the Sutherland family to Kimbercote; I know it will be a fruitful partnership! ~ Georgie Donais
 
A new Community Heartbeat
Skeet and Kate Sutherland are no strangers to Kimbercote, nor is the programming provided through their Sticks & Stones Wilderness School. Active participants in our events as well as annual Headwaters’ gatherings, Sticks & Stones has been instrumental to Kimbercote’s Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program. “Our partnership will provide relevant environmental and community programming congruent with Kimbercote’s vision and mandate,” says Skeet. “We view community integration, inspiration and involvement on all levels as key.” We look forward to their ‘homecoming’ in November.
 
A new Rural Development Officer
Increasingly, urban centres are becoming aware of the interdependencies between urban and rural food development. We are delighted to have Ryan Pascoe on board as our latest Rural Development Officer. The program, administered by the Foundation for Rural Living and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs supports unemployed individuals to gain workplace training and experience. Ryan’s been busy learning about Kimbercote while developing research reports and writing grants, helping to secure our future. Special thanks to the Ferguson family in Kimberley – Mary, Erica and Peter – for supporting Ryan’s placement through the provision of workspace and mentoring.
 
Katimavik helps out
We welcomed a new crew of Katimavik volunteers this fall, for nine days of hard work and plenty of play. The main task of our three intrepid volunteers was to clear out several storage spaces in the Centre and the barn. Thanks to their efforts, Kimbercote is refreshed and ready to receive our new family in residence. The Katimavik youth also enjoyed daily trips to swim at the pier in Thornbury, and spent plenty of time hanging out with the chickens.
 
Trying something new…
Secret Women’s Business
Inspired by her work with an Aboriginal community in western Australia, our co-chair, Dorothy Remmer, is hosting our first gathering of women friends and colleagues coming together at Kimbercote November 4 – 6, 2011. We will explore life’s wondrous experiences and tap into each other’s talents and expertise. From art to story, knitting and canning pastimes, and movement to the metaphysical, bring your ‘passion’ to the table or simply share in the peace and solitude that is Kimbercote. We hope that this community bonding will also result in creative solutions to current ‘front line’ issues.
 
Estimated cost: $100/weekend (meals not included), proceeds to Kimbercote. If interested in being part of this, please email dorothy@kimbercote.org.
 
Front Lines
Grim headlines and nightmare news leer at us from dailies’ front pages; they are concerned to communicate the alarming prospects for the world’s financial markets and the world’s future. We ponder: does this fact, does the current news have any claim on Kimbercote’s agenda? Harsh fact that so many uninterested, yet in stark contrast, the profound effect of visionaries Jack Layton and Steve Jobs, leaves us with newfound hope, and a  passion for constructive change.
 
Let us not forget Jack’s words, “Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment.”
 
Yet how to keep the community spark aflame? And what to do about it?
 
One great place to start…
 
95 reasons to come to Kimbercote
2012 hails cause for a landmark celebration, Stuart Coles’ 95th birthday. Founding member and current board member ‘at large’, his tireless efforts continually drive movement toward building community for greater good. We asked Stuart his take on community for Kimbercote. He emphasizes, “It’s about bringing back the dynamic element of being neighbours. In my day, neighbours gathered to share everything. We leaned on one another, in good times and bad.” In this spirit, there is work to be done, including this celebration of Kimbercote’s roots and its future, “95 reasons to come to Kimbercote.”
 
What’s your reason? There are so many stories engrained in our experiences. What sparks your Kimbercote imagination? Share your fondest memories, photos, a moment in time, a community gathering. Your special moments will help us shape ’95 reasons.’ Interested in getting involved? It takes many hearts, hands and minds to pull off an event of such magnitude. We need help planning, spreading the word, developing thoughtful programming and promotions. Please send your stories, or to discuss upcoming volunteer committee opportunities, email Darilyn at info@kimbercote.org.
 
Kimbercote awarded
Capital Contribution Funds
The Ontario Trillium Foundation has granted Kimbercote Capital Contribution Funds for much needed building renovations. This particular grant focus is to help support diversity programming for new Canadians. To meet the terms of the new grant and to match the grant dollar for dollar, we need to raise $30,000. Friends, we need your support to make this happen.
 
Realizing this grant will enable us to renovate our buildings for groups and families to visit and stay more comfortably, many with limited opportunities to visit rural areas and to grow in communities such as ours.
 
The barn floor repair is first, starting in November, followed by plans for a new heating system, flooring, insulation and windows in the Centre.
 
Art raffle for Kimbercote
To help raise those funds, let’s start with another generously donated work of art by Marc-andré Brzustowski.
 Epping Church is branching out
Tickets $5 each, for Epping Church is branching out
Original oil painting (value $650) 18” x 24”
 
If you would like to purchase or volunteer to sell tickets, email info@kimbercote.org. The draw will be held the weekend of November 27, 2011.
 
Kimbercote was there
The Really, Really Free Market, held at High Park in Toronto last month, brought to light the true spirit of community. Hundreds gathered to partake in generously donated services where people shared their skills and talents: life-changing speaker sessions, drumming, yoga, hula arts and meditation. Participants brought useable goods to help others in need. Everything truly was communal!
 
The first known Market took place in 2004 during anti-globalization protests, and quickly spread in the U.S. The concept, relatively new to Canada, inspired Shawn Jason, Lightworkers of Ontario, to first host one in London and more recently in Toronto. Stay tuned for more information about Kimbercote’s own Really, Really Free Market!
IN THIS ISSUE

Community Heartbeat
Moves down the road

A new Community Heartbeat

A new Rural Development Officer

Katimavik helps out

Secret Women's Business
Come for a women-focused weekend!

Front Lines
95 reasons to come to Kimbercote

Capital Contribution Funds
Trillium grant success

Art Raffle
Support community improvements

Kimbercote was there
At the Really, Really Free Market


ABOUT US

Our vision
Kimbercote is an inclusive community and registered charity, dedicated to practicing and promoting environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and spiritual exploration.

Our mission
Kimbercote provides an accessible place for groups to gather, and is an oasis of inspirational natural healing in the beauty of the Beaver Valley. Kimbercote focuses on education, programming, and outreach in order to:
Gather people who want to work and learn together, by facilitating teamwork, and fostering innovative ideas;
Welcome those from diverse cultures, religions and beliefs who value community health;
Foster creative and responsible environmental and human interaction, in support of social and environmental goals.

Thank you!
Kimbercote gratefully acknowledges the  generous financial support of 






Infrastructure renewal
Upcoming
• Updated heating
• Fireplace insert
• Barn floor renovation
• New windows
• Ceiling / floor insulation
• West kitchen renovation

Want to support our goals?
Did you know that you can donate to Kimbercote for specific causes such as those listed above? For example, if you have a favourite room where you always stay perhaps you would like to donate the cost of replacing the window in that room. Kimbercote will manage Foundation Building-level donations based on reasonable requests to do so. 


Donor / Membership
Basic   $25    
Family    $40
Steward   $50  
Trailwalker   $75
Contemporary   $100
Foundation Building   $250

Benefits:
• Voting rights at the Annual General Meeting
• Discounts for the member and a guest for their stay as part of a regular group booking (inquire for details)


Kimbercote
Board of Directors

Stuart Coles: Founding Member
Eleanor Pask and Dorothy Remmer: Co-Chairs
Michael Loebach: Treasurer
Erica Ferguson: Co-Secretary (On leave)
Myra Fair: Co-Secretary
Darilyn Coles: Development Committee
Michelle Webb-Deveaux, Myra Fair, Dale Green, Anne Piper: Directors

Staff

Skeet & Kate Sutherland: Management
Ryan Pascoe: Rural Development Officer
Georgie Donais: Administration, Newsletter design and layout


Learn more
Kimbercote’s website

Marc André Brzustowski

Sticks & Stones Wilderness School
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